So, today I learned that there’s apparently a cult of wishless fairies out there. In my defense, I don’t think the first of their ranks were because of me, but I wouldn’t be surprised if I’ve added members for them. Of course, wishless fairies are no threat to me. Many of them don’t even know my name.

That said, apparently the goofballs have a rite of passage where they cut off the head of a coratodra. Somehow, it doesn’t fully awaken, so they’re able to do their little ritual, never realizing that they’re actually accomplishing nothing.

I often wonder how fairies aren’t extinct. Though, I don’t like to think about it too hard. The obvious answer is a great path to despair.

After all, the longest lived fairies always seem to be fine, don’t they?

If a paotruss escapes its pasture and someone stumbles across it, it’s forgivable that the paotruss became a meal. It’s not ideal, but it’s life. If a paotruss returns home carrying a calf, it’s more than likely a bonus, rather than a problem.

But, let me just ask a question that would probably get me killed.

How many paotrusses run paotruss farms?

The trunk winder comes to a stop, and there are no immediate signs of change. The Zaereens are a tribe of villagers of all walks of life originally started by fairies whose wishes had been expended, earning them banishment from their home villages. They’re a cautious, but welcoming village, surviving deep in the great forest of Zylodend. They have existed for several hundred years, and during much of that time, they practiced a ritual rite of passage where chosen warriors did battle with a fearsome beast they called the Neekimuugorr. Little did they know, this creature was actually a colossus known as a coratodra, a monstrous predatory ambush predator that regrows heads over time when one is severed.

Discovery of this fact came at the hands of the world’s most legendary monster slayer, Murtoa of Lakia, whose name spreads a mile further in the world with every step he takes. Aiding him in that battle were his companions, Coco and the great spirit Schieranna -possessing Lykha’s body at the time-. But, few names carry the weight of the heroic and selfless knight who roams the world defeating monsters few warriors can defeat.

Of course, Murtoa himself isn’t quite the romantic image of a knight that the stories often imply. And, he doesn’t often trouble himself with the image he projects. He often actively avoids praise and gratitude, and he doesn’t care if people impersonate him.

So, any return to a place where he has been can could potentially be like his first time arriving if those that spoke to him aren’t around at the time.

The Zaereen village is not one of those places.

The moment the ramp opens, a crowd begins forming, cheering and calling out.

Coco steps forward proudly, waving as she says loudly, “Aye! I’ve returned! Bes’ techromanca in the world!”

The crowd cheers, and even inside the hold, one word can be heard above all else; “Murtoa!”

Coco entertains them for a moment, oddly talented at putting on a show. Maerin remarks dryly, “Finally. A use for Coco’s self-aggrandizing.”

Lykha and Kessa scoff and chuckle, and Gyrryth steps carefully past the small group of survivors.

Lykha teases the unorthodox knight, “Hear that, Mury? This is the kind of homecoming I always expect.”

“We’re lucky the assassins are in Almunaicho,” states Kessa bluntly. Lykha, Maerin, and Balleo look at her, and she blushes. “They’re posing as old friends of his!”

Lykha sighs. “I hate your curse, sometimes.”

Kessa whines, “How do you think I feel!? I know who the assassins are! Now, I’m going to be looking for them constantly!”

As the young princess pouts, Sir Balleo, the young Holy Order knight, asks softly, “I’ve noticed few address you as ‘Sir’, Sir Murtoa.”

The others look at Balleo, and then the senior knight. Murtoa asks bluntly, “Does it matter?”

“Does it not, to you? You earned the title. You continue to earn it, if you truly are THE Sir Murtoa of Lakia.”

Murtoa replies bluntly, leaning against the back wall as the surviving villagers file out cautiously, “I’m not a mage.”

“What?”

“I’m not a mage. I can’t use words to kill colossi.”

Lykha, Kessa, and Maerin scoff, bursting into laughter. Even Balleo has to chuckle a little. “I guess that’s true… But still…”

Murtoa then steps away from the wall, stating, “I’ll be in the cockpit. If they want Zaermaa back, let me know.”

Lykha darts in front of him, halting him as she hovers in front of his helmet. “Wh-!? You aren’t going to go out and see them at least?”

