The longest night that Ori had ever known was coming to an end. Despite being almost impossible to discern between day and night in the silent woods, one could tell by the very few rays of sunlight peeking through black clouds.
Everyone had taken time to take their deserved rest and sleep except for Kii who stayed awake to pay attention to Howl's need for medical attention but gladly the great wolf was allowed to sleep despite the ache of the many wounds.
"Good morning, brave spirit," Kii said, waking Ori up. "Would you like a bit more tea?"
Ori yaws, stretching and rising to sit. The sleep was… more comfortable than he thought. But still, Ori doesn't show much enthusiasm. Ku was still sleeping with Shriek. Howl too. He gave attention to Kii.
"Sure," Ori replied, joining Kii and was given a small cup soon to have tea poured into it.
Kii prepared a cup for himself and sat close to Ori. It was noticeable how Ori took long seconds staring at his reflection on the tea and Kii could understand what a pensive and restless mind is. Like a shadow loomed over him.
"Yesterday was agitated, but here we are, deservingly resting." Kii this time took off the mask to take a sip, and Ori glanced to see what Kii hid behind it and understood the use of a mask. A large, and ugly burn scar covered more than half of his face. Noticing it, Kii put the mask back on.
"I am sorry. I didn't wish..." Ori trailed off embarrassed.
"Don't worry," Kii chuckled lightly, wanting to start a convo. "Say, is something in your mind?"
Ori takes a moment, swirling the tea in the cup. "You know, I am glad that Ku is safe and I still have to see Kwolok… but I am feeling so tense. Scared."
Kii could understand. "We feel anxious when we fear what the near future holds. We do not know the day of tomorrow but you know that it won't be easy. I know it well."
Anxiety. That was a good word to describe it, Ori agreed. "When Howl showed me the Willow, I felt odd. I think I could feel its pain. And it was so great that I felt overwhelmed. Then all those things happened. I lived so much in one single day. Felt so much."
Ori thought about Iyo, about the state of the Silent Woods. Shriek. The fallen spirits. The spirit willow. The words Zerin said.
"Patience," Kii said calmly. "Overthinking things will stress you out."
But patience was not something Ori had at the moment. The necessity to know what feels like a secret that everyone knows except him was hurting. "Kii, tell me the truth. I want to help. Help Niwen. But is there something after me? Is the only way to help…" Ori bit his lips to stop himself from continuing.
Kii takes a long moment to reply, likewise tense that it is not a simple thing to say.
"Listen, good child, we are grateful for your efforts here. I am grateful for your patience with Howl. We talked a little about our wisp, why we live here, and the reason we cannot stay with the other locals. Yet, there is much we need to tell you. But… it is difficult to do so."
Ori was clearly uneasy. He could confirm that something was in store for him. This odd sensation was not new. Howl and Kii… even Kwolok seems to have so much knowledge. And he had to ask, trying to understand what Zerin meant.
"It is about me?" Ori finally asked.
"Yes. About a prophecy Kwolok foresaw long ago. I believe that you deserve to know it since it tells about you."
Ori remained in silence, listening attentively.
"The day the Spirit Willow lost Seir, the conflict that once ravaged this former moonlit woods was over, but despair still spread. Mora, the eyes of the forest fell into madness and had to be sealed deep under the earth. Baur, the strength of the forest, isolated himself in the highest peaks of his lair in depression. Decay… devoured so many homes and lives and only Kwolok managed to hold it back by offering his own life to the earth."
Kii takes a moment, "Kwolok is a farseer. Able to have glimpses of the future. In the turbulence, in the panic, and in the desperation of the people he swore to protect… he had a vision."
"You and your tribe were friends with Kwolok?" Ori asked.
"Kwolok is a dear friend to us all, as he was to all our ancestors. When he spoke about the vision, everyone grasped it as their hope. Yet Kwolok himself said he couldn't see everything. Among the things he saw was a guardian spirit that would arrive in wings of shadows one day. Guided by a storm. A child lost but led by compassion.
"This lost child…" Kii hesitated, "would rekindle hope. Restore our light, although through much hardship. At the peak of the darkest, moonless night, a new spirit tree will be born. One shall brave the darkness and bring back what was lost. Throughout this act, the land will flourish. Life will begin anew." Kii finishes, and silence fills the cave.
