Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

• • • • • ?????'s PoV

I was lost.

Completely and utterly lost.

It's... a strange sensation, I'll say that much, especially since I meant completely lost.

I hadn't the slightest idea what to do, or feel... or be...

I could only remember...

Light, bright and blinding, followed by a fluid draining out from around me.

After that...

Some talking then more light, an explosion of it, and then a liquid...

Water, was it? Flooding the place I was in from the sky...

Then pain all over my face, (oh so much pain) and pressure shoving me upwards...

-No wait, flooding from the ceiling, not the sky. The sky wasn't brown, it was bright and blue, with an extreme brightness. A brightness that...

*Hissssss*

"AAAAAAHHH!"

Why does it hurt so much!?

I threw myself towards the nearest piece of shade I could find and collapsed in relief as my face stopped burning.

Why...

I slowly raised myself off the ground and looked around the sky again.

I couldn't see the bright thing anymore, what even was it?

... I... feel like should know this... Wait!

It was the moon right?

...

No...

No.

The moon was... blue, and much less bright.

I shook away my thoughts and sighed in relief as felt my face, with my... would these be hands? Paws? Claws? Talons?

I... I think it's hands...? I'll just go with that for now.

I looked around me, this time lower, at the area near me.

There was a river nearby, and many tall blades of grass following its banks. Farther away, I could see large trees, including one far away that looked truly massive.

As I searched for what was giving me shade, I saw a small cliff above me, and felt some relief that it was something solid.

...What do I do now, knowing that I can't step out into the light?

• • • • • ???'s PoV (a few hours later)

Wow, that view is gorgeous.

I had climbed up the side of a small hill, and I was admiring the sun as it set over the mountains.

The sunsets are always so much more beautiful when I find a high place to rest on.

The hill I was sitting on was one of my favorite spots, since it had a great view of the western Border Mountains, and almost always had a nice breeze blowing past it.

It wasn't hard to get up here either, given that the hillside was soft enough for my hooves and paws to dig into.

As I crested the hill I looked on with an awe I'd felt many times before.

...How I wish I could go explore the things I see on the horizon, the majestic mountains... the massive trees... the pretty pink hills... that huge lake... all those cities...

I sat down and spent another few moments admiring the sunset and snacking on the fruit I'd brought up with me before my thoughts started to wander.

I wonder what it would be like to look down on the world like sun does. You'd be able to see everyone and everything that wasn't in the shade or underground...

Would you even be able to see anything from that high up? I think it would be hard to pick out any details, but maybe......

My thoughts kept jumping from subject to subject until I noticed the light fading faster as the sun disappeared below the horizon leaving nothing but purple and orange clouds behind.

Ah, there it goes, I guess it's time to head back, I don't want Naru to get worried.

I stood up and held my bag tight as I leapt from the top of the hill, feeling the thrill of the wind whipping past me as I plummeted, making sure to tuck and roll as I hit the ground so I wouldn't break anything.

After I landed I bounced up and prepared to start running.

*thump*

*skitter*

...

What was that?

...

*crack*

"Geh!"

I flinched back from the noise, putting my guard up...

Wait, that was a voice right?

"U-um, hello? If someone's out there, I... I'm friendly... I won't hurt you..." I said nervously, keeping my paws in front of me.

I paused for an answer, but didn't hear anything back other than the wind rustling some bushes.

...

Or maybe that wasn't the wind.

...

I felt chills crawl up my spine as I corrected my stance and sprinted towards home, cursing my imagination as it tried to project a silent monster chasing me.

...

• • • • • ?????'s PoV

Should I have said something...?

I watched her flee with a small amount of regret.

If she was telling the truth, maybe she could've told me where I am, that would've been helpful... maybe she'd have even known what I am?

I turned the thought over in my mind, trying to imagine how that interaction could've turned out, but dropped the thought in favor of doing some more exploring myself.

...

I think I made the right choice, I'm something as blacker than the sky has become, and she was glowing like the moon, something tells me it wouldn't have gone well.

I stood from my hiding place and looked up at the hill she'd been sitting on.

Seems as good a place as any to start looking around.

I walked over to the hill and took out the sword I'd found, studying it for a moment before stabbing it into the wall and beginning my slow climb.

As I ascended the wall, I remembered earlier today when I'd found the blade at the bottom of the river after stumbling around the banks.

• • • • • A few hours earlier...

After a bit of risky (and painful) experimentation, followed by a glance at myself in the river, I found out that the reason the light felt like it was burning my face off were some still bleeding wounds across my face.

I say bleeding because my injury was oozing, but my 'blood' wilted any plants it touched, and it was black enough it didn't reflect sunlight, which felt wrong.

I would place my hands over my face and peek through my claws to search the riverside, and in doing so I'd found the blade sunken in the water not far from where I'd awoke.

After burning myself (yet again) while retrieving it, I gave the dulled weapon a thorough inspection, noting every single crack and scuff with a grimace.

After turning it over a few times and giving it some practice swings, I realized it was quite uneven from all the damage.

Well it's way better than being unarmed, that's for certain.

I sheathed it, and then spent a while trying to fit the sopping wet scabbard around my waist while resting in the shade.

It looked as though the straps were originally in a V shape that would go over my shoulder as well for extra security, but after tying together the torn-up pieces of the scabbard, it was a loose belt.

Once I had the ragged thing on, I wandered around the area, trying to find a place that I could use to get a lay of the land once the sun set.

I'd begun to... 'remember' concepts and bits of knowledge which I hadn't known of before, which was odd since I still couldn't remember anything from before my first moments.

I could only remember the scene more vividly.

...

...and more painfully as well, I thought, my hand hovering over my wound.

When will this dang thing heal anyway? It's been a couple hours since I've woken up.

As I walked, I noticed the sun was going down.

That will be nice for exploring, I won't have to hide my face from the light.

I continued to explore the wilds, trying to form a mental map of the routes I was taking and the ones I could take to go deeper into the wilderness.

Then, while I was wandering, I saw it.

Shining like the moon, up on a small hill looking towards the mountains and the horizon.

It's...watching the sun... set?

I looked up towards the clouds, being unable to look directly at the horizon since I needed to keep the sun out of view.

...I can see why they are... Wow, there's... so many colors.

The whole scene... entranced me. For a few minutes I could hardly think of anything but the sunset and the strange whitish-blue creature on the hill.

It took some time, but my mind eventually returned to working order, and then I started to wonder.

How did they even get up there anyway? Wouldn't that cliff be way too steep to climb?

My question was forgotten when I saw them stand up and stretch before crouching back down.

What're they...?

Are they really?

My eyes grew wide as them leapt from the hill, and I scrambled to get away from their landing zone, which was right next to my hiding place.

My left arm thumped a tree as I retreated, but I bit by tongue and bent down, clutching my new injury.

I looked behind me at the creature and saw them frozen with their paws up, searching the darkness.

Seeing them so close made me uneasy, so I took a slow step around the back of the tree I'd hit.

*crack*

I grunted softly as I swung the rest of my body behind the tree, I felt a drop of my blood fall, from my cut as I did.

"U-um, hello? If someone's out there, I... I'm friendly... I won't hurt you..." she said, clearly on edge.

...Yeah she heard me.

I peeked around tree and saw her eyes darting around through the dark, her tail sneaking between her legs.

Should I answer? She seems to be actually scared... But she might attack after I reveal myself.

...I'm going to continue erring on the side of caution.

Not a moment after that thought crossed my mind I saw her change stances.

Did she see me?

*whoosh*

It barely took three seconds before she was out of sight.

Oh,

...

Well either way, there's no way I can beat speed like that.

• • • • • ???'s PoV

My heartbeat began slow as my home came into view.

It was a small-ish cave with an upper and lower entrance, surrounded by fruit trees with a small lake on one side that we'd built a bridge over.

We had a field of grains and a small orchard we'd planted ourselves. We mostly ate our own crops, but sometimes we'd gather nuts and berries. Ku likes fish too.

I slowed my pace to a jog once I saw Gumo, as normal, he was in his hammock. He'd often take naps there, but right now he was tinkering with an axehead, trying to fit a handle on it.

I flushed slightly, I'd been the one to break it earlier this week.

It hadn't been anything dramatic. I'd just been try to chop some bigger pieces of wood so we could have a campfire that night when the handle snapped off.

