/For a very long time the story had no updates because I was sick and thoughts did not go into my head, besides I had to close my debts in studies. Now everything is fine and the story will be further developed. With respect to the readers, 0z1k./
As I moved into the distance, I began to hear the sound of leaves on the trees. They had already recognized me, and in a couple of minutes there was a rather large crowd of spirits standing near me, looking at me with great interest and some surprise. The rather chaotic movement created the illusion of a constant stream of light that blended so beautifully with the grass and earth here. All of them were indeed glowing, but this light was rather dim. Though maybe it was only like that in the day. Their eyes were black. All of them, every single one of them. Only the beautiful white pupil made them look alive and human. There were mostly younger spirits in this crowd, whereas I could observe older ones at the meeting with Seive.
Still, I tried to show them that I was hungry and thirsty. They began to look at each other, whispering and discussing something. I began to whirl around me, waiting for them to finish their discussion. At some point one of the spirits suddenly appeared in front of me. I could clearly see its almost instantaneous appearance. It was accompanied by sparks and small blue lights. It was as if it was... Teleportation! But is that even possible? Yes, I can imagine their talking piece of plasma in a tree, yes, I can imagine an unusually advanced brain in terms of sociology and linguistics, but teleportation! Okay, let's present it as a fact. It's just not necessary to think about how it works, it's important to know the intricacies of the thing. But I'll ask Lir about that.
This spirit was quite short. Almost as tall as Lir. He came toward me with slow movements, and, holding some fruit in his hands, looked at me with an approving and kindly gaze. Something made me smile, though without that feeling I was grateful to him. Soon, other spirits began to appear in front of me, eager to give me something to eat. I took their offerings, but soon I ran out of room on my hands and then they began stacking fruit around me. Finally, this bustle quieted down and they began to behave more calmly. There were only a few spirits left who were older than the others and who were kind of sick of loitering.
- Do you like the views here?
- It's amazing. So far, I don't regret being here at all.
- I think you'll get used to it in time.
- I don't think so.
Finally I was left alone. I could just lie there and enjoy the views. The only question that remained in my mind was the temperature. Why I still didn't feel hot. Maybe these creatures keep the temperature here cool? Or maybe I just don't feel hot? Then I must be dreaming. No. That sounds too crazy. The world here is too realistic and elaborate. I don't usually dream like this. I think that's a question I should ask Lir. I'm sure he knows the reason for my comfort. In thermal underwear in the middle of a resort.
At that moment, I decided to get up. Lir had promised to come soon, but he hadn't shown up. I was beginning to worry a little. I approached the other spirits, but none of them gave me a clear answer. Some of them tried to help, but they didn't know the exact location of my friend. After walking around for a while and playing with the other spirits, I saw a few silhouettes behind some bushes. For some reason, without knowing why, I decided to be stealthy. When I got a little closer, I saw Lyr in the company of old acquaintances. It was Hept and his friends. They were hardly friends, though. They would definitely scatter at the first danger. Watching them, I realized that Lir was in some kind of trouble and that Hept had an opinion on how to solve it. They wanted violence. Fortunately, I could give it to them. And while I waited.
And now, the moment seemed to have come. Hept stepped away from Lir and stared at him for a moment. At that moment I stepped back and sprinted, flying through the bushes and smashing my fist into Hept's face. My weight made him fall to the ground, and I began to beat him as if to the rhythm of some music. I didn't feel tired, but I felt myself getting better and better with each blow. Suddenly I saw another spirit flying straight at me. He was doing it with a blade weighty for him and that blade should have come right at my throat, but I quickly remembered my trump card. Shotgun! Rolling over onto my back and elbowing Hept, I drew my shotgun and pointed it in the direction of the threat and fired!
Blood poured out on me, my entire face shrouded in bloody red stains. Two bodies lay without the slightest hope of life. One had a shattered face, dislocated jaw, and broken nose, while the other had a severely damaged leg, as if it had been bitten off by a huge bear or lion. The bloody scraps from his body only added to the atmosphere of my horrible deed. Several spirits came running to the shot. Their faces were covered with horror and shock. Only one stood in slight calm. Lir. He walked over to me and put his hand on my shoulder.
- You... You... You don't have to be afraid of him. He's just... They started first.
One of the bystanders twitched his eye nervously and said quietly:
- Take them to the fountain.
They slowly picked up the wounded, and as soon as they were a few meters away from me, they hurried away. I looked at Lir in silence, occasionally moving my hands, which were still bleeding.
- Calm down, I don't blame you.
- I should be alone with myself.
- No way! You don't know how to behave in these situations!
- I've already behaved.
- Look, you're not gonna get hurt. You just punished two bastards. That's probably a common practice in your life.
- Yeah, but, uh. No matter how bad they are, I have no right to kill them.
Lir paused.
- Look, they're gonna be okay. They're alive.
- You're just saying that to make me personally feel better. What's the use?! Now I'll be judged for killing two innocent spirits, and then they'll want to massacre or execute me.
- Slake, come to your senses. Nothing's gonna happen. You just saved me.
- I could have done it differently.
- Look, let's just get out of here and go to my house. I'll give you a sedative. You're just stressed out.
- You say it with such ease... Because you didn't commit the crime. So you don't have to be punished.
We walked slowly home to Lir's house. We didn't meet a single living soul along the way. It was as if they were all gathered in one place for one purpose. To hide from me.