ULTRAMagic Prelude

Chapter 30

"Still bothered by Leif having to reincarnate, Blood?" Dragoslava asked as she ate her sundae.

"Yeah... it still bites."

"Well hey, don't worry about it too much. I know how you feel. At least he's going out on his own terms."

Blood-Wraith looked over to the others, seeing Leif and Deimos happily recounting their past. "I suppose you're right, sister."

Dragoslava glanced across from her, noticing Ekaterina was slow to eat her food. "Eka, don't tell me you're bummed out too..."

"Oh, what? Me? Um, no... uh... I... I just didn't expect to be here like this."

"Foresight is something you should work on," Vexation pointed out. "Nothing is set in stone, therefore one must be ready to deal with whatever life puts before them. We could have died or we could have had a change of heart had we won. Another aspect of this is how you deal with these issues. Actions mean everything..."

"Vex, were you one of my people? Because that sounds like something my dad or the king would say" Dragoslava cut in.

"I couldn't say. My memories are incredibly hazy..."

Vlastimir had been sitting next to Ekaterina, the four unaware he had been listening in. "Hey, Ekaterina?"

She was startled. "Vlastimir! Don't do that!"

He laughed. "Can we go out on a date when we get back?"

"Excuse me? Why?" Ekaterina received no response, just a patient silence. "Um, sure?"

"Thank you very much! You'll have to bare with me though, as I'm a bit off my rocker, ha!"

Ekaterina then looked over to Vexation, who was giving her a look that reiterated his previous point. "Right, right... Very well, Vlastimir. I do expect a fancy dinner... and for you to tell me about yourself."

This Made Vlastimir smile and be super giddy. "Will do, will do, will absolutely do!"

It turned out that the others had also been listening in and were giggling and chuckling. This led to Ekaterina turning red with embarrassment. Aside from that, the rest of the feast went well. Near the end, Leif was becoming more luminous, signaling it was time for him to get going. The Unspeaker got up from his chair and began making the final preparations. The skies were cleared, the wind was settled, and the city was made neat and tidy. Everything was ready to go for The Dragon of Old.

Leif looked at the stars, then to the group. "Blood-Wraith, Dragoslava, Desislav, Tusk, Vlastimir? It has truly been an amazing journey with you all. Deimos and I can't even begin to thank you enough for all the help that you have given us" he stated with pride.

"Each of you have gone above and beyond in assisting us," Deimos added. "Make no mistake about it, your deeds will be remembered for all of eternity."

"I wish you didn't have to go, Leif," Blood-Wraith stated. "It feels like we just met you. Will we ever see you again?"

"I have no doubt about it. Goodbyes aren't forever after all."

"It sucks you won't be able to show up for Kresimira's wedding..." Dragoslava pointed out.

"I know. Don't worry, I'll find a way regardless."

"I have to agree with Blood," said Desislav. "It really does feel like time just flew right past us."

Tusk nodded. "Agreed. And Leif? It is an honor to witness your return to The Ennead."

"No matter what happens, I will never forget any of you..." At this point Leif was glowing brilliantly as the group felt tears beginning to well up in their eyes. "I guess it's finally time. Goodbye, everyone. May we meet again someday..."