“Are you the invited ones? Nee, nee, you have to go visit the world tree now, you have to go…” (???)

Listening to the high-pitched tone of the bundle of mana approaching us, I could not help but feel uncomfortable inside, just like when I instinctively know that danger or something similar is approaching.

“Hey you, you with the silver hair and the weird... helmet? Anyway, the World-tree is reaching out to you, you shouldn't let it wait.” (???)

Flying around our heads, this one mana-being kept speaking to us unceasingly, sounding like a squeaky-toy while doing so.

However, unlike the one who keeps floating around us, the other mana-beings distanced themselves, seemingly refusing to get involved.

Meanwhile, Uncle Black who until now only watched on, could be seen sighting and holding his head, cursing under his breath.

“Nee, what are you still doing here? You just have to walk through this forest and you will be there, now go.” (???)

Floating around me and Sumi, the mana-being didn't shut up, sticking around like a curse.

“This here is a Fairy, one of the children of the World-Tree, so you should show them your 'respect'.” (Uncle Black)

Speaking in a rather deep, sarcastic voice that could be mistaken for a growl, Uncle Black stared at the fairy. I amsure, if looks could kill, then this fairy would be dead by now.

Meanwhile, the fairy herself was floating directly in front of me, leaving me to finally get a good look at her appearance. She herself looked like a young woman, maybe about Alice age? Anyway, looking at her clothes that seem to be made of wind, I also spot her white eyes and glowing green hair.

In the distance, I could also see countless fairies with different colored hair and clothes, so I believe it must be connected to their elements.

Anyway, listening to Uncle Black, the small fairy only puffed up her chest proudly as her squeaky voice resounded again. Man, how long does Zaryph need to open the path to the tree...

“Yes, I am a fairy, so you all should respect me. Also, why is your hair silver? Did you color it using real silver? Hmm, maybe you are acquainted with the dwarfs? I heard stories that they often work with a variety of metals, silver included.” (Fairy)

Suddenly asking question completely off topic, I am about to retort, when the fairy already chose its next target. It flew over to Sumi, floating around her head before even hearing my answer.

“Hey you, why is your hair completely black? Did you descend from the evil races? Oh, maybe she descended from a pixie?! Could it be you revive undead, or are otherwise connected to them?” (Fairy)

Suddenly coming to completely wrong conclusion, I could see Sumi draw back, her eyes growing misty. I am actually aware how much that stupid comment must have hurt her, as she was often insulted like that before she came to meet us.

So, hoping to cheer her up, I use my tails in order to let her feel comfortable, which ended up in me being hugged as she cried. Honestly, I feel sad seeing Sumi like that, mostly because I can understand how much it hurts to be laughed at and insulted for being different. But now, I have a family, and even a mother, as well as many friends, so I don’t feel alone.

Yet unlike me, Sumi doesn’t really feel that close with anyone except those in her immediate vicinity, meaning me, Uncle Black, Anna, Alice, Saria and the few others helping out in the mansion.

So, while hearing her stifling whimpers coming from above me, as my ears brushed against her tearful face, I couldn’t help but glare at the perpetrator.

“You, you can’t just…!” (Arin)

I tried reprimanding the fairy, however, before I could do so, she already focused her pure eyes on me again.

“You, though the tree called you, you aren’t going… maybe, do you fear the tree? Wait, could it be that you don’t want to accept the invitation?” (Fairy)

Nodding to herself as she seemed convinced of something, I tried speaking again, only to be cut off again with her annoying voice.

“Can’t you…” (Arin)

“Your eyes are green, are you maybe a wind-element user? But your silver hair, what element is it? I truly wonder, if you aren’t connected to the dwarfs, then maybe… the elves?” (Fairy)

“Wha...” (Arin)

I wanted to retort, yet even then, she already flew towards Anna and Alice, closely looking at them before opening her mouth again.

“You also don't seem like elves, and don't have those weird helmets like the one with the green eyes... are you maybe not invited. You aren't being called out, so could it be you came here against the tree's will?” (Fairy)

Feeling irritated, I could see the fairy take on a inquisitive attitude like a detective, while shortly after her expression crumbled again, seemingly coming to an understanding.

“If you aren't invited, could it be you are thief's that came here to steal from the tree? Oh, maybe you are invaders or spies from a foreign country?” (Fairy)

Still with the inquisitive tone from before, the fairy acts like a child that found something interesting. Meanwhile the girls and I have question-marks floating above our heads. Is that Fairy’s attention-span really that short?! Can’t she learn to watch her surroundings a bit better.

