First Encounter

[ARTHUR'S POV]

The cold bite of the approaching winter was evident in the air as we stepped into the town.

The snow hadn't fallen yet, but you could feel it coming.

The crispness of the wind was a clear warning.

I tugged my coat tighter around me as the older boys and I made our way to the bustling market square to get groceries and supplies.

The streets were alive with activity, the smell of street delicacies mixing with the faint smoke of car engines. 

We decided to split up to make things quicker.

While the others went to pick up the usual supplies, I headed toward the blacksmith's shop.

I needed to replace the broken axe I used in my previous fight, after all.

As I walked through the streets, I passed by familiar faces.

To clarify, everyone in town seemed to know Granny, and by extension, they all knew me. 

"Arthur! Out shopping for Granny again?"

A female baker called from the steps of her bakery, her hands dusted with flour. 

"Something like that."

I replied, offering her a polite smile. 

She beamed and held out a loaf of freshly baked cinnamon roll.

"This is for you. Free of charge, as always." 

I took the bread, nodding my thanks.

"Thanks, ma'am. I'll enjoy it, as always." 

Continuing down the concrete street, I made my way to the blacksmith's shop.

The forge's heat greeted me as soon as I stepped inside, a stark contrast to the chill outside.

Behind the counter stood a burly man with a thick beard and a single eyepatch covering his left eye.

He looked like he'd stepped straight out of a fantasy novel. 

"Good day, lad. What brings you to my forge today?" 

He greeted, his voice booming out loud.

"I'm looking for an axe. The one we own... was lost for some reason."

I said, trying to hide my embarrassment. 

The blacksmith nodded knowingly and gestured to a rack on the wall.

"Lost the last one, huh? Its alright lad, happens to the best of us."

He reached for a sturdy-looking axe with a reinforced handle and placed it on the counter.

"This one I call, Ol' Reliable. Good weight, sharp edge, better grip, and it cuts wood like hot knife through butter. Take care of it, and it'll take care of you." 

I examined the axe, feeling its balance. It was a solid piece of work.

"This'll do. Thanks a bunch." 

I paid him and was about to leave when he leaned over the counter, his expression turning serious.

"By the way, lad. Be careful out there, especially avoid the forest at night. Things have been strange in there lately." 

That got my attention.

"What do you mean?" 

He stroked his beard, his brow furrowed.

"You see, it all started almost a week ago. A handful of people are disappearing left and right. It was beggars at first, so no one really noticed, but now, ordinary folk are going missing too. The last that the others see them is that they strolled into the forest at night for odd reasons. The strange part, the local police said there were no traces left behind." 

I nodded slowly, letting his words sink in.

"I see. Thanks for the heads-up. I'll keep an eye out." 

He gave a grim nod.

"I know you do. You have a big brain on that head of yours. You and the others better stay safe, alright lad?"

I nod.

"Duly noted."

I left the forge, the axe strapped to my side.

As I walked back to meet the others, my thoughts lingered on what the blacksmith had said.

Disappearances with no trace?

There is no way any human being can achieve such a feat. 

Once we regrouped, we made our way back to Grey Haven, the older boys chatting casually while I remained quiet.

That evening, after everyone at Grey Haven had gone to bed early, I sat by the window, staring out at the forest beyond.

Gaia's voice echoed in my mind. 

(You're planning on investigating this issue, aren't you?)

"I've been thinking about it. What do you think?"

I admitted." 

(I think that this matter is none of your business.)

She replied casually.

(The real question you should be asking is, what are YOU going to do about it?)

I frowned, her tone making it clear she didn't really care that much.

"If it's as bad as it sounds, I can't just ignore it. If left unchecked, someone from the orphanage might be next." 

(Hmm... Very well, if that is your wish.)

She said.

But always remember, this isn't like the simulations I've been throwing at you. Out there is the real deal, meaning no do-overs out here. If you get hurt, or worse, that's it.) 

"I know."

I said as I put on my coat.

"But you said it before that I need real-world experience, didn't you?" 

Gaia chuckled softly.

(True. I'm just making sure you understand what you're getting yourself into. No hand-holding this time.)

"Good."

I muttered, rising from my bed. 

Carefully, I grabbed the newly bought axe and slung it over my shoulder.

The cold night air greeted me as I slipped out of the orphanage, the distant sounds of the town settling into silence. 

I look at the distance to see the forest near the town looming dark and quiet, a stark contrast to the lively market square from earlier.

I pulled my coat tighter around me, my breath forming faint clouds in the chilly air. 

"Well, here's hoping I get something good out of this."

I whispered to myself, as I go for a walk. 

[AUTHOR'S POV]

The chill of the night air pressed against Arthur's face as he crept through the shadowed streets of the town, the dim glow of streetlamps casting flickering shadows against the buildings.

The town was eerily quiet, save for the faint rustle of leaves and the occasional cries of nocturnal creatures echoing in the breeze.

Some of the townsfolk were in their homes while a few remained outside for other reasons, unaware of the 5-year-old boy wandering the streets with a purpose. 

Arthur had spent the earlier part of the night questioning the families and friends of the missing victims.

It wasn't easy convincing them to talk, what child asks about the lost and missing?

