The Endless Forest

Blood.

The smell of blood hung in the air, like a stench. The sound of waves crashing against the shore.

Blood.

The water tasted of blood.

Anxiety and bile. “Where is–”

Friends parted, revealing the scene.

There was no more anxiety and bile. Sorrow soon took their place– No, something else. Something much worse.

Despair.

Felix…

Felix!

Felix cracked his eyes open, and took in the scene around him. Eri was asleep, laying where she curled up against him. Her clothes were a disheveled mess. Her beautiful hair, wild.

Felix!

He became much more aware. I’m awake–

Thank the Gods! He could hear the relief in Zira’s voice. It made him frown, he had messed up again.

I’m sorry, Zira. I put you through all that, and I didn’t even realize you were injured. Then, to add insult to injury, I didn’t keep my promise…

That caused her to pause. Promise?

Yeah, I was supposed to be your pillow last night, remember?

There was silence for a long while after that. One he took advantage of, and slowly began to pull himself away from Eri.

Zira? He called to her, finally unable to stand it.

That’s what you are sorry for?! She shouted incredulously.

No! I’m sorry for getting you hurt, then not even realizing it. I’m sorry for forgetting about my promise to you. I’m… He trailed off.

A vision of a younger, smaller Zira laying, broken, in the dirt. The panic… The helplessness… The knowing feeling that he had been responsible. All he could do was take in as much of her pain as possible, even as she lashed out uncontrollably.

Felix? Her tone had changed to one of concern.

Yet, through it all, she stayed with him. Their bond only strengthened from that incident.

Felix? Are you alright?

He was unworthy of her.

Zira’s mind entered his. Please, talk to me! Even now, she wanted to be by his side.

His feet began to move. He found his clothes, and threw them on without care. He was still weak, but his body moved. It moved towards the door. Then it moved down the stairs.

It moved with purpose, he moved with purpose. There was only one place for him to properly be right now.

“Felix?” Noria’s voice called out, a mixture of surprise and confusion in it.

“I’ll be at the hatchery.” He simply said and continued his journey…

Down the hall, and through the kitchen, dodging kobolds as they prepared the day’s meals. Out the back door, and down the steps, ignoring the beautiful sunrise. Into the clearing, and onto the grass, his eyes solely focused on one person.

“Zira.” He stared at her resting form, unmoved from the previous night.

She lifted her head up, their eyes met. He looked away, ashamed to meet hers. He focused on her bandages, her missing scales, her arm, her wings… His knuckles turned white as he balled his fists.

Felix felt it, knowledge entered his mind. It was an old and forgotten feeling, he had long since gotten used to it… His hands relaxed, a spark ignited deep within him.

He approached. Unworthy as he was, Zira had chosen him. She continued to choose him.

He placed his hands gently on her side and closed his eyes. Mana, the likes of which he had never felt before, burned through him. It coursed through his veins, through his beating heart, through his brain…

It surged as he gently guided it, letting it flow at its own pace. The air around him rippled, his soreness, his exhaustion, gone.

Felix’s mana plunged deep within Zira, it moved much more easily than when he had done this with Yedril. There was no resistance. There was no piercing pain.

He guided his mana directly to her soul. It connected, and asked for its help.

Please, heal her.

Her soul vibrated before his mana burst forth, surging once again. It coursed through her veins, through her beating heart, through her brain. It swept through her body, finding every injury.

It began to mend.

The air around her rippled, her soreness, her exhaustion, gone. Her wounds, healed. Her wings, healed. Her arm, healed… Even her missing scales grew back.

She was whole again.

He was whole again.

They were whole again.

Felix opened his eyes, ending his magic in the process. He did not smile at his handiwork. He did not take satisfaction upon what he achieved. He simply approached her head and laid down.

Without a word, Zira lowered her head down upon him and closed her eyes.

Truly, I am unworthy. Tears formed and fell away.

But I will make myself worthy…

Eri's first waking moment of the day was the sensation of mana whipping past her, through her. It startled her to full awareness.

