A Hero's Rest

[BabySiras]

Howdy! This story has been bouncing around my head for a while now. I thought about having a better writer than I do the writing for me, but no! How will I develop skills if I don't put myself out there! As always, please let me know if you find any obvious typos!

What follows will be a story about what it means to be a hero, the weight of the world as it crushes you, and the joy in discovering just who you are when no one asks you to be anything but yourself.

 

 

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Chapter 1

 

The snow fell heavy around Alexander as he walked through the frozen ever winter of the Northlands. The crunch of snow with each step and the rattle of his armor were the only things keeping him company. Not that he had much room to complain about the dismal conditions, even without a companion on the road. After all, he had volunteered for this quest.

A quest to find the greatest hero the world had ever known. A man who vanished in his prime. Joseph, The Slayer of Timmeas, the Weilder of the Faded Blade, the Binder of the Treaty of Merchants, the Ender of the Fell Curse, etc. While Alexander had won a title through his deeds in the diamond skirmishes, he was but a single man. He was far from the Hero of a Thousand Stories. With unrest brewing in the southern alliance, Joesph was the only one the three counties involved would listen to in their rising concerns.

Which naturally brings us back to scouring the frozen wastes for any sign of life. Based on what Alaxander was able to find, this was where Joseph's trail went cold. The hero was too well known to have not been recognized anywhere else. As far as Alexander was concerned, he had to be somewhere around here.

Alas, even through his enchanted armor, he was getting cold. He'd already been out for hours today, and the snowfall was only getting worse. Soon there'd be nothing to see but a wall of white. While he'd been trained to handle such environments, the best survival techniques was to return to the inn at the Kindling and get back out here in the morning.

Just as Alex was to begin his trip back to town though, he saw something other than ice and snow. Just barely, in an indeterminate distance away, was a glitter. A shine that cut through the snow in a Brilliant green light. Alex couldn't tell what it was, but it was something. Considering he'd been searching hours upon hours each day since his arrival, it was more than he had in a long time.

The would be hero took off for the shinning green symbol of hope at what counted as a sprint in this part of the world. In truth, it was more of a brisk waddle through the thickening snow, but close enough. Besides, it took only a scant few minutes to reach a destination that Alexander swore wasn't there before.

A mound rose out of the snow. The only thing that marked it as something special were a few glittering emeralds that had been uncovered. While Alexander had friends who liked to gather such things, it was something he ever had the patience for.

Still, standing around this pile of dirt taller than him, Alexander felt more than saw what was before him. "Magic," he whispered, his voice raw from lack of use. Still, even for someone who's training in such mostly revolved around giving his sword some spice now and then, the ambient magic here was a constant, calming pressure. He pulled out a small aetherialmeter to check what his body was telling him, and the tool agreed: this place was saturated in magic.

Almost in acknowledgement of being found, snow began to fall off of the mound to reveal an opening large enough for the average person to fit through. Alexander's eyes widened in excitement. Of Course! This had to be some sort of secret hideaway!

The young adventurer eagerly entered the cavern and followed the gentle slope into the earth. More glittering emeralds lit the way as the air warmes from what Alexander assumed were natural vents. If nothing else, this would be a fantastic place to wait out the storm.

Following a few minutes of walking, Alexander came upon a peculiar sight.

A Door.

Even more peculiar, he felt nothing magical about this door. Nor did it appear to be anything special. It was, for the most part, the same as any other door. It lacked the extravagance of the doors found in the upper class of the City of Gold, lacked the charm of the Oceanview fishing huts, lacked the polish of the Stoneworkers Mills even.

It was simply a door, like those found upon the homes of the most common of men.

Alexander stared at the door for a minute or two, mostly simply wondering whether to knock or not. Ultimately, the question was taken out of his hands as the door began to open inwards on it's own.

Inside was a carpeted entry hall, with a stand for Boots next to the door (though none were currently upon it). Stone cavern gave way to wooden walls that were lit inside with lamps that seemed to be state of the art. An expanse could be seen just beyond the entryway.

"Hello? I don't mean to be rude, but the door opened itself. May I come in?" Alexander had dined with a few of the more mystical sort in his adventures, and knew that the best option when unfamiliar circumstances arose was to be polite.

Alexander was just about to call out again when someone inside answered in response. "Kay," said a young voice from the larger room. Feminine,  likely a little girl. What was someone like that doing in a place like this?

The adventurer cautiously entered the house. Once at the end of the entry way, the open area he only glimpsed at spread out a considerable amount. A few doors leading to what he assumed were other rooms could be seen against the walls. The ceiling was near transparent, letting in enough light through the snow to comfortable vs able to sed with only minimal help from the lanterns. An entire corner of the room was dedicated to a kitchen that would make even the most skilled chefs envious.

However, that was not what caught his eye the most. That would be the little girl, sitting in a playpen, playing out who knew what scenes inside her head with the dolls in her hand and spread around her. Judging by her size, she appeared to be around seven or eight, though parts of her outfit implied younger. She wore a short, simple dress that was sunflower yellow and stopped just above her knees. Her hair was tied up in two ponytails that stopped just before her shoulders. Attached by a string to her collar was an infant's soother, and the way the girl was sitting did another to hide what appeared to be a diaper from being visible under her dress.

Alexander thought it possible she was just a tall toddler or a really late bloomer. Still, there didnt seem to be anyone else around. "Hello there, what's your name?" He asked softly, approaching the playpen and squatting down so he could better talk to her.

The girl was quiet for a moment, and Alexander briefly thought her too young to answer. Such fears were laid to the wayside as the girl spoke. "Fina," she said quietly, never taking her eyes off the dolls she was posing.

"That's a pretty name," Alexander commented, noting the small smile that brought to the girl's face. "Are your parents home Fina?"

The girl seemed to think for a moment, the dolls in her hand pausing in their own adventures as she did. "I don't have parents," she said softly, "but my family is watching us now; so it's okay."

Alexander couldn't hide the heartbreak he felt as she said that. This poor orphan. At least it sounded like she had someone. "Well, can I talk to them? I'm looking for someone important you see, and maybe they could help," Alexander explained.

Though he quickly realized that may not have been the best thing to say. The slight smile the girl wore quickly faded with a sigh, as she set the dolls on the ground. For the first time, she looked the adventurer in the eyes. Eyes of the brightest crimson Alexander had ever seen bored into him, and he had the strangest sense of danger course through him. He stamped it down, after all this was just a little girl.

"They're all around you Alexander, haven't you noticed." A chill flew up his spine as Fina said that. His eyes widened as he touch of magic around him suddenly flared. His balance was instantly lost as he found himself matching Fina's position on the floor. "It's okay, he's nice. He won't hurt me, right Alex?" Was she speaking to someone? Hesitantly, Alexander nodded, at had to ask himself just what he wandered into. Almost instantly, the pressure around him disappeared as the pressure faded into nothing but background noise. "You're looking for him, aren't you?" Fina asked, and the question of who 'he' was only had one answer.

