A Creep’s Invitation

That night, after going back to our tents, Maia dropped yet another bomb on me. I had to do a solid 100 push-ups, 200 pull-ups and run around 10 kilometers with those heavy clothes on. I wasn't allowed to sleep until all of those were done either, and while It felt like I was going to faint from exhaustion, that wasn't even the worst part. 

The fact that I had to do the running in pitch darkness was way worse. According to her, that was also to accustom my eyes to the darkness, and refine my senses, which technically does make a whole lotta sense, since you're not guaranteed to always be fighting in daylight or have any light with you at all, but it was still fairly ridiculous. 

Nonetheless, I obviously still did it. It was scary as fuck man, I'm not even going to try to deny it. Frankly, I was scared that the slenderman was going to molest me any moment, but fortunately enough that did not happen. 

F-finally… I'm done!

I fell to my knees in front of my tent when I finally reached the 10 kilometers goal, and raised my arms towards the sky as if I had just gotten a glorious victory at a tournament or something along those lines. Or maybe saying like I'd gotten first place on a marathon would be more appropriate, but regardless, I was done. Finally, after around 2 hours and a half, close to midnight probably, I was finally done. 

I then let go of any strength in my torso and legs, letting myself fall to the ground on my back, admiring the starry sky which felt at least 6.3 times more beautiful after you complete a death run. However, my peaceful moment of celebration did not last long.

"…wuaaaah?!"

Out of nowhere, a flame appeared around a meter above my face, and not only did the light coming from it feel as if I was suddenly forced to look straight at the sun, it also scared the shit out of me, but since I couldn't lift my head, I instead instinctively pushed myself backwards with my hands and feet. 

"Congrats Cael! You're amazing, it only took you around 2 hours and 47 minutes."

Of course though, there could be only one individual who'd do something like that here. 

"It would've taken me a lot less if you know, maybe I had some light with me?! Do you have any idea of how many times I fell because I stumbled into something…"

"Uhm, I think I lost count after the 67th? but I'm not sure. That's what we're trying to make you grow out of though. You need to get your eyes accustomed to the dark."

So you were watching and counting how many times I fell?!

"Yeah, yeah. I get it. But seriously, at least warn me in advance. Had I known this was coming yesterday, I would've appreciated my sleep a lot more."

"I'm sure you would have. But speaking of sleep, now that you're done with your nightly training, it's time for you to go to bed, little one. So Here, take these."

She then casually let go of a bunch of clothes on my stomach, which as you guessed, were heavy. Maybe because it was all of them at once, but the fact that they were perfectly and neatly folded as well didn't help with the weight. It felt like a punch to the guts more than anything. 

"C-could you not have let go of these near me instead of doing it on top of me…"

"Nope. Anyways, you should go to sleep now. Goodnight, my dear sweet little brother."

She then joyfully walked away while humming to herself as if she didn't just almost try to assassinate me, and disappeared shortly after, alongside the light brought by her little flame. 

Guess it's time to go to bed. But first…

I had to rest a few minutes to gather enough strength to first get these clothes off my stomach, then get up and actually change into them. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(Maia's Pov)

I wonder what I should make him wear tomorrow.

Mio had made around 30 different outfits currently for Cael, so I had a good amount of choices. And to make it even better, all the pieces went well with each other, so I had even more combinations to make out of it, like, isn't that just amazing?

Since I already gave him his pajamas, and I wasn't really sleepy, I didn't have much to do, so I just started walking around. looking at the sky while humming, hoping to magically catch a wave of sleepiness out of the blue, perhaps as a gift from the mighty moon… but it seems like a certain pair had something else in mind.

"Can't sleep?"

I made another flame above us to light up the area first, then turned around, facing them directly. Who you might ask? Of course, none other than my beloved parents.

"I'm not really sleepy after all. I'll take it that you two are the same, since you have time to stalk your daughter late at night?"

He scratched the back of his head while mom chuckled lightly. 

"We were with Aldrich and Lyanna, but as you can see, it's pretty late. We were kicked out of their tent so the little one could sleep, and since the twins are also already sleeping we decided to go on a nightly date, until a certain someone caught our eyes and interrupted it."

His snarky tone was anything but pleasant, but overall I did kinda deserve it, so I didn't question it.