Eri! Something is happening with Felix and Zira! Kyrith stammered out.

I’m coming. She said, already making for the door. She was in Felix’s room, but there were no signs of him. A brief moment of hesitation caused her to freeze as it dawned on her.

Feeling embarrassed, she shook her head. Not now… Need to focus. She threw open the door and made her way to the stairs, nearly plowing into the other elves as they came out of their dorm.

“What’s–”

Eri wasn’t sure who spoke but she cut them off. “Don’t know.”

She pushed past them and down the stairs, the sound of half-awake feet shuffling sounded behind her. She ignored them as Noria suddenly came into view at the bottom of the stairs.

“Eri!” Noria looked surprised.

“I already know, something is happening with Felix and Zira.” She didn’t stop, and walked past the other elf.

“Oh– Eep!” Noria’s sudden yelp caused Eri to stop.

“What’s wrong?” She asked, quickly turning back to face Noria.

“The book… It’s–” Noria let out another yelp.

Eri looked at the book that was in the other elf’s hands. It was glowing white– No, that’s silver…

“Where did you–” She was cut off as another wave of mana slammed into them. Everyone stumbled, shaking their heads from the sudden dizziness.

The book reacted to the mana by glowing even brighter.

Eri shook away her discomfort and glanced in the direction of where the mana came from. There’s no time. She took off down the hall…

Bursting out into the early morning, Eri’s eyes landed squarely on a purple dragon in the distance. She set off at a dead sprint.

What’s happening now? She asked Kyrith.

I don’t know! They’re… There was a pause before her partner continued. They’re sleeping–

Eri nearly stumbled, that wasn’t what she was expecting. But…

Kyrith, I’m almost there, go make sure they are okay! She tugged lightly at her own mana as she activated a spell.

Suddenly, her speed increased. She rocketed through the clearing and straight for the hatchery. Kyrith still beat her, as she came to a skidding halt next to Zira.

Out of breath, she doubled over trying to get it under control. “How… Are they?”

“We’re fine.” Zira responded. The amethyst dragon looked up at her.

Eri straightened up, feeling a little confused. “That’s…good? We all felt an immense amount of mana being released. We were concerned…” In truth, she was still concerned.

Zira nodded towards a sleeping Felix. “That was him.”

Eri furrowed her brow. Felix shouldn’t have been able to walk, let alone use any magic… Maybe it was the potion? She didn’t know, and she doubted even Noria would know for certain.

“What happened?” She asked, making her way over to Felix.

Zira looked unsure as she explained. “He… We talked and then he came to me– Eri, the mana he used… It wasn’t his.”

Eri stopped. “What?”

“It wasn’t his mana– At least it wasn’t all his mana. I think it was Fea’s…”

Eri activated her mana sense, feeling the ambient mana. She let out a sudden gasp.

The world around her was swimming in mana, pure and warm mana. Exactly like hers… Her hands began to tremble.

But it wasn’t just the ambient mana… The pouch at her side was reacting strangely to it.

The key! She had to force herself to not pull it out. Master Aluin kept it hidden for a reason… Thankfully, Noria and the others showed up at that point.

“Oh? This is interesting… It’s been a while since I’ve tasted her mana.” Ithea stated, startling the others with her unexpected appearance. “I mean, Felix always had a bit of it in his, but this is purely hers…”

Eri narrowed her eyes at the woman. Ithea looked like she was almost salivating.

“Eri… The book. It’s…tugging me.” Noria said, looking like she was fighting to keep hold of it even as it stopped glowing.

One thing at a time… She reminded herself. Things were confusing already, she didn’t want to lose control of the situation. Steeling herself, Eri first turned to Noria.

“Noria, can you resist it for just a little while?”

“I think… It’s weird, I feel compelled to give the book to him…”

Ithea snorted at that. “That’s no surprise–”

“Ithea, help her. I need to check on Felix first before anything more happens.”

