Galactic High

“And so, the Twilight Court was able to adapt to their significant losses, sue for peace and quickly rebuild,” Mr Sparrel concluded. “Though reduced in power by the Red Legion, they are well on the road to recovery, consolidating their power in the sectors they still hold, however the majority of their holdings have been focused on the Verdant Plane, and its many adjacents. Any questions? Ah! Kritch!”

”Sorry Sir, I’m not so good with the magical stuff,” Kritch embarrassedly told the teacher. “Which one was the Verdant Plane again?”

“Ah!” Mr Sparrel grinned as he began making notes and diagrams on the board. “Well, the Verdant Plane is what is known as a Transitive Plane, meaning that it essentially borders many other Planes that are native to our universe, in a similar way that the Ethereal Plane does, but where the Ethereal Plane is one of spirit, the Verdant Plane is one of primordial nature that creates an ever-shifting limitless landscape. Oh? Yes Jack!”

Jack had quickly raised his hand the moment he heard the word ‘limitless’. “Uh, sir? Why would this ‘Twilight Court’ even need to settle planets if they could just chill out in this Verdant Plane that’s apparently limitless and expand their territory there?”

He immediately regretted the question, as he got a few curious looks from his fellow classmates that made him feel dumb.

“Good question!” Mr Sparrel enthused, even though Jack didn’t feel like that was the case. “Yes it’s limitless, but not without its own problems! Because this Plane is constantly shifting and mutable, it makes it an untamed and dangerous place for even the most wily of Fey from the Twilight Court! And that’s not the only threat that can be found there. As a plane that is habitable, even if at a stretch, there are other various powers that can be found there. Other Fey Courts that oppose the Twilight Court for example, and I’ve even heard rumours of a few nascent Demon Lords setting up their territory there to take advantage of the rich ambient mana! Anything could be lurking there! However, despite this, the majority of the Twilight Court now resides on that plane in wandering cities to rebuild their numbers and take advantage of their ability to utilise Planar Gates scattered around the galaxy to try and settle more stable locations…”

At that the bell rang to signify the end of school. “Ah excellent!” The teacher grinned. “Don’t worry, I won’t attempt to keep you all behind any longer than necessary! I’ll give you the time you need to make your preparations for the weekend before your Form Tutors dismiss you. Have fun!”

As the students piled away, Jack quickly approached Mr Sparrel who was just as eager to pack away his things. “Ah, Jack!” He grinned. “What can I help you with?”

“Hello Sir, it’s about that thing you mentioned a few weeks back about your Starseeker friend who might be able to help me?”

“Ah yes, I take it you spoke to your friends about it?” Sparrel smirked.

“Yeah, they told me that Sable Krynn was some kind of big-shot and that I should agree to a meetup, assuming it’s legitimate.” Jack nodded nervously, his hands shaking slightly at the thought of finding out more about what he was doing here. “And I agree.”

“Very good! I’ll put the word out!” The history teacher nodded. “She’s currently investigating something and I haven’t spoken to her since she mentioned you, but that’s usual for her. Once she’s done I’ll let you know and act as an intermediary. She’ll probably want to set up your meeting, though I will warn you that she is particularly unorthodox.”

“That’s fine.” Jack nodded, releasing some of the tension in his mind. “We need to wind down from this double school anyway, and we want to…get some work done.”

“I understand.” Mr Sparrel nodded, before leaning in to whisper. “Although, I would avoid any direct work involving the current corporate war if I were you, even if things are beginning to stabilise again.”

“We don’t plan to.” Jack nodded back, realising that Sparrel probably knew much more than he was letting on. “But we’ll need to see what we get.”

“As is the nature of the Great Game!” The teacher grinned. “Anyway, you had best get back to your Form Class, then go enjoy the weekend - I know I will!”

*****

Exhausted but exhilarated, the group finally made it back home, their school bags slung over their shoulders like battle-weary soldiers returning from a long campaign. The past two weeks had been a relentless onslaught on their physical and mental health, but finally, finally it was all over!

“Thank the gods we’re done!” Nika groaned as she slumped on the sofa, welcoming the palpable sense of freedom as Dante bounded up to her to give her a lick.

