Ilustración: Hybrid-Kira (2021)

There is no better exercise for my weary lungs than trying to have a vigorous chat with Ciro while, at the same time, trying to match his unconsciously racing pace. Ciro seemed so eager to teach me everything he knows that he has forgotten that humans cannot move as fast as hybrids. Less than five minutes have passed since Ciro has officially taken responsibility for me, and I was beginning to miss Darius' relaxed pace. From now on it would be to adapt, or to be left behind.

The large open meadow we were walking through was deceptively rugged. Seen from a distance, it seemed to be a flat and pleasant terrain to take a walk, but when I started walking on it I realized that it was full of holes and the occasional piece of grass and dirt that was ripped off ruthlessly, possibly due to a fight between a pair of hybrids, or just as evidence of a training session, since we were in the middle of the Hunters' training ground right now.

The place was peaceful and without much activity, enough so that Ciro and I could walk without risk of being run over by another hybrid. The first bit of civilization closest to us was the archery range, this area was lined with wooden fences, and the multiple lanes marked on the floor ended in shooting targets. A large watchtower at least ten meters high stands in one corner of the firing range. The few people who were practicing were so focused on their training that Ciro did not bother to greet them, some human Hunters were checking that the tension of the sturdy wooden bows was correct, and I even had the opportunity to appreciate the dexterity of one of them, seeing the Hunter hitting the target while riding on the back of his hybrid companion, running at high speed.

Ciro let me appreciate the practices for a couple more minutes before continuing our journey, as I had been mesmerized by the discipline of those Hunters. << We still have many things to see >> I repeat Ciro's words to myself, and although I would like to stay and watch the rest of the practice, I could not afford to lose sight of Ciro. However, there was still a whole village to visit.

We left the shooting range behind us, and I was already praying that our final destination was near, as my legs were starting to cramp from walking from Medical Bay to the other end of Cilt right after I was discharged, and not counting on the best physical condition. But my prayers seem to have been answered at last. In front of us stood a monumental entrance in the shape of a great arched door made of nothing more than logs and ropes expertly tied, the sturdy monument had been invaded by climbing flowers of vibrant colors, and flags of all sizes of the Hunter rank adorned its vast surface, indicating the entrance to one of the most populated areas of Cilt.

- Here we are. Welcome to the Hunters village, Tyler.- Ciro reaffirms me with a cheerful and energetic tone, letting out an indiscreet laugh when realizing that I've had my mouth open for longer than I would have liked to admit

Ciro steps forward to pass under the great arch, still impatient to show me the places he wanted me to see. I do not have the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of that entrance for too long, but something told me that I would have a lot of time later to admire it up close. I follow Ciro as closely as possible, which was no longer so difficult, as the outgoing blue Porsche greeted and conversed with literally anyone, human or hybrid who stopped to greet us, which were many. The change in the landscape once past the entrance arch was overwhelming, it was like going through a portal that on one side led you to an open area of ​​the forest, and on the other, it housed a bustling city, very similar to the center of the delegation of the E.M. I lived in before I came to Cilt.

It was like being back in the Metropolis, with its tall and elegant buildings and businesses, although many of the constructions showed a clear deterioration and abandonment. The forest had already begun to eat into this old city, although the citizens of Cilt worked their magic to restore color and life to buildings that had ended up as a pile of rubble given the necessary time. With paved streets and commercial activity, here hybrids and humans coexisted in peace, getting involved in the same activities that were carried out in the streets, from serving food stalls and barter businesses, to small agglomerations of citizens interested in hearing the latest news on the radio, needing a person who had one ear right next to the old device, and thus repeat aloud everything they heard, as the sorrounding noise easily consumed the weak chatter of the old radio speakers.

The Hunters' village was abuzz with activity. As usual, several people recognize me and greet me kindly wanting to have a bit of my time to let me know how much they appreciated having me visit, although sometimes they were very insistent and did not let go of my hand. Ciro, seeing this, intervened with his usual warmth and saved me from having to refuse the displays of affection from the citizens, many of whom wore the rank of Hunter tattooed somewhere visible on their skin.

We trudged through the busy streets of the village, took a shortcut that apparently not many people frequent, and this led us to the back of a large building which took us a long time to go around to reach the main doors. Something inside me felt like I recognized the building that Ciro was interested in bringing us to, when we finally got to the main entrance I was able to reaffirm my suspicion, this was the tallest building in Cilt as far as I have been able to appreciate, it was unmistakable for its huge, yellow letter H on top, which appeared to be the only remaining piece of an old "Hotel" sign that it may have displayed in its prime.

The main door was not big enough for Ciro or any other adult hybrids to enter the building, the steps that had to be climbed to reach the door were too narrow for Ciro's comfort, so Ciro did not even try to pose his wheels on these, and instead he prefers to wait for me at the foot of the steps.

- Well, we finally arrived boy. This building is known as "The H Tower"... I know, the people here are not very original with the names of important places.- His ironic comment causes a laugh from both, considering that most of the important points of Cilt had names too literal, like "The Council Dome" or "The Stone Podium." It would not be difficult to remember one more- This is perhaps one of the few places in all of Cilt where only humans can access, as the building is in quite bad condition, and remodeling the entrance so that a hybrid can enter at least the reception could throw away the entire building, so it is used as a home for many daring human Hunters, most of them captains or important figures in Cilt ... and you, my friend, are already someone important, so I did my best to get you a room even if it is temporary. They say that the view from the upper floors is beautiful, you will like this place.-

- You are too generous Ciro ... Im not sure if I deserve such a high status just for being the son of ... -

- No no no. Don't mention it or complain, it is done, so enjoy it boy, okay? - It was impossible to say no to Ciro's radiant smile, his gesture was overflowing with kindness, and it was clear that he would do everything possible to make me feel comfortable in his presence ... even if that included making me uncomfortable with his hospitality - The previous owner of the room is an old friend of mine, she was living there while the necessary remodeling was done to her and her hybrid friend's house, but they finished the renovations early and were able to move in again. She tells me that there are still some stuff in the apartment, I hope you don't mind... I don't remember exactly what room number she had, but you can ask anyone in there for Blaire's apartment, and they will tell you which one it is.

