At the outskirts of the Wellspring Glades, Seir makes it to a secluded section of the village. There only members of the Hui tribe could reside. Tribal-like tents and huts were everywhere and its inhabitants came forward like they were attracted by the Seir's golden light. Each one kneels before her. Each possesses matching golden eyes.

"Seems your faith hasn't been shaken," Seir said to all the soldiers at her disposal. "I require the attention of your leader."

The silvery Hui monkeys put their staff to the side as they hastily oblige. One goes to attend to the chief's tent and awakes the resting leader in the middle of the night. Their movement is organized, trained, and disciplined. Fitting for military conduct. A few in the back silently would talk among themselves. "So, this is her? Looks nothing scary." While another would never ever question the returning ruler of the forest, no matter if they look like an inoffensive flying sphere of light.

Observing the fine rows of soldiers, Seir is pleased, and not a moment longer, the chief of the tribe arrived. Rows were formed with saluting soldiers after a loud shout of attention and formation.

The chief was much older than Seir remembered but still, he wielded the trusty staff that she enchanted for him. The chief came closer, taking respectful time with his head down before Seir.

"A pleasant night to you, Your Grace. Hope your rest has been plentiful." Chief Bantsa begins. "How may I be of service?"

The light of Seir shines momentarily as she recognizes the person she sought. "Bantsa. I see that time hasn't been kind to you."

Bantsa raises his head, the face that Seir once knew had changed. The once perfectly silvery leader was now grizzled, and so different. As a being immune to the passage of time, this was bitter, but unimportant to her as a wisp. Bantsa took the opportunity to talk respectfully. "Time may have passed since we last met, but in this time I sharpened our resolve to serve you. Our combat skills are closer to being unmatched every day."

"This is pleasing to hear because I require your aid."

"It involves Kwolok's prophecy, I assume." Bantsa guessed.

"Don't mention that oblivious toad, Bantsa. Kwolok has stopped being serviceable. But you are correct. The arrival of a spirit guardian in my land is of utmost importance to focus. I need your forces to secure the spirit for me."

"If I may, what shall we do with the one who brings shadow?" Bantsa asked.

"Leave this one to me." A bolt of tiny crackling lightning sprouted in a flash from Seir, demonstrating rage. "I will be using the light crystals you stored, Bantsa. You focus on bringing the spirit alive to me."

Bantsa salutes. "It shall be done, Your Grace. We hoarded all the pure crystals the Willow created for this occasion. They're all yours."

"Well done." Seir complimented. "As for your mission, take your son, Opher, to learn something from this. It is disappointing how little progress he made thus far. And more, Opher has made contact with the spirit before."

"Understood. I will make that inconsequent brat walk in the line. You won't be disappointed."

Seir shines pleased, a rewarding feeling showering upon her followers. With that said, Seir leaves and flies towards the chief's tent. Inside, there were chunks and chunks of crystals imbued with the light of the Spirit Willow, preserved and hidden. Such light was capable of healing. Capable of performing miracles. The golden-colored crystals hummed in an elegant chime, brimming with power, one that Seir saw as hers to claim.

"With this, my strength should last long enough for…" Seir felt an old wound ache. There was hesitation, so much grief could be felt in the crystals in front of her. For a moment, Seir wanted to donate the light of those crystals to those who needed it. She could imagine how her Willow is now hurt and defiled in the present day. It would be the right thing to do… Then, Seir seethes.

"Why!? Why would you do this to me!?" She said to herself, her spherical shape taking a new form as she absorbed the energy of the crystals into herself.

…

Arriving back at the cave's entrance, Howl puts Ori down and moves in. Utilizing this moment of relief, Ori rubs his neck to alleviate the pain a little and does a little stretch. Howl's teeth are so strong that they would certainly leave a mark for a time.