“Yeah.” Jack sighed as he stretched out, relieving the tension in his limbs as the mental fatigue seemed to lift, and took another spot on the sofa, physically awake enough but still mentally exhausted from his lack of sleep. His Ring of Lesser Restoration was a godsend, and with a few of their friends naturally possessing similar abilities, they had finally made it.

The plan had been to return home, dump their stuff and rest for a short break before meeting up at the Aquaplex at a certain time. Alora had committed to leaving with plenty of time to spare, including for a break at Clan Ashtail’s Tea Garden where they’d meet with Kritch and a few others. Apparently the news that a bunch of students were going to the Aquaplex had spread around like wildfire, which meant that many more were expected to show up. It was fine with them though. Alora had already booked a full overnight stay, and most of the hangers-on would probably only be there for the evening.

As Jack dozed off and closed his eyes, he could hear the excited chatter and laughter of the others as they all settled in, ready to unwind and relax as they sat down with collective sighs of relief. He was happy. Despite the two weeks of non-stop school, he had held on and learned a lot, not just about school subjects but about his friends as well. He knew that if they were to describe him they would say that he was relatively quiet at times and worried about things a hell of a lot, but much of that was due to him not being native to this realm. Alora would probably say it was down to his trauma too, but Jack dismissed that thought the moment it appeared.

The next moment Jack was awoken by a gentle tugging on his arm. Damn, he must have fallen asleep without noticing!

“Jack, we’re getting ready now, and Vanya and Hessia have something for you,” Alora discreetly whispered into his ear.

“Sure, thanks Alora.” Jack groaned as he slowly roused himself from his temporary respite. The weariness that had settled into his bones began to dissipate, replaced by renewed energy and excitement at finally going to the long-anticipated Aquaplex. He had been to a few waterparks back on Earth with his family on holidays, and he was curious to see how it would be here, especially going with friends.

Spotting Vanya and Hessia looking eagerly at him, he quickly smiled and made his way over to them, curious to see what it was they apparently wanted.

“Hey you two!” He grinned. “I was told you wanted to see me?”

“Yep! We’ve got a surprise for you!” Vanya shyly smiled. “I haven’t been able to…properly thank you for saving me at the party…”

Jack tried not to let his panic show. He remembered the last time Vanya had attempted to ‘thank him’ for his rescue. He still felt weird about it, and everything about the ‘situationship’ he had with the others almost felt like walking on eggshells.

“We have a not-so surprise for you too!” Hessia chirped excitedly, showing him a bag. “We’ve bought you some new clothes that are your size and as close as we could find to your species. There’s some swim shorts in there too!”

“Oh…right!” Jack replied, thoroughly sheepish. He felt completely embarrassed and weirded out by having the two girls pick, choose and buy clothes for him, but he was grateful nevertheless.

“Yeah, I know you had some clothes that the Church of Astara gave you, and that you and Sephy 'acquired’ some more from somewhere, but it’s not the same!” Vanya told him with a mischievous grin. “You shouldn’t just throw on whatever’s at hand-”

“Why not?” Jack asked, confused. “If the clothes fit me then it’s fine, right?”

Vanya gave an amused huff at that as she shook her head. “No, no, no Jack! You’ve got to have some kind of style! You can’t just wear black t-shirts, black trousers and a black hoodie everywhere you go!”

“What?” Jack asked, flabbergasted. “I’m sure I don’t wear that kind of setup all the time…”

“YES YOU DO!” Both Sephy and Nika shouted from across the room at the same time, causing the house to erupt in laughter.

“Fine, I wear that kind of setup a lot,” Jack conceded. “But what’s the problem with that? It’s tactically a good set to wear…probably. Me and a bunch of guys back home dressed that way!”

“What? Why?” Hessia asked with a look of shock. “A complete absence of colour other than black? Would that be depressing?”

“Okay my sister might have taken the piss out of me for looking like an Emo.” Jack shrugged. “But surely it’s not as bad as you keep making it out…”

“Sorry Jack…” Vanya cringed as she nodded slightly. “But wearing the same style is bad enough. Wearing literally the same clothes for multiple days on end is just the worst! Do you even wash them!”

“YES I DO!” Jack retorted, only being partially truthful.