- Alright, I hope I don't forget the name... Then I go quickly to the room to leave these things and we meet again here? - I answer Ciro, emphasizing the folded clothes that I had been carrying all this time-

- Uhm... I'm afraid I need to leave you alone for a moment, Tyler. You see... my daughter, Marione, I haven't seen her all day, and I really need to know where she's gotten herself this time before the kids' training starts. So I'll go find her downtown, hopefully I'll be able to know at least where she has gone. -

The fact that Ciro had a daughter was completely foreign to my knowledge, and I could empathize with his concern, so I must give him the confidence that I would not get into trouble as long as he was busy searching for her.

- Okay, don't worry about me Ciro, I think I can take care of myself ... or rather, I think half the village will keep an eye on my back all the time.-

- Haha, okay ... Anyways, if you see a girl of about 17 years with half of her hair colored pink ... it is very likely that it is Marione. If you find her, do you think you can tell her that her father is worried about her? -

- You can count on it Ciro, I'll keep an eye open in case I see her. - The physical description of the girl seemed to coincide with the memory of the first day I visited squad 15, on the site there was a girl with precisely those characteristics, and the name seemed to resonate with that memory. If I weren't so forgetful, I'd be more sure of it.

- Good, good... Oh, I almost forgot! The children's training starts at 3pm, I will arrive 15 minutes earlier for you, right here, I would like you to join us today, and being your temporary guide ... well, I think you have no choice. You can explore the village if you feel like it, I am sure that many here would be willing to give you a big plate of food without you asking, you are going to have fun.-

- Excellent! Here I will be waiting for you. Hopefully you have luck finding Marione.-

- Heh ... yes, I hope so too.- Ciro snorts through his vents, slightly frustrated, but it doesn't take long for him to regain his usual positive attitude. -Alright, so I'll see you before 3pm, have fun boy.

- Thanks Ciro, see you in a few hours.-

Ciro leaves the place with a smile, and is soon lost among the people walking peacefully down the street in front of the building... or "The H tower," as I should refer to it from now on. Used to always receiving directions from someone in charge, I felt nervous as now I was the one who had to find his way to the room, but I knew that the best remedy for loneliness anxiety was to take action at that precise moment, and talk to who I would need to do it to secure my place in the building. I take a quick look inside before actually going inside, just to mentally prepare myself for whatever it is. I grab the clothes that I was hugging tightly in my arms, and I walk resolutely but respectfully through the front door.

The basic structure of a typical luxury hotel reception was recognizable... just barely. All the walls had been decorated with colorful works of artistic graffiti in the most strident colors that my eyes had ever seen, all in a huge collage that dressed the walls and filled them with life. Hunting trophies were also displayed hanging on the walls, as well as flags and banners of multiple squads of Hunters, all of them with different numbers. All the furniture had been replaced by rustic wooden furniture, small gathering places were recognizable by being carpeted by animal skin rugs and cushions to sit on the floor. The carefree atmosphere of this reception contrasted with the seemingly intact serious facade of an old Hotel on the verge of falling apart.

- Oh hello! You must be Tyler! - A young Hunter apparently my age appears out of nowhere behind me, and approaches to greet me, although when he sees that I had my hands occupied he just touches my arm, - Ciro told us that you would come, How are you and your Warrior friend? Many of us worried about you.

- Thank you, I'm fine, fortunately... - The memory of Iker reappears in my mind, like a sharp pang in the back of my head- ... Iker will be fine, he still has a few more days in the hospital, but I think he will be fully recovered soon. -The Hunter did not realize that my smile was a little fake, just enough not to make the worry evident, but it was for the best, I really did not want to talk about it with someone who I had just met , and that he had possibly only asked for Iker out of simple cordiality.

- Good to hear that! I'm sure your friend will be back here sooner than you think. - His answer, almost automated, was not a surprise to me, but I understood that he simply wanted to be nice to me, and avoid at all costs delving into conversations that could become somewhat thorny - Now come with me please, there is someone who wants to meet you. -

The Hunter guides me inside the hotel reception, almost shoving me by putting a hand on my back. It was necessary to be careful with my steps, because there were things scattered on the ground, things like food cans, tools, logs, ropes and... Bones?

The few people who were in the reception right now were grouped in a tight circle on the floor, they seemed to be playing a hard-fought game of dice that had kept them busy enough not to notice my presence. They all seemed to belong to the same group... all except one. When turning to the right side of the reception, a shadowy figure was waiting sitting in a chair that did not seem very comfortable, this person seemed to guard the entrance to the only elevator of the hotel, and he appreciated the game of dice from his rigid position, in silence.

My new companion and I approached the aforementioned without him showing any sign that he had seen us enter. His face was completely tattooed resembling the gloomy appearance of a skull, with the sockets of his eyes completely darkened, and with a permanent gesture of absolute seriousness that managed to give chills to the poor unsuspecting person who meets him in person for the first time... like me.

