SS rank Xalvathar: The Soulweaver

Takumi gently held Zanele's hand, watching her pale face, waiting for her to wake up. After a few tense minutes, her eyes fluttered open. "What happened?" she asked, her voice weak.

Takumi forced a smile. "You got angry... and you killed Valkor."

Zanele froze, her eyes wide. "Wait… Mom... Mom died?" Her voice cracked as she sat upright, the weight of reality crushing her.

Takumi's throat tightened, but he held back his tears. "Do you remember what Mom used to say about Dad? She said he's in the heavens."

"Yes," Zanele whispered.

Takumi's voice trembled. "Mom went to the heavens too. She's in the sky, watching us. So please… don't cry."

Zanele let out a heart-wrenching scream. "No! It can't be! Why, Mom?!"

Takumi wrapped his arms around her. "Please… don't cry."

In the dark sky above, something shimmered faintly. Zanele looked up, her tears blurring her vision. "Is… is that Mom?"

Takumi nodded, smiling softly. "Yes, it is."

Wiping her tears, Zanele clenched her fists. "I promise, Mom… I'll kill Xalvathar. I'll avenge you."

Takumi placed a hand on her shoulder. "We'll do it together."

Haruto, Amandla, and Liyana stepped forward, determination burning in their eyes. "Don't forget us. We'll kill Xalvathar too."

From the corner, Finn observed quietly. "Rowan, do you think they can really pull it off?"

Rowan crossed his arms, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I don't know. But I have a feeling… they just might."

A piercing scream shattered the moment. A spy burst into the room, breathless. "Xalvathar… he's active!"

Finn drew his weapon. "Who are you?"

Rowan silenced him with a gesture. "What did you see?"

The spy gasped for air. "I was scouting outside… I found a hidden area, full of people. Two powerful creatures on horseback rode through the crowd, and everyone was chanting a name. They said, 'Long live King Xalvathar!' Then, the man himself appeared. He spoke to the crowd, warning them of two creatures destined to kill the king."

Rowan's eyes sharpened. "Are you telling me… you found Xalvathar's location?"

The room fell silent as Rowan turned to the group. "Gather everyone. This war isn't over."

The air was thick with tension as Takumi turned to Rowan. "I think we're getting close to that ravage," he said, his voice low but steady.

Rowan nodded, his expression grim. "Good. But right now, our priority is protecting the king."

Zanele crossed her arms, a scowl forming on her face. "Why us? We're just kids!"

Rowan's gaze hardened as he faced her. "You're not kids anymore. You're soldiers. We've lost too many men trying to deal with the creatures Xalvathar sent. The king has ordered almost all of our remaining forces to guard the gates. We're stretched too thin, and that's why this mission falls to you."

Zanele glared at the ground, frustration bubbling over. "Fine," she muttered. "But not all of us might come back. Not like my Vera did…" Her voice trailed off, heavy with grief.

Rowan softened, stepping closer. "You're not going to fight," he said, his voice gentler now. "Your mission is to warn the king. Captain Finn and I will handle the search for the two creatures."

He straightened, his tone once again commanding. "We'll move in an hour, so get ready. And make sure to wear something appropriate."

Amandla furrowed her brow. "Appropriate? What do you mean by that?"

Rowan sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "The king is hosting a party. His daughter is turning three, and the palace will be full of nobles. We need to blend in."

Amandla raised an eyebrow. "Blend in? We don't exactly have wardrobes full of fancy clothes lying around."

Rowan gave a short nod to Finn. "Captain, take them to the market and get them something suitable. Make it quick."

Finn saluted with a small smirk. "Sir, yes sir!"

As Finn turned to lead the group out, the bustling market was alive with sounds of bartering and chatter. Finn led the group through the crowded streets, his patience visibly thinning. Takumi adjusted Zanele on his back, grumbling.

"Can I put her down now?" he asked, shifting uncomfortably.

Finn shot him a sharp glance. "No, not yet. She can't walk. Her Vera hasn't healed."

"Fine," Takumi muttered, his tone edged with frustration. "But why do I have to carry her?"

Zanele rested her chin on his shoulder and smirked. "Because you're my big brother. That's your job."

Before Takumi could respond, Haruto chimed in with a grin. "I'll carry her."

"Fine. Take her." Takumi passed Zanele to Haruto, stretching his arms with exaggerated relief. "I've been carrying her forever."

Haruto adjusted Zanele easily and smirked at Takumi. "If you're feeling so rested, how about a fight after we're done here?"

"Fine," Takumi replied, rolling his shoulders. "Just take her already."

Nearby, Liyana's voice rang out. "Wait!"

Finn turned around, exasperation etched into his face. "What now?"

"I want that," Liyana declared, pointing to a vibrant red dress displayed in a shop window.

Finn followed her gaze and frowned. "In your dreams."

"Why not?" Liyana asked, her tone sweet but laced with mischief.

"Because that dress costs four gold coins," Finn said flatly.

Liyana crossed her arms and smirked. "You do realize Rowan gave you twenty gold coins, right?"

"You're mad if you think I'm wasting four coins on a dress," Finn retorted.

"I'll tell Rowan you spent the money on yourself," Liyana countered, her grin widening.

Finn groaned. "Fine."

Zanele, still perched on Haruto's back, piped up. "If she's getting the red one, I want the black dress."

Finn glanced at the price tag and groaned louder. "Six gold coins? Are you all trying to bankrupt me?"

Liyana grinned. "Want me to tell again?"

Finn gritted his teeth. "Fine."

Amandla joined in, pointing to a soft pink gown. "I want that one."

Finn's jaw dropped. "Ten gold coins?! That merchant should rot in the underworld. Why do you need a pink dress?"

Amandla smirked. "Maybe I'll tell the king how you destroyed half the city last week."

Finn threw his hands in the air. "Fine!"

As the boys approached, Takumi and Haruto pointed to simple suits.

"Finally, something reasonable," Finn muttered. Then he froze. "Wait. That suit costs a hundred gold coins!"

"Yes," Zanele said smugly. "But it makes sense, doesn't it?"

An hour later, the group returned to Rowan, who eyed their outfits. "How much did all this cost?"

Finn sighed, rubbing his temple. "Three hundred and fifteen gold coins."

Rowan's eyes widened. "How?"

Finn raised a hand to stop further questions. "Don't ask. Did you secure our way into the party?"

Rowan nodded. "Yes. But I've learned something else. The king's daughter… she might be the key to defeating Xalvathar."