“Even so Jack, you must try other things!” Hessia nervously told him as she opened the bag slightly and handed it to him. He could see dark greens, browns and blues in there, but thankfully nothing obnoxiously bright. He assumed that some concessions might have been made on his behalf.

“Thanks, you two.” Jack chuckled softly. “I’ll admit that I need new clothes, but the black clothes aren’t that bad…”

“Oh no!” Vanya told him with a giggle. “We’re not budging on that. Seriously, I get wanting to be stealthy when you’re on one of your missions, but not when you’re going to a waterpark!”

“Alright…” Jack sighed, realising he wasn’t going to win this argument. “How many credits do I owe you?”

“You don’t,” Vanya bluntly told him. “That interview you and the others gave on my podcast got me so many donations and so much traffic that buying you stuff is the least I could do. Hell, I’m pretty sure some of the donation comments instructed me to buy you new clothes! Speaking of…”

Vanya reached around and revealed another bag. “This one is a gift we picked out for you before the double school. Have a look!”

Jack smiled as he tentatively opened the bag, spotting some thick grey fabric that almost felt like cotton to his touch. Reverently pulling it out of the bag and opening it out, he could see that it was a long grey overcoat with many pockets and a long collar.

“Wow…” Jack finally spoke up as he tried it on unprompted. While he couldn’t find a zip to close it up, there were subtle buttons that allowed him to, while the larger buttons on both sides were more for show, adding some symmetry. It was heavier than expected as he felt the fabric again.

“This should keep you warm in all but extreme weather.” Vanya grinned as she watched him. “Apparently, according to the Militia Surplus guys, it’s also got some inlay protection too that should reduce the impact of things.”

“Ah, that’s where you picked it up!” Jack grinned before looking at the both of them. “Thank you so much, I really like this!”

“I am glad you like it!” Hessia smiled warmly. “At the very least it will add some more colour to your outfit, even if it’s still a neutral colour.”

“Could I just wear some rainbow socks and satisfy your criteria?” Jack teased, as both girls shuddered.

“Please don’t.” Vanya shuddered. “That would be super cringe!”

“Ten minute warning everyone!” Alora warned, as several figures on the ground got up and began shifting around the place.

“That’s a good point.” Vanya gave Jack a devilish smile. “I’ve got my own outfits to wear, I can’t wait to show them off to you and see what you think!”

“Um…right…” Jack gulped, at a complete loss for words as he backed away.

“I just want to swim.” Hessia awkwardly shrugged. “You mammals are too thirsty!”

*****

With a newfound second wind of energy and excitement from being finally finished with double school, the group of high school friends quickly gathered their overnight bags and began making their way to Clan Ashtail’s Tea Garden. The journey was a pleasant one as they casually strolled down the asphalt streets, and Jack could see that the activities of locals looked much more lively and easygoing than before, likely due to the recent conflicts finally beginning to de-escalate, at least on the surface.

“Well look at that. Checkpoints are back to normal.” Nika grinned as they turned onto a familiar road that led right to Clan Ashtail’s territory.

“It makes sense to try and get everything back to normal,” Alora reasoned. “Especially when the MegaCorps are focusing their fights in other parts of the city.”

“Amen to that.” Jack grinned. “I’m looking forward to the waterpark, but there’s other stuff too! The Etheria Grand Library sounds pretty cool!”

You remembered the name! Chiyo beamed. Yes, I will definitely be taking you there when I can, and if you don’t know where to start they have a lot of staff droids to get you started, though we will need to register you first and get you a library card.

“How long will that take? Will I be able to get that sorted within a day or will it take longer?” Jack asked. “If it’s the latter we should get that over with as soon as we can.”

Chiyo shook her head. Same day, they’re very efficient. Usually they like to ask a bunch of questions, and in your case they’ll probably want to ask more than usual since you’re an Outsider. They may also want to make you an offer and have one of their Scholars interview you to catalogue your species. You won’t be penalised if you say no, they’ll just keep the offer open and try and negotiate.

“Probably not a good idea right not considering how many people are coming after me.” Jack shrugged. “But I don’t mind doing it once things calm down. Maybe they can help me somehow?”

