HoloJourneys

by vanderblast

A fateful encounter with a fluffy sheep inside a castle dungeon, begins a journey that will change the world. In a world of magic, swords, magical spirits and endless possibilities, Anon, sets forth on a journey with his friend Watame to see everything this world has to offer and to find their origins. The journey won't always be easy, but together, they can always make it through.

18. A Talonclaw's Rite Completed

The light from the rising sun slowly begins to cover the flat plateau as it reaches your eyes and gently stirs you awake. Being greeted by the warmth of a new day along with the embrace of the half-elf behind you, brings a content smile to your face. Did you even dream last night? It feels strange to not remember. If you did dream, it must not have been vivid enough to break past your subconscious. Just one step at a time, you tell yourself.

With the light of a new day, you are ready to take in the breathtaking view of the land from the very top of the highest peak for miles. Now if only the half-elf would loosen her grip on you. You slightly wiggle your body which only earns a tighter hold around your chest.

"Flare, can we get up please? I want to see the plains with the sunrise." You ask, hoping the girl is only half asleep.

"Just…a few more minutes." Flare mumbles behind you.

"Give you a few minutes, and you'll gladly take an hour." You grumble.

"But I don't wanna leave…" The half-elf whines.

"This doesn't have to be the last time we can be like this, you know." You offer. "I can always be your body pillow on some nights if you want while we travel. It helps me sleep through the night after all. SOMEONE is gonna have to shoulder that burden for a bit."

"Is that really okay? You won't get embarrassed?" Flare asks, her voice slowly perking up.

"What's to be embarrassed about? It's not exactly a blow to my pride that I sleep better with a pretty girl cuddling me." You chuckle.

"Let's see how long that confidence lasts." Flare then says mischievously. "I'm looking forward to what you'll look like when Watame takes her turn with that job. And once Nene sees…well, let's just hope she doesn't try to squeeze you too tightly."

The realization that public displays of affection will likely quickly spur your once almost-fiance into wanting to participate as well, is concerning at first. Putting aside the fact that she could quickly mistake such acts as an entryway into marriage, she was also just incredibly strong, and you get the feeling she thinks you're indestructible. You'll just have to explain things to her properly if it comes to that. She's been pretty understanding of your desires so far, which again, doesn't make the idea of closeness to the bubbly girl all that bad sounding. Still, you have a ribcage to keep intact.

"I'm sure it'll be fine." You say to brush off thinking about it more. "So we got a deal? You let me get up for the day, and I promise to be your body pillow in the future."

"I guess so." Flare says in fake exasperation. "We should probably figure out how we're going to get off this mountain anyway."

Slowly and reluctantly, Flare's arms slide across your body and finally unwrap themselves, setting you free. Bringing yourself up to your knees, you slowly rise to a full stand and stretch your arms high. You look down at Flare, her eyes and hair brilliantly shining in the early morning's light. You offer your hand to her that she takes to let you lift her up to her feet.

"What do you say, Flare? One last look over the edge before we find a way down this thing?" You ask, your hands still clasped together.

"We made it all the way up here, after all. Might as well." The half elf says with a smile.

With your sword and spell book strapped to their correct spots, and your bag packed, you walk with Flare to the far edge of the plateau. Sunrises are always great on their own, but all the way up here, it's truly amazing. It's like watching the world come to the surface for a brand new day; the fading shadow of the night disappears when the bright yellow light of the morning stretches over it.

Your eyes are drawn to that forest that seems to be calling to you as the daylight begins to wash over its lush trees. That is where you want to go next. Something is there...something that is slowly making your desire more of a need, than a want.

After a few more moments of taking in the serene landscape, Flare takes a deep breath and exhales.

"So how are we supposed to get back down to everyone? I don't think that leap of faith we took to get here works both ways. It didn't for that boulder anyway." She then says.

You cross your arms and think hard on the question. There must be a safe way to get down. Countless members of the Talonclaw tribe have passed the same trials you have after all.

"There has to be some way the people who undergo this ritual get down safely." Flare ponders aloud.

"You don't think they learn how to actually fly or something? Do you?" You ask, almost sarcastically, but you aren't completely convinced that they don't.

"I think that would be a pretty important detail to include when we agreed to take on this rite." Flare remarks.

"You're probably right." You sigh. "At least there are worse spots to be stuck in."

"Stranded on top of probably the tallest mountain in this whole continent, and he's happy about the scenery." The half-elf says exasperated.

"You knew what you were getting with me." You scoff as you nudge your friend's shoulder gently with your own as you look back out to the horizon.

"Yeah I know…and the fact I'm strangely okay with that, is scary." Flare says half jokingly.

"Okay. Maybe I'll just have to find a way off this mountain for us then. I don't think I'd survive a lifetime stranded with you and all your insults and teasing."

"At least you'd never be bored, and besides, being stranded with a girl you think is beautiful from head to toe, sounds like a dream come true to me." Flare grins as she tosses her ponytail back behind her.

"How come every time I open up my heart around you, you turn around and use my very words against me…" You groan as your cheeks begin to redden.

"Because I think you're great~" Flare chirps as she gives your cheek a light tug with her fingers, before you can swat her hand away. "And just be glad I'm getting it out now instead of later in front of everyone else."

"Good point…" You admit, and let yourself refocus on the task at hand. There really might be no other choice than to retrace your steps down and hope that something magically changed. Maybe a secret entrance, a magical bridge suddenly appearing across the ravine, or even…a change in the wind?

From behind you, a light breeze can be felt blowing against your back and over your hair. With every pulse of the wind, its strength seems to increase. The air starts to gather at your feet as it softly caresses your legs with just the slightest touch.

"Anon! At your feet! I can actually see wind forming around you." Flare gasps as she points downward at the strange phenomenon taking place.

"No kidding, but what's going on?!" You exclaim as you look down while your uncertainty mounts.

Before the half-elf can give her best guess, the wind starts to pick up around her own feet as well. Faster and faster the mini whirlwinds below you swirl. Your heels slowly begin to rise above the stony surface of the plateau as you are lifted upward, inches at a time.

"You're not doing this are you!?" Flare asks in rising concern. "This isn't some crazy spirit stuff you just discovered right!?"

While you certainly don't think you are having a hand in whatever is going on, you also feel something a little familiar about it. You are almost certain this has nothing to do with the wind spirit, you would have felt a strong connection spark like it did with Undine, not to mention how a few other things are explicitly missing that would mark your first encounter with a new spirit.

"Nope." You shake your head. "I'd be unconscious if it was….I think."

"You think!? Anon! We're getting higher and higher off the ground! Higher while on an unbelievably tall mountain!" The half-elf screams.

The flat of the mountain top is now a good ten feet below you as your ascension seems to come to a stop. Still gently carried by the force of air around you, you reach out your hand.

"Just take my hand Flare. I think this is all okay." You say with a comforting smile. "Think about it. Has the wind on this mountain really steered us wrong yet? This whole time, it's been like a guide, just like how the Talonclaw used it to guide their migrations all those years ago."

"How can you be so sure it's not just going to chuck us off the mountain? Or just disappear so we fall to our deaths!?" Flare panics.

"I can't. I mean, I can't be as sure as you probably want me to be, but I know this doesn't feel dangerous. You can feel it too can't you? How there is something more to the wind that surrounds us. Just put your trust in me okay? We'll do it just like the last trial. One more time?"

The uncertainty in Flare's eyes begins to dwindle as she looks at only you. She outstretches her hand toward you. Both of your fingers graze each other as you stretch your bodies in an attempt to get even closer. With a final grasp, you grab a hold of the tops of her fingers with your hand and pull towards you. As you hoped, Flare, wind and all, floats closer to you, close enough to take her palm firmly in yours as you give her an assuring smile.

Seemingly sensing that you are ready, the wind suddenly picks up and shifts around the both of you. The gentle cradle of the wind sends you forwards over the mountain's edge. The look of the world far below makes your own stomach drop. Flare's grip on your hand tightens even harder; so much so that it actually starts to hurt. Your movement is then halted, the full splendor of the rolling plains stretches out before you in the morning sun.

The air bends and pushes your legs upward so that you are almost in an outward sitting position, before shifting again and growing even stronger. The wind itself is becoming more and more visible below you as it looks to be taking the shape of something.

Without warning, the force around your back gives a light push, causing you and Flare to glide downward like you were on a slide. Slight panic jumps to the top of your chest as you dip towards the earth that lies who knows how many miles below. Even so, the winds secure you tightly in their hold around your hips and under your legs. You look upward to see the top of the plateau as it gets further and further away. You feel your body jerk slightly as the jetstream that carries you both seems to bend as it slopes down the corner of the mountain spire.

Flare's panicked screaming continues as your speed starts to increase while your almost invisible carrier turns tightly around another corner.

"Anon! I hate this! I want down!" She yells.

"That's exactly what something is doing for us!" You say as you start to laugh. The thrill of the acceleration and the lack of gravity swelling in your chest. "This is great, Flare! How are you not having a blast!?

"Because I'm not used to flying!?" She gasps as your downward spiral increases its angle slightly to further increase your flight around the mountain.

You suppose you are a little more used to the feeling of traveling with nothing solid beneath you. When you and Undine join during your spirit resonance, using the water to propel you forward has always been a go-to choice for closing distances quickly, and it just feels fantastic. You'll just have to help Flare feel just a little more safe, she should get to enjoy this little ride too.

"Don't be such a baby." You say as you squeeze her hand tighter in yours, and with a mighty pull, you yank her over so her legs rest perpendicular over yours as you secure her in a sitting position on your lap.

