Unbound Legacy

Too late

Zayd's expression grew serious as she stared at the flickering light in the sky. "What is that idiot thinking?" she muttered, frustration evident in her tone. With a determined sigh, she turned to Ruin and Kimiko. "We need to hurry." Without waiting for a reply, she started towards their town, her steps quick and purposeful.

Ruin and Kimiko exchanged confused looks, taken aback by Zayd's sudden shift in attitude. They quickly fell in step behind her, the underbrush crunching under their hurried movements. "Hey, what's going on?" Ruin called out as they caught up.

"You'll find out when we reach your town," Zayd responded sharply, but Ruin caught a faint whisper that lingered in the air, a soft "I hope I'm wrong" just before she took off again, sprinting ahead. He was surprised by her speed, struggling to keep up as he and Kimiko raced after her.

"Do you know what's happening?" Kimiko panted, trying to regulate her breathing as they weaved through trees and bushes that threatened to slow them down.

"I'm just as lost as you are," Ruin replied, his voice tinged with frustration. "She just said we'll find out when we get there. For now, let's focus on keeping up." They pushed forward, the rustling leaves and snapping twigs beneath their feet the only sounds accompanying their frantic dash.

"Zayd, please! Can we take a break?" Ruin gasped, desperation clawing at his throat as fatigue weighed heavily on his limbs.

Zayd stopped, turning back to face them. She opened her mouth to scold them for wasting time, but the sight of their flushed faces and sweat-drenched brows softened her resolve. "I guess I forgot you two are just... regular humans."

"Aren't you some kind of celestial being? Can't you teleport us or something?" Kimiko asked, collapsing onto the ground in exhaustion.

"I could have—if someone hadn't acted like an idiot," Zayd shot a glare at Ruin, her frustration clear.

Ruin attempted to push himself up, but his body betrayed him, sending him back to the ground. "I think I can still keep going..."

"Just rest! I can't have you two fainting on me now, can I?" Zayd shook her head, trying to catch a glimpse of the sky through the towering trees. Suddenly, her expression brightened. "I may not be able to use my divinity, but my artifacts still work."

Ruin and Kimiko exchanged puzzled glances. "What are you talking about?" Ruin asked, his cheeks flushing as Zayd told them to "snuggle up."

"Wait, what..." he stammered, his protests cut short when Zayd kicked him firmly in the back, sending him tumbling toward Kimiko. Before either could react, a shimmering sphere of magic enveloped them, lifting them off the ground. They floated behind Zayd, a trail of light following their swift ascent toward the town.

Soon, the silhouette of the town appeared in the distance, a familiar landmark in their lives. But before they could fully comprehend their return, they were suddenly released from the magical sphere, landing unceremoniously on the ground.

"Couldn't you have set us down more gently? And how did you even know where the town was?" Kimiko grumbled, rubbing her sore body.

Ruin scanned the surroundings, his brow furrowing. "Hey, why is the town so quiet? This is really unusual, especially with the festival coming up."

Zayd's smile faded as her eyes narrowed, urgency creeping into her voice. "We're too late."