(BL) Taming the Field Guide

Chapter 202: Who is this man?

Kellen wasn’t as exhausted as he thought he would be. He was a little bitter realising that the two S Classes fighting had left them in a better mood while Kellen was feeling all sorts of emotions and he couldn’t fight either of them to get his out.

They wouldn’t treat him fairly because he was injured. They would be sweet and caring, which only would annoy Kellen as he was trying to get his own stress out.

It didn’t matter anymore, anyways. He was sure his Aunt Dina had a facility in her Guild where Kellen could work his stress out. He could make it until then.

The first thing that struck Kellen about the city as they were approaching it was that it was far bigger than theirs. It wasn’t a bad thing, but the city was huge. He wondered how it was managed, how people were able to keep it safe, how the gates were monitored, everything. He also noticed small pockets of life just on the outskirts of the city as well but they looked more like the front line settlements that Kellen was used to.

Rhys and Sergei avoided flying over those areas out of safety and respect, so Kellen didn’t get a good look at what was going on in those pockets, but that was fine. Kellen was sure that he’d be able to see them in person once they landed in the city.

Who was going to stop him? The E.A.G.? Rhys? Neither would be able to stop him. He had a new gun and a mission. He was going to do what he wanted to do.

His Aunt’s building wasn’t the tallest one in the city, nor the smallest. It was one of the major towers, but it blended into the city instead of stuck out. That was great for harmony reasons, but sucked for Rhys and Sergei since they had never been there before. Kellen had also never approached it before either, and had only seen videos and photos of it from the ground so far.

What did it mean? They had to call his Aunt Dina so she or one of her Lieutenants could come out and wave them down. It felt a little embarrassing since Kellen, Rhys and Sergei were essentially their backup to help them out of a terrible situation, but Kellen took it on the chin. What was there to be embarrassed about? It was their first time in the city.

What was embarrassing was the reaction that he received after Lieutenant Parker, or Uncle Parker, came out to wave them down. He was all smiles, so excited to see Kellen in person after such a long time but his Aunt Dina who had also come down had yanked Kellen out of Rhys’ arms without asking and squeezed him like he was a stuffed animal.

Rhys hadn’t had time to protest, nor did Kellen. He was in Rhys’ arms one second, and then in his Aunt’s the next.

The air had tensed while Kellen had laughed, squeezing his Aunt in return. Did Kellen also check how she was doing? Of course. This was unusual behaviour for her and Kellen could hear Uncle Parker speaking to Sergei and Rhys quickly. He was clearly asking them to calm down and be understanding. Rhys was almost too understanding and Sergei seemed...nervous.

Kellen was the one who broke up the moment, pulling away from his Aunt so that he could touch her face with his gloved hand. She flinched as she finally got a good look at him.

"What do you need the eyepatch for?" She demanded, her gaze slipping into the fiery red colour of her powers and Kellen grinned.

"Still not fully healed from the gate. It’s taking its time, but I am slowly regaining my sight in this eye. Same with this hand. I’ll be fine since Taylor gave me the okay to be here." He told his Aunt who had been dealing with her own set of worries for a while now.

She did not look like she liked the sound of that, but Kellen was happy to see that she was actually in far better condition than he thought. Brent was taking very good care of her, despite her overprotectiveness.

The bags under her eyes were lighters, there was life behind her eyes, her hair was glossy and well taken care of. She didn’t look perfect, but she looked alive. That was something that Kellen had been worried about in the back of his mind. How many Espers had chosen that life had taken enough from them after a partner had died?

While it was tragic that Brent had been stolen from them, he was actually really happy that he had ended up in the same city as his Aunt Dina, and that he had been staying with her. He had no idea what would have happened to her otherwise.

"Well, I’ll trust that Taylor. I know she’s your Healer, but she’s also your friend. I’m a little worried that she would let you get away with bad behaviour." She muttered, frowning. Rhys let out a laugh, stepping forward and putting a possessive hand on Kellen’s shoulder but didn’t pull Kellen away from his Aunt.

Rhys’ smile was bright, mega-watt. It looked like he was doing a press release instead of meeting Kellen’s Aunt.

"Trust me when I say that Green lets Kellen get away with the least out of everyone. She’s known him since he was younger and knows exactly what he can get up to. I’m certain that Kellen is the cause of all of the grey hairs that she has. I also feel like we haven’t formally met before. I’m Rhys Thatcher, Kellen’s boyfriend." Kellen watched as Rhys held out a hand, waiting.

His Aunt stared at Rhys, scanned him entirely, before hesitantly offering a hand to him and they shook. Kellen held his breath, wondering what the two were going to do. This was the first time that Rhys had met an Aunt or Uncle that Kellen actually cared about their opinion. Kellen knew that his Aunt was doing a power play, and he knew that Rhys would rise to the occasion too.

He watched as they both stared at each other, eyes glowing, measuring each other while Kellen was literally sandwiched between the two of them. However, his Aunt eventually nodded, taking a step back and letting Rhys take Kellen with him as he stepped back. It wasn’t much, but it was a good sign in Kellen’s books.

"The famous Rhys Thatcher, huh? I think some of my younger members have pictures of you in their offices. You have quite the reputation." His Aunt said carefully and Rhys chuckled.