“If I leave the trunk winder, everything we came to do will take even longer.”

“What are we supposed to tell them? That you’re just being an antisocial jerk?”

He nods. “Yep.”

She frowns at him, crossing her arms. Maerin joins beside her, hovering with her wings fluttering vigorously to keep her airborne. She crosses her arms, growling, “You know every one of those little magicless strumpets are going to cry every second you don’t go out there.”

Murtoa is silent, and as usual, his helmet hides his thoughts.

Kessa adds astutely, “Most of them would give you anything you ask for for free, Sir Murtoa.”

“I have never taken advantage of my name for financial gain.”

Balleo offers, “If I may, Sir Murtoa; you may see better treatment as a party if you appease them.”

And, as if to hammer the point home, Coco stomps back in, shouting, “OY! ‘Bando! What’cha waitin’ on, ey!? They’re no’ fans of Coco ou’ there.”

Lykha instantly tattles on him, “He wants to hide in the cockpit.”

Coco glares at him. “‘Bando! I’m las’ machen wantin’ ta share ye, bu’ I’d be firs’ machen chasin’ ye down if ye try ta run if I was one of them! You saved ‘em! Get ou’ here.”

There’s only a brief pause, and Murtoa makes a reply that could be stunning for its bluntness, but instead, a tone of humor is in his voice. “Or what?”

Coco recoils briefly, and she retorts, “Or, I tell ‘em you’re sad in the cockpit and lots of loving hugs and kisses be what you need ta cheer up.”

Maerin, Lykha, and Kessa grin, and Balleo chuckles.

Maerin teases, “She’s good… Glad I’m never on your bad side, Coco.”

Coco smirks, turning her amused gaze on Murtoa. “How sad are ya feelin’, ‘Bando?”

He sighs. “Fine. You win this time.”

Lykha says softly, “I know you’re worried about wasting time, but I understand the situation we’re in, Mury. I know we can’t save my mother tomorrow. But, Coco’s not wrong; we ALL need some emotional rest.” She smiles, “And, the Zaereens deserve a little celebrating what makes them happy, don’t they?”

Kessa, ever the knower of all things that should remain unknown, blurts out, “Some of the fairies are hoping they can seduce you.”

Coco instantly states, “You’re jus’ talkin’bout Tricksie.”

Lykha blushes, shrieking, “HEY!”

Murtoa walks past them towards the ramp, stating, “Try to complete whatever business you need to accomplish as quickly as possible. I’ll try to keep it brief. I’m not a good storyteller.”

Kessa exclaims, “OOO! OOO! Allow me, Sir Murtoa!” She jogs into step beside him, and Coco yells, “HEY!” She jumps into step, forcing her place between Kessa and Murtoa, saying, “I’m Boss Machen. I’ll help with the story-gabbin’.”

Maerin lands in a seated position on his left shoulder, and Lykha hovers alongside him. Sir Balleo follows.

Gyrryth is cleaning the remaining ash and debris from the moving parts of the trunk winder, trying to assuage the fairies and Zaereens, as well as young children swarming him.

The instant Murtoa is spotted, several female voices squeal, and the crowd quickly surrounds him. He is bombarded with questions about the journey, if he remembers them, if he's been eating well, and a host of other questions. Some of the Zaereens, now capable of magical flight and basic spellcasting once more, plead for his attention to show off the restoration of their blessing. He doesn’t get much chance to speak, and his companions watch with amusement and adoration. Though, Coco and Lykha subtly deter any attempts to make romantic passes at him.

The chieftain of the Zaereens, a moderately mature fairy by the name of Kellinike, approaches the group. Or, at least, she was chieftain the last time they were present. She walks gracefully, accompanied by a Zaereen wearing the tribal mask of chieftain. However, as soon as she reaches the group, she and the apparent chieftain exchange a nod, and Kellinike hovers up to Murtoa’s head level. She still carries the magic dagger he gave her, but she doesn’t need to flutter her wings to fly anymore.

Lykha, surprised by the development, says warmly, “Chieftain? Y-... You can…?” She trails off as her eyes widen, and she looks down.

Kellinike smiles warmly, saying softly, “It’s true. I was one of Fairy Sage Yanari’s many foolish victims.” She bows in midair at Murtoa of Lakia. “Yet another gift, I am certain we were granted by you.”

