171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNzPashhcuCHAPTER VI
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzOqOL3XBG
'THE MONSTER BURIED WITHIN'
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHc50GVKCT0
— PAUL'S SHACK —
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm38G5Jm6uI
A faint gray light leaks through the shutters. Paul wakes slowly, sitting up on the edge of his bed. He rubs his face with both hands. A roughly fixed routine.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwzO390jM2
He kneels beside his bed. No words, just a tired, silent prayer.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqzcvczFmD
— PAUL'S YARD — MORNING —
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKUXaiaCwi
Paul sits at a small wooden table outside eating a simple breakfast, with a cup of something strong.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7F4g3OmLvL
Chickens wander around his boots. He gestures at them with his fork. A chicken hops on the table. Paul shoo's it away.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡev7d2FD25y
— NOON — VILLAGE MARKET SQUARE —
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwTUiUaaj9
Paul walks through the bustling square for someone's stall, but there's an empty space where the carts usually set up.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBvxp8DgXP
He stops.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QYaVskh4U
Stares into the market's distance, the crowd overlapping the streets. He rubs his hand through his hair. A mix of worry and annoyance.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2qjapUQMV
— PAUL'S WORKSTATION —
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGudmNxssw8
Paul sits at his bench trying to fix a tool— a cracked handle, a bent hinge.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvos8aURymA
It slips.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUWtGYglBm
He curses to himself. Trying again.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWbL1GJiRd
It slips again.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmOV8yKYwq
He tosses it in frustration.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vJOPbrldX
Then picks it up gently, trying to manage his temper.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWE2ByWOI20
He keeps working.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZQMkg6BJE
— PAUL'S YARD — AFTERNOON —
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqprLclUaFN
Paul stands alone beside the chopping block. The forest is still behind him. A single log sits upright. He raises the axe and brings it down in a hard, rhythmic knock.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR00bFGPq68
Each swing is heavier than the last. He breathes, sweating in frustration.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyEHMRxR5V
Paul raises his axe again, then brings it down in a clean, practiced strike.
As the wood splits, a memory flickers.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JuN2EVCNC
(FLASHBACKS) HIS DAUGHTER —
(LAUGHING IN THE MARKET)
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56YafBOj5c
She's younger, bright-eyed, tugging on his sleeve as he trades tools and lumber. She teases him for being too serious.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ukvq0sjux
He pretends not to smile— (back to the present)
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccGzuScDoU
Paul sets another log.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTCBeRMJBi
Another swing.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6WE5kzVW9
(FLASH:) HIS DAUGHTER — TALKING ABOUT A SOLDIER —
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CxgeynBUc
She's older now.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqCFNspdVQ
Nervous.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJYF2K4jAY
Excited.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvb2dtKwpl
Telling him about the boy from Theron's army.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIddFsymtd9
Paul's jaw tightens in the memory.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCF7WQwRqI
(flashback paul): "they're dangerous men. You stay away from them."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5iLeXomzW
She rolls her eyes, frustrated. He feels her slipping away.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3Z7Wf6rdw
Another log.
Another swing.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkjiDROD85
Harder this time.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeEM94nTFf
(FLASH:) THE LAST ARGUMENT
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKgBFrwuwi
She stands in the doorway of their home. He's tired from the market. She's angry, defiant.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoYuamvCjs
(flashback paul): "I'm trying to protect you."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyDDvpsz4q
daughter (flashback): "You're trying to control me!"
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhNw1BNIyh
The memory ends before the door slams.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzDAdrFp6t
— INSIDE PAUL'S HOME — DUSK —
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ny4jRQzLd
Paul sits at a small table inside his shack. A simple meal in front of him.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOM12Vi09wX
He eats slowly, staring at nothing.
The house feels hollow. Like it's waiting for someone who isn't coming back.
