Chapter 35 #2
"He's a sprite," I finish for him. Creatures that have been gone for half a century, at this point. Creatures that, even before the war, had been shy and elusive.
"He's a sprite," Leo confirms.
The little creature seems to scowl, and shakes his drippy arms, sending soft water droplets everywhere.
"Oh, sorry. He's a water sprite. Which is..." He points to the water still dripping off his hand in consistent slow drops, "... obvious, I would think, but apparently needs to be clarified." He shrugs.
"And you found him… in a cup?" Farra asks.
"I think technically he, um, was in the pipes. I heard a thunk when I was getting water, but I didn't think anything of it until I went to take a drink and got smacked." Leo chuckles, looking at the little creature endearingly, like they’re old pals.
Farra and I stand there, speechless.
Leo raises his palm, and gives the sprite a look.
"Well, my new little friend, these are my best friends, Farra and Maple." He points to us, and the little creature does a spin, water circling him like a tiny tornado, and then folds himself into a bow and... was that a wink?
"It’s... nice to meet you. Do you have a name?" I ask.
The sprite looks perplexed for a moment, kicking at the puddle forming in Leo's hand.
"We'll figure out a name for you. Don't worry," Leo says, giving the sprite a soft smile.
"Leo... what do we—how are we—what?" Farra can't form a complete sentence, and I don't blame her.
My mind is working on overdrive. This has to mean something… wait.
"Leo, has anything else weird happened to you? Other than finding the plant and our new friend?"
Leo slumps slightly, and gives me a guilty look.
"Leo," I scold.
"I'm sorry. Forgive me for not wanting to tell you every little odd thing that happens, after last time.
.." He gives Farra a pained expression. "I have had a few strange things.
Mostly weird feelings. Tingling fingers.
I woke up in a puddle of sweat the other night, but it was way more water than I thought humanly possible. I thought maybe I was getting sick..."
He trails off.
"What else?" I can tell there's more.
He sighs and sits on the bed, careful to keep his hand hovering away from it, so it doesn't get everything wet.
"You're going to think I'm crazy," he says.
Farra jabs her finger towards the creature he's holding. "Highly doubtful after this."
"I think maybe I'm healing faster than normal. I got rocked the other day, sparring. When I woke up the next morning all my cuts and bruises had healed overnight." He sighs, staring at his little friend, who appears to be sitting down on Leo's hand, feet sloshing and spraying droplets outwards.
I can't help it, I start pacing.
Water wielders... Every affinity, no matter the originating element, has a plethora of unique gifts that may or may not manifest with it, depending on the person's lineage and genetic makeup.
Wielding the natural affinity is always the baseline.
Ethra's air gives the person the ability to manipulate wind, sure, but some air wielders can also manipulate the weather or blend into their surroundings. None of this was taught in our general knowledge classes here; it’s only because of my returning memories of dad that I know this.
I bend down to the creature's eye level. He seems childlike, innocent.
"Hey there, little fellow, is Leo a water wielder?" I ask him quietly.
The little creature perks up at me, tilting his head and then he nods enthusiastically.
"Are you his guide?" I question, keeping my voice calm so I don't frighten him.
This makes him smile. He nods his head again, this time even more excitedly. I smile back at him. Leo's face dawns with recognition.
My mom had this storybook about a little girl who was so lonely and desperate for magic, and a guide, she went into the forest and traded with the spirits to gain one.
It went horribly for her, because instead of a sprite she got a pixie.
Elemental sprites weren't something that could be requested.
They were nature's choice. Silently, I send thanks to Sibs for her memory-saving herbs.
"A guide," Farra stutters. "Leo has magic?"
"From what I remember about sprites, one would only present itself to someone who carried their magic. Someone who needed guidance."
Leo face blanches.
"Hey Leo, why don't we put your little friend back in his carrier, for now? He looks sleepy," Farra suggests, sounding oddly maternal.
Sure enough, the little sprite has started to droop. I wonder if he needs to be kept near water?
Leo just nods. He doesn't move, so I grab the canteen and open it up. The little creature happily jumps from his hand, the glow brightening slightly as he slips in through the spout with a glop.
I sit down beside Leo.
"Hey, it's going to be ok. This is a good thing. We just need to get out of here in one piece. And how nice is it we have a sprite with us, for the way?" I say, trying to console him.
"Yeah. We better be leaving soon… if I get caught with this, I'm dead." He huffs, a hand wiping down his face in exhaustion.
"We got the okay from the twins. We just have to make it through a couple more days, and then we're good to go. Until then, I have two library shifts left. I have a few things to try to figure out before we go, and this is one of them now."
Leo just nods his head.
"I'll help. Full research mode. I agree with Maple. This is a good thing, Leo. I can't wait to see all the annoyingly cool stuff you're going to do," Farra encourages.
"How will you see it? You're not even going to be there," Leo snaps. I knew he was upset about her not coming, but I didn't realize how upset.
"We won't be apart for forever," she mumbles, a bit put-off by his tone.
"Farra, you've always been the smartest one here, but you're being stubborn right now.
" He shakes his canteen. "Don't you think there's a reason all this stuff is happening while we're together?
If you think they aren't going to torture the shit out of you when we leave, you're delusional.
I'm sorry I didn't say anything earlier, but you have no idea if the answers you need are here.
And your family will be fine. You barely have contact with your mom and your brother.
.." He pauses, softening a little. "We need to stick together," he pleads in a tone of desperation.
Farra looks at him, hurt flashing across her features.
"Just because you're all... special now," she gestures erratically to the canteen, "Doesn't mean you get to be an ass! It doesn't suit you, Leo."
She gets up and storms out of the room.
"Very smooth," I say, patting Leo on the back grimly. He slumps over, the heels of his palms covering his eyes.
"That didn't come out great. But you think I'm right, don't you?" he asks.
"I do." I sigh. "But Farra needs to make her own choices. She can't be guilted or manipulated into anything. We need to just support her, even if we don't agree with it."
"I hate that option," he scowls. "Maaaaaple. What's that on your neck?" he asks, a horrible smirk on his face.
I feel my entire face heat, knowing exactly what he sees. I don't know what to do with myself, so I just get up and walk directly out of the room, leaving Leo laughing on my bed.