In the giant forest, an open wagon rolls steadily over the rough terrain, its wheels crunching against fallen leaves and twigs.
Inside, Sam and a purified scientist, occasionally exchange glances as they bump along the path.
Both of their wrists are bound by handcuffs shimmering with a faint, magical aura designed to suppress their abilities.
Below them, Akusan lies oblivious and asleep to the journey, her snores punctuating the rhythmic creaking of the wagon as they continue their passage through the towering trees.
The giant forest is both enchanting and eerie, with towering trees that stretch endlessly into the canopy above, their leaves forming a dense, shadowy ceiling.
The air is thick with the scent of moss and damp earth, while the occasional rustle of unseen creatures adds an element of mystery to the surroundings.
Shafts of sunlight filter through the foliage, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor, creating a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere.
The wagon is being pulled by two strong horses, their muscles rippling as they navigate the uneven path with ease.
The scientist gazes out at the passing trees, finding herself mesmerized by their majestic presence, each one seeming to whisper the secrets of the ancient forest.
Sam glances at the scientist with wide eyes, his brow furrowed in confusion as he tries to fathom how they can remain so composed amidst the uncertainty of their predicament.
His lips part slightly, as if on the verge of voicing his bewilderment, but the words remain unspoken.
Instead, Sam's gaze lingers on the scientist's serene expression, wondering what inner strength allows her to face the unknown with such calmness.
Sam shifts his gaze downward, eyebrows knitting together in irritation as Akusan's snores grow louder, echoing like a bear's growl in the confined space of the wagon.
He sighs softly, his patience wearing thin, and shoots her an annoyed look, wishing for a moment of peace amidst the chaos of their journey.
Sam mutters under his breath, "How can she just sleep through all this, like nothing's happening?"
His eyes flick back to Akusan, baffled by her ability to remain oblivious to the tension and uncertainty that surrounds them.
He wonders if she possesses some secret ability to shut out the world, a skill he wishes he could master.
In the front of the wagon, a black cloak holds the reins, guiding the horses with a steady hand.
Beside him sits Percy, arms crossed over his chest, his expression one of resolute determination.
His gaze fixed on the path ahead, as if drawing confidence from the enigmatic driver's silent assurance.
Sam's eyes dart away from Akusan, seeking refuge in the familiarity of the surrounding trees, only to lock unexpectedly with Percy's cold, unwavering gaze from the front of the wagon.
The intensity of Percy's stare sends a shiver down Sam's spine, and he quickly averts his eyes, feeling flustered and exposed under the weight of that silent scrutiny.
With his heart pounding in his chest, Sam turns his attention back to the passing forest, trying to shake off the unsettling sensation and regain his composure.
Sam's mind races as he stares at the blurred greenery, a silent scream echoing in his thoughts: "I need to get out of here!"
He imagines himself leaping from the wagon, arms flailing dramatically, and running into the woods like a character in a slapstick comedy.
The absurdity of the image brings a reluctant smile to his lips, momentarily easing the tension in his chest.
Sam's gaze shifts back to the scientist, his curiosity piqued as he considers the ropes binding her.
"A purified scientist, I wonder how she ended up here?" Sam muses, trying to make sense of the situation.
Sam stares at her for several seconds.
Unlike the aireon, the purified scientist has barely moved at all.
Hands folded neatly in her lap despite the restraints around her wrists.
Back straight.
Eyes forward.
Even with dirt smeared faintly across her pale skin and the wrinkles forming in her once-pristine uniform, there was something unnervingly composed about her.
Silver-gray hair rested carefully over one shoulder, though several strands had fallen loose during the journey.
Thin gloves covered her hands despite the heat inside the wagon, and every few minutes she subtly adjusted the right one higher against her wrist like an unconscious ritual.
She looked exhausted.
Not physically.
Existentially.
Sam studied her quietly.
The purified scientist, an enemy of the black cloaks and those who live outside of their walls surely knows their destination, and Sam wonders if she holds any answers or if she's just another pawn in this puzzling journey.
Most captured people he'd imagined would cry.
Panic.
Beg for freedom.
That unsettled him more than fear would have.
The wagon lurched violently over a root.
Sam nearly slipped off the bench while the scientist barely shifted an inch.
"How are you so calm?" he blurted.
Her eyes slid toward him at last.
Gray.
Sharp.
Tired beyond measure.
For a moment she simply stared, as if unsure why he was talking to her at all.
Then her gaze drifted to Akusan's sleeping form.
"I could ask her the same thing."
Sam looks at Akusan for a moment.
Another loud snore echoed through the wagon.
The scientist's lips twitched faintly.
Not quite a smile.
Just the ghost of one.
Sam noticed it immediately.
And for some reason, that tiny almost-smile felt stranger than anything else in the forest.
"You're… not what I expected," he admitted.
The scientist tilted her head slightly.
"You expected fear?"
"Well…" Sam awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck against the wooden wall. "You are captured by people you probably think are terrorists."
"That depends," she replied softly, "on which history book you read."
Sam blinked.
That answer caught him off guard.
The scientist turned her attention back toward the passing forest outside the wagon.
The silence stretched.
But it wasn't hostile.
Just… tired.
Eventually Sam spoke again.
"Do you know where they are taking us?"
"To meet their leader."
"Master Gahdu?"
This time her eyes visibly flicked toward him with surprise.
"You know the name already?"
"I heard one of them mention the name, and figured it was important."
"I see."
Sam hesitated.
Then, carefully:
"Are they going to kill us?"
The question lingered in the air between them.
For the first time since he'd seen her, the scientist's composure cracked almost invisibly.
Not outwardly.
But in the delay before answering.
A tiny hesitation.
Like the question itself hurts more than the possible answer.
Finally she said:
"I don't imagine people like us are usually spared, especially people like me."
Something about the way she said people like me made Sam's chest tighten.
Not bitterness.
Resignation.
Like she'd already sorted herself into a category beneath saving.
Sam frowned.
"Well… I don't think that's fair."
The scientist slowly turned toward him again.
This time fully.
Studying him.
Really studying him.
As if trying to understand whether he was mocking her.
But Sam's expression remained painfully sincere.
"You don't even know me," she said quietly.
"Yeah," Sam admitted. "But you're still a person."