He thinks of the last words they exchanged.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtzONMGW0A
The sharpness.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GoWfOdrob
The distance.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXgBJFNMav
The regret.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffe0fKLCYp
His hand tightens around his mug. A breath, watered eyes. Then he grunts, throwing it against the wall.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYA7QLukdj
It shatters.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfdTDQPXL0
The sound echoes through the empty room.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6HTfEQpVf
Paul closes his eyes, steadying himself, but the silence afterwards feels heavier.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjMusTzQHI
— OUTSIDE PAUL'S SHACK — SUN DOWN —
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLRviMCsy0
Paul decides to get some fresh air outside before bed.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSNkTpkbVL
Alone.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf12FBnrH5V
A small plate in front of him and a small fire burns near him, but a big silence remains. He looks down at the long road ahead, at the sun finally disappearing.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrNQwt2L7M
He continues to eat.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfgGTH8UtT
Then stares at the road again.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDw7t33BT7
Longing for something.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnw5ScjNN8
Empty.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡat2CyXKAZV
Slowly fading.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2ZDHAhDj1
His face softens— worry, longing, stubborn hope.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwPvjhIw98
He takes a deep breath, the wind moves through the trees.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUVuE8pDTj
Paul doesn't move.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVGruC0pTP
He simply watches.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGI8E8Te5WC
— METRO'S CHAMBER BEDROOM —
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqATwMDWL5
Soft light leaks through the shutters.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISC9dlMAeM
Metro wakes slowly. Breath steady, the room still half dark. He sits up, rubs his eyes, and listens— the distant thump of tools, voices, and movements are heard outside.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVfFKSZZPD
He dresses simply.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpezrF8t9qk
No rush.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dhGMCd8xL
No dialogue.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52l0CB1WRS
He steps outside.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPc9quMPtzq
— COURTYARD —
CONTINUOUS —
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGnKjOFFim
The morning is alive.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbWlH9EGsK
Mathias, Ana, Blake and twenty farmhands are already out in the fields, knee deep in soil, planting magical seeds.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolwR2qmfhV
The air is cool. Dust rises with every shovel strike.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfGrV3LPC3
Mathias barks orders in different directions.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhI8otzFL3
Ana stays coordinated while Blake hauls sacs of premade super soil.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTcjRLnBDY
Metro walks towards them, observant, silent.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3Pxj0UnFR
Mathias spots him immediately and grins.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡME1EmgmTsT
Mathias:
"So tell me Metro, if things turn for the hills, and we get dozens of Stains through these walls… what are you gonna do?"
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tPhpAxF3x
Metro lifts his staff, the green emerald tied to its end with a thin white cloth.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dUQgXecy8
Metro:
"I have this… and two daggers."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhdDjLCc7a
Mathias looks at the staff unimpressed.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxmwb7ll86
Mathias: (reaches in his coat)
"A glowing rock on a stick, well no, that won't work…"
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxC54flWi8
He pulls out a wrapped bundle and shoves it into Metro's hands.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOvkVBLPRw
"Here, these are real weapons." "Similar to daggers, except you throw them like darts."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZE0sg11qa
Metro:
"This seems better than what I have now. Like i’ve upgraded. Awesome."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGor9AoIW70
Metro looks at the blackened steel. His breath catches.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AWEtXspmQ
Mathias:
"Now you're ready to butcher a man! Ha Ha Ha Ha!"
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZN7NeVkWq0
He smacks Metro on the back— hard.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpDITnYfDy
Metro: (wincing, whining) "Ah—!"
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFl22rIOJt
His shoulders tighten, nearly dropping his gift.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDQSUxZs6H
Mathias laughs even harder now, for the whole yard to hear.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKcb1X6Efq
Metro:
"Easy, Matt, we're not cut from the same cloth... Nevertheless, thanks. I have a holster for 10, so it's perfect."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9xsQDwFpU
Metro nods once.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqV56oxAYop
"I'll take care of them."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OCKOpYzpV
Mathias claps him on the shoulder, lighter this time. He turns back to the workers.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3WtkGs966
Metro adjusts the eight new daggers inside his coat. The steel feels heavier than it should— or maybe he feels heavier.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkalRMzgP4b
Footsteps approach softly through the dirt. Ana comes up behind him, wiping soil from her palms, her expression warm but perceptive.
