Iris Storm always wanted to do something for the village that took her in when she unknowingly lost something important. When the village is in danger, she jumps at the chance to prove her worth; however, at the same time, she realizes her own weakness as well as the realities of this world. The people that Iris meets along the way will shape her own convictions and the bonds she already had will strengthen. This journey is the beginning to an even longer one.

Winds of New Beginnings

An uncomfortable silence fills the household. After the fight with Bruce, Iris, Zorro, and Elder headed straight towards Elder’s house the moment the barrier was lifted. Now, Iris sits at one side of the round table while Zorro sits on the other side with Elder between them looking impassively at them. 


Iris recognizes the familiarity of this situation. She miscounts how many she stuck into the woods which always end with Zorro scolding her. The village is well aware of their relationship which is probably why he usually waits to have this talk at Elder’s house. 


Iris fidgets and decides to lighten the mood, “So, how was the job? Must have been easy since you came with barely a- “ 


“Iris.” The plan fails. “I’m not angry.” 


Iris blinks, genuinely surprised by the statement. 


Zorro continues strangely calm, “No. However, I just want you to answer one question and answer honestly.” 


Iris sighs relieved for the easy question. “I want to protect the village.” 


“What other reason is there?” She questions innocently. 


“Iris”, Zorro raises his voice, “I need you to think carefully-” 


“Ok,” Iris answers quickly but irritably, “...can I go now?” 


Zorro slams his fists in the table. “Iris, do you even understand what you are doing? Do you even know the risks you are taking?!” 


“I do understand! I understand there are people out there fighting, and I’m sitting getting lectured for doing the same thing. What I don’t get is why I’m the only one you have the problem with?!” 


“You’re only fourteen years old! There are other ways of fighting. Why can’t you just learn healing magic?” 


“Healing wounds only brings a brief moment of respite. I’m not saying healing is unimportant, but I want to be one who protects!” 


“You don’t even know how to fight.” Zorro argues calmly. 


“Um…” Elder raises her hand in an attempt to talk. 


““Stay out of this!”” They both yell, and Elder slowly puts her hand down. 


Zorro sighs and turns running a hand through his black locks, “Forget it. Will talk more once your mind is calm enough to-“ 


“It’s about my mother isn’t it?” Iris asks quietly. 


Zorro looks back with an unreadable expression. He looks at Elder, but Elder puts her hands in front as a sign saying “I never told her anything.” 


“How long did you think I was blind? Yes, I may still be a child, but I’m a teenager without any knowledge of parents. I see those desperate looks on the villagers of their urge to tell me something. And, I know YOU are the one who told the villagers not tell me anything about my parents. So, now I ask, What happened to my mother?!” 


Zorro opens his mouth tempted, but closes instantly. “No, I can’t tell you. If you don’t know the consequences of your actions, you’re not ready to hear this.” 


“I see. Then I guess we’re done here,” Iris says anger and sadness evident in her voice. 


Iris stands up and walks out the room but stops to turn her green eyes sparkling with emotion, “You know how you say I need to act more mature. Perhaps, you should listen to your own advice too.” 


She slams the door shut. Zorro sits back down with hands over his face. 


Elder breaks the silence, “...Zorro, you-.” 


Chapter 2 Part 1