Oano River attack

Spring had arrived with the warmth of life and glee of the green earth that smiled, marking the hope of a new beginning. The honey-sweet fragrance of blooming blossoms had filled the hearts of every being. The birds soared into the sky with great pride to welcome the season of delight. In the garden, Truce was relishing this lively scene brought by life.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" said a voice from behind.

He turned back his head and saw Céleste standing in daylight. The warm spring breeze ruffled her hair as she approached him. She greeted him with 'Good morning' then gently smiled. His heart skipped a beat noticing her irresistible beauty.

"I've never seen you smile before."

"Yeah. That's just not my thing. But the smell of spring reminds me of my parents. They were the only part of me that was, you know, happy."

"You must love them very much."

She gave a sad smirk and said, "Was that why they abandoned me?"

"No parent would abandon their child. You were the reason they smiled, Céleste."

She didn't say anything because she didn't have to. They both sat there awhile, enjoying the blissful sight in the comfort of silence. Soon it was broken when she, out of the blue, said, "Let's go to the town for grocery shopping. There's no food at home. Besides, the cherry trees must be in full blossom. We can sightsee after we're done."

"I don't think it's a good idea for me to be seen in town."

"Why? Don't tell me you are a criminal? You know you're quite suspicious, right?" said she sarcastically, "So what crime have you committed, mystery boy?"

"It..it's nothing like that. I am new here and I don't want to draw any attention."

"Then why are you stammering. Also, you look so nervous," she continued to tease him, "Don't worry no one's gonna give you any attention when I'm with you. Let's go."

He could not refuse anymore and followed her to the town. They bought some groceries then went to see the cherry blossoms along the Oano River. There was a footbridge over that river. Strolling down it, they leaned on the railing. Petals of the blossoms were gradually turning it from colorless to pink. It was a sight so beautiful that indeed seemed like a dream.

"There he is." shouted a male voice. They turned back to see what was happening. The man was pointing at Truce and they both knew that the fairytale-like scenario had come to an end. Suddenly, a big light flashed. Truce pulled Céleste's hand and crossed over to the other side just in time before the bridge was crushed by that lightning strike. They both were terrified and nervous.

"I think we need to run."

"Yeah. You're right."

They both dashed towards the forest as fast as they could but the person chasing them was getting closer and closer. He shot a strike their way. They both flipped and fell on the ground. Before they could even get up, there was this tall man in front of them.

"You've run enough. Now I shall end you."

He was about to shoot one last shot and kill them both. Just then the black pearl stone from her locket rose in the sky. Swirling, the clouds turned black as if it was consuming light. The stone glowed in anger and the stygian sky, abruptly, unleashed a thunderbolt on him. It didn't kill him. However, the broken bones and fourth-degree burns on his body brought him fathomless pain which was worse than death. He lost consciousness, for he couldn't handle his pain.

The stone came back to Céleste then they hurried home. They both were anxious after having this near-death experience but Truce, he was feeling more than anxiety. He felt guilty.

"I'm leaving. This place isn't safe with me here. It was my fault what happened today. So many people could've got hurt. You could've got hurt. It's all my fault. I shouldn't have come here."

"Don't blame yourself. What happened today was not your fault."

"No, it all happened because of me. He was after me. I am leaving this place right now."

"Since you've made up your mind, I can't stop you. But I am coming with you."

"No. I can't put you in danger again. You've already gone through so much because of me."

"That wasn't a request. Do you think they will leave me alone after seeing us together? I guess it was pretty much decided the day I brought you home. I am coming with you."

"Fine. Pack what you need. We leave right now."

"Where are we headed?"

"To the Rainbow Valley."

"Rainbow Valley? Where is that place? I've never heard of it."

He looked at her and said, "No one has."

"Let me bring my car then. That place must be far away."

"No, we can't take your car. It's too noticeable. They will find us in no time. We have to move in secrecy. Let's go straight to the bus station."

"What if we get caught there?"

"The assassin is severely wounded. So, it will take him some time to follow us again or to even call for aides. Right now is the best time for us to escape. Let's go."

They both went to the bus stop.

"I don't see any bus which is headed to the Rainbow Valley. What do we do now?"

"We're taking the bus heading to Orist Town."

They bought two tickets to Orist Town. The bus left at 7 p.m. Céleste sat at the window seat. She stared at the bright city lights as the bus was leaving her town.

"Are you okay?" asked Truce in a concerning voice.

"Don't worry about me. I am fine. What about you? You seemed pretty messed up back there."

"I am fine now. Thanks. We will reach the town in the morning. You should take a nap."

"Yeah. I am pretty tired," said she with a weary yawn and in a minute she fell asleep.

'She must be very exhausted. She is sleeping like a baby.' he thought while caressing her hair subconsciously and pushing it off her forehead. Watching her sleep, he felt somewhat relieved. He sensed a new emotion which he had never known before. And in the still of that night, he was asleep too.