She studies him, the tension in his shoulders, the way he's holding breath without realizing.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BlXNb9Q9M
Ana:
"Are you ready to work?"
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NTFEB4g4T
Metro nods, but his eyes drift towards the horizon— the direction he instinctively feels Rose to be.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTGaIP1RTk
Metro:
"Where's Rose?"
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4gqEZewYH
Ana's face softens.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUR9SrRdkl
Ana:
"She left last night. Lilly too."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRGKE6gnWH
Metro's jaw tightens, slightly.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPxZNhrYlM
He lowers his gaze, that quiet controlled way he processes pain.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQr4IwLAgG
Ana continues gently.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIGJJy0m5W
"And Veronica, Jeffrey, Phillip… They were called back to The Village with Theron at The Lodge."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AlJqAtYEa
Metro absorbs that.
The courtyard suddenly feels wider.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgioQJP4f6
More calm.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTeZjlNvbD
He thinks of Veronica's explosion— the shouting, the desperation, the way she reached for him. The world takes a step back. He thinks of Rose standing there, watching it unravel, silent, hurt, steady. He thinks of the way the night ended—
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TwUpAmF4j
Fractured.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylD8FeaJXC
Heavy.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoK41hESCt
Unresolved.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHgmufamkq
Now they're gone.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIZcTtalrq
Metro stands straighter but something in him sinks.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAPijpr5N7
Ana:
“People come and go, but the work stays."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dAGcx5RaG
She turns towards the fields.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53jELotR8f
— 40 ACREAGED CASTLE FORTRESS —
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUYvfmqJmo
The field stretches out long, soft rows— forty acres of dark soil waiting for hands. Morning light settles over everything in a warm, healing haze.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNhnqjUfuC
Mathias gives a sharp whistle, checks the perimeter with two scouts, and disappears towards the tree line.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvAuC9feMz
Ana steps forward.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaIDVgJCTr
Twenty Farmhands gather around her— men and women, boots dusty, sleeves rolled, souls ready to work.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIESCumIlH
Metro stands by the main hall's entrance, watching from a small distance, content to listen.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84gbiWcpYi
— SEED PERSONALITY —
"A.NATURE."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffRGOH25Cd
Ana reaches into the heavy bag of seeds and lifts one between her fingers— a dark burgundy seed, striped with tiger-like scarlet bands that shimmer in the sun.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnNEWikWRe
Ana:
"This seed is in the firestarter family.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3shuV1ajL3
Fast growers.
Fast reactors."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxJviceLy2
"They respond to heat, stress, and sudden change more than most."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTYhKAJGu7
The farm hands lean in.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm487cFcjKn
"Genetics give them their instincts, but how you handle them decides their behavior. Gentle hands make balanced plants. Rough hands can make a plant defensive or resilient. It depends on the stress, the genetics, and the plants own willingness to survive and thrive."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2gVuhkrS6
She selects the fire starter seed, dropping to her knees, with a heavy bag of dark colorful seeds by her side. She presses one into the soil, and covers it lightly.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevQDpCYNJ7
Then she opens a small vial filled with a tarnish, sandy-water type liquid.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZTWFDjMpU
Ama pours a single drop onto the patch.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBGvts1tte
The seed responds immediately, trembling in the ground, and in seconds, forming a small seedling. Its aura shines faintly red, warm and alive.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiIl5GYPsL
Metro watches, eyes steady.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7832gTehye
Ana nods once, satisfied.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMES5JN7Opf
— ROOTS —
"The Plant Brain."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsSPnslFjb
Ana kneels further, drawing a symbol in the soil with her cane. The ground carves dirt in a circular motion.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OxL8Qz4pf
The ground responds— a faint shimmer— spreading outward, revealing a web of glowing root-lines beneath the surface.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyAgoGT4MB
The farmhands gasp softly.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7ZYLVQo9K
"Roots are the plants functioning mind. They sense danger. They share nutrients. Warn each other. They even choose who to help… and who to choke."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCuMNZtgrw
She presses her palm in the soil. A white formation of roots can be seen beneath the ground trickling downward with vibrant sparkles.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡot0ECv624d
The tiny roots pulse gently.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcJtFMXM4P
"Everything beneath us is connected in some way.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwnYUnlLvV
Just like us.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUmyxUH63h
Our thoughts.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwu5WDIsAZZ
Like outer space, loaded with stars and galaxies. And beneath them, the earth expands and contracts subtly— alive, breathing constantly.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8tc8zzR72
"They need each other..to heal each other.
