iii - Bridges to the Future

Upon arrival at Dawncreak, X, Korin and the prisoners were surrounded by armed guards on horseback, their swords and bows drawn. The leader, wielding a plasma rifle likely taken from a bandit, stood at the forefront. Tensions rose as X instinctively reached for her sword.

Before X could make a move, one of the prisoners stepped forward. "Hold on!" he called out, his voice steady despite the situation. "These are the ones who rescued us."

The leader's gaze shifted from wary to relieved. He lowered his plasma rifle but remained watchful. "Very well. Follow us."

As they entered the village, X and Korin took in the impressive sight. Construction was underway to reinforce the 10 foot tall walls and repair the damaged gate. The village was larger and more sophisticated than they had anticipated.

X remarked, "This place has a lot of upgrades."

Korin nodded in agreement. "It's clear they're well-prepared."

A guard approached them, still carrying his weapon but with a more relaxed demeanor. "Thank you for bringing our people back. We've been working hard to improve our defenses."

X acknowledged the guard with a nod. "It's good to see such thorough preparations."

X and Korin followed the guards deeper into the village and were led into a room where the general and the village chief were deep in conversation. The guard stepped forward. "General, Chief, these are X and Korin. They've rescued our people from the bandits and claim to have killed the bandit chief."

The general's gaze sharpened. "Anything else?"

X spoke up, her voice steady. "The bandit chief revealed that Sancuster is arming them in exchange for captives. We need your help rescuing our people. Together, we can make sure nothing like this ever happens again."

The chief's expression darkened. "I'm grateful for what you've done, I truly am, but your ancestors were exiled. Understand that I can't just forget history."

X's frustration boiled over as she walked toward the chief. "You stubborn old man! You're turning us away after everything we've done for you!?"

Korin noticed the guards with their hands on their weapons, ready to retaliate, and stepped in, his tone firm. "Let's not push this. We should go."

Outside, X raised her voice so everyone around could hear. "That bastard! How could he be so ungrateful? We just saved his people!"

Korin laughed, trying to lighten the mood. "Thrydians get more stubborn with age. Old man Elvo was the same. I bet he died cursing the bandits as they stabbed him."

X's lips curled into a smile. "I never could get the old man to accept the firewood I brought him. He'd always say, 'Chopping firewood is for men; you belong in the kitchen. You'll never get a man if you get too muscular.'"

Korin chuckled. "Yeah, he had a real knack for those old-fashioned sayings."

Their laughter eased the tension as they prepared to return to their village, the frustration of the meeting momentarily forgotten.

X and Korin finished saying their goodbyes to the people they had rescued, exchanging waves and nods of reassurance. With everything packed, they made their way toward the village gate.

Just as they approached, the general stood waiting for them, his posture tense.

"X, Korin!" he called out, stepping forward.

X paused, turning to face him. "What is it?"

The general met their gaze. "The chief... he has a good heart, but the recent conflict with the bandits has hardened him. Made him cautious." His tone softened. "I agree with you. An alliance would make both our villages stronger."

X frowned. "Then why didn't you agree?"

The general sighed. "The distance between our villages is too vast. Maintaining a solid alliance would be difficult. But... if you brought your people to Dawncreak, I can guarantee they won't be turned away."

Korin raised an eyebrow. "You're asking us to move the whole village?"

The general nodded. "Yes. Bring your people here, and together we can build something stronger."

X glanced at Korin, who gave her a slight nod. Turning back to the general, she smirked. "We'll take you up on that. You'll see us again."

With that, X and Korin headed back to their village, their minds set on the plan ahead.

Shortly after their arrival, X and Korin sat across from the village elder, Gelvan VI, sipping tea in the dimly lit room. The weight of the conversation hung in the air as X finished recounting their journey to Dawncreak.

"They've proposed an alliance," X said, placing her cup down. "But on one condition—we return and reunite the village."

Gelvan's expression remained calm, though his eyes darkened slightly. He set his tea aside, the quiet stretching between them before he finally spoke.

"A long time ago, back when Gelvan II ruled Dawncreak, there was a succession dispute," he began, his voice low but steady. "When my ancestors lost, we were exiled to these mountains. Since then, we've been trying to reconcile. My grandmother was arranged to marry the next in line to rule, but she refused him. That rejection fueled even more anger." He paused, eyes flickering with a trace of old pain. "The only reason it didn't turn into full-blown war was because her brother, Gelvan IV, offered up his life as atonement."

X and Korin listened in silence, the pieces of the past clicking into place. The weight of the generations-long feud became clearer.

Korin spoke up, determination in his voice. "The Fourth's sacrifice won't be in vain. You can trust us to reunite Dawncreak."

X nodded in agreement. "If you speak to the people, they'll follow. This is the chance to end the exile."

Gelvan regarded them for a moment before nodding. "I'll make the announcement tonight."

That evening, the village was alive with music and laughter, the celebration already in full swing when Gelvan took center stage. He raised his cup, silencing the crowd with his commanding presence.

"To X and Korin," Gelvan said, his voice carrying over the noise. "For enacting vengeance."

The villagers cheered, lifting their drinks high. When the roar finally died down, Gelvan continued, his tone shifting to something more somber.

"There is more news," he said, his voice grave but hopeful. "Many of you know the history of why we live so far from Dawncreak, in these dangerous mountains. Our exile has lasted for generations, but through that exile, we have grown stronger. We have survived. We've learned from our losses."

