Chapter 7: 6: The Result of Love

Even as his body begged for it, finding sleep was difficult. Jake was certainly tired and worn out from his day of training so there was no reason for him to struggle with it. However the stress and fear of the coming morning made it hard for his mind to settle in. No matter how hard he tried to lay still or get comfortable, sleep evaded him. Inevitably, Jake decided to get out of bed and quietly left the sleeping room for the main living space. He found his sandals and made for the flap.

“I hope you are not running away,” Chul called out to him, stopping the boy just before he grabbed the flap. Jake chuckled. He should’ve assumed Chul would be awake, too.

“Just going for a walk. Can’t sleep.” Jake frowned, staring at his outstretched hand as he hesitated. Chul walked up to his side, descending from the ceiling to drop into the sand. The Arachkin’s fangs chittered for a moment. Then, after making his own decision, he shrank himself further so that he could fit comfortably on Jake’s shoulder. Jake waited, giving Chul time to ascend and find his spot.

“Let us talk, then.” Chul’s somber voice helped ease a bit of Jake’s racing thoughts. Jake was happy for the company.

He stepped outside, quietly moving the flap aside and returning it before he turned to leave. The cool, crisp air of the desert night was a far cry from the harsh daylight air. It tickled at his skin and was far easier to breathe in. So easy that Jake coughed a bit as his lungs adjusted to the cold. Jake shivered a bit, his body adjusting as well.

“Is it your Auntie that worries you?” After they were a few tents away from his Auntie’s, Chul decided to spark their conversation. Jake was thankful for it. Though he wanted Chul’s advice and wanted to talk with him, he wasn’t quite sure how or where to start. After being caught filling the bucket using magic, Jake felt like his feet had found quicksand. He’d felt stuck, and it reflected in his training. Jake had made progress, especially with his cultivation, but his spell casting had stalled a bit. He hadn’t learned any new spells and his confidence waned with those that he knew. He was still doing well and getting better but he felt it difficult to gather the motivation to take that next step- the step up to Fire magic.

“I just don’t know what she’s thinking, you know?” Jake folded his hands on top of his head as his eyes lowered to the sands. He kicked at a few small piles of it, scattering the glittering gold grains. “Usually she’d be yelling. She might’ve even tried to hit me.” He sighed and stopped walking. “...But she just stared at me.”

“She does seem quite prone to fighting with you.” Chul rumbled, his fangs tapping together a few times. “I don’t think it is what you think. Not this time, young one.” Chul let out a very soft chuckle as he lowered down, curling up a bit.

“What do you mean?” Jake glanced at his partner. Chul stared straight ahead, as though remembering something.

“Your Auntie… She has always been upset with you and your desire to Adventure, yes?” Chul turned to see Jake as the boy nodded. With that, Chul also gave him a faint bob of his head. “The inevitable has come, then. For you both.”

Jake raised his eyebrows. Seeing Jake still staring at him, Chul continued. “She has kept you within the walls of this village for as long as she can. She has fostered you, catered to you, and done her best to give you a good life here. She’s done everything to try and deter you from leaving. Even if it meant yelling and using a heavy hand, she has done her best to show you that you are needed here.”

Chul paused, his fangs chittering as he looked outwards. “Yet you have been resilient. Always running away, always getting into trouble. Always exploring and seeking new things. For her, it must have been terrifying.”

“I never really did like listening to her,” Jake muttered as he picked up his feet again to walk. “Being stuck here in the village never felt right. I always wanted to go see what was out there. From the day I figured out how to slip past the Guards, I’ve been trying ever since.”

Chul let out a huff. “But you always came home. Yes?”

“Yea.” Jake frowned a bit and nodded. If only his father followed that rule.

“With magic, your Auntie may have realized that such a luxury may no longer be true. Her influence over you might finally be over, and there will be nothing she can do to stop you.”

Jake’s frown deepened and his hands slid off his head. He felt his legs grow heavy, his feet dragging to a halt as he stared down at them. Chul had enlightened him to the other perspective, the side he had never considered. For Jake, it was always a game, always a back and forth tug between him and his Auntie. He hadn’t ever really taken her seriously and while he certainly respected her and listened, he never took her words to heart. Jake knew to be careful and to avoid the Dunebeasts. He knew to be home before dark. But whenever she brought up marriage, Elana, or finding actual work in the village, he’d always scoffed and blown her off…

…And those moments tended to be when she would pop. Now, it clicked in his head as to why. It wasn’t for her that she said those things, but for him. She did all she could to try and give him a peaceful life in the village. A safe life. She tried to show him that adventuring wasn’t the only thing for him, that he could just as easily find a wife, a simple job, and live a quiet life here. Home.

He was the fool who never listened.

“Is it so bad to want to chase my dreams, though?” Jake asked, looking once more at his friend. Chul shook his head, his body wiggling a bit.

“Of course it isn’t. To see your child chase something with all their heart and seek purpose in life is one of the greatest feelings as a parent. Your Auntie, no matter how angry, is likely very proud and very happy that you have something you love to do.” Chul reached up with one of his forelegs, placing it against Jake’s cheek. “No matter how scary it may be for her to know you are off someplace dangerous, there is no doubt in mind that she is happy when she sees your beaming face return to her.”

Jake’s frown flipped, the corners of his lips curling upwards just a bit into a soft smile. “I wish she told me that herself…” He sighed and continued to walk. He approached one of the storage tents, turning towards some of the boxes set out in front of it. “...She’s always so irritable and never listens to me. And she’s so quick to try and change the subject.”

“It is foreign to her, Jake. The things you have seen and the things you have done. She may just be trying to have a conversation with you. Common conversation.” As Jake began to climb onto one of the boxes, Chul slipped off the boy’s shoulder and also scampered up to sit beside him.

“I’m not a fan of gossip. It’s stupid.” Jake rumbled, rolling his eyes. Auntie was always quick to talk about the men being rowdy, the rumors circling the village, and other random things she’d seen during the day. It was always so dry to listen to and once she started, she never stopped.

“Well, have you ever tried to listen?” Chul asked. Jake pressed his lips together and looked away, avoiding the question. Chul laughed. “Exactly.”

“What, you expect me to care about those petty things?” Jake grumbled, crossing his arms as he started swinging his feet a bit.

“No. While it is no excuse, she may just be trying to find something simple to talk with you about. Her world is small, Jake. Her day-to-day life revolves around this village. It is all she knows, and she is trying to connect with the only family she sees.” Chul paused for a few moments. In that silence, Jake remembered a few moments when he and his Auntie were just sitting at the table, her talking and him staring at his plates in the same silence.

