From Real to Realm

Even Val still wasn’t sure what exactly was happening with her. But one thing was for sure: it started after her affinity test.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” Volde asked, his gaze intense. “We can’t be too careful considering what you’ve been through already.”

Everyone was sitting at the table, waiting for dinner to be finished.

“It didn’t start until after my affinity test,” Val said, sitting back in her chair. “It’s the only thing that makes sense. I’m not exactly used to expending more magic than the runes around the house require.”

Cera spoke up. “I remember when I used too much magic the first time. I almost passed out on the spot.”

Maxwell leaned forward, elbows on the table. “We aren’t worrying just to be annoying. We’ve just seen something like this before, that’s all.”

Val could put two and two together.

“Do you mean when she was sick?” Amarisse asked, glancing between them. “She told us a bit about it.”

The room was silent, aside from the sounds from the kitchen. It wasn’t an easy thing to talk about or bring up.

“Let’s not talk about that,” Val said, sitting up. “It’s in the past, and I can assure you this isn’t that happening again. I am perfectly fine, I’m just a little tired from the affinity test.”

Cera turned toward her. “How did the test go? You haven’t told anyone, and Lynesia was the only one there.”

It was the best way to move on from the heavy conversation.

“I technically have affinity in all four elements.”

Everyone leaned forward.

“How?” Cera asked, eyes wide.

“That’s not something you hear very often,” Amarisse said, scratching her chin in thought.

Mina slumped a little. “I wish I could use magic, too.”

Val held her hands up. “Calm down, it’s not like I have a strong affinity for all four. Stone and Wind are more prominent.”

Amarisse nodded softly. “That works out well for you as a Hybrid. Stone can really help shore up defense, while wind can help with offense and speed.”

“That’s what I was thinking as well,” Val said, leaning forward. “Water and Fire can come in handy, too. But I’d rather focus on one at a time when I start learning how to use magic.”

“Stone first,” Celestia blurted out. “If it’s meant for defense, then it should be the first one you learn.”

Val sighed. “I was thinking Wind first, personally.”

She looked around the table, gauging everyone’s expressions.

“I think I agree with Celestia,” Maxwell said, crossing his arms. “I’m assuming you’re strong enough to hold your own in a fight. Defense would make the most sense if it keeps you in the fight longer.”

Val nodded. “True. I guess I just want to be stronger as fast as I can to protect everyone.”

Lynesia opened her mouth, but Val held a hand up.

“If I can increase my defense, it opens both Lynesia and Cera up to focus on others, right?”

“Yes and no,” Cera said, tilting her head side to side. “You aren’t a tank like Amarisse. She’s meant to take hits and be okay.”

Suddenly, the doors from the kitchen opened.

“Sounds like some intense discussion,” Vesperia said, carrying two platters to the table. “This is supposed to be a celebration for beating that boss, right?”

The tension softened somewhat.

“Right,” Volde said, nodding. “Val has plenty to consider going forward. For now, let’s enjoy the night and celebrate the victory.”

It was hard to pivot away from the harder lines of thinking, even for a celebratory dinner. However, it seemed everyone was intent on doing just that. A few of the girls helped Vesperia bring out the rest of the food, and what a spread it turned out to be.

“Wow, this is a lot,” Celestia said, practically drooling.

“Thank Val and her party. They brought the supplies,” Vesperia said, wiping her hands on her apron.

“Actually, Val paid for it all,” Amarisse said, shaking her head. “She just asked us to help carry it here. She refused to let us pay for anything.”

Val smacked Amarisse on the arm. “I didn’t want them to know I paid for the meal.”

Vesperia giggled. “Seems someone is taking their position seriously, finally.”

Val shook her head, rolling her eyes.

It wasn’t long before everyone had full plates and more than a couple of them had strong drinks as well. The sound of silverware clinking and conversation filled the room. Naturally, as dinner went on, conversations branched out. Maxwell and Amarisse seemed to hit it off easily enough.

“Nothing beats something strong after a hard day,” Maxwell said, laughing. “It’s the only thing that keeps me sane sometimes.”

Amarisse slapped him on the back, also laughing. “Some of these delves are enough to drive me up the wall. Strong alcohol is a requirement.”

Val shook her head. It was nice to see her family and party getting along so well. On the other side of the table, Mina’s excess energy was being put to good use.