The crowd stilled, hanging on his every word.

"But thanks to the efforts of X and Korin, we are exiles no more," Gelvan announced. "In two days' time, we return home to Dawncreak. Drink, celebrate—because soon, we will walk in the land of our ancestors once again."

For a moment, there was only silence. Then, slowly, disbelief gave way to cheers. The musicians struck up their instruments once more, and the village erupted into celebration. People danced, their faces glowing with excitement and the promise of a new beginning.

X and Korin stood at the edge of the crowd, watching as the villagers embraced the future with open arms.

As the villagers prepared for the move, saying goodbye to the homes they grew up in and to the few people who chose to remain behind, X and Vallei visited the crash site, where X bid a final farewell to the ship. She stood beside it, staring at the sky as Korin popped out from behind her.

"I can tell you miss home," he said.

She stayed silent, now looking ahead.

Korin continued, "I know you don't like to talk about where you came from, but knowing you, I'm sure you have a good reason."

X glanced back up at the sky, "It's the people I miss. My mother's still out there. I don't know if she's still alive, but I know she'd want me to live my life."

"You still have me," Korin said. "And Fixer, and Vallei. Whenever you need our help, we'll be there."

"I just have to be strong for her," X said quietly.

"Can you give me a moment?" X asked, her voice quivering.

Korin nodded. "Sure. I'll wait for you at the gate."

X stood there, staring at the sky as tears ran down her cheeks. She took a moment to compose herself, absorbing the significance of her farewell. After a deep breath, she wiped away her tears and turned to meet Korin at the gate. With F6R strapped to Vallei, they flew off to join the rest of the group.

The group opted for a safer, albeit longer, route on their journey. This gave X the opportunity to take in the planet's wondrous creatures and breathtaking landscapes.

Massive sea worms, capable of swallowing a dragon whole, slithered beneath the surface, while elephant-sized armadillos stood on their hind legs, using their long, forked tongues to pluck the freshest leaves from the treetops. Every sight was a new discovery. Even the metachromatic sloths, their fur shifting in color as they grazed among the trees, were just one of many unique species populating this strange, beautiful world.

Each step revealed more of Ethryda's hidden marvels, drawing X deeper into its mysteries as their journey continued.

They arrived at Dawncreak's gates, where the chief and general awaited them. An announcer stepped forward, introducing them with a booming voice.

"Head Chief Calvyne IV of Dawncreak and Supreme General Calvyne V."

Gelvan VI walked forward, lowering himself onto one knee.

"Thank you for ending our exile," he said, his voice filled with gratitude.

"Rise," Chief Calvyne IV said with a warm smile, placing a hand on Gelvan's shoulder. "Come, let me introduce you to the rest of the council."

Without hesitation, he wrapped an arm around Gelvan and led him inside. The rest of the group followed, directed to their allocated plot of land.

X exchanged a glance with Korin before they approached the general.

Korin was the first to speak. "Oh, you're his son. That explains why you were so sure you could convince him."

The general chuckled, shaking his head. "I honestly didn't think you'd do your part, but here you are—with an entire village behind you."

X cut in, her tone sharp and direct. "I've helped you increase your numbers. Now let's skip to the part where you help us rescue our people."

The general nodded. "Very well. Follow me."

They walked through the barracks, the air heavy with anticipation.

"I haven't just been sitting on my ass the whole time you were gone," the general remarked.

He opened a door, revealing four soldiers standing at attention the moment they saw him.

"This is my elite strike team," he explained. "Their mission is to infiltrate Sancuster. We've already got two more spies inside the kingdom."

X raised an eyebrow as she glanced at the group. "Is this all you're giving us?"

The general sighed. "I'm not sending an entire army when I don't know the bigger picture. For all I know, the bandit chief could've lied." He paused, then added, "But consider this task force a token of thanks for saving our people."

He started to walk away but stopped in the doorway. "Oh, and don't get them killed."

Without another word, he left.

Korin quickly followed after the general, leaving X alone with the task force.

"At ease," X said, watching as the soldiers relaxed from their stiff stance. "Dismissed?"

The soldiers returned to what they were doing before the general had entered. One of them, a young woman, stepped forward.

"Ma'am, permission to speak freely?"

"Sure," X replied, crossing her arms. "And drop the formal crap. I'm not a soldier."

"Yes, ma'am— I mean, sure thing," the soldier stammered, then hesitated. "But... Why do you look different from the rest of us?"

X smiled, pausing for dramatic effect. "It's because I'm a goddess," she said, flicking her hair dramatically.

A soldier lounging on a bed snorted. "C'mon, not even my kid would believe that."

"It's the truth," X grinned. "I descended upon this world on the day the eclipse met the cross in the sky, just as the prophecy foretold." She dropped her voice to a spooky tone for emphasis.

Another soldier stepped forward, eyes wide. "I've read about you."

"Really?" X blinked in surprise. "I mean—really good." She pointed at him with a grin. "Blessings to you and your family!"

Korin entered the room just then, shaking his head. "Stop messing with them, X."

The first soldier laughed, slinging her arm around another. "Only Oklein here is dumb enough to believe that."

The rest of the soldiers joined in, laughing at Oklein's expense.

"Settle down, guys," Korin said, his tone firm. "Get some rest. Debriefing is tomorrow, and we head out for Sancuster at dusk."

With that, X and Korin left the room, their thoughts fixed on the rescue, the weight of what lay ahead bearing down on their minds.