It's been months since the Beastkin Tribe's victory over the Featherlights, secured by Komraad's defeat of King Zayke. As a sign of respect and remembrance, everyone gathered to pay tribute to the fallen warriors. Despite the loss of many lives, the proud Beastkin of Kurrbryde moved forward, heads held high, slowly rebuilding their homes and livelihoods. Recovery was slow, but they found their footing once again.

 

Once everyone had physically and emotionally recovered, Nilda announced a grand victory party at the mansion to honor her people's loyalty. Despite our past rivalry, Nilda extended an invitation to the girls and me.

 

Erica explained that Nilda wanted to thank us for our contribution during the war and had finally acknowledged us as companions to her son, Komraad. This made me happy. Nilda and I could finally put the past behind us.

 

The mansion became a hive of activity. Servants and guards prepared the feast and venue. We wanted to offer assistance but Erica insisted we rest, saying we had done enough.

 

The girls and I spent the remaining hours bonding in our room. They recounted their battles during my absence, and I felt immense pride that they were capable of protecting themselves. Our conversation flew by, and soon it was almost sundown.

 

“Oh… It’s almost time for the party. Let’s go prepare and take a bath already,” I suggested.

 

“A warm bath does sound lovely, Ms. Ina,” Raya responded, and the girls agreed.

 

We bathed together, and when we returned, a Beastkin servant was waiting with a wooden wardrobe full of fancy dresses.

 

“I’m sorry for the interruption, but Lady Erica insists that you wear these clothes during the party,” the servant relayed.

 

“So pretty!” Fae exclaimed.

 

“W-we get to wear these?” Rein asked excitedly.

 

“Dibs on the blue one,” Astrid chimed in.

 

“These dresses have different patterns, how lovely and intricate,” Raya noticed.

 

“These patterns represent our land and culture,” the servant explained.

 

The girls picked their dresses, each one complementing their personalities. They looked adorable, and my heart melted seeing them enjoy themselves.

 

I, however, was hesitant. I’d never worn anything fancy and wasn't used to it. I chose a sleeveless black gown, which was elegant and striking. The servant braided my hair and added light makeup and accessories.

 

“H-how do I look?” I asked the girls, flustered.

 

“Mom, even without the dress, you always look your best,” Rein responded genuinely. The girls smiled in agreement.

 

It was the first time I felt such pride and confidence. “Tee hee, we all look good in a dress,” I genuinely said.

 

The servant led us to the venue, a wide hall of stunning elegance. High vaulted ceilings, velvet banners, and grand chandeliers cast a warm, golden light. Beastkins in luxurious silks moved gracefully, and an orchestra filled the air with delicate harmony. Long tables bore exquisite delicacies.

 

“Awesome! It’s been a while since we attended something like this!” Astrid exclaimed.

 

“Then what are you waiting for? Go fill your bellies and have fun. I’ll be here when you need me,” I said.

 

“Don’t forget to have fun yourself, Mom,” the girls reminded me.

 

“Tee-hee. I will.”

 

After they left, I took a glass of champagne from a servant and walked to a nearby balcony.

 

Gulp

 

“Gyahhh! It’s been so long since I tasted something this exquisite!” I exclaimed. It was ecstasy and nostalgia combined.

 

I finished the drink but controlled myself from having another, remembering my parental responsibilities.

 

Control yourself, Ina, I reminded myself.

 

I heard a vivid voice coming from the corner of the balcony. Peeking, I saw Komraad practicing how to approach his sister, Erica.

 

I was surprised. After defeating King Zayke, Komraad had barely interacted with his family, training constantly to master the Titan’s power. His past trauma still prevented him from facing them, especially Erica, even though months had passed.

 

“You know it’s better to say those words personally, right? Erica is just around here somewhere,” I said, surprising him.

 

“Gah! C-cat?” He stammered.

 

I sighed.

 

He’s back to calling me cat again, I thought disappointedly.

 

“I didn’t expect you to attend the party at all. I thought you were still out in the woods training,” I asked.

 

“Erm… I got hungry and smelled something good, so I went here,” he responded awkwardly.

 

“You don’t have to hide the truth from me. I can pretty much tell if you’re hiding something or not,” I said confidently.