It took me a couple minutes to get it unstuck from the log.

Once I showed him I thought he would've been upset, since he took pride in the tools he crafted, but he'd simply laughed it off and said the thing was 3 years old and needed a fresh handle.

He looked up when he heard me.

"Ah, there you are Ori, I already checked on the orchard with Naru and Ku's asleep," He smiled, "If you want to grab a snack you're welcome to watch me."

"Sure!" I jogged over to him and grabbed an apple from the basket near his hammock.

I sat down and watched as he finished carving a slit for the axehead.

"So how did your daring expedition go today?" He teased, as he carefully fit the blade in its new handle.

I laughed and took a moment to think about what I should tell him, deciding against mentioning the strange noises.

"It was pretty fun, I found a bunch of edible berries and the sunset was really beautiful. I need to take Ku to that hill again sometime."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it, did you find anything new?" He said, beginning to wrap a cord around the axehead to secure it in place.

"Hmmm... oh! Right!" I dug around in my pack, "I found some light shiny rocks in the river, do you know what they are?"

I handed him one, and he gave it a long look.

"It looks like... Geo."

I tilted my head slightly, "Geo?"

"Yes, I've seen some people use this like Berries as money. Apparently Geo is what they use in the underground cities of Hallownest. I also heard that many people in the bigger surface cities like to use it as well, and that it may start being used as the standard currency, despite Berries being about twice the value."

"Huh? Why would they do that?"

Gumo handed me the Geo piece back, "Well, Berries don't spoil easy, but they do spoil, and there are still some scum who try to grow their own or pass off other berries that look similar as the real deal."

"Huh, does Geo not have those problems?"

"No, not really, they mine it out of the earth deep down there, and it's hard to fake Geo since it makes a unique 'chink' sound when struck against another piece."

"I guess it makes sense then, especially considering it's even lighter than Berries are."

Gumo finished fixing the axe, and gave me a pat on my head, "It's getting late, time to get some sleep, Ori."

I gave him a long hug, "Ok, I'll see you in the morning."

I slipped quietly into our cave.

Seeing Ku asleep, I smiled and gave her a pat on the head, then walked over to my bed.

I laid down, tired from running around all day, and drifted off.

• • • • • ?????'s PoV

I should keep going... I only have so much... time in the darkness.

Once the sun... rises, it will be difficult to... move.

I took another few shaky steps forward, and slumped down again.

I'm starving, I need to find.... something safe to eat, but I don't have any... knowledge of these blasted plants.

I had been walking around all day and night, but my body's needs of rest and sustenance were taking hold quickly.

I suppose I'm not... quite as much of... a creature of the darkness, as... I thought.

I cast my gaze around for anything that looked like food, deciding that even if it did poison me, it would be better than starving to death.

My eyes landed on a bush with small blue berries on it, and in a burst of adrenaline, I walked over and picked one.

Here goes nothing...

I stuck the berry in my mouth and waited a few moments.

After noticing no immediate signs that my body was rejecting it, I picked and ate every berry I could reach, until I no longer felt inches away from death.

Resolving not to waste any of my limited energy, I crawled under the bush to try and use it as shade from any morning sunlight, and gathered my tattered cloak under my head.

I suppose I'll have to pray it... isn't a slow-acting... poison...

...

...

...

• • • • • Ori's PoV

It was a peaceful day out, and Ku was waiting for me when I took a step outside for some early morning sunlight.

"C'mon Ori! I've been waiting all morning!" She chirped excitedly.

She gave me a nuzzle, and I hugged her back, she was a little taller than me now, and as full of energy as always.

"Hehe, Ok! I'm still waking up, Ku!" having gotten some morning sunlight, I walked back inside to our small bathroom to prepare myself for the day.

It was simple, like everything we had, just a manual pump, two small water basins, one large one, with a cupboard for supplies and a medium mirror we'd bought in town.

I pumped enough water to fill the basin half-way, then got a drink.

Ahhh, that first sip of cool water in the morning... always so refreshing...

I gathered some water in paws and washed my face, then used smaller amounts to smooth down a few patches of my fur that were sticking up.

My fur will probably get snagged and dirty while we're out, but looking like I didn't just roll out of bed is worth it.

I grabbed my satchel and checked it to make sure I wa ready.

Gauze, emergency Berries, picnic blanket...

Yep, all here.

I slung it over my shoulder and walked back out to see Naru tying a bag around Ku so she could carry it.

I walked over, "Hi mum! Is this breakfast?"

"Yes, make sure to be back for lunch ok? I don't want you two out wandering for too long." She cautioned.

I gave her a hug, "Ok, we'll see you in a few hours."

"Have fun!" Gumo called from a tree were he was picking ripe pears.

"We will!" Ku chirped.

With that I gave Ku a friendly punch.

"Race you to the hill!" I said, running off.

"Hey! I have a bag to carry!"

"So do I!"

• • • • • Later, in the Outskirts

"Finally! It felt like it took all day to get here!" Ku complained, plopping down by a tree in the small clearing I'd picked out.

"This place only an hour away, I don't see what's the big deal." I said, spreading out a blanket and taking Ku's bag.

"How I wish I could fly... I'd beat you in every race." She lifted her wings and frowned.

"Hey, don't worry, I'm sure your flight feathers will grow in soon, maybe by then you'll be strong enough to carry me when you go flying."

She smiled at me then walked over to the blanket to keep resting.

I knew it was a bit of a sensitive subject for her, she could glide, but her wings had never been big enough to let her pull herself into the sky.

Sometimes I couldn't help but wonder if she would've been better off growing up with other Owls, but her mother had entrusted Naru with her egg before she passed.

I wonder if Naru ever has the same thoughts about me... I'd love to know who my birth parents were, but my name is enough, I'm sure I'll learn more some day.

"Are you ready for some food?"

Ku perked up, "The whole reason we came out here was for a picnic! Of course I am!"

I opened the pack Naru gave us to find pancakes, a loaf of bread, a salad (for me), a few skewers of roasted grubs and insects (for Ku), and some extra snacks.

Ku nearly grabbed one of the skewers, but flinched back.

"I nearly forgot we have to give thanks..." She said sheepishly, "Again."

"I'm sure they wouldn't mind, would you like to?"

"Sure!" She cleared her throat, bowed her head, put her wings together, and closed eyes, I did the same.

"Dear Goddess Venus, we thank thee for your blessings over our crops, and for the lovely food we get to eat today, Dear Wenlua, we are thankful for your blessings of life that we get to enjoy. We thank thee, Pluto, for your efforts to maintain the balance of our world, Mars, for the peace we live each day, and Rakemi, for thy radiant light which gives our life's meaning."

Ku looked up at me, having finished her prayer, "Shall we?"

I smiled and grabbed a pancake, "We shall."

...

...

...

"Mom is so good at cooking!" I praised.

"She is, she always makes sure we get the things we enjoy the most too, she's so thoughtful..."

We still had most of our snacks, a pancake, and the bread left from our meal, deciding we'd eat them later we packed up our things.

"We still have more than two hours left of time to explore, where should we head next?"

Ku thought for a moment, a bit of hesitation in her eyes.

"I... I was wanting to head off on my own for a bit, not that I want to avoid you... but..." she looked away, clearly tense.

I smiled, "That's okay, we get plenty of time together, if you want some time alone, I totally understand how you feel, just try not to go too far, we'll meet back up here when it's time to go home, mmk?"

"Thanks," She said, her posture relaxing, "I'll be off then. See ya later sis." She bumped her head against me then ran off leaving our snack bag, which I picked up.

What do I do now?

...

Wait, maybe I could... go find whatever was making that noise last night?

I took off towards my favorite hill, I could run way faster than Ku, going alone it would've taken me a little over half the time it had to get to that clearing from home, so it only took about ten minutes to get to my hill, even with both bags.

I walked around it to find the place where I'd landed yesterday.

Hmm, I think it was somewhere here...

I walked around, looking for any evidence the things I'd heard were more than just hallucinations.

Well, there's a broken twig near this tree over here... this could've been where it was, but there's a lot of broken twigs in this forest.

...

Wait... what's this... dead spot?

Looking closely, there were multiple spots where a part of the grass was wilted away, and some of it was stained black.

What could cause something like this? Venom?

That didn't make me feel any better about last night.

What if this thing was some super dangerous monster that I'd only just escaped.

