Chapter 4

Later in the evening, after they returned home.

Nereea: “You're late.”

Draviel: “Sorry. I just got back from a mission.”

Nereea: “I went to see Sevren.”

Draviel: “I bet it was lovely.”

Nereea: “You have no idea.”

Draviel: “What did he say?”

Nereea: “He admitted it was him. But... he could have simply been lying. To play games with us.”

Draviel: “Yeah... unfortunately that's who he is. I don't understand how he became a Legend before me.”

Nereea: “However... he is our top suspect. We have to keep an eye on him.”

Draviel: “Don't worry. He will slip eventually. And we'll get him.”

Nereea: “Sadly, that day seems far away.”

Draviel: “Maybe. I'm going home. You wanna join me? For some tea?”

Nereea: “Really? You're hitting on me at this hour?”

Draviel: “You've got better plans?”

Nereea: “Hmm... not really. Maybe some tea doesn't sound that bad.”

Draviel: “That's exactly what I was thinking.”

In the middle of the night, Nireh wakes up. A weird dream haunted him.

Nireh: *What the hell was that about. I need some fresh air.*

Then he went outside.

Watching how the stars and the moon are illuminating the sky, a sense of peace and order covered him.

Nireh: *This is such a beautiful night. Even the weather is perfect.*

Unknown mysterious voice: “Isn't it amazing?”

Nireh: “What? Who said that?”

He nervously shouted. This time he heard the voice even more clearly.

Unknown mysterious voice: “It was me.”

Then, suddenly, before his eyes, a small creature with wings materializes.

Nireh: “Who are you?”

He said as his heart was beating heavily.

Unknown mysterious voice: “Raindrop.”

Nireh: *Am I still dreaming?*

Nireh: “Raindrop? That's an unusual name.”

Raindrop: “You don't like it?”

Nireh: “It's not that. It's just... very unique.”

Raindrop: “Oh... I guess it is.”

Nireh: “Why are you here, Raindrop?”

Raindrop: “A fairy can do whatever she wishes.”

Nireh: “Fairy?”

Raindrop: “You've never heard of fairies? But you've heard of dragons, no? Typical.”

Nireh: “What?”

Raindrop: “Forget it. You're all the same.”

Nireh: “You mean humans?”

Raindrop: “Yes. Of course silly.”

Nireh: “Can everyone see you?”

Raindrop: “Not really. Right now... just you.”

Nireh: “Why me?”

Raindrop: “Because we are the same.”

Nireh: “I don't understand.”

Raindrop: “We both are bored with our lives.”

Nireh: “I'm not bored.”

Raindrop: “Sure you are.”

Nireh: “Why would you say that?”

Raindrop: “You pretend to like being a fighter. But you don't care at all about your layer 3 power.”

Nireh: “That's not true. I just... don't talk much about it.”

Nireh: *How does she know that?*

Raindrop: “Why not?”

Nireh: “I just don't. But enough about me. What do you want, Raindrop?”

Raindrop: “Nothing. I was just bored.”

Nireh: “Norkai will never believe this.”

Raindrop: “You can't tell him, silly.”

Nireh: “Why not?”

Raindrop: “Because he'll believe that you're crazy. Of course.”

Nireh: “Alright. I'm going back to bed. And when I wake up... I'll forget about you.”

Raindrop: “Hahaha. Fine. See you next time.”

The fairy disappeared. Nireh, being more confused than ever, went back to bed.

The next day was a free day for the boys.

Norkai: “What are you doing today, Nireh?”

Nireh: “I'm not sure. Maybe I'll go to the old watchtower. To clear my mind.”

Norkai: “Don't you want to hang out with me and Astero?”

Nireh: “Maybe next time. I need some time alone.”

Norkai: “As you wish. See you later.”

The boys left each on their own. Nireh was still confused about the fairy encounter. Even if he tried to convince himself that he was still dreaming, he couldn't stop thinking about her.

After some time at the watchtower, various thoughts began to annoy him.

Nireh: *Compared to Norkai... of course I don't want it as much. But I still want it... I think. Who doesn't want to be a Legend?*

His annoyance quickly transformed into frustration.

Nireh: *I only wanted to become a fighter because the others made it look so cool. How should I know what I like if I haven't tried it yet?*

As time passed, his state of mind calmed down.

Nireh: *Maybe more time in school would have made things clearer. Too bad it's too late for that now. Still... there are worse things to do than being a fighter.*

As he was contemplating he suddenly heard a strange noise. Without hesitation he got up and went to check what was happening.

Twenty meters north, he saw a girl.

Nireh: “Elira? Is that you?”

Elira: “Nireh. What are you doing here?”

Nireh: “I heard a weird noise. Was that you?”

Elira: “Yeah... I slipped and fell. Now I'm all dirty.”

Nireh: “Haha... it happens.”

Elira: “I know. It's just embarrassing.”

Nireh: “Just tell people you were in a mission if they ask.”

Elira: “That's actually not a bad idea.”

Nireh: “I know. Well... I'm going back to the watchtower.”

Elira: “Wait. I'm coming with you.”

Nireh: “Alright. But why?”

Elira: “I'll wait there until sun goes down.”

Nireh: “That's smart. But I think you're overreacting a bit.”

Elira: “Let's just go.”

Nireh: “Fine. But you know it's haunted right?”

Elira: “What? No. I didn't know. Who is haunting it? Is it scary?”

Nireh: “Hahaha... I'm just kidding.”

Elira: “Great. Don't make me punch you. I'm already upset.”

When they arrived, they sat apart from each other, not too far away. During this time, they caught up on what they've been up to since they left school.

Nireh: “What were you doing anyway before you fell?”

Elira: “I was searching for mushrooms.”

Nireh: “I didn't know there are mushrooms here.”

Elira: “They are. It's just not easy to find them.”

Nireh: “I see.”

Elira: “What about you? Were you sitting here alone?”

Nireh: “Yeah. I wanted to clear my mind.”

Elira: “Is everything okay?”

Nireh: “Yes. Don't worry.”

Elira: “Okay. It looks like the sunset is almost over. We should get back.”

Nireh: “Sure. But be careful not to fall again.”

He said with a wide smile on his face.

Elira: “Haha... you're so funny.”

Then they both left towards home. When it was time to part, they said goodbye and teased each other about the next time they would meet at the watchtower.