“She is trying. Maybe you should as well. You might find that she is just as interested in hearing about your day too.” Chul looked up at the boy, but Jake’s eyes were far off. Now that he thought about it, there were a few times his Auntie did just sit there and listen to him. Unlike when he was listening to her, she was always so attentive.

“Yeah, I guess,” Jake mumbled. His Auntie didn’t like hearing about him messing with Dunebeasts. She didn’t like when he messed with the Guards, chased the girls, or when he pestered the traders. But when it came to finding caves, bringing home colorful rocks, or whenever he made a friend, she was always so curious. As if she too wanted to learn of places beyond the village, but she was just far too old to do it herself.

Maybe that was why she was upset over him going to the Ravine. Both because of the stories she’d heard, and because of his father.

“I guess the sight of me doing magic was a bit of a shock then, yea?” Jake tapped his heels against the box. He held up a hand in front of him and called forth a Wind Ball. A small one. One that would disappear at just the slightest disturbance to it.

“Indeed. While swordsmanship would take years for you to master and become strong with. Magic, with proper guidance, would take a fraction of the time.” Jake certainly had considered learning swordsmanship before and was going to use that as his way into adventuring. However, his father was a swordsman and he was quite the brute. Jake didn’t quite like the idea of being so similar to him.

The boy used his mana to swirl the Wind Ball around in his hand, his eyes following it as it bounced from one fingertip to the other. His mana control was getting far better. His dedicated time to cultivation and spell casting was slowly paying off. He still felt that his concentration was lacking when he put his mana flow under stress, but he was getting there.

Jake cut the connection to the mana ball and pushed it away from him, letting it fly upwards and fizzle out in the air. “I told her I would become a mage. She doubted me then like she always has when I tell her I’ll become an adventurer. Maybe this time I show her how serious I am.”

“So long as you are wise about it.” Chul chuckled.

“What do you mean?” Chul’s concern was puzzling. Jake planned to use his magic in front of his Auntie, to explain everything about what happened to him.

“It may be in your favor to keep shared information to a minimum. If you are trying to sway her heart, do you think it smart to share with her the dangers of magic?” Chul’s eyes narrowed a bit as he stared up at Jake. The boy’s lips pressed together. His fingers gripped the edge of the wooden box.

Chul was right. If Jake explained everything to his Auntie, he would have to share with her the potential troubles that magic could bring. She already knew Adventuring was dangerous, that was a given, but she didn’t quite understand much about magic other than it was a strong tool. If Jake shared just how exposed and weak he could turn out to be without proper practice and planning, there was no way she’d support him. She might even try to sell him off to a merchant or something.

No, she wouldn’t go that far, but she’d certainly make life a hassle. At that point, he could kiss Adventuring goodbye.

“Then I need to make her trust me.” Jake nodded, his fingers gripping the wood even tighter. Chul let out a soft hum.

“Indeed. You will need to do what I failed to do, and I think you’re quite capable of that.” Chul’s reassurance brought a smile to Jake’s face. The Arachkin moved closer and placed one of his forelimbs onto Jake’s tensed-up hand. “Your grit, your will, and your dedication to what you love is admirable, boy. Prove that you are not a child that needs sheltering and your Auntie’s heart will be at least a little bit at ease.”

Jake nodded, his hand loosening at the Arachkin’s touch. “Just a bit.” He grinned. Chul’s fangs chittered as he laughed.

“I certainly can help if you need it.” Chul teased.

“I think that would cause even more problems, Chul.” Jake rolled his eyes and looked up towards the sky. Chul let out a loud laugh as he settled in on the box.

“You may be correct, boy.” Chul continued to laugh as Jake stared towards the distant stars. In those stars, his eyes fell on the constellation of Phyrus, the one constellation he had always been fascinated with.

In folklore, it was told that Phyrus was once a man who saved a fallen Goddess, Seryna. She had been injured by another Lower God and fell from the Heavens into the desert. Alone, hurt, and with her Divinity stolen from her, she was left to die by her Brothers and Sisters. Phyrus, a mercenary soldier, found her. The other Gods disliked his involvement and sent several monsters and beasts to kill them both. Phyrus, supported by Seryna and with his brethren, fended them off. After killing off their beasts and showing that he would not be felled so easily, the Gods offered Phyrus a deal. Complete their trials and they would allow Seryna to once again live in the Heavens.

Seryna had said it was a trap and Phyrus knew it. But, for the woman he loved, he accepted their deal. Ten impossible tasks, each increasing in danger with the completion of the prior. He conquered them all. Ultimately, Phyrus was given a final choice. His life, for hers. He was given the Blade of Xyrin and was told to kill himself with it. It was a blade that would bind him to the Netherworld for eternity. From Phyrus, there was no hesitation. For the woman he had come to love, he would give anything.

There was much more to the story than that. From the Lesser God’s second betrayal, to Phyrus’s climb to the heavens to save Seryna once more, to his final ascension to the Heavens after being recognized by the Higher Gods. It was a long tale, one full of struggle and despair. Even in the end, there was no salvation for either. In the end, Seryna’s memories of Phyrus were erased and Phyrus, who leaves to protect her, returned to the Netherworld as its Gatekeeper with the hope that one day, looking down, she might see him and recognize him standing there.

Jake admired Phyrus. His dedication to Goddess Seryna. His unbreakable will. His tenacity in the face of Gods. His lack of fear. His unyielding love and strength. His unwillingness to kneel to anyone. That was the type of person Jake wanted to be.

One day, he hoped to be remembered just like Phyrus.

* * *

Sitting with Chul calmed his nerves. When Jake returned to the tent, he found it much easier to sleep and found himself drifting off the moment his head hit the pillow. However, once he was asleep, he was plagued with dreams that made it hard to stay asleep. Dark dreams. Dreams where his village was attacked, where his Auntie was killed by an angry Adventurer. Dreams where Elana was attacked and stolen away, with him being bound and unable to do anything. Dreams where he was powerless to do anything.

It was midmorning when he awoke with a start, jerking upright as sweat dripped down his face. His throat was dry, his body hot and shaking. His stomach twisted. His heart raced. Jake looked to his right at where his Auntie slept to find her bed empty. Seeing that, he panicked.

“Jake-” Chul called out to him, watching as the boy lunged to his feet and sprinted for the flap into the other room. Jake swatted the fabric aside and his eyes searched immediately from left to right- kitchen to table. His Auntie was gone.