Then, while I was still focused on what happened and the whimpering Sumi holding onto me, the fairy turned her face towards Saria and Uncle Black.

“Dragons, I recognize you. You should be a dragon that toys with ice.” (Fairy)

Saying so with conviction, she points her small finger at Saria, mostly at her blue scales, horns and whatnot.

On the other hand, when Sarias gaze turned sharp, the fairy moved her hand and pointed at Uncle Black.

“And you with the black horns, you are a dark-light dragon right? I heard you guys use Light even though it doesn't suit you. Are you not feared by others because of this?” (Fairy)

Listening to the insults that easily spout from the fairy’s mouth, I could see Saria and Uncle Black clench their fists while their veins became strained, leaving them to be visible.

Still, her questions continued to come out of nowhere, but when she made her next comment, something snapped inside me…

“You with the black hair, why do you hide behind the invited one? Are you perhaps guilty of something? Why do you come to the tree where you don't belong when you are connected to the dead? Did your parents not teach you that it's not okay to involve yourself with the dead?” (Fairy)

Listening to that sentence, filled with wrong accusations and prejudice, Sumi behind me hugged me even stronger, crying even more as I could feel a strong and deep pain coming from her. It was at this moment that my mind went blank, and before anyone could react, the wind in the surroundings picked up, letting the nearby leaves rustle as the surroundings began to move.

Around me and Sumi, the wind picked up in speed, beginning to twist around us like a cyclone. However, my eyes kept staring at the fairy in front of me, intent on harming her.

However, before I could do something, I suddenly spotted a hand pass my face, and the fairy vanish.

What stepped into my vision once I regained my focus was Uncle Black with a reached out hand and dark expression, as well as a fairy at a few meters distance with a burning red cheek.

“Wha… what just…” (Fairy)

Stumbling over her own words as she held her cheek, Uncle Black only stared at her with eyes that could kill.

“Dare to insult Sumi, Arin or anyone even once again, and it will not end with just a slap to the cheek!” (Uncle Black)

Releasing a strong pressure that could make other dragons submit, Uncle Black kept standing in front of Sumi and me, defending us. However, I couldn't help but feel comfortable, as Uncle Blacks pressure encompassed us.

Anyway, the moment my focus changed and my emotions calmed down, the wind in the surroundings slowly died down as well, leaving the whirling leaves to fall to the ground.

Meanwhile, then fairy was still unable to follow the events, continuously touching her burning cheek, before exchanging looks between Sumi and Uncle Black, seemingly confused.

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Yet, even before she could say something, a suddenly second fairy appeared behind her, hitting her head with her fist.

“You Idiot, unable to discern right and wrong, and always jumping to conclusions!” (Fairy2)

Sighting to herself, I could see the second fairy carry the now unconscious fairy over her shoulder, before drawing closer to us. She had a similar appearance to the previous one, yet unlike her, she had completely red hair, while still keeping the same bright white eyes, and clothed in fire.

“Invited ones, I am truly sorry for any inconvenience that occurred. We can't control her, and she lacks awareness of her surroundings, so should she have hurt you one way or another, please forgive us. Like many new-born fairies, she is completely ignorant of the feelings of others, so I truly wish for your forgiveness.” (Fairy2)

Saying so in a sincere voice, she then bowed before flying back towards the forest, vanishing from our sight as Zaryph returned. He, surprised by the sight of our group completely split up, with Sumi holding onto me while crying, as Uncle Black stood in front of us in a defensive pose, he only looked towards the two armored guards who only shook their heads.

Seeing them shake their heads, Zaryph only coughed dryly, before asking us to follow him.

So, as we slowly began walking again, Sumi still holding onto me as though I am a stuffed animal, we walk towards the forest-border, where the trees seem to split apart in front of us. Yet, before we fully entered, I heard Anna make a comment in the background, which caused me to laugh since for once, I understood the reference.

“Damn, that fairy was so annoying, her name should be Navi!” (Anna)

Uncle Black looked back at me for a moment, probably not understanding why I was laughing. Yet, thanks to me laughing, Sumi who held me with her thin arms also began to cheer up. So, seeing as her tears still remained, I used one of my free tails to remove them, leaving her to cuddle me even more.

Actually, I am unsure if I should be happy or angry that I am small and light enough for her to carry me like this.

Anyway, entering the forest which until moments ago blocked out view, we walk on a path I couldn't see until now. Walking on top of it, I can actually spot a massive variety of animals and plants I never saw before.

So, sensing the trees close behind us, I also realize that this must be a hidden-path which can change location whenever required. Still, how come all my senses go haywire in this location? Even Sumi and Uncle Black seem to be affected, as they look around frequently. Well, at least Sumi calmed down, as I can hear her heartbeat return to normal.

