The greenish-blue hue of Archen Land's barrier shimmered faintly in the distance, splitting open just enough for Kon and his group to pass through. Kon led the procession of freed captives, their faces a mixture of weariness and relief. Beside him marched a few Archen Land soldiers, keeping a vigilant watch as the group moved deeper into the sanctuary.
Over the past year, Archen Land's gradual conquest to reclaim Narn had brought life back to some of its desolate lands. Tiny saplings dotted the ground where barren soil once reigned. Birds chirped from newly blooming trees, and small animals chittered among the underbrush. For the first time in a long while, signs of life had returned to the frozen expanse.
Kon held Tigrera in his arms, her frail form bundled carefully against his chest. His steps were steady, his scowl replaced with a rare expression of calm. He glanced down at her sleeping face, his fingers brushing against her fur as he carried her forward.
As the barrier parted for them, Kopa stood waiting, arms folded, his sharp eyes scanning the returning group. His face softened slightly as he saw Kon approach.
"Mission successful, I presume?" Kopa asked, his tone even but laced with curiosity.
Kon nodded. "The captives are safe. The rest of Razik's forces scattered."
Kopa's gaze shifted to Tigrera. "And her? She seems… different."
"She's a special case," Kon replied curtly.
Kopa raised an eyebrow, noting the unusual gentleness in Kon's voice. He had never seen him like this before. Deciding not to press further, Kopa shrugged. "Welcome back, then. The capital awaits."
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As they walked along the flourishing path toward Valoria, Tigrera stirred in Kon's arms. Her eyes fluttered open, the scent of flowers and damp earth drawing her attention. She inhaled deeply, her tears shimmering as she spoke. "Flowers… mud… trees… animals… I didn't think I'd ever smell these things again."
She cried softly, her shoulders trembling against Kon.
Kon tightened his hold on her, his voice low but firm. "You're safe now. You'll be alright. I promise."
Tigrera leaned her head against his chest, the exhaustion of her ordeal lulling her back to sleep.
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As they approached the gates of Valoria, the grand walls of the capital loomed before them, its banners fluttering in the crisp air. The sunlight cast long shadows across the path, but suddenly the light dimmed. A shadow moved across the ground, unnaturally fast, blotting out the sun.
"What's that?" one of the soldiers asked, alarmed.
Kon's eyes snapped upward, his body tensing. The shadow wasn't a normal cloud—it moved too quickly, darting across the sky with unnatural speed.
The shadow plummeted toward them, kicking up a whirlwind of snow and dirt before landing squarely in their path.
The dust cleared, revealing a hyperactive Monkey Tracient with a mischievous grin. His clothing bore the spiral insignia of the Maymum Clan, and the unmistakable Hazël symbol gleamed on his shoulder. The rank #2 was merged with it, marking him as one of the most powerful Tracients in existence.
Kopa stepped forward, bowing his head slightly. "Second Lord, Trevor Maymum," he greeted.
Kon groaned, rolling his eyes. "Do you ever get tired of theatrics, Trevor?"
Trevor's grin widened. "Oh, come on, Kon. Admit it—you missed me."
Kon didn't dignify him with a response, his attention shifting to Tigrera.
Trevor's gaze followed his, and his expression changed. He noticed the Tiger Tracient in Kon's arms and his smile faded, replaced with genuine curiosity. "I wasn't expecting you back so soon," he said, his tone more serious. "And who's this?"
Kon glanced at Tigrera, who was still asleep. "I'll explain later," he muttered. "Right now, we need to get the captives settled somewhere safe."
Trevor studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. Let's get moving."
The group continued into Valoria, the towering gates opening to welcome them home.
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Meanwhile, deep within Narn, the winds howled around the ominous fortress that served as Razik's base. The dimly lit chamber was silent except for the faint crackle of bluish-purple flames flickering in the sconces.
Razik stood at the center, his claws clenching as a subordinate nervously delivered the report.
"There was an ambush, my lord," the subordinate stammered. "The captives… they… they were freed."
Razik's body trembled with barely contained fury. "Get out," he hissed.
The subordinate froze.
"I SAID GET OUT!" Razik roared, his voice shaking the walls.
The subordinate scrambled out, leaving Razik alone in the room.
A soft chuckle echoed from the shadows. Slowly, a figure emerged, stepping into the faint light. The Rabbit Tracient Jarik grinned, his ever-present wide smile making his narrowed eyes almost disappear.
"You know," Jarik said, his tone mocking, "you really should learn to manage your temper, Razik. It's not good for your image."
Razik glared at him but didn't reply.
Jarik stepped closer, his grin widening. "Don't worry too much. It's almost time. Archen Land will fall, just like Narn did. And this time, nothing will stop us."
Razik's lips curled into a snarl, but he said nothing as Jarik's laughter echoed through the room.