Azazel stood in the village square, adjusting the straps on his pack. Shadow sat beside him, tail swishing slowly through the dust, while Kaela leaned against a post, fiddling with the intricate runes on her staff. A small crowd of villagers had gathered to see them off, some wearing broad smiles, others holding back tears.
"Azazel!" a small, familiar voice called.
Azazel turned just in time to see Jaya, the young boy he had grown fond of during his time in Simpang, running toward him. Jaya held something in his hands, wrapped in a piece of bright red cloth.
"I made this for you," Jaya said, thrusting the bundle into Azazel's hands. His wide, earnest eyes glistened with hope. "It's a protection charm. My grandma taught me how to make it. It'll keep you safe."
Azazel carefully unwrapped the cloth to reveal a small charm made of woven twine, beads, and feathers. It was simple but beautiful, and a warm feeling spread through his chest. "Thank you, Jaya," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I'll keep it with me always."
Jaya beamed, then looked down at Shadow, who gave the boy a friendly lick on the cheek. Jaya giggled and threw his arms around the wolf, whispering, "Take care of Azazel, okay?"
Shadow barked in agreement, his eyes glinting with understanding, and Jaya pulled back, sniffling but smiling.
---
Ketut, the village chief, stepped forward, his stern face softer than usual. "You've done more for us than we could ever repay," he said, his voice steady but full of gratitude. "I wish you safe travels and success in whatever lies ahead."
Azazel gave a small, respectful nod. "Thank you, Chief Ketut. I'm just glad Simpang can finally have some peace."
Ketut's eyes darkened for a moment. "Peace is a fragile thing," he said. "Hold on to it when you can, but don't be afraid to fight for it." His words carried a weight that made Azazel's stomach twist with worry, but he tried not to let it show.
Kaela stepped forward, a playful grin on her lips. "And don't worry, we'll try not to attract any more curses," she said, earning a few chuckles from the villagers. Her humor lightened the mood, and even Azazel found himself smiling.
A small group of children gathered around Shadow, giving him pats and treats as if he were a celebrity. One little girl presented Shadow with a flower crown, and the wolf endured it gracefully, looking both regal and slightly ridiculous.
"Look at you, Shadow," Kaela teased. "You're practically the king of Simpang now."
Shadow lifted his head proudly, the flower crown perched awkwardly between his ears. Azazel and Kaela both burst into laughter, and even the villagers couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. It was a moment of pure, innocent joy, a reminder of what they were fighting for.
---
As the crowd began to disperse, Azazel felt a pang of guilt settle in his heart. He looked around at the villagers—some faces were familiar, marked with relief and gratitude, but others belonged to people he hadn't been able to save. The memories of those lost, the cries and desperation, still haunted him.
Kaela noticed the shift in his expression. "Hey," she said gently, touching his arm. "You did everything you could. More than anyone expected."
Azazel sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know, but it never feels like enough. No matter what I do, there are always lives I can't save."
Kaela's eyes softened. "You carry too much weight on your shoulders, Azazel. You need to give yourself a break sometimes."
Azazel opened his mouth to argue but closed it, knowing she was right. He was saved from having to respond when Shadow nosed at his hand, offering comfort the only way he knew how. Azazel scratched the wolf behind the ears, grateful for his loyal companion.
---
As they made their way to the outskirts of the village, Jaya ran after them one last time. "Wait!" he called. "I forgot to tell you something!"
Azazel turned, curious. "What is it, Jaya?"
The boy's eyes were wide with excitement and fear. "When the curse was still here, some of the hunters said they saw... something big in the sky. Like a shadow, but with wings. Grandma thinks it might be one of the old beast lords."
Azazel's heart skipped a beat. "A beast lord?" he echoed, exchanging a glance with Kaela.
Jaya nodded vigorously. "They said its name was Noah, the Lord of the Tempest. But it was just a story... right?"
Azazel's hand tightened around the charm Jaya had given him. Noah, one of the Nine Beast Lords, tied to storms and wild skies. The name sent a shiver down his spine, but he forced a smile for Jaya's sake. "Maybe just a story," he said, though he knew better. "But thank you for telling me."
As Jaya waved and ran back to the village, Kaela arched an eyebrow. "Noah, huh? Sounds like trouble."
Azazel sighed. "Everything's trouble these days," he said, but his tone was lighter, almost teasing.
Kaela smirked. "Well, lucky for you, I'm great at dealing with trouble."
Azazel couldn't help but chuckle. "We'll see about that," he said as they started down the path, leaving Simpang behind.
---
The trio made their way through the winding paths that led away from the village, the rice terraces gradually giving way to dense forests. The road was uneven, lined with ancient stones and overgrown roots that made each step a careful one.
"So," Kaela said, breaking the silence. "Land of Umbralin, huh? Eternal twilight and probably filled with all sorts of creepy things. Sounds like a vacation."
Azazel shot her a look. "Yeah, a vacation from sanity," he said dryly. "Why couldn't our next destination be, I don't know, a beach?"
Kaela laughed, the sound carrying through the trees. "Imagine us, lying on a beach, sipping fruity drinks while Shadow chases crabs. What a sight."
Shadow let out a low, disapproving growl, as if to say, I'd rather chase something more interesting, and Kaela giggled. "Fine, fine," she said, giving the wolf a pat. "No crab-chasing for you."
Azazel felt his spirits lift a little, despite the growing weight of the journey ahead. Traveling with Kaela and Shadow made the burden easier to bear, and he realized that, for the first time in a long while, he didn't feel quite so alone.
---
They continued on, the path growing steeper as the forest thickened. Azazel tripped over a particularly gnarled root, barely catching himself before face-planting into the dirt. Kaela burst into laughter, clutching her sides. "Smooth, Azazel," she teased. "Really graceful."
Azazel groaned, brushing dirt off his pants. "You're supposed to be supportive, you know," he grumbled, but a grin tugged at his lips.
Kaela wiped a tear from her eye. "I am supportive," she said between giggles. "Supportive of your incredible ability to make the ground your best friend."
Shadow barked, as if laughing along, and Azazel rolled his eyes. "I'm surrounded by traitors," he declared.
They shared a laugh, and the tension that had built up from their departure from Simpang eased, at least for a little while.
---
As the forest began to thin, giving way to a landscape bathed in the eerie glow of twilight, Azazel felt a familiar mix of anticipation and dread. The Land of Umbralin awaited them, with its secrets and dangers.
Kaela walked beside him, her staff glowing softly in the dim light. "Ready for another adventure?" she asked, her tone playful but her eyes serious.
Azazel took a deep breath, feeling the charm Jaya had given him in his pocket. "As ready as I'll ever be," he said.
Shadow trotted ahead, his ears perked and eyes alert, ever watchful and protective. Together, the three of them stepped into the twilight, their laughter fading into the distance, but their hope burning brighter than ever.
And somewhere in the darkness, something stirred—a shadow with wings, watching and waiting.