Actually, hearing her heartbeat somehow makes me calm, leaving my muscles to relax and my ears to drop slightly.

Actually, I really would like to sleep now, even though I am being carried by Sumi. Yet, listening to her reaction, I couldn't help but suddenly realize what occurred.

“Arin, are you okay? Your face suddenly relaxed and you made a happy smile, but your ears dropped slightly.” (Sumi)

Seemingly confused by my body language that doesn't completely fit the current situation, I could only consciously deepen my smile and answer honestly.

“No, I am fine. Sumi's heartbeat is relaxing.” (Arin)

Saying so with my pitched voice, I realized too late that I answered a bit too honestly and became embarrassed. I wanted to hide, but as I am being carried by Sumi, it would be hard without risking her to get hurt.

Yet, her reaction to my confession wasn't what I expected. She had tears stream down her face again, yet showed a blissful smile I hadn't seen until now. Her face relaxed while her arms holding me became stronger.

“Thank you Arin, thank you for being with me.” (Sumi)

She didn't say anything more, but I could understand that she was happy, so I only smiled.

I actually didn't notice Uncle Black holding a mischievous grin as he noticed our conversation, but even Zaryph had an awkward smile as he continued leading us. Meanwhile, I remained being held by Sumi as we approached the World-Tree.

And so, after several minutes of walking, we finally ended up on a giant clearing, with a massive tree in the middle, nearly glowing from the mana emitted by it. I actually had to close my eyes for a moment, as the mana was so bright that I needed some time to get used to it.

On the other hand, next to the tree, masses of spirits and fairy's could be seen, all of them bigger and more defined then the ones outside, floating around the tree in something that I could only define as a beautiful dance.

Some of them had very interesting features, such as an earth-spirit that had the appearance of a whale that swam through the ground, while I could also see water-spirits take on the form of monkeys as they swing between the tree's branches.

Honestly, Uncle Black, Zaryph and Sumi didn't react, only watching the fairies, ignoring the spectacle of the spirits dancing around them. I couldn't understand, so I pulled on Sumi's clothes, asking her if she can't see that, pointing at one the luminescent brown whales as it jumped from the ground, making a flip midair before diving back into the ground.

Yet, Sumi only shook her head, unable to see the spirits. So, I asked Uncle Black.

“Uncle Black, can you see those dancing animals around us?” (Arin)

Asking as such, Uncle Black only crooked his head, asking back for me to describe what I saw. So, answering him, I begin recounting what I could see, how the animals, or spirits, danced and acted around us, shaking off mana with every movement they did.

So, listening to my recounting that was filled with details, Uncle Black only shook his head, while Zaryph began to watch me with wide eyes.

“Sorry Arin, but the mana is so thick here, I can only see the fairies near the tree, but I haven't seen any of the animals you described.” (Uncle Black)

Shaking his head, Uncle Black redirected his senses to his surroundings while focusing on Zaryph. The person in question noticed a bit late, but when he finally came out of his stupor, he began explaining what he knew.

“What invited one Arin probably sees are the elemental-spirits that are born from the world-tree. Even I can't see them, the most even mana-strong people can notice are the mana-fluctuations they make, which are even harder to notice in the thick mana-veil around the tree. The only reason I can take this guess is because that's how the World-Tree told and described them to me.” (Sage Zaryph)

Saying so while shaking his head, I let my head fall, sad that only I can see this, especially when I want to show this to the others. At this moment, I suddenly had an idea.

“Uncle Black, Sumi, redirect a tiny amount of mana to the eyes, and try to see again.” (Arin)

Saying so, I watch as Uncle Black and Sumi's mana begin to move, even if only a little. Sadly, even when they did it, they said they were unable to see much more than the rough outlines of the creatures, but they were still happy that they could see them, so Uncle Black even massaged my head as Sumi still held onto me. Actually, the one that was the most moved was Zaryph as he even began looking around himself with his eyes and mouth wide open.

It was funny to look at, yet even so, we were already taking too much time, as by now the leaves of the world-tree began moving on their own accord.

They, swiveling around like a whirlwind, slowly formed something mid-air, going into positions that allowed them to form one massive face as a whole.

The lips and eyes were formed from massive leaves that had a strong yellow color, while the face as a whole was made by countless small and green leaves forming a massive face, reminding me of a human with slightly slanted features.

Somehow, this reminds me of the P*wer-R*ngers. Anyway, looking at the massive face that began to float in front of us and the tree, looking at us with caring and interested eyes as the fairies and spirits stood guard around it, I could not help but open my mouth in astonishment.

