Morning came softly over the city of Alindor, the golden rays of dawn spilling across the rooftops and temple spires. The streets were already alive with merchants setting up their stalls and the distant sound of bells echoing from the mountain temple above the forest.
Inside the inn, the group was preparing for the day ahead. Pixie and Ciara approached Shin, their expressions calm but purposeful.
"Shin," Pixie began, her wings fluttering lightly, "Ciara and I will be heading to the temple today. It's part of her pilgrimage."
Shin looked up from his map and nodded. "The temple? That's where I'm headed too. I need to speak with the High Priest about something important."
Eva, who was checking her satchel, turned toward them. "Then I'll come along as well. I need to report our journey to the High Priest. It's been a while since I last sent word to the Order."
Across the room, Han was busy arranging their supplies, tightening straps and checking their provisions. "I'll stay behind for now," he said. "Still need to make sure everything's ready for when we leave."
Chrome, sitting cross-legged near the window, opened one eye lazily. "I'll be meditating today. The spirits have been restless lately—I need to commune with them before we move on."
Sam stretched her arms and yawned. "Guess that leaves me and Isolde to explore the town."
Isolde grinned devilishly, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Oh, I've got plans for today."
Sam sighed. "That's what worries me."
The temple of Alindor Forest stood high above the city, nestled among the misty peaks. The path leading to it was a long mountain trek, lined with ancient stone steps and moss-covered statues of forgotten deities. The air grew cooler as they ascended, the sound of birds and rustling leaves filling the silence.
Shin, Pixie, Ciara, and Eva made their way up the steps together.
After a while, Shin broke the silence. "So, what's the reason behind your pilgrimage?" he asked, glancing at Pixie and Ciara.
Pixie smiled faintly. "This is a holy quest ordered by the Goddess Mei herself. It's a task only Ciara can complete. I'm just her guardian."
Shin raised an eyebrow. "A task from a goddess, huh? That's no small thing."
Ciara, walking quietly behind Pixie, spoke softly. "Once I complete this pilgrimage... I'll be able to remember all my memories."
Shin slowed his pace, his expression thoughtful. "Your memories, huh? I can relate to that. I've lost mine too—pieces of who I was. But I can get them back with the orbs my friends and I are searching for."
Ciara looked up at him, her eyes wide with empathy. "Then we're the same, you and I," she said gently. "I feel sorry for you."
Without thinking, she reached out and held Shin's hand.
Shin blinked, surprised by the gesture.
Ciara's face lit up with sudden realization. Her cheeks flushed crimson, the color spreading from her neck all the way to the tips of her ears. "Ah—! I—I'm sorry!" she stammered, quickly letting go and darting behind Pixie.
Pixie burst into laughter, her wings fluttering with amusement. "Oh, Ciara, you're too adorable sometimes."
Ciara peeked out from behind her guardian, her face still red. "Pixie, stop laughing!"
Shin chuckled softly, shaking his head. "You two make quite the pair."
Eva, walking beside them, smiled at the exchange. "Once we reach the temple, we might find some answers. The High Priest of Alindor is said to be ancient and wise—he's seen more of the world than anyone alive."
The group continued their climb, the temple bells ringing faintly in the distance. The morning sun broke through the canopy, casting golden light upon the stone steps as they ascended toward destiny—each carrying questions only the gods themselves might answer.
Back in the village, Sam and Isolde wandered through the bustling streets until they came upon a lively tavern at the corner of the market square. The sign above the door read The Twins.
The tavern was owned by a couple—Priscila and Arcs.
Priscila was gorgeous, confident, and full of charm. She wore reading glasses that framed her warm gaze, and her outfit—a tied blouse and corset-style belt—highlighted her curvy figure. Her presence commanded attention, and her laughter filled the room like music.
Her husband, Arcs, was the chef. He had spiky black hair and a serious, focused expression. Dressed in a crisp white chef's uniform with black buttons and a tall white hat, he exuded authority and intensity. His right hand gripped a large kitchen knife, while his left arm was crossed over his chest, revealing a tattoo of a skull with a knife handle on his forearm.
The tavern's main attraction, however, was the performance. On the small stage near the center, a dancer named Chee moved gracefully under the lantern light. She had delicate Asian features, expressive almond-shaped eyes, and long, flowing black hair adorned with jeweled ornaments and silk ribbons that trailed behind her as she danced. Every movement was fluid and deliberate, her posture elegant and mesmerizing.
Accompanying her was Dave, a wandering bard. He wore glasses and a traditional bard's outfit, his hair tied into a high ponytail that flowed down his back. One side of his head was braided tightly, while the other was shaved close, giving him a bold, artistic look. His fingers danced across the strings of his guitar, filling the tavern with vibrant, soulful music.
