Chapter 13

Shortly after the morning has passed.

Norkai: “Nireh, Nireh... wake up. Are you okay?”

Nireh: “Yeah... why? Did something happen?”

Norkai: “Your hair... your eyes... what's going on? How did you become a Legend?”

Nireh: “It's a long story. And you wouldn't believe me if I told you.”

Norkai: “Why not?”

Nireh: “Let's talk about it later. I wanna speak with Draviel.”

Norkai: “Fine. Let's see what he has to say about this.”

At a fast pace, they arrived at the training grounds.

Draviel: “Good morn... Nireh? Your eyes... what happened?”

Norkai: “He doesn't wanna tell.”

Nireh: “It's complicated.”

Draviel: “You're a Legend now? How did that happen?”

Draviel: *I can't believe it.*

Nireh: “It's hard to explain.”

Draviel: “Come with me.”

Nireh: “Where?”

Draviel: “I know someone who has answers.”

As they were walking towards the Government building, people began to stare at Nireh.

Draviel: “Nereea... I need a minute.”

She was reading some reports near the window.

Nereea: “What is it, Draviel? Can't you see I'm busy?”

Draviel: “I have a guest.”

She slowly turns around and freezes.

Nereea: “Is that your student?”

Draviel: “Yeah... Nireh.”

Nireh: “Nice to meet you.”

Nireh: *I'm speaking with a Legend. Norkai would be so jealous.*

Nereea: “How did this happen?”

Draviel: “He said it's complicated.”

Nereea: “I see. Excuse us, Draviel. I'll bring him back to you later.”

Draviel: “Okay. Just... take care of him.”

Nereea: “Don't worry. He's in good hands.”

Then she touches Nireh's shoulder and they both disappear. They are now in a secret personal room of Nereea's. Not many know about its existence.

Nereea: “You know a fairy, don't you?”

Nireh: “How do you know that?”

Nereea: “Nireh... how do you think I've become a Legend?”

Nireh: “Oh yeah... I guess that makes sense.”

Nireh: *At least now I know I'm not crazy.*

Nereea: “Who is she? What did she tell you?”

Nireh: “I'm not sure I should reveal her name. But she told me... most Legends don't know about fairies.”

Nereea: “That is true. And we should keep it like that. Got it?”

Nireh: “Understood.”

Nereea: “What is your new power?”

Nireh: “I'm not sure I should tell you...”

Nereea: “Look... you already know mine. People will find out anyway. It's not that big of a deal.”

Nireh: “Alright. I guess... I can stop time.”

Nereea: “What? That's... unexpected.”

Nereea: *What an insane power.*

Nireh: “Yeah... I was shocked too when I found out.”

Nereea: “It's fine. Don't worry. I just... need to talk with some people. Make yourself comfortable. There's some food there... and some drinks. I will be back as soon as I can, okay?”

Nireh: “Okay. I'll wait.”

And she was gone. 
At the same time Norkai got some company at the training grounds.

Xera: “Norkai, what happened to Nireh? Everyone is talking about him.”

Norkai: “Hey Xera, Elira... I guess news travels fast. It's true. He's a Legend now.”

Elira: “How did that happen?”

Norkai: “I don't know. He didn't want to tell me.”

Xera: “Where is he now?”

Xera: *Dammit. This is going to make Norkai very jealous.*

Norkai: “He left with Draviel.”

Xera: “When is he coming back?”

Norkai: “I don't know. We'll just have to wait.”

Shortly after, Draviel came back.

Draviel: “I see you got some company.”

Norkai: “Yeah... where is Nireh?”

Draviel: “He's fine. We'll see him later. Don't worry about him. He's in good hands.”

Xera: “Did he tell you how come he's a Legend now?”

Draviel: “No... and I think you guys should relax. He will tell us when he's ready.”

Elira: “We are just curious.”

Norkai: “I guess there's not much that we can do. Nireh is not the most social person... we all know that.”

Xera: “That's true.”

Xera: *I bet Norkai is dying to know what's happening.*

Draviel: “Look... the next few months will not be easy for Nireh. My former teammate also became a Legend at a young age. Not as young as Nireh... but it was still hard for her. Everything will change for him, from this point forward.”

Norkai: “Her? You mean the hot Legend who came to visit you?”

Xera: “Hot what? You want me to kill you?”

Norkai: “Aaam... I mean the beautiful older lady.”

Norkai: *That was close. I need to stop talking like that around her.*

Xera: “Hmm... nice save.”

Xera: *If he still wants to date me... he better start behaving.*

Draviel: “Yes. So relax... and wait. We'll find out what's happening at the right time.”

Elira: “Very well. I think that's fair.”

Norkai: “What are we going to do now? I am in no mood for training anymore.”

Draviel: “Let's go eat something nice. And decide there.”

Without much thought they all left the training grounds. 
A few hours later, Nereea returned. Nireh almost fell asleep on the bed.

Nereea: “I'm back.”

Nireh: “What took you so long?”

Nereea: “I'm sorry, dear. I had to solve some things.”

Nireh: “Am I free to go?”

Nereea: “Not yet. We need to discuss some things first.”

Nireh: “Okay. I'm listening.”

Nereea: “First, you will not be questioned on the streets by guards or officials. I solved that issue.”

Nireh: “Thanks... I guess.”

Nereea: “Second, from now on... you will train with me.”

Nireh: “What about Norkai and Draviel?”

Nereea: “They'll be fine. Until I've vetted you... you will spend a period of time with me.”

Nireh: “But I'm not dangerous.”

Nereea: “It doesn't matter. That's the procedure. You have a very strong power now... and people need to trust you not to use it for strange purposes. I'm sure you can understand that.”

