Gray Heroics #4.5

"I accessed the data and information from your device the same day I came to pick you up." His father answers.

"You... Did you hack my phone, too?"

"Define hack."

"Intrusively gathered information directly from my phone without warning me beforehand."

"Ah. Then yes, I definitely did." Galelith answers with his usual unwavering nonchalant tone.

"Do you guys normally do stuff like that?"

"Of course. How else would we have gathered information on this world? It was easily accessible, and it was all beneficial in helping us adapt to an unfamiliar environment."

"Oh man..." Just thinking about the implications of what his father just told him had his imagination running wild. His impression of cryoneans was becoming unsettling, much like how the lot of them already made him feel. 

"Is there an issue?"

"No, no. It's fine... I rather not think about it anymore. You said you were calling to check up on me?" Galivinth shifts the topic of the conversation.

"Yes, something very identical to that phrasing. What have you been up to lately? Have you been studying up on those books I've given you?"

"Uhh. Studying? Yeah, I took time to read a bit. I've mostly been spending time with Naeth." The teen answers as honestly as he could.

"Neath has been visiting you?' 

"Yeah. We hang out together almost daily. It's been pretty frequent, I'd say. In fact, he's suppose to be coming back tomorrow or so to help me learn how to play Conquest Bout." Galivinth elaborates.

"I had no idea at all. Interesting. In that case, I think I'll come by again when he -- if he plans on going tomorrow." Galelith informs.

"Oh, you don't have to do that."

"Normally, I'd agree with that literal notion, but I believe it's different here on Earth. I believe it's a necessity within the human race for a father to be visibly present in his son's life. I don't mind adopting that custom for your sake... And so I will wholeheartedly." Galelith's sincere response strikes his son at the core, ridding of any coherent thought in the moment. Thus, brief silence lingers.

"...Galivinth?" Galelith calls out finally.

"Y-yeah, I'm here. I'm just... Surprised, is all. I didn't know what to say, but I'm glad you want to be around me. I'd like that, if it's fine." Galivinth answers.

"It's absolutely fine, son. I'll be there. You have my word."

"I appreciate that."

"I'm glad. With that said, I'll let you go now. Conquest Bout is a very active sport, so make sure you're well rested and ready for the physical strain. Naeth is usually one to tend his training early in the day."

"Right, I kind of noticed. I definitely should try to get as much sleep as I can. I'll see you soon, dad." Galivinth agrees.

"Likewise, son." With their parting words, the phone call comes to an end. The remainder of his evening carries on without another interruption. The sunsets after sometime, the teen retires earlier than he usually does, and the hours pass silently.

The next day, just as 9am was about to strike and Galivinth was finishing off a cup of refreshing apple juice he had along with his breakfast, the teens phone audibly vibrates on the kitchen counter. Naturally, he reaches over to check for new notifications. There's just one. A message from an Unknown source that reads: Meet us out within the field.

He figures it's likely from Naeth, but also possibly his father. He would've probably asked, but he learns he's not even able to send a message in return upon trying to respond with 'On my way now'.

Regardless, he cleans his dishes within the sink and puts them away before heading out, dressed in his typical fashion of all black.

He reaches the field in just a few minutes and decides to wait at a picnic table.

Fortunately, his wait is a short one.

The sound of a running train gradually bleeds into Galivinth's range of hearing. He doesn't think much of it until it actually grows uncomfortably louder, and only then does he turn to pinpoint where it's coming from. What he sees leaves him speechless.

Overhead treads a stylish onyx train engine with a single cart attached to it, moving on what appears to be ever materializing and de-materializing train tracks made of sheer white energy. It begins dipping toward ground level and charging within his general direction. But before it gets too close, it makes a sudden heavy curve to the right and circles around the entire perimeter. Just once. It slows to a stop nearby before those inside begin exiting the steel transportation. Six people in total; Naeth, Galelith, and four more others whom Galivinth has never seen before. 

"Morning, son!" Galelith calls out from the cart before stepping back inside to retrieve something.

"I hope you're ready to go to bed sore for the next few days. The real Magic Training begins today, and you won't have ample time to think in a live skirmish of Conquest Bout." Neath informs with a toothy grin on his face, standing tall with his hands at his waist. In contrast, Galivinth stares with a look of disbelief from where he's sitting.

"Did... Did you guys really just ride here on a flying train?"

End.