TBATE - Never Ending

A/N:

Virion's birthday is anywhere between January and February.

And Arthur's is anywhere between August and October.

So when I said after Virion's fifth birthday, I meant the next year. Arthur's birthday is in a month or so then he'll turn eight.

Virion started learning how to read around one year and seven months old. Started forming his core after two years of age. Awakened a few days after his third birthday. Arthur appeared a few months after his fourth birthday.

________

// Third Point Perspective //

Reynolds, through his experience with Mages, figured it would be best for Virion to learn close combat.

As once you break their defensive spells, it is easy to best them in just that few seconds that they would be open. And his job now would be to improve on Virion's casting time by sparring with him as well as his physical constitution.

Well, not him but his other son, Arthur.

He could not help Virion with his conjuring so this was the extent of his support. But he has Director Goodsky now so that'll work out.

"Alrighty! Let's begin." Reynolds smiled broadly. "Art will come at you and you just have to block his advances with Magic." Art himself stood a decent distance from Virion on the courtyard.

It was just yesterday that they sparred here and it's already as good as new. Of course, Virion played a hand in tye reconstruction.

He silently nodded. Virion knew this was a test of predicting movements, his reaction speed and fast casting but he wasn't really a fighter so his instincts were subpar. And also casting the right defensive maneuver. Well, it's not like he has any other elements besides earth and wind so his options were limited.

He really had hoped for that quadra-elemental genes to kick in like it did for Arthur. Maybe he had not awakened to them yet? But at least he got the elements that he had wanted.

For now, he though about using wide area counters but that would waste Mana in the long run.

Virion was going down the rabbit hole here and had barely registered his brother moving from his spot.

"You lose." Reynolds announced as Art held his bare fist inches away from his face, followed by a little gust in his face.

"You over think to much, Vi." Reynolds walked back to his original position. "This exercise is all about predicting and reacting."

Art didn't say anything as to not undermine his father experience. Not that he was wrong or anything.

"Okay." Virion regained his focus.

"Now let's run it again."

It wasn't really easy to follow Art's movements even when he is holding back for Virion. He was springing from place to the other, trying to bait Virion into attacking.

While Virion wasn't a fighter, he was a strategist at heart due his background as a professional chess player. Some even considered him the best. Therefore he could recognize Art's bait.

Seeing his brother not falling for it (thinks he is oblivious) he steps in. Virion casted an earth wall in front of him, blocking the opposition from the front.

Virion knew he would come from either side so it was now to put his reaction time to the limit and launch a wind attack as soon-

But he failed. Art was just to good. Or perhaps to fast for him.

He sighed.

Thinking about how he knew the future but couldn't see it. He gets tunnel vision as soon he tries to predict it. It was an unusual feeling. While trying to control this he loses sight of what's coming his way. It was hard adjusting.

And so they repeated this process throughout the day. It didn't help that he had to fight through that tingling feeling.

"Maybe he could use a weapon?" Arthur suggested to his father. After the numerous times Virion struggled.

"Yeah. Something small so that it doesn't interfere with his conjuring." Reynold contemplated.

"A dagger?"

"That could work."

Meanwhile Virion just layed sprawled over the floor, wondering if he gets a say in this.

.....

It's been two months and the Twin Horns had finally arrived.

Training was getting more bearable by the day. As for Mirage Walk, he made decent progress. He still couldn't effectively move around while maintaining the effect or at all for that matter. But practicing this technique had improved his Mana Rotation efficiency more than he could've hoped.

He guess it was the difference in difficulty between the two. Or maybe the fact that he to forcefully expand his less developed Mana Channels so that it could be relative (it wasn't yet) to his Mana Veins. It was painful to say the least more than his Mana Heart.

But the pain was also just momentary unlike his Mana Heart.

And now he was a Solid Red Conjurer along with his other Core having advanced a stage (dark red).

With all his progress till now, he hadn't forgotten to maintain the bonds he had formed. Knowing that moments like these will soon become a rare occasion and the fact that he, himself, hadn't had such experiences in his past life.

"I just wanna sleeeeepp." he sighed. He was already fatigued from training all the time. Now he has to wake up early for the Helstea's Annual Auction event.

.....

Staring at himself in the mirror, all he though about was how cute he looks. Now, he is not a narcissist, it's just what other people say. And honestly, he can see where they are coming from.

For him, it was seemingly an eternity but in reality it was only thirty minutes. Along with the guidance of his mother and aunt, he was dressed in grey button up, black trousers and equally classy shoes. In his mind, it somehow elevated his cuteness instead of his maturity.

Walking down the stairs to the front entrance, greeted by the adventurer party and the rest felt demoralizing. For one, Angela was completely fawning over him, standing at the bottom, waiting like a predator getting ready to pounce over her prey.

All of them dressed in black with different shades of white. As that was the theme for the event. Some had mixed a bit of green, red or blue.

.....

The group were transported in two carriages to the venue. Virion was in a carriage with his family (excluding Arthur) and the Helstea's. The others were in the carriage behind them.