But he'd played his cards well, framing his inquiries as an innocent desire to pay respects.

And It worked.

People opened their doors, shared their grief, and recounted the last moments they saw their loved ones. 

Each story followed the same disturbing pattern. 

"He was going to the forest, saying that he heard something strange, like a voice calling his name."

One distraught mother had told him, her eyes rimmed red from sleepless nights. 

"My husband mentioned hearing whispers in the night before he vanished."

An older woman murmured, clutching a photo of her missing spouse. 

House after house, the tale was the same.

Whispers in the dark.

A strange compulsion to enter the woods at night.

And then, nothing.

No trace, no signs of struggle.

Just absence. 

Arthur walked back into the main square, his hands stuffed into his coat pockets, his axe slung securely on his back.

His thoughts churned as he passed parked cars and quiet homes. 

Gaia's voice broke the silence in his mind.

(Well, detective, any leads?) 

"A few."

Arthur muttered under his breath, his tone laced with frustration.

"But nothing concrete. Everything points to the forest. The victims all wandered in after hearing something, and that's where they disappeared." 

(And yet, they kept walking toward danger.)

Gaia said, her voice laced with dry humor.

(Humans do have a knack for ignoring survival instincts.)

Arthur sighed, rolling his eyes.

"Yeah, apparently these idiots thought 'Hey, creepy whispers in the middle of the night? Better check that out.'"

He stopped in his tracks, gazing up at the night sky.

The moon hung high and bright, full and luminous, casting its pale glow over the quiet town. 

A distant howl echoed through the night, faint but unmistakable.

'Howling at a full moon... Sound like a scene out of Teen Wolf.'

Arthur froze for a moment, an idea sparking in his mind.

"Gaia," he said aloud, his voice soft but resolute. 

(Yes?)

She replied, sensing the shift in his demeanor. 

"I think I have an idea what's going on. But I'll need to confirm it." 

Arthur said, his hand tightening on the strap of his axe.

(And how do you plan on doing that?)

Gaia asked, a hint of suspicion in her tone. 

Arthur smirked faintly, a flicker of mischief crossing his face.

"I'm going to try something stupid." 

...

She paused.

(Define 'stupid.')

But Arthur didn't answer.

Instead, he turned and began walking toward the edge of the town, where the forest loomed dark and foreboding.

The howls grew louder, blending with the rustle of leaves as the wind picked up. 

The forest was alive with sound as Arthur stepped past the tree line.

The crunch of twigs beneath his boots echoed faintly in the stillness.

The towering trees stood like silent sentinels, their gnarled branches twisting toward the moonlit sky. 

Gaia's voice broke the silence again.

(Whatever it is you are planning better work. Otherwise, you might end up joining the 'missing person' board.)

"Relax, I won't. After all..."

Arthur said confidently as his right eye glowed blue, illuminating the path ahead.

"I'm strong." 

A few seconds of silence later, Gaia let out a soft chuckle.

(You truly are a fool, little boy.)

Arthur pressed on, his breath forming faint clouds in the cold air.

The whispers started softly, barely audible at first, like the wind brushing through the trees.

But as he ventured deeper, they grew louder, more distinct. 

"Arthur..." 

The voice was faint yet chilling, sending a shiver down his spine.

It was his name, clear as day, but distorted, like it was coming from something unnatural. 

He stopped in his tracks, his eyes scanning the shadows.

"Gaia, you hearing this?" 

(I'm in your mind, not your ears. What are you hearing?)

"Voices. My name, specifically. And no, it's not you, before you ask." 

He glanced around as his senses on high alert.

(Lovely. Either you're starting to hallucinate, or something's trying to lure you in. What's the plan, genius?)

Arthur tightened his grip on the axe.

"Simple. I let it think I'm falling for it." 

The whispers grew louder, beckoning him deeper into the woods.

Arthur followed the sound cautiously, his every sense on edge.

The air grew colder, and the forest seemed darker, the moonlight barely piercing the canopy above. 

The howls returned, this time closer, and Arthur's eyes narrowed.

He crouched low, blending into the shadows of the trees as he scanned his surroundings. 

*Roar*

A shadowy figure dashed towards Arthur from the trees, aiming what appears to be its claws at him.

'Flash Step.'

But Arthur manages to evade its assault as he disappeared in a blink of an eye, making it crash its claws to where he previously stood.

Arthur stood on top of one of the tree branches as he takes a look at his assailant.

Its shape too large to be human but too fluid to be an ordinary wolf.

(A Werewolf? Haven't seen those in a while. But what are they here outside Greek territory?)

Arthur's eyes narrowed, and he took a stance, holding his axe tightly.

"Hey, fido. you don't happen to know the one responsible for a bunch of people going missing, do you?"

The Werewolf snarls in rage as it pulls out a chunk of the earth and threw it at the boy.

Arthur just casually catches it with his free hand before throwing it at the side.

"Alright then you overgrown mutt. You wanna play, then lets play!"

He yelled as he dashes towards his opponent, making the beast roar and prepares to fight back.

[AUTHOR'S NOTE]

Hello readers!

Sorry for the wait, here's a new chapter.

Now please give me your Power Stones.

Thnk you everyone and see you later!