Zira’s mother cocked an eye at her, clearly amused. “Ooh? Will this count towards me helping you?”

Eri looked directly at her. “Yes.”

Felix was not asleep, but nor was he awake either. No, he was somewhere in between, like that of meditation. He could hear the voices, but they were distant and unfocused. He could feel the stare of his bonded partner, but she felt far away…

He drifted in a sea of warmth and comfort, tired but not exhausted. It was…blissful.

Do you love her? She asked.

Hmm? Do you mean Eri? He sunk deeper into his subconscious.

I do.

He tensed ever so slightly. Yes. Does that…upset you?

There was a moment of silence that built up the tension. Had he made a mistake? Had he hurt or angered her?

No, it doesn’t. She is a beautiful and wonderful person. I am happy that you are courting her… Even if you two skipped a few steps already.

That made him jerk in surprise. You mean our kiss?

He felt, more than heard, a laugh.

Ahh, I do miss that. The feeling of falling in love. There was a nostalgic tone in her voice, but a touch of melancholy as well…

He frowned. Do… Do you want me to–

No. I wanted this. We are together, Felix. There isn’t anything more that I want. Besides, trying to separate us will only lead to both of our soul’s destruction.

A bright white ball appeared in his vision, beating in time with his heart.

He pondered her answer for a long time before he spoke again. Are you happy?

Happy? I don’t know…but I am at peace. I will be with you forever.

Felix wasn’t entirely sure how to feel about that. It is… Well, I don’t know how to put it… Strange? Messed up? To have one woman who loved you in your soul, but you love another who isn’t. I don’t know how to reconcile that, if I am being honest.

Felix, the you I loved is gone. I know that, but I couldn’t help myself… I brought you back because we needed you, even if it was to cost me my life. The you who is here is free to love whoever you want. You are free to do as you wish, I only asked for your help.

He wanted to argue. But–

She shook her head, at least that was how he interpreted the sensation he felt. There is no arguing. You have already exceeded my expectations… You are shaping the world, as we speak, and you aren’t even aware of it.

The students you’ve gathered, Eri and Kyrith, Zira, Aluin, the kobolds, Bernel village, the elven tribes, and even Ithea. Their lives are forever changed, for the better I might add. The world is reacting, Felix, and you’ve barely started.

Meanwhile, I sit within you, living vicariously. It is selfish, I know, but this is truly what I wanted. I’ve achieved my dream of being with you once again, and so I sit and dwell here. All the while, you may call upon my magic, my power, to help you…

Felix listened quietly until she finished. He felt a sense of regret, a deep sadness to it all. No matter how many times she said, or he heard it, he couldn’t help but feel it was wrong.

She would only experience the world through him.

It is the way it is, Felix. But I think I have the answer to your question now.

My question? He asked, unsure what she was referring to.

Yes, about if I am happy?

Oh… What is your answer then?

She materialized in front of him, a ghostly translucent figure. He felt her run her fingers through his hair.

I am happy.

Ah… That’s good, I suppose. Truthfully, he wasn’t sure if he believed her but–

His thoughts were interrupted as he felt the sensation of mana enter into him. It was cool and nurturing, familiar…

You know, they are trying to wake you. You should go, she said.

But I like it here… I want to spend more time with you. He replied truthfully, no matter how much he sounded like a child.

She giggled but shook her head. How many times must I say it? I am always with you! Now go, you have people who are counting on you.

Felix felt his mind recede…

He opened his eyes, putting on a bright smile as he found Eri kneeling over him.

“Good morning.”

He sat up as Eri pulled away from him.

“Morning…” she muttered, looking surprised. “Are you feeling okay?” she asked.

“Never felt better,” he responded and began to stand up to prove his point. “Just decided to come and apologize to Zira.”