"Yes. The last anyone saw of Joseph was around this area."  He carefully explained. Clearly this was no ordinary little girl. Alexander wondered if he had inadvertently stumbled upon some fae creature. She obviously knew something though, and this was is first real lead since he arrived in this wasteland. He couldn't just leave now.

Eventually, after either a handful of seconds or an entire hour, Alexander couldn't tell which, Fina finally looked away from him and once more picked up her little dolls. One of which, Alexander finally noticed, bore a disturbing similarity to the armor he wore. "Come Back tomorrow morning. Joseph will be here then," the girl stated; her sentence punctuated by the front door slamming open, causing Alex to jump. "Kindling is about ten minutes walk due south. If you hurry, they'll still be serving dinner in the Inn."

That was... well that was frankly impossible without some incredibly strong magics. Just what was this place. "Thank you," Alexander said, before standing and walking to his door. Finally, after nearly a year of searching, he'd finally found the hero he was looking for.

"Wait," the girl spoke as Alexander stood outside the door. He turned to find the Fina standing just inside the home's entrance. Despite his limited interaction with children, he couldn't help but notice her diaper was sagging out from under this dress. It was a fact that confused him more than anything, as clearly this young girl commanded some form of powerful magic. He couldn't fathom why she would willingly wear or use such infantile garb. Of course, these thoughts were not enough to steal his attention away from what ever she had to say. "Tell anyone about the meeting tomorrow, and you'll never find this place again."

The door slammed shut without her moving an inch, leaving Alexander in the dark with more questions than answers. Still, he left the cavern with cheer in his heart and a smile on his face.

He'd done it!
He'd found Joseph (or will tomorrow)
Soon the greatest hero in all of history will be back to continue saving them all!

He never noticed that he never told Fina his name.

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A little girl cried softly as a familiar hand ran through her hair. "I don hafta grow up forever right?" As always, there was no response back. Still, as she was lifted into the air and cradled, she could feel the love of those that cared for her. It was where she felt the safest. Where she could cry without fear. "Please don't let me go back out there. I can't do it again. Please..." her words faded from mind as the soother was lifted to her lips, and she gleefully took it for comfort. She sobbed into it as she was carried back to her nursery for a much needed change.

[YourDiapersCute]

A really interesting start. The idea of a retired hero is always interesting. I'm super curious about the entities.

[BabySiras]

Well you're in luck! Cause it's time to meet the world's greatest hero!

 

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Chapter 2

 

Alexander once more stood in front of the door within the cavern. As sure as he was promised, he'd been a mere ten minutes walk away from Kindling the day before. Fortunately the cavern's entrance remained exactly where he had left it. It had been hard to keep from shouting in the streets about who he was about to meeting, but surely the hero that saved the world multiple times would step up to solve this trade dispute before it got any worse.

As before, just as Alexander was going to knock, the door opened in on itself. The scent of frying meat and eggs filled the air. The adventurer's mouth watered at the scent. Fresh meat was hard to get a hold of this far north, so this was a rare treat. He entered the room and noticed that the layout had changed slightly.

Where the playpen sat the day before there were now two comfortable looking (if well used) chairs. The corner with the kitchen also had a brand new table at it. Behind it, the over ranges were burning with skillets full of bread, meats, and eggs frying for a breakfast feast.

Skillets which seemed to be moving and preparing the food on their own.

Alexander moved to get a better look, attempting to see what was controlling then marvels, when a new voice called out to him. "Let them cook, Alexander. They will be done in a minute." A deep, commanding voice echoed out, and Alexander turned towards it source. Despite meeting only briefly once years ago, he could never forget the face before him.

Brilliant red hair, and piercing eyes to match, Joseph of the many titles was one that few could afford to look away from. He dressed in simple clothing, a pair of pants that seemed to be a bit baggy, and a plain shirt that seemed a bit long.

'Strange', Alexander thought as the hero walked over to take one of the old chairs around the new table, 'I had expected better tailoring'. Alex also noted a slight noise as the hero passed him, like a bunch of fabric rubbing against itself.

"Please, take a seat," Joseph point to the seat across from him as floating utensils began to plate the food. Alex sat and watched the ghostly gear serve up the breakfast to the both of them. His mouth watered as he stared at a plate loaded with perfectly cooked bacon, and scrambled eggs filled with various exotic vegetables and... "I'm sorry, is that coffee?" Alexander asked as a pot of the familiar brown concoction made it's way to him. A single cup of that cost more than he normally made in a month, and was impossible to find outside of Oceanside merchant manors or in the lands across the sea. The Fell Star's Deatroyer merely nodded his head in answer.

"Amazing. This meat is fresh too, and nothing like the dried husks at the inn. Where did you get this?" Alexander asked as the Protector of the Hidden Clocktower was served his own plate.

"I'm not sure really," he answered as he began to pick at his own plate. A large, circular fried bread that was topped with some sort of jam and was paired with chopped fruits and some small cuts of bacon. It wasn't quite what Alexander expected of the literal breakfast of champions, but it did seem quality enough to fit his station.

"This place is filled with spirits. From what I researched after I found this place the first time, it was a mythological site where the tired and weary could rest their heads," the hero pointed to the skillets that were washing themselves in a sink. "Its easy to find when you know where it is, or if the spirits think you should be here."

That last part was grumbled more that spoken. Alexander was confused by his manner. Still, before he could ask more, the Orator of the Ice Barrier continued. "I'm not sure where the supplies come from, but the spirits are able and willing to care for every need of the residents of the cavern."

Joseph leaned over in his seat, and Alexander could briefly see the outline on his body of where the mentioned Spirit was standing. If only because of the slow motion of his air, and the indents on his clothing and face. For some reason, it felt like watching a child rest against their mother's hips for comfort.

Alexander shook the thought from his mind. It was probably just a trick of the light. Though it did bring to mind a missing mistress of this place. "If you don't mind me asking, sir, where is Fina?" She was a peculiar child, one that Alexander had many questions about. There was something strange behind her eyes. A wisdom that extended far beyond her age and demeanor.

At his question, Joseph sighed and sat straight in his chair again."She's... away right now. She'll be back soon though," the hero said with a sad smile on his face. Alexander wondered just what sort of connection the two had.

"If its alright to ask, is she your daughter? And why did she have a doll that looked like me?" Alexander figured that if he was going to ask questions, might as well ask all of them. Besides, a secret daughter made sense. The God's Hand lived a dangerous life after all, a place like this would be perfect for keeping a little girl safe from the world. Especially since you don't get as many titles as he did without making at least a few enemies.

