# Chapter six : One Very Black Boy
I could see the sun just rising behind the mountains as I remained hidden in the shadows of the farmhouse. The sound of footsteps approached, and I peered out to see May walking toward me, carrying something in her hands. Wei flew toward her, and I watched as her face lit up with a warm smile. She rushed to greet the bird before opening the farmhouse door.
Looking around, May called out, "Hey... I know you're here. You thought I wouldn't come back?" Her voice echoed in the empty space. "I thought you might be hungry, so I brought some food—bread, wine, meat, water (though it's really hot), instant ramen, and lots more. Come down and eat."
She paused, then added, "Less I forget—I've never actually seen you, but can we start with your name?"
"I didn't ask for this," I responded from the shadows, "but deep down, I really needed it. I'm no longer in the jungle."
"Everyone needs food," she replied immediately. "I just really appreciate what you did for me, so I'm trying my best to repay you. You don't look comfortable here. I'd really appreciate it if you came to the temple with me."
I hesitated, but my stomach growled at the sight of the juicy grilled meat she'd brought. Before anyone could blink, I swiftly passed by and took a piece. After chewing and swallowing, memories of my mother's dishes flashed through my mind. Tears dropped from my eyes as I wondered when I'd last had something this good.
May dropped some grains for Wei and asked, "What's your name?"
"You can call me Vanta," I replied.
"Vanta," she repeated, tasting the name.
I found myself enjoying her company. As we ate together, her presence gave me peace and a sense of belonging. Her laughter brought back sweet memories of Mom. Deep down, I wanted to keep seeing her more often, but I couldn't bring myself to tell her.
After some time, she said, "Vanta, you can't live here. You have to stay with me at the temple. You won't be forced to do anything—you'll have the privacy and darkness you want, but in a nice environment with good food and water."
"If you knew where I'm from," I replied, "you wouldn't think I care about comfort."
"It's your choice. I have no right to force you." She paused, then asked, "What do you think of me? We just met."
She chuckled softly before answering, "We just met, but I can tell you've been going through a lot. You're broken, alone. From what I've seen, you're really strong but afraid. You need real help, and I'll try my best to help in any way you want me to."
I felt a deep relief—one I hadn't experienced in years. I smiled, knowing her words were true. Even Wei seemed to like her as the bird perched on her lap.
"Any news on the Claw?" I asked.
"No, but they'll probably still be after me since word has spread that I survived and took down three Claw members—thanks to you. They'll probably attack again." My heart panicked. *What if they get her?* I thought to myself. I wasn't willing to let that happen.
"Don't worry," she continued. "We'll be able to take care of the Claws if they attack again." She stood up. "I'll take my leave now. Li Ming is probably worried about me."
As she turned to go, her hands pressed against her abdomen where I remembered she'd been cut, limping toward the exit. I knew she couldn't fight if attacked in this state.
"Hope you change your mind soon," she called back. "I'll be expecting you."
I immediately wanted to follow, but something held me back. Wei, however, flew after her. Left alone, I realized I wasn't ready to be alone again—or to lose her to the Claw. So I followed, moving through the shadows while watching the environment.
As she reached the temple stairs, she said thanks to someone I couldn't see. We ran up the stairs and through the temple gates. I moved in the shadows, watching other monks train as I once had. I picked up a couple of ninja stars as she opened the door to a room directly opposite hers.
The room was very dark, so I went in with Wei. It was neatly arranged, and I could see clearly in the darkness. I turned to say thanks, but immediately she snapped her fingers and all the candles in the room lit up.
I jumped back, performing a backflip over her head and clinging to the wall above the door. The door had shut tight behind us. I threw the stars I'd picked up earlier at the candles, extinguishing all the flames.
May immediately knelt down and began to cry. "I'm sorry! I just wanted to see your face. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!"
I could hear the sincerity in her voice as I dropped down and tapped her shoulder. When she turned, I had already changed positions in a flash.
"It won't make any difference," I said. "I am darkness. I don't think you'll like what you see. I don't think you're ready."
"I'm ready, I promise!" she screamed through tears.
Then I heard Li Ming's voice: "You are welcome here."
I wished I could hug him—he was the closest thing to a father I had. "Who else knows I'm here?" I asked.
"Just the two of us," they replied.
As they turned to leave, May paused at the door. "My room is next door if you need anything."
After she left, Li Ming said, "Why do I feel like I know you?"
"You sure do, but it's not yet time."
"Whenever you're ready, you can come for a cup of tea," Li Ming offered.
"Okay," I replied as he left.
I locked the room and sat down on the mattress. *Finally, peace after years.* Realizing this had also been my room when I was a boy, I lifted the rug in the middle of the floor and pulled out an old photo of Dad, Mom, and me. I also retrieved Dad's staff that I'd kept for years.
Wei perched beside me as if she could understand my emotions. Looking at these mementos, I began to cry silently until I fell asleep.
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I was awakened by the sounds of swords being drawn, bowstrings stretching, shouts, and one particular sentence that made my blood run cold:
"WE ARE UNDER ATTACK BY THE CLAWS!"