The World of Emns 2: Arena

Chapter 19: Coming to terms

After this realisation, Steven had run off from the spectator stands. When Olivia followed after him to ask what he was doing, he replied "Finding the mage squad." He asked any and all people he thought could even have a clue to their whereabouts. One guard mentioned he did not see them leave the arena, but Olivia and Steven had already searched every public space in the building. After that, Steven took to the streets to search the city, but there nobody had even seen them. Sadly, they were nowhere to be found, even after two hours of searching. It was in a backstreet near Gregory's inn where Olivia finally managed to grasp onto Steven to hold him down.

"Please," Olivia pleated as she almost dug her nails into Steven's shoulder. "Please don't do this right now. Come rest."

Now that the lightning mage was not running anymore, Olivia pulled herself closer. She moved her hand from his shoulder onto his chest. Then put her other arm around him for a tight hug. She could feel his heartbeat going crazy, and his breathing was loud and irregular.

"They could still be out there," Steven wheezed, exhausted. His legs were shaking too.

Olivia softly placed her forehead against his back. "Or they could have used that Trieck guy and teleported out of the arena. I know that commander said they didn't know him this morning, but do you really believe that?"

Commander Ruby looked kind and understanding, and Olivia didn't want to mistrust him, but she also wanted Steven to stop. And trying to convince him that they were already gone was the best bet. Even if she might prevent him from reaching his brother right now.

For a moment, it felt as if Steven was going to pull himself loose from going. He put his hand onto Olivia's wrist with some force. But then, he lessened, and moved his hand over hers. His breathing slowed down, and so did his heartbeat.

"You're right, I'm sorry."

Without another word spoken, they stayed for a bit. Olivia hugging Steven from behind, and him holding onto her hands. Eventually, Steven did slowly move her hands off his chest, and nodded towards Gregory's inn. Olivia nodded, and they went back. Though the ice mage swore she could see him quickly brush away tears at the corners of his eyes.

"You're not mad at me, are you," Olivia asked hesitantly, afraid of the answer.

"What"

"You're not-"

"No, of course not," Steven shook his head. But his fist was clenched. He didn't much look at Olivia either. Much rather, he mostly stared forward.

"But you are mad. At the mage squad?"

Steven bit his lip.

"Sparky, I-"

"I'm mad at myself, okay?"

Olivia stepped in front of Steven to stop him from running ahead. Then, she tilted her head and looked him dead in the eyes.

"Why?"

"I... I just feel like there is something else I could have done! I was told Fredrick would be there, and yet I let him slip away! How stupid of me!"

"Shut up," Olivia yelled out. Steven eyebrows shot up and his eyes widened. "Stop it!" She grasped onto his face and pulled him down so they could see eye to eye easily.

"Who told you you're allowed to badmouth Steven, huh?!"

Steven gasped out a few words, but nothing properly audible.

"He did his best! He came within an inch of winning the tournament! And the entire time he was looking around for Fredrick as well! How could he have known anything about the soul stones, huh?!"