why is he a fortune singing giant?

From my perch in the dark, twisted branches of a willow tree, I watched the flickering torches illuminate the somber path ahead. The air in the forest felt heavy, saturated with an unnatural chill and sorrow—a perfect setting for what had just transpired. Dehya, her vibrant purple eyes a stark contrast to the shadows around us, knelt by the lifeless form of Ben's wife. I could only see fragments of the girl's delicate face beneath the crude covering; the way it shone under the weak light almost felt ethereal.

My heart ached for Ben, his face a mask of fury and despair. The towering figure of Viscoff stood nearby, his Viking armor glinting faintly but failing to reflect the grim reality that surrounded us. This forest, with its whispering winds and mournful ambience, had boxed us in like prey waiting for the next predator to strike. I sneaked a glance at Orion, who perched atop my shoulder, his constellation-like eyes scanning the scene with an unusual mix of concern and nostalgia.

"Shouldn't we... do something?" I murmured, breaking the tense silence hanging between us.

Orion shifted slightly, his golden fur shimmering like a fallen star in the murkiness. "Ben needs to grieve. We all do. But vengeance hasn't seen the last of us either."

I mulled it over—it seemed I was always stuck dancing between the realms of my past and this present life that felt as foreign as the world I hailed from. Faking my amnesia from another realm meant that the shadows of my past were always just beyond my reach, lurking like denizens in the dark.

Just then, Dehya finished her prayer, her voice a melody that floated through the hollow air. "Rest in peace, sister. May you find solace in the embrace of the stars."

Ben, resting against the nearby wall, looked up with eyes brimming with tears that threatened to spill over. "I swear," he began, "I will find the one responsible for this. I promise I will kill you." His words hung heavily, a chilling promise carried by the echoing wind.

Viscoff grunted, a rumble of approval more than a response, though I could sense the weight of his own unshed rage. My thoughts darted to the purple orb that had obliterated the last of the satyrs, their forms collapsing as if struck by an unseen force.

"We have no time to waste," I said, steeling my resolve, stealing shards of courage from the anger radiating off Ben. "If this orb is as powerful as it seems, we need to track it down before it claims more lives."

Dehya nodded, looking between us. "What you say is true. But first, we must ensure Ben is ready. His heart is heavy, and vengeance needs clarity to be served."

With weary determination, Ben pushed off from the wall and steeled his body, the aggression radiating from him as palpable as the dread surrounding us. "I can handle it," he grunted, dust rising beneath his feet with his defiant stance.

As our small group shifted, ready to depart the haunted willow sanctuary, something shifted within me — a flicker of confidence building beneath the layers of confusion I'd spun around myself.

"Then let's move forward," I declared, unwilling to allow my past or Ben's pain to chain us once more. "To Teyonora."

Orion leapt from my shoulder, swirling into a form of light that went into my golden earring, gleaming like a sunbeam in this shrouded world. As we moved, I could almost feel the cursed energy of the orb reverberating off the trees that loomed like watchers in the dark, ready to greet us with either salvation or doom. This journey was one of discovery for all of us—a quest shaped by loss, vengeance, and perhaps even redemption.

——

I traced a finger over the wooden grain of Ben's dining table, feeling the knots and grooves beneath my touch. This table had seen many meals, many gatherings, but none like the one we'd just walked into. Orion, my faithful spirit cat, nestled in my lap, seeming to sense the heaviness in the air. He was more than just a companion; he had once been a sword god candidate, and now, he was my connection to another world.

Ben, rage still simmering beneath the surface, was the first to break the silence. He stood resolute, a figure hardened by grief, the body of his slain wife stark in contrast to the warmth that once filled his home. "What's the plan from here on forward?" His voice cut through the stillness like a blade.

Viscoff, the towering man clad in Viking armor, shifted in his seat. The metal of his large axe gleamed menacingly in the low light as he nodded. "We still need to find another mage and an assassin type fighter. We can't delay any longer."

Dehya sat beside me, her vibrant purple eyes shimmering with compassion. Unlike the rest of us, she seemed calm, a steady presence in our whirlwind of emotions. I was amazed by her composure, especially given the incredulous weight of her story — a story that echoed in so many hearts here.