“Auntie?” Jake muttered. His stomach tightened even more and he began to believe that his dreams might have been real. If not real, then maybe they were premonitions.

“Jake!” Chul shouted. His voice was a rumble of thunder that clapped the boy’s ears. “Calm yourself.” Chul could see how rattled Jake was. The Arachkin had likely seen how poor Jake was sleeping and prepared for such an awakening. “She will return shortly.” Chul moved across the ceiling of the tent, his feet carrying him slowly into a distant corner that gave him a wide view of the area.

Jake stared at the low table in the center of the room. Tea was brewing on the stove, the pot still warming on the low flame. Three cups were set out and a plate with cookies was placed in the middle. Auntie had changed the table cloth. This one was more ceremonial. It was the one given to her by her mother for only special occasions. Even the dishware was the more expensive porcelain as opposed to the typical clay pottery they used.

The change in scenery was all Jake needed to know. He approached the table and sat down on his cushion, sitting in a polite and orderly manner. He folded his legs neatly beneath himself and straightened his back.

Then, he waited. In a heavy, thick silence. He waited. Eventually, the sound of scattering sand approached the front flap. A single individual. His Auntie moved the flap aside and entered. When she saw him, she stared at him.

“Finally awake, I see.” She said flatly. Jake nodded. She stepped out of her sandals and walked around the table to the kitchen. The pot was heating up, a small trail of steam leaking from its open neck. “From how you are sitting, you know who is coming.” She said over her shoulder. Jake nodded again.

“Good.” The pot began to whistle softly. Jake’s Auntie cut the flame and popped the lid. She added a mixture of herbs and leaves, stirring them slightly to mix them in the boiling water. She added a slight amount of spice and then replaced the lid. As the tea brewed, she carried the pot to the table and placed it beside the cookie plate.

The waiting then continued. The two sat in a heavy silence as they waited for their guest. Jake stared straight ahead and down at his teacup. He didn’t make any attempt to open his mouth nor did he make a single complaint over the fact that he was starving. His stomach growling was the only noise between them. His Auntie gave him a few glances whenever his stomach gurgled, but he remained passive and she didn’t ask.

An eternity passed and finally, finally, Jake heard several people outside talking and a large number of feet. He glanced up towards where Chul was hiding in time to see the Arachkin retreat further into the dark. Sixteen yellow orbs vanished, reducing to only two very small yellow dots in the corner. Invisible to someone unaware. His Auntie rose to her feet, prepared to receive their guest. Jake gripped at his skirt, his fingers tugging at the fabric. Just as the steps approached the front flap, his Auntie snapped her fingers. Jake let out a heavy sigh and stood up.

The flap was pushed aside, the sun from outside flooding in. Two guards dressed in full ceremonial wear stepped inside first, moving aside and taking positions next to the flap. Behind them a single man followed. Old, wrinkled, skin tanned and leathered after years beneath the desert’s scorching sun, and white robes as pale as a rarely seen cloud.

Elder Juul, the second oldest in the village and the most proactive amongst all of the Elders. His uplifting spirit and wide smile were contagious and deeply loved by all. He spent most of his days with the children, sharing stories and tales, and also frequently made stops at the gates to check on the Guards posted there. The Eldest, Elder Yawa, was sickly and weak. He generally only appeared for marriage ceremonies and funerals as it was growing harder and harder for him to move about. Thus, Elder Juul naturally inherited all of Elder Yawa’s responsibilities.

“Elder.” Jake’s Auntie bowed at the waist as the Elder approached the table. Jake followed suit, mostly to avoid getting a swift backhand to the face. Elder Juul smiled as he returned the gesture.

“Thank you for inviting me into your home. May Salam bless you.” The Elder spoke his normal rhetoric. Jake’s stomach twisted. “Let us sit and enjoy your tea first, shall we?” Elder Juul straightened up and smiled for a moment, motioning for everyone to sit. His Auntie nodded and knelt onto her cushion, her knees pressing into it as she tried to make herself comfortable in the formal position. Her age was showing.

Jake could practically hear his heart racing in his chest as his Auntie poured them each a cup of tea. Elder Juul’s cup was filled first. Jake’s was filled last. Elder Juul was also the first to drink, the Elder bringing the cup to his lips to savor the delicious tea. He let out a soft hum, a smile crossing his face as his cheeks flushed with warmth. Jake’s jaw tensed and he glanced toward his Auntie. Her face was void of emotion, mostly. Jake could see that she too was tense. Not over the tea, but what she expected would come after. Auntie was an expert when it came to tea.

“So. Your child has shown skill with the Arts?” Elder Juul set down his cup as he cut straight to the reason for his visit. Being a busy man, Jake could understand the decision.

“Yes.” His Auntie was curt. Elder Juul’s smile remained broad as he turned to look at Jake, eyeing the boy.

“At such an age? Quite the unique case, if it’s true of course.” Jake met the heavy eyes of the Elder. While Jake was tense and quite stressed for the visit, it wasn’t fear which made him uneasy. Jake was more afraid of what was going to happen after. While it wasn’t quite something he expected to do, there was even the potential for a fight to break out. Jake wasn’t learning magic to become a Magi for the village. There wasn’t a chance in hell he’d let them strip away his one opportunity to freedom as an Adventurer. Not after all the effort he’d already put in.

“I began to suspect so when he returned from the sands.” With Jake being silent, his Auntie decided to speak for him. Jake’s teeth grit together. “He had mentioned the Ravine and ever since, he has been acting strange. I found him a few days ago filling water buckets with just his hands.” Jake glared at his Auntie, but she was unmoved by the look. There was no going back and she wasn’t going to lie to an Elder.

“With your hands, huh?” Elder Juul muttered. Jake sighed and shrugged. After a brief pause and more staring at each other, Elder Juul took another sip from his cup. “You look tense, child. You haven’t once even reached for your tea.” Elder Juul called out the obvious. “Speak. What is on your mind?”

Jake stared down at the table, at the hot tea steaming just a short distance from his hands. There was so much on his mind that he didn’t even know where to start.

“Say som-”

Just as his Auntie began to snap, her voice a low tone to try and get him to speak, Elder Juul raised his hand. The woman’s lips sealed closed. Jake sighed, his hands relaxing.

“Elder, I wish to become an Adventurer.” Jake met the eyes of the Elder as he spoke, confident in his words and his decision. “I am learning magic to do so.”

“You’ve developed the Sahar to do so?” Elder Juul asked, tilting his head slightly. Jake nodded.

