We walk for a while, the dense canopy of tents slowly fading behind us as we continue deeper into the wilderness. The air is cooler here, but the weight of everything we've just witnessed hangs heavily over us. Ryu glances down at Nikko, making sure she's okay after the tense interaction with the villagers. Her cat ears twitch slightly, but she seems fine. "I'm okay, Papa," she says, her small hand gripping his larger one. She offers him a small smile, grateful he helped those desperate people.

Ryu nods, but I can tell he's still checking on her, making sure she's truly all right. His gaze shifts to Elizabeth, who walks quietly beside us, her usual calm demeanor shaken. "You okay?" Ryu asks her softly.

Elizabeth nods, though her steps are a little slower, her body language showing the tension she's been holding in. "I'll be fine," she says, her voice firm, though there's a shakiness to it. "It was very... kind of you to help them," she adds, though I can see in her eyes she's still processing everything.

As we walk, the atmosphere remains heavy, the faint rustling of the forest the only sound for a long while. My mind is swirling with the weight of what just happened. I glance at Ryu, curiosity gnawing at me. I can't hold it in anymore. "Let me see the parchment you pocketed."

Ryu pauses, looking at me for a moment before reaching into his cloak. He pulls out the folded piece of paper and carefully unfolds it. My heart sinks as soon as I see it—Wanted: Dead or Alive. The bounty is a staggering one thousand gold coins, and there, staring back at me, are sketches of all of us—Ryu, Nikko, Apollo, and me. The drawings are disturbingly accurate.

The words beneath them accuse us of releasing the plague that's spreading across the kingdom. My blood runs cold. The thought of being wanted for something so terrible, something we didn't even do... It's horrifying.

I glance at Nikko, who stares wide-eyed at the parchment. Her ears droop, and her tail curls tightly around her leg. "We didn't... we didn't do that..." she whispers, her voice trembling.

"I know," I say, my own voice shaking slightly. My eyes dart to Ryu, his expression unreadable under the shadow of his hood, but I can sense it—he's not pleased either. "We need to leave these lands now," he says, his voice low and firm. "No doubt they'll send mercenaries after us."

I feel a chill run down my spine. Mercenaries? How did it come to this? We're innocent, and yet here we are, labeled criminals. My thoughts race, and I can't help but wonder if this is what Ryu felt like after the Jedi Purge, when he was hunted for simply surviving. It's terrifying.

"You're welcome to accompany us," Ryu offers, his gaze shifting to Elizabeth. "We can take you wherever you need to go."

She hesitates, the weight of the situation clearly taking its toll on her. "I appreciate the offer," she says quietly, "but I'd just slow you down. My daughter is only a day's walk from here."

Ryu frowns slightly. "At least let us give you a ride. It's faster than walking."

Elizabeth sighs, clearly torn. "I appreciate it, but—"

"No," Ryu insists gently. "We'll take you. It'll be safer."

Finally, she relents. "Alright," she says with a heavy sigh. "Where is your carriage?"

Ryu gives her a slight smirk, raising his left arm. "It'll be here soon," he says, earning a puzzled look from her. He taps something on his glove. "DP-7, I'm sending you our coordinates. Bring the bike here as soon as possible."

Elizabeth's eyebrows knit together in confusion, her eyes darting between Ryu and his glove. "What are you doing?" she asks, her tone laced with uncertainty.

I smirk at her confusion, remembering how strange all of this seemed to me at first. "You'll see," I say, unable to keep the amusement out of my voice.

A series of beeps emit from Ryu's glove, startling Elizabeth, but before she can ask anything more, a familiar sound starts to fill the air. The hum grows louder, and then, emerging from the depths of the forest, the speeder bike appears, speeding toward us.

Elizabeth's eyes go wide, her face a mix of awe and shock. "By the gods... what is that?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

Before she can fully process it, DP-7 pops up from the seat of the bike, beeping happily. The droid zooms toward us, its chirps and whistles filling the air, but when it approaches Elizabeth, she takes a quick step back, her hand flying to her dagger. Her eyes widen in fear, unsure of what to make of the small flying droid.

"It's okay," Ryu says quickly, holding his arm out to reassure her. "This is DP-7. It's friendly. It's just saying hi."

The droid hovers back, sensing her unease, but beeps a cheerful greeting nonetheless. Elizabeth stares at the droid, then back at Ryu, her eyes filled with disbelief and hesitation. She takes a deep breath, clearly struggling to make sense of everything. "I... don't even know where to begin," she says, her voice quiet and shaky. She looks at the speeder, then at the droid again, baffled by the strange technology. "This... this is beyond anything I've ever seen."

She pauses, her brow furrowing as she tries to gather her thoughts. Finally, she meets Ryu's gaze, her expression uncertain but resolute. "I have so many questions, but..." she hesitates, sighing softly, "I trust you."

Ryu nods, not pressing further. We begin to board the speeder. Ryu climbs onto the bike itself, while I settle into the sidecar. Apollo, Nikko, and a still hesitant Elizabeth climb into the wagon attached behind. Nikko glances over at Elizabeth with a grin, her tail flicking slightly. "Hold on tight!" she warns playfully.

Elizabeth's face says it all—she has no idea what she's gotten herself into.

The speeder darts off, and before we've even cleared the first stretch, Elizabeth lets out a shriek, her hands gripping the edge of the wagon tightly. I smirk a little, unable to help myself—it reminds me of my first time on the speeder. I shrieked like that too, though I feel a little bad for her.

Nikko, however, isn't cheering like she usually does. Her ears droop and her tail is wrapped tightly around her waist, her worried expression unmistakable. I can't blame her. After everything we've been through, the weight of it all must be sinking in for her as well. The road ahead feels uncertain, and I can sense her anxiety as clearly as I feel my own.

The wind whips past us as Ryu pushes the speeder faster, the forest a blur of green as we zip through. Elizabeth clutches the wagon so tightly her knuckles turn white, her face pale and her eyes wide with disbelief. Her breaths are short and panicked, and I can tell this ride is completely overwhelming for her.

After what feels like a long stretch, Ryu slows the speeder as we approach a clearing, the landscape finally coming into view. He brings the speeder to a stop, and we all begin to dismount.

Elizabeth, pale and visibly shaken, climbs out of the wagon with wobbly legs. Talia steps over to her, feeling a bit concerned. "How was it?" I ask gently, even though I already know the answer.

Elizabeth raises her hand toward me, still catching her breath. "Give me... a moment," she says between deep breaths, as though the ride has taken everything out of her.

Ryu approaches, offering her a water pouch. She takes it gratefully, bringing it to her lips and drinking deeply. Once she's had her fill, she passes the pouch to Apollo, who declines with a polite shake of his head.

"You need to drink," Elizabeth insists, her voice firm despite her state.

But Apollo simply takes the pouch and hands it to Nikko instead. "I have no need for water," he says, his voice calm as always.

Elizabeth crosses her arms, her gaze sharp as she looks at Apollo. "Of course you do. Everyone does."

I step in gently. "Um, Lady Elizabeth... Apollo really doesn't need water."

Elizabeth turns to me, her expression one of disbelief. "How come?" she asks, still too rattled to fully comprehend.

"Because Apollo is a droid," I explain, pointing to the small details she might have missed in all the chaos, "like DP-7."

Elizabeth sighs deeply, the kind of sigh that feels like she's resigned to accepting the impossible. "Of course he is," she mutters, rubbing her temples as if to ward off the headache forming from all these revelations.

While she processes this, Ryu fiddles with his glove, and a bright blue hologram of the surrounding landscape appears above his arm, projecting a bird's-eye view of the area we're in. The clarity of the image surprises even me, though I've seen him use it before. Elizabeth, however, is utterly captivated, her eyes fixed on the hologram.

"Where does your daughter live?" Ryu asks, but Elizabeth is too engrossed in the hologram to respond.