She began to speak, her voice a tranquil stream through our turbulent waters. "I agree we need to move fast, but we mustn't lose ourselves in anger." I couldn't help but admire her, an ageless soul in a youthful body, still so connected to her own past.

Dehya recounted her memories, each word a brushstroke painting a tumultuous picture. "When I was only ten, dark elves infiltrated my village disguised as ordinary elves." She paused, seeming to sift through the pain. "The hidden village of the elves, with its constantly shifting entrance, was meant to protect us, to shield us from the others who had let us down."

I exchanged glances with Orion, who stretched on my lap, silently acknowledging that history often rippled outward, its consequences drawing all of us into a darkened fate. Dehya's father had saved her life, yet at what cost?

In her tale, I saw parallels of my own experiences, albeit masked in the guise of amnesia at the moment. I was lost in another world, pretending to have fallen into this one, hoping that in their company, I would find my purpose. Yet here was an inspiring figure, dedicated to protecting the realm. Suddenly, my façade felt both flimsy and unnecessary.

"The dwarves," Dehya continued hesitantly, "they were under the influence of the demon king, much like the dark elves who betrayed us." Her voice thickened with emotion. "I was sent away by my father right before he was killed. He trusted a human woman with my life, and she took me in as her own." Her gaze wandered as if she had just seen her past flash before her eyes.

"Life was lonely afterward. An orphan, I yearned to defend those who had lost their families and homes." She turned to us, the fire kindling within her. "I swore to protect this world from the demon king and provide peace to the world."

In that moment, I felt as if the walls of my own isolation crumbled. I stood, assembled myself in front of Dehya, and wrapped her in my arms, a mix of comfort and solidarity washing over me. "It must have been hard watching your parents die," I murmured, "an orphan grown from such terrible loss. You've shown resilience where others would falter."

Her warmth seeped into me, lifting a weight I hadn't realized I was carrying. Together, we shared a moment of solidarity, staring down the specter of grief that had begun to define our lives.

Ben broke our silent exchange, his voice tinged with determination. "We need to channel our losses into action. We'll find the assassin and the mage. We will liberate The world from the demon king's shadow."

Viscoff's axe clattered as he rose to his feet, his imposing stature a rallying cry. "And we will fight for what's right. Together."

Orion flicked his tail, a spark of mischief in his vibrant golden fur. "This will be fun!"

Dehya smiled softly, her gaze sweeping over us. The crackling energy in the room felt electric, each of us connected by loss yet propelled forward by hope. We were more than just a collection of grief-stricken souls; we were a team prepared to fight for a better world, our pasts forging us into weapons against the encroaching darkness.

As we gathered around the table, a makeshift family bound by scars and stories, I felt a part of me awaken. My origins might forever be shrouded in mystery, but here, in Teyonora, I had a purpose—however fleeting or steadfast it may be. The demon king and his legions wouldn't stand a chance against us. We would reclaim our world, arm in arm, stifling the echoes of our past with the vibrancy of our shared future.

——

As morning light crept over the horizon, I stood with my companions at the edge of the town of Tayonora, surrounded by the remnants of grief and camaraderie. The air smelled of damp earth and the briny tang of the nearby sea. Yesterday seemed like a lifetime ago, yet here I was, caught in the tug-of-war between my fabricated past and the haunting memories of another life.

At Ben's house the night before, beneath the weight of shared burdens, we had formed a bond that felt almost unreal. Now, my teal hair whipped gently in the wind as I glanced at Dehya. Her vibrant purple eyes shimmered with unshed tears, framed by her flowing montane hair that danced like mist. Next to her, Viscoff towered, his Viking armor clinking softly with each movement. He had the look of a warrior in mourning, and the axe slung across his back—a weapon he'd wielded against foes—suddenly seemed more like a relic of a past he couldn't escape.

Orion, my black and gold spirit cat, perched atop my head, his presence both comforting and a little absurd. He whispered secrets of his past life as a sword god candidate, but this moment was about Ben. Ben needed us now.

