What Does "Family" Mean? [CLOSED]

The fact that this trip was taking longer wasn't helping the only man in the group. He kept silent most of the time, fell in and out of sleeping, and was just not well. Luxanna had noticed it, but didn't feel right asking. If he needed help, he'd speak up. Drake loved it when they stepped off the train. They were back in the city, where he knew he'd need to get some help soon. He was a little too proud to admit that he had gotten hurt back in that cave. He also thought it would heal by now or at least the pain would calm down, but nothing was changing.

The group walked through Aria without an Avrae. Drake wasn't noticing any of the staring. The pain in the back of his head was keeping him distracted. Luxanna was used to the stares. She didn't get them anymore back in Caydale because the people had finally accepted her, the same way they learned to accept Nadia. When Tsubine spoke up, both of them looked to her confused. Drake didn't get it, but Luxanna looked around and noticed the stares. "Ignore them. That's not something you have to worry about in Aria Grand. Besides, a guild coming for aid isn't exactly something most guild members ignore."

"I doubt the leader of Aria Grand will push you away. If you deal with any dirty looks, it is best to ignore them." Drake added in, though his voice was slightly strained, "Aria Grand is also one of the largest guilds who often deal with political issues, so their members are used to people from other countries. Be glad you're not from Nethoral; that'd get people talking." Luxanna saw the guild up ahead. It was pretty close to one of the main gates, so that was lucky. "Well, there it is." Luxanna stopped, "Is there anything you want to be clear before we go in there. It's Aria Grand after all, we should have our stories straight. Though they are likely more accepting, it's best to have every base covered."

"If you're worried, I'd say let Luxanna do the talking. I'm sure people here at least know of her name since she's the Noir representative." Drake mentioned. Luxanna nodded and looked to Tsubine, "If that's okay with you, I have no problem doing most of the talking... If not, I'd say approach them as professionally and politely as possible, which will be easy for you. Just say you request the services of Serenity Verdant since you've found a case of CAE beyond the border of Arcadia. Also, speak as a member of the Noir. I know you're not official yet, but doing that will tell them that you're loyalty lies with an Arcadian guild."

"I'm glad you brought it up; I've noticed it to." Luxanna looked to Drake with a raised eyebrow. He looked at both of them and forced up a smile. "I, uh... Have a real bad headache..." he admitted and looked to the floor, "I don't know why, but it hasn't gone away yet. We'll look for a doctor after we visit Aria Grand. I've been dealing with it since we left the ol' dragon's cave, so I can deal with it a bit longer." "That long? Why didn't you say anything?" "Tsu's Mom has been sick for how long? I'd rather get that done." Luxanna couldn't say anything to argue with that. She nodded. "Alright, but right after this, to the doctor you go."

Everything was settled. Drake stepped up to the door first and opened the large door into Aria Grand's guild hall. The place was quite impressive and filled with Arcanists of all types. The initial door opening wasn't surprising and no one took a second look. However, once one person noticed it, the staring quickly spread through the crowd like a ripple in the water. Luxanna and Drake even felt it here, but she was much more skilled in avoiding it. No one that just stepped into Aria Grand was Arcadian and the silence showed they could tell.

Across the room, sitting at a large table, was Lillianna Cascella and Julliette Kenward. The two noticed the guild fall into silence and looked up from their conversation to see what was going on. Seeing the newcomers, Lillianna and Juliette looked curiously at each other and stood up, making their way down the main aisle to the group. Luxanna saw the only two people that were approaching them and nudged Tsubine to follow her. "Luxanna Luminere, the leader of the Noir guild, I never expected to have you in Aria Grand. Welcome." Lillianna spoke up cheerfully, surprising Luxanna. The silence seemed to die down when Lillianna spoke, most people accepting the arrival or not caring since Luxanna was an apparent guild leader. "What can I help you with?"

For once, Luxanna was stuck. Drake nudged her when he noticed this and she cleared her throat. "Y-You know me?" she asked. "Only be reputation, of course. It's not ever day that a Zakatian is able to lead an official Arcadian guild. I'm delighted to finally meet you." Lillianna held her hand out to Luxanna, who took it quite shyly, with a bit of a blush on her cheeks. Lillianna turned to Tsubine and then to Drake to shake their hands, "It is nice to meet the two of you as well. I am Lillianna Cascella and this Juliette Kenward." Julliet just stayed back and watched the group, but waved when she was introduced. "So..." Lillianna motioned for them to continue. Silence again. Drake rolled his eyes at Luxanna and nudged her. "R-Right!" Luxanna regained her composure and spoke up, "Sorry about that. Was just taken aback."