The wagon became strangely silent after that.
Even Akusan's snoring seemed distant.
The scientist stared at him without speaking.
Her gaze lowered slightly.
Toward his restrained hands.
Toward the faint bruising around his wrists from struggling earlier.
Then back to his face.
"You're unusual," she murmured.
Sam laughed awkwardly.
"People keep saying that and honestly it's starting to stress me out."
The scientist looked away suddenly.
But not before he noticed it.
The smallest fracture in her carefully maintained expression.
Not fear.
Not suspicion.
Something far more dangerous.
Hope.
And that terrified her.
Suddenly, the wagon lurches as it rides over a rock, causing Sam to lose his balance.
He tumbles forward, landing face-first onto Akusan, his cheeks burning with embarrassment as he finds himself nestled awkwardly between her ample bosom.
Flustered and bound, Sam struggles to regain his footing, only to comically fall back onto her again, his face brushing against her as he attempts to extricate himself, much to the amusement of those watching.
"SORRY, SORRY, SORRY, SORRY!" Sam exclaims.
The scientist merely raises an eyebrow, her attention barely wavering from the horizon, as if the chaos unfolding next to her is of little consequence.
Her calm demeanor contrasts sharply with Sam's flustered state, emphasizing her focus on matters far more significant.
Meanwhile, Akusan remains blissfully unaware, her snores providing a rhythmic soundtrack to the momentary commotion.
Hearing the commotion, Percy glances back with a stern expression, his eyes locking onto Sam's with an unspoken command.
"Get back in your seat, goldilocks," Percy instructs, his voice firm yet laced with a hint of urgency. "We've arrived," he adds, nodding towards the distant silhouette of their destination looming ahead.
Sam awkwardly maneuvers his legs, attempting to push himself upright while maintaining some semblance of dignity.
As he finally manages to settle back into his seat, he sneaks a quick glance at Akusan's breasts, a flush of heat rising to his face.
The absurdity of the situation isn't lost on him, and he can't help but think about how this was the first time he's touched a woman's body since being reincarnated, albeit in the most embarrassing and unintended way possible.
As the wagon comes to a stop, a massive shadow begins to engulf Sam, casting an ominous gloom over the scene.
His heart races, a mixture of anticipation and dread swirling within him as he peers up at the towering gate that looms ahead.
Almost instinctively, he takes a deep breath, trying to steady himself for whatever awaits beyond the formidable entrance.
Nearby, the figures of Olivia, Owen, Genevieve, Leano, and Suave—draped in black cloaks—step forward with purpose, their presence adding to the gravity of the moment.
With each step they take towards the gate, Sam feels the weight of the journey settling over him, and he braces himself for what lies ahead.
Owen meets Sam's gaze, his eyes conveying a silent message as if expecting him to rise to the occasion.
The look lingers for a moment, urging Sam to gather his resolve.
With a subtle nod, Owen then turns his attention back to the path ahead, signaling that it's time to move forward.
A large wooden fortress made out of black bark towers over Sam and the others.
Its towering walls are reinforced with thick, gnarled roots that seem to clutch the ground like ancient claws.
The gate is adorned with iron spikes, and ominous torches flicker, casting eerie shadows on the surrounding landscape.
Above, dark, twisted branches weave together, forming a natural canopy that blocks out the sky.
From within the fortress, the low murmur of voices can be heard, punctuated by occasional bursts of harsh laughter.
The clinking of metal and the distant sound of a hammer striking an anvil echo through the night.
Somewhere deeper inside, a mournful howl rises, blending with the rustling of leaves and the crackling of the torches.
Sam takes a moment to absorb the grandeur of the scene before him, his eyes tracing the intricate details of the towering gate and the sprawling structure beyond.
It resembles a castle from a storybook, with its imposing turrets and fortified walls that seem to stretch endlessly into the sky.
"It's like something out of a fairy tale," he murmurs to himself, a sense of awe mingling with his nerves.
"Hey, Yellow Head!" a voice calls out, breaking Sam's reverie.
It's Leano, his tone carrying a hint of mockery as he strides up with a swagger that matches his boisterous reputation.
"Make sure you stay on your best behavior, or else you might find yourself needing a new hair color after a little 'chat' with me," he adds with a smirk, prompting Sam to swallow hard and nod in acknowledgment.
"This guy doesn't like me at all."
Suddenly, a series of loud clanks and whirrs echo through the air as the massive gate begins to open, revealing an intricate set of gears and pulleys hidden within its structure.
As the gate slowly rises, the wagon creaks forward, crossing the threshold into the fortress.
As the wagon rolled deeper into the fortress, Sam's eyes continued to wander across the bustling settlement.
Children darted between buildings carrying bundles of wood. Warriors laughed around a forge while repairing damaged armor.
Merchants haggled over supplies beneath cloth canopies stretched between the stone structures.
Then Sam blinked.
His gaze landed on a young girl carrying a basket nearly half her size.
Two long rabbit ears poked through her dark hair.
Sam sat up slightly.
"...Huh?"
The girl hopped over a puddle and disappeared behind a wagon.
Before he could fully process what he'd seen, movement caught his attention from another direction.
A massive man emerged from a blacksmith's shop carrying a stack of iron plates. Thick brown fur covered his forearms, and a pair of bear-like ears rested atop his head.
The plates looked heavy enough to crush Sam's foot.
The man carried them as though they weighed nothing.
Sam stared.
Then another figure passed by.
A woman with a large silver tail swaying behind her as she spoke with a black cloak near one of the market stalls.
Then another.
A boy with wolf ears chasing after his friends through the courtyard.
Then another.
And another.
Everywhere he looked, he began noticing them.
Not monsters.
Not beasts.
People.
Different.
But people.
Sam found himself leaning against the wagon's edge as he watched them move through their daily lives.
Working.
Laughing.
Arguing.
Living.
For a moment, he completely forgot about the fortress.
Forgot about the mission.
Forgot about the Sleeping God.
His eyes widened with childlike fascination.
"So those are Therans..."
The words escaped him before he realized he'd spoken aloud.
Back at the cottage, Xavier had mentioned them occasionally.
Stories.
Lessons.
Fragments of history.
But stories never felt real.
Not like this.