“Because of…” Jake paused as he mulled over the proper words. Elder Juul waited patiently for him to continue. “...circumstances.” He decided to remain vague. “I’ve been able to practice it, and I’ll continue to practice until I’m confident that I can succeed with it.”

Elder Juul looked across the table towards Auntie, but she wasn’t very enthused. The Elder could see the displeasure in her face. “Well, we shall see.” The Elder chuckled.

“As you know, all children are checked for traces of Sahar at birth. You, my boy, were found to have none as an infant.” Elder Juul spoke with a soft voice, reminding them both of the original determination. “But, I always had my suspicions about you…”

“Your father was an outsider to our village, much like the other Adventurers we see pass through from time to time. He was a large, pale man from the north. A man who brought strange tales and joy wherever he went. His arrival brought much excitement to this deary place and many of the other villagers flocked around him, eager to listen to his stories. Your mother was the only one who found him an annoyance, which seemed to draw him to her.” The Elder mused as he swirled the tea in his cup.

“When news spread of their engagement and she disappeared with him to travel for a short time, it was quite the surprise. The other Elders were furious, but I was very happy for your mother.” Elder Juul paused, raising his cup to his lips. When he finished sipping, he set the cup down on the table.

“Years later, when they returned, your mother carried you in her arms and she was the happiest she had ever been. Many were not prepared for such a sight. But, we welcomed you into our family as we do every child. Shortly after, your father continued his journey, leaving your mother and you with us. While many blamed him and cursed his name…” Jake’s Auntie shifted in her seat a bit.

“...I did not. Nor did your mother. He was never one to settle in one place. Your mother understood that. But he always made it his mission to return regularly to our village and he spent as much time as he could with the two of you.” He paused. He frowned and his hands gripped his teacup. “That is, until your mother passed away.”

The Elder’s lips pressed together and he stared at the liquid in his cup, his eyes looking far beyond the reflection in the cup. Auntie’s expression, too, became solemn. Jake grimaced but he didn’t look away from the Elder. He knew his father wasn’t one to stop traveling and after his mother died, Jake came to terms with the fact that his father couldn’t stand the sight of him. Jake was a reminder of their love and her existence. Seeing his son always so cheerful and excited probably hurt his father. To Jake, that was just an excuse. That was the one thing Jake hated about his dad- the fact that he chose to adventure rather than be family.

“When we found that you had no affinity of sahar, many of us thought it a blessing. We believed that you could live in peace, here in the village. Of all, your Auntie was the most relieved. But, it seems this was not to be.” The Elder looked harshly toward Jake, causing the boy’s throat to clamp up.

“You are not, E’tun. Are you child?” At his question, Jake felt a cool breeze whisk through the air. Jake felt that breeze trickle down his spine.

Jake’s hands curled into fists. “No.”

His Auntie stiffened, and Elder Juul smiled. “What did you find within the Ravine, child?”

His query was plain, seeking only truth and following curiosity. Except, there was a shift in the corner of the room. Jake felt a weight in the air.

“Choose your words wisely, Boy.” Chul’s voice chittered into his mind and Jake nipped onto his bottom lip, stuck between truth and misdirection. He wanted to tell his story. He wanted to tell about his fall, about how he’d cowered and ran from Chul. He wanted to speak of the Gate, his trial, the meeting with the Gods, and how he was chosen by Lady Ferynith. However, doing so meant not just exposing how he’d learn magic. It also threatened to upend the village’s entire religious foundations. The Village had a far different faith than what Jake had encountered.

The village followed the religion of Bylam, a religion with sixteen deities; four ‘Higher’ Gods, eleven ‘Lower’ Gods and Goddesses, and above them all there was one omnipotent Goddess. The Sun Goddess, Shalam. The mother of all, she watched over the sands and brought prosperity and rain, and with her children, she protected the Villages from harm. Truly, based on the scriptures, she was a kind Goddess. However, when Jake met with the Gods- there was no Shalam. There were no higher or lower ranks. Instead, the Gods were all of different races and sizes, each a representative of their kind. It was truly a shock but something Jake was not surprised to discover. From the stories his father had told him, there were dozens of different races scattered around the massive world. The desert wasn’t all there was to see and Man was not alone.

Thus, Jake decided that for the peace of the village- he would need to cloud their eyes. At least for now.

“I found a path into the Ravine. One that led me to its floor. There, after I searched around for a day or so I found a crystal. When I touched it, it shined and I felt hot all over, a burning heat that I felt in my very core.” Jake recalled the burning he felt when he’d stepped up onto the Gate’s pedestal to be judged.

“When I woke up, I was in the desert at the edge of the Ravine. I felt a strange sensation in my body and when I tested it, I discovered that I could do magic.” Based on what happened, what he’d felt, and the outcome, Jake pieced together something that could at least be felt like truth. Even though it was nowhere near what happened. The Elder stared at him in silence, waiting to ensure that he was finished, before finally letting out a soft hum.

“A crystal which gave you power over sahar. I see.” He mumbled before sipping more tea. Jake could almost feel the sarcasm. The Elder likely didn’t believe him entirely, as he was quite old and likely understood quite a bit about how magic worked, but the Elder thankfully didn’t prod. Even his Auntie seemed to doubt him, which was to be expected. Jake had told her a little about his Ravine trip. So for her to hear a completely different story all of a sudden certainly would bring questions to her mind.

“Either way, it seems you have a gift.” The Elder set down his cup and then looked over his shoulder. “Bring it in!” He called.

From outside, a woman carrying a marble slab stepped into the tent. The robe she wore was a dazzling white, with golden flakes sewn into the edges of the cloth around her neck. Her face was covered by a sheer white veil. She approached the table and placed a familiar stone object on the table in front of Jake. An Assessor Slab. Though, its quality looked to be much lower than the one Jake saw in the Library. Jake felt a drop of sweat slide down his back.

“We would like your permission to test your sahar once more.” The woman passed the Elder the Assessor, who then placed it on the center of the table. It looked different from the slab Yir had Jake use in the Library, but there was no mistaking what it was. The stone object was a thin square with a familiar sigil carved into its center. It marked the spot for an individual to place their hand, and then the sigil would draw out their mana. The material looked as though it was carved from marble.

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While it certainly looked like marble, the quality was far different than the one Jake saw within the Library. It was a solid white rather than sheer and transparent. It might have been a stone of lesser quality rather than a pure slab. He should have expected such. There was no way the village could afford to buy a bunch of real Assessor slabs. They were far too poor for that. And that could be to Jake’s advantage.