"Lady Elizabeth?" Ryu repeats, his voice snapping her out of her trance.

"Fur—further south," she stammers, shaking her head slightly as if trying to clear her thoughts. "Near a creek. Her husband is a hunter, so they live pretty isolated."

Ryu nods and manipulates the hologram with a few taps, the landscape zooming and shifting until it focuses on a small clearing deep in the forest where a single house stands. "That's the one," Elizabeth confirms, her voice steadier now.

Ryu deactivates the hologram, and it disappears with a soft flicker. He looks around at the group. "Everyone ready to go?"

I notice Elizabeth hesitates as the rest of us climb back onto the speeder. She looks a little more reluctant this time, staring at the wagon with apprehension. "Oh no," she mutters under her breath, clearly dreading the ride but knowing it's necessary.

Finally, after a long pause, Elizabeth climbs in and sits next to Apollo. I see Nikko turn toward her, holding out her small hand with a reassuring smile. "You can hold my hand if it's too scary," she offers sweetly.

A small, grateful smile tugs at Elizabeth's lips, and she takes Nikko's hand gently. "Thank you," she says softly, her voice touched by the little girl's kindness.

As we speed off again, I glance back at Elizabeth. She doesn't shriek this time, but I can still see the tension in her face, her eyes wide as she grips the edge of the wagon tightly. She's trying to hold it together, but the ride is clearly still unnerving for her.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

The journey comes to a halt as we arrive at the house. It's made of stone, sturdy and well-built, standing solitary in the clearing. The walls are rough-hewn and weathered from years of exposure to the elements, giving the house a rustic yet enduring appearance. Wooden beams support the roof, and several animal pelts hang drying on a rack nearby, a clear sign that this is the home of a hunter. The faint smell of woodsmoke lingers in the air, and a small stack of firewood rests near the door. A well stands to one side, while traps and tools are scattered near the front, indicating a life lived in harmony with the forest and the hunt.

As the speeder pulls to a stop, the door of the house swings open, and a man steps out, a bow already drawn and aimed directly at us. His appearance is rugged, his face weathered from years of outdoor work. He's of average height but muscular, his dark hair tied back from his face and a few days' worth of stubble covering his jaw. His eyes are sharp and alert, scanning us with suspicion. He wears a simple leather vest over a tunic, with thick boots and a belt filled with tools of his trade. There's no mistaking the hunter in him.

"Whoever you are, I suggest you turn back," the man warns, his voice firm, bow still aimed as Ryu steps off the speeder.

Ryu, always calm in these situations, raises his hands slightly to show he means no harm. "We're not here to harm you," he says calmly, his tone disarming, though the hunter's grip on the bow remains tight.

The rest of us climb off the speeder, and I notice Elizabeth still a bit shaken from the ride, her legs slightly unsteady, but the moment she sees the man, her expression softens into a smile.

The man's stern face melts into relief the moment his eyes land on Elizabeth. He immediately lowers his bow. "Alisa!" he calls into the house, his voice filled with emotion. "You need to see this!"

From within, a young woman steps into the doorway, her hand resting protectively on her pregnant belly. Her dark hair is pulled back in a loose braid, and her eyes widen in disbelief as she spots Elizabeth. A tear rolls down her cheek as she rushes forward. "By the gods..." she breathes, her voice cracking with emotion. She embraces her mother tightly, her relief palpable.

"I'm so glad you're here," Alisa says, pulling back slightly but still holding onto her mother, her smile warm and full of love.

As they embrace, something catches my eye in the distance. A flicker of movement, something dark darting between the trees. I quickly glance over, my heart skipping a beat. There, perched on a branch, is a crow. Its beady eyes seem to watch us intently, the black feathers gleaming in the light as it tilts its head. I feel a chill run down my spine, but I shake it off, trying to focus back on the moment.

As Elizabeth and Alisa break their embrace, Alisa looks at us, her eyes filled with curiosity. "And who are you?" she asks, her voice still shaky from the reunion.

"We're adventurers from the guild," Ryu says, stepping forward. "I'm Ryu, gold rank adventurer," he adds, flashing his identification badge.

Apollo steps forward next. "Apollo, gold rank adventurer," he says, presenting his badge as well.

I follow suit, though a bit more hesitant. "Talia, silver rank adventurer," I say, showing my own badge.

"And I'm Nikko!" Nikko chimes in excitedly, eager to introduce herself.

Alisa smiles warmly at Nikko before introducing herself. "I'm Alisa," she says, her hand resting protectively on her belly once more, "and this is my husband, Theo," she gestures toward the man at the door, who now wears a friendlier expression.

Theo, still standing by the doorway, nods at us, his posture more relaxed but still cautious. His bow is now slung over his shoulder, and the tension in his body has eased, though he remains watchful.

Just as introductions are being made, DP-7 emerges from the speeder, beeping loudly in excitement. The sound startles Alisa and Theo, causing Theo to instinctively reach for his bow again.

"Don't shoot!" Elizabeth quickly assures them, raising her hand in a calming gesture. "This is DP-7."

The droid hovers toward Theo, beeping in what I can only assume is a friendly greeting. Theo, though still wary, lowers his hand from his bow, his brow furrowed in confusion.

"What... is that thing?" Theo asks, his eyes locked on the droid.

"A droid," Nikko says cheerfully, clearly excited by the idea of explaining it.

"A what?" Alisa echoes, her gaze shifting between us and DP-7, a curious smile tugging at the corners of her mouth, though her eyebrow is raised.

She shakes her head slightly, as if deciding it's better not to ask more questions for now. "I'm being rude," she says after a moment. "Why don't you come inside? You must be exhausted from traveling all this way."

"We appreciate the offer," Ryu says, shaking his head politely, "but we must leave. I'm sorry."

Alisa frowns, clearly not wanting to see us go so soon. "Are you sure? You can rest for a while."

Elizabeth steps in before Ryu can respond. "They can't stay," she says, her tone calm but firm. "I can't explain it, but... they have to keep moving."

There's a moment of silence as Alisa studies her mother, then us. Finally, she sighs, accepting her mother's words. "Very well," she says softly. "I won't press further, but... thank you for bringing my mother here safely."

"Of course," Ryu responds, his voice gentle but resolved.

Before we leave, Ryu reaches into his pouch of holdings and pulls out the ancient tome he read from earlier. "Here," he says, holding it out to Elizabeth. "For when you see the King."

But Elizabeth shakes her head, concern flickering in her eyes. "I think it's best if I lie," she admits, her voice heavy with the weight of the decision. "It would be safer in your hands."

Though hesitant, Ryu nods and tucks the tome back into his pouch.

"Thank you for saving my life," Elizabeth says, her voice filled with genuine gratitude as she holds out her hand to Ryu.

Ryu takes her hand and shakes it firmly. "You're welcome," he says, his tone sincere.

Elizabeth approaches Apollo next, who takes her hand in his usual formal manner. "Best of luck, Lady Elizabeth," Apollo says, offering her a respectful nod.

Her smile softens. "Thank you," she replies.

When Elizabeth reaches me, I extend my hand, and she shakes it with a warm smile.

But when she approaches Nikko, instead of a handshake, Nikko rushes forward and hugs her tightly, catching Elizabeth by surprise.

"You take care, little one," Elizabeth says, her voice tender as she hugs Nikko back. "And listen to your father, understand?"

Nikko nods eagerly. "I will."

With our goodbyes said, Elizabeth, Alisa, and Theo stand together, watching as we climb back onto the speeder. As we dart off into the distance, I glance back to see them waving, their figures growing smaller with each passing second.

The air feels heavy, but there's a sense of accomplishment in knowing Elizabeth is safe with her family. Now, we just have to keep moving forward.