“Really?” Celestia asked, eyes wide. “You’re that fast.”

Mina chuckled. “Of course. I could run through the house in record time.”

Celestia leaned closer. “Do it! I want to watch!”

The two of them pushed their chairs back. Mina started stretching while Celestia bounced with excitement. Vesperia was watching, a smile on her face as she enjoyed the moment.

Volde was talking to Lynesia and Cera about their defenses.

“So you’re able to condense mana into a solid form?” he asked, poking the small barrier Lynesia placed around Cera.

Lynesia nodded. “It’s not one of the typical four elements, but it is more than enough to protect everyone.”

“If her barriers break, I’m there to heal everyone,” Cera said softly.

Volde gently ruffled her hair. “Thank you for protecting Val and her party. It helps knowing Val has the two of you watching her back.”

It was exactly how Val hoped it would be. Everyone was getting along great.

Bump, bump. Bump, bump.

Val swallowed hard as the ache in her chest returned. It didn’t last long, and she didn’t become lightheaded this time either. It didn’t hurt exactly, but it was uncomfortable enough to make her smile falter for just a second. Then it was gone just as suddenly.

“Are you okay?” Lynesia asked, leaning in.

Val smiled. “Absolutely. I think we need to do this again.”

Lynesia looked into her eyes. “I agree.”

Dinner continued like that for a while. Conversations stayed split until someone laughed loudly enough to bring the whole table into the conversation. Other times, the subject was too juicy for the others not to be involved. Eventually, Mina did race through the house, much to Celestia’s excitement. Vesperia tried to stop it, but relented in the end when Celestia begged her. Maxwell and Amarisse somehow got louder with every drink, and Cera eventually stopped shrinking while talking to Volde.

Vesperia walked up behind Celestia. “Alright. I think it’s time someone headed to bed.”

Celestia leaned back, looking up at Vesperia. “But I wanted to stay until they left.”

“It’s probably time for us to head out,” Val said, scooting her chair out. “Come on, I’ll tuck you in.”

The rest of the girls were already helping Volde and Maxwell with cleaning up the table. Amarisse and Maxwell were struggling the most with the alcohol in their systems, though.

“Come on,” Val said, taking Celestia’s hand.

The two of them walked through the house together. Celestia gripped Val’s hand tightly. It was always nice for Val to be home like this.

Feels like just yesterday I woke up here.

When the two of them reached the top of the stairs, Celestia spoke up.

“I like your party, especially Mina.”

Val chuckled. “She’s a bundle of energy, isn’t she?”

“She’s fast, too!”

Val nodded. “She really is.”

Once they made it to Celestia’s room, Val stayed outside. Once Celestia was done changing into her nightgown, Val entered her room. She helped Celestia into bed and tucked her in while sitting on the edge of the bed.

“So is your party like your second family?”

Val smiled. “Something like that.”

Celestia tilted her head. “You’re happy around them.”

“I am,” Val agreed, nodding. “But they could never replace you.”

Celestia yawned, smiling. “Good. I’m the only one allowed to be your sister.”

Val leaned down, kissing the top of her head. “Absolutely. Good night.”

Celestia settled in. “Night, sis.”

The door clicked shut behind her as she stepped back into the hallway.

Bump, bump.

Val gritted her teeth, eyes narrowing. “Fucking ache.”

She stood there until it slowly went away again. After shaking her head, she headed back toward the foyer.

"Is she tucked in?” Vesperia asked as Val descended the stairs.

“Yeah. I think she’s more tired than she realized. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s already asleep.”

Everyone else had their coats on and were waiting for her.

Volde stepped up, Val’s coat in his hands. “Here.”

After helping Val slip into it, he stepped next to Vesperia.

“Tonight was a lot of fun.”

The two of them nodded.

“I’m happy you came home safe,” Vesperia said, gently hugging Val.

Volde hugged from the other side. “Keep safe so we can do this again.”

They held onto Val a bit longer before finally letting go.

“I’ll have some training to do now that I know my affinity,” Val said, looking them in the eyes. “Stone first, then wind.”

Everyone took their turns saying goodbye for the night. Once Val’s party was back in the cold, they split off toward their own homes, leaving Val and Lynesia walking alone.

Within seconds, Lynesia’s hand found her again. “You’re going to tell me if it happens again, right?”

Val knew exactly what she was talking about.

“Yeah,” Val said. “I’ll try.”

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