Trash: Chapter 120 Rest Day (Patreon)

Chapter 120

Rest Day

It was odd waking up the next morning. There was a certain stillness that only seems to be counterintuitive to the daily life I have become used to at the Bloom estate.

At first, it took my mind a while to catch onto the oddities. For the house was still alive, still breathing with decades of cast-off life energy, so that was the same. I still felt more refreshed and energized than I have anywhere else in my life, almost as if- well that doesn’t quite matter, not yet. It is still too soon to put that level of trust in this place, but for a moment, I could swear that I almost felt that this place was home.

To me, home has always been one of those illusory ideals, a dream that we all aspire to but never quite reach. For me, a home must have three things: warm, resting, and safe. It’s been so long since I felt any combination of these three things that I still feel wary, as if this illusion of a home will fade away if I focus and look for the flaws. The lines of reality that you can always look for in a dream to help you awaken in time. Yet, for the life of me, I could not find the seams.

Waking up today, I felt that those seams would finally be revealed, as the illusion had been just too perfect, and now? Now I could almost feel that something was off.

Heading downstairs, I was surprised to see that most of the house was quiet. No gaggle of Bloom children getting ready to run wild and look down snobbishly upon everyone around them. In a word, the house was quiet. Well relatively quiet, there were still sounds, the creaking of the floorboards as one- or two-house servants still bustled about downstairs. The distinct smell of warm foods being cooked, showing that there was some life, just not much life.

At the base of the stairs I was greeted by Pierre, who saw me and instantly smiled. Not the slimy smile of someone who treated kindness as a means to get future favors, but as someone who genuinely liked you, and that was rare in this world.

“Ahh, Catarine, good morning,” Pierre called out and bowed, that warm smile never leaving his lips.

“Good morning,” I reply a bit too groggily compared to Pierre’s fully awakened enthusiasm, but I was still waking up. I looked around but found that only one person sat at the singular dining room table. Seeing my confusion at only seeing one person at the table, I squinted and cocked my head to the side to try to understand what was happening.

“Madame Bloom has been awake since early this morning, knowing that you would not rest, even on your rest day.” Pierre commented, after seeing my quizzical gaze, before proceeding to guide me to the dining hall.

“Rest day?” I ask while being guided.

“Yes, school, and most of the city has been shut down for the day, but I will let Madame Bloom explain the details.” With that, Pierre guided me forward, before pulling out one of the wooden chairs and gesturing for me to sit directly across from Madame Bloom. I sat down, and was gently pushed forward to sit a bit easier at the table.

Being this close, I could see that there were eggs, toast, and biscuits all ready to be devoured. Looking up, I saw Madame Bloom who just gestured for me to start eating, which I did. As I began eating, Madame Bloom began to speak, apparently wanting to dominate the conversation, as she never seemed to stop talking once she started.

“As you no doubt have heard, today is your rest day. You are due for one, and today seemed to be a perfect day for a rest,” Madame Bloom began as I just raised an eyebrow while trying to eat a few scrambled eggs.

“Yes, it seems your school will be shut down for a minimum of two days, while they perform structural safety checks on a few walls that might have collapsed at random times yesterday.”

At that admission I just nod, remembering full well the look of barely constrained violence on Mr. Karl’s face as he tore through the stone wall like they were paper mâché. I continued to eat, knowing that good meals in this life were hard to come by.

“There is also the fact that the Royal Order of Watchers had, and then apparently lost a seed of corruption that was reported as growing in a member of the DiVoratore household.”

At this comment, I raised an eyebrow at first, but then remembered full well that Johny Bloom, well now Johny DiVoratore had in fact had a glowing seed thingy in him. One that was brought out by Mousey of all people. Just remembering that look of barely constrained rage on Mousey’s face made me realize that there is truth to the old adage of never pushing a good man until he breaks.