The funeral was simple, but it bore the weight of a thousand emotions. With our help, Ben had crafted a makeshift raft from wooden planks, adorned with dried flowers, vibrant and wilting alike. It was a poetic gesture. "She always loved the blossoms," he had said when he painted the raft with her favorites, clenching his jaw against the tide of grief that threatened to drown him.

"Come on, Viscoff," I joked lightly as we all gathered to lift the raft. "I reckon you could've tossed this into the water by yourself with that strength of yours."

Viscoff smirked, his eyes glinting with a hint of mischief, although the sadness lingered like a shadow behind them. "No need to show off today, Zain. This isn't about me."

No, it wasn't. As Ben kissed the forehead of his deceased wife before igniting the dried brush with trembling hands, the atmosphere shifted. The flames flickered to life, consuming the carefully arranged flowers, dancing with their ethereal beauty. I felt the heat brush against my face, and the wavering image drew tears from the depths of my memory.

Dehya began to speak, her voice a song almost unearthly as she offered a prayer to the spirits of the water, her words floating like petals upon the breeze. I stood silent, watching as Ben pushed the raft out into the water, the flames casting a fiery glow on the surface. It was a luminous farewell for a woman he loved—and a child who would never know the world.

Orion rubbed against my leg, his purring a small, comforting reminder that I wasn't as lost as I sometimes felt. "Remember," he whispered softly, melding back into my ear. "All lives are stories. Yours is merely at a different chapter."

I remembered my past life, the day of my father's funeral when I was barely eight, lost in a world that had stolen him from me. Those reflections melded with Ben's tragedy, and for a moment, I felt the weight of grief lapping at my feet like the gentle waves kissing the shore.

As the flames faded and the raft drifted afar, comfort and sorrow danced in a delicate balance. We gathered together, our hearts intertwined in shared loss and hopes for the future. That night, we lit candles for Ben's wife—longing, laughter, and a feast to remember her spirit.

——

This morning, I woke up with a painful throb in my head that pulsed in rhythm with my heartbeat. I had indulged a bit too much the previous night while toasting the fleeting memories of Ben's wife after her funeral. I've never quite fathomed why people enjoyed beer if it meant waking up—like I was now—with a splitting headache and vague regrets muffled in the corners of my mind.

Stumbling into the kitchen of Ben's home, the aroma of food pulled at my senses, drawing me away from the fog. Dehya stood there, she hummed a tune that all could hear. Her vibrant purple eyes flicked up to meet mine, sparkling with something warm.

"Good morning, Zain," she chirped, flipping a piece of sizzling something in the pan. "You look dreadful. Did the beer win this round?"

I smirked, slipping into the chair at the wooden table. "You could say that again. I swear I might still have some in my system."

Dehya chuckled, a evil smirk spread across her face while serving me a plate filled with an assortment of breakfast items. "Eat up; it'll do you good. You know, the last thing We all need is for you to vomit everywhere again."

*Did I show myself as a light weight lastnight?!*

Ben barged in, his tall frame filling the doorway. "I might as well die today if all I can look forward to is your maid breakfast with a side of vomit, Dehya," he teased, giving me a hearty pat on the shoulder.

Over breakfast, Ben recounted a visit he'd received late the night before. His friend—a rugged man we had paid to locate him—had mentioned twins willing to join our group for a significant quest. "It seems the royal knights have stumbled into an area steeped in dark energy. They reported sighting a blue-bladed katana embedded in a rock at the center. They feel it is Of importance due to the dark beasts protecting it."

Dehya shifted in her seat, a flicker of interest sparking in her gaze. I felt Orion shift on my head. My black and gold spirit cat was a constant companion, quiet as a shadow but with a wisdom that belied his feline form. He lazily flicked his tail, listening intently, as though he were weighing the truth of Ben's words.

"And where do we fit into all this?" I asked, fishing for more details while trying to focus against the dull ache in my skull.

Ben leaned forward, the excitement in his voice building. "They require more manpower to fend off whatever dark forces are at play."

"That sword sounds familiar," Orion finally spoke, and we all turned to the cat perched on my head. The room fell silent, several eyebrows raised in surprise. Had my cat just spoken? The other had no clue that Orion can talk.