The Assessor Jake encountered in the Library practically sucked his mana out. The strength of the slab there was amazing. He had no chance against it. He had no control of the outward flow and couldn’t stop the feeling of the slab pulling mana out of him. With the slab in front of him, Jake had a chance to potentially manipulate the outcome of the assessment. He would need to focus and maintain a tight grip over his mana, though. So long as the slab was weak, he had a chance.

Knowing this and making his judgment call, his eyes flicked over to where Chul was nestled. The Arachkin said nothing. His yellow eyes only watched from the corner of the tent, waiting for the result of the meeting. His interjection had been brief, likely to remind Jake of the potential fallout of their experience. Not that the boy needed it.

“Okay,” Jake said, already working on his preparations. He was going to have to bet everything on his recent training. Otherwise, he doubted he would get off so easily. If it came to light he could do more than any other mage in this village- there was no way he’d get the opportunity to leave. They would likely try everything in their power to bind him to this place. His plans of leaving and exploring the lands beyond these boring mud walls would be squashed in an instant.

“Wonderful!” With the boy’s consent, the Elder smiled. He moved the Assessor over to Jake and brushed clean its already polished surface. Jake stared down at it, his reflection a faint image in the clear white. “Please- place your hand in the center. Right over the marking.” The young woman stepped away from the table finally, and Jake moved a bit closer so he could easily reach out to the object. He brushed his right hand off on his shirt and then reached out for it.

Before he touched the smooth stone, he closed his eyes. Remembering his training, Jake slowed his breathing, steadied his mind, and let himself plunge into his inner consciousness. Just as he had practiced, his mana flow came to the forefront of his focus. Slowly, in tune with his breathing, Jake eased himself into the pool of it. He could feel it swirl around, felt the rush of power wash over him. It tickled at his fingertips, primed to be utilized for a spell. As his breathing rhythm brought forth an exhale, Jake pushed much of it out of his body. He pushed as much mana away from his hand as he possibly could, coiling it into his mana tail to separate it from the rest of the flow. The flow resisted but not as much as it had originally. Jake spread his mana through the rest of his body, leaving behind only a fraction of the original amount in his hand. When his preparations were complete and he had prepared the best he could, he tilted forward ever so slightly and placed his hand onto the slab.

Almost instantly, he felt the slab yank on the mana in his hand. Familiar with the pull, Jake tensed his core and maintained his steady breathing. He closed up the outlets for his mana and choked the stream the slab was sucking out of his palm. He reduced the stream to a trickle, barely feeding the slab any mana at all. Just enough for it to trigger the elemental tests. Tests that he would be the judge of this time.

First, he sensed the heat as the mana tried to trigger a fire spell. Jake doused it, smothering the flame with a mighty splash of water. In his mind, he focused only on rain. Of all the elements, Water would get him into the least trouble. It was useful to the village and through controlled reproduction, it was the most common element. Thus, as the elements slowly cycled through, Jake continued to feed the slab water-embued mana. He whispered the word, “Aquarus” over and over in his head, converting the mana as it slipped from his fingers to match the Water Element. In time, the slab began to feel wet to the touch. His fingers were soaked and he could feel sweat trickling down his face. Fighting the power of the slab was exhausting.

“Interesting…” Suddenly, the Elder’s voice whispered on his right. Jake’s jaw tightened and locked, his concentration slipping a bit. He felt tired, and his muscles ached as he struggled to contain what the slab was trying to pull from him. His mana flow quaked and he nearly slipped as the strain got to him. Just before the slab’s power caused a break in his concentration, he pushed more mana into his mana-tail and tried to further cut the flow into his arm. Fighting the slab was like a marathon, one that was finally coming to an end. With one last gasp, the slab tried to draw out his Wind Affinity, something Jake wasn’t entirely prepared for.

While focusing entirely on keeping his mana converting into the Water Element, he had lost track of the elements he had already been tested for. When the Wind Element crept up on him, he was far too tired to catch it. On top of that, his regular training with the Wind Element had already primed his mana. It was his most efficient element to use. The slab barely had to pull on his mana to get the change to occur, and Jake’s concentration slipped. His hand popped off the slab and the connection was cut.

As the now loose mana was sucked into the slab, it triggered a small burst of power. The slab was pushed away by the sudden gust of wind, sliding across the table. The teacups were knocked over, as was the pot. Jake’s eyes opened at the loud clattering and the surprised gasps. His Auntie had moved away, and the Elder was holding his cup to keep it from spilling over. Jake breathed heavily, his lungs burning as he released the grip he had on his mana. It poured back into his body, surging out to refill the empty space, and he once more felt normal as his flow returned to its original state. His mana tail swished smoothly at his back and his wet hand felt cold as it dried off.

As for the slab- it was two-toned. Blue and a grayish white. Water and Wind. Jake’s teeth clamped together once more and he felt the chill in his hand spread to the rest of his body. While it wasn’t as bad as he thought it would be, he had still failed to keep the slab at bay. It bested his control at the end and pulled the Wind affinity out of him. In the end, all of his practice had betrayed him. Not entirely as he had been successful at keeping the other elements suppressed, but now he had another problem.

Wind magic was highly sought after in the village.

“Two elements, with your affinity for Wind being exceptionally high.” The Elder picked up the slab and his hands gently grazed over the stone. He smiled at the sight, admiring the results for a few moments. He then turned the slab over to the young woman beside him. She covered the slab in a satin cloth and then held it to her chest. Her task complete, the woman bowed her head and then removed herself from the tent.

“It is true then.” Once the woman had stepped out of the tent, his Auntie spoke first. The Elder nodded. Jake’s fists clenched. “How could the initial assessment have been wrong?” She asked, her voice shaking.

“It happens from time to time. When we are children, we never truly notice what the feeling of sahar is within us. It is why the Assessors so easily draw out the power. When we age, those who remain in tune with their sahar have the opportunity to control it and become Magi.” The Elder explained, taking a moment to sip some tea. “But, even those without sahar have been known to come across it later. Whether it be natural, or by some other way.” His eyes flicked over to Jake. Jake didn’t meet that gaze.

“Regardless it seems the child has potential.” With a smile, the Elder finished his cup of tea and returned it to the table. Auntie rose to her feet and began to clean up the mess Jake’s assessment had caused. There was tea everywhere. Thankfully, no one had been burned.

“What does this mean, then?” Jake asked, his heart racing and his hands clenched as he awaited the verdict of the assessment. With two affinities now out in the open, Jake was an asset the village likely could not afford to lose. His affinity for Wind was also exceptionally high. With proper training, Jake could provide plenty of assistance to caravans and aid in construction throughout the village.