- Tyler, I'd like you to meet the tower manager; Roger. He is in charge of maintaining order within the building.

Roger looks at us when he hears his name, slowly sitting up in a more pleasant position to carry on a conversation. The black leather vest he wore allowed me to see the ranks he possessed on his shoulders, Roger was a Warrior, and a Scientist. A combination I had not seen in any other Cilt citizen besides Darius, who has almost all ranks. The intriguing man whose age was impossible for me to estimate due to his densely tattooed skin gives me and the other Hunter a serious, expressionless look, almost as if he could see directly into our soul with mere eye contact.

- Welcome to The H Tower, Tyler Hopper. I am glad to finally meet you in person. - Roger greeted in a baritone tone of voice that was heard without difficulty at the reception, drawing the attention of the group of Hunters who were playing dice at that time - I got the knowledge that you will stay here for a few days, so it is necessary that I let you know the internal regulations of the building; 1, Do not damage the building, if you knock down a wall, you put the integrity and safety of everyone living in it at risk. 2, It is not allowed to make noise after 10pm. And 3; It is forbidden to use the elevator. Aside of that, you are free to do whatever you want as long as it doesn't disturb the other residents.

I would not dare to question a single one of the rules that Roger had dictated with such authority and clarity, to which I simply smile nervously, nod my head, and reaffirm what I had just heard to show that I had paid attention.

- Ok ... Do not remodel the room, sleep early, and not use the elevator ... it will be easy to remember, hehe ... -

My nervous comment seems to soften Roger's gaze, as subtle as that gesture was, his facial tattoos moved enough to show a gentle smile.

- Your room number is 31. You can access it by scanning your chip in the lock. Welcome. -

- Thank you, sir, I will go to ... settle in, thank you very much for receiving me, I will not cause problems, I promise. -

Roger nods with a short head movement, and turns his attention back to the dice game, which was resumed once the Hunters realized that the elevator guardian had put his attention on them again. The young man who had accompanied me at the beginning had left the place before I knew it, but that was not inconvenient, since I was already on my way to my new room, for which I needed to climb a couple of floors of steps.

After climbing the narrow stairs, and finding the room number 31, I maneuver awkwardly so that I can scan my chip in the lock without throwing away the clothes I was carrying. The door opens smoothly, and I try to make the small space of the simple room my own, it was nothing compared to the massive apartment I shared with Iker, but I had to admit that it was cozy.

The space was further reduced by the multiple cardboard boxes stacked on one of the walls, belongings of the former owner of this room. I don't think there is a problem if I leave my clothes on top of them for now.

The walls were paper thin, but even so, the room was quiet. A yellowish curtain blocked the light from the window, and I took the opportunity to open it for a moment, and see for myself the magnificent view I had from the third floor where my room was located.

- Will you look at that... heh, everything looks close from here... I wish Iker could see this.- I say to myself, in an attempt to break the silence of the room. From here, the entrance to the medical bay was not visible, but something in me was trying to find it. -... You will get out of there soon, my friend... I promise.-

I wasn't quite ready to mentally deal with the loneliness of the empty room yet, so I just made sure to look as decent as possible. I changed out of shoes for some black sneakers with white laces that had been added to my new clothes, tied a thin gray hoodie around my waist in case I was going to need it at the end of the day, and after checking a few more times that my chip was still working to open the door, I ventured outside the H tower. It was my first time exploring on my own, and I had no idea where to start, but honestly, I was feeling excited.

Walking the streets trying to be inconspicuous, it really wasn't my strong suit. Although I couldn't have a solo hike, that didn't bother me too much. The company and the interaction with such kind people always manage to lift my spirits.

What started as a short walk soon turned into a busy gathering at the nearest food place; a restaurant located in a corner, practically without walls and with multiple high chairs. The owners of the place gave me a large bowl of noodles with vegetables which I could not refuse, as I was really hungry. The Hunters who gathered around me soon spread the word, and within minutes they had all tended the restaurant, keeping the cooks busy who happily watched everyone enjoy their food while listening to our conversations.

The wide variety of people and hybrids who attended the impromptu meeting was overwhelming, never in my life would I have imagined that so many people were so interested in me... it was so unreal, that there were times when I questioned if I was really worth so much attention, because, at the end of the day, I was just a lucky dude who's surname happened to be Hopper. I managed to get rid of the uncomfortable impostor thought simply by focusing on the people who, with great enthusiasm on their faces, were telling me about their adventures in the neutral lands.

The crowd came in waves, little by little and less frequent. There were times when I was almost completely alone in the restaurant, allowing me to chat with the cooks. Those moments gave me the opportunity to constantly watch to the analog clock that hung on the side of the restaurant. The clock read 2:35, the time had passed so smoothly that I had not realized that I had already spent two hours sitting in the same place, which my numb legs reaffirmed me when I finally got up from my seat.

The restaurant owners kindly rejected any attempt by me to pay for their food and hospitality, as they insisted that having me there in their place, and thus attracting so many customers, had been more than enough for them.

I started my way back to the H tower, still dazed and flushed from all the attention I'd received. The streets were almost empty now, but there were still enough people not to feel unsafe.

The joyous noise in my head almost made me ignore a strangely familiar silhouette, the pink hair of a girl who had rushed to seek refuge in a nearby alley made me remember Ciro's request. It was possible that she was his daughter.