“Perhaps they can, but that library is gigantic.” Alora smiled. “You don’t want to spend all of your time trawling through tomes and data slates…”

“Yeah, otherwise you’ll turn into a big nerd like Chiyo!” Sephy grinned, and cackled as the Ilithii chased after her for the comment.

“The staff should be able to help you, but it’ll cost you some money to get a passive search running on their system,” Nika pointed out. “It’s not too expensive though, and I’d say it’s worth it, especially when doing the legwork for a Run.”

“I’ll take a look later then.” Jack sighed, keeping his expression neutral as they made their way towards the Tea Garden entrance. He always kept his inner despair to himself, not wanting to bother the others, but he knew that it was unlikely he’d ever be able to get back to Earth. Every night he went to sleep, part of him hoped that he would wake up in his normal room, back in his normal life.

But another part of him wanted to stay.

He didn’t know what to do, and beneath the thin mask he wore, it was tearing him apart.

The entrance to Clan Ashtail’s Tea Garden greeted them all with a tinkling melody of chimes that swayed gently despite the lack of wind, announcing their presence as three Lizta dressed in professional attire pleasantly greeted them. They were all quickly guided down a freshly cleaned cobblestone path that led to several low wooden tables with students all sitting on plush cushions.

“Hey guys!” Kritch called out from one of the tables with a wave. “I took the liberty of reserving this spot for all of us! Once we’re all ready we can head to the Aquaplex!”

“Excellent!” Alora smiled. “And we have time for drinks too!”

As the seated students spread out more to allow their friends to sit with them, the Lizta waiters handed a few tea menus out to them to peruse. Jack found himself sitting next to Kritch and Nika, with the Squa’Kaar siblings sat opposite them. Jack did his best to avoid rolling his eyes at seeing the enthusiastic gaze of Rayle on the Lizta, and the amused one of Zayle.

“Got any recommendations?” He decided to ask Kritch to break the tension, indicating the menu of elegantly described brews.

“Depends, what kind of drink are you looking for?” The Lizta asked with a grin.

“Anything with a kick?” Jack asked.

“Not a problem!” Kritch grinned. “We have a really good one with fermented herbs and some spices that’ll definitely put a spring in your step! I’m not on duty but I might as well try and make it easier for my kin that are!”

“Those aren’t laced with drugs or anything, are they?” Nika asked with a grin.

“Hah! No!” Kritch snorted. “Grandfather’s open to that idea, but we still want our customers lucid enough to pay and not cause any trouble! Plus if they end up not coming back after joining Commander Cocaine or something stupid it’s super bad for business! We’re always working on new flavours, so maybe in the future!”

“Does your Clan have any ties to the Greenwardens?” Rayle asked excitedly. “With all the amount of herbs and teas you offer you must know some powerful druids?”

“Heh, well I can’t really give away our trade secrets!” Kritch shuffled a little awkwardly as he saw both Squa’Kaar staring at him. “But we tend to grow and cultivate a lot ourselves, and we trade for the rest. I mean sure, we know some local Greenwarden Circles, but they’re mostly bored neighbourhood housewives with nothing better to do that tend to host their meetings here. All the power to them I guess, but they’re more horticulturalists than herbalists.”

“Must be tricky in the middle of a huge city.” Jack noted, before remembering the time when Clan Ashtail snuck them out through their tunnel network. Hmm. Just how far down did those tunnels go, and did they link to the vast subterranean network of caverns known as the Gloom Paths?

Probably. Hell, it was pretty much a certainty.

If it was possible for absolute madlads to bury shipping containers underground to use as an illegal weed farm on Earth, it was definitely doable to grow other stuff underground in a subterranean cavern. He didn’t say any of that aloud however.

“Hey Kritch, could you help us with these teas?” A voice called out from in the distance, causing the Lizta to roll his eyes as he got up from the bench.

“Sorry guys, duty calls! I’ll be right back!” Kritch grinned. “Save my spot!”

“No worries!” Jack nodded with a grin of his own, watching the Lizta quickly scamper off before noting Rayle looking conflicted. “You should just talk to him about what you’re feeling, you know. What’s the worst that can happen?”

“I know.” Rayle sighed. “But I do not know if he would be receptive to the idea and I do not wish to offend. Clan Ashtail may be seeking a betrothal arrangement from another Lizta Clan, or perhaps Kritch does not feel the same way.”