Murtoa replies bluntly, “Not me this time. Her.”

Kellinike looks at Lykha when he nods his head towards the younger fairy. Kellinike’s eyes water, and she murmurs, “Twice… you helped us, even after we shunned you. Blessed Lykha… How can we ever repay you?” She’s holding back tears.

Lykha smiles half-heartedly. “Mury’s trying to be modest. I couldn’t have done it without him.” She hugs the former chieftain, replying softly, “Please know, I didn’t want to kill Yanari. I just don’t want anyone to suffer or die.”

Kellinike sobs into Lykha’s shoulder, clutching her counterpart for a long time.

Maerin whispers dryly to Kessa, “Think this means they won’t worship me anymore?” She snickers, and Kellinike suddenly takes notice, sniffling as she remarks, “If… You truly did undo Yanari’s magic, didn’t you? Why is Lady Maerin…?”

Maerin waves her hands dismissively, “Screw titles and nonsense. I can’t kill monsters with words.” She winks at Lykha and Coco, adding, “And, my wish was used by someone else pretty far away. I’m not in a hurry to hunt her down. I get a handicap excuse when I ride in Murmur’s gearbag or on his shoulder.”

Kellinike scoffs, chuckling as she wipes residual tears away. She then says softly, “We’ll take care of the refugees. Sir Gyrryth and Sir Balleo explained everything to the chieftain and me. Don’t worry. But…”

Murtoa replies softly, “The dagger probably isn’t strong enough. But, it shouldn’t return. It was looking for someone, and we think it found them.”

“Oh…”

The former chieftain notices the light drain from Lykha a little, and she reiterates softly, “Oh.” She ponders for a moment, and she declares, “Rest here for the night, and we shall muster all who are willing…”

Murtoa cuts her off gently. “Thank you, but we don’t need an army. If you can feed us, we’ll eat. If you can’t, we’ll continue on.”

She halts, staring at him in shock. But, a smile forms on her face. “Yes… Of course. Then, please allow us to prepare a meal.” She looks at Lykha. “You are our friends. If there’s anything we can do for you, we will.”

Lykha nods. “Thank you.”

***

Sure enough, the Zaereens are every bit as hospitable as they pride themselves on. The villagers of all sizes help prepare meals, and though many still try to make moments to speak to Murtoa and his companions, it is a much more lax environment than before. They play music and recite poetry, soothing the souls of all of the weary monster hunters and refugees alike.

As the village is settling down for sleep, Kellinike invites Lykha to go for a walk.

Lykha hesitates, but Kellinike probably just has questions about Yanari. She nods, and the two walk a little ways into a safe area of the woods, but much less crowded than the village center.

After a while of walking through the eerily peaceful forest, Kellinike says softly, “You’re different than you were.”

Surprised, Lykha replies, “M-Me?”

She nods. “And, not whoever you lost. You’re a different person.”

Lykha fidgets. It’s not that it’s unique to her, but what she’s done for the spirits is risky. She still owes a couple of them a day in her body, which she promised, but with the chaos, there hasn’t been a great time. But, they haven’t harrassed her. They simply are letting her grieve the disappearance of her mother and accept that Murtoa will do everything he can.

She admits softly, “I… had made a deal with the wind spirit, Schieranna.”

This surprises Kellinike, and Lykha adds quickly, “They helped me out, and we made a carefully thought-out contract. That timeframe fell across the battle with the Neekimuugorr.”

Surprisingly, Kellinike remarks, “I see… That makes sense, now.” She smiles, warning, “You know, they say the spirits are very dangerous to bargain with. Especially for us fairies.”

Love what you're reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

Lykha nods. “They’re tricky, but I trust them well enough.”

“It’s amazing that they speak to you.”

Lykha nods, “Thank you.”

They walk in peace for a moment. Kellinike eventually asks, “Are… you doing okay?”

“Mm-hmm. I’m alright.”

“You seem like you’re bearing a great burden.”

Lykha’s steps hitch for a moment, but she deflects once more. “I’ll be okay.”

