The sun had climbed to its peak, casting a dull glow over the battered landscape. The group had finally reunited, catching each other up on everything that had happened. Alepou mentioned that when she looked back, she saw Lykos soaring through the sky.
Lykos: Honestly, I don't know why I did that... Oh, wait. It wasn't by choice.
He shot a glare at Volk.
Volk: It helped us finish them off, didn't it?
Lykos: Wasn't there another way?!
Skylos: Whoa, whoa, whoa—wait a second. Ly, since when did you have a Telum?
Alepou and Skylos turned to Lykos, confused.
Lykos: Well... haha...
He hesitated, his gaze dropping to the ground. "Should I tell them the truth?" he thought. He let out a slow breath. But what even was the truth? He didn't remember when he got this power, or why it felt so familiar.
Lykos: Hmm... listen... I'll tell you everything later. For now, let's just find somewhere safe to rest.
Sobaka: Kid's right. We need shelter, fast.
Kitsune: Can't we just go back to that small town?
Sobaka: Power's out. We'd freeze to death in there.
Okami: Either way, we need to move. We might find something better if we go further.
Volk: Hold on. I see something.
Volk pointed ahead. The others followed his gaze and spotted a flickering light—a figure moving toward them.
Sobaka: Is that...?
Volk: Another survivor!
Okami: Huh...
The figure approached, stepping into clearer view.
Alepou: Are we sure he's friendly?
Inu: She's right. After today, we can't trust just anyone.
Volk: Inu, can't you see the future or something? Tell us if he's dangerous.
Inu: Even that power has limits, and I don't plan on pushing them.
Volk: Right... Fine. I'll go talk to him.
Volk strode toward the newcomer, exchanging a few words before waving the group over.
Volk: His name's Aster. He saw what happened with the harpies and wanted to check if we were okay. He says there's another small town nearby—he'll lead us there.
The group exchanged looks before falling into step behind Aster.
Okami: So... how'd you manage to see everything from far away?
Aster reached into his bag and pulled out a pair of binoculars.
Okami: Oh. Fair enough. But how did you know there were people here?
Aster: Well, I saw a kid getting thrown into the sky, flinging axes. And the explosion was... kinda hard to miss.
Volk: SEE! I told you it was a good idea!
Lykos: Okay, but we are never doing that again.
Aster: How'd you even survive that fall?
Lykos: ...Used a harpy to break it.
Aster: ...You what? That still should've hurt like hell. Are you sure you're okay? Wait... you're a Telum user, aren't you?
Lykos: Uh... yeah? How'd you know?
Aster's hand began to glow, and from thin air, he pulled a massive greatsword.
Aster: Takes a Telum user to know one.
Okami: YOOOO, yours looks so cool!
Aster: Haha, thanks.
The group continued their conversation as they neared the town. After about ten minutes, they arrived.
Aster: Well, here it is. You can stay in any house you want. Not like anyone else is around to claim them...
His voice trailed off, a shadow passing over his face.
Volk placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
Volk: Thanks. We owe you one.
Aster: Heh. Just helping fellow survivors... Though, six of you don't look like you're from around here.
Sobaka: Hah! Long story. Let's just say it was pure coincidence.
Aster: I'd love to hear it. Swing by my place if you wanna talk. It's that one over there.
He pointed to a two-story house in the distance.
Sobaka: Sounds good. Once we settle in, we'll stop by.
Aster: Alright. I'll see you then.
With a small wave, he headed toward his home.
Alepou: So... are we all staying in the same place again?
Inu: All the houses here look stable.
Volk: We could probably spread out this time.
Sobaka: Would definitely be more comfortable.
Alepou: Right.
Without another word, she grabbed Lykos' hand and started leading him toward a small house.
Lykos: Uh... see you all later, I guess?
Skylos: Wait for me!
In the distance, Alepou could be seen shoving Skylos away while dragging Lykos inside.
Okami: Is she mad?
Volk: Seemed like it.
Kitsune: Well, we're heading to a house too.
She latched onto Okami's wrist, dragging him along, only for Inu to smoothly step between them and head inside as well.
Volk: ...Alright then.
Sobaka glanced at him with a knowing smirk.
Sobaka: You're thinking about her.
Volk: Fuck off.
Volk started walking toward a house.
Sobaka: You know I'm right!
As Volk reached the door, he flicked Sobaka off without turning around.
Sobaka: He knows I'm right.
He laughed to himself before choosing a small house that suited his liking.
That night, the group settled in. Some of them headed to Aster's house before bed, curious about their new ally. Others, exhausted from the day's events, stayed behind to rest. The younger ones especially needed it. None of them knew what tomorrow would bring, but for now, at least, they had a moment of peace.
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