The two of you sway slightly atop the rushing jetstream of air with the sudden change in positioning, which causes Flare to scream again as she wraps her arms around your neck to stay anchored.

With your friend secured in your embrace, and the winds safely continuing to carry you both, you look back out at the passing scenery. What could only be seen as shapeless, vibrant colors from the top of the mountain, now showed their detailed forms; becoming more clear with each passing second that brings you both closer to the base of the mountain. Out in the distance along the plains, you can spot the shapes of a herd of animals galloping across the lush greenery. You can see what looks to be a small pond near a collection of trees. It's amazing how you are still finding new things to see even on the trip down.

"See? Isn't this fun?" You ask the half-elf after she finally stopped screaming and let herself look out towards the horizon.

"You're nuts! I think we are well past the ravine now. Why don't we just stop here and walk the rest of the way down?" She tries to bargain.

"I don't think we get to decide when this ride ends…but if you want, I could just drop you off and I'll see you at the bottom in a day or so maybe."

"Don't you dare!" Flare screeches as she gives your chest a not so playful pound from one of her hands.

The feeling of flying downwards along a slide made by the very winds that helped carry you to new heights as a person, is simply enchanting. As much as Flare tries to say she's not enjoying it, you can tell that she feels the same burst of freedom that you do. Do all of the Talonclaw get to experience this wondrous feeling? Do they all get to see the passing landscape of an entire country's worth of land that they get to call part of their home this way? It really reinforces your belief that this world is full of endless possibilities. You want to keep experiencing all those different things with all your friends.

Further below, the cloudy white jetstream looks to curve back onto the mountain path. You grip Flare a little tighter to brace yourselves for the landing as your windy slide sharpens in angle dramatically to send you both downward at a much faster speed. A couple feet from the ground of the stone path, the wind behind you seems to grab hold of you, and quickly slows you down just until you come to a full stop.

With your feet hovering a few inches above the ground, the wind does what you have to interpret as a final goodbye, as it dissipates around you to let gravity do its thing as you hit the stone surface with a soft thud.

"Flare? We're back on solid ground. You can open your eyes now." You say as you look to the half-elf you carry princess style who forced her eyes shut during that last drop.

"We actually stopped?" Flare asks in disbelief as she blinks a few times and looks around. "And we're not dead?"

"Yup. Told ya it would be fine. Was that really so bad?" You ask playfully.

"Most people would not have fun being strung along down a mountain with nothing but air beneath them." Flare remarks as she unhooks her arms from around your neck so that you may gently lower her to stand back on her own two feet. Her legs shake a little as she finds her balance.

"I thought we've well established by now that I am not 'most people'" You say snarkily, but also with pride.

"You got that right." The half-elf groans. "It's over now anyway at least…and we're pretty close to the bottom."

"Yeah. By the look of things, if we just take the path down, we should be back to the others in a few hours. Let's get going, Flare!" You say as your building excitement to reunite with the rest of your friends takes hold, and you begin to walk down the smooth natural pathway.

"Anon! Wait up!" Flare shouts as she still tries to find her footing.

Geez…I guess I can't blame him though. He's never been away from Undine or Watame for this long before…What a dependent goofball he is. I bet he'd feel the same if I was one of the people waiting at the bottom for him too…well he'd better anyway!

The trip downhill is a lot easier on your legs. You might even be able to reach the bottom quicker than you anticipated at this pace. With each full circle around the mountain you make, the closer the land below gets. On the side of the path that faces the current Talonclaw settlement, you can make out the tops of their tents which builds your excitement further. You make a conscious decision to focus on the link you share with Undine, you can feel her presence get closer and closer with every step. Maybe when you get near the bottom, you can call out to her to let her know you'll be back soon, just in case she and the others are out doing something else.

"So what do you think all that was anyway? You're one hundred percent sure that crazy wind slide wasn't anything a spirit made? Maybe it was a spirit servant like Uisce?" Flare strikes up conversation as the two of you continue walking.

"Well Undine's sister is likely still asleep until I wake her up, so it definitely wasn't her. I don't think it could have been a servant either…we would have at least seen them or detected some use of mana. I honestly can't explain what it was, but I think I'm okay with that." You work through as you talk.

"Of course you are…" Flare groans. "How can you just take things for what they are so easily?"

"No other way to do it." You shrug. "This entire experience should have shown you that not everything needs to be explained or seen."

"I still can hardly believe we not only flew across a ravine…but almost down an entire mountain…it was kinda liberating though…" The half-elf remarks.

"And that's what we both were missing!" You exclaim. "How free the winds are. How free WE are, Flare. Polka is gonna freak out when she hears how we finally worked out wind magic for ourselves!"

"We only just figured out how to make wind mana, but next comes the hard part: making actual spells with it. Even if we can make stronger gusts of wind, that's not going to be terribly useful in battle. Especially if we run into more things like that demon from the other day." Flare adds, likely already going through different types of spells she wants to create in her head.

Always the voice of reason; Flare is right again. You also promised the Talonclaw you would make sure more monsters weren't lurking about still. There wasn't anything noticeable from the mountaintop. Maybe there's something in that strange forest you feel drawn to? Could you be developing some sort of hero's intuition? Either way, it's worth a check, and you should also think about what you should work on creating with your newly found element. Now that you are on the subject, your own water spells are actually really lackluster in comparison to what Flare can do. You may have learned an element at the same rate as her this time, but she is still so far ahead of you when it comes to spellcasting. All the more reason to keep chasing after her and keep improving. She won't stay so far ahead of you forever.

The two of you spend the next hour mulling over ideas for spells, sometimes privately, sometimes aloud. Flare has already started thinking of ways she could combine two elements at once, since the breath of life from wind could help make for an even stronger fire. You make a note to yourself to try whatever wind spells you might come up with the next time you enter a spirit resonance with Undine; you might be able to create combination spells more easily that way.

Your mind is taken off spellwork as you turn the corner and see the mountain path slope downward and end with the earthy brown and green of the soft ground at the bottom. A group of figures stands there in waiting, a group you could recognize from miles away. Your heart races as you begin to run downhill towards a fluffy sheep who jumps for joy at the sight of you.

Not content to just wait for you to come to her, Watame begins to dash up the incline straight at you. As the two of you approach in the middle, you try to slow down, so that you don't end up barreling into her, but she seems to have a different plan as she looks at you with a wide smile.

Once in range, Watame bends her legs downward and vaults herself into you. You catch the fluffy sheep girl in your arms as her force threatens to topple you backward. Try as you might, you are unable to keep yourself upright as you fall onto your back on the steep incline. Watame does not seem to notice or care, as she affectionately nuzzles her face into your chest while she keeps her arms wrapped around you tightly.

"You're back! You're finally back, Anon!" She exclaims as she lifts her head up and locks eyes with you. Those brilliant purple pools of hers shimmer and sparkle with pure happiness.

"Yup! We made it!" You say through a wide smile. Your heart is overjoyed to be reunited with your favorite sheep. "You won't believe some of the stuff that happened on the way up, Watame! I got so much to tell you."

"I got things I want to tell you about too!" Watame says back.

"Oh wait! Before all that. I got to show you something." You say excitedly as you maneuver your arms so that your hands are open a few inches apart from each other between both your faces.

With a small push of your mana, your hands begin to glow a light green. A small, palm-sized pocket of air starts to form as it blows gently against Watame's face, her golden locks fluttering against its refreshing gale.

"Anon! That's!" She begins to say open mouthed.

"Wind magic! We did it! I can cast wind spells now!" You finish her sentence, prouder than ever of what you have accomplished.

"Did you learn too, Flare!?" Watame asks next as the half-elf who now stands above you.

"Of course I did." Flare says smugly as she gives a small demonstration by producing a sliver of wind to come from her finger towards the sheep's head that blows her hair around even more.

"You're both amazing!" Watame chirps. "Let's get you down to everyone else. We all missed you both!"

"We missed everyone too. One more thing though, Watame." You say as you place a comforting hand atop the sheep's soft head. "I heard it. Your song. It reached me just when we needed it the most, so thank you Watame. Thank you for always being there for me."

"I'll always have your back, Anon!" Watame beams while her cheeks flush and her eyes begin to water. "Now come on, before you make me cry even more."

After Watame rolls off of you, Flare helps you both back onto your feet and you make your way down the rest of the mountain path to reunite with the rest of your friends. You are greeted with big, but less forceful hugs from Polka and Nene, who then take their turn with Flare once Watame has gotten all her hugs out with her. Undine is the last to approach you as she looks at you with a proud and comforting expression.

"I am glad to see your safe return, summoner." She greets with that soothing voice you've grown so fond of. "I would ask if the Talonclaw's ritual helped you achieve what you set out for, but we could hear Watame's excitement from down here."

"Guess I kinda ruined the surprise for the whole group then." You chuckle. "But it's true. The rite of ascension was just what I needed to make that next step. If I just keep practicing and furthering my connection to the winds, I'll be able to call one of your sisters when the time comes."

"Did you ascent up the mountain also yield results in other areas?" Undine asks with a sure of herself smile.

"It did, but can we talk about that later? It's something I kinda want to get out in the open with everyone…but now's not the time."

"As you wish, summoner." Undine says, content to respect your wishes, despite the smile she wears indicating that she already knows the answers she wishes to see leave your own lips.

"I gotta say. I'm surprised you're all back so fast." Polka says, loud enough to get you and Undine to join the little group circle the girls have made behind you. "They said the climb up could take a few days right? How did you guys get down so fast? It's not even noon yet."