Kellinike hesitates, but she offers softly, “Don’t bear more weight than you can carry. Not when…”

“Mury is there… H-He’s all the strength I need.” Lykha’s voice wavers, and Kellinike faces her. Lykha defensively says, “If I panic or pressure him, he’ll trade his own life for hers! I can’t have one or the other! I can’t!”

“Who-...?”

“My mother… The d-dr-... It took my mother.” Lykha sniffles, and Kellinike hugs her gently, allowing Lykha to cry this time. “I miss her so much!”

Kellinike pats Lykha’s back, murmuring softly, “I understand… Tell me what you need. Supplies, information… We have people…”

“I just wish she was here!” Lykha sobs, losing the rest of her ability to speak.

Kellinike hesitates for a moment. Something deep within her just awakened. It’s something she was taught to fear, something she loathed the memory of for over a decade, since she was a mere child. Simple words trigger the most powerful magic in the known world, and it is as powerful as the mind that contemplates it.

Lykha didn’t mean the words as what they are, of course. She was simply expressing what is causing her heart to ache.

However, it leaves Kellinike with a choice. It’s not an easy choice to make. The terrible monster that destroyed a swath of the ‘immortal’ Great Forest of Zylodend apparently went to great lengths to find Lykha’s mother. If it returns, the Zaereens don’t stand a chance at all.

Perhaps it’s an easy choice after all.

***

“... And then, ‘Bando stood on the monstie’s back, ridin’ it straigh’ up inta the air!” The villagers gasp as Coco recalls the battle over Almunaicho. “It flew and flew, but ‘Bando didn’e even shake his teenie toe!”

The Zaereen fairies that can fly are hovering as close to Coco as possible or near Murtoa, who is simply acquiescing to the campfire storytelling. One of them asks, “What kind of monster was it!?”

Coco recoils, glancing at Murtoa for help. He states plainly, “Maigon.”

“AYE! ‘Twas a maigon! A wee li’ul monstie pretendin’ to be a dragon!”

Maerin retorts dryly as some of the flightless Zaereen maidens paint the tribal markings on her, which she’s allowing this time. “A ‘wee little monstie’, eh?”

“Oy! It’s my story-gab! Don’ interrupt!”

Kessa states bluntly, “Maigons and weregons were engineered through magic by the Holy Order to try to make their own dragons.”

Everyone, including Coco, stares at her. Balleo starts to object, but he silences himself. However she got such a story, refuting it would likely only do more damage, as it sounds insane.

The Zaereens, glimpsing the far away world through the eyes of travellers, gasp all the same.

Coco returns to her story, “Aye! The shiny-cans didn’e like ‘Bando cuttin’ down the maigon, bu’ he did! He sliced its head clean off!”

“Wait! Weren’t they flying?”

“AYE! Ye think ‘Murtoa of Lakia’ a li’l scared’o’ a teensie fall, do ye!?”

The fairies, magic and magicless, crowd Murtoa as one asks, “BUT, YOU CAN’T FLY, CAN YOU!?”

He scoffs. “No.”

They gasp, and Coco adds, “Aye! He scared o’ nothin’! An’, he knew we was waitin’ for our chance ta help! So we-...”

A scream reaches them from the forest, and the voice is most familiar to the five monster hunters gathered around the fire.

Murtoa is the first to his feet, drawing Zaermaa on the run as the Zaereens, Gyrryth, and Balleo also jump to arms, charging in the direction of the scream, while Coco shouts, “Was that Tricksie!?” She follows after scooping up Maerin, and Kessa is right beside Coco.

As they get closer, they can hear Lykha crying, “NO! NOO! NOOOOO! PLEASE NO! NO!” She’s sobbing audibly, crying out.

It’s hard to figure out what’s wrong at first, as all three of the fairies standing in the glow of a pathway lantern seem to be unharmed.

But then, no one seems to recognize the third fairy.

***

Murtoa slows to a stop, surveying the situation with a quick and adaptive eye. Lykha is unharmed, and she’s not trapped in a box. Her wings are still glowing, so she wasn’t tricked into using her wish. She’s clutching Kellinike’s waist, sobbing as the former chieftain stands still, seemingly a part of the environment with how tranquil and subdued her appearance is.