And naturally, Ori was speechless, practically frozen. Kii lamented for saying it, but soon or later it would be necessary.
"Kwolok already had many visions, and many of them never truly came to pass. In this case, we believe that this is your destiny. You are the light of this prophecy. The last hope Niwen has." Kii makes a last pause. "Young one, do you understand what that entails?"
With that said, Kii prayed that Ori would not be overwhelmed, which, unfortunately, was exactly the case. In a manner, quite a lot could make sense to Ori. Like the last piece to complete the puzzle. The poor villagers treated him like a savior. The spirit tree of Niwen is greatly defiled. Zerin told him to flee.
Ori couldn't help but feel conflicted to the core. It was too much for him to swallow.
"I am… to become a spirit tree," Ori answered, silently begging that he had misunderstood. Kii felt devastated but answered in silence.
Ori didn't know how to feel, but he knew he was extremely anxious, paralyzed on how to proceed. His arms began shaking as he dropped the teacup.
"Be calm. You are safe here. We won't demand anything from you."
Ori raised to stand looking at nothing as he seemingly was gathering a multitude of chaotic thoughts. Then the breathing began to feel heavy and shallow; his heart raced in the sheer tension.
"I am… alright. I just need…" He needed air, he needed to think and so Ori ran out of the cave desperate without ever stopping or looking back. Kii called behind but the old monkey knew Ori would not stop, thus watching as the last of Ori's glow was visible among the eerie woods.
"Oh no… This was more impactful than I anticipated…" Kii said to himself, wondering what to do.
"Kii." Howl snarled behind, walking out of the cave with staggering steps but mustering everything to move forward.
"My lord!" Kii moved closer to the wolf, "You mustn't move or your wounds may open." he said worryingly.
"Why did you say that to him?"
Kii shrank in shame, Howl had listened to everything. "I am sorry. I thought it would be wise to inform him."
"Would you also like to know how your life ends?"
"N-no… I wouldn't. But we first sought to share this information, didn't we?"
"Hmph. Plans change." Lecturing Kii was not something Howl ever liked doing, but this time he went a bit too far even though there was no ill intention in his reasoning. Ori indeed would learn about it sooner or later. "Don't consider becoming a spirit tree something to be celebrated or easily accepted. I am not a spirit, but I cannot fathom how heavy the burden must be."
Kii had regretted it, thinking that he should have put much more thought into something so delicate. This topic clearly isn't something to take lightly to any spirit and neither should anyone else.
"Come, help me find him before Ku awakens. The last thing I want is to give these siblings more trouble than they already have."
"As you wish." Kii dutifully replied, and together they went out to search for a lone spirit around the silent woods.
Meanwhile, Ori kept running like he was trying to run away from the thought. It was something so alien for him to fathom, yet something too important. Something that was weaved into his very soul but he wanted to deny it. Knowing now that becoming a spirit tree was necessary made Ori lash out and take distance from everyone.
Ori eventually stopped to recover from fatigue but still, his mind struggled, wrestling with the fate ahead of him. Can't it be a lie? Can't it be a prank?
I saw the willow, it can be saved…
Paying mind to his surroundings Ori had found a place where he could see the spirit willow at the distance even if barely due to the flora blocking some of the view. A gentle gust of wind blew as he stared into it. An odd sensation came from it like new thoughts were weaved into his mind. A voice. A whisper. So loud and yet so quiet, but unbearably painful all the same. Ori covered his ears as he had the same discomfort when he first saw the willow, as a headache struck hard, forcing him to look away.
"Whose voice is that?" Ori asked nobody. "What do you want from me!?" Yet no answers came, and the headache would worsen.
"Come." Ori managed to understand. This voice, whoever it might be, is calling. Ori realized that this voice, being so loud in his mind, yet soft enough to understand belonged to...
…The Spirit Willow.