As we dart through the dense forest, the wind rushing past my face, I can't help but let my mind race. What would our next course of action be? Seeing the King is out of the question now that we're wanted. A bounty on our heads. I glance over at Ryu, his expression focused as he steers the speeder through the thick underbrush. The trees blur as we speed by, but my thoughts are too tangled to focus on the scenery.

Ryu is powerful. I know that. He could easily take on the entire kingdom if it came to it, but what would that accomplish? It would only make him look like the villain they already believe him to be. The thought fills me with dread. What if this ends with him being hunted, not just by mercenaries, but by everyone?

The speeder jolts over a fallen log, and I tighten my grip on the sidecar, glancing over at Nikko in the wagon. She clutches onto Apollo, her eyes wide but her trust in her father still firm. For her sake, for all our sakes, we need to find a way out of this.

I lean forward, shouting over the roar of the engine and the wind. "What will we do now?" The question burns on my lips, fear and uncertainty gnawing at me.

Ryu's eyes remain forward, focused on the path ahead, but I catch the faint lines of tension in his brow. "I'm not sure," he shouts back, his voice barely audible over the noise. "For now, I just want to put as much distance between us and Eldoria as possible."

His words hang in the air, offering little comfort. I nod, though he can't see me, my thoughts still swirling. We're fugitives now, running from a kingdom that blames us for a calamity we didn't cause.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

Suddenly, a metal net springs up between two trees, too fast for Ryu to react. The speeder slams into it, sending us all flying through the air. My heart leaps, but instead of feeling the hard impact of the ground, I feel myself hovering. I open my eyes to see Ryu on the ground, his arm extended toward me, the Force gently lowering me down. Apollo lands deftly on his feet, still cradling Nikko protectively in his arms.

"Is everyone okay?" Ryu asks, pulling himself up and checking on Nikko.

"I'm fine," I manage to say, still a little dazed.

Apollo's calm voice chimes in, "We are unharmed."

Apollo gently sets Nikko down, and she quickly rushes to Ryu's side, her voice trembling. "I'm okay, Papa."

Ryu nods, patting her on the head. "Good. Stay close."

I glance around at the wreckage of the speeder, trying to make sense of what just happened. "What was that?" I ask, standing by Ryu.

Without a word, Ryu draws his sword, his eyes scanning the tree line. "Get behind me, Nikko."

Apollo, ever the sentinel, readies his spear and shield, his imposing figure bracing for what's to come. Then, without warning, arrows rain down from the trees, coming from every direction. I rush to Apollo as he raises his shield, blocking the incoming volley. The arrows bounce off his metal shield, failing to penetrate.

Ryu swiftly raises his left arm, and a glowing shield of energy materializes from his glove, deflecting the arrows aimed at us. He moves into position, back-to-back with Apollo, Nikko and I tucked safely behind them. The ground is soon littered with arrows as the onslaught continues.

One arrow grazes my cheek, stinging as it cuts through the skin. I flinch and press closer to Apollo, trying to stay behind his protective shield. The barrage finally ceases, and the forest falls eerily silent once more.

"Everyone alright?" Ryu asks, his voice calm but alert.

"Affirmative," Apollo replies stoically.

Nikko, though shaken, clings to Ryu. "I'm okay, Papa," she says, but I can hear the tremor in her voice.

"I'm fine too," I add, wiping the small trail of blood from my cheek.

Before we can gather our bearings, a voice rings out from above. "By order of King Bjorn, you are to throw down your weapons and surrender at once!"

I scan the treetops, trying to spot where the voice is coming from. The tension in the air is thick. We stand our ground, ready for whatever comes next.

We stand our ground, weapons ready. The voice responds, "So be it."

There's a chuckle from the shadows, followed by the rustling of leaves and the snapping of branches. Figures emerge from the trees, stepping into the open—there are about twenty of them, all bearing the same emblem on their leather armor: a twisted fang crossing over a clenched fist. Mercenaries, no doubt, each one more brutish than the last. They're equipped with axes, swords, and longbows, and they move with the confidence of seasoned hunters.

"Well, well," one of them says with a crooked smile, hoisting a large battle axe onto his shoulder. "Look who's fallen into our trap. Seems like we'll be getting rich tonight, boys."

The rest of his gang lets out a coarse laugh, their eyes gleaming with greed as they eye us like prey. The leader's gaze lingers on me, and then to Nikko. He licks his lips in anticipation.

"You don't want to do this," Ryu says, stepping forward, his voice calm but deadly serious. "Just walk away."

The man laughs again, louder this time. "Or what?" he sneers. "We outnumber you. But I'm a fair man," he adds, his voice dripping with arrogance. "Surrender now, and I promise no harm will come to you... or your woman," he says, his gaze settling on me with a leer.

My blood boils. Without thinking, I draw my short swords, glaring at the man. His grin widens.

"I like a woman with fight in her," he says mockingly.

Before I can respond, Apollo steps forward, towering over the man. Though Apollo is easily a head taller and far more imposing, the leader stands his ground, clearly unfazed—or trying to seem like it.

"Did I hit a nerve, big guy?" he taunts, tapping his finger against Apollo's chest plate. "Better step back or—"

His words are cut short when Apollo grabs his hand, squeezing tightly. The man's face contorts in pain, and a strangled cry escapes his throat as he tries to pull his hand free.

"What are you waiting for?!" he yells to his men, his voice breaking with pain. "Get them! Now!"

The mercenaries spring into action, weapons raised as they charge toward us.

Apollo holds onto the leader's hand a moment longer, then throws him aside like a ragdoll, his massive form casting a shadow over the battle as he spins into action with his spear. Meanwhile, Ryu unsheathes his sword, his posture deadly calm as he prepares for the incoming fight.

The mercenaries rush forward, but Ryu and Apollo move in unison, their combat precise and deadly. The leader, cradling his injured hand, struggles to get back up as his men launch their attack. Apollo slams his spear into the first man who comes close, sending him crashing to the ground in an instant. Ryu's blade is swift, cutting through the air as he parries and counters with deadly accuracy, leaving no room for mistakes.

But these mercenaries, though desperate, are skilled. They fan out, trying to surround us. I grip my swords tighter as I brace for the next wave, determined not to let any of them near Nikko.

Another lunges at Ryu, who deflects the attack with his sword and counters with a swift strike to the soldier's abdomen. Blood splatters as the soldier falls. Another swings at me, but I parry and slash across his chest, his body crumpling to the ground.

Apollo thrusts his spear into an advancing soldier, lifting him off the ground before slamming him down. Nikko clings tightly to Ryu, who decapitates a mercenary attempting to strike her. Arrows fly again, and Ryu's energy shield deflects them as Apollo covers our flank, his shield absorbing the impact of multiple arrows.

One rushes at me, slashing wildly. I dodge, but he manages to cut across my face. The pain is sharp, but I grit my teeth and retaliate, plunging my sword into his heart. Ryu deflects a sword aimed at Nikko, slicing through the attacker's arm, then his throat.

The fight is brutal, each clash of steel sending sparks flying. Blood soaks the ground as more mercenaries fall. One mercenary tries to stab Nikko, but Ryu disarms him with a flick of his wrist and cuts him down. Another charges at Apollo, but the droid bashes him with his shield, shattering his skull.

I fend off two attackers, slashing one across the chest and kicking the other in the knee before finishing him with a thrust. Ryu and Apollo continue their deadly dance, cutting down anyone who gets too close. The forest echoes with the sounds of battle, the ground littered with bodies.

The leader, seeing his comrades fall, tries to flee. Ryu extends his hand, using the Force to pin him against a tree. He struggles, but Ryu's grip is unrelenting.

We stand amidst the carnage, breathing heavily. The forest is silent once more, save for the rustling of leaves. The air is thick with the smell of blood and sweat. Ryu's face is hard, determined, as he approaches the pinned leader, ready for answers.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

Ryu looks over at me. "Are you alright?" he asks, seeing me cover my face with one hand.

