Everyone ate in silence for a while after Khai finished his recollection of the events that led him to be in the jungle surrounding the cave-base. Each person had a different look of confusion, disbelief and surprise across their faces.

Henny was the first to break the silence, her soft voice slicing through the thick tension with tentative apprehension. “I’m really sorry about your island, Khai. That must have been awful to watch that happen” She looked up at Khai, he gave a sad smile in return.

“Thank you” Khai replied. After what Henny had told him about her own past, she likely sympathised a lot with what had happened to Khai.

“Ignea’s horns Lad, I figured something bad musta happened before you got here but that’s a rough one.” Jorn added.

“I can’t believe you saw a disaster-level monster out at sea like that, and an earth one at that.” Said Leena. This earned her a quick tap on the arm from Hoke. Quickly realising she had spoken aloud, she hurriedly added. “Sorry, no. What I mean is, that isn’t natural behaviour from a monster like that. It makes the rest of what you said a bit more believable.” Hoke continued to glare at Leena from the corner of his eyes.

“It’s the truth. I don’t think I could forget it if I tried.” Khai said, trying not to sound like a child caught in a lie.

Vash chose this moment to join the conversation. “You think Spirit is in trouble?”

“Aye, it does sound like it” Jorn replied. “It would explain why she’s not been around the last century or so.” Jorn scratched at his cheek as he spoke. But I’ve got no idea where we’d even start with this. We can’t go around tellin’ people that’s for sure.”

“Wait, why not?” Leena argued. “We should tell the Researchers association about this. This quite literally has been effecting the entire world for over a lifetime.” Leena waved her arms around as she spoke, it was a drastic change from her usually calculating demeanour.

Hoke placed a comforting hand on her arm, looking Leena in the eyes with a gentle expression. Leena let out a breath and her shoulders lowered. Content that she had calmed down, Hoke walked over to Khai and gestured to his chest, followed by a single finger dragging along his throat.

“You think we should kill Khai?” Vash asked incredulously. Hoke gave Vash a flat look and shook his head slowly, bringing his hand up to his face. Hoke looked to Henny, making some quick shapes with his hands.

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Henny translated for her Hoke as he gestured with his hands. “If somebody sent that mud-monster to destroy the island, and Khai’s the only one that survived. Then if we start telling people he exists then someone might try and kill him to hide what happened.”

Hoke gave a nod of confirmation and looked back at Leena. She paused for a moment, contemplating something, before visibly steeling herself and speaking. “I hadn’t thought of that.” She conceded. “However, we’re supposed to keep this a secret to protect somebody we’ve only just met?” Leena refused to meet Khai’s eyes as she spoke, avoiding his hurt expression. “I’m sorry but that doesn’t seem like a significant trade off in that case, no offense Khai”

Khai shuffled around on his feet, wanting to be anywhere but present in this conversation. She’s right. He thought. But it still hurts to hear it said out loud.

Jorn chose to intervene instead. “We wouldn’t be keeping Khai safe just because he’s part of the forge. Even if that should be enough reason regardless, lass” Jorn put extra emphasis on the final words, frowning as he spoke. “If Spirit kept Khai alive then she did it for a reason, same goes for sending him here. Which means there’s a good chance that he’s got a part to play in figuring all this out.” Jorn didn’t take his eyes off Leena, she held his gaze for a few seconds before looking away.

“Okay fine, I’m not saying we should just hand Khai over, but this isn’t something we can do alone.” Leena mumbled. She appeared to be embarrassed for her earlier comment.

“It won’t just be us. Teo and I already had some suspicions about the lad.” Jorn nodded at Khai. “He agreed that it would be a good idea to not go spreadin’ this about before we know what we’re dealin with.”

Khai hadn’t realised he’d been holding his breath listening to the exchange, he exhaled, feeling a small part of the anxiety of the situation leave his body.

“So what happens now?” Vash asked. He’d almost finished his second bowl of the cold vegetables during the exchange, absent mindedly picking at the food as the deliberations were held.

“Nothing happens now.” Jorn exclaimed. “This isn’t something we rush into. For now, you lot will continue with yer training same as usual. We can’t do anythin’ until we figure out what Khai’s island had to with Spirit, so until then you lot can focus on getting’ stronger and helpin’ Khai figure out how to use his Kaor.” Jorn looked around the room, a stern expression on his wide face. “We all understood on the situation?”

A mixture of nods and mumbles of accent seemed to satisfy the Rhenor, his wide smile returned as he brought two meaty hands together in a loud clap.

“You lot stink, I think it’s about time for a swim.” Jorn smirked as he gave the orders. The room quickly filled with groans and unhappy gestures.

“You’ve got 3 breaths before I chuck you in faster than Leena did with Vash this mornin’. And I won’t be so nice about it.”

Everyone quickly got to their feet, pulling off any excess clothing as they ran toward the dark body of water.