74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDo6rv1xTUm— CHAPTER □ V —
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— THE CASTLE WHISPERS —
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The willow tree's thin as the trail opens. Their long silver branches fade behind the group, giving way to a wide, golden plain stretching a hundred acres across the fog. The golden-dried grass moves in slow waves. Soft and luxurious. Breathing— swaying gently in the wind.
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Through the mist, a tall stone wall rises— a full ring of ancient castle masonry, cutting across the field. Vines crawl over most of the battlements, filling the cracks on the wall.
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Sally follows a single personal chariot that leads the pack, wheels cutting a clean line through the fog as the horses pull through the golden field.
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Behind the lead carriage, follow the heavy wagons, each drug by powerful war horses. Around each loaded wagon, walk twenty farmhands, boots brushing through tall grass, tools clinking softly by their sides. Flanking the whole convoy line are fifty of Theron's soldiers, some mounted on horseback. Archers and swordsmen. The horses move in disciplined rows, armor muted by the mist. At the rear twenty five armed infantry walk in a long steady line— shields on their backs, spears in hand, their figures hazy in the golden glow.
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— WHISPER CASTLE — FRONT GATE —
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The sky is grayish, the last of the fog lifts. The willow forest looms in the distance, dark and still.
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The royal carriage halts in front of the castle fortress entrance. Soldiers begin to stack boxes neatly. Farm hands wander the grounds, testing soil, exploring. Soldiers disperse with maps, arguing over where to pitch tents for nightly watch. The carriage now sits still, doors open and empty. At the entrance gate, Metro, Blake, Ana, Sally, and Veronica approach.
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Out of nowhere Mathias jerks his neck up. He freezes.
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Then—
Mathias:
"Metro?"
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Before Metro can react, Mathias grabs him by the waist and lifts him clean off the ground, swinging him like a child.
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"METRO! You sly dog!" "Where the hell have you been?"
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Metro: (chokes)
"I can't breathe."
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Mathias is enormous— armor stretched across his chest, arms thick and over built, the kind of strength that looks accidental and dangerous. A massive hammer rests on his back, oversized even for him. His grin is too big for his face.
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Next Phillip approaches.
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Phillip:
"Long time no see, man."
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Phillip has a bald head catching the light, a thin scar over one eye, generals coat hanging open like he owns the place. Two daggers rest at his hips, faint energy around the blades. His grin is cooked, chaotic, and way too confident.
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Jeffrey arrives last, calm as ever.
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Jeffrey: (nods reverently)
"Good to see you."
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Jeffrey is slightly chubby, armor snug around his frame, short brown hair brushed forward. A long bow sits across his back, black feathered arrows peeking over his shoulder.
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He doesn't rush.
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Blake stands there wide-eyed.
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Ana smiles warmly.
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Phillip: (Looks and points lazily at Veronica) "Who's this… you got a girlfriend?"
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Phillip chuckles mischievously.
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Veronica folds her arms, unimpressed.
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Phillip:
"Woah, what's the King's daughter doing here!?"
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Mathias finally drops Metro. Jeffrey straightens up like he's at the bar of God.
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Veronica raises her eyebrows— as if to say, 'So what?'
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Metro dusts himself off.
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Metro:
"It's a long story…."
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The golden hay sways in visible sight behind them, the fog lifting completely. Leaving a beautiful open field stretching in the distance.
All bodies have completely dispersed. Soldiers mark the perimeters with flags and stakes.
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Metro adjusts his backpack, still catching his breath from Mathias's over enthusiastic greeting.
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Metro:
"I'll explain everything soon, right now, Blake, Sally and I are headed out…"
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Mathias:(smile fading)
"Already?"
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Metro:
"We're looking for something, an enhancement gem, if we're lucky we'll be back before night falls with it in our possession."
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Phillip raises his eyebrows, impressed.
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Phillip:
"A Gem? That sounds like trouble."
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Jeffrey: (folds arms, thoughtful)
"You sure you don't need back up?"
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Before Metro can answer, Veronica steps forward.
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Veronica:
"I'm coming with you."
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Metro turns to her — calm, steady.
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Metro:
"Not until we know that it's a safe path, It might be dangerous, You should help Ana set up with the farmhands."
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Veronica tightens.
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Veronica:
"I can handle myself."
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Metro: (shakes his head)
"You should stay here with the team, it's safer."
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Phillip immediately jumps in, way too loud.
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Phillip: (excited)
"YEA! Stay here with us! It's safer!"
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She looks up ready to strangle Phillip.
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Ana: (turns to V, gently)
"Veronica… I could use your help."
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Veronica exhales, frustrated but listening. Metro shoulders his backpack.
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Mathias:
"Don't travel too far out without knowing your surroundings… we'll be here when you get back."