Would we need to go place a request for a rescuer to come get rid of it if that's case?

I shuddered at the thought of it being something so scary.

I don't think there could be a monster that bad in Bugaria's Outskirts though, they would've heard about it and sent a team or two to come take it down.

I took a few moments, thinking whether or not it would be worth it to continue my search.

In the end curiosity won, and I started to look for more traces of the creature.

While I was looking for more traces of wilted plants, a mark in the cliff caught my eye.

This... this goes deep, and there are more of them, in a trail leading upwards... but this looks like...

The mark of a blade? Nothing has claws this big, is this creature a person? Is this even from the same thing that wilted the plants?

I climbed up the hill, and sure enough, there was a patch of dead grass up here as well.

"I guess it is a someone, that's a relief, a person can be reasoned with." I mumbled.

Even if they do have super scary black venom, and some kind of sword, and the strength to-

"Stop thinking about it Ori! You'll just make it worse!" I scolded myself.

I jumped down from the hill, and continued to follow the trail.

It was slow going since the drips of venom were pretty sparse, sparse enough that jt took me minute to realize trail had ended.

A berry bush? Maybe they were trying to find food? But why this one? The trail passed a bunch of berry bushes...

But if the trail ended here... Aha!

There they were, lying down in the shade on a bundle of cloth with nail at their side.

Well now I get why I couldn't see them last night, they have pitch black skin.

...

Should I wake him?

...

He does have a weapon, but he must have seen me last night, if I take a step back, he shouldn' t try to hurt me...

I took a deep breath, and gave him a shake.

• • • • • Third person view

...

...

...

!!!

He jumped awake, hitting his head on several branches as he stood up, and fumbled for his nail.

He blinked the sleep from his eyes and surveyed his surroundings.

Breathing sharp and fast, with his heart beating out of his chest, he faced down...

The girl from last night?

He looks scared... Ori thought, he's dirty and seems shaky, is he hungry? He also have a wound on his face... was that black stuff his blood?

What? How did...! No why did she find me? Is she here to...? No, if she was going to attack me she would have taken my nail or tried to restrain me. He thought.

His body relaxed, and he lowered his nail.

Ori visibly let her guard down once he did, but he kept his blade at the ready.

"...Who are you, what are you doing here, and what are your intentions?" he interrogated her.

She thought for a moment before responding, "My name is Ori, I followed a trail of wilted plants here to find you, and I intended to get to know what you are, who you are, and if you're dangerous or friendly but shy."

Wilted plants? Did I leave a trail of blood?

She smiled, "My turn! What are you, what's your name, why are you here, and are you hungry? You look hungry."

He stared at her for a few moments, but she kept smiling at him expectantly.

What am I? I was hoping you could answer that.

...

Wait-

He shook the last bits of groggyness away.

"Am I... hungry?" he repeated, unsure if he'd heard her right.

"Yeah, I said you look hungry, are you the one who ate all the berries on this bush? I have some snacks if you want."

Snacks...?

...

Tsk, I... I shouldn't be letting my guard down for this...

His stomach grumbled and ached in protest, and he sheathed his blade.

"Y... yes. I would like some food." he felt his face heating up.

Is he blushing? Because he's hungry? That's... kinda cute. He's just a person like me, scared and nervous, and m aybe a little odd, but still.

Ori took off the snack bag, grabbed a small handful of nuts and berries, and handed it to him.

"Here, have some."

He tentatively reached out his hands and she dumped the food into them, making him flinch lightly.

He slowly began eating, and Ori patiently waited for him to finish, fidgeting with blades of grass.

"Do you like them?"

"Yes, could I... have some more?"

"Yeah, but you're pretty dirty, let's get you cleaned up, then once you eat you can finish answering my questions."

She gestured for him to follow.

"C'mon, the river runs by not too far from here." She jogged away, and he hesitantly followed her, keeping to the shade.

A few minutes later they reached the river.

Ori stuck her hooves in the water, looked back, and gestured to him.

"Water's nice and cool, c'mon." She encouraged.

He hesitated by the treeline.

"Is there... a place where part of the river is shaded? I'd like to avoid going into the sunlight if I can."

"...Why? There's nothing wrong with a little sunshine." She tilting her head, puzzled.

She's probably not going to comply if I don't tell her.

"It's my wound, it burns in the sun."

"Um... Ok, sure, I know where there's a tree that shades part of the river." She walled upstream.

He followed her, relieved he didn't have to say anything else.

• • • • •

Once they reached the tree, he stepped out into the water, and started to wash himself off.

As he was scrubbing off the dirt he noticed Ori leaving her bags to follow him.

"What are you doing?" He asked, turning around.

"Could I wash your cloak for you? It'll go a bit faster that way."

He took off his cloak and handed it to her.

Ori walked back up to the shore and started scrubbing off the cloak.

They continued silenty, Ori hanging the cloak up to dry shortly before he got out of the water.

She took out her picnic blanket and spread it on the grass, patting one side and sitting down on the other.

He shook off the water he could, and took a seat as well.

"So what's your name?" She asked, opening the bag and giving him a large piece of the bread loaf.

He took a bite.

"I don't know..."

Ori paused, "You... don't know? You're not just refusing to tell me, are you?"

"No."

She placed an a fruit near him and tore her own piece of bread.

"Do you know what you are?"

He shook his head.

"Really? Then what about why you're here?"

"I'm not sure about that either, I was just wandering around hoping to find someone who could answer my questions, not someone who could ask me the ones I want answers to."

"Why didn't you approach me last night? I could've helped you then."

"I wasn't sure if you were sincere, or hostile, and trying to trick me into lowering my guard."

"Is the reason you trust me now the food?" Ori asked slyly.

"No, you didn't disarm me while I was sleeping, that's the main reason I trust you."

"Huh, ok."

Ori handed him the leftover pancake. "Well I'm sorry I can't help you, do have anything you remember to go off of?"

"I remember being conscious underground, and then an explosion, after rising up in water I passed out and found myself on the river bank."

"I-i-is that really all?" She stuttered.

"Yes, other than that I know how to swing a nail, and I know what some things are, like the apple you gave me."

...

"Thank you, by the way."

"You're welcome."

... they sat eating in silence, deep in thought.

"If you don't remember anything, how about we give you a new name?"

"A new name?"

"I don't anything to call you by other than 'mysterious boy', so even if it's temporary, something I and others can use to call you would be nice."

"Hm. I suppose you're right. Do you have any ideas?" He said.

"M-me? It's your name..." Ori stuttered.

He kept staring at her

"Uh, ok. Let me think."

He has dark coloration, a mysterious past, and he's pretty sneaky, plus he's avoiding sunlight.

Maybe Shadow? Shade? Too on the nose... but then again I can't think of much better...

...

Well it's meant to be temporary... so I guess this works...

"What about Ghost?" She suggested.

He nodded slowly, and finished his pancake.

"It feels right, at least, as right as I think we'll get."

Ghost let a small smile form, "Thank you, Ori."

"You're welcome!" She smiled back brightly.

Ori stopped and stepped out into the light, to check the sun.

"How fast are you, Ghost?"

"Hrm?"

He thought for a moment.

"Probably nowhere near as fast as you." He confessed.

Ori walked over and shooed Ghost off her blanket.

"I have to go meet up with my sis, and even though we should have plenty of time to get there..." she said, shaking off and tucking away the large piece of cloth.

She turned to me, "How about a race?"

"...I don't get the point. Won't I just lose against you?" Ghost asked puzzled, "I saw just how fast you are when you ran away last night."

Ori flushed, "S-shush! I have bags to carry, a-and I'm not running away from strange noises in the middle of the night this time."

"Also, I don't know where we're going." Ghost said, pointing out the fatal flaw in her idea.

"Oh, right, I didn't think about that..." Ori scratched her head.

"Well? Lead on."

• • • • • 

Word count: 5383

Chapter Text

• • • • • Third person view

She should be here soon… Ori isn't one to lose track of time.

Ku sat patiently, waiting for her sister.

It hadn't taken her long to finish what she was doing, but she had still expected Ori to be waiting for her for some reason.

Her sister was just that quick.

Ku turned her head as she heard someone bark a laugh.

That didn’t sound like Ori.

• • • • •

I guess the race was happening either way, Ghost thought. The fact that she's faster than I am just makes it possible for me to follow full speed.

