Spa and a Stranger

Midterm came and went. My detention was concluded. I wound up in the number three spot in the Academy Ranking. My Royal etiquette class dragging me down. Kiera took first, and Kanae second. Aoi and Rosie closed out the top five. Darby raised his rank to eight.

Due to my restrictions Fergus and his friends wound up forming a study club with us, and continued sparring and training with us. Fergus and Eoghan actually rose to the sixth and seventh rank, and his friends filled out the top ten. The others all in the top twenty. They had all grown much stronger thanks to our physical and magikal training.

The Queen had put me to work training her elite corp as part of my punishment, and they were also ranking up. My detention had been paperwork and research projects. It seemed everyone had seen Fergus riding me during my momentary lapse of judgment. It became quite a joke around campus, and town that Fergus was mounting the Virgin Red Princess. Or alternatively, riding the Virgin Red Princess. Somehow the truth of my almost heat incident came out, and nearly the whole Academy knew I almost went into heat out of desire for Fergus, and thus had to still be a virgin.

This actually made matters worse, because nearly every guy on campus was now chasing after me. My drinks had to be tested to make sure estrus spells and alchemies hadn't been slipped in, because yes, there were many attempts to send me into heat. My guards were testing any food not known to be free of such intoxicants. All made worse, because Fergus and I had no time for romance, between the grounding, and detention, and extra work the Queen pushed on to me.

In other words my personal life was being ruined by our friends, the Queen, and the Headmistress. My Unheat charm was working. I had a supply of pills that Aoi and I designed and she created for me which I took once a day, and an extra one whenever I was near Fergus, that further blocked me from getting too aroused. The queen was impressed with all I had done. So much so that she had me researching making such tools and medicines for beastkin in general, this was a problem across many species. But I was ready to blow a gasket.

Then I had just entered the research lab, and noticed the Queen and another woman in there discussing the progress I made. They turned around and I recognized the other woman.

“You! I know you! You're that assassin spy!”

Access adamantine blades

“Get away your majesty, she's an assassin!”

“Yes, I know. I'm so proud of my daughter,” Matilde said.

“What!” I said and looked at the Queen.

“Yes, this is my fifth daughter Celestine,” Matilde.

“Salutations Virgin Red Princess Deirdre,” Celestine said.

I stood up from my battle stance and stored my blades. “Greetings and Salutations, Princess Celestine,” I said and bowed before her.

“Well met, my Queen,” I said and knelt.

“Arise, no need for such formalities away from the public and palace,” Matilde.

“So she was your spy, to watch our movements, my Queen?” I said.

“Yes, but once you caught her, I couldn't very well leave her in place. She is the best though. From her report, I doubt any spy could have evaded your detection grid. It was very impressive. Celestine has been adapting your technique as a teaching aid to our corp,” Matilde said.

“Which brings us to the reason I'm here today,” Celestine said.

“I'm listening, Princess,” I said.

“I'd like to take you and your companions, and you can even invite your boyfriend and his companions to a training retreat at a spa where you and your team will train a small squad the way you've been training your boyfriend and his core group. It will be an intensive training session, but with the benefit of daily spa access every day, over the Winter break,” Celestine said.

“I have no reason to reject such a kind offer, but I will have to ask everyone involved,” I said.

“Of course, You can just send my mom a message letting us know the final decision and who, if any will be participating,” Celestine said.

“Alright, thank you, Princess,” I said.

“It was nice seeing you again, princess. We should have tea sometime,” Celestine said.

“I would love that. I look forward to your invitation, Princess,” I said.

“Well, have a lovely day, We must be going,” Celestine said.

“May the Goddess smile upon you,” I said.

I spent two productive hours on my research, and headed back to the dorm with the news.

“A spa retreat for winter break? I'm in!” Kanae said.

“You had me at spa,” Rosie said.

“Same here,” said Aoi and Darby.

“Well I can't let all of you have the fun alone, I'm in,” Kiera said.

“A two-week spa with my favorite girlfriend. I'd be a fool to say no,” Fergus said.

“Your only girlfriend. Like there are actually two girls in the World to put up with your shit. I'm in. Someone has to have a leash on this horndog,” Selene said.

“Two weeks at a spa with a bunch of amazing beauties? No way I'd miss that!” Eoghan said.

“What Eoghan said,” Cathar said.

“We're in!” said Tomás and Tomoki.