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Metro: (waves gently)
"Thanks guys, we'll be back soon."
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— WHISPERING FOREST TRAIL —
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A canopy of stringed willow tree branches and leaves hang overhead. Sally trots along the narrow trail. Ferns brush her legs. Damp leaves mute her hooves. They ride steadily.
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Behind him, Blake clings to the saddle with one hand and studies the trembling treasure map with the other. He keeps glancing into the trees— not like a fighter, but like a man who'd rather be anywhere else.
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Blake:(exhales)
"Hey Metro, why did you bring me out here, instead of your soldiers buddies?"
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Wind moves through the leaves. Metro doesn't turn.
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Metro:
"Because I trust you."
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(the words land)
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Blake freezes, map rustling. Sally carries them deeper into the Whispering Forest. He clears his throat.
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Blake:
"Alright."
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He taps the X with his index a few times.
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"What's this green emerald got to do with your project?"
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Metro: (answers quietly)
"Well, they're rare, I don't know anyone who's found one. I've heard stories of someone finding them in a cave, past the creek trail, which aligns perfectly with the map you sold me."
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(Adds)
"They speed up the Veg stage… rapidly… tremendously."
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Blake lowers the map, imagining fields exploding with growth.
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Blake: (He swallows)
"That sounds less like farming and more like angering the forest."
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Metro: (smiles softly)
"Probably why they stashed away in a mysterious cave."
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The creek shines ahead in the distance through the trees. Blake points.
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Blake: (excited, relieved)
"Look!
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— HILLSIDE GRASSLANDS —
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"That's the Creek!"
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Both of them stretch their necks, pleased. The sound of water grows clearer as the tree's thin.
Sally steps into a shiny pebble bank, through the narrow creek. Cold water slides over smooth stones in a silver frosty glow. Cardinals can be seen ahead, highlighted like little red rockets in the sky. Sally crosses over, hooves splashing softly. On the far side, the trees stand taller, older. Moss hangs thick from the branches. Vines coil up the trunks like ropes.
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Blake feels the energy in the forest as well. This place feels different. He folds the map halfway, keeping it ready.
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Blake: (leans forward)
"We're getting close. The forest cuts off here."
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A faint hollow sound drifts from the distant rocks and hills.
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(points towards dark ridge)
"Hey look!"
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Between roots and stone, half-hidden by vines and shadows, a small opening cuts into the hillside.
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Unmistakably there.
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A dark cave.
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It sits on the hillside like a wound.
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Metro and Blake scurry behind a big boulder, crouched, breath shallow, eyes locked on the shadowy opening. A low rumble rolls out— heavy, shifting, alive.
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Blake flattens himself against the stone.
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Blake: (starting to panic)
"Yo! What was that?!"
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Metro keeps his posture still, staring ahead, unwavered.
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Blake: (Hissing)
"We should leave, we should absolutely leave."
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Metro: (lifts one finger)
"Wait…"
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Blake glares at his finger like it betrayed him.
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Blake: (whispers)
"I can't do this, that thing sounds like it eats people."
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Metro's determination keeps him in place.
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Metro: (still facing toward cave)
"We have to try."
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Metro moves ahead cautiously, equipping both daggers as he approaches slowly, blades drawn.
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Blake: (stomps on one foot)
"What the heck, MAN!!"
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Blake follows reluctantly from behind.
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Slowly.
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Bow in hand.
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A loud sound erupts from inside the cave. A scream— deep, but high in octave, ragged, like an ox or bear, bellowing out in pain and fury.
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Both men freeze, terror taking control of their determined bodies. Their instincts take over. (Flight mode—) Metro takes off right, and Blake bolts left. Dry leaves explode under their boots as they sprint in opposite directions— only to skid behind the same large boulder, slamming into each other, shoulder first.
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They crouch low, eyes barely peeking over the stone.
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Blake: (turns, terrorized, exasperated)
"Can we leave… NOW?"
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Metro: (turns to Blake, then to the cave, defeated) "…Right."
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— WHISPERING CASTLE COURTYARD —
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Afternoon —
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The courtyard is already awake. Farm hands sweep leaves out of the cafeteria hall, hauling out broken chairs, and scrubbing long ignored tables.
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Ana stands in the center of it all, sleeves rolled, silver hair tied back showing her pointed ears, directing the flow of work with calm precision.
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Philip, Mathias, and Jeffrey watch from the steps, arms crossed, trying to look like they're supervising.
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Mathias:(mutters)
"Place was cleaner when we were at war."
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Phillip: (smirks)
"Act natural. King's daughters here."
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Veronica steps past them, taking in the mess with a sharp assessing glance.
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The soldiers straighten instantly, puffing up like there about to command a battalion.
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Ana turns towards them.
