SKATH: The Awakening Of Power

Chapter 2

Lyra advanced along the path, her heart still pounding from the encounter with the guardian. The forest around her grew denser, but the relaxing sound of flowing water drew her in like a familiar melody. Perhaps there was a waterfall nearby? Her pace quickened as she followed the sound of the water.

She arrived at a small clearing, and in front of her opened a stunning view: a waterfall cascading gently into a natural pool of crystal-clear water. The rocks surrounding it appeared smoothed by time, and the scene was incredibly tranquil... except for one detail.

Right in the center of the pool, with wet hair and an expression of pure relaxation, was a boy. Not just any boy, but one completely unaware of the world around him, lost in the moment as if he were the only living being on Earth. His long dark hair fell down his back, and now and then he took a deep breath, as if trying to absorb all the peace of that place.

Lyra, hidden behind a bush, found herself staring at him, her mouth slightly open. "What the hell...?" she murmured, incredulous. Who takes a bath like that, out in the middle of nowhere? And, more importantly, why did she feel so uneasy watching him?

She tried to step back quietly, but her foot got caught on a root, making her stumble and... CRACK! The sound of a broken branch echoed in the silence.

The boy spun around, his eyes meeting Lyra's, and for a moment, they both stood frozen. Then he leaped like a fish out of water, submerging himself up to his shoulders in the pool.

"Who are you?!" he shouted, desperately trying to cover himself with his hands and looking around for a quick escape.

Lyra, blushing, struggled to find something to say that didn't sound completely ridiculous. "Um... I was just walking," she stammered, trying not to laugh at the scene. "I... I didn't know there was someone here."

The boy stared at her, still confused and embarrassed. "Well, yes, I guess it's obvious you know I'm here now!" he said, pulling a floating leaf behind him in an attempt to cover himself. "But who told you to come here? This is a hidden place! A secret!"

Lyra smirked. "Secret, huh? So you come here to bathe naked like it's a private beach?"

He widened his eyes, clearly unsure how to respond to that provocation. "I wasn't... naked! I mean, yes, but it's a bath! In nature! And you-you shouldn't be here spying on people!"

"Oh, please," she replied, crossing her arms with a playful air. "I wasn't spying. And besides, are you covering everything with... a leaf?"

"Hey, it works!" he retorted, trying to maintain his dignity but failing miserably.

At that point, Lyra couldn't hold back a laugh. The boy looked at her with a mix of embarrassment and frustration, the leaf slipping away as he struggled not to drown while attempting to retain at least a shred of respect for himself.

"Look, can you help me out here?" he finally asked, defeated.

Lyra raised an eyebrow. "I don't think so. I'd say you're managing just fine on your own." She paused, then added with a half-smile, "I'm Lyra, by the way. And you, 'Lord of the Waterfalls'?"

The boy sighed, visibly resigned. "Skath," he said, relaxing his posture a bit as the water reached his chin. "And maybe next time, knock before entering a clearing."

Lyra chuckled and turned to leave. "Sure, next time I'll leave a note. By the way, nice leaf!"

Skath scoffed and sank even deeper into the water, but a playful smile crept onto his lips. Lyra walked away from the waterfall, laughing to herself, wondering who that boy really was and why she had found him right there at that moment.