"Well…" You start, unsure if you should even speak of what really happened. So much of the Talonclaw's teachings and faith have their foundation built on the unseen. Faith in the wind, is to have faith in a powerful force that will appear to guide you just when you need it, and not always in a way you might expect. It feels a little wrong to spoil those secrets. The look on Flare's face as her eyes lock onto yours seem to say that she's thinking the same thing.

"All I can say is, we had some help." You say, as the answer you give feels like the truth in your heart somewhere.

"Nene doesn't care how Anon and Flare get back so soon!" Nene chirps. "Nene loves that friends are back with us! Now Nene can show them all the fun things we did while they were gone!"

"Nene's right, Polka!" Watame adds. "All that matters is that Anon and Flare are back with us again!"

"If you really want to know, you can always make the climb up yourself." Flare grins to the fennec.

"Nah. I'll just take both your words for it then. Besides, two days might be the most we can stay apart. I was getting a little antsy." Polka says with a weary smile.

Suddenly you are hit with the idea that Polka might have actually had to act as a wrangler for Watame and Nene over the past couple days. She is probably more than thankful you and Flare are back to help spread the load in that regard.

"I want to hear about what you all did, but we should probably meet up with Eldar Ruumal first. I don't know if there's any sort of end of ritual…ritual involved with this rite. Maybe we'll both get a cool hat or something." You say, more than a little hopeful about the hat part.

"You see what I had to deal with for TWO DAYS on my own?" Flare sighs. "Polka, next time someone wants to have Anon and I take a trip anywhere alone for an extended period of time, either stop me, or make damn sure you get to come too."

"Oh like you're so much better." You scoff as Polka and Watame snicker. "Remember who almost gave me frostbite the other night!"

"Hey you started it!" Flare retorts with an accusatory finger.

"Only because you teased me again with how you phrase things!" You snap back, which initiates another fiery exchange between the two of you.

"Some of the Talonclaw people said the pair who goes on this climb together comes back even closer and maybe even a little different with each other." Polka says with a finger held to her chin as she watches the two of you argue. "But they seem exactly the same as when they left."

"That just means they were already super close!" Watame offers.

"I wouldn't say they didn't get closer." Undine then says with a cheerful smile.

The water spirit's words piece both yours and Flare's ears as both your heads snap in her direction. What did Undine know already? How much did she know? Oh gods, could she have felt something from you like when Watame kissed you back in Bjornholm? The ruler of the waters gives you a playful smug smile as she sees both yours and the half-elf's flustered expressions.

"Do you all not feel closer after each challenge you overcome together?" Undine then offers the question to the entire group. "Even if you treat each other the same as you did before, you still grow closer to one another with your hearts after every trial and tribulation. In fact, I'd say we all grew closer as a result of this rite of ascension. Wouldn't you all agree?"

All you can do is nod and breathe a sigh of relief that Undine had shown mercy on you both and offered you an out.

"You got a point there, Undine." Polka agrees. "We actually had a lot of fun didn't we? I think we got the better deal."

"Alright, can we please get off this mountain now? We didn't eat breakfast and I'm starving." Flare pleads.

Your own stomach growls to second Flare's request. With only small rations to keep you going the past few meals, you are more than ready for something substantial.

With Watame happily leading both you and Flare with her arms interlocked between the half-elf's and yours, you all make the final descent down the mountain slope and step onto the flat, giving dirt for the first time in what feels like weeks.

The settlement of the nomads looks slightly different than it did when you left. Scattered by various tents are drawstring bags tied together to contain any and all manner of things. More of the various trade tools you remember being laid about the camp also look to be packed up. It looks like they are getting ready to travel again.

"Hey, Watame. None of those monsters showed up again while I was gone, right?" You ask the sheep beside you.

"Nuh uh." Watame shakes her head. "The plains have been really peaceful ever since we took care of those mean monsters. All the Talonclaw are really looking forward to moving their home again."

"Are they sure it's safe though? We haven't had a chance to investigate where those horrific beasts even came from." Flare adds from the other side of Watame.

"They said nothing else has been sighted so far, so they are just gonna take their chances with it I guess." Polka shrugs from in front of you.

"I wish they would let me make sure first…" You sigh, but you know it wouldn't be fair to them to keep them from fulfilling their own style of wanderlust. "I at least might have a possible lead we can look into while they move."

"You know where those scary beasts might have come from?" Watame asks, wide eyed.

"It's just a gut feeling." Flare answers for you. "You didn't tell me you think that's where they might have came from, Anon."

"I can't know for sure." You shrug. "All I know is that something is telling me I need to go there."

"Well wherever it is, I'm happy to go with you!" Watame beams.

"Nene too! Nene never knew life outside Bjornholm could be so exciting!" Nene chimes in with a pump of her two arms into the air.

"Maybe ask the elder about whatever this place is first?" Polka offers. "Since they've been around these parts for a while, he might be able to tell you if it's worth it or not."

You nod in agreement as you approach the large communal tent that stands in the middle of the settlement. Various tribespeople offer happy and congratulatory greetings as you and Flare are recognized for completing the rite of ascension. Polka opens the flap of the tan tent and holds it to the side as you all enter. The smell of freshly cooked meat floods into your nostrils as your mouth begins to water slightly.

Families and smaller groups of tribespeople sit in circles with one another. Colorful and exotic blankets cover the ground underneath each person as they converse and dine. Yours and Flare's heads dart back and forth throughout the tent, both dead set on finding a source of sustenance.

"Come with me, Anon~" Watame coos as she notices your hungry expression and pulls you gently by the hand towards the closest corner of the tent.

"But food…" You say downcast when all you see in front of you is a small circle of blankets that would likely be your seating.

"Need food…" Flare says behind you as Polka leads her in a similar manner.

Reluctantly, you and Flare are both lowered down to your own quilted ground cover by your respective handlers. Before you can begin to whine, a bowl of steaming hot stew is lowered into your lap by Undine who kneels down to her knees to take a space next to you. You look at her appreciatively before letting yourself dig in.

The wooden spoon you hold up to your mouth is filled with a wonderful mix of brown broth, meat chunks, and carrots. The smell that wafts from it is beyond appetizing, although, it wouldn't take an exceptionally good smell to have that effect on you at the moment. After a soft blow to disperse some of the heat, you hold the lip of the eating utensil to your lips and let everything just flow downward into your mouth. Just as you hoped, it's delicious.

Over the view of your own bowl, you can see Flare digging into her own meal that was likely brought to her by Nene. So engrossed in filling your own stomach, you don't even notice the others leave and return with their own dishes. Only when you need to stop for more air, do you see Watame seated next to you, happily munching on a collection of hearty greens and steamed potatoes.

You stop to really appreciate the moment you find yourself in. Surrounded by the people you love; all happy to have you and Flare safely returned to them. While the rite of ascension was certainly the experience of a lifetime, you will try to not make a habit of trials that restrict you to have only one person by your side. You've missed them all terribly. Watame's bright beaming smile, Polka's hearty laugh, and even the contagious optimism of Nene. You also missed Undine, who now sits content and with a look of fulfillment in her eyes, but you never actually felt "apart" from her. You can't wait to see the look on her face when you help bring one of her sisters back into this world. There has to be something related to the wind spirit closeby. That forest might be a good place to check, you hope it will be anyway.

Before you know it, your bowl is completely empty, which disappoints you a great deal. Across from you, Flare shares a similar look of longing as she looks down at her likely now empty bowl. From behind the half-elf you spot Mayla making her way towards your circle, carrying two bowls that you want to wish are just for you.

"Bright breezes to you all!" Mayla greets happily as she kneels down to place one of the bowls in her hand to a very thankful Flare. "I am glad you both have completed your trials safely."

The Talonclaw tribeswoman then walks through the circle and kneels down in front of you to swap your empty bowl for a fresh one, filled to the tip.

"I remember how hungry I was after I completed the rite of ascension." She says to you with a smile. "Eat up. Elder Ruumal will be by shortly to offer his congratulations to you both. I'm also eager to hear what a pair of outsiders thought of the trials."

"I think I have just as many questions as answers." Flare comments as she blows on her latest spoonful of stew.

"And what about you, Anon? Do you agree with your partner?" Mayla asks as she rises to a full stand again.

"In Flare's defense, she had a few less answers to find on the way up." You say as you give Polka and Undine a small smile. "The trials gave me no shortage of answers to some of my own questions though. I gained more than enough that I'm willing to just let whatever questions I had be unanswered for as long as they want to stay that way."

"Many people who undergo the climb say the same thing." Mayla nods with a smile. "In the end, it is our way to let the winds blow where they must. They will always guide us on our journeys to become who we are meant to."

"Oh! I almost forgot!" You suddenly exclaim as you carefully put your stew down and unstrap the spell book at your side. "Check it out! A new spell appeared last night!"

You hold the ends of the tome apart to show the page that contains the seventh spell as you turn towards Watame, and then to Polka to show them the newest addition to your mysterious bag of tricks.

"What's it do, Anon!? What's it do!?" Watame asks, unable to contain herself.

"I barely have any idea!" You say cheerfully as you laugh.

"Anon…" Flare groans as she covers her face with one hand.

"Did you try it?" Polka then asks.

"Of course we did." Flare says, a little annoyed at the question. "As far as we can tell, it makes a bunch of solid stars in the air. We can kinda move them around and connect them with a ray of light, but beyond that, the spell doesn't have a clear purpose."

"But it came from your book! It must have appeared to do something amazing for you!" Watame cheers as her excitement builds. "Will you show me it tonight, Anon?!"

"You bet! You'll have to cast it though. If I try to cast it myself, my head feels like it will split open." You say, excited at the prospect of giving your newest spell another try.

"There's a lot to unpack there…" Polka sighs, but her own curious excitement is apparent in her smile.