Determined not to pass up the opportunity to do my new hybrid guide a favor, I follow the path the girl had taken before disappearing from my sight. I discreetly peek into the alley, just to be sure that her appearance corresponded to the description that Ciro had given me; hair dyed pink on the right side, although with the other half of her head completely shaved, short stature, very thin complexion, body consistent with a 17-year-old girl... although she had started smoking, and you could tell she was doing it wrong, and secretly.

With my doubts being minimal, I walk down the alley until I find her in front of me. I made sure to make enough noise with my footsteps to alert her to my approach, but she didn't seem to have heard me... or more precisely, she seemed to be purposely ignoring me.

- Hello, uhm... excuse me, is your name Marione by any chance? -

The girl makes eye contact with me for a few seconds, and then she looks back at her lighter, which refused to even give a pathetic flame to light her cigarette, evidently moistened by having it in her mouth for so long without being consumed - ... Depends on who's asking, pretty boy. -

- Yes... of course.- I answer uncomfortably not expecting her disinterested reaction, to which I tried to act as neutrally as possible, - My name is Tyler, Tyler Hopper.-

I extend my hand to her, but she reacts with a spontaneous nasal laugh that doesn't last long, then returns to her failed attempt to light the wet paper tube she was holding between her lips.

- And you think that's important to me? Do you think I don't know who you are trying to be? - He answers haughtily, leaving me speechless for a moment - ... Ciro asked you to look for me, right? -

- ... He has been looking for you, and he asked me if I found you, to let you know. Ciro wants to see you before going to the kids' training, and I'm going to go with him, so... Could you accompany me so that neither of us gets into trouble? -

- Mmhh... I'll tell you exactly what we're going to do, Hopper boy. I will stay here to wait for some Warrior recruits friends, we will sneak through the North door and go to kick some Vortex's butts ... while you, as the gentleman you are, will go and tell old Ciro that you did not see me nowhere, and that you have no idea where I might be, because you know very well that if you tell him the truth, you are going to hurt his poor heart, and you don't want to see him sad during training with the children ... Or are you willing to be the one responsible for children seeing their teacher worried about someone who is not worth his attention? -

Marione's skillful manipulation of the words chills me, there was not a hint of remorse in them, not even the slightest bit of respect she should have for Ciro as her authority figure. She smiles, convinced that her plan has worked, for she had really achieved her goal, and in the most unexpected way. The guilty conscience that she had generated in me paralyzes any attempt to reply. I hadn't felt so emotionally manipulated in a long time, and it was a feeling I wanted never to experience again, because I didn't know how to defend myself against it. In a single attempt to defend myself against her words, I appear calm before her, and try to make it appear as if it has not affected me.

- I'll tell him I saw you around the village. Is there anything else you want him to know? - I answer seriously, hoping it was time to abandon her and the conversation, which became more uncomfortable as time went by.

- Heh, yeah, sure. I know you won't, you're still too naive to hurt the feelings of others... but don't worry, you'll learn quickly.- Marione finally manages to light her cigarette, and exhales the smoke from it almost directly on my face - ... nah, Ciro already knows that I will not die if I am not with him. In addition, he is going to be too entertained with his new toy to worry about me.

Marione keeps the lighter in her pocket, and as she does so, a small metal object comes out of it, bounces a couple of times on the floor, and glows momentarily with the only ray of sunlight that illuminated the alley where we were.

It was a 9mm pistol bullet.

The eventful conversation between the two freezes when said bullet stops bouncing on the floor and Marione hides it again in her pocket nervously, although she tries to hide her mistake by smoothing her hair with one hand, and making a awkward eye contact with me.

- ... And tell me, did Iker already told you that he likes human boys? -

- That ... has nothing to do with what we were talking about.-

- Ohh, so you don't deny it... good. Want some advice from someone who has seen your dear yellow friend fail pathetically at every attempt to find a mate every summer? Be the one who kisses him first, because he will never have the courage to take the first step.- A twisted smile is drawn on her, and it makes me take a couple of steps back-

- What the...!? No, I don't need to hear that, I have to go now, I'm going to be late, I'm sorry.-

Annoyed, uneasy, and wishing I had never had that conversation and that my amnesia could extend to this very moment and erase said conversation from my memory, I fasten my pace out of that damn alley and back on my way to the H tower. I try to suppress the unpleasant encounter with the convivial moments that I had had in the village just a few minutes ago, but not even the bustle of the people who sheltered me in kindness could overcome the filthy feelings of Marione's unwanted words. Her insolence made me nauseous.

I quickened my pace and reached the H tower faster than I thought, apparently my legs had taken it seriously to run away from Marione as soon as possible. I soon realized that I had given her just what she wanted. It was clear that the drop of that bullet from her pocket had made her nervous, enough to search for the first uncomfortable topic of conversation to make me run away. She was very clever at getting her way, and I had barely exchanged a few words with her.

I was terrified and disgusted in equal parts to think that it was possible that I should spend more time interacting with Marione in the following days, because as she was Ciro's daughter... the scenario was more than possible.

Still feeling too anxious to wait in my silent room, I decide to sit on the steps at the hotel entrance to wait for Ciro, who, if he was known to be punctual, shouldn't take too long. By not having a clock near me it is impossible for me to know how long I have spent waiting, but it already felt like an eternity, even more so when I felt the irrational need to take care of my back, even though the only thing I had behind me was a wall.

I waited, and I waited. Until finally, his silhouette is recognizable from the shortcut that we had previously taken when arriving at the village, but he did not carry with him the common smile of him, he looked worried, and frustrated, and I already imagined why.