The Hero, having finished his breakfast, stood up and gestured for Alexander to follow him. Grabbing only the cup of coffee which seemed to have no end, the adventurer followed as the spirit of the cavern cleaned up the table behind him. Joseph sat himself in one of the two chairs and practically sank into it. Alexander sat in the opposite and was unsurprised to find that it perfectly supported him. This cave was truly a marvel.

"First, Fina is not my daughter. She is simply a little girl in the care of the spirits here. Second," the Hero reached into a pocket on the chair that Alexander had missed before. Joseph drew out the doll that he'd asked about. "The Spirit gave me this the day before you arrived. I just didn't know exactly when you were going to show up." The Slayer of Trishula very carefully straightened out the outfit, before setting it on the armrest. Alexander would never say it out loud, but he found it rather disturbing, to see such a mirror of himself as a toy.

"Now then," Joesph leaned forward to rest his head on his hand. His scarlet eyes which had remained friendly and warm turned sharp and harsh. Alexander felt himself shiver as the mood in the room quickly shifted. "Why are you here?"

The adventurer sat up straight under the glare. Still, this is what he had planned for! This was his chance to convince The Bridge Builder himself to return to service! Alexander cleared his throat.

"Well, sir. You see, there's some turmoil in the sou-"

"Pass," Joseph stood up and began walking back towards the room that he initially entered from. Alexander, for his part was shocked out of his speech.

Pass

Just like that?

"But, but sir! The heads of the three nations are-"

"Quarraling again? What is it this time, Oceanview hogging all the fish? The Golden City Banks funding strongmen to control markets?" Joseph stated, interrupting whatever the adventurer was saying. "Or are those druids forgetting they actually have to acknowledge the world outside their Forest." He whispered, sounding so very, very tired of it all.

Alexander sputtered out, his arguements ending as the great hero spoke so defeated. It didn't help that he had actually pointed out two of the three issues. "You're the only one they'll listen to," Alexander pleaded softly. Joseph merely shook his head.

"No, I'm the only one they want to listen to. I'm retired now, go away." He said, once more turning away from the adventurer.

"But, sir," whatever finally arguement he was going to say died on his lips. His skin began to feel warm and his throat dried out. He began to notice a fiery aura covering the hand that held the doll of him. When had Joseph grabbed that?

"No! They can solve their own problems, and you can get out! Out! Leave!" Joseph shouted in anger! Not noticing that his company was having a harder and harder time breathing as his grip on the doll grew stronger.

Until Alex fell to his knees. The anger left Joseph's eyes as he realised what he was doing. He quickly tossed aside the doll and extinguished the flame on his hand. It was too late though, as the adventurer collapse unconscious onto the floor.

The last thing he heard before he fell asleep, was the voice of a little girl.

"I'm sorry"

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A little girl falls to her knees crying. She stares at the unconscious man before her, watching shallow breaths bring the smallest form of comfort. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to... this is why I can't leave." She whispers, her tears falling freely to the ground. "Can... can I stop being a grown up yet?" The girl asks as an invisible hand wipes tears from her face. She cries into her caretaker's shoulder as she is carried away. Back into her nursery.

Back into safety from the world.


Back to keep the world safe from her.

As always feel free to point out any typos, continuity errors, and shout outs! *edited to fix chapter count

Edited September 13, 2022 by BabySiras

[dirtydingus84]

chapter 2 that's your typo. it's a great story otherwise, don't stop

[BabySiras]

Here we are with the next installment! Alexander found himself in a predicament as this meeting went far from how he planned it! Still, he has the best nurse in the house.

As always, please point out typos, plot holes, and anything else you'd like to say. Probably only one chapter left in this tale of a retired hero.

 

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Chapter 3

 

There are many ways to wake up from a long rest. The first was straight from a dream, where the after images remain in mind before gently fading away. Ths second is quickly, and abruptly; with sleep suddenly and violently ripped from you. The third is to wake from nothing, with the past several hours spent sleeping spanning the length of tine it takes to blink. Most if the other forms of waking up involve a position on the sliding scale of extremes.

Alexander found himself experiencing one of the worst forms of waking up. Slowly, with great pain, and with mild surprise that he was even waking up at all. He heard a voice speaking to him, but it was muffled. Any attempt to respond was interrupted by a coughing fit as his lungs rushed to experience air once again.

A cup of water was pushed into his hands, and he drank from it once the coughing subsided. The cool liquid soothes the burn in his throat caused by... well... by whatever Joseph did to him before.

"Did that help?" Alexander's ears finally decided to work. He took a free deep breaths to get his eyes to actually focus on the person in front of him.

"Fi-Fina?" He stuttered out, before taking another drink to soothe the pain from doing so.

The little girl nodded with her entire body it seemed. Alexander nearly had to dodge the pacifier that was still clipped to the girl's collar. "I've been looking after you while you slept, see?" She reached down and carefully picked up the doll from earlier. The features that earlier matched his had melted slightly, and the armor was a bit singed. Small cracks on the face and arms seemed to have undergone repair work. She must have fixed it after...

Alexander quickly sat up, and instantly regretted doing such from the headache the act created. He looked around to see where he was, finding only a modest bedroom. Modest was probably too strong a word on further inspection though. The place was positively barren. On the floor near the bed was a bottle of some sort of adhesive, some sewing thread, and small paints. Alexander figures he must be in a different part of the cavern.

"Where..." he took a few deep breaths before continuing, "where is Joseph? I need to apologize for... making him angry." Fina frowned at him after he said that. She went from concerned child to a great approximation of a concerned schoolteacher rather quickly. Were he not still waking up from sudden unconsciousness, he wouldn't be feeling lack he just answered wrong on a test he didnt know he was taking. "Er... yes, Fina?"

The girl gave him the same intense stare that he had seen when he left the day before. Her eyes once more seemed too old, too intense for someone a quarter of his age. "Why?"

"Why what?" It was obvious to Alexander. He understood that this girl probably didn't understand proper social hierarchy, but surely if she lived with Joseph she should have some idea of his importance.

"Why do you need to apologize? He threw a tantrum and hurt you. He deserves a time out." Fina said with all the finality and certainty of a little girl that neither knows better nor understands complex adult relationships.

"It's not that simple," Alexander started, but it seemed Fina shared Joseph's habit of interrupting people however.

"Then make it that simple," she declared. Alexander could tell that she wouldn't listen to the very detailed reasons why it was not and would never be that simple.

"Is he still here so I can make my point clear, apologize, and then likely leave? If he doesn't want to return with me, I'd at least like to know why." The adventurer admitted. He was never one to let a question go unasked, even if it went unanswered. He leaned his head against the smooth rock wall behind him and closed his eyes. For the most part, he was still beating himself for ruining his meeting with one of the greatest living legends to walk the earth.

