A new friend
I was lying on the soft grass of the frozen continent, staring at the sky with a calm I hadn't felt in a long time. The clouds drifted slowly, as if the whole world had decided to take a breather after so much madness. Finally, at peace. I felt a bit of warmth beside me and didn't need to turn to know what it was: my little fire spirit had come out of me, a bright, sparkling little orb that settled to my right. It stayed still, as if it too were contemplating the sky with me. I smiled. It was childish, clumsy, and sometimes a total mess, but it kept me company in a way I couldn't explain.
The wind blew softly, and for a moment, everything felt perfect. Until suddenly, the temperature dropped. It wasn't gradual, no. It was as if the very air decided to freeze in an instant. I sighed, closing my eyes for a few seconds, resigned. I already knew what was coming. When I opened them, there she was: Velzard, the Ice Dragoness, floating in front of me with that mischievous smile that always got on my nerves.
—You're here again —I said, trying to sound serious, though my voice came out more tired than firm—. I'm still mad at you, you know? I don't want to talk.
She tilted her head, and her laugh rang out like icy little bells in the air. —Mad? You? Come on, Raquel, you don't have the face for that. You look more like a lost puppy than a grumpy hero.
I frowned, sitting up abruptly. The fire orb beside me gave a little bounce, as if excited by the drama. —It's not funny, Velzard! You kidnapped me, dragged me to this frozen place, and then buried me in snow. Snow! Do you know how cold it was?
—Oh, please —she replied, crossing her arms while floating a bit closer—. It was a snowball fight. You lost because you're a mess, not because I'm mean. Besides, you looked adorable all covered in white, like a clumsy snowman.
—I'm not a clumsy snowman! —I protested, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. The fire orb rolled toward me and rubbed against my leg, like it was trying to comfort me. Great, even my own spirit thought I needed cheering up.
Velzard floated even closer, her smile widening. —Come on, Raquel, you can't stay mad at me forever. How about I make it up to you? I could… I don't know, let you win next time.
—Let me win? —I repeated, incredulous—. That's even worse! I don't want your pity, I want respect.
She laughed again, louder this time. —Respect, says the guy who tripped over his own feet trying to dodge a snowball. You're a treasure, Raquel, but not exactly for your coordination.
I huffed, crossing my arms and looking away. —Keep mocking me. You'll see when I actually decide to ignore you.
—Ignore me? —she said, feigning surprise while placing a hand over her chest—. You? The same one who can't go five minutes without getting into trouble and asking me for help? Don't make me laugh more, my face's about to freeze.
I glanced at her from the corner of my eye, trying to keep a serious expression, but it was hard. That smile of hers… it was annoying, yes, but it also had something that made it hard to hate her completely. I sighed again, giving in a little. —You're impossible, you know that?
—And you're adorable —she replied, winking at me—. That's why I can't leave you alone.
The little fire orb gave a small bounce, as if agreeing with her, and I just shook my head. I had thought I was finally at peace. What a fool I was.
Suddenly, a familiar voice cut through the air—deep, with that mocking tone that always made me grit my teeth. —Well, well, what do we have here? A cozy little gathering on the ice? —It was Guy. I saw him appear, walking with that arrogant calm he always carried, his cloak billowing behind him like even the wind bowed in respect.
My eyes met his for a moment, but then he looked at Velzard. And that's when I felt it: the air turned dense, heavy, like the world itself was holding its breath. Velzard narrowed her eyes, and her playful smile shifted into something sharper, while Guy returned her gaze with one full of pure provocation. The little fire orb beside me trembled slightly, as if it knew this wasn't going to end well.
—Enough! —I shouted, jumping to my feet before they could start another one of their ridiculous fights—. If you start fighting again, I swear, this time I'm really going to get mad. And I'm not joking!
For a second, there was silence. And then, as if they had planned it, both burst out laughing. Guy crossed his arms, his deep laugh echoing through the icy air, while Velzard covered her mouth with one hand, clearly enjoying herself far too much.
—Really get mad? —Guy said, raising an eyebrow—. You? The same guy who almost drowned in snow just a while ago? Please, Raquel, don't make us laugh harder.
—Yes, exactly! —Velzard added, still laughing—. What are you going to do? Stumble at us until we surrender?
That was it. I felt the heat rise to my face, and I took a step toward them, pointing at them with a trembling finger. —You two are unbearable! You're always fighting over nonsense and then mocking me like I'm some kind of joke! You know what? I'm done! Guy, your whole 'I'm the king of the world' attitude is exhausting. And you, Velzard? You kidnap people and call it fun! I'm not some toy for you to fight over like I'm a prize!
Guy tilted his head, still smiling, but there was a curious glint in his eyes. —A toy? No, Raquel, you're more like… a clumsy puppy we just can't help but tease.
