As the night wore on, the stars above twinkled against the velvety sky, casting a silvery glow over the forest clearing. The fire crackled softly, its warmth chasing away the chill of the night. Next to him, Amy had drifted into a deep, exhausted sleep, her small form curled up under a makeshift blanket of Hayyan's cloak. Her breathing was steady, a faint reminder of the turmoil they had narrowly escaped.
Hayyan, however, couldn't find rest. He leaned back against a tree trunk, eyes fixed on the vast expanse above him. The night sky here was unlike anything he had seen in his previous life—clearer, brighter, as if the stars were calling out to him, urging him to dream beyond his circumstances.
For years, he had kept his head down, focused on hiding his powers. The world had felt like a narrow, confined space, where each step had to be measured, each action carefully considered. But now, after the events in Myth City, a new feeling stirred within him—one he hadn't allowed himself to acknowledge until now. There was a yearning, a desire to break free from the shadows and experience everything this world had to offer. He had enough of living in fear. Watching the condition of Amy he felt if he didn't live his life to his liking now, then he could never else.
Why should I stay hidden forever? he thought, his hands clenching into fists. Why not see the world for myself, even if it's dangerous?
Back in his past life, he had always dreamed of traveling—seeing distant lands, exploring new cultures, and feeling the thrill of the unknown. But reality had kept those dreams chained. He had struggled with financial responsibilities, worried about his family, and never had the time or resources to pursue his wanderlust. Those dreams had remained locked away, buried beneath the monotony of everyday life.
But here, in this strange new world, those chains felt looser. He had power—real power—something he had never imagined before. It might make him a target, but it also made him capable of defending himself. And he wasn't alone anymore; he had Amy by his side, someone who, like him, had been cast out by society simply for being different.
Hayyan glanced at Amy's sleeping form, her expression soft in the dim firelight. She was just a child, scared and vulnerable, but also strong in a way that reminded him of the resilience he had found in himself over these past years. He felt a sense of responsibility towards her, but also a sense of shared purpose. They were both outcasts, both seeking a place where they could be safe—but perhaps, more than that, they could seek something greater together.
Maybe there's more to life than just hiding, he thought, the firelight reflecting in his eyes. Maybe we can find a place where we belong, a place where we don't have to fear being ourselves.
As the first light of dawn began to edge over the horizon, Hayyan made up his mind. He would continue his guise as a traveling merchant for now, gathering information wherever he could. But he wouldn't let fear hold him back any longer. He would start exploring the world, one step at a time, and see where it led him. And he would protect Amy as best he could, helping her understand her own powers along the way.
His first destination would be Delport, a bustling port town he had heard about during his charcoal-selling trips. Traders and sailors from distant lands gathered there, bringing with them stories, rumors, and knowledge of the wider world. It seemed like the perfect place to begin his journey, to learn more about the lands beyond and find out what might lie in store for them.
With a final look at the fading stars, Hayyan gently stoked the fire, adding a few more sticks to keep it going. He settled down next to Amy, feeling a strange mixture of anxiety and anticipation bubbling in his chest. The road ahead would be uncertain, filled with dangers he could only guess at—but for the first time in a long while, he felt a sense of purpose guiding him forward.
"Delport, huh?" he murmured to himself, a faint smile touching his lips. "I wonder what we'll find there."
And with that thought, he closed his eyes, letting sleep take him at last, the promise of new horizons waiting just beyond the dawn.
---