Seeing Jake’s tense expression, the Elder let out a chuckle. He reached over and placed a heavy hand on Jake’s shoulder. The old man gave it a firm squeeze. “Nothing. All this means is that you have sahar within you.” Jake recoiled at the answer, his eyes widening. Even his Auntie froze up.

“Elder?!” His Auntie’s voice raised as she understood what those words meant. At the same time, Jake felt relief wash over him. He sunk into the cushion beneath him, the tension melting from his muscles.

“Jake is far too old for us to decide his fate, Miss Rayne. This assessment has simply proven that he is not lying to you and has made me aware that the village has birthed yet another powerful Magi. One that I am very proud to see.” Elder Juul smiled broadly, his hand squeezing Jake’s shoulder again. He looked into Jake’s eyes, his expression softening quite a bit. “Your mother would be proud. She was always worried for you.”

“But wait, Elder Juul-!” His Auntie tried to interject again, but the Elder raised his hand again as well to stop her.

“Miss Rayne.” His voice was far more stern this time. “While your nephew’s ability is exceptional, as it is rare for any other affinities other than Water and Fire to appear during assessments let alone two at once, we cannot bind this child to us. As an Elder, I would certainly like for him to come to study and become a Magi for the village. However, he is well beyond the age of such a decision to be made for him.” Elder Juul returned to his cushion, comfortably sitting on top of it.

“We can offer you quite a bit in an attempt to sway you, Jake, but it is up to you what you choose to do. You have great power within you, a power that can benefit a lot of people with proper supervision and guidance. But, I can see it in your eyes. Such a life is not one that you wish for, is it?” Elder Juul’s eyes narrowed a bit as his soft smile twisted just as slightly.

“You, my boy, have the same eyes as your father.” He rumbled. “Eyes that look far beyond the walls of this village. Eyes seeking greatness beyond these sands. Eyes full of desire, curiosity, and strength.”

“He will become a Magi.” Jake’s Auntie asserted herself once more, only triggering the Elder to laugh. His lips parted and peeled away, revealing a mouth with a few pearly whites missing.

“We thought the same of his mother, but she too turned down such a role. Though, hers was more out of luck and circumstance than choice.” Elder Juul folded his hands into his lap, calming himself. “Have you told him?” He asked, looking at Auntie Rayne.

She hesitated in responding, looking at Jake for a long moment. “No. I have not.”

“And why haven’t you?” The Elder asked. Auntie Rayne sighed and shook her head.

“He does not need to know.” She muttered. Elder Juul’s eyebrows raised.

“A child doesn’t need to know the fate of his mother?”

Jake’s eyes widened and he felt his heart stop. The boy looked over at his Auntie but she avoided meeting his gaze. She gathered up the dishes to distract herself and fled the table, bringing them into the kitchen space.

“He is old enough, don’t you think?” Elder Juul continued to press. Jake remained quiet as he struggled to keep himself from falling into his emotions. His Auntie was hiding something, that was clear. But he knew full well that lunging at her wouldn’t get the answers he wanted. She would remain silent about it until her death if that was what she decided.

“Then I will speak for you.” If she would not tell Jake, then Elder Juul decided he would. And just as he turned to look at Jake, Auntie Rayne dropped a dish. It clattered into the sand, having slipped from her shaking hands.

“No!” She shouted, her voice cracking as it boomed through the air. “...I will tell him.”

“Today.” Elder Juul spat. She remained still, but then her head bobbed in understanding.

“Elder?” Jake looked up at the old man, unsure of what to say or how to continue. The Elder gave him a soft smile.

“I will let your Auntie speak of your mother, as it is not my place.” The man leaned forward slightly and placed his hand on top of Jake’s. “You have a choice before you, child. One that only you can make. You may become a Magi of the village, or follow your desire and become an Adventurer like your father.” The Elder squeezed the boy’s hand.

“Your father was a great man, but he was always an outsider. He brought joy to this place, gave love to your mother, and helped bring you into this world. However, while you were brought here by your mother, you too came from beyond this place. When we initially assessed your sahar, it was blank. There was no chance of you becoming anything more than a normal person. Thus, we accepted you as one of us. The matter was settled and your parents both agreed for you to grow up and live with us. However, this assessment changes all of that.” The Elder’s smile remained as he leaned forward, closer to the table- and closer to Jake.

“You have the choice to go beyond the desert, to live a life outside of this village. This place is your home, and it always will be, but it doesn’t have to be something holding you back. And that choice is yours. Understand?” At his question, the Elder released Jake’s hand.

“Yes, Elder.” Jake bowed his head. Elder Juul bowed as well before slowly, carefully, rising to his feet.

“When your mother brought you to me, she told me your name was Lyaha. Do you know what that means, Jake?” Jake nodded, well aware of the name and its implications.

Lyaha was the name of a powerful General who lived long in the early history of their country. General Lyaha Mor’n. The man who led his army in a brutal final stand against the Dannesh, an invading force from the North that had tried to conquer the desert, only to fail thanks to General Lyaha’s resilience. The General died in the battle, but his forces fought on in the blood-stained sands and won, securing the border and forcing the Dannesh to retreat. Even now, the flag the General had with him remains waving in the garrison built on the same battlefield.

“Before the General’s final campaign against the Dannesh, it is said he was sent off by his mother, not his wife.” The Elder smiled and extended a hand toward Jake. “She told him this. Thum, madaha fur unla’ir, mi lyaha sodiar. Cesar urn Sadir. Onward, march forth, my brave soldier. Come home a King.”

Jake’s teeth grit together as he reached up and grabbed onto the Elder’s hand. The old man gave it a firm tug, pulling Jake to his feet. The boy straightened his back as the Elder placed a second hand on top of his.

“Your mother foresaw the potential for you to leave the village, and so she named you after a mighty Warrior. A warrior who protected this country. She wanted you to grow up to be someone strong. Someone who could follow in the footsteps of the man she loved. After seeing the world with your father, she didn’t want you to be chained to this place like she had been. When she died, your father asked us to call you ‘Jake’ instead, only because he wished you never would try to be like he was. He feared what may become of you and wanted you to have a peaceful life. But that name, too, symbolizes that you do not belong here. It is a name from the north, from beyond the desert.”