Not like seeing a rabbit-eared girl complain to her mother.
Not like watching a wolf Theran help an elderly woman carry supplies.
Not like seeing children run through the streets with wooden swords and scraped knees.
They weren't legends.
They weren't creatures.
They weren't even particularly strange anymore.
The longer Sam watched them, the more ordinary they became.
And somehow that made them even more fascinating.
A small smile tugged at his lips.
"The world really is bigger than I thought."
For the first time since leaving the cottage, the thought didn't fill him with fear.
It filled him with wonder.
"I always knew people lived in the giant forest."
"But, being able to see them with my own eyes after being isolated from the outside world for so long."
"...it feels so surreal."
The wagon slid to a stop near a busy crowd, breathing heavily.
"Move. Move! Make room!" A black cloak shouted.
His voice cut through the courtyard's usual bustle.
Almost immediately, people began stepping aside.
Sam frowned.
The atmosphere shifted.
Not panic.
Expectation.
Curiosity.
The kind that spreads through a crowd before something important happens.
A group of children abandoned their wooden swords and sprinted toward the center of the courtyard.
Merchants leaned out from their stalls.
Black Cloaks paused in the middle of repairing armor.
Even several Therans stopped what they were doing.
"What is it?" Sam asked.
The scientist glanced toward the gathering crowd.
For the first time since he'd met her, a hint of amusement touched her face.
"Looks like somebody came home."
Sam blinked.
"What?"
Before she could elaborate, a loud cheer erupted from somewhere ahead.
Then another.
Then dozens.
The sound rolled across the fortress like a wave.
The wagon finally turned into the central courtyard.
And Sam immediately understood.
A group of Black Cloaks stood surrounded by cheering civilians.
They looked exhausted.
Covered in dirt.
Several were wounded.
One had his arm wrapped in bloodstained bandages.
Another limped heavily as he walked.
Yet despite their condition, the crowd welcomed them as heroes.
Children rushed forward.
Families embraced them.
Friends clapped them on the shoulders.
One older wolf Theran laughed as he nearly tackled a returning Black Cloak in a hug.
The sight caught Sam completely off guard.
At the cottage, Xavier had often spoken about warriors.
About sacrifice.
About duty.
But seeing it...
Seeing ordinary people greet battered soldiers like a long-lost family felt different.
Real.
A little rabbit Theran girl suddenly darted into the path of one of the returning hunters.
The man froze.
The girl wrapped her tiny arms around his leg.
"You're late!"
The courtyard erupted into laughter.
The hunter grinned sheepishly and crouched down.
"Sorry."
"You promised you'd be back yesterday."
"I know."
"Liar."
The man laughed harder.
"Yeah."
Sam couldn't help smiling.
The interaction was so ordinary.
So human.
For a moment he forgot about:
the ShatteringMariaPersephonethe Sleeping God
All of it.
He simply watched.
The scientist beside him followed his gaze.
"Surprised?"
"A little."
"You expected something else?"
Sam hesitated.
"Maybe."
His eyes drifted across the crowd.
A fox Theran carrying a basket of fruit.
A bear Theran helping unload supplies.
Children chasing each other between market stalls.
Black Cloaks joking with one another despite fresh injuries.
"It just..."
He struggled to find the words.
"It doesn't feel like what I imagined."
The scientist studied him quietly.
"And what did you imagine?"
Sam looked toward the massive walls surrounding the settlement.
Then back toward the people filling its streets.
"I don't know."
A small smile touched his lips.
"Something darker."
The scientist was silent for several seconds.
Then she looked out at the courtyard herself.
At the laughing children.
The wounded soldiers.
The families waiting for loved ones to return.
The life continuing despite everything.
"...Most people do."
For the briefest moment, something sad flickered across her face.
Not anger.
Not bitterness.
Something closer to regret.
Then it vanished.
The wagon continued forward.
And as Sam watched the fortress unfold around him, he realized something he had never truly understood while living in the cottage.
The world was wounded.
Scarred.
Violent.
Cruel.
But it was alive.
And despite everything trying to tear it apart...
people still found reasons to smile.
A black-cloaked theran rushes up to the front of the wagon, his attention focused on those up front trundling it through the courtyard.
"Percy!" The black cloak calls out, "You bring purified spies to our home? But why?!"
Percy glances down from his elevated position, his piercing eyes fixed on the urgent black cloak.
"These matters are for Master Gahdu's ears and hers alone," he states firmly, his voice carrying an air of authority. "Go inform her of our arrival rather than waste your time here with me," he adds dismissively, turning his attention forward at the path before him.
"Y-Yes sir." The black cloak says while coming to a stop and with his head lowered.
The wagon continues onward.
Passing by the black cloak on the wagon, Sam watches them give Percy his respect with a bow.
Upon raising their head, the black cloak meets eyes with Sam and looks at him with suspicion before turning away to walk off.
The citizens lining the courtyard pause in their daily activities, their eyes narrowing as they fixate on Sam, the purified scientist, and Akusan.
Whispers ripple through the crowd, their tones tinged with suspicion and disdain.
Among the black-cloaked warriors, some cast furtive glances, their expressions a mix of curiosity and judgment, as if questioning the presence of an outsider among their ranks.
The hushed conversations among the citizens grow louder as Sam and the purified scientist make their way through the courtyard.
"Purified agents in our home? Why bring them here, they should have been killed off in the forest," one voice murmurs, the fear evident in their tone.
Another whispers, "The purified can't be trusted; they've brought nothing but trouble. During these times we can only trust ourselves."
The tension in the air is palpable, a reflection of the brewing conflict outside the fortress walls and the deep-seated animosity toward the purified faction.
Sam listens to their fear with a wary expression on his face.
"This war they speak of," Sam says while turning to the purified scientist.
Before Sam could ask anymore, the purified scientist interrupts him saying, "All your questions will be answered shortly but not from me. So save them. Besides, none of this means anything to me anymore."
The scientist looks off at the passing buildings with an unreadable expression.
"Everyone here is so…depressing." Sam murmurs.
"You learn to get used to it," the purified scientist adds with a blank expression, her eyes distant as if recalling memories long buried.
"After a while, the whispers and the distrust become just another part of the background noise."
"That may be true," Sam replies, his voice steady but laced with defiance, "But just because you get used to it doesn't make it right."