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Ana: (warm, immovable)
"You three, grab shovels."
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Mathias:
"US?!" —
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Jeffrey(tries to salvage pride)
"We're… tactical support."
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Ana just looks at them. Veronica steps in, posture straight, tone smooth and unhurried.
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Veronica:
"Ana needs hands. You three will do nicely! I'll make sure my father knows you three stepped up."
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The words land exactly where she wants them too.
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Phillip's composure stiffens. Mathias exhales dramatically. Jeffrey nods once, resigned. They head towards the inner field, trying to make it look like they meant to do it all along. Ana returns to directing the farm hands, unfazed.
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The courtyard continues moving.
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— GRASSLANDS — EVENING —
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A small campfire crackles beneath the starry sky, throwing warm light across the clearing.
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Metro and Blake sit close to the flames, chewing on strips of beef jerky and thinly sliced pieces of xander root. The treasure map is spread between them like a treaty— they're still negotiating—Blake pokes the fire with a stick.
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Blake:
"So, same plan tomorrow?"
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Metro: (nods slowly)
"Same plan… Just, quieter."
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They each take a piece of magic leaf, letting the warmth settle in their limbs. The fire pops softly. The forest hum. Their nerves finally loosen. Before long, both men are asleep in simple pajamas, curled in the separate padded sheets on the dirt, the campfire glowing low beside them.
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A soft rustle moves through the clearing.
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Rose steps into the firelight. Her tan skin flickers gold in the glow, long deep-blonde hair brushing behind her shoulders, brown eyes steady as she takes in the scene.
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— two grown men snoring in the woods like lost children.
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Curtis, her horse, trots ahead of her and lowers his nose directly over Metro's face, sniffing him with intense curiosity.
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Metro's eyes snap open to a giant pair of nostrils inches from his nose.
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He yelps.
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Blake jolts awake at the sound, shrieking in perfect unison with Metro. They scramble in their sheets, kicking up dust, clutching each other for a brief moment, the world apparently ending. Rose stands still, very seriously. Blake fumbles his bow, but his arrows are nowhere to be found. Metro sits up, slightly confused, trying to regain any amount of dignity back.
He lifts his hand towards Blake.
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Metro: (looks Blake)
"Blake calm down, she's friendly, I think…"
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Rose tilts her head with intense curiosity.
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Rose:
"What are you doing here?"
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Blake finally lowers his bow, still breathing fast. Dust on his sleeves and hair. The tent behind him is half-way collapsed, and drapes awkwardly.
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Metro rubs his face once, steadying himself.
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Across the fire, Rose watches them, arms now folded. Curtis continues to chew, eyeing Sally.
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Metro stands to his feet, slowly.
He feels the white glow in his stomach expanding to his chest— Not seen / only felt. The White Spirit Flame. Not blazing, but present
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Metro:
"We're not here to cause trouble."
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(gestures towards Blake)
"That's Blake, merchant, friend."
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Blake awkwardly raises his hand in greeting.
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Metro puts his right hand over the left side of his chest.
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Metro: "I'm Metro."
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(small pause)
"We're looking for something in the forest."
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He nods towards the dark ridge they passed earlier.
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"A cave. The Green Emerald."
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Rose's expression shifts. Metro notices… but keeps his tone steady.
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"We didn't know anyone lived near…"
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The white glow surges internally, expanding his warmth dramatically within his temple.
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"Which means we're probably stepped on someone's ground."
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He gestures towards the woods.
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"If that's the case we'll respect the land and leave…"
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(fire cracks softly)
"…unless you know somewhere, we could find shelter for the night?"
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The dark clearing goes quiet.
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Rose finally speaks.
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Rose: (voice steady)
"I'm Rose."
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(A beat)
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"And yes, you, your friend, and horse, can lodge at my mothers tonight. Follow me."
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Metro and Blake make eye contact, a quick silent agreement. They start gathering their belongings with haste, shaking dust from a collapsed tent, packing what little they have.
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Curtis turns and follows Rose who also leads him away slowly. Metro kicks dirt on the fire and scurries into step.
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— LILY'S HUT, GRASSLANDS — MORNING —
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Morning rises over the Whispering Forest Grasslands. Sunlight slips through the barn slats, turning drifting dust. The air smells of hay and animals. Sally chews lazily near the door. Curtis noses through oats, bumping her shoulder every now and then— already making himself a comfortable associate.
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Outside, a scent rolls in.
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Warm.
Rich.
Savory.
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Breakfast.
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Smoke curls from the huts' stone chimney, carrying the smell across the yard.
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Blake wakes first. His nose twitches. He sits up.
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Blake: (sniffs)
"Metro…"
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(his stomach growls)
"Metro, there is food."
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Minutes later, they step out of the barn, brushing off hay.