So the semester ended, and we found ourselves high in a hidden plateau surrounded by snow-peaked mountains filled with hot springs, and natural pools, and an onsen resort inn fit for a queen. A mist ran all over the plain rising from the many waters. A vast inn was before us and training grounds could be seen in spots along the valley floor. Entire trunks of ebony trees formed the main outer supports, two stories high. Standing like a wooden temple of pure black columns under a roof darker than the night. Ebony siding filled the gaps. The front entrance was a pagoda rising four stories, and towering over the inn. Golden doors and golden framed windows highlighted the inn.

A warm golden light shone out of the windows from the interior. Finely-crafted golden statues of the goddesses, and gold ornamental details everywhere. It was a tribute to excess, but not so much as to distract from its beautiful and expert artisanal design.

“Great Goddess above,” Kanae said.

The rest off us had no words to add to that.

“Come along children,” Celestine said.

“We're all adults here, and you're hardly older than any of us, Princess,” I said.

Celestine laughed, “You really are just as rude and disrespectful as Mom said you are, Princess. My mother would have given me a thousand lashes with her tongue had I ever been as brash as you.”

“I'll have to ask her about your behavior growing up next time she scolds me. You strike me as more like me, than not, my Princess,” I said.

“Don't you dare. I know things about you, I haven't told mother. You should be more respectful to your elders,” Celestine said.

“Elders? How old are you, Princess Celestine?” I asked.

“She is eighteen, and exactly one year older than you, my Princess,” said Hestia.

Celestine, spun around, “How do you know that?”

“I worked in the intelligence field before I was chosen as my Princess' protector. My knowledge is extensive,” Hestia said.

“We are going to need to have a long conversation soon, Hestia,” I said.

“Yes, my Princess.”

“And you Vulcana, do you have any surprises for me also?”

“Perhaps, my Princess,” Vulcana said.

A tall, fit, woman walked gracefully towards us, her light blue kimono flowing gently over her elegant full figure and accented her long, dark, almost midnight blue hair. Her alert golden eyes sparkling with silver points of light. A mist at her feet gave the illusion she was floating towards us.

“Salutation! Welcome, to the Celestial Veil Onsen, your majesties, and friends. We are honored to have your illustrious party. I am your Hostess Sakura Ó Bradán for your two-week training retreat,” said Sakura.

“Greetings and Salutations, Sakura. Thank you so much for hosting us,” Celestine said.

“Your residence has been prepared with two suites, a den, and a dining hall. These are kimonos for your use at the spas, and a brochure and map showing the locations of our thirteen primary springs and descriptions of their qualities. There are signs along the pathways as well and each spring has a sign and description as well,” Sakura said.

“Are there any planned activities for today?” Kanae asked.

“There will be a brief tour of the combat area and magik training area. This will be followed by dinner in your suite. After which magik training is scheduled. Then, you can explore our many healing and enchanted pools,” Sakura said.

“Is there a schedule for our time here,” Darby asked.

“Yes, sir, your days will start off with a morning warm up, followed by breakfast and then off to the battle arena for combat training. This will be followed by a short cleansing, healing, and relaxation in the baths. Followed by lunch, and then off to magik training. This is followed by dinner, and time in the springs to recover and recharge. The schedule may change according to your goals and how well they are being accomplished. There may also be some surprise event provided here and there,” Sakura said.

“Now, I will show you to your residence, and once you have settled, our guide Natanya will give you the tour,” Sakura said.

We were shown our rooms, and Natanya began our tour.

“There are thirteen primary springs here. There is one for each of the Seven affinities...” Natanya began.

“Seven, don't you mean, the six affinities?” Celestine said.

“No, your majesty. Seven. The four natural affinities. Light, Dark, and the lost seventh affinity, Spirit,” Natanya said.

“I have never heard of the Spirit affinity,” I said.

“Nor I,” said Celestine.

“That is why we call it the lost affinity. It has been forgotten by most of the world, since there hasn't been a seventh affinity user in over a thousand years, according to our records,” Natanya said.

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“A thousand years? How old is this onsen?” Fergus asked.

“According to the markings on the cornerstone, this onsen was erected in the 12th year of the Second Age. That would be over 3000 years ago,” Natanya said.

“Three thousand years!? Mother said it was old, but I had no idea it was that old!” Celestine said.

“Yes, we are quite proud of this place, The mana is strong here. There are many major ley-line conjunctions in the valley,” Natanya said.

“Yes, the very air is humming with powerful mana. The patterns are quite beautiful,” I said.

“Patterns? Oh yes, the walkways were designed by master craftsmen long ago. Not many visitors notice the work,” Natanya said.

“You can see patterns in the mana?” Kanae whispered.

“Yes. This is a very mystical place,” I whispered.

“I would love to hear more about these patterns, later, Princess,” whispered Celestine.

“Certainly, my Princess,” I said.

