The morning sun cast its golden rays across the village square, warming the earth and filling the air with the hum of new beginnings. 

Zach and Ruby stood together near the heart of the square, watching the villagers go about their day. 

It was a peaceful scene—one that felt worlds away from the battles and chaos they had endured.

Ruby tilted her head slightly, her black hair catching the sunlight as she glanced at Zach. 

She said softly, her voice carrying a warmth that matched the morning air.

"It's nice, isn't it?" 

Zach turned to her, his usually serious face softening into a small smile. 

He replied, his voice low and reflective.

"Yeah, it is." 

For a while, they stood in comfortable silence, simply taking in the moment. 

Then, something caught Ruby's eye. 

Across the square, a small family walked together—a father, a mother, and their young son. 

The boy was nestled between his parents, holding their hands as they strolled. 

The sight was simple—

Yet deeply tender.

Ruby smiled wistfully and nudged Zach with her elbow. 

"Look at them," she said, nodding toward the family. 

"It's sweet, isn't it? Motherhood, fatherhood... the kind of love that's steady and constant."

Zach's eyes followed Ruby's gaze, and he nodded. 

He said simply, his tone thoughtful. 

"Yeah."

But there was something distant in his expression—something that Ruby noticed immediately.

She hesitated for a moment before asking. 

"Zach... do you ever think about it? About being something other than a warrior?"

Zach's expression shifted. 

The question seemed to strike a chord, and for a long moment, he didn't answer. 

His gaze dropped to the ground, and his thoughts began to wander.

"I don't know," he finally said, his voice quiet. 

"I've been a warrior for as long as I can remember. I was just a kid—a six-year-old—when I first picked up a sword. It wasn't a choice back then. It was survival."

Ruby's heart ached for him. She reached out, her fingers lightly brushing his arm. 

"Zach," she said gently.

"You've been through so much. You've carried so much. But you don't have to let your past define you. You can still choose who you want to be."

Zach looked at her, his blue eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and uncertainty. 

"It's not that simple," he said. 

"Being a warrior is all I've ever known. What else could I possibly do? What else am I even good at?"

Ruby's expression softened. She stepped closer, her voice filled with quiet determination. 

"Even a tree seed," she began.

"Can sprout after many days of being buried, without water or sunlight. You can be that seed, Zach. You don't have to stay buried in the soil forever. You've endured so much darkness, but that doesn't mean you can't grow. It doesn't mean you can't become something more."

Zach stared at her for a long moment, her words sinking deep into his heart. 

He didn't know what to say—how to put into words the storm of emotions that her kindness had stirred within him. 

Ruby, as if sensing this, gave him a small, encouraging smile.

"You're not just a warrior," she said softly. 

"You're a leader. A protector. And you're someone who cares deeply about the people around you. Those are qualities that can take you far beyond the battlefield."

Zach's throat tightened. 

He looked away for a moment, his gaze returning to the family across the square. 

The father lifted his son onto his shoulders, and the boy laughed—a sound so pure and joyful that it seemed to echo through the air.

"Sometimes I wonder," Zach murmured, his voice barely audible. 

"If there's a future for me that doesn't involve fighting. If there's a life where I can be... happy. Where I can have peace."

Ruby stepped in front of him, her hands resting gently on his arms. 

"There is," she said firmly. 

"You just have to believe it. And you don't have to figure it all out right now. It's okay to take it one step at a time."

Zach looked into her eyes, and for the first time in a long while, he felt a flicker of hope. 

He asked.

"You really believe that?" 

Ruby smiled, her eyes shining with sincerity. 

"I do. And I'll believe it for the both of us, until you can believe it for yourself."

For a moment, neither of them spoke. 

Then, Zach reached up, his hand brushing a stray strand of hair away from Ruby's face. 

"Thank you," he said, his voice thick with emotion. 

"For always seeing the best in me, even when I can't see it myself."

Ruby's smile widened, and she gave his arm a reassuring squeeze. 

She said lightly. 

"That's what friends are for."

But then, as if catching herself, she tilted her head with a playful smirk. 

"Although... I don't really think we're just friends, considering we've kissed already. You know, many times."

Her words lingered in the air, her tone a blend of teasing and vulnerability. 

She looked up at Zach, waiting to see how he'd respond.

Zach's lips curved into a soft smile, his blue eyes warm as they met hers. 

