The Augur Of Avengence

Nicolas walked towards the nearest teleportation station, his mind still engrossed in the thoughts of that horrific vision.

This particular teleportation station

was a special one as it was situated in the town centre. It was surrounded by a sea of faces, all in a hurry. Though not much discourse was going on between the people, there mere movement had made the environment very loud. Unlike the usual poise Nicolas possessed, he seemed really absentminded, barely paying attention to the people in front, and this exact inattention caused him to bump into a person, his body getting pressed against a velvety skin. In front of his eyes, lay bare an almost celestial pair of orbs, looking back at him with confusion and a slight disbelief.

It had been a while since the 'crash', yet Nicolas seemed to have been converted into a sculpture, as if embracing the person in front was his sole purpose.

"Uh!, Nick, could you please get off my body." his ears were greeted with a voice that could only be described as music.

"Leave her alone, you simp!, there is literally an ocean of people here." reprimanded a voice, though the tone making it feel more of a request.

"Alisha, it has been so long since I met her, what's so wrong with hugging the love of my life anyways ,and as for the people here, they have bigger fish to fry than ogling others' intimate moments." defended Nicolas, though finally letting go of the heavenly body he had been holding.

"Nicolas, thats enough, I was thinking of surprising you by visiting your room directly, but destiny makes its only plans." confided the beauty.

"Well, fate is defintely pleasant today, the earlier I meet you, the more time we have to ourselves, love." said Nicolas.

"Stop being so flirtatious in public, what happens to your usual introverted self when you are with me?," inquired the belle.

"Being with you can make any man gain confidence, Suharita." answered Nicolas flaterringly.

"Stop being so cheesy, Nick, let's go and surprise Draven, I am pumped to see how he will react." said Suharita looking forward to meeting Draven.

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"Oh, you are home, that sure took long, found yourself a good spell?" asked Draven to Nicolas.

"Absolutely, I chanced upon the most magical, here she is— saying so, Nicolas opened the door and in came Suharita and Alisha.

Seeing them made Draven speechless,"whaaat!"

As he stood there not knowing what to say or do, he was approached by Alisha, as she leaned and gave him a kiss on the cheek,"I missed you so much, Drave." saying so she wrapped her hands over his shoulder pulling him into a hug, the position making his hand automatically go around her waist, his breath hit with her alluring odor.

"Come on now, this is not the place." teased Suharita.

"Nice to meet you, Suharita." greeted Draven, nuzzled in Alisha's embrace.

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"Wait!, you actually awakened, that is a relief, it would make your goal much easier to achieve, but keep this in mind, Nicolas, one more instance of you taking a risk and getting injured will lead to serious repercussions this time, safety should be your first priority during the baptism hunt." warned Suharita looking at Nicolas with care in her gaze.

"As you say, love." responded Nicolas.

"Sorry to interrupt your tryst, lovebirds, but get ready for the banquet, we have to leave in a hour at most." Came a shout from the hall outside the room they were in.

"Got it! Give us half an hour." They replied, their voice synchronizing.

_______________________________________

After an unknown period, Nicolas and the others are all ready.As they were leaving the apartment together, it felt as if a lot of ethereal dieties were setting off on a victory march, each exuding a numinous aura.

"Finally! We are here." Alisha exclaimed with delight.Everyone looked ahead.

In their front was a prodigious banquet hall, its colour scheme, most vibrant, like a victorian palace had been decorated for a ball. Each and every nook and cranny seemed to have been designed by an architecture god. The people invited were all dressed in sophisticated coutures.

The group went in while chatting with each other. As they entered, their eyes were met with the most gorgeous decorations ever, the entire place had a high end aura, especially the scent of wisteria that had mixed in with the air. A lull tune played all around, setting the mood. There was an air of celebration and majesty.

After a while, a ball had begun, people engaged in dance, the entire atmosphere had become electric.

The two pairs— Nicolas and Suharita, Draven and Alisha had taken each others embrace, maneuvering elegantly in one anothers arms, the scene felt devine, their each caracole reminescent of heavenly celebration. Both the couples had lost themselves in their parterner, as if the entire world was nothing but mere illusion, and the only truth to exist, the presence of their consort.