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A wooden table sits shaded outside of the humble hut. Covered in a white sheet that hangs off the corners. The table is covered like a holiday feast.
Crisp skillet potatoes, steaming on an iron pan. Dark, smoky forest bacon. Warm rounds of fresh buttered bread. Honeyed berries glowing purple and red. Soft herb eggs folded with wild chives. A pot of dark root stew breathing garlic and marrow.
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Rose's mother Lilly moves between the hut and table, calm and practiced. Brown hair streaked with gray, tied back simply.
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Blake stares.
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Blake: (pulls out a chair)
"This looks amazing! I'm gonna cry."
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He sits and immediately starts eating— bread/potatoes/bacon.
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Rose:
"Metro, Blake, this is my mother Lilly..."
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Metro:(nods, smiling)
" It's nice to meet you."
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Blake:(nods)
"Miss Lilly, this is incredible."
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He barely pauses.
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"These potatoes—" Another bite. "— perfect."
More bacon disappears.
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"And this bacon— this bacon could start a war."
Lilly laughs softly.
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Lilly:
"Well eat slow…"
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Blake nods.
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Eats faster.
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Metro sits beside Rose, silent. He drops his bread into the steamed stew— tasting deep warm flavors built from years of feeding families.
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Rose eats calmly, watching Blake's destruction with faint amusement. Blake talks through another mouthful.
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Blake:
"Miss Lilly, if you opened a breakfast stall, You'd bankrupt every tavern within fifty miles!"
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Another bite.
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Lilly sets another warm loaf on the table.
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Lilly: "Eat all you like."
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He takes her words literally.
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— MOMENTS LATER —
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Inside the Hut, morning light filters through on soft, golden rugs on the floor. Clay jars sit on shelves and herbs dry along the wall. Lilly walks to the outside table, wipes her hands on her apron and steps closer to Metro, her eyes wearied but sharp.
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Lilly:
"Rose tells me your treasure hunting."
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(leans slightly on table)
"Tell me… where did you come from?"
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(small pause)
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"And what business brings you out here?"
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Blake keeps eating. Rose watches Metro. Metro wipes his hands and looks toward Lilly. A faint sparkle is in his left eye.
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Metro: (voice steady)
"We came from the village west of here, most people there know me as Metro."
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(gestures towards Blake)
"Blake runs trade between those villages."
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Blake nods mid chew.
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Blake:
"Mm-hm-"
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Metro continues.
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Metro: "We're not hunting gold, we're searching for a Growth Emerald. I told Rose about it yesterday." (A pause) "If the stories are true… It could help our farm, and others who are struggling…."
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Metro takes a sip of water, letting silence fill the room — Scene fades
— FORTRESS ACREAGE TRANSFORMATION — Afternoon —
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Ana's spell fades like dust settling after a storm.
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The fortress interior— stands exposed. Raw soil in deep browns and reds streak, where the roots tore free. The air still hums faintly with leftover magic, a soft vibration that clings to the ground like heat after a lightning strike. Bundles of dry hay sit in scattered mounds, their pale gold fiber catching the sun and glowing like small lanterns across the field. The stone walls rise above it all, towering and ancient. Sunlight slides across them in long ambered bands.
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— Then the sound hits —
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Armor.
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Dozens of pieces.
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A rolling metallic murmur that grows with every step. Several soldiers march through the gate in staggered formations. Their boots strike the ground with a steady, heavy rhythm. The acreage smells of oiled leather, steel, and sun-heated armor mixed with a scent of fresh soil.
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These men don't wander. They move like a system waking up.
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Phillip steps forward, eyes scanning everything— the angles, the open lines of earth.
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Phillip: (sharp, cutting through the air)
"Break into watches. No blind corners. No empty towers!"
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The order ripples outward.
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A dozen soldiers break off toward corner towers, boots stamping stone in a spiral rhythm— hollow, echoing, climbing.
The stairways are narrow and cool, carrying the smell of old dust. Low voices are carried through the air. Cloaks shift in the breeze as they watch the forest beyond the wall.
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Below, soldiers stack shields, sort arrows, and carry out small pockets in the vast open field.
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The sun drops lower, the sky now overflowing amber. The air cools, carrying a pine smell from a distant tree line—Ana stands still, taking in the movement and structure returning to a place that had been silent for years.
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The Fortress feels awake now.
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Phillip walks the grounds one last time, checking each post and tower. His nod is small, but certain.
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Eventide is here. The ruin is gone. In its place stands a living stronghold, bannered, disciplined, alert, ready.
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— CASTLE FORTRESS GATE — EVENING —
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Lilly leads a sturdy grey donkey beside her. He's small and steady, ears flickering at the shift of the wind. The animal is packed with bundles of herbs, tied pouches and hanging satchels, filled with different spices.