Natanya then showed us the six affinity baths.

I saw a bath glowing in an unusual manner, and was oddly drawn to it. Before I knew it, I was standing in front of it.

“Oh, I see you have found the Bath of Spirit. We keep it maintained, but no one has used it in living memory,” Natanya said.

“It's exquisite,” I said.

“Is it? Well beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” Natanya said.

“Does no one else think this is the most exquisite spring we've seen so far?” I asked.

“It looks like an ordinary spring to me,” Celestine said, giving me an odd look.

“Really?” I said.

Everyone gave me weird looks.

“Just an ordinary spring, boss” Darby said.

“Wow, ok. Moving on!” I said.

We then saw several healing springs for different ailments, and lastly we walked past the thirteenth spring. Brigid's Bath.

“You skipped this one. What's Brigid's Bath?” Fergus asked.

“That's our main fertility spring, for men, women, or couples looking to be blessed with fertility by the Goddess. It's a very popular spring, and has a near flawless record of working,” Natanya said.

“Nearly perfect?” Celestine asked.

“Yes, there has been only one known case where a couple didn't conceive after visiting it,” Natanya said.

“Oh, just one? I wonder why,” I said.

“We don't like to talk about it. You'll have to ask Miss Sakura about it,” Natanya said.

“I smell a scandal,” Kanae said.

“Planning to try it out, are you, Fergus, with Dee?” Selene teased.

“The Queen has forbidden Princess Deirdre from entering any of the fertility spas at the resort. They will be appropriately guarded, to prevent any, ahem, mishaps,” Celestine.

“Nothing to worry about, I won't be going near any of them,” I said, moving as far away from it as the path allowed.

We then toured the rest of the facilities we'd be using, and had dinner.

Then we went off and enjoyed the various affinity springs. I tried all of the natural affinities.

“These springs are freaking amazing! I feel so energized!” Kanae said.

“I know what you mean, they are amazing.” I said as I got out of the Fire affinity pool red scales glowing all over my body.

“You're covered in scales? I've never seen you like this,” Kanae said.

“It rarely happens. But if I get very excited or energized they sometimes come out on their own,” I said, as they began to fade away.

“I'm going to try the dark magik spring,” Kanae said.

“I'm just going to wander around and look for one that looks interesting,” I said. The others had already moved on to try other springs. Strangely, my feet carried me back to that strange seventh affinity pool.

“This really does look amazing. What harm can it do?” I said to no one, as I slid in. Immediately, I felt a charge flowing through me. I'd never felt so clear, so focused. I laid back in the pool and let the waters soothe me. The stars overhead looked brighter and more intense than I can ever remember. The roads on Celestia looked clear. Wait, the roads on Celestia? When has the moon Celestia had roads? Oh, well, no matter. They look amazing.

“Deirdre!” Kiera called.

“Hunh?” I said. Celestia is gone? I must have fallen asleep.

“Deirdre!” Kanae called.

I jumped up.

“What!? What happened?” I said.

“You tell us,” Fergus said.

“Why are you all here? Change your mind about the seventh spring? Why is Natanya kneeling like that,”

“We don't know she's been mumbling about a prophecy, and a chosen one ever since the flash of light came from this direction,” Celestine said.

“Ok, but you haven't answered my question. Why are you ALL here?” I asked.

“This is where the light flash came from. Didn't happen to see any flashing lights did you? And what happened to you?” Celestine asked.

“No, didn't see any lights. I must have dozed off. And why is everyone asking what happened to me. I've just been lazing in this amazing spring. Other than feeling great, no amazing, nothing has happened to me.”

“But, you're glowing, my Princess,” Hestia said.

“Oh, I know. I feel so energized. I've never felt so alive. So aware. So connected. So, so, Powerful,” I said.

“No. You are LITERALLY GLOWING. Like a lantern. Also, you might want to cover up with a towel,” Kanae said.

I looked down, and my body was actually glowing from within.

“Oh, wow!” I said. I grabbed a towel, and climbed out.

“I feel so alive!” I stretched out feeling my strength, and a column of white Light shot out of me and flew into the heavens.

“That's the light we saw. It was you! What is that? How did you do that? You don't have Light affinity!” Kanae said.

“Wow. I have no idea?”

“It's the Seventh affinity chosen one! Blessed be the Chosen one. Blessed by the Goddess!” Natanya said.

Sakura came running up. Saw me. Saw the spring. Saw Natanya, and fell to her knees head bowed to the ground and hands in prayer, like Natanya.

“Blessed be the chosen one! Blessed by the Goddess! Bearer of the Seventh sign!”

