[Salvos] 620. Be Friends (Patreon)

620. Be Friends

***

Willy didn’t need sleep. He was a Grand Spirit— more specifically, a [Will O’ Wisp]. Unlike most mortals who needed to sleep at night, he could stay up and get things done.

Of course, that was not what he did. That was too troublesome, especially after having to deal with a long day of annoying Human activities.

Instead, Willy spent the night just floated in the middle of his room, sorting through his thoughts and feelings. But more than that, it let him store his emotions, saving them for later, so he could utilize them when needed.

It was thanks to a simple Skill called [Meditate]. It was a Skill that was rather uncommon, but also not really special in any way. Many [Priests] had it— they often got it as soon as they reached their Level 40 Class advancement.

The effects of [Meditate] were quite mundane. It allowed the user to manage their temperament, giving them a better control over their emotions. But for Willy, it was quite a useful Skill.

After all, the [Will O’ Wisp] specialized in a field of magic called the Elements of Emotions.

It was a field of magic that quite a few types of Spirits specialized in, but not many mortals even knew about its existence. Those who did often thought it was an inefficient school of magic because it harnessed the emotions of the individual to project magic into the world.

Certainly, at a surface level, Willy agreed that it sounded quite cumbersome to use. However, thanks to [Meditate], he could compartmentalize his emotions and convey them through magic when necessary. It allowed him to cast spells that were far stronger than his ostensible level. If he were angry enough, he could create a raging fire that even matched the power of Elites.

The downside was that if he didn’t have full control over his range of emotions, his magic could be weaker depending on his mood. Because of this, none of the [Priests] he had ever worked with ever showed an interest in learning this school of magic. Even those who had [Meditate]. Because they thought that the benefits did not outweigh the cons. Especially since that just having [Meditate] alone didn’t enable them to have the same mastery Willy had over his feelings.

There was a reason why the [Will O’ Wisp] spent so much time to himself, delving into his thoughts. Well, he also did have plenty of time to do so. Especially back when he had been the Hearthkeeper of Zaetya.

All he had to do back then was just float there, burn brightly, and look pretty. As Adash’s Deity of Day and as the Sun Spirit of Timira, he had other duties to attend to. But as the Hearthkeeper of Zaetya, there had been nothing else for him to do. And the fact he had to keep that up for decades nearly made him lose his mind.

But thanks to [Meditate], he eventually survived just fine.

And thanks to [Meditate], he managed to survive his isolation at the bottom of the Bloodied Gulf without succumbing to his grief. After all, that was where his former master passed.

Willy’s flames flickered as the thought crossed his mind. He remembered her. Nynen. The first Cyclopes he had ever met, and the only person who had ever treated him as a normal person. He followed her because of that— because she was his first friend. And when she passed, he was devastated.

For a moment, the [Will O’ Wisp] was lost in his thoughts. He froze right in the middle of Central Square. But he quickly regained control of his feelings and flew on. The past didn’t matter. Nynen was gone. All he could do now was live for her.

All he could do now was remember her.

Willy flitted over a group of students as he headed towards the Tower of Truth. As a member of the faculty, there were duties he had to attend to— that were mostly dull and monotonous. Not that he complained. He did as he was told anyway, because the alternative was doing nothing.

And nothing was more boring than doing nothing.

He continued on, set for his destination, until he heard a voice calling out to him. Willy spun around as he spotted Rachel sprinting his way.

“Willy!”

“Hm? What?”

The young girl shifted for a moment as Willy peered at her. Around them, the crowd of students gave way, creating a small clearing around the two in the middle of Central Square.

Rachel squeaked.

“Do you, um, know if Salvos has any children?”

Willy froze. His flames stopped blowing with the wind, and the wisping blue flakes faded away. He hovered there— a glowing ball that was perfectly spherical. He tried to steel himself, but the young girl just continued without any hesitation.

“Because I’ve read about that— in a book, that Salvos has children. Club President Valda tells me that it’s not true, but I’m pretty sure it is true. If anyone would know though, it would be you, right?”

Rachel spoke erratically, scratching her head as she tried to wrack her brain for all the right details. She looked tired. As if she hadn’t slept the whole night. But even though she was in such a state, she was in no hurry to go to sleep. Instead, she fumbled for her bag and produced a book.

“See? It’s written by the Thrilling Bard! And it talks about— wait, let me find the page…”

Willy watched as the young girl sifted through the book, searching for something. He slowly regained his senses and looked around. There were a handful of passing students looking their way. It wasn’t hard for either of them to draw attention, considering she was the Child Wonder, and he was a Grand Spirit.

He looked back down as Rachel raised a page of the book.

“Look— it says here that Salvos had children! So, is it true?”

She exclaimed, and Willy hesitated. She waited expectantly, looking up at him as a handful of nearby gazes turned to him. He could feel the intense staring bearing down on him, anticipating his answer.

Finally, he sent a blast of flame her way. Rachel blinked, and the nearby passersby shouted in shock. They watched in horror as she was enveloped in his fire. But the young girl didn’t burn. Instead, she found herself being carried into the air by the fire. She floated up as she stared down at herself for a long moment.