Fina continued to watch him pensively from the side of the bed. "He went away while you were sleeping." She said, and she had to hide a giggle at how Alexander's entire body slumped at hearing that. Her hair rustled in the non existant breeze that could only have been because of the spirit of the cave. Whatever it said to her seemed to have brought a smile back onto her face. "The spirit says there's a snowstorm outside, so it's going to be a little while. Would you like some tea?" She asked, resting her head on the bed.

Alexander shrugged. If there was a snowstorm outside, then it wasn't like he had much choice. Still, it was possible that if he stayed long enough, he'd be able to apologize for making The Vanquisher of the Fell Star mad. "Sure."

"Yay! Tea Party!" Fina cheered. "Spirit! Can you pretty please prepare a tea party in my room?" Alexander's eye twitched at hearing that, but he tried not to let his impatience show. At least there would be tea.

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Pink. Really, it was the only word that Alexander would use for Fina's bedroom. It was very pink. The walls had been painted a bright pastel pink that was honestly somewhat relaxing. Lamps lit the room from corner to corner in a way that would make any rich scholar ask for several in their library.

And it was being used to light a child's bedroom. One that was very much filled with all the needs of a hyper active child. A bed sat in the corner with a large footrest, and a gate of some sort hanging from the open side. The bed itself was filled with plush animals of all shapes and sizes. Next to the bed (Alexander was tempted to call it a crib if not for it's size) was a large, solid dresser. Judging from its size, it could be used as an entire second bed. On the opposite side of the room, near the entrance, was a toy chest that seemed filled to the brim. Truly, the only thing that seemed unusual was a slight scent of ammonia in the room.

"How's the tea?" Of course, the room itself was window dressing for the centerpiece. Alexander found himself sitting on a too small chair at a too small table with a too small cip of tea. Of course, being forced to sip the tea slowly was nice on his throat, so he couldn't really complain.

"It's good" He answered. Fina perked up at hearing such as she poured a cup for the other two people at their table: a stuffed toy of a Star Bear, and a toy dragon. Which really didn't seem like things that should be made less frightening for children in the adventurer's opinion. He had the misfortune of meeting a Star Bear before, and he barely survived the encounter.

Once she had made sure that everyone was served, Fina sat down and begin sipping in her own little cup. For the most part, she seemed to be of in her own world as she talked with her toys about the various toy gossip. Alexander really wasn't paying attention. He was more concerned with thinking of all the disasters that would happen if the Southern Allience collapsed without Joseph's help. He didn't notice at first that Fina asked him a question. "I'm sorry, can you repeat that?"

Fina pouted at him, and he couldn't help his involuntary guilt at seeing that face. "As I said, do you know what Joseph wanted to do more than anything when he was a kid?" Alexander shook his head, suddenly more interested in the conversation at hand. The Hero was a bit of a mystery to most people. A stalwart force of good in the world.

"He wanted this," Fina said quietly, gesturing to the table as she did. "He had two older sisters, and the one thing he wanted to do when he was about four was to join them in a tea party."

Alexander really didn't know how to respond to that. It sounded more like something that Joseph had told her to connect or something. His disbelief must have been clear by his expression as Fina quickly responded. "It's true!" She whined, "his dad wouldn't let him. He was punished for so much as looking their way before he was even five years old." Her whine had changed tone quiet sort of sincerity as she spoke. Alexander found himself enraptured by her tale. While he didn't know how much was true, how much was the exaggeration of a child, and how much was simply being lost in a second hand story.

"He never wanted to be a legend. He never wanted to be a hero. He forced himself to bury his dream, when all he ever wanted to do was have a tea party party." Fina sniffled once and rubbed tears out of eyes with one of her hands. Alexander truly found himself at a loss for words. He had never been good with children, and it was no different now. While he wasn't an only child, his younger brother was a decade in a half younger. He was already in university trying to apprentice himself out by then.

"I didn't know he had sisters," was all he could really say. He had no idea if it was the right words as Fina closed her eyes and grabbed her pacifier. It stayed in her hands though.

"They were sent away when... when he was six. Far away. To a small settlement. To Drysdale." Fina whispered. Alexander physically flinched at that. Ten years ago, Drysdale was an up and coming town, mostly known for it's high quality horses.

Five Years ago, it was the site of one of the worst disasters the world had ever seen. The Dragon Trishula and the Demon Ferrox fought there. It was where Joseph, already a renowned adventure, truly became known as a hero for finishing off both demon and dragon and stopping their rampage.

He'd just been too late to save the townspeople of Drysdale in the process.

"Do you know the worst part about it?" Fina continued after taking a few deep breath, the pain of discussing it clear on her face as she gripped the pacifier with her free hand more tightly.

"You don't have to continue," Alexander said quietly. It was clear this story was painful. Even hearing it was painful. That tragedy was what encouraged him to become a hero. He didnt realize how much the world's greatest hero had lost that day.

Fina shook her head, and Alexander saw a few teardrops shake loose as she did. "I have to, you need to know. It's part of why Joseph can't help you," She took a few more calming breaths. Alexander was almost surprised at both how she was handling this story, and how she was acting beforehand at the start of this tea party. She bounced around so quickly from being a little girl barely more than a toddler, to carrying a weight of time greater than he would ever know.

"Joseph summoned the Demon," Alexander nearly dropped his tea cup when she said that, "there were some cultists that had been making sacrifices to  strengthen him. Joseph thought he could cut them off by forcing it to happen sooner. He took magic from the great ice wall to do it. In doing so, it was weakened to the point Trishula escaped her seal at the same time Joseph summoned Ferrox to slay." Her hands shook as she spoke, and she needed to wipe tears from her eyes a second time. "Afterwards, they gave him medals. The greatest mistake he ever made, and he was awarded for it." Her voice was laced with spite and anger, and Alexander noticed that fresh steam began to rise from her near empty tea cup.

"I'm sorry?" Alexander offered, though he didnt really know what to say. It was clear that Fina felt strongly about this, and he didn't understand why she seemed to take it so personally. Maybe she was one of their children? Alexander struggled to find something to say. "It sounds like he did everything he could to save people in the long run. The destruction both demon and dragon could have done were they not stopped where they were would have been immeasurable."

"You don't get it do you?" Fina clearly took no solace in Alexander's words. "Do you have any idea what it's like to make the worst possible choice and get rewarded for it? To be endlessly praised with sycophants that refuse to admit you could do no wrong?" Alexander squirmed under her gaze.

Fina sighed, wiped her eyes again, and finally let go of her pacifier. After one more sniffle, she picked up the tea pot and refilled her cup. "Would you like some more tea?" She asked, her distress from seconds ago seemingly forgotten despite her tear stained face.

