Ice tightened the strap on his blade, the same blade that had survived every battle with him. It felt almost new at his hip. The islanders handed him food, water, and a small pack of camping supplies.Tupu stepped forward. "I'm sorry the mission didn't go as planned." Ice shook his head. "That's life. Some get the easy hand, others the hard one. You can't choose the hand you're dealt… only what you do with it." Tupu smiled. "I'll remember that." Ice mounted the horse. "Thank you, Tupu. For everything. I'm in your debt. "Before Tupu could answer, a horse thundered toward them. A young islander rode hard, bow on his back, packed full of supplies. He stopped just inches before colliding, dust rising around him. He bowed his head. "Father. Hero." Ice blinked. Father? Tupu stepped forward. "My son… what are you doing here?" The young man, Toa, lifted his chin. "I wish to join the hero on his journey." Tupu's face hardened. "No. You are the heir to our people. If something happens to me, you must lead." Toa shook his head. "You have other sons who can take the throne. I don't see myself as a king." Tupu's voice rose. "Then what do you see yourself as, Toa?" Toa met his father's eyes. "A warrior." Silence fell.
Ice stood respectfully, letting father and son speak. Tupu's expression shifted anger, sadness, pride all mixing at once. "Is this truly what you want? Think of your mother. Your brothers. Your sisters. This choice will change everything."Toa didn't look away. "Yes, Father. This is what I want." Tupu exhaled slowly. The weight of the moment pressed on him. His son was choosing danger over comfort… war over safety… purpose over inheritance. Finally, Tupu nodded. "Very well. If the Hero will take you, I will not stop you."Toa turned to Ice.
Ice looked at Tupu, then at Toa. Tupu gave a small, proud smile. Ice extended his hand. "Toa… welcome to the New World Militia."They shook hands firmly.Tupu laughed softly. "Hero, turnouts you will leave with a warrior."Ice and Toa ready on their horses. They exchanged final goodbyes. Tupu watched them ride off until they disappeared into the horizon. Tupu whispered to himself "We are with you, Heroes."
Riot had lost track of time. Three days… maybe more. He hadn't left the cramped, abandoned space Mr. called "home."
The only exit from the crawl‑hole shocked him every time he tried to escape. He didn't know how. He didn't know why. He only knew it hurt. Mr. disappeared for hours at a time, leaving Riot alone with nothing but fear and silence.Then footsteps. Slow. Heavy. Wrong. A high‑pitched voice echoed through the opening."Riot, my boy… Come grab this. Dinner!"A dead deer slid through the gap. Riot pulled it in and Riot is on high alert survival mode.
Mr. crawled in after it, gun already pointed at Riot. "Lucky day," Mr. said with that clown‑like laugh. "If I didn't find this, you might've been dinner." Riot stayed quiet. Mr. tilted his head. "Make yourself useful. Skin it." Riot swallowed. "I… I need a knife."Mr. grinned and pulled out a long dagger, freshly sharpened. He held it out. Riot's heart pounded.
This is my chance.He reached for the handle Mr's grip snapped tight around Riot's hand, refusing to let go."You're one stupid kid," Mr. whispered, smiling too wide. With his free hand, he tossed the gun aside and drove a punch into Riot's chin. Riot's knees buckled. More blows followed fast, heavy, and overwhelming. Mr never let go of Riot's trapped hand."One thing about me, kid…" Mr said in a playful tone. "I like to play games." Then his voice dropped, deep and commanding."HEY. Look at me."Riot looked up, whimpering. Mr's eyes were pitch black. Riot didn't see a man anymore. He saw a demon wearing a man's skin. Mr's smile returned. "Cheer up. You're alive, aren't you? You could've been fish food. Or eaten by the things out there." He leaned closer. "I'm your friend… right?" He nodded, trying to force Riot to agree.Riot hesitated. Mr's smile faded. His grip tightened painfully."We're friends… aren't we?" Riot broke. "Yes! We're friends!" Mr released him instantly, cheerful again. He took the knife, dragged the deer to the corner, and began humming a tune as he worked."Dinner's gonna be good tonight, friend," he said, smiling at Riot. Riot sat down slowly, shaking, confused, terrified.This guy is going to kill me, he thought.