—Recap—
With the core apparently restored, our friends are making their way back to the spirit tree. After escaping an avalanche, defeating a viper, learning the truth of the mountain. All finally seemed calm. But during their absence, something else had occurred.
And they are yet to find out for themselves.
Leaving the path which lead to the Taunder Summits, past the Ginso Tree, they were back to the familiar Thornfelt Swamp. Everything seemed like the way it was the day prior to their leaving.
The glistening water pouring down into the swamp, the mild temperature comfortable to anyone's liking. Besides some creatures that roam about, nothing was out of place.
That of what they could see however.
"How relieved I am to finally be out of that snow." Aciros sighed.
"Tell me about it." Ori ironically agreed.
"I still get chills down my spine just by remembering that viper." Aris shivered.
"No need to worry Aris, that viper is long gone." Vaeth reassured. Ori's ears frowned slightly remembering how he killed a living being, though it was no different than the creatures Ori has encountered before. They had to be stopped.
As a casual conversation began between our friends, they left Thornfelt Swamp and reached
Hollow Grove. Its dark atmosphere was just the same like it was during the decay, but a tree formation just in front of them brought frustration to Ori. It's the spot where he hid from Kuro, when she was blinded by hatred.
"If only you were still alive....Kuro..." Ori whispered to himself in guilt.
"You say something Ori?" Aciros questioned.
"No I didn't, I'm pretty sure your hearing things." Ori lied, but Aciros being as blunt as ever, he didn't suspect a thing. But Aris did.
Not only did he hear Ori whisper he could see his fist clenching tightly as there is one language that is universally understood. Pain, including the emotional distress caused by a stimulus.
Not wanting to pry, Aris remained silent and just continued walking with the other two. Although he couldn't ignore the fact that he wanted to know who exactly Kuro was.
"Vaeth did you hear that? Who is Kuro? I remember Ori mentioning that name when we first met him." Aris questioned.
"Aris we do not say that name so casually. She is the one who nearly brought an end to this forest. If it wasn't for Ori, we wouldn't even be standing here right now." Vaeth explained.
"Then why did Ori wish for her to still be alive?"
"It may seem weird but remember, Ori has experienced everything differently to you and I. Although Kuro brought the decay, she was blinded by hatred to our kind, that I don't know why but Ori... he saw through those ill intentions."
"Ah I see... that explains his constant grief."
Aris frowned slightly.
"Good, now you understand. I know you wish to discuss this further but it's rude to speak behind someone's back. Let us end our conversation here."
"Alright, I'll talk to you later Vaeth."
After their discussion came to an end, Aris returned his attention back to his surroundings. Though he's already walked this same path to reach the Ginso Tree, Aris was still astonished on how this forest can look different every time based on its magnificence.
YOU ARE READING
Ori & Aris the Journey Through Nibel (proofreading and improving chapters)
Fanfiction(Thank you for over 8k reads. It means a lot to me.) Since the restoration of the spirit tree, Nibel was returned to its former glory. Calming the elements and returning peace back to the forest, as spirits were reborn within the light. However, one...