The headache would ease a little, but still be painful. The words Kii said earlier reappeared, making it even more certain that Ori was chosen. He had no course of action to take. Ori didn't know where to even begin. He sat down and curled with legs folded towards him and arms crossed, hiding his face. He prayed that these thoughts would go away. That they didn't destabilize him so strongly. Ori thought of his father, the spirit tree of Nibel. Although he knew little about when Yali was a spirit, there was an abysmal difficulty in understanding the weight he had to muster for the sake of others.
How does one cope… with this? About becoming the most important factor of all life, one that embodies hope and prosperity. How… how does my father deal with this? How does he feel today, how did he feel when he took that step? Is it destiny? Something that cannot be escaped. Is this feeling that brings joy to a guardian spirit? Then why… why do I feel so bad?
The amassing questions that nobody could answer brought back the rush of anxiety and uneasiness
"Ori." Howl appeared with Kii, bringing a welcoming halt to Ori's flow of thoughts.
"Oh, hi…" Ori replied with little enthusiasm. "You followed my scent, didn't you?"
Howl approached with all the difficulty that the wounds offered and gently came to rest at Ori's side.
"You didn't have to come here," Ori said a little guilty.
Yet Howl wouldn't worry about it. "What's on your mind?" he asked without minding anything around. Not minding the possible danger of leapers or any other creatures. It was a strange behavior coming from someone who detests spirit-kind.
"Why are you here? I thought you hated the ones like me."
"I hate the spirits that attacked my home. I hate their leader and their disrespect, but I cannot hate a spirit that saved me." Howl replied truthfully, making Ori surprised by the honesty.
Howl continued, "You are the first spirit that genuinely impressed me. You fostered the offspring of Kuro and aided me when I required it most. I learned about the mortar worm when I was unconscious.
"I thought spirits were ruthless, the unmerciful predators that all should fear. But I was proven wrong. It dawned on me that noble spirits also exist, and I want to thank you for making me realize that."
Ori felt better, it was nice to know a different side of Howl that isn't angry and scorned. Even Kii was surprised by Howl's behavior. The stubborn wolf was trying to change on this fateful day, to grow from old grudges and rancors.
"You may have learned about your possible role in this forest, little spirit," Howl said, making Ori feel tense again. "But do not consider this your destiny so easily."
Interest showed itself present in both Ori and Kii. The feeling of anxiety could be reduced as Howl tried to create a possible alternative.
"Long ago, the niweni would thrive solely to be proven worthy to take the mantle of the new spirit tree every few millennia. This was all your kind had in mind, a singular goal. Yet, you appear reluctant when they were so thrilled about it. Is it because of your culture? Your survival instincts kicking in? Or perhaps your knowledge that it isn't a mere task? A prize to be claimed?"
Ori didn't know how to respond. He wondered if he should have been honored for such destiny but his very soul conflicted, fought the thought. He simply couldn't think like that. Ori was not a spirit that had so many things, but what he had, appeared in his mind over and over again. His family, friends, his home. His adventure with Sein could have ended similarly, but at that time, Ori didn't understand well and Sein banished the possibility at every turn.
"You will carve your own path, and let none tell you otherwise. For you do not share the same mentality, the same beliefs. I'd think your wisp has taught you well."
"Sein… never spoke much about the spirit tree in my home. She… couldn't bring herself to talk about it."
"Hm, then take her reasoning to heart. Perhaps she wanted to protect you. Perhaps she wanted your mind to think freely. So, do yourself a favor: think about Ku and your dear ones. Think about yourself." Howl finished and stood back up. Thinking about himself was something Ori seldomly did. He never placed himself first from the necessities of others.
"Let us return to my lair."
Ori welcomed the inspiring words like he starved for them. In a way, Ori was relieved that he got to stop thinking about becoming a spirit tree and concentrate on something else. That it isn't like an inescapable fate. That it isn't something he is bound to accept and take. Ori stood back up and placed himself in assistance for Howl until they returned home.
…
Bearing the pain of the difficult walk, Howl thankfully made it home. Ku didn't wake just yet and Shriek surprisingly doesn't get up either. Ori helped them all the way back, but he still had this worry planted in him, one that Howl could not shake.
The day had barely begun but a few sun rays were cast down the land where the group was. It was a rare occasion, Howl deemed it as a gift that fate would be kind. Deemed it a gift that a better tomorrow would arrive thanks to this guardian spirit.