“You have the seventh affinity, Princess?” Celestine said.

“I hereby proclaim this revelation a State secret. No one is to speak about this except with permission of Queen,” Celestine said.

“Now, we just have to figure out what this means,” Celestine said.

“I don't have the seventh affinity, I'd know if I did,” I said.

“Are you sure? Maybe you just woke it up, by bathing in the spa. Maybe others can activate it by bathing in the spa. But I doubt it. It called to you. Only you. You are the only one who thought it was a beautiful spa. You were chosen by the waters perhaps,” Celestine said.

“I'm telling you I don't have...hunh... what? I have the seventh affinity. What the hells is going on with my level? What? What the fuck! Holy shit! We need to figure this out!” I said.

“What's going on with your level?” Celestine asked?

“Not here!”

“Ok. So why don't we call it a night. It is getting kind of late,” Celestine said.

We headed back to the Inn, and when we were in our bedroom suite, I threw up barriers of secrecy.

“Ok, we can talk, but Selene doesn't know. Fergus doesn't know, and none of his core group know,” I said.

“The queen has taken an interest in Fergus and his companions, she has plans to make use of their abilities after graduation. You have permission to share,” Celestine said.

“The Q-queen has p-plans for u-us?” Selene said.

“Yes, but good plans. You'll all like them, I'm sure,” Celestine said.

“Alright, well I was level 121 recently,” I said.

“121? 121! Oh, my goddess!” Selene said.

“Right, but when I took my full dragon form. My level jumped ten levels to 131,” I said.

“Oh, I hadn't heard,” Celestine said.

“Yes, well, when I checked it just now, after activating my spirit affinity, it jumped twenty levels. I'm now level 151, and my mana size jumped more than fifteen percent. Every level jumped more than fifteen percent. Most of them were already maxed out. Meaning my maximum jumped and all my already maxed stats filled up,” I said.

“Level 151? Is that even possible?” Selene asked.

“Wow! How could one affinity have such an impact?” Celestine asked.

“I have a theory, but it's too early begin guessing. We will have to question Sakura, and the people here at the onsen about the affinity. I'd like to know about this chosen one and prophecy, as well,” I said.

“Indeed. You really are a handful Princess, but let's turn in for the night,” Celestine said.

In the morning Sakura promised to gather what information they had on the prophecy, the chosen one, and the seventh affinity. While we proceeded with our planned training. The training went well, so whatever this new affinity was it didn't have any negative impact. The training, in fact, was going better than expected. Some of that was certainly due to the massive mana and ley lines here, and the more relaxed environment. I and Celestine, however, felt possibly my new affinity may also have boosted the results. We brought Fergus and his companions up to speed on my stats, and the new affinity. They were all appropriately floored with the information.

“We should have everyone, use the spirit spa, and record any changes. Maybe, there is something about the spa that triggers activation of the affinity? The spa may still have an effect on people even if they don't ultimately have the affinity,” I said.

“That's a good idea,” Celestine said.

Everyone of course was excited about the idea of possibly getting another affinity, and an ancient lost affinity? Oh, yes, everyone wanted that. So by the end of the week, we had some real numbers to look at.

“Well, this is very interesting, but confusing, Dee,” Celestine said.

“Yes it is. Nearly everyone benefited from soaking in the Spirit spa. But beyond a certain point there seems to be no further benefit. What do you make of the three who had no change in numbers, Celes?” I asked.

“I'm not sure but, all three of them are the last people I'd have expected to not benefit,” Celestine said.

“Hmm, interesting. I feel the opposite. Kiera meditates every day. She is more in touch with her inner self than anyone I have ever met. Perhaps she has already reached the peak of her spiritual awareness. Perhaps she is always training her spirit to the max. All of her spiritual pathways open and waiting on the next level to climb. The other two also fit that pattern. They are very self-aware and spiritual,” I said.

“Oh. That's an excellent point! How about a further test? Why don't we have Kiera do her meditation in the spa?” Celestine said.

“Oh, that's interesting. What do you think, Kiera?”

“Yes, that's an interesting idea,” Kiera said.

“Another thing to note, I think daily meditation should be added to the entire knight program. Clearly, there is something that strengthens us if we also train our spirit. That may be another reason why no one has had the affinity for so long. Even among the staff here there seems to be very few in touch with their spiritual core. It would be interesting to see what effect there would be on the ascetics who shun the Academy, and society in general,” I said.

“I will ask mother what she thinks, but I think you have an excellent point. Why don't we select some of the people here and give it a test? See if the ones starting a meditation program improve better than those who don't,” Celestine said.

“I'd like to try,” Kanae said.

