Scarred For Life

Chapter 17

"All are welcome...but I must ask you to surrender your weapons. This is a place of peace."

We had heard of a man, a "herald", who had been healing zaunites of their injuries and sicknesses in the last week or two. He was supposed to be a man of great power though no one knew where it came from. He formed a quiet civilization deep in the fissures of where his first "miracle" happened.

I took in the sight around me. Light poured over us, grass surrounded the area. I could see tall flowers planted in patches beyond the entrance. The intricate design of the tall opening resembled the damaged leaves from my tree...reminding me of Ekko.

Jinx scoffed with the greeter's last words as she pushed Vi aside, raising her gun at his face. I followed suit, allowing one of my hands to grab at my mother's chain knife and hang it at my side.

The man stared at us in slight fear, raising both his hands. I raised my head at him, awaiting his change of heart. Suddenly, a small hiss of air flowed around us. Vi's gauntlets dropped to the ground as she released them with a sigh. She walked past us, heading inside the town without another word.

Jinx watched Vi's movements as she surrendered as well, removing the hextech orb from her gun and holding it in her fingers as she shoved the gun into the man's arms. I rolled my eyes at her before returning my blade to its holster. I unclicked my belt in one swift motion and tossed it at the man. Jinx began walking, shoulder checking him as she gave me a slight nod.

I smirked as I pat the man's chest on my way in, taking advantage of his slight confusion. I swiftly yet carefully grabbed hold of all my knives, gathering the chains together and shoving them in my pocket before he could notice. Isha perked up at the slight jingles of the metal. I winked and put my finger to my lips as we continued on our way.

We walked down the path in awe of the sight before us. The homes and small shops around us were unlike anything we've ever seen before. The same designs ran about the walls and the metalwork. Each home was the same color. Healed zaunites walked the dirt pathways in white robes, happily chattering amongst each other.

"The herald's vision" The man smiled as he walked beside us.

He reached out his hand as he began walking, guiding us through the community. We allowed our eyes to wander around us as we walked deeper into the town. These people had built whole lives here. They created small businesses in their marketplace, selling produce, making baskets, creating art, etc.

I watched as we passed by a tent with a few metalworkers. They focused on their craft as they banged carefully onto the red-hot piece. A man smiled proudly to himself as he worked, bringing the hot piece of metal to a bucket of water.

Suddenly, my father roared and banged his fist against the ground upon hearing the sizzling sounds of the metal piece. His outburst caused his cloak to go flying off. The people around us stared in horror and shock.

I immediately raised my arms up in front of my father. Vi hurriedly rushed to grab the cloak.

"Dad, it's ok" I hushed him as he lowered his head to me. I softly grabbed his face and pat his chest. He huffed and puffed as he began to relax.

Vi went to throw the cloak over him when the man stopped her. He smiled and shook his head, lowering the cloak away from my father.

We looked around us in confusion as the zaunites quietly went back to their lives.

"Come. He's expecting you" The man spoke as he continued walking up the path.

The four of us exchanged mixed glances as we hesitated to break away from my father. We hesitantly followed the man, walking ahead of my father.