Salomus Chapter 3

Chapter 03 – Of Regrets and Tearful Farewells

The rest of the week went by rather quickly, with May frequently visiting Sean whenever she had free time. Before long, it was time to leave. Sean was now able to stand and walk around without much pain, though he had been by himself every time he did so. On his last day, he stood up to give May a hug goodbye. When he walked over to her, she stared at him in awe.

"Whoa. You're tall," was all she could say.

"Really? I know I've always been a bit big for my age, but I never considered myself to be all that tall. I'm only human, after all, however regrettable that may be."

"What do you mean, 'regrettable'?"

"Well, even when I was back in 2011, I had always hated the fact that I was human. We're the most selfish and conceited species in existence. Human beings as a species seem to be under the impression that they are better than others. This has lead to the extinction of many smaller species on Earth. At least, that's how it was in my time. Anyway, I have always been ashamed of being human. If I could, I would become a Talmi in a heartbeat. But unfortunately, as far as I am aware, there is no way to change your species."

"Actually," she said in a whisper, beckoning him closer. "There is one way, though it is not exactly legal in the Connection, and it is rather painful. But if you truly wish to free yourself from the bonds of humanity and become a Talmi, you can pull through it."

"Tell me, please," Sean begged her. "I must know. I am willing to go through anything to not be a human."

"Okay, but remember this: I never told you anything, alright?"
Sean nodded. "Alright."

"When you leave this hospital, you must travel around back to the south end of the building. Follow along that beat-down path for about 3 kilometres, until you see an old shack. Beval the Old Healer lives there. He's known as the Old Healer because he's been around for over a thousand years, and he only uses traditional methods. He's an Efreet, so he's not exactly the nicest of all people, but he can turn you into a Talmi, all right."

"So what do I do when I meet him?"

"He will most likely try to get away from you. However, if he sees this, he may be willing to help you." May held up a silver badge, emblazoned with a purple cross and embedded with green jewels. "When I was a little girl, Beval saved my life. I had contracted an unknown illness and was very frail. Nobody could help me, so my parents brought me to him. He managed to cure me, and for some reason, he took quite a shine to me. We got along well during my recovery period. He gave me this badge, saying that if I ever needed a favor from him, all I had to do was ask. We have been close friends ever since." She pressed the badge into Sean's hands. "Show him this badge, and tell him that Miss Mayflower sent you. That was his nickname for me when I was under his care. Tell him that she would like for him to help you, as a favor for me."


Sean looked in the mirror. For what he hoped was the last time, he saw a normal looking teenage human staring back at him.

"So, if he does turn me into a Talmi, would you ever recognise me? I'd hate for this to be our last conversation."

"Don't worry, I know my friends when I see them. And besides, we still have to get you that scholarship."

"Right. I will make sure that the first person to see me as a Talmi will be you. Thank you again for all of your help." Sean embraced her in the most heartfelt hug he had ever given to somebody. He inwardly smiled when he felt her face against his chest, remembering how his old friend Trisha used to give him hugs at that height. "Goodbye for now, May."

"Goodbye, Sean, and may fate and good fortune follow you."

As he walked out of the room, Sean glanced back at his first friend in this time period. He saw her silently brush away a tear.