The Burden of Destiny | Sequel to The Aura Within

12 | Aura Projection

Two people carrying the same aura was an anomaly Nicholas thought he would never bear witness to in this lifetime. It was a phenomenon that could drastically swing toward a good or bad direction depending on the bearers themselves. As soon as he received the ancient text passed down throughout his family, he was given special privileges to the restricted section of the castle's library that contained all kinds of history the public had yet to know about. One topic in particular with the most restriction regarded the origins of aura guardians.

Why did his student's aura resemble that of Soul Fraverden? How had he gone this whole time without noticing? Was there more to Hope that he had yet to figure out? Who exactly was Hope Eldridge and why was she kept in the dark about her aura abilities to begin with? What kind of fate awaited her now knowing there was a possible connection between the two?

The answers will eventually come, but one thing is certain, Nicholas thought to himself. I will not let the same mistake repeat itself. My student deserves better than an inescapable fate.

His thoughts quickly ceased when he caught sight of Hope and Riolu approaching the courtyard. Nicholas pushed himself away from the tree he leaned against and made his way toward them. He felt the hot rays of sunlight burn his brown skin as soon as he left the shade provided by the tree's blooming leaves. Part of him mentally grimaced as he had been reminded of Sirena's Island. To think that so much happened as soon as they came to the Mainland...

As Hope's mentor, he had a duty to make sure she kept up with the training regiment. The trip here had caused a short hindrance, but if she was going to be the one to prevent Riolu's revelation from coming true, then she must utilize the true potential of her power.

"I apologize for the abrupt notice, but I thank you for meeting me anyway," Nicholas said to his student.

"Of course I came. You said something that concerned me," Hope admitted, her eyebrows wrinkled with worry. "We can't return to Sirena's Island?"

"Not for some time, I'm afraid," he confirmed. "With these unpredictable attacks going on in the region, Queen Rin and General Hayes requested that I helped them as a member of the royal council."

"I don't understand." Hope shook her head. "These Obsidian Knights... Can't they handle it with the help of Duke Belray? Why must you be involved?"

"It isn't as simple as you may think, Hope," Nicholas vaguely answered. "I have been asked to keep this matter classified from everyone outside the council, so..."

Asked or ordered? "Very well... I guess our hands are tied." Hope sighed in disappointment. "I just wish it didn't have to be this way. I miss our home."

Nicholas frowned a little, feeling guilty for the white lie he told her. He didn't like keeping information from her, especially when the people responsible for her heavy losses were involved, but he was bound by the word of the queen.

Riolu noticed the change in Nicholas's heart, causing him to eye the elder man suspiciously. He sensed the tension emanating from his aura, a kind of tension one created when their heart and mind conflicted with each other. The inner turmoil humans were capable of was both fascinating and strange. How could they manage to quarrel with their own selves? Riolu always thought that humans were bizarre creatures, but even he was able to tell that Nicholas was keeping something from Hope. It wasn't right at all.

As much as he wanted to call it out, Riolu thought it best to stay silent for Hope's sake. He didn't want to be the catalyst to a rift between them. Riolu simply prayed to Arceus that Nicholas would do the right thing soon.

"What will become of my training since we're staying in Rota for the time being?" Hope asked her mentor.

"I'm glad you asked. Part of the reason I called you here was to tell you that you will continue with your training regiment. In fact, there is one technique that I had planned to teach you if you managed to beat me in a sparring session. However, with recent unforeseen events, I believe it's best to teach it to you now," he explained. "It's called Aura Projection."