Episode 14: Shadows of the Past

Jae-min lay unconscious in Naabi’s arms, his breathing uneven. The golden glow in his eyes had faded, but the weight of what had just happened still hung thick in the air.

Greenforest knelt beside them, his sharp eyes scanning Jae-min’s face. “His body isn’t injured, but his energy is completely drained.”

Naabi brushed a strand of damp hair from Jae-min’s forehead, worry tightening in her chest. “He said something woke up inside him.”

Greenforest’s expression darkened. “That voice… it wasn’t his.”

A shiver ran down Naabi’s spine. The deep, ancient voice had spoken through Jae-min, its warning echoing in her mind.

"He is not ready."

What did that mean? Not ready for what?

The ground beneath them was still split from Jae-min’s outburst, thick roots and vines curling up from the cracks. The entire cabin bore the scars of his awakening power.

And somewhere, beyond the hills, a storm was brewing.

---

The Forgotten Ruins

Greenforest stood up, his gaze locked on the distant mountains. “This place isn’t safe anymore. We need to move before anyone—or anything—senses that energy.”

Naabi nodded. “Where do we go?”

“There’s an abandoned temple a few miles from here,” Greenforest said. “If there are any clues about what’s happening to Jae-min, we might find them there.”

Naabi hesitated. The idea of traveling while Jae-min was unconscious worried her, but staying put wasn’t an option. Whatever force had been sealed inside him—it was waking up.

And it wouldn’t stop until it had fully consumed him.

---

A Dangerous Journey

Carrying Jae-min between them, Naabi and Greenforest navigated through the dense forest. The night was eerily silent, the usual sounds of crickets and rustling leaves absent.

A bad omen.

After what felt like hours, they finally reached the ruins. Stone pillars stood half-buried in the earth, covered in ancient carvings. A grand archway loomed overhead, leading into darkness.

Naabi felt a chill crawl up her spine. “This place… feels alive.”

Greenforest’s gaze was sharp. “It’s holding memories of the past.”

Carefully, they stepped inside, laying Jae-min down on a moss-covered platform in the center of the chamber.

Naabi traced her fingers along the carvings on the walls. Strange symbols glowed faintly under her touch.

And then—a whisper.

Faint, but undeniable.

Naabi spun around. “Did you hear that?”

Greenforest tensed. “We’re not alone.”

A gust of cold air swept through the chamber, carrying with it an unmistakable presence.

The spirits of the temple had awakened.

---

The Truth in the Shadows

The carvings on the walls shifted, morphing into images. A story unfolding before their eyes.

Naabi’s heart pounded as she saw Jae-min—or someone who looked just like him—standing in a grand hall, surrounded by cloaked figures.

A voice echoed through the chamber. “The last heir of the celestial line… cursed by the gods themselves.”

Naabi’s breath caught. Jae-min is… a celestial heir?

The images shifted again, revealing a battle. A man—Jae-min’s ancestor—fought against unseen enemies, his power radiating like the sun. But something went wrong.

The same golden energy that had erupted from Jae-min earlier turned against him, consuming him in flames.

Naabi’s fingers trembled against the stone. “His power… it’s both a blessing and a curse.”

Greenforest nodded, his expression grim. “And the gods feared it enough to lock it away.”

Another whisper filled the air, this time forming words:

"Only love can anchor the storm."

Naabi’s pulse quickened. Was this warning meant for her?

---

Jae-min’s Awakening

A sudden gasp echoed through the chamber.

Naabi turned just in time to see Jae-min’s eyes snap open—burning gold once more.

He sat up sharply, his entire body trembling. “Naabi…” His voice was hoarse, lost.

Naabi rushed to him, gripping his hands. “I’m here. It’s okay.”