I give him a thumbs-up, feeling the sting of the cut across my left cheek and nose ridge. "I'll manage," I reply, trying to sound more confident than I feel.

Apollo approaches, placing his shield and spear on his back. He reaches into his pouch of holdings and retrieves a cylindrical container. Gently, he moves my hand aside and sprays a faint mist over the wound. I turn away, grunting in pain as my wound begins to hurt badly.

"It will sting, but the wound will close up," Apollo explains, handing me a strip of green cloth.

"Thanks," I say, accepting the cloth and pressing it against the cut. Apollo puts away the cylinder and moves to check on Ryu and Nikko. The leader, still pinned to the tree, grunts and struggles, but to no avail.

Nikko assures Ryu she is fine, though she clings to him tightly. "Papa, are you okay?" she asks, her voice trembling.

Ryu nods, gently patting her head. "I'm alright, sweetheart. Now, I need you to go with Apollo for a bit, out of view. Cover your ears, okay?"

"But I want to stay with you," Nikko protests, her eyes wide with worry.

"This won't take long, and I don't want you to see this," Ryu assures her. He gestures to Apollo to take her behind a thick tree. She nods reluctantly, taking Apollo's hand as he leads her a short distance away. I can still see them, but they are out of direct sight.

I approach Ryu as he turns his attention back to the leader, who is still pinned against the nearby tree, his face twisted in fear and pain. Ryu's arm remains outstretched, his voice calm but full of authority. "You will answer a series of questions," he says, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. "And you will answer them truthfully. My daughter's life was threatened, and I'm not in the best mood. Lie to me or refuse, and this will happen."

Ryu twists his hand ever so slightly, and the leader begins to grunt and cry out, writhing against the unseen force constricting him. His cries grow louder, his body jerking as if the very air around him is suffocating him with pain. Just as suddenly, Ryu releases his grip, and the leader gasps, slumping against the tree, his face contorted in agony.

"That was just a one on the pain scale. You do not want to experience a ten," Ryu warns coldly, his gaze unwavering.

The leader gulps audibly, his wide eyes darting nervously between Ryu and the rest of us.

Ryu steps forward, his voice quiet but menacing. "How did you find us?"

"I-I don't know!" the leader stammers, his voice shaky. Before he can get another word out, Ryu's hand twists again, and the leader cries out, his body wracked with pain. His grunts echo through the clearing, making me glance uneasily at Ryu.

"Try again," Ryu says, releasing the pressure once more.

The leader gasps, trembling. "A man—yesterday! He came to us, wearing a black cloak! His face, it was hidden in shadows. He showed us your wanted poster, said where we could intercept you," he blurts out, his words coming in panicked breaths. "We didn't believe him at first. But... but the more he spoke, the more sense it made. I don't know why, but he just—he convinced us!"

Ryu's eyes narrow, his jaw tightening. "What did this man look like?" he asks.

The leader shakes his head frantically. "I-I don't know! His face was obscured by the hood, and his cloak covered everything. He never showed his face... I swear!"

I can feel the tension rise in Ryu. His eyes bore into the leader, trying to gauge if there's any hint of deceit. The leader, trembling uncontrollably now, pleads desperately, "I'm telling the truth! I swear I don't know who he was or how he knew where you'd be!"

Ryu exhales sharply, clearly frustrated by the lack of useful information. He holds the leader's gaze for a long moment, then twists his hand again. The leader's body goes limp, slumping forward as Ryu releases the hold.

I take a small step forward. "Did you...?" I start to ask, my heart racing.

"No," Ryu replies, shaking his head. "Just knocked him out."

I let out a soft breath of relief, grateful that he didn't kill the man so coldly. There's a heaviness in the air as Ryu turns to face me, his eyes still clouded with frustration.

I glance down at the unconscious leader. "That man in the cloak... do you think—?"

"Possibly," Ryu mutters grimly, his gaze hardening as the pieces fall into place.

We walk over to the large tree where Nikko and Apollo wait. Nikko jumps up and rushes over to us. "What happened?" she asks, eyes wide.

"I questioned him, then knocked him out," Ryu says gently.

Nikko looks a little relieved. "Are we safe now?"

"We are but we have to leave now," He tells her.

Apollo approaches Ryu, his posture as calm and composed as ever, though there's a distinct sense of urgency in his voice. "Did you obtain any useful information?" he asks, his monotone voice somehow managing to carry a hint of concern.

Ryu shakes his head, frustration clear in his features. "Not much I'm afraid. They were hired by a man in a black cloak. Somehow, he knew exactly where we'd be and at what time, but how he knew that... I don't know."

Apollo's head tilts slightly, his mechanical eyes narrowing as he processes this information. "Perhaps we are being watched," he suggests, his voice even. "The Shadowfell can enter minds, correct? Perhaps it has gathered followers, spies even, and is watching our every move."

Ryu stiffens at the thought, his eyes scanning the surrounding forest as if trying to catch a glimpse of an unseen enemy. His hand tightens around the hilt of his sword, his senses heightened. I too feel a chill run down my spine, and I instinctively grip the handles of my short swords, my eyes darting from tree to tree, searching for any sign that we're not alone.

Nikko clutches at Ryu's cloak, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and confusion. "Papa, are we being watched?" she asks, her voice barely a whisper, her cat-like ears drooping low.

Ryu glances down at her, his face softening as he places a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I don't know, sweety," he says quietly, though his eyes remain sharp, scanning the area.

Apollo stands perfectly still, his gaze sweeping across the treetops and underbrush. "If the Shadowfell has followers, they could be hidden anywhere, waiting for the right moment to strike," he says.

The forest around us is eerily silent, save for the occasional rustling of leaves in the breeze. Shadows stretch long across the ground, but nothing moves, nothing stirs that would indicate we are being watched. And yet, the feeling that we are not alone is overwhelming.

I swallow hard, trying to shake off the growing sense of paranoia gnawing at me. But it's impossible not to feel exposed, vulnerable. Ryu's face is unreadable, but I can sense the tension in him, the way he holds himself, ready for anything.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

We approach the wreckage of the speeder bike, a twisted mess of metal. The sidecar is smashed, and the wagon is flung into a tree, its chassis bent and twisted.

"Looks like we're on foot from here," Ryu says with a heavy sigh.

DP-7, who has been hovering over the wreckage, beeps in delight and flies towards us, checking on each of us. From the corner of my eye, I spot a crow perched on a tree branch, watching us intently. A shiver runs down my spine.

Ryu concentrates, his hand hovering over the wrecked speeder bike. I watch as the parts begin to glow softly, shimmering in the dim light. One by one, each piece, along with the sidecar and wagon components, transforms into white orbs of mana. They float in the air for a brief moment before zipping into his pouch of holding, disappearing without a trace.

Apollo and I stand silently, taking it all in. Nikko, wide-eyed with wonder, clutches the edge of my tunic, her gaze fixed on the glowing orbs as they vanish. With each part absorbed, the wreckage clears away, leaving the forest floor empty once more, as if the speeder had never been there at all.

"Why did you do that, Papa?" Nikko asks, clinging to his leg.

"The speeder bike was beyond repair. No one must not get their hands on such technology, so I put it away," Ryu explains, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

We then head off, leaving the crash site and the unconscious leader behind. I look up and spot the same crow taking off from a nearby tree branch. It caws loudly, and several more crows approach from the towering trees, following it in a dark, fluttering cloud. A sense of unease washes over me. Have those birds been watching us? I wonder, a shiver running down my spine. DP-7 lands on Ryu's shoulders and we leave.

We set of deeper into the forest, its canopy darkening with the setting sun. The shadows lengthen and stretch across the path, and the air grows cooler. Our footsteps crunch on dead leaves and twigs, the sound unnervingly loud in the eerie silence. The forest is oddly quiet—no birds singing, no insects buzzing, no small critters scurrying. The absence of life is unsettling, making the atmosphere thick with tension.