"That so? Well, I'm sure that mom will make it up to you later, and you'll get all the love you missed when you decided to approach me. But either way, do you two even have time for that? You're kind of in charge of rebuilding a village, in case you forgot."

"My, how lucky of us to have a daughter that worries about her parents so much, don't you think so, dear?"

"Oh but for sure. Not to mention how trustworthy and responsible that she willingly tortures her little brother."

As much as I'd like to, I can't deny that it might look like that…

"It's not that bad. I just finished watching over his nightly training that he'll be doing every night from now on, and he did pretty well you know? He doesn't have any injuries either- ah."

Maybe dropping the clothes on him might've left a 

Black spot… but that's actually kind of a good thing, since I needed to go and relieve his pain later either way. Resting was just as important in order for his mana stomach to actually manage to produce the extra mana needed, and at least for now it's probably difficult to enjoy sleeping with those heavy clothes on, so I'll relieve his pain at the very least. It's not the same as healing or refreshing his stamina either, so the training progress won't be damaged, that aside tho, the fact that I let that final ah slip out got me a suspicious glare from dad.

"Maia…"

I quickly started waving my hands in front of me, to try and get myself out of it.

"N-no, you got it wrong! It's not like that… It's just uhm, y-yeah, that! He fell a few times, but that's it! He only fell a couple times too, so you don't have to worry, hahahahaha…"

Though it was actually more than 70.

He didn't really buy it, but he seemed to let go of it as mom put a hand over his shoulder. 

"Since we're all free, how about we go on a walk together? It's been a while since it was just the 3 of us after all."

Yeah I mean, you did give birth to 3 more kids In the span of 2 years.

But it was my opportunity to change the subject as a whole momentarily, so I obviously took it. The two of them quickly walked next to me, and as I kept illuminating the way, we just walked around aimlessly.

"How are the repairs going?"

"Hm, It's still august so we still have at least a few months before the snow starts to go down, so I think we should barely make it by then with enough houses to at least not have anyone freeze."

"Is that so? Glad it's going well, since I won't be able to help you anymore. Sorry about that."

"Well, it can't be helped. We know how much that little fella wants to get stronger, so we're actually glad you're focusing on his training. How's it going though?"

"I stepped up the level a bit, so he'll be more tired at first, but that's the goal. I don't think there'll be any problems. So far he's doing pretty well."

He hummed at my reply, and looked at the sky while thinking for a few seconds, before casually replying.

"If the goal is to tire him out, I'm guessing you're choosing the all muscles no head route? I've heard bodybuilders generally have a higher amount of mana, which does make sense since their bodies require more energy than average."

One thing about dad was that honestly, he didn't seem particularly strong nor smart. He's usually your classic clingy father that gets bossed around by his wife, so even I sometimes get surprised when he effortlessly showcases his ridiculous perceptive capabilities.

"Bingo…"

I knew he was actually smart, but this is still pretty hard to get used to.

Then, somehow connecting the dots even though it was completely irrelevant to the current topic, well not irrelevant, but at the least it wasn't mentioned in any way. Mom guessed another thing without any hints just like dad just did.

"Ah, then that fuss from earlier about his clothes must be because you did something to them?"

As expected of the rightful Ashford heir, huh? This wasn't really surprising since mom's general image was definitely more dignifying than dad's, but it was still impressive considering the circumstances.

"Yeah, they're substantially heavier than regular clothing. They're enchanted to only have that extra weight whenever they're untouched, or in contact with Cael though."

"I guess that Makes sense, since he didn't seem particularly heavier when I picked him up earlier either."

"I have around 30 more outfits, but all the pieces match with each other, so the possibilities are almost endless, isn't that exciting? You better make sure he wears them even after I'm gone."

I didn't realize it right away, but this was actually the first time I had directly mentioned it to them. "After I'm gone." Clearly Implying that I'd be going on my own soon, which is probably why the mood took a serious deviation, and it deepened really quick, especially due to their momentary silence which lasted about 20 seconds as we kept walking.

"Is it after your birthday?"

I nodded. 

"I see. Are you that unsatisfied with your parents that you're moving out as soon as you're of age?"

What a poor joke… typical of you, my dear father.

"As if that would ever be the case. You probably already have an idea of where I'm going, don't you?"

They've played the oblivious parents until now, but it was hard to believe that 2 individuals as smart and perceptive as them wouldn't notice anything, or ask any questions about it.

