Chapter 16: storm
The group of awakened set their sights on the towering mountain to the north, its jagged peaks obscured by the brewing storm. The sky above was an angry swirl of gray clouds, and the air crackled with an ominous energy. The forest leading to the mountain was dense and alive with the sounds of nature, now subdued by the oncoming rain. Every step was hurried as the first drops fell, each one cold and heavy, promising the deluge to come.
Mathew, a giant among men, led the way with heavy but determined steps. His broad shoulders and muscular frame looked even more imposing as the rain began to soak through his tunic. Behind him, Sasha moved with surprising agility, though her drenched form clung to her like a second skin, accentuating her graceful curves and drawing involuntary glances from Clive, who quickly averted his gaze. Kaguya, however, remained a commanding presence at the rear. The rain seemed to enhance his ethereal beauty rather than diminish it—his sharp features and piercing gaze made him appear almost godlike, his white robes clinging to his toned body, their edges glowing faintly in the storm's dim light.
The mountain loomed closer, its sheer cliffs and dark crevices ominous against the stormy sky. The forest at its base was a wild, tangled maze of roots and overgrown vegetation, the ground slick with mud as the rain intensified. The group stumbled and slipped but pressed forward, their breaths coming in short, sharp bursts.
"This storm… it feels unnatural," Sasha murmured, her voice barely audible over the roaring wind.
Clive, now lagging slightly, nodded. "It's like the mountain itself doesn't want us here."
Of course the raging storm could in no way kill an awakened but there was something that seemed out of place about the storm.
By the time they reached the base of the mountain, the rain was a torrent, and the wind whipped around them mercilessly. The storm was now a full-blown tempest, and the group struggled to find footing on the rocky terrain. Thunder cracked overhead, and lightning illuminated the jagged path before them, casting long shadows that danced like specters.
"There's a cave up ahead!" Mathew shouted, his voice booming over the storm.
The group scrambled toward the opening, slipping on wet stones and dodging loose debris dislodged by the fierce winds. By the time they reached the shelter of the cave, they were drenched and shivering.
The cave was dark and cool, its walls glistening with moisture. It stretched deep into the mountain, but the group stayed near the entrance, where they could still see the storm raging outside. They set down their gear and tried to catch their breath, their clothes sticking to their skin.
Mathew leaned against the wall, his massive frame heaving as he exhaled. His rugged face was lit by the occasional flash of lightning, his short beard dripping with rainwater. Sasha sat on a boulder, wringing out her hair, which clung to her neck and shoulders like a dark waterfall. Despite the dire circumstances, her appearance held a captivating allure, her sharp features softened by the dim light. Clive, though shaken, managed to start a small fire using his awakening ability, his eyes darting nervously toward Kaguya.
Kaguya stood at the entrance of the cave, his back to the group, gazing out into the storm. The firelight danced on his face, highlighting his chiseled jawline and high cheekbones. His long hair, now damp, fell loosely around his shoulders, giving him an almost otherworldly appearance. To the others, he looked less like a man and more like a demigod who had descended to walk among mortals.
"That was close," Clive muttered, breaking the tense silence.
"It's not over yet," Kaguya said without turning. His voice was calm but carried an edge that silenced any further complaints.
After a few moments, Sasha spoke up, her voice trembling slightly. "We might be here for a while. Why don't we… share our stories? How we became awakened?"
Mathew nodded. "It'll help pass the time. I'll go first."
End of chapter 16