The garden is large, in the centre is a grand pond.
Invisible hews shaped as irises sprout from the water showing signs of supernatural wonder,
sitting at each corner of the pond are 4 rainbow lotuses split between a bridge each lotus gives a pure light hew, brightening the surroundings.
To each of its sides stands jade pillars each carved to precision, atop of these pillars are the bone heads of drakes, when I had first seen them my mouth was agape, each head is 12ft long, there width 6ft. Golden chains held the heads together, tailsmans covered the golden chains.
A wooden bridge adorned with carvings went across the pond, on the land near. Cherry blossom trees guide the way. I walk onto the bridge to the other side, where I see two children picking grapes and berries.
"Hey, I have come to join you!" I shout to them with enthusiasm, I swiftly jog.
"Mr. Leon!, we are picking berries. I am happy you kept your promise.". The boy says.
The girl nods and continues to pick berries. I join them, we all remain quiet, focusing on berry picking and being more present.
But because of this intrusive thoughts from earlier reemerge, i worry for my friends at the clearance.
I sigh, my basket has now been filled halfway, the children have already almost filled two baskets before I came here.
'These kids, are not so talkative. They seem to like my presence, but not to the point they want to communicate,
seems communication isn't the only way into getting to know someone I guess. I make sure I keep that in mind to not think bad of them.
I continue to pick at the bush.
"We are done, we will be heading back". This time the girl spoke, I look to them each carrying a basket in each hand, both full enough to where berries could fall.
"Nice!, you sure you don't want to stay with me until I'm done?". I ask them, wanting to check if they are comfortable with me.
"We will head in first, papa promised us some sweets if we did this!". They tell me the actual reason on why they were picking berries and grapes.
'Hmm, I thought this was their way of getting close…was I just used for extra credit?' I question to myself. Not truly bothered.
Knowing I cannot be rude to them I think on what to say.
"So, does your father know I am helping you two?". I say to them, they both shrug.
"Don't worry we will share some sweets with you." The boy states, the girl agrees with him.
'I see, they are at least giving me something, but they should hold more respect for me'. I too shrug, knowing I am unable to stand up and tell them off.
"Alright. Alright, I won't say anything.". They both smile and walk towards the house, clearly knowing I can be used.
'Am I just going to become a tool?, it is better than being eaten alive…but man is it dehumanising'.
I continue to pluck my baskets half full with a mixture of grapes and berries. I take one and snack on it.
'Delicious!' A sweet humming moan exists my mouth at the taste of the grape, the juiciness and sweetness floods my mouth.
"It feels so good to eat, best to fill this. I was going to leave it half way, but I wonder what sweets the children of cultivators eat."
"They have to be tastier than the grapes, must be!"
I hear childish laughter behind me, the siblings return. I turn around and see them playing tag.
'I guess they are not all that evil, for a moment I had thought they were laughing at me' I tense a face of guilt.
I return to plucking berries.
'Later I need to properly study, I definitely need to learn martial arts. Yes that needs to be my goal, I need a way to pave a path back to my companions.' I squeeze my hands into a fist, knowing what I want to do.
'For that I need to rely on Orgis!' Even though right at this moment I am plucking at fruit, someday I'll be striking wood with my fist.
Some time passes.
I had filled two baskets of grapes and berries. I passed them both to the siblings who thanked me, they are definitely just young children.
I am still in the garden, just sitting down and taking in the new world and still thinking of how I can return back to earth and the companions I have made.
'I guess one thought on change won't entirely remove former thoughts.' I laugh to myself and stand up.
I yawn.
The sun is still out, but it was becoming cooler.
"Guess I'll head back". I huff a huge sigh and return to my new home.
Meditating by the back door is Malle, I sense a aura enveloping her.
She slowly opens her eyes.
"Leon. Orgis is cooking up some mutton, my little girl is assisting him, so make sure you complement it.
Also we have someone coming out to test your physique, to see if you are eligible for cultivation!"
She says with a graceful smile while staring at me, I respectfully bow to her.
"They are coming tomorrow"
"Of course mrs. Malle i will most definitely complement young miss on her cooking. Thank you for having someone come test me potential!"
