#gwawlyn

[collectorcookie]

Northern twins and northern dragon twins <3

[cainluvr69]

Surely, We Can Make Miracles Chapter 25

Previous Chapter

The stone steps that Hwylryn led us to were beautiful. His magic, or maybe it was Balthazar's, shined in place of streetlamps, a constellation under the sea. I had a basket filled with sweets. He had the sight of an island destroyed many centuries in the past. I'm sure walking down the cobblestone path with Mithra on one side and Hwylryn on the other was a strange sight. Everyone else was watching us from afar. Balthazar floated in place between the three of us and the rest of my wizards. Oz and Arthur. Murr and Shylock. Owen was a little ways away from them, sitting on top of his trunk. Their clothes and hair floated in the current in the same way they would have in the breeze. Little bubbles danced around them. Hwylryn looked down at me, smiling gently.

Hwylryn: I had a lot of fun with you at twilight. Flying through the sky with Akira was fun. Playing around with Mithra was, too. It's gonna be dawn soon.

I didn't know what to say. I wanted to hold out the torta di cocco that Mithra had brought down all this way and have that somehow stop all the fighting… I really did mean to say something like that. But I had the image of my wizards, covered in injuries, circling in my head. He'd said that the Northern twins were his brother's enemies.

Mithra: I'm not forgiving you.

Mithra spoke before I could even open my mouth. He was wearing a look of disgust I'd never seen on Mithra before. His vividly green eyes were dark, the color of moss in a forgotten city.

Mithra: You put your hands on Rutile. I made a promise to protect him.

Hwylryn: You made a promise, even though you're a wizard?

Hwylryn was surprised, but I could still see a bright smile full of joy on his face.

Hwylryn: That's so wonderful. I'm glad you found someone you felt you could make a promise with.

Mithra: …

Mithra pressed his lips together, like he didn't know what to say in response to that.

Akira: Could you… Um, could you take this?

Hwylryn: More torta di cocco?

Akira: Yes…

Hwylryn: Thank you. I'm really happy. But we already made a promise to go back to the store together tomorrow… Does this mean we're not doing that?

He smiled sadly.

Akira: N… …No, we…

I couldn't get any more than that out. The kind, lonely scent of parting wafted through the air between us. Talking with one another was supposed to let us know each other better so that we could find a solution to our problems together. I wanted to tell him all about how precious each and every one of my wizards was. But the words just weren't coming. Everything I came up with floated up and away from me before disappearing, just like bubbles. Still, I couldn't just give up.

Akira: …Is there any way you can stop working with Balthazar?

Hwylryn: I let Gwawlyn die. I can't let Balthazar die too. What about you, Akira? Can you stop being the Sage?

Mithra: Excuse me?

Hwylryn: Can we play as just you and me, without this whole "Sage" thing getting in between us? I want to stay with you. Can we do that, Akira?

I lifted my head, my breathing trembling. Hwylryn's expression was earnest and genuine; he wasn't bothering to hide what he wanted, not even a little. His sincere, charming gaze told me he hadn't spoken a single untruth. I didn't…want to reject that gaze. I didn't want to hurt him. But…

Akira: …I…can't do that… Because I was only brought to this world so that I could be its Sage… …No… It's because I love everyone who calls themselves my wizards… I can't just stop being the Sage. I don't…want to stop…

I did my very best to convey everything to him, even as my voice shook. Tears spilled from the corners of my eyes, disappearing into the ocean. Hwylryn closed his eyes and mumbled something, as if trying to plead with me.

Hwylryn: I see…

Mithra: …

Mithra's lips were trembling. I wonder if he wasn't able to find the right words right now, either. But Hwylryn grinned, looking like a little kid about to pull a prank.

Hwylryn: Well then, Mithra! How about we pick up where we left off?

Mithra: …I suppose we should.

Hwylryn's smile was infectious, and it had caught Mithra in its trap; Mithra was smiling like he didn't have a care in the world right now.

Mithra: I'm not going to lose.

Hwylryn nodded, and then he held out his arms to us. He embraced us, hugging us as tightly as he could. His skin was as warm as it'd been inside his mouth. He stroked my hair somewhat reluctantly, resting his cheek against the side of my head.

Hwylryn: It only took a single evening for us to become friends. But still, I love both of you. I'm happy we met, Akira.

✦✧☾✧✦

Faust: Figaro!

Figaro: Faust… Leno! And the Eastern kids, too!

Mitile: Leno…! Leno!

Lennox: …Mitile…

Shino: Told you we'd get him back, Mitile!

Heathcliff: Did you get the cintamani stone?!

Figaro: Yep. Lord Snow should be a-okay soon enough. Thank you.

Heathcliff: Thank goodness…

Shino: So now we only need to worry about Shylock.

Riquet: Thank goodness you all came home safe! Don't you think, Mitile?

Mitile: Yes…sniffle.

Lennox: Sorry, Mitile…for making you worry…

Mitile: …I'm so happy… I'm just so happy you're back, Leno!

Figaro: Yep. Thank goodness. Everyone was all worked up, you know.

Lennox: …Sorry.

Figaro: No… I'm the one who should be apologizing here. I'll tell you all the details later…

Lennox: …? Okay…

Figaro: Putting that to the side, those wounds look terrible. Mitile. Can you make some healing potions to help with treatment? Make enough for the Eastern wizards, too.

Mitile: On it! <Ortonik Sealsispilce> …Is that good?

Figaro: Yep. Well done. We've got a lot of people with injuries, so make as many as you can.

Mitile: Alright… I hope my brother is okay…

Figaro: Mithra is with him. He'll be fine.

Mitile: …You're right. Leno, close your eyes and get some rest, please.

Lennox: …Alright…thank you…

Faust: … Figaro. Look after the kids for me. I'm going to meet back up with the Sage.

Shino: Us too…

Faust: No, you're staying here. Both of you should be on the verge of completely exhausting your magic. You wouldn't be able to move after very long.

Figaro: That goes for you, too.

Faust: But…

Figaro: Riquet, could you go grab Nero and Bradley? If things are all settled in the castle, ask them to head into the ocean. I'm worried about the others.

Riquet: Understood.

Figaro: Mitile, Riquet, can the two of you go underwater, too? I imagine we have people down there who are hurt or magically exhausted and can't get back on their own. I'd go there myself, but if someone seriously injured is brought back and I'm not here, I might not be able to make it back in time to treat them.

Mitile: Okay… Hopefully Rutile and everyone will be coming back okay, but we'll go out to greet them anyways!

Figaro: Yep. I'm trusting you guys.

✦✧☾✧✦

Bradley: That damn Figaro, pushing me around like I'm his underling…

Nero: What else were we supposed to do? Oh, Riquet, right there's good. We're gonna be using your lantern as a landmark.

Riquet: Yes! <Sunrotea Edif>

Mitile: How pretty… It's as bright as the last star in the sky at dawn!

Riquet: I hope that it can serve as a proper guide for those who may need it…

Nero: It will. But it might serve to guide our enemies, too. I'll be here to back you up if any weirdos start showin' up.

Riquet: Thank you!

Mitile: So you're with me, Bradley! We're going to search for anyone who might need help from the sky!

Bradley: Damn, guess we gotta. Guess I'll help ya out.

