TBATE - Never Ending

// Third Point Perspective //

"Are you and Sylvie really leaving?" Ellie clinged onto Arthur's hand.

"Can't... can't you stay?" she was now on the verge of tears, still clinging onto Arthur.

"Honey, Sylvie and Arthur will be back before you know it." Alice tried to comfort Ellie, resting her hands on Ellie's little shoulders.

"... Okay." she let go of Arthur, looking down as she fiddled with her fingers.

"Seeing as you are so understanding, Ellie..." Arthur kneels down on one knee to look her in the eye, and takes her hands in his own."I need you and Vi to protect mom and dad for a bit while we're gone."

"Okay." she practically falled onto Arthur, hugging him. The rest had an expression of melancholy as they observed upon the heartwarming scene.

They broke apart and Arthur stood up, looking at his mother, guilty of leaving them behind.

"Don't look at me like that." she said while going in for a hug. "I'll be fine." she then kissed his temple.

"We'll all be fine." Reynolds assured.

Sylvie jumped out of Virion's arms and into Ellie's. "Don't be naughty Sylv." she hugged her.

"Kyu~"

"Look out for strangers." Virion gave a small smile as Arthur came to a stop infront of him. It was his attempt at warning him although it came of rather ambiguous.

Virion didn't necessarily need to do this but he felt obligated to as a brother.

The raid itself didn't lead to any major effects but the so called "reward" did. He needed to do something about it but he didn't know what exactly.

Elijah on the other hand, he needed to be captured. Draneeve is too much of a mystery. It is very much possible that he is at the level of a retainer or at least close. And if that were the case, none of the current active combatants could deal with it.

So he needed to leave with Elijah.

Virion's memory was a bit foggy but this is what he was able to gather. Trying his best with his current standing and relevance.

He is only human after all.

"Sure." Arthur smiled. "And I'm counting on you to keep everyone safe."

"Sure."

"Till next time." Arthur passed by Virion toward the exit but not before patting Virion on the head as well.

And so they parted ways. And a sort of longing hung in the air as if it has already been years since Arthur left.

.....

"Hap." Virion huffed, blocking his father's kick from the bottom. Then he threw a punch and Virion redirected it with the outside of his hand, and then another.

And another.

"Your getting pretty good Vi." Rey backed up, bringing the little session to a stop. "Now, I have to go back to work but keep polishing those moves."

He walked by Virion and ruffled his hair.

"Okay." Virion got back into a stance.

As soon as he couldn't pick up Rey's mana signature anymore, he let my arms flay down with heave just as heavy as his arms. "My shoulders are killing me." he sloppily walked over to the edge of the courtyard, dropping himself down onto the luscious grass bordering the stone floor.

"It's almost time for me to leave as well." Virion stretched himself out on the grass, rolling over onto his stomach to really get that cool feeling.

It's been four months since Arthur left. And well, he has been diligent with his training.

His father made him do handy work to train muscle memory. He explained that even though Virion had now developed good reflexes, he still lacked a proper foundation. His blocking and strikes often times was not properly structured causing him to loose footing.

So for the first three months or so he has been washing the courtyard in circular motions every other day after combat training. And also every other day, he needed to switch which way he rotates his hands.

And he had to paint the backyard fence with up and down motions. It was exhausting, more than actually fighting.

It wasn't until a month ago or so that his father had sparred with him again. Walking him through the motions and how it applied to fighting. It was an interesting experience to say the least. Letting muscle memory take over that is.

Now he felt like he could do karate or something.

....

// Virion Leywin //

"You sure that you have everything you need?" my mother was more nervous than me. Not that I'm that nervous but she is starting to rub it off on me.

"Yes, mother." I breathed out for the fifth time since this morning. "I am starting to worry that all this worrying will lead you to an early grave, mother."

My father chuckles a little.

"Hey! Don't say that to your mother." she frowned but just as quick she gave in. "Ugh. How can I be mad at you now."

It's not irritating. In a way, it was refreshing to have someone worry in my stead.

"Brother! Why are you leaving too?" Ellie pouted at me which almost made me not wanna leave. Keyword here being 'almost'.

"One day, you will also need to leave." I gave her thumbs up.

"I'll awaken soon then I'll surpass both you and Arthur as well." she puffed her chest with a smug face. But I could tell she was masking her sadness. I just don't know what it is that is making her so sad.

Is it because we're leaving her behind?

"I will look forward to that." I poked her forhead with my index finger. "But for now I'm allowed to this since you're the little one, hehe."

"Hey you-" she swatted away my hand and her fiery brown eyes that was almost to big for her face closed the distance between us.

"Okay~" mother swooped up Ellie before things could escalate. "Come on, Ellie. Your brother needs to head out now." she didn't struggle in mother's grip and just glared at me.

I chuckled and turned to father. "Thank you for being my teacher all this time, father."

