No More Two

Everyone was gone but two people. Sorin and Ino; she actually seemed to be doing her job by lining up the bodies with multiple spells. Her care of the bodies was acceptable, so Sorin let it slide.

“Ino.”

How do I even bring this up? Do I want her to join me? I really do. That's a fact I accepted, but I know she won't. Asking her won't hurt just this once.

“I want you to join me. I want you to be here with me and me. I think we made a great team, even if we had disagreements or insulted each other from time to time. I really do treasure the days I have spent with you all.”

Ino stopped moving the bodies the moment Sorin finished; her lips fell a bit as her gaze also shivered. She didn't want to have this talk after all; with her student trying to make her stay, it would make any master crack even just a bit. “Sure, I can count bodies like I count my money! Which means absolutely bad. I'm not good with math; it seems the only position doesn't fit me. Guess I have to leave. I'm sorry, my student.” She apologetically waved despite knowing she was kidding all around.

“So you won't join me, then I want to ask another question.” Sorin moved from the edge of the top layer, turning towards her and walking right up to her. “Will you try to destroy what is here?”

Ino started knocking on her head. “I suppose I have no idea what you are implying. I'm only going to make everyone in the world a mage. That's not something you can hide from, I suppose, because of our beautiful and personal romance. I mean partnership! Wow… don't give me that look. Freak.”

“I didn't even….” Sorin just sighed out; she was unusually ecstatic, it seemed to him. Like she was almost trying her hardest to avert everything that they were talking about. “Just tell me. Stop hiding behind tricks.”

She then turned her face, deadpanned before starting towards the city below. Her eyes tracked random people as they were chatting and slowly beginning to work. “I am not targeting you, but I won't intend to stop my plan. I realised it really, that the biggest test is you, Sorin.” Her finger pointed at him; it was a bizarre accusation.

Sorin sat at the edge of the layer beside, following random movements as well. “I may not agree with your ideals, but that doesn't mean this has to happen; you can always turn back.”

“I can't, I have to do this.” Ino's voice broke to a higher pitch this time, something she was clearly trying to hide, but it slipped either way. “I need everyone to become a mage and bring a new era. If everything continues this way— Then nothing will ever change. Do you really think this utopia can save you from the harsh reality? Do you defy the most basic human principles to drown in this illusion?”

“I don't drown in any illusion. Look what we made happen; this is a place for everyone. Once I end the war with the east, then it will all resolve itself as we return acluraria to a united nation not split by directions. This can work.” Sorin's voice also seemed to be getting higher, their emotional states collapsing as each new word left their mouth.

Ino then gave a huge nod and a wide grin. “That is exactly why! You are my biggest rival. This is why I must make this plan work. Everyone else was just a test, but the real final challenge is the person I least expected. I won't lose.” She then sat next to him. “I won't attack this place; I won't start killing people, but anyone wants to be a mage within here or out. I will make that true.”

“That's insane, really. Then what? You can rule everything and everyone with your elements and the agreement we made,”

Ino shook her head. “I void our agreement. I don't want your help in this in any sense. Even if my bloodline dies forever, as I cared about stupid traditions anyway. Do you see me as an honorable mage or even a person? I doubt it; I'm a monster made to do what she pleases.”

“You're still my coworker, if even just that.” Sorin looked into her eyes deeply. “I won't forget that; that's exactly why I will stop you. I won't ever understand someone like you, but maybe once I defeat you, then you will learn to accept my vision.”

She smirked wider. “I want my vision to be accepted by you too. I'm going against the east and the new west now. I have enemies from every side, but that makes me more fired up.” Suddenly, her voice shut itself off; however, “Sorin, just one promise, one that you will not break”

“Tell me what it is,” Sorin continued, looking into her eyes, her eyes seeming to have a bit of fear. Or guilt; he couldn't tell which it was, but it was.

Ino then uttered the last words he expected: “Take care of Chikaru. Don't waste her massive thirst for knowledge and don't let her waste herself in that base we have. Give her all she needs to be the best seal expert.”

“That was already planned, like I would ever abandon Chikaru down in the center city, but you did remind me actually. I will have to unite the center as well into society. That chef lady will give me a discount too if I give her a nice shop.” He smiled weakly; the air grew silent around them.

Ino gave a small smile. “ I have some things to deal with in the east. And I can give you a little hint too as a parting gift on my relationships. Consider it a master student bonus!”

“A hint on what exactly?”

“My connection with the east is that of a snake biting itself.” With her words said, in just a split moment, she gave a small final smile before Ino suddenly leaped off the top layer at an immense speed.

Sorin followed her down until the distance and speed made her just a haze, and with a single blink she vanished into the ground. Or so he hoped; cleaning her dead body splattered wasn't on his menu after today.

What sort of hint was that even supposed to be? I can truly never understand her words, it seems. No matter, however, she isn't planning to stop, so I must prepare, and I must rebuild even faster. Thought Im happy we got to talk one last time.