—Exactly! —Velzard jumped in, nodding enthusiastically—. You're way too fun to leave alone. But come on, don't take it so seriously. It's not our fault you're just so… you.
—That's not an excuse! —I shot back, crossing my arms—. Can't you two just get along for five minutes? Is that too much to ask? I'm trying to enjoy a peaceful moment here, and you're ruining everything!
The little fire orb rolled over to me and rubbed against my leg again, as if trying to calm me down. Guy and Velzard exchanged a look, and for a second I thought maybe —just maybe— they'd take me seriously. But then Guy let out an even louder laugh, and Velzard joined him, and I knew there was no hope.
—Alright, alright —Guy said, raising his hands as if surrendering—. We won't fight… for now. But only because your angry face is just too funny to ignore.
—Speak for yourself —Velzard replied, winking at me—. I only promise not to bury him in snow again… today.
I huffed and dropped back onto the grass, defeated. —You're impossible. Both of you. Impossible.
And as they kept laughing at my expense, the sky stayed just as calm as ever, as if it didn't care at all about the chaos these two brought into my life.
The teasing continued, one jab after another, like a pair of children who simply couldn't stop. Guy with his sarcastic remarks, Velzard with her icy giggles. I really tried to endure it. I looked up at the sky again, searching for that peace I had felt just minutes ago, but every word out of their mouths was like a pebble chipping away at my patience until it shattered. I felt a familiar warmth in my chest: the little fire orb returned to my body, as if it knew I couldn't keep pretending to be calm.
I stood up again, this time without a word. I simply started walking away from them. Their laughter and teasing still buzzed in my ears, but I ignored it. Step by step, the grass crunched beneath my feet, and the icy air of the continent hit my face. I didn't care. I just wanted to be alone.
But, of course, they didn't leave me alone. I heard their footsteps behind me—one heavy and confident, the other light and graceful. Guy and Velzard caught up to me, walking at my sides like nothing had happened.
—Hey, Raquel, what's up with you? —Guy said, his tone still laced with amusement—. Are you seriously getting upset over this? Come on, it's not that big a deal.
Velzard leaned in a little closer, her smile still there, but now with a hint of curiosity. —What? Tired of us already? Don't be so dull. Tell me why you've got such a long face.
I ignored them, clenching my fists as I kept walking. But they didn't give up. Their voices kept poking at me, like they really thought they could get me to smile again. And then, something inside me snapped. I couldn't take it anymore. I stopped dead in my tracks, turning to face them with eyes blazing with fury.
—You know what?! I'm sick of both of you! —I exploded, pointing a trembling finger at Guy—. You, Guy! Always acting like everything's just a game to you! Have you ever stopped to think about how I feel? Of course not, because you have zero empathy. Zero! You treat me like some walking joke, like my thoughts or feelings don't matter at all. And I'm done with it!
Guy blinked, caught off guard for a moment, but before he could say anything, I turned to Velzard, my voice rising even more. —And you, Velzard! Do you think I'm your personal toy? You kidnap me, drag me wherever you want, bury me in snow, and laugh like it's the funniest thing in the world. I'm not some doll for you to play with! You're supposed to be my friend, but it doesn't feel like that. It feels like I'm just here for your entertainment!
The silence that followed was deafening. The fire orb inside me vibrated, like it was just as agitated as I was. Guy and Velzard exchanged a look, and for the first time, there was no laughter, no teasing. Guy scratched the back of his neck, frowning like he was trying to process what I'd just said. Velzard, for her part, lowered her gaze, her smile slowly fading.
—Damn… —Guy murmured, breaking the silence—. I didn't think you saw it that way, Raquel. I just… you know, I like teasing you. You're easy to rile up.
Velzard crossed her arms, her voice softer than usual. —I didn't mean to make you feel like a toy. It's just that… you're different. I don't really know how else to act around you. But I guess I didn't think it through.
I looked at both of them, my breathing still heavy. Part of me still wanted to keep yelling, but another part—a smaller one—felt relieved to have finally said it all. —Well, think about it —I said, my voice lower this time—. Because I'm not going to keep being anyone's punching bag.
And with that, I turned and kept walking, letting the cold of the frozen continent wrap around me. I didn't know if they'd follow or not, but for the first time, I felt like I had drawn a line. And that, at least, was something.
I kept walking, leaving behind the laughter, the teasing, and all the weight Guy and Velzard had piled onto my shoulders. The frozen continent's weather was merciless: the wind cut like knives, and the icy peaks rose around me as if trying to trap me. But I didn't care. I climbed cliffs, descended slippery ledges, stumbling here and there as I talked to myself out loud. There was no one else around to hear me, and that was fine.
—Always the same, huh? —I muttered, climbing up a slope coated in ice—. I'm always the one who ends up being the butt of the joke. 'Oh, Raquel, you're so clumsy, so funny.' Ha! And what do I get out of it? Nothing. Just laughter at my expense.
