Wanderlust Beastkin, Beauty and the Beastkin-Chapter 44: Coming to an Agreement

"I ask that you allow me to go back to my old world on occasion. I don’t want to go back there to stay, I already feel invested here but I have things that I left unfinished there and I don’t like things remaining unfinished and I don’t want to have regrets that piled up with no way of fixing them. I would like to finish school and see my friends again, enjoy some of the things that I missed out on because I was too focused on living my life for someone else."

He frowned and tapped his finger on his side table. "This is not a simple request."

"If it were, then it wouldn’t be a fitting request to a Deity."

He offered a complex smile and paused, his hand motionless. His voice carried a note of sorrow as he said, "So much time has elapsed since this journey began. The ancestors of this village sought my blessing for their sacred land, asking me to be their deity. I chose the gift of healing, weary of witnessing the toll of senseless wars, and now I find myself hoping you will ignite another conflict in my name. I never envisioned such a day during my youth; how drastically things can shift. I too carry regrets, unfinished business from my earlier days. Yet, many of those moments are so distant that rectifying them seems impossible. In youth, one believes time is abundant, but it slips away more swiftly with each passing year, leaving you questioning where it all went. Perhaps that’s why I embraced the role of a Deity; I feared my own mortality. Now, everyone I once cherished has faded away, and I roam through crowds, perpetually solitary. Maybe that’s why I’ve kept an eye on you; there’s a part of you that resonates with that feeling of being surrounded yet profoundly alone."

"Trusting others has always been a bit of a challenge for me, but I’m optimistic that as time goes on, I’ll find the courage to let my guard down and truly connect with the people around me."

You’ve encountered some decent people, each with their own imperfections, but I have faith that you can rise above those challenges. Once everything calms down, I suggest you sit down with Kai and work towards forgiving him.

"He shouldn’t have gone behind my back."

"My dear, you will find out that not everything in life is straightforward and only has one answer."

He gazed at me with a soft smile, and in that moment, a wave of curiosity washed over me, compelling me to confront Kai about his actions. I felt an urgent need to understand why he chose to go behind my back and why he seemed so intent on adhering to some village rule rather than honoring my wishes. "Regardless of his reasoning, if we were to build something meaningful together, trust had to be the foundation. I simply cannot be in a relationship with someone who would willingly deceive me, even if his intentions are innocent or stem from a lack of faith in my judgment. Doesn’t that imply he views me as a mere child? How could I ever feel close to a man who treats me as if I’m incapable of making my own choices? If he’s unwilling to show me the respect I deserve, I have no doubt that there are plenty of others out there who would."

"I grasp your perspective, yet it’s essential to recognize that respect and understanding are cultivated over time; they cannot be hurried. Engage in a conversation with him; he possesses a good heart and would contribute positively to the family you envision for the future. You will soon discover that the men of this era possess a distinct interpretation of their roles compared to those from your past. It is unjust to impose your familiar standards upon them when they lack insight into your expectations. Patience is key; allow the sands of time to shape your understanding."

"Betrayal is one of those experiences that lingers in the corners of my mind, refusing to fade away quietly."

" It is my conviction that he does not perceive his actions as a betrayal towards you. While I empathize with your trials, his own suffering has been far more profound. Do not overlook the fact that my understanding extends beyond that of the common man."

"I thought that you couldn’t see other times."

"Ah, the future, a tapestry woven with threads of uncertainty, ever-changing and elusive. It dances before me, revealing a multitude of potential paths, each flickering like stars in the night sky. Occasionally, I glimpse the likelihood of these outcomes, percentages swirling like whispers in the wind. Yet, the past? Ah, that is a realm I traverse with ease for those who honor my shrine. For those who stray from my light, their histories remain shrouded in mystery. And should they pledge their fealty to another deity, well, that is a secret I shall keep close to my heart."

"Okay, as long as you ensure my safety, I’m more than willing to lend a hand with your tasks. I’ll definitely mull over your suggestion about chatting with Kai; after all, a little dialogue never hurt anyone. However, I must be clear: regardless of how he responds, I can’t simply erase the past and what he did. It’s going to be quite the journey before I can even think about forgiving him. He should consider himself fortunate that you stood up for him; otherwise, I wouldn’t have even entertained the idea of giving him another shot."

"As you have accepted this path, it is only right that I bestow upon you a token to mark your initiation as my disciple." He extended his hand, and a radiant light shimmered above it, revealing a magnificent golden necklace adorned with a large green oval gem at its heart. "Every mermaid possesses a unique artifact of power, a conduit for their mana that not only stores additional energy but also enables the wielder to harness multiple abilities simultaneously, merging them into a singular, formidable force. Furthermore, I grant you the privilege to elevate one of your secondary powers to the status of a primary power, in addition to the healing ability you already possess, which shall flourish rapidly under my guidance. I shall imbue your necklace with my blessing, ensuring that should your life ever hang in the balance, it will unleash a surge of healing magic to safeguard you. This necklace can be worn at all times, serving as a portal to this sanctuary—a realm rich in mana, facilitating your cultivation and ascension, though remember, skills are honed only through diligent practice. Now, tell me, which secondary power do you wish to elevate to primary status?"

"I’d like to elevate Telekinesis to a primary power," I said.

"I can do that," he said, as he extended both hands toward me. In an instant, brilliant white light erupted from his palms, illuminating the space around us. He directed his glowing hands toward mine, revealing a striking blue outline of a phoenix etched in my palm. Almost immediately, my entire being radiated with a dazzling white light, and I sensed an unusual transformation taking place within me. It was as if a surge of energy coursed through my veins, creating a delightful buzz in my head, reminiscent of the jittery excitement after a few too many cups of coffee or the tingling sensation of being enveloped in static electricity.

As my hair began to dance and float around me, I was captivated by the sight of a brilliant white light shimmering through my arms. A wave of pure bliss washed over me, filling me with an exhilarating surge of energy. I watched in awe as the glowing mist, like tiny stars, gracefully drifted toward the mark on my palm, merging with me in a beautiful, ethereal embrace.

"Could you please turn around for me?" he requested, his hand extended with the choker necklace glimmering enticingly in the light.

As I gently swept my hair to the side, he clasped the necklace around my neck. Initially, the cool metal sent a shiver down my spine, but before long, it transformed into a comforting warmth that seemed to pulse with life. The necklace was a conduit, channeling a soft mist that enveloped me, filling me with an invigorating energy. Waves of light danced around me, and I could feel my breath becoming lighter, as if the weight of the world was lifting. Any lingering traces of discomfort or unease began to dissipate, leaving me in a state of bliss I couldn’t quite recall ever experiencing before.

"Try to lift that flower with your mind," he said while pointing to a crystal rose within a crystal vase. Just focus on the object and what you want it to do.

As I gazed at the flower, a wave of embarrassment washed over me, making me feel a bit silly. But then, something unexpected happened—I began to sense an unusual bond with the delicate bloom. My fingers brushed against the smooth surface of the crystal, and in that moment, everything shifted.

Coming Next Time: Telekinetic