Alexander paused. Part of him wanted to ask more, to learn more from this little girl who seemed to know so much about the person that had inspired him to travel the world. Still, it was obvious that was painful for her. He held out his tea cup, and held back his questions for the moment, "yes please."

Fina hummed some random notes as she filled his cup. She also took the time to make sure the toys still had full cups. She seemed to be back in to her little girl mode, and far from Alexander saw moments ago.

"So, tell me about you! I've been talking all this time, and your throat should be better now. Who is the great and mighty adventurer that found my little hidey-hole?" Fina asked as the spirit of the cave brought over a plate of pastries. Alexander watched her cheer before she quickly grabbed what he assumed were her favorites. Alexander naturally took one as well, not wanting to upset his ghostly host.

"Well, let's see. My parents were merchants, I attended the academy in the golden city, learned some swordcraft before I-" Alexander was going to continue, but was quickly cut off.

"Boooring. Where's the adventure? Where's the fun? You haven't mentioned a single fun thing to do, when I started with a tea party." She whined, sending cookie crumbs flying onto the table as she did. Alexander tried not to roll his eyes at her impatience. It was easy to forget that this was a little girl. A younger one based on the reliance on her pacifier she seemed to have.

"If I remember correctly, that was about Joseph, not you." Alexander pointed out. Strangely, this just seemed to make Fina smile from ear to ear.

"Well, I actually get to have a tea party, and so it's close enough," she said with the irrefutably smug tone of a child that feels they have found unbeatable logic. It was a battle of wits that Alexander conceded for the moment.

"Well if you must know, I do enjoy reading a good romance book from time to time," he smiled wistfully as he thought of the last one he read. A sordid tale about lovers from rival homes. It was beautiful. It was also a while ago. "Sadly, I haven't had much time for games or books. I've spent the last year searching for Joseph."

"Well, that sounds boring." Fina's honesty made the adventurer laugh.

"You're not wrong. But that's what happens when you grow up." It was a simple truth of the world. The older you got, the less time you seemed to have the enjoy it.

"Well then," Fina sat back in her seat with a grin. Alexander thought it would fit perfectly on a cat playing with a mouse or a goblin watching someone walk into their trap. "I'll never grow up! Then I can have fun all the time!" To punctuate her statement, Fina grabbed her pacifier and stuffed it into her mouth. He smile could be seen even behind it's shield.

The adventurer couldn't help but smile at the sight. She was adorable, and even for someone that normally avoided children it warmed his heart. He couldn't bring himself to tell her that's not how it worked outside. Eventually, she would have to leave the cavern.

Alexander set his once again empty teacup onto the table. He attempted to think of a good tale of one of his own adventures to tell her. Surely she'd heard all of Joseph's tales, and there was no way he could compare to something quite as grand. Such musings were derailed as a familiar feelings began tearing it's head. It only made sense, given all the coffee and tea, plus his time spent unconscious.

"Excuse me Fina, where's the privy?" He asked. Afterall, this magic cave seemed to have every modern amenity that the average manor had. A privy was certain to be here.

A hope that was lessened as the little girl filled her head in confusion. "The what?" She said from behind her pacifier. Alexander frowned, maybe she just didn't recognize the word. It did seem like every region had it's own term for the room.

"You know, the loo." Fina shook her head. "The restroom?" She seemed to think for a moment, before pointing to the bed. Alexander sighed as the pressure built. It was just one of those things that always seemed worse the moment you noticed it.

He was about to ask again when a warm wind passed just next to his ear. Like a whispered to quiet to be heard. Alexander looked over his shoulder for a moment. The next phrase he was going to ask about died on his tongue as another appeared in mind. For some reason, he couldn't shake the fact that he knew Fina would finally understand. Was that how the Spirits of this place communicated?

Of course, he recognized the infantile nature of the word. It only made sense that it would be what the girl recognized. "The potty?" As soon as he said that the girl let out a big "ooooooh" without caring that her pacifier fell out and once again began dangling from her shirt.

"Why didn't you say do in the first place?" She shook her head, and Alexander suddenly felt like he just said something silly in front of a teacher. "Seriously, why do grown ups have so many words for potty? You should just say what you mean."

Alexander found himself blushing at the admonishment. Which was frankly absurd. He couldn't understand the feeling of embarrassment he felt at not calling it the potty. So instead of continuing to feel like he got ths wrong answer on a test, he pushed those feelings aside to focus on the solution to his growing need.

"Right, sorry. Fina, where is your potty?" He asked, wanting merely to take care of the issue at hand.

"I don't have one." She answered plainly, sipping her tea afterwards.

"I'm... sorry. You don't have one?" Alexander thought back to what he first thought was a trick of the light when they walked to the room.

"I don't have one. Joseph does, but he's away, so there's no need for one." She explained through bites of her cookies.

Alexander stared at the girl. She had to be close to ten at the least, if only based on her vocabulary. Surely she's... "I'm not sure I understand." Which, naturally, only made her laugh at his confusion.

"I'm not potty trained, duh." She grabbed the last cookie on the plate the spirits left.

"But aren't you a little old for that?" Alexander protested, mostly in the vain hope she was joking with him.

"Nope!" She exclaimed, dashing his hopes. "I told you, I'm not gonna grow up and that's part of growing up." She leaned to the side of her chair and was kept from falling by the spirits holding her up. Alexander couldn't help but feel deja vu from seeing Joseph do the same thing yesterday. "I used to be, but then I realized it was a silly thing to worry about."

She stood up and walked around the table so Alexander could see her better. "See?" She lifted the hem of her skirt enough for him to see the oversized diaper on her waist. It was a pale white fabric of some sort that he didnt recognize. Of course, he didnt need to know much of childcare to know what the dark patch meant. "The spirits let me know when I need changing. It was too much responsibility, remembering to use the potty."

Fina dropped her skirt and walk over to the dresser that Alexander noticed earlier. She seemed to have gotten lost him her own mind. Her jovial tone from when she was teasing Alexander vanished as she continued speaking. "Out there, it's all too much. I have to find my own food, my own clothing, my own gear." She began to grip the top of the table, and Alexander could swear he began smelling burnt wood. "I have to control my emotions! I have to fight every battle! I have solve every last problem cause no one else can take put their heads together and come up with a solution! I always have to be the one to solve it, and I! I just!"

Whatever she was about to say was derailed as Alexander watched her twirl into the air. Fina began to scream and wail. Her voice filled with phantom pains and all too real regret. Her pacifier floated back into her mouth as she was rocked back and forth by the spirits. She struggled for a moment in their grasp, but it wasn't to escape. It was because she had to struggle. She had to punch and kick.

Alexander watched silently as the spirits calmed the tantrum before it could grow to full size. Eventually, shouts of uncontrolled anger and fear subsided into sobs, which faded as quickly as they came.