The forest is becoming dimmer with each passing minute, and thoughts of setting up camp begin to cross my mind. I glance at Ryu, hoping he might call for a halt, but he keeps pressing on, his expression set and determined. I notice he looks around constantly, as if expecting something.

Suddenly, Ryu raises his hand, signaling for us to stop. "Hide behind the trees," he whispers, urgency in his voice.

We quickly find cover behind the thick trunks of the towering trees. Nikko stays close to Ryu, her eyes wide with fear. The air is thick with tension, broken only by the sound of my own breathing. I want to ask Ryu what's happening, but then I hear it—footsteps and shouting, getting closer.

Peeking out from behind the tree, I see dozens of soldiers moving through the forest. Their armor gleams in the torchlight, each one bearing the emblem of Eldoria: a fierce griffin in a pouncing stance, wings spread wide as if ready to strike. The flames from their torches flicker, casting long, menacing shadows across the forest floor as they sweep the area, their expressions hard and determined.

"They went this way! Keep searching!" one soldier shouts, his torch lighting up the surrounding trees. I see him gesturing towards our hiding spot. Heart pounding, I press myself against the trunk, holding my breath.

Ryu holds Nikko close, covering her mouth gently and signaling her to remain quiet. She nods, tears brimming in her eyes. Several soldiers pass right by us, their torches illuminating the forest floor. I watch as Ryu lifts his hand and makes a quick motion. The torches go out, plunging the area into near darkness, with only the faintest light from the setting sun filtering through the trees.

Suddenly, the ground beneath me gives way. I fall into darkness but land gently, the impact softened by Ryu's control of the fall. A small flame appears above his finger, illuminating our surroundings. We are beneath the ground, hidden away. Nikko clings to Ryu, still frightened. Apollo stands beside me, silent and vigilant.

Footsteps and muffled voices echo from above. "What happened?" one soldier asks.

"The torches went out is all," another responds.

"You fool! One of them can control fire. They must be nearby. Search the area. They must not be far," the first soldier commands.

"Yes, sir," several soldiers reply in unison.

I feel my heart pounding in my chest. How did they know where we were? I dare not speak, fearing the soldiers might hear us. Time seems to crawl as we listen to the footsteps and shouts above us. The tension is palpable, the fear almost suffocating. We wait for so long; I begin to drift off.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

Ryu gently taps my shoulder, waking me from a restless sleep. I look around frantically, momentarily disoriented, but then remember where we are. He waves his hand, and the ceiling opens up and the ground moves upward and us onto the surface. Sunlight filters through the branches, blinding me for a moment. We must have been down there all night.

"Where are the soldiers?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

"They left some time ago," Ryu whispers back, holding Nikko in his arms. She rests on his shoulders, her arms limp over his back, still asleep.

Suddenly, loud cawing breaks the silence. I look up to see a crow cawing and flapping its wings. Ryu raises his left arm, and a red blaster bolt shoots from his glove, hitting the bird. It explodes in a puff of feathers and smoke. The noise startles Nikko awake, and she looks around, frightened.

More cawing echoes through the forest, and arrows start flying towards us, narrowly missing. Apollo grabs his shield and spear, ready to fight.

"Run!" Ryu shouts, picking up Nikko and carrying her on his back. We sprint through the forest, arrows whizzing past us, the cawing of crows echoing in our ears.

"There they are!" a male voice shouts behind us. I hear heavy footsteps, leaves rustling, and twigs snapping. I glance back and see dozens of soldiers pursuing us, some with bows drawn, releasing arrows in our direction.

The forest is a blur as we weave through the trees, trying to evade our pursuers. The ground is uneven, and I struggle to keep my footing. The air is filled with the sounds of pursuit—the soldiers' shouts, the rustling of leaves, the snap of twigs underfoot. My heart races, and I can hear Nikko's frightened whimpers.

Ryu leads us with determined speed, his focus unwavering. I stay close, trying to match his pace. The arrows continue to fly, some striking the trees around us, others narrowly missing their marks. The cawing of the crows is a constant, eerie accompaniment to our flight.

As we continue running through the forest, arrows zip past us, their whistling sound adding to the tension. Suddenly, soldiers step out from behind the trees ahead, swords drawn, blocking our path. We come to an abrupt halt. I draw my short swords, ready for the inevitable fight. Ryu stomps on the ground, and with a powerful gesture, boulders rise from the earth, crashing into several soldiers and sending them flying.

The remaining soldiers charge, and I move to the forefront, my movements swift and precise. The first soldier reaches me, and I block his sword with one blade, ready to strike with the second. Before I can thrust forward, a blue ring of energy shoots past me, hitting the soldier square in the chest. He collapses, unconscious.

"Don't kill them," Ryu shouts, his tone firm but calm. "Just knock them out."

I pause for a split second, confused by his decision, but quickly understand. We don't want to give them more reasons to believe we are the villains they assume us to be. Nodding in acknowledgment, I turn my attention back to the fight. The second soldier charges at me, and I block his strike with both blades, pushing him back. A third soldier closes in, but before he can reach me, Apollo's spear pierces the air with a mighty swing, striking the soldier on the side of his chest and sending him flying to the ground, unconscious. I disarm the second soldier with a quick flick of my wrist and knock him out with the hilt of my sword.

With the soldiers ahead of us neutralized, we resume running. As we pass a massive tree, its trunk far thicker than the others, Ryu stops suddenly. He stretches his arm towards the tree, clenching his fist, and with a loud crack, the trunk begins to fall. Apollo and I take cover behind him, Apollo raising his shield to block the incoming arrows. The tree crashes down with a resounding thud, blocking the path for those still pursuing us. The relentless cawing of the black birds echoes around us, their presence unsettling.

"The birds," I gasp to Ryu between breaths. "That's how they find us."

"DP-7, take care of those black birds in the trees," Ryu commands. The droid beeps in acknowledgment and zips into the treetops. As we run, I hear the cries of the birds being silenced one by one. Soon, the cawing ceases entirely, and DP-7 returns to Ryu's shoulder, beeping proudly. "Well done, DP-7," Ryu says.

We run for what feels like hours until we finally reach a clearing with a lake. Exhausted, we stop. My chest heaves from the exertion, each breath a struggle. Ryu sets Nikko down, and she looks visibly shaken.

"What now?" I ask, struggling to catch my breath.

"We take a small break and keep moving," Ryu says, his voice heavy with fatigue.

"For how long?" I ask. "And where?"

"To the elven kingdom. From what I've seen, the Shadowfell's influence hasn't reached them yet. We could lie low there and produce a plan to find and kill the Shadowfell," Ryu explains.

"How far is the nearest elven city?" I inquire.

Ryu manipulates his left glove, and a map of the area appears. "Very far," he says, zooming in on a village deep in the forest. "At this pace, we'll reach this village in six days."

"Six days?" I repeat, disheartened. "We can't keep up with this, Ryu. We can't keep running."

"I know," he responds. "However, my ship isn't far from here." He moves the map northward, stopping over the wreckage of a spacecraft. "About three days' walk from here. There's another speeder bike there, beaten up but fixable. If..."

"If what, Ryu?" I press.

"If the Shadowfell didn't anticipate this. It was in my head, after all. Soldiers might have been sent there to dismantle the ship, to take everything they can find."

I feel a knot of worry tighten in my stomach. Nikko, still sniffling, looks up at Ryu with concern. "But I won't let them," he says with determination.

"Me too," I say, my resolve matching his.

Ryu nods. "Let's set up camp here and wash ourselves. We must reek after traversing those sewers and running so much."

I take a moment to sniff my arm and immediately reel back from the intense stench. Nikko does the same and winces. "You and Nikko can go first. Apollo and I will check our surroundings, make sure there are no soldiers nearby," Ryu says.

