OatSW: Short Stories

With Great Power (Chapter 3): Protect

Hey, heads up before this chapter!

This chapter... well... it gets kinda intense... and somewhat graphic...

So if you don't feel comfortable reading this chapter, feel free to click off. I won't mind.

Alright? Alright.

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Having finished his business at the Spirit Tree, Vini slid down the central tree's bark and made his way out of the open field, passing a few spirits along the way. He noticed some of them eyeing him as he strolled away, even hearing some of their chatter about the foreigner, or at least that's what they called him. He understood his outsider status in Nibel, but it didn't seem like the spirits were showing disdain towards him, but rather curiosity and shyness at the knowledge of his presence.

But he didn't focus on that, and given that Ku was probably still flying about, Vini had all the time to stroll through the Sunken Glades undisturbed. He thought about his conversation at the Spirit Tree, how Sein explained his overwhelming amounts of power, about how he would have to train in order to fully utilize his abilities. Most importantly, though, was the ethereal voice that could communicate to him telepathically.

Vini didn't expect to hear from her so soon, much less as a voice within his own mind. Though, Seav's presence being known to both Sein and the Spirit Tree made him wonder about something. The faintest bits of that dream he had not too long ago... he vaguely remembered whoever he was taking hold of a piece of light and embracing it into himself. Was that Seav? He knows that Ori has embraced Seir before, so something like that is surely possible, but he couldn't be perfectly sure about it.

Though, now that he knows of Seav's presence in his head, he might as well try and communicate with her. Maybe he could even get some answers to his plights? Concentrating on his inner thoughts, Vini tried to reach out to Seav in his head...

Uhhh... S-Seav? Are... Are you there?

I am, Vini. He heard an immediate reply. You are struggling with this new information, aren't you?

Heh... what else is new?

You are having a hard time adjusting to this world, and I completely understand. Your world was not one of magic and mystery, correct?

How...? Can you read my mind or something?

I can read your mind, but only the parts I wish to glimpse into. Don't worry. I have not gazed into any personal affairs.

How about you just don't read it at all?

Understandable, though I am curious to get to know you. It's not often an otherworldly being comes into other realms.

Just like it's not common to have a spectral voice in my head.

Fair enough. Seav gave a quiet chuckle, slightly amused by their conversation.

Something funny? Vini asked.

I haven't had a normal conversation with someone in decades, so speaking with you is relieving.

Hm... Was he making her happy? If she's chuckling at their simple conversation, maybe Vini is doing something right. Though, another curious thought came to him...

Seav, if... if you don't mind me asking...

Of course, Vini.

Wh... Why were you hesitant to talk with Sein about Norin?