Flame Soul

Oh, there you are!

Hey, no need to be so scared. I know we were enemies, but death is the end to all of that kind of thing. You just stay right there, friend.

...I'll send you on to where you oughtta be.

Once we die, we should move on. Humans, dragons, light or dark, none of that matters.

You...!

Hm?

Y-y-y-y-you...

You murdereeeeeer!

Well...damn. That's no good. This is gonna be a problem... Guess there's nothing for it. Now's as good a time as any.

It's true, I saw it all! Utpalaka had a giant scythe and he swung it right through a ghost, all like swoosh!

Hmm...I dunno. You sure you weren't dreaming?

It certainly is a fantastical story, but Sazanca is grounded enough to know the difference between dream and reality. Putting ghosts and scythes aside for now, it is likely truth that Utpalaka was at the sea cliffs late at night.

I believe the more pressing issue to investigate is what he was doing there, while we were all asleep...

...Right. We've already got folks talking about this...

So what gives, Utpalaka? You wanna tell us?

Don't worry. I planned to tell you everything today, anyway.

I'm a reaper. I come from a place called Purgatory, and I was sent here to reap the souls of dragons.

What? Dragon souls?

Huh?! Are you gonna reap my soul too, then?!

Simmer down, Riddy. Nothing to be scared of.

Huh? Really?

Really! There's no point in reaping something that just started growing. He's gonna wait until you're all grown up and fat, and then... whoosh!

How is that nothing to be scared of?!

Well, I'm not goin' down without a fight! Bring it on, you big lug! I ain't scared!

Melpiphia! Stop scarin' Iridian!

Everybody calm down, okay? So, wait, Utpalaka. I didn't realize you were a purgatorian! And you reap dragon souls... Is that what Zeviro meant...?

Everybody calm down, okay? So, wait, Utpalaka. I didn't realize you were a purgatorian!

Everybody calm down, okay? So, wait, Utpalaka. You said you came here from Purgatory?

Hm? You're familiar?

It's a long story, but I've been to Purgatory before, yeah.

Purgatory... Even the name is scary...

I-i-is it like some kind of awful terrible afterlife where you're punished for all time after you die?!

Not at all. It's more like... Sort of an in-between place, between this world and the next world.

Purgatory's where the souls of the dead and the souls we reap stop by on their way to getting reincarnated. Everyone goes there eventually. Could be decades from now, could be tomorrow. No one knows.

Uh...

I-is that true?

It certainly does beggar belief... But by that same token, it's unlikely to be a story made up to mislead us.

In fact, with both Sazanca and Aldo's testimony, it would be less logical to persist in skepticism.

...Why didn't you tell us?

I didn't see any need to. I do my guard duty during the day. Then, at night, I go out and reap the dragon souls wandering nearby. No stepping on each other's toes. Isn't that what we're about, here?

Is that why you volunteered to be part of the team's guard force?

Makes sense to me. Also makes sense why you look like a dragon trying to pass off as a human sometimes.

I-I have to admit, the thought did cross my mind a few times...

......

This...I can't believe this. That would mean...you...

Wryz?

I get that it's a lot to swallow. How about this? They say seeing is believing. Why not come with me to see Purgatory for yourself?

Huh?! But I'm too young to die.

Haha! Don't worry. It won't kill you, so long as you don't stay there forever.

It's true. I've visited Purgatory before myself and I've been fine every time.

W-well, okay, then... If you're really, REALLY sure...

How about you, Wryz? How are you feeling?

I'm goin'. No question.

But, Cerius...

......

I'll leave this outing to you, Wryz. We can hardly leave the base with only a skeleton crew.

R-right! And what if I wandered off and got lost in that scary place?

I don't even want to think about it! I'm stopping thinking about it right now!

Just Wryz, then. Got it. Now, the question is how to get you there still alive...

I can handle that part. We can use the same way I have before.

Oh, great! Thanks!

Then let's split up here for now and meet up on the other side.

...I'm headin' out. The base is in your hands.

R-right. You be careful, Wryz.

Okay, we're heading to Ratle.

...I do have regrets. Of course I do.

But our words and wishes are within your heart, Wryz. This I believe. Carry them with you...

I see. So you and the lady want to go to Purgatory, hm?

Yeah. Would that be okay?

W-what's with the talkin' straw dummy?!

Think nothing of it. I will use my people's traditional astral projection technique to send you there. Are you prepared? Here we go.