Without saying a word, he stepped closer and gently placed a kiss on her forehead. 

It was a tender gesture, full of unspoken emotions—gratitude, affection, and something deeper that neither of them dared to name just yet.

Ruby closed her eyes at the touch, feeling the quiet strength behind the gesture. 

When she opened them again, Zach's face was still close, his expression softer than she'd ever seen.

He said quietly, his voice steady but filled with meaning.

"Thank you."

Ruby asked, her playful smirk returning, though her heart was racing.

"For what?" 

"For always knowing exactly what I need to hear," Zach replied. 

"And for being more than I ever thought I deserved."

Ruby's cheeks flushed, and she lightly nudged his arm. 

She teased. 

"Don't get all sappy on me now."

Before they could say more, a voice broke through the tranquility. 

"Oh hey, Zach!"

Both of them turned to see Micah and Killian approaching, each carrying a dao sword over their shoulder. 

The siblings walked with an easy confidence, their presence immediately lighting up the square.

Micah called out with a broad grin.

"Morning to the two of you!" 

Zach and Ruby greeted them in return, their earlier solemn mood giving way to the lighter energy the siblings brought.

Zach's gaze lingered on their swords, curiosity flickering across his face. 

"Morning, you two. What are you up to?"

Micah puffed out her chest, clearly excited to answer. 

"Great question! Me and my brother were just about to hunt pigs at the edge of the village. Want to see us in action? We're doing it with just these swords, so it's going to get bloody! Better get ready to puke!"

Killian rolled his eyes, nudging his sister lightly with his elbow. 

"Micah, they're warriors. Pretty sure they've seen more blood than a doctor and a hunter combined."

Ruby laughed, her laughter soft and lilting like wind chimes in the breeze. 

"He's got a point, Micah."

Zach chuckled and nodded. 

"I suppose we could come with you two."

Micah's face lit up with excitement. 

"Yippee! Be our guest, then! We'll show you how much of a top-tier hunter we are when we're serious!"

Killian smirked. 

"So, let's go—"

But before they could take a step, a familiar voice interrupted.

Haerak called out as he approached.

"There's no need for that." 

Aina walking beside him with Lyra, Andhur, and Seraphina trailing close behind.

Haerak's calm, steady presence seemed to ground the moment. 

"I've already tasked Jiighual with hunting. Saw him with Leeani and Qarek earlier. He said he wanted to do it because he's retired now, and hunting gives him a sense of purpose. He's fully embracing his new role as the chef of this village."

Zach and Ruby exchanged a look, their expressions softening at the mention of their friend. 

Jiighual's closure, following Nert's final words to him, felt like a full-circle moment—a bittersweet but beautiful step forward.

Before they could say anything, Aina ran up to them and hugged both of their waists, her small arms wrapping around them tightly. 

"Don't get sad now!" she exclaimed, her voice bright and reassuring. 

"Mister Nert will be happy for him too!"

Ruby crouched slightly, her smile gentle as she looked at the child. 

"Oh, Aina, we're not sad. We're happy for Jiighual."

Zach nodded, ruffling Aina's hair. 

"Yeah, we're not sad. Don't worry."

Standing back up, Zach turned to Andhur. 

"By the way, have you seen Gargeal?"

Andhur scratched his head, looking thoughtful. 

"Master? I don't know where he went. I just woke up and didn't see him at the cabin."

Haerak chimed in, his tone calm and knowing. 

"If you're looking for him, I saw him at the shore, watching the ocean in silence."

Zach nodded. 

"Thank you."

Ruby tilted her head, studying Zach's face. 

"Do you want to talk with him?"

Before Zach could respond, Micah butted in, clearly not ready to give up her earlier plan. 

"Hey, hey, hey! I thought you two were going to be our guests!"

Killian rolled his eyes again, shaking his head. 

"Micah, don't be immature. He probably remembered something important."

Zach gave them an apologetic smile. 

"In fact, I did. I need to talk to him. I'm deeply sorry to you both."

Killian waved him off with a chuckle. 

"It's no problem. I'll speak for my sister here, who can be a little immature at times."

Micah crossed her arms, pouting dramatically. 

"Waaa!"

Aina, ever the peacemaker, ran over to Micah and tugged at her sleeve. 

"Auntie Micah, don't be sad! I can be your guest instead!"

Haerak laughed, shaking his head. 

