Chapter 17

The next day, at the buffet room.

Arden: “Nireh, you're back. I've heard you were in Velen. How was it?”

Leya: “Any new werewolves?”

Nireh: “Haha... not this time. It was actually pleasant. Where are you guys going?”

Arden: “We received a boring mission.”

Leya: “And we're already late... so hurry up and go get your food.”

Arden: “Sorry Nireh... but we have to go. See you later.”

Nireh: “No problem. Good luck with your mission.”

Nireh: *I still feel tired from yesterday's trip. But I need to speak with Norkai. After I finish this meal, I'll go straight to him.*

An hour later.

Nireh: *Hmm.. I guess he's not home. I'll check the training grounds.*

A few minutes later.

Nireh: *He's not here either. Maybe they took a mission?*

Roy: “Nireh, we need to talk.”

Nireh: “Roy? Did you come to train?”

Roy: “No. I was looking for you.”

Nireh: “Really? I wanted to ask you something as well.”

Roy: “I know. Nereea told me. I think it's time for you to know the truth.”

Nireh: “You mean about mom?”

Roy: “Yeah. I wanted to tell you guys sooner... but I didn't know how to.”

Nireh: “Okay. I'm listening.”

Roy: “Mom was not our real mom. She was a fairy.”

Nireh: “You're kidding. Wait... you know about fairies?”

Nireh: *Why am I even surprised?*

Roy: “I do. When she began to leave more frequently, I decided to follow her. I lost her trail many times. But one time... I caught her changing her form back to her true self. It was quite shocking.”

Nireh: “If I didn't know a fairy as well... I wouldn't believe you.”

Nireh: *Well... I guess this explains why she was not home most of the time.*

Roy: “That's why I didn't tell you.”

Nireh: “So... are we adopted?”

Roy: “Probably. She disappeared before I got the courage to question her.”

Nireh: “You think something bad happened to her?”

Roy: “I don't know. When I went to the Government to ask about fairies, they confirmed that they were real and put her under supervision. Soon after she disappeared.”

Nireh: “Do you think Norkai will believe this story?”

Roy: “Probably not. I think it's best for you to tell him.”

Nireh: “Why me?”

Roy: “You know... he trusts you more.”

Nireh: “I guess that's true.”

Roy: “Well... that was all. I'll be on my way.”

Nireh: “Wait. You're not gonna say anything about me becoming a Legend? Before you?”

Roy: “What is to say? A fairy chose you... congratulations?”

Nireh: “Haha. I'll take it.”

Nireh: *He must be dying inside.*

Roy: “See you later.”

Roy: *He got lucky. That's it.*

Nireh: *Hmm... I think I'll go to the old watchtower. It's been a while since last time.*

Later that evening.

Gredik: “Guess who showed up in Velen?”

Sevren: “I don't like guessing. I like knowing.”

Gredik: “Nereea.”

Sevren: “Hmm... what did she want?”

Gredik: “For us to keep an eye on you.”

Sevren: “I'm not surprised.”

Gredik: “At some point... we need to do something about her.”

Sevren: “I know. Me and Velmir are working on a plan. Just make sure to keep Mr. Arvenor busy.”

Gredik: “No problem. Now... excuse me. I have a meeting with Mr. Arvenor.”

Sevren: “Be careful. That old dog knows more than you think.”

Gredik: “Relax. I know how to handle his kind.”

At the old watchtower.

Nireh: *So mom is a fairy... and I'm not even that surprised. How did I even get here? Did her constant absence made me not care that much? Maybe Roy's calm demeanor about the situation? Or the fact that I know Raindrop now... and it affects me more than I realize. Speaking of Raindrop... I wonder if she's okay. Also... how am I supposed to explain to Norkai all that happened?*

Raindrop: “Did you miss me?”

Nireh: “Raindrop, where have you been? Are you alright?”

Raindrop: “Of course I'm alright. How is your arm?”

Nireh: “Better than ever. Why didn't you say something faster?”

Raindrop: “I thought you might need some time to get used to your new Legend status.”

Nireh: “I mean... I get that. But you should have told me sooner that you're okay.”

Raindrop: “I just dropped on my bed when you put me in that portal. I didn't think it was that big of a deal.”