The tavern was alive with laughter, clinking mugs, and the scent of roasted meat and ale. Sam and Isolde sat at a table overflowing with food—enough for four people.
Isolde raised her mug high. "To old friends and free meals!"
Arcs chuckled from behind the counter. "You haven't changed a bit, Isolde."
Isolde grinned. "And you still make the best roast in Alindor!"
Priscila passed by, balancing a tray of beers for another table. "Yeah, and she's still a big pain in the ass, just like before."
Isolde gasped dramatically. "No, I'm not!"
Sam laughed, nearly spilling her drink.
Arcs crossed his arms, smirking. "Tonight's a feast. Enjoy yourselves. Whatever you want, I'll cook it—on the house."
Isolde's eyes sparkled. "You heard the man! More beer!" she shouted, slamming her mug on the table.
The crowd cheered, and the tavern grew even livelier.
As the night went on, Chee's performance intensified. Her movements became faster, more passionate, her ribbons swirling like fire in the lantern light. Dave's guitar echoed through the room, his fingers moving with wild precision as if he were playing his final song.
The audience clapped, cheered, and danced along, swept up in the rhythm of the night.
Back to Shin and the rest, they finally reached the temple. But as they stepped through the gates, a chilling silence greeted them. The once-holy grounds were empty, the air thick with dust and decay. The temple looked as though it had been abandoned for years.
Eva frowned, her voice trembling. "This... this isn't right. There should be clerics and nuns here to greet us."
They wandered deeper into the temple grounds. The wind howled through the broken windows, carrying with it the faint scent of rot.
Pixie turned to Shin. "I'll escort Ciara to the Holy Ground so she can pray and receive the blessing."
Shin nodded. "Alright. Eva and I will look for the High Priest."
As Shin and Eva entered the main hall, a foul stench filled the air—thick and suffocating. The deeper they went, the stronger it became.
When they reached the High Priest's chambers, the smell of death was overwhelming. Eva covered her mouth, her eyes wide with horror.
The clerics and nuns she had spoken of were there—but lifeless, their bodies decaying where they had fallen. The once-sacred chamber was now a tomb.
Shin pushed open the door to the High Priest's quarters. Inside, the old man lay in his bed, his body long dead, his robes tattered and stained.
Eva fell to her knees, tears streaming down her face. "No... no, this can't be..."
She clasped her hands together and began to pray, her voice trembling. "May your souls find peace in the light of the Goddess..."
Shin stood silently beside her, his expression grim.
Meanwhile, at the Holy Ground, Ciara knelt before a pool of shimmering holy water. The air was calm, the faint hum of divine energy surrounding her. She closed her eyes and began to pray.
Suddenly, a flash of memory struck her—brief but vivid. She saw Shin's face, standing in the light, reaching out to her.
Her eyes snapped open, her heart racing.
Pixie noticed her trembling. "Ciara? What happened?"
Ciara hesitated. "I... I saw Shin. But I don't know what it means."
Pixie frowned, thoughtful. "Then we keep it to ourselves for now. Until we understand it."
Ciara nodded quietly. "Alright."
They rejoined Shin and Eva soon after, and the group shared what they had discovered. Before leaving, Ciara placed a single white flower at the foot of an angel statue near the entrance.
"Rest well," she whispered, bowing her head before turning away.
On the journey back down the mountain, the group walked in silence for a while, the weight of what they had seen pressing heavily on their hearts.
Finally, Shin spoke. "It doesn't make sense... how could everyone in the temple die like that? It's as if they just sat there and waited for death to come."
Eva nodded grimly. "Whatever caused it, it wasn't a disease. They all died at the same time. No signs of struggle, no wounds. It's unnatural."
Shin frowned. "So, what do you think happened?"
Eva shook her head. "Right now, there's no clear explanation. I'll need to send a letter to the Archbishop in the morning. He needs to know about this."
Shin sighed, glancing toward the city below. "Alright. But for now, let's head back and join the others at the tavern. I'm starving."
Pixie chuckled softly. "You're always hungry, Shin."
The tension eased slightly as they continued their descent, the golden light of the setting sun guiding them back toward the laughter and warmth waiting below.
When Shin, Han, and the others arrived back at The Twins, the tavern was alive with music and laughter. It was the last set of the evening for Chee and Dave.
Chee stepped forward, her voice carrying through the room. "Everyone, thank you for being here tonight. This will be our last performance here at The Twins."
Gasps and murmurs filled the tavern.
Dave smiled, adjusting his guitar. "Chee and I have decided to travel the world—to see new places, learn new cultures, and grow our craft. This last song is for all those who are in love. It's my composition, dedicated to my wife, Chee."
He strummed the first notes, a slow, romantic melody filling the air. Chee began to dance, her movements soft and graceful, her eyes locked on Dave's.