*I wonder what warrants him exposing that he can talk*

"The blue katana—that is my sword." His tone was serious, grave. "I was once a sword god candidate, bound to two swords bestowed upon me by ancient spirits. The katana you speak of, Zain, is likely one of them." He glanced at me, "I have a feeling that only you will be able to pull it from its resting place."

The table was dumbstruck. Even Dehya's sharp intellect seemed stunned into silence. I felt the weight of their gazes, half wondering whether I should laugh or grasp the gravity of Orion's claim.

"Are you saying you think I can pull that sword from the rock?" I asked, suddenly feeling each sense sharpen—the ache in my head fading as questions began swirling. What if there truly was something unique about me?

"That is precisely what I believe," Orion said, his voice low, as if fearing it would summon additional questions.

As breakfast concluded. Viscoff, the older warrior with the imposing stature, broke the silence gently, "I say we accept this quest. Dark beasts, swords, and battle—it's what the world demands of us."

"Then it's settled." Dehya stood, determination lighting her eyes. "If Zain can wield the sword, we must be prepared to support him in obtaining it."

Outside, daylight streamed through the windows, wrapping us in golden warmth—the spark of a new journey igniting within my chest along with uncertainty.

Could I—Zain, an outsider from another world—really pull the sword from the rock?

As we gathered our belongings for the quest ahead, Orion remained perched on my head, his warmth a constant reminder of trusting what was to come.

With a determined breath, I stepped into the daylight.

*why do I have to be the one to get the sword? Isn't there someone better suited for it? I have a bad feeling about this, is it too late for me to turn and run away*

Orion sitting on my head, pressed the tips of his sharp claws into my skull.

*Dang, okay okay. I won't do that. Wait how did you hear what I said?* Zain still slightly oblivious to the fact that Orion heard every thought.

"Oh man, can you hear my thoughts? Please tell me you didn't listen to what I was thinking while drunk."

"Yep."

——

As we walked through the vibrant streets of Tayonora, the medieval architecture towering around us was a constant reminder of my unfamiliarity—an alien in a beautiful world.

Orion perched on my head, shifting his weight as a wave of uneasy energy washed over me. He sensed I was preparing to unleash another round. "So you weren't going to let me know that you could read all of my thoughts?" I taunted telepathically.

"Not helping, you know," he shot back, trying to suppress his irritation. Just then, I caught a glimpse of Dehya beside me. The thought of revealing my hidden truths to her and tk Viscoff—whose Viking armor clinked ominously as he walked—made my stomach twist. They were good companions.

Orion, growing tired of my protest, decided to clarify. "You need to focus, Zain. Think about the link and then Shut off the link if you want some peace, but remember: in battle, it's essential. I can react based on your subconscious thoughts."

The grand stone edifice loomed before us, its weathered walls adorned with colorful tapestries that fluttered in the breeze. "This is the place the twins live," Ben said, his voice steady yet filled with anticipation. "Let's go meet our new companions." I admired his trust in us, after just a few days of knowing us, especially given that we had pulled him from the jaws of death and granted his wife a proper farewell.

As we made our way to the entrance, Orion, my black-and-gold spirit cat, leaped from my shoulder and transformed into my golden earring. A soft tingle shivered across my skin as I felt him nestle into place.

Dehya walked beside me, Her eyes sparkled with intrigue as she glanced at me. "Do you think they will actually join us?"

Deep down, I questioned it myself."I hope so, if this sword is of importance like Orion says it is, then we have to get it."

With a firm resolve, I stepped forward and pushed the ornate door open. Inside, the rich scent of herbs and spices wafted through the air, mingling with the sounds of laughter and magic crackling around us. As we ventured into the heart of this new world, I could feel the anticipation thrumming in my veins.

——

The sound of the heavy knock echoed in the stone corridor of the apartment building, and I couldn't help but smirk. Ben was bustling with energy, a curious mix of excitement and nervousness. My golden earring glinting in the dim light.

The door swung open with a creak, revealing two stout figures whose stocky frames filled the entrance. They were dwarfs, no taller than four feet, and their eyes sparkled with mischief. The female dwarf, with tightly braided hair reminiscent of mountains capped with snow, spoke first. "May we help you?"