“Huh.”

That was all she said.

Willy swept his gaze over the staring students. Some of them sighed in relief, while others were just looking at the [Will O’ Wisp] in shock. He scoffed at them for even thinking that he’d attack Rachel.

“Idiots.”

And with that, he floated towards the Tower of Truth, carrying Rachel in tow.

—--

Willy only put Rachel down onto the ground when they were alone in the Tower of Truth. As a member of the faculty in Mavos Academy— even if part-time— the [Will O’ Wisp] was given a small office space with a table and chair. He shut the door before he turned to the young girl.

“Yes.”

He spoke simply. Rachel dusted herself off as she got to her feet. Looking up, she peered at the Grand Spirit.

“Yes?”

She repeated after him. And he sighed.

“Children. Yes.”

Rachel blinked a few times, before her eyes went wide. She exclaimed as she pointed at him.

“You’re answering my question! You’re saying that Salvos has children!”

“Yes.”

Willy replied, slightly agitated that he had to repeat himself again. However, the feeling went away quickly, stored for later use. He looked down at the young girl with an expectant look.

“Happy?”

He asked if she was done here— if she was satisfied with his answer. He knew what she was like, considering the few months he had gotten to know her. She was a curious little thing. And when she had a question, she wouldn’t stop until she got an answer.

Willy thought his answer was enough to placate her. Unfortunately, as usual, it wasn’t.

“Wait! So it’s true!”

Rachel piped up as she fumbled for her book. She looked down at the page, reading from it excitedly.

“So does that also mean that there are three of them, and they are all adopted baby Wyverns? Are they here in Mavos Academy? Is that what the rumors are about?”

She faced Willy with stars in her eyes. The young girl was practically bouncing on her toes. The [Will O’ Wisp] just shifted back as he stared at her.

He didn’t know the author of the book— whoever this Thrilling Bard was— but Willy really wanted to have a word with him about writing and publishing this book. It was making things really troublesome.

Willy sighed as he floated up and down like he was nodding.

“Yes. Yes. Yes.”

He didn’t see a point in lying or hiding the truth. All it would do is spread even more weird rumors. He just had to make sure that Rachel kept a lid on this once this conversation was over.

Rachel seemed to grow more excited with each passing moment. Her eyes went round as she took a step forward.

“Seriously? Can I go meet them?”

She looked like she was about to explode in excitement. But Willy finally paused. He considered her question for a short moment, before answering flatly.

“No.”

And that made Rachel immediately deflate. Her shoulders sagged as she protested weakly.

“Wha— why not?”

“Because.”

Willy didn’t elaborate. Rachel pouted as she groaned.

“I just want to meet them! I want to say hi and befriend them! Please, I’ll behave!”

“No.”

The [Will O’ Wisp] once again rejected her pleas. She spread her arms exasperatedly.

“But why? I won’t do anything bad! I promise!”

Willy wasn’t going to repeat himself again. He flew back as she gave chase.

“I just want to be friends— I mean, don’t you think they’d want to make some Human friends?”

It was a simple question. Willy wanted to give a curt response.

“No—”

He started, but then quickly caught himself. He stared at Rachel as he thought of Oriur. Novis and Bellum were fine as long as they could fight. But Oriur was different.

The [Will O’ Wisp] remembered Oriur’s outburst from a few days back. And he slowly flitted down to meet Rachel’s gaze.

“Yes.”

He answered truthfully. Rachel brightened just a bit. She nodded with a determined look on her face.

“Exactly! If you just tell me where they’re hiding, I can talk to them.”

“Not.”

“Not?”

Rachel frowned as she tried to interpret Willy’s words. She placed a hand on her chin.

“They’re… not hiding?”

“Yes.”

“Then what are they doing?”

Willy didn’t want to answer her. But he found himself replying to all her questions anyway, still thinking about Oriur.

“Trapped.”

“They’re trapped? As in— they’re prisoners? Or wait… do you mean they’re not allowed to go out?”

Rachel furrowed her brows in thought as she looked back towards Central Square.

“Is that why there have been those rumors spreading around? Because Salvos’ children are trying to escape? Because they… don’t want to be trapped anymore?”

“Yes.”

Willy spoke slowly. He stared at Rachel who was looking out the window. She turned back towards him, wearing a somber look on her face. She gritted her teeth.

“That’s… so lonely.”

She whispered, and for a moment, Willy’s mind flashed with a memory. It was no longer just the image of Oriur appearing in his head. Instead, it was a little ball of flames, slaving away in the middle of a temple, being revered like a God.

Rachel craned her head back as Willy returned to reality. He stared into her hollow eyes as she spoke softly.

“I know what it’s like to be alone. Even if you’re not physically alone— even if you have others by your side— it can still be incredibly lonely. Are you… are you sure I cannot meet them?”

Willy thought of the [Priests]. He thought of the random visitors, coming to his temple and praying to him. He heard their words, understood their feelings— but they never acknowledged him.