Just as we do."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwxqT2lDRh
They compete.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQui63ojBZ8
They survive.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqQD7TGwWE
The roots decide more than the leaves ever will."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQawTTZ4zEp
The glowing web fades back into the earth.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNhX9u2D6y
Metro stands in stillness, watching the light disappear beneath the soil.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81qK6Mc43Z
— AURA SPACING —
"Give Them Room To Live."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4vxq8at4j
Ana stands, brushing soil from her hands on her cottage dress.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6kibddRhN
"Plants will compete for sunlight.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVgym87mLh
For Air.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfo84MAR7Ck
For nutrients."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktlFUB1skn
She waves her hand over a row of sprouts.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvztnLQXnBa
Their auras flare— soft halos of green, yellow, and blue.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWklW8pJBqw
"If you plant them too close, their energies clash. They steal each other's light. They grow fighting, twisted."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiD7RlTJRLN
She continues, calm and clear.
"Some plants need balance. Roots structure, room to breathe."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTnClnmdhz
She spaces the sprout with a gentle sweep of her hand. Their glows widen, bending like water colors.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKloZp5pZM
"Give them room… to each is their own."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVllxWA4EVs
Personalities will vary. It's all about how you train and nurture your seedlings."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqv59E0uGHT
Metro watches the colors shift across the row,
smiling faintly, attentively.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9EqjQ0K8z
— LIGHT MEMORY —
"The First Light Shapes Life."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEocgyGfTcJ
Ana lifts a sprout towards the sun. The sprout glows— soft gold, like it's waking up.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxcdHkKALK
"These little guys remember their first light… If it's harsh, they could get scorched. If it's soft, they'll probably become balanced. This is the light you want."
(looks up at the sun)
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUE3Z7Ag1lA
Warm.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLZFtlGDo7
Kind.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94xoiJYIFP
Ever so present.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsv2UPpRkh
She lowers her head slightly, eyes still on the sprout. "Even so, most can be sculpted— to adapt. Each have different attributes and abilities. And sometimes you'll find extremely rare things, troubling things… and amazing things. Discoveries that you'll want to keep in your family's garden for generations."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLHFAgE6aP
Metro listens quietly, satisfied, absorbing every line.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlCwNKSQDp
— CONTINUATION —
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ572ZzLOYlE
40 ACREAGE — PLANTING —
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ194QDQjzjq
Ana lowers the sprout back into a basket, and turns to the twenty farmhands.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1U6PijzUCx
"Alright! Spread out. Every row, Every mound— plant them exactly how I showed you.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1voRufBWNH
Let's move."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VjJSYhDal
The farmhands break into groups, forming long lines across the fields.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RGqP5J6Xh
Hands sink into soil. Rows begin to glow in soft waves as the planting commences.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCN13KETtQ
Metro grabs a pouch of seeds.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSaGM3Rr8g
Dust rises.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbwvpAgkd3
Shovels thud.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEc398F4uSA
The field becomes a slow coordinated rhythm. Footsteps crunch behind them.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXXrYexWsG
Mathias returns with four men, brushing leaves off his coat.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSTZXnnZnG
Mathias:
"Perimeters clear, scouts haven't seen anything, only elks and a fox."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFGk4Gth0f
Soldier: "Hey Metro, when the trees ripen a bit, you mind if we partake in some magic leaf!?"