"Well... The Noir are wanting to request the aid of a member of yours, at least I believe she is still a member: Serenity Verdant." Luxanna explained. Lillianna stayed silent and stared for a moment. She was very protective over Serenity and wouldn't just toss such information at someone. "Why?" Lillianna asked. "It seems CAE has made it's way into my friends Mother. She's suffered from it for about a decade now." "Why have you not come here before hand." "We're Zakatian." "That doesn't matter to Serenity, nor I. Though, you couldn't have known that." Lillianna sighed and rubbed her forehead, looking back to Juliette. "I'll take care of everything while you're gone. I know you aren't just going to let them walk up to Serenity's place like that, but make sure their story checks out first." "How am I supposed to do that?" "Well, I guess you can't. It is The Lady Of Luminosity, so you can just go by reputation." Lillianna nodded and looked back to the group. "Serenity will help, but I'm not letting her go alone. I'll take you to her. She's living near Rydian now. When are you wanting to lea-..."

"Hey, are you okay?" Juliette called out to Drake. Luxanna turned around. Drake looked like he was losing his balance. He tried catching himself, succeeded, but then lost his balance again. He reached up to the back of his head. It hurt like hell. "I'm... seeing... too many people..." he waved his hand in front of his eyes. He had double vision. "Need... doc-..." And with that Drake fainted and collapsed.

"O-Oh god..." Luxanna took steps back to let people through. She knew she wouldn't be any help to Drake and she'd only get in their way. She kept trying to look over the people to see Drake, but the large man that came through wasn't exactly something to see around. "Wh-What do you mean? Is he gonna be okay?" Luxanna asked worriedly. The man tried CPR, but it didn't work. "Okay, so he hit his head. What symptoms has he had?" "He's been in pain since then. He just said it was a headache."

Lillianna shoo'd everyone back. Luxanna grabbed Tsubine's shoulders and pulled her back a bit. "Give her some room." Luxanna said and then tried to reassure Tsubine, "Lillianna Cascella is one of the most skilled healers in Arcadia. He'll be fine." Lillianna began attempting to heal Drake, concentrating around his head. "He's got a crack in his skull... You." Lillianna pointed to the big guy who came to help, "Can you get him to the infirmary?" The big guy agreed and picked Drake up, taking the man to the infirmary. "Juliette." Lillianna signaled her, so Juliette closed and locked the door behind the group so they couldn't get disturbed. "Okay, so from what I can tell, the crack caused a bleed and I'm sure a piece of his skull is enlodged in his brain." "Are you going to be able to heal that normally?" "No, I won't." Lillianna said, stopping to straighten Drake's head, but that moment caused Luxanna to begin to panic, "I have to turn the wound back." "Alright then. Get to work."

It took a mere five minutes for Lillianna to calm down her Arcana. She was working quickly because of the injuries severity, but after a while she was able to calm down. Two minutes after that, she stopped and tapped Drake on the forehead. "Hey, you're friends are worried. Wake up." Drake's eyes opened and he quickly sat up, looking around the room. "The hell happened?" "Feel better?" "Y-Yeah. Haha. Oh that is so much better!" Drake laughed happily and held the back of his head, "The headache is gone. Who did that?" Luxanna pointed to Lillianna. Drake jumped off the table and hugged Lillianna tightly, picking her up and swinging her around. "Thank you so much!" "It's my job! I'm glad you fainted here and not out on the road... Next time, get your head checked out... Dumbass." "Before she saved you, that man there tried... You weren't breathing normally, so he performed CPR." Drake's smile dropped when he saw the man, "Uh... Thanks." Drake wiped his mouth and went to the sink, rinsing out his mouth. Luxanna just laughed, "S-So... Can we get going?" "Ready when you are."

The entire time that Tsubine was checking Luxanna out, Lillianna was noticing. There was one time that she raised an eyebrow and smirked at Tsubine when Tsubine realized she had been busted. Lillianna just held back a giggle and returned her attention to outside of the car. Once the group arrived in Colburn, Lillianna took in a deep breath of that fresh air. Drake complained about the ride. He was tall and these cars were just not as comfortable as he'd like them to be. Luxanna was content.

"She lives a little outside of town with her boyfriend. Come on." Lillianna led the group all the way to Alain's house. She felt a little awkward showing up without really giving a warning, but Serenity wouldn't mind. It was Alain that Lillianna had to worry about. Coming up on the house, Lillianna stopped. "Is that... a dragon?" she asked and pointed out some large animal hanging upside down from the roof. It wasn't supposed to be up there, but... It's a fucking dragon. A moment later, Serenity came out and seemed to be scolding the dragon, who came down quickly and pouted in it's corner. "Is that her?" "Yeah... And she has a dragon." Lillianna facepalmed, "She has a dragon." Lillianna hurried over to Serenity, "You would be the one to own a dragon."