- Hello boy... sorry for making you wait. I thought I would find her in the center of the city but I didn't see a trace of Marione anywhere, they haven't even seen her around... By any chance have you heard anything about her? -

I was ready to blurt out a lie that would save Ciro the trouble of caring for Marione gratuitously. I had practiced the speech in my mind minutes before it was time to say it... but seeing Ciro's worried face, and seeing how much he cared to know something, anything, even a rumor about his daughter, my courage to lying to his face faltered, but I wasn't willing to shoulder the responsibility of telling him the whole truth either. It was time to resort to the risky tactic of telling half-truths, at the convenience of the situation.

- Actually... I'm pretty sure I saw her go by, but I couldn't get to her to tell her that you were looking for her, she seemed to be in a hurry... to do whatever she was going to do.

Ciro seems to sigh in relief, although it only lasts a few seconds, and then gives a displeased face of a frustrated father which is directed into the void.

- Well... at least I know he's still within Cilt's borders, that's more than enough for me. - Ciro says sarcastically, unaware that Marione right now was destined to leave Cilt looking for trouble, but it was already too late to redeem myself and let him know the truth-

- Yeah... you're right, it's a relief.- I force a smile on my face, going unnoticed by Ciro-

- Okay, so if you're ready to go, this is the way.- Ciro takes up his attitude, radiant and ready to interact with his child recruits-

Despite the fact that his daughter had been avoiding him all day, and that she was very likely to get into trouble, Ciro does not show the least bit of a bad mood. Either because I was accompanying him at that moment, or because he really had the gift of living in the moment and not worrying about things that are not in his power, in any case, Ciro walked confident and optimistic as he was usually seen.

The lack of people who still remained in the streets of the village made our journey to the exit to the training camp easier, it was nothing like the tide of people that welcomed us at the beginning. It seemed that everyone was already taking care of their duties. We were destined to pass under the great arch, when a demanding voice, accompanied by the struggles of someone taken against their will, catches the attention of me and Ciro.

- Warrior Ciro! - The alarming tone of a burly man, dragging an uncomfortably familiar girl draws the attention of the rest of the people around us, - I heard that you lost your daughter again.-

- Marione...- Ciro calls her name, slightly alarmed that it would have been necessary for Marione to have her hands tied in front of her with a rope, and thus be dragged from where she was captured, just like a poisonous animal which must be controlled. - But where...? -

- We found her at gate 3 North, about to try to leave the city borders, along with a group of Warrior recruits who have already been guarded by their Sub-Leaders.

Marione throws herself to the ground, and tries to get rid of her bonds by kicking them with her own feet, without much success. I stare at her in silence, without much remorse towards her, while Marione gave Ciro and me a furious gesture of disagreement, almost of betrayal.

- What do you have to say about this, Marione? - The unusual severity in Ciro's voice would take me by surprise if I wasn't internally wishing that the rambunctious young woman would get what she deserves, but she only jerks her head back to push away the hair from her face, refusing to say a word. - Oh, so now you're going to remain silent? Is it because you have no argument to use in your favor? Or is it simply because all that is true? - Marione maintains a tense expression on her face, avoiding eye contact with Ciro - ... Fine, your silence has spoken for you. We'll end this conversation once I get home, and you better be there by the time I get back.-

- Not so fast.- The Warrior who was keeping Marione in custody refuses to release her, making Ciro tighten his gesture too. - The Warriors who arrested her confiscated objects of an illegal nature that were housed inside her pockets.- He takes out the same bullet that Marione had dropped out of her pocket when we met, surprising Ciro as soon as he recognized the figure of the small ammunition.- As you well know, the possession of firearms, explosives and ammo is prohibited within the borders of Cilt, and in case of finding someone hiding or distributing said illegal objects it can cause the dismissal of their rank ... or even, exile.-

This was serious business. Any foreigner like me could deduce that Cilt, being a community known for its fierce Warriors and its reputation for being able to face the Vortex that terrorize the European forests, it would be common for every house to have at least one firearm with which to protect themselves if necessary... but this was not the case. Apparently firearms are severely punished by Cilt's laws, whatever the reasoning behind it, and now Marione's citizenship was on the hook, all for a simple metal cap filled with gunpowder. And I, having witnessed before everyone else that Marione possessed said ammunition, became an accomplice.

- Did you had knowledge of this? -

- Absolutely not! It is impossible that that bullet belongs to her, she must have been incriminated by someone else.- Ciro answers firmly, without giving the opportunity for his voice to tremble, in a single attempt to protect his daughter from a cruel fate.

The Warrior then turns to look at me, waiting for an answer as well, at the same time that Marione looks away from the floor, and also sees me in the eyes of her.

- ... No. I don't even know her.- Forced to tell another lie, I say reluctantly and frustrated, but with the necessary alibi for the Warrior to believe it-

- This is a warning. The next time I see her breaking the law, I won't hesitate to let General Kassia know directly. I don't care about your relationship with Leader Darius, Ciro, the law will be applied fairly. Was it clear?-

- Very clear, Warrior comrade.-

The big man seems convinced of Ciro's answer, and proceeds to untie Marione's hands. She is no longer feeling the tension of the rope, she rubs her wrists, and she stays in place without looking at me or her father. The Warrior no longer had anything to do there, and after giving the three of us a stern look, he turned around and began his way back to where he was needed at that moment. As soon as the tense moment was over, the viewers of that noisy conversation resume their activities, disguising the fact that they had witnessed something that would be gossip material for another time.