"Of course, we have an idea. After all, you suddenly got a night and day like increase of strength, mentality and knowledge out of nowhere. Not to mention, that Sword that Cael has now. Something happened, didn't it? Future Lieutenant of the Sentinel's Commander, Maia Ashford."

I expected them to have a hunch, but this was definitely more than I thought they knew. I wasn't really trying to hide it, but it still… stung. Aware of it, yet they didn't ask me anything, and simply let me do whatever i wanted. Now I must look- no, I must be a terrible daughter. I didn't even notice how much they knew, when they were intentionally playing dumb to not get in my way. Knowing that I was hiding something from them all along.

"Yeah… sorry, you two. I didn't mean to hide it from you, but I can't really tell you yet."

It wouldn't necessarily be a problem, but both me and Mio agreed to unseal their memories only after the last thing we need to do. Mostly because we didn't really have that much time on our hands, but also in order to allow the "current" Isolde and Bartholomew Ashford, to focus on their given tasks, which were rebuilding the village, and soon…

"I see. It must be something you and her agreed on already, so it can't be helped. But that means you do intend on telling us, no?"

"Of course I do. We actually only have one more thing to do, then we can tell you all of it."

"Is that so? Well, if you can tell us then I'd appreciate it, but given the circumstances, I think I have an idea."

"No, no. Don't guess it without any hints like earlier, let me at least give you something… it's not fitting of your character for you to be that smart."

A small laughter escaped from mom's lips while dad was seemingly a bit confused. I honestly have no idea how he could be so smart yet so clueless at the same time.

"Huh? My character? What's that supposed to-"

"Now then, for the hint: assuming you're one of the regular folks…"

"Was it needed to interrupt me like that-"

"And you saw that the eldest daughter of the house whose status was revoked on charges of treason…"

He tried to talk once again, but mom shut him off with a slap on the back of his head, which allowed me to complete my question.

"How would you take it?"

"Ouch…Was that necessary?"

He asked mom with the same face a victim of bullying would have. then with a sigh, he put his brain to work on the question's answer, but it didn't take long before he figured it out.

"Ah, that. The Ashfords would need to either regain our status, or at the very least prove our innocence, huh? Otherwise, your rise to power might even cause a civil war. After all, the commander's Lieutenant has more power than any king of any kingdom individually."

Then, mom who was also connecting even more dots out of nowhere spoke up right after.

"Hmm, considering the circumstances as well, whatever caused your growth is definitely something major, isn't it?."

Dad also seemed to catch up on where mom was going. showcasing their almost corny but impressive synchrony as a happy married couple, he continued her sentence.

"It would definitely be easy to regain our status on paper. you'll get more power than the king himself after all. but that would only upset the people even further. Meaning, a trial for our innocence should be held instead I guess?"

I nodded, not talking yet as I was 100% sure they weren't done with somehow guessing the entire plot. And rightfully so, mom continued where he left off.

"Then I see why you two decided to not tell us yet. We're already busy as is with the village repairs, then we have an entire trial to win… we might have too many things to focus on already."

What am I even supposed to say now? you two already guessed it all, you damn geniuses…

I sighed, mentally drained by how inconveniently smart my parents were. Both of them started chuckling then, and dad gave me a few pats on the back while crossing the bridge between chuckling and laughing at record speeds.

"Hahaha, now, now. Don't be so down just because we aren't idiots. This isn't a novel where the parents are oblivious idiots after all, it's real life. And you happen to be blessed with an incredibly smart mother and slightly above average father."

"Slightly above average", huh? Talk about humility.

Either way, I'm glad that they took it well, since it would've been pretty hard to deal with otherwise. 

I let out a sigh of resignation, and after that the topic changed to fairly irrelevant and more lighthearted things, which I won't bother with explaining. 

It lasted about another hour before we finally decided it was enough, so I walked with them towards their tent which was in the same area as mine and Cael's and we stopped in front of it with them.

"Alright then, we're going to bed. You should also try to get some sleep though."

"I only need to check on Cael, so I think I should be able to after I do that, so Don't worry about me."

"Goodnight Maia."

"Night, my dear daughter. "

"Goodnight, mom, dad."

I waited for them to get inside, before extinguishing the flame above us and turning around towards Cael's tent. 

I guess I'm probably going to sleep after this then.

