"So its a GENETIC thing!?!" Solomon shouted in such ire and concern, yet the Father merely nodded as if it was a simple question.
"You can say that! I remember the first time I saw Limosa, she was a freak of nature on the few cities she was forced to be drafted." He'd spoke, before the woman moved around his arms and wrapped hers around his shoulders, hugging him close.
"Ichabon, c'mon! Don't be such a tease to me!" She'd remark cheekily.
"But it's true! You phased through pretty much everyone in a few seconds flat!"
"Phased?" Solomon asked, prompting Limosa to take her necklace and open it, channeling her energy through its contents. Such a locket in its center housed a mirror, small, red stains being on it. Such stains was quick to convulse and form into a skull, as it began to make her become see-through, her body weightless, her hands into claws, her teeth sharpened, her eyes blank. "...Oh....That's an Artifact to make Monster Magic, huh?"
Ichabon would nod at his words. "That's right! Necklace of Mary! A wonderful object I found whilst I was doing my scavenging in a nearby kingdom. Kalrix I think was its name. It was like a drifting island, kinda like Khepros over here. Massive ships that housed some huts and shops, a quarters that acts as the kingdom itself, and a few cannons and harpoons to fish their stuff. Nowadays it's just a bunch of Ghost Ships, but it still holds a LOT of valuable treasures. Necklace of Mary just happens to be one of them, nabbed it straight out of a chest I did!" He'd be quick in letting his wife float around, freely phasing through the children, possessing the cookies and biting parts of it off to make appendages, a small army of them beginning to form and walk around, pretending like knights as they chase after a treasure. "Matter of fact, I happen to be the reason why so many heirlooms were here. Limosa told me about how the Helsings tend to leave behind the monsters once their life is over, acting as a form of departure, a farewell to their bond as they pass on. While some monsters would leave them be, others tend to grieve and make small trinkets in their honor. Those trinkets, in some cases, become artifacts that other people used later on!"
"So.....the old library thing that had the cards...Y'now, for Harvard?" Zazel asked, prompting Ichabon to be wide-eyed and laugh a bit.
"Oh THAT PLACE!? Completely unrelated, but thanks for reminding me! It does kinda sound like that, now that you say it. Who knows, maybe our little Harvard would be the one to be the Apex of gifting such treasures!" Despite the harmless joke, Solomon would shake his head vividly, prompting Harvard to laugh a bit, his nerves slowly calming down, finally being able to love his family proper again. "Regardless of that, I do think such artifacts are sacred to keep. You'd be wise in remembering that, ok Harvard? Never lose your gift, no matter what!"
The boy can't help but smile, being followed up by a hug from behind by his mother, quickly returning herself to normal, brushing her head against his. "So, what have you boys been doing? I know he's probably a handful to watch over, but I'm sure you had lots of fun with him, didn't you?" She'd ask, being a bit surprised as she'd see such mix reception from their faces. Solomon's was still in pure annoyance and concern, Stolas would be nodding like mad, and Zazel was in-between of indifferent and optimistic. "...I'm gonna assume this is going to be a long story, my Sweet?"
"VERY much a Long Story." Harvard would comment. He'd take a deep breath as he'd have them sit down and would begin to explain everything, from the city of Salvandi and what it has became, to the book-like world of Synoni and how much he had to grow, though would try to leave out the Fusionism and his secondary style of Magic, to Khepros and how much they endured up until they found them. "...And so now, all we need to do is find the guy and bring him down before he tries to hurt anyone else. I won't lie...I was a bit scared seeing you guys. Part of me doesn't want you to be involved in this, especially considering he has a knack for just...committing parricides if it ever exists, but after I heard about what we are again, it feels....I dunno, helpful? There's not really a good word for this, but it helps me be at ease in knowing you guys are caught up with everything." His parents looked on in horror, having to imagine themselves being up against such adversities and being met with death at every given opportunity. Despite such, they'd be quick in embracing him.
"Oh my goodness, you must've been miserable, experiencing all of that by yourself! I am so sorry we weren't there to-" His mom would pipe up, but Harvard was quick on interrupting her.
"OH NO! NO, NO, NO! It's okay! I know what I'm getting into! I just...was kinda scared you guys may get hurt too."
Limosa would be quick on giving Harvard a quick peck on his forehead, and Ichabon responding in tandem with a head pat. "Don't worry about us, lil' man. We know, too. Hell, I'm with your mother! I don't think I'm more prepared than now with what's going on! You really are being just like your heroes, Harvard. We have never been more proud than ever at you."
"R-REALLY!?"
"Really! In all my years adventuring and scavenging any artifacts and heirlooms I can find, I wouldn't be caught dead trying to do the things you've done. You've done so much in just a short span, and I couldn't be happier at seeing you succeed." Such praise would make Harvard tear up, hugging them as well, smiling to them. The other boys can't help but smile at his words, being a bit jealous such a figure was with him in his entire life. As they broke such a hug, Ichabon would turn his head towards the three. "I assume you may need a place to stay, correct? Any friend of Harvard's is a friend of mine. I'll bring some beds over in Harvard's room if you need it. It's the least I can do after hearing your story."
Zazel would sigh and be at peace, with Solomon nodding for the three. "Yeah, we'd really appreciate it. Thanks Mr. Helsing."