The speeder glides silently through the sky, its engines a low hum that only heightens the uneasy quiet around us. I'm not sure how long we've been flying. The sun is starting its descent, casting shades of gold and crimson over the horizon. It's beautiful, but I can barely appreciate it. My mind races with the recent memories—days filled with revelations and horrors. For so long, I thought the Shadowfell was just a dark story. Now, I know better, and each heartbeat seems louder, each breath harder to steady. I try to calm myself, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly, hoping to find some relief in the view, but it's impossible to shake the weight that settles over me.

  I glance over at Ryu, who is focused on a strange glowing window in the center of the console. The lights on it flicker, and odd symbols shift across its surface. His eyes are trained on it, intent, as though searching for something only he can understand. I have no idea what I'm looking at; it's like a window but with movement and no view beyond it. Just strange colors and shapes. I can only guess it's some sort of magic or a spell he's using to guide us, though there's no incantation, no faint glow. Just his quiet focus on this...whatever it is.

  Nikko is sound asleep, curled up in Talia's lap, her small face softened by slumber. But Talia's expression mirrors my own—I catch her eyes glancing at me, and in that fleeting look, I see her worry, her own thoughts racing just as mine are. I give her a small nod, though it does little to ease the heaviness in my chest. Beside me, IG-22 and Apollo sit in rigid silence, their unchanging expressions adding a strange weight to the already tense atmosphere.

  Ryu's voice finally breaks through, though it's subdued, carrying the same weariness that seems to grip us all. "There's a cave not far from here," he says, his tone faltering slightly. "We can rest there."

  I nod, though he's focused on the strange device, guiding the speeder lower as we descend from the reddening sky toward the cave entrance he's mentioned. The cave looms ahead, a dark hollow set into the mountainside. Jagged stones line the mouth, casting long shadows across the ground as the last light of day begins to fade. The speeder settles gently on the ground, and the engines' hum fades, replaced by the soft crunch of our footsteps as we exit and step onto the rough earth.

  Ryu gives Apollo a nod, instructing him to scout the cave. With his shield and spear in hand, Apollo strides into the darkness, his footsteps echoing against the stone. The seconds stretch, and I find myself holding my breath, scanning the dark entrance for any sign of movement.

  We wait in tense silence, the dim light from the cave casting flickering shadows on the stone walls. Talia cradles Nikko in her arms, holding her close as the little girl sleeps, nestled over her shoulder, undisturbed by the chaos we've just endured. How can she sleep so soundly? I wonder, baffled yet strangely comforted by her peaceful face. At least Nikko's spirit remains untouched, even after everything she's witnessed.

  A moment later, Apollo's imposing figure appears at the mouth of the cave. "All clear," he states in that steady, calm tone of his. Relief sweeps over us, and Talia sets Nikko down gently in the speeder, taking extra care not to wake her. Ryu and Talia begin unpacking from their pouches of holding, conjuring supplies and gear that soon transform the cave into a makeshift campsite. It's familiar, almost resembling the previous cave we were in, and the feeling of it helps calm my own frayed nerves.

  Apollo, ever watchful, leaves the cave to patrol the perimeter, his steps echoing faintly as he fades into the darkness. Ryu moves with silent intent, laying down blankets, and then with a tenderness I hadn't seen before, he tucks Nikko in, adjusting the bedding around her small form before sitting by the fire pit he's constructed in the center of the cave. He ignites a flame with a simple motion, casting a warm glow, but his silence gnaws at the air. A shadow seems to settle over him, deeper than the one obscuring his face.

  I exchange a look with Talia, her eyes flickering with concern. She quietly sits down beside him, gently placing a hand on his back. "Are you alright?" she asks softly.

  He lets out a long breath, the firelight casting a subtle tension in his shoulders. "I'm okay," he says, his voice calm but taut with a quiet anger. "Just... give me a moment."

  It's clear he's holding something back, fighting to keep the rising fury from spilling over. I watch as he reaches into his cloak, drawing out a small, worn leather pouch and a pipe. Carefully, he opens the pouch, revealing a pinch of dried herbs I don't recognize, and packs it into the pipe. With a flick of his finger, a tiny flame ignites at the tip, and he takes a deep draw, releasing a steady puff of smoke. The smell is unfamiliar but somehow soothing.