Oh! Uty?!

Ilulu! It's been a while. Good to see you cheery as always.

It sure has been a while! What brings you down here? You never come to our meetings.

Same reason you don't, right? Coming all the way here is a pain.

Besides, it takes actual ages for dragons to die. Of natural causes, at least. I like to think of it as...hmm, an extended work vacation, haha.

Hmph. That's not fair. They're getting fed up with you, you know? You've gone from "mister Utpalaka" to "that lazy bum" around here.

Hahaha! They must be missing me since I've been away for so long.

Well, I've got my hands full right now, but I'll pop my head in at the office when things settle down, maybe.

Oh, speaking of.

Oh, Al! You know Uty?

Ooh, who are these?

They're my colleagues. I'm here to show them around.

Colleagues? You mean, they're helping you with work?

Nah. It's more like, we've all come together for a shared goal.

Though I have to say, they're definitely helping me hit my quotas lately, so I guess you could say they are!

Hmm, but that girl...

She's got a funny-smelly soulzie for sure.

Funny-smelly? What?

Um, like, it's really weak... But also really strong?

So...it smells funny.

Hahaha! Don't tell her that or you're liable to catch hands.

Anyway, I shouldn't keep them waiting. See you around.

See you later, Uty. Also, you should at least come to some meetings sometimes or they're gonna really scold you, you know!

A weird-smelling soul, huh...

So this is Purgatory? Can't believe it really exists.

You've sure visited some weird places.

I guess so, yeah. I was really shocked the first time I came here too, though.

Hey, you made it!

Man, this is a weird feeling, seeing you two here in Purgatory.

Sort of like having a friend over at your house for the first time.

What are you talking about? Arcadia's basically your house, right?

Haha! You're not wrong!

Ah, hang on...

H-hey, what are you doin'?! Don't just sniff people!

Hm, yeah, I don't smell anything. Maybe I don't have the nose for it.

The nose for what?! I wash in the river every day, you know?!

H-hang on, Wryz! Calm down! Also, Utpalaka! I think you owe her an apology, don't you?!

Sorry, sorry! I can never quite get the hang of all the things mortals get embarrassed by.

Anyway, let's keep moving, hey? Best not to linger too long... And we don't want to be late, either.

I haven't been back here in who knows how long, but it's the same as ever down here, huh.

Hey, so, Utpalaka...

Hm? What's up?

Why did you bring me here? You must have a reason.

Well...it's not really my field. So I can't make any promises...

But the folks here know souls. So...you know. Maybe there's a chance.

You mean...?!

I wondered if that was it. But then, we have to hurry, right? Do you know where to go?

That's the problem. I don't have the nose for it. Not sure how we'll track it down...

Hey. Is it just me, or is this area split up kind of weirdly?

Yeah. You see...

Over there is earth-aspected.

That's wind there...

Straight up is water.

And deeper in is fire.

The areas are split up based on different elements.

Come to think of it, it's not too different from how Wyrmrest is.

......

...Hey. I think I have an idea.

Huh, really?

I see... Makes sense to me.

Yeah. Let's hurry to the Fire Spirit Dwelling!

What's wrong, Wryz?

I just...can't get my head on right. Say we make it in time... What do I even say? How'm I meant to face her? This is all my fault, and...

Even so, you chose to come. You have something you want to tell her, don't you? Not as you were, but as the person you are now.

......

You're right. Thanks, Aldo. It's not like me, getting caught up like that.

And just at the perfect time... It looks like we made it.

......!! Flaudia!!

She really was here. Just like Wryz said.

......

...Hey. I think I have an idea.

Huh, really?

Flaudia's past...and where she died. Both of them revolved around fire.

Flaudia! I knew it!

Where...where am I? Why...am I here? I was...I was fighting something. I don't...I can't... I don't remember anything...

Her memories are already gone?!

Yeah...that's not good. Her soul's fading fast.

......

You have to remember, Flaudia! Remember Arcadia...all the days we spent together, and fought together!

You...

It's me. It's Wryz. I followed in your footsteps, and I'm leadin' Arcadia now.

Arcadia... Wryz...

I came here to see you. To tell you something.

It's pretty pathetic, though. When you went, I felt like I was just about to go too. My heart was broken.

But I stood back up. And I put that damn dragon that killed you into the ground.

Dragon...

And I met a Heavenly Dragon! Their name is Iridian. I'm a real Dragon Summoner now. I...I finally found my resolve. I only made it this far because you and everyone else in Arcadia had my back this whole time.