"All terrible, I’m assuming." Rhys said with a smile. "We’ve also never met." Rhys turned to his Uncle Parker and offered a hand. Uncle Parker softened.

"Ah. That’s alright, Captain Thatcher. Jeff Parker, but most just call me Parker or Uncle Parker." He said with a wink towards Kellen. Rhys chuckled.

"I don’t want to overstep when I’m first meeting you today, Lieutenant Parker." Rhys told him before Kellen turned and motioned for Sergei to step forward. Aunt Dina and Uncle Parker stiffened as they got a good look at Sergei.

Kellen was a little surprised by their reaction given that he was also a Captain, but then Kellen remembered that others might find Sergei’s outward appearance a little disturbing at first. All the piercings and tattoos peeking out from under his Captain’s jacket. The dark hair, pale skin, and Sergei’s eyes had dimmed from the silvery hue that they were when he used his powers to the bright blue of his natural eye colour. He was slender, tall and pretty quiet. He had blended into the background until Kellen had motioned for him to step forward.

"Greetings. I am Sergei Volkov, Captain of the Nemesis Guild. Thank you for taking care of someone who is precious to me all this time." Sergei said with a small, but formal bow. Aunt Dina and Uncle Parker had no idea what to do when faced with such open courtesy.

Kellen could tell that his Aunt had been ready to tear into Sergei, but after hearing him speak she was at a loss. It almost made Kellen smile. Sergei looked like a bad boy but spoke like the sweetest man imaginable. He looked rough, unapproachable but he was actually very kind and thoughtful.

Brent and Sergei were opposites, and everyone knew how those were attracted.

"Oh, well, uh, he’s Kellen’s friend so you don’t need to thank me. Plus, anyone needing help is welcomed here." Aunt Dina said and Sergei gave a small smile. That was a shock in and of itself since it wasn’t sarcastic. It was genuine, small, and surprised even Kellen.

"It’s obvious that you are Kellen’s Aunt then. He’s a very nice person, and I wouldn’t have met Brent without him." Sergei admitted and his Aunt Dina’s jaw dropped. She turned to look at Kellen, really look at him, before she shook her head.

"What is in the water of your city if this is how your S Classes come out? What are you feeding these people?" She asked seriously and Rhys laughed.

"Hmm, I can’t say for sure. After all, we did get into a fight on the way here, but normally we rotate who is in the city and who is on the front lines. One of us is usually around at all times. Beyond that, it’s Guides like Kellen who truly keep us in our places." Rhys said with a chuckle. "I’m sure Sergei would agree." Rhys said and Sergei nodded in silent agreement. Kellen rolled his eyes.

"They’re less like beasts and more like siblings." Kellen muttered. "I almost killed them yesterday." Kellen told them and his Aunt and Uncle Parker did not seem surprised by that. Uncle Parker was actually looking around, scanning the area around them from behind. Kellen wondered why he was doing that until he remembered that they had far bigger concerns then Kellen did when it came to security in the city now.

"That’s not unsurprising. I do think we should take the rest of this conversation inside. Your parents arrived late last night and are probably still sleeping in. However, I know Brent is rather anxious to see you." Uncle Parker said, giving Kellen and Sergei a warm smile. "Come on in, everyone. Welcome to the Phoenix Guild."

Uncle Parker stepped back and Aunt Dina followed suit. They led the way through the revolving door that was the front door to their Guild building. Uncle Parker waited outside while Aunt Dina led the way into the door. Uncle Parker covering their backs almost made Kellen smile, but he kept it to himself. He felt how Rhys squeezed his shoulder a little tighter as they entered the lobby.

It wasn’t like the Saturn Guild as in it wasn’t covered in plant-life and light. It was covered in comfy-looking couches and had a coffee shop on the ground floor. They looked busy and comfy. The vibe was very cozy instead of formal and intimidating like the Saturn Guild was. It was more similar to Sergei’s Guild, if Kellen was honest with himself. Or a Guiding Center.

The receptionists smiled when they saw Kellen, Rhys, Sergei and Aunt Dina come in.

"Welcome to the Phoenix Guild. We’ve been waiting for you." They said, warmth and kindness radiating off of them. Kellen also smiled, happy with the warm welcome. His Aunt slid her gaze to him, then to the coffee shop.

"Did you want to grab a tea or something here before going upstairs? Your Dad already scoffed at my tea selection in my apartment." Aunt Dina said, her cheeks pink. Kellen snorted.

"Well if Dad said so, I might as well grab something now." Kellen teased. He turned to look at Rhys behind him. "Did you want me to grab you something?" He asked and Rhys squeezed his shoulder. He leaned in, pressing a kiss against Kellen’s cheek.

"You decide. I do think Sergei needs a coffee. Right, Sergei?" Rhys said, turning to the other man. Everyone looked at him and Sergei nodded.

"A caramel macchiato please, Guide Kellen." Sergei said. Kellen didn’t bat an eye, while he could tell that his Aunt Dina and Uncle Parker were a little shaken. It was clear they had their own perception of who Sergei would be. S Class. Captain of a Guild. From Kellen’s hometown. Yet, he was completely different from the image they had made in their minds.

Kellen was delighted that he had shaken them.