Shadoww

I trudged back to my cave, empty-handed from another failed

hunt. As I approached, I heard a dull thud inside. My heart skipped a beat,

hoping to find an animal to hunt. Instead, I found a human figure, injured and

struggling to breathe.

"Who's there?" I shouted, instinctively.

No response. I cautiously entered the cave, knife at the ready. The figure's ragged breathing filled the air.

"From your breathing, I can tell you're injured,"

I said, edging closer. "This isn't a hospital... Leave, or I'll speed up your death."

The figure coughed, blood staining their lips. "Y-you talk as if you have any strength in you to end the likes of me..."

I lunged, knife raised, but was swiftly overpowered. The stranger disarmed me and sent me flying out of the cave. I landed hard, groaning.

As I looked up, the figure stood above me, revealing a slender man with spiky hair, dark brown eyes, and a square beard.

"My name is Seth Remmick," he said, before

collapsing.

I dragged him inside, curiosity getting the better of me. Two days passed before he regained consciousness.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," I warned, as

he struggled to sit up.

Seth forces himself up, wincing. "You patched me up...why?"

"I don't know. I did it on a whim."

He inspects the stitches. "Wow, you're good with your hands."

"One of the perks of living alone."

I serve him soup with rotten meat, which he declines.

"Thanks, but that will kill me." He surveys the cave. "This is the only cave around here without bats nesting..."

"I killed them all."

Seth's eyes widen. "You're joking, right?"

I give him a flinty stare. "Ugh... Okay... He's not

joking."

He requests water, which I deny. "You're not a

conversationalist, are you?" Seth sighs. "What's your name, boy?"

"I don't have one."

Seth smiles. "Then I'll give you one... How about

Liam?"

A memory flashes – my mother's last words: "I will

always love you, Liam. Live for me."

"Who the hell is this man?" I wonder.

Seth's eyes sparkle. "I'll take your silence as a yes.

From now on, your name is Liam."

"Who are you?" I demand.

"I'm Seth. I told you before, didn't I?"

Seth's face seems familiar, but I can't place it.

Black particles form in front of him, shaping into a portal.

"What's that?" I ask.

"A transportation mechanism."

"Are you leaving already?"

Seth nods. "Adios." He disappears into the portal, leaving me stunned.

.....✍️

Deep within the Shadow Realm, a mystical land of

breathtaking beauty and treacherous landscapes, the air vibrated with the hum of shadowy energy. Towering spires of dark crystal pierced the sky, their facets glinting like polished obsidian. The Realm's inhabitants, the Tenebri, moved with fluid grace, their bodies woven from the very essence of darkness.

A labyrinthine network of portals, hidden behind cascading waterfalls and ancient stone doorways, connected the Realm to the outside world.

However, these gateways held a deadly secret: any non-Tenebri who dared to step foot in the Realm would have their shadow instantly drained, succumbing to an irreversible demise. This

ancient safeguard, crafted by the first Guardian, Alphonso Remmick, protected the Realm from unwarranted intrusions.

In a secluded corner of the Realm, a stealthy figure, Henri, a Sage with a Bandholz-style beard, peeked through a hole in the wall surrounding the women's hot spring bath. His eyes gleamed with mischief as he watched young women, their voluptuous figures glowing in the soft, ethereal

light. The warm scent of cherry blossoms and the gentle lapping of water against stone filled the air.

Suddenly, a low, menacing voice whispered in his ear, "What do you think you're doing?"

Henri's body trembled as he turned to face Selena Remmick, Seth's daughter, her eyes blazing with indignation. Her raven-black hair seemed to

writhe like living shadows, framing her pale, heart-shaped face.

"Selena?" Henri stuttered, his voice trembling.

With a swift, fluid motion, Selena's fists struck Henri repeatedly, her movements a blur of anger.

"Stupid old man!" she exclaimed,

each word punctuated by a blow.

Henri's bruised face contorted in pain, but he ignored the discomfort, inquiring about Seth. "Has he returned from his battle with Steve?"

Selena's expression darkened, worry etched on her features. "He hasn't. What if Papa doesn't come back this time?"

Henri's staff tapped gently against her shoulder. "Don't doubt the powers of the Kovo. He will be back."

Selena's gaze lifted toward the sky, a mixture of hope and determination illuminating her face. "Yeah!"