"You'll get it later, Polka." You say as you close the book and place it down next to you in exchange for the rest of your second helping of stew.

"Ohn'ahra was truly at your backs if your journey brought you to such new heights." Elder Ruumal's voice comes as the respected member of the Talonclaw approaches to join your circle.

After Mayla gently and respectfully helps the older man sit comfortably on an empty blanket between Undine and Nene, he looks at you and Flare with pride.

"I did not think I would get to see the day that I got to congratulate those not of our own tribe for completing the challenge that would allow them to see the world as the great eagle sees it. Tell me. How was the view from the top?" Elder Ruumal asks, his cloudy eyes sparkling with nostalgia.

"Simply beautiful." You say without thinking, as your mind is brought back to who you got to see more of at the top. As you watch the old man's smile grow an inch wider, you refocus back on the question to keep your slowly flushing cheeks from giving you away.

"I-It was amazing!" You quickly add. "I could see all the way back to the mountain in Bjornholm! And all of the plains. And there's even this big forest further to the east I want to go to now."

"The whole climb was unlike anything we've ever done before." Flare chimes in. "It really was…life changing."

"I'm glad to see that the experience is not lessened on those who do not grow with our teachings." Elder Ruumal says thankfully. "I am also glad that you both seemed to embrace the very essence of those teachings. That alone seems to have added years onto this old heart of mine."

"I do have one question, Eldar Ruumal." Flare starts, waiting for the Talonclaw's leader to allow her to continue with a gentle bow of his head. "Does everyone who undergoes the rite of ascension…ummm…get down? The same way?"

"The winds have always blown to take us in the right direction, young half-elf. Everyone who has descended that mountain has a different story; for both the climb up and down, but there is one thing they all have in common. They all simply followed the wind." Ruumal says with a satisfied look on his face, akin to the look of a proudful parent.

"'Followed' is not exactly the word I would use for what we did…" Flare sighs.

"I think the mountain just knew you would need a little soft nudging." You chuckle.

"Ohn'ahra's peak has a habit of helping those take those uncertain first steps." Ruumal adds, clearly enjoying your interpretation of events. "Now, you mentioned a forest to the east that piqued your interest?"

"That's right, Elder Ruumal." You answer as you finish the last of your second helping and set the bowl down in front of you. "I can't really explain why, but I feel like something is pulling me to go there. Do you know anything about it?"

"Tell me, Anon. After all you experienced during your rite of ascension, and your time among my people, what do you think I am going to tell you?" Eldar Ruumal poses a question of his own to you, the smile on his face is starting to give you the feeling he rather enjoys giving you and the Flare the runaround.

"That I should just go where the breeze guides me? That I shouldn't worry about the why, and just have faith that it's where I'm supposed to go?" You answer.

"The part about the breeze would have been enough." The elder laughs softly.

"Is there something special in that forest though?" You prod again. "I'm fine with just going to see it, but I can't help but notice that this feels different than just my normal urges to travel."

"What do you mean, Anon?" Watame asks from beside you, her eyes look deep into yours as you turn to face her.

"It's almost like when we saw the lake in Bjornholm for the first time." You give your best guess. "We know now that was because Uisce had made that lake and had a shrine in the mountain. Undine's connection to her daughter helped spark that strange familiar feeling for both of us, but this isn't really the same. The feeling I got when I looked at that forest wasn't exactly familiar…"

"We should all just go then!" Watame chirps. "Maybe you'll figure it out if we get closer."

"I agree with Watame. If something deep inside you is telling you to go there, I believe there is a good reason." Undine adds.

"How many times have your gut feelings steered us wrong anyway?" Polka then offers with a wide grin. "But even so, is there anything at all you can tell us about that forest, elder?"

"If it is the one to the east that I am thinking of, there may not be all that much to it. Not anymore." The elder says while he rubs his chin.

"Could it be the forest of the fae?" Mayla asks, no doubt curious herself now.

"If it can even be called that anymore…" Elder Ruumal ruminates. "That forest used to be the home of a group of fairies. A rather mischievous bunch, but not necessarily harmful or malicious. Any who wandered into that forest would always come back a little different than when they entered. Sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worst. Even at its borders, you could hear the chattering of the fae on the winds, but the trees have been steadily growing more silent over the past couple of years."

"Maybe they went into hiding when mean beasties show up?" Nene speaks up. "If they small, they stand no chance against what Nene helped smash."

"Those demons only appeared a couple weeks ago, we haven't even been near that forest since." Mayla reminds everyone.

"They could have started in the forest." Flare counters. "Maybe they even came from somewhere just beyond it. It could be Anon's special ability to walk into trouble that's pulling him there."

"It's a good thing I got you to always pull me out of it then." You retort with a huff.

"So we either get playful forest fairies." Polka begins by changing her expression to be something purposely cutesy, as she flutters her eyes and interlocks her hands under her chin. "Or bloodthirsty demons with razer sharp teeth and bodies." She continues by then stretching her mouth and cheeks in a way that tries to highlight her own fangs while putting on a particularly sour expression.

"Sounds like I can't lose either way." You beam. "Fairies might have some sort of connection with your sister of the wind, Undine. And if there are more demons there, we can take care of them so they never bother the Talonclaw or anyone else again. I'm getting hyped up! We should go as soon as possible!"

"Hey slow down!" Flare pleads with open hands shaking at you. "We only just got back. We shouldn't go plunging into some magical forest that hides who knows what."

"You are all more than welcome to stay here as long as you wish, but come first light tomorrow, my people and I will finally travel the plains again and settle down elsewhere for a while." Elder Ruumal states, excitement similar to yours apparent in his tone.

"In that case, perhaps it is best if we stay and rest here for today then, summoner." Undine says to you. "While I appreciate how eager you are to help me reunite me with one of my sisters, your health is my top priority. Flare is right. You both should rest more before we resume our journey."

While you are not feeling particularly tired, the concerned and motherly look of the water spirit makes you concede to her. The forest wasn't going anywhere after all, and this might be your only chance to see how a group of people manage to break down an entire settlement and take it with them.

"Alright, you and Flare win." You say as you cross your arms. "Let's take it easy for the day then. We'll leave at the same time as the Talonclaw in the morning. Which way do you all plan to head anyway?"

"We won't know until tomorrow." Elder Ruumal says happily as he pushes himself to a stand with the help of his staff. "Now if you'll excuse me. There are some final preparations I must help with. I look forward to sharing the winds of travel with you all tomorrow."

"I will take my leave as well. I need to finish packing some of my daughter's things." Mayla says with an eager smile.

As you watch the two members of the Talonclaw walk away, you can't help but feel a hint of satisfaction in your heart. You were so caught up in learning wind magic that you barely took the time to realize how much it probably means to these people that they feel safe to travel as they feel they are meant to again. Everyone else within the communal tent carries with them an air of anticipation and optimism as they happily carry all sorts of bags, supplies, and belongings from one spot to the other.

"Were they getting ready to leave since Flare and I started our climb?" You ask Watame.

"Not at first." The sheep shakes her head as she looks up in thought. "They only started packing yesterday. Elder Ruumal got a lot of people together that morning and said they should get ready to leave soon. I was worried that they might want to leave before you and Flare got back, but when I asked him, all he did was smile and say that the winds told him you would be back by then. Looks like he was right!"

So the Talonclaw leader can talk to the wind? Or is it another one of those blind faith things that the nomads seem to embody? They are an interesting and inspiring people to be sure.

To not get in the way of their packing, you all leave the large tent and walk through the slowly shrinking settlement. Anything that was not completely essential to shelter or food was being packed up and placed into sturdy wooden carts and wagons.

The sheep who walks beside you looked on the verge of nearly exploding with excitement as she took the chance to regale you with the stories of what they have done in yours and Flare's absence. You listen with undivided attention not only to learn the answers to questions that have been in the back of your mind since you left, but also to take in every sweet syllable that leaves Watame's lips. You missed the sound of her voice so much, even the unexpected arrival of her song at the third trial was all too short a reunion to your ears.

The idea that Undine was juggling, bug hunting, and grass surfing all in one day is a little surprising to hear at first, but it does your heart good to hear from the water spirit that she immensely enjoyed those activities with her friends.

"So that was all in one day huh?" You ask when Watame and Undine seem to finish giving their recollections of the first day's activities. "What did you all do the next day?"

"Had some direly needed girl time!" Polka says proudly. "Sorry Anon. Can't share the details."

"Of course you can't." You smirk. "Keep your secrets then."

"I practiced something new while we had some girl time though, Anon!" Watame says to you with a twinkling smile. "I'm always your combat sheep, Anon. Since you and Flare were focusing on learning a new type of magic that will help you protect people, I said I was going to focus on learning something new too! So I learned how to play the flute!"

"You learned a new instrument!? In just a day!?" You exclaim. "You're amazing Watame!"

The sheep nods with a smug smile on her face before she reaches into the pouch attached to the belt that rests over her hips and pulls out a small wooden flute.

"Mayla gave me this as a gift yesterday!" She chirps. "I spent all day yesterday getting the new song I learned just right!"

"Watame has quite a talent for everything musical." Undine adds in fondly. "I think you'll find that the effect her newest song will have on you, particularly interesting, summoner."

"If it's anything like what Flare and I heard yesterday. I can't wait to hear it. Can you show me now, Watame?" You ask impatiently.

"Not yet, Anon!" Watame says with a wink as she places the flute back safely into her pouch. "I want the first time you hear it to be EXACTLY the time you need it the most."

"Going to make me wait for it huh? Or maybe I can try to guess WHEN I would need it the most and try to throw myself into whatever will make that happen as soon as possible." You say playfully.