The Elder stepped forward, closing the distance between them, and reached into his robe. He pulled out a small necklace, a dazzling gold rope of twisted gold. It almost seemed to glow in his fingers. The Elder released the clasp of the necklace, and then gently wrapped it around Jake’s neck. It seemed a bit big at first, but as the Elder closed the clasp, the necklace settled perfectly into his chest. At the bottom of the chain, a small pink jewel dangled.

“This belonged to your mother. It was blessed by a Priest in the northern lands and was a gift to her by your father. When she passed, she wanted it to be given to you should you ever decide to leave the village.” The Elder placed both hands on Jake’s shoulders and knelt down to be at eye level with the boy.

“Elder Juul…” From the side and by the kitchen, Jake’s Auntie whispered with a faint voice. The Elder only looked at Jake with a smile.

“Your mother wished the greatness for you, and your father wished for you to be safe. Whatever it is you decide, remember that they both loved you very much.” As a final touch, the Elder ruffled Jake’s hair. Jake grumbled as he pulled away from the Elder’s grip. The man chuckled and then turned to Jake’s Auntie.

“Thank you for the tea, and I apologize for the disturbance. I bid you both a wonderful afternoon.” He bowed deeply at the waist and then turned to leave the tent. Both Jake and his Auntie bowed as he stepped out. The Guards followed after him, returning the flap as they left.

Silence returned to the tent. The only noise was the sound of clinking as Auntie Rayne finished putting the porcelain away. With a fire in his chest and a mix of emotions brewing, Jake stared at the flap of the tent, his hands curling into fists.

There was no doubt what he wanted to say right now, what he wanted to declare to his Auntie. Everything he had ever dreamed of was now right in front of him. The Elder had validated his desires, had practically blessed his desire to become an adventurer and had given him full permission to leave whenever he wanted. While he could stay, live a quiet and comfortable life, and become a Magi, the Elder had practically told him to go and adventure, to leave the village and explore beyond the sands. He had given him the gift of freedom.

Yet, why couldn’t he speak? Why did he suddenly feel… stuck?

“Auntie…” Jake mumbled, his throat tensing as he searched for the courage to speak. Between the relief of the Elder not shackling him and the story about his family, Jake felt knot after knot tie itself to his throat. “I…”

“When she was young, your mother was always a quiet woman,” Auntie Rayne suddenly spoke up from behind him, and Jake felt all of the courage in him vanish. He turned and saw her kneeling beside one of the water buckets, her back to him. She patiently wrung out the cloth she had been using and then she just stared down at the water. “She was a bright, beaming sun. Always cheerful, always happy, and always excited, but she was quiet. She didn’t talk a whole lot outside of her work and sang a lot to herself.”

“She was beautiful, far prettier than I was, and she had many suitors. Men from all over the village struggled to earn her favor. Even men from the caravans tried their luck with her, but she always kindly rejected their offers. Wealth. Power. Stability. All of it. She pushed all of those men away because couldn’t turn her back on our father. She loved your grandfather deeply and respected him highly. He wasn’t some special warrior, grand Elder, nor was he a great craftsman of some kind.” Auntie Rayne rose to her feet, turning around to meet Jake’s waiting eyes. She gripped the front of her dress.

“He was a regular man, a hard worker and he struggled every day to raise the two of us. Our mother ran away with another man, leaving him to raise the two of us alone.” A light smile crept up on the corner of her mouth as she recalled those long distant memories. “He was clumsy, a fool, and was always so careful with us. He was never sure of himself but he certainly gave us everything in hopes that we would be able to live more comfortable, happier lives once we were older.”

She paused, her eyes drifting off as she looked down at the sand. “He grew sick with age and by then, I was already married. I had my own family to take care of, my own children, and a husband who was quite difficult. I couldn’t help, which left my sister as his sole caretaker. She was burdened by it and I knew how much it hurt her when I told her I couldn’t help her.” Auntie Rayne’s face twisted as she slowly made her way back to the table. She sat down on her cushion, folding her skirt neatly beneath her. Her hands then folded in her lap. Jake lowered down onto his cushion as well, quiet as he waited for her to continue.

“I left the two of them behind and turned my back on them. For many years she struggled with him. She was always so stressed with her work, with men plaguing her, and with our father’s constant health needs. When he finally passed, I thought your mother would finally be free. I thought my sister would finally be able to find happiness and would finally decide to begin her own family…” Auntie Rayne’s voice trailed off. Her eyes twinkled in the light, water brewing at the dams.

“But instead she began the opposite. In those last few years, I watched her slowly forget how to smile. She lost that sweet, beautiful songbird voice of hers. The luster in her hair and eyes faded and she became a cold, shallow shadow of herself. She remained beautiful but she grew such sharp thorns that no man dared get close to her anymore.” Then, Auntie looked up and met Jake’s eyes finally. She smiled, ever so faintly.

“Then your father appeared. Like a whirlwind, he stumbled into the village with his gaggle of buffoons shouting and raving about how they were going to ‘conquer the ravine’.” She let out a sigh, a heavy one. “Many like them had come before but something about them was different. The energy they brought, their mentality, their equipment. They were different. Something about them, the air around them, the twinkle in their eyes. It was as if those before them were just men calling themselves Adventurers… Your father and his band. They were the real thing.”

For a moment, Jake felt a little pride bubble in his stomach. However, he couldn’t find a way to smile.

“The third night they spent here, the night before their expedition, they all drank themselves to collapse. It was quite the show. Add in your father’s constant reminders of how they would defeat whatever lurked in the Ravine and return with countless treasures and soon, even your mother’s patience ran out. When she snapped she practically attacked your father. She berated him and his men and shouted all sorts of obscenities I never thought she knew. Your father stood there, smiling and laughing through it all, only flinched once.” Jake’s Auntie raised a finger. “When she called him a liar.”

“He took that to heart. The joyful cheers stopped. The drinks were set down. Your father’s men all stared at him. He downed his drink, slammed the cup on the table, and with a thunderous voice he shouted- ‘If I return from that place, then I’ll take you as my wife’.” Auntie Rayne paused, her eyes rolling as he let out a stifled laugh. “It caused even more cheers and riled up my sister even more to the point that we had to pull her away from him.”

“She showed her childish side for the first time in a long, long while. She actually slapped him a few times. Once they paid their tab, she ran them out and said that they weren’t allowed back.” Auntie Rayne paused once more, her face tensing up as she folded her hands neatly on the table.

“They left the next morning without a word. The sun wasn’t even up and only two guards were awake to see them off. Unlike the night before, the Adventurers were quiet, tense. Except for your father. He was still smiling when he left. Your mother, though she would never admit it, was uneasy. We all were. It was trading day but it was the quietest day of trade I had ever seen. Everyone in the village was waiting. As if all of our eyes were watching the horizon, waiting for the first silhouette to come back. One extra Guard was placed on duty. His only purpose to watch in the direction of the Ravine.”

