"Lady Mesa tries her best to fight them off, but I can tell she's starting to feel overwhelmed," Kai said, clenching his fists tightly. His voice was filled with both frustration and admiration.
"Someone like her, so strong and kind, shouldn't have to be on the frontlines fighting alone. I want to help her, but…"
He trailed off, his expression conflicted. "She tells me that because I'm still young, I shouldn't be exposed to the conflicts and battles that happen. But then she makes me and Rin train with Master Rayne, hitting those stupid wooden dummies."
"She says it's so we can defend ourselves if something ever happens to her. I hate when she says that. She wouldn't have to worry about anything happening to her if she just let me and Rin fight alongside her."
Kai sighed, his gaze dropping to the ground as his shoulders slumped. "I just wish she had more faith in us. Just because we're kids doesn't mean we aren't strong."
Zero listened intently, surprised by Kai's openness and sincerity. "Rin was right," he thought. "The kid really does have a good heart."
Zero placed a reassuring hand on Kai's shoulder, meeting his gaze with a sincere expression. "You know, Kai," he began softly, "it's not that Lady Mesa doesn't have faith in you or Rin. She knows how strong you both are. But she cares about you so much. She wants to protect you and give you the time to grow stronger without taking risks that are too big, too soon."
He paused, allowing his words to resonate. "But I get it. Wanting to protect someone you care about, to stand by their side—that takes real courage. And that strength you have, it really matters. Sometimes, showing your strength is about being patient and preparing for the right moment."
Zero smiled warmly, a glimmer of respect in his eyes. "I see the determination in you, and I know Mesa does too. She might not always say it, but your support and training mean everything to her. Keep learning, keep growing, and one day soon, you'll be fighting side by side. Until then, remember that being ready to help is its own kind of strength."
The air grew still as the faint sound of crickets chirping slowly consumed the area, the sun almost completely set behind the horizon. A look of surprise flickered across Kai's face before he lowered his gaze, his hair casting a shadow over his expression.
"Zero?" Kai said quietly.
"Yeah, what's up?" Zero responded, genuinely curious.
Suddenly, Kai slapped Zero's hand away. "Keep your hands off me, weirdo. And stay away from Lady Mesa," he said, turning sharply. He shot off in a blur, a small sonic boom sending debris flying around Zero.
His hair and hoodie whipped in the wind as he shielded his eyes with his arm. "Welp, I tried," Zero muttered to himself. "What a brat," he thought, shaking his head as he began walking back toward the village's main section in search of the inn where Mesa was headed when they last spoke.
....
...
..
"Dammit, another fork in the road. Mesa, which way do we go now?" Ozai asked impatiently, scratching his head as he glanced around the dim forest path.
"Uhm… let me think," Mesa replied, trying to recall the right direction from memory.
"This would be a lot easier if we'd just taken the map the village chief offered us," Aquila complained, her arms folded tightly across her chest.
"I told you before, it wouldn't matter. Mesa knows this forest like the back of her hand. She is our map," Ozai scoffed, taking a drag from his cigarette.
"You sure have a lot of confidence in her," Aquila said with a hint of doubt, questioning Mesa's abilities.
"And you sure have had a lot to say ever since she joined us," Ozai shot back, wrapping an arm around Mesa's shoulders with a grin. "Honestly, three's a crowd. You've been acting like a prick lately. Maybe me and Mesa should vote you off the team."
"Oh, is that so? I hadn't noticed," Aquila replied softly, a mysterious smile on her lips. Her eyes began to glow as an aura of darkness extinguished the light from Ozai's cigarette.
Ozai spat it out, grinning back at her. "Maybe you should just calm down and leave this to the professionals, hag," he teased, his own dark red aura flaring around him, his eyes gleaming with mischief.
"Hag? I'm only fifty years older than you," Aquila said, her voice soft but laced with irritation.
"Wow, can't believe you said that with a straight face," Ozai smirked, relishing the banter.
As their exchange escalated into a playful yet heated argument, Mesa sighed, watching them with a look of amusement and exasperation. Clearing her throat, she interrupted, "Ahem. Could you two stop bickering? The dungeon is down the middle path, not too far from here."
Both stopped mid-squabble, Aquila holding Ozai by the hair. "Oh, good job, Mesa! Knew I could count on you!" Ozai said with a grin.
Aquila released him, causing him to stumble backward. "Let's get moving," she said, striding down the path, her composure regained.
As the three continued walking under the moonlit canopy, Ozai broke the silence. "What's the weapon we're supposed to find in this dungeon again?"
"It's a spear imbued with void magic," Mesa explained softly.
"Ethor, The Nulled Beacon," Aquila added. "It was the weapon of Ryzen, The Starscourge."
"Wait, what? No way!" Ozai exclaimed, intrigued. "He was that commoner who led the rebellion in Averix twelve years ago. I heard he used ether magic and died fighting the Leo mark."
"That guy was a legend!" Ozai said, eyes wide with admiration.
Aquila turned, rolling her eyes at his enthusiasm. "How can you admire someone who raised their weapon against the constellations and disrespected the goddess?" Her voice was sharp with disapproval. "It makes me sick."
"We're here," Mesa announced with a smile as they reached a large portal in the middle of the path, pieces of the road floating in the air around it. Its green light flashed on the trio, small sparks and lightning crackling from its surface.