"If that's what you want to do, I won't stop you." Watame responds, her hands neatly held together behind her as she does a gentle sway back and forth. "But Polka said that it can make your performance even more special when your audience is anticipating it!"

"Can't rob you of stepping your game as a performer then." You shrug happily. "Alright Watame. Know I'll be looking forward to hearing your newest song. I know it's going to be magical, and just what I need when I hear it. Just like the sheep who will play it."

Watame's smile grows wider as her cheeks start to flush. The reaction takes you aback slightly. Did you just start flirting with Watame? Is THIS flirting? It was just the first thing you thought to say! When did you learn to flirt?! You flirted with Flare last night didn't you? But that was more of the normal teasing you both do to each other….oh.

"So how would you and Flare like to rest today, summoner?" Undine asks to help break you out of your internal conflict.

"Uhh..well" You stammer slightly, not entirely sure how you SHOULD spend your last day among the Talonclaw before moving on to new places. Looking around, you observe the various tribespeople hurrying to further prepare their home for relocation, and an idea hits you.

"I'd like to help the Talonclaw get ready to move." You begin. "I can kinda get how badly they are itching to travel again. They've treated us so nicely too. I know we got rid of those monsters for them, but they didn't need to help us all, but they still did and then some. I want to help them in any way I can, before we part ways for a while."

"You're supposed to be resting Anon…" Flare says exasperated. "Although, you were the one having a blast on the way down…I shouldn't be surprised that you can't sit still."

"You don't have to help if you don't want to." You offer. "That's just what I want to do. I'll most likely just be moving and packing things anyway…"

"Like you used to with your dad?" Watame asks as she must have noticed your face deep in nostalgic thought. "Back when we first met, while you were sleeping, your dad talked a lot about how you would help him pack for deliveries. He said you were the best wagon loader a father could ask for!"

The notion makes you feel slightly embarrassed, but it wasn't all that far from the truth. It was one of the few things you could do for your dad perfectly. You couldn't hold a candle to his crafting skills, but you sure could lift and place things. Come to think of it though, why was your dad telling your first friend about how you were a glorified pack mule?

"Yeah, sorta." You admit. "I also haven't gotten to be around the Talonclaw as much as you guys have. I'd like to get to talk to some of them a little more."

"Then I'll help you!" Watame cheers with one of her hands raised.

"Nene will too!" Nene says joining in with an enthusiastic jump that lands her on the other side of you. "Nene help people in Bjornholm move things all the time."

"With the two of you helping, they'll be all packed in no time!" Polka cheers you all on.

"I'm gonna have to sit this one out though." Flare exhales.

"Sounds good to me!" Polka follows up as she hooks her arm under Flare's and tugs her closer. "Undine and I have been talking a little, and there's something we want your help on. So we'll just be over there, and out of the way while the rest of you do some packing."

With a set objective, you, Watame, and Nene hurry off to find any and all Talonclaw tribe members who could use some help packing, while Polka takes Flare and Undine to talk about….who knows what. Undine did help a lot with the circus foxe's acts after all, maybe there is a group combination attack one of them thought up that needs Flare to be complete. You can only hope it's something that cool.

The next couple hours are spent mostly loading bags, boxes, and things too big to fit into either…into wagons. While people were apprehensive at first to accept your help, seeing as you were thought of as an honored guest of sorts, you were able to convince them to accept your help by making it so appealing that no one could refuse. A simple cast of your Stellaruke spell allows you to lift the load of ten men, while Nene's own strength is quite comparable. Not to mention that Watame's own physical strength as a Demi-human lets her move fully loaded wagons with ease.

Through that time, you conversed with people ranging from just a little younger than you, to people that might even be older than your uncle. All age groups seemed to appreciate the respect you showed for their rituals, and even asked for a small demonstration of the gift it helped you to obtain.

Although it was only your third time purposely changing your mana to produce a small swirl of wind within your palm, you are surprised at how easy it comes to you. Many onlookers looked proudly at you, and others in awe. The attention makes you want to shirk away and just focus back on moving objects at first, but once Watame and Nene become distracted themselves by the simple, but apparently eye catching dancing of winds you are able to conjure within your two hands, you feel a bit more comfortable being the center of attention.

"Anon will probably be able to make really big wind soon!" Nene cheers as you finish letting another light breeze leave your hands into the air above.

"Thanks Nene, but I still got a really long way to go. Making wind is fine, but I need to come up with some actual spells that use it." You say with a smile.

"And how would a brave warrior with your talents seek to use the wind?" Mayla's voice comes as she approaches the nearly loaded wagon you and your audience stand near with a few sacks under her arms.

"That's a very good question Mayla." You answer. "I'm not really good with coming up with spells on my own yet. The only thing I can do with water so far is fire a big mess of it from my hand, and make a little ball of it between my hands. I can only do the real stuff when I join with Undine."

"And is there anything wrong with that?" The Talonclaw tribeswoman responds. "It is only when we put our trust completely in another that we can soar to our greatest heights."

She does raise a good point. One day, hopefully soon, you can find Undine's sister and make a pact with her. Together you can use the winds to help protect people just like you do with Undine. You don't have to figure things out all on your own, you never do, not anymore. You also have Flare, Polka, Watame, and even Nene to help give you inspiration.

"You're absolutely right Malya." You say happily as you offer to take the heavy sacks from the woman, which she graciously accepts. "And even though I don't know HOW exactly I can use the winds. I know what I'll use them for. To protect this world we share."

"If there are times where you need some guidance, well, you know where to look now." Mayla says with a quick wink.

"That's for sure!" You laugh as you load the sacks onto the wagon behind you and dust your hands off.

After supplies and belongings have been appropriately packed, the only thing left to do will be to take down the tents in the morning. Feeling satisfied with yourself, you part from the crowd of nomads and walk around to find the rest of your friends with Watame and Nene at your side.

Not too long do you find Flare, Polka, and Undine sitting on the soft grass facing each other just outside the settlement borders.

"Yo! Everybody!" You make yourself known before you can potentially eavesdrop on anything meant to be private.

"Hey you three. How did all the packing go?" Flare asks as you all join them on the grass.

"Nene help lift lots of things. Not very heavy though. Barely a workout." Nene answers, a bit disappointed.

"We helped everyone out. Is what Nene is saying." You feel the need to add. "What did you three do meanwhile?"

"I showed off some of my juggling to Flare for a bit, and then we all kinda did some magic practice of our own. Sorry Anon. Flare's mine today though." Polka says with a sly smile.

"Well I ended up practicing a little magic myself anyway." You retort. "The Talonclaw were very impressed with my wind magic."

"Awww if you're feeling left out Anon, we can always practice together later." Flare says smugly.

"I'm fine." You cross your arms. "I'd much rather get some practice in with the seventh spell instead."

"Oh right! Can we see the spell now Anon?!" Watame asks as her excitement mounts.

"Sure! I'll need someone to read it for me though." You say as you unstrap the spell book from your side.

"Nene has been thinking. How come some people can read the funny letters in Anon's shiny book, but others can't?" Nene poses her first question about your book's workings.

"We aren't exactly sure ourselves, Nenechi." Polka answers. "That book is unlike any kind of magic any of us have ever seen before. It almost does what it wants."

"But it also listens to me too…a little bit." You start. "It's kinda me in a way, so I'm sure you'll be able to read it too someday, Nene. It might start to make more sense to you afterward."

"That's okay! Nene doesn't need to read!" The bubbly blond says with a sure smile. "Nene can't really hold shiny book in fight when using might of Ursol. Might scratch holes in it."

Well, at least Nene won't feel left out at all. You don't think you could actively choose who can read the book regardless. You were able to force a new spell to appear when you fought Koyori, but you get the feeling that enabling someone to actually read the spells is a different matter entirely. It does make you think of an interesting question you would like answered. What would happen if the champion of Ursol read the Urou spell for you? Would it be even stronger? Would it change? CAN these spells change?

"Well if you find yourself able to one day, will you do me a favor and read from it? If it ends up happening, it will likely be for a reason." You ask, smiling brightly, which earns a happy nod from Nene.

"Alright let's see this new spell already." Polka claps her hands twice. "Flare already got to read it. How about you go next, Watame."

"Yes!" The sheep chirps as she skips to your side where you stand a comfortable distance away from the rest of the group. "I'll do my best to pay close attention for any of the spell's secrets, Anon. You can count on me!"

"I always do." You say as you give her a small high five and happily hand her your spell book.

"Alright! You ready Anon?" Watame asks as she grips the books tightly in her hand as the pages begin to glow and illuminate the air around you as it enters into twilight.

"Go for it, Watame!" You confirm as you ready your open palms outstretched in front of you towards the sky.

"Stellberna Ma Stellar!" The sheep chants.

You feel the energy of starlight quickly swell and rise to the surface within you. A graceful star flies forth from your palm and up a good twenty of thirty feet into the sky before it stops. As you expect, the star begins to multiply.

Sixteen bright silver stars now float above all of you. Already you can feel the spell work within your mind, the book awaiting your answer for what stars to control.

"How ya doing, Watame?" You ask the girl beside you.

"Alright I guess. This spell is pretty intense. It feels like the book is just waiting for something as it pulls energy from me." Watame answers you as she wipes a bead of sweat from her cheek with her free hand.

"I think we need to be quick and precise with this one. I'm gonna start off picking a star to move." You reply as you focus on one of the floating stars on your far right. After you feel the connection established in your heart, you wait for Watame's command.

"Right! Now Roll!" Watame responds as she commands the star you chose to move to an open area in the sky.

"Okay. I'm picking three of them to make a triangle. Let's put 'em together." You say next.

