[Present Time]
"We secretly replaced the traps and removed the spikes so the Ebizo soldiers wouldn't be in danger," Rain explained to Hana. "Though, I doubt these wooden spikes would do much against their hard shells anyway."
Hana stared at Rain in disbelief, struggling to process his revelation. "Y-you . . . you knew and planned all this? But why .
. . why didn't you tell me or tell Druger and the others? They wouldn't have gone to such lengths to defeat Lord Izumi if they knew he was going to leave eventually. All of this would have been resolved without anyone getting hurt!"
~Chi!~
'Have you been listening at all?!'
Rain stopped Chi, his voice firm yet gentle. "Its fine Chi."
He then explained to Hana, "I needed to see if Druger and the others were truly committed to driving out Lord Izumi and the Ebizo. You have to understand, Hana. It wasn't just about reclaiming the town. It was about restoring their dignity, pride, and confidence. The end goal was for the citizens to reclaim these things and move past their trauma.
It was the only way for them to move forward after everything that happened.
"Besides, if they had simply left, wouldn't Druger and the others feel a void in their hearts? But by defeating their oppressors with their own hands, they've gained the confidence to face any future challenges, knowing they can protect their town."
". . . Yeah . . .
I see your point, but still . . ."
Rain put a finger to his lips and winked at Hana. "Don't tell them about this, okay? Promise me. It's important that they don't know."
Hana blinked, then sighed and finally smiled, tears welling up in her eyes. "I promise."
Rain then turned to the others and instructed them to heal the injuries of the Ebizo soldiers while the latter were busy cleaning up the place.
As she watched, Hana couldn't help but feel immense gratitude toward Rain. He hadn't just saved the town; he had saved them, both body and spirit.
Rain could have escaped and left them behind. He didn't know them, and he should have been angry that Druger and the others had implicated him in their war. But against all odds, he had not only helped them in secret but also restored what was important to the townsfolk and fortified their spirits to face whatever lay ahead.
He didn't seek glory or the townspeople's gratitude; he simply wanted to help from the shadows. That spoke volumes about his character.
"You're really remarkable," Hana uttered softly.
Rain blinked. "Hmm? What was that?"
~Chi!~
'So what did this woman want?'
". . ." Rain pursed his lips and looked to the side. "Ah, well . . .
She wanted to see the Starfire bloom."
Chi eyed him suspiciously. ~Chi?~
"A-and . . . I only have one year to make it happen or she'll take my soul."
. . .
. . .
~Chiiiiii!~
"Ah! I know! I know! I was too reckless! But I had no choice. Besides, we have a whole year.
How hard could it be, right?" Rain asked with a nervous laugh.
Chi stared at him with deadpan eyes and pointed at the barren earth.
"Ugh . . . yes . . .
I know this land is desolate and nothing could possibly bloom here, but still . . . there has to be a way."
~Chi?~
"You mean to take her to the mainland?" Rain sighed. "I tried that suggestion, but Eve said she couldn't leave this place. She's bound here, that's what she told me."
Chi rolled her eyes. 'Of course she is.'
"W-well . . . I'll think of a way. But right now, we have more pressing matters to take care of."
Rain then instructed everyone, "Prepare yourselves! We will depart at once and meet with the others!"
The Ebizo cheered and they moved east toward the ocean!