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9g0YqVPOk
Metro gives a faint nod.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhGfsP2kbo
Metro:
"I don't mind. Let's get the harvest cut down first, perfectly, before we start sampling though."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDf7xu3LeZ9
Before the soldier can grin, Mathias smacks the back of his head.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilpgZa5sx7
WHAP!
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLDfDJImVD
Mathias:
"You fiend! We don't mooch until the work is done!"
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4Z6sA8CV3
He turns to twenty infantry behind him.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjQVkCVd9T
"You heard miss Ana! Get to the fields, in the dirt! Help plant every last seed."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaagZsrIkS
The soldiers groan, but they move— grabbing tools, kneeling beside the farm hands, joining the rows.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzC43Q0OWi
Ana walks up to Mathias with a pouch of seeds.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQL4qP6xut
Ana: (tosses seed pouch into Mathias's hands) "You too."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qwxQAzOXC
She smiles softly, confidently.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsVE6l0ZRT
Mathias freezes.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkIUdaQWg4
The farm hands look up.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVIozEu04W
His soldiers stare at him.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6iKnBtBYa
Metro watches on, interested.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhz5xYdRhV1
Mathias sighs— long, dramatic— then drops to one knee in the soil, face determined.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQbvnAoJoM
Mathias:
"Fine."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfNMYkfbBc
— Scene fades —
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpKobYdTjR
— KING'S LODGE — THERON'S CHAMBER — MORNING —
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HdZWulpvi
Veronica stands before her father in that dim, heavy room, the air thick with tension.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqS80yahBMg
Theron isn't the charismatic lord he pretends to be in public. His eyes are hollowed out now, cold. He's darkened like a man who's burnt through every emotion except control.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYMTveTfXj
Theron peers through a tall window, the cold wash of the morning light.
He stands with his black cape facing her, hands clasped behind him, staring out over the courtyard like a man carved from stone.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOCqYqQSQk
Theron: (turns head slightly)
"What's wrong?"
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLhFqbbBgU
Veronica:
"Nothing. I did what you asked."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHbSSmnQWi
Theron:
"And… How is everything? What's he doing?"
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbK0IY8Dabw
Veronica:
"He brought back rations, medical supplies before your wagons arrived. He's claiming his position as overseer of the cultivation project."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuxwbil6qE
Theron clinches.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsHvYuHYiL
Veronica:
"The soldiers seem to love him…"
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tCk9FXEUg
Theron's mouth twitches into a bitter smirk— thin, humorless, the kind a man wears when someone beneath him has out-performed his own supply runs.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEd1PWlahI
His grin thins, then vanishes, a subtle, calculating wound, then turns.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFYLmB8Vj1
Theron:
"Do you?"
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZtWSMQ4y5
Veronica pauses.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxBytxUZG6
Her eyes flick away, then back, trying to hold his gaze but can't.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABI6qwQL22
Theron feels her distance.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKSASx47sJ
He doesn't speak. He just lets the silence sit—
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEcgn77Sb8
Heavy, suffocating.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CJsVzUaRf
Theron:
"Then he will be useful."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yNu4877dX
Veronica:
"I don't want to do this anymore."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZZQKOTh8e
Her voice barely leaves her throat.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqY1MEOK33
Theron doesn't move.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgftYSYLvT
Doesn't soften.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSj3UZFEcqx
His voice stays level, carved from granite.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2sdBAHitt
"The importance of this project cannot be overstated. Someone I trust must truly oversee it."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaU0CRLmfme
(A beat)
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWr1Q4ouPr
He turns slightly to the window.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcSjA4xoQv
"And you have always served me faithfully."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjD9jZvJgtN
(Another long beat)— the kind that presses on the ribs.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlAL5er3DA
Theron: "I know something happened between you two. I will learn what, in time."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIic6f6DKg
His vision shifts to the window.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6pZxaVFQk
(Dismissing her.)