“It also seems that there is a newly awakened Lightken member,” Madame Bloom added. Again, I just raise my eyebrow once more, a sign that I wish for her to continue. “Perhaps you are unaware of what this truly means, but Lightkens were once a prolific family line that had long since lost their titles and bearings in this country due to the family never being able to manifest their bloodline ability.”

Again, she spoke, but I had no clue what she was talking about.

“Lightken are exceptionally good at finding those who are infected seed bearers of the dark. It has been found that those dormant seeds, if left unchecked will eventually awaken seven days after death of a host, and force the corpse to rise as a Death Eater. There are other ways that people can become Death Eaters, but being a seed carrier is one surefire way. Now it seems that your friend Quin Mossey is a lost descendant of the Lightkens, complete with a now fully awakened bloodline. Though he will not remain a Mossey for long and will likely be taken in by the main branch, once a formal representative for their house appears here.”

Hearing that I nod in understanding as to where this is all going. More politics, the same old, having to be acknowledged by a family to become a family member. Despite clearly showing signs of the noted bloodline, it makes me sick just thinking about it. Fortunately, Mousey and hopefully his mother will soon be acknowledged, and thus able to avoid poverty that might come now that their livelihoods at the arena are cut off. I continue to eat, but I can tell I am near my capacity for food, but these biscuits are so good.

“Also, while we have no doubts that you cleared main street of any rot, the third prince has found it pertinent to showcase the talents of the city’s newest Lightken member, by parading him around the streets and letting him test his newly awakened bloodline powers. To see what else can be found hiding in plain sight,” Madame bloom continues.

“This is good, as it means there are less distractions for you today, as I absolutely need you to be in peak condition for tomorrow’s Purging Trial. Where you will get to see your competition,” Madame Bloom commented.

Finally, at this point, I could not help myself and blurted out a response. “Competition?”

“Yes, tomorrow you will be side to side with the world’s best healers of your generation.” Madame Bloom comments.

At this, I just stare at her for a moment, “wait, the other healers are coming here?”

“Yes, we will be hosting a Purging Trial of heresy, which is fortunate, as we would need a Lightken in attendance to perform this trial. But now we can have our country’s newest Lightken prove themselves and their worth to the citizens and to the other Lightken members in attendance. But the Lightken’s job will be to awaken the dormant Death Eater seeds in everyone. At which point they will be either put to death or see if they are not beyond saving. And that is where we come in,” at this point Madame Bloom leans forward conspiratorially and smiles, knowing that she has my full attention.

“We, the healers, are present to see if we can save those who are infected with Death Seeds,” Madame Bloom says as she stares at me with a challenging gaze. Hearing her words, I can see what she is saying.

“That is why I will be there with the other healers of my generation, to see who is the best among us?” I ask, thinking that I know, but wanting full confirmation.

“Yes, and I know that you will not let me down when it comes to this regard,” Madame Bloom responds, her eyes never breaking contact with mine, as she seems to be challenging me to back down or appear weak in front of the others.

“I won’t,” I reply and mean it. With these being the best of the world, I am curious to see what other techniques are available, as I assume the only reason why all healers are gathered is that there are a few techniques available to remove this curse. I’d be curious to see what the other healers have.

“Know that this will also be a chance to see if you are worthy of attending Unity University,” Madame Bloom offer.

“Unity University?” I ask, parroting back her response.

“Yes, the students and all of the faculty of Unity University will be on hand to witness this Purging Trial, that is why I need you to make a lasting impression on them. Nothing flashy, but get the job done quickly and efficiently as I know you can.”

I nod, not much else I can say to that. I understand that this is part of our arrangement, that Madame Bloom has somehow granted me this opportunity to learn at the most prestigious university in the world. All I need to do is not screw it up.

“You do want to go to Unity University, right?” She asks.

I nod again, realizing that knowledge in any lifetime has always been one of my favorite pastimes. The only difference is that now, I can learn magic. Not just healing arts, but all types of arts as well. I might even be able to finally put some of my Earth affinity to good use. Just thinking about the possibilities, I feel excited. A chance, that’s all this is, but honestly, I can’t exactly ask for more.