Serenity was just minding her own business by scolding the dragon for going places it wasn't allowed! However, when she heard a familiar voice, she turned to Lillanna with wide eyes and the biggest smile Lillianna had seen in a long time. Lillianna opened her arms, expecting the hug, and receiving a tackle and a super excited squeal. Lillianna ended up on her back with a Serenity snuggling into her. "You have a dragon!?" Lillianna just wouldn't get over it. "Uh'huh. He's my friend. Alain let me keep him, but only with strict rules!" Serenity glared back at Nero, who pouted again. "So what are you doing here? Oh! Come inside for tea and..." Serenity looked up to the rest when she realized Lillianna wasn't alone, "Who are yoouu?" "Holy shit, another Nadia..." Luxanna laughed heavily at that.

Luxanna was surprised that Tsubine was the one who spoke up, but was actually proud she did. Luxanna stepped away and listened to the conversation while enjoying the scenery. Drake went over to the dragon and began examining him. He was a pet, so Drake assumed it was a good dragon. Behind the main scene that was happening, you could see Drake patting the dragon's head, so the dragon pat his head back. Drake poked the dragons nose, so the dragon whacked him with his tail. The two glared at each other for a moment and then Drake jumped on Nero's back. Nero hopped around like a bull a few times and then flew into the air. "AHHH!" And Luxanna, who noticed this scene and was watching the entire time, was now dying of laughter.

In the main scene, Serenity's smile completely dropped when she heard CAE. She looked to Lillianna with wide eyes and a panicked expression. "Calm down." "I-I didn't get it all?" "Serenity it was bound to happen." "N-No! Th-They said it didn't leave Arcadia. So wh-wh-..." "Serenity, calm down! It's fine. You can help them and that's what matters. You didn't know. I didn't know. We can fix it." "O-Oka-..." Serenity was cut off by the screaming and looked back to see Drake being flown off with Nero. "Bring him home safely, Nero!" Serenity called out to him, waving as they flew off. "You guys want to come in for some tea?" Serenity was actually a bit shaken up at the moment. Her adorable demeanor dropped and a more serious one took it's place. "Yeah sure." Lillianna motioned for everyone else to follow. "He's... gonna be okay, right?" "Your dragon riding friend? Yes, Nero is a good boy." Serenity reassured with a soft smile. "Alain!" Serenity called out, "We have guests!"

"Hello, Alain." Lillianna gave a nod as she was greeted. Serenity went off to make some tea. Luckily, she had already put some on the stove and it was ready by the time they got back inside. She quickly made everyone a drink, placing an extra cup for the guy that was flown away. She brought the tea back and set it on the table, offering some to anyone here. Serenity noticed Alain and Tsubine talking friendly to each other and was automatically bitten by the jealousy bug. When she received that playful smile, she puffed up her cheeks and looked curiously at him before clinging to him. She didn't care if he was dirty or anything. She was giving him a hug whether he liked it or not.

"Well, to get to the point of why we're here..." Lillianna stared at Serenity so she would explain to Alain. It wasn't the best of conversations, but only because Serenity realized she was going alone. Lillianna had to confirm that she would be going along with them for Serenity's sake. That made Serenity feel better, but she didn't want to be away from Alain. That didn't matter; she had to. Soon, Serenity was packed and ready to go. She gave Alain a kiss goodbye and walked out with the group to see Drake wrestling with Nero. Serenity was surprised by this sight. Luxanna was impressed and Lillianna was cheering for Nero to win. Nero pinned Drake, who quickly gave up, "Ahh alright, alright. You win! Nice job big guy." Nero jumped around like a happy pup and helped Drake to his feet. Drake looked to everyone else with a smile, "We headin' out?" And so they continued their journey.

Any Zakatian pride was actually met with annoyance on Luxanna's part. There was nothing to be proud of in Zakat. Their advancements in technology do not make up for the arrogance and prejudice. Serenity was awestruck by the area of Mont Blanc, however. She would get excited and point something out, but stopped when she realized she was about to say Alain. It happened a few times, each making her more and more upset. By the fifth time, she just stopped getting excited about anything. Lillianna was impressed with Zakat's architecture. It was a strange country, but quite beautiful in it's own way. Drake was seriously missing the Arcana rich lands of Arcadia. Something about this felt off.