"Take some time. Then return to The Whispering Fields with Phillip and Jeffrey."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCvzgvKG1k
The room settles into silence again, heavy and unyielding. The door closes behind her with a muted thud— and something inside her chest closes with it.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0C44d91lZ
She moves quickly down the corridor, almost too quickly. The air is colder out here, sharper. Her emotions follow her like colors bleeding into one another.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpsE2SZfdM
Suppressed anger, exhaustion, jealousy.
The corridor is still cooling around her when a shadow slips into her path.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaRYrniqz0
Traeven.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGmNDXZKap
He doesn't block her, just angles his body enough that she has to slow. His voice stays low, careful, like he's afraid she'll bolt.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2smLrjsNn
Traeven:
"…Hey. You alright?"
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1Sedc1mzs
She lifts her eyes— not fully, just enough for him to read the strain she tried to leave behind in that room.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4ANUzCAI9
He studies her face, the way her breath catches, the way she's masking too quickly.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrM2HOhmnP
"Talk to me."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQNTSNBCWK
(A beat)
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61O2yd7IDN
He softens, something protective flickering through.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMR3ZjtuJE7
"Is this about Metro?"
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcMC7u6wlw
That lands.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpk8Lc3Uu4g
She doesn't answer, but the silence does for her. Traeven exhales through his nose, a soft, faint, knowing sound.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmwREkXMV8
"He's different now. I see it too. But, you don't have to carry whatever it is that stirred up— alone."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXvynvRt6y
He steps aside— giving her space, not pressure— but his voice follows her gently.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgw5Hgg8aON
"Let me take you out for a bit. Clear your head, fresh air, real food, something that isn't these stone walls."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifHxpo8rI6
She keeps her gaze on the floor.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFO22TkSWj
Veronica:
"I can't."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspsTxmgHrl
She slips around him before he can answer, almost disappearing into the stairwell.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW50CDAFUvy
Traeven's jaw tightens— just for a heartbeat, before he smooths it away.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGecgmvODk8
He turns slightly, watching her retreat with that controlled, almost elegant restraint she's known for.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiQSeuYcbP
Traeven:
"Take the time you need."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9h7BAir9t
His voice stays monotone, but his eyes betray that sound.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzbUg2yHy6
He doesn't follow.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEq79sasdN
He just stands there, letting the corridor swallow her footsteps.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCe1NXb5fOy
— Scene fades —
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cR3kydICQ
+ CASTLE GROUNDS CAFETERIA — EVENING —
After a long hard day's work in the blazing sun, it's now time for the Kitchen's Restaurant Night shift.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZM4D4J6iga
The cafeteria is already roaring by the time Metro ties his apron around his waist.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfJRbIk4F4
Long tables are packed shoulder to shoulder. Boots scraping the floor. Laughter bouncing off the walls. Steam rolls out in thick, fragrent waves.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fLTZR1hSy
Ana runs the joint like she was born it— sleeves rolled, hair tied. Voice cutting through the noise, yet you can tell she's struggling, but not speaking up.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLsO9YEJaN
Ana: "Two more pots on the fire!"
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjR626k8zH
A couple of farm hands jump to obey, scrambling around her with flour on the shirts.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLyiz3Nvz9
They're strong,
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUFyqz3lfo
but green.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1OEeS5dKD
Ana guides them, and they follow like soldiers.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlf68pPeEpE
Metro shoulders past a pair of infantrymen, pointing at a stack of dirty plates.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQdO4nsBmw
Someone whistles at him.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnt4SG7f08
Soldier:
"Overseer in the trenches!" "Look at him— one of us, at last!"