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Every step it takes sends a soft rustle of scents that reach the group whenever the breeze turns. Sharp Rosemary. Earthy sage, sweet dried lavender. Bitter wormwood, crushed peppers, strange wild forest herbs with colors that don't belong on a market stall.
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Lilly pats the donkey's neck.
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Lilly: (Pride warming smile)
"Easy Angelo… This should help feed some stomachs."
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Blake eyes the bundles, eyebrows lifting.
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Blake:
"Thats— a lot of seasoning!"
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Rose laughs softly behind Metro, arms around him as they ride.
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Rose:
"Not just seasonings… medicines too."
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Blake nods still staring.
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Ahead the massive castle grows larger under the falling sky. The group steps closer, and soldiers move along the ramparts above.
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A guard leans over the stone above the gate.
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Guard:
"HALT! Identify Yourselves!"
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Dust lifts softly from the road as the small caravan halts before the towering gate. Metro hops down from Sally in one smooth motion, landing with a firm thud packed on the earth. The soldiers above the gatehouse lean forward, armor catching the light as they try to get a better look.
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Metro reaches for his pocket.
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A Green Emerald.
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The moment his fingers touch the gem it stirs awake. A soft green glow pulses inside the crystal. Metro lifts his arm.
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Metro: (trying to sound important)
"It is I — Metro!"
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The emerald pulses again, tinting his face green.
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"The Overseer of The Magic Leaf Cultivation Project!"
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The declaration echoes.
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For a moment the guards exchange looks. A few whisper. Others glance deeper into the fortress, toward where the commanders might be stationed.
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The emerald is lowered into Metro's side. Another guard leans over the stones.
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Guard 2: (uncertain)
"… Metro?"
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Movement spreads along the watchtower walls as the name passes from soldier to soldier. Metro has arrived.
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The front gate finally opens, creaking and groaning loudly: a heavy wood thuds against stone.
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Inside, the entrance courtyard spreads wide beneath the open starry sky, the newly cleared forty acre field visible beyond the inner structures. Soldiers move through their task, but a path naturally opens as Metro and the others step inside.
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He walks forward, staff in hand, the emerald pulsing. Rose follows close behind, Curtis reins in her grip They barely make it up a few steps before someone steps directly into their path.
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Veronica.
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She stands at the threshold of the inner hall. Posture rigid, arms folded. Her expression is calm, but her eyes are sharp— already dissecting everything she sees.
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A few soldiers slow their work.
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Veronica's gaze moves from Metro… to Rose, then to behind them. Her eyebrows lift.
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Veronica:
"Oh," she says. "So you return and bring guests."
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Her eyes slide back to Metro's, the warmth gone.
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"You understand this is my fathers fortress, don't you?"
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The air tightens.
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Lilly's donkey snorts, as Metro gazes at Veronica in awe mixed with bubbling anger. -Nearby soldiers pretend to work while clearly listening-
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Veronica steps closer.
"You arrive claiming authority… bringing supplies, and strangers I do not recognize."
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Her gaze flicks to Rose, colder this time.
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"You expect me to allow this?"
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Metro: (exhales sharply)
"Well Veronica, We've got new seeds to grow good crops here."
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(points at Angelo)
"Enough medicine and seasonings for months, for us to enjoy our meals after a long day's work."
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(gestures at Rose)
"And these ladies you want to outcast— saved Blake and me, Found us the gem by the way, Nurtured us!
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No grattitude coming from your side, but that's to be expected…"
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The courtyard hears it. The soldiers hear it. Blake glances sideways— Metro pushing back hard.
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Veronica tightens, just barely. She doesn't like being challenged publicly.
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Veronica: "You think you're in charge here?
Because you know how to grow a plant!? What makes you think you have any authority!?"
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Metro: (blackness flickering in his eyes)
"Because, without me, you don't have an OP, GET IT?!"
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The gem pulses faster, Metro swallowing whatever evil was simmering forth. Everyone notices the new dark aura. Veronica sees it, and watches him even more carefully. Metro forces the darkness to expel. Steadying his breath. Veronica folds her arms, voice quieter now.
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Veronica:
"I support you in this, but why should I trust you?"
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Metro doesn't hesitate.
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Metro:
"Because at the end of the day, I made a deal with your father. Not you."
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He steps past her.
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"Excuse us."
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The courtyard stays frozen as he walks by— the emerald glowing, soldiers whispering, and Veronica standing perfectly still, eyes narrowed, pondering what she just witnessed.
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Metro leaves the tense gate behind and walks deeper into The Fortress Courtyard. The newly cleared forty-acre field stretches wide beneath the open evening sky. At the edge of the courtyard, near the entrance to the long stone halls, Ana stands speaking to her workers.
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She turns.