Apollo and Ryu separate from us, leaving Nikko and me by the lake. The forest around us grows darker as the sun continues to set, casting long shadows over the clearing. The air is still, and the surface of the lake reflects the fading light. I look around, feeling a moment of peace despite the chaos that brought us here.

"Nikko," I say gently, "let's clean up and try to relax for a bit."

She nods, still looking a bit shaken, and we make our way to the water's edge. The lake's surface is calm, the water clear and inviting despite the somber mood.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

Nikko and I undress by the water, leaving our clothes in a neat pile. I retrieve a bar of soap from my bag of holding, its familiar scent a small comfort. We step into the water, which is very cold at first, but soon becomes refreshing.

I start to wash off the grime from our journey, feeling the cool water soothe my skin. Nikko follows suit, though she stays close to me, her eyes darting around as if expecting another attack.

"It's okay, Nikko," I reassure her. "Ryu and Apollo are nearby. We're safe for now."

Nikko shivers beside me, but I realize it isn't just from the cold. She's been through so much, more than any young girl should have to endure. As I begin washing her, her small frame trembling, she looks up at me with wide, fearful eyes.

"Talia," Nikko's voice is weak, trembling slightly. "Is this what Papa had to go through?"

I pause, the question hanging heavily in the air. "What do you mean, Nikko?"

"When he was hunted by those Inquisitors. Is this what it was like?"

Her words strike a chord deep within me. I've never been a fugitive, never had to run like this. No, I think to myself, this is different. The Inquisitors who hunted Ryu had the same abilities he possesses. These are just soldiers, not Force users.

"No, Nikko," I say, resuming my gentle washing. "Papa is very strong and capable, as am I. Those are just soldiers, they don't stand a chance against us."

"But I'm scared," Nikko admits, her voice trembling. "I don't like running."

I sigh, feeling a pang of sympathy for her. "Neither do I. But we'll get through this together," I reassure her.

Nikko's shivering gradually subsides, her small body relaxing slightly in the cold water. The forest around us remains eerily quiet, the only sound being the gentle rippling of the lake. We continue to wash, the cool water washing away the grime and some of the fear, if only for a moment.

By the time Ryu and Apollo return, the sun has started to set, casting a golden hue over the forest. The wash was refreshing, but I can't shake the feeling of despair. Being hunted like we are criminals leaves an uneasy feeling in me. I took the liberty of washing both mine and Nikko's clothes; they stank so badly. Now donning cloth pants and a shirt while Nikko wears a simple white dress, I'm hanging up our wet clothes over a low branch when Ryu and Apollo return.

Nikko runs up to Ryu, embracing him tightly, but she quickly steps back, clenching her nose. "Papa, you stink!" she exclaims.

Ryu chuckles and ruffles her hair. "I'll wash too, don't worry," he assures her. First, though, we set up camp. Apollo and Ryu begin taking out camp supplies from their bags of holding, and I decide to gather some firewood. When I return with a large bundle of sticks, Apollo has already finished setting up a large tent.

Ryu, nearby, tells me to toss away the firewood. "No fires," he says. "It would be visible from great distances."

I sigh, knowing he's right. He then tells me he'll wash up and be right back. Before leaving, he instructs DP-7 and Apollo to take watch and patrol the perimeter, contacting him immediately if they find anything out of the ordinary. Apollo nods, DP-7 beeps, and they split off in separate directions. Once Ryu disappears, it's just Nikko and me.

We sit in silence, and I struggle to find the right words. What can I say? I glance at Nikko, who sits beside me, her ears drooping and tail limp, clearly worried. "I'm hungry," she says softly.

I realize I'm hungry too. Remembering the supplies Elandor provided us with, I look around but don't see the sack. Then I remember Ryu gave them to those hungry villagers. I sigh softly, not to alert Nikko, and I dig through my bag of holding and find a small amount of dried meat, just two strips—not enough for both of us. Searching through Apollo's and Ryu's bags, I find some fruit and a loaf of bread. I hand the dried meat, fruit, and small loaf of bread to Nikko, who grabs a strip and starts chewing.

"Are you going to eat?" she asks, noticing I'm not eating.

"Oh, no, I'm good," I lie. "I'm not that hungry."

Nikko, however, holds out the second strip of dried meat to me. "It isn't fair if only I get to eat," she says.

I smile at her kindness and accept the strip. After eating, Ryu returns, still in his usual gear. "You didn't wash your armor and clothes?" I ask.

He nods. "I did."

"Then how are they dry?" I wonder aloud, but then it dawns on me. He can manipulate objects, of course he can draw out the water from his clothes and gear. He chuckles and asks if I would like him to dry our clothes too. Both Nikko and I nod eagerly.

Ryu nods and does so. He approaches our clothes and using his abilities to draw out the moisture. Nikko and I retreat into the tent and change back into our gear. "Much better," I say. "I felt so naked without my armor."

Nikko nods in agreement. "Me too," she says, and we sit back down near the tent. The sun has disappeared, and the full moon lights up the lake and forest. Nikko hands Ryu the loaf of bread.

He declines at first, but Nikko insists. "You need to eat too, Papa."

Ryu looks at me, and I tell him we've already eaten. He nods and accepts the loaf. A strong wind blows by, bringing a chill. Nikko and I begin to shiver. Ryu rummages through his bag of holding and pulls out two thick fur blankets, handing them to us.

I wrap myself in the blanket, and Nikko does the same. Ryu pulls out what looks like a lamp. "I thought you said no light," I say.

"It's not a lamp," he explains. "It's a heater." He twists the top, and the glass begins to glow a soft orange, emitting warmth as he sets it down before us.

The forest is eerily quiet, with only the gentle rustling of leaves breaking the silence. Nikko cuddles close to Ryu, her ears twitching slightly, her tail wrapping around her legs as she relaxes. Ryu pets her head, and she purrs softly. Watching them, I feel a sense of calm. For now, we are safe.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

The night is quiet, the only sound the soft rustling of the wind outside the tent. It's been a long day—escaping from Arroyo, surviving the crash, and finally finding some peace in this makeshift camp. After we cleaned up and took turns bathing, we settled in for the night, the tent offering a small reprieve from the chaos.

Ryu is lying beside me, his body relaxed but his brow furrowed, as if something is bothering him even in his sleep. Nikko is curled up close to him, her small body snug under the blanket. She seems peaceful, her tail occasionally twitching in her sleep. I watch her for a moment, smiling at how at ease she looks. It's a relief after everything we've been through.

But then Nikko stirs, her ears perking up suddenly, her eyes blinking open in the dim light. She looks up at Ryu, her expression turning from calm to concerned in an instant. "Talia," she whispers, sitting up slightly. "Papa is having a bad dream."

I glance over at Ryu, frowning. "A bad dream?" I whisper back. "How do you know?"

Nikko doesn't answer right away. She places her small hand on Ryu's arm, her gaze focused on him with a strange intensity. "He's dreaming about... the bad thing," she murmurs. "The shadow... the dark thing that hurt him."

Her words send a chill down my spine. How could she possibly know that? I stare at her for a moment, puzzled, but then my attention snaps back to Ryu. His breathing has become uneven, his brow furrowing even deeper, and his body tenses. His hand twitches, gripping the blanket tightly.

"Ryu?" I whisper, reaching out to touch his arm. "Ryu, wake up."

But he doesn't respond. His breathing quickens, and a soft, almost pained sound escapes his lips. Nikko leans closer, her small hand still resting on his arm. "He's scared," she says softly. "He thinks he's going to hurt us again."

The words hit me like a punch to the gut, and I realize exactly what nightmare he's reliving. The Shadowfell—the moment when he wasn't himself, when he turned against us. I swallow hard, my heart racing as I place a hand on his chest, trying to wake him gently. "Ryu, it's just a dream," I say softly, trying to soothe him. "You're safe."

