Mmgh...
"Wake up."
Mnnngh...
"Come on, I know you're still recovering, but breakfast won't eat itself."
Shut up...
"Fortune-Fortune-Fortune!"
"Yes! Shake him real good, Cathy. Just don't get too crazy, you might hurt him."
"... Weavve me awwone..."
"Come on, it's no good to sleep on a job, hehe."
"Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!"
"FINE!!! Geez. What time is it?"
"8 AM; we actually start our day at 6 AM, but I decided to give you some leeway."
"Tch. Stop acting like you're my dad or something..."
"ＤＡＤ ？(・▽・)"
"... Why are you looking at me like that?"
...
"Mmph! So good!" I greedily chowed down on the stew, didn't realise I was THAT hungry.
"Really? Thank you!" Carolyn smiled as she was eating her morning stew. "So, how did you sleep?"
"I slept well until you two started to pester me."
"Come on, I didn't want you to eat your breakfast cold." Carolyn put on an awfully smug expression and I sigh in annoyance
"I mean it's good, but I could've used an hour or two."
"Ah! Wait! I remembered! How are you feeling, Fortune? Do you feel any pain in the chest area?"
"... Nah, don't think so." I feel up my wounds and they only slightly sting. And itchy.
"You know, I can change the bandages once we finish eating. Blood can stagnate and rot, so ideally we should change the bandages at least once a day."
"Okay."
"Cathy, are you ready?"
"Yup!"
"Alright. Eat your fill and off we go."
We finish eating the delicious stew and wash the dishes. After that, we go to patient room and I take off my clothes, allowing them to check my wounds.
"Yeah... You bled quite a bit... Alright, let me remove them and check the progress."
But as she removes them, her face turns into one of sheer confusion.
"Huh??? The wound... Shouldn't have healed that fast... Wha?... It shouldn't have happened... Strange... Are you feeling alright?"
"I think so, yeah. Is something wrong?"
"Hm... If you say so... Still, I think you should be careful. Usually I see this type of stuff when the flow magic is used: even the scar feels rather unnatural as if it underwent some kind of overdrive - but even then if I assume you are a magician: it certainly would've taken a much bigger toll..."
She throws the bandage into the trash bin and I put on my clothes. "Sorry Cathy, it seems that your auntie can't do the demonstration as Fortune has healed already."
"Aww... Cathy's at least glad that Fortune's in good health now." She pouts and protectively hugs me.
"Heeey, auntie is also glad that Fortune is in good health; it's just it happened so fast. Well, all's well that ends well, right?" Carolyn proceeds to pat Cathy on her head and kiss her on her temple.
"Well, if I *had* a complaint... Is that I'm still hungry... And kinda thirsty..."
"Your body must've overexerted itself to repair you as quick as possible. Well, while we won't be having lunch any time soon; water should be enough. Gotta be more frugal with the expenses."
"Yeah, I understand. My sis used to be very strict about our expenses and she would beat me if I spend too much or ate too much."
"...ˢᵉʳⁱᵒᵘˢˡʸ ʷʰᵃᵗ ⁱˢ ʷʳᵒⁿᵍ ʷⁱᵗʰ ʸᵒᵘʳ ᶠᵃᵐⁱˡʸ?"
We both hear a door ring and Carolyn rushes to the reception desk, saying she'll come over soon. I then use this moment to ask Cathy about how she feels.
"Hey, you slept well?"
"Yes, Fortune. Cathy slept very well."
"That's good to hear. To be honest, I actually woke up in the middle of the night because of a nightmare."
"Nightmare?"
"Well, it's too scary to tell you. Don't get too worked up. Carolyn knows about my nightmare too."
"Okay..."
"Don't be upset. For me, it's more important that you slept well."
"Thank you, Fortune. My animal friends appreciate you!"
"Fooortuuuune! You have guests!"
"Oh! Alright, I gotta go. Be good alright?"
"Okay!"