When they made it to what seems to be Tsubine's home, Luxanna fell completely silent. She had no problem with letting Tsubine speak. She wasn't here to make friends, but to help Tsubine's mother. That was it. She also knew better than to use her Arcana around a Zakatian while in Zakat. She could get away with it farther north, not here. Serenity and Lillianna merely shrugged and nodded to the requests Tsubine had. They were fine with it. Drake, however, was annoyed by it. He looked at Tsubine with a raised eyebrow. "If anything here gets violent, it'll be because of someone else. If someone attacks me, I'm not going to run away. I'm going to kick their ass." What kind of man backed down from someone who attacked them? A bitch, that's the type. If you can't hold your ground, you might as well be a damn kid. Now, that didn't mean he'd use his Arcana. Drake never used his Arcana against someone who didn't have any. He'd just kick their ass the old fashioned way.

"I'm with Drake on that. I doubt things will become violent, especially if there's an ounce of common sense being tossed around. However, I have no issues about keeping my Arcana a secret. I'll be silent most of the time anyways." "I will be as well. I'd rather not step on any toes while I'm here." "I'm asking anything I want to ask." "Well of course you are; you're the one here to save someone. You have every right." "Exactly." Serenity puffed up her cheeks in a smile and pointed toward the house, "Now, let's go!" Drake sighed and facepalmed, "Why do we have two of them now?!"

So, a bombshell answered the door. Drake and Luxanna couldn't help but glance to each other. They were thinking the same thing. They both compared Tsubine to Isabelle and then leaned into each other. "Tsu's hotter." "Agreed." "You two." Lillianna nudged both of them roughly. Serenity was too close to Tsubine and Isabelle to hear. Serenity gave a wide smile to Isabelle and before she could answer Tsu's question, "You're pretty! I like your hair. You take good care of it; I can tell."

Serenity walked right beside Tsubine the entire time. Luxanna and Drake stood near the back with Lillianna between the rest. The group stayed quiet until they were invited into the next room. Lillianna stepped over to the end of the bed and out of everyone's way. When Drake and Luxanna saw Tsubine's mother, they were both stuck. They looked to each other again, but said absolutely nothing. However, when Luxanna was called out as Tsubine's girlfriend, she looked up to Drake and smiled cockily. He just rolled his eyes and glared back down at her.

Luxanna, Drake, and Lillianna all bowed politely. "It's lovely to meet you. I am Luxanna Luminere, a friend of your daughter." "My name's Drake, just Drake. Real name sounds way to pretentious and I am also a friend of Vivian." Drake smiled playfully at Tsubine. He'd never call her that again, but this was his first and only chance. "I am Lillianna Cascella. Thi-..." Lillianna was about to introduce Serenity, but Serenity was already over near the bed, staring at Lyra's stomach. "That... is Serenity Verdant. She's here to remove CAE from your system."

"And she can do it. It's not some farse. It's true." "I'm sorry..." Serenity mumbled, tears falling down her cheeks, "They said it didn't get out of Arcadia. I had no idea it had come this far. I thought I got it all... You've had it for so long. I'm sorry." Serenity knew how horrible this illness was. It devastated her to know that someone still suffered from something that she could cure so easily. This one was gonna take a bit longer because of how deep it was in Lyra's system, but Serenity began. Her body began to glow, but the glow soon moved to her hands. Serenity took a deep breath and began the extraction process. While she did this, she often fell into a sort of trance. Right now Lyra was the only thing in her world. "Come on everyone. To the living area. Let's not distract her." Luxanna suggested and then left the room. Lillianna and Drake agreed, quietly following her out.

"You don't have to apologize; It was a compliment, even if the assumption is not yet true." Luxanna said. Drake raised an eyebrow at her, "Uh'huh... What assumption?" Luxanna realized then what she had said and smiled, "That she is a lesbian, of course. Look around this room... Women are a thousand times better than men. Not only do we show our hearts a lot easier, but..." Luxanna shook her chest to make them wiggle a bit. Drake immediately glanced down, not able to resist looking, "Men are so much easier to manipulate." Drake nodded, "That's definitely true. We do tend to look when women don't want us to. Men prefer to think logically about a situation to decide what the best outcome is. We also aren't so petty to manipulate others, especially in ways that cater to more carnal desires. It isn't our fault we're coded to be strong, independent, and this good looking." Drake flipped his hair in a fabulous fashion. Luxanna and Lillianna both laughed. "Touche." "I don't know... Women are a thing of beauty, but I think I prefer strength. There's nothing better than a tall, strong man with the ability send shivers down your spine by merely whispering your name. I also like feeling as light as a feather and running my fingers down the abs of a well-toned chest." "This conversation got too feminine for me." "You're the one flipping your hair better than I can." "Oh shush." The group shared a quick laugh up until the door opened and then everyone fell silent as Tsubine's Father came through and the two talked.