Mitile: Rutile…I hope you're okay…!

✦✧☾✧✦

Chloe: …Gasp… I managed to get up to the surface, but I don't have the strength to fly back…

Rustica: …

Chloe: …I need to pull it together… Rustica can't swim, after all… But… It's super dark, and the waves are so tall, so I don't know which direction to go… … …My arms…are so tired… …Ah… Was that super-bright star…there before…? …No… That's Riquet's lantern…! Riquet's here! Everything's going to be okay, Rustica! If we can just get that far, you're gonna get help! I wonder if he'll hear me from over here?! Heeeey…! Heeeey…! Riiiiqueeeet…! …I guess the waves are so loud he can't hear me… …Someone help…

Mitile: <Scintilla>!

Chloe: …! Wah, I'm floating…! Rustica is, too…?!

Mitile: Chloe! Rustica!

Chloe: Mitile…!

Bradley: See, what did I tell you. I toldja you'd be able to lift two grown-ups at once, and here you go provin' me right.

Mitile: Yeah! …But…I don't know if I can carry them both all the way back to the castle…

Bradley: Leave that part to me. Lil' tailor guy, get on one of our brooms.

Chloe: Bradley!

Bradley: Good work, kid. Hang on tight. Make sure Mister Bridesgroom doesn't fall.

Chloe: Bradleyyyy! It's really bad down there! We ran into a dragon that looked like a human, and…

Bradley: Gimme all the details on the flight back to the castle.

Chloe: Okay…!

✦✧☾✧✦

Borda Island Youth: Why are you taking out a boat in the middle of the night, Miss Natalie? Where are you going? Or are you planning on some morning fishing?

Natalie: Don't be stupid. A bureaucrat is going to be digging into things around here by the time dawn breaks. I'm taking the down payments we got for vacation homes and getting out of here. If the plan had gone the way it should've, we'd have ten times this amount… What a waste… Oh well. Maybe I'll meet a wandering prince with a huge inheritance, like the one those traveling bards keep singing about.

Borda Island Youth: Hn? Miss Natalie, weren't you going to marry me?

Natalie: …?! A door just appeared on the boat?!

Borda Island Youth: There's water coming out of it?! Is this seawater?! There's so much water coming out…! The boat…! It's gonna sink…! We gotta start bailing out the water! What's up with this door?! It won't close…! Aahh! All our money…!

Natalie: The money is sinking into the ocean…!

Cain: …Uwah…!

Rutile: …Wahh…!

Natalie: The playboy from this afternoon?!

Cain: …Cough… O-Owen?!

Borda Island Youth: The boat…the boat is sinking…!

Bradley: <Adnopotensum>!

Natalie: …?! Why is my body floating…?!

Bradley: Am I collecting all'a you guys, or what?

Cain: Bradley!

Mitile: Rutile…!

Rutile: …Mi…tile…

Mitile: …Oh no, these wounds are terrible… But, I'm glad we found you…! Everything's going to be okay now! You too, Cain!

Bradley: Guess we'll cart these freaks that were with 'em back to the castle, too.

✦✧☾✧✦

Owen: … Hey. He said that I'm stronger than you are.

Balthazar: …

Owen: What's up with that dragon?

Balthazar: If I call for him, he'll come.

Owen: Oh, really. So you didn't call for him even though you had a Central wizard and Western wizard wailing on you? Can't believe a Northern wizard like you is being reduced to begging a sea snake like him to save you.

Balthazar: …

Owen: Oz, are you listening?

Oz: …

Owen: Shylock, did you hear that?

Shylock: …

Owen: That's all you amount to as a wizard, Balthazar.

Balthazar: <Mare Praeda>

Owen: <Cuare Morito>

Balthazar: …?! What…?! That trunk is absorbing my magic…?!

Owen: You got it. A wizard who's completely lost his heart has a finite supply of magic. You should be running out pretty soon. You're just not on my level.

Balthazar: …kh…!

Murr: Good one! So you attacked him so you could take his magic for yourself?

Arthur: If all of Balthazar's magic is in Owen's trunk, he won't be able to run away even if he tries!

Balthazar: Urrgh…ghh…! …You're stealing…my magic…

Owen: Just shrivel up and die already!

Oz: …Owen…!

Owen: …?! …Aaahhh…!

Shylock: The dragon is… Hwylryn is eating Owen…!

Murr: <Eanul Lambru>! Woah, he's fast! I missed!

Arthur: …!

Oz: Where are you going, Arthur?!

Arthur: I need to save Owen! Lord Oz, you can…

Balthazar: <Mare Praeda>

Arthur: …! <Pernoctant Nixzo>

Oz: …Arthur…!

Balthazar: Oz! I'll turn you and your disciple to stone together, here and now…!

Murr: …I'm gonna go help out Oz and Arthur!

Shylock: I'll assist Owen!

Mithra: You don't need to do that.

Shylock: Mithra…!

Mithra: I'm going to kill Hwylryn.

✦✧☾✧✦

Owen: …gh…! <Cure Memini>! …Dammit…it's not working… That should've blown those fangs out of his mouth… Open your mouth, you…!

Mithra: <Arthim>

Hwylryn: …!

Owen: …gh, the fangs are out…!

Hwylryn: Mithra…

Mithra: Owen.

Owen: …What?

Mithra: We're swapping off.

Owen: Excuse me?

Mithra: I'm going to kill him.

Hwylryn: …

Owen: Fine by me. I'm going to go get revenge.

Mithra: Who are you avenging?

Owen: Whoever.

Mithra: Did someone turn to stone?

Owen: As if. They had me protecting them.

Mithra: …

Owen: I protected them. Got a problem with that?

Mithra: …No… Take care of the Sage after you kill the other one.

Owen: Sounds like a pain… Sure, fine. I can do that.

✦✧☾✧✦

Akira: …I hope everyone's okay…

Shylock: Master Sage, this way!

Shylock was protecting me as we traversed the undersea city. Murr and Arthur were fighting Balthazar right in front of us.

Murr: <Eanul Lambru>!

Arthur: <Pernoctant Nixzo>!

Balthazar: <Mare Praeda>

Arthur was protecting Oz's back, desperately blocking Balthazar's magical attacks. Balthazar was infuriated.

Balthazar: Use your magic, Oz! Are you mocking me…?!

Murr: Freaking duh, Balthazar! Oz is the greatest wizard in the world! Do you have any idea how far beneath him you are?!

Balthazar: How dare you…! <Mare Praeda>

Murr's provocations stoked the flames of Balthazar's fury, and he began a series of attacks, one after the other. There was a terrifying amount of force behind them, but that didn't matter very much if they didn't hit--and they didn't.

Shylock: …I was intending to bring you back to Lord Oz's side, but that seems like it could be a bit dangerous at the moment. …! <Inviebelle>

That same moment, a bitterly cold twister of ice aimed its jaws at us from overhead. Its terrible current threatened to freeze everything around it, but before it could reach us, Shylock exhaled, the smoke from his pipe wrapping around us. That smoke turned into pale pink bubbles as it spread out, protecting us.

Shylock: Everything is okay, Master Sage.

Akira: Okay…

Something massive cast a shadow above our heads. It was Hwylryn and Mithra. The twister of ice had probably been Mithra's magic. There were patches of ice all over Hwylryn's huge tail. But with a sweep of his tail, the ice was gone.