Cathy hugs me tightly and I return the gesture. Stepping out of the patient room, I see Oswald with Sol in tow waiting for me.
"Hey! Fortune! How are you feeling?" Oswald asks and I say that I'm feeling alright. Sol then comes up to me and eyes me up and down.
"Are you sure?" She asks, with a surprisingly serious tone to which I can't help but gulp in anxiety. "Y-Yeah I'm alright." She narrows her eyes and Carolyn steps in
"If it makes you feel any better, Fortune surprisingly has a fast recovery. His wounds are completely gone now."
"Great! Now, do you remember what we're going to do today?"
"Yeah, of course, sir." I nod and Oswald smiles
"Alright. Well then, shall we go to a more spacious area? You will be doing a lot of dodging let me tell you."
"Wait." Carolyn interrupts, looking very concerned "I thought I was hearing things yesterday. Are you talking about a duel???"
"... Yeah?" Oswald asks and Carolyn nervously smiles, hiding her disbelief
"D-Did you forget what happened yesterday? Fortune got hurt! I know he's recovered and all, but don't you think it's too much?"
"Please, formal magical battles between magicians aren't lethal. Sol is a good girl, she won't hurt Fortune. The most what will happen is Fortune being exhausted." Oswald reassures her, yet it's clear that she can't help but worry.
"... Fortune. Are you truly alright with that?..." Carolyn then asks me and I gulp. She is very concerned about my wellbeing and I can't help but feel so guilty about it. But it seems everyone wants me to accept the duel, so...
"Yes, I'm alright, miss." I say and she hugs me "Please be safe... If anything happens, come to me..."
"Of course." I reassure her and turn my gaze towards Oswald and Sol. Oddly enough, Oswald looks almost guilty about this whole thing, as if he just realised that he did something wrong. This guy... He was oddly rather aggressively dismissive of her. Grr... Whatever he did, he better apologize to Carolyn: that guy is clearly in the wrong.
Sol however, looks pretty concerned as well. Please don't do that. Didn't you want to have a duel with me?
Carolyn then lets me go and I walk towards the scholarly aristocrats. "Are you sure you'll be okaaaaay?"
"Yes, geez! I don't want everybody being all so sour and dour about it! I'm fine!"
"I mean, if you aren't up for it: we can cancel it." Oswald remarks, now with much more restrained and regretful, yet still gentle tone
"If you want, I can show you!" I yell, pulling my coat up and Sol gets flustered out of nowhere "Hieeee!!!"
"Uh... That's not necessary. Miss Jermaine, are you sure he is all healed up?..."
"Of course! I checked!"
"Well, see Sol? Fortune's fine, and he seems to be rather fired up. There's no need to worry."
"... But I am still concerneeeeeed!!!" She proceeds to hug me VERY tightly and rocking me back forth.
"I'm... Fine... Ow... Let me go." I yelp and she immediately lets me go. "Sorry. It's just...
I don't wanna fight you if you aren't in your full strength!"
Huh?
"Oh, Sol is like that. Don't mind her." Oswald remarks and tries to get us away from the hospital already.
"And I thought my life couldn't get any more bizarre..." Carolyn sighs "Well, I already gave my approval. Please do what you need to do and don't do any ruckus in the hospital. It's a public building after all, so I would appreciate it if you could stop your theatrics."
"Okay! Sorry! Alright children, let's get outside to discuss our plans, alright?"
""Okay!""
And as we... Finally step out of the hospital, Carolyn says one last thing
"Good luck Fortune! I don't know too much about these duels, but please be safe!"
"Alriiight!"
...
"Phew. This place gives me creeps. Anyway, are you guys up for it now?"
"Yes, just let's get it over with!" I yap and Sol ponders for a little before giving her own affirmation.
"As long as Fortune is alright with it, then I'm in!"
"That's a good spirit! Um, Fortune, do you know any spacious areas where no one will interrupt us? Again, just warning ya, you'll be doing a lot of dodging, so being on your quick feet is important."
How could this girl require so much dodging?
