Beckoning Spring to the Feast of the Skies (Walpurgis Night 2021) - Chapter 10

[dotsuitarehompo]

 Location: Forest of The Spirits - Inner Part (Day)

After the festive rejoicing calmed down, I noticed that Nero had distanced himself from us. 

Nero: Oh? Ya critters must be starvin’, ain’tcha?

I can share some of my snacks with y’all, but only the more mild ones.

(The sight of Nero surrounded by all these animals is so… cute…)

Akira: What are you doing down there, Nero?

Nero: Nothin’ special, really. I just like relaxin’ like this. 

How about ya, Mamsir Sage? Don't just stand there, come and sit beside me.

Akira: I’ll join you then if you don’t mind.

Accepting his offer, I sat down next to him.

I gave him some of the sweet-tasting fruits I had brought from our table and watched him take a bite.

Akira: Thanks for accompanying us on this mission, Nero.

Nero: Don’t mention it. I’m kinda used to playin’ the guardian role, so no need to worry too much ‘bout me.

Nero chuckled as he eyed Rutile and Mitile having fun while they played together. 

Nero: Pretty sure those two are gonna be comin’ often to this place in the future. 

Akira: I think so too. If they do, the spirits won’t be feeling lonely anymore. 

Nero: Yeah, but… 

Nero coughs. His eyes were looking somewhere far into the distance as if he had completely forgotten about the beautiful scenery around him. 

Nero: What if, for some reason, they don’t come back…

The spirits might end up abductin’ children again.

Akira: Oh…

I couldn’t argue with that. If Rutile and Mitile indeed failed to visit, the spirits would be faced with exorbitant loneliness once more. 

Nero: Then again, I can’t blame ‘em for making the same folly if it’s gonna rid ‘em of loneliness. 

‘Cus havin’ to hopelessly keep waitin’ for someone to come back when yer not sure if they’re even gonna do that is pretty taxing, yanno? 

What is really being reflected in his eyes right now, I wonder? Could it be the spirits, the brothers, or something else entirely? 

Akira: Nero…

Nero: Haha. The hell’s wrong with me. Sorry for saying the most random things out loud. Just some yakety-yak from a guy who’s all tipsy, that’s all. Think nothin’ of it. 

Nero laughed in an attempt to brush off what he had said, his usual expression returning to his face.

Anyways, I need to carry out my job as a Sage’s wizard if I want those fellas to be able to come here again.

Shylock: Well said. I happen to feel the same way since I’ve become rather fond of the brothers, as well as this forest. 

So, let’s do our very best to turn this into a proper tradition, shall we, Nero? 

Nero: …Since when have ya been eavsdroppin’? 

Shylock: For a while now. Since the moment Master Sage came to talk to you if you care for specifics.

Nero: So ya heard everything then…

Shylock: I must agree that the spirits may resort to their previous acts because of their intense longing. 

However, there is also a chance that might not happen. After all, we have no clue what the future holds. 

The same goes for Rutile’s return. He could end up returning because of Tiletta’s wish, his attachment to the spirits, or because of a mere coincidence––who’s to say?

No one can be sure of the future, and no one can predict it precisely.

You see, fate is a whimsical, liberating, and ephemeral indulgence that’s far beyond any wizard of the West. 

So, let’s not put ourselves under the weather by worrying too much, for we shall relish in what lies ahead of us.

Nero: …This must be some Western wizards mindset, huh. Not sure I can adapt to it as easy as y’all.

Shylock: Hehe. Now, now, don’t say that. Let’s come and visit again when the time comes. You, I, and everyone else, together. 

Nero: Us too…?

Shylock: Why, of course. You must have enjoyed the mead, am I right?

Nero: … It’s alright. 

A soft, soothing aroma, warm breeze and a pleasant melody playing in the distance - everything around us is so gentle yet heart-wrenching. 

Rutile: Hey, Master Sage!

Shylock: It appears Rutile is calling for you, Master Sage. 

Nero: We’re still drinkin’ here, so feel free to go ahead and join ‘em.

Nodding at them, I went up to Rutile, who was still dancing around with Mitile, and he suddenly grabbed my hand.

Akira: Wah–! 

Rutile: Hehe. Finally got you! 

Mitile: Sorry, Master Sage. My brother insisted that I bring you to dance with him…Do you mind switching out with me?

Akira: Not at all! I'm glad you asked me. Now then, let’s have some fun! 

Rutile: Yes, let’s! 

Firmly holding hands with Rutile, we danced along to the melodies of the spirits. 

I must’ve looked a little awkward from afar, but personally, I felt like I was inside a wonderful dream. 

Rutile: I’m so happy you got to join us during Walpurgis Night, Master Sage.  

Akira: Me too. As you said, this forest truly is so majestic, I won’t forget the time I spent here for the rest of my entire life. 

Thank you for bringing me to the place you and your mother find precious. 

Rutile: I didn’t do anything special, really. It’s just that…

…I don’t really get it. I’m filled with so much happiness, just like the first time I was here, but for some reason, I can’t help but tear up. 

…Mother…

Despite his words and his eyes starting to water, a smile stretched across Rutile’s face.

Rutile: It must be because I’m absolutely elated to have spent time here alongside everyone, including you, Master Sage. 

Will you come to celebrate once again in the future? I hope you look forward to more Southern Walpurgis Night feasts…okay? 

Akira: Of course…!

As I smiled and gazed at Rutile, I wished underneath the skies while basking in the sea of fluttering petals.

I wished for the future ahead, as well as for this wonderful place, to be filled with everlasting kindness.

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