Balthazar: <Mare Praeda>

Murr had been elegantly dodging Balthazar's attacks when Hwylryn's huge body suddenly rushed past him. Without any way to escape, Balthazar's next attack was set to hit home.

Murr: …!

Arthur: Watch out…! <Pernoctant Nixzo>!

Oz: Arthur…!

Arthur threw up a barrier around Murr. But Arthur's barrier wasn't enough to stop the attacks of a Northern wizard like Balthazar. The barrier cracked, a black gash running through it.

Arthur: …!

The crack widened, but right as I thought it was going to swallow them up… A ferocious dog's howling reverberated through the water.

Owen: <Cure Memini>

A dog with three heads crashed through the darkness as it howled, charging towards Balthazar.

Balthazar: …!

The glass bubble floated out of the way--Balthazar avoided Cerberus's charge. Still, Cerberus was faster, and it whirled on Balthazar and chased him.

Owen: Go. You're my dog, right? Tear him apart!

✦✧☾✧✦

Cerberus leapt forward and caught the bubble of glass.

Balthazar: …!

✦✧☾✧✦

Hwylryn: Balthazar…!

Mithra: Where are you looking? Your opponent is me, if you forgot.

Hwylryn: …!

Mithra: <Arthim>

✦✧☾✧✦

Balthazar was glaring daggers at Owen from his vantage point under Cerberus's front paws. But that glare warped into a grin, and he began to laugh.

Balthazar: …Haha…

Owen: …

Balthazar: Haha… I understand…

Owen: Yeah? Tell me what you understand.

Balthazar: I should've just done this from the start, instead of hesitating…

Shylock: … Stop that, Balthazar.

Shylock's expression as he looked at Balthazar was a tense one. I wondered what they were talking about. I was about to ask when I realized something and gasped. I remembered what Murr had said. Balthazar had both the inclination towards and means for sinking an island.

Murr: You're going to sink Borda Island?!

Owen: What?!

Balthazar: Wicked gods slumbering beneath the sea, hear me… Spirits of darkness, primeval souls of creation… I offer…my body and soul to you…

Shylock: Balthazar…!

Balthazar: …Give me the power to rend land and sea apart…! <Mare Praeda>

Balthazar screamed his spell. The next second, his head disappeared inside of the glass bubble.

Shylock: …Balthazar…

A tremor ran through the undersea city. A dreadful red light was born from the bottom of the ocean, filling the area.

Murr: We're getting back up to the surface now!

Arthur: Master Sage! This way!

Akira: What about Mithra?!

Owen: He'll be fine! Hurry!

With Arthur's guidance, I finally took my place at Oz's side again. We held our hands out to one another, our fingers linking.

Oz: <Vox Nox>

And with that, we were in the air again.

✦✧☾✧✦

Akira: …! The wind…

It had been so long since I felt air on my skin that for a moment, my body didn't know how to react to it. Owen had been pulled up with us by Oz's spell, and he was mad about it.

Owen: Excuse me? Why did you drag me along with you? I can fly by myself, you know.

Oz: …

Owen: Don't just ignore me. Say something.

Arthur: Master Sage! Look…!

Arthur was looking down, pointing at the ocean we'd just been in. There was…light, or something like light, carving itself a path from the undersea city towards Borda Island.

Murr: That was a forbidden summoning spell!

Shylock: He fed his own body and soul to the spirits…to sink Adams Island, as he did now.

But back then, Hwylryn had saved Balthazar. Left with nothing but his head, he slept for a very, very long time--that was the only way he could've continued to stay alive. But right now, Hwylryn was… Fighting Mithra, tears rolling down his cheeks and scattering in the pre-dawn sky.

Next Chapter

[xaracosmia]

ꕥ — WELCOME TO CATA COSMIA, HWYLRYN. 🌓

ꕥ  — OOC INFORMATION;

name / alias: cee age: 25  pronouns: he/they ooc contact: bababeeffxiv on twt other characters in xc: Owen, Iradyne, Pearl, Veigar

ꕥ  — IC INFORMATION;

name:  Hwylryn age: Ancient (2,000~)  pronouns: He/Any series: Mahoyaku canon point: Post-Anniversary 4 :^)  app triggers: Sibling Death

Spoilers for Mahoyaku Anniversary 4

personality: 

Hwylryn is an easy-going soul; the kind to follow the tides wherever they might bring him. This cheerfulness and lack of direction lends itself to his easy-to-befriend nature. I think he would befriend the world, if it were kind too. There is an air of innocence about the ancient dragon, driven by the small amount of time he spends on land. But he knows the depths of the ocean well, and has made allies of its creatures. 

Hwylryn feels deeply and is unafraid to show his heart. Even now, centuries (millenia?) after his brother’s death, he cries freely and openly at the mere mention, the wound just as fresh as the day of. He is easily charmed; sentimental over another’s promise, impressed with music and fine food, if it is something that shows another’s love, he seems to adore it closely as if it were his own heart. 

Most of all? Hwylryn is kind. Even in the throes of grief, in the madness of anger, he will stop himself from biting down on the undeserving; on the ones who were just caught in the middle. Even if it would hurt those who had hurt him in kind. 

something your muse struggles with: The acceptance of loss and grief, existing alone

your muse’s greatest strength: His love and easily befriendable nature. 

history / background: 

Once upon a time, in a time before memory, the frigid waters of the North gave birth to twin brothers - sea dragons who were wild and carefree; both powerful yet fun-loving. 

Hwylryn and Gwawlyn were a complementary set. Where Hwylryn was charming, Gwawlyn was hot-headed, one eager to defuse, the other eager to ignite. There was no one that either knew better than the other.  

One day, the twins of the Northern seas met the twins of the Northern lands; wizards by the name of Snow and White. They became fast “friends” as one could become in the North - playing games of battles and violence that pushed both sets as far as they could go. Hwylyn minded Gwawlyn, and Gwawlyn minded Hwylyn and together they snatched many victories from the Northern wizards. 

But, one day the games they played went too far. Hwylyn, in the midst of the thrill, found himself separated from his brother’s side. And Gwawlyn suffered for it. An accident, a show of force from two so used to fighting two, led to Gwawlyn’s death while they played. And Hwylyn, heartbroken, fled the Northern waters he called home and swore his vengeance on the twins who, to his eyes, had ruthlessly tortured his brother to stone.

Hwylyn settled into the waters of the West. Perhaps it would have been the end of the dragon’s tragedy, if he had settled anywhere else. But one day, an island sunk into his domain and on it, he found a wizard. Someone who reminded him of his brother - but also himself, someone from the North who was forced to leave, someone who also wanted revenge for how they were wronged.

So luck would have it, many centuries later, the Sage’s Wizards would consist of all four wizards who the two begrudged, and luckier still, that they would vacation at an island near where they dwelt beneath the waves. 

What they didn’t expect was how one human so adored their wizards. How one human would charm their way into Hwylryn’s heart, and just how fun! those strange wizards were; the way they cared for each other. The sentimental dragon was quick to open his heart to those who were innocent of the wrongs he had experienced.

But Hwylryn had already lost one brother - he did not want to lose a companion again. He couldn’t bear the thought of it. 