"Well, I know a place. Follow me."
I lead them to the flower field where Sol and I have been to. It's the place where I used to play tag with Sylvie aside from casual flower viewing and picking. As we walk, I bought an apple from a local grocery stand with my pocket money that I have left and Sol approaches me with a guilty expression and tugs me at my coat
"I'm sorry, Fortune."
"For what?"
"I... Back when I saw you at that cage, seeing you use your powers got me way too excited. I saw a fellow magician. And so I thought I could just challenge you to a duel like that... I didn't think about your injuries at all. I'm sorry."
"Come on. I'm all healed, remember? Just feeling itchy is all. Look, if I was feeling bad, I would've rejected it easily. So don't feel too bad about it. Just be mindful next time."
"Okay... I really got too excited..."
"Then pump up now! I mean, I managed to kill a beast, so surely a little girl like you won't give me too much trouble."
"Oh you underestimate me greatly, Fortune." She immediately goes from being shamefully concerned to being extremely smug. "But a fine lady always hides steel under silk."
"Shor-tie."
"Hey!"
"Oi! Save your energy for later, alright? We still haven't reached our destination."
""M'kaaaay...""
We then soon arrive at the flower field. It's as pretty as ever and Oswald looks up at the sky "Hm... How often do you have overcast weather, Fortune? The sun hasn't appeared once since we arrived here"
"... Dunno. Never paid attention to it. I think I saw the sun once or twice this summer."
"Well, it seems Sol might be at a slight disadvantage."
"No I'm not! I'll just use my own energy then!" She pouts and then she immediately stands straight "Set your position, Fortune."
"Huh?"
"In formal duels fighters set their battle positions, usually far away from each other. They don't have any referees, mostly because usually they involve only combatants and nothing else, but for this - I'll be your referee."
"Uh-huh..." I set my own position opposite of Sol
Sol then clears her throat and begins to speak.
"Fortune.
This is my proclamation of our duel.
Ever since I saw your display on that fateful day: I thought that at last - I found a worthy opponent.
I may be not sure what it is with you: but I believe that you have it in you to face off against me.
Sol Emerade, MAGICIAN of LIGHT!"
And with that, she begins to summon lights of numerous colours around her and they begin to shoot out at every angle, some of them are directed at me.
"Do your worst!"
"We'll see about that!"
I begin to dodge her lights and then I realise that I have no way of attacking her. I mean I can punch her, but I really don't want to punch Sol. I yell out to Oswald that I have no means of attacking her and I don't want to punch her and he tells me that I don't have to punch her and to think.
Hrmm... How can I attack her? I don't think I can shoot out lights just like that.
"Hm! Want to go on defensive? Then have at you!"
=ACT 1: RISING OVER YONDER, GREATNESS BEYOND IN VALOUR=
"It's a miracle, really. Looking through the prism. Into division."
The lights soon become concentrated and their colours become brighter and clearer. Red lasers are wide and slow, while purple ones are narrow, but quick to fire. All of the colours remind me of the rainbow during that one time I saw the sun during rain. It's all so mesmerising... Yet I mustn't be too distracted.
Damn... Never thought that this little girl is capable of launching artillery of bright and colourful lights. Some of them get to me - hurting me A LOT - and I realise I can't just just outrun them. Hmm... What was it...? How did that happen? How did I manage to slow down that beast?...
=ACT [___]: GRAND CLOCK=
"It's the heartbeat. Adjusting it - should control it. Clock stops for no one."
My body feels lighter and I begin to outrun the purple lasers. Sol smiles and begins to heat up, with more and more lasers coming out and eventually they begin to take on various properties.