  Ryu's gaze lifts, catching mine. "Sit," he says, his tone calmer now. "We're safe here."

  I nod, easing myself down across the fire from him. The weariness I've managed to keep at bay threatens to overwhelm me now. I clutch my knees close, trying to control the storm of thoughts swirling inside.

  Ryu watches me with a steady gaze, seeming to sense my turmoil. "It's a lot to take in," he says quietly, sympathy threading his tone.

  "Easy for you to say," I reply, my voice shaking as I struggle to keep the emotion from spilling over.

  Ryu's voice cuts through the quiet, carrying a tone I didn't expect. "I'm sorry," he says, his words catching me off guard. Talia looks just as surprised, her eyes flicking to him with a curious expression.

  "Sorry?" I repeat, confused. "For what?"

  "For getting you involved in all this," Ryu says, his voice weighted with regret. "I should have known how dangerous it would be."

  I take a few steadying breaths, mulling over his words. It's true, this entire ordeal has been overwhelming, and the danger feels like it's closing in. "It's not entirely your fault," I say finally, offering a small, shaky smile. "I could have said no, you know. I chose to come along." My smile falters, and I stare into the flames, the heat warming my cheeks. "Like I said... I'm not much of a fighter, Ryu. Never have been. Exploring ancient ruins, tracing lost histories—that's my passion, not slaying beasts or rescuing people in distress."

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  Ryu takes a long draw from his pipe, the herbs glowing briefly before he lets out a slow, contemplative puff of smoke. "Yet you didn't hesitate to save Nikko," he says, his words quiet but deliberate.

  His comment makes me glance over at him, wondering what he's really thinking beneath that shadowed hood. It's so hard to read him, that darkness obscuring his expression, but his tone is genuine, perhaps even... grateful?

  "That was just... instinct, I guess," I admit, feeling a little exposed. "I acted in the heat of the moment. But in the thick of it, I froze. If it weren't for you and Talia showing up, Nikko and I would've been..." I trail off, not wanting to finish the thought. My heart feels heavy just remembering the encounter, the helplessness that overwhelmed me.

  Ryu is silent for a beat, drawing again from his pipe before letting out a slow, steady puff of smoke. The silence hangs, until I find myself speaking up, almost without thinking.

  "I don't want to make that mistake again," I say, my voice firmer, filled with a determination that surprises even me. "Teach me how to fight."

  He raises a hand gently, signaling me to hold on. "Are you sure?" he asks, a hint of concern in his voice. "As you've already seen, we're up against powerful foes. This isn't a small commitment." He pauses, weighing his words. "This is your chance to walk away, Rebecca. I won't stop you. In fact..." He gestures with his free hand. "If you'd rather not continue, I'll take you wherever you want to go. I'll make sure you get there safely."

  The thought lingers in my mind, tempting me. Safety, comfort, a life untouched by monstrous cloaked figures and ancient evils. I glance at the fire, the flames dancing hypnotically. Turning back would mean I'd never have to face those horrors again. I wouldn't have to put my life at risk. The silence stretches as I grapple with his offer, Ryu's steady gaze on me as he puffs once more on his pipe.

  But even as the thought tempts me, I feel a surge of resolve. "No," I say finally, shaking my head. "It's too late to turn back. I want to help however I can." A wave of anxiety rises within me, a tension that knots my stomach at the thought of what I'm committing to, but it's quickly outweighed by my determination to stand my ground.

  Ryu studies me, his head tilting slightly. "You seem hesitant," he says, his perceptiveness startling me. I try to brush it off, but he's already seen through me.

  "Of course I'm hesitant," I admit, feeling a flush of heat rise in my cheeks. I glance over at Talia, whose own expression reflects her worry. I can see that she doesn't want this life for me either, doesn't want me thrown into the dangers that seem to haunt Ryu's every step. But I press on. "I want to be able to defend myself, to not freeze up again in a crisis." I take a breath, gathering my courage. "So please, teach me. Like you've taught Nikko."

  Ryu considers me in silence, drawing from his pipe once more and letting out a thoughtful puff of smoke. Finally, he nods. "Very well. We'll start tomorrow at sunrise."

