Chapter 2199: Is This Dragon A Comedian Or Something?
Chapter 2199: Is This Dragon A Comedian Or Something?
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My father is the kind man he is thanks to all his memories and the past I might never be able to see or experience for myself. And Flamie is part of him, forever. A living memory that would never fade, his heart itself. Flamie is the flame in his heart, his relentless bravery and strength, his unwavering determination... and above all, his kindness.
He had already experienced what it meant to take care of a small, defenseless little creature long before any of us were born, so it was no wonder he had grown into such a good dad. Looking at him now, I could not help but laugh softly at the thought.
If anything, seeing dad like this did not worsen the image I had of him... it improved it even further. It revealed to me that my father had once been just like any of us when we were children—full of wonder, attachment, and quiet vulnerability beneath all the strength he showed the world.
"Flamie..." my father said, sitting with the little dragon spirit resting on his legs. His voice was low and thick with emotion as he gently stroked the spirit’s glowing scales. "I’ll never forget you..." He pulled the small form into a careful hug, holding him close against his chest. "Never... I’ll always carry you in my heart, until I burn away spectacularly one day."
"Heh! I’d rather you shrivel up into an old raisin and raise your grandkids one day!" Flamie chuckled, his tiny voice carrying a warmth that softened the weight of the moment. "What I did was my own original idea, okay? So don’t you ever dare do that! You’ve got kids here... don’t say that again, Allan!"
"..." My father nodded slowly, the corner of his mouth lifting in a faint, apologetic smile. "Sorry... you’re right."
"Still!" Flamie continued, floating up a little so he could look my father in the eyes. "What you’ve done with your Spirits and Familiars is sure amazing, man! So many new guys I didn’t get to see! Ah damn, I wish I could see everyone else too..." His voice cracked slightly as he suddenly shed a few bright tears that shimmered like tiny sparks before fading into the air.
"Flamie?" my father asked in quiet disbelief, his own eyes already glistening.
"A-Ahahah... well, I’m already dead, and that’s it!" the little dragon said, forcing a bright smile even as more tears welled up. "It’s time to finally... to finally rest."
"Wait...!" my father said, leaning forward. "Why did you cry if you—"
"That I want to rest in peace doesn’t mean I cannot shed a little tear here and there, you damn insensible brat!" Flamie struck the top of his head again with his soft tail, the playful impact carrying more affection than force. "It’s just that... I’m glad that at least a tiny piece of me remained all the way to this point! I’m so proud of what you’ve done, partner!"
"..."
My father nodded again, tears streaming freely down his face this time as he remained silent for several long seconds. Then he raised one hand and gave the little dragon a firm thumbs-up, his voice steady despite the emotion.
"I’ve got this! You go ahead and give Ignatius your inheritance! I don’t need it anyway. You’ve gotta invest in the new generations after all."
Flamie nodded, his expression softening. "New Generations, huh? There was once a time when we were the new generation... well, time sure flies, eh?"
My father looked over at us as he slowly stood and began walking with Flamie back toward the rest of the family. His eyes held a distant, thoughtful light. "It sure does..."
Flamie flew past him and then headed straight toward me, his small wings leaving faint trails of warm light in the air. "You’re Sylphy, right? Nice to meet you! It was nice that I could see what Allan’s daughter looked like! You take good care of Ignatius, okay? He’ll forever carry a piece of my soul now!"
I nodded firmly, feeling a mix of pride and quiet sadness settle in my chest. "Of course. Leave it to me, Flamie!"
Then he flew toward my brother, circling him once with clear curiosity. "You’re Zephyrus! Woah, you’re the living, breathing image of Allan back then! Though, between you and me, you’re waaaay more handsome. This kid, seriously, he was UGLY."
"WHAT?!" my father screamed in pure disbelief, his voice cracking as the rest of us burst into laughter. "Eeeeh?! You’re laughing?!" At our continued amusement, even he ended up laughing along, shaking his head while trying to look offended.
It was one last joke from Flamie before the true farewells began.
Then the little dragon flew toward Faylen. My mother had been holding herself together until that moment, but tears were already quietly sliding down her cheeks.
"Flamie..." she said, her voice trembling slightly. "I’ll miss you, you little troublemaker!"
"Heheheh!" Flamie smiled cutely, hovering close enough for her to reach him. "I always remember how you reprimanded us all the time! Faylen... you’ve sure not changed at all! Elves, huh?"
"Stop it with the jokes!" my mother said, laughing even as more tears fell. "You little devil!" She reached out and gently grabbed his little tail for a faint moment before pulling him into a careful hug and kissing his forehead. "Take care, wherever you go."
"..." Flamie fell silent for a moment, accepting the hug fully and nodding against her shoulder. "Don’t worry! But thank you for worrying! No need though. This big, strong dragon still has some adventures left in him! Wherever my soul goes, I’ll go as well, whatever remains of me. We’ll reunite. I hope he reincarnated, maybe? Or perhaps there’s a dragon heaven! Whatever the case, I’ll have a blast and never have any regrets! Heh!"
We all nodded as he slowly flew toward Ignatius, who was waiting with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. "Alright, big bro, you ready?"
Ignatius grew visibly anxious, his wings shifting restlessly. "W-Wait! Already?! Can’t you wait a little? I’d like to at least know some things about you before—"
"I’ll pass on my memories too, so you can see them and then learn," Flamie smiled warmly. "It’s nice to know that the family has kept the tradition of having a dead pet dragon though!"
"Pfff..." I almost laughed out loud even though I knew it was a terrible joke.
"FLAMIE!" my dad screamed in renewed disbelief. "That was low!"
"Hahahaha!" Flamie laughed freely, spinning once in the air. "Your daughter found it funny though~"
"Just what is this dragon? Is he a damn comedian?" I laughed as my father sighed deeply and crossed his arms, though the fondness in his eyes never faded.
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