Red Ones felt like they were rather cold, but long reaching and still are rather dangerous to touch and they also feel rather ominous. Orange ones feel as if they're emitting toxins, but they aren't as harmful as others. Yellow ones are rather bright and blinding, like I'm staring at the sun itself. Green ones resonate with the foliage and are quite wide, forcing me to duck underneath them to dodge them. Blue lasers pierce the sky, splitting open the clouds, allowing sunlight to seep through, while I do ones create the effect of the night sky through them, obscuring the view. And the violet ones are just as dangerous as they were, being the hottest lasers out of the bunch and extremely fast, to the point even with my enhanced movement I have trouble dodging them.
It's all so overwhelming... And outstretching my hand - a certain field appears in front of my eyes, slowing down these pesky violet lasers. But just as I begin to dodge them, I get stuck.
Huh?
The hell?
I try to move my arm, but it's stuck and getting kind of concerningly numb. I get a face full of lasers and in that pain I manage to eventually get out of that bubble and dodge roll under those lasers.
"Hehe~, should I go more easier on you, Fortune?"
"Nay! Come on! Come at me!"
"Alright, you better not regret it~"
=ACT 2: STAR CRADLE=
"All little deities dancing and prancing in a milky way."
The lasers stop to a halt and seven orbs begin to form around Sol; then they begin to shoot out projectiles, whilst orbiting around Sol as she begins to chase me. My body lightens once more and I participate in the deadliest game of tag I have ever participated in.
"Hehehe~! I'm gonna get'cha!"
"Try it!"
I outstretched my arm once more and that mysterious field appeared once more. It slowed down the starts and Sol herself got stuck inside. Nice.
"Ahck! Nngh!"
But as I get to enjoy the view, her body begins to glow and she easily gets herself out of the bubble. It seems she got accelerated too.
"Hmph!"
Wuh-oh
Sol then expands the stars and they begin orbiting her. Guess I have to get to the center. I think now I have an idea on how to end this fight.
Ducking and weaving through the stars, eventually I managed to reach Sol, but then she parries by shooting a star at me and GOD did that hurt.
"Gghk!"
"Ha! Still leagues below me! Well, guess I can make it easy on you."
=FINAL ACT: SOLAR WIND=
"Expression of Love"
She jumps back and from her body, numerous bullets shoot out in intervals. With each burst, I feel myself weakening in spite of not being weakened.
Still. I need to reach her.
Outstretching my arm, I summon a time field and it manages to catch the bullets in air, creating some sort of shield. Guess I'm getting a hang of it...
"Hmm? Still standing? My, you're so determined. I like it."
She quickens her attacks and the bursts of waves become much more frequent. It's certainly very annoying...
"Haah!"
I cast another field and begin to launch them more frequently to easily traverse the waves - while also avoiding them to not get stuck in them. But at the time goes on my body becomes more heavy and I feel like I can no longer become "lighter" anymore. Uurgh... My muscles feel so weak now... And I feel extremely hungry now... Still... Must... Persevere
"Haah... Haah..."
"Hm? Getting tired already? Should I forfeit the battle?"
"... Nah, I got this."
I cast the final field and it's much bigger than the others, almost as big as the one I cast back then. And as Sol looks at it with awe...
I hug-tackle her. Knocking her to the ground.
"Oof!"
"Aaaaand, stop! The battle is over."
"H... H-H-Huh?!?!?!?!?!?!"
"Got you."
I look down at Sol and she is flustered. Her face is red as a cherry and her legs shuffle a bit. Her chest also rises up and down rather rapidly, to the point I can feel her incessant heartbeat.
"Hieeeeeee~~~..."
"Hey, what's wrong? Being a sore loser?"
"It's not about thaaaaaaaaat---!"
"Well!" Oswald comes closer to us "It seems your magic is purely supportive - meaning technically you can't attack, merely slowing time or accelerating yourself. While the concentration of the curse is usually focused on certain parts - the curse actually permeates the entire body. Gotta say, your movements are pretty uncanny to look at!"
"So, did I win?" I ask
"... Well, not really actually. While Sol did reach her final act, she wasn't "defeated". Defeating the enemy implies attacking them, and you certainly did not attack Sol. So if anything - it's a draw."
"Aw shucks."
"W-W-Why did you do that?!"