 

“Ugh….” Komraad was sweating, a clear sign of nervousness.

 

“You’re thinking too hard. No need to practice, just go and talk to her directly already,” I insisted.

 

His demeanor changed. “If it’s that easy, then I would’ve done it already. I left her alone for many years, even though I promised I’d always stay by her side and protect her. I’ve done nothing but make her suffer, so how could I even show my face to her?” He spoke with deep sadness and regret.

 

I sighed.

 

“You’re the only one thinking that. You’ll never understand how your sister is feeling if you’re not going to confront her,” I advised.

 

Just then, Erica appeared, relieved from her duties and looking for me. She wore a deep scarlet dress in the same style as mine.

 

“Hey, Ina! There you are! I’ve been looking all over for you!” She shouted, waving.

 

Komraad panicked. He was hidden by a thick curtain. “Psst! D-don’t tell her I’m here!” He begged.

 

R-right. For someone who defeated a Chosen One, you’re a real scaredy cat, I thought.

 

Erica hugged me and stood next to me. “Phew, it’s been a busy night. I’m glad I finally got the time to hang out with my bestie,” she said with a huge smile.

 

“Yeah, I’m glad too,” I responded, feeling discomfort knowing Komraad was listening.

 

She stared intensely at me. “W-what is it?” I asked nervously.

 

“I knew it, you really look pretty in a dress,” she complimented.

 

“W-well, what choice do I have? You forced me to wear it,” I responded sarcastically.

 

“Tee hee, best decision ever,” Erica responded. She then grew sentimental, staring at the starry night.

 

“You okay?” I asked concernedly.

 

“Mmmn… I just remembered something my brother and I used to do. We always stare at the moon before going to bed. He tells me fun stories until I fall asleep.” She shared, closing her eyes. “Aah… How I’ve missed those days.”

 

I was moved. 

 

“Your brother’s lucky to have a little sister like you,” I complimented.

 

“On the contrary, I’m so lucky to have him as my big brother,” Erica responded, a hint of regret in her expression. “If only that day didn’t happen, everything would’ve stayed the same.”

 

Having experienced Komraad’s memory, I knew what she meant. “Are you talking about the tragedy that happened during your birthday? The one you told me when we were in your brother’s room?” I asked.

 

“As sharp as always,” she responded.

 

“I hope you don’t get weirded out, but I kinda know the whole story already,” I revealed.

 

“I see… I don’t know, but I’m not surprised at all. I’m just glad I don’t have to go into detail anymore, tee-hee,” she responded.

 

I tried to lighten the mood, but she began to talk about the incident.

 

“You know… I always wanted to tell my brother that what happened to me that day was not his fault, but he was already gone before I knew it. He’s scared that seeing me will trigger him to remember the past and lose control again, that’s why he went as far away as possible,” Erica explained, her sadness obvious.

 

I tried to connect to Komraad’s perspective. “Komraad told me he made a promise to you that he’d let no harm come your way. When he realized he was the one who broke your legs, his heart was shattered because he wasn’t able to keep that promise to you.”

 

Erica’s reaction was shocking. “Is that how my brother remembers it? How horrible, all those years he must have been blaming himself for something he didn’t do,” she realized.

 

I was stunned. Komraad’s memory had glitched, meaning he didn't remember the event entirely.

 

“Wait… are you telling me Komraad wasn’t the one who broke your legs?” I asked.

 

Erica nodded. “Mmmn… his head was probably mixed up that day. The ones who broke my legs were the two-headed lizards who ambushed us. The sight of me getting hurt was the one that triggered him to lose control,” she revealed.

 

The huge misunderstanding was finally cleared up.

 

“Did you hear that, Komraad? That’s one less burden lifted,” I revealed, gesturing to the curtain.

 

Erica gasped and started sobbing as Komraad emerged.

 

“D-did you hear everything?” Erica asked, stuttering.

 

“From the very start,” Komraad responded.

 

Tears streamed down their faces as they embraced. I left them alone to cherish their long-awaited moment.

 

“I’m sorry for leaving you alone and not keeping my promise. Even if I’m not the one who injured you, I’m still angry at myself for not being able to protect you that day,” Komraad apologized.