But he doesn't wake. His body jerks slightly, his face twisted in anguish. "No... no..." he mutters, his voice low and rough. "Stay away... don't come near them..."

I feel a wave of fear grip me as I watch him struggle, caught in the throes of whatever nightmare the Shadowfell has trapped him in. I've never seen him like this—so vulnerable, so lost in his own mind. It frightens me, seeing him like this.

Nikko glances up at me, her wide eyes filled with concern. "Can we wake him up?" she whispers.

"I'm trying," I reply, my voice shaking. "Ryu, please, wake up."

Suddenly, Ryu's eyes snap open, but they're unfocused, wild with panic. He sits up abruptly, gasping for breath, his eyes darting around the tent as if he doesn't know where he is. For a moment, he looks... lost. His hands tremble as he presses them against the ground, trying to steady himself.

"Ryu?" I whisper, reaching for him again.

He flinches at my touch but then blinks rapidly, his eyes finally focusing on me. The panic in his expression fades, replaced by confusion and exhaustion. He looks at me, then at Nikko, and his shoulders slump as he lets out a shaky breath. "Talia... Nikko..." he whispers, his voice hoarse. "I... I'm sorry..."

Nikko crawls closer to him, her small hand reaching for his. "It's okay, Papa," she says softly, her voice soothing. "It was just a bad dream."

Ryu stares at her for a long moment, as if he's trying to process what just happened. He looks down at his hands, his expression darkening with guilt. "I almost... I almost hurt you," he mutters, his voice cracking with emotion.

"You didn't," I say firmly, leaning closer to him. "You're here with us now. You're safe."

He closes his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath as he tries to steady himself. "The Shadowfell..." he whispers. "It... it still haunts me. I thought I could push it away, but..."

I place a hand on his cheek, turning his face towards mine. "You're stronger than it, Ryu," I tell him softly. "You fought it before, and you'll keep fighting it. We believe in you."

Nikko nods beside me, her eyes bright with determination. "I believe in you, Papa."

Ryu looks at both of us, his expression softening. Slowly, the tension in his body begins to ease, and he wraps an arm around Nikko, pulling her close. She snuggles into him, her small body fitting perfectly against his side. I watch them for a moment, my heart swelling with a mix of relief and love.

We sit together in the quiet of the tent, the night once again still around us. I can feel the weight of everything pressing down on him, the guilt, the fear, but I know he won't carry it alone. We won't let him.

And as we settle back into the blankets, Ryu's breathing begins to slow, the nightmare finally losing its grip on him. I rest my head on his shoulder, feeling his warmth beside me, and for the first time since we escaped Arroyo, I feel a sense of calm wash over me.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

I awaken in the tent, the moonlight streaming through the small opening, casting a pale glow inside. Nikko still sleeps beside me, her peaceful expression a small comfort in this chaotic world, but I notice Ryu isn't here with us. I quietly slip out of the tent, careful not to disturb her, and step into the cool night air.

The forest is bathed in silver light from the moon, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Shadows stretch long and dark, but the scene is tranquil. I look around and spot Ryu sitting by the lake, the water reflecting the moon's glow like a shimmering mirror. His silhouette is still, yet there is an intensity to his posture. I notice his hood his down, something I'd never thought he'd do.

I walk over to Ryu, my footsteps soft against the damp ground. As I approach, the moonlight reflects off the lake, casting a tranquil glow around him. He's seated near the water, deep in thought, his shoulders heavy with the weight of everything we've been through.

"Ryu?" I say gently, not wanting to startle him.

He turns slightly, acknowledging me with a small nod. "Couldn't sleep?" he asks, his voice low, almost lost in the quiet of the night.

I shake my head and sit down beside him. "No, I noticed you weren't in the tent and came to check on you. Are you alright?"

Ryu sighs, his gaze drifting back to the lake. "Just thinking. Everything feels... heavy. Like we're carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders."

I place a hand on his arm, offering him a reassuring touch. "You don't have to carry it alone, Ryu. We're all in this together."

He looks at me, his eyes reflecting the moonlight. "I know. But it's hard not to feel responsible for everything that's happening. The Shadowfell, us being labeled criminals... it all seems to circle back to me."

I reach out, placing a hand on his arm, trying to offer some comfort.

He glances at me, the moonlight catching the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. "It's hard not to feel responsible. Every time we face danger, I can't shake the fear that I might lose you and Nikko, just like... just like I lost Lyra." His voice breaks slightly at the mention of her name, the vulnerability he rarely shows seeping through.

I squeeze his arm a little tighter. "You're doing everything you can to protect us, Ryu. You can't blame yourself for things beyond your control. You've given us hope when we needed it most."

He meets my gaze, the tension in his expression easing a little. "I just... I can't bear the thought of losing either of you. It terrifies me."

I lean closer, my voice firm but gentle. "We've faced danger before, and we'll face it again, together. What matters is that we stand by each other, no matter what comes. You're not alone in this."

Ryu's eyes soften, gratitude and something deeper flickering within them. "I don't know what I'd do if something happened to you, Talia. I don't think I could handle it."

Warmth fills my chest, and I smile at him softly. "You won't have to. I'm not going anywhere. You have me and Nikko, and we're with you every step of the way."

We sit in silence for a moment, the tranquility of the night enveloping us. The moonlight bathes us in its gentle glow, and for a brief moment, the weight of our journey feels lighter. I lean my head on Ryu's shoulder, feeling the steady rhythm of his breath.

The night continues to surround us, but within our small circle, there is a sense of peace and unity that gives us hope for the challenges ahead.

After a few moments of quiet, I sense Ryu shifting beside me, like there's something still weighing on his mind. He hesitates, and then finally speaks. "Talia," he says softly, his tone uncertain, "about what you saw in my memories..."

I place my hand over his, offering a gentle squeeze. "Ryu, I don't judge you for what you've done. You've been through hell. We all carry our burdens."

He nods but his gaze remains distant, haunted. "It's just... reconciling who I was with who I want to be now, it's not easy. Those memories... they never leave me."

I tighten my grip on his hand, wanting to offer him more comfort. "Then tell me, Ryu. Let me understand."

He takes a deep breath, his eyes reflecting the moon's soft glow. "I was trained by someone ruthless... forced to become something I hated. I did things I can't undo. For the longest time, I believed I wasn't worth saving. But then I met you and Nikko. You've given me a reason to fight for something better."

I pause, then ask gently, "And Lyra? Did she give you that reason too?"

His expression softens, turning almost wistful. "Lyra... she was my light in the darkest time of my life. She was my anchor when I had nothing else. But I regret so much... not standing up to the Empire when I could have. With the abilities I have, I should've done more. Maybe saved some Jedi on the run. Maybe stopped more innocent people from getting hurt."

His voice cracks slightly, and he looks at me, eyes filled with guilt and sorrow. "The Empire was merciless... maybe even worse than the Sith Empire. And instead of fighting, I hid. I tried to live a normal life, as if none of it had happened."

I gently cup his cheek, forcing him to meet my gaze. "Ryu, you can't change the past. What matters is what you do now. You have the power to make a difference, and you're doing it. You're not the same person you were back then."

For a moment, his eyes search mine, as if he's looking for something—some kind of reassurance. And in that moment, it feels like the world narrows down to just the two of us. "Thank you, Talia," he whispers, his voice full of emotion. "You don't know how much your words mean to me."

I smile softly, leaning a little closer. "We're in this together, Ryu. We'll find a way forward, no matter what."

He holds my gaze, and I can see some of the weight lifting from his expression. "I don't know what I'd do without you," he murmurs.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

Suddenly, Ryu's glove starts beeping, interrupting our blissful moment. It's DP-7. Immediately, I start to get worried. "More soldiers?" I ask.