"Well... I thought it could stun you. Guess I was right given how much of a nervous wreck you are."
"Sh-Sh-Shut up!" She barks, freeing her hands only to cover her face. Oswald chuckles and orders me to get off Sol. I stand up and dust myself off from grass. I help Sol up as well in spite of her embarrassment and dust her dress off.
"S-So... How was the battle?" She asks, much more cordial than she was during battle.
"... It was awesome! Did not know you could do all that! Why did you not do it on those guys?! This hurt like hell, I'm sure it would've repelled them real good!"
This breaks Sol's embarrassment, but instead of her becoming boastful, she is morbidly confused.
"... But light magic DOESN'T hurt humans. It merely weakens them. Besides, I can't do much about them as I'm a magician, and magicians aren't allowed to attack civilians left and right..."
"Huh?"
What?... It wasn't supposed to hurt?... As Oswald cleans Sol up, he looks at me as if... As if... I don't know.
His expression... It's as if I committed a cardinal sin...
Why?...
Uh... Ah...
What...?
But then his expression lightens up to a nervous laugh
"Eh, it probably speaks volumes as to how strong Sol is! I didn't get to say it then, but her MEO level is 3, quite a rarity indeed for a small child. Aren't you my little miss prodigy." He ruffles Sol's hair and she giggles
But I don't understand...
I look down on the areas where I got hit, but it doesn't seem they were affected at all. Not a hint of a burn or something. Maybe I was imagining things and didn't recover fully as Carolyn and I thought...
"But if I had to take a guess on what your MEO level is... It would certainly be in the upper echelons. You just lack control over it. I believe with proper training, you would certainly rival my little angel here."
"Really?"
"Yeah! While you couldn't attack her at all, you showed rather potent defensive capabilities, and your body acceleration is a very helpful tool. You certainly have a ton of potential, my guy."
He then gives me a silver knife
"For the future. Obviously not saying that you should stab my daughter: but it's useful to have in case you come face to face with adherents or assailants. Keep it safe, okay?"
"Okay..."
It's so intricate... Various flowers and butterflies carved onto the handle and there are some sort of inscriptions on the blade itself.
Sol then proposes an idea
"Now that you know my power: let's plant a tree together from that apple seed! It'll symbolise our friendship! And surrounded by flowers as well! I'll keep it protected and warm, so it'll break through the fellow greenery and grow into a big-big tree!"
"Okay..."
We dig a patch of dirt and I give Sol the apple seed from the core. She imbues the seed with her magic and it becomes a seedling. She then gently buries it in the ground and clasps my hand.
"I will be going away tomorrow, so please let this tree be a reminder of our battle... And our relationship."
"Of course."
With my hand hovering over the seedling, I begin to slowly accelerate it and it becomes more sturdy.
"Now the deal is sealed."
We then look up at the bright blue sky above us. It's beautiful. Just like Sol's eyes. Before, I never cared for the sky: it was still clear that the sun was out there to signal that it's day time.
But now... I wish the clear sky was more frequent. Not because I wish to see the sun, but because I wanted to see its beautiful blue colour once more.
...
"So, who's hungry?"
""Oh! Me! Me! Me!"" We yell out with Sol and Oswald chuckles "You guys did good, so let's celebrate with a hearty meal."
We all go inside the inn's cafeteria and we order our meals. I'm craving something meaty and filling - so I ordered a roast with potatoes and carrots, while Sol gets Jambon. And once we sat down on the dinner table, I immediately began digging in.
"Whoa! You're quite a hungry boy, you." Oswald teases as I ferociously feast on the roast. So twasty...
"If only you ate your food just as fast as you eat your candy." Oswald chides Sol and she whines, with a bite of Jambon inside her mouth.