"Hey, Vincent. Don't you think Vi is gonna be a lady killer in the near future?" Rey looked at Virion than at Vincent whom was intently reading a piece of parchment. He looked up at my father then also turned his gaze to Virion.

"Yeah. If he doesn't turn out like you that is." Vincent shot back with a smug smile, repositioning his glasses."Knowing him though, I doubt that."

"Hey! Don't talk as if you have experience with women." Rey retorted.

"Of course I have-" He immediately halted his sentence from escaping his mouth, realizing he had fallen into Rey's trap.

"What were you saying, dear?" Tabitha smiled at him and he recoiled at the site.

"Nothing." He mumbled and went back to reading his parchment. Giving his friend glances that seemed to say, "Damn you!" or "How could you do this to me!?"

Rey had a little snicker.

....

They all got out of the carriages and what greeted me, had left Virion and Arthur without words. Vincent must've spent a pretty penny and lots of time building this massive structure. It was misleading to even call it a house.

The Auction House was adorned with intricate designs all over. The main doors were over 4 meters high, made from petrified wood with carvings engraved.

They have arrived early so only the workers and gaurds were present making sure everything is uo to standard before the vent starts. Walking in, the interior was equally, if not more, impressive than the exterior.

Tabitha lead them to the VIP rooms while Rey, Vincent and the Twin Horns headed the other way.

"You can enjoy yourselfs for now but later very important guests will arrive." She made them comfortable in the carefully designed and furnished room meant for only the most distinguished of people.

"Yay!" Ellie and Lilia went of to the fron with Arthur following behind them.

Virion just looked around, marveled at the sight.

"What do you think, Virion?" Tabitha looked at me.

"It's pretty."

"Glad you like it." She and Alice went in the direction of the bar, leaving him alone still standing at the entrance.

He walked to the front and joined the others. Making himself comfortable in a seat, staring down at the guests below, fulling in the rows of seats.

"Look Ellie, it's starting." Lilia stood at the window, Ellie joined next to her.

"Whoa~"

"Vi, come look." She looked back at her brother.

"I can see them fine from here and besides I just got comfortable. I don't wanna stand up." he leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes, appreciating the softness of the fabric.

"You're just lazy." She gave him a stern look before sifting her gaze back at the people below.

"Whatever."

"What are you guys up to." Tabitha came up from behind him.

"Ellie is trying to count the people coming in."

"How cute."

"Virion, try not to sleep." Alice reprimanded.

"That's pretty hard at this point." he lazily replied., hearing Tabitha giggle at the response.

"Virion." she said more sternly.

"Okay." he opened my eyes, looking nowhere in particular. Sylvie laid on his lap, sleeping in fact. How dare she? Sleeping infront of him while he can't.

Getting bored off counting, Lilia and Ellie played a clapping game, next to him. Even through that, Sylvie was sleeping. How he envies her.

Arthur sat to one side of the room. Looking over them while the ends of his lips curled.

He really is a old man, Virion thought.

Despite his mother's wishes, he dozed off.

.....

He was stirred awake, groggily, from his light twenty minute nap.

It was Sylvie licking his face.

"Kyu." she stopped as Virion finally opened his eyes. Staring directly in the eyes of the creature on his chest. She nods her head to the side, trying to indicate that there was someone behind him.

He barely registered it through his teary eyes.

Oh.

It must be the Royal Family. Alice was surely going to murder him for this. He had a light shudder at the thought.

He pushed himself up while Sylvie jumped off of him.

He took a deep breath to recollect his thoughts before walking out from behind the couch. All the heads perked up as soon as he came into sight.

He had hoped to just slip into the crowd but it seems not. His steps had reverberated throughout the room as if he was making some grand entrance. He just sighed because it seems the universe doesn't want him to have peace without repercussions.

Alice who had initially frantically scorned the room for Virion, was now smiling in his direction. Obviously not in the good way.

He hastened his steps and dropped to one knee.

"Pardon my interruption, Your Majesty. My name is Virion Leywin. I ask that you forgive my late introductions." he announced in proper conduct.

Even the way he carried himself, from when he walked out behind couch till now, it wasn't the mannerisms of just any child.

His name, Virion, had reflected this somehow. In the King's eyes, that is. The discoloured eyes of the little boy before him had carried intelligence beyond him. As if he could see through him, knew who he was.

...

...

The room was quiet enough that you could hear a pin drop.

"There is no need to apologize." the King cleared his throat. Dismissing his previous thoughts as but just a delusion. "You are just a child after all."

Those words seemed to hsve brought back everyone from the depths of their thoughts. It made the air lighter.

"Virion, was it? You can stand up now. You have quite the honourable name." the King stroked his beard. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"It's a pleasure to meet you too, Your Majesty." Virion responded in kind.

.....

And so the little gathering in the VIP suit went on without a hitch. Although, Alice pulled Virion to the side, giving him an earful for disobeying her when she asked so nicely.

Contrary to the popular belief among fans, he was an honourable man. At least in Virion's perspective.

He killed his own father for the greater good. Although, he got progressively worse as time passed till he was even considering to give up his people to save him and his family but that wasn't without shame. And in the end, he didn't do it.

As long as he has solid back up, him along with Virion (elder) could be the best chance this continent has.