Sumi also let me stand again by myself as she slowly lost her power to continuously carry me. However, looking up at the face, only Uncle Black and Zaryph seem less affected as they are still more fascinated by the spirits they can see the rough outlines off.

[Welcome young ones, Arin and Sumi, here in my domain. But for you to see the spirits and even be able to make others see them, I am astonished, Interesting.] (Tree)

As the giant face made of leaves opened its mouth, a deep yet ethereal voice could be heard, emitting a soft pressure that made the mana in its surroundings react.

The face itself didn't come closer and just stayed stationary, not moving from its place. Honestly, I prefer it that way, as I would probably by scared if it suddenly came closer. So, answering the tree, Uncle Black answered in our stead who couldn't even open our mouths.

“It's nice to meet you again, Great Tree. As you wished it, I brought my nephew and his 'very' close friend. So for now, why did you call us?” (Uncle Black)

I was so taken in by the beauty of the tree, I didn't even notice Uncle Blacks joke I would normally retort to. Anyway, even with Uncle Black who immediately went to the topic, the tree didn't take offense and replied calmly.

[Aaron, I know I called you here on a short notice, but one thing after another. I have a multitude of reasons to call you, many of which involve the young Arin and Sumi, as well as the dimension that recently clashed with ours. But for now, I am here to make a gift to someone who until now hadn't shown themselves yet.] (World-Tree)

Saying so, I suddenly feel a immediate connection to his words. I believe I know what he is talking about, but I am unsure. But as if to confirm it on the spot, Mommy Lumis soul suddenly reveled herself, floating off from my head, materializing in front of me.

“For you to see through me immediately, even that hasn't changed over the last thousands of years.” (Lumi)

Saying so with a slight smile, she floated behind me and Sumi, placing her hand on mine and Sumis head, speaking again.

“And you even called for my son, I think he is still too young for the ceremony, but whatever, I guess you have your reasons.” (Lumi)

Saying so, I could see the massive face of leaves move as its smile grew wider, smiling as a pleasant aroma started being emitted from the plants in the surroundings.

[Well, even after death, you remained that little girl that wouldn't stop surprising me. Well true, your son is still too young officially for the ceremony, but this time its not about that, but more about his body that is unstable, as well as you Lumi, who currently don't even posses a spirit.] (World-Tree)

Saying so, I could only crook my head, just like Sumi, as both of us are unable to understand what they are talking about. Even Mom Lumi didn't seem to understand the second part that the tree was talking about.

Yet, before we could ask, the Tree already began explaining the truth about Souls, Spirits and bodies.

[Well, I guess it is a good time as any to finally tell the truth behind the connections. Especially now that 'he' began moving again. Anyway, Aaron, what do you know about the spirit?] (World-Tree)

Facing Uncle Black, the massive face began speaking, asking a question to which I would not be able to answer to.

“I am not fully aware, but I believe it has something to do with it being directly connected to the mana-pool, am I correct?” (Uncle Black)

Saying so with slight uneasiness in his tone, Uncle Black answered the World-Tree, who as a reaction only showed a slight smile before answering.

[Correct, but that is by far not all. There are Soul, Spirit and Body, with each having their respective roles. As said, the spirit is something akin to a container that contains the potential that the individual soul and body posses. In other words, The soul is what makes you, you, the most fundamental existence that there is. Meanwhile, the spirit is a container that not only contains the soul, but is also deeply intertwined with the physical body, as those two only separate after the physical body dies.] (World-Tree)

Without taking a break, the World-tree, represented by the leaf-face, continued to explain and talk to us.

[Initially, the Soul produces mana and another weird kind of energy that not even the origin-fathers understood, which is then contained within the spirit, at their respective locations. The spirit on the other hand, is then deeply intertwined within the body, allowing mana to flow through the physical matter of the body, to let the owner use the power of mana.

Upon death then, when the physical body dies, the soul together with the most important parts of the spirit will ascend to a place I can't reach, while the remaining parts of the spirit leave the body once the body lost all the mana still contained within. Still, sometimes the spirits still contain the regrets and will of their former owners, better known as echoes. And truly rarely, when a body won't stop being provided mana, the echo evolves as it can't leave the body, capable of absorbing all information still contained within the physical brain, creating something akin to a semi-personality that mostly perfectly overlaps with the original soul.] (World-Tree)

Listening to this description, I suddenly hear mom's voice coming from behind me, a slight hint of sadness contained within.

“You mean that this is what occurred to me... tell me honestly, were you the one who directed the dragon-vain to the location of my death?” (Lumi)

Listening to Mom's words, I suddenly understand. If the World-Tree controls most of the Dragon-Vains flowing through the world, then he should be able to tell where it went to.