"And. Connect!" The sheep replies, and the three stars you decided upon are connected together to form a triangle in the darkening sky.

"That's so cool!" Watame gasps at the simple constellation.

"Indeed. I don't think I have ever witnessed such magic before." Undine adds.

"This is as far as we could take it though." Flare speaks up. "Besides making some shapes in the sky, I have no idea what this spell could be for."

"Nene thinks it's very pretty. Makes Anon even more magical!" Nene cheers.

"Yeah, it's cool and all, but there's gotta be more to it." Polka says to you. "Pick another pair of stars for Watame, Anon. I want to see something."

You nod and find a couple of stray stars as the fennec asked. With another command, the two roll until they are a couple feet in front of you at eye level. Through the book, you can feel Watame's desire to keep those same stars as your focus as she utters the command to sprout a ray of light to connect the two.

Polka then walks forward and gives the tether a poke with her gloved finger. You watch the shining strand bend like elastic under the pressure of her digit.

"So the connecting light is solid too?" You state the obvious.

"More than that, it's stretchy." Polka adds as she gives the line a hard tug with her hand before letting it go as it bends back and forth like a rubber band.

"Do you think it has something to do with celestial magic specifically, Polka?" Flare asks.

"I wouldn't be able to say." The fennec shakes her head. "Even if celestial magic wasn't so rare to have an affinity for, we couldn't even assume the rules are the same with what Anon's spell book makes. It's just so different from any magic I've ever seen before."

"But Anon made the spell appear right?" Watame asks as she walks over to you and Polka as she lets the light fade from the book and the stars begin to fade away. "The spells you create come from deep in your heart. When you really want something, the book helps you. Think hard on what you felt before the spell appeared, Anon. That might give us some sort of clue."

"I remember sitting at the lit campfire with Flare at the top of the mountain. The stars had just come out too. They looked so amazing from way up there. I feel like I could almost touch them." You begin to say, the picture of the scenery in your mind brings a smile to your face.

"Focus Anon." Flare reminds you. "What were you FEELING?"

"Right! Uhhh. I was feeling…clear? Sure? Accomplished? Oh wait! That's when I talked about how I want to be like the stars to people right?"

"I believe your exact words were: I want to be someone people can look to for hope and comfort. A shining spark of hope when things seem dark." Flare says playfully as she imitates your tone.

"Anon really good with pretty words!" Nene chirps as she gives you a sort of half hooded stare and smile.

"You got an Anon speech on the mountain top all to yourself?! I wish I got to hear it…" Watame says a twinge of disappointment.

"I guess part of it was for me, now that you mention it." The half-elf replies with her grin growing wider at your reddening face.

"Which is a part I will also get it later." You almost growl. "Focus! Flare!"

"It's your spell you dork!" Flare snaps. "You focus on what you were hoping for when the spell appeared!"

As you and Flare begin to instantly bicker again, Watame stares at the page with the spell in question, seemingly deep in thought. She looks at the words of the spell, and then up at the starlit skyline. As she traces her gentle hand over the silver-white lettering of the readable part of the spell, a realization begins to form.

Something about how this spell looks, and even feels is different. It's almost like…it's missing something. The spell book grows alongside Anon, right? It helps him turn his own potential into magical spells. All of them so far have had a clear purpose…but this one…could it be what Anon said he wanted to be? A spark of hope just like the stars…That's it!

"Anon! I think I have an idea!" Watame exclaims to break you and Flare out of your arguing.

"You said you wanted to be like a shining star for people to look to for hope right?! Look at all the stars above us right now!" The sheep then continues with a finger pointed upward toward the sky. "All those shining lights carry the wishes of countless people. Think hard about how you want to protect those wishes!"

"How I want to protect them?" You repeat as you try to understand what Watame is saying. All your spells have been almost tailored by your very soul to be used in battle…by your soul huh? The spell book has almost been a mirror of sorts to your own soul, helping you bring to life the potential to overcome the obstacles you are faced with. Just like how you trust Watame, and everyone else, you need to trust yourself and the book that this spell can also help you overcome great challenges.

"Alright Watame! I think I get it!" You say confidently. "Let's try the spell one more time and see if anything's different."

"You got it, Anon!" Watame cheers with a thumbs up. "One more time! Stellberna Ma Stellar!"

Solid, shining shapes of starlight fill the air above you once again, but this time, you count twenty. That alone is an improvement! With more stars, you can do more with whatever this spell is really good for. The increase in stars doesn't seem to have an impact on your mind either, which is very good.

Through a mental dialogue, you and Watame practice moving and connecting stars. You try making different shapes in the sky in hopes of unlocking some sort of secret; squares, circles, even things that don't resemble any real shape at all.

"Anon. I think I found another command for the spell somehow." Watame says next to you with her free hand placed on the side of her head.

"Really?! Do it then!" You say in surprise as your attention is taken from physically inspecting the star that floats a few feet from your body.

"Nova!" Watame says happily with feeling.

You suddenly feel something begin to grow within the spell, as the star in front of you begins to glow even brighter. Something is about to reach its breaking point…and that something is right in front of you.

In a bright flash, the star quickly erupts as you bring your arms up coated in blue mana to guard you as quickly as you can muster it. The force of the explosion sends you flying backward and you hit the ground with a hard thud.

"Oh no! Anon!" Watame gasps after she watches you get tossed by the force of your own spell, her focus completely breaks, causing the spell to end.

For lack of a better term, you're seeing stars right now. On your back, you blink your eyes in an attempt to remove the brief flash of white that veils over your vision. As the momentary disorientation fades, you can make out the faces of Polka, Flare, Nene and Watame gathered above you. Watame looks like she's on the verge of tears, which is not all that unusual now that you think about it.

"See? He's coming to." Polka remarks.

"Anon! Anon! Are you alright?! I'm so sorry! I didn't know it was going to make one of the stars explode! I just heard the word in my head like with your shield spell, and, and!" Watame spatters through guilted cries.

"Hey hey." You speak up to silence her. "It's alright Watame. I'm alright. I just got a little knocked off my feet. That's all."

"Knocked off a good ten feet or so…" Flare feels the need to add.

"Anon is strong! Not even own spells can hurt him bad!" Nene compliments you.

While you certainly have had worse, an explosion from that close still packs a punch. You can still see Watame struggling with what she thinks she did. You hate to see that sheep sad. Time to man up and push through the pain.

Using your hands, you force yourself upright and do a quick check on the rest of your body. Everything's still in one piece. You then look at Watame and take one of her trembling hands in yours and look at her brightly.

"See? I'm alright Watame! No real harm done!" You try to sound cheerful. "I don't even have any cuts or bruises. So please don't cry."

"B-But I hurt you Anon…" Watame says through sniffles and tears.

"It was just an accident. We had no way of knowing that's what the spell would do. It's good to practice these things. And you know what else I got to practice?" You say smiling.

Watame shakes her head as she blows her nose into a colorful handkerchief Polka hands her.

"I was able to make a decent mana coat around my arms at a second's notice!" You say proudly. "That took a lot of the impact for me. I've been wanting to make them cover more at a faster pace lately, so this was actually a good way to test that."

This seems to lift the sheep's mood somewhat. She looks at you hopefully with those big purple and watery eyes of hers. This is almost working, you might have one more thing in your arsenal you can use to cheer her up.

"You know, Watame. Something Flare and I figured out while on our climb." You start as you rub the back of your head in a vain attempt to distract you from your cheeks warming up. "I know it's not really a secret that I've been having trouble sleeping…right?"

As you look to everyone for confirmation, all you can see are supportive smiles. Even Nene looks to be aware of what you're talking about, which is a surprise. No one says anything. They only patiently wait for you to continue.

"So that coyote from HoloX has been showing up in my dreams a little more, and it's terrifying…but I kinda figured out a way that helps me get rid of her somehow in those dreams." You continue, your face reddening further as you mentally prepare for what you are about to say next.

Flare is easily having too much fun watching you try to say what she already knows is coming. She stands tall and proud with her arms neatly crossed across her body as she wears a particularly smug smile. You need to get this over with, for nothing else but to stop that half-elf from looking at you like that.

"Turns out…being held by someone while I sleep…helps fight off the nightmares." You practically force yourself to say as you shut your eyes.

No one says anything for a good moment. You tentatively open one of your eyes to gauge everyone's reaction. Flare is still as cocky looking as ever. Undine is still smiling supportively. Polka is also smiling warmly, with what looks to be a hint of pride as well. Nene is well…smiling like she always does. Watame however…

Gone are the water filled eyes, replaced with a shine that might give the stars a run for their money. Her mouth is agape in a huge open mouthed smile. Guess you were right about how positive her reaction to this information would be.

"So what you're saying is." Polka starts as that smile of hers shifts to show something slightly more mischievous. "Is that you need to sleep with someone?"

"Yes." You say in a calm and controlled tone. You were already goated once like this. Sorry Polka, Flare beat you to that one.

"I'll sleep with you Anon!" Watame bursts as she drops the spell book and takes both your hands in hers and lifts you both up to your feet. "I really liked when we slept together that night we rescued you! It was one of the best sleeps I ever had…but I was a little embarrassed to ask for that again, but since you're the one asking! Can I be the one? Pleasssssse?"

Okay, Polka may not have been able to get a reaction out of you, but Watame certainly has. Her choice of words combined with not only her enthusiasm, but with how much you love and admire this girl, has turned you into a mess in an instant.

As you stare into the beaming smile of the most beautiful sheep in the world, your heart races, your knees feel weak, and you want nothing more than to yell "Yes!" At the top of your lungs and take her to bed right now with you, and sneak in a first kiss with her like you had with Flare.

