- After the village meeting, Miana rushed after Katara, catching up to her with a worried expression and a barrage of questions.
MIANA: What was that all about? Are you really leaving?
KATARA: Yes.
MIANA: But why? Was it really necessary—for a human child?
KATARA: It was.
MIANA: But… what about the village? This is your home.
- Katara responded coldly and firmly to Miana's questions. But then, she paused. Her gaze shifted down to the child in her arms. A subtle warmth softened her expression. And with a voice filled with quiet tenderness:
KATARA: My home… is wherever this child is.
- Miana couldn't find any words to respond. No matter what she said, she knew deep down that nothing could sway Katara from this decision. After walking in silence for a few more minutes, a thought suddenly struck Miana. Her eyes lit up as she grabbed Katara's hand and stopped her with urgency.
MIANA: Don't leave the village until I return, okay Katara? Promise me. Don't go without me.
- Katara looked at Miana's hand gripping hers tightly, and at her eyes filled with hope. After a brief pause, she nodded.
KATARA: Okay.
- A wide smile bloomed on Miana's face. Then, without saying another word, she turned and ran off. Katara stared for a moment at the hand Miana had held. Then she shifted the child in her arms, holding him with both hands now, and continued on her way.
___________________
- Carrying a large black leather bag across her back, Katara moved like a silent shadow through the forest, leaping effortlessly between thick tree branches. With every jump, her hair flowed behind her in the wind—but she never wavered, never hesitated. Clutched tightly against her chest was the human child—wrapped in a faded orange blanket.
It was only when he was swaddled in this blanket that he remained calm. Without it, he would grow restless, whine, and cry. Maybe… the scent of the mother he lost still lingered faintly in the fabric. Maybe that's what gave him peace.
Eventually, Katara stopped to rest on a thick branch of an old tree. She lowered the pack from her shoulder and took in a deep breath. The cool forest air filled her lungs and brought a moment of relief. Turning slightly, she gazed back over the forest, her expression clouded with fatigue, longing, and suppressed sorrow.
As the wind blew strands of hair across her face, she gently tucked them behind her ear and whispered to herself, voice trembling with the weight of unspoken guilt:
KATARA: I hope... they can forgive me.
- After lingering in that quiet moment, she slowly set down the leather bag and opened it to check her belongings: a water flask, some dried fruit, and a few small personal items wrapped in cloth. But once she confirmed everything was there, she turned her attention to the most important thing—The child.
Gently, she loosened the blanket wrapped around his body. And then, a soft, genuine smile spread across her face.
Inside the bundle, nestled peacefully, lay the small human child. His cheeks were rosy and round, golden hair fell lightly over his forehead, and he slept with his tiny thumb in his mouth. So calm, so innocent—Katara didn't dare move. Her stern expression melted, replaced by warmth in her eyes. She simply sat there and watched him in silence for a few long minutes.
After enjoying that quiet moment, she packed up and continued traveling until she reached her destination. Jumping down from the last tree, Katara walked across a rocky path where grass no longer grew. The stones beneath her feet gave way to a faded, worn trail. At the end of the path, nestled between the trees, stood an old and forgotten house.
Katara paused to take it in, a faint but heartfelt smile rising to her lips. Lowering her head, she gazed at the child in her arms and spoke gently:
KATARA: We've made it. This is our new home, Allen.
- The house stood tall despite its age. Made of a mix of stone and timber, its thatched roof was speckled with moss, and the windows were cracked from time. It clearly wasn't built by Void hands—the use of stone, the chimney, and the dull brown color all betrayed its foreign origin. Void homes were made from sacred bluewood and bore shades of blue and green, depending on the age of the tree.
This house, with its earthy tones, hinted at a story long buried.
Katara walked slowly to the door and opened it. Inside was a wide room that served both as a living and dining area. A long red carpet stretched across the center, worn from time. A dusty wooden table stood atop it, surrounded by sagging bookshelves. On the left was a large stone fireplace; to the right, a narrow staircase led to the upper floor.
On the wall facing the stairs hung a faded portrait of a young human girl—no older than ten. Her long black hair was tied with a blue ribbon, and her red eyes stared out from the painting with a gentle glow. Though the frame was cracked, the image still held its dignity.
KATARA(whispers): It still looks... just like it used to.
- Katara climbed the stairs to a small, neat room. A wide bed sat under a round window, and a wooden desk stood nearby beside a large black chalkboard. She gently laid the child on the bed and checked his body for injuries.
KATARA: No signs of harm...
- She carefully tucked him in with the blanket, smoothed the golden strands from his face, and gazed at him for a long moment. Her smile returned—soft and bittersweet.
KATARA (thoughts): (So peaceful... so innocent. But can he really survive in this harsh forest? Will I be good enough? Can I be a real mother to him?)(...No. He's mine. I'll protect him. From everything.)
–snap–
KATARA: Hm?
- Katara's eyes sharpened. She stood and silently drew her sword, moving toward the window. She listened closely—then in one swift motion, hurled her blade like a spear.
It sliced through the wind—and a shriek echoed from the woods.
–AAAAA!–
Looking down, Katara saw Miana on her knees, eyes wide in fear. The sword had struck the ground right beside her.
Just as Katara raised her hand to summon the blade back, she sensed something behind her. Spinning on instinct, she drew her second weapon and turned—Her stance radiated a deadly aura as she aimed the blade at the intruder.
???: How rude! Leaving without saying goodbye?
KATARA: Ah. You...
To be continued...