One Wish

Falling scales zipped past in every direction, unspent wishes that left bubbles in their wake. They came in every colour, peppering the dark seabed below like the lights of some far-off city; but they held little interest for Nir, who swam among them with a determined focus. They'd seen the rainbow trail arcing over the seaside, and when it pierced the water they dove in after it with no hesitation. It was rare for the astrean to find themselves wanting something, but this multicoloured scale promised a multifaceted wish--or perhaps a simple yet powerful one? Whatever it was, it lurked in some forgotten corner of Nir's mind, one of many, rattling its cage and driving them after their prize.

But it would not be found on the seafloor. In fact, it would appear before them as if in a dream, glittering like its own little sun. It was attached to a dark hand, offered with the same grace with which one might extend an olive branch.

Looking for this?

It was more of an impulse than a sentence. Chronas had once again managed to appear out of nowhere, an oddly sincere smile gracing his features. Looks could only convey so much, so he swam upwards, Nir trailing cautiously after him.

Above the surface, the many colours were still racing each other across the sky, although none seemed to compare to the brilliance that Nir had taken into their hands. It cast the both of them in an island of warm, pinkish light as the astrean lifted their eyes to Chronas's.

"I've been looking for you," Chronas began. His smile grew a touch wry as Nir's ears pinned back. "Relax, I'm here to appeal to you. I know I've been.... less than courteous. I've been waiting a long time, you know, and although I like to think of myself as very patient, it's not so easy when you're right here in front of me at last."

He hesitated, weighing his words. Nir wondered idly if he'd practiced. "You've been.... resistant to letting me restore your memories. And I can respect that. I don't agree, but I can respect it. So, I'd like to start again. If you'll allow it, that is."

The satyr moved closer. "My name is Chronas. I've known you since the time of the astreans. But, you don't remember me." He placed his hands over Nir's, cupping the scale into their palms. "And you don't have to. I've been waiting for you to return.... and I'd like to get to know you again. Let me help you find your footing in this world. I promise you'll--"

A sharp whizz cut through the air--Chronas snapped up to catch a glimmering green scale before it could crash into him and Nir, tossing it aside with a hiss and shaking out his hand. "Oh, fucking--whatever. Why don't you and I finish this conversation on shore? And you can tell me what's so special to wish for on your little scale."

Nir had opened their mouth to say something, but suddenly clutched the rainbow scale to their chest, awash in what seemed to be embarrassment. They turned and darted away through the waves, not bothering to wait up.

Heaving a millennia-heavy sigh, Chronas trailed after them.