"That idea's not too good, little warrior. Let's do something less violent instead. Maybe something like drinking potions from Seraphina."

Hearing her name, Seraphina perked up. 

"Now that you mention it—"

But before she could launch into one of her excited tangents, Andhur and Lyra both cut her off in unison. 

"Enough, Seraphina... please..."

The group erupted into laughter, the warm sound carrying through the village square.

Zach glanced toward the path leading to the ocean, where Haerak had said Gargeal was. 

His resolve to speak with the old master grew stronger, but before he could take a step, he paused. His eyes shifted back to Ruby, standing at his side. 

The thought of leaving her, even for a short while, gave him a moment of hesitation.

Ruby noticed his expression and smiled, her tone light and reassuring. 

"Don't worry about me, Zach. I'll be fine."

he began, his voice uncertain.

"But—" 

She cut him off gently, placing her hand on his arm. 

"Really, I mean it. I'll go for a walk with them," she said, motioning toward Haerak, Aina, Micah, Killian, Andhur, Seraphina, and Lyra. 

"You go. Talk to Gargeal. It might be important."

Zach studied her for a moment, her calm encouragement easing his worries. 

Finally, he nodded. 

"Alright. I won't be long."

Ruby smiled and gave him a little push. 

"Take your time. We'll be here when you're done."

With that, Zach turned toward the ocean path, his stride purposeful yet unhurried. 

Behind him, the group of companions all waved cheerfully.

Micah called out, her voice carrying a playful lilt.

"Don't keep him waiting too long, Zach!" 

Killian smirked. 

"And don't get lost! It's just a straight path, after all."

Zach turned and gave them a small wave in return, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. 

The sight of them—

All gathered and relaxed—

Was a reminder of how far they'd come. 

Then, without another word, he continued on his way, disappearing down the tree-lined trail toward the shore.

△▼△▼△▼△

Once Zach was out of sight, the group remained in the square, a sense of ease settling over them. 

Aina tugged on Haerak's hand, looking up at him with wide, curious eyes. 

"Papa, why is Mister Gargeal at the ocean? Is he fishing?"

Haerak chuckled, shaking his head. 

"No, little warrior. I think he's just... reflecting. Sometimes grown-ups need quiet moments by themselves."

Micah leaned down to Aina's level, grinning. 

"Or maybe he's talking to the ocean. You know, like, 'Oh, great big water! Tell me your secrets!'"

Aina giggled, covering her mouth with her small hands. 

"Auntie Micah, you're silly!"

Killian sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. 

"Please don't teach her to be weird."

Micah stood up straight, putting her hands on her hips. 

"Weird? It's called being imaginative, Killian. Maybe you should try it sometime."

Seraphina chimed in, her voice brimming with excitement. 

"Actually, the ocean does have secrets! Did you know some shamans believe the waves carry messages from the spirits of the deep? There's even a potion I've been working on—"

Andhur groaned dramatically, throwing an arm over Lyra's shoulder for support. 

"Here we go again. Someone stop her before she starts giving us a lecture."

Lyra raised an eyebrow, glancing at Andhur. 

"You're one to talk. Didn't you just last week give an hour-long speech about the best way to catch fish with bare hands?"

Andhur straightened up, feigning offense. 

"That was educational! And for the record, everyone loved it."

Micah snorted. 

"Sure, let's call it that. Aina fell asleep halfway through."

Aina gasped, looking up at Andhur with a mischievous grin. 

"I didn't fall asleep! I was just resting my eyes!"

The group burst into laughter, the sound ringing out warmly in the morning air. 

Even Seraphina, who had been ready to defend her potion lecture, joined in, her bright giggle mingling with the others.

Haerak shook his head, his smile soft as he watched the group. 

"You all are silly."

Lyra crossed her arms, her expression amused. 

"And yet, you wouldn't have it any other way."

"True enough," Haerak admitted, his voice laced with affection. 

He glanced at Ruby, who stood a little apart from the group, her gaze lingering on the path Zach had taken. 

"You alright there, Ruby?"

She turned to him, her smile gentle. 

"Yeah. Just thinking. It's nice to see Zach taking some time to talk with Gargeal. He doesn't often let himself do things like that."

Lyra nodded. 

"He carries a lot, doesn't he?"

Ruby's smile grew softer, a touch of sadness in her eyes. 

"He does. But he's stronger than he realizes. And he's got all of us to remind him of that."