"How do you feel, young one? I am deeply sorry for that." Kii began, trying to apologize.
"It's okay," Ori replied, looking fairly better, but not quite happy either, "I asked for it after all. Do you think that it will come true? The prophecy."
"I cannot know. Kwolok–."
"Enough about this. Ori, come to me." Howl ordered and Ori answered the call.
"H-hi, I am here. And that's the second time you say my name!" Ori noticed.
"What has come of Iyo?"
Kii did not expect to hear that name but remained in respectful silence.
Ori took a moment to reply. It wasn't easy for him. That person. Ori remembered the deplorable state that man lived in. The tormenting whispers. Stuck in an illusion. Sworn to complete a mission in the name of the light, but instead, Decay used him to spread the damage and sickness.
…But Iyo had a glimmer of regret. He knew he was beyond redemption. Somewhere deep inside, Iyo had regretted not listening to others, of being so savage in service of the forest.
Ori refocused, there was no use in dwelling on that now, ready to answer the shadow wolf.
"Iyo has passed away," Ori replied quietly but truthfully
The great wolf closed his eyes and remained quiet for several seconds. "Then, it is done." Howl finally said. "It is an odd feeling, I can rest knowing Iyo will not return to haunt us. I can even… feel like some of the weight in my back was lifted. But it is not over."
Ori stepped forward, getting in the rays of sunlight. "Howl, you do understand that Iyo was suffering too, right? I could not bear to see him in that state. He would literally become something worse than a monster if I was too late."
"He already was worse than a monster! He raided this land without remorse. All for the sake of compliments from a god a century ago. That cursed zombie deserved to suffer. Tell me, kid, did you show mercy? Pity for that savage?"
Howl stared at Ori dead in the eye, like it was a test. Ori had discovered a few things thanks to that other armored person, and thanks to that, Ori had better tools on how to answer.
"Iyo did not deserve mercy, I agree. But, I can say that the corruption of Decay punished him enough. It had distorted his mind. Tormented him without pause. Made him live In a false world and on a false mission until he would destroy himself eventually. He was so corrupted… to a point that not even death would release him from its grip. All I did was free his soul, nothing more."
Thankfully Howl did not appear disrespected or anything similar, but still remained sinisterly quiet while looking away. He growled low and furiously for brief moments and then finally sighed in relief.
"A-are you alright?" Ori asked.
"I am… I am just thinking. He is gone. The hunter is no more."
Howl focused on breathing, seeking to calm himself which was a relief to Ori. As for Howl himself, he took in mind Ori's genuine will to help lost souls. It was noble on Ori's part not only ending Iyo's misery but denying Decay another soul. That was an irrefutable victory against this unrelenting evil. Despite all the hatred Howl had for the hunter… Despite his seething being still unsatisfied with the end he met…
Howl needed to let go.
Howl then made a choice, this was perhaps the best outcome. Guardian spirits after all excelled in rescuing lost souls and delivering them to the spirit tree so the cycle of rebirth is fulfilled. It is one noble purpose that the niweni spirits eventually stopped practicing. With another relieving sigh, Howl gazed into the skies, appreciating the winds blowing and small rays of sunlight. It would be unnecessary to further question Ori's actions.
Healing beckoned and Howl used this new freedom to release his long desire to howl. He filled up his lungs and sang to the skies. Ori watched in awe, listening to the beautiful cry.
It filled the air, echoing far and far away. Like Howl was releasing all the suffering that he lived since a pup in those chaotic, bloodstained times. Kii recalled those memories. All the difficult moments they lived together in the struggle to survive another day. Be either hiding from the light or fleeing from the decadence that befell the land.
Kii could remember all that, but today, a new memory would be engraved in his mind. He shed tears of happiness. This was like a dream come true. Those times shackle them no more. The little wolf pup howled today. Grand and majestic. Howling as wolves should. This was worth all the torment.
