Rythian’s POV - 4 Years Later
I grabbed Zoey on the nook of her elbow and dragged her out of the way. An arrow flew past her head taking off some hair.
“What are you doing? You almost killed yourself!” She looked at me in shock at Teep took down the skeleton and zombie. “Are you ok?”
“Yeah, just a little startled.” I hugged her and pushed her fringe back in place.
“Ready?” She nodded and I ran ahead wielding my red katar. Zoey waited for my signal then ran after me. We stopped just outside an iron door. “He should be in there, from what I’ve been told.” I took out my destruction catalyst and held it to the wall. The wall disappeared almost immediately. We looked into the room and saw no one. “Where is he?” I held my katar tightly, ready for anything.
“Rythian be careful.” Zoey said behind me as I walked over the dirt that covered the floor. I heard something click as I stepped forward one more step. I backed up to Zoey as the whole floor opened. Teep roared. Zoey stroked his nose. “Shh Teep. It’s ok.” He purred at her; I didn’t know dinosaurs could growl until a year ago when I rubbed Teep’s stomach.
“That’s how Sjin works. He makes traps; that are useless if they are for a mage like me.” I looked to where Zoey was stood, she wasn’t there and neither was Teep. I panicked.
“That is how Sjin works. But Sjin is smarter.” I looked up and saw Sjin grinning, his moustache and beard perfectly styled. He was wearing a skin tight space suit. “That’s why you take the one thing that someone loves.”
“Sjin what have you done with them?”
“They’re fine, for now.” He grinned making me snarl. “You should be more careful on who you bring with you.”
“You will pay for this.” I noticed he was just hovering above the block under him. “I didn’t know you used magic Sjin.” He landed quickly.
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“You know that ring you have on your hand.” I pointed to his left hand; there was a ring on his middle finger.
“That’s my ring from graduating school, unlike you.” He took it off and put it in his pocket. “You left; you’re such a reject.” I jumped at him, dragging him off the platform. I equipped my flying ring as we fell. I hovered and waited for him to use his. He looked at me and frowned; he knew he had to use it. He equipped it and landed softly. I landed next to him and saw Zoey and Teep next to us.
“I’m taking them whether you like it or not.” I broke through the cage and grabbed Zoey’s hand; she grabbed Teep and we flew back up into the cave system. I heard Sjin cursing below us. We ran out of the cave system and headed home. “Are you two ok?”
“Yeah, I’m good.” Zoey said and Teep nodded. I took Zoey’s hand in mine and squeezed it.
“He’ll be back but we can handle him.” I loved Zoey and didn’t want anything to happen to her. We arrived at Blackrock. I opened the door for her and she walked in, I followed behind her. “Teep go and watch out from your tower please.” He nodded and I heard him stomping to his watchtower. I grabbed some food from the kitchen. I walked into Zoey and lay next to her on the bed. “Are you ok?”
“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” I pulled her into my chest.
“You don’t seem happy.” She sat up and looked at me.
“Rythian... I think that I’m... that I’m pregnant.” I felt dizzy. I just stared at her.
“What? Are you serious?” She nodded. “Oh my god! I’m going to be a dad. Oh my... oh... I can’t wait!” I hugged her. I kissed her and hugged her. “I can’t believe this; we’re going to be parents.” I got up then fell back and blacked out. I woke with Zoey dabbing my head with a damp towel. “Zoey, stop that burns.” She frowned.
“Why does water hurt you?” I shrugged. “Are you ok? You kind of ‘asdfghjkl’ and passed out.” I laughed.
“I’m fine; I guess it was just a little shock.” She kissed me. “I love you Zoey.”
“I love you too Rythian.” I got up carefully, trying not to knock myself out again. “You’re so cute when you panic.” I smiled weakly.
“Does Teep know?” She nodded.
“He seemed fine with it. I think he was excited about it.” I laughed.
“Sounds like Teep. I think he wants to teach them everything he knows.” I smiled and hugged her. “I can’t wait. We will have to change the guest room to the baby room.” She grinned.
“Oh my god yes!” She got up and walked into the room, I let her plan it. I couldn’t believe she was pregnant. I was going to be a father. Am I ready for this? I’m 21 years old, am I old enough for this? I started questioning everything, and then blacked out again. I woke up the next morning lying next to a sleeping Zoey. I heard Teep padding around above the castle. I looked at Zoey, she was smiling slightly. I wonder what she was smiling at. Her smile started to disappear. She started to flail. I panicked and fell out of the bed, hitting the floor with force.
“Fuck!” She woke up and I saw her looking over the side of the bed of me on the floor. “Are you ok Zoey?”
“Yeah, are you? What happened?”
“You knocked me out of the bed. I’m fine.” She burst out laughing. “Hey! Don’t laugh.”
“I can’t help it.” I jumped up and pushed her against the bed. I kissed her and she deepened the kiss. “I do love you Mr Mage.” I kissed her again.
