[Chapter 4] Now

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(A/N - F/n is 19 years old)
-F/n's POV-

For years, I've claimed Stormhaven, this small forest island, as my sanctuary. The name suited it perfectly, given the frequent rain and tempests. Initially, I thought my notorious presence would force me to flee daily, seeking refuge on distant shores. But Stormhaven proved different. Here, I felt safe, shielded from the world's dangers.

I constructed a sturdy log house with my own hands, leveraging the island's resources. My days passed in simple rhythm: foraging for meat and fruits, training my body, and embracing the solitude.

Time transformed my appearance. My white hair cascaded down my back, reaching the ground when untied. I stood tall at 6 feet, my physique honed from years of rugged living. Even my eyelashes turned a striking white.

Childhood garments now clung to me as tattered relics – a tank top and shorts, worn and frayed. I abandoned shoes long ago, embracing the primal freedom of being bare foot. My isolation on Stormhaven was almost absolute, with only one notable exception. When I was 14, I encountered Rayleigh, a man in his seventies with grey hair and distinctive round glasses. He was an unexpected mentor, sharing his knowledge of the world and training me in various skills.

Despite discovering my true nature, Rayleigh didn't betray me. Instead, he offered guidance, food, and essential supplies, including books and clean clothing which I carefully stored away, anticipating future needs.

Rayleigh's presence was a brief, shining respite from my solitude. He departed when I was 17, leaving an indelible mark on my life.

I stood outside my log house, tending to the campfire despite the dark, cloudy sky. The air was heavy with the promise of rain, but I wanted to cook the boar meat before seeking shelter. The savory aroma wafted through the air, mingling with the enticing scent of soup simmering inside, carried by the makeshift chimney.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted in the woods. "People...?!" The possibility startled me; it had been three years since Rayleigh's departure.

In an instant, I sprang into action, flying up to a nearby tree. Perched amidst the branches, I watched with wary eyes, readying myself to defend my sanctuary if necessary, preparing to take them down. 5 strangers emerged from the woods: a girl with vibrant orange hair, a boy with a distinctive long nose, a man with sleek blonde hair, a man with electrifying bright green hair, and a boy wearing a straw hat.

At first glance, the green-haired and blonde men seemed formidable, exuding an aura of strength.

My attention shifted to the straw hat boy, who eagerly eyed my campfire and the sizzling boar meat. His hands reached out to grab it, but the long-nosed boy and orange-haired girl intervened, restraining him.

A surge of protectiveness rose within me. I couldn't let them devour my food, the boar meat was my favorite, and it was rare to find in these forest.

My anger boiled over, but then our eyes met, the green-haired man's gaze locked onto mine. My eyes widened briefly, before I regained composure.

With swift precision, I dove down towards him. He reacted swiftly, jumping back with a grunt. The movement revealed his bandaged state, indicating weakness.

A strategic advantage, I thought. Now, only the blonde man posed a significant threat.

The crew instinctively closed in, forming a semi-circle and surrounding me

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