“You won’t know if you don’t ask.” Jack shrugged. “And he won’t be a dick about it. What kind of thing are you even looking for?”

“Companionship.” Rayle shrugged. “It is natural to seek comfort in the arms of another you feel a connection to. And while I will need to meet another of a compatible species to rear young as nature intended, that is not a time for now.”

“Fair enough.” Jack nodded thoughtfully. “I mean, I was wondering about how that kind of stuff works. I’ve seen cross-species relationships before, but I’m unsure of where having children fits in.”

“Thinking a little ahead are we?” Nika chuckled as her tail wrapped around him and pulled him in for a joking side-hug. “I mean, high school is high school. Might as well have fun, right?”

She grinned before getting a little more serious. “Well, you’ve just been in and around the city where you see all sorts here, but it’s much simpler around the Ring where there are settlements with just a single species, or just a handful of integrated ones. Even among the biggest cities Naganai is a notable exception.”

I would argue that the school is a major continuous reason for this. Chiyo reasoned, perking up from down the bench at overhearing their conversation. The most diverse spread of species all attending one place? It is only natural that many would seek to lay roots here too. Add in the Temple of Hope, the Etheria Grand Library and other such places, and you get many settling here permanently.

“So basically Naganai is the exception, rather than the rule?” Jack asked, and those around the table that were listening nodded.

“Yeah.” Nika nodded. “Usually the more commonly seen species have their own support network in place to keep tabs on one another, with some forming Tribes and settling a few districts, so that’s how families come about with them. You’ve obviously met some Clans too, and they normally have a line to the nearest neighbouring Clans of their species. If they’re not feuding then they’re trading, and depending on the culture of the species might try and play matchmaker if they think a match could work.”

“Though different species have their own ways of doing things,” Zayle spoke up politely, having been content to listen so far.

“I see.” Jack nodded. “What about you, Zayle?” He asked casually, knowing in the back of his head that Kritch had seemed more into the Shaman than the Druid, though for the life of him he had no idea why. The two of them seemed similar enough to him after all…

“I am not bothered.” The Squa’Kaar shrugged. “As a Shaman I have my spirits to keep me company, so I am never truly lonely. I’ll go along with something if it happens but I do not feel the same strong urge my sibling does. I like Kritch, but I’m happy as things are as dear friends.”

As for species that are rare and alone like us, Chiyo added, getting back on topic. There are always ways, but it becomes more difficult as you can imagine. Usually if there is an urge, people can simply move to where the crops are, but if not they may instead choose to settle with another of a…compatible species for the purposes of procreation if it is possible.

“Wait, so xeno-compatibility is actually a thing?” Jack asked.

“HAH! Should we all be worried?” Nika grinned, as other heads down the table turned in unabashed amusement and curiosity. “You getting ideas Jack?”

Jack just gave Nika a very, very unamused look as the table erupted in laughter

“I’ve heard rumours about some species resorting to science and magic to make such a thing possible, especially if their species is in danger of extinction, but that’s extremely rare,” Nika told him as the table calmed down once again. “Most tend to stick with their own kind if they can.”

It is naturally possible with some species, but in very specific circumstances. Chiyo told him. From the species you are familiar with, the races that compose the Squa’Kaar are all compatible with each other, and the Hoduth are known to have this trait, though fertility rates with another species are extremely low. The most well known example however are Dragons that can mate with most races, however they are very selective in their partners, as you well know. They tend to seek powerful individuals first and foremost, though rare and unusual species may also attract their attention.

“Speaking of…” Nika indicated behind them.

They all turned to see Kritch helping his fellow Lizta carry several trays of tea towards them, and as the first pots arrived they could all smell the fragrant clouds that danced around the table.

But behind them…

“Hi Jack!”

Luvia beamed as the dragon bound over to him, quickly sitting next to him in Kritch’s vacated spot and wrapping her arm around him possessively before he even realised what had happened. “I haven’t seen you in ages! I’ve missed you!”

“Umm…” Jack began, completely lost for words and Luvia pulled him in for a tight hug. “Hi Luvia…”

‘Oh dear god.’ He thought to himself.

This was not going to end well…