I say with full serious, I deepen my bow well thanking her, understanding entirely that to truly survive I must become a cultivator.
'Yes!, this is exactly what I need, I'm sure cultivation will be more doable and benefiting than martial arts!'
She lets me settle down and calm my nerves.
"No need to bow, and please just call me Malle, same with my husband just call him Orgis" she smiles.
"We are thankful that we are able to help someone in need, definitely someone that is genuine. That is a rare thing in this world".
She speaks with calmness and reassurance, she and Orgis are benevolent and kind.
I feel grateful to the world for sending me to them, even though I still wish to be with the others.
"And, make sure you use that respect towards the person arriving tomorrow, because they are important".
She states seriously.
"Yes. Malle" I say cleanly and respectfully.
"Good!, head in now" she tells me, I do as I am told and go inside.
[camp]
Adam and Dale stand proud both wearing a wide smile, in front of them was a sheep, which they have just trapped.
"I am tired!" Dale says after yawning and stretching his arms, he leans down and carefully observes the sheep.
He notices something peculiar, the sheep is round
"Adam, there is something odd about the sheep, it's a bit larger compared to the ones we saw before. Is there something wrong with it?"
Dale asks worried that there might be something wrong, Dale has now been working under Adam's wing learning from him.
Adam as if it's become a habit rubs his thick beared.
"It pregnant, we cannot eat it. We will be making a fenced out area for it to roam, we just need get enough wood for a fence. Hmm".
Adam thinks on what he can do with the sheep, he doesn't want to leave it in the trap, but he might be forced to, since it's safer than being left out without a herd protecting it.
"Me and you gonna have to become a shepherd". He says cackling, Dale doesn't take him seriously.
"Sad part, we can not eat meat". Adam continues to talk ignoring the fact he mad a bad joke. He was excited to finally able to eat meat, Renard had found a walnut tree, which was better than just berries.
Him wanting to hunt for meat was because of the walnuts, it reminded him of a recipe he knew on earth. It allowed him tos wim in his ocean of thoughts and worries. Which he was slowly drowning in.
Adam who thought he was finally going to make a proper meal was disappointed that he is now unable to create the dish.
"Yeah, it's good that it's pregnant. This is good for our future, we can also use it for whool".
Dale points out, Adam already knowing this fact just nods.
"Okay, boy. You go back and tell Renard. I'll set a small cover over it, bring me the leftover rope."
He tells Dale while looking around for large branches, clearly getting ready to build a shelter for the imprisoned sheep.
"Okay, sir!" Dale runs off towards the camp, following a trail of stones.
Dale tells Renard who is spending time with the children about the sheep and its pregnancy, both Ashley and Jacks eyes light up with curiosity.
Begging both Renard and Dale to take them towards Adam, Renard refused and made sure to tell them not to continue bothering Dale.
This delayed Dale for a good five minutes.
Dale enters inside Adams tent grabbing a large looped rope pile and throwing it over his shoulder.
'I guess I cannot run with this.' He lets out a tired sigh, while adjusting the weight of the rope.
He walks to Adam, the rope makes the walk harder than it needs to be, to the point he complains.
Even with all the self complaints, he arrives to where Adam is.
Adam had already gathered what he needed, and carved holes within the branch and stickes. He'll use that to tie the roof together.
Around the sheep stud 6 straight wooden branches that had indents carved at each top.
"Here you go, this is heavy". Dale passes the rope to Adam, who smiles at the exhausted face of Dale.
"Well I'll still need your help once I get to tying these together, go sit down and rest." Adam tells him while patting the stick pile.
Dale listens, his face is full of bewilderment.
'Adam is usually not so communicative or joyful, why is he acting in such a way?' He begins to question Adam's usual behaviour.
Since he has only been, what one would call stoic but his attitude has shifted.
'Maybe there's something wrong, no. I should be glad he is less scary. I just feel, this change of personality is a slowly developing issue.'
Dale quietly reflects, he wasn't entirely dumb. Back on Earth he did not have many friends, but because of this he was an astounding observer.