- Now, I want you to go home right now and stay there. I want you to think on what you just did Marione. I will have a very serious conversation with you when I return. -

- Do not tell me what to do! All these damn rules were written by guys as old and inflexible as you! -

- So you want to lose your Hunter rank you have worked so hard for forever? Is that what you want?!-

- And who cares?! Fuck Hunters, I never wanted to be in this rank anyway! You like to defend everyone except me! -

- We won't have this discussion here! Go. Home. Now.-

Marione kicks the floor furiously, although it seems that she kicked it so hard that she managed to hurt herself, but she did her best not to show it. The skinny girl disappears between the buildings near the entrance of the village. Ciro was breathing heavily, the already large, dark-blue-skinned Porsche 911 had gained a little more intimidating size as it rose higher than normal from the ground level, his discontent and dominance evident. He fills his lungs deeply with the powdery air, and releases it forcefully, thus managing to shake off much of the tension that he had accumulated in such an awkward interaction.

- ... I'm sorry you had to witness that, boy... I would ask for your discretion in this regard, but unfortunately, you weren't the only one who saw the show ... and rumors spread fast around here.- He gives a penetrating look to the few spectators. Bold enough to keep looking directly at the epicenter of the scandal, making them nervous, making them leave the place quickly - But anyways. I don't have time for this, and my students are waiting. Let's have a bit of fun.

Ciro led the walk, just as the first moment we met, it was his way of guiding and accompanying people, but this time I could tell that he was especially interested in staying in front of me, I sensed that it was for me I didn't have to see his face. I could not imagine what was going through Ciro's head at that moment, but his abysmal silence, unusual for him, gave me enough clues to deduce that he was not well, and that he preferred to deal with his feelings alone. I was nobody to interfere in his decision, even less having lied to him twice already. I really wasn't the best person to offer him words of support, which had not even been requested.

_____________________________

The sun was intense, but not as scorching as the day Iker and the Warriors took me to the Zeingen. It was a nice summer afternoon that we would spend training children... that if their activities could even be considered training. Truthfully, I doubted that Saemus' students were actually being trained to be Hunters, as they were too young, most of them under 13 years old, and were only half my height. What kind of training could be required of a child of that age?

- Good morning my children! - Ciro energetically greeted the group, which had been waiting in the middle of the training meadow, all sitting on the floor, human children and hybrid cubs alike-

- Good morning, Master Ciro! - Everyone responds in unison when listening to their teacher, taking a better position, and creating an orderly formation in front of Ciro and me.

The children and small hybrids formed themselves in a semicircle in front of us, it was not necessary for Ciro to ask them, because they seemed to know very well what to do. A small boy no older than 10 years, with smooth black hair whose cut completely covered his eyes, takes a step forward in the formation, leaving on the floor in front of him a wooden bow that equaled his height, and that he had been carring all the time.

- Squad 9, Sabretooth!- The boy shouted tenaciously into the air, later being accompanied by a chorus of roars that both his hybrid and human companions showed no fear in showing. -Ready to serve, Master Ciro.-

The presentation of the seemingly harmless group of children ends up impressing me. The display of their squad name, as well as the display of force from such a collective roar, might be considered adorable to some people... but to me it was just a reminder that it was possible that these kids knew much, much more than I did in the field of hunting. It would be unwise to question them.

- Thank you, Bastian. Everyone can sit.

The little ones obeyed Ciro's request, and a magnificent silence and respect was present in the formation. No one spoke, it was as if everyone had forgotten how to be noisy children for a moment, to become miniature versions of perfectly well-trained soldiers. It was something too peculiar that I had never seen in my life. I keep standing next to Ciro, not really sure if I should follow his orders too, but that doesn't seem important.

- I think I owe you an apology my children, I had a little setback and that was my reason for being late. But to compensate for the situation, I have brought with me a very special guest ... I think you already know him.- Ciro turns a little to see me, and I simply smile towards the children, making a couple of them laugh discreetly, be the cause from their laugh my apparently comical appearance, or because they have remembered the shameful circumstance in which I met the squad, and Saemus. - I intend for Tyler to accompany us today in our activities, but clearly, those who have the last word here are you. So, would you allow Tyler to join us for today?

Children and cubs murmur among themselves, making their secret opinions known to the same boy who introduced them; Bastian. Another couple of giggles are barely audible as they make their final decision, and when everyone seems satisfied to have made their vote known to Bastian, Bastian looks respectfully at Ciro, and responds in a clear and exceptionally formal voice for a boy his age.

- Squad 9 agrees. Welcome, rookie Hopper. - Bastian can't hold his laugh at the last words he spoke, but he does his best not to look like he was mocking. Other colleagues of his were not so discreet-

- Thank you Bastian, I promise to try to keep up with your squad.- I reply with a light tone of voice, I knew very well what kind of attitude to take towards children. Most of the time, following their game is much better than swimming against the current. Although to my fortune, they all seemed to be very friendly-

- Excellent. Alright, be the activities begin then! Bastian, please organize the squad into two teams, and give Tyler the whistle. We will play assault on the castle.

- Yes, Master Ciro.

Bastian made his teammates numbered, the even numbers would be one team, and the odd numbers another. Both teams are separated by at least ten meters from each other, establishing bases under nearby trees at each end of the playing field. Little Bastian then approaches me, takes off a chain necklace with a metal whistle that had been hidden under his purple shirt, and hands it to me, without saying anything else, looking at me in silence, although I was not sure if he was looking precisely at me or not, for his eyes were almost impossible to see due to his thick, straight black hair.