His flames turned from red to blue to white. He stared at Rachel, and she met his gaze. She placed a hand on her chest.

“I wanted to meet because they are Salvos’ children. But now… knowing this… I don’t want them to be lonely anymore. Let me be their friend, please.”

Willy heard her words. And he remembered a time long ago— when he met Nynen back at Zaetya. The [Priests] of the temple refused to let her meet him, but she insisted. She kept pestering them, saying she just wanted to get to know the [Will O’ Wisp], only to be rejected again and again.

Back then, Willy had heard her words. But he just assumed she wanted to meet him out of curiosity. And yet, when she broke into the temple at night to speak with him, he realized that she was serious. That Nynen had seen his loneliness, and she wanted to befriend him.

Now, the [Will O’ Wisp] saw Rachel— a young girl that had the capability to be just as insane as his former master. She refused to budge as she stood there. And Willy didn’t want to be like the [Priests] that confined him to his imprisonment.

He remembered Oriur once again. Just like the [Will O’ Wisp], trapped and solitary, but wanting to be free.

Seeking something more.

“Please.”

Rachel repeated herself again. And Willy’s flames flickered, burning a bright pink, before turning to a shade of red. He thought about the trouble he’d be in with Clayton Skyshredder if he said yes. And he made his decision as he sighed.

“Fine.”

The [Will O’ Wisp] acquiesced, and Rachel cheered.

“Yay!”

However, before she could celebrate too much, Will cut her off, speaking warningly.

“But—”

And she listened to him as he laid out the rules of her visit.

***

Oriur was going to break out once again. He knew that Clayton Skyshredder had tightened up security after the last attempt, but the baby Wyvern didn’t care. He was tired of being trapped up here and alone. Even if Centina caught him and scolded him, it didn’t matter.

He was already sitting alone in his dark room, plotting his next scheme to escape.

“I’ll just have to wait until—”

He was whispering quietly to himself when the door to his room swung open. Oriur jolted as he saw the bright light from the outside corridor shine in. He froze as he hid his hands behind his back.

“I wasn’t planning anything!”

He squeaked, thinking he had just been caught by Centina. But he didn’t see a tall, stern woman standing there. Instead, he spotted a young girl standing there, donning the school uniform of a first year student in Mavos Academy. She tilted her head curiously as she scanned the room, until she caught sight of the baby Wyvern.

They stared at each other for a long moment, before they spoke at the same time.

“W-wait, who are—”

“Hi! I’m Rachel!”

The young girl exclaimed as she sprinted up to him. She was a full head shorter than him, and his developing claws were twice the size of her little hands. But she ignored that, taking his hands with a smile.

“It’s nice to meet you! I’ve heard a lot about you!”

“You’ve heard a lot about me?”

Oriur stared at her, and she nodded eagerly.

“Yep! Well, I’ve mostly read about you. But Willy told me about you too!”

“Uncle did?”

The baby Wyvern felt like the world was spinning around him. The young girl didn’t speak particularly quickly, but her words washed over him like an unceasing wave. He nearly stumbled off his feet, but caught himself.

“You’re not scared of me?”

He asked hesitantly as he stared at Rachel. She just tilted her head curiously.

“Why would I be scared? I asked to meet you!”

“You… what?”

Oriur’s eyes went wide. He tried to work his jaw, but it took him a moment to muster up even a single word.

“Why?”

“Why do I want to meet you?”

She tapped a finger on her chin as his head spun, his vision a blur, and the world a daze. Rachel grinned as she spread her arms wide.

“I want to be your friend, that’s why!”

And everything stopped moving. The world froze as Oriur stared at her. Here she was, a random Human he had never met before. And she wanted to be his friend.

The baby Wyvern looked down at himself for a moment, before looking back up at her. It was too good to be true. He couldn’t believe it. She just smiled at him— and he poked her side.

Rachel yelped as he stared at her in disbelief.

“Are you… real?”

She almost jolted back from the poking, but she caught herself. Beaming, Rachel nodded back at him as she laughed.

“Yep! I am real! I am Rachel!”

And Oriur sniffed for a moment, before breaking into tears. He embraced her as she hugged him back. The two held each other for a while, before they eventually let go of each other. When they did, they began to excitedly talk about all sorts of things as the sun continued to rise over the horizon.

***

Willy watched this scene from the hallway, his flames burning a warm orange. Would he get in trouble for this? Almost certainly. But he didn’t care. He could speak with Clayton Skyshredder later. For now, he was just glad to see Oriur make a friend.

Or at least, he thought he would be glad. But when two little heads poked out behind him, he realized the ordeal was far from over.

Novis and Bellum stood there, staring at Rachel from the side. They exchanged a glance, before they looked up to the [Will O’ Wisp]. They pointed at the young girl as they spoke in unison.

“I want a Human friend too!”

And Willy just sighed in annoyance, before storing that emotion for later use.

Author's Notes:

What thonk? Back to Salvos next chapter.

Read next chapter here