The sun hung low in the aqua-colored sky, its gentle rays casting an ethereal glow over the rugged landscape. As Wendy made her way through the winding paths of the mountain, she couldn't help but notice the unusual cloud cover that enveloped the entire sky. It was as if a thick veil had been drawn, obscuring the vibrant hues of the heavens. The absence of rain made it all the more perplexing.

Her steps were cautious, mindful of the treacherous terrain that lay ahead. She had been told that Purgus could be found in these mountains, nursing his wounds from their previous encounter with Howl the other day. Wendy ventured deeper into the secluded wilderness.

Finally, Wendy spotted Purgus in the distance, his figure a silhouette against the backdrop of the cloudy sky. He seemed engrossed in his training, his movements fluid yet driven. Even from a distance, Wendy could sense the intensity radiating from him, a testament to his unwavering dedication.

As she approached, Purgus became aware of her presence. His eyes narrowed with suspicion, his guard instantly raised. Years of bitterness and animosity towards the Celestons had etched deep within his being, making trust a scarce commodity.

"You're Wendy," Purgus greeted, his voice with caution and disdain. "What brings you here? Have you come to mock me further, to revel in the pain you and your kin have caused?"

Wendy paused, her gaze meeting Purgus' intense stare. She could feel the weight of his anger, the walls he had erected to shield himself, but she also saw the vulnerability that lay beneath, the pain etched into his every movement.

"I didn't come here to mock you, Purgus," Wendy responded, her voice steady and sincere. "I came to check on you, to see how you're doing. We may be on opposing sides, but that doesn't mean we can't find common ground, right?"

Purgus scoffed, a bitter smile playing at the corner of his lips. "Common ground? What common ground can there be between us? Our paths are opposed. I fight for justice and freedom, while your kind revels in oppression and control."

Wendy took a step closer, slightly frustrated at the way Purgus Views the situation

"The world is not as black and white as it looks! There is more to this conflict than meets the eye. For instance, I'm not your enemy! I…I just want to help you!"

Purgus' thoughts were interrupted by a sudden gust of wind, carrying with it a faint whisper. The clouds above began to shift and churn, revealing glimpses of the aqua sky that lay beyond. It was as if the world itself was responding to their conversation, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertain circumstances.

Wendy observed the shifting clouds above, mesmerized by the surreal dance they performed in the sky. The veil that had once concealed the vibrant hues of the aqua-colored sky was now parting, revealing glimpses of its true beauty.

"Purgus, look at what's happening around us. Can't you see that there is a chance for something different? We don't have to be enemies. We can be friends!"

Purgus turned his gaze back to Wendy, his expression hardened. The mention of friendship, especially with a Celeston, stirred deep-seated emotions within him. The scars of betrayal and loss were etched into his soul, making the idea of trust seem like a distant memory.

Purgus retorted with a bitter voice" Being a friend with a Celeston would mean tossing aside everything I've struggled for, everything I've sacrificed. I can't just shrug off the pain and the destruction your kind brought about. It's way too damn late for that! Now leave me ALONE!"

Wendy's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, but she continues to try

"Purgus, I know that my family's actions have caused you pain, but I am not them! I am my own person with my own beliefs. I don't want to be known by the actions of others, just as I don't want to you to solely be about your past."

The wind whispered through the rugged mountain pass, carrying with it a sense of longing and possibility. Wendy took a step closer to Purgus, reaching out a hand as if to bridge the gap between them."Purgus, I understand you," Wendy said softly. "But let's just start with something simple. Let's start with a conversation, that's not bad, is it? An exchange of ideas! Let us be willing to listen to each other. You know, we may not agree on everything all the time, but maybe, in time, we can find common ground!"

Purgus recoiled at Wendy's outstretched hand,

"You wanna talk about understanding and common ground, but the wounds are still fresh, Wendy. The scars I bare are a constant reminder of the battles fought and the lives lost. I cannot simply forget everything iv'e been through."

Wendy withdrew her hand, her gaze steady and unwavering.

"I know.. I don't expect you to forget, Purgus. I only ask that you consider the possibility of a different future."

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

Suddenly, a figure dressed in casual clothes emerged from the shadows. Jim, with his humanoid form resembling a NeoSpacian, exuded an air of mystery and strength.

Jim approached the scene with a calm and confident demeanor, his eyes filled with wisdom earned through countless battles. He had honed his skills and pushed his limits, transcending the boundaries of his monstrous origins. His secret training spot was a testament to his dedication and commitment to self-improvement.

Not wanting to reveal the true nature of his training grounds, Jim kept his intentions veiled. He greeted Wendy and Purgus with a nod, acknowledging their presence without divulging any details. His silence spoke volumes, hinting at the depth of his knowledge and the mysteries he held close.