“Good, now tell me, what are your plans for today?” Madame Bloom asks.

My first reply is that I am going to rest, but that would be a lie. Instead, I decide to tell her the truth. With the school gone, main street gone, meaning that Ronaldo’s confections are gone, that leaves me with only one real place to train.

“I’m going to Bloom Park,” I begin, and I instantly see a look of confrontation filling Madame Bloom’s face. I know she wants me to rest, but I can’t, I’d get too antsy, I would need to do something to keep myself occupied, so I push. “I want to see if there are more of those shadow stones in Bloom Park. At the very least, I want to find them all and prevent future spirit rifts from appearing.”

After hearing my argument, I can see the fire burn out of Madame Bloom’s face, “fine, but you will go with Mr. Yi, and take Mr. Stevens as well.”

I open my mouth to protest, that I want to run there, but I can tell by the look on her face that I am already pushing it with these concessions.

“Okay,” I reply.

At that she nods, then looking over my shoulder she calls out, “Pierre, have Mr. Yi and Mr. Stevens prepare to guide Catarine here to and from Bloom Park, only.”

There was a particular emphasis placed on only, as if I might try to get the others to help me do more. I want to say she is wrong, that I wouldn’t possibly, but I realize she might be right.

With that, I use Trash to clean myself and my face of any breakfast residue and wait by the door for a moment. Only remembering to run back to my room and grab my sword before Mr. Yi sees me without my extension of myself.

Coming back down, I see that Mr. Yi and Mr. Stevens both are already dressed and ready to head out for the day.

“Gentlemen,” I call out as I pass them, going out to the yard and prepare for my rest day.

***

(Luna Paraisthisi)

Luna found herself waking up to the sound of a carriage leaving. This alone was not odd, as her room directly facing the entryway, thus hearing a carriage entering or leaving was not unexpected. But what was odd was the sensation she had of hearing a familiar voice that almost seemed cheerful. A voice that instantly pulled Luna from her deep sleep and caused her to be instantly awake. For a moment, she remembered the healing effects the voice offered, how she could actually heal Luna of her afflictions. As if summoned, she found her mind awakening to the thoughts of being healed and made whole. Only to wake up and realize she was still alone.

Confused, she arose and found herself going to the main dining hall where she found Madame Bloom sitting.

“Good morning, sleep well?” Madame Bloom’s cordial voice shone through. Luna just nodded, not trusting her voice to portray her actual state of mind.

“Today, is a rest day for everyone. Schools have been closed, and main street has been quarantined. While we prepare for the Purging Trial of Sal and the other conspirators,” Madame Bloom stated.

Hearing this, Luna could only bow her head, hoping that the tears that were forming didn’t flow forth. It had been a lot to mentally process over the past few days. While she found that Sal might not have known what was happening, it was clear that he had played a huge role in the destruction of her family, and her former empire. Yet, he had managed to save her and Lucia both. They had both lived and managed to have a relatively safe place to grow up in.

“Tell me now, do you wish for Sal to be saved?” Madame Bloom finally asked, her voice sharp as if she already knew some deep profound understanding that was lost to Luna.

“What? That is impossible, he has been tainted by the dark,” Luna stammered out.

“Nothing is impossible, the more I live in this world, the more I’ve come to realize that if someone has the will and isn’t told they can’t, then the only thing left for them, is what they can do.” Madame Bloom paused, letting that statement sink in, before she continued, “now I will ask you again, do you want Sal to be saved.”

“I, I do, but I don’t think—” Luna began, but was cut off by a clearly smiling Madame Bloom. A look that both looked at home on her normally stoic face, and completely out of place at the same time. As if it had been too long since she last was able to smile freely like she was currently.

“Good, in that case, I won’t stop her,” was all Madame Bloom replied with.

“Stop who?”