My hands gripped a frozen rock, and I nearly slipped, but I caught myself in time. The little fire orb inside me pulsed, like it was trying to cheer me up. —You get it, don't you? —I said, managing a small smile despite everything—. You're the only one who doesn't laugh at me. Well, sometimes you do, but at least you don't talk.
I descended the other side of the cliff, my boots crunching against the hardened snow. —I should've said more —I went on, my voice echoing in the empty air—. To Guy, with his whole 'I'm better than everyone' attitude. And Velzard? She could've apologized with a bit more sincerity! But no, it's always me who has to give in, who has to smile and play along.
Little by little, the landscape began to change. The icy peaks became less frequent, and the endless white gave way to patches of green. Without realizing it, I had left the frozen continent behind and entered a forest. The trees stood tall, their branches heavy with leaves that whispered in the wind. But I didn't stop. I kept walking, talking to myself, lost in thought.
—I don't know why I even try so hard —I said, kicking a loose rock down the path—. Veldanava gave me this name, this… evolution, and for what? To be the jester of two powerful idiots? No thanks. I could do something else, you know? Something big. Something that doesn't involve snowballs or fighting for attention.
I laughed bitterly, shaking my head. —Yeah, right, Raquel, keep dreaming. You'd probably trip over your big destiny before you even got to it.
And then, as if the universe wanted to answer me, I slammed right into something hard. Very hard. I stumbled back, rubbing my forehead, and looked up. It was a mountain—huge and imposing—completely blocking my path. I sighed, long and deep, letting the exhaustion settle into my bones.
—Perfect —I muttered—. Just what I needed. Another thing telling me, 'you can't pass.'
For a moment, I just stood there, staring at the rocky wall. I could've turned around, looked for another way. But no. I was done backing down. So I clenched my jaw, placed a hand on the rock, and started to climb. My fingers searched for holds, my feet slipped a few times, but I kept going. The fire orb inside me glowed a little brighter, like it was proud.
—I'm not letting anything stop me —I said between breaths as I climbed higher—. Not Guy, not Velzard, not this stupid mountain. I'm going to keep going, even if it's just to prove something to myself.
The wind blew harder the higher I went, but I didn't look down. Only up, toward the summit I still couldn't see. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I was truly moving forward.
As I reached the summit, I let out a long, weary sigh. I turned to look back and watched as the sky slowly darkened, the last light of day fading away to make room for a blanket of stars beginning to sparkle over the world. Finally, peace. I smiled a little—exhausted, but content. There was a cave just behind me, its entrance dark but inviting. I decided it would be a good place to spend the night. Just one night, I promised myself. Then I'd go back. I hoped Guy and Velzard had taken a moment to reflect on what I said, though I wasn't betting on it.
I stepped into the cave, and at first, everything was dark. My footsteps echoed softly against the stone, but there was something… comforting about the place. And strangely, it was warm. Not the icy cold of the continent, nor the crisp breeze of the forest—it was a subtle warmth, like something alive was breathing within these walls. I frowned, puzzled. A warm cave in a place like this? Odd. I shrugged and muttered to myself, —Just one night, Raquel. Rest, and keep going tomorrow. It can't be that complicated.
But then, bit by bit, the temperature began to rise. The air grew heavy, almost suffocating. I felt a tingling in my chest, and suddenly, the little fire orb slipped out of my body, floating in front of me. It crackled with tiny, quick sparks, like it was nervous. —Easy, little one —I said, trying to sound calm even though my voice trembled slightly—. It's fine, just a bit of heat. Probably something natural.
My words were cut short when a deep, rumbling voice echoed behind me, reverberating off the cave walls. —Well, well… What do we have here?
I let out a long, exasperated sigh, closing my eyes for a second before muttering under my breath, —This day's never going to end, is it? What's next? A dragon? Another demon? Because I've had enough for today, thanks.
I turned slowly, bracing myself for whatever was waiting for me in the cave's shadows, the fire orb buzzing nervously at my side.
I turned fully around, trying to stay calm, and with a voice that aimed to sound serene, I said:—I'm Raquel...—But the words caught in my throat. The temperature kept rising, hotter by the second, as if the air itself were on fire. My little fire spirit, usually brave in its own way, hid behind me, trembling and giving off weak little sparks. I glanced at it sideways and thought: Seriously? Now you decide to be a coward? Thanks for the help, little traitor!
Then, a beam of silver light slipped through the cave entrance, the glow of the moon illuminating the interior and revealing what stood before me. My heart skipped a beat. It was a massive dragon, but not like the ones I'd seen before. Its body was long and sinuous, more like an agile serpent than a heavy beast, clearly built to soar through the skies with grace. Its scales were a bright crimson red, glowing like living embers, and along its back ran sharp white spines, dagger-like in appearance. On each side of its body, a thin line of intense gold traced its silhouette—the same color as its eyes: two gleaming orbs that stared at me with a mix of curiosity and something I couldn't quite decipher.