Nireh: “Forget it. I'm glad you're okay.”

Raindrop: “Okay. What's new?”

Nireh: “Actually... I need to ask you something. Did you know my mom was a fairy?”

Raindrop: “Oh... you found out. Yes... I knew.”

Nireh: “Why didn't you tell me?”

Raindrop: “I didn't know how to. Besides... I tried. Remember that dream? About the woman you couldn't reach?”

Nireh: “Yeah... I guess it makes sense now.”

Raindrop: “I'm sorry, Nireh.”

Nireh: “It's fine. What happened to her? She isn't our real mother, right?”

Raindrop: “That's true... she is not your real mother.”

Nireh: “Okay... and how did she end up raising us?”

Raindrop: “It was her choice. She saw you three and knew you could be great fighters one day. Also... she wanted to experience the motherhood as a human. And no... I don't know who your real mother was.”

Nireh: “I see. Do you know where she is now?”

Raindrop: “Well... maybe.”

Nireh: “Then tell me, Raindrop. I have so many questions for her.”

Raindrop: “She is dead, Nireh... I'm sorry.”

Nireh: “What? Are you sure about that?”

Raindrop: “Yeah... she is buried in our kingdom.”

Nireh: “And how do you know that?”

Raindrop: “She was my sister.”

Nireh: “Oh... I didn't know that. I am sorry.”

Raindrop: “It's not your fault. The mean fairies did it. And someday... we'll get our revenge.”

Nireh: “Why did they do it?”

Raindrop: “I don't know. I think... I need to go now.”

Nireh: “Are you okay? We can talk about something else if you want.”

Raindrop: “I'm fine... I'll see you later.”

And she was gone.

Nireh: *She is dead? I can't believe it. I knew something was wrong when she stopped coming home. Norkai will not like this.*

Meanwhile in an unknown location.

Draviel: “How was Velen?”

Nereea: “A waste of time. Like always.”

Draviel: “I am not surprised.”

Nereea: “Everything I try to do against that bastard... fails. What am I doing wrong, Draviel?”

Draviel: “Relax. You're putting too much pressure on yourself. Just let things flow. The right time will come.”

Nereea: “Aren't you afraid that he might succeed? And unlock a new layer?”

Draviel: “I'm not sure what to say. He has those bodies... but does he really know what he's doing? Nobody in history discovered a new layer. Why would he succeed?”

Nereea: “I don't know. And those fairies... are so impartial. Like they don't even care.”

Draviel: “I mean... they're not humans. They care for different things.”

Nereea: “I know that. Don't treat me like a child, Draviel.”

Draviel: “Sorry.”

Nereea: “It's fine. I think I need some sleep.”

Draviel: “Good idea. I'll see you tomorrow. Sleep well.”

Nereea: “You too. Good night, Draviel.”

The next day in the afternoon.

Knock, knock.

Nireh: “Norkai? Are you home?”

Norkai: “Yes. What happened?”

Nireh: “Nothing. I searched for you yesterday... and you weren't here.”

Norkai: “Yeah... I was hanging out with Xera.”

Nireh: “I see. I can't believe you two are finally a thing.”

Norkai: “Me neither. She's actually not that bad.”

Nireh: “So... anything new with you?”

Norkai: “Not really. What about you?”

Nireh: “There are some things. You know... we haven't been on a mission in a while.”

Norkai: “I guess. You missed a really cool festival.”

Nireh: “Sorry. I hope you had a good time.”

Norkai: “Yeah... it was nice.”

Nireh: “What if we go on a mission now?”

Norkai: “Now? But Draviel is already busy with a mission.”

Nireh: “We can do it alone. Just the two of us.”

Norkai: “Really? Do you think we are ready?”

Nireh: “I don't know. Let's find out.”

Norkai: “Hmm... you got more courageous with the Legend status.”

Nireh: “Haha. Just a little bit.”

Norkai: “Do you have a mission?”

Nireh: “No. I was hoping to choose it together.”

Norkai: “Okay. Let me get my pack.”

Nireh: “I'll take mine and we can meet in front of the Vanguard.”

Norkai: “See you there.”

In the Vanguard hall.

