At the Headquarters
Shadow sat in silence, his gaze fixed on nothing in particular.
"They're relying on you a lot, Shadow," Whisper said quietly.
Shadow didn't respond, but Whisper understood his thoughts instantly. Their souls were connected - words weren't necessary.
"So... you have a plan for the humans?" Whisper asked. "Because right now, they're not thinking for themselves. Ever since you arrived, they've been relying on your power, forgetting what they're truly capable of. If this continues, they'll become useless without you. They'll start believing that if even a god can't do something, then they certainly can't."
He paused, studying Shadow's expression.
"You have to find a way, Shadow..."
After hearing Shadow's unspoken reply, Whisper continued, "So... you're going to give them missions? Tasks they can complete without your direct help?"
He nodded to himself. "That's a good idea... but I think we also need to train them. If they can't fight without relying on their elemental powers, they'll be helpless the moment their energy runs out. We need to teach them how to fight without using their element at all." Whisper's tone carried deep thought.
In Miko's Room
Miko sat alone, her thoughts heavy.
Today was a rough day... I should rest for now.
But her mind wouldn't stop.
When I saw Shadow earlier... I couldn't think clearly. It was as if all my reasoning was stripped away. I just obeyed him - maybe out of fear... or maybe because I thought, 'We have a god on our side, so now we can just pray to him and worship him.'
Her hands trembled slightly.
That wasn't me in that moment. If this continues... I won't be able to lead this kingdom on my own.
Still lost in her thoughts, Miko lay down, hoping sleep would ease her mind.
Miko's Dream
"Mom, is Dad really strong?"
"Yes, Miko," an unfamiliar yet gentle female voice replied. "Your father is not only strong... he's the ruler of this kingdom. Without him, it would fall into ruin."
"When will Dad be back...?"
"Miko?"
The dream shifted, the voice growing urgent.
"Miko, hide here, okay? Don't come out." The woman's tone was sharp with panic.
"M-Mom? Where are you going? Why are you putting me here?"
Fear gripped her, but she obeyed, slipping into the cabinet and remaining silent.
"Shhh... don't worry, Miko. Mom will be fine. Remember this - you are our greatest creation. Mom and Dad love you so much. One day, you must protect this kingdom. Promise me."
"Promise, Mom... but why are you saying this? I... I'm scared..."
"Shhh... we know..." The voice softened, trembling.
Through the narrow crack of the cabinet, Miko saw demons burst into the room. One grabbed her mother by the hair. Blades flashed. They stabbed her again and again, making certain she would never rise.
They left without a word.
Miko wanted to scream, to run to her... but her mother's last command echoed in her mind: Don't scream, no matter what.
Hours Later
"We found the princess," a knight said, his voice heavy. "She's safe, but-"
"M-Mom... Dad? Where are they?" Miko's voice quivered.
"They're dead," the knight replied bluntly.
Another knight turned sharply to him. "Don't say that to a child! She's terrified. Can't you calm her first?"
"What do you want me to do? Lie to her? Tell her they're safe? She's our future - the king himself ordered us to protect her at all costs."
The second knight sighed, trying to calm his comrade.
"Dad? Where is he?" Miko whispered.
"Everything is fine, Princess," the knight said gently. "Your father left you a letter... but he said to open it only when you're older. For now, come with us. We'll take you somewhere safe."
Exhausted and frightened, Miko followed them. Somewhere along the way, sleep claimed her.
The Dream Distorts
$+#-$-#-$#$#_@@
Miko... you are our last hope...
Miko... protect the kingdom from #$@@#...
Miko #@@##... Miko ##@#$$#$...
The voices overlapped, drowning her in a storm of sound.
She jolted awake, cold sweat clinging to her skin, tears streaming down her face.
"This dream again..." she whispered. "Why can't I forget it? If this keeps happening, I'll lose my mind. Maybe... I should talk to Shadow. No... I shouldn't. I have to handle this myself. I can't always hide behind him just because he's a god. I'm the ruler of this kingdom. I must do everything I can... myself."
Her thoughts spiraled into the night. Somewhere else, the Commander worked tirelessly to secure his own kingdom. Shadow pondered ways to train the humans. And Aurther...
He was...
To be continued...