Chapter 235: How To De-cursify An Elf? (4)

Backyard Of The Tavern

Amelia took a deep breath. She breathed in, and then she breathed out. And then, she felt like she wanted to kill herself. 

‘How could I do something as embarrassing as cry on the person I’m crushing on?!  Stupid Amelia?!’ 

Of course the only inclination that she showed of being embarrassed was her elven ears being a tinge pink but of course Willow didn’t notice, since currently, he was only thinking about how to bring Amelia up to her potential. 

Even right now as he racked his brain to think of any character in the game, specifically an elf that had the ability to manipulate all the seven major elements, he couldn’t come up with anyone. Which was odd, since a character as overpowered as that would definitely be a major character in the game, or at the very least, someone memorable. 

Or was it because Amelia never actually was able to live up to her potential, and just died somewhere as a slave because nobody was able to find her?

Willow grinned. Either way, this was a great chance for him since he was able to fill the Staff role of his future guardian squad.

“Willow?” 

Willow got rid of his disgusting grin and smiled perfectly like an angel at Amelia. “Yes, Amelia?”

“Thank you,” Amelia said. “I-I know I’ve probably said this a lot of times already but I just wanted you to know how grateful I am. Wi-Without you, I don’t think I’d ever know what it felt like to lov-DEPEND on someone.” Amelia blushed even more, scolding herself for nearly confessing her love to her benefactor. 

Willow just smiled. “Your welcome, little elf. But, you don’t have to thank me since I just did what any decent human being would have done.” The ability to bullshit out of his teeth was perhaps, the greatest skill that Willow had.

Either way, that made the little elf’s eyes widen like emerald stars, before she suddenly decided to get up, holding her staff. “Alright!”

“I’ve decided.”

“Hm?”

Amelia slapped herself on the cheeks before turning around at the sitting, beautiful human who saved her. “W-Willow!”

“Y-Yes?” Willow said, startled by her sudden rise in energy. 

“I promise!” Amelia shouted, still blushing however. “I promise that in the name of the moon, that I will grow to become someone that can protect you!”

At her promise, it seemed almost as if the moon actually shone a couple times, as if the goddess of the moon or Willow’s current lover, approved of the little elf’s declaration to be Willow’s protector. ‘Well, if even she agrees, who am I to say no? As if I would say no to gaining the protection of someone who can throw meteors like rocks in the future.’

Willow stared simply at Amelia for a few seconds, which nearly made the poor elf almost sputter in embarrassment but he stopped her by presenting the roof of his hand.

“Promise me,” Willow muttered. 

Amelia looked at the pale, small hand presented at her, and although she was of a different race, not to mention a mere elf born in the outskirts of the elven empire, she knew what she needed to do at that moment. What Willow was asking of her. 

Amelia kneeled on one knee, before taking the small, pale hand as she gave it a chaste kiss. “I promise.”

“So you do.”

***

Willow let out a concerned cough, his eyes narrowing as he studied Amelia's wavering posture. 'Alright, let's give it another go,' he said gently.

Amelia took a deep breath, her mind racing with doubt and fear. But she refused to give up. She reached out for the support of the spirits and drew strength from Willow's unwavering faith in her. Closing her eyes, she shut out the distractions around her and focused on the task at hand.

With a surge of determination, Amelia channeled her energy once more and began to weave the elements of fire and water together. The fireball in her hand grew brighter and more radiant, its flames intertwining with the gentle flow of water.

But as she delved deeper into her magic, Amelia felt a familiar weight settle in her chest. Memories of hurtful words and accusing glances flooded her mind, along with the crushing weight of guilt from a tragic incident in her past. For a moment, she hesitated, her resolve waning as she struggled to push these thoughts away.

But then, Willow's comforting warmth enveloped her and his hands gently covered hers, guiding her in the right direction. And in that moment, Amelia realized that she didn't have to face these emotions alone. She allowed herself to fully experience the pain and anguish that had shaped her, but refused to let it define her present or dictate her future.

As she worked to release her emotions, the floodgates burst open and tears streamed down Amelia's cheeks. But even as she confronted the hurt and pain head-on, she also recognized the growth and transformation she had undergone since that fateful day. She acknowledged the moment of anger that had led to tragedy, but also saw how far she had come since then.

“No more,” Amelia whispered, her voice carried by the wind slapping against her cheeks. She held her hands tighter, as she focused even more.

Willow opted for a more ‘hands-free’ approach this time, as he secretly formed his hands into balls. “Come on.”

Amelia took a deep breath, allowing the tears to flow freely as she confronted her fears head-on. With each tear that fell, she let go of the guilt that had consumed her for years. She accepted that she couldn't change the past, but she could shape her present and future through her actions, her kindness, and her unwavering determination to make amends. She acknowledged the pain and accepted that it was a part of her story, but it did not have to define her.

Amelia felt a wave of liberation wash over her as the weight of her guilt slipped away. With Willow's unwavering support by her side, she discovered a newfound strength to persevere.

“Ahhhhh!”

Then, all of a sudden, it happened. 

ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM

Amelia nearly collapsed onto the grass again, holding her weight with the help of her staff as a surge of exhilaration filled both Amelia and Willow as they witnessed her triumph. 

Two polar elements - One born to destroy, and the other born to heal. A ball of fire, and a ball of water, both orbiting each other in near-perfect harmony. 

"I... I did it!" Amelia's voice reverberated with awe and excitement as she beheld the mesmerizing spectacle of swirling flames and dancing currents. 

Willow was even more excited than Amelia, as he immediately jumped onto the elf’s back. “You freaking did it!”

Amelia's radiant smile mirrored her inner realization of newfound strength. She had shattered the shackles of guilt and fear, ready to wield her magic with confidence and control. The once-distant spirits now encircled her, their presence pulsating with renewed vigor and connection.

Glistening with gratitude, Amelia turned to Willow, her voice brimming with sincerity. "Thank you so much, Willow. Sincerely, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

“By the gods, Amelia. . .” was the only thing Willow could say, as he gave her a big hug. He didn’t know why he felt so overwhelmed with emotions right now. Perhaps, it was because he viewed Amelia as a little sister of sorts along the weeks he’d spent adventuring with her. Maybe, it was because she was like a lost little puppy, and seeing that she had found her way made him happy. 

Or, maybe it was a combination of both those things, but right now, he was just happy that the little elven slave he had rescued was finally taking the next step in becoming stronger.

As the night deepened, Willow and Amelia continued to converse, delving deeper into her background and the experiences that had shaped her. Willow listened intently, offering words of encouragement and understanding. They laughed, shared stories, and in the stillness of the night, their bond grew stronger.

In that quiet moment, Willow and Amelia discovered that their shared quest for truth and self-discovery was woven into the fabric of their intertwined destinies. With each revelation, they became not just allies but kindred spirits, linked by a shared purpose that would guide them through the challenges yet to come.

As the moon bathed them in its gentle light, the room filled with a sense of solace and hope. In their hearts, Willow and Amelia knew that together they would face whatever trials lay ahead, drawing strength from the unbreakable bond they had forged. And as they finally succumbed to sleep, dreams of a future filled with magic, adventure, and newfound connections danced in their minds.

What Willow didn’t know was at this moment, he had done something that would change the future of magic forever.