"I'm sorry. I can't control myself. It's why I stay here." She whispered from her position; getting rocked and cradled in mid air. "I can't handle the responsibility of being out there. Out there I have to he perfect, and I can't be. In here, the spirits already handle everything else for me." As she calmed, the spirit gently set her onto the ground once again. "In here, the spirits take every responsibility of mine away."

She turned away from Alexander, she couldn't bare to face him after her second outburst in one day. It was bad enough how bad she hurt him last time. "Can I be alone for a moment?" She asked softly. "If you ask the spirit nicely, they'll make you a potty."

"Are, are you okay?" Alexander asked, still sitting in his chair. He hadn't moved in the past however long that took.

"I will be," Fina said before putting her pacifier in and quietly sucking on it. Alexander didn't really know what to do, other than leave with the warm breeze escorting him from the room.

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An adventurer stood outside a bedroom, his heart breaking with each and every sob that made it's way through the door. He is generally considered a smart person. "Fina," he whispers as the presence he now recognizes as the spirits swirl around him. "Why did you bring me here?" He asks. Dust near his feet is kicked up. Once it clears, the adventurer sees the doll that looked so much like him, holding hands with a doll that looks so much like her. He stares at the dolls for a moment and takes a deep breath. "Spirits, before I can help, I need a favor."

The adventurer tells the spirits of the what he needs done. The spirits lead him to a room made for just for him.

 

Edited September 14, 2022 by BabySiras
More Typos

[kerry]

20 minutes ago, BabySiras said:

Her whine had changed tone quiet sort if sincerity as she spoke

oops

26 minutes ago, BabySiras said:

eminity

sp

29 minutes ago, BabySiras said:

Her voice cilled with phantom pains

 

[BabySiras]

My ploy to make people read closely enough to spot typos is working! Mwahahahahaha

 

Seriously, though I'm glad to all who read and engage with Fina and Alexander

[kerry]

This story is a lot of fun. I don't know what you plan after the obvious reveal, but I'm happy to find out.

[BabySiras]

Knowing my writing style, a lot of talking, a heart to heart, and at least one diaper change

[BabySiras]

I have a fever, and the only cure is the final chapter of this short little tale! Thank you for the people that have read, commented, and pointed out my many, many typos.

 

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

 

Chapter 4

 

Alexander found himself nervous. It was a fair response to the day's events. It was only occurring to him now that he'd removed his armor just how vulnerable he was here. The Hero he had worshiped, and, in some ways, modeled his life after had nearly killed him completely by accident. It was a fact he only just processed after having time alone. Now on the other side of the door in front of him was a little girl with seemingly poor emotional control, and, if he was his theory was correct, more power then he could ever comprehend.

And yet, right now his Hero was... away. As far as Alexander could tell, Joseph was going to be 'away' for a while. He spent a year unknowingly trying to find this place, and it was dawning on him that he would leave empty handed. All he had was a little girl that couldn't leave. A little girl that once carried the weight of the world on her shoulders.

A little girl convinced that if she wasn't perfect the world would end.

A little girl whose heart and soul had been broken.

Alexander couldn't stand the sound of crying children. He was terrible with kids. He never knew how to interact with them, or even what it was like to be one. He grew up on stories of love and adventure, and spent his childhood preparing for his own adventures. Looking back now, he almost regrets that. It would be incredibly helpful now.

The spirit here takes care of its residents. Heals their wounds, fills their needs, and cares for them. Some wounds it can only heal, some needs it can only provide temporary relief from. Alexander finally realized he was here.

He closed his eyes as the warm breeze of the spirit danced around his legs. He was still getting used to the outfit it gave him, but he didn't need to be an adventurer right now. Joeseph never needed an adventurer to find him.

Fina, however, needed a friend.

"Fina?" Alex called through the door. "Can I tell you a story? I can stay out here if it helps." He held his breath. Fina had been quiet for a while now. He was realizing that didn't mean much with her outbursts and tantrums though.

Eventually, after nearly a minute, he heard a soft "kay" float through the door. He let out the breath he was holding and smiled. Good, he thought, there was still a chance to reach her.

"About seven years ago, right when I first started adventuring, I took a job in the eastern swamp. It was a horrid slog, and I honestly never want to go back there. But there was a Star Bear that had fallen to the ground. It was allegedly a small one so the rating on the bounty was lower than it should have been.

It didn't take long to track down. The trail of destruction it left behind was obvious. However, when I found it, the bear towered over me. It was far greater than I was expecting. I was over-confident though, and was quickly overwhelmed. I would have died that day.

As I am here with you, I'm sure you realize that I did not. I was cornered, injured, and disarmed. Before the Star Bear could finish me off though, a great mystic missile slammed into it. From out of the bush came a face I had only seen in paintings and stories, yet I knew it well. Joseph the Star Killer himself arrived to save me.

Before I could even blink, his sword was moving and his spells were flying. Almost instantly the Star Bear dispersed, and without a word, Joseph cast a healing spell to mend my wounds. I was barely able to say thank you, before he was off. One of the reasons I set out on my quest to find him, was to say that properly. To thank him for saving my life."



When Alexander finished his story, he stopped talking in an attempt to listen to Fina on the other side of the door. When no sound came out from behind the door, he steeled himself, and continued speaking from his heart.  "I admit, I don't entirely understand your situation Fina, but I can emphasize. I know you didn't understand why I wanted to apologize to Joseph earlier; but I still want to tell him I'm sorry. Not for angering him, but for asking more of him then he had to give."

There was no sound from the other side of the door, until Alexander heard quiet footsteps walking to the door. He waited to see what she would do. Soft, hesitant words came through in response, "would... would you like to tell him?"

To Alexander, her voice sounded fragile and unsure. Just yesterday, he would have jumped at any chance to speak with the man known as the Greatest Hero the world had ever seen. But that was just a title, and simply one amongst hundreds. Alexander was quickly realizing the pressures caused by such things.

"If that's what he wants, then I can tell him directly. But Fina," Alexander stepped back from the door, the warmth of the spirit encouraging him to speak, "I don't need to tell him that do I? Honestly, all I want to do is understand, and to let you know that no matter who comes out this door, I'll still be here, and I'll still be willing to just be their friend. You don't have to be perfect, no matter who you are."


Alexander had no more words to say at that point. Another guest of wind from the Spirits blew past him and through the door. He could hear quiet whispering behind the door, though the words couldn't reach him. All he could do was stand there and wait.

Which given his current outfit, felt incredibly silly. He didn't know who to expect walking though that door, but he would be rather embarrassed if Joseph saw him like this.

Any pondering had to wait as the door began to slowly open. Alexander went completely still as he waited to see who would walk out. It wasn't much if a wait as Fina slowly walked out clutching the star bear doll, sucking on her pacifier, and staring at the ground.