However, the third fairy standing with them seems to be confused, but she makes eye contact with Murtoa, glancing at the two fairies next to her. She immediately goes on guard, darting up to place herself between Murtoa and the two younger fairies as her hands begin to glow with magic.

Murtoa survives on quick decisions, and he has to assess enemies and allies in a flash. In this case, he relaxes his guard, sheathing his sword. In turn, this relaxes everyone behind him, and it causes the fairy to lower her guard.

The human warrior isn’t the wisest man in the world in any field, so far as he knows. He has a specialization, but there could be someone more talented than he is. However, he pieces together what he sees, specifically, Lykha’s agony in the moment that should and could be a tender reunion.

He states bluntly, “Nelrei.”

The senior most of the three fairies in front of him is noticeably surprised, and she retorts, “You have me at a disadvantage. Though… I must admit I’m… quite disoriented right now.”

Lykha sobs at Kellinike, “WHY!? WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS!? I-...!”

Kellinike simply smiles, petting Lykha’s head. She smiles up at Murtoa. She states proudly, “If a single wish could save the world, it wouldn’t be like it is. If it can make someone I care about live in peace,... I deserve a far worse fate.”

“NO YOU DON’T! THIS ISN’T RIGHT! HOW CAN I-...!?”

Murtoa states curtly, “Lykha.”

She looks up at him, and then at her mother. Her eyes flood with tears.

Nelrei glances at Murtoa one last time, before she flies down to Lykha and Kellinike. She kneels and hugs Lykha to her chest, and the young fairy sobs uncontrollably.

Murtoa makes a head gesture to everyone else, and they quietly retreat, leaving him with the three fairies.

He kneels down, asking softly, “Can you prove for certain…”

“Did you find my necklace?” She looks up at him, and Lykha sobs more, clutching firmly to Nelrei’s blouse.

Murtoa nods. “Murtoa. Lykha has been travelling with me.” This surprises Nelrei, and she looks up at him. She finally smiles, petting Lykha’s head as she tries to coo gently to calm the younger fairy.

Murtoa then asks softly, “Kellinike?”

She watches the scene for a moment, and then looks at him. She smiles, “I have no regrets.”

“The means to undo…”

She shakes her head. “No need. I grew accustomed to being a true Zaereen. I can thrive without my wish or magic.” She looks at Lykha and Nelrei again. “When… I became a Zaereen, I tried to appeal to my own mother. I… received a reply. Her daughter was dead.” She looks at Murtoa again. “Lykha told me you’d die to retrieve her mother. Seemed like a waste to let that happen.”

Lykha finally manages to choke out, “I didn’t… I would’ve never said… It’s not your… I could’ve…”

Nelrei is respectfully silent. She doesn’t disparage either of them. When she does speak, she says tenderly, “Thank you. Kellinike, was it?”

Kellinike nods. “Humble Zaereen indebted to Lykha and her heroic companion, Murtoa of Lakia.”

This surprises Nelrei, and she looks to Murtoa. “Wait… THE Murtoa of Lakia?”

Murtoa deflects, “Some call me that.”

Kellinike retorts, “He truly is.”

Nelrei truly relaxes, “I see…”

Lykha sniffles, whimpering, “It hurts… Mom… I… I don’t know… what…”

Kellinike steps forward, gingerly hugging Lykha as well. She nuzzles Lykha’s head gently, “Shh… Lykha, it’s okay. I made my choice, and I’m glad. I’m happy for you and your mother.”

“B-But… Why? Why… for us? I’m gr-grateful, but…”

“Shh… Lykha, I CHOSE to grant your wish. It was my show of gratitude for all you’ve done for me and the Zaereens. That’s it. Let me have this.”

Lykha cries, turning in their arms to hug Kellinike directly.

Nelrei asks softly, “What is to be done about… our mutual ‘friend’?” She looks up at Murtoa.

He replies, “You should return to your village. No one is contracted to me, and I don’t collect life debts.”

Nelrei smiles.

***

Later that night, Murtoa turns a glowing green potion over in his hand. He’s sitting outside of the trunk winder, staring out over the faint glow of the last few lanterns in Zaereen huts and lodges as the village is slowly going to sleep. Only a handful of guards are keeping watch over the perimeters, but they are hidden from view by their watch points possessing no lights. For obvious reasons, the Zaereens whose wishes have returned aren’t allowed to stand watch, since they glow in the dark.