He glances around at the wary eyes and murmurs, feeling a sense of injustice welling up inside him.
"People deserve to live without fear and mistrust hanging over them like a shadow."
The scientist gives a small, resigned nod, acknowledging the truth in Sam's words. "Perhaps," she concedes, a hint of weariness in her voice.
The wagon rattles to a halt in front of a large, beautifully draped tent, its fabric shimmering even under the dull sky.
Black cloaks stand like sentinels outside, their expressions stoic and unyielding.
Without warning, Percy leaps off the wagon with a flourish, while Sam, Akusan, and the scientist are unceremoniously tossed onto the muddy ground by the black-cloaked guards, their landing cushioned only by the damp earth.
"Like Leano said earlier, be on your best behavior. You are about to meet our leader and she is as merciful as she is ruthless." Percy remarks as he walks past the trio.
Sam sits up awkwardly, attempting to rub the mud off his face with his shoulder, resulting in a comical smear instead.
"If this is merciful, I'd hate to see what ruthless looks like," he quips, a wry smile playing on his lips despite the situation.
His attempt at humor is a small defiance against the oppressive atmosphere surrounding them.
The black cloaks move in swiftly, their hands gripping Sam and the scientist's clothing with practiced force, leaving no room for protest.
They strip away their weapons with a mechanical efficiency, their expressions unchanging as they pat them down for anything else that might be concealed.
Sam squirms against their grip, his discomfort growing with each invasive touch, but his efforts to resist are futile against the relentless search.
"Hey, hey!" Sam exclaims, "You're not taking my belongings from me, you-"
As the search continues, Sam catches a glimpse of movement from the corner of his eye.
Owen, Olivia, Genevieve, Suave, and Leano stride purposefully past them, their black cloaks billowing in the gusty wind like dark wings.
They disappear into the tent without a backward glance, their presence a stark reminder of the authority they hold in this place.
Percy saunters into the tent with an air of nonchalance, his steps light and confident as if he's completely at ease with the unfolding chaos.
Meanwhile, Sam and the scientist are dragged inside by the black cloaks, their feet barely touching the ground as they're pulled along like reluctant pets.
"Augh, AGH, that's my throat you're pulling on!" Sam cries out.
Behind them, a comical scene unfolds as a group of guards try to wrangle Akusan, who snores loudly, oblivious to the commotion, her deadweight proving to be quite the challenge for the struggling black cloaks.
Inside the tent, the atmosphere shifts from the chaotic scene outside to one of austere authority.
The space is dimly lit, with flickering torches casting shadows on the walls, creating an eerie ambiance.
At the far end of the tent, an imposing wooden throne commands attention, its intricate carvings hinting at the power and history it represents.
Sam and the scientist are forced onto their knees before the throne, their heads bowed in submission.
Akusan is unceremoniously tossed onto the ground beside Sam, her snoring adding an odd note of levity to the tense surroundings.
The chamber fell silent.
Not because anyone had ordered it.
Because she had entered.
From behind a black sheet, Master Gahdu emerges gracefully.
She stood taller than nearly everyone present, her lean frame draped beneath a weathered black cloak whose edges were stitched with dark feathers and strips of worn leather.
The garment wasn't ceremonial.
It looked repaired dozens of times, each patch carrying the memory of another battle survived.
The hood rested behind her head, revealing the unmistakable features of an owl Theran.
Soft charcoal and ash-gray feathers framed her face like a mantle, fading into silver along their tips.
Time had not been gentle with them. Several feathers were bent or broken, permanent reminders that even legends bleed.
Beneath them, faint scars traced across tawny skin and disappeared beneath the collar of her cloak.
Her eyes were impossible to ignore.
Large, amber, and luminous, they reflected every flicker of torchlight without giving away a single thought.
They moved slowly across the room, measuring each face with unnerving precision. When they settled on Sam, they lingered.
Not with hostility.
With assessment.
As though she were reading every choice he had ever made.
Her face carried neither warmth nor cruelty.
Only the calm expression of someone who had buried too many friends to waste emotion on first impressions.
Long black talons rested loosely against the wooden head of a carved walking staff.
Whether she needed it or simply preferred it, no one could tell.
There wasn't the slightest tremor in her grip.
Despite her height, she carried herself without dominance or arrogance.
Every movement was economical.
Every step landed without a sound.
She crossed the stone floor like a shadow gliding beneath the forest canopy.
The Black Cloaks straightened instinctively.
Veterans who laughed in the face of Night Creatures lowered their heads as she passed. Even the loudest among them held their tongues.
Respect had become reflex.
Sam expected the leader of the Black Cloaks to look like a hardened general.
Instead…
She looked like the Giant Forest itself had decided to walk among people.
Ancient.
Patient.
Unyielding.
Percy approaches Master Gahdu with a respectful nod, dropping to one knee before her throne.
"Master Gahdu," he begins, gesturing toward Sam and the scientist, "I present to you the purified scientists and potential spy ready for your judgement." He then glances at Akusan, a hint of annoyance in his eyes, "And this is the cargo, its name is Akusan and it is what we believe now to be an aireon."
Master Gahdu leans forward slightly, her piercing gaze moving slowly from Sam to the scientist, and finally resting on Akusan.
Her eyes seem to penetrate beyond their physical forms, as if assessing their very essence and weighing their intentions.
The atmosphere grows tense as each of them feels the intensity of her scrutiny, leaving no room for deception under her watchful eye.
Percy rises from his kneeling position, his expression shifting to one of disdain as he points accusingly at Akusan.
"Master Gahdu," he continues, his voice tinged with bitterness, "When the cargo was opened, this aireon went into a frenzy. It slaughtered our brothers and sisters....
A brief pause.
"...And nearly killed Cooper before managing to escape."
His words hang heavily in the air, amplifying the gravity of the situation and the threat Akusan represents to their cause.
Akusan, seemingly oblivious to the tension surrounding her, lies peacefully on the ground, her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm as if in deep slumber.
Percy, still glaring at her, turns back to Master Gahdu, his voice steady but filled with determination.
Percy approaches Akusan with a sudden, forceful movement, his hand reaching down to grasp Akusan's hair with a tight grip.
