Chapter 5 - A New Way of Living

Following the Guardian encounter, Echo's father, Kael, summoned Arke to their backyard. His expression turned serious.

"Arke, after what happened, I've decided it's time for you to learn self-defense and survival skills. Your...uniqueness makes me suspect your past holds secrets we'll uncover later."

Arke nodded, intrigued.

Kael handed him a sturdy, blunt-tipped spear. "This will be your primary tool. Note the blunt tip.”

Arke's curiosity got the better of him. "Why not sharp?”

Kael's eyes gleamed with experience. "Sharp weapons risk unnecessary bloodshed. Here, we prioritize harmony. Blood attracts unwanted attention – especially from the Guardian. Its sense of smell is unmatched.” Arke grasped the spear, feeling its balance. "I understand.”

Kael nodded. "Good. Our training will focus on strategy, stealth, and cooperation with nature. We'll hone your skills to blend in, not dominate.”

With a fluid motion, Kael began demonstrating the intricacies of Sylvanji, a martial art that blended the graceful movements of Silat with the ancient wisdom of Kalaripayattu.

Arke watched, mesmerized, as familiarity stirred within him. His past experiences resurfaced, and his body responded instinctively.

"As you move, become one with nature," Kael instructed. "Sylvanji emulates the fluidity of water, the agility of the wind, and the strength of the earth.”

Arke's senses awakened, and his body began to adapt. His muscles remembered the rhythms of Silat, while his mind absorbed the nuances of Kalaripayattu.

The villagers' unique physiology – their varied skin tones, hair textures, and enhanced cognitive abilities – no longer seemed foreign. Arke's own body began to transform, as if awakening from a dormant state.

"Excellent!" Kael exclaimed. "Your movements are harmonious, like the forest itself."

Arke's progress accelerated, his reflexes sharpening. He executed intricate sequences with ease, his body synchronizing with the natural world.

Kael observed, "Excellent! Maintain the flow, Arke. Let the land's energy guide you."

Arke's movements became fluid, almost dance-like. Echo joined in, her father's signal sending her into a trance-like state.

Her dance was mesmerizing, yet beneath the graceful motions, Arke detected subtle punches and kicks.

Kael noted, "Echo's approach is...unconventional. She's always practiced Sylvanji this way, even as a child.” Arke's curiosity piqued, he asked, "I've been wondering, Kael, Echo mentioned she's unsure about her age.”

Kael's expression turned thoughtful. "We don't track age as outsiders do. Our elders determine when a child has reached a new stage of life.”

Arke's confusion deepened. “Elder?"

Kael nodded. "Respected wise ones who govern our culture, laws, and community decisions. Three elders currently lead our village."

Arke's mind whirled with questions. Could he know one of these elders? Was it someone from his past?

As Arke mastered Sylvanji's fluid movements, he discovered newfound strength within himself. Kael, sensing his progress, expanded their training to include hunting and fishing techniques.

Together, they ventured into the surrounding wilderness, where Arke learned to respect the delicate balance of nature. The villagers' harmonious approach to farming astonished him – it was unlike anything he remembered from his past.

"In our way, we share the land with nature," Kael explained. "We take only what's needed, ensuring the earth's vitality remains intact.”

Arke marveled at the symbiotic relationship between the villagers and their environment. They cultivated crops that enriched the soil, and harvested fish from sustainable sources.

"This isn't farming as I knew it," Arke said, awe-struck. "You're not just taking from the land; you're giving back.”

Kael smiled. "Balance is key. Our elders teach us to live in harmony, not dominance."

As Arke immersed himself in this new world, he began to appreciate the villagers' profound connection with nature.

As Arke settled into his new life, he began to appreciate the simple joys of martial arts, self-defense, and farming. However, his past as an office worker lingered, and he found himself craving a sense of time.

Kael, noticing Arke's progress, decided it was time for him to experience the village's hunting traditions. Arke agreed, and they set out toward the hunting grounds.

As they walked, Kael explained, "We hunt at night, Arke. The Furren, a large, burrowing creature, is less aggressive under the cover of darkness.”

Arke's curiosity piqued, he asked, "What other animals will we be hunting?”

Kael's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Besides the Furren, we might encounter the Velok, a bird-like creature similar to the Khazel, but with more substantial meat. However, they're known to be vicious, especially when threatened. They travel in flocks, and if cornered, they'll attack with sharp beaks and claws.”

Arke's eyes widened, impressed by Kael's knowledge.

Kael continued, "And then there's the Althor, a majestic, deer-like creature with the finest meat. One Althor can sustain our entire village for a while. However, they're elusive and rarely seen."

Kael nodded, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "We'll hunt the Furren. They're abundant and relatively easy to track.”

Arke accepted the bow and arrow Kael handed him, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation.