Han looked across the table at Eva, their eyes meeting. She smiled knowingly. "Would you like to dance?"
Han nodded eagerly. "I'd love to."
Priscila tossed her apron aside and looped it around Arcs' neck, pulling him toward the dance floor. "Come on, chef, time to move those feet."
Pixie took Ciara's hand and twirled her gently. "Come on, little one. Let's dance."
Chrome raised his glass toward Isolde, smirking. She raised hers in return, smiling back.
Meanwhile, Shin sat beside Sam, watching the others.
"Aren't you going to dance?" Sam asked softly.
Shin shook his head. "No. I don't want to give anyone false hope. I'd rather sit this one out. I don't even know who I really am... dancing with someone feels wrong when I can't even remember myself."
Beside him, Isolde stomped on his foot. "Ow!"
She leaned close and whispered, "Ask her to dance, you idiot."
Shin looked at her, confused, but when he turned back to Sam, he saw the faint sadness in her eyes. Something stirred inside him.
He sighed softly, then smiled. "You know, if I were to dance to a song like this... there's nobody else I'd choose but you."
He stood and extended his hand. "Would you dance with me, Sam?"
Sam's eyes shimmered with tears as she smiled. "I would love to."
As Shin led her to the dance floor, the world seemed to fade away. The music, the laughter, the crowd—all of it disappeared. For that moment, it was just the two of them. Sam's heart pounded in her chest, her emotions swirling in confusion and warmth. She didn't understand why, but she felt safe—happy—dancing with him.
When the song ended, the tavern erupted in applause. Chee and Dave bowed deeply, their smiles radiant.
Later that night, after the tavern had closed, the group remained inside, sharing drinks and laughter with Arcs, Priscila, Chee, and Dave.
Isolde leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "So, why did you two decide to move on?"
Chee smiled softly, glancing at Dave. "It's always been our dream to see the world. We're not getting any younger, so we decided to chase that dream while we still can. What matters most is that we're together."
She leaned in and kissed Dave gently.
Arcs raised his mug. "You know we'll miss you both."
Priscila nodded. "Yeah, we were hoping that if the gods permit, you'll come back someday."
Dave smiled. "Don't worry. We will."
Isolde grinned faintly. "Wherever our paths lead us, don't forget to come back here. I'll always return to this place. I'll miss you four lovebirds—but I'm happy for you."
Arcs looked at her warmly. "Irvine would be proud of you, Isolde."
Isolde's smile faltered. "I don't think he would be." Her voice trembled as she looked down, holding back her emotions.
Arcs sighed softly. "You know he would be. Wherever he is right now, he's smiling and saying, 'That's my girl.' I know this because... he is my brother."
The room fell silent.
Priscila placed a hand on Shin's shoulder. "We never thanked you for taking care of our little Isolde. Thank you, Shin."
Isolde suddenly stood up, her chair scraping against the floor. Without a word, she turned and walked out, tears glistening in her eyes.
Everyone sat in stunned silence until Chee spoke softly. "She still hasn't moved on from Irvine. I can feel her pain. Don't worry—she'll be fine once she released that rage on the shooting range."
Shin stood abruptly. "I'll go check on her."
Outside, the night was quiet except for the faint chirping of crickets. Shin followed the familiar path to the open field where Isolde used to practice her shooting.
He found her there, firing her revolver into the scarecrow, tears streaming down her face.
"Why?!" she screamed between shots. "We should have been together that night! I should be dead too!"
Shin ran to her and grabbed her from behind, wrapping his arms around her tightly. "That's enough, Isolde. It's okay. You still have me—everyone. I know what you've been through, but we can't change the past."
Isolde struggled, her voice breaking. "Irvine died protecting me that night—the night they violated me. I should be dead!"
Shin held her closer, his voice steady but full of sorrow. "I know. I should've been there for both of you, but I was too late. Irvine gave his life to protect you. You have to honor that sacrifice, that love. He did it willingly, Isolde. And if he had to do it again, I know he would—just to keep you safe."
Isolde's strength gave out, and she collapsed into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably. "I miss him so much, Shin. He was the only man I ever loved... and they took him away from me."
Shin gently patted her back. "I know. But you still have a family that loves you—in the Fateful Ten, and with Priscila and the others. You're not alone."
Isolde wiped her tears, her breathing slowing. "You're right... thank you, Shin. For calming my rage."
He smiled faintly. "Come on. Let's go back."
When they returned to the tavern, the others looked up in concern. Isolde bowed her head. "I'm sorry for the outburst."
Before she could say more, Chee and Priscila rushed forward and hugged her tightly.
"You're not alone, Isolde," Priscila said softly. "We're always here for you."
Chee nodded, smiling through her own tears. "Always."
The warmth of their embrace filled the room, and for the first time in a long while, Isolde allowed herself to smile again.