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The moment she sees him her face softens.
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Ana:
"Metro."
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He crosses the distance and pulls her into a warm hug. Ana laughs gently, patting his back like a mother greeting a son returning at dusk.
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Ana:(murmurs)
"You look tired"
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Metro steps back and gestures behind him.
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Metro: (he motions)
"Ana, I want you to meet some people." "This is Rose."
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Rose nods politely.
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"And this is Lilly."
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Lilly offers a small smile, but her eyes scan Ana with quick precision.
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Ama:(nods warmly)
"You're both welcome here."
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But Lilly glances toward the gate, then back at Metro.
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Lilly:
"I heard something about Theron's army, are you tied up in his politics??"
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Blake exhales. Rose watches, with stillness. Ana simply folds her arms, steadily.
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Metro: (Metro smiles faintly.)
"The truth is this grow-operation sort of fell in my lap. I chose willingly to join forces, time will tell if my talents are exploited."
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(Metro looks confused)
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Ana:
"I have faith in Metro, He usually knows what he's doing, even if it looks like he doesn't."
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Metro smiles faintly. His gaze drifts towards the longhall— the cafeteria and kitchen newly scrubbed clean, lanterns glowing softly inside.
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A thought forms.
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"Lilly…" His voice gentles.
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"Would you consider cooking dinner tonight?"
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Lilly: (She raises both eyebrows.)
"For who!??"
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Metro gestures across the courtyard. Dozens of soldiers and workers move through the lantern-lit field.
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Metro:
"For everyone."
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Lilly blinks.
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Lilly:
"I don't know…"
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Metro:
"I know," he says. "Ana, Rose, Blake and I could help, including the farmhands, cooking, serving, hosting. Front and back of the house."
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Lilly crosses her arms.
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Lilly:
"You're asking me to cook for a hundred people?"
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Metro:
"Just for tonight."
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(then softer)
"Please, your spices have come a long way."
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He gestures towards the hall.
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"You're the kind of person we need here, I’ll compensate you for your troubles as well."
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(The words hang)
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Lilly looks at Ana. Ana looks at Metro.
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Lilly exhales.
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Lilly: (eventually pointing at Metro)
"Fine, if we do this your hauling water, chopping vegetables, and cleaning pots."
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Metro nods instantly.
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Metro:
"Deal."
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Lilly: (Lilly turns towards the hall.)
"Alright then! Let's see what we're working with…"
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Rose smiles and follows Ana and Lilly.
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Blake: (Blake claps Metro's shoulder.)
"Nice one, brother."
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Inside the stone walls, lanterns glow warm against the night. Word spreads fast. A real meal tonight.
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-And under the soft light of the evening, The Fortress begins to feel less like a military camp… and more like a home.
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— scene change —
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The Kitchen roars with life. Knives tapping wood. Steam rising in pale ribbons. Roasted vegetables, warm bread, and broth spill their scent into the night.
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Outside— Boots gather. Low voices. Laughter worn by travel. Rose pushes through into the kitchen doors with an armful of bowls.
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Rose:
"They're lining up out there, more than a few."
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Blake leans on the frame, smirking.
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Blake:
"Told you. Real food travels faster than rumors."
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Ana wipes the counter down of flour, glancing at Metro— pride in her eyes, and something subtle beneath it.
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Trust.
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Lilly doesn't look up from the pot.
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Lilly:
"Let's not keep them waiting!"
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(A sharp gesture)
"Rose— serve."
"Ana— bread."
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Then without turning—
"Metro!" "Out front!-
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Metro steps into the lantern lit night. Dozens of soldiers stand waiting— tired, dust covered, watching the glow behind Metro like it's the first warm thing they've seen in days.
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One steps forward.
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Lutheran.
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An obvious chosen leader amongst the low ranks.
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Broad shoulder. Worn armor. Sharp blue eyes. Crazy red hair and beard, Not a common soldier. A man who carries weight.
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Lutheran: (Air shifts a thread)
"You the one running this?"
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Lantern light brushes Metro's face, stepping forward.
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Metro:
"I'm the overseer of the project," he says
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A few soldiers straighten— not defensive, just listening. He continues.
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"Blake and Ana help with cultivating, and harvest." (glances back) — respectful — not commanding. "These women—" he gestures towards the kitchen's golden haze.
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"They've brought medicine, spices…"
(A quiet beat)
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‘…life."
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(smiling)
"There a treasure,"
Random soldier: (whistles from a distant table) "You got that right!"
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Metro:( pivots— soft, intentional)
"I would have introduced myself sooner, but, seeing as how Phillip is your captain."
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Heads turn. Recognition.
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"And Phillips, a friend of mine."
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The words land.
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"Security is his domain, I watch over the crops, for emergencies, that's it."