He yanks her head upward, exposing her face to Master Gahdu's scrutiny, his expression twisted with disgust.
"Look at it, Master," he growls, as if presenting a contemptible trophy, "This is the creature responsible for the bloodshed of our kin."
Master Gahdu remains silent for a moment, her eyes narrowing as she studies Akusan's tranquil form.
Her expression betrays no emotion, but a subtle shift in her posture suggests she is weighing Percy's request carefully.
Sam watches the scene unfold with a growing sense of unease, his stomach churning at Percy's harsh treatment of Akusan.
He clenches his fists, feeling helpless to intervene, and silently condemns the unnecessary cruelty in his mind.
This is wrong, he thinks, as he struggles to reconcile the brutal reality before him with his own sense of justice and humanity.
Sam takes a hesitant step forward, his heart pounding in his chest as he draws the attention of the guarding black cloaks.
They eye him warily, their gazes sharp and unyielding, poised to act at the slightest hint of defiance.
Despite their watchful presence, Sam's resolve strengthens, driven by an inner conviction that urges him to stand against the injustice unfolding before him.
"Hey man, she's sleeping and unable to defend herself," Sam says with a stuttering voice. "Besides, y-you shouldn't hit a-"
Percy cuts him off abruptly, his voice rising with anger.
"A lady?" he scoffs, shaking his head.
"This creature is no lady, purified spy! It's a devil spawn… a monster that masquerades as one of us, and that's all it'll ever be."
Percy's words drip with disdain, his conviction unshakable as he tries to justify his actions in front of the others.
"Master Gahdu," he implores, "Grant me the honor of taking this monster's head, so that our fallen brothers and sisters may finally rest in peace."
Finally, she raises a hand, signaling for Percy to release Akusan, Master Gahdu turns her gaze to Sam, her expression shifting to one of curiosity.
"And what do you see, prisoner, when you look at this so-called monster?" she inquires, her voice calm yet probing.
Sam hesitates, feeling the weight of her question, before replying with conviction, "I see someone who deserves a chance to speak for herself."
He recalls the desperation in her voice during their first encounter in the giant forest, when Akusan defiantly shouted that she wouldn't return to hell.
That memory lingers in Sam's mind, shaping his perspective and fueling his belief that she is more than the monster Percy claims her to be.
"When we were fighting, I remember her fighting not just for survival but her freedom, refusing to be dragged back to a place she fears," Sam adds, his voice steadying. "That doesn't sound like a monster to me. But a deeply tormented woman just trying to survive like the rest of us."
Master Gahdu stares at Sam for a moment before nodding thoughtfully, her eyes studying Sam with a measured gaze.
"Your perspective is intriguing… it speaks to a compassion that many here might overlook," she says, acknowledging his point. Her voice is calm yet authoritative. "Yet, Percy's concerns are not unfounded; the threat she poses is real to those who have faced her kind before."
"Nevertheless," Master Gahdu continues, "We cannot render judgment without hearing her side of the story. Akusan's fate isn't decided until she awakens and has the opportunity to defend herself against these accusations."
Her gaze sweeps over the gathered crowd, ensuring her message is clear.
The room falls into a hushed silence, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife as everyone processes Master Gahdu's decision.
Owen, standing among the sea of black cloaks, locks eyes with Sam, a flicker of surprise crossing his usually stoic face.
It's rare to see such open defiance and empathy in a place where suspicion reigns supreme.
He nods ever so slightly, a silent acknowledgment of Sam's courage to voice what others might fear to express.
Percy's face contorts with frustration, but he complies, releasing Akusan's head with a dismissive shove, causing it to thud softly against the ground.
"As you wish," Percy says dismissively.
A few gasps escape from the onlookers, a mix of shock and disapproval at his disrespect, yet no one dares to openly challenge him, instead casting furtive glances toward Master Gahdu for guidance.
Seeing that he still has the attention of the room, Sam clears his throat, trying to muster his courage as he addresses the room once again.
"Since we're on this topic, I think this whole thing may be an entire misunderstanding," he begins, his voice steady despite the tension.
"I'm-um-I'm not one of the purified's spies. I've never met anyone from the faction until well today." He hesitates briefly, then launches into his well-rehearsed story, "I'm from a place far away from here, I'm just a traveler who lost his way, searching for my sister who was kidnapped. I encountered the air-aireon purely by chance, and before I knew it, the black cloaks ambushed me."
"It was them," Sam exclaims, pointing towards Owen, Olivia, Genevieve, Suave, and Leano who have just appeared, observing the scene quietly.
Suave raises an eyebrow and smirks, leaning casually against a nearby pillar.
"Smoothhh," Suave drawls, his tone dripping with sarcasm, as if amused by the very notion that Sam called them out.
"They were there when the Aireon and I were fighting," he insists, his voice gaining strength as he recalls the familiar faces. "They should remember me from the chaos, and can vouch for my story," he adds, hoping their presence will lend credibility to his claim and sway Master Gahdu's judgment.
Owen and his fellow black cloaks exchange glances, their expressions blank and unreadable, offering no hint of recognition or support.
The tension in the room thickens as their silence stretches on, casting doubt on Sam's desperate plea.
The others in the room remain skeptical, their eyes fixed on Sam with disbelief, as if silently questioning his motives and the truth of his story.
Sam looks back at Master Gahdu and Percy, his shoulders slumping slightly, and lets out a defeated cough.
"I truly had nothing to do with the conflict earlier in the forest," he claims, his voice tinged with a plea for leniency. "If you could just kindly let me go, I'll be back on my way to save my sister and we can all pretend this never happened."
He musters a big smile, though it barely conceals the fear flickering in his eyes.
The purified scientist shifts her gaze to Sam, her eyes reflecting a mix of pity and discomfort.
Her lips press together in a tight line, as if she can't help but cringe at his awkward attempt to persuade the room.
She subtly shakes her head, feeling the weight of secondhand embarrassment for his transparent desperation.
Master Gahdu places a finger against her cheek, her gaze unwavering as she scrutinizes Sam.
"You claim to be from a place far from here," she repeats, her voice laced with suspicion.
Sam glances around the room, desperately searching for a believable story to bolster his claim.