This is fun, Ori giggled mentally while she glanced over her shoulder, he was right about being slower, but for the short time I had given him for a head start, it was fun to watch him.

Ghost was efficient with his movements, so he didn't lose much momentum while running. He also didn't seem to slow or feel fatigue, which was odd given the state he'd been in just recently.

Ori slowed down to a fast walk, “We're almost there, we can relax a bit.”

Ghost kept pace next to her, “What happened to the race?” 

Ori smirked, “C'mon, we both know you didn't stand a chance.”

Ghost barked out a laugh, “Yes I know,” He smiled slightly, “Maybe if I practice.”

Ku's voice chimed through the trees.

“Ori? Is that you?”

Ghost froze, his eyes going between Ori and the trees as his hand snuck towards his nail.

Ori glanced at him then spoke quietly, “Oh, that's my sister. Don't worry, I'll introduce you.” She skipped ahead.

Hearing the mutterings of a quiet conversation, Ghost decided he would wait before poking his head out, but he slowly maneuvered so he could have a line of sight on Ori, just in case.

“But what was that other voice I heard? You can't tell me that was you.”

“Huh? Oh, he’s still here, I guess he didn't want to startle you. Come on, Ghost!”

Ku watched the trees like a… hawk, as she waited for this new figure to introduce himself, having stood up earlier when she heard “Ghost” the first time.

He stepped out from the trees and just kinda… stared into her soul, and combined with his dark complexion, wounds, and piercing black eyes… Ku was feeling quite uncomfortable about the staring.

Ghost glanced over at Ori, who was giving him a confused look.

“Are you gonna wave? Or say hi?”

Ghost tilted his head, “...Why would I do that?”

Ori seemed to be getting annoyed, while Ghost only became more confused.

“Because it's a common way to greet people?” 

“...Could you show me what you mean?”

Ori sighed, then cleared her throat.

“Hello!” She said, with an abundance of enthusiasm while waving one paw dramatically, “My name is Ori! How are you doing?”

Ghost stared at her, then put one hand to his mouth as he smiled.

“Pffffft.”

“H-hey! Don't laugh! I thought it would be best to give a demonstration!”

Ghost stopped trying to hide his laughter as Ori blushed and continued to protest.

Watching the interaction between the two, Ku could only be confused.

Didn't they meet today?

Some time later when they had calmed down, Ghost waved at Ku in the same over-the-top way Ori had, causing her to flush again.

After introductions had completed, and Ori had shared everything she and Ghost knew about his situation, Ori beckoned her sister and new friend to follow, and they started back home.

• • • • • Ghost’s PoV

As we ran towards Ori’s home, I couldn’t help but wonder two things.

I wonder what the rest of her family is like? Clearly she isn’t related to her sister by blood, are the rest of her family like that too? And is this how things are normally?

And, of course, the second thing was-

How is her enthusiasm so infectious? She got us to run this far there already.

I shook my head and looked toward her striding pace at what would’ve probably been her walking speed given what I’d seen her capable of doing.

She took a look over her shoulder and suddenly slowed to a walk. I did the same, and noticed Ku was lagging behind. I was tired too from all the running, so I began walking too once I’d caught up to Ori.

Ku caught up, breathing heavily and plopped down where she stood, “Th-thanks… I thought I'd… not get a… break until… we made it… back home… with how you were going.”

Ori gave her a pat on the back, “I’m sorry for pushing you so hard, I’m just a bit excited I guess. You’ve done a good job keeping up, you’re gaining significantly more endurance. We’re close to home, so I wanted to take a break real quick.”

“Thanks,” I breathed, “It seems I… have good endurance… too, but I’m… still tired.” I plopped down against a tree and tried to control my rapid breathing.

“Well at least you know you have good endurance now, Ghost.” Ori said, sitting down next to Ku.

“Yes… I suppose that’s good.” I said between breaths.

We sat in silence for a few minutes as we rested, and I closed my eyes, enjoying the feeling of sitting in some shade with the wind blowing a soft breeze around me.

After a few minutes we got back up and continued, walking this time.

Ori began some idle chatter between us, and I asked them why they were in the woods to begin with.

“Oh, I go on a run everyday in the morning, typically trying to find a new place to explore around home, and in the evenings I go watch the sunset on my hill. Ku tags along for a picnic twice a week so we can have some time together.”

“Ah, that makes sense I guess. How do you get food out here?”

“We grow it ourselves!” Ku stated proudly, “It’s actually quite fun, and we sell any excess we have when we go to town once a month.”

“Heh, it is fun some days, but it’s still a lot of hard work.” Ori grimaced.

“That sounds rather nice… Maybe I can stick around with you all until I find my own way.”

Ori gave him a look, “We haven’t even got there and you’re already thinking about leaving?”

“I have a feeling there’s something out there that would suit me better than farm work.” I lifted my cloak to one side, “Maybe something where I could use this nail of mine?”

“What about an explorer?” Ori wondered, “You have good endurance and seem to know how to use that sword of yours pretty well.”

“It’s called a nail.” I interjected.

“Right, well, explorers help people who can’t help themselves in a ton of different ways, but their main job is to act as mercenaries for ridding the world of dangerous monsters, acting as escorts for merchants or researchers… they do pretty much anything and everything.” Ori finished her explanation with a wistful tone.

“You seem to know quite a lot about this whole explorer thing. Why?” I questioned her.

“A-ah… I’ve kinda thought about becoming one a few times, the issue is that I don’t know how to fight…” She replied, a bit shyly.

“Maybe I could teach you?” I offered,  “I know how to swing a nail at least. We’ll have to see how my skills translate into other forms of combat.” 

Ori turned to Ku, then back to me. “I might take you up on that offer… If I have any potential for it at least.”

The trees began to clear, and Ku piped into our conversation.

“We’re home Ori. Maybe you should discuss this with Mom and Dad too?”

She flinched, “Yea, I should. Let’s go talk to them about it, better now than later.” she glanced at me, ”Well, after we introduce you.”

“I look forward to it.” Maybe they’ll know more about what I am…

• • • • • Naru’s PoV

It was a peaceful day, just how I liked it. One of the greatest joys I’d found in life was simply harvesting a few berries or fruits then sitting down to have a snack in the shade.

It was a necessity for survival to dry and store much of what we grew to help us through the winter, so I enjoyed the fresh fruits while they lasted.

I was by no means lazy, but I loved to relax when I got the chance.

I do wonder what Ori and Ku got up to, I hope nothing dangerous, they should be back soon to help finish today’s chores up. I hope they enjoyed their snacks.

I finished the apple I was savoring, and stood in an almost meticulous manner. I may not be lazy, but I certainly wasn’t agile.

I took some time to check up on our last few trees. Confirming that none of them had developed any issues, I started back home.

I do hope they have a fun story or two to tell, sometimes they find some rather interesting things out there as well… maybe they brought back a trinket for Gumo?

As if my thoughts had summoned him, I heard loud rustling as he bounded up to me. I still found it funny sometimes that that was his way of ‘running’.

Wait… running?

“Gumo! Are they back already?” my smile faltered as I noticed the uncertainty in his eyes.

He scratched the back of his head, “Well, Yes, but there’s also something a bit troubling about what they brought home this time.”

“Is it an animal?” I asked.

Maybe they’d brought a pet or something back? Probably just a seedling if that is the case, but they should know better from last time that those things are nothing but trouble.

I picked up the pace a little and Gumo walked beside me.

“You aren’t terribly far off, but it's no animal, and less a what, more a who…” He replied, still seeming puzzled as to what to do.

A who? I thought, now understanding my partner’s confusion. Who would be this far out in the Outskirts but an explorer?

I paused for a moment, “Do they seem… hostile?” Gumo was a good judge of character, I’d learned, so I would roll with whatever he thought was best when we interacted with someone new.

“No, they’re friendly from what Ori told me and from what I could tell, but he’s like no species I’ve seen before.” He said ponderously, “What’s more is he asked to stay with us for a while until he can, I quote, ‘find his own way’.”

“Well now isn’t THAT cliche.” I chuckled.

“I know right. But regardless, I think we should hear them out on this, having some help during harvest season would be beneficial, if he sticks around a couple weeks at least.”

“Alright then, let’s go get some details.” I said as our home came into view.