 

Erica wiped her tears and pouted. “Stupid brother. Don’t ever apologize to me, you’re the reason why I’m still alive right now.”

 

“Erm… but still. If only I were stronger, then that day would have never happened,” Komraad insisted.

 

“No, it was my weakness that caused that day to happen, not yours. That’s why when you left, I decided to train every day. I worked my legs off for the past couple of years so that one day if I ever see you, you won’t have to worry about me getting hurt again,” Erica said. Her scars and toned body were proof of her dedication.

 

Komraad patted her head. “Unlike your stupid brother, you did a great job. I’m very proud of you.”

 

Having talked through their tragic past, Komraad finally made peace with himself, ready to move forward.

 

“All this crying made me hungry. Let’s go grab something to eat together,” Erica suggested.

 

“Before that, I have something to give you first.” Komraad pulled out a necklace with a glowing heart carved from the special wood. “I know it’s too late, but I made you another birthday gift.”

 

Erica wore the necklace and smiled. “Thank you, brother, I’ll cherish this gift forever.”

 

While the siblings caught up, I walked around and found the girls chatting with Nilda and Kedrick.

 

“Oh, hey girls, how was the party?” I asked.

 

“It was awesome! The food was out of this world,” Astrid responded.

 

“The music was lovely and so was the dancing,” Raya chimed in.

 

“Right now we’re telling Mrs. Nilda and Mr. Kedrick about all the adventures we had together with Mr. Komraad,” Fae responded.

 

“Mrs. Nilda insisted that we tell her in detail. She wanted to know what her son had been doing with us this past year,” Rein whispered.

 

“E-ehem… I heard that,” Nilda said, too embarrassed to admit missing her son.

 

Kedrick, seeing his opportunity, took the girls away, stating it was time for adult talk and that the girls needed rest.

 

Ugh… I wish the girls didn’t leave. It feels too awkward being alone with her, I thought.

 

“Now that’s out of the way. I know we had our differences, but I’m not too stubborn to admit when I’m wrong. I’m sorry for misjudging you. I’ve now learned why my son has opened his heart to you humans. I know he’s hard to deal with sometimes, but I hope you continue being his companion,” Nilda requested.

 

“No need to tell me. Komraad’s been traveling with us for more than a year now and he’s always saving our butts so don’t worry, we’ll always be his friend and we’ll never leave his side,” I responded.

 

Nilda smiled genuinely, thanking me. We continued our conversation, and I learned a lot.

 

“You know, it’s nice knowing this side of you. It’s refreshing seeing you being nice for a change. I’m just glad we aren’t at each other’s throats anymore,” I said.

 

“Don’t push your luck, this is the first and last time you’ll see me like this,” Nilda said with sarcasm.

 

We both laughed.

 

I was about to leave to rest when I bumped into Komraad.

 

“Oh hey, where’s Erica? I thought she was with you,” I asked.

 

“She was tired and went to bed after we talked and ate,” he responded.

 

“I see… How was your talk? Did it go well?”.

 

“Y-yeah, it went better than expected.”

 

“Phew, I’m glad everything worked out for you.”

 

“Yeah, thanks for that by the way,” he muttered.

 

I heard him clearly but wanted to tease him. “Oho…What was that? Can you repeat it for me?” I asked jokingly.

 

He was holding food in his hand. Flustered by my teasing, he shoved the food into my mouth.

 

“Grr… I said thank you! Happy now?” He said, embarrassed, and rushed out for fresh air.

 

Ugh… that dog really can’t get a joke! I thought.

 

The food he shoved in my mouth was called ‘Chittle’, a chili-covered beetle, a Kurrbryde delicacy. I remembered a local resident telling me that this is given by a man to a woman he’s courting, but knowing Komraad, he probably just did it as a joke.

 

I didn't mind eating it. It’s been a long night, and I went back to the room. The girls were sleeping peacefully. I tucked them in, kissed their foreheads, changed, and went straight to bed.

 

I had a detailed dream.

 

I was walking on a foggy lake, and my reflection was a silhouette of an enormous black cat with only visible eyes and a mouth. The figure, a powerful unknown entity, seemed to be trying to communicate silently.