Or that is what Virion hopes. They'll probably still loose the war in the end but at least they will be able to hold on longer.

At least till Arthur returns.

King Blaine Glayder, he had long deep red hair, with sword shaped brows. Streaks of grey stood out among his dark hair. Broad shoulders that shaved away a few years off of his appearance.

His wife, the Queen, was more refined in the other hand. It wss she was made of an ice sculpture. Her shimmering white dress beautifully contrasted against her dark blue hair that draped over her shoulders down to her waist.

Virion tried not to stare to much and instead looked over to their guards. The other guy wasn't there. Maybe it was because Sylvie wasn't with Arthur that day and now he had no reason to cime to the event.

It wasn't exactly how he planned this out initially. Sylvie taking a liking to him from the get go had come a long way. In the end he succeeded in creating a good first impression unlike in the book.

But now is not the time to strategize. He cleared his head and decided to go with the flow.

Looking over to the mini version of the King and Queen.

Curtis, he was the taller one among the two as well as the older one. He had brown eyes, sharp brows, and short mahogany hair.

Kathlyn, flowing dark hair that compliment led her porcelain skin. Unlike her brother's fierce and ignorant brown orbs, hers was gentle and curious.

She met the gaze of the little boy. He just raised his hand as greeting gesture but she still had the same neutral expression.

.....

Standing to the side, not really having anyone to talk with. So he just settled for a little drink (juice of course).

Kathlyn on the other hand kept a side glancing at him. She herself didn't know why though. Was it because of the spectacle he stirred up earlier?

Perhaps.

He appears different to all the others she has met. Is that what has her staring so much? In her eyes, he was an anomaly. Was that all that caught her attention though?

Her mind was as confused as she was curious.

Virion, with two drinks in hand, crept over to her while she was lost in thought. She sat alone. He father and brother were looking out at the items for auction.

Her mother was conversing with his and Aunt Tabitha over the counter of the bar.

She glanced back but didn't see the boy.

"Looking for me?" she slightly jirked.

He now stood before her, reaching a glass out to her. She hesitated before eventually taking it with both hands.

Virion proceeds to sit down next to her. "Any particular reason as to why you kept taking glances at me?" he inquired.

She paused.

This was the first time she was confronted in this way aside from her relatives, others wouldn't normally address her in such a way.

"Just curious." she blurted the only thing that came to mind.

"About?"

Hmm.

She had hoped he would just leave it at that. But instead she was faced with another question. He was poking her weak point which was conversation. She didn't know what to say.

Most people wouldn't go so far as to ask her questions and would just ramble on and on. As if they were trying to please her with their senseless boasting. She was thinking he would be another one of them.

But this was different.

Should she just speak her mind?

Is that what he is asking of her?

She didn't know.

So she didn't respond, silently staring down at the glass in her hands. Truthfully, she secretly hopes that he doesn't give up and would continue to pester her.

They were surrounded by a comfortable silence. It wasn't awkward nor did it spark the feeling of needing to talk to one another. It was just quiet.

Of course, it didn't last very long. As now, the auction had come to an end and everyone was getting ready to take home their items.

Everyone headed to the inventory so the chatter had continued on from where they left off. Virion and Kathlyn walking side by side, not too close but neither to far apart. Only this time, Sylvie had accompanied Virion on his shoulder.

Kathlyn couldn't help but ask though. "Why is your brother's bond with you?"

"Who knows? Maybe she just likes me." Virion gave an honest answer. He glanced back at her. "Why? You wanna pet her?"

She contemplated. Her mother was an enthusiast when it came to Mana Beats and she had, along the way, picked up a thing or two herself.

So she couldn't pass this up. She had never heard of a bond with such unique circumstances like this one's.

She walked closer, reaching out her hand then steadily letting her rest on Sylvie. She took Sylvie's silence as her way of approval. She then ran her thumb over and under Sylvie's ear to which let out a soft purr.

"Would you like to come over for tea sometime in the future?" she sprung at thr opportunity after some thought. What was the chances of them meeting again?

He was a toddler, she knew that. In the end though, she was intrigued. She didn't know any other word to describe it honestly.

"Uh, sure." Virion had not expected this but he welcomed the idea.

Kathlyn sprung out her daze, realizing what she had done. She removed her hand and sped up her pace, leaving Virion behind her. Arthur who had been observing slowed down to match Virion.

"You seem to be busy." Arthur smirked, trying to tease Virion. "Going after the princess of Sapin."

He was right but not quite there.

"It runs in the family." he brushed it off.

________

A/N:

Yes. Kathlyn's initial impression of him is that of intrigue. I MIGHT develop this feeling into something more.

I thought of a love interest but decided to set up two possibilities instead cause I'm indecisive like that. Also, let me know if I actually portraid her character right. I need to know.

And Sebastian's absence was because he didn't see Sylvie in the capital. And I kinda concluded that he didn't have any other reason for coming to the auction that day. With his dodgy connections, I would assume he knew what was up for auction. I mean, he practically couldn't keep his eyes off of Sylvie.

Don't worry. He'll be dealt with in the future.