Ben cleared his throat, his voice a pitch higher than usual. "I'm here because my friend told me about some skilled siblings looking for a party to join for the joint quest."

The male dwarf, his beard cascading down his front like a waterfall of dark fire, narrowed his eyes. "Why should we join your party? We have plenty of offers."

The dwarfs' pride was as thick as the iron they worked with. Before Ben could stammer out a response, Orion decided to take matters into his own paws—literally. With a slight shimmer, he transformed from the earring into his cat form, leaping gracefully down to my shoulder.

As a cat, he might seem adorable—and he enjoyed being perched atop my head—but there was power in his words that could not be ignored. "Since you two have a warding rune on your door against evil spirits," he said, his voice laced with a charm that felt tangible, "you can tell that I'm a pure spirit. It's also important to know that your rune can do a few other tricks, one ensures spirits cannot lie."

The two dwarfs exchanged glances, their brows lifted slightly in intrigue. I continued, feeling the warmth of magic radiate from his feline form. "Moreover, I will tell you the next part—this boy," he gestured with my paw toward me, "is the only human on this planet who can pull the blue-bladed katana out of the stone during the quest."

The siblings fell silent. I could see the wheels of their minds turning. The implication of destiny rested heavy in the air like a brewing storm.

Finally, the female dwarf spoke up, her voice a melodic contrast to her robust form. "The names Gimola," she said, her eyes alight with newfound excitement.

"And my name is Gimli," the brother chimed in, a grin spreading across his rugged face.

In unison, as if they were joined at the hip, they said, "Thank you for letting us join your group."

Orion leaped back onto my head, a satisfied feeling of accomplishment.

With Gimola and Gimli now part of our team, our small party grew. Now able to take on quests. Tayonora stood vibrant around us, the fairytale spires of its castles glistening under the sun, magic swirling in the air like a lingering melody. I couldn't shake the gnawing feeling that battles lay ahead, but for now, we were united in purpose.

—-

We were walking out of the main gate of Tayonora, the sun casting its warm light over the colorful architecture of the town. I stood in the middle of our odd little group, feeling slightly out of place but also oddly at home. my heart raced with the promise of adventure.

To my right, Dehya cradled Orion in her arms. His sleek black and gold fur gleamed in the sunlight as she scratched behind his ears, a smile playing on her lips. "You're such a spoiled cat," I teased, casting a sideways glance at her. Orion purred in response, his golden eyes sparkling with mischief. "What can I say?" he chimed in, his voice deep and rumbling. "Being pampered is what I do best."

To my left, Ben walked with a steel resolve, his expression a mask of focus. Revenge was driving him, the memory of his wife fueling his every step. I could feel the weight of his grief and anger roll off him in waves, and I admired his tenacity. "We'll make them pay," he muttered, not looking at me but at some distant, unseen enemy.

Behind me, I could hear Gimola and Gimli bustling about, their small curved blades gleaming in the morning light as they meticulously cleaned them. "Just imagine, brother," Gimola said, her white braids bobbing as she moved. "If we fall in battle, we can all feast in Valhalla!"

Gimli chuckled, his long beard swaying merrily. "Aye! And I'll make sure we drink enough mead to fill a thousand barrels!"

At the rear, Viscoff sang a hymn as deep and booming as the battle drums of old. "Oh, mighty warriors, brave and true! Fearless hearts will see us through!" His voice rang out, dancing through the air filled with magic and the scent of adventure.

As we stepped into the wilderness beyond Tayonora, tension crackled in the air. I felt a thrill surge through me, a sense that the journey ahead would test our mettle, but together, we would find the strength to face whatever challenges awaited us—whether it be the roar of a dragon or the call of our own destinies.

The twins started to whistle along to Viscoffs Hymn.

Viscoff continues to sing.

"Oh, brave souls of dawn,

Fight on, Fight on,

All until the shadows are gone,

With magic so pure and hearts so bright,

Drive away this endless night.

Families bound by blood and might,

In this battle, they'll unite,

Their laughter echoes, their banter clear,

A bond that shadows will never sear."

*His song better not f**king become the future.*