And so he fought on, uncertain, heart hurting at torn loyalties. 

And so the great sea dragon Hwylryn fell, killed by someone who might have been, could have been,  a dear friend. 

If only…

If only…

If only…

powers / abilities: 

-  Shapeshifting - A skill that was originally a curse, Hwylyrn learned to shapeshift between human and dragon form. 

-  Magic - Much like a wizard, dragons are capable of casting spells and manipulating their environment according to their heart’s desire. 

- Water manipulation - technically is a trait of being a sea dragon, but I think it’d be funny for him to be without them, so I’m separating them. 

inherent abilities: 

Dragon Physiology - Dragons are extremely powerful beings, they are durable and hard to kill. If that is managed, they will turn to stone.  Their emotions also affect the weather, as they once held dominion over the sky. Good thing this one is so laidback! 

Ice Breath - Chilly! Don’t get whacked with it! 

Fishy Friend - Can speak, bargain, plead and befriend marine life. 

items / weapons: Cintamani of Poison Bracelet

starting ability: Shapeshifting, please!  starting item: N/A, woe be without a reminder of your brother

extra: 

Guy whose arrival will have dire effects on the trout population when the ocean is back

Guy whose arrival will have dire effects on the wizard population also

I’m not very normal about him, I felt true despair multiple times on my readthrough on realizing how good he is, he wanted to be good, don’t you see.  are you listening he wanted chocolate cake and a brother and a friend and and and and and and and and 

He waited politely on the side while the wizards argued about who was going to be retreating and who was staying to fight and he kept begging them to leave so he didn’t have to hurt them. he only hurt the wizards who were not the twins when he was temporarily unable to see. isnt that awesome. 

I can’t believe that discord id was available, its a little all too real

discord id: untreasured passcode: please stop hurting the trout fish are friends not food.... wizards are whatever though

[cainluvr69]

Surely, We Can Make Miracles Chapter 19

Previous Chapter

Shylock: …nn… … …You are…?

Hwylryn: Hwylryn.

Shylock: …Are you a wizard…?

Hwylryn: Hehe… What do you think?

Lennox?: Hwylryn.

Hwylryn: Balthazar.

Shylock: …

Lennox?: Someone has destroyed the mermaids' jail. Go figure out what happened.

Hwylryn: Don't wanna.

Lennox?: You can't "not wanna".

Hwylryn: Balthazar. I've gotten rid of Gwawlyn's enemies.

Lennox?: The Northern twins, yes?

Hwylryn: Yep. Aren't I great?

Lennox?: Yes, if you actually took them down. I've yet to see their stones.

Hwylryn: They'll die. You know how effective dragon venom is. … I wonder if Gwawlyn would be happy with this. He liked those twins. They were strong, for wizards. They had the same face despite there being two of them, just like us, and that was fun…

Lennox?: Uh-huh, is that right. Hurry up and get moving. Kukuku… I see you've awoken, Shylock.

Hwylryn: Are you listening, Balthazar?

Shylock: Why not listen to what he has to say?

Lennox?: I'll listen later. Kukuku… I see you've awoken, Shylock.

Shylock: You're just trying to start the conversation over?

Hwylryn: Balthazar. I got rid of Gwawlyn's enemies, you know?

Lennox?: And so what?! I never even met that dragon in the first place.

Hwylryn: But… You remind me of him. You're violent, short-tempered, rude…

Lennox?: Hwylryn. You don't need to elaborate.

Hwylryn: Haha… Or maybe it's the other way around. Maybe I'm the one you resemble instead. Drifting down to the West because we couldn't keep living in the North.

Lennox?: … Shylock.

Shylock: Yes?

Lennox?: Wait for a while.

Shylock: Please, take your time.

Lennox?: …Hwylryn, what's wrong. What are you getting so sentimental about?

Hwylryn: A whole lot of things happened all at once. I thought I was going to encounter my most bitter foes, but instead I made a friend.

Lennox?: A friend?

Hwylryn: Yep. Tomorrow, we're going to line up early at that store together. We're going to get cake together…

Lennox?: You're going to get cake? At a time like this…?

Hwylryn: We're going to get torta di cocco. I gave you some too, didn't I?

Lennox?: You did, yes…

Hwylryn: Wasn't it good?

Lennox?: I guess.

Hwylryn: I'm going to be lining up with Akira tomorrow to get more.

Shylock: Akira…?

Hwylryn: You know them?

Shylock: Do you perhaps mean the Sage?

Hwylryn: That's right, they did say something about being the Sage. I made friends with Akira.

Shylock: So you're a friend of the Sage… …Could you tell me what your relationship with Balthazar is?

Lennox?: That doesn't concern you.

Hwylryn: We're old friends. Well, I think we're friends…

Lennox?: Cease this useless prattle!

Hwylryn: …I won't talk about that. I just got intrigued by him, so I decided to help him out. Balthazar told me about you, Shylock. Back before Adams Island sank.

Shylock: … Thank you, Hwylryn.

Hwylryn: You're very welcome.

Shylock: …Balthazar.

Lennox?: …What.

Shylock: Did you not turn to stone when Adams Island sank?

Lennox?: …

Shylock: How did you survive? What have you been doing all this time? Were you lurking here in the ocean depths this whole time?

Lennox?: …That doesn't concern you.

Shylock: This is how you've been planning on sweeping me off my feet?

Hwylryn: He just went and did that without talking to me about it first. He doesn't really care about my…

Lennox?: Silence, Hwylryn!

Hwylryn: … Whatever.

Lennox?: Wait! I didn't mean to offend you! There's still something I need you to do! Hwylryn…! …He's gone… What was he going to say I don't care about?

Shylock: Well, you certainly aren't considering his feelings, for one.

Lennox?: Hmph… And what do you think you know about him? You haven't even realized what he truly is.

Shylock: I know more about him than you do, at least.

Lennox?: You know what he is?

Shylock: I couldn't care less about that. I'm talking about his heart.

Lennox?: His heart?

Shylock: He told you that he's taken down his brother's foes, and he told you that you resemble that same brother. He thinks of you as a stand-in for his brother, Balthazar. That was why he wanted you to say something about how he'd taken down his enemies.

Lennox?: Did you read his mind?

Shylock: I don't need to do something like that to know what he wants.

Lennox?: Have you read my mind as well?

Shylock: Oh, yes.

Lennox?: …

Shylock: …

Lennox?: Then tell me. Tell me what I'm thinking about right now.

Shylock: I will not.

Lennox?: Why not? Do you have no confidence?

Shylock: Balthazar. In the North those who are strong are victorious, while those who are weak are not, yes? But that's not how it works in the West. The West is a country of desires. The one who desires is the one who loses. And you desire me. You want me to surrender myself to you, to be helpless before you, but the very moment you began to want me… Was the moment that you lost. After all, whether I give you what you want or not is all up to me.

Lennox?: … And yet I could turn you to stone here and now. I can make you experience enough fear and pain you'll beg me to turn you to stone! Do you want that, Shylock?

Shylock: Feel free to give me whatever you like. Though I imagine it'll bore me to sleep.

Lennox?: You're bluffing…

Shylock: Oh, my. This is neither a bluff nor an act. You see, I've found my heart set aflame recently.

Lennox?: …tsk. <Mare Praeda>!