“Me too,” Aoi said.

“I'm not really good at that stuff,” Darby said.

“I'd like to try it,” Fergus said.

“As would I,” Selene said.

“Great, we'll select a few more, and see what happens after another week. We can always send groups here to soak in the spa later to reap the benefits it offers,” Celestine said.

“Now, what do you make of the prophecy and chosen one tales?” Celestine said.

“Very cryptic, and also kind of generalized. Like the Star readings that are so popular. The problem with those star readings, almost everyone can find something in them that 'matches' them. This prophecy could point to almost anything. Maybe it is about me, some of it is very much a part of my tale. A magnificent and impactful birth. Then a humble beginning. Then a rise to fame and influence. Whether in the future I rise to be some great and powerful savior, or vehicle of change to a new Golden Age? Well, sure, it's possible. But any attempt at manipulating the future may alter it, and even destroy the said prophecy. I saw nothing useful in it to tell us anything about the Spirit affinity. Nor in the chosen one tale.

Surely, there will be others who can awaken a Spirit affinity. Given I have awoken one, it would seem it is not so much an affinity at birth, or puberty, or adulthood. It is one that needs a trigger. It needs to be awoken. It needs to be sought, and trained. You could say, my drifting thoughts while in the spa, were a part of what caused my awaking. We can't be sure it was just a matter of soaking in it. We are going to have to test a lot of people in the spa, before we can really answer that question. We may not even get an answer in our lifetime. Maybe, I am indeed a chosen one, but that choice gains us nothing. Even if I am some one in a million, we have clearly seen there is benefit in making an effort on that front,” I said.

“I agree,” Celestine said.

Over the rest of the week, we conducted numerous experiments with the spirit. We found everyone benefited from spirit training, but as expected some gained more, and some less. In the end everyone part of the retreat jumped at least ten levels. Kiera really was the big surprise. She entered the spa to meditate, while many of us observed.

Some people drew in a surprised breath after Kiera actually entered her meditative state

“Is it just my sight, or is she beginning to glow,” I whispered to Celestine.

“She's definitely glowing,” Celestine whispered back.

“Her aura is flaring, and she has a secondary aura floating above her. Can't you see anything?” I whispered.

“She definitely has a flame like aura above her,” Kanae whispered.

“I've never seen a secondary aura, except on that old Mage in the Forbidden city,” I whispered.

“You mean that mage?” Kanae asked.

“Yes.”

“That's interesting. Isn't that guy like thousands of years old?” Celestine whispered.

“Yes,”

“Whoa! Did you all just see that flash?” I asked.

“She totally flashed!” Kanae said.

After a half hour Kiera came out of her meditation, and I examined her.

“Well, no activation of a Spirit affinity, but you just leaped up five levels, and you have two new skills. Spirit Warrior and Enlightened One,” I said.

“Spirit Warrior? I've never heard of that skill, or of being enlightened as a skill,” Celestine said.

“We're going to need to consult a lot of scholars. This is either something very new, or very ancient. We should look specifically through the ancient texts we retrieved,” I said.

“Yes, well. We are certainly bringing home a lot of homework. This has been an amazing retreat. If you and Fergus' group want to stay another two weeks, I'll cover the cost for you. What you have all done will be a tremendous benefit to the realm,” Celestine said.

“Oh, we get to play for another two weeks in the spa?” Fergus said.

“The fertility spa is still banned!” I said.

Everyone laughed.

“Absolutely!” Celestine said.

And so our retreat ended. Late that night, I couldn't sleep. So I took a stroll. Again my feet seemed to draw me to spirit bath. So I settled in for a little while. It was peaceful, and I also had the open vast feeling of contentment. As if I was floating high among the stars. Then I noticed there was a smaller path leading off of the bath area. A small, and narrow path, but it was tiled like the others. It was barely perceptible though. Almost hidden. My curiosity got the better of me, and I left the bath and took the smaller path. The path climbed gently in a lazy, twisting way. I began to hear the sound of falling water. After a few minutes the path opened up to a small basin and at the far end a steaming waterfall. The path led up to the base of the waterfall and disappeared in the mist.

A naked full-figured woman emerged from the waterfalls, with very long silver hair and porcelain skin. But it was her eyes that grabbed you. They were icy blue, and actually glowing in the moonlight with an inner light. Maybe it was a trick of the mist from the falling water, But I can't see how. She had a haunting presence. Then she looked at me, and spoke,

“You are asleep. You must awaken. A great doom awaits you. Only if you awaken can you save that which was lost. That which you seek. Seek the Divine Spear.” Then she walked past me. I turned to ask her what she meant, and she was gone.