"Is it really okay to be Fina?" She asked around the pacifier. She continued looking to the ground, even as she wanted nothing more than the approval of someone that had seen Joseph as such an inspiration. She had always seemed small to Alexander, but at the moment she seemed to have done everything she could short of digging into the ground to escape from view.

Of course, if she didn't look at him, it would really defeat the point of what he asked of the spirit. Alexander walked towards the girl. "Fina," he said as he approached, "it's okay. While I wouldn't mind learning more, you can be whoever you want to be." Fina finally looked up at him, and her eyes went wide. She didn't notice as her mouth fell open and her pacifier fell away. "Now, I believe we were having a tea party?"

Fine snorted, and then chuckled, and then broke into all out laughter as the absurdity of Alexander's outfit broke through what remained of the tear stains on her face. "What are you wearing?" She somehow managed to say between each laugh.

"What, I think I pull it off quite well." Alexander declared, posing quite like the upper class students at his old academy would. He was, of course, wearing the finest fashion the cavern could provide for its residents. Though seeing as there was only one resident, that left his options rather limited.

Alexander had was and had always been a rather thin man. A fact that was plainly obvious without his armor on. It was for this reason he was able to wear one of Fina's dresses. Though admittedly, it looked more like a baggy shirt on him. It was a light blue dress with thin white swirls that gave the illusion of snow falling from the sky.

It also did nothing to hide the fact that much like Fina, Alexander was wearing a diaper. It had been folded exceptionally well, and fit him far better than the dress did. Honestly, if he wasn't moving around so much, it would almost be comfortable.

Alexander let Fina have her laugh. That was, after all, the point of this outfit. After a while, she got got the it all out of her system, though she kept giggling everytime she looked back at him. "Thank you," she said once able to talk again. For once, she seemed to have a real smile on her face. No mischief, or childish wordplay involved. Alexander decided then that he couldn't take that smile away from her.

"So, I don't know about you, but I am ready for some actual food. I'm guessing it's around dinner time anyway." The last substantial thing Alexander had eaten was breakfast that morning. Despite the caverns lights and the strange ceiling that shows the world above; the ongoing snow storm made it hard to tell just how long he had been there.

"Spirit? Could you..." before Fina could even finish asking, the fires on the ranges began burning as spices floated out of cabinets. Fina smiled as the spirit began handling everything.

"So," she started, bouncing back and force on the balls of her feet, "I'm, guessing you have a few questions."  She absentmindedly played with the hem of her skirt, unable to really stay still in the presence of someone who was accepting her as she was.

"A few," Alexander admitted. "Spirit, could we have a place to sit down?" The living area was currently empty outside of the kitchen area, and he didn't want to sit in and around the flying food stuffs.

A rush of warm air flew past his eyes, forcing them closed for a second. By the time he opened them, the playpen that he had seen during his first arrival had been set back up. The floor of within the pen was covered with a soft foam mat, and it was also filled with pillows and other stuffed toys.

"I was hoping for a chair." Alexander muttered as Fina happily walked through an open gate. Still, it looked comfortable enough, and it wasn't like he had to impress anyone by pretending he wasn't somewhat curious about why Fina enjoyed this treatment so much.

He stepped into the pen, and felt more than saw the spirit close the gate behind him. Fina jumped into the pile of stuffed creatures with a cheer. Alexander was a bit more reserved as he adjusted some of the pillows to make a comfortable chair on the ground. He found it a bit awkward to sit with the diaper on at first, but if pressed would like admit it wasn't uncomfortable.

"So, what would you like to know?" Fina asked from her makeshift bed of animals.

"How did this," Alexander gestured to the animals, the dresses, Fina herself, "happen?"

Fina giggled, "you just pointed to all of me." She rolled off of the pile to sit up to better talk. "Well, in that case, I suppose I can start from the beginning."

Alexander settled in to get comfortable, he had a feeling this would take a while.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

I first discovered this place shortly after I left home. Kindling was still getting built, and they had a yeti problem. I came in, fought the yeti, and got caught in a snowstorm. I was injured and hadn't quite mastered the healing artes yet.

I stumbled into here by accident, and met the spirit. At the time, I asked for a place to rest, mostly because it's always good manners to ask nicely when it comes to spirits.

I'm sure you can imagine my surprise when a brand new room carved itself into existence. Inside was a simple bed, some tools for minor repairs to my armor, and a soft pink dress with sunflower yellow trim.

At first I set it aside, confused by its existence more than anything. My curiousity got the better of me as I was sewing some tears in my shirt and changed into it. A mirror appeared in the room without my notice, and my first thought was that I looked like one of my sisters.

My second was that I looked nice.

I kept the dress on as I fixed my clothing, and eventually left it behind when I went back to the world. Every now and then, when I needed a break, I'd come back here. At first I'd find an excuse to put the dress on, and I'd wear it longer and longer each time.

Then the excuses turned to fantasies. I'd pretend I was some adventurer's wife repairing my husband's gear. That I wasn't the person that everyone looked to for help. I wasn't The Savior of the Southern Alliance. I could just be Josefina, the noble's wife or even just a commoner.

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"Josefina?" Alexander asked, interrupting the tale. Fina blushed and looked away, lifting one if the stuffed animals up to hide her reddened cheeks. Alexander couldn't help but laugh. This girl could proudly exclaim she needed diapers and got flustered by a name.

"Well," she lowered the stuffed toy slightly, "it was a pretty name, and if fit at the time. I... if I ever left, I'd want to do it as her." She began to fidget in place. It was hard, admitting that out loud.

"I think it's a wonderful name, Fina." Alexander said. "Maybe one day, when you're ready, you'll grow into it." He hoped she understood he wasn't trying to pressure her about doing such.

"Maybe," she said sadly. Alexander was about to attempt to back peddle before Fina continued, "but that was just how it started. There's still a lot of story to go through."

Alexander let out a sigh of relief as it seemed story time would continue despite the brief interruption. He was also beginning to realize that in his haste to comfort Fina earlier, he'd forgotten to ask for something.

It was too late, unfortunately, as Fina began to continue her tale.

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It would be another few years before Josefina would become just Fina. While here, I enjoyed the Spirits' help but I didn't rely on them until much later. At first it was enough to just shed my armor and be someone else. Then...

Then Drysdale happened.

No, it's okay. It's important.

After what I... what Joseph did, I was so angry at myself, and at the world that kept praising me. It was my fault an entire city was wiped off the map. Knowing it could have been worse didn't help.

So I did what I always did when I was stressed. I came here. I shed my armor and put on a dress but it wasn't enough. I was... I was rude to the Spirit, and they were never anything but kind. I made absurd requests, I broke the things it brought me. I kicked and screamed. Looking back, it was basically my first tantrum.