✦✧☾✧✦

Mitile: Nero! The torta di cocco shopkeeper is coming here soon! He said he'll make torta di cocco for us with the castle kitchen!

Nero: That's great to hear! I'll have t' go see him later.

Riquet: Nero. Claudia wants to talk to you.

Claudia: I'm so sorry. No matter what I say, Dianne refuses to leave her office… You have something very important to ask of her, and yet she's not conducting herself the way a lord should. Please, let me apologize on her behalf. Is there anything that I could do to help you instead?

Nero: Well, I guess y'can talk with me so we can try to get the people 'round the castle to chill out a little. Why's the new lord refusin' to come out of her room? An' why's she hidin' stuff from us, an' why's she trashin' the castle magitech, an' what's up with her edict with the wizards' bazaar…

Claudia: The reason she won't come out of her office is because she doesn't know what to do. She doesn't know how to deal with what's happening, but once she steps foot out of that room, she'll be expected to deal with it. And so, she's blocked herself inside.

Mitile: But why? If she doesn't know what to do, she should try talking to people to figure it out…

Riquet: Are the other people in the castle treating her coldly?

Claudia: Oh, certainly not. They've all been working here since she was little.

Nero: Right, one of 'em said somethin'. Somethin' about Dianne bein' a crybaby…

Claudia: Dianne's always been a darling little angel ever since she was a child. Everyone adored her. And she had a tendency to burst into tears when faced with just about anything. She'd cry at hearing compassionate stories, when thinking about her studies, or even halfway through introducing herself. Once, when the previous King's cousin, Lord Antonio, visited us here, she burst into tears in the middle of her introduction. Everyone around her went white as a sheet. They were dead certain he was going ask if she'd never learned any discipline, or if no one's ever scolded her before. But Lord Antonio simply said, "What a darling girl she is," and wiped her tears… And he forgave her, just like that.

Nero: That ol' man's got some good in him, huh.

Claudia: Huh?

Nero: Oh, yeah, I know the guy too.

Claudia: Ah, I see. My apologies for speaking so self-centeredly…

Nero: Nah, don't worry about it. Keep talkin'.

Mitile: (I can't believe Nero's calling someone related to the old king "that ol' man"…)

Claudia: That event went from being just a funny story to tell at gatherings all the way to being something to boast about. After all, someone as illustrious as Lord Antonio himself had pardoned our youngest child's adorable tears. My sister wasn't the only one who was so happy about it that she went spreading the story everywhere she went. But it wasn't an incident Dianne herself was proud of. She did her very best to not cry. She didn't want to be called a crybaby anymore.

Mitile: I really understand how she felt…

Riquet: Did you used to be a crybaby too, Mitile?

Mitile: I… I wouldn't say I was that bad. Even though the grown-ups just smiled about it and didn't have any bad intentions behind what they said about me, it was still embarrassing.

Nero: Yeah, I've been there too…

Riquet: You have, Nero?

Nero: Yeah, well… No one had a lick of common sense or basic decency where I used t' be.

Mitile: What did they say?

Nero: I ain't repeatin' that in front of kids.

Claudia: Could you whisper it to me?

Nero: I definitely ain't sayin' it in front of a noblelady!

Claudia: Oh my, how terribly shy you are. Now then, where were we?

Riquet: We were talking about how Crybaby Dianne hated being called that.

Claudia: Ah, yes. Dianne had support during all this from my father--her grandfather--Lord Dionis, a man famous for his military exploits here in the West. He taught her swordsmanship, and he patiently showed her what a brave, wonderful human she could be. Thanks to his guidance, she became the gallant swordsman you see now. She barely resembles who she used to be. But… This is no longer an era where mastery of the sword can carry her; it's an era of magical technology. Someone said that to Dianne and my father. Even a fresh-faced rookie soldier could defeat the famous Commander Dionis with magical technology on their side.

Nero: Ahh… That musta been hard for the lil' missy to hear.

Mitile: (Now he's calling the local lord, Lady Dianne, "the lil' missy"…)

Riquet: But isn't magical technology very widespread in this country?

Nero: Not everyone feels the same about these kinds of things. 'Specially in the lil' miss lord's case, when it's got to do with what saved her heart, her grandpa's martial arts… It's no wonder she ended up feelin' so aggressive about magitech.

Claudia: That's right… Dianne began to hate even just the very sight of magical technology after that. She was so hostile towards it that she began putting her support behind the wizards without properly getting to know them first…

Riquet: So that's what happened. I'd heard that she was very friendly towards wizards, so I'd been looking forward to meeting her. But she didn't seem very friendly when I talked to her.

Claudia: I'm so sorry she let you down like that… She really doesn't have any prejudices against wizards, I assure you. But that description of her isn't an apt one. Still, to pretend to want to be friends despite having no real intention of it…is a terribly lonely thing.

Mitile: How can we get along better with Lady Dianne…? I thought I didn't really like her very much, even though I didn't know much about her until just now… But, after listening to what you've said about her…I don't think she's someone I can hate. I completely understand her frustration with being called a crybaby and with having her grandfather mocked like that. And the people in the castle and the island residents are the same too, aren't they? I do think that throwing out a big magical technology installation and making things hard for the head chef is going a little too far, but… If she could be honest with the people around her about what's making her miserable, or about what she needs help with…

Nero: Yeah, that ain't happenin'.

Mitile: Why not…?

Nero: 'Cause if she talks about what's hurtin' her or says she needs help, she's gonna go back to bein' Crybaby Dianne. And if that happens, she'll be lettin' everyone down. That's what she's thinkin, at least. Did I get that right, ma'am?

Claudia: Yes… I'm sure that's it.

Nero: No matter how people laughed at her or how bad it hurt, she worked as hard as her gramps did at the sword, and used it to change who she was. But y'can't heal wounds that reach all the way down to the soul so easily.

Riquet: …Like the wounds received from <the Great Calamity>?

Nero: Exactly. Mitile's completely right, is the thing. She should let herself get helped out if she's strugglin'. As long as there's people around her that are willin' to help, that is.

Mitile: …Nero…

Nero: But if they see how pathetic she really is, even just once, they'll be disappointed in her… If she says she can't do it alone, they'll say she's incompetent and look down on her. That's what she's been tryin' to avoid, but all she did was trap herself between a rock and a hard place. Even when she's surrounded by people, if she can't trust 'em, it's the same as havin' no one around at all.

Riquet: …

Nero: Even though she wants help so bad she could just explode. But she's so scared of the idea that if she actually says that to anyone, they're gonna laugh at her, mock her, and tell her it's all her fault anyways that she's not gonna say a thing about it.

Riquet: …Saying that you want help is… Something I did not realize could be so difficult for someone. (But I think Oz, Prince Arthur, and Cain are all like that, too…) (If that's true, then the times Oz has spoken with me are all very precious occasions…) (It's not something so simple that everyone can do it…) (It's something that's only possible because a special kind of trust has been formed…)

Nero: There's a lot of people like that. Hell, even I'm not immune to not wantin' to say it…

Mitile: I… I'd want you to ask me for help, Nero. There probably isn't anything I can do for you, but… I won't laugh at you or criticize you for it.

Nero: Thanks. I'm pretty fond of that part of all of you Southerners. It's the kinda thing that can save a guy…

Riquet: Me, too… I won't get upset with you.

