Part I, Chapter I [chapter 2 is out!] ~☆~ Severin ran, glancing at the Guild Mvura palace hall around him. It was nearly time for him to head back, and thankfully, he'd already stolen the map of Aquarion- although, of course, the victory was not without its consequences. One, his entire right arm was nearly destroyed by Guild Mvura's guards. Two, he was currently running from those same guards. And three, he wasn't sure if he could keep running for much longer. Severin stared at the torch beside him, its blueprints racing through his head. He immediately grabbed it, adjusting the top of the torch to be on the highest setting, throwing it at the guards. That should keep them distracted for a while. Severin was one of the Gifted- in other words, people with magic who could do incredible things. However, his Gift was not anything physical- he had what people called intuitive aptitude. He could stare at any object or complicated thing, and see its plans, blueprints, and functions. Of course, this was on command. Severin was very thankful for this, since it would be pure hell if it was involuntary. Severin managed to sprint out the door, whistling to give his very own science, machines and history expert, Enrique, the signal to book it. Severin kept going, having faith that Rique was running as well. His dear friend was very reliable, after all. Severin kept running. And running. And running, until eventually, Severin was in a plaza he was very familiar with- the plaza of Joussain, the neutral ground of his nation, Petrianc, in terms of Guild affiliations and political conflicts. He glanced around, searching for Enrique, and found that Rique was right behind him. "I'm glad to see you made it, Enrique." Severin said, flicking an invisible speck of dust off his custom-tailored waistcoat. "Of course I made it," Enrique panted, as Severin straightened his bow-tie. "Severin, you never cease to amaze me with your perfectionism." Rique laughed. Severin only hummed flatly in response. "The others will be worried sick if we don't get back soon." Enrique pointed out, as Severin winced at the pain of his severely bloodied right arm. "So you're just going to ignore this bloody display?" Severin tried to joke, but the sentence accidentally came out much colder than he meant it to. "No, of course I'm not ignoring it. I just know you can handle yourself, you've always been the most responsible of the group. You are our leader, after all.." Rique laughed, again. "Enrique, please. Stop addressing me as your leader, I'm simply the one who gave you and the others a home and a job." Severin shook his head. "Severin, you need to learn how to take a compliment, my friend. I know you were raised in a Guild and taught not to express emotions a lot or something like that, but you're not there anymore. We're your friends, after all, right?" Rique said, concerned. "You're my coworkers. I have no further comment." Severin looked away, trying to hide the small smile on his face. "Awwwee, thanks, Severin! I know that's your way of saying yeessss!" Enrique teased. "Come on, Enrique, let's just get back to home base." Severin said, walking away from his friend. [to be continued in chapter 2]