He bends down to one knee. "You don't need to thank me, you are my son after all." he hugs me and I did as well. My arms are pretty short so I just barely reached around his shoulders.

We separated.

"Tell the others I'll miss them."

"I will." my mother was almost on the verge of tears. My father wrapped his arm around, rubbing her shoulder trying to give comfort. "Make sure you're well behaved."

I still wonder how parents can love their child unconditionally. It was strange but it didn't go unappreciated.

I turn around and climb the little steps onto the carriage. It was white and adorned with bronze carvings around the roof. The inside was cozy with red velvet cushioned seats.

"Bye!" they all waved as I took my seat across from the Director. I waved back through the window. The carriage started moving, and soon my family were out of my sight.

I looked back at the Director that was smiling for some reason. Was their something wrong?

"I see that you are a Deviant as well now." she narrowed her eyes, still adorned with her thin smile. "Dampening your footsteps with sound magic."

"Yeah." I scratch my head. "I only just recently started using my Deviant powers. And so this makes for great practice."

"Hm." she mused. "Quite impressive for just practice."

"It is not that uncommon among those with this Deviant though." I discredited my efforts. But now that I think about it, I've never actually seen or heard about any other sound Deviant in the series besides the Director here.

Virion doesn't count since he needs his Beast Will. And even then he only conceals his presence with it.

"But sound Deviants are particularly rare." she moved her gaze out the window, answering my question without even knowing it. But she didn't continue on though. As if the conclusion she came to was obvious.

The rest of the ride was filled with comfortable silence. Until we arrived at Xyrus Academy.

Wait.

Xyrus Academy? My eyes jumped over to her but she just ignored it.

"You will be staying in the dorms while you're under my tutelage." or maybe she can just read minds.

I looked at her baffled. "Don't tell me..." I trailed off, wondering if I should actually say what I'm about to say.

"What? You thought I had a fancy manor of sorts?" she raised her brow at me. "I'm to old for that kind of stuff and besides who would I share it with." her words were sad but she seemed to be content with her life.

I kinda feel bad for her. She really was another Dumbledore.

I sigh.

The coachman opens the door for us. "Ladies first." I gestured to the Director who was waiting on me.

"You are such a little gentleman." she covered her mouth as she chuckles at the thought of me in a butler outfit.

"It's a pleasure." I rolled my eyes.

I follow behind her. The coachman already unloaded my luggage for me next to carriage door. "Thank you." I picked them up and follow the director through the massive black iron gates.

I almost gawked as I looked up at the towering spires. They were all carved out of this ivory white stone that gave it this grandiose feel, coupled with royal blue roof tiles.

I'm back to school, I suppose.

A school for wizards this time.

"All the teachers and students went home for the vacation." she looks back at me. "You will live in a more 'secluded' area of the dormitories."

"Secluded?"

"It's more of a dormitory for special guests and you wouldn't have to share it with roommates."

So I'm considered a special guest now? Is it one of those dormitories that Tessia lived in while she was also here?

In any case, now that it crossed my mind I can't wait to see her. Don't you worry Arthur, I'll be your best wingman, hehe.

"Why are you making such a dumb face?" the Director blurted with a skeptical yet amused look.

"Nothing." I cleared my throat. "So this school provides special privileges to those who are excellent students?" I looked to the side avoiding her gaze.

"Of course, ones hardwork must be rewarded." I caught up to her.

So I do have value to her then and not just Arthur who negotiated on my behalf. Perhaps I can squeeze out some more from her? This will be fun.

"Don't even try." she looked down at me. "You remind me of your brother with a face like that." her eyes turned soft as if she happened to have some fond memories.

But they only met once though, I deadpanned.

...

"This will be your room." we came to a stop infront of a dark wooden door with thin copper lines running across it. It had one of those door knobs with a ring running through it too.

"The door alone is fancy." I then turned to her. "This school must be built on debt."

She cleared her throat with a face that said, 'not even'.

"Or did you perhaps drain your sponsors dry?" I scrutinized her. She paused with a stunned expression but a ever so thin smile was present.

"You have your own personal bathroom as well."

She ignored me!? I saw that smile you sadist of a woman!

But anyway, it's none of my concern now, I'm just here to make sure none of this goes to waste. Hehe.

Living life in luxury.

"Training starts tomorrow so make sure you're up early." she walked off with a wave.

I push open the door and pulled my luggage in. The room is fairly big, a tiny lounge just behind the door with a coffee table and a double bed already prepared in white sheets and cushions.

They were separated by a counter made of tye same wood as the door between them.

To my right was another door which led to the bathroom I assumed. Next to it were selves and looking back to my left futher down there was a wardrobe in the corner.

And lastly there was a huge window in the wall across from me, concealed behind the white curtains.

"How inviting." I walked in and put my luggage next to the wardrobe and turned around, jumping on my bed. "I should go visit the library."

________

A/N:

I have started reading the LN so updates might be slow.

Thanks for reading!