A Verdance Farewell

The Green Clan Sanctuary bustled with life and joy. Villagers gathered in the open courtyard, raising wooden cups filled with Flowers and herbs to honor those who had fought to free their people from the hunters’ camp. Renjiro, Taro, Emi, Yumeru, and Rona stood together, receiving thanks and admiration from everyone they passed.

Flowers were strewn in their path, and children danced around them, laughing joyfully. Music filled the air as elders blessed the group, touching their heads with herbs and bright green Lumina, a traditional gesture of gratitude and protection.

Now safe and among her people, Flora made her way to Renjiro. Her face was filled with gratitude, and her voice was soft as she said, “Renjiro… thank you. Not just for saving me, but for helping our entire clan. I don’t know what we would have done without you.”

Renjiro smiled, his face slightly flushed. “I was just doing what I could. I’m glad we could help.”

Yumeru watched the two of them from a short distance, a small smile on her face, but her eyes lingered on them. She glanced away, trying to ignore the flicker of something—maybe a pang of envy or discomfort—deep inside her. She wasn’t sure what it was, but she quickly dismissed it, focusing on the celebration.

Nearby, the Green Clan’s new chief, Rona, stood with his sister, Flora, as they addressed the crowd. Rona’s face was solemn but filled with warmth and gratitude that softened his normally serious expression. “Today, we honor those who brought our people back to us and ensured the safety of our sanctuary. Renjiro, Taro, Emi, Yumeru—your bravery and compassion will not be forgotten.”

The villagers cheered, their voices echoing through the canopy above. Rona stepped closer to the recruits, speaking so only they could hear. “If ever you need us in the future, know that the Green Clan will come to your aid. I owe you all my life and the lives of my people.”

Renjiro and the others nodded, humbled by the gesture. “Thank you, Chief Rona,” Renjiro said earnestly. “We won’t forget it.”

Rona glanced between them, then continued, “There is one way we can help you now. If you’re truly committed to standing against the Red Clan, there may be allies for you among the Yellow Clan. We’ve heard that they may hold knowledge or power capable of challenging the Crimson Dynasty. But be cautious—the Yellow Clan’s ways are… strange, even by our standards. They see the world differently, and you may find them difficult to understand.”

Emi nodded thoughtfully. “We’ve heard rumors of their work. It may be a risk, but any ally against the Red Clan is worth seeking.”

As Rona provided directions, Liko approached the group, his eyes wide with excitement. “Take me with you!” he burst out, barely able to contain his eagerness. “I want to see more of the world—fight, protect, be part of this!”

Renjiro chuckled, putting a hand on the young boy’s shoulder. “Liko, you’re strong and brave, but your people need you here. Your family needs you.” He gave Liko an encouraging nod. “One day, I have no doubt you’ll explore far beyond Verdance. But for now, protect your home and your clan. That’s the greatest adventure you can have right now.”

Liko’s face fell, but after a moment, he nodded with understanding, his eyes shining with determination. “Alright, Renjiro. I’ll stay.”

As the sun began to dip below the trees, Renjiro, Taro, Emi, Yumeru, and Kairro prepared to depart from the sanctuary. Villagers gathered around to bid them farewell, clasping their hands and wishing them safe travels.

Flora, standing beside her brother, gave Renjiro a small wave. “Take care, all of you,” she called. “May Remedias watch over you.” Renjiro had heard that name before. The name he heard in his dreams when he joined the blue clan.

Renjiro returned the wave, a grateful smile on his face. The group turned, making their way down the forest path as the villagers’ voices grew faint behind them. Their journey ahead was uncertain, but they were stronger for the bonds they had made in the sanctuary.

Together, they walked toward whatever awaited them with renewed purpose, ready for the challenges that lay ahead.

Elsewhere, deep within the forest was silence,  Scars and other red clan warriors moved through it with purpose, his senses tuned to every trace left behind. He paused, crouching low, his sharp eyes gazed on the faint remnants of a campfire, reduced to ashes but unmistakable. The ground around the site was disturbed as if someone had left hastily—perhaps in the dead of night. Pieces were falling into place.

He ran a hand over the charred ground, smirking as he recognized hints mixed with faint traces of blue. 

“You think you can hide, don’t you?” he muttered, his voice barely a whisper. Rising, he studied the signs with a tracker’s eye, piecing together his prey's path. His mind raced with thoughts of the reward he’d bring back to Theron. A human with Lumina—the very idea would shake Chromaris. And Scars would be the one to deliver him.

With one last look around, Scars straightened, his eyes glinting with determination as he continued his pursuit.