I was letting out all my anger and I just wanted someone to be as angry at me as I was. I... I had a bad childhood, and I was harshly punished anytime I wasn't perfect. What I thought I wanted more than anything was that punishment.

So, since nothing else worked, I did the one thing that never failed to get me punished as a young child. I wet myself.

The spirit stopped its efforts to clean the mess I had made if the cavern. I could tell it was looking at me, almost through me. For the first time, I was afraid of what it was going to do to me. The spirits enveloped me, surrounded me in its warmth. My anger began to turn to regret. I was terrified that it was this was the final straw, that this was going to be what it throws ms out for.

Then, then I heard their voice for the first time. "It's okay, child," the spirit said, "everyone throws tantrums. Everyone has accidents."

Hearing their voice, their words, it turned a switch in me. My anger turned to grief as I finally let my self cry over everything I had lost. I think I cried for nearly an hour. I sat in their arms until I had exhausted myself. They carried me over to a bath, and I was too tires to protest as they removed my dress and cleaned me. That was the most relaxed I had ever felt.

I had to go back into the world after that, but my trips back here became more frequent. The spirit began paying more and more attention to me while I was here. Preparing food before I asked, helping me tend to injuries, helping me bathe; It was treating me like a child, and obviously, I enjoyed it.

My second accident came after another bad fight. A city left half destroyed because I made a mistake. When I got back here, I just wanted to be held again; to be cared for again. I pretended like I hadn't noticed at first, and asked the spirit for help. They held me again, carried me to the bath again.

From then on the spirit was even more attentive to me. I'd feel them check on me when I was cleaning my self. Stuffed animals began to appear in the bedrooms they made for me. Every now and then the spirit would tug on my dress to remind me to use the potty.

By the time I realized why, I had grown addicted to the treatment. While the spirit never stopped me from leaving, in their eyes I was a young child now, and I came to love the treatment. I'd tell the spirit stories of my adventures using the toys as props, I'd intentionally spill my drinks so it would fuss over me, sometimes I would only use the potty when the Spirit reminded me to. It was the young childhood I never had and...

Hey, are you paying attention?

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"Of course I am!" Alexander declared. Fina was mock scowling at him. His leg wouldn't stop bouncing and he was fidgeting more than she normally was. "It's just.." his face grew red as whatever else he said turned into a mumble.

Fina's scowl quickly turned into the catlike smile she had earlier. "I'm sorry, I missed that last part."

"I said I just... I need to use the potty still." This time, it was Alexander unable to meet her eyes. Fina began to laugh, which only served to further turn him into a tomato, "It's your fault for mentioning all your accidents." He countered, which just served to make her laugh even more.

"Sorry Alex," she barely managed to get out through her laughter, "no potty while in diapies!" She rhymed in a sing-song voice.

Alexander grabbed another pillow and set in on his lap so Fina couldn't see his diaper. "Just, continue the story," he grumbled out. Of course, that only made Fina laugh more. Still, as the little girl started her story again, he tried to relax.

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Well, you can see where I was going anyway. The spirits here were the mother I never had. It was nice, having a place to go where I wasn't expected to do anything: to be anything.

Then the Fell Star came.

I don't need to tell you of the devastation it brought with it. You're an adventurer, you probably had your hands full. The details of stopping are a tale spun into myth as it was happening. There's probably at least fifty different ways people think that Joseph stopped it and saved the world.

All of them are wrong.

The creature that made up the fell star wasn't a mindless monster, or an expirement gone wrong, or a vengeful deity or what ever it is people are saying this month.

The Fell Star was a little boy from a far off world. He was meant to carry their hopes and dreams across the stars, finding new life and then carrying their hopes and dreams, until all the wonders of the universe were within him.

Ultimately though, he found one dead and dying world after another. All he was ever able to learn was sadness and pain. It twisted him, and all he wanted was to save people from their misery.

In the end; it wasn't Joseph the Hero that slew him, it wasn't Josefina the Lady that mended him, it was Fina, the little girl that just wanted a chance to be happy that reached him.

All the little boy wanted was a hug, and someone to tell him it was okay.

Afterwards, he was gone and I looked like this. I can will myself to look like Joseph did, and I can will myself to look like what I wanted to look like as Josefina. I always return to this when I'm sleeping though.

Not just that, but the energy the boy carried had to go somewhere. Some of it became the great beacon that lit the sky for three nights. Most of it went into me though. As Fina, with the spirit caring for me, I can keep it dormant most of the time.

When I'm an adult though, it's hard. There is so much to focus on, I can only manage it for a few hours before it becomes too much. That's how I hurt you earlier, which I'm very, very sorry about.

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Fina was currently petting one of her stuffed animals in an attempt to distract herself from the story she just told. "So that's why I can't come with you. It's my final responsibility. The best way to save the world, is to have everything I ever wanted."

Alexander sat pensively, his hands resting on his lap pillow. "Thank you for telling me," he said once it was clear that she was done. "If it helps, I'll make sure no one else comes looking for you unless you want them too." It was the least he could offer.

"Thank you," Fina said, "maybe one day I'll be able to control it, be able to grow up again. Until then, I genuinely am happy like this. So please don't act like this is a tragedy."

"Right," Alexander replied. He honestly believed that she was. Even just in the playpen alone, she was smiling as she acted out everything using each and every toy she could grab. She saved the world, and continues to do so every day. He refused to be the end of her second childhood. "Still, any words you want to tell the world? Not as some great hero solving problems, but as a little girl reaching out? It's okay if you don't."

Fina stared upward as she considered the offer, and after almost an entire minute of waiting; said words that would live on for eons. Alexander committed them to memory, and promised that the world would hear them.

As soon as she finished, a bell rang through the air. Both denizens of the playpen looked out from their own little world together, and towards the dinner table. It seemed that the spirit had finished cooking for them. The gate keeping them not quite trapped in was opened. Fina quickly jumped up from the floor and practically ran to the table.

"Oh wait," Fina stopped just before she reached the table. From her face, Alexander knew he was going to regret her next words, "didn't you need to use the potty Alex?"

The not so little boy in the dress mumbled something that almost sounded like "no" which certainly sent Fina in to a brand new fit of laughter. Alex couldn't help but returning to his shade of red he wore earlier.

As the boy waddled to the table, he felt a warm breath pass near his ear. He only heard two words, but they were enough; "Thank You." Alex smiled, and ran to sit next to his friend.

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"Be kind to one another, and don't be afraid to be who you are inside. And sometimes, all you need is someone to tell you 'everything will be okay'".

Alexander wrote the words into his journal. In the morning he would leave Kindling. He would bring word back that would likely be the last words of a legend. It wasn't what he set out for, but he was glad with what he found. And if his pack had one more dress in it than he came with, then so be it.

An End

[kerry]

An adorable story, nicely handled.