The Answer

Once they were in the city the five of them helped unload what was left of Felian's things. Once they were done with that they stared at the empty carts as some silence passed. No one said a word as they stared at the busy street ahead of them. None of them had said it outloud but this was where Seli would be parting ways with them along with Felian. Walking up behind the gloomy air, Felian smiled as she grabbed Xilo's shoulder. Shoving her way past the difficult air Felian said her goodbyes.

"Well this is goodbye for now, I hope to see you all again sometime. Oh and don't forget our deal Xilo, I'm counting on you."

With a slight wink Felian walked away without waiting for any reply. She was a busy woman and had other things to do after this. Ignoring the questioning looks sent his way, Xilo waved at her back as she disappeared around a corner. With Felian's help Seli smiled as she looked at the people in front of her. It was also time for her to say her goodbyes now. She would have loved to stay after finally meeting another one like her again but she had something she needed to do urgently right now. Some of her friends messaged her about a monster tearing up the Astral Beasts in an area nearby that looked similar to her transformations. That was the initial reason why she was here but she had gotten sidetracked by Xilo. Once she had completely checked everything else out she could return for a bit.

"I'm also going to have to say goodbye for now. It was a short period of time but I'm happy I got to meet all of you. I hope we see each other again soon."

"Do you really have to go so soon, Seli?"

Xelfia was the first to speak up.

"Sadly yes, I've already delayed everything long enough. People could die if I'm not fast, sorry Xelfia."

"It's alright, do what you got to do, we'll be here for a bit after all, right Xilo?"

"Yeah, Should be sticking around here for a bit if you ever need us. Take your time and good luck Seli. Goodbye."

"Make sure you keep that training up Xilo, no slacking while I'm gone. I want to see what you're capable of once I'm back."

"It's a promise."

With all the girls hugging goodbye Xilo watched Seli finally leave as they were once again left with just the four of them. Walking in his own direction, he headed back to Telan to report once more. "Felian wanted me to get a hold of Elemental Crystals eh?" Remembering the crystals he had been keeping around Xilo tried to think about what to do as Xelfia began questioning him. Before he could ignore it while they were saying goodbyes however now it was different. While they walked he answered her questions.

"So what was Felian talking about when she said deal?"

"She wanted to get some Elemental Crystals from me in order for me to get something from her."

"What is it you want from her?"

"You'll figure it out soon. Come on girls, we got some money to receive."

Dodging the question Xilo eventually made it back to Dracal Hall as they stepped inside. He had long been used to that insistent stare that never left his side in this building as he headed for the desk. At the desk he reported in and asked to see Telan. Waiting there for a few minutes Xilo scanned the room a few times before Aeon eventually came out to greet them. Following him they went through a familiar path while Aeon stayed quiet. Once they were in the room Xilo walked in and sat down. This time though he dragged Relia to sit next to him while the other two were forced to sit on the other couch. This was only fair after their last visit. So despite their unsatisfied faces it was quite peaceful.

Rubbing Relia's hair he enjoyed the feeling as a flustered Telan came in. Raising an eye at his behaviour this was the first time he had seen Telan like this. Before he could ask any questions though he felt a hand grab him as Astral Energy swept over his body along with the room. Taken aback by such sudden actions Xilo felt some panic as he looked up to see Telan checking up on them. Once he found whatever he was looking for he released a sigh as he sat down on his chair.

"Haaa...you're all okay. That's good to hear. I was quite worried about you all."

"Uhh why were you worried?"

"We heard about the attack that happened on the escort job we sent you on. We didn't really know whether or not you were alive, since everyone that came back said everyone that was left died and you weren't there with them. After we sent a scouting party to check it out though we found a bunch of dead bodies and nothing else. We sent a couple messages to Darenfelt but never learned anything of use either. Once someone reported your return though I had to come instantly to see for myself."

"So you thought we were dead?"

"Most likely yes but we weren't positive, however now here you are after facing some kind of scary monster, what exactly happened during your time gone?"

Hearing that Xilo felt his body freeze up with nothing to say. "Fuck, I didn't think of any sort of excuse." Xilo had practically forgotten that he was the monster in that event. Quickly fumbling around for an excuse in his head he tried to find the right words. Thankfully Xelfia swooped in to save him as she explained what happened. Though in her version of the story she easily destroyed the monster in a grand way thanks to some help from everyone. Once she finished her fanatical tale of heroism Xilo could only shake his head and let it be. It was a much better excuse than he could ever come up with so even if it was a bit outlandish it was good enough.

"So using the weapon your beloved gave to you, you crushed the monster's skull into pieces and punted it's body miles away with one swing of your legs, after that you all decided to continue the job?"

"Yep."

Smiling confidently, Xelfia confirmed Telan's words.

"That true Xilo?"

"Yes...

"You four are insane...you know that."

Telan had zero words for what he heard but they were here now and alive. So while he had many questions about it, he didn't pry any further. All that mattered was they were back safely again. Even Aeon who had stayed in the room the whole time was showing a rare smile as the worry had left his face. "Zilan, seriously..." Moving on he brought out the money they deserved as he handed it over to all four of them. Once Xilo and the others had taken it and stored it away, Telan gave them the job sheets again. However before anything could happen he heard Xilo speak up.

"Hey Telan, you remember that question you had for me before when we first met?"

"Yeah I do, what about it though?"

"I think I have an answer I can share finally."

"Oh? Let's hear it then, I wondered what you would come up with."