He is able to know if someone's change in behaviour, is one of mental unrest or one of genuine change.
Adam's was the former. Dale knows that there is not much that he can do but listen, and hope that Adam is able to see past what he is going through.
Dale who was deep in thought hadn't noticed the passage of time, at some point Dale placed his head between his legs, looking down at the bugs below him.
Adam has now almost finished with the roof, just needing to place it atop the stubs.
"Boy, get over here!" Adam shouts towards Dale. Dale now feeling mentally tired but physically rested stands up and follows Adam's command.
Dale and Adam with some struggle successful place the roof, and complete the temporary shelter for the pregnant sheep.
"Done!" Adam says while wiping the sweat of his forehead.
He walks up to Dale.
"We are heading back now, the sheep cannot escape that hole. It is also no longer affected by rain, we will come to feed it tomorrow."
Dale listens to what Adam has said, realising he is missing an important thing.
"Wouldn't the sheep attract wolves?" Dale questions something simple.
Adam looks at him with annoyance.
"Best not to jinx it." He says walking off, clearly not wanting to linger on the topic of wolves.
Arriving at the camp without disturbance, Ashley runs to Dale.
"Look, look". In her hand she holds a leaf filled with walnuts.
"Mr.Renard, brought us with him when he went to collect dinner". She speaks with joy, a hug smile remains on her face.
Dale knowing that the emotions she is feeling now are only temporary and there for distraction replies properly.
"I am glad, was your day fun. Did you get to play tag with old man Renard?"
Dale laughs and pats her small head.
"Yes we did!, come let's go cook these". She says with a cute toothy grin.
Dale follows behind as she runs to the area a fire is blazing.
'Tomorrow, I'll take them to the pond. I'll have to ask Renard though.'
Dale thinks with excitement, wanting to help get the kids in a better head space.
Time passed, the group ate there fill while chatting among themselves.
They were encircling the campfire both jack and Ashley are sitting near Renard.
Dale looks and sees that it is the perfect time to ask Renard, if he's allowed to take both the kids to the pond.
Dale wipes his mouth with a leaf.
"Renard, if it is okay with you. Can I please take these guys to the pond?"
Dale makes sure to sound polite and respectful wanting to ensure Renards agreement, he points to the children.
Renard who was vibing with the relaxing atmosphere hears Dales question, he gazes at both children.
He thinks on Dales question while sipping on his boiled water.
"I say, that's just perfect. I'll be the one to get everything sorted for their time there. I'll becoming with you!"
He says putting his thumbs up with agreement, Renard wasn't as emotionally back logged as the rest, so his enthusiasm was a lot more genuine.
This is also the reason why the group has been quick to recovery.
"Nice!!" Dale says with true enjoyment.
Ashley who is listening in, screams with delightment.
"Yey!, pond, we are going to the pond." She repeatingly chants thinking that she'll find Leon, Jack joins her in excitement.
Adam sits back and remains quiet, returning to his stoic self.
"Alright alright, calm down!" Dale let them chant for a good two minutes, but after that he swiftly tells them to stop.
Ashley quickly listens not wanting to be told off, Jack however continues.
"Stop now, or I'll punch you!" Ashley tells Jack. Jack hearing this shrivels to the ground and says.
"Okay, okay.. don't hit me please!" He begs Ashley.
She laughs at him with a sadistic gaze.
"Listen now!" Dale shouts his eye serious and staring at both of them.
They both stand up and quiet down.
"Okay, we will all be having an early night, so let's all get ready to go bed".
They both remain silent and follow Dales orders.
Adam also joins them in the early night, while Renard only sleeps after getting everything sorted.
Dawn arrives quicker than a hare.
Vroom*
A thunderous boom echos from the distance.
In the dawn sky a man standing 7ft is running on cracked pieces of sky with a sinister grin upon his face, his eyes gleem. It is as if he has found treasure.
Below the steps he makes large gusts of wind that shake the green leafed trees.
The animals which had been sleeping quickly run off into the oppsite direction this monster is heading.
He is adorned in a grey cloak, by the posture of his neck he is obviously hunchbacked.
This cloak remains firm and still as he runs across the sky.