Nero: Haha. Don't start tellin' lies, Riquet.

Riquet: It's not a lie! As long as I know the circumstances, I won't get upset with you. I don't want to hurt you by getting mad at you, Nero.

Nero: Hey, it's fine t'get mad. There are times where it's needed, even. Besides, ain't forgivin' people even when you're mad at 'em one of your specialties?

Riquet: I…suppose so…

Nero: Just forgive me as much as you can when that day comes, alright? Anyways… More than anythin', I need to go talk with her Lordship.

Riquet: You're planning on being the one who talks to her?

Nero: I mean… Well… Like… Someone's gotta do it… Even though I think I'd be pretty crap at it… But, well, I think I know what she's goin' through right now. She doesn't know what to do, but she does desperately want someone to help her out. Talkin' about it with one of her relatives or some brat's just gonna make her want to disappear even worse. So I figure I'll be good enough here… …I figure, but…my confidence is slippin' away… Riquet, how about you go instead?

Riquet: You need to make good on what you said you would, Nero. I think you're exactly right about both her and yourself.

Mitile: I'm sure your words will echo in her heart! You've got this!

Claudia: I think so as well! You can do this, Nero!

Nero: Thanks for cheerin' me on, guys… D'ya think y' could take me to her office, ma'am?

✦✧☾✧✦

Figaro: …Hah… …Lord White's presence… … (…I can't feel it anywhere…)

Painting Snow: …gh…

Figaro: …

Painting Snow: …uugh…

Figaro: Lord Snow… Lord Snow, can you hear me?!

Painting Snow: … …Fi…garo… …Where is…White…

Figaro: …

Painting Snow: I can't quite…grasp his presence… Where is he…

Figaro: …He's here. Lord White is right here. He's watching over you, Lord Snow. Don't worry.

Painting Snow: … …Heh…hehe… …Figaro, dear…

Figaro: …Yes…?

Painting Snow: You're such a kind child…

Figaro: … …Oz will be back with medicine before you know it. So stay strong and wait until he is.

Painting Snow: …Alright…

Figaro: You need not worry yourself… I am here, right at your side…

Painting Snow: …That's right… What a truly reassuring…thing to hear…

Figaro: …

Painting Snow: …

Figaro: Lord Snow… …Lord Snow…! … Haahh… He's still…moving a little…inside the frame… … …The moonlight is marking a path over the sea… …Please, don't take him…

✦✧☾✧✦

We split into two groups. The ones headed towards Shylock and Balthazar were… Murr, Rustica, and Chloe, as well as Arthur, Cain, and Rutile. And the ones who were going to be hunting for the cintamani stone were me, Oz, Faust, Shino, and Heathcliff.

Faust: It's highly likely that Lennox is going to be with Balthazar. If you see him…

Rutile: Don't worry, Faust. We won't hurt him.

Faust: Thank you.

Faust was obviously worried about Lennox. But if he joined the Western wizards in saving Shylock… That'd mean leaving the search for the cintamani stone on the shoulders of the younger wizards. And that worried him as well. But he had comrades he could rely on now. Oz was probably feeling something similar, since he was having to separate from Arthur.

Oz: …Are you sure you are prepared?

Arthur: You don't need to worry about us. We're setting out fully prepared to do what we need to do.

Murr: Even if you reel in the sea dragon, it's not like you can fight, Oz. On the other hand, their side would get a special bonus if that happens.

Chloe: A special bonus?

Murr: A powerful wizard's flesh and blood can be used as a medium to perform powerful magic. I don't think even Mithra could win against a sea dragon that's gotten a taste of Oz, if you catch my drift.

Arthur: Lord Oz, when your group locates the cintamani stone, please return to shore and take it to Lord Snow. Faust, it'd be a big help if you could join back up with us, though.

Faust: Got it. I know I'm starting to repeat myself, but please take care of Lennox.

Cain: Lennox is one of our precious comrades. We're not gonna hurt a hair on his head before we take care of Balthazar.

Oz: If both Shylock and Lennox are undamaged… Pursuing a battle against Balthazar and the dragon will be pointless.

Shino: Why.

Oz: For when the day breaks, I shall lay them low myself.

I bit my lip. Did that mean he was going to kill Hwylryn? My heart pounding, I decided to make my intentions clear to everyone one more time.

Akira: Before that happens, I'm going to try to negotiate with Hwylryn.

Faust: Right. Hopefully you'll find the dragon before you find Balthazar.

Murr: But if those negotiations go belly-up and Oz gets eaten, we'll have the single worst-case scenario on our hands. I didn't wanna say it in front of Arthur, but you need to be ready for that eventuality, Faust.

I saw Faust go a little green around the gills at that. He glanced away, hiding his expression. Arthur looked anxious, and Oz said nothing.

Murr: Soooo, time to get this show on the road!

Arthur: Master Sage! We'll definitely return with Shylock and Lennox in hand.

Akira: Yeah! Everyone, be careful!

Cain: You too, Akira! Oz! Be sure you look after them!

Oz: Yes.

And then we parted from one another, following the mermaids' guidance on two separate paths.

✦✧☾✧✦

Mermaid: …! …!

Cain: Looks like it's that way. The moonlight doesn't reach this deep, so I've kind of lost my sense of direction, but I think that's northwest… Is that where Adams Island used to be?

Murr: Yep, you got it! Your military command expertise is shining through!

Arthur: The sunken Adams Island… I never thought I'd see it.

Rutile: I wonder if Leno's there…

Arthur: The mermaids who'd been locked up claim to have seen Balthazar and Shylock there.

Rutile: I hope Leno is okay… Shylock, too……hm? Huh…? When did Chloe and Rustica get so far away…

Cain: Ack, sorry! I got too caught up in following the mermaids… I'll go back to help them right now!

Chloe: We're fiiiine! We can catch up! This way, Rustica. Good job, good job!

Rustica: Why thank you, Chloe.

Chloe: …Hey, Rustica. What did Murr mean by what he said earlier? About something he didn't want to talk about in front of Arthur, but that Faust needed to be ready for…

Rustica: Should it look like Lord Oz is going to turn to stone and thus fall into the dragon's hands, Faust should turn him to stone first so that we may partake of his strength ourselves. I believe that is what he meant.

Chloe: Wh…what…?! There's no way that's going to happen, right?!

Rustica: It won't. They were simply talking about what the proper way to go about things based on addition and subtraction would be. Simple arithmetic.

Chloe: Right… Faust wouldn't do something like that…

✦✧☾✧✦

Shino: (…It doesn't seem like very many people got what Murr was talking about.) (Faust can't attack Oz. His head's too full of Lennox for anything else right now…) (He can't even conceive of sacrificing someone else for his own gain in the first place.) (But I can.) (Sorry Oz, sorry Arthur, but if it's to protect Heath…) (I'll kill Oz before the dragon can if the Sage's negotiations fall through.) (…My hands are already dirty.) (There's no mission I'm not willing to carry out.)

Vespa: …! …!

Shino: …What is it.

Heathcliff: Shino! You started slowing down. Are you okay?

Shino: Sorry. I was spacing out.

Heathcliff: You can't go spacing out at a time like this.

Faust: Are you running low on magic?