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Metro calm as dusk, extends his hand.
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"Nice to meet you."
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The man's grip is solid— weathered, honest. Watching Metro in awe. Lutheran shifts his eyes to the warm glow of steam rising from pots.
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Lutheran:
"—That's real food in there then?"
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Metro:
"As real as it gets."
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A tired laugh is released. More tension is loosed like a rope finally unknotted. The noise of Lutheran and his band of friends fade as Metro climbs the steps to the second dining floor.
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-moments later-
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Below: chaos churns— laughter, shouts, mugs slamming, a wave of arguments swallowed by roaring approval. Roasted meat, spilled ice brew, and smoke drifts upward like a cloud.
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Stillness settles as Metro see's Blake's smiling face, and hand.
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Blake: (calling out, waving)
"Hey Metro, up here!"
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A long, weathered table stretches under low lanterns. Plates waited— seared meat shining with heat, charred vegetables slick with oil, fresh bread steaming from the tear, pitchers of ice brew sweating in the dim light. A respectful feast. They take their seats.
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Mathias near the head, close enough to claim it, but choosing not to. Phillip upright, hands folded. Jeffrey is already half-way into his drink. Blake stares at the feast like it might vanish. Rose is quiet, watchful. Lilly and Ana are at the heads, steady as bedrock. Veronica's composed, calculating.
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Metro sits in the center of it all. For a moment, only the soft sounds of knives, bread tearing, hunger easing.
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— Then —
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Mathias sets his mug down. A small sound but it cuts through everything. His eyes find Metro's.
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Mathias:
"So…" (A pause)
— Heavy
— Real —
"How have you been?"
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Years live inside that question.
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Before Metro can answer, Mathias leans in, forearms on table.
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"And more importantly…"
(gaze sweeps group, then back to Metro)
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"How do you plan to pull this off?"
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A gesture to the table. The people. The weight.
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Jeff smirks, intrigued. Phillip watches in silent discipline. Blake freezes— mid chew. Ana stays still—— attentive. Veronica's eyes narrow.
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The balcony is hushed above compared to the laughing crowd below.
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Metro:
"I was alone for sometime after the band broke up. I reunited with Ana." (beat) "…I was lost out there, and she found me. We found each other again after all those years, I've been with her since— just both of us trying to take care of people, defending those too weak to take care of themselves…
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'I prayed for a change, a chance to help, to make a difference."
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(another beat)
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"As for pulling this off… Well, thanks to Veronica's connect, Rose and Lilly's emerald, and everyone's support, things are looking up."
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(looks at everyone reassured)
"I believe we can pull this off before the deadline."
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The faint glow flickering in his pupils fades before he finishes speaking.
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"The girls know the land better than me, or any of us really…"
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Metro takes a bite of soggy stew bread.
(silence settles)
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Mathias leans back, studying him. Not dismissive, but not convinced.
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Mathias:
"You've always had a decent heart, that hasn't changed."
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(A beat)
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"But good intentions don't build something like this."
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Jeff exhales through his nose, looking at his drink.
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Mathias:(blunt, not mocking)
"You're telling me, your plan is faith… and favors from the ladies?"
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Phillips voice follows—
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Phillip: (grounded)
"You gathered good people. That's clear."
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His eyes move towards the girls.
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"But people alone don't hold weight like this for long."
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Blake shifts wanting to defend Metro— but unsure how. Ana doesn't speak, she anticipates Metro's response.
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Veronica leans forward slightly.
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Veronica: (fingers steepled) (voice soft)
"You've inspired them, that's undeniable."
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Her gaze sharpens.
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"But inspiration without structure collapses."
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Mathias nods once, leaning in again.
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Mathias: (voice low, more personal)
"You're asking us to have faith, and believe in you."
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(A pause)
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"But you haven't answered the real question."
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"How?"
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"Not why."
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"Not who."
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He taps on the table
(two fingers)
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"How."
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The white aura around Metro's head gives him a quiet lift. His eyes drop to the table— then rises directly to Mathias. The White Flame burning soft in his countenance.
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Metro:
"The task to grow and accomplish forty thousand quarter blooms with forty acres is possible."
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A white light washes over his crown. Metro reluctantly sets the Green Crystal on the table. Its pulse beating quickly— green-white rays crawling over his hand, glistening like tiny neon solar beams.
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He looks at everyone around the table— one by one, and then back at Mathias.
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Blake blinks hard.
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He sees a white light shimmers around Metro's head, and around everyone else's to a degree. Everyone except Mathais.
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Blake squints, trying to catch even a spark above the Captain's crown— something, anything trying to be born.
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Metro's gaze returns to Mathais.
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The white light in his pupils brighten again—
— Soft, visible to a naked eye—
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Then he speaks— steady.
