0001 Returning Home

A shadowy figure stood at the edge of a crumbling precipice, the wind howling with an intensity that seemed to tear reality apart. The air crackled, as though the very fabric of existence was unraveling. The figure's features were obscured, yet Frost could feel their piercing gaze fixed on him, heavy with both sorrow and unyielding determination.

The wind whipped around him, swirling into a tempest of whispers and shouts that echoed through his mind. Yet, despite the overwhelming noise, there was one voice that rang out clearly—a deep, resonant tone, impossibly distant, but unyielding in its command.

"You must guide him," the voice intoned, vibrating the very air around Frost. "He carries the weight of humanity's hope, but the path is fraught with peril. Fail, and all will return to darkness."

Frost, familiar with the voice and the words, stood frozen in place. He had heard this prophecy before, countless times in his mind, but hearing it again in such vivid detail made his heart race. He knew this path would not be easy. Nile's destiny was already set, and Frost was bound to guide him, no matter how treacherous the road.

His body felt heavy, as though it was sinking into the earth beneath him. Chains—unseen but ever-present—kept him bound, preventing him from moving forward. The ground cracked and crumbled around him, and the world became a swirling blur of chaotic visions. He saw Reema, her form distant and almost unreachable, as well as Shakti, standing defiantly against an invisible threat.

The voice of the figure continued, its tone growing fainter yet still resonating within Frost's mind, full of sorrow and resolve.

"Remember the promise, Frost. Protect the light within the darkness."

The thunderous crash that followed shattered the dreamscape like glass, sending Frost reeling back to consciousness with a start.

With a gasp, Frost blinked his eyes open, sunlight filtering through the canopy above, casting gentle patterns across the ground. He was lying beneath the familiar shade of the tree near the pond, the dream fading as the real world returned to focus.

Frost glanced to his side and saw Nile, sitting quietly, holding a small gift box with an expression of curiosity. It was as if the boy could sense that something was amiss, though Frost knew Nile could never fully grasp the weight of the prophecy on his shoulders—not yet, anyway.

The pieces of the dream came together in Frost's mind, their significance more pressing than ever. He knew the path ahead was fraught with peril, but he had also seen the light, the promise that lay within the darkness. He was bound to guide Nile, protect him, and see his destiny fulfilled—even if it meant facing unimaginable challenges.

Shaking his head to clear the lingering unease, Frost woke up slowly. The vision had been a reminder, a reawakening of his purpose.

"What's the matter?" Frost asked, looking at Nile. "Still haven't opened it?"

Nile looked up at him with a mischievous grin, as if the momentary seriousness had passed. "Not until you open yours first," he said with a playful glint in his eyes.

Frost chuckled, though the weight of his thoughts remained. There was much to do, and time was growing short. The future was uncertain, but for now, the present demanded his attention.

The gentle rustling of leaves and the soft babble of the pond greeted him, bringing a sense of calm that sharply contrasted with the chaos he had just envisioned. Blinking against the sunlight streaming through the canopy, he pushed himself upright, glancing at Nile, who sat nearby with a small gift box in hand. The boy's curious gaze flicked toward Frost.

Before Frost could speak, the distant sound of footsteps drew his attention. Reema and Shakti emerged from the shaded path, their forms framed by the dappling sunlight filtering through the trees.

Reema's expression was uncharacteristically tense, her usual air of confidence replaced by a quiet unease. Shakti trailed slightly behind her, his face marked with a mix of amusement and uncertainty.

"Look at you two, lazing around while we're over here waiting," Reema teased, though her voice lacked its usual bite. She crossed her arms, her eyes lingering on Nile for a moment longer than necessary.

Shakti glanced at her and then at Frost, scratching the back of his head nervously. "Reema insisted we come to fetch you. She's acting like Nile's never coming back."

Nile's face lit up with a grin, but Frost, catching the subtle quiver in Reema's tone, knew better. Her anxiety wasn't just about Nile leaving—it was about what lay ahead.

Frost stood, brushing off his clothes. "Now, now, Reema. You make it sound like we're abandoning you for good." He offered a lopsided smile, the glint in his eyes betraying his intent to lighten her mood. "Besides, we'll be back before you know it. Someone has to keep you on your toes."

Reema shot him a half-hearted glare, her lips twitching as though she wanted to smile but couldn't quite manage it.

Shakti, oblivious to the undercurrent of emotions, leaned closer to Nile and whispered loudly enough for everyone to hear, "I think she's just upset you're not going to be around to spoil her."

Frost seized the opportunity, his smile widening. "Speaking of spoiling, Shakti, don't you think it's about time you stopped holding back and told her how you feel?"

Shakti froze, his face turning a deep shade of red. "W-what are you talking about?" he stammered, flailing his arms. "I—I don't—"

Reema arched an eyebrow, but this time her expression softened into one of amused longing. Her eyes lingered on Shakti, memories of their shared past flooding her mind. Despite his lost memories, the gestures and mannerisms she had grown to love over the years were still there, hidden beneath his awkward demeanor.

"Oh, nothing important," Frost interjected with a playful shrug, enjoying Shakti's discomfort. "Just that he thinks you're—"

"Enough!" Shakti cut him off, his voice rising an octave. He turned to Reema with an awkward laugh, clearly flustered.

Reema chuckled softly, her laughter carrying a bittersweet undertone. She glanced away, unwilling to let the emotions rise to the surface, though her amusement lingered in her smile.

Nile and Frost exchanged a glance, their shared amusement evident. Frost, satisfied with having deflected some of the tension, turned back to Reema. "Don't worry," he said softly, his tone more serious now. "We'll make sure he's ready for what's ahead."

Reema's gaze softened, though the shadow of her unease lingered. "You'd better," she murmured, more to herself than anyone else.

The moment passed, and Reema straightened, her usual composure slipping back into place. "Well, let's get going, then. The village isn't going to wait forever."

As they walked back together, Frost fell into step beside Reema, his presence a quiet reassurance. Despite the lighthearted exchanges, the weight of his dream—and the responsibility it carried—remained heavy in his chest.