Shino: I'm fine.

Akira: But you won't be able to breathe if you run out of magic…

Oz: Will you return to shore, Shino?

Shino: … There's no issue. Let's keep moving.

Next Chapter

[cainluvr69]

Surely, We Can Make Miracles Chapter 10

Previous Chapter

Just as a wizard could, Hwylryn was flying, and without a broom at that. Unlike the wizards I'd seen fly without a broom, he was keeping his body mostly horizontal, face down like he was laying in the air, but sometimes he'd adjust himself so he was facing the sky instead. They were like the movements of a carefree, unrestrained dolphin. Despite how fast we were moving, it was still easy to breathe as we dashed through the sky between the clouds and the waves. We passed flocks of birds gliding through the air and schools of fish beneath the water.

Akira: (…I'm going to die…)

I clung tightly to Hwylryn's arms. If he dropped me at this speed, I was sure I would die.

Hwylryn: Akira. Akira. Raise your head.

Akira: …Wh-why…?!

Hwylryn: Look at the sunset. It's beautiful.

I looked up, and was greeted by an exquisite panorama of nature. The endless sea and sky were dyed red, so beautiful that my breath caught in my throat. There was a sense of freedom in being surrounded by such beauty, like I could melt away and it would embrace me as part of it.

Akira: Woah…

Hwylryn: It's beautiful, isn't it? Just trust me. There's nothing to be afraid of.

Before I could nod, Hwylryn continued on his dash through the gentle golden light. We were moving faster than the wizards flew on their brooms, but I still felt a strange sense of calm. It was like the sea and sky had melted together, and we were swimming through them both. The wind, the water, and the rays of the sun had all become one.

Akira: (This feels so nice…)

I'd forgotten my fear without even realizing. Slowly but surely, my grip on his arms started to loosen. I had begun to have faith in Hwylryn's hands as they held me tight. I had begun to entrust myself to him. I was completely enchanted. I wanted to let my eyes fall shut and surrender myself to the all-encompassing comfort of being one with nature. Hwylryn's hair, caught in the wind, reflected the sunlight like water reflects sky. It was beautiful. I wanted to watch it forever.

Hwylryn: It feels wonderful, doesn't it?

Akira: It does, it really, really does…

I let out a long sigh, swept up in emotion, and then jolted back to my senses.

Akira: It, um, it really is wonderful, but it'd be nice to be on land again…

Hwylryn: That depends on you, Akira.

Akira: On me… Did you take me out this far because I'm the Sage?

Hwylryn: Oh, right. You are the Sage, aren't you.

Akira: …"Oh, right"?

Then why did he sweep me away like this?

Akira: (Heck, I didn't even think there was anyone in this world who'd act like that about my being the Sage.) (Because in this world, I'm the Sage first, and then Akira…) (Just who is this…? He made that promise so carelessly to me, but maybe he really is a wizard…?) Are you a Western wizard?

Hwylryn: I was born in the North. Feeling the North on someone was quite nostalgic. What did you call him, again?

Akira: You mean Mithra?

Hwylryn: Maybe? The red-haired one…

Akira: Yes, that's Mithra. He's a Northern wizard. …I hope he's okay after that earlier…

He'd been hit by a wave and his door through space had vanished.

Hwylryn: A Northern wizard wouldn't die from something as small as that.

Akira: Are you familiar with Northern wizards…?

Hwylryn: I used to live in the North, until Gwawlyn died.

Akira: Gwawlyn…?

Hwylryn: My brother.

Akira: Your brother…

Where Hwylryn's voice had been as light and carefree as the wind, it was now dark and clouded over. Both of us fell silent. The sky was clear, but a single drop of rain fell on my cheek. Maybe a drop of water from the ocean had splashed onto me, or so I thought, but when I looked up at Hwylryn's face, my mind blanked out. He was crying. The tears falling from his silver eyes were caught by the wind, glittering gold in the evening sun. They were like sparkling jewels. I remembered the song I'd heard just a short while ago. The prince still roams, without his home Through far and wide, company stays by his side From here to there, returning to nowhere A bracelet glitters and shines again Jewels fall from his wrist like rain From here to there, returning to nowhere

Akira: …I'm sorry…

Hwylryn: Why are you apologizing, Akira?

Akira: …Because I made you talk about something sad…

Hwylryn: It's not your fault I was reminded of him. Gwawlyn and I used to play together like this. He had a more wild nature than I. We didn't resemble one another in the slightest, but we were still a matched set.

Akira: (A set…) (Just like Snow and White… The Northern twins…)

Akira: Are you a wizard, Hwylryn? Are you the prince of a fallen kingdom?

Hwylryn: Prince of a fallen kingdom?

Akira: I heard a song about the wandering prince of a fallen kingdom earlier. A prince wearing a silver bracelet…

Hwylryn: Ahh, I see. I think I've heard that song before, too. The gem decorating this bracelet is a cintamani stone. Two of them appeared to me, and two of them appeared to Gwawlyn, too.

Akira: Cintamani stones?

Hwylryn: They suddenly appeared in our home one day. The number that manifest can vary wildly. They each have their own meaning, and they hold the power to grant wishes.

Akira: Huh… (There's still so much in this world I don't know about…) (Huh…? There's only one gem set in his bracelet.) (But Hwylwyn said he had two…) What happened to the other one?

Hwylryn: I gave it to Melissa. She's a Western witch. She said she was looking for where the ocean ends.

Akira: The end of the ocean…

Hwylryn: I've heard there exists nothing at the end of the ocean. I traveled out pretty far too, but eventually there were no more spirits. The sea and the sky are my domain, but it frightened me enough that I turned back. And yet, Melissa wanted to find that endpoint. I was captivated by that curiosity of hers. I gave her the cintamani stone of medicine. This one is the stone of poison.

Akira: Poison… It's such a pretty stone, but it's poison?

Hwylryn: Yes. Do you like pretty stones, Akira? Do you want my legacy too?

Akira: Legacy…?

At his question, I remembered the bard's song again. Jewels fall from his wrist like rain. Oh, such splendor’s but a trace from a lost legacy.

Akira: Is it the legacy of the lost kingdom from the song?

Hwylryn: Well, who knows? I wasn't the one who looked at these gems and asked that.

The corners of Hwylryn's dignified, intelligent eyes scrunched up as he smiled teasingly at me.

Hwylryn: Do you want it, Akira? I can give you more.

Akira: N-No, I'm good. I mean, even what you gave me earlier was in exchange for something else, and I don't think a bite of cake is a high enough price for that…

Hwylryn: You can have them if you want them. There's a lot around Adams Island. Star diamonds, blood coral, rubies…

Akira: Adams Island…?

Adams Island had sunk into the sea. Had Hwylryn used magic to dive down to the bottom of the sea to find it?

Akira: You've been to Adams Island?

Hwylryn opened his mouth. But as he did, the outline of a door drew itself in the air behind him.

Mithra: <Arthim>

As I found myself wondering if I'd really heard Mithra's voice, his door finished appearing. An arm extended from the door and just before it touched Hwylryn, he laughed brightly. Hugging me tightly in his arms, he turned his body and dashed off into the sky.

Hwylryn: It's Mithra! Mithra's here! Let's run!

Akira: Wa…wait! Hwylryn, don't run!