"Well, um," he clears his throat, "My name is Sam Aka and I'm from a small village on the outskirts," he improvises, "A place untouched by the growing war and the distrust it sows. We heard rumors, but I never imagined everything would look like this." His voice wavers slightly, betraying his unease as he hopes his words hold enough truth to sway the room.
"What the hell am I even saying anymore." He questions his thoughts.
Master Gahdu silently repeats Sam's story and his name to herself, dissecting each word with meticulous care and noting the inconsistencies.
Her eyes narrow as she conducts a thorough visual examination of Sam, taking in every detail of his appearance.
The throne room fell silent.
FLASHBACK BEGINS:
Master Gahdu's eyes narrow as he recalls a recent conversation.
The memory of the call from The Dark Merchant is vivid, replaying in her mind like a scene from a play.
She had used the Lumicrystal Communicator, a small, translucent orb that glowed softly when activated. The device projected a three-dimensional hologram of the caller, allowing for face-to-face interaction regardless of distance.
Its ethereal design and seamless functionality made it an indispensable tool for discreet and secure communications in their world.
"I don't ally with heretics," Master Gahdu declares sternly.
The Dark Merchant's holographic form flickers slightly, a playful grin spreading across his face.
"Heretics? Oh, Master Gahdu, you wound me!" he chuckles, feigning a dramatic swoon. "I prefer the term 'innovative entrepreneurs'—it has a nicer ring to it, don't you think?"
"But enough with titles," The Dark Merchant continues, his tone shifting to one of intrigue.
"I have an opportunity that even the most discerning would find hard to resist. Imagine a reward so vast, it could change the very fabric of your standing among the factions. I know someone of your caliber would appreciate the challenge and, of course, the compensation that comes with it."
Master Gahdu remains emotionless, her expression unyielding.
"No," she replies, her voice steady and resolute.
The Dark Merchant lets out an exaggerated gasp, clasping his hands over his chest as if heartbroken.
"Oh, Master Gahdu, you wound me again! You haven't even heard the full extent of my proposition," he protests, a playful pout crossing his features as he leans closer, as if trying to lure her interest back.
"But Master Gahdu," he persists, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "What if I told you that your involvement could usher in a new era for our world? An era of prosperity and innovation, with you standing at the forefront of this transformation."
He pauses, letting his words sink in before continuing. "All I require is your assistance in locating someone very special to the choir—a key figure in our grand design. With your cooperation, we could achieve greatness beyond imagination."
Master Gahdu hesitates for a moment, her curiosity piqued despite her reservations.
"And who exactly is this person you seek?" she asks, her voice betraying a hint of interest.
The Dark Merchant's eyes gleam with satisfaction as he senses a crack in her resolve. The Dark Merchant lets out a sly grin, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
"The person we seek is named Sam Aka," he reveals, his voice dripping with reverence.
"He is a sleeping god, and perhaps the last of his kind—a true apex predator of power from the days when gods walked among mortals."
Master Gahdu narrows her eyes, contemplating the enormity of the claim.
"And how would I, or anyone for that matter, know that this Sam Aka is truly who you say he is?" she questions, skepticism lacing her words.
"A being of such magnitude wouldn't easily reveal themselves to just anyone, let alone a stranger."
The Dark Merchant chuckles before going eerily silent.
"Watch for the one who claims innocence," The Dark Merchant warns over the crackling line, his voice heavy with caution.
"Like his ancestors, Sam Aka is drawn to chaos like moths to a flame," the Dark Merchant explains, his tone almost reverent.
"His power, dormant as it may be, is irresistibly lured by the discord and upheaval of the world. It is in their nature… they simply can't stay away from it," he concludes, letting out an ominous laugh that echoes through the chamber.
The call ends and Gahdu remains in silence, pondering the conversation.
"When it comes to people wanting to change the world, the agenda is always bigger than what it actually is." Gahdu states to herself.
FLASHBACK ENDS:
Master Gahdu rested one elbow against the arm of her carved wooden throne, her golden owl eyes fixed on Sam.
"Tell me your name."
"Sam."
"And where are you from?"
Sam hesitated.
"A small village near the coast."
"Name it."
"...It didn't really have one."
A quiet pause.
Gahdu nodded once.
"I see."
She looked toward Percy.
"Untie the boy."
Percy frowned.
"Master—"
"I said untie him."
Reluctantly, Percy obeyed.
The ropes fell away from Sam's wrists.
Gahdu rose from her throne.
Her talons clicked softly against the wooden floor as she descended the steps.
Every eye in the room followed her.
She stopped an arm's length from Sam.
"You claim to be an ordinary traveler."
"...Yes."
She nodded thoughtfully.
"Show me."
Sam blinked.
"...What?"
"Stand."
Confused, Sam did.
"Feet shoulder-width apart."
Without thinking, Sam obeyed.
His feet settled naturally into position.
Balanced.
Relaxed.
Ready.
Gahdu circled him once.
"Interesting."
Sam frowned.
"What is?"
"You stood before you thought."
"I..."
"You distributed your weight evenly."
She lightly nudged his shoulder.
Sam adjusted without stumbling.
She noticed.
"So you understand balance."
"I just..."
"You tucked your chin."
Another circle.
"You kept your elbows close."
She gently pushed his forearm.
It resisted naturally.
"You protected your centerline."
Sam looked down at himself.
He hadn't realized he'd done any of it.
Gahdu stopped in front of him again.
"Who taught you?"
"My uncle."
"Profession?"
"...Hunter."
"What kind?"
"...Animals."
"A white lie."
Another pause.
Then—
Without warning—
Gahdu struck.
Not hard.
Not fast enough to injure him.
Just enough.
Sam's body moved before his mind did.
One foot slid backward.
His torso turned.
His hand intercepted her wrist.
Perfectly.
The room froze.
Sam stared at his own hand gripping hers.
His eyes widened.
"...I..."
He immediately let go.
"I-I'm sorry."
Gahdu slowly lowered her arm.
"You apologized."
Sam swallowed.
"I thought I hurt you."
"You couldn't."
Silence.
Gahdu resumed walking around him.
"When frightened people are attacked..."
She looked toward Percy.
"They flinch."
Toward Selene.
"They freeze."
Toward Akusan.
"They retaliate."
Finally back to Sam.
"You adapted."
She folded her hands behind her back.