The group kept silent until Ivan turned and introduced himself. Drake nodded in respect back to Ivan. He stepped over to Ivan and held out a hand. "Nice to meet you, sir. I do apologize for the sudden visit, but Serenity Verdant, the woman who we brought with us can and will heal your wife. I'm confident of it." Drake was so glad there was another man in this damn house. He serious missed Masamune at the moment, even if he did come with the crazy little Nadia. "Yes, she will." Lillianna stepped forward, curtsying politely, "My name is Lillianna Cascella. I have accompanied Serenity here as a friend. I do believe everything here will go well and know that soon you and your lovely wife will be able to spend many more years together without the nuisance of that wretched disease." Luxanna stood behind Ivan at this point. She felt awkward around a man like this, knowing his opinion of Arcanists. She knew it'd be looked down upon if she said nothing, so she mimicked Lillianna's curtsy. "I am Luxanna, merely a friend of your daughter's. If I can add anything to this, it is that Serenity was devastated when she found out that someone else had been suffering with CAE. If you do not feel comfortable with them alone, please, go see the girl for yourself. One look at her, a moment of conversation with her, and you will understand that she really and truly is only here to help."

The over-hyped comment only had Lillianna clenching her fists. Serenity was like a younger sister to her, so Lillianna took that on the more personal side, even if she knew he was wrong. When Ivan spoke directly to her, she smiled again and let the matter go. "I don't do it alone. Though I handle the paperwork and represent the guild, it's very much a group effort. The guild is my family and my home."

"I've only recently met her. She and her friends came to me looking for Serenity. I guided them to her and continued with them here. I only came because Serenity wouldn't feel very safe while alone with people she just met." Lillianna explained as kindly as she would. Drake glanced to Tsu, but kept quiet. Luxanna spoke up next. "Your daughter helped me save a friends life. A young girl that I look at more like a daughter went missing and Tsubine guided me and another through Zakat to save her. Since then, she's been family." "Well, I guess it's my turn... And I refuse to lie, so... " Drake pointed at Tsubine, "She was checkin' me out while I was working out. Wasn't my fault!" Lillianna and Luxanna stepped away from Drake for their own safety. "I like to train."

Ohh, Drake was fully enjoying Ivan's company. When everything fell silent, he was still going to stand his ground. Making Ivan laugh was him gaining points. This was awesome! He inwardly fist bumped and took a seat as Ivan instructed. Lillianna and Luxanna followed suit. Lillianna had a beaming smile on. Luxanna went from annoyance to curiosity every now and then. Drake had gotten points with Tsubine's Father; that was annoying. When dating came up again, it was Drake's turn to look to Luxanna and smirk. Luxanna repeated his previous notion and glared back. Once the Father and daughter finished their arguement, Lillianna couldn't help but speak up. "You know, I feel a little left out here. How come no one thinks she's dating me? I mean... It could happen! In another life time..." Lillianna did her best to lower the awkwardness.

Ivan was that Father who told embarrassing stories about his kids. Though to Tsubine they were humiliating, to Luxanna and Drake they were endearing and sweet. Though they laughed at a few, it wasn't to make fun. Usually Tsubine did something absolutely adorable that people couldn't hold it in. Lillianna found the entire conversation wonderful. Drake asked about Ivan and his work, explained about his training and how he keeps a strict routine. Luxanna spoke very little on the Noir and mostly on Nadia, Masamune, Tsubine and Avrae. Lillianna was the last to really bring anything up, but she added some stuff about members of Aria Grand, what it was like to be in a guild, and how guilds seem to replace the broken families that some people come from. All in all, it was a good conversation, but it had to come to an end.

As the group shared a laugh, the door opened and Serenity came into the room extremely tired. Lillianna rushed over to her and caught Serenity right as she would have collapsed. "She's... okay now..." Serenity said in a whisper, passing out in Lillianna's arms. "I got her." Drake hurried over and picked Serenity up, looking to Ivan, "May I lay her on the couch?" Once given permission, Drake laid Serenity down on the couch. She was sweating quite a bit and a little warm. "She was really working... Her Arcana is almost gone." "If she's like that, the disease must have been deep." "With how long Lyra had it, no doubt at all." Luxanna looked to Tsubine and Ivan with a kind smile, "Well, go check on her." The group watched Tsubine and Ivan, only following after they went in.