Silence settled over the night. No words, no sounds — only a breath battling within: anxiety, fear. From the past until dawn came. I couldn't sleep thinking: did the demon see all my memories? Did he watch this body's future? How much does he know? Maybe he knows how I'll end. That person who tortured me said my third punishment would be reincarnation — perhaps because of my arrogance: that even if I'm tortured and returned to life, I would repeat my actions. I need to question him.
Lord of Ice Hyouga sat in the frigid ice region before Rose's grave, recalling one last thing: Rose's final words — painful: "Save me, I don't want to die. I'm... I'm scared." In the silence, someone stepped up behind him until he reached the grave: "Rose, my beloved daughter, I hope you live a better life than this one, my child." I remember those days: my daughter would wake before everyone to prepare food for you — it always tasted either salty or sweet; she would add sugar instead of salt.
"So, Lord Hyouga of the Ice, here everything began, and here we must end it so my daughter may be happy in her grave. You told us once that the necklace would be returned someday, but you didn't — are you frozen in your neck or what?"
"I already told you I will return it when the time comes. Will you wait?"
"Wait for what?"
"Tell me: that necklace doesn't mean only to me but to all the tribes, and you know why."
"Yes, I know. Rose Zephyr — the first healer in the Spear Tribe — treated many people, beloved among the tribes. She was destined for greatness, but what distinguishes her is the greatest sacrifice: she gave her life. A six-year-old girl managed to save what the Ice Lord couldn't. All the tribes owe their lives to her; they want to honor her with the necklace. As for her father, he wants it because, despite being her father, he wasn't with her during her life; when he saw her die his eyes watered and he could do nothing but watch his daughter be buried under the soil — so he wants the necklace."
"I know that legendary beast was awakened; the responsibility upon him was huge — how could he stop Zephyr from speaking? He only gripped her hand until blood flowed. The Spear Tribe's leader told you a secret to end all these lingering matters between us. But promise me you will keep it until the end of your life."
"Is the secret that serious?"
"Yes. What's your answer? Will you safeguard it or not?"
"I will keep it if it will tell me why you cling to the necklace. Speak, Chief Zephyr, if you listened..."
In André's room: "O demon, if you hear me from inside the sword, I want to speak with you." Suddenly an aura began to emanate from the sword. It moved toward a chunk of ice adhering to André's room window. "What do you want, host? Tell me, how much do you know about me?"
"That's a hard question; I do not know much about you."
"What if... how did you know the past and future of the person who incarnated in his body? I had a vision..."
"You said a vision? Yes. Do you want to see that vision?"
"Can it be seen?"
"Yes, but not here. We need a place with immense energy."
"What? Where is that place, boy?"
"Do you see that mountain from the window? If you can go up there we can talk."
"That mountain is towering; it will take me two days to reach."
"Are you a coward?"
"No, but what will I tell the team?"
"I don't care. I told you what I had: either you come to me or do not call me again, weakling. I feel disgust for you. Farewell, vessel."
"Wait! I said wait..."
"Ah — this is bad, especially since the leader ordered us not to move until he decides on the truce with the Spear Tribe. More than waiting, my life is at stake here."
In the frozen ice region: "I cannot believe what I heard, Lord of Ice — are you sure of what you are saying now?"
"Yes, and you insist on keeping him despite your knowledge."
"Yes, I cannot believe it. So that is why you do not want to give up the necklace? If you have your reasons..."
"How are heroes measured, Lord of the Spear? Did you not ask? I want to know what 'hero' means to you."
"One answer, Lord of the Spear: a hero is an ordinary human — he laughs, he grieves, he rages, he hates, he clings to this life with all it contains. The world burdens him with good deeds. He is called a hero when the scale of good deeds is hefty, yet he does not take from it but holds the coals in his hand; even as they boil and his hand melts, he keeps holding them, puts them on the scale until the balance tips — then he is called a hero."
"I understand. After I listened to your reasons, I declare it — a truce, on condition you keep your promise."
"Yes."
"Wait until Falak hears the news."
"I doubt it; he does not forget his defeats — that is my son; I raised him." Then reconciliation was declared. The Ice team rejoiced while the tribe remained hesitant, especially since the Ice King had promised before but no one knew when. Then the tribe leader climbed a rock and said: "My brothers and comrades, you who entrusted me with your affairs — do you trust me or not?"
"Of course, we trust you, chief, but you know you had promised before."
"But now I make you understand; I alone know the reason for that — trust me." Everyone looked at one another, then agreed.
Elsewhere, when the deputy of the Ice team entered the room he did not find André — only a note reading: "I'll return after three days." Meanwhile, André was climbing the mountain. The demon watched him and said: "Humans are impatient for knowledge. Come, climb for me, boy. When you climb the mountain your end will come and I will seize your body."
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I know I'm late with the updates, but college has started and it's my final year. I hope you understand. I'll keep posting as usual without delays, and if I ever feel like I might not be able to upload, I'll let you know. It'll only be a delay of two or three days at most. I hope you enjoy the story!
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