Aina ran up to Ruby, grabbing her hand and looking up at her with a wide smile. 

"And me! I'll remind Mister Zach too!"

Ruby laughed, the sound light and joyful. 

"That's right, Aina. He'd love that."

Seraphina clapped her hands together, a spark of enthusiasm in her eyes. 

"Alright, enough of this mushy talk. Who's up for a little game while we wait for Zach to come back?"

Andhur groaned again, throwing his hands up dramatically. 

"Oh no, not another one of your 'shaman games.' The last time, we all don't want to end up covered in glittery powder, and it still won't come off my boots."

Micah perked up, her eyes sparkling. 

"Wait, you're telling me there's glitter involved? I'm in!"

Killian groaned, shaking his head. 

"Why do I even try?"

The group dissolved into laughter again, their voices carrying across the square as they began to plan whatever chaotic activity Seraphina had in mind. 

Ruby watched them, her heart light as she joined in the chatter.

△▼△▼△▼△

The morning sun was gentle, its golden rays spilling across the shore and glimmering against the soft waves. 

Zach's boots crunched lightly on the sand as he walked, the distant cries of gulls punctuating the tranquil melody of the sea. 

He slowed when he saw figures ahead, sitting near the water's edge.

There was Gargeal, sitting cross-legged on the sand, his head tilted slightly as if lost in thought. 

Beside him, Kazaks, his usually stern expression softer, almost reflective. 

Yzavynne, Leeani, and Qarek were there as well, all relaxed but quiet, their gazes fixed on the horizon where the ocean met the sky. 

The peacefulness of the scene struck Zach, and for a moment, he hesitated, not wanting to intrude. 

But then, his voice carried instinctively.

He asked, his tone light but curious as he approached.

"What brings all of you here?"

Gargeal turned at the sound, his eyes meeting Zach's. 

A faint smile tugged at the edges of his lips, a rare expression for the usually composed master. 

The others—Kazaks, Yzavynne, Leeani, and Qarek—looked back as well, their faces softening at the sight of their captain.

Zach came to a stop a few steps away, his hands resting on his hips as he surveyed the group. 

The silence lingered for a beat before he spoke again, his voice tinged with a bittersweet undertone. 

"Having peace and fun here at this village... well, after Selene's death?"

At those words, the air grew heavier, the unspoken weight of grief settling over them. 

Gargeal's expression faltered, and for a brief moment, he closed his eyes. 

Zach's voice, carrying echoes of past conversations, drifted into his mind.

"We also need somewhere to regroup, somewhere to just... breathe. We can't keep running forever."

"I think... it could be what we need. A place to rest, maybe even to rebuild a bit. EmberWind's out of the way, far from the kingdoms' main paths. If we're careful, if we don't bring our conflicts there, it might just work."

Gargeal let the memory pass before opening his eyes again, his gaze steady as he looked up at Zach. 

"You were right back then," he began, his voice deep yet calm, the weight of years in his tone. 

"This place... it's given us more than just a refuge. It's given us time. Time to stop, to think, to feel." 

He paused, his eyes drifting toward the others sitting around him. 

"My students... they're not just warriors anymore. They're growing here—growing as people. For so long, we lived by the blade, fighting to survive, but now... now they're finding themselves beyond the fight."

The words settled over the group like the gentle waves lapping at the shore. 

Kazaks, ever the quiet observer, gave a slow nod.

"Master's right," he said, his deep voice steady. 

"I've spent my whole life swinging my warhammer, but here... I've learned to listen. To understand people, not just fight them."

Leeani smiled faintly, her fingers tracing lines in the sand as she spoke. 

"It's strange, isn't it? Learning what it means to just... live. Not to survive, not to battle, but to simply be. This village... it's teaching us that."

Yzavynne, who often held her emotions close, glanced at Zach, her expression softer than usual. 

"It's not easy, though. Letting go of the instincts, the fear. But here, with everyone, it feels... possible. Like maybe we can heal, even if it takes time."

Qarek, sitting with his elbows on his knees, turned to Zach. 

"What about you, Captain?" he asked, his voice quiet but pointed. 

"Have you found your peace in this village?"

The question hung in the air, and all eyes turned to Zach. 

He hesitated, his mind racing. 

Peace. 

It was such a simple word—

Yet it carried so much weight. 

