The Seeker Infinity

Chapter 36 : The Flame

{Flashback, 20 Years Earlier: Mayari's Temple}

The Mayari's Temple was engulfed in flames, the air thick with smoke and the agonized screams of the dying. Inside, the once-sacred space was desecrated with the blood of slain mikos, their lifeless bodies strewn across the wooden floor, crimson rivers flowing from their wounds. Amid the chaos, a shadowy figure moved with lethal precision, cutting down the remaining mikos one by one.

In the temple's kitchen, two mikos cowered, their breaths ragged and filled with fear. They peeked through a crack in the door, seeing the figure pass by. The brown-haired miko turned to her blonde companion, urgency in her eyes.

"Lara, take this," she whispered, pressing a cloth-wrapped artifact into the blonde miko's trembling hands. "Run. I'll distract her."

Lara's eyes filled with tears. " What about you? You know I can't leave you behind, Yuki."

Yuki shook her head, glancing at the spreading flames. "Don't worry about me. The artifact is more important than my life. The Elder Miko is dead; it's our duty now to protect it. Please, Lara. Run."

A loud crash echoed through the kitchen as the door was forcefully broken open. A silhouette of a woman stepped in, her movements fluid and deadly, controlling cloth-like tentacles that writhed and lashed out. Yuki stepped out from their hiding place to confront her, standing defiantly.

"Go, now!" Yuki screamed, her voice carrying over the roar of the flames.

Lara hesitated for a heartbeat before throwing on a cloak and slipping out. She darted through the temple, tears streaming down her face as she passed the mutilated bodies of her comrades, the once-holy ground now a scene of horror. The flames climbed higher, and the heat was unbearable, but Lara didn't stop. She ran, clutching the artifact tightly.

{Present Day: Town of Narra}

Chris and Joy arrived on the bus just as it pulled into the town of Narra. Joy was asleep, her head resting on Chris's shoulder. He smiled softly and gently shook her awake.

"Hey, rich girl, wake up. We're here," he said.

Joy blinked her eyes open, realizing where her head had been. She quickly straightened up, blushing slightly. "Oh, Chris," she mumbled, looking out the window. Her eyes widened at the sight. "So this is Narra... It's beautiful, surrounded by all that forest."

Chris chuckled. "Yeah, it's pretty nice right? We're almost at the bus terminal. Make sure we have all our stuff."

{Minutes later they arrived at the Bus Terminal}

Chris and Joy stepped off the bus, the cool morning air of Narra greeting them as they gathered their belongings. The bus terminal buzzed with activity, but the town itself seemed peaceful and quaint, nestled amid the encircling forest.

"Welcome to Narra," Chris said with a grin, slinging his backpack over his shoulder. "Ready for a tour, Rich Girl?"

Joy smiled, her earlier weariness replaced by excitement. "Lead the way, Captain Charisma"

They began to walk through the town, the cobblestone streets lined with charming houses and small shops. The scent of fresh bread wafted from a nearby bakery, mingling with the crisp scent of pine from the surrounding forest.

Chris pointed to a quaint café with outdoor seating. "That's the best place for breakfast in town. We definitely should stop there later."

Joy nodded, taking in the picturesque scene. "This place is so different from the city. It's like stepping into another world."

Chris chuckled. "Yeah, it's definitely got its own charm. Come on, there's a park nearby that's really nice."

They strolled down a narrow street, passing friendly locals who greeted them with nods and smiles. As they walked, Joy marveled at the simplicity and beauty of the town. It felt like a haven, a place untouched by the chaos they had experienced.

They soon reached a small park, a lush green space with a pond at its center. Ducks glided across the water, and children played on the grass, their laughter filling the air. Chris led Joy to a wooden bench under a large oak tree, and they sat down, enjoying the serene surroundings.

Joy sighed contentedly. "This is lovely, Chris. Thanks for bringing me here."

Chris smiled. "I'm glad you like it. There's so much to see and do here. We'll visit Mayari's Temple later, but for now, let's just enjoy this moment."

Joy nodded, her eyes reflecting the tranquility of the park. "Sounds perfect."

As they sat there, the sun rose higher in the sky, casting a warm glow over the town. They watched the ducks and chatted about their plans, the peaceful atmosphere allowing them to relax and forget their worries, if only for a little while.

After a while, Chris stood up, stretching his arms. "Come on now , there's more to see. I want to show you our market. It's got the best local produce and crafts."

Joy stood up, her curiosity piqued. "Lead the way."

They walked through the town's bustling market, vibrant with colors and sounds. Stalls lined the streets, offering everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to handmade jewelry and pottery. Joy's eyes sparkled as she examined the various items, occasionally stopping to ask the vendors about their wares.

Chris bought a small bouquet of wildflowers from an elderly woman selling flowers at the market's edge. He handed them to Joy with a smile. "A little something to remember your first day in Narra."

Joy took the flowers, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you, Chris. You know this place is really wonderful."

They continued their exploration, the bond between them growing stronger with each step. The town of Narra, with its charm and tranquility, was the perfect backdrop for their blossoming friendship and the adventures that lay ahead.

As they walked past an old, weathered building on the edge of the market, a sudden, deafening explosion shattered the calm. The force of the blast sent debris flying, and the ground shook beneath their feet. Chris instinctively grabbed Joy, pulling her down behind a nearby stall for cover.

"What the!?" Joy gasped, her heart racing.

Chris peered over the edge of the stall, his face pale with shock. "I don't know, but it came from that building."

Smoke and flames billowed from the ruined structure, and the market erupted into chaos. People screamed and ran in all directions, the once peaceful scene transformed into one of panic and fear.

Chris looked at Joy, determination in his eyes. "Let's find out what's going on in there. Come on! "

Joy nodded, her fear replaced by a resolve that mirrored Chris's. Together, they stood up and began to make their way through the panicked crowd towards the source of the explosion, their adventure in Narra taking a sudden, dangerous turn.

To be continued...