 

I was trying to understand the dream when Astrid woke me up. “M-mom, wake up! Something’s wrong with Princess Raya,” she said, worried.

 

I rushed to Raya. Fae and Rein were already tending to her.

 

“What happened?” I asked worriedly.

 

“Mom, thank goodness you’re awake. We were just sleeping, but Princess Raya suddenly started burning up,” Rein explained.

 

“It’s not a normal fever. Her temperature is off the charts,” Fae explained, wiping Raya's body with a cold cloth.

 

I took over. Raya was crying, trying to speak but too weak.

 

Huff Huff

 

“M-Ms. Ina, I-”

 

“Don’t force yourself, Raya, just get some rest. Everything’ll be fine before you know it,” I assured her.

 

I placed my forehead on hers to check her temperature, and suddenly, a future vision flooded my mind.

 

The world was engulfed in darkness and chaos. Enormous, mountain-sized bodies, the Titans, were moving, destroying everything in their path. Their mere presence flattened lands, causing a great catastrophe and massacre.

 

Touching Raya allowed me to see the vision that caused her fever. Her clairvoyance power had grown stronger, and her body was reacting violently to the intense premonition.

 

Huff Huff

 

The vision ended. 

 

“W-what was that? It was horrible!” I shouted.

 

“D-did you see it too, Ms. Ina? The premonition?” Raya asked.

 

“Wait, how do you know about it?” I asked.

 

“I saw it through my clairvoyance. I believe it’s an omen, a warning for the near future,” Raya muttered, coughing.

 

“Forget it for now. Just focus on getting better. We’ll discuss this after you get lots of rest,” I assured her.

 

Fae finished the cure and administered it. Raya’s temperature dropped significantly. The girls went back to sleep, and I stayed up, unable to rest due to the dream and the vision.

 

In the morning, Raya’s fever was gone. I found Komraad and Erica having breakfast and decided to share the vision.

 

“Uhm… can I talk to both of you for a sec? It’s really important,” I asked.

 

I told them everything. They were more worried about Raya's health than the vision.

 

“Thank you for the concern, but Raya is alright now. I’m more concerned about the Vision. I have a gut feeling that it’s a matter that must be dealt with as soon as possible,” I responded.

 

I looked intently at Komraad, hoping for information. Komraad, flustered, said, “Gah! Stop staring at me!”

 

Just then, Dot, the Titan of Beast, emerged from Komraad’s heart, having heard everything.

 

Dot was about to speak when Nilda and Kedrick, who had been eavesdropping and sensed Dot’s presence, appeared. They bowed in respect.

 

“Oh, hello there, little Nilda! Little Kedrick! It’s been so long since we last played. You were so little back then,” Dot greeted them.

 

“It’s been a while, Titan of Beast. My father was still the Chosen One at that time, and now my son has inherited your power,” Nilda responded.

 

We were getting off-topic, so I intervened. “Everyone, please focus! The vision I saw was from a clairvoyant. I believe it’s more than enough reason for you to believe me. I know deep in my gut that this is a sign for us to take action,” I asserted.

 

“I know where you’re coming from, but we can’t take action without any lead to work on,” Kedrick said.

 

“My father's right. It’s not that I’m doubting you, but are you even sure the creatures you saw were the Titans?” Erica asked.

 

“The vision I saw was as clear as day. I remember it was morning, but for some reason, it was completely dark,” I explained.

 

“I see, the vision you saw probably took place during a solar eclipse,” Kedrick deduced.

 

“The next solar eclipse is bound to happen after nine months. If what you saw was real, then we still have time to prepare,” Erica added.

 

I insisted the creatures I saw in the vision were mountain-sized Titans. Nilda and Dot refuted this, stating the Titans sacrificed their physical bodies thousands of years ago and are now only spirit forms.

 

Komraad finally spoke up, noticing my distress. “What are you even worried about? If the Titans started moving again and wreaked havoc then I’d just kick their asses,” he said with confidence.

 

His words sparked an idea. “You’re a genius, Komraad! If there’s someone who can stop that future from happening, then it’s the Chosen Ones!” I confidently assumed.