"Wolves and their carrying methods. Ouch…" Ori mumbled. "Better than an actual bite I guess, or another bath of saliva. Why does he have to treat me like this? Tsk." The ache was one thing, but what he had seen earlier was much more aggravating. A Spirit Tree in a horrible state like that… How could that have happened? Ori delved into possibilities. Something made the wisp of this forest separate from the soul residing inside the tree. Was it the owls? He considered. Nibel was one thing, but because Sein was distracted. She couldn't fend off Kuro. What about here? Was the wisp ripped out of it too? Ori shook his head. That is unlikely, assuming the wisp was mindful. Then what other sources can attack a Spirit Tree and succeed?

Ori had no answer.

Enough of thinking of the past. Ori begins to think about the present. The Spirit Tree is deeply defiled at this point but is there hope of salvation for it? Possibly it may still be alive. Furthermore, the weird feeling of uneasiness he felt by staring at it. Something felt so odd. It felt like he heard a faint call? A warning? Yet there were no words he recalls having heard, but something gave him a headache. What if he heard the Willow itself?

Ori put a halt to these thoughts and stopped thinking about them as best as he could. This was stressing him too much and what the future could hold was a completely different story to imagine. He wanted to see Ku, to relax, and possibly understand things more slowly, and without staring at the Willow.

After returning to himself, Ori got up and walked in to see Ku disposing punishment on Howl with many angry pecks and hurting his triangular ears. Howl took his punishment obediently without ever complaining or resisting.

"How could you!?" The angriest owlet asked, hauling Howl's ear with all her might. Howl couldn't deny that her little beak could pinch painfully when grasping sensitive parts. Especially ears. His face flinched slightly every time Ku tugged.

"I didn't break my promise. I didn't eat him." Howl leisurely explained himself.

"Lies! I saw it with my own eyes! Kii is a witness! I am VERY angy!" She stomps on the wolf's muzzle, forcing Howl to lower his head. Meanwhile, Ori watched, amused and holding his laughter.

"That wasn't very clever if you permit me to say, my lord," Kii said. "You shouldn't provoke the wrath of a dark owl."

"But I–" Howl whines as Ku pecks his nose, forcing him to retreat. "Not my nose!"

"Spit him out!" Ku ordered, chasing the wolf down with flapping wings. Kii laughed seeing the humor of a fearsome predator running away from the tiniest owl. Ori appreciated the show wondering if he'd step in at last or… let Howl get what he deserves. Ori preferred the former. No reason to watch Ku distressed when he can easily solve things.

"Ku?" Ori's voice drove her to a full stop. "I am not hurt, don't need to worry."

It lifts the owlet's stress in a heartbeat. Ori was okay and alive. she went immediately to him, no longer bugging the great wolf who took the chance to relax a little. Ori and Ku remain together, the spirit soothing the owlet to give her peace. Meanwhile, Kii approached Howl. The old monkey climbed the wolf's body who'd begun to rest for a moment.

"How was it, my lord? Did he react well?" Kii asked.

"Hmph. He stared at it in awe, then in fear. No way he is capable to fulfill any of Kwolok's dreams or the prophecy."

"Everyone has fears." Kii lectured. "It is a fundamental emotion we all have. I can then deduce he said not much before The Willow. Did he feel nauseous or something?"

"He struggled to breathe at a certain point. Uncomfortable to see it, yet it took longer than I anticipated before he looked away."

"I see." Kii pauses a moment. "Was this foresaw as well? I feel for Kwolok, even if he could have averted so much… "

Howl minded that Kwolok told about a prophecy that foretold their arrival. Although unclear,Howl refused to believe Ori was destined for anything. "I don't know, Kii. A mere boy can't be the answer to our problems."

They watch the siblings chatting for a moment, just two youngsters trying to cope with the recent events all by themselves. Howl felt content that Ku was comfortable before a guardian spirit, enough to make his tail wag silently. Likewise, so was Kii in seeing Howl at ease in the presence of a guardian spirit. Ori knew that he was drawing a lot of attention, and he had to ask questions.