Ryu shakes his head. "More like a wake-up alarm. We have to leave. It's best to move at night. Harder to see us."

I nod, still a bit tired and even a little annoyed that we have to keep going. And that our moment got interrupted. We head to the tent where Ryu gently wakes Nikko. She groans a little but gets up, a bit confused. 

"Are we in danger?" she asks.

Ryu shakes his head. "No, but we have to move."

Nikko gets up, rubbing her eyes. "I'm hungry," she says.

Ryu rummages through his bag of holdings for a bit, then sighs. 

"Are we out of food?" I ask.

He shakes his head. "Worse," he says, pulling out two, thin pouches. "Ready-to-eat meals. They don't taste great, but they are filling," he says as he opens one and hands it to Nikko along with a spoon.

She takes a sniff and then a bite. Immediately, her face contorts in disgust. "I don't want to eat that, Papa," she says.

"I know," he says. "But it's all we have. Just take a few bites."

Nikko looks at the bag and winces as she takes a few bites while pinching her nose. "Atta girl," Ryu says, then hands the bag to me.

I grab it and take a peek inside. The food looks like gray mush and entirely unappetizing. I take a bite, and the taste is horrible, like something barely edible. 

"This is awful," I say, barely able to swallow the food. "You ate this regularly?"

Ryu nods. "You get used to the taste," he says as I hand him the bag, and he begins eating, digging into the bag with the spoon.

After such a 'delightful breakfast', we pack up the camp and head out, DP-7 approaching us from behind and Apollo from the tree line. Carefully, we traverse the forest.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

The next couple of days are a test of endurance and stealth. The forest is alive with the constant movement of soldiers. Patrols weave through the trees with alarming frequency, and every rustle of leaves or snap of a twig sends us diving for cover. We hide behind thick trunks, in dense underbrush, and sometimes even underground, thanks to Ryu's abilities. Each close call leaves my heart pounding in my chest, the fear of discovery always looming.

Adding to our woes are the crows. They perch on high branches, their beady eyes scanning the forest floor. These avian spies seem to be everywhere, and their presence is unnerving. Thankfully, DP-7 has proven invaluable. The little droid zips through the treetops, taking out the birds with pinpoint accuracy before they can alert the soldiers to our presence.

Nights are particularly harsh. The forest grows colder with each passing evening, and our blankets and the heater doesn't offer enough heat. The chill seeps into our bones, making sleep difficult and fitful. We huddle together for warmth, but it's never quite enough. The ready-to-eat meals are another trial. Their bland, unappetizing taste is hard to stomach, especially after long days of marching and hiding. Every bite is a struggle, but we know we need the sustenance.

Despite these hardships, Ryu remains steadfast. He does everything in his power to make the nights bearable, especially for Nikko. He tells her stories, teaches her little tricks to stay warm, and even manages to coax a few smiles from her despite the dire situation. His dedication to her well-being is admirable, and I find myself looking at him with newfound respect and admiration.

Nikko, however, is my biggest concern. The constant fear, the terrible food, the freezing nights—it's a lot for anyone to endure, let alone a child. I see the toll it's taking on her. She tries to be brave, but I can see the exhaustion and fear in her eyes. It breaks my heart, and I wish I could do more to ease her burden.

Finally, after days of grueling travel and constant vigilance, we reach the vicinity of Ryu's ship. The dense forest begins to thin out, and the familiar sight of the landscape tells Ryu we're close. He stops us in a small clearing, the tension in his shoulders easing just slightly. The sight of him finally relaxing, even a little, is a relief.

"We're close," Ryu whispers, his eyes scanning the area. He kneels down and sends DP-7 out for reconnaissance. The droid beeps in acknowledgment and zips away, disappearing into the trees.

As we wait for DP-7's report, I can't help but feel a mix of hope and anxiety. The end of this part of our journey is in sight, but what awaits us at the ship remains uncertain. We can only hope that our luck holds out a little longer.

DP-7 returns, emitting a soft beep before projecting a hologram of a large, green landscape. The sight of Ryu's ship smashed into the ground is a sore reminder for me. I remember how it looked when it was intact, a symbol of hope and escape, now reduced to a dismantled wreck.

The hologram reveals the true extent of our predicament. A vast military encampment sprawls around the wreckage of the ship, fortified by a high stone wall. Watchtowers punctuate the perimeter, manned by archers whose eyes never stray from the horizon. The encampment itself is teeming with soldiers, but something feels off.

Hundreds of tents are scattered across the field, and though the soldiers appear organized, their armor is darker than that of the Eldorian soldiers we've encountered before. It's not just the color—it's the way it gleams, as though the metal itself is tainted with something sinister. Their shields are emblazoned with a foreign emblem—a jagged black crescent moon, framed by twisted thorn-like branches. The emblem is unsettling, as if it were designed to instill dread. On the flags that flutter in the wind above the watchtowers, the same dark crescent looms, shrouded in the deep crimson of the banners, adding to the ominous air.

Ryu narrows his eyes at the sight, his hand resting on his chin in thought. "These... soldiers. They don't look like they're from Eldoria," he says, his tone low and cautious.

I study the armor and flags closely, my stomach twisting with unease. "No... they're not. That emblem—it's not from any kingdom I know," I reply, my voice shaking slightly.

He looks at me with concern. "Are you certain?"

I nod, my heart racing. "I've never seen a symbol like that. The crescent moon and those thorns... it feels wrong. Like it doesn't belong here."

Ryu's jaw tightens, and he turns back to the hologram. "Whoever they are, they're trying to dismantle the ship, but look," he says, pointing. "Their tools aren't making a dent."

Sure enough, the soldiers swarm around the ship, their hammers and chisels barely scratching its alien hull. The soldiers' frustration is palpable, but their persistence is unnerving.

Scattered around the encampment, I spot crates and work tables piled with various objects taken from the ship. At first, I don't recognize them, but then I see familiar items—kitchen utensils, the holo-game projector, and various tools. They're stripping the ship of everything, and we somehow have to take out this entire encampment.

Ryu lets out a heavy sigh, his frustration palpable. "It is just as I thought," he says. "I count over two hundred soldiers in that encampment. They also seem to be expecting our arrival. I see large amounts of patrols and over there—" He adjusts the hologram, showing the sky filled with a large flock of black birds, circling like ominous sentinels. "We have these birds to deal with too."

Feeling a wave of defeat, I plop down on the ground. Nikko walks over and gently places a hand on my shoulder as if to comfort me. "What do we do now?" she asks, her voice tinged with worry. "We can barely handle those patrols, let alone two hundred soldiers."

But Ryu remains determined. "I'm not proud of this," he says, "but it wouldn't be the first time I had to deal with an entire camp of soldiers. But that was with Force users and soldiers wielding blasters." He looks over at me, his hood down, face obscured in shadow. "We can do this," he says, but I notice a hesitation in his voice as he watches the hologram again.

"What's wrong?" I ask, sensing his unease.

"I'm just worried," he admits as the hologram disappears and DP-7 lands on his shoulder.

"You're worried about us, aren't you?" I ask, reading the concern in his posture.

Nikko approaches Ryu, grabbing his hand. He nods. "I took out encampments by myself. This will be different. But—" he continues, and I cut him off.

"We can handle ourselves," I say firmly. "Nikko will remain here with Apollo, and you and I will take care of the soldiers."

Ryu starts to protest, but I stand my ground. "No buts, Ryu. I can handle myself. And you'd be crazy if you think I'll let you fight this many soldiers by yourself."

He nods, finally giving in. "Alright, but we'll wait till nightfall. For now, I'll keep observing the camp."

Ryu sends DP-7 away again, the droid zipping off into the trees. A hologram of the encampment is projected from Ryu's glove, and he sits down to observe. I join him, feeling the weight of the upcoming battle settle over us. The air grows colder, but determination burns within me. We will succeed, and we will survive.