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18jsWW19Qn
Metro doesn't bother answering. He just drops the plates into the wash basin, rolls up his sleeves, and gets to work.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebsZMLheVS
There's a rhythm to it— rinse, scrub, stack. A beatable challenge, something from keeping his mind reverting to something negative. Not wanting to think about politics, the fortress, or the weight of forty thousand Quarter Blooms.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOPjmCPjO7
He nods in agreement with the infantry men, trying to stay positive.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKs4DIzT7Oh
Behind him, the farm hands are chopping vegetables in the blazing hot kitchen. Under Ana's direction, they try their best to keep up with her direct, assertive order.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsrWzKmhpT
Metro wipes sweat from his brow with the back of his wrist.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kmqdgZ1sI
The whole room is a chaotic furnace, but somehow, the energy is still good.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceFTOJk8zw
Alive.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DiVrinpMg
Human.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2SNVf3g1p
He carries a tray of clean dishes back out to the floor. Soldiers cheer when they see him.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiR41OgbKOf
Soldier 2:
"Overseer! more brew over here!"
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTimmoAeEh1
Soldier 3: (pointing at a spill)
"Hey! You missed a spot, there!"
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvmFGZNwtr
Soft laughter erupts from the front of the house, rolling through the doors in a warm, rowdy wave.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVdslGp4XS
Blake glances up. That split second is all it takes. His hand brushes the iron Skillet.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJb1QzZ2ngF
A sharp hiss.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7LEQRqyAm
A sharp gasp.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJ9rvHxtGO
Blake: "AH!— Ow!… hot!"
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzo0eKsUQ4
He jerks back, knocking a spoon off the counter. Then a bowl. Then a ladle. A full cascade of Blake-ness.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1f5LGdcANu
Farmhands dodge, and try to catch things, scrambling.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPgdxOOC24
Blake shakes his burned hand, trying to play it off.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUa8LsQijb
"I'm good! Totally good!"
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9us7H35GMU
Ana scoots beside him, instantly grabbing his wrist, leading him to a bowl of cold water.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNn9eihpfL
She dumps his hand in the water, looking at him deeply for a moment.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMSQg7yT4s
Blake:
"I was just checking the tempature…. I'm ok…"
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPeKIxYbZl
Ana: "Blake… Get some fresh air…"
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Xf4Juuybt
He opens his mouth to protest.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4xBfbcMh8
Ana:(nods, assured)
"Go."
Blake nods, embarrassed, cradling his hand as he steps out.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpgzaWDF0G
Metro weaves through the panic-packed cafeteria, performing a balancing act, plates on his forearms, elbows on his hips. The noise is a wall— boots, mugs, laughter— but he moves through it with practiced calm.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3n7v1dQzM6
He reaches Lutheran's table. The infantry leader is flushed red from ice brew, shoulders loose, grin wide. His band of soldiers already half gone, leaning into each other, loud and warm.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFAgVeAQ0a
Metro starts stacking bowls, then collecting cups. A soldier elbows his buddy, then calls out.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7lM5xBNwS
Soldier: "Overseer! Report! How many dishes have you slayed!?"
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyZYsd57Kv
The table erupts. Metro doesn't rise to it. He just gathers more cups, stacking them on top of each other, three sets of stacked cups in one hand. He balances bowls and mugs like he's done this a hundred times.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6274zBTpFl
Smooth.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vTHWWjOKW
Almost graceful.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLo7u4fLr4
That only fuels the infantry's noise more.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcugK70dpe
Lutheran watches him with a lazy, amused tilt, swirling the last inch of ice in his mug.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAv2SVmZaq
His eyes half lifted, voice warm and calm, but devastatingly stern.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9ymMOxtHp
Lutheran: "Well boys, if he doesn't make captain… I'm sure he'll make for a beautiful waitress!"