"Ku, give me another moment, please. I need to talk to your friends."

Ku almost shakes her head in denial, afraid of another problem happening between him and Howl. However, she knew things couldn't stay the way they are. She chirped obediently. "Okay… Just be careful."

Ori nodded and directed himself towards the owners of the place. It was nearly impossible to not feel intimidated by the dark wolf. Such a beast was made to kill spirits like him. With the additional unspeakable rage Howl had on top of that, Ori feared much for his life, but he held firm. This was not a place for battle.

They lock eyes, and Ori swallows dryly. "The Spirit Tree of Niwen… what has happened to it?"

"As I had asked before. You have no business to deal with here. What are you going to do even if I give you the answer? Is it your nature to help those in need?"

"You showed me the Willow for a reason. I have never seen such a thing in my entire life and I shiver just to remember it. Something is wrong with the Willow, I just can't explain what exactly." Ori takes a moment, remembering the situation many in Niwen live in. "In the short time I spent in the glades and here I can see that you all suffer from scarceness of vital resources. You all deserve a better life! It's what Kuro would have wanted."

Howl is slightly taken aback by the statement, he did not expect to be included in that. Nor hearing the name of Ku's mother. "And what shall you do?"

Ori embarrassedly did not have the answer. "I am… not sure. But with guidance, maybe I can be of assistance! I am no hero as I am seen in the glades, I am no incredible fighter as they deem me to be. I didn't beat my master in combat once! But I–"

"Don't sing pretty words at me, kid. There is no guidance to be given in this forsaken hole. I will test your mettle in time and until then, you are prohibited from taking Ku out of here."

"What? Why?" Ori asked. He had considered taking her to the safety of the glades. Kii could tag along but Howl himself would be a different story. "She is my sister. I am not leaving her!"

"I recommend looking at the precious glades that you consider safe. Come back once you discover it."

Kii saw it necessary to step in, clearing his throat. "The Wellspring Glades is home to many beings here in Niwen. Many races took refuge there once they had to flee from their homes. However, It is also there that another danger lies to us."

Ori took a moment to think. Certainly, it is not Decay, maybe it is the bugs? Probably not. They have enough corrupted fauna to deal with in the Silent Woods already. Ori then thought about someone. "You mean Kwolok? I am certain that with a little talk he will be cool with it."

"Kwolok is a guardian of life, young one. He would never attack us."

"Then who? Who there is threatening you?"

Howl snarled, "Spirits are all the same. Either clueless or bloodthirsty. The top predators of the food chain."

Ori was getting exhausted from the effort he had to give to begin understanding, but alas, he had to play along. The case at hand had clear depth, but of whom must they be talking about? Ori knew it and at the same time, he didn't. Seeing the wolf waiting urged Ori to say something.

"Is it… Shriek?"

Howl closes his eyes, seeming to be disappointed. He doesn't make any sound until recasting his crimson gaze on Ori. "We talk about the Seir, the wisp of bravery."

Ori wanted to take it as a joke, but the dark wolf's face told otherwise. "A wisp? One of the seven? They are protectors of life. How can they–

"You spirits can never possibly imagine that, right? Lo and behold. The light is as deadly as any elemental force. In fact, the strongest in the whole world."

"How do you explain the Decay all around us then? Is it a wisp's doing?"

"Indirectly, yes, it is. Have you seen any light present in the WIllow? I bet a dark owl had something to say about it."

Ori dove into silent thought, he remembered the words Kuro, in her wrath, said to him and Sein: The light is your enemy. Decay is not the only miasma of this world. Walking the Silent Woods he saw the home of the owls ruined, her home.

"This is the homeland of the dark owls… Kuro was attacked by Seir?" Ori asked as Ku came closer to lean on him and receive pets meanwhile.