The music eventually died out, the chief guest made her appearance, it was her birthday today. Her speech carrying in it precocious maturity. After all she was Emilia Sterling, the daughter of the dean of Aethercrest Academy. Finishing her virtually regal extempore, she climbed down and thus began the feast.

She approached the central table where Nicolas and the others were sitting.

"Happy birthday, bestie." greeted Nicolas "Alisha and Suharita this is Emilia, my best friend."

"Yeah you have told us a lot about her, best wishes for your birthday Emilia." said Alisha enthusiastically "I am Alisha Flitzroy, nice to meet you" she added.

"And this is—" "Suharita Marlowe, my girlfriend and love" replied Nicolas.

"Ohh so this is the beauty you are always blabbering about, she really is a heartthrob."

" Thank you Emilia, many birthday wishes, I am pleased to meet you."greeted Suharita.

"Many many birthday wishes, Em." wished Draven.

Nicolas was flushed at her words, but before he could respond, the grand double doors at the far end of the hall swung open. Gasps of surprise echoed throughout the room as two figures stepped inside. Nicolas's heart skipped a beat—there, standing with proud yet tender smiles, were his parents.

His father, Adrian, with his composed and thoughtful air, seemed to survey the room with quiet interest. His mother, Lila, her vivacious personality evident in the brightness of her eyes, waved enthusiastically at her son.

"Surprise!" Suharita whispered, her lips curving into a mischievous grin.

For a moment, Nicolas was speechless. Then, with a mixture of joy and disbelief, he stood, his chair scraping against the polished floor. "Mom? Dad? How…?"

"We wouldn't miss this moment for the world," Lila said, striding forward to envelop Nicolas in a warm hug. "Your Suharita and Alisha made it happen."

Adrian stepped forward, placing a firm yet affectionate hand on Nicolas's shoulder. "You've grown, son," he said, his voice calm but laced with emotion. "We're proud of you."

The reunion was heartfelt, with Nicolas expressing his gratitude to his parents and his companions for arranging the surprise. They spoke for a while, reminiscing and sharing stories, their bond evident to anyone watching.

As the meal commenced, the table was laden with an array of delicacies. The group indulged in the sumptuous feast, the conversation flowing easily, punctuated by laughter and the occasional clink of silverware.

When the evening drew to a close, Adrian and Lila prepared to depart. Before leaving, Adrian offered Nicolas a rare, heartfelt smile. "The baptism hunt is not just a challenge, Nicolas. It is the path to your eternal mission, if it doesn't succeed, the path will become foggier. Perform well, but above all, stay safe."

Lila, ever the exuberant one, added, "And remember, we're always a teleportation away if you need us!"

As they vanished into the night, Nicolas stood for a moment, watching the spot where they had been, his heart full of warmth and resolve.

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The Next Morning

The first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow across Nicolas's room. He stirred awake to the soft touch of lips brushing against his forehead. Opening his eyes, he found Suharita leaning over him, her expression tender yet playful.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," she said, her voice like a melody.

Nicolas smiled, a rare unguarded moment. "Morning already?"

"Time to get ready," she said, pulling him up. "The baptism hunt awaits, and I'm not letting you slack off."

With renewed determination, Nicolas prepared for the day. Donning his ceremonial attire, he felt a mix of anticipation and nervousness. This was the beginning of a new chapter, one that would define his future.

________________________________________

As Nicolas stepped out of the house, the crisp morning air greeted him. The streets were alive with the energy of countless aspirants heading to their respective teleportation points. He exchanged a few words with Suharita and Draven before making his way to the designated location.

At the teleportation station, the air hummed with arcane energy, the magical runes on the platform glowing faintly. Nicolas took a deep breath, the weight of the moment settling on his shoulders.

With a resolute step, he activated the teleportation circle. In a flash of light, he found himself standing at the gates of Aethercrest Academy, its towering spires reaching into the heavens.