FIRE PRINZEE

A STORM OF ARRIVAL

The biting wind of Ikuli Village howled through the frozen streets, carrying with it shards of ice that stung like needles. The world outside the small wooden hut was a bleak expanse of white, endless and unforgiving. Inside, Zee sat near the hearth, his long grey hair catching the flickering glow of the flames. His piercing blue eyes were fixed on the door, his mind wrestling with unease.

"They're coming," Elder Tereth had said earlier, his voice grave. The Olascope Group, famed for their ruthless efficiency in battling demons, were on their way. To the villagers, they were saviors. To Zee, they were a complication.

Jin, the father of the family Zee stayed with, tightened his fur coat as he moved toward the window. "It's about time," he muttered. "The village can't survive another attack like last week. Those things..." His voice broke, and he turned back to Zee. "You'll meet them, won't you? Maybe help them?"

Zee's jaw tightened. His gaze shifted to the door. "We'll see."

Lisa, the young daughter, leaned against the wall, her small hands clutching a blanket. "They're heroes, aren't they? Everyone says they've saved hundreds of villages."

Heroes. The word rang hollow in Zee's mind. Stories of their victories had reached even the icy edges of Ikuli. One this was for sure; He didn't trust them.

The sound of crunching snow interrupted his thoughts. Lika, the mother, stood by the door, her face pale. "They're here."

Zee rose, his tall frame casting a shadow over the room. He adjusted the simple grey cloak draped over his shoulders and stepped outside.

The sight that greeted him was as imposing as it was strange. A procession of figures emerged from the storm, their silhouettes sharp against the blizzard. At the center was a carriage-no, not a carriage, something more. It glowed faintly, a metallic monstrosity with wheels sparking against the icy ground. Behind it marched a group of armed individuals, their armor gleaming unnaturally, their weapons humming with an eerie energy.

At the forefront was an elderly man who could only be Chief Errata. He exuded an air of authority, his eyes sharp and calculating. An object similar to the Nova Star hung around his neck, a faint green glow pulsing from its center. Behind him walked seven others others: Luke, his hand resting on the hilt of a massive blade, Azun, a tall figure with a bow slung across his back, Azuri , Jedit , Rud, Mat and Zic.

The villagers gathered, their expressions a mix of awe and fear. Elder Tereth stepped forward, his weathered face calm but cautious. "Chief Errata, welcome to Ikuli Village. We are honored by your presence."

Errata smiled, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Elder Tereth. We've come to aid you in your time of need. The demons that plague your lands will be dealt with swiftly."

His voice was smooth, rehearsed. Zee observed from the edge of the crowd, his eyes narrowing.

"Who is that?" Errata asked, his gaze landing on Zee. As he noticed Zee seemed different from the rest of the villagers.

Elder Tereth hesitated. "A traveler. He's been staying with one of our families."

Azun's sharp gaze flicked to Zee. "what a coincidence who would have wondered we would meet again swimmer." He tapped Luke's shoulders. " Captain you remember him right?"

Chief Errata's gaze shifted away from Zee. " how suspicious."

Zee stepped forward, his movements calm, deliberate. "Suspicious, is it? Tell me, Captain, how often do you find demons masquerading as humans in villages you save?"

Luke's hand tightened on his blade, but Errata raised a hand, silencing him. "Enough, Luke. We're not here to pick fights with villagers." He looked at Zee, his smile returning. "You seem... different. What brings you to Ikuli?"

"Survival," Zee replied simply.

Errata studied him for a moment before nodding. "Very well. We could use another hand. You look capable enough."

"I'll help where I can," Zee said, his voice even.

The tension between him and the group hung in the air, palpable. Zee felt the weight of their scrutiny but gave nothing away.

Elder Tereth broke the silence. "Please, come inside and warm yourselves. We'll discuss the situation further."

The Olascope Group followed him into the meeting hall, but Zee lingered outside, his breath forming clouds in the frigid air. Lisa approached him, her small hand tugging at his cloak.

"Zee, are you going to help them?" she asked, her eyes wide with hope.

He crouched to meet her gaze. "I'll protect the village, Lisa. But trust is not something I give easily."

She nodded, though she didn't fully understand.

As the storm raged on, Zee stood alone for a moment longer, his mind churning. The Olascope Group might be here to fight demons, but he couldn't shake the feeling that they brought their own darkness with them.