TBATE - Not Bound By Fate

Part 23

After crossing the teleportation gate to Xyrus, Jasmine and I made our way to the Helstea Manor so I could answer her question about our encounter with the Archivist. When we arrived we were greeted by Maria who told us no one was home at the moment. I asked her to prepare some tea and snacks for us and take a break afterwards so we could have some privacy.

Once we were alone I began talking.

"I know you have some questions Jasmine, but I ask that you keep them for yourself until I'm done talking. What you're about to hear may answer some of them and will definitely leave you with even more. But before I begin, I need you to promise me you will keep everything you hear from me a secret." I told her with a level of seriousness I've never shown her before.

"I promise." She responded simply and sincerely.

"Alright. Let's begin then." I said while asking Regis to come out of my core to help me explain and lighten the mood when needed.

I began telling my story from my encounter with Sylvia on the last timeline, the event that triggered a chain reaction in my life that led me to this point. As I talked to Jasmine, she has shown more emotion than in the last two years I spent with her.

She was definitely confused when I told her about my time as a student in Xyrus Academy, but didn't interrupt me. When I told her about the attack I could see a vein popping in her forehead from anger, and if she wasn't busy listening to me she might've just gotten up to beat some of the nobles that joined Dranavee.

After that I picked up the pace a bit, not because of any time constraints as Maria had told me the earliest my family or the Helteas would arrive would arrive was after the sun went down, but because I didn't want to relive some of the events that took place right after I returned from my training with the Asura or the battle of the Wall. Regis sensing this came a bit closer and put his head on my lap as a form of emotional support.

In a few hours I covered almost everything that happened up to the point where I found the staff made by the Djinn. When I described the event and its results to Jasmine, I finally saw disbelief on her face. I went on a bit more after that as I felt she deserved to know who the other regressors were and what we were doing to prepare for the inevitable future.

"And that's about everything you need to know." I finished.

"That... that was quite the tale. A-are you okay Arthur?" Was the first thing she asked me and I couldn't help but smile at her concern. Even after learning all that about me she still cared deeply for me.

"Yes, a lot better than one would expect after living through all that."

"I'm having a hard time believing you're from the future, but to think there are four more people as well. It's a lot to take in."

We stayed in silence for a few minutes as Jasmine was processing everything she heard. Once she had somewhat organized her thoughts she began asking me what was on her mind.

"What are your plans for the future? How can I help?"

"The plan for now is to let things happen somewhat the same way as last time. As for what you can do, help the Twin Horns get stronger, they will need it." Jasmine simply nodded at my statement, determination filling her eyes.

"How many people know about the other timeline?"

"Other than the people who lived it and you, only the elven Lances and Director Goodsky."

"Can we trust the Archivist?"

"I don't know. It's been helping us for now, but the reason it gave us wasn't the entire truth. Until we figure out what it wants we should be careful."

"What about the Asuras? From what you told me so far they can't be trusted."

"I don't really know what to do about them. There is very little reason for them not to get rid of us after the war is over. I can try to make a deal with Kezzes to share my knowledge of Aether in exchange for leaving us alone, but that will only last for so long."

"Is there no way to fight against them?"

"No, we lack time and resources to prepare for a battle of that scale unless we side with Agrona, but I think we both know why that is a bad idea." I paused for a few moments. "Our only options right now are either to convince Kezzes that we will never seek conflict with the Asuras or depose him and have another clan that view us more favorably take his place."

"And both options are just as unlikely to happen." Regis finished for me.

"Then what should we do?" Jasmine asked, her voice reflecting her hopelessness.

"My plan is to get on the good side of at least one clan head of the Great Eight, that way I'll have some form of influence on them."

"And how will you do that?"

"I'll make the most of my Asuran body. Kordri, the one who trained me in hand to hand combat, actually liked me despite being a lesser. I wonder what he'll think of me now that I'm not limited to being a human. I also have a decent relationship with a member of the Indrath clan, so hopefully she can help me when Windsom takes me to Epheotus."

"Basically we'll be playing politics after making a few friends." Regis simplified.

"I see. You told me earlier that Kezzes sent someone to help elder Virion. Aldir, was it? Can't we convince him to help us in some way?"

"Maybe. From what I know he deeply regretted destroying Elenoir and deserted. If we can show him what Kezzes has done to the Djinn, Aldir might turn on him again."

Jasmine was about to say something but was interrupted by the sound of footsteps coming our way. After a few moments my mother and aunt Tabitha entered the living room. Jasmine had a complicated expression when she saw mom, who noticed that and asked me what was going on after a hug.

"I told her about our situation." I wispered.

"Oh my, how did that go?" She wispered back.

"I'll tell you later but don't worry, she's fine. Just a lot to take in"

"What are you two whispering about over there?" Tabitha teased us.

"Nothing much, just checking if Art isn't hiding any injuries." Mom responded.

"You worry too much Alice, you know how good of a fighter Arthur is. I'd be more worried about whatever or whoever he was fighting."

"That is true, but I can't help it. Plus, a little check up is always good every now and then." Mom paused for a second before turning to Jasmine. "What about you Jasmine? Do you need a check up?" Mom asked.

"I'm good, a bit hungry, but fine." She answered.

"We can't have that now, can we? Why don't you join us for dinner? I'm making a dish Arthur came up with."

Jasmine looked at me with a raised brow before responding.

"Sure, I'm curious to see what he can come up with. I'll help as well."

With that the three went to the kitchen leaving me alone with Regis, but that didn't last long as they needed a bit of help making the dough for the pizzas. Just before the food was ready dad and Vincent arrived. We all had a nice dinner, something that wasn't going to last for much longer, but that I would make sure we could have again after the war.