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8NXUM9UAw
The joke detonates. The tables explode— fist pounds on wood, men howl, some riviting of there benches.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgs7ZpAv7J
The laughter rolls across the room like a wave. Metro freezes for half a second— not offended, not angry— just unsure how to process it. His face heats, but he keeps his chin up, posture straight.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDRFm0I6Rc
He turns, cups and bowls high in his hands, and walks away with an unreadable expression, the roar of laughter chases him across the hall.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoqqzk9Axu
He doesn't look back.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sDalZsxFO
He doesn't know how to feel.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMoCTOo9zy
He just keeps moving—
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmu29o9HaY
— METRO'S PERSONAL CHAMBER —
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxPjlbNxF2
Steam rises around Metro as he sits in his chamber hot tub. He scrubs coconut oil through his hair.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbIdW6UQKg
The chamber is dim, candlelight flickering across the stone. For the first time all night, its quiet, peaceful almost…
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnunqLudPUq
The laughter echoes, disturbing his stillness.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxkO5OevTU
Not the joke, just the sound of it.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdx3F5huLYd
It unsettles him.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAy42ZfAiG5
Water drops down his face. He sinks deeper into his bath, all the thoughts hit him at once.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8w6mGnaxZs
Rose's softness, Veronica's sharpness,
Theron's political weight, the laughter…
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAQVvTxtyE
His face settles into a stare, conflicted, still.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSAQqgJERm
His sight focuses on candlelight as if trying to see a future he can't name.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zt6Fl2ues
Scene fades
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFqarIZUDU
. Scene ends.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6AhX6Vu49
Switch Scenes.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNlFCITd5D
— MORNING —
The room holds a blue still vibration inside of it.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TgU6DuMkv
Metro wakes from his chamber bed— the air feels thin, almost sacred, but not quiet.
He sits up slowly, shoulders rolling once. The smell of cold ash and dry wood linger from last night's fire.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCFhZPOJCc
He tears into a strip of jerky, the salt waking his tongue.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabDuqztD8I
He meditates for a few moments, just at the edge of his bed. Feet planted on cold stone.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX59qF5oH3l
Hands on knees.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh06j0HHmez
Back straightened.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgZSo5SBOi
Eyes closed.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sJLwdP8uu
He grounds himself, he releases negative energies, and recharges himself. A faint white glow is seen shimmering ever so slightly. It feels cool and refreshing.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsveS153aNB
As he dresses— shirt, belt, boots— the leather creaks softly and the cotton feels nice, each motion deliberate and unhurried.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdzDMK6i42
A slip of paper waits under the door. Ana's handwriting curves around it.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNt1EJg7HoO
✱ left early on the first chariot to the village. Blake insists he comes. We're headed back to check on home. Keep working and don't worry, we will be back tomorrow before sundown.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CXzXW5VJ7
Love,
Ani ✱
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfJBug7U7p
— DOWNSTAIRS —
The kitchen is alive for breakfast, rising steam, metal clattering, voices layering a morning routine.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0WakXnIn8
He continues to push through the set of steps, each one splitting wider than the next. Through the cafeteria, into the main hall. He doesn't stop. Doesn't speak, just moves with that calm, purposeful stride.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3t33DModA
Outside the front gate, the glowing hay fields can be seen.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvLzhm3F3I
The air here hits colder— crisp enough to sting the lungs. The sky is pale, washed gold, trying to break through the blue.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseptphZR3F
The towering gate stands open. Guards stand, and some sit, breath fogging in short bursts.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEcZ8ncyTf
Sally waits near the post, tail lashing back and forth, ears pointed toward him before he even lays a hand on her neck.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVrqxGoAx9
Metro swings into the saddle in one smooth motion. For a moment he sits still. His eyes sharpened with an inward draw. He leans forward and gently taps Sally with two heels.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpIYexAvt5
Metro: "Let's go babe."
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6dVQmjBuq
Sally moves. They take off, cutting through the cold morning, into the Whispering Forest.
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQm3ibUAFlx
— Scene fades black —171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszAOrK0oSa
and then Add to home screen.