He thought back to everything—the battles, the losses, the moments when hope seemed too far out of reach. 

Memories of Selene flickered in his mind, and his chest tightened.

Finally, he spoke, his voice low and measured. 

"Yes," he said, the word feeling heavy on his tongue. He met their gazes one by one, his expression raw with honesty. 

"I think I have. Or at least, I'm starting to."

The group fell silent again, the ocean's gentle rhythm filling the void. 

Then Gargeal spoke, his voice warm and reassuring. 

"Peace isn't something you find all at once, Zach. It's something you build, step by step. And it's alright to take your time."

Kazaks grunted in agreement, the corners of his mouth lifting in a way that almost felt unfamiliar, even to himself. 

His voice, usually so gruff and clipped, carried a rare softness. 

"You taught us to fight, Captain. But here... maybe it's time we teach you to rest."

The simplicity of his words struck a chord. 

Rest—a concept Zach had chased in fleeting moments but never truly grasped. 

It wasn't just physical. 

It was the kind of rest that came from putting down the weight of years, from no longer being the one who always had to lead, decide, and sacrifice.

Yzavynne smirked faintly, her sharp eyes glimmering with unspoken fondness. 

"It's only fair, considering how much trouble you've gotten us out of. You've been carrying us for so long, Zachy. It's about time we carry you for a while."

Leeani laughed lightly, her voice like the first notes of a song at dawn. 

"We'll be here for you, Captain. Always. Just like you've always been there for us. It's not something we owe you. It's something we want to do. Because you're family."

Her words landed with the weight of truth, making Zach's breath hitch in his chest. 

Family. 

That word had always felt complicated. 

He had lost his blood family so long ago that the idea of finding a new one seemed more like wishful thinking than reality. 

But as Leeani's words settled in, he couldn't deny it—they were his family. 

They'd fought together—

Bled together—

And survived the impossible together.

Qarek leaned back, letting out a small sigh that sounded almost like relief. 

His gaze wandered to the horizon, where the morning sun kissed the edge of the ocean. 

"This village... it's not just a place to hide. It's a place to start over. For all of us. I used to think there wasn't much left for us beyond fighting. But maybe... maybe there's more."

Zach turned his head slightly, catching the glimmer of hope in Qarek's usually guarded expression. 

It was the kind of hope Zach had fought so hard to keep alive for his crew, even when it had seemed so far out of reach for himself.

He tried to speak, to thank them, but the words felt stuck in his throat. 

His gaze drifted across each of them: Kazaks, who had endured so much anger and loss yet still stood with an unshakable resolve; Yzavynne, whose sharp wit masked wounds she rarely let anyone see; Leeani, who had found laughter in a life that had tried to strip it from her; and Qarek, who had once seemed so broken but now sat here, speaking of new beginnings. 

Each of them carried scars—

Visible and invisible—

Yet here they were—

Alive, together.

Zach swallowed hard and finally nodded, his voice quieter than usual but steady. 

"Thank you. All of you."

Kazaks gave him a slow nod, his smile deepening just enough to reveal his rarely shown warmth. 

"You're one of us, Captain. Always."

Yzavynne crossed her arms, leaning back against the log she sat on. 

She teased, but there was a tenderness in her tone that softened the bite of her words.

"Don't get all sentimental on us now, or we'll never let you live it down," 

Leeani reached over and placed a hand gently on Zach's shoulder. 

"We mean it, Captain. You've carried the weight of all of us for years. Let us carry you for a while. You deserve that."

Zach felt a warmth spreading through his chest, a sensation he hadn't allowed himself to feel in what felt like an eternity. 

It wasn't just the gratitude he felt—it was belonging. 

This wasn't just his team or his crew. 

They were his family, and in this village, they were finding pieces of themselves they had thought were lost forever.

For so long, Zach had defined himself by his role: the protector, the leader, the warrior who couldn't afford to falter. 

But here, with them, in this quiet village with its laughter and light, he could feel the beginnings of something new—a life beyond the battles, beyond the relentless weight of survival. 

For the first time—

He could imagine a future not just for them but for himself, too.

As the sun climbed higher into the sky, casting a golden glow over the shoreline, Zach allowed himself to smile—a real, unguarded smile. 

The kind of smile that came not from relief or fleeting joy but from a deeper place, one that whispered: 

You're home.

═════ ◆ TO BE CONTINUED ◆ ═════