• • • • • Third person view

“Ok, so you’re telling us,” Gumo started rubbing his face, “That even YOU have no idea where you came from, what you are, why you are here- nothing? Not even your name?” He summarized, exasperated.

“If I had a name to begin with… though I do have one now. But in short, yes.” Ghost corrected simply.

The two older folk exchanged glances with one another, then Gumo let out a long sigh and Naru followed suit.

“Ok,” Naru said, “You can stay here, some extra help would be nice- while you’re around at least. You may stay ‘till you feel like you gathered yourself enough to move on.”

Ghost bowed, surprising everyone,“I thank you for letting me stay.”

I thought it was weird that he seems to know how to wield a nail but has no memories. Does he still have some muscle memory and old habits then? Ori wondered, It would explain the bowing and selective manners.

“Speaking of which,” Gumo added, “Do you have any idea of what you are going to do while here? Or afterwards?”

Ghost gave Ori a glance, then looked back to them, “My plan is to see what my capabilities and current limitations are, then to set out to become an explorer.” He stated.

“I suppose given the blade you wield that is probably a sound path to take…” Gumo replied.

Ori cleared her throat, and Ghost gave her another… (encouraging?) glance.

She stood, her nervousness evident. Ku gave her a poke with one wing as she stood and took a deep breath.

“While Ghost… figures out what he can do, I asked if he could train me, so I could join him as an explorer when he leaves.” She trailed off as she spoke, eyeing her parents for the disapproval she expected.

It had taken her a while to get them to accept her wandering nature as she explored ever-farther from home. She didn’t expect this request to go uncontested.

Gumo gave Naru a serious expression, then glanced back at Ori.

Naru picked up on his intent, and stood up.

“Me and Gumo will talk about it, give us a moment.” She said in a warm but firm tone.

The two left the room for somewhere more private, and Ori swallowed, her heart beating out of her chest.

Ghost seemed to notice her discomfort and sat her down as he did the same.

“I believe you are doing the right thing, asking for what you want. Have you ever told them about your desire to be an explorer?” He asked her, strangely calm about the whole situation.

Ku piped up in her place after a moment of silence, “She did once, a few years ago on one of our visits to town, but she got shot down pretty quickly, it’s a bit of a surprise to me that they seem to be taking it so seriously.” She appeared to be having conflicting feelings about her sister’s choice.

“I do hope they say yes, I really want to go explore other places outside of what’s close to home, and I think helping people as an explorer will be a lot of fun too.”

Ghost nodded, and they sat in silence, waiting for the adults to return with their response.

• • • • • 

“... other than that I just don’t want to see her go, especially not with someone who we can’t fully trust yet.” Gumo said, finishing his concerned spiel.

Naru sighed, “I know, I feel mostly the same, but I still feel like her potential is being wasted here, have you ever felt that way? Like her mobility, strength, and other natural talents are being wasted on our little farm?” 

“Not to mention that look she always gets when looking out on the horizon, of all those places you’ve heard her talking about exploring someday?” She continued, "Now that she has a chance to go and see those things, I don’t think it would feel right keeping her here.” 

“I know,” Gumo agreed, taking a deep breath, “How about this? We see how skilled Ghost is over the time he stays here, and if it seems like he is trustworthy and strong enough to protect her as well as himself, then we let them go.”

Naru nodded, "Maybe if he does manage to teach Ori enough to protect herself, then we wouldn’t have to worry that much,”

Gumo scratched his forehead hard then put one hand to his chin, “If not for me sharing your feelings about not wanting to keep her tied here with that adventurous spirit of hers, I wouldn’t even consider saying yes to something like this…”

Chapter 2: A New Face

He froze, his eyes twinkling, as a smile grew on his face.

“Oh no, what is it this time?” Naru said, falling back into her chair, “You’ve got that look in your eyes again…”

He lowered his voice, “I just had a brilliant idea…”

He began pacing back and forth, wringing his hands, “You know I’m pretty darn crafty, I just thought of something, what if we let him stay and teach Ori, but in order to test whether or not we can trust him, we set up a few… situations, and see how he reacts. It would help me judge his character a lot better if I could observe him solving some more intense problems.”

“Like what?” I asked, leaning in so I could hear him better.

“I have a few in mind, and I know you aren’t going to like some of them, so I’ll start with the less… risky ones first.” He said.

“Risky…? You aren’t thinking of putting one of us in danger are you?” I said, my tone sharp.

Gumo flinched back, looking slightly offended, “N-no! At least, not in any serious danger, a few cuts and scrapes at worst! Mostly I want to test his patience, wits, determination, a few simple things like that, along with a morality based choice or two thrown his way. I’ll only be able to choose so many. He’ll probably realize something is off if I ask too many questions.”

Naru took a deep breath, slowly deflating.

“Alright, do what you think you should, just don't put anyone in danger, and I'm fine with it. Let me know if you find something interesting about him.”

“Got it! Now… how do we word this in a way the kids will accept…”

“Leave that to me, Gumo.”

He nodded, then helped me stand, and we walked back to the living room.

I noticed Ori was still nervous, and Ghost seemed as stony as before.

I sat down, “We aren't quite ready to say yes, but we aren't going to say no either.” I began, noticing Ori perk up, “Ori, if you want to go explore the world, we don't want to stop you, but we do want to make sure you can stay safe.”

I turned my attention back to the newcomer.

“Ghost, if you can prove we can trust you to take care of yourself and protect Ori, we'll let you go explore together. From what I can remember, you'd need a second person to form a team anyway.”

Ghost nodded, “I understand, then I will do what I can.”

Ori looked between Naru and Ghost.

“What if he teaches me to protect myself?” 

Gumo tapped his chin thoughtfully, “We'll see what happens, the point is this isn't our final decision.”

Naru spoke again, “Now, if that's all we need to know, it's time for dinner, then we have fruit to dry and some sleep to get.”

Gumo stood and pat Ghost on his shoulder as he passed, “C'mon, let's see your muscles.”

He stood and followed without a word.

Ori and Ku watched them go.

“I guess Dad will have some help now,” Ku said.

“Let's hope he doesn't accidentally do more harm than good…” Naru replied.

Ori sighed, “Anything we can help with Mom?

“We have some dinner to make! Thank you for offering.” She beamed at her daughter.

• • • • • 

Ghost lifted the crate without putting forth much effort.

“Do you think you could handle two?” Gumo wondered aloud, seemingly impressed by the odd… bug? The odd boy's strength.

“I believe I could. Stack it.” He said.

Gumo took another crate and stacked it, the design locking the two together so they were less likely to tip.

Ghost grunted, “I think I could handle a third if it were empty, but there'd be no point in carrying an empty box.”

“Crate,” Gumo corrected, grabbing two of his own.

They trudged into the storage room, and began hanging fruits to dry over a stove that heated the house, Gumo showing Ghost the technique.

There was a calm silence as they worked, filling the room with a feeling of peace.

They finished hanging the fruit, Gumo licking his lips from the dry air and checking to make sure they were all hung correctly.

Gumo spoke up, suddenly, breaking the spell of quiet.

“Do you like theoretical conversation?”

“I do not know what you speak of.”

“Oh, I’m saying we could talk about things that could happen, what kind of decisions you’d make in those situations, what your judgement would be… I find it to be a great way to get to know people.” Gumo explained.

Ghost hummed to himself in thought, “It sounds interesting, I don’t really have something to ask you, and I could use a bit more context on how my actions would be taken by others. I feel rather rude with the looks you all keep giving me.”

Gumo flinched and looked away, “Yeah… sorry about that, even knowing about your circumstances it’s a bit hard to just let disrespect slide.”

He turned back my way, “As you said, you don’t have anything you’d like to ask me, but since this should be a trade, let me know if you come up with something. Let’s go get the last of the fruit.”

“Alright, here’s one. If you had everything you ever wanted, but were stuck to one place, and would lose it all if you left, what would you do? Would you relax in happiness until you died, or leave it all behind for adventure?”

Ghost hovered a hand over his mouth, then mumbled something as they exited the cave.

“What was that? I can’t hear you if you cover your mouth and whisper.”

“Mm?” Ghost dropped his arm, “Sorry. I said that I would definitely leave.”

Intriguing…

“And why is that?”

“I know almost nothing of the world, let alone what I’d want out of it, if it’s having anything I could imagine, I don’t think my mind is creative enough to make an existence like that worth anything to me.” He said firmly.

