CHAPTER 12 THE BANDIT ENCOUNTER

Dodo and his friends trekked through the rugged mountain pass, the air thick with the scent of pine and the echo of distant winds. The steep, winding path seemed to go on forever, and the peaceful silence of the mountains was a stark contrast to the turmoil that had followed them from the Kimi village.

"We should be careful," Kyra warned, her keen eyes scanning the landscape ahead. "Bandits are known to lurk in these mountains, preying on travelers. The terrain gives them plenty of cover."

Tiv, ever vigilant, nodded in agreement, his bow strapped securely to his back and a quiver of arrows at his side. "We'll stay alert. If they try anything, we'll make sure they regret it."

Dodo, deep in thought, looked back at the path they had already covered. It had been a long journey since they left Kimi village, and the danger of being hunted by Prince Xalor's forces loomed over them like a dark cloud. But it wasn't just Xalor they had to worry about—bandits, rebels, and others who sought to take advantage of the chaos were lurking around every corner.

As the sun began to dip behind the mountain peaks, casting long shadows over the landscape, the trio suddenly heard the faint sound of voices carried by the wind. Low murmurs at first, then a distinct shout.

"Bandits!" Kyra hissed, dropping into a defensive stance. "Get ready."

Within moments, a group of rugged bandits emerged from behind the rocks and trees, armed with crude swords, knives, and crossbows. Their faces were masked,

their movements fast and practiced. The leader, a tall man with a scar across his face, stepped forward with a sneer.

"Hand over your valuables, travelers," he demanded, his voice gravelly. "And we might let you leave here in one piece."

Tiv's fingers tightened around the hilt of his bow, while Kyra's hand hovered near her sword. But Dodo, sensing the tension building, placed a hand on their shoulders, signaling them to hold back. He knew that violence wasn't always the answer, but he also knew they couldn't let these bandits threaten the people they had promised to protect.

"We have no valuables for you to take," Dodo said calmly, stepping forward. "But if you're willing to listen, we can help you."

The bandit leader raised an eyebrow, clearly confused by Dodo's approach. "Help us? You're in no position to be making offers."

Before Dodo could respond, a shout rang out from behind them—a scream of pain. A group of villagers, no doubt lost in the mountains, appeared, and one of them collapsed in front of the bandits, clutching his side where a crossbow bolt had struck him. The others gathered around, panic in their eyes.

The bandits saw an opportunity, turning toward the fallen villagers with greedy smiles. "Looks like these ones have something for us after all," the leader grinned.

Dodo's heart raced. He knew that if they didn't act quickly, these villagers would be at the mercy of the bandits. He glanced at Kyra and Tiv, then at the fallen man. Without a second thought, Dodo pulled the Omega helmet from his pack.

"Step back," he whispered to his friends, his eyes determined. The power of the Omega was a force he still didn't fully understand, but he had to use it to help.

Dodo placed the helmet on his head, and instantly, a surge of energy flowed through him. The air around him crackled with power. His vision sharpened, his senses heightened. He could feel the life force of the injured villagers pulsing weakly, and he could sense their pain.

With a deep breath, Dodo extended his hand toward the wounded man. A brilliant, golden light erupted from his palm, enveloping the injured villager in a soft, warm glow. The wound in his side began to close, the bleeding slowing and eventually stopping. The man's labored breathing grew steady, and he opened his eyes, stunned but alive.

The bandits looked on in shock. "What... what is this?" the leader stammered, his voice faltering for the first time.

Dodo, breathing heavily but resolute, stood tall. "This is the power to heal, to save lives. You don't need to harm these people any longer."

The bandits, visibly shaken by the display of power, hesitated. The leader's hand gripped his sword tighter, but Dodo's unwavering gaze held him in place.

"We don't want to fight," Dodo continued, his voice calm but firm. "Leave these villagers in peace. There is no need for violence."

For a long moment, the bandits stood frozen, unsure of what to do. The Omega helmet's power had made them rethink their actions, and the aura of peace that Dodo projected made it clear that this battle was not one they could win.

Finally, the bandit leader scowled, his resolve weakening. "Fine," he muttered, lowering his weapon. "We don't need trouble with you. But this isn't over. The mountains are full of others like us."

With that, the bandits retreated, vanishing back into the shadows of the mountains.

Dodo removed the Omega helmet and turned to the villagers, who were now standing in awe of him. "You're safe now," he said, smiling wearily. "We'll help you get to a safe place."

The villagers, grateful and relieved, began to thank him, but Dodo only nodded. He wasn't seeking gratitude. His mission was far from over. But in that moment, he had made a difference.

Kyra placed a hand on Dodo's shoulder, her voice low. "That was incredible. But you shouldn't have used the helmet's power like that. We don't know the consequences of tapping into it so freely."

Dodo looked at her, his expression serious. "I had no choice. These people were in danger, and I couldn't stand by."

Tiv nodded. "We'll have to be careful. But for now, we've helped them. And that's what matters."

As the group continued on their journey, the Omega helmet's power remained a mystery, its potential still untapped. But Dodo had proven that even in the darkest of times, hope could shine through.