I swallowed hard, nerves eating me alive. The last thing I wanted was another confrontation. I'd had enough for one day—or for a lifetime, if you asked me. The dragon tilted its head slightly, its golden eyes locked onto me, and I just stood there, unmoving, with the heat pressing against my skin and my mind screaming at my spirit: You could at least pretend to be useful for once!
—Interesting... —said the dragon, its voice deep but surprisingly gentle, like an echo reverberating through the cave walls—. I wasn't expecting company tonight.
I didn't know what to say. I just stood there, sweat dripping down my forehead and my heart pounding so loud I was sure he could hear it.
With a trembling voice I could barely control, I raised my hands to keep my spirit from fleeing and said:—You're… you're impressive, you know? Those scales, uh, they shine like… like the most beautiful fire I've ever seen.—My hands were shaking as I held onto the little fireball, which was desperately trying to wriggle free. The dragon stared at me in silence, its golden eyes narrowing slightly, then let out a low growl when it noticed the tiny spirit. The little orb trembled violently, releasing weak sparks, and nearly fainted from fright.
—That's what you call a companion? —said the dragon, its voice laced with mockery—. Looks like it'll burn out just from being looked at.
I tried to ignore the comment, though I couldn't help but feel a pang of shame for my little friend. Then, the beast tilted its serpentine head and spoke again:—I'm Velgrynd. I suppose you're not here to challenge me, are you?
I froze for a moment, processing the name. Velgrynd. Veldanava's younger sister. I let out a sigh of relief, feeling the knot in my stomach loosen just a little.—Oh, thank goodness —I muttered, before straightening up and speaking more clearly—. I'm Raquel. I know Veldanava… and Velzard, your other sister. I'm, uh, kind of a friend, I guess.
I glanced down at the floor, where my spirit lay passed out, a small, unmoving ball with fading sparks. I completely ignored it, focusing on Velgrynd. Her golden eyes studied me for a second longer, and though she still looked formidable, there was a flicker of curiosity in her gaze that gave me a little hope. At least she didn't seem like she wanted to eat me… yet.
Velgrynd tilted her head, her crimson scales reflecting the moonlight that filtered into the cave.—You know Veldanava and Velzard? That's impossible —she said, her voice resonating with disbelief.
I cut her off before she could continue, raising a hand with more confidence than I actually felt.—No, no, it is possible. Look, I had a fight with Velzard. I was in the frozen continent, but I got fed up, left, and… well, now I'm here.—I paused, lowering my gaze to the ground to avoid those golden eyes that seemed to pierce right through me. The silence stretched on, and the heat in the cave made me sweat even more. Finally, I murmured:—Can I stay here? Just for tonight, I promise. Then I'll be on my way to find Veldanava… though, uh, I'm not really sure where the kingdom of Nasca is, to be honest.
Velgrynd didn't respond right away. Her white spikes shifted slightly as she breathed, and I just stood there, waiting, with my spirit still passed out at my feet like a reminder of how unprepared I really was for all of this.
Velgrynd let out a deep sigh, hot air rippling around her as she rested her serpentine head back on the cavern floor.—Do whatever you want —she said with a tone dripping with indifference—, but keep quiet. I'm not in the mood for conversation.
I let out a sigh of relief, feeling the tension in my shoulders ease just a bit.—Thanks —I murmured, looking for a corner to sit in. I slumped against the stone wall, the heat of the cave making my clothes stick to my skin. My spirit was still passed out on the floor, so I just left it there, too tired to deal with him. I looked at Velgrynd, her massive form filling the space, and decided to try breaking the ice.
—So… uh, have you been here long? —I asked, trying to sound casual.
She barely opened one golden eye, glancing at me sideways.—Too long to count. And if you keep talking, it'll be too long to bear. Shut up.
I scratched the back of my neck, a bit embarrassed, but I didn't give up.—Yeah, right, sorry. It's just… you don't meet someone like you every day. You're Veldanava's sister, after all.
Velgrynd growled, a low sound that made the ground beneath me vibrate.—If you don't shut your mouth, I'll roast you to ash. I'm not interested in chatting about my brother with you.
—Got it, got it —I said quickly, raising my hands in surrender—. But, uh, what about Velzard? Do you see her often? Because she's… well, intense, don't you think?
She lifted her head a little, her white spikes bristling slightly.—Intense? What's intense is how much I want to bite your head off right now if you don't shut up. Last warning, little human.
I swallowed hard, nodding quickly.—Silence. Got it. Total silence.—I leaned back against the wall, arms crossed, staring up at the ceiling of the cave. But even as I tried to stay still, my mind kept buzzing with questions that, for my own sake, I decided to keep to myself. For now.