“That makes sense, maybe I can ask that question another time if you come to visit again.” Gumo said.

Ghost was surprised, “Come to visit? Why would I do that? Would you let me?” His questions came in quick succession, giving no time for a response.

“Woah! Slow down! I see no reason why we wouldn’t let you visit. If you go alone, I’m sure Ori and Ku would love to hear about your adventures more than I and Naru would. And if Ori goes with you, I think she’ll find a way to visit often, hopefully at least once a month.”

“Oh… I was under the impression that this was a one time decision, given the way you acted about Ori coming with me and the question you just asked.” Ghost said, a bit sheepishly.

“It is a one time decision, but our main concern isn’t you being gone forever!... Actually, wait, no, that is our main concern. It’s dangerous out there Ghost, that’s why we want to make sure you’re strong enough to fend for yourself.”

“I see, that makes sense.” He mumbled, his hand over his mouth again.

Well isn’t that an easy tell… at least I’ll know when he’s really thinking about something…

Gumo stacked two of the three crates, and Ghost Heaved them while he grabbed the third.

Hard worker too. I guess since he knows what to do he’ll be fast this time… Gumo thought.

“How about another one? If you were stranded… No, I don’t think that one would work well here.” Gumo turned to Ghost, “Do you have anyone you would consider your enemy yet? Or even just slightly dislike?”

“No, you are probably right about that question, but ask it anyway?” His curiosity was obvious.

“Alright. If you were stranded on an island, would you rather be there completely alone, or with one person who you hate? I suppose you could see someone you hate as someone you either want to smack or murder, one of the two.” Gumo finished the question.

Since his hands were full, he just shifted a bit as he walked, bowing his head.

I wonder how much those scars hurt, he said the sunlight burned them for some reason, but I wonder if it hurts even without the extra irritation…

“I would rather be stranded with an enemy. If they were someone I wanted the world to be rid of, I could leave them behind, and if they were someone I disliked, at least we’d be able to get off of the island faster than if we were alone.”

“Huh, I thought you would say something about how you could get rid of the person you hated and no one would know if you said they died in an accident or not.” Gumo stated all too casually.

Ghost gave him a ‘What the heck???’ look.

“Why would I kill them?” Even if they trust me to an extent, maybe I should be wondering if I can trust Ori’s family…

“I don’t know, I certainly have someone I hate that much, and that’s exactly what I’d do.” Gumo said, setting down his box and leaning against it.

“O…k.” Ghost said, yet again failing miserably at hiding his emotions. “Are we not going to hang these to dry?”

“No, there are too many there already, anymore would be too far from the stove.”

“Ok,” Ghost tilted his head, “May I ask why we are hanging the fruit?” 

“We’re drying them so they don’t spoil, being too far from the stove would cause them to go bad.”

Ghost gave a nod of understanding.

“Do you have any more questions? I think I like this kind of talk.” Ghost seemed eager to continue.

It’s good to know that I should be able to ask as many of these as I want… Gumo thought, relieved.

“Alright, one more, then we go have dinner.” Gumo scratched his head, Should I be a bit more bold? Sure, let’s ask something a bit more specific, He decided.

“Imagine you have been on a quest for an artifact that can grant you one wish, a quest that has lasted a very long time, almost your whole life. At the final step, you realize in order to get what you’ve been searching for, you have to give up the life of a good person, someone that you care about, to obtain your wish, and that wish cannot be used to bring back the one you sacrificed. Would you complete the quest?’

Ghost sat down, clearly thinking it over quite a bit.

“What do you mean by a wish?” Ghost asked through his hand, “I know we already talked about the whole imagination thing, I’m wondering why my answer would be any different here.”

“A wish is where you get to request something you want, it could be anything, within the limits of the wish. Normal limits include no wishing for more wishes, and no resurrecting the dead.” Gumo replied, “So this ‘anything’ could be an object, an ability, an effect. Truly anything other than more wishes or bringing back someone who has died.”

Ghost closed his eyes and pondered the question.

The only person I could say I care about right now is Ori. Sure I care about her family as well, given they are willing to take me in for the time being, but she is the one that found me, gave me food, and then took me here to meet them. It may have only been today that I’ve known all of them, but surely I should find a way to repay them? I doubt giving up one of their lives would repay their kindness.

“...I… would have to say no…” I said, not intending on explaining my answer this time.

Gumo stared through Ghost, trying to pick him apart and find the answer he wanted, “Hmmm, Ok. I guess you don’t have to tell me why then. Good to know. Let’s go get some food.”

Good to know that I want to keep my reasons private? Or that I said no?

• • • • • Ori’s PoV

Why hasn’t she asked me any questions yet? I worried, Surely Mom would want to know why I want to leave? Maybe she already knows. She and Dad can work together to be startlingly perceptive…

I glanced in her direction again. She was stirring the soup at the moment.

It almost seemed like she was deliberately avoiding the subject.

I let out a huff, deciding to just bite the bullet “Mom?”

“Yes, Ori?”

“I thought you would have more questions about Ghost. Am I wrong?”

She turned and looked toward me, “I thought you would ask about something else! No, he seems to be a good person, at this point only time will tell. The two of them should be done moving the fruits. Would you go check on them?” 

“I will.”

I walked out of the kitchen and passed Ku, who’d finished setting up the table and was sitting at the table.

“I’m surprised too Ori, it’s kinda weird they’re being so trusting with him, I find it a bit uncomfortable ‘round him, but that's just ‘cause he’s weird.” 

“Weird? Yea, you don’t say? ” I said with a generous serving of sarcasm, “Between the fact he doesn’t remember anything useful and that neither Mom nor Dad has seen anything like him? I think he’s a little weird, Ku.”

She rolled her eyes, “I was talking more about how he has absolutely no manners except for that bow, which seemed a bit overkill in my opinion.”

“He talks in a weird way, but I think some people would see the ways he acts as good manners. He’s totally clueless socially though, so you’re partially right.”

Ku nodded, and I continued walking to the heating room.

Some people may see it odd, but Gumo had tinkered a room with a stove that could heat the whole house. We still used a different one for cooking, but it was certainly nice for the winter, and for drying produce when we didn’t need the warmth.

I heard the two of them talking about something, so I decided to listen for a few seconds so I could understand what they were talking about.

My ears pricked up as I heard Ghost speak.

“...I… would have to say no…” He muttered.

Huh?

There was a long pause, and I was about to walk in before I heard Gumo.

 “Hmmm, Ok. I guess you don’t have to tell me why then. Good to know. Let’s go get some food.”

Well that’s convenient, I should ask Ghost what they were talking about tomorrow.

I walked into the room as quietly as I had approached, “Well that’s funny, I just came to get you for dinner.”

“Hm? Thank you Ori,” Gumo said, gesturing to Ghost as he stood up, “Come on kid.”

As the three of them entered the dining room, Gumo walked past the table into the kitchen, but I hung near the entrance when Ghost whispered to me.

“How are you so quiet on your feet?”

“Before they let me go exploring, I had to be sneaky enough to get away without them knowing I was gone ‘til they couldn’t follow, After they caught me coming back home for the fifth time, they gave in and just let me leave so long as I did my chores and came back before night.” She whispered back.

“I assume you won’t do the same to follow me?”

“No, those were short outings, not a long trip.” She looked over at her parents who were walking in with the food, “I wouldn’t want to leave them worrying.”

Ghost hummed affirmatively, then walked past me to the table, taking the extra seat that was between where me and Gumo would sit.

I took my seat as well, and after a moment of confusion from Ghost when we said our praises, we began to eat.

Gumo commented on Ghost’s strength, saying he would look forward to having his help, and the rest of the conversation was mostly thanking me and Mom for preparing the food. It was our normal job, but it always felt nice to be appreciated.

There was a little chatter about where Ghost would sleep, but he predictably ended up with a place in the living room, sleeping on one of the couches.

As we all parted ways to sleep, I still felt a small amount of discomfort given the uncertainty of my future.

It all hinges on how strong or good of a teacher Ghost is, I can only hope it’s both… because I really don’t want to run away…

It took me quite some time to quell my anxiety and slip into sleep.

• • • • • 

The next day practically flew by. We all did our jobs, some of them taken over by Ghost with Gumo teaching him how they were done, and though I noticed him struggling a bit being thrown into the deep end, he managed.