Or so I thought. But it seemed like a certain someone didn't have anything better to do. I prayed to be seeing things, as I approached his tent, but at this rate it was very unlikely that what I was seeing wasn't reality.

Don't tell me…

Coming from inside his tent, there was a light source. That alone was enough unfortunately to confirm my fears, but it wasn't all. The tents were fairly thin, since it's still late summer, and the nights weren't really cold yet. However, that also meant that with a light inside of it, the shadow reflecting on the walls would be a lot more noticeable, and that was exactly what the second problem was. Instead of just one shadow reflection, there were 2. I hurried up inside the tent, and unfortunately or not, my theory was confirmed, and I was forced to stare down at the living trash that was crouched next to Cael, poking him on his cheek playfully with her finger.

"Welcome back, Maia."

Why are you so casual about it…?!

"…I really hope you know how creepy you are right now."

"Isn't he the cutest when he sleeps? This is the first time I'm seeing him sleep while so young. Oh, by the way, I already relieved his pain as well so you don't have to worry about that."

"Oi, don't ignore it."

"This really does make me wish I had met him when we were younger back then. Being able to watch him sleep while he's still young and before his hair turns fully white-grey ish is a once in a lifetime treat."

Yeah, he's definitely cute, but right now he's also a victim of stalking while he sleeps…

Ignoring me once again, she got up and walked past me, expecting me to follow her. I didn't really want to give her the satisfaction, but it's not like I had any other choice either in the end… she did also already relieve his pain and most likely heal any wounds he might've had in my place after all.

"Let's continue outside, we don't want to disturb my beloved's sleep, do we?"

As we got out of the tent, we walked for maybe 10 more meters? Before finally stopping. She turned around, facing me as her purple eyes glowed with the reflection of the moonlight on them. Her Mana control is second to none. That obviously included her control over the mana that made up her own body, which is how she was able to casually change her appearance and switch between her persona and herself. It was pretty ironic though because the difference between them was honestly day and night.

Luna's features were gentle and refined, kinda like a young princess deprived of affection, who still smiled everyday? Something along those lines. She had an aura of benevolence and grace to her, and endless kindness could be seen in her blue eyes. 

On the other hand, Mio's features were sharp and defined. Like an empress, sovergning over the world. She had an aura of absolute authority, strength, but also the purest form of majesty. Looking at her alone could make you think "she's just different." Or "she's in her own league.". Usually, publicly at least she mostly had a casual but somehow confident looking expression on her face most of the time. Must be the knowledge that she's the strongest, or something like that. 

That wasn't all though. All of her features and characteristics were perfectly blended up and amplified by her unmatched natural beauty, and irresistible charisma that could draw anyone closer to her. It honestly just gets even more evident when she's older. It took a while for me to accept being the uglier best friend (although if I could say so myself, I'm actually fairly attractive.) but it would be pure idiocy to deny it. Mio's beauty was that undeniable.

"So? Did you only come here to be a creep or is there something you have to tell me? my dear best friend."

"Hm, I guess you could say I do have a reason."

"And that is?"

For a few moments then, her purple and black aura enveloped her body entirely, only for her to appear older once it dispersed. Or rather, it didn't appear that she was older, she did in fact age herself up to how she'll eventually look once she's done with puberty.

"My, it seems like we have an impatient one here. But to answer your question, I'm just inviting my dear friend to a meal. Is there anything wrong with that?"

Then do that before creeping up on my brother…

"Some people need to sleep in this world, you know? We're not all freaks of nature like you."

"Well, I guess you do have a point…

She paused her sentence, then snapped her fingers. Her aura then enveloped both of our bodies, and when it dispersed a few moments later, she had taken the liberty of changing both of our clothes to more casual outfits, then continued.

"…But you're not one of the people who need sleep."

A portal then opened up next to her, and since I had no real excuse to turn her down, I just let out a sigh.

"Alright, alright. I'll come with you, but don't expect me to-"

"Yeah yeah, don't worry. I know your wallet is as deprived of money as a desert is of water. As usual, I'll be the one paying."

"You didn't have to word it like that…"

But of course, the mighty Mio simply ignored me, and walked through the portal.

I guess I'm not going to be sleeping early tonight, huh? Or maybe I won't get any sleep..

There was only one way to find out. So I didn't waste any more time, and followed her inside.