[Extra] Chapter 102.5 - ??? Interlude

Author Note:

An experiment.

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You were small when you first came to me. You flitted in from the shadows to hide yourself under my boughs. The tragic nature of your existence saw you frightful, and you couldn’t stop looking around.

But when you reached my roots, you came to rest, nestled beneath. Embraced, you dreamt of safety, and when you awoke, your panic was gone, replaced with a curious expression that let me know you’d found a home.

Your laughter was the forest’s music. Your presence, a balm. When you raced through the foliage, the breeze hugged your back. When you slept, the sun moved to keep you warm.

You were happy. That was all that was needed. You were no longer a lost child. You were warm. Comfortable. Loved.

You grew.

When a fledgling, wing broken, sought the aid of my gifts, you hid. I nudged you. You went out. Nervously, you helped, and after seeing the smile on their face, you declared all others welcome.

They came.

Your timidness vanished, replaced with confidence and open arms. You were my helper. My child. The one to tend to the creatures of these woods.

Unique among your kind, you welcomed them and they welcomed you back. You brought my healing to those in need, and you returned with new friends made along the way.

Every smile, a blessing. Every moment, a treasure.

When it rained, I sheltered you.

When it did not, I still fed you.

Together, we did more than just live. We thrived. I could not ask for a greater life than with you in it.

But it did not last. Their entrance still haunts my mind.

Boots stomped down the duff. Seedlings broke under their feet. The vegetation, crumbled. The peace of our forest, shattered by a cacophony of noise.

You hid—I could not blame you. They were unknown to us both, and as they spoke, we listened.

“‘Bout here, right?”

“Yup. We’re deep enough in. Seems as good a place as any.”

“Not sure why the Boss wants such an obscure location, but hey, off-route is off-route. No one’s gonna disturb us here.”

Liquid splashed, and metal clicked. Soon enough, the woods were plunged into a brilliant blaze. The fire’s smoldering tongue raked at my bark, and through the deafness of the roars, I could hear your screams of horror.

You were young.

You did not deserve to witness this. I refused to let you be hurt on my behalf.

As the inferno consumed our world, I saw you off. You ran at my encouragement, racing to find others that could still be saved.

I cannot lie. The flames hurt. I could feel every ember that dried and scorched my body. My leaves burned, turning to ash. And the heat that raged within was worse than anything outside.

Three days and three nights, the fires raged through our home. Smoke veiled the world, but I knew that, somehow, it was being contained.

When the flames slumbered, their feast finished, you came to return. I wish you did not, but, at least, you were not alone. Those you saved, past and present, offered their support. They followed you, offering their aid to see if there was one more you could save.

There was not.

It was too late.

I was blackened, coated with ash.

Nothing more than a charred husk clinging to life out of hope for a proper farewell.

Do not weep for me. Move on and live your life. I can see how many friends you have made. There is no reason to feel so bound.

There is no reason to scream as loud as you do. No reason to tear at the ashen dirt, and no reason to lash out at those who try to comfort you.

But you can’t hear me.

You can only hear the wails of your own grief.

You scream, and cry, and I watch you grow. Larger than ever before, I behold what you become.

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SPLINTERED CLAWS FOR RENDING FLESH. A MAW THAT GNASHES WITH BRAMBLED TEETH. A MALICED EYE SO FILLED WITH HATE THAT ITS DESIRE FOR PAIN SEES ITS EDGES BURN.

YOUR RAGE SHALL BE THE FIRE THAT CLEANSES THESE ONCE-CLEAN WOODS. YOUR PAIN SHALL BECOME THEIR PAIN, A HARBINGER OF A DARKER END.

PAST’S AID BECOMES FUTURE’S HURT.

THE FOREST FALLS TO YOUR COMMAND.

YOU SHALL MAKE THEM SUFFER FOR WHAT THEY DID.

YOUR MADNESS WILL BECOME THE FOREST’S CURSE.

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As I fade into ash, I beg you, do not fall down this path. Do not seek revenge for me.

Do not conjure those of the deep woods. Do not conjure those wrapped in night that would see your dark desires come true.

Regrow!

Rebirth!

Return to peace!

Fire is not destruction. It is renewal. The forest and all those lost will return once more.

Please. You do not need to do this.

Please. Hear my voice.

Please, turn around and listen to my last request.

But you do not. Can not. Your path is already set. Creatures once joined by friendship are now joined by the promise of revenge.

I can feel my body crumble as you march away. The breeze is my only witness as I speak my final words.

I love you.

And I am sorry.

But nothing lasts forever.

We part for the final time. You leave, seeking revenge that need not be sought.

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Author Note:

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