And so, Murtoa’s gaze is drawn to a point of light hovering towards him. She approaches cautiously, but has a grace about her movements that definitively defines her as Nelrei, as opposed to Lykha.

“Sir Murtoa.”

“Nelrei. Murtoa is fine.”

“I can’t believe you’re real.”

“I might not be.”

She chuckles. “I’ve heard enough from everyone. Are… the two Queltarine girls…?”

“One for sure, the other I don’t know.”

She smiles. “I see… Quite the journey my little Snow Flower has been on, hmm?”

He nods. “She’s been a big help.”

“I’m glad… And,... You found her in the desert?”

He nods. “Met by coincidence.”

“She claims…” Nelrei fidgets with her hands, and it’s a familiar little tick. “You’ve never once asked her for her wish?”

Murtoa nods again. “I have no need for wishes.”

“Everyone has need for wishes.”

“I don’t agree. Everyone can find things to wish for. I’ve been granted more than my fair share.”

Nelrei watches him for a moment, and she smiles empathetically. “I see… Well, I have a request.”

His helmet tips, and it’s clear he’s now looking directly at her with disapproval.

Regardless, she states softly, “Tell me what wish you’d make if you could.”

“No.”

“Tell me.” Her hand starts to glow, and Murtoa replies, “Compel me if you wish, but I report the truth to my companions as much as possible.”

She smirks. “Make the wish that could save the world. End your mission now.”

He sighs. “Kellinike was right. If a single wish could save the world, it wouldn’t be ruled by tyrants or monsters.”

She fidgets, murmuring, “Surely… What if you wished the dragon…”

“Protected by wishes.”

“Then, what if you wished for the power…”

“How much is enough?”

She clenches her hands together, growling, “Isn’t there anything?”

He sighs. “I know what I need to do to complete my mission. But, I have to do it. There are no shortcuts, or everyone dies. There is no simple trick, or everyone dies. There’s nothing a single person can do to accomplish the mission.”

She cocks her head, and he replies softly, “I’ll go as far as I can… If others aid me, perhaps we’ll win. If they don’t, then, it’s as much as one man can do. If you want to try wishes, find someone else.”

She crosses her arms, murmuring a little sourly, “She adores you… She’s too fragile for this path.”

“I agree. But, she has been a bigger help than you might think.”

“I believe you.”

After a momentary pause, Murtoa states softly, “You should…”

“Wish for Kellinike’s wish to be restored.”

He cocks his head, asking, “What?”

“Wish for that fairy, Kellinike’s wish to be restored.”

“Is this some sort of trick? Why are you so…”

“The dragon will come for me again. It knows where I was hiding. It will likely know where I am when he looks through my eyes. You know all of that, don’t you?”

Murtoa is quiet, but he nods.

“It wasn’t my own power that I used to defend you from the dragon. But, I suspect you know that, too.”

“I only know of one magic that can stop a dragon's breath. I genuinely don’t know what fairies are capable of.”

She sighs. “Regardless,... Please. The best option for everyone is for me to no longer possess my wish. Is there something more complicated, or can we grant a kindness for a selfless fairy who made a sacrifice?”

Murtoa sighs. “I see where Lykha gets it.”

Nelrei scoffs. “What do you mean?”

He chuckles. “She wants more than the world can give.” He stands up. “Go to sleep. You’re asking an impossible-...”

“It’s not impossible. Lykha trusts you, which makes me want to trust you.”

“And, how far will that trust last when I use her mother’s wish?”

Nelrei looks down. “I know what I’m asking you. And, I know she’ll be upset. But, she’ll forgive you. I…”

“It would be better if she doesn’t.” Murtoa sighs. “Is there any other way to mask your presence?”

She looks at him skeptically. “From a dragon and him?”

Murtoa sighs, sitting back down. “What’s to stop an endless chain of fairies trying to help the-...”