"I'm a shlow eater!!" She barks before she continues to periodically nibble on Jambon "Candies are just shmaller"
"Sure, right, little one." Oswald sips on his tea "Hey, Fortune, if my hypothesis is correct: I think that the reason you're so hungry is that your body was accelerated. In your battle with Sol - you might've not felt it, but as an observer - your movements were quite uncanny, as if your entire existence was sped up. And given you were accelerated, your vitality also started to drain faster. Do you feel any overall weakness?"
"Hm... Well I am kinda pumped, but I feel kinda tingly in my muscles."
"Uh-huh. Again, it's just my hypothesis, as in order to give a clear judgement, I need a more extensive history record than that. Did you eat in the morning?"
"Yeah! Miss Carolyn cooked a very delicious stew for breakfast! I still felt hungry, so I bought an apple."
Ah wait...
"Speaking of Carolyn: what happened between you two? When you visited me yesterday - she seemed rather upset, and today she was rather tense as well. Did you guys get into a fight?"
Oswald gets nervous and ultimately sighs "... We kinda did, yeah. Just a disagreement, that's all."
"From her looks it didn't seem like a disagreement."
"Well I'm a researcher, for the moon's sake! And with a tight time budget at that! Seeing an oddity like you is a rare find! I don't get why she would be so concerned..."
"... With all due respect, sir: but I really don't like the way you're referring to me. Am I really that special?"
"Uh... Yeah? You are special. Extraordinarily special in fact. Shouldn't you be happy about it? You know, being a magician and all."
While I'm very sure Oswald meant well... Dunno, these words just feel... Hurtful. Like I'm not a person. A mere oddity. Like I was destined to be miserable. If I really was a magician this whole time, why couldn't I have saved my family? Sylvie, mother, Mallow... Why did they all die? Why couldn't I do anything when it was so important to do *something*?
Why?... WHY???
"Fortune?"
Ah. Sol.
"... I'm fine... I'm fine..."
Oswald looked at me in silence. How could HE know what I went through? Special. What a fucking mockery. I was there. I was there when they all died. I could've done something! Why couldn't my magic powers save them there?! Answer me, damn it!!
"... I suppose now I understand where she was coming from. I don't particularly understand the inner workings of non-magicians, but I guess there's some comfort in the ordinance."
Are adults psychics or what?
"Anyway, let's not spoil the festivities! We're all here to celebrate, right?! Come on, eat your fill kids!"
This whole situation subsided my appetite, but no way in hell I would be leaving leftovers. Gotta honor my sister that way.
"Ahh... I'm full, kinda." I licked my plate clean, but Oswald averted his eyes and Sol was looking at me funny. "What?"
"Uh... We don't usually lick plates, haha..."
"Groooooooss!!!"
"Well, that means that brat is appreciative of mah cooking, you twits! Learn a thing or two from him and stop bothering about your stupid clothes, for feck's sake!" The chef yelled out and Oswald covered his face in defeat. We gather our plates and utensils into our tray and leave it on the scullery.
"Thanks for the meal!" Oswald bows and the chef scoffs. Sol then begins to pester him "I want candy!"
"Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuurgh---" Oswald whined and asked me where's the nearest candy shop or something adjacent to it. I lead them to the local confectionery and a lanky man greets us.
"Welcome to the Gerland's confectionery... Choose your candy.
... I will not hesitate to kick you out if you're just window shopping."
Sol eagerly looked at the display counter, her eyes running over each and every candy the shop could offer; particularly on the hard kind and she began to point at each and every one she desired. I could see the despair looming on Oswald's face as he begins to list his order.
"Ha... Are you sure you're able to buy all of this? Maybe you should've taught the kid some discipline befo--"
Oswald immediately shut the shop owner down as he showed him the exact amount of money he needed to buy "Sol's Sugar Rush". The shopkeep repeatedly counted the money, being in complete disbelief that someone actually was willing to buy ALL of it. "... Alright, thanks for your patronage. I'll give you the bag, one sec."
And now we're greeted with a hefty bag full of candy and Oswald immediately snatches it. "Alright, here you go - my princess."
"Yaaaay!!" Sol triumphantly raised her arms, but as she reached towards the bag, she gave some of its contents to me.