I was just going through the motions, still feeling worried about what would happen in a month or two when Ghost left.

Ku had certainly picked up on my anxiety, giving me reassuring looks as we crossed paths, but she soon also picked up that those weren’t working.

Around noon, once most of the chores had been done, she came to bug me.

“What’s eating you up?” she said as she walked up to me watering one of our gardens.

I gave her a look, and she sighed, “Yea, I know that you know that I know, but I thought if you spelled it out you could lighten up a bit.”

“Maybe… I am definitely concerned about what Mom and Dad’s final decision will be,” I let out a deep, heavy sigh, “It feels kind of unfair that they left it open-ended like that. I've been nervous about it ever since. I actually think they’re avoiding talking about to try and get me to forget-”

“But, of course, it isn’t working and- let me guess, it’s even worse because of that?” She said, stealing the words from me.

“Yea… you know me too well…” I said with a weak smile.

“Well I don’t think they want to stop you… and if they do? You can just leave anyway like how you did when you were younger.” Ku hinted.

I paused, surprised, and accidentally over-watered a patch of vegetables, “Are you telling me I should run away?” 

I stared into her warm yellow eyes, realizing that was exactly what she’d been saying.

“I know how much you want to explore Ori, I don’t want you stuck as much as you.” her smile had a hint of mischief, “I mean, when I finally get my flight feathers, who else am I gonna trust to show me where the best views are?”

I couldn’t help but laugh at that, and Ku laughed with me.

The air stopped buzzing as the tension left the atmosphere around us.

“Haha… ha… Thanks… I needed that.” I smiled, feeling my muscles loosen and my mind slow in its circling.

“You’re welcome!” She beamed.

She’ll be the one to create the best views once she can fly, probably show me a few I could never in my life imagine!

We sat in a companionable silence for a few minutes.

I took several deep breaths, just enjoying the moment, until Ku got serious again.

“I mean it though, I really want you to have that freedom. I think it would do way more harm than good trying to keep you home. You’re a free spirit sis.”

“Thanks, I guess. I hope you’re right about Mom and Dad not wanting to force me to stay though, because even before now I was considering leaving either way, knowing that you support me in that is comforting.” I smiled.

“Hah, we’ll still miss you… and don’t forget that I’ll come find you if you don’t visit.” Ku threatened playfully.

She’s acting like I’m already guaranteed to leave… I guess she isn’t wrong though. 

“Noted, I wouldn’t want you getting hurt trying to find me after all.”

Ku shrugged, “Good point, if you explore a lot, you’ll probably get way strong, and then end up in places that we couldn’t visit without an escort.”

“Maybe you’re right about that, that would be pretty fun. But me getting strong enough so Mom and Dad don’t ever have to worry about me probably won’t happen.”

She chuckled, “Yea, I think you’re right.”

I finished watering, pondering what had just been said.

Yea, explorers are supposed to be really strong… I wonder how strong me or Ghost will be after a while? Though I don’t think mom or dad will ever stop worrying, it’s kinda their job. They might only worry more once we get stronger… strength can attract attention, and attention can bring trouble, trouble which they wouldn’t be able to do much to protect me against.

But there’s no need to worry about that right now.

I gave Ku a pat on her head, “I’ll try to relax, thanks. Don’t you have chores to finish?”

She rolled her eyes, “Yea.”

“Well maybe you should hurry up then, I see no reason for me and Ghost to postpone training together for any amount of time at this point.” 

Her eyes widened, “No way! I don’t want to miss that! What if I can learn something too?!”

“Then you better hurry right?” I couldn’t help but let out a giggle as she sped off.

I guess she’s just as eager as me to find out what he can do.

I jogged away to find Ghost, I figure he’ll still be with Gumo, and if that’s the case, they’re probably doing something that would take heavy lifting.

I hope Gumo will let him off the hook… actually, if I’m done, maybe they're done as well. Gumo said he was gonna take over a couple of the ‘lighter’ jobs after he instructed Ghost. I’ll check back home first.

• • • • • Ghost’s PoV

Gumo had tasked me with the repairs on a small shed.

It had been damaged after a storm, so it wasn’t anything too serious, but given this was my first time doing something like this I was having some trouble controlling my strength, even with Gumo guiding me on the general things I should be doing.

His teaching method was more or less ‘here’s the tool, this is how it’s used, this is what I want done.’ It had been hard with the first few jobs like that I’d been given. I guess outside the box thinking wasn’t my specialty.

The few times I’d been told what to do, it went much faster, but… I found myself liking the other jobs better. It felt very freeing to figure out my own ways to solve problems, it gave me this great sense of euphoric satisfaction every time I did too.

I hammered the last nail into place, finishing the roof repairs, and I stood to admire my work.

…

Maybe ‘admire’ is a strong word…

It was most definitely far from perfect. The boards had a bunch of extra holes in them from my previous attempts at fastening them to the shed. They were crooked too, since I had learned the hard way how they would spin around if I bumped them when they only had one nail in.

It would keep the weather out though, since it covered the places I’d been told to patch.

I searched around, wondering if Gumo was still around to give me my next job.

Hopefully something a bit easier, I struck my hands a few times with that hammer. That had hurt a lot .

Unfortunately, he was nowhere in sight, so I hopped down from the shed roof, and started to search for my taskmaster.

I wandered toward the lake, since he’d likely be waiting there once I finished the repairs. He’d been there last time I went looking, and he’d been cleaning an old dock which ‘had a few things that needed fixing’

I do hope he’s still there, I took a while fixing up the shed. He might have already moved on to something else.

I enjoyed the peace as I made the short hike to the lake. It’s nice to have something of a goal to focus on at the very least, I hope someday I can call someplace my home as well… maybe even here, but as for now, I merely rely on their kindness. I hope they continue to think of me as a friend, no matter what happens with Ori’s request.

When I got to the lake, I took in the beauty of it all.

A dark teal expanse, not endless, but certainly large. Ripples slowly drifted across the water, occasionally hitting a piece of debris. The trees that reached over it cast shadows where a few critters would take shelter by the water, and over all of it lay a thick humidity, not quite uncomfortable, but certainly noticeable.

I took a deep breath.

This wasn’t like the river at all…

I found it odd how the two bodies of water could not just appear so different, and also have such unique atmospheres.

It wasn’t very clean, but I guess that was to be expected. It didn’t flow like the river did. As I’d learned from Gumo the first time I’d visited it, the speed of the water generally determined how clean it was.

I sighed as I saw the partially fixed structure. It seemed he’d left for materials to fix it with, given there were a few tools lying around.

I sat down and closed my eyes, resolving to simply wait for him there.

…

……

……A few minutes later……

……

…

It’s been a while since I began waiting… Maybe I should find something to do?

…

I peeked around the lake.

…

Nothing had changed in the slightest, and I couldn’t see something I knew how to help with.

… A lot of things have changed for me in such a short time… I feel like I should be a bit more uncomfortable with all these changes… but I’m not…

I wonder why that is…?

I turned my gaze inward, focusing all my concentration into a single point as my confusion intensified. 

The question puzzled me with its existence. Why would I even ask a question like this? These are the only changes I’ve had happen, and even though it’s just been a day, why do I feel like it will last any longer than those other moments did?

…Why do I… A wave of cold washed over me, the tingling feeling shocking me out of my thoughts.

…!

What was that?? My eyes snapped open, and I felt my focus break as the many stimuli of the world came rushing back to greet me.

How did I block everything out like that? Even the small chitters from the insects sound so loud…

…And what are those… particles?

I shook my head, but no, I wasn’t seeing things. There really were some little white blobs hovering around me.

They shrunk as they drifted slowly along an invisible whirlwind that was centered on me.

What… are these? I reached out one hand, and the strange… fluid? It was absorbed into me, a cold, tingling, but soothing feeling following it.

It feels… nice. I thought as the rest of them dispersed into the air, Where did these come from? 

Maybe…

I closed my eyes, and focused my mind inward. Sure enough, another wave of the strange energy washed over me. I shivered, and opened my eyes slowly, careful not to stop focusing.

The particles were back, and flowing toward me, though they were sparse.

I turned my focus on the particles, and they flew into me more rapidly, soothing the bruises I’d acquired.