[I apologize, but yes, it was my doing. I was obeying the last will of the echoes remaining of my parents, the origins of old. They didn't wish for their last mix-blood descendant they have to vanish, and asked me to make you 'inheritable'.] (World-Tree)

Not holding the truth back, the World-Tree honestly looked at the flickering image of Mom, having a dejected look on his face, but one that resolved itself for whatever is to come. Yet behind me, I could feel mom's fist clench, pain emitting from her feeble form.

Somehow I can't understand the emotions she has aside from pain, so I just hold her hand, hoping she will calm down thanks to it. Surprisingly, it worked better than expected, as Mom Lumi looked into my eyes, her gaze growing soft as her smile blossomed. She then looked back at the World-Tree's face as she opened her mouth.

“Honestly, I am still angry that you and the echoes tried to interfere, no, you did interfere with the life of mine and my son. But I also admit that it is only because of this that I am permitted to have such a sweet son that I can love as a mother. So, I will not forgive you for what you had done, at least not yet, but I will at least bury my anger.” (Lumi)

Saying so with conviction, Lumi stared at the World-Tree, who as a reaction could only sigh. How come he can even sigh when his face is made of leafs?

Anyway, with that out of the way, Mom Lumi asked another question.

“Now then, you were in the middle of explaining about the souls and spirits, would you please continue so that we may gain a better understanding?” (Lumi)

[Oh sorry, sure. As said, all three, Soul, spirit and Body, are always combined, forming the original trinity. The soul practically shows the potential of a person, as well as their very being, while the spirit is the container for all the energies one owns. Lumi, you may have noticed already, but you can't use magic aside from a very quick fleeting moment. This is because you don't posses a spirit capable of storing the energy your soul emits. On the other hand, High-Humans that aren't able to produce mana from their soul as they weren't born capable of it, their completely empty spirit just absorbs the surrounding Magic-Energy to fill itself up. Yet, over the generations, the souls of their descendants got adjusted to mana and became weaker as a result.

Normally, ones soul is evolving when one is born, making it capable of using powers the dimension contains they live in. Of course, with limitations set by the power of that individuals parents. So, the kids that came from the other-world weren't born with the ability to emit mana, unlike Arin who was forcefully evolved. Yet, this evolution also means potential as it limits how much one can grow further depending on how evolved the soul and spirit are. Which resulted in Arin, who never had an evolution or change in soul and spirit before, to be the best vessel the echoes of the Origins could ask for.] (World-Tree)

Coming to that point, the Tree shut his mouth and started thinking.

“So then, did you only call us to explain this?” (Uncle Black)

Hearing Uncle Blacks voice, the Tree immediately returned to reality and retorted.

[Of course not, for starters, I plan to do two main things. For once, Arin, I wish to put a seal on your mana-pool, or spirit in this case, as it currently endangers your life. And second, I wish to help Lumi reform her spirit based on her soul.] (World-Tree)

Listening to the words of the tree, Uncle Black, Lumi, Sumi and me become dumbfounded. What does he mean by 'reform' a spirit?

“Old Tree, you better not be making stuff up!” (Uncle Black)

To the threatening words of Uncle Black, the tree only nodded, speaking calmly.

[I wouldn't dare do something uncouth to the descendants of my parents. Sadly, the process of giving Lumi a spirit takes a while, and she will require a medium to do so, as otherwise she may ascend to the heavens before I can do something about it. And Arin perfectly fits the criteria since he somehow already is an anchor for her to stay. As a conclusion, I wish to take care of them both here and now, and I invited Sumi because she is also connected to the Origin-clan as one of the descendants of the origins brothers and sisters.

And you Aaron, I invited you so that we may speak, and for you to bear witness to the process. And you my voice, Zaryph, what comes next is nothing meant for your ears, so you may leave.] (World-Tree)

Saying so with assurance, the world-Tree watches us. I look at Mommy Lumi, and only nod after she agreed as well, leaving only the Tree to do this seal-thing.

On the other hand, Zaryph only bowed towards the World-Tree before turning around, bowing towards us as he began to leave the clearing, vanishing in the border made of grand trees.

As a result, Sumi and Uncle Black also acknowledged, nodding towards the massive face consisting of leafs as they took a bit of distance.

And before I knew it, I felt a sudden flash of mana invading me as I felt my whole being beginning to glow, with mom being the only thing I could see floating in front of me, with her figure becoming fainter as my eyes slowly lost to the overwhelming weakness that washed over me...

…

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