ToA: Novice

Chapter Twelve: End

Author's Note: Pointing out any grammar/spelling errors is much appreciated! Constructive criticism is welcomed too.

Huge shoutout to KristenW14 because without her, this story wouldn't be posted in full on Wattpad. I wouldn't have had the motivation to do it. So thank you very much love.  ^_^

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To Leeanna, the Cathedral was as predictable as ever. Still, like she had just left an hour ago, its people were stuffy, the stink of cleaning supplies and earthy materials stuck to the walls and carpet, sunlight filtered down in particles of dust. When she was younger, Leeanna always imagined that the dust fluttering about in the light belonged to fairies. How long ago that felt, but how little time in actuality had past. Everything looked the same but Leeanna felt out of place. She was the puzzle piece that didn't fit.

Silence filled the halls as Leeanna navigated through them. Having respected her request, Jade waited not-so-patiently in the lobby. She wouldn't be long, she supposed. At least, that's what she was aiming for. Anticipation filled her heart with mixed emotions. Yet when Leeanna came upon her door, when she reach out to turn the knob, she paused.

The old her was no more, that she was well aware. Van had been defeated months ago; the God-Generals too. Leeanna had been away for so long that she no longer needed or desired the belongings in her room. She grew out of wanting a few articles of clothing and her stuffed toys weeks ago, so she stepped away and shifted the small bag on her back - the very same one Asch had packed her. Well, some things never change.

On a whim she continued on, deeper into the Cathedral, deeper into the comfort that had once been home. No one stopped her. In fact, the floor that once held the God-Generals’ personal quarters was deserted. That was fine with Leeanna. It's not like she would allow someone to stop her now after how far she's come.

His room came so suddenly she had to pause and take in a shallow breath. A part of her hoped he would be inside, sitting at his desk or lying in his bed, like he usually was when she entered. She almost knocked, but the logical side of her mind kicked her fantasy to the curb. It had been months since his death, weeks of depression followed in its wake. Leeanna had been living in Grand Chokmah with Jade in the meantime.

She convinced him to take her on as a student - she was not his apprentice. Jade had made that perfectly clear since day one. With the Malkuth capital as her temporary home, Leeanna saw Guy often, which always brightened her day. The two were still close friends.

From what she heard, Tear was back in Yulia City, her hometown. Natalia was back in Baticul. She had claimed her throne as the true princess. Luke, ever since the destruction of Eldrant, the “replica Hod”, was missing. He worried Leeanna a great deal.

Now, as she stood rooted in front of Asch’s door, back to where it all started, it wasn't her Foreseeing that caused her distress. Memories flooded her mind of her scattered and missing family, but she soon shoved them away. She would regret this moment forever if she left without saying goodbye to Asch. She would hate herself for backing down now. Leeanna braced herself and swung open the door, like she was ripping off a band aid.

The hinges squeaked in protest as the door glided to the side, bringing Leeanna with it. She looked around, her eyes wide. The curtains were drawn. Leeanna gravitated towards them and pulled them to the side. She also pushed the window out to open it, as if it would chase away the pain and the musty smell that the start of summer had brought.

Leeanna studied the cloudless sky above. Warm sunlight poured into the room, bringing the place to life once again. Asch always did have a nice view from his bedroom window.