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"Your ears should be able to perceive my words… when I say to you now, and to everyone present this night before us, that I'm claiming with boldness— I believe, and have faith
that the harvest will come to pass."
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(A long revenant pause)
"God willing…"
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A spark snaps across Mathias's glare— quick, invasive, like something trying to wake inside of him.
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He doesn't like that feeling.
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So he detonates the moment.
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Mathias: (leans forward, wide grin)
"HEY! Don't worry, I'm only breaking your back! Ha Ha, and besides, I only snap spines on the weekends!"
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Three brutal fist pounds hammer the table in quick succession.
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BAM! BAM! BAM!
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Mathias snaps his huge neck, left, right, then left again. "RIGHT LADS!?"
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— Scanning the room for faces of approval —
He nods to himself, reassured, as if this is perfectly normal logic. He locks his head in place, his eyes dart around for glow, laughter, anything that says we're good.
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Phillip intrudes joyfully, a grin split across his face.
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Phillip:
"Look at you, Metro ...Alive! Taller! Still a beautiful disappointment— but taller!"
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He paces towards Mathias.
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"— and Matt, stop scaring Metro, because if he dies, I'm not filling out the paperwork."
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(Phillip slaps the table with his hand.)
He lets out a hearty laughter.
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Mathias: (rubs Phillips bald head)
"He knows I didn't mean nothing by it. Captain CueBall!
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A soft chuckle gathers at the table, light entertainment.
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Metro smiles warmly, happy to be around his friends once again.
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Jeff:
"It's good to have you back, bro."
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Metro:
"You as well."
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Everyone continues eating for a few paces. The room is loud, but Metro doesn't feel grounded. Voices chatter, silverware is used, Boots scrape the floor. Someone laughs hard at a joke that's not funny. He can't seem to hear any of it.
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Sound drops out completely. Only motion remains—
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Slow,
stretched,
drifting like everythings happening underwater.
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Lantern flames swing in long golden arcs.
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Hands lift cups, in soft, weightless rises— mouths open in laughter, he can't hear any of it.
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Something pulls at him.
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A pressure. An intense nudge. He lifts his eyes.
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Veronica.
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Already staring at him.
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Her dark green eyes catch the lantern glow in a sharp, glossy shimmer. The world around her drifts slowly, but her gaze stays perfectly still— locked, unblinking, precise. Her posture doesn't shift. She doesn't breathe or blink. Staring— deep, invasive, reading him like sculpture.
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The lantern pulses violet shimmers across her cheekbones.
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Another pull…
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Softer.
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Warmer.
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He turns.
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Rose.
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Her eyes are on him too— but her gaze moves like expanded soft light.
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Rose's stare wraps around him. Embracing him. Her irises— glow with deep brown, slower, tender, more patient. Her breath lifts slightly when Metro meets her eyes, but nothing is rushed.
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She simply waits.
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Open.
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Steady.
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Sweet.
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A quiet, loving, recognition.
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He feels caught between two energies. The trance breaks—
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Ana steps behind him. Her right hand rested on Metro's shoulder. Her left hand settles on the top of his chair. Steady and protective. She stays there for a moment grounding Metro with her touch.
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Ana:
"Alright, we all are very grateful for the support at this table."
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(looks to general and captains)
"For safety and peace of mind."
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She puts both hands now on Metro's shoulders.
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"We all know that no one's perfect, neither this boy, or any of us, he's been through a lot, and likewise, we all have."
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She nods once, looking at them longingly.
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"We should stick by him to the finish. Yes."
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She nods again in approval.
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"I'll start classes tomorrow, Rose and Lilly, you're welcome to stay. We're all here in this together.
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She nods confidently.
(locking Metro's gaze)
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"We're here for you Metro, to work, learn, and grow alongside you."
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A quiet beat settles over the table.
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Jeffrey shifts, eyes low but staring off with the slightest smile.
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Jeff:
"I guess that means we're a family now…"
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Phillips chin lifts a little. Mathias's eyes soften, looking down, brushing the rim of his cup, almost embarrassed.
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Metro: (A moment passes)
"Thank you guys."
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" All of you. It means a lot to me."
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" I'm honored to have you all here"
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The room eventually loosens. Chairs shift. Low voices return in soft overlapping threads.
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Blake starts first, stretching, glancing at the kitchen. Lilly and Rose drift off together. Phillip and Mathias fall into a practical exchange. Jeff lingers for a moment, then follows.
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The table empties.
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Except for Veronica.
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She stays seated— still, composed, watching the room settle. Metro notices. Not right away— but enough.
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Something feels unfinished. He steps away from the noise, moving towards the stone steps.
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At the top, the air shifts— Still, unclaimed. His chamber waits ahead, the door worn, but intact. He reaches for the handle—
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