There was a pause as she considered his words, looking between him and Zira. “Are you sure? We all felt that magic…”

“Ah, that? That was my apology.” He paused before adding, “I’m sorry to make you worry, but this was something I needed to do. You can check us both, but me and Zira are fine. She and I are fully healed–”

“What?!” Eri shouted. “That… That shouldn’t be possible! You used up all your mana yesterday, and went into mana depletion! How?!” The look of pure shock was evident on her. She approached him once more and immediately started inspecting him.

Felix let her as he answered. “It was probably that potion– Thanks again for that by the way.” He nodded to Noria who was standing further away, with Ithea of all people.

He went to continue speaking but Ithea suddenly interrupted him, stepping away from Noria. “About that, actually… I’ve been debating on telling you all this, especially with how much…excitement you all showed. But Felix is a human.”

All eyes were suddenly on her.

“What do you mean?” Solanna was the first to speak up, it seemed she no longer wanted to just be a silent observer…

Ithea looked like she was considering something before she just shrugged. “I suppose none of you would know this, save for Felix… But even then, I guess he wouldn’t know either.”

Felix sighed. “Can you just get to the point?”

The dragon woman gave him an icy smile. “Humans aren’t affected by mana depletion like us,” she gestured to herself and the elves. “Your kind can easily live within mana-starved environments. In fact, it’s what makes you humans unique.”

“Um, are you…saying that humans don’t need mana?” Noria asked, sounding like she was struggling. In fact, Felix noticed that she had some sort of book wrapped up in her arms and kept fidgeting.

Ithea whipped around to face her. “Exactly.”

“Wait, but Felix can use mana.” Yedril added. “How does that work?”

Ithea turned back to the rest of the group and shrugged again. “Not really my area of expertise. Oh, but I have seen–” She suddenly stopped herself. “Never mind.”

Eri frowned at Ithea. “You know this would have been wonderful to know yesterday…”

“Like I said, you all were excited to try that new potion. Why would I spoil the party, when it worked?”

“So… The potion did help?” Felix asked, hoping to defuse the situation.

“In part, I suppose. Potions and human anatomy aren’t exactly my forte… But none of that explains what you did here. That potion was potent, but not this potent. I think you understand what I mean.”

His eyes widened in understanding. “I see. That makes sense.” He couldn’t help but notice the others’ confusion, save for Eri who looked deep in thought.

He smiled before focusing back onto Eri. “So, what’s the diagnosis? Am I good to go?”

“Huh? Oh, yes… But still, you should take it easy.” She still seemed distracted.

“Healer’s orders, got it.” He said jokingly, before finally turning to face Zira.

The dragon had been surprisingly quiet the entire time. But he knew why.

“If you all could give us some space–”

Noria interjected. “Wait! I mean… I think this book is for you.” She all but ran up to him.

“Hmm? What is– Oh.” He felt the immediate compulsion to take it. Without a second thought, he grasped it and pulled it away from Noria, startling her slightly. “Thank you, I suppose… But what is it?”

He looked down at it, feeling a tingling sensation. He felt a new sense of compulsion, it was wanting a bit of his mana.

“I don’t know exactly, it was entirely blank… But, uh, it has a mana crystal.”

There was a gasp and a few murmurs from the group, even Ithea narrowed her eyes and muttered a curse.

Not good then? “Mana crystal?” he asked while feeding some of his mana to the book.

It changed instantly. There was no warning, no shimmering or other effects. It just…changed. Gone was the old and falling apart book, replaced by a rather ornate red leather tome. Its size and weight suddenly increased, nearly making Felix drop it.

Everyone stared at it, shocked into silence. Hesitantly, Felix opened it up and frowned. The page he was on depicted a strange diagram.

There were familiar looking runes encircled like it was some kind of ritual. Notes littered the page, but the chicken-scratch writing made it impossible for him to discern.

He flipped it over for Noria to get a look. “Any clue what this is?” he asked.

Noria scrunched up her face as she studied it. Then she suddenly paled, slowly looked up to him, trembling. “It’s… It’s–”

She was cut off by Ithea.

“Yarnel’s notes.”