The stifled snickering of Flare and Polka only a few feet away helps bring you closer back to a functioning state of mind. The fennec got what she wanted after all, and it wasn't even by her own hand…you always have a way to get her back later though.

"O-Of course Watame." You say after you shake your head to get rid of some of the lingering butterflies that flutter in your chest. "But you don't have to help me sleep all the time either. I promised Flare I would be her body pillow sometimes too. It was the only way I could convince her to get up today."

Now it was finally someone else's turn to be a little flustered. Instantly was that look of superiority taken away from her by the growing flush in her cheeks.

"I was wondering how you were going to manage up there without your usual setup." Polka says playfully to Flare as she gives her a nudge to side with an elbow. "And after you got a taste of a living, breathing body pillow, nothing else will cut it. Is that it? Or maybe Anon is just that fun to cuddle~ Which is it Flare?"

While you particularly enjoyed Flare being teased for once instead of you, the half-elf did help you out a ton over the last few days. You should probably return the favor.

"I am apparently more than a halfway-decent body pillow." You say proudly before Flare can muster up a response to Polka's not so subtle jabs. "You can find out soon too if you want to, Polka. That won't be a problem or anything right? Surely you won't mind being that close to me in the darkened tent right?"

Caught between not wanting to deny you help when you need it, and her own embarrassment that you know stems from the kitsune's own appetite for your soul, Polka's face starts to grow a shade of red of its own as she desperately avoids looking in your direction.

"But I'm still first right?!" Watame asks in an almost panicked voice.

"Yes. You get first dibs." You reply. "And this might not need to be a forever thing, ya know? I'd like to not have to fight these nightmares back at all one day. But for now, I could really use the help."

"You got it Anon!" Watame gives you an overly enthusiastic thumbs up as her eyes glitter.

"Nene will help Anon too!" Nene chimes in as she jumps to hug you from behind.

"You already know it works with me." Flare adds with a warm smile, clearly appreciative that you bailed her out.

"I would also like to volunteer to help you, should you require it of me, summoner." Undine says pridefully.

"And if everyone else is tapped out…I can help too…for a night…" Polka says as she tries to hide whatever expression she is making with her hat.

"Thanks everyone! Now that I finally got that off my chest. Can we talk about what just happened with that spell?"

"What's to talk about?" Flare counters. "You can command a star to blow up. Seems pretty straight forward from here. We can move the stars around into position, then have them explode. It actually might come in handy if we face bigger enemies. Especially ones with small weak spots like that monster we fought."

"Don't forget how the rays that connect them are solid and stretchy." Polka adds. "We could probably trap something and THEN make the stars around it explode."

"I'm not sure how often or how long I can use this one for, Anon." Watame says with some giddiness still in her voice. "It uses a ton of power to make it work."

"I noticed that too. And since you can't use it alone, we should probably make sure it's the exact spell we need for the situation." Flare says.

"I'm sure you'll end up deciding that for me when the time comes." You sigh. "Want to give it a go real quick, Polka?"

"You betcha! This one looks fun! Think of all the cool things we could do with it. It might even make for a cool act in my circus show." The fennec says gleefully as she walks over and picks up the spell book off the ground.

With another cast of the spell, stars made from your own magic spread overhead once again. You were a little concerned at first that since Polka has only used your spell book once before, that you might not be able to hear her inner voice like you can with Watame and Flare, but her thoughts, her intentions for the spell, what to do next, all come through crystal clear.

Polka seems perfectly content on watching the stars buzz around in the sky and connect to one another. Here and there she instructs you to focus on a singular one, far away, so that she could make it explode. The look on her face as she utters the command is almost a little concerning.

Looking up at the vague shapes the two of you create in the air with starlight fills you with both confidence and hope. Being so close to celestial forms of light also reminds you of the incredibly vivid dream you had on the first night of your mountain climb. Could the spell have come from that desire to be closer to the stars? You can't help but feel there is even more to this spell than you all have figured out together so far. If only there was someone you could ask about it.

When the stain of the spell began to physically appear on Polka's face, you decided to call it quits for now. She did seem to genuinely enjoy using it though. If anyone could help uncover the hidden potential of your own magic, it would be her.

Taking the spell book from the circus fox, you give the newest spell one last look before closing it. A spell that can ensnare, confuse, and attack is definitely one you are glad to have. Let's just hope you can use it correctly when the time comes.

As you turn around to head back into the main settlement, you notice that you've attracted quite the audience at some point. Groups and individuals sit cross legged a generous distance away where they must have watched your celestial display. Did Polka realize they were there? That's probably when she upped her game and began to utter commands more quickly and with a performance like flair.

"Give them a little smile and wave." Polka whispers to you as she places a steadying hand on your shoulder. "If you're gonna be that spark of hope for people, you got to learn how to handle a crowd, Anon."

While you give the fennec a small frown, you can't exactly find a way to argue with her. This is probably a big part of being that light for people. It will also undoubtedly be a big part of being a summoner as well. Spirits like Undine should be respected and appreciated for all they've done, and continue to do for our world. You will likely need to be that shepard that helps spread the word that they are back and here to stay.

Swallowing your bundling nerves, you raise a hand high and wave while you give the onlookers your biggest smile.

"Hope you enjoyed the light show everyone! That was just a little practice session to get a little used to the newest piece of magic I got. Think of it as a little going away present from us to you!" You loudly greet , hoping that everyone can hear you.

The applause that echoes in the night air brings a twinge of joy to your heart as the anxiety you felt washes away. You know you have thought this before, but you can see why the others find this sensation of being applauded for so addicting. You will likely never be any sort of singer or dancer, but a showman of the magical gifts you have, you think you might be able to manage that. With help of course.

With the day fully winding down, you walk back into the main settlement with your friends and the various members of the Talonclaw. A pair of large fires are lit at the center of their living space, one heats the enormous pot that contains the leftover stew from lunch. You suppose it makes sense to try and ensure it all gets eaten. It wouldn't exactly be easy to transport that and have it stay good. Not that you're complaining, as you happily dig into your third bowl of the day.

The rest of the evening is spent talking about the rite of ascension in a little more detail; the three trials you faced, and how you and Flare worked together to overcome them. You decided to not go into the answer of the third trial, in case someone from the tribe was listening in. Although, with how strangely tailored the trials seemed to be for the two of you, you haven't entirely ruled out the possibility that they could be entirely different for each individual pair of people who undergo them.

Eventually, you feel the weight of the day crashing down on you as you stretch and yawn from your seat on the soft earth. With weary legs, you all walk back to where Polka's colorful tent is still set up. Before you can go inside and let yourself fall onto your bedroll, the circus fox steps in front of you and pushes you back slightly with her index finger.

"Ladies first Anon. We need to change." She says with a smile as she and the rest of the girls, save for Undine, go inside.

You take a waiting position a few feet away and look up at the star speckled skyline. While you are fairly sure that your method of keeping Koyori at bay in your dreams will work, there is still so much uncertainty surrounding it that makes you a little anxious.

"I believe now might be a good time to talk about the other favorable results your trials yielded. If you wouldn't mind indulging me, summoner." Undine says from beside you.

"Y-You already saw that I can do wind magic now, and I also talked about what should help me with the nightmares." You say to try and snuff out the water spirit's proding. "I talked about the whole thing with Flare, just like I promised. I also ended up talking to Polka too before all that even…"

"Oh, I am well aware." Undine confirms with a soft smile. "I was more curious about the other thing that might have happened during your climb. Both nights I felt quite an interesting spark from you. The one on the second night was particularly powerful."

"Even from all the way up there…" You say with a hint of regret for your self incrimination. "Okay. You and Polka seemed to get your wish for Flare and I to…get a little closer to each other. Do I really need to say how though?"

"If you really do not want to, I can't force you, but I think it would be beneficial for you to get more comfortable having these types of conversations. They will help you grow."

"It doesn't bother you though, right? That we share feelings and stuff? That my soul apparently lets off fireworks for you to see whenever…umm…certain…things happen?" You ask, the question had been on your mind for a while. Undine is very much her own person just like you, and while she has always been supportive and never mentioned any misgivings for your pact, you want to make sure you aren't putting any unnecessary burdens on her.

"Not in the slightest." She answers without hesitation. "You have helped me experience so many different things I would not have been able to on my own. I have been asleep for so long…I had forgotten so much about life here. All the feelings I used to have. The love for the good, and the rage towards the wicked. Our link has helped me feel whole for the first time in what must be centuries."

"It makes me feel whole too." You say with a smile. "The reason I asked though…is well….there's a lot I haven't experienced for myself yet…big stuff. Should we set like, ground rules or something for all that?"

"Are you referring to physical intimacy with Watame and Flare? Or perhaps some other girl entirely." Undine asks flatly.

"Getting right to the point like always…but sure…" You say, growing embarrassed that you won't be able to have this talk with even a hint of subtlety.

"I do not think such experiences should be restricted by any rules." Undine states. "You should let whatever new feelings and desires you have flow as they are meant to. Never hold yourself back on what would promise to be a wondrous thing on my account, summoner."

"Woah now!" You spatter. "I don't think anything like what you're thinking is happening any time soon! So far it's just been a kiss from Watame and Flare."

"Just, a kiss?" Undine asks playfully, but also a little rhetorically. You can't be sure how, but that look in her eyes tells you that she knows you're holding out on her.

"Okay! It was a few kisses with Flare." You give in.

"..."

"What? That's all! Really!"

"Then what's that mark that peeks out ever so slightly from under your collar?" Undine asks, already sure of the answer.

"Mark?! What mark?!" You ask in a panic as you try to look down at your own neck while checking it over with your hands.