"You begin to understand," Kii said. "Not only Kuro but so many more suffered. Years ago, in these woods, was a warzone. A crusade of the Light sworn to purify all those around them marched here. Those who held onto their freedom were vanquished. The reason was never clear. Some thought Seir had gone crazy. Some believed it was for the best. In the end, both sides only lost more than anyone could imagine."

"One thing is certain, Seir wanted to convert those of the shadows for some reason and she especially wanted the owls. Kuro's mate, Noroh, had brought calm to the conflict by giving himself to the Light. His goal was to understand Seir's motives, why suddenly a wisp waged war. What we won not long after that was a converted dark owl, now serving the Light, bound to strike those he wanted to protect. The carnage lasted long until Seir was miraculously brought down on that fateful day."

Kuro's spouse was indeed taken from her. And in ways, Ori didn't imagine. "What do you mean by converting?"

"A forced change of mind," Kii replied. "A brainwash, if you will." Ori shuddered uncomfortably knowing that. The Light is capable of that? Meanwhile, Ku was all snuggly at his side.

"Noroh was a fierce owl, he resisted Seir's influence upon him to a great degree before succumbing. In the short time he had, he assisted Kuro's escape against the storm barrier. Not long after that, his own brethren had to put him down before it was too late. The wolves had a similar treatment. Hunters chased and killed us if we resisted the Light."

Ori was speechless. Kuro fled to Nibel because Seir was trying to chain her kind. Was the only successful in doing so and was emotionally wounded. He felt terrible for the owls and held tighter the little owlet at his side, who was not much interested in the conversation. "You said that Seir was taken down. I imagine an owl or a wolf like you did that?"

"None of us were capable of striking the Willow, spirit. None of us know exactly what happened for the army of the light to stop attacking. There was a huge stake in doing so. We lost balance. Without light, we fall prey to Decay. Whoever stopped the war solved one problem while creating another."

"We studied all forms of a wisp being shattered or brutally separated from their earthly bindings. And, impressively, nothing came to match in our research," Kii added. "Our main suspicion is that an ally did expel Seir from her seat of power. And then, the withering began over a century ago."

"Now you see. Kwolok might have told you that the Willow grew old and could no longer hold Seir. If he did, I hope you haven't believed that lie. Something struck Seir to stop the war between light and dark, bringing thus forward, this rotten landscape. We endure however we can. With Kwolok serving as a pseudo Spirit Tree, he held back the spread of Decay and corruption to a certain degree, saving thousands of lives in the process."

Ori could only try to digest the puzzling information given to him. Kwolok was certainly serving the forest as a false Spirit Tree, just as Ori had considered! He partially was in awe for nailing it and in terror of what led things to it. He had to go back and seek information with the Guardian of the Marsh. He had to be completely sure why and how said events happened. This was unthinkable! Ori sat down, his once expressive ears and tail lying motionless and drooping.

Howl rose to stand. "We walk on thorns, spirit, and while many believe you have the power to change, I hope you don't fuck things worse than they already are." He finished bitterly.

"You are agitated, my lord," Kii commented. "Can you chill out?"

Howl fell silent for a few seconds. He had to give attention to the scents he felt outside. "Kii, I'm afraid we will have company." He said, getting Kii to slight discomfort.

"Has something happened outside?"

"Not yet. I believe the leaper's matriarch has returned."

Kii knew that name, getting shocked. "The matriarch? She died a long time ago. The species has fallen into disarray, it cannot be that another matriarch has arisen."

"There is only one thing that can rally those pestering fiends. Do not underestimate The Decay, old friend."

Kii knew Howl would be leaving to investigate or neutralize the threat before it could grow. He gazed at the guardian spirit present, perhaps he could help? Kii preferred not to suggest that. Neither of them is comfortable with one another yet. Kii descended from the wolf's back.

"Wait!" Ku jumped closer to the dark wolf. "Where are you going?"

"I am leaving to patrol our surroundings. Do not leave, okay?"

"But… it's dangerous!"

Howl nuzzled the little owl assuring everything was fine. "Yes, it is. So don't leave Kii's or the spirits' side. Call me if anything happens."

