Gaia's Champion Ch. 56 - Teaser (Patreon)

“Journey’s Rest! This is Thomas. How can I help you today?”

Sheena smiled, warmth filling her chest at the sound of the familiar young man. “Hey, Thomas, it’s Sheena. Is Uncle Felix around?”

“Oh! Miss Sheena! Just a moment!”

There was a faint shuffle, and the sound of Thomas calling out for his father echoed faintly through the line. A moment later, the phone shifted, and that deep, unmistakably warm voice came through.

“Well, well! If it isn’t my favorite niece!” Felix’s tone was rich with humor and affection. “Calling to finally tell me you’ve taken up collecting priceless artifacts and dangerous relics? About time, if you ask me!”

“Not exactly, Uncle,” Sheena laughed despite herself. “We’ve run into a bit of a puzzle, and we’re hoping you might have something to help us out.”

“Let me guess…” Felix’s voice dropped to a more serious tone, though the playfulness never quite left. “This wouldn’t have anything to do with that unpleasant business of a specific witch still running around, would it?”

“She’s still a problem, but that’s not why I’m calling.” Sheena glanced at the others before continuing. “We’re working on a ritual… something old—really old. Meso-American origins, if you need to get specific. We’re trying to awaken dormant Godsborn powers, but the pieces of the ritual we have are incomplete. We’re missing something critical.”

There was a thoughtful hum on the other end of the line.

“Well now… that’s a tricky bit of business.”

Sheena waited, the tension coiled tight in her chest, until Felix’s voice returned—lighter now, more confident.

“But, as it happens, you’re in luck. No need to go rummaging through the old archive—I’ve got what you need right here.”

“In the coat?” Sheena asked, her lips curving into a hopeful smile.

“My dear girl, everything is in the coat these days,” Felix replied with a hearty laugh. “After those mangy dogs made a mess of the shop, I thought it wise to keep my most valuable items a bit… closer to the chest. I’ve practically got a library tucked away in here—might even have some fresh lemon cakes, come to think of it.”

Sheena laughed, the tension in her chest easing. “You’re a miracle, Uncle Felix. When can we expect you?”

“I’m on my way now. Tell everyone to keep the tea hot and the biscuits ready and don’t start the fun without me!”

The call ended, and Sheena turned back to the others, her smile wide and hopeful.

“Felix is on his way and if we’re lucky, he’s bringing exactly what we need to finish this.”

The garden seemed to pulse in agreement, the living magic of the shop responding to their renewed hope. Now all that remained was to wait… and pray that the knowledge Felix carried was enough to finally unlock the doors that had remained closed for so long.