Spirit Game

[Present Time]

"We secretly replaced the traps and removed the spikes so the Ebizo soldiers wouldn't be in danger," Rain explained to Hana. "Though, I doubt these wooden spikes would do much against their hard shells anyway."

Hana stared at Rain in disbelief, struggling to process his revelation. "Y-you . . . you knew and planned all this? But why .

. . why didn't you tell me or tell Druger and the others? They wouldn't have gone to such lengths to defeat Lord Izumi if they knew he was going to leave eventually. All of this would have been resolved without anyone getting hurt!"

~Chi!~

'Have you been listening at all?!'

Rain stopped Chi, his voice firm yet gentle. "Its fine Chi."

He then explained to Hana, "I needed to see if Druger and the others were truly committed to driving out Lord Izumi and the Ebizo. You have to understand, Hana. It wasn't just about reclaiming the town. It was about restoring their dignity, pride, and confidence. The end goal was for the citizens to reclaim these things and move past their trauma.

It was the only way for them to move forward after everything that happened.

"Besides, if they had simply left, wouldn't Druger and the others feel a void in their hearts? But by defeating their oppressors with their own hands, they've gained the confidence to face any future challenges, knowing they can protect their town."

". . . Yeah . . .

I see your point, but still . . ."

Rain put a finger to his lips and winked at Hana. "Don't tell them about this, okay? Promise me. It's important that they don't know."

Hana blinked, then sighed and finally smiled, tears welling up in her eyes. "I promise."

Rain then turned to the others and instructed them to heal the injuries of the Ebizo soldiers while the latter were busy cleaning up the place.

As she watched, Hana couldn't help but feel immense gratitude toward Rain. He hadn't just saved the town; he had saved them, both body and spirit.

Rain could have escaped and left them behind. He didn't know them, and he should have been angry that Druger and the others had implicated him in their war. But against all odds, he had not only helped them in secret but also restored what was important to the townsfolk and fortified their spirits to face whatever lay ahead.

He didn't seek glory or the townspeople's gratitude; he simply wanted to help from the shadows. That spoke volumes about his character.

"You're really remarkable," Hana uttered softly.

Rain blinked. "Hmm? What was that?"

Hana shook her head and beamed. "Nothing. Thank you, Rain. Honestly, thank you very much!"

She bowed deeply, and Rain was flustered, unsure how to respond. He wasn't used to receiving compliments.

"Ah. D-don't worry about it. I just wanted to save my shelter and my troops. Besides, I needed the port town alive so I could continue to trade there. And there's also the fact that I still need Druger and the others to help build my territory. I think they owe me that much."

While Rain spoke nervously, Hana observed him with a smile on her face. "There he goes again," she thought to herself. "Trying to downplay what he's achieved. A remarkable fit that no one else could probably do."

"You probably don't want our gratitude, Rain, but it's too late . . . we owe you our lives, and we will forever be grateful."

Rain noticed Hana's gaze and scratched his head. "Uhm . . . you should probably catch up to Druger and the others and see if they're alright. And if they're celebrating their victory, you don't want to miss out on the party, right?

I will have Chill escort you back."

Hana beamed, and she and Chill headed back to town on the available horse, which had been healed by Chi and the others.

At their current pace, they would probably arrive at the port town no later than tonight.

Rain nodded to himself. "Yosh. It's time to initiate the next part of our plan."

~Chi?~

"Ah . . . you're asking how I convinced Lord Izumi." Rain scratched his head. He hadn't explained that part to Chi and the others yet. Everything had happened so quickly that he hadn't even had time to catch his breath.

It was supposed to be his secret, but he guessed it was fine to tell Chi about it. Eve and he had made a deal, so she'd probably be alright with this . . . he hoped.
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Rain then explained everything to Chi, and she chirped wildly, telling him that he was too reckless.

Indeed, he was. But cornered and desperate, Rain had no choice but to be reckless.

"Well, I didn't have a choice. But . . . everything turned out well in the end, right?"

~Chi!~

Chi stomped her feet and put her hands on her waist, glaring at Rain.

'Next time, I will come with you! You're not meeting this dangerous woman alone!'

"Yes, yes," Rain could only agree.

~Chi!~

'So what did this woman want?'

". . ." Rain pursed his lips and looked to the side. "Ah, well . . .

She wanted to see the Starfire bloom."

Chi eyed him suspiciously. ~Chi?~

"A-and . . . I only have one year to make it happen or she'll take my soul."

. . .

. . .

~Chiiiiii!~

"Ah! I know! I know! I was too reckless! But I had no choice. Besides, we have a whole year.

How hard could it be, right?" Rain asked with a nervous laugh.

Chi stared at him with deadpan eyes and pointed at the barren earth.

"Ugh . . . yes . . .

I know this land is desolate and nothing could possibly bloom here, but still . . . there has to be a way."

~Chi?~

"You mean to take her to the mainland?" Rain sighed. "I tried that suggestion, but Eve said she couldn't leave this place. She's bound here, that's what she told me."

Chi rolled her eyes. 'Of course she is.'

"W-well . . . I'll think of a way. But right now, we have more pressing matters to take care of."

Rain then instructed everyone, "Prepare yourselves! We will depart at once and meet with the others!"

The Ebizo cheered and they moved east toward the ocean!