Flaremount Vol 1

Chapter 1, Pt 1

Flaremount Chapter 1

...

The cafe was awfully quiet today. I didn't have the pleasure of hearing small commotions of people gossiping in the back of the shop, or the subtle noises of footsteps or the occasional opening of the door. The only noises were the clinging of dishes and the TV set to a low volume.

The Pongo conspiracy continues to fill the young minds of Flaremount. Many believe that the longer the reign of Zarus himself continues, the longer the kingdom is at stake. Not to say I disapprove of anything our king has decided. Just stating the facts, Carla.

Alright, Chad, if you say so. Aside from the topic of recent conspiracies, the weather for the next week is not looking bright. The rest of today looks as if we have a storm coming in from the west, hitting first and foremost in the region of Stararia. Storm warning for the following towns: Stararia, Cadmus, Paulsville-

A click and the Television was shut up. I didn't even see Boba come into the room, let alone grab the remote. "Are you really gonna sit here and listen to that crap, Axel? I didn't even know you were the type to believe in that stupid conpiracy." I couldn't help shooting a glare at her comment. She hadn't flinched, of course. Her eyes like emeralds stared back into mine, calmer than resting waters.

"I don't believe in that damned pongo conspiracy... I was waiting for the weather. You heard about the storm, didn't you? It would be nice to know what precautions we need to take-"

"Whatever, dork, I have your drink." She giggled through a half smile, genuine happiness written in her expression. What is it about me being cautious that makes her so happy? Nonetheless, I swiped the drink from her and took a couple sips of the hot tea. The tea caused my entire body to ease up. A relieved sigh was released after I drank, and the stress left with it.

Boba continued drying a dish. "So what stress brings you here this early in the day?" I held my head low, studying the floorboards.

"Ah, nothing all that big. Just... another fight, is all..." Boba nearly dropped the dish at the word fight.

"AXEL! You can't keep getting in fights and expect to graduate from the Academy at the rate you're aiming for!" My body tensed once more at her words. It was painful how true her words were. At this rate, you will never become a sorcerer- Slapping myself, I stopped my thoughts before they could start. My eyes found their way to Bobas as a way to stay grounded in reality. Boba's eyes softened as she broke eye contact and rubbed her arm.

"I-I'm sorry... I crossed a line..."

"No, you have a point. No matter the reason, I shouldn't be getting into fights."

After some hesitation, Boba asked, "May I... May I ask the reason?"

"Hm?"

"Oh, the reason the fight broke out to begin with."

"Ah, right. Well, you are fully aware of who Caster is by now, right?"

After some visible thought, she spoke up. "Oh, right! The angry red head, right? Fluffy hair and a stare that could kill?"

"Yeah, that would be the one. He and another student were getting at it, most of the interaction was just Caster putting down the other student. You could tell the other student was uncomfortable from a mile away! I was too far away to hear what exactly Caster was saying. Whatever he was saying, the other student didn't like it. When I got close enough to hear the two of them, I heard the other student say 'Stop! Just stop!' Those were their words exactly! I couldn't sit and watch this kid be tortured by Casters words anymore, so I stepped in! One thing led to another, and words formed into fists flying left and right, both me and him going full force."

Boba was on the edge of her seat as of now. "Then how did you come out of the fight so clean?! Where are the battle scars?"

"We can thank my mom's healing magic for that. And yes, both my parents know about the fight..."

I didn't need to finish the sentence for Boba to understand where the story headed from there.

"Did he-"

"Yeah." Both of us sat silent for a moment.

Putting a hand to my shoulder, I let my eyes fall again. The grain on the floor boards twisted and turned in ways that made it seem as if they could dance. It's too bad their dances are restricted to the boards specifically. My cup was taken and a hand laid on my arm. My eyes were met with the same emerald eyes from earlier. But this seemed different. The glow isn't for the purpose of harming this time, but of healing. Holding onto the warmth of her hand for a moment longer, I stood up.

"Well, I've bugged you long enough. It's about time I head to the house, see if the old geezer finally got off his ass and started dinner. It is his night to cook, after all." She waved a warm goodbye, and I finally set foot outside the shop. The second my shoe hit the pavement, my mind whirled again.

Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!

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