"Your body has practiced surviving surprise for years."
Sam remained silent.
"You've lied to me several times now."
His stomach dropped.
"I..."
Her voice remained calm.
"Not about your name."
She tilted her head.
"You lied about your life."
The room became deathly quiet.
Sam's pulse hammered in his ears.
"I don't know what you mean."
"I believe you don't."
That answer caught him completely off guard.
Gahdu smiled faintly.
"Most liars invent details."
She looked directly into his eyes.
"You removed them."
Another pause.
"You never described your village."
"You never spoke of your neighbors."
"You never mentioned your parents."
"You never told me who taught you to breathe."
Sam felt the air leave his lungs.
She knew.
Not everything.
Enough.
"You speak like someone protecting the dead."
Her expression softened.
"...Or the living."
Sam looked away.
He couldn't answer.
Gahdu's gaze drifted briefly toward the center of his chest.
Not because she saw anything.
Because she noticed the way his hand unconsciously rested there whenever he became anxious.
The smallest habit.
Almost invisible.
She looked back into his eyes.
"The Dark Merchant warned me."
Sam's head lifted.
"He told me to watch for a young man who would insist he was ordinary."
A faint smile crossed her beak.
"He said I would know him."
"How?" Sam whispered.
Gahdu's smile grew warmer.
"Because ordinary boys do not move like legends."
She stepped back.
"I don't know what you are."
A long silence settled over the throne room.
Then—
"But I know this."
Her owl eyes gleamed beneath the lantern light.
"You have spent your entire conversation trying to convince me you matter less than you do."
She turned toward her throne.
"I have met kings who lied for power."
She sat.
"I have met cowards who lied from fear."
Her gaze returned to Sam.
"You..."
Another pause.
"...lie to keep other people safe."
Silence.
Then she spoke the words that settled over the room like falling snow.
"I am no longer interested in the story you prepared."
Her eyes never left his.
"I want to meet the boy who needed to invent it."
The room remained perfectly still.
Even Percy had nothing to say.
The watching black cloaks shift uneasily, exchanging wary glances.
Owen's eyes narrow, scrutinizing Sam with renewed interest, as if trying to decode a puzzle only he can see.
Meanwhile, Olivia's curiosity is piqued; she tilts her head slightly, studying Sam with a mix of fascination and skepticism, intrigued by what makes him so compelling to Owen.
Gahdu's lips curl into a sly grin as she leans back, murmuring under her breath, "Sam Aka, the golden boy has surfaced and walked right into my home." Her voice is barely audible, yet it carries a weight of certainty and anticipation.
With a careful ear, Olivia catches the whispered words from Master Gahdu, eyebrows raised in confusion, her mind racing to piece together the enigmatic puzzle laid before them.
The captured Purified scientist beside Sam scoffs, shaking her head in disbelief."
Sam looks at Master Gahdu with an expression of confusion as she says his name with a hint of recognition.
"I was warned ahead of time about your arrival." Master Gahdu says.
"What? I don't understand." Sam replies.
"The shockwave that shook the entire world and unleashed chaos, that was your doing, wasn't it?" Master Gahdu questions, already knowing the answer.
Sam looks down, unsure what to say or think.
He could only repeat the words, "The shockwave that shook the entire world and unleashed chaos? I-I did that?"
Before he could dwell on it anymore, Master Gahdu says, "The whole world is looking for you, golden boy. Some for the right reason and others not so much. But before I consider giving you away to an interested employer, I intend to put your sleeping god abilities to the test. I have a little problem that needs solving."
"You fool," the purified scientist mutters, her voice dripping with disdain.
"The Sleeping Gods, that name, it is a name that opens many doors, some leading to salvation and others to ruin. You have no idea the power and danger you're flirting with."
Her words hang in the air, leaving Sam to contemplate the precarious position he's found himself in.
Gahdu snaps her fingers sharply, signaling the guards to escort the purified scientist away.
As they move to comply, Gahdu's eyes lock onto the scientist's with a knowing intensity.
"Save your energy, Dr. Selene, we have much to discuss." she says, her voice smooth and unwavering.
The scientist's eyes widen in shock, a flicker of recognition and disbelief crossing her features.
"Y-You know my name?" Dr. Selene says with growing fear.
Sam takes a deep breath, forcing a calm demeanor as he steps forward, his voice steady and persuasive.
"Wait," he interjects, casting a glance at Gahdu and then at the guards.
"Before you take her away, perhaps there's more you all can gain from her insight. She knows more about the Sleeping Gods than any of us, even me, so losing her knowledge could be a grave mistake."
His words aim to stall for time, hoping to devise a plan to ensure Selene's safety while unraveling the mysteries that bind them all.
Gahdu pauses, her gaze shifting between Sam and Selene, before offering him an unexpected ultimatum.
"Very well, Sam," she says, her tone laced with challenge.
"You can save one—either Akusan or Selene. Choose wisely, for their fate rests in your hands."
Sam's mind races, torn between unexpected loyalty and the potential knowledge Selene holds about his people.
As he hesitates, Gahdu's patience wanes, and with a decisive glance, she declares, "Akusan it is," sealing Selene's fate and leaving Sam to grapple with the consequences of indecision.
Gahdu raises her hand, beckoning two nearby black cloaks to approach her.
The two black cloaks seized her by the arms.
Selene didn't resist.
Years inside the Purified had taught her that resistance usually only changed how you suffered.
Master Gahdu watched Sam during the process, as if waiting for something.
Sam's eyes shifted to Selene.
She was being dragged toward a heavy iron door deeper behind the black sheet Gahdu came out from during her initial appearance.
She walked without struggling.
Without pleading.
Like she'd already accepted whatever waited on the other side.
Something about that…
felt horribly familiar.
Like watching someone disappear before anyone even tried to stop them.
"Wait."
The entire chamber paused.
Sam looked at Gahdu.
Then.
He looked between Akusan…
…and Selene before returning to Gahdu's eyes.
"I want to protect them both."
Silence.
One of the Black Cloaks scoffed.
"You don't make demands here, boy."
"I know that much."
Sam didn't even look at the soldier.
His eyes never left Gahdu.
"I know I don't."
He swallowed.