...... That's right. I... I was... You, and...the Isle...

...You did it, Wryz? You're really a Dragon Summoner now?

Flaudia?! Her memories...

Yeah! She's a great Summoner. And everyone knows it.

I see...

Congratulations, Wryz. I always wished... Always hoped you could. Even with the short time left to you, I hoped you could do it.

Uh, about that...

It turns out I'm gonna be okay.

Huh...?

Wryz's lifespan was shortened because she failed to contract with the dark dragon and got cursed for it. But when she contracted with Iridian instead, the curse was lifted.

Then, the year you had left...

It's not a problem anymore. I can live...

No. I will live. I'll live to the fullest.

I'll live, I'll keep on fightin', and I'll become a hero. They'll sing songs about me forever. That's what I decided.

......

I see... I'm so happy for you.

Congratulations, Wryz. The chains that bound you are broken now. You've taken your first step... Your first flight toward the horizon. What a wonderful thing my life bought. I don't regret protecting you for a second. I need you to know that, Wryz. Okay?

......Okay.

Come on, no tears now. I couldn't be happier. Oh, right. How are the others? Are they all doing well?

They're fine. Cerius, Sazanca, and all the rest of 'em. And we have a new friend too. Her name's Melpiphia. She's, uh, weird, but she's a good one.

Haha...it's funny. I thought I'd made my peace, but I guess I have regrets after all.

I...really wish I'd been able to walk a little further with you all.

......

Flaudia...we'll never forget the things you said and did for us! We'll carry on your will in us. All of Arcadia will carry you forward! We'll slay the Wyrm for sure. I swear it to you. So, please...please...!

Thank you, Wryz. I think I'm satisfied now. Utpalaka, Aldo. Did you bring her here? I should thank you both too.

I should be thanking you. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be standing here now.

I'll never forget you either, Flaudia.

Tell Cerius and Sazanca... Tell everyone. Tell them to be well, and be careful...

...No. Tell them to kill that dragon.

Flaudia...!

I promise! We'll do it! And when we do, we'll raise a cheer so loud you'll hear it wherever you are!

Now I understand. Why I came to this burning place, without even really meaning to... I was chasing you. Chasing the brilliant flame of your heart...

Thank you, Flaudia.

......Goodbye.

Well? Did you say everything you wanted to say to her?

Yeah. And I got to hear her say what I hoped she would, too. Thanks, guys.

No need to thank me. What kind of monster would turn down a request from a crying girl, eh?

Huh?! Who was cryin', you bastard?!

Sorry, guess I was seeing things!

Ugh, I swear! Let's get back to base. I need to pass on what Flaudia said to everyone... We need to work harder. We can do better!

Hahaha! That's our commander!

Hey, Utpalaka. Was this your plan all along?

Yeah, more or less. But I was thinking I wouldn't need to make the offer myself. I figured when I explained Purgatory, Wryz would connect the dots and ask if she could meet Flaudia.

She did seem like she was thinking something over, now that you mention it.

She wasn't the only one, really. Mortals are easy to read. And Wryz is pretty easy to read even compared to the rest of you.

Easy to read... I think I see what you mean.

Then, did you know? When she's all by herself, Wryz ends up crying sometimes. All quiet-like.

Huh?!

She puts on a brave front so you all won't worry about her, see? But she's had to deal with the guilt and loss all on her own.

Wryz...

It hurt seeing her like that. I'm glad to see the light back in her eyes now. Ah. Don't tell anyone, yeah? If Wryz finds out, who knows what she'll do to me, huh?

Of course, I won't tell anyone. You're a good guy, Utpalaka.

Good? Me? Haha! First time a human's ever said so.

That reminds me. Where were you stationed before Wyrmrest Isle? Dragon souls can't be that common.

You're right there. Used to be I just traveled across the world. I started talking with some of the folks I met here and there, and got interested in you mortals from there.

I see. Is that why you're working with Arcadia?

Yeah, they're really interesting. You've got the logical types, the ones deeply attached to their lives, and then the ones who'd throw it all away... Everyone's so different in how they think. But not deep down, right at the heart. All of those folks, when they break, they get right back up.

That's why I love them... Why I love you crazy humans.

Huh, I see. You know, you seem pretty human to me too, Utpalaka.

Me? Human...?

Hahaha! Thanks! That's a huge compliment for me!