- So... W-what do I have to do with this? - I analyze the whistle carefully, it was an old mailman's whistle, tubular and decently well preserved, although it had a bit of rust inside-

- You will be the referee, Mr. Hopper. What you have to do is blow the whistle once, and then throw it between the two teams. The team that reaches the enemy base and blows the whistle, wins a point. And the game is repeated until Master Ciro decides to stop the game.

- Ok... it sounds simple, I think I can do it.-

Bastian smiles, convinced that he has explained me well, and he takes his place in the team that he belonged to. I look around for Ciro, and he had laid down under the shade of a nearby tree, he looked comfortable, possibly because I was serving as his substitute for today. He deserved a break after everything he's had to go through today, so it didn't bother me at all to be the one taking care of the kids, even if I didn't know how to do it until now. Both teams seem ready, the expectant gazes of the young humans and hybrids tell me that it was my time to do what they had asked me to do. I blow the whistle, the first time without success, because the shape of the whistle needed a specific way to blow the air in order to produce a sound, I did it on the second try, and soon, both teams started running directly towards me. What was happening? They're not supposed to come for me! They must go after the whistle!

I come out of the confusion that that had caused me, and I succeed in throwing the whistle as far away from me as possible, but still in the middle between both teams. The children see the whistle fly through the air and follow it with their eyes, calculating where it would fall. Before it hit the ground, the stampede was redirected to where the little whistle hit the ground, and it was quickly snatched away by a hybrid cub, an extremely fast BMW i8. The cub ran in the direction of the enemy base, but was quickly stopped by the barrier of hybrids slightly larger than her that had remained to guard the base. Taking advantage of the commotion, a clever boy snatches the whistle from the little hybrid's teeth and begins to run in the opposite direction, being escorted by a couple of hybrid companions, pushing anyone who dared to intervene out of his way. A girl from the opposing team, mounted on the back of her hybrid friend, manages to face the runner and they take possession of the whistle, causing everyone to run to the other side of the playing field again.

The battle for the whistle was frantic, both teams ran back and forth, snatching the prized whistle without hesitation, creating a great cloud of dust in the process, hybrid cubs growled in the middle of their plays, and the children imitated their same sounds. It seemed somewhat chaotic but, if I paid enough attention to the game, I could see that at no time did they try to harm each other, on the contrary, both children and hybrids were extremely careful not to hurt each other, not even unintentionally. It was hypnotizing to see the great dexterity of the little ones, I was beginning to understand the meaning of this game. It was not just about gaining points, but what Ciro really expected them to learn is precisely the control of their strength, an essential skill if you want to live in a place where half the population is made up of hybrids, and the other half is human.

After a great release of energy, Bastian's team manages to score the first point. Everyone immediately stops and returns to their bases to better organize their next strategy. The scorer, a girl with rosy cheeks and hair even redder than mine, walks up to me and hands me the whistle with a smile on her face, before returning to defend her base. Now I was beginning to understand what I should do.

The points battle was intense, I blew the whistle at least another ten times, and the kids just didn't seem to get tired. I was so immersed in the game that I couldn't help but run back and forth following the movement of whoever was in possession of the whistle at the time. I gave words of encouragement to both teams, and I was even able to learn some of their names. The more plays passed, the more refined the strategies they used. There was a time when a team organized to create a compact barrier with all the hybrids they had, all advancing at the same time with their doors open, intimidating the advance of the enemy team, and allowing the humans to carry the whistle to the base that would earn them their seventh point. I really didn't remember the last time I had so much fun doing kid stuff.

After the fifteenth play, the children began to show signs of fatigue, they handed me the whistle once more, but this time it had been almost unrecognizable by the mud that had accumulated inside. I took a few moments to clean it enough so that it was fit to put my mouth back on it.

- Attention squad, last game! The team that manages to bring me one of Mr. Hopper's shoes first wins! -

Confused, I turned to see Ciro, who was showing a cheeky smile, and then turned to the playing field, only to find that they were all starting to chase me. There was no use blowing the whistle, it was my turn to run.

I ran to the nearby area of ​​trees, and seeing that it would be impossible to avoid them all, I look for the first accessible tree, and I start climbing it after years of not doing something similar, but somehow I still knew how to do it. The stampede of children soon caught up with me, and one of them hugged my leg before I could secure it on top of a branch. Their laughter along with mine made Ciro go to the scene of the cruel persecution, in which I was the prey. It all ended in both teams handing over my shoes to Ciro, without him being able to decide which of the two sides would be the winner, while I clung to the thick branch of the tree, barefoot, catching my breath, but just as happy as one of them.

.

.

.

The afternoon had progressed with unusual rapidity. The adrenaline of the games that we had concluded a little over an hour ago was beginning to lose its effect on me, forcing me to wear the hoodie that I was now grateful for having carried with me since the beginning of the day. After the games were over, we went to the food bank in the center of town - not far from the training ground - and ordered rations of meat and sausage for dinner. Ciro carried the heavy load of food inside his cabin, while I took care of keeping the children together and in order, which was not really difficult, they were very obedient children. It was evident that I had gained the trust of all of them, they took turns walking next to me, and gave me endless small gifts that were found on their way back to the training field, these being wild flowers, rocks with funny shapes, branches, and even a rare and precious bird feather in pretty brown colors. I did my best to carefully store the precious treasures in my pockets.

Circles of dirt of at least four meters in diameter are visible across the width of the training ground, these were the safe areas to light bonfires. Ciro and I waited in one of these dirt circles, preparing the meat for dinner, while the children looked around for firewood. Soon, a stable log structure had been carved with the skillful hands of children.