"As you wish. Be careful out there." Kii said.

Howl nods and leaves the cave in a sprint. Ku is startled by the sudden speed of Howl leaving, while Ori is still divided on what he heard. Kii approached him, willing to peace the storming thoughts and questions.

"Is something wrong?' Ku asked first. Worry was clearly visible in her eyes.

"My lord sensed something outside and went to check."

"But it is dangerous!"

"There is nothing to be afraid of. He will be back before you realize it." Kii said, following to approach the quiet spirit.

"Young child? My apologies for my lord's harshness. But you made a good impression on him." Kii tries to cheer him up but is ineffective. Maybe the subject as a whole was the cause. It is difficult being thrown into a conflict that one has no connection to. Even worse when they are young and inexperienced with that kind of thing.

"I understand it's hard to believe. But don't be afraid, you're not alone."

Ori slowly raises his head, looking lost and worried. That was the face of one who suffered through empathy, Kii noticed. A guardian spirit mourned the death of thousands in that tragedy? He saw it as true.

"Hoho, I am glad the recent events didn't earn your distrust towards us. I am willing to answer any question you may have."

"Kuro…" Ori began, "Kuro nearly brought the destruction of Nibel alone. She killed every single spirit excluding me. She had wounded Sein and I lost my only family to the withering of my home."

Kii listened attentively. Kuro was hurt at that time and certainly, she had said something. Ori survived her tantrum and lived to tell the tale. He had eyes that saw much while being so young.

"She said to us: The light is your enemy. You're being deceived. I did not understand at that time. But I can feel her pain more clearly now. Never once did Sein use lethal force!" Ori raised his voice a little, spooking Ku. "Not once did we feel hatred for her! Nor do we call her a villain for what she had done! But this? Is that why she escaped to Nibel? Seir attacked the dark owls. Why?!"

He continued, "I don't know what to feel. I want all of this to be a lie!" He slammed the rough cave floor.

"Ori, are you okay?" Ku came to ask, bringing Ori back to calm down. Scaring her was the last thing Ori wanted. Ku was with him and fine, that was his goal since the start, and he shouldn't forget that. Ku snuggled with him once more, allowing herself to feel the mystical and tranquilizing light energy that Ori emits naturally. She soon is charmed by a need to nap as she always did when being too close.

"Yes. I am great now." Ori said to her, petting the nearly dozing owlet. "I'm happy that you're okay. These friends helped you right?" Ori also had a chance to relax with her.

"Howl said he would help me fly… I can't wait to fly… again…" Ku began sleeping comfortably while Ori considered what she said silently.

Kii was fascinated watching such a scene. "Ho, she had told me about the relaxing energy you share. Seems like she used it to her advantage."

Ori gives a short chuckle. "She likes to sleep a lot. As a little dark owl, she deserves all the peace she can get." Ori said, before returning to the important subjects. "Kii, I am thankful for you taking care of her. But I am uncomfortable with leaving her here."

"I understand. But it is necessary for her. She has great potential in dominating the shadows to her will. My lord has proposed to help her develop this nature. By doing so, she will be able to fly for long periods without any artificial methods."

"But… I would have assistance in fixing this issue with this feather." Ori shows Kuro's feather, a tiny portion of a once-great mother. Kii was in awe seeing the pristine plumage, its dark indigo color striking to the eyes. "It might have fallen from her, but this time we would make it safe to not happen again."

"There are many good-hearted people in the glades, but we can't do it." Kii insists Ori keep the feather. "Our existence must be kept secret, young one. For our own safety. And other, our owls are but a memory and I beg you to keep this memory preserved. Carry this feather for Kuro. Hold it tight and never let go."

Ori wanted not to discuss it, but something told him that Kii was not being sketchy. This feather was precious, a companion that helped him in many moments, and maybe… he considered holding on to it a little longer before passing it to Ku.