Ori had a smile knowing many problems were resolved overall. Old struggles dissolved. Old wounds began to heal. Yet there was a thing that Ori knew about wolves, one thing that was missing. Wolves howl for a variety of situations, but one of its uses is to keep the pack united. Ori quickly considered. Howl probably never heard a single response if he's the only wolf in Niwen. Listening to Howl do it alone didn't feel right, so the young spirit wanted to participate. Ori cupped his hands around his mouth and with lungs full, he howled to the skies too.
Howl's ears perk at the sound of someone joining him. Someone… howled back. It was no true wolf, but someone, someone replied. Once Howl was finished, he looked at Ori trying his best. How cute. Howl was amused. Ori's howl was soft and far too friendly sounding, but a howl nonetheless.
Soon Ori stopped howling, as he noticed the wolf himself staring at him. "Uhm… was it that bad?" He asked embarrassed, but to Howl… it meant a lot.
"Thank you," he confessed, "maybe my brethren can find rest wherever they are now," he took a moment. "May your light guide their souls to their deserved afterlife. Together with all the poor victims of that tragedy."
Ori legitimately feels great hearing Howl's gratefulness. Things were still bitter. Their surroundings were still defiled by Decay. The scars will never disappear. But it was a step toward a better tomorrow. Ori could breathe with ease.
"My pleasure to help. Glad to see you feeling better."
Given the opportunity and the change Howl embraced, he focused like his stubbornness had to be wiped out of the way, taking a deep breath and saying it. "Listen, we may have met under my… difficult mood, but I am glad I did not eat you at that moment. I want to apologize for that."
Ori cringes just by remembering that moment. "Ah, y-yeah sure, no hard feelings," Ori said, not wanting to dwell on that. Gladly it was all behind them now.
Howl chuckles at Ori's awkwardness. "Honestly speaking now, you taste quite good," Howl said, with tail wagging behind and earning a funny reaction from Ori, who was both awkward and annoyed.
"I don't want to know about that, thank you!"
But Howl continued, "It's not every day I can taste a spirit, so…"
Ori now was even more annoyed, "No. Don't even think about that!" He said firmly, seeing Howl being playful in his own manner for the first time. It was weird, to be honest, but something unique as well. The great wolf seemed to have fun.
Howl licked his lips."Did you know that my goal was to transport you in that way? Think about the coziness I would give you in exchange for letting me sample you. No biting, of course."
"Stop! Not another word about this!" Ori jumped on Howl and bonked him in the head with one hand, getting Howl to chuckle again "There is nothing comfortable in being eaten, mind you! You clearly don't know half of the dangers of what you speak of!"
"Are you sure? You're missing out."
"I'm damn fine with that!"Ori hissed.
On the good side of this provoking moment, both of them were having fun. They continued to share words and play around, Ori was freed from the alarming prophecy for now.
In the meantime, Kii was moved by the heartwarming moment Howl shared with Ori. It was truly a sight to behold. Never would Kii imagine that Howl would share amicable words with a spirit after all that happened. Howl turned the page of his life, freeing himself from the bounds of rage of nearly a lifetime. There was nothing more rewarding for a caretaker to see their fostered child grow and mature.
A new dawn had arrived. It would be a new beginning for Kii and Howl.
"Thank you again, Ori," Howl acknowledged him as part of the pack. "I shall be your ally, today and always. Whenever you need me, call and I will answer."
"Whoa." Ori breathed in awe. "There is no need for that. But, thank you! I am flattered to hear it. If I may, I prefer friends instead of allies."
"Very well. What shall you do now?"
Ori considered it quickly in his mind and remembered when he first arrived, his next course of action was clear. "There is a lot for me to learn here. You said Seir is the cause of all the problems. There probably are more in need of help. And I just want to investigate. See with my own eyes. Hear it from Kwolok."
"Know that the road ahead will be harsh. The Hui tribe will test your mettle. As for Seir, it's for the best to not approach her. And unfortunately, I still cannot let Ku leave with you."
"Alright. I trust you to oversee the growth of her abilities over shadows. I will be back soon."
Howl nodded, "May shadows shroud you. Until we meet again," and returned inside to continue resting. Kii went to Ori, remaining outside.
"Hoho, today is a great day, young spirit. Your actions healed my lord deeply. We will never forget it."