"Whatever it is you want done, I'm sure-no, positive that I'll be risking my life so… if I'm risking my life for you…"
"…then I need your word."
Gahdu watched him carefully.
"My word."
"You don't hurt Dr. Selene."
The chamber became deathly still.
Gahdu's eyes narrowed.
"You've known her for less than a day."
"I know."
"She serves the Purified."
"I know."
"She may have helped create the very monsters we're fighting."
Sam lowered his head briefly.
"…I know."
Then he looked back up.
"But…"
His voice grew quieter.
Thinking back to her expression as she looked out of the moving wagon.
"…she looked like she'd already decided she deserved to die a long time ago..."
The words lingered in the room.
Sam glanced toward Selene.
She had stopped walking.
The soldiers still held her arms.
But now…
She was looking at him.
Not moving.
Not breathing.
Just listening.
Sam continued.
"I don't know what she's done."
"I don't know who she used to be."
"But if I'm going to fight for people…"
"…I don't get to start deciding who's worth saving."
The room fell silent again.
Gahdu studied Sam for a long time.
Long enough that the silence itself became oppressive.
Finally…
she spoke.
"You understand what you're asking?"
"I think so."
"If she betrays us…"
"I'll deal with it."
"If she kills one of my people…"
Sam hesitated.
"…Then I'll face that too."
Gahdu remained silent for a moment.
"So your condition…"
"…is mercy."
Sam nodded once.
"No."
He looked toward Selene again.
"…It's a chance."
Another long silence.
Then…
Gahdu exhaled slowly.
"So be it."
She turned toward the guards.
"The scientist lives."
Selene's eyes widened almost imperceptibly.
"But…"
Gahdu's voice hardened.
"She answers every question I have."
"If she lies…"
Her gaze settled briefly on Selene.
"…she'll wish I had ignored the boy."
The guards released some of the tension in their grip.
Selene still couldn't move.
She simply stared at Sam.
He hadn't negotiated for information.
Or power.
Or his own safety.
He'd spent the only leverage he'd ever have…
…on someone he barely knew.
Sam let out a quiet breath of relief.
"Thank you."
Gahdu looked at him one last time before turning away.
"Don't thank me."
"You've just wagered your life…"
"…and hers."
As the soldiers led Selene away once more, she looked back over her shoulder.
Sam offered her the same small, reassuring smile he'd given her in the wagon.
Nothing more.
No hidden promise.
No romance.
Just simple reassurance.
"You'll be okay."
For Sam, it was a passing act of compassion.
For Selene…
it became the second moment that would define the rest of her life.
She'll remember this moment.
After Selene was taken away, a green pool of fire suddenly bursts to life in the center of the room, its flames dancing with an otherworldly energy.
As the flames part, a mature woman steps out, her entrance both mesmerizing and mysterious.
Her youthful appearance seems to command attention, as if she carries with her secrets that could change the course of their fate.
With striking long black hair, the color white tipped at the top of her head.
She steps forward, her circular glasses with purple lenses catching the light.
In her hand, she holds a lit smoke pipe, its fragrant tendrils curling through the air, as she regards the scene with a calm, enigmatic smile.
Gahdu's eyes narrow slightly, a gleam of anticipation flickering within them as she regards the woman with an almost knowing look.
It is as if this arrival was not only expected but orchestrated, a crucial piece of the intricate puzzle she had been assembling all along.
Her lips curl into a subtle, satisfied smile, suggesting that the enigmatic figure's presence is precisely what she had been waiting for.
"Hello, seeker." Gahdu says.
"How are you doing this fine morning, Master Gahdu?" the woman responds.
Gahdu's voice takes on a commanding tone as she addresses the woman.
"I have a task for you, my old dear friend," she says, gesturing toward Sam and Akusan. "Take these two to Deadwood, where that night creature dwells. It's been terrorizing families on the outskirts for far too long and its demise will not only save lives but also reveal the true strength of a sleeping god and aireon to me. That is if the legends about their kind is true after all." Gahdu's eyes flicker to Sam, a mocking edge to her smile. "You want to save people, don't you, Sam? Repent for your sins, use this chance I'm giving you to prove yourself, not to just me but all of these people surrounding you."
Sam looks around at the other black cloaks with unease.
Owen and his fellow black cloaks exchange brief glances, understanding passing silently between them, before they make their way toward the exit, their footsteps echoing softly in the tent.
They leave with a sense of purpose, their departure a silent acknowledgment of the gravity of the task that lies ahead.
The woman turns back to face Sam, her eyes lock onto him with an inspective stare, as if weighing his resolve and determination for the daunting challenge before him.
"I've seen your kind, time and time again," she says, her voice a blend of curiosity and certainty.
"The ones not from here," she continues, a slight smirk playing on her lips.
"I call them wanderers, those who drift into our world, seeking their place and purpose."
Her gaze softens slightly, as if recognizing the weight of Sam's journey and the potential he holds within.
Sam hesitates for a moment, curiosity getting the better of him.
"Have you met others like me before?" he inquires, a note of wonder in his voice.
The woman nods knowingly, her eyes twinkling with a hint of nostalgia.
"Plenty," she replies, her tone infused with the wisdom of countless encounters.
"And I always tell them the same thing: you inherit too much power for one soul."
"Because I'm a sleeping god?" Sam responds.
The woman lifts her intricately carved pipe to her lips, taking a slow, deliberate drag.
She exhales a cloud of smoke that swirls around her like a shroud, her eyes never leaving Sam's.
"And because you are the child of two powerful families, Sam Aka," she continues, her voice cutting through the haze with a sharp edge.
"Coursing through your veins is not just powerful blood but two birthrights. Well, that is if you survive this challenge."
Sam stares at her, his mind reeling from the revelation, feeling a mixture of awe and trepidation.
He struggles to find his voice, realizing she knows more about him than he ever imagined, even though they have just met.
With newfound determination, he finally speaks, "I will, and you're going to tell me everything you know," he says boldly, his resolve solidifying in the face of her penetrating gaze.
The woman smirks back at Sam, clearly pleased by the fire in his eyes.
Then, she extends a helping hand to Sam.
"Good," she chuckles, her voice carrying a hint of approval. "Everyone calls me, Grandmother, so you'll do the same. Now, let's go kill a monster."
To Be Continued.