“I’ll stop them. Leave that to me. And, I’ll explain everything to Lykha and Kellinike. Kellinike deserves her magic more than me. Even with what I know… I can’t help fairies the way she and the Zaereens do. I’m… afraid… Afraid of… losing her…”

Murtoa is quiet for a long time. He murmurs softly, “Days like this, I wish I started drinking…”

The fairy looks at him, and he states with a defeated tone, “I wish Kellinike possessed a divine fairy wish.”

Nelrei smiles softly. She whispers, “Thank you…”

***

Morning arrives, and Lykha finds herself being hugged by a comparably-sized figure from behind. She stirs lightly, turning as much as she can. It’s her mother, who also stirs from Lykha’s motions. Nelrei says softly, “Good morning, my little Snow Flower.”

“Mom… This… It’s like a dream.” They both sit up and stretch, and Nelrei pets Lykha’s head. “I’m surprised as well.”

Lykha smiles, but it quickly turns to a frown. “Mom?”

“Yes, darling?”

“A-... Are you feeling okay?”

“I feel pretty well…”

“Y-... Your hair… looks…”

Nelrei’s expression softens, and Lykha’s eyes widen in shock. She begins shaking her head, but her mother says gently, “Lykha…”

“Wh-... What did you…?”

“I have lived an enviable life, my darling Snow Flower. It’s had ups and downs, but I’ve often found happiness. And, your friend making such a selfless sacrifice… It restored my hope. So, I gave my wish to her.”

“What!? How-... WHO!?”

“Me. It was my choice, Lykha. I already have you. And… most likely…” She touches her abdomen, sighing. “I have much to warn you about the enemy Sir Murtoa seems to be after. But… He’s responsible for you, and likely… your little sister to be.”

Lykha stares at her mother as her brain short-circuits. Nelrei smiles warmly. “I have it on good authority that once a baby fairy is growing, using a wish doesn’t lose her.”

Lykha finally shakes her head. “Wha-...!? But… WHY!?”

“I’m content, Lykha. Having my wish will only draw terrible things. So, I gave it to someone more deserving. Kellinike. May she use it well to protect me and the others.”

“Mom…” Lykha softens, and Nelrei comforts her. She murmurs, “I thought wishes were… What about protecting…?”

“The biggest reason you should protect it is so you can have the treasure I already have. That’s always been my opinion. I feared you wouldn’t thrive outside of the village, and I’m sorry I couldn’t stop you from leaving. But… Thanks to your friends…” She sniffles, petting Lykha’s cheek. “I’m so proud of you, Snow Flower.”

Lykha places her hand on her mother’s where it’s still touching her cheek. She asks softly, “Have you told Kellinike yet?”

“Not yet. Will you come with me for strength, my beloved baby?”

Lykha sighs. “Of course, Mom. As if you need me.”

Nelrei chuckles. “I’ve been profoundly lucky in life, more than strong.”

Lykha walks with Nelrei on the floor as they head towards the rear ramp, since everyone else has already left their racks.

The scene they find is a little bit jarring, though.

Coco is gripping Kessa by her shirt, screaming, “WHERE IS HE!?”

“I DON’T KNOW!”

“LIEYA! USE YOUR STUPID WONK TRICK AN’-!”

“IT DOESN’T WORK LIKE THAT!”

Lykha darts up to Coco’s eye level, asking quickly, “COCO! What’s going on!?”

Coco glares at Lykha with watering eyes -something that is infrequent for the fiery teen-.

The teenage techromancer snaps, “‘Bando’s been missin’ all mornin’! Nobody’s seen him!”

Lykha gasps, but she notices her mother gasp even more so. She looks to her side where her mother is, and she looks horrified. Nelrei looks at Lykha, and tears start filling her yes.

Nelrei admits, “I think… It’s my fault.”

“What do you mean?” asks Lykha quickly.

Nelrei looks down. “He… thought… you’d be angry…”

Nelrei does her best to explain the night prior, and the conversation she had in private with the strange and lonesome warrior. Though the explanation isn’t particularly surprising, it’s disappointing that, after everything, Murtoa would venture out on his own once more.

Though, to Lykha, it’s immediately apparent why.

He thinks he’s doing all of them a favor, abandoning them from his impossible quest.

Impossible it may be, but Lykha knows, after everything, what she has to do.

Or, rather, what she wants to do.

***