Nireh: “Yeah...”

Nereea: “Good. I know this might be a difficult period for you... but it will pass. Trust me. I've been in your shoes.”

Nireh: “Really?”

Nereea: “Of course... I was a bit older. But still... I know how it feels.”

Nireh: “I see. So what happens now?”

Nereea: “For now, you will get a nice room in the Legends section. Here is the key. You can come and leave whenever you want. Let me show you where it is.” 

She teleports both of them to Nireh's new room. It was big, stylish and equipped with everything needed.

Nereea: “What do you think?”

Nireh: “Wow... it's actually very nice.”

Nereea: “I'm glad you like it. Now... whatever you decide to do next... remember that I will also be held accountable. So, don't do something incredibly stupid, okay?”

Nireh: “Got it. I promise I'll behave.”

Nereea: “Very well. I'll let you settle in. And Nireh, be careful with what you say to your brother. You two are not in the same league anymore.”

Nireh: “I understand. Thanks Nereea... for all of this.”

Nereea: “It was my pleasure, dear. I'll see you later.”

As she left, Nireh began to settle in. For the first time in his life, he was independent.

Nireh: *Even though it's overwhelming... I think I like this more than I expected. And to think making a choice got me here. Maybe I should do that more often. However... now me and Norkai are in an awkward spot. I hope that I'll eventually tell him what happened. But until then... I need to get used to how things are now. Nereea seems nice. I hope I won't disappoint her.*

Knock, knock.

Nireh: “Yes?”

Nireh: *Who even knows I'm here?*

Surprised, he walks to the door and opens it.

Arden: “Nireh? I'm Arden. We're throwing a small welcoming party for our new youngest

Legend. You in?”

Nireh: “Nice to meet you. You mean a party for me?”

Nireh: *Another Legend? It will take some time to get used to this.*

Arden: “Hahaha. Unless you know a younger Legend... yeah, you.”

Nireh: “Oh... I didn't expect that. Sure.”

Arden: “Awesome. Follow me.”

The Government building was large, modern and luxurious, with many rooms and open areas. On his way to the small venue room, Nireh was soaking in how well presented everything was. Vintage paintings, gorgeous marble floors, stylish architecture, golden chandeliers and silver statues decorated almost every hall. It didn't feel like a Government institution. It felt like a place where most people would want to be.

Arden: “Here we are.”

Nireh: “This building is amazing.”

Arden: “Yeah... I know. Let me introduce you to my friends. Sorry we're not more... but the other Legends are on missions. Nobody really expected you to become a Legend. Especially at your age.”

Nireh: “I didn't expect it either.”

Arden: “This is Leya. She's a bit mean... but you'll get used to it.”

Leya: “Shut up, Arden. It's a pleasure to meet you.”

Arden: “And this is Ziren. He's kind of serious... but he's alright.”

Ziren: “Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

Nireh: “As am I. I didn't expect to meet so many Legends today.”

Arden: “You'll get used to it. It was weird for everyone at first.”

Kirell: “What? You're the youngest Legend? I really didn't expect this.”

Lirien: “I guess it's true... anyone can become a Legend these days.”

Kirell: “Indeed. Even a peasant.”

Nireh: “If you knew my layer 3 power... you wouldn't be talking to me like that.”

Nireh: *These two are starting to annoy me.*

Those words stunned Kirell, leaving him with his mouth open and a frozen expression on his face.

Lirien: “Come, brother... let's get out of here.”

Arden: “Hahaha. I bet it felt good saying that to them.”

Ziren: “I hate those two.”

Arden: “Everybody does. Let's continue our party. Where are the drinks?”

A bit later, in a secret location.

Draviel: “You're late.”

Nereea: “I know... sorry. I had a lot to deal with.”

Draviel: “How's Nireh doing?”

Nereea: “Mostly overwhelmed. But I think he'll be fine.”

Draviel: “I hope so.”

Nereea: “What about his brother?”

Draviel: “You know how brothers are... he needs time.”

Nereea: “Yeah... he'll be fine. He's a big boy.”

Draviel: “I'll make sure he's okay. But I'm counting on you to take care of Nireh.”

Nereea: “I know. You have my word, Draviel.”

Draviel: “Good. I'm leaving then. It's getting late.”

Nereea: “I am so tired. See you later, Draviel.”

Draviel: “Have a good sleep.”

Waiting in front of the house.

Norkai: “I don't think Nireh's coming home tonight.”

Xera: “He's probably just busy.”

Norkai: “Yeah... too busy for his brother.”

Xera: “Come on... it's not like that.”

Norkai: “I'm going inside. It's getting late.”

Xera: “You know... I can stay if you want. But we're just sleeping. And you can kiss me goodnight.”

Norkai: “Really? Of course. Just sleeping... and cuddling.”

Xera: “Don't push it, Norkai.”

Late evening at the party.

Mr. Arvenor: “I see everyone is having fun.”

Arden: “Oh shit! It's Mr. Arvenor.”

Nireh: “Who?”

Leya: “The big boss.”

Mr. Arvenor: “Nireh Isna. I'm pleased to meet our new Legend.”

Nireh: “The honor is mine, sir.”

Mr. Arvenor: “I hope you have a warm welcome in our home.”

Nireh: “Very much, sir. It's better than I expected.”

Mr. Arvenor: “Wonderful.”

Then he takes a shot from the table and drinks it straight.

Mr. Arvenor: “Smooth. I'll be leaving you guys to continue the party. Have a good night.”

Arden: “You too, sir.”

Leya: “Good night, sir.”

Nireh: “Thank you, sir.”