Ozai stretched, preparing for the task ahead, as Aquila's wings unfurled from her back, darkness imbued her fingertips into razor-sharp claws. "I'll lead this time. Orion, use your armaments to protect us and flank if things get too hectic. Mesa, you handle the healing."
"Yeah, yeah," Ozai replied, waving her off as he began constructing a red bubble-like shield around Mesa. Aquila then launched into the portal with a powerful flap of her wings.
"She really wastes no time," Ozai remarked, reaching into his pocket for another cigarette. He conjured a lighter and a massive greatsword, looking over at Mesa with a grin. "You ready, Mesa?"
....
"Mesa?"
...
..
"Lady Mesa..?"
"Lady Mesa?" The innkeeper tapped Mesa on the shoulder, bringing her back to reality.
"Huh? Oh…" Mesa said, blinking as she looked around, remembering she was sitting in the corner of Hawthorn's inn. A small candle flickered in front of her.
"Your room is ready, ma'am," the innkeeper said with a warm smile, handing Mesa the room keys.
"Thank you," Mesa replied, taking the keys. She nodded as the innkeeper returned to their desk.
As she prepared to stand up, a bright pink light shimmered in front of her. The light glowed and began to materialize into Rin, who had a blanket draped over her small frame. Her light pink hair was ruffled, as if she had been tossing and turning in her sleep.
"Rin? I forgot you could do that…" Mesa said, surprised but concerned. "What's wrong?" she asked, glancing out the window at the now night sky. "It's really late. Why aren't you in bed?"
"L-Lady Mesa," Rin stammered, her voice shaky. "I can't sleep. I—I had a nightmare…" Rin said, clearly frightened.
"Really now?" Mesa replied, kneeling down to her level. "What was it about?" she asked gently, offering a reassuring smile.
"Well…" Rin began, clutching her blanket tighter. "It was a really dark night, and the moon was the only light, except for the fires burning everywhere. It was me, Kai, Master Rayne, and Mister Zero…"
"The village was destroyed by a really strong mage. He hurt Master Rayne and Kai badly. A-and Mister Zero was covered in his own blood. He shielded me with his body. The mage sent large, sharp tendrils piercing into his back…"
Tears welled up in Rin's eyes, threatening to spill over. "B-but then this monster with wings appeared and started fighting the mage…"
"Oh?" Mesa's smile faded, replaced by a look of concern.
"She used blood from the bodies of the mage's friends and attacked him with it, a-and…" Rin hesitated, her voice barely a whisper.
"The monster kind of looked like you, Lady Mesa…"
Mesa's heart skipped a beat at the revelation. "A-ah, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to insult you, Lady—" Rin began to apologize frantically.
"Rin… what did I tell you about reading people's minds without their permission?" Mesa asked, her voice calm but firm, which made Rin even more nervous.
"I-I swear I didn't, Lady Mesa! P-please believe me!" Rin cried, drawing the attention of the innkeeper.
"Is everything alright over there, you two?" the innkeeper asked, her voice concerned as she looked over. Silence followed. Mesa forced a smile, her tone suddenly full of life. "We're fine!" she replied, giving a thumbs up to the innkeeper, who nodded and returned to her book.
"It's okay, Rin." Mesa turned back to the girl, gently wiping away her tears before they could fall. "I believe you…"
Mesa pondered the situation, wondering, "Then how did she…"
"C-can I sleep in the cabin with you tonight?" Rin asked timidly.
Mesa paused briefly, considering the request, before answering warmly, "Of course," she said, rubbing Rin's head affectionately.
"Hello?" Zero called out as he stepped into the inn, the cool breeze from inside brushing against his skin.
"Welcome," the innkeeper said with a friendly wave.
Zero waved back, appreciating the warmth of the gesture. "Ah, there you are," Mesa said, standing up from her seat. "I guess you found me before I could find you," she added with a smile. "Sorry about that."
"O-oh no, don't apologize!" Zero replied quickly. "I just didn't want to be wandering around in the dark. This town gets pretty creepy at night—no offense…"
Rin giggled quietly at Zero's remark, and the sound made both Zero and Mesa chuckle as well.
"Fair enough," Mesa agreed. "We should get going now." She gently took Rin's hand, preparing to leave, and handed Zero a key. "Your room is the last one down the hallway," she instructed with a warm smile.
Zero nodded, accepting the key. "Goodnight, Zero," Mesa said softly.
"G-goodnight, Mister Zero…" Rin echoed, giving him a small wave.
"Goodnight, you two," Zero replied as they headed out. He made his way past the receptionist counter and down the hallway to his room.
Entering the room, Zero was greeted by a strong, pungent smell of water, like damp wood or fresh rain. The scent was overwhelming at first, but he gradually grew accustomed to it. The room itself was neat and tidy, with a small candle casting a warm glow that lit up the dark corners.
Zero sat on the bed, the mattress creaking slightly under his weight, and gazed at the flickering candlelight. He lay back, staring at the ceiling as he reflected on his journey so far.
"This doesn't feel real at all," Zero thought, raising his hand and examining it in the dim light. "It feels like I'm in a dream."
With that thought lingering, he put his hand down and turned onto his side, closing his eyes as sleep gradually overtook him.