"Here!" She smiles as she puts candy into my palms. It's quite a large amount as well. That's usually the amount we get for our birthdays.
"Wow... Um... Thanks."
"You're welcome! Yanno, if it wasn't for your pain, I would say I really enjoyed our duel. I wanna fight with you some other day! I'm pretty sure once you've mastered your thingamjig, you would become a rather formidable foe! And I'm looking forward to it. Well! Not soon, but some other time. Maybe we'll visit this village once more, who knows?"
Um... Man. Is she for real?... I feel so... Tingly.
"Y-Y-You were rather cool too. Your attacks... It's like I was watching a beautiful, colourful light show. I didn't know that magic was capable of doing that, so thank you for introducing me to the world of magicians. They were quite beautiful... J-Just like y--"
"Hieee-!!! You're making me blush! Well, for your compliments, this little prodigy grants you even more candy!..."
"Hm? Is the romance possibly blossoming between you two?"
""NO!!!""
We quickly exchange candies and we hurry away from each other. Sol waves me goodbye "See you tomorrow morning!" before she clings onto Oswald's arm
"See ya!" I wave back and hurry towards Carolyn's hospital. Gotta tell her about the duel.
"Miss Carolyn, I'm back!!!"
"Oh! Fortune! You're back!" Carolyn rushes towards me and hugs me "Thank goodness. Are you alright?"
"Yes, I'm fine!" I smile "Look I got some candy!"
"Woah... You better not eat it all at once. It's not healthy."
"Hehe, of course, miss. I've got so much to tell you."
We sit at the dinner table and I begin to tell them all about the duel. How it started, how it went and how it ended. I tried to describe what I saw in exhaustive detail and Carolyn was nodding along the way. She sets her cup down and tears begin to well up in her eyes.
"Ah... That reminds me of the times with my sister... She would create such beautiful displays of fascinating fireworks; and once she mastered her craft, she became universally beloved by our village. She was truly exceptional... I guess I kind of get it now. Magicians are truly something special."
"..."
"Well, she still yearned for normalcy at the end of the day. And the mastery of it all was less of a desire to become stronger - it was to make people happy and protect those she cares about. I miss her so much."
"... Can I become exceptional like they are?"
"Well, I suppose it is a choice. I actually could've learned magic, but it would've taken me a lot of time and energy - and I mean a lot. Plus, the way I see it - it's not worth it to put your life on the line - but that's just me. Dunno, such battles always seemed rather dangerous to me, and my heart couldn't handle it. Plus I've heard of a lot of magicians who ultimately retired and lived a peaceful life at the end - those who didn't fall in battle that is; so who knows. I guess it's the question of dedication."
"Hm..."
"Now, will you stay for tonight, Fortune? I'm ready to shelter you any time, if that's what you want."
"... Nah. I think I'll stay at my house from now on. It's been fun, but ultimately I like my home, so..."
"... Alright. Just don't hesitate to tell me if your dad bullies you, okay?"
"Of course, ma'am. Here's some candy for Cathy."
"Aw, thank you. You're too kind."
Walking back to my home, I see Oswald walking out of it. Huh??? What was he doing here???
"Oh! Fortune! Didn't expect you to return so soon."
"Excuse me, sir. What were you doing in my house?"
"Ah, nothing! Just discussing business with your dad, is all. I've got to know more about your family after all."
With that, he leaves without saying another word. I enter my house and for the first time in a long while, I ask my dad.
"... What happened, dad?... Is everything ok?"
He looks at me sternly before sternly saying.
"Nothing you want to know. Scram."
I hurry back to my room and begin writing everything that happened today and yesterday.
"And then, when all hope is lost: BAM! The beast is now stuck in the air!"
"Sol comforted me, and for the first time I thought..."
"Her attacks are something else! Never thought that a petite little girl could pack so much power."
"Now that I think about it... Maybe. Just maybe..."
I don't have the courage to write the rest.