"I will trust you. I... will allow her to be trained under Howl's guidance."

"We thank you for this. As does Ku. While you help the locals and Niwen, Ku will remain safe here. You are free to visit us at any moment."

Ori had to go back, but without Ku, he had certain hesitation to leave his greatest goal under the care of strangers. If what they said was true, and the Glades isn't safe for her, then… perhaps Ori should confirm things before taking her there. He had a filled mind and probably there was so much more he should hear and learn about Niwen, but it was a start. Ori carefully laid Ku down so he could stand back up. The young spirit breathed deeply trying to remain calm.

"Kii, I am not a great fighter, but I am willing to do something for this forest. Just that, I don't know what to do. The glades aren't safe, right? Our surroundings aren't safe. There is no Decay that is repelled without Light."

"Yes. We have fundamentally two major problems, young one. Decay creeps around us, corruption is at our very doors. And Seir, although weakened, is at the glades floating above Kwolok along with many soldiers. You might already have met the Hui tribe, along with Her Grace herself."

"What?" Ori got a quick flashback of when he bumped into a sphere of golden light above Kwolok. "No way, I bumped into her. But she said nothing."

"Don't be shocked, she won't do anything to you. She is constantly resting, isn't she? That is why she didn't react. Remember that Seir does not mind beings of light such as you. She loathes us of the shadows for unknown reasons."

Ori understands, but she isn't shattered anymore? Was that common knowledge already? He had to ask. "She isn't shattered?"

"She isn't. The moki of the past made good use of their resourceful nature and brought back the missing pieces before Decay became this aggravating. Kwolok restored her but he alone is not able to energize her or carry her around. We speak of an almighty wisp after all. She feeds on the light energy of spirits, such as you."

"And you said she has soldiers? There are more living spirits?"

"The soldiers… no, they are not spirits…" Kii said sadly as he knew well what happened to the spirits of Niwen. "Perhaps you might have heard about the tribes Hui and Noy? Tribes of monkeys that had very distinct goals. And this is an interesting point to tell."

"I remember these names. Mokk had said the Noy were hunted down. Because… they turned to shadows."

"The Noy tribe always preferred gloom instead of brightness. The problem was that the Hui worshipers of the light. Not long after that, they won Seir's favor in conquering their foes. When the war began, our kind was naturally labeled as vile unless we were converted. The Hui were physically stronger than us and our numbers dwindled. They are loyal to Seir till this day."

It was one thing after the other. Howl must have gone through the same thing. How many races suffered? Ori felt a tinge of rage stir him. "The Hui live in the glades too?"

"They do. In a secluded section, but they do. They are fighters, so do be cautious."

Opher was a fighter, but far from a masterful level. If more exist, then they should be a force to be recognized. Ori had so many questions, so much more was to be absorbed but it just grows exponentially every time. Kii gave the sign that it was alright, no need to rush.

"This may be important to say… I understand that neither of you deserves any of what you're living right now. This is not your fight. This isn't your home." Kii takes a moment. "But we thank you for your help. Take things slowly, don't take more than you can handle, if anything I am willing to help you with any information you may need."

"Alright. I will investigate what you said to me. Is there anything else I should know?" Ori asked Kii with a pinch of nervousness. He didn't know how to begin seeking the information he wanted. But the glades would be a place to start.

"Seek Kwolok. He is a good soul that will prove our points," Kii replied, giving a certain respite for Ori. That should be easy. "However, beware of those who are close to him, the Hui and Seir herself are to be avoided. Remember, you're not seeking fights with anyone, but if the worst happens, prepare yourself, good spirit."

Again, the anxiety of getting involved in problems Ori could not even fathom crept back to his mind. Never would he have imagined that any of this would be happening in his life on such a scale. Ori had to now seek further into this chaos, and as long as he knew that Ku could be comfortable and safe, that guaranteed enough for him to push forward. Ori then left into the unending night of the Silent Woods.

…