"...We've met before?"
Zane looked into Kai's eyes for a long moment.
"..."
"Not yet."
Kai frowned.
"...What?"
A faint smile tugged at the corner of Zane's lips.
"We hadn't."
"..."
"But..."
She took another step forward.
"We've met now."
Silence.
The sound of the waterfall filled the valley.
Neither of them spoke.
Behind them...
Chocomint let out a quiet sigh.
"...Looks like you two will have plenty to talk about."
He stretched his shoulders.
"I'll leave you both to it."
Without waiting for a reply...
He turned and walked back toward the village.
Within moments...
He disappeared behind the trees.
Now...
Only Kai and Zane remained.
The silence lingered.
Finally...
Zane spoke.
"You should have a lot of questions."
Kai looked at her.
Then slowly nodded.
"...Yeah."
"I do."
"Good."
She turned away.
"Follow me."
---
The two walked in silence.
Neither tried to start a conversation.
The path climbed steadily until it reached a rocky cliff overlooking the hidden valley.
Below...
The Order carried on with their daily lives.
Children ran across rope bridges.
Farmers tended their fields.
A few members trained beneath the shade of towering trees.
The peaceful scenery stretched as far as the eye could see.
Zane stopped near the edge.
The wind gently moved her black-and-red hair.
Without looking at Kai...