"Do you use powers like Echo's?" Arke asked, curiosity getting the better of him.

Kael's expression turned thoughtful. "Each of us has unique abilities. Generally, our powers revolve around mental connections and control over nature. Echo's geomancy is exceptional, even among our people.”

Kael demonstrated his own powers, manipulating vines and earthy sand with a mere thought. Arke watched, awestruck.

Kael's eyes narrowed, studying Arke. "You're an enigma, Arke. Everyone in our village can control nature to some extent…"

Arke realized the vast difference in evolution between himself and Kael. He attempted to explain, "In my time, if someone had your kind of power, they'd be treated differently. And, well, you're not human, to begin with. It’s...strange."

Kael's expression remained thoughtful, as if trying to comprehend Arke's perspective.

Kael's expression turned urgent. "Huh, well...after this hunt, we need to get back. Tonight's a special night.”

Arke's curiosity piqued, but Kael pushed him forward. "Come on! Let's finish this!" Kael sprinted ahead, Arke following closely behind.

Meanwhile, Echo and Eiravyn prepared for the evening's festivities. Echo's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Ama, the Elderwise has returned from her travels. I can't wait to hear her stories.”

Eiravyn's expression turned hopeful. "Perhaps she can help Arke uncover the truth. Her wisdom is unparalleled.”

Echo nodded, recalling a childhood memory. "She's much older than Savi, right? I remember you telling me she's the one who gave me my name.”

Eiravyn smiled. "Yes, let's hope she's full of answers.”

As the two prepared for the evening, Kael and Arke successfully hunted a pair of Furren. Arke marveled at the creatures' unique appearance, a mix of kangaroo, mouse, and rabbit-like features.

"No wonder you said they're tricky to catch," Arke said, impressed by Kael's hunting skills.

Kael nodded, offering Arke a chance to try. "Yep, but if you understand their movement and behavior, it's an easy catch. Now it's your turn.” Arke readied his bow, but Kael immediately corrected him. "If you want to catch a tree with that posture, maybe you could, but this is a moving target.”

Kael guided Arke, teaching him how to track the Furren's movement and adjust his aim accordingly. Arke focused, moving fluidly as he aimed. With a swift release, the arrow flew, striking the Furren's back leg and paralyzing it.

As Arke approached the fallen creature, Kael began a solemn ceremony. "Forgive me," he said, addressing the Furren, "but this is for my people. Thank you.”

With a swift, merciful motion, Kael ended the Furren's life. Arke watched, fascinated by the respect and gratitude Kael showed the animal.

Kael's hands assumed a serene posture, reminiscent of a Buddhist monk. His fingers then began to move in a deliberate, circular motion, as if tracing an invisible sphere. The movement ended with his hands forming a precise, diamond-like shape, fingers intertwined.

As they walked, Kael explained the uses of the Furren's fur and meat. Arke listened intently, asking questions and marveling at the village's self-sufficiency.

"Do you have a refrigerator?" Arke asked, curiosity getting the better of him.

Kael chuckled, shaking his head. "What's a refrigerator?” Arke described the machine, and Kael's expression turned thoughtful. "The Elderwise has spoken about such things. She says they're not good for our health."

As they approached the village, Echo ran out to greet them, excitement radiating from her face. "Ama! Kael! I'm so glad you're back!” Kael smiled, ruffling Echo's hair. "We're glad to be back, little one. And we brought dinner."

Echo's eyes widened as she took in the Furren. "Can I help with the preparation?” Kael nodded, handing her a small knife. "You can help your ama with the skinning."

As Echo worked alongside Eiravyn, Kael turned to Arke. "My daughter is growing up too fast.” Arke smiled, watching Echo's eager face. "She's a bright and curious girl. You must be proud.” Kael's eyes shone with pride. "I am. She's the light of our village.”

Echo's concerned expression prompted her to suggest, "Arke, why don't you take a rest? We'll handle the preparations for the feast.”

Kael, standing beside Echo, placed a reassuring hand on Arke's shoulder. "Yes, go ahead and rest. You've had a long day, and tonight will be even longer. We'll make sure everything is ready."

Arke retreated to the barn, exhaustion finally catching up with him. As he settled into the soft hay, the sounds of the village drifted in, a gentle hum of activity. The scent of fresh hay and the warmth of the barn enveloped him, lulling him into a state of relaxation.

In the main village center, a commotion erupted. A young woman, dressed in worn but dignified attire, stood tall in the center of the gathering. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back, and her bright, piercing eyes shone with a sense of purpose. Her voice rang out, clear and strong:

"I have returned.”

The villagers' faces lit up with surprise and delight, their smiles warm and welcoming. They exchanged joyful glances, their eyes sparkling with excitement. The air was electric with anticipation, as if the woman's words held a deeper significance, a promise of new beginnings or long-awaited reunions.