Norkai: “You do realize that everyone is staring at you?”

Nireh: “Yeah... I got used to it.”

Norkai: “Probably the whole village knows you now.”

Nireh: “I don't think so. What about this one: A tip about our red-haired thief? Imagine Draviel's face if we catch him.”

Norkai: “That's perfect. Let's take it.”

Nireh: “Oh... I just remembered. I forgot to tell you my new power. I can stop time whenever I want.”

Nireh's words completely stunned Norkai.

Norkai: “What? No way... you're kidding, right?”

Nireh: “It's true. No joke.”

Norkai: “Wow... I guess you're much stronger than me now.”

Norkai: *I can't wait to see my power when I become a Legend.*

Nireh: “Not really. It has its limits.”

Norkai: “Like what?”

Nireh: “I can't use it when I want to attack someone.”

Norkai: “That's... actually big.”

Nireh: “Yeah... still, I can use it many other ways.”

Meanwhile, at the Government.

Velmir: “Nereea... do you have a minute?”

Nereea: “I guess... what do you want?”

Velmir: “What do I want? I want you to stop being a bitch and leave me and Sevren alone... or Draviel dies.” 

Immediately she teleports in front of him. She grabs him and lifts him in the air with one hand.

Nereea: “What did you say?”

Velmir: “Wow... relax. You know you can't touch me here.”

The next second, they were at a volcano, with Velmir held above the lava.

Velmir: “If you kill me... you will never see Draviel again.”

Nereea: “Oh... really?”

She throws him in the volcano. Without remorse. Then teleports to Nireh's room from the Government.

Nereea: *Dammit. He's not here. I need to find him fast.*

As they exit the Vanguard, Nereea finds him after teleporting to several other locations.

Nereea: “Nireh, we have a problem.”

Nireh: “What happened?”

Nereea: “Someone kidnapped Draviel.”

Nireh: “What? Are you sure?”

Norkai: “I just saw him a few hours ago, saying that he was going on a mission.”

Nereea: “Where did he say he's going?”

Norkai: “I am not sure... something about a waterfall.”

Nereea: “A waterfall? Are you sure?”

Nereea: *That fool. That's one of Sevren's hideouts.*

Norkai: “Yes. I am sure.”

Nireh: “We need to go get him.”

Norkai: “Of course.”

Nereea: “No. I'm going alone. It is too dangerous for you.”

Nireh: “We're coming. He would have done the same for us.”

Norkai: “He is our friend too.”

Nereea: “I said no.”

Nireh: “Don't make me stop time and look for him alone, Nereea.”

Nireh: *Everybody is telling me what to do... but not this time. I won't lose Draviel.*

Nereea: “Nireh... relax. If you really want to help... then fine. I'll have a talk with you later about you're tone.”

Norkai: “We don't have time for this. Let's hurry.”

Norkai: *Wow... Nireh has changed a bit.*

Nereea: “Follow me.”

Nereea: *I guess they really care about him. You've got a nice team, Draviel.*

On their way to the waterfall.

Nireh: “Norkai, I need to tell you something after this is over.”

Norkai: “What is it? Can't you tell me now?”

Nireh: “No... we'll talk later. Just the two of us.”

Nereea: “We're here.”

The waterfall was twenty feet tall, surrounded by lots of vegetation.

Nireh: “Where is the entrance?”

Nereea: “I don't know.”

Nireh: “Okay... then teleport us in.”

Nereea: “I can't teleport to a place I haven't seen yet.”

Nireh: “Great. What are we going to do now?”

Norkai: “Let's follow Draviel's footsteps. What would he do in our place?”

Nereea: “That's not a bad idea.”

Nereea: *If I recall... Draviel always looks for escape routes before committing to anything.*

Nereea: “Let's search the area. I have a feeling he didn't go through the main entrance.”

Nireh: “We need to stay together... in case something happens.”

Nireh: *Norkai is with us... and won't let them get him as well.*

Norkai: “No one is here, Nireh. Just yell if something happens.”

Nereea: “I'll search the left side, and you boys can search the right side.”

As they were searching through the thick vegetation, Nereea looked for an obvious entrance to the hideout and fell through a covered hole.