 

Nilda chimed in, pointing out that Chosen Ones have historically fought each other and gathering all seven was impossible.

 

I stayed optimistic. “I promised I’d give my daughters the life that they deserve. I’ll do everything, even the impossible, if it means securing their future.”

 

“That sounds fun, count me in,” Komraad said.

 

I hesitated, worried about separating him from his family again. “I can’t do that. You finally made up with your family after so many years, I can’t take that away from them.”

 

Komraad laughed it off. “Have you forgotten what I told you before? As long as it’s fun, then I ain’t going anywhere.”

 

I worried about his family’s reaction, but Erica approached me calmly. “I feel better knowing that my brother is with someone as kind as you,” she said, holding my hands.

 

“Once my son has made up his mind, there will be no stopping him,” Nilda affirmed. Kedrick nodded.

 

“You heard them loud and clear. Now what’s next?” Komraad asked.

 

A heavy burden was lifted. I responded with relief, “We’ll search for clues connected to the vision we saw and at the same time, look for the other Chosen Ones and ask for their assistance. For now, I’m considering returning to our home in Vermine Kingdom. It’s almost been a year, and everyone must be worried sick, especially for Raya.”

 

Komraad smirked, looking forward to the adventure. I went back to the room and relayed the news to the girls, who were now awake.

 

“That’s everything so far. I know it’s a lot to take in, but I hope you girls understand why we have to leave right away,” I said.

 

“Thank you for telling us, Mom. No matter where we are in the world, we’ll be okay as long as we’re together.”

 

“Thank you for telling us, Mom. No matter where we are in the world or whatever happens in the future, we’ll face it together as a family, that’s our oath,” Rein assured.

 

“Mom, we’ve already come so far. This will be just like our previous adventure, but this time, we’ll be more prepared,” Fae chimed in.

 

“If there’s something I learned is that our family doesn’t know how to quit and that’s freaking awesome,” Astrid added.

 

Their positive feedback put a huge smile on my face. Raya, however, was still quiet. I knew she felt the burden was hers alone since she was the one who saw the vision.

 

“I’m sorry for giving you another burden, Ms. Ina,” she apologized wholeheartedly.

 

“Don’t beat yourself up, Raya, you’re also family. If one of us is troubled, then all of us are involved,” I assured her.

 

With everything settled, we decided to start our journey right away. We packed our baggage and prepared ourselves for the emotional goodbyes.

 

Nilda’s servants helped us carry our things. To our surprise, our carriage was already waiting for us near the front gate of the mansion. Erica, Kedrick, and Nilda were all there, ready to wish us luck.

 

The girls said their farewells to Kedrick and Nilda first. Despite her strict demeanor, Nilda had a soft spot for the children and almost cried when the girls hugged her. Kedrick remained composed but was clearly emotional.

 

Erica approached me, holding my hands firmly and smiling. “If it wasn’t for you, then I wouldn’t have resolved my past with my brother. Thank you, Ina, I’ll always cherish the memories we had together. Our door is always open if you ever decide to come back, okay?”

 

Her genuine care was soothing. Having never had a best friend in my previous life, I was truly happy to have made one here. “You don’t have to thank me, we’re friends, remember?” I responded.

 

“You’re right, it’s not like this will be the last time we’ll see each other,” Erica said.

 

“Tee-hee, you’re right on that one,” I responded. Erica and I hugged one last time and said our goodbyes.

 

Bidding farewell to everyone we had bonded with was the hardest part, but we knew this wasn't the end. We promised ourselves we would meet again one day and share new stories.

 

We climbed inside our carriage. Komraad was already sitting in the front seat, holding the reins.

 

“You guys ready?” Komraad asked.

 

The girls and I shared a glance and responded in unison. “To home.”

 

Our carriage started moving away from the mansion as we waved goodbye. The memories of Kurrbryde flowed back: our experience here was short, chaotic at first, but incredibly memorable. Not only did we achieve our goal of bringing Komraad back, but we also witnessed a new place and culture, and formed invaluable bonds with new people.

 

With everything finally settled, it was time to face a whole new adventure. No matter how it unfolds, we’ll overcome it together as a family.