Huh, maybe I could teach this to Ori? I wonder what exactly I did? Is it just concentrating all my thoughts into one place? It surely can’t be that simple…

I had absorbed all the particles around me so any more experiments would take…

Huh?

I focused my thoughts inward again, and noticed a small spiral of the fluid present inside… whatever this place was…

I guess I can store it? If I can store it, what can I do with it other than that?

I tried pulling it out of my… I’ll just call it a core for now. I pulled some out, and sure enough, a blob of it formed on my hand.

Hmmmm what if…? Oh.

The energy that I’d pulled to my hand seeped back into me, but not into my core, it was pulled into my bruises, and… mended them. Not the soothing feeling from before, but actually repairing my body.

That seems useful… I focused the energy into my other minor injuries, and the closed as well.

Wow…

I looked inward, noting that I was left with very little in my core. I tried to pull in more, but only two or three tiny wisps came.

I wonder how I’d find more of that… Soul? Is… where did that name come from? Is that what it’s called?

Slowly pieces of knowledge slipped back into memory.

I guess I’m learning this, how do I even know what it is? From what had come to me, this ‘Soul’ was the energy of life, unlike Mana, whatever that was. 

I should be able to find more bits of it if I move somewhere else. It gathers naturally, like ‘mana’ but tending towards places with lots of life. It could also be stolen, since it leaked out of injuries like blood.

It also was normally a wisp-like gaseous form that flowed around, but would form those blobs when its flow stagnated. Almost like blood slowing down and clotting up.

Plants had some, but not much compared to animals or people…

What about that mana thing? What makes them different? I sho-

“Whatcha up to?” came a voice like thunder through my fragile concentration.

I leapt to my feet, drawing my nail halfway before I realized who’d startled me.

“Ori! How did you even do that?!” I demanded, sheathing my weapon and trying to steady my nerves.

“I wasn’t even trying that hard to be sneaky, you must’ve been deep in thought.”

“I was.” I replied, letting out a breath, letting the rest of the adrenaline fade.

“Did you figure something out that you could teach me?” She asked, ignoring my prior distress.

I don’t think I know how to teach whatever that soul thing was, and it doesn’t seem like it would help much in a combat situation, after the combat? Maybe, but I should figure something else out.

“Why are you asking me about this? It’s hardly been a day since I got here.”

“Well…” She cast her eyes around a bit, then looked back at me, “I was hoping to get as much time in  training as possible, since it’s only so long until winter. I don’t think we want to travel to Bugaria in freezing wind or a snowstorm. I was hoping to leave before then.”

“I guess that makes sense.” I replied, “How long would we have then?”

“About six months? I know it sounds like a lot, but it’ll rush by quickly once we get into a routine, and I don’t really want to stick around here for harvest season.” Ori said

“Why not?”

“Well for one, there is a lot of work to be done on a farm at that time, and although it makes me feel a bit guilty to leave without helping them, there’s this harvest festival I want to go to.” She looked off into the distance, “I’ve heard it’s really big and amazing, but we haven’t had the chance to go because of the boatload of chores I told you about.”

“I see, is there any sort of prep work we could help them with to help a harvest go more smoothly?”

“Some, but really not all that much. I just don’t want to miss it, so I hope to have adjusted to life as an explorer by then and make sure we can attend it for one reason or another.”  she turned her gaze back to me, “Which is why I asked my previous question.”

“So, have you found something?"

“Not really, and I haven’t run into anything that might help me remember something you could use.”

Ori’s face fell, “That is Quite disappointing… Could I help you in some way? What if you set down your sword and I just come at you? It’ll help you see how far I am too.”

I shook my head. It certainly is an idea, I thought, “We’ll try it once or twice.” I said, taking off my ripped belt.

“Try not to hit me too hard.” I said, leveling my gaze at her while I brought up my guard, trusting in my weird instincts.

“Hah, I thought I’d be the one to say that.” Ori retorted, putting up her fists.

She flew toward me, two steps and I had her fist in my face, but I grabbed it and swung one of my own as I pulled her toward me, a fluid motion that threw all the force from her charge back into her after she failed to rip her arm free.

I let go after my fist connected, striking her low in her stomach. I followed it up with a knee to her chest, and backed off as she caught her breath.

She held her stomach and gasping, “I thought *hehk* I asked you to *Cough* go easy!”

I shrugged, “Sorry, I’ll try harder to be more gentle. That wasn’t a conscious choice by the way, at least this is working.”

Ori grumbled and narrowed her eyes. She darted past me, making me flinch as I spun to face her. She back-flipped up and aimed for my head with a kick as she twisted mid-air to try and face me again. I grabbed her leg and tossed her to the side, with less force this time.

She flipped again, launching herself back at me as soon as her hooves smacked against the tree I’d thrown her to. I couldn’t think of a way to turn that to my advantage, so I tried to sidestep, but she threw her arms out, snatching mine, and dragged me to the ground with her.

She landed on top of me, and I blocked a wild fury of punches to my face.

She has no technique and little finesse, but her speed makes up for that in part.

I got slapped across the cheek, and decided it was time to kick her off me.

I grabbed her arms and rolled us over several times, ending with me tossing her to the side. I sprang up, and stepped back in to give her a kick behind her left leg as she was regaining her balance.

She fell down again, and I came down with a punch to the stomach, but pulled back at the last second as my other fist hit the ground near her neck.

“My win?” I said, feeling a little smug about my success.

“Y-yea, I guess so.” She gasped, shock fading from her eyes, as the fist that could’ve seriously hurt her turned into a hand that helped her up.

I beckoned her to sit at a bench near the dock, then placed a hand to my chin as I thought. 

“I suppose we should do this a couple more times, and then after we’re done each time I give you some pointers on things you could improve? How does that sound for now?”

Ori nodded at my idea for a training program, then added, “Yea, but you have to teach me some of those crazy moves you were using! You turned everything I threw at you against me!”

“Yea, I even surprised myself there. I’ll think this through for a bit then give you a report.”

We sat in silence, deep in thought as we rested from our spar and thought of ways to improve.

After I had taken some time to mull over the fight, I explained to Ori the flaws in her attacks, and then taught her a few of the moves I’d used to counter her.

She picked them up pretty quickly, though there was a moment of concern on her part after she tossed me into the lake.

I coughed as I came up for air, and she helped me out of the water with many apologies.

“I didn’t think that I could even throw you that far! I’m sorry!”

“It’s fine. I think it’s fair you get a hit on me after I beat you so completely.”

She humphed, and punched me in the shoulder.

“Alright, now that we’ve had a chance to reflect, how about we go once more, I’ll be on the attack this time.” I said, gesturing a few feet away.

She nodded, and bounded over to where I pointed.

Once we both had our guards up, I let out a long breath, and charged forward.

I jumped as I neared her, and came swinging down with a heavy blow. She jumped to the side, and kicked me as I recovered, sending me back a step.

I grunted, and then stepped forward again, throwing punch after punch as I pushed her back. I mixed in a feint every few strikes to keep her on her toes, but she managed to deflect them well, and I only clipped her twice with my punches before she grabbed me and let me swing around with the force from the attack.

I broke my arm free of her grip, making her lose her balance for a moment. It was enough time, and I grabbed her to throw her into the lake. As I swung her around, she tucked her legs and slipped between mine, breaking free of my grip in the same way I had and kicking upwards.

She caught me in my back, and I stumbled forward before getting one leg pulled from beneath me. I rolled to try and make some distance, but she waited for me to stop, and wrapped a hand around my neck.

I threw up my arms in surrender, and let out a single chuckle before she punched me hard in the stomach, I assumed as payback, then dragged me up.

I coughed, trying to regain my breath after I fell to my knees again.

“I *huuuuufff* guess I deserve that one *hooff*.” I weezed in pain, “Please *hoogh* don’t do that again?”

“Now you know how I feel” She grumped at me, arms crossed.

She tried to act tough, but her facade melted quickly, and her face turned apologetic, “Sorry, I won’t hit you like that again. It was a cheap shot.” she offered another hand up.

“I’m sorry too. But I think this is working really well! Both you and I can learn things from sparring like this, let’s swap each round and keep going ‘til we get too tired.” I gave her a light punch in her arm, “And I promise that I will do all I can to pull my punches.”

Ori nodded and smiled, relieved she’d been forgiven so easily.

We readied ourselves once more, and launched into combat.

• • • • • 

Word Count: 9272