"I believe Polka called it a 'Love Bite'." The water spirit says triumphantly as she reaches forward and pulls the side of your collar down ever so slightly, as her other hand creates a sheet of water so clear that it can be used as a mirror.

Right there on your neck, was a mark that sported a particularly vibrant shade of red against your skin. You instantly remember that was the spot Flare kissed and pulled on you the hardest. The heat begins to rise and completely redden your cheeks as you nervously pull up your collar to hide your badge of honor that isn't meant for everyone to see.

"Why is Polka telling you about that kind of stuff!?" You blurt out.

"It was difficult not to talk about it. Flare has a similar one on her neck as well. Her hair did well to hide it for the most part however. If it makes you feel any better, she was just as surprised as you were to find it, summoner."

"And no one else seemed to notice?" You ask.

"No. Watame or Nene did not seem to notice." Undine giggles. "You're not feeling ashamed are you? It is a perfectly natural and wonderful thing you and Flare shared together."

"No, I'm not ashamed! I meant everything I said and did with Flare…" You retort before feeling your face get even redder. "It's just….umm"

"Remember the advice Harold gave you on the subject?" The water spirit proposes. "The part about love being a meeting of multiple streams? Try not to think too much about it, summoner. Just let things be as they will be."

"Alright." You say as you take a deep, calming breath. "I think I can do that, but I'd still like to be considerate of when, and where these things take place. We are connected after all."

"My point still stands. However your relationships may evolve, be they with Watame, Flare, Polka, Nene, or anyone else you meet. Don't ever hold yourself back because of our pact. If it will put your mind at ease, I can always take my eyes off you, in a sense. If the types of feelings you felt last night are an early indicator of such, I will easily know ahead of time so that I may give you the proper privacy."

"Okay. Thanks, Undine. It's not like I expect this to be a normal occurrence by the way. I've got much more important things to worry about doing right now."

"That is true. You're about to share a bed with Watame for the whole group to see." Undine says with a teasing tone that sets off alarms in your head. Next time, you are not leaving her alone with Polka for two whole days. "Speaking of which, Why don't I go inside and check if they are ready for you to come in?"

With butterflies that are becoming all too familiar with your insides fluttering about, you can only nod to Undine as she happily takes her leave and heads inside the tent. A few moments later, the water spirit pokes her head out from the tent flap and to indicate that you are allowed to come in. Thankfully, the mounting tiredness of your body overpowers the nervousness you feel.

Once inside, you notice everyone in their colorful pajamas and preparing their own areas for sleep. Watame looks over at you with a very wide and cheerful smile. Taking your own pajamas into the standing changing room, you quickly disrobe and put on your comfortable sleepwear. Once back in the open, the fluffy sheep rapidly pats the open area of her now big enough for two sleeping pack. You look over to Flare who contently places her own person sized pillow next to her. The nervousness you feel before washes away as you take in the familiar scene of your friends' nighttime routines. Things didn't have to be all that different just because you needed some extra help.

After setting your regular clothes along with your spell book and sword in the free space between your own sleeping area and Undine's you sit upright next to Watame who stares at you in anticipation with those deep purple eyes.

"How would you like to sleep, Anon?" Watame suddenly asks. "Nene told me there are names for the different positions you can sleep in."

"Uhhh…I guess it might be a good idea to try the same set I've had with Flare so far. That's at least worked twice so far." You say, not entirely sure how to respond.

"Ah! You want to be the little spoon then!" Watame says confidently with an excited finger pointed at you.

"That makes Watame BIG SPOON!" Nene cheers with arms raised from her own bedroll.

The poorly contained snickering of the fennec and half-elf on the other side of the room irks you slightly. For someone who found great comfort in you being her "little spoon" Flare is laughing more than she should be. You'll have to make her wait extra long for her next turn then. Or better yet, you can see how she likes being called the little spoon next time. Reversing the roles sounds a lot better than flat out denying her.

"I suppose it does then." You say after your planned response for the half-elf later cools the rising irritation you feel.

"I'll be your sheepy big spoon, Anon!" Watame chirps as she lays herself down under the plush blankets.

Ignoring the strange wording, you lower yourself down and shimmy under the blanket that Watame holds up for you. Right on que, Polka has the magical lights from within her tent slowly dim until they turn off completely. Before you can adjust yourself further, Watame's arms wrap around your upper chest and pull you close to her. The sudden touch surprises you at first, but then the comforting embrace of this fluffy sheep makes all your worries melt away.

A long, drawn out sigh escapes her breath behind you. She pulls you even closer so that your bodies are as close as they can be, despite certain features of the sheep helping to create a gap of space between some parts of you. She nuzzles her face into your back, the points of her horns poking your shoulders ever so slightly with each pass.

"W-Watame! Watch the horns a little bit." You whisper.

"Watame is not doing anything wrong! You're just so comfy! I can't help it." She coos back. "Are you comfy though? Will this be alright?"

"I'm pretty great. This will be more than alright." You say truthfully. Despite the minor prods from the sheep's proud horns, you could not feel more safe than you do right now. Inside a tent made of one of your friend's own incredible magic, and securely in the arms of your first friend.

"I think you're onto something…" You yawn. "There is nothing better for your sleep than a sheep…"

"Mhmm! Goodnight Anon." Is all you hear Watame whisper before sleep takes you.

You find yourself standing on a fluffy cloud high in the sky. Watame had asked if you could take her there with your wind magic, which you of course did for her. All it took was a flick of the wrist and off you both went. Miles upon miles you soared into the air as you held Watame's hand tightly in yours.

Now you stand with your favorite sheep, overlooking the world from a perch in the heavens. Nothing but blue skies and white clouds can be seen on the horizon, but all you want to look at is the golden blond girl who stands beside you.

You feel so light, safe, and free. The feeling alone has been worth the trip, but you still feel compelled to ask.

"Now that we're here. What should we do?" You turn to the sheep next to you.

"Dance of course! I want to dance with you on the clouds, Anon!" The sheep smiles brightly at you, causing your heart to skip a beat.

As if you somehow suddenly know what you are doing, you offer your hand to the angelic sheep girl and give her a polite half bow.

Watame giggles and gently places her hand in yours while giving you a short curtsy.

As you rise, you interlock your fingers together and gently place your other hand on her hip while she places her own on your upper chest.

Instruments float up through the puffy cloud you stand on, and group together in an organized line as they begin to play. Harps, violins, cellos, and even a piano begin to strum their own strings and play their own keys to give you something to dance to. As their elegant notes fill the air, you begin to lead the girl you admire through a waltz upon the clouds.

In time with the tempo, your feet move exactly where they should. It all feels almost automatic to you. You get the feeling that somehow isn't normal, but you quickly dismiss it. All you care about is the bright smiling face that looks back at you lovingly as you continue to sweep the girl it belongs to, off her feet.

In an expressive twirl, you hop, taking your partner along with you to land on a nearby cloud. The fluffy mass of nature cushions your landing and gives in under your feet ever so slightly.

Watame's surprised gasps and giggles at your spontaneous movement raises your confidence even higher.

Your steps become wider as you both glide along the fluffy surface of your dancefloor. Soon you are forced to stick to the middle of the cloud as pairs of short little sheep in tuxedos and gowns now waltz with each other all around you.

As the song finishes its final movement, you pull Watame close to you so your faces are mere inches apart. You freeze as the sound of musical notes is cut off from the air, and try to catch your breath.

Watame's gaze does not break from yours, looking to be equally entranced with you as you are with her. This is a place you can find yourself wanting to stay forever, as you lean in closer.

In the next blink of your eyes, you and Watame are sitting with your feet dangling over the edge of a cloud, while you both munch on the fluffy cumulus.

"Clouds taste a lot better than I thought they would!" Watame says with an entire mouthful.

"Definitely! I thought they would be all air, but they are actually pretty filling." You add as you tear off another piece from behind you and stuff it into your mouth.

"Will you take me to dance and eat clouds again, Anon?"

"You bet Watame! I'll take you anywhere to eat anything!"

"Yay! Let's try snow clouds next time! They might taste like ice cream!"

There she was, she just finished the finale that she poured her entire heart into singing. The crowd adored her. Their thunderous applause filled the entire stadium and drowned out everything else. She was soaking it all in. This is what she is meant to have. This is what all her hard work had created.

An almost blinding light begins to shine from the far side of the stadium, everyone's heads move to face it. Try as she might, nothing she does brings the crowd's eyes back on her. She calls for them, jumps for them, even offers an encore, but they will not budge. Their attention is completely fixated on this new shining star.

She herself now looks to this light, and sees the silhouette of a man; holding a book in one hand, and a sword in the other that rests on his shoulder.

"I am a shining spark of hope when things seem dark!" The man's voice echoes through the stadium triumphantly, before his head seems to turn to look directly at the girl, as it begins to laugh.

In a cold sweat, a blue haired girl slouches over her bathroom sink, breathing heavily. She stares at her own tired reflection. This was the second night in a row where she had a similar nightmare; of being outshined by another. Those damn words still stick out in her mind.

"A shining spark of hope when things seem dark...what a joke." She says to her reflection, but even through exhaustion, she can't shake the insecurity that blankets her voice.

Why? Why was this…boy appearing in her thoughts? A boy who could use celestial magic; a gift reserved for her, and only a handful of others in this world. A boy she has never seen or heard of before, has the nerve to rob her of the crowd's attention. Even in dreams, no one is allowed to shine brighter than her.

"Get a hold of yourself!" She barks at her reflection. "You're the diamond in the rough that this world adores. YOU are an unstoppable comet. This...nobody! Is nothing! He's a joke! Now get it together! You have a show to do tomorrow…"