Purgus eyed Jim with caution, his instinctual distrust for monsters still ingrained within him. But there was something different about Jim. The intelligence that radiated from his eyes and the air of respect he carried set him apart from the mindless creatures Purgus had encountered before.

Wendy, sensing the tension between Purgus and Jim, stepped forward to break the ice.

"Jim, it's good to see you. We were just having a conversation."

Jim offered a small smile, his gaze shifting between Wendy and Purgus.

"Ah, I apologize for interrupting. I often come to this spot to reflect on a few things. It seems I have stumbled upon a meaningful exchange."

Purgus remained guarded, his muscles tense, but he couldn't help but be intrigued by Jim's presence. The tales of his battle with the Former Deity Queen, the controlled power he possessed, and his intelligence fueled Purgus's curiosity.

"What brings you here, Jim?" Purgus asked, his voice with caution.

Jim's smile widened slightly.

"I could ask you the same, Purgus. But I suppose we all seek to grow in our own ways. This place offers me the tranquility I need to evolve both my body and mind."

Wendy sensed an opportunity for understanding and connection.

"Purgus, Jim might have a different perspective to offer. We shouldn't dismiss someone based on their appearance or their origins. Let's listen to what he has to say."

Purgus hesitated, his gaze shifting between Wendy and Jim. Slowly, he nodded, his guard beginning to lower.

"Alright, I will listen. But don't expect me to trust blindly."

Jim's eyes met Purgus's. As Jim listen's to his Story, his eyes become filled with concern. He took a deep breath, preparing himself to address the core issue that divided them.

"Purgus, I understand your deep-rooted animosity towards the Royal Celestons," Jim began, his voice steady and calm. "The pain and suffering they have caused you and your people cannot be ignored. But I implore you to reconsider the path you've chosen"

Purgus scoffed, crossing his arms defiantly. "And what path is that? The path of justice? The path of avenging my fallen people?"

Jim shook his head, his expression solemn. "No, Purgus. The path of hatred and vengeance. It is a treacherous road that ultimately leads to self-destruction. Trust me, I've seen it happen time and time again."

Purgus's eyes narrowed, his voice filled with bitterness. "And who are you to tell me what I should or shouldn't do? You may have evolved beyond your monstrous origins, but you're still a creature of the enemy!"

Jim's gaze didn't waver, his resolve unyielding. "I am someone who has learned the hard way, Purgus. I have witnessed the futility of blind hatred and the devastation it brings. I fought against the Royal Celestons, just as you have before they were given the rank of Royals, but I have also seen the possibility of change, of breaking free from the cycle of Death and destruction."

Purgus remained skeptical, his anger simmering beneath the surface. "Change? You expect me to believe that change is possible? That they would ever listen to reason?"

Jim's voice grew softer, yet carried a weight of experience. "Well, not all of them, Purgus. But some may be open to dialogue, to understanding, like Wendy over here. It won't be easy, and it won't happen overnights. You just gotta have some hope."

Purgus scoffed again. "Hope? Hope has no place in my heart anymore, Jim. I've seen too much pain and suffering to believe in such notions."

Jim's eyes held a profound sadness as he spoke. "I see, Purgus. I truly do. But I know that embracing and giving into hatred will consume you. It will blind you to the many possibilities, and it will rob you of your chance for a better future."

Purgus's gaze hardened, his voice tinged with stubbornness. "Nonsense. I am willing to pay any price for the freedom and justice my people deserve."

"Purgus, I don't want to see you meet the same fate as those who walked this path before you. Their stories are filled with tragedy and regret. I'll only say this once. Please, consider the consequences of your actions."

Purgus stood firm in his beliefs, unwilling to entertain the possibility of an alternative path. The words Jim spoke resonated little with him, dismissed as mere nonsense in his eyes. With a dismissive snort, Purgus turned away from Jim and the secluded training spot, his resolve unshaken.

"Bullshit. I've wasted enough time here," Purgus muttered, his voice carrying a hint of bitterness. "There's no point in listening to the ramblings of a creature who thinks he knows better!"

Jim watched as Purgus stormed off, a Deep Sigh coming from his mouth

Wendy, who had been observing the exchange in silence, approached Jim cautiously. Her eyes sympathetic.

"You tried, Jim," Wendy said softly, her voice filled with understanding. "But sometimes, people are not ready to hear what we have to say...…I realize that now...."

Jim nodded, appreciating Wendy's support in this moment.

The passage of time became evident as they stood there, their bond growing stronger through shared experiences and challenges. Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months, and Months turned into Years. The years had brought about changes, both physically and emotionally. Wendy's sympathetic eyes now held a touch of maturity, reflecting the experiences she had gathered along the way.