Aurelia nodded at Sonny's and Merida's words.

  "Yes, it isn't the most ideal... however, it's secluded. I can set up what I need to and learn more about what I can do while staying out of prying eyes." Aurelia said, already making her way out, stopping in front of the two.

  "I... am sorry I wasn't as open or receptive to all of your help." Aurelia murmured, looking at them. "It... may be overdue but... can I hu-" Before she could finish, both hugged her tightly parentally. After an awkward moment, Aurelia reciprocated. "This isn't forever. I promise." Aurelia promised before pulling away, waving to all of them.

  "Are you sure...?" Tori asked in concern. "That wasn't exactly the best..."

  Aurelia shook her head. "No, but it's the only place that could buy time. I'll be fine. I still have the seeds you gave me… and the camping gear." Aurelia reassured them.

  "I will be back once I know what I am capable of. I look forward to doing those gate's with you two." Aurelia explained, before walking to the door, looking over her shoulder one last time before disappearing into the dark hallway.

  The five stood there in the now empty lab, looking around. The only reminder of Aurelia having been living there was Chomper and her tank.

  Seris looked at the tank, then his breath caught as he saw his handwriting of Chomper's name on the tank, immaculate as if it was just written. "She... didn't erase it..." He murmured, reaching up to touch the name, only to feel that a clear coat of sealant was over the name.

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  Elowen chuckled as she crossed her arms. "She... isn't as good at hiding her feelings like she thinks she is." Making the others chuckle and nod.

  Sonny shifted on their feet, pondering something before speaking up. "Do you think… she actually sees us as family?" Sonny asked, looking at Merida and Tori with concern and semi-uncertainty.

  Merida furrowed her brows as she thought about Sonny's question while Tori hummed. After a few minutes, the twins snorted and scoffed good naturedly.

  "Of course she will, and probably does, even if she doesn't show it." Seris said confidently, his upbeat demeanor and care for Aurelia appearing.

  Elown nodded in agreement. "You're over thinking it. Aurelia already cares deeply for you three. She left not to save her own skin." She added calmly. "If she truly didn't care... you think she would have kept all the stuff we had gifted her? From the gardening and farming books, animal husbandry, forest keeping, sustainable living. Then there is also all the furniture and camping gear we all gave her... nothing was tossed."

  Seris nodded eagerly at his twin's words. "Just needs time. It sucks that the major houses are moving against her, though. I wanted to help her explore her powers. Hell, our parents wanted to see her again." Seris stated casually, making Merida, Sonny and Tori whip their heads around to look at the twins.

  Everyone is silent for just a beat.

  "Your parents... The Raiding Duo... want to train... Aurelia?" Merida squeaked.

  -Neutral City, Atlantis-

  Tori paused as she was paying attention to the conversation being had, a smile plastered on the minotauresque woman's face. "Things have gotten extremely interesting." She murmured, deleting a request she had been typing up. "I guess there is less I need to worry about than I thought."

  A/N:

  Thank you for reading Chapter 18 of Idler Rising!

  This project is a progression fantasy about growth at the slowest possible pace — an idler who learns to live before he learns to climb. If you enjoyed this chapter, bookmarks + comments genuinely help a new story survive on RR. ??

  Next update: Chapter 19 releases Tuesday