Mithra: Master Sage!

Hwylryn: Ahaha! I can't believe you followed us all the way here!

Mithra: Haha… Fine, bring it on.

Unpleasant red light began to gather in the crystal skull in Mithra's hand.

Mithra: I'll choke the life out of you.

Akira: W-Wait, Mithra, you need to wait, too! If that attack hits, I'll die…!

Mithra: Even if you try not to?

Akira: Probably?!

Mithra: Speaking of, you…

Mithra seemed downright perplexed as he stared at Hwylryn. But within that expression, I saw glimmers of an innocent, childlike kind of adoration. Normally, Mithra's eyes looked tired, but right now they were shining like a little kid's.

Mithra: Why did you take the shape of a person?

Akira: Huh…?

Something twinged in the back of my throat, and Hwylryn grinned. The evening breeze, heavy with sunlight, blew through my hair. Dolphins leapt and pranced over the distant horizon line.

Mithra: You're a dragon, aren't you?

Akira: A dragon?!

I whipped my head around to stare at Hwylryn. His eyes were thin slits as he puffed his chest out proudly. Godlike majesty, solemnity, and a childlike innocence were all wrapped up within his teasing grin.

Hwylryn: Well, yeah.

✦✧☾✧✦

Figaro: How's it going, Oz? Can you sense him?

Oz: … I believe he has begun…hiding his presence.

Figaro: You can hunt him down, can't you?

Oz: I do not recall it clearly enough to do so.

Figaro: Welp, that's it, then… The day's about to be over, too.

Oz: …

Figaro: I know, Oz. You don't want Arthur to encounter him. He knows too much about who you are. About the you who isn't a kind, caring teacher.

Oz: …And what about you?

Figaro: Me?

Oz: You told me that Faust had returned as your disciple… But there is no such indication that he has.

Figaro: Well, he has. Or, well, we have plans for it. Like, secret training and stuff…

Oz: He returned as your disciple, even knowing everything about who you are?

Figaro: Don't say it like that.

Oz: You said it first.

Figaro: He is my disciple. Probably… But I think he'd get upset… I mean, he's literally a saint in Central..

Oz: …

Figaro: This is how it is with you and Arthur, huh… I get it now…

Oz: …Silence.

Figaro: Siiiigh… Why did we have to go and try to conquer the world…

Oz: … …You are different from me. All you did was choose to follow my lead.

Figaro: … Oh… Is that right.

Oz: …

Figaro: …Well, there's no point in staying down here. We should get back to land before night falls. Let's go, Oz. Oz?

Oz: That reef…

Figaro: It's almost like a cage… There's a lot of mermaids trapped inside.

Oz: …

Figaro: Where are you going?

Oz: To free them. It shall be no issue for my power.

Figaro: Don't interfere when you don't even know the first thing about mermaid society. They could be getting rightfully punished for all you know.

Oz: Punished?

Figaro: They got put in prison for being bad guys, just like Bradley. It's best to keep them locked away.

Oz: I suppose so.

Figaro: Let's go.

Oz: …

✦✧☾✧✦

Little Arthur: Lord Oz, I made dinner today!

Oz: I see.

Little Arthur: …

Oz: Well done.

Little Arthur: Ehehe… Please try it!

Oz: Munch…

Little Arthur: How is it?

Oz: It is good.

Little Arthur: Yay! Please try the rest of it, too! All of it, in order.

Oz: Understood.

Little Arthur: How is it? What parts do you like?

Oz: All of it. I enjoyed all of it.

Little Arthur: Wahh! I'm so happy to hear that, Lord Oz. I'll keep doing my best with cooking!

✦✧☾✧✦

Oz: <Vox Nox>

Northern Wizard: Gaaahhh…!

Northern Townsperson: Kyaaahhh…! P…please forgive us…! Please, at least let us live…!

Figaro: Just leave things like this. We'll really wipe everything out, otherwise.

Oz: …

Northern Wizard: Why?! Why are you doing this?! Please, Oz…! What drove you to this?! What could you possibly hate so much…

Oz: All of it.

Northern Wizard: Wha…

Oz: And so I will wipe everything away. <Vox Nox>

Northern Wizard: Gyaaahhhgh…!

Figaro: … …Jeez…

✦✧☾✧✦

Brown-Haired Gaunt Woman: …uu…sniff… I'll never forgive whoever did that to him… He's never done a thing wrong in his life, but they did something so horrible to him…

Arthur: …

Cain: Please don't cry… Umm, do I have a handkerchief…ah, nope. Your Highness…

Arthur: Ah… Please, wipe your tears with this, ma'am.

Brown-Haired Gaunt Woman: …Thank you…

Arthur: …We should be the ones saying that. I'm so sorry we made you remember something so painful. Thank you so much for speaking with us despite that.

Brown-Haired Gaunt Woman: …Of course… I just wish that…I'd been able to see his face one last time… He was a big and strong person, but he was sincere and kind… How could they bring themself to cut the head off someone like that…? Please, please… Find his head for me… I want to let all of him sleep… And when you find the person who cut his head off…cut theirs off, too…! Please…!

✦✧☾✧✦

Cain: …That woman was really at the end of her rope… Just looking at her was painful… But she did find the headless body of her beloved… Of course she'd end up like that…

Arthur: …You're right…

Cain: And with that in mind, Natalie's attitude earlier was definitely off. So was what we heard from that doctor, too. You know, the one who did the autopsy.

Arthur: Yeah. Their heads weren't bitten off by a beast or monster, but they weren't severed by a blade, either. The separation was so clean it had to have been done by magic.

Cain: By magic… No wonder the humans are so wary of wizards after hearing that.

Arthur: And the acquaintences of the wizards who went missing suspect it's the work of humans, too. Wizards become mana stones when they die. Not only are mana stones valuable as gemstones, but they're also used to power magical technology.

Cain: …Pretty much no one suspected that they were killed only for their stones, though.

Arthur: That's true… Once you start doubting your neighbors, your everyday life begins to change. Even this bustling market has its people mired in a darkness of fear and mistrust so deeply that they can't even see who's in front of them. And when that happens, they'll only trust the people closest to them, and anyone else will be treated with suspicion.

Cain: The same goes for wizards and humans, men and women, young and old, anyone from any country… How can you know what any of them have done in the past? It's hard for disconnected people to trust one another in situations as unstable as this one. Even if they don't want this beautiful, thriving island to have to weather that kind of conflict…

Arthur: …When you think of it like that, my ancestor Alec Granvelle's army really accomplished something amazing.

****TL Note: Gwawlyn's name is also based off a Welsh word; in this case gwawl, a word meaning "light". Now that we have more Hwylryn lore, I can add the second part of his name's meaning as well: while hwyl does mean fun/passion, it's also another way of saying goodbye--hwyl fawr.

The second, deadlier part of this tl note: Hwylryn and Gwawlyn, despite having Welsh names, seem to be based at least partially off of Japanese and Chinese dragon myths, given that that's where we get water dragons with jewels from. The jewels in question, however, are based on the cintamani in Hindu and Buddhist scripture, which is a wish-granting jewel held by holy figures. This isn't the first time these concepts have been combined--Dragon Ball is right there--but I felt that making sure my readers have a good idea of the cultural concepts being presented was a good idea!

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