"I'm happy to help. Just try to remind him of my name in case he forgets." Ori chuckled.
Kii laughed, lightly bumping Ori's shoulder. "You are now family, young one. Your name is the last thing Howl will dare to forget." Kii sighed relieved. "We will continue Ku's training with more freedom since Shriek is not bound to trouble us."
"Oh yes, keep an eye on her, please! I don't understand Shriek very well, but the recent events made me question how little we know about her." The final words felt sadder, Kii noticed. "Again keep your eyes peeled!" The spirit pleaded nervously.
"As you wish," Kii replied. "Will you truly return to the glades?"
"Yes. Time to see Kwolok and see how everyone is faring."
"It is possible for you to stay," Kii added as an alternative. "You can accompany your sister and her growth. You'd be safe here and stand by her side. If you wish, of course."
It was tempting. Ensuring Ku's safety was Ori's only goal from the start. However, Ori couldn't simply ignore the rest of the picture now. Couldn't ignore those in need. "Thanks, but no need. I have to check if everything is alright there, and if possible help the village in some way. Knowing Ku will be safe here is enough for me. When she awakes, tell her that I will be back soon."
Kii nodded, content to hear such words "Then, I will guide you back to the marsh. No longer will I leave you to wander these woods."
"That would be most appreciated, Kii."
Kii prepared to depart, "Shadow word: darkness." And both of them traveled rapidly in a cloud of dark mist.
Inside Howl's lair, Ku began to awake and the owlet's movement stirred Shriek to awake too. Howl looked at the monstrous owl with discomfort but played along with lots of caution.
"Good morning!" Ku chirped as Shriek's horns got stuck in the cavern's walls and she went forward breaking even more of the lair to get more space. "Hey, be careful there!" the owlet complained as rubble began to fall. Shriek went to investigate what she had done and cooed apologetically.
Meanwhile, Howl watched on the other side of the cave mustering lots and lots of patience. "Ugh. This will be difficult."
…
At the borders of the Inkwater Marsh, Kii removed the spell's effect and Ori could see around. He was back at the few remaining areas that still had life in Niwen.
"Here we are," Kii said. "My apologies but I can take you no further. Up ahead I have no doubts that the Hui may be patrolling. I cannot afford to be seen. Remember that the Hui tribe might be in movement if Seir has taken action. Be very careful out there."
Ori took the advice closely, even feeling slightly scared. There should be no problem even if the Hui bring troubles, Ori was confident he could deal with them. Then there is the factor of Seir, which is mysterious. Seir is the Light of Bravery, one of the seven divine lights. How difficult will interactions with her be? Judging that she isn't very nice to anyone. Ori sighed. He needed to know while Ku was not ready to fly home. And worse, needed to be prepared for the difficulties that are all tied together.
And mostly, Ori knew that he was Seir's desired prize. The anxiety was returning, but Kii held the spirit's arm.
"Be calm. You are not alone."
With that Ori could ease up again. "Much appreciated, Kii."
"Go, seek Kwolok. I must go now, good luck out there."
Ori understood that Kii and Howl were not welcomed to these parts by the old turmoils. Kii's existence was completely secret while Howl often would hunt in these fields for food. Howl was well known and feared, Ori remembered. At least the refuge in the SIlent Woods served them peace from trouble from this side.
"Alright, Kii. Thank you for the ride. Take care of everyone for me." Ori said his goodbyes and Kii complied as he returned to the silent woods. Ori was intrigued by how these shadow tricks worked. But oh well, that was for another day. The Wellspring Glades awaited. Kii had made the travel way less demanding since Ori didn't have to swim through the Kwolok's sunken temple. That was neat. Ori could already hear the movement of mokis around in the trees.
Ori was out for about a day but somehow it felt to be so much longer. Ori wondered how much distress Naru and the others might be feeling since their disappearance. There is no way Ori can reach out to them. He shook his head. It can't be helped. Ori had to have patience.
Refocusing on the glades, Ori remembered that he was quite popular by just existing there. The children were… wild. He sighed, getting ready to be swarmed and to lose them in a frenetic chase. At least that was the smallest of the things Ori had to worry about. Nah, that was kind of a delight to live, to be honest. Giving these children a moment of his time would mean a lot to them since many of these very children are orphans that Mokk and Meena sheltered if he remembered well. They would be so happy… Yeah, Ori would give them a treat of his attention and play, no matter how crazy those younglings may get.
