POV Narrator:
In the air, a stifling silence lingers. Zohn scowls at Natine, his expression radiating absolute hostility. In a rumbling, rough voice he bellows, “How dare you! I have guarded Col for over a millennium; through thick or thin, I never faltered. Hell, I watched an Age’s demise by his side! Now you arrive unannounced and test my resolve?! WELL, LET ME SHOW YOU!”.
Around Zohn, the air fluctuates. In his wrinkled hands, he grips his spear, his eyes shining a menacing light, “Day and night, through untold years, I trained for this one purpose; let me give you a taste.”. Zohn plants his spear’s back end in the ground, a deafening sound reverberates through the island. From the surroundings, a silvery light cascade down on his noble figure, coating him with divine lustre.
In the air, Natine stares in bewilderment. “What is this place?!” she shouts internally. A frown condenses on her perfect forehead, a hundred thoughts flowing through her mind, “This power… There’s no doubt, this is what destroyed my storm.”.
The frown deepens as she contemplates, “Now the true mystery is, what is he? It is unprecedented for a mortal to harbour such strength, this was never mentioned in the designs! This person and the weird island that he’s protecting smells of a deeper conspiracy. Wait, if what he’s said is true; is he even a mortal? This is deeply troubling.”.
Her expression grows resolute as she decides, “This mystery can be put aside for now. First, I must deal with him, the power that he’s accumulating must be stopped, I can’t take any chances. His reaction seems unfounded; why does he even care so much for a mere, albeit strange, island? I never harmed this place, it was just my radiating presence that touched it. Well, it doesn’t matter, I’ll pry out all the answers when I capture him; No one has dared threaten a God and I’ll show him why”.
Around Natine, elemental essence gathers, her power finally revealing itself. The air rumbles as the two powers clash in a frightening display of might. Any bystanders have long since evacuated to a safe distance; observing the battle from afar. Steadily, Zohn’s power is pushed back; inch by inch, Natine advances. Her face flashing with a grin.
On the ground, Zohn’s expression remains unwavering. As he studies Natine’s floating figure, he gives a small nod and speaks, “Looks like this isn’t a battle where I can hold back, let's see whose will is stronger.”.
On cue, Zohn takes a step forward. From Col, his power flows rapidly, augmenting Zohn’s strength. The silvery light around Zohn brightens with intensity, coating every cell of his being. Zohn takes another step, his feet leaving the ground. He takes another step, the silvery light following him as he rises higher and higher.
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Gradually on his ascent-like ascension, Zohn transforms. Piece by piece, his body turns ethereal; the silvery light fusing with him. His whole-body glows, akin to a divine spirit. On his face, Zohn's eyes turn tranquil, a serene expression lining his aged features. Suddenly, from his floating figure, a new type of elemental essence gushes forth in a torrent, its might overwhelming Natine.
With gentle eyes, Zohn studies his spear; his mind reminiscing about the past. Slowly, he looks up. In a voice filled with longing, he says, “Long ago… So, very long ago… I made a promise to Col, that kind fool; I swore to follow him for all of time, that we’ll never separate. Now, I’m finally fulfilling my promise.”.
With a final step, he hovers directly in front of Natine. Her mouth hangs agape in shock; her body unmoving, unable to process the chain of events. In an aged voice, Zohn continues, “Each the side of a coin, we form a whole; now we are one, an eternal bond realised in full. Never shall loneliness haunt our dreams, for our wills are united.”.
He raises his arm, pointing his spear towards Natine. In a tone demanding respect, he commands, “Begone stranger, you are not welcome.”. From his every syllable, an unending amount of spirit-like essence floods forth. The pressure around him radiates with new found ferocity.
Fear flashes in Natine’s eyes, her mind unable to accept the outcome. In a daze, she quickly leaves; Zohn’s power driving her off. In a stupor, she decides, “I must report this to the others. Just what horrifying secret have I stumbled upon…”. In a blink, she disappears from the sky.
In the air, Zohn’s gaze remains fixed on the sky. Slowly, he descends to the ground, touching down in the middle of the garden. The light around him fades, revealing his pure white robes and flowing beard. His gaze drifts past his surroundings, his eyes containing unwavering care; speaking a thousand unsaid words.
From the tree line, Achous studies Zohn’s figure in full. In deep thought, he says to himself, “I’m but an ant, blind to the bigger truth; this small glimpse is already beyond me. Just what is this champion? He’s at least two times my height, able to fly without wings and harbours god-like powers. He protected us without being asked, seemingly untainted by evil or cruelty; does such a benevolent ruler truly exist?”.
Suddenly, Zohn says, “Aia, can you please show me around the island? I would like to have a proper look around.”. From the river, Aia emerges, her body turning shy at Zohn’s presence. “Ye… yes, Mr champion,” she replies.
Zohn releases a sigh, his mind still deep in thought, “This is not the end, this is only the beginning of a much bigger storm. In the past, we managed to keep a low profile, but now they have taken notice. Don’t worry Col, I’m still here to keep watch. So, rest easy and leave your burdens to me.”.