  I nod gratefully, feeling a sense of relief mixed with apprehension. But there's one more thing. "Also," I add, pointing to Talia's hip where her strange weapon hangs. "I want to learn how to use... that. Whatever it is."

  Ryu follows my gesture, his gaze shifting to Talia's holstered weapon. "You mean our blasters?"

  I nod. "Yes. I want to learn how to use them, too."

  For a moment, he's silent, exchanging a look with Talia. Her expression is filled with concern, as though she's silently urging him to reconsider. But after a pause, he nods. "Very well. You'll join our shooting sessions too." He reaches into his pouch of holding, producing a few strips of dried meat and loaves of bread, handing them to Talia and me. "For now, let's rest and eat," he says, tapping out the burnt herbs from his pipe and stowing it away.

  I take the strip of dried meat and begin nibbling on it, the familiar taste grounding me. As I chew, I watch Ryu approach Nikko, who's still curled up asleep in the bed he set up. He crouches down beside her, carefully stirring her awake. Nikko's ears twitch as she blinks sleepily, rubbing her eyes. He hands her a strip of dried meat and a piece of bread, which she accepts, beginning to nibble with a quiet contentment that makes me smile despite the worries that linger.

  Ryu returns to the fire, his expression as unreadable as ever, but something in his posture suggests a weight lifted.

  Ryu's voice breaks the stillness around the campfire, his tone soft yet carrying a quiet command. "Get some sleep, both of you," he says, looking between Talia and me. "We have a long day ahead of us."

  I watch as Talia's expression shifts, a mixture of concern and a flicker of annoyance crossing her face. She crosses her arms, her gaze fixed on him. "And what will you be doing?" she asks, eyebrows raised.

  Ryu hesitates, glancing down at the crackling flames before looking back at her. "I'll be monitoring the two kingdoms," he replies, his tone calm but resolute. "And I'll try to come up with our next course of action."

  "Ryu," Talia says, her voice laced with worry as she steps closer. "You need to rest too."

  He lets out a slight sigh. "I will," he says, though there's a hint of weariness behind his words. "But there's still a lot that needs—"

  "No," Talia interrupts him firmly, her tone sharper than before. Her green eyes flash as she looks up at him, unwavering. "You can't keep doing this, Ryu. You don't have to shoulder everything alone."

  Ryu stops, her words seeming to hit him harder than he lets on. He lets out a slow, deep breath, shoulders relaxing just a bit as he listens. I watch them both, feeling like an observer in a dance of understanding and care that feels strangely intimate, yet wholly familiar.

  "Now," Talia continues, softening her tone but still resolute, "let's all go to sleep. And in the morning, we'll come up with a plan together."

  There's a long pause, the tension easing as Ryu nods, almost reluctantly. "You're right," he admits finally, his voice low. He turns his gaze toward me, the darkness of his hood casting an unreadable shadow over his face, yet his tone holds a rare gentleness. "Rebecca... it's not too late for you to reconsider."

  He studies me, and I can feel the weight of his words settling over me like a soft, persistent reminder of the path I've chosen. "At least think about it," he adds, his voice calm but carrying an undertone of sincerity that makes my chest tighten.

  "Good night, Rebecca," he says, his voice fading as he turns back toward the makeshift bed.

  "Good night," I murmur back, though I'm left watching as he and Talia move toward the bedding. Talia casts a quick glance back at me, offering a small, reassuring smile, before slipping under the blanket. Ryu lies down beside her, the tension in his form finally seeming to ease as he rests his head, his movements unhurried, as though savoring the brief respite.

  As I watch them, a quietness fills the cave, settling over everything like a gentle blanket. The flickering light from the fire casts warm shadows against the rough stone walls, dancing in time with the crackling embers. Talia murmurs something softly to Ryu, her voice low and gentle, and he nods, the two of them finally relaxing, their breathing slowing.

  I lay out my sleeping canvas and lie down, my own mind whirling with the events of the day, with the worry for what lies ahead. The warmth of the fire and the comforting presence of my companions nearby begin to lull me into a fitful sleep, the flickering shadows around us like watchful sentinels standing guard through the night.