Ori walked calmly over the forest, minding his step and pushing aside large leaves on the way. In some other plans, Ori had to find Kwolok to possibly understand more about Niwen, maybe about the three rogue spirits. That was important, a main objective. But a little stroll around the glades and greeting everyone shouldn't hurt. Yeah, it will be fine.
Though, the mokis are peculiar beings, aren't they? Ori knew he was being followed, but for some reason, they still hadn't shown up. Ori was quite close to the glades, about five minutes of walking on foot to get there. At this point, this area should be filled with curious mokis.
Something didn't feel right. Ori remembered Kii's warning.
"Guys? It's me, Ori, the spirit." Ori said to the sounds coming from the tree-tops. Strange, why are mokis being cautious? The way they showed up to be so cheery and playful didn't feel right for Ori now. Even if they are easily scared, Ori shouldn't be in their eyes. Not anymore at least.
Ori stopped to pay attention to the sounds. Movements from branch to branch. Leaves falling by disturbance. They are quite fast. Ori wondered if mokis liked to prowl on trees like that. "Don't you guys remember me?"
Seconds of pure silence answered the spirit. Ori paid close attention to movement and awaited. Three, four, five… No, six individuals The realization soon hit, they are no moki. Ori faked being clueless, faking having his guard down.
Suddenly, a wooden staff is thrust down at Ori's head. Ori quickly evades the blunt weapon and grabs it before the attacker can hide again. "Who are you?!" Ori asked without letting go, but other attackers made themselves present, all doing the same thrusting move. Ori is forced to jump away, whereas the attackers continue to move on the treetops and do the same surprise attacks until one hits the spirit.
Ori had enough and upon evading another staff thrust, Ori this time tugged with force, bringing its wielder down and revealing a silvery primate. A member of the Hui tribe.
"You are one of the Hui! Why are you attacking me?" Ori questioned, displeased. The Hui tribe are loyal followers of the Light. Why would they attack a spirit?
"We have orders to capture you. Come with us without resistance or you shall be punished." The tribesman warrior imposed. The others come to surround the spirit with no friendly intention.
"Orders?" Ori repeated, then a change must have happened to the glades, just like Kii feared. Would being taken away by these guys be a good choice? Ori considered quickly and the answer was no. Ori doesn't know where he would be taken, and this severely hurts his plans to play with the moki children.
"I am a guardian spirit, the only one present in this forest if I recall. And I am wanted captured? What for?"
"You have no right to question! Your excursion to the silent woods has been deemed foolish and suspicious. What did you find?"
Ori couldn't believe it. Do they think that Ori was subjected to corruption in some way? Or perhaps… they want the information to see if there are survivors of the Noy tribe? Furthermore, Ori was uncertain if he should mention Ku's existence. "I found nothing but ash and stone. The fearsome creature you call Shriek. And miles and miles of souls encased in stone."
The tribesman stared down at Ori fiercely, not feeling convinced. "Then why did you go there?"
This was getting ridiculous. Ori had enough of this questioning. But these guys mean trouble, just like Kii had warned. Things wouldn't end the way Ori would like. Damn it! "Go ask Kwolok if you want to know so badly. I owe nothing to someone who attacked me for no reason."
"That's it. You're coming with us!" The Hui warrior launched its free arm toward Ori to grab him by the neck and that was the last straw. This was no reception Ori would suffer just because he was a target to be captured. Ori grabbed the warrior's arm and twisted it slightly so the attacker could lose balance. The moment the warrior noticed a possible injury to his arm, he tried to pull it back and allowed Ori to strike back. Ori dashed and punched the face of the daring monkey with propelling force, launching him away.
Ori was desperate to see the people of the glades now. This can't be good! The Hui tribe must be swarming the glades. Yet the other attackers all pounced in a coordinated assault. Five other tribesmen cornered the spirit and went in to strike. Their staves clung to each other as Ori dashed out of the circle, and with the spirit smash equipped, Ori hammered the head of one of the attackers. One monkey fell knocked out cold, but that didn't make the remaining flinch or hesitate.