Auntie Rayne’s hands squeezed together as she grimaced. She started to tremble, her tongue caught in her throat. Seeing this, Jake reached out and placed his hand softly on top of hers. She smiled at him.

“Three days passed. The caravan waited for as long as it could but they were forced to move on. More time passed… We all thought they were dead. Whatever was in the Ravine, we were all starting to believe it had got to them.” Auntie Rayne’s hands stopped shaking and she closed her eyes. “Then, the Guard shouted. He saw a group approaching from the Ravine. It was late at night but the whole village woke up to welcome them back. Eight of them left for the Ravine. Seven returned, and of those seven not a single one wasn’t injured. They had lost their Elven friend and all they had left of him was a bow.

The village was primed to cheer but your father’s group was defeated, not victorious. Whatever they had seen in the Ravine had run through them. They returned to the tent where your mother worked, the last and only tent still open so late at night, and they sat around a table in the corner. Your mother tried to shoo them, but they didn’t listen. Though there were seven of them, your father ordered eight drinks.” Auntie Rayne sighed and her hands separated. She placed them on her lap as she sat up.

“Your mother, no fool to death, understood just what that meant. She brought them nine drinks. One for each of the survivors. One for the dead. And one for herself. It was quite the surprise to all of us, them even more, but it brought a smile to their faces. That night, they drank in somber silence, remembering their friend and telling stories about him. He may have been gone but they would never forget him. At the end of the night, your father spread the drink of their fallen comrade amongst his brethren and they drank it together. They turned the night into a celebration, and for the first time in a long while, I finally saw my sister smile.” Auntie Rayne’s lips curled into a smile, finally, as she turned her head to look over at her nephew.

“The adventurers and your father spent the next month here, waiting for the next caravan to come through. They helped with daily tasks, drinking themselves to the edge of death every night, and your father constantly approached my sister. She kept him at arm’s length, but it was clear. He was determined and she wasn’t exactly one to keep fighting such a persistent man. She put up a front to everyone, but I and the other girls could see it clear as day- she was far happier with him around than she was before.

When the day came for them to leave, your father asked her to go with the one last time. She initially refused and tried to give him an excuse, but the excuse she had was brittle. He tried every angle up until the very last minute when the caravan could wait no longer. She had a home here, and while she wasn’t exactly happy- this was her whole world. But, I and the other girls wouldn’t let such a binding place hold her back. We packed her things without her knowing and put them all into the caravan’s carts with the other adventurers. When she returned to her tent and saw nothing left, that’s when we practically shooed her off.

I didn’t like him much. His attitude, his looks, his language. I didn’t like how he always seemed to be off in his own world or looking beyond where he was to somewhere better. I didn’t like his friends and how they all seemed to glow in their own sphere. It made my life seem too bleak and mundane… but the way your mother lit up whenever your father approached her, I couldn’t get in the way of that love.”

Auntie finally stopped talking and sat for a few moments in silence. She stood up and turned to look at Jake. He could feel tears in his eyes as she walked over to him. The woman who had cared for him also looked as though she was on the brink of tears, which was likely why she knelt and pulled him into one of the tightest hugs he had ever felt. Her embrace was warm and soft, but so tight.

“She loved you two so much. When she came back with you in her arms, she was the happiest woman in the world. She always talked of how she was going to raise you to be great like your father, of how she wanted you to go off and see the world as she did. She never wanted you to be bound to this village as she had been. Up until the moment she closed her eyes, she wanted that for you.” Auntie trembled as she held him, and Jake couldn’t help but hug her tight. She pulled away from him after a long while and knelt in front of him. Her cheeks were wet.

“I was always scared that you might leave and never come back, like your father. I always feared that something would come to hurt you if you decided to leave. I wanted to hold you here and keep you safe from the world because I was always so afraid. But I can’t do that anymore. It’s not what your mother would want for you, and that little necklace is proof of that.” Auntie leaned her head forward, placing her forehead against his. Jake shivered and stared into her soft eyes.

“I love you like a son, Lyaha, but you are not mine. You are hers. And I want you to be happy. Above everything else- that is all I ever wish for you to be. Okay?”

“Yes, Auntie.” Jake nodded. Auntie pulled him into another embrace and held him tightly once more.

“No matter what you choose to do, know that this place will always be a home for you to come back to.” She placed her lips on the top of his head and kissed him softly. It was a soft kiss, one he hadn’t felt in a long, long time.

“Yes, Auntie.” Jake could say nothing else and he remained there, quiet in her arms until she decided to let go of him.

“Now, how about something to eat, yes?” She smiled softly and looked at him. She wiped at the edges of her eyes and hummed at him.

“Okay.” He wiped off his face as well and nodded.

In the corner of the room, seemingly forgotten by the two as they began to prepare lunch- Chul watched Jake and his Auntie in silence. After a few moments, he receded to the top of the tent and withdrew himself into the shadows. He slipped out of the tent and moved a short distance away into a crevice between a rocky outcropping. He nestled himself into the space and let himself rest out of the sun, and out of view. For a few moments, he too let himself reminisce.

He remembered the cool, damp air of his home den. He remembered the first time his Brood mother returned from a hunt. He remembered watching as she taught him and his siblings how to spin their first webs. He remembered her coaxing voice, nudging him along as he took his first steps out of the den and into the network of caves that would be his home.

“You’re going to be a big boy one day, Chul. Make sure to protect your sisters when that day comes, okay?” His mother had said.

“Yes, mother.” He had answered, confident and brave. He had believed that one day, he would be able to fight anything. Anyone. He was confident that he could defend the den. His older siblings teased him for his attitude and his younger siblings all mocked him, but Chul remained focused. He was the youngest of the boys, but he wouldn’t let that stop him.

…Memories like that he had forgotten for some time. But now… they came to the surface so easily.

“Look after your sisters- would you?”

“Come back here! You know that’s dangerous!”

“You are bigger than them. You need to be more gentle.”

“Oh, my little Chul…”

“You’ve grown, Chul.”

“My baby boy. Why are you always such trouble for me?”

“Chul! Why do you never listen to me?!”

“That’s my boy. You’re almost big enough.”

“Wait here, Chul. Protect your sisters, okay?”

“Run! Hurry! The Humans are here!”

Chul curled up and for the first time in a long while, he felt a bit cold.

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