The Winged-Humans (28)

It didn't take long for the magic to take full effect. It was an easy use of Brightness' abilities. In other words, it was a spell well within his natural ability. The transformation spell he was working on was quite a bit different. He wasn't just manipulating the visibility of things that were already there, he was fundamentally changing everything about himself. This is a good chance. I can use my magic while practicing the transformation spell. Extremely good practice. It wouldn't be a very effective spell if I randomly assumed my regular form while using any other magic. I also don't want to transform while mating… That could cause us both a lot of swelling. 

While Brightness continued to think about managing his development on the transformation spell, the Winged-Humans began tearful reunions with the souls of the dead that still remained. Some souls were parents of the older generation present, they cried together as all of the living began talking about how life had been. No one made mention of anything in a way that would be seen as a complaint. After all, they were still alive and could continue on. 

Other Spirits of the dead were friends of those present. These spirits showed a cheerful yet jealous side at seeing the life everyone had. Even so, none of them complained about their death. Instead giving thanks for the chance to see the hope they stayed behind to defend, blossoming into a truly fantastic sight. 

The rest of the spirits were that of the children who never managed to flee. While they were friends with those who were now grandparents, they ended up having that childish connection with their friends' grandchildren. 

To the living children it was like getting a glimpse of what their family was like all those years ago. And it was during these conversations that the topic of the goddess and riding on the back of a dragon came up. Hearing the mention of the goddess was enough to send the spirits of the dead into a moment of shock, then spirit tears fell from their eyes. 

"The goddess has truly come back to our people!?" One of the Spirits asked in a reverent plea for an answer, their face looked like they were trying to hide tears and keep themselves from crying, they weren't doing a very good job of it though. 

The three elders nodded and then one began to answer. "That's right. Our goddess has returned to us. It was through her grace that the Evil Dragons were killed. And why the kind dragon behind us has used their magic to let us say our final goodbyes." The Elder said, wiping their face once more. 

"Our goddess has returned! Then our sacrifices weren't in vain." A spirit called out. As the spirits held each other. "Is it possible to see her? We wish to thank her for not letting our deaths be in vain. And for avenging our deaths." The spirit cried. 

Night Silver, with several of the elven and dwarven children hanging off her, came walking over. The light of the moon reflecting off her hair, shattered the night's darkness. Giving off an even more vibrant light than the spirits of the dead. 

"Goddess… It's really the goddess. Lady Goddess! Thank you for everything!" The spirits cried out, bowing while restricting their movements. However, the spirits of the children who had lost their lives, well they were still children and thus they flew over to get closer to their beloved goddess, their god mother. 

I must have some natural magnetism. This goddess business is rather annoying… Well it was but now I feel more comfortable with it. And it gives these people the strength to continue carrying on, forward into the future. 

Using her mana, Night Silver reached out and patted the children's spirits on the head. This shocked everyone, who saw it happen. It was thought to be impossible to do something like that. Which is why any final doubts about Night Silver, not being a goddess, were completely quelled in that moment. Surely only a deity could interact with those separated by life and death. 

"Your lives were cut short far too soon. I wish I could have seen you grow up into strong and healthy men and women." Night Silver started speaking. I don't know what to say, I just have the urge to say something. "Forgive this goddess for being too late to save you. And I promise, now that I'm here, I'll protect all of your friends and people as if they were my own. Regardless of who the threat is, I will keep them safe. And allow them to grow into their own. My wish for you, the ones I could not save… Is for your souls to rest in peace, with the knowledge that your sacrifices were not in vain. Your people are alive and they will carry on living." She continued, holding back the tears. This reminds me way too much of the streets in my previous world… So many dead children and all for the corrupt desires of the overly wealthy hoarders. Damn those bastards to hell. If I ever find a way back there with these powers I'll make sure to enact Divine Punishment. The god worshiped there didn't do anything except perpetually make everything worse. 

"Goddess, there is no need for us humble servants to forgive you. For even though it was a life turned abruptly short. We lived a happy life with all of our friends. Here, where we could feel as close to you as we mortals can. And now, we can pass on with pride, pride that what we did gave us enough time to avoid extinction." A spirit said, shaking their head calm and slow. "Allow me to ask one thing of you, Goddess. Please watch over my people and allow them the honor and dignity of serving you with everything they have. That can be the repayment for being late." The spirit smiled, knowing this wouldn't go anywhere otherwise, their goddess was overly kind and thus sorrow was magnified at the sight of loss. 

"Rest assured, I won't allow any enemies the same freedoms they once had." Night Silver agreed, biting her lip. 

"Then, I think that's all we have time for. Goodbye everyone. Live well and live with honor." The Spirits said, waving goodbye as they slowly disappeared as they climbed into the sky.