"We underestimated your agility. Won't happen again." This time one attacked alone, the rest covering their back and contesting options for Ori's movement. The striker decided to jump high to attack from above and as they expected Ori to move away from the attack, the spirit surprised them by bashing the attack back to the attacker, knocking out the second monkey. Now a trio remained. They wavered this time.
"How did you do this?! Was far too quick!"
The bash was an excellent move to repel attacks. Being a kick mostly that also serves to propel Ori in any direction, while the bashed goes to the opposite one. A counterattack that can deflect almost anything that doesn't weigh far heavier than what Ori can withstand. These monkeys all had golden eyes. Their weapons had a tiny infusion of Light energy. Another means that allows the bash to redirect their own force as long as they aren't too heavy. With all that considered, Ori understood that this band was not normal by their own standards. They are infused with Seir's light, which makes them stronger.
But fortunately, not strong enough. Ori reserved no luxury to answer the foe. Quickly dashing close to another one, faster than their eye could follow, Ori hammered the target's chin from below, performing an uppercut that sent them flying a few centimeters up. Falling knocked out.
Two remained, and now they were afraid. No longer willing to fight. "Wait, please wait. Spare us!"
Ori tones down his will to fight in response but remains vigilant. He points the mace to them considering it would be a good opportunity to question things. "What is your tribe planning?" Ori questioned.
"Seir has returned from slumber! She has the solution to wipe all Decay from our lands, but she needs a guardian spirit for it to happen! That's all I know I swear!"
Ori had to be careful about Seir. She is indeed acting. And as expected she needs him - for that. Moments later a thundering cloud appears above the cowering warriors. It draws attention, and before anyone can react, a lightning bolt smites the warriors. They scream in pain for a short moment and collapse dead on the ground. Ori was terrified. What just happened?!
"Do not waste your time with the weak." A female voice echoed from the thundering cloud, very distinct and apathetic. No one can do such a thing, except for… a divine being, superior to mortal kind. Ori realized who it might be.
Seir.
"Spare yourself from the woes of the lowborn, they do not deserve the talents or the amiability of spirit-kind. Come to me and wield the true heritage of the Lightborn, child of Nibel. I shall be waiting."
The thundercloud dispersed and Ori still was shocked at how harsh the fate of the two Hui tribesmen was. They showed fear and admitted they had no chance to win, but this was far too much. Seir had no mercy at all and… Ori was at a loss for words. Terrified still. They did not deserve to die!
"The thunder was over here!" A voice shouts and multiple footsteps approach. Ori snaps back and springs to action. He would not face more of the Hui tribesmen and ran away to hide from them.
…
Kii had returned to safety and directed himself to meet with the others. However, Kii was surprised to see Howl resting outside the cave. "I have returned." He announces and Howl wakes from sleep. "Why do you rest here, my lord?"
Howl was annoyed. "There are two owls in there making too much ruckus. I still want to know why Shriek is here but that is unimportant now. How is Ori faring?"
"He appears to be better, but I greatly fear that his disturbance about the prophecy will last for much longer, if not compromise him. It is… all my fault." Kii said, dispirited.
"What is done is done. I wish he had stayed here, but now we have a greater mission to complete."
Kii agrees and promptly focuses on what's ahead of them. "It amazes me that you are thinking about the well-being of a spirit, my lord."
Howl snarls as he doesn't confess it. "Ori is far too soft and kind-hearted to muster what is in store for him. It infuriates me, but… I think Ori will seek to fulfill the prophecy."
"I hate to say it… but I can see that happening. He will follow Seir."
"Yes. Even if we are alone in this, we cannot allow that monster to return to power. And even if we all die to Decay… at least, I wish these siblings to survive."
"Have faith, we too will survive. We will survive to see them return to their home, and we will find a new lair."
Howl could dream about it. Perhaps it could come true, free from the threat of Light and Decay. It sounded so impossible but exhilarating at the same time. "May it be so, Kii. We will move as soon as Ku is prepared. Get ready."
...