- But what a beautiful bonfire! I wouldn't be able to do something like that even if I had hands. You got very good wood my children, congratulations.- Ciro celebrates the teamwork of the children, who were already experienced in creating safe fires, even I was able to learn a few things from them, since I had never learned to make one campfire in my life-

- Thank you Master Ciro, the weather did not help much to find dry wood for today's bonfire, but luckily I remembered that there is always dry wood in sunny clearings.- Little Bastian bows to Ciro while supervising the other children, because he was the designated captain of this week of activities-

- And thanks to your good intuition, the squad knew where to look for that wood. Good job, captain.

Ciro's comment makes Bastian smile, who returns to dedicate his eyes to the structure of the fire, which was about to be finished and lit. The delicate embers that were beginning to form at the base of the fire glowed faintly, it was Bastian's job to successfully light the fire, providing fresh air to the timid fire that little by little consumed the dry tinder around it. After a few minutes, the fire clings to the timbers and becomes a source of formidable light and heat. The children, happy with their creation, take time to admire and dance to the fire they have created, but without losing the respect and care it deserves. Ciro stays out of the children's experimentation with fire, as he knows well that they recognize the potential of something as alive and energetic as fire itself.

Dinner is prepared, all the meat of our rations is pierced into long metal rods, held just above the hot flames that the campfire constantly spat out. The sky is setting in beautiful purple hues, and the children were still energetic, impatient for their dinner to be ready.

- Master, can I have my ration? I'm very hungry- exclaims a young hybrid cub, with a generous portion of raw meat in front of her-

- Well, you are the only one who can make that decision, you are free to do so. But remember that your human friends are hungry too, and they can't eat their meat raw like you. They have to wait until it is well cooked, and that takes time.

The little hybrid looks up and turns to see her human companions, just as eager to eat as she is. She sticks the tip of her tongue out for a moment, because her hunger was very annoying. But after a few seconds she prefers to direct her attention to others.

- You're right, Master. It's fair to wait. - The reaction of the cub draws a proud smile on Ciro's face-... Why don't you tell us a story while we wait for their dinner to be ready? -

- Yes! Yes! A story of your adventures in the neutral lands! Or one of your battles against the Vortex! - The children suggested anxiously towards Ciro, who tried not to be overwhelmed by all the different requests of the restless children of him-

I had sat outside the children's circle, as my skin had always been very sensitive to heat, and that included the powerful glow of the campfire. Seeing everyone huddle together to win the word with Ciro was comical to watch, especially seeing that Ciro did nothing to try to silence them. Bastian had been the only one who did not join the uproar, on the contrary, he kept quiet and sat in his place. He turned back until he could see me, for the first time I was able to make out small, but expressive blue eyes under his hair. Bastian smiled placidly at me, it was strange to see a child his age behave so serenely. After sharing glances, Bastian stands up and approaches the din of children, holding a steady position, and raising his hand, in silence.

Little by little, the children began to notice that Bastian was clearly asking for the opportunity to speak, and everyone was silent enough for his voice to be heard by Ciro, who already had a few children and cubs hanging from his doors, and sitting on his body.

- I propose that you tell us again the story of Leader Darius, of the day he defeated Neyzan.- Upon hearing this, several children complained loudly, exclaiming that they had already heard that story hundreds of times, but Ciro had his attention full in little Bastian -... Mr. Hopper is new here, and I think this is a good time for him to hear one of the most important stories of Cilt.-

The last thing I had expected to hear in Bastian's speech was my own last name. I give Ciro a confused look, and he smiles warmly back at me, ignoring the rambunctious children above him.

- I like your request, Bastian, as well as the reason why you do it. Well, that will be the story I will tell today.

A few children still complain about Ciro's decision, but the others seem willing to listen to the story, even though it was not the first time they heard it. Everyone takes their seats again, as Ciro turns around and plucks a branch with fresh leaves directly from a nearby tree, he carefully throws the branch over the campfire, causing it to create much more smoke than it already gave off, creating a thick gray column in the sky above us. I turn my back on the campfire momentarily, appreciating the swirls of smoke that floated freely above our heads.

- ... This story begins nine years ago, before Cilt had a name, at a point between our borders and the neutral lands ... –

_____________________________

The Vortex Accident was over... but at a very high cost.

Those of us who were fortunate enough to get out on time wandered through the forest, aimlessly, in search of a safe place, finding humans and hybrids just like us.

Then we found this place, an oasis in the midst of chaos. A place to call home.

The community of hybrids and humans settled comfortably in this wasteland with hopes of living a quiet life, away from the violence and discrimination of the Metropolis. Although many of the refugees had been hit hard by the war, they were suspicious of the hybrids, having lost everything thanks to a few of them.

Discord and open wounds soon began to cause problems in the population, hybrids and humans were increasingly separated, and some even came to believe that war and segregation were fair, that hybrids and humans could never live together in peace. These were desperate times, and anyone who tried to bring order to this chaos was quickly silenced.

But one of the many refugees stood out from the rest. This young hybrid who refused to impose his ideals with brutality and who, instead, preferred to use dialogue rather than force. His attitude was criticized by many of his own species, but in exchange, it earned him the respect of many other refugees, both human and hybrid.

His name was Darius. Son of Zenda, the warrior.

His name soon became popular, it seemed that our community finally agreed to choose someone to represent us, someone to guide our actions with the example. But, as always, not everyone accepted a hybrid as their sole leader. Darius was betrayed many times during his eventful takeover, but he always showed an unwavering determination and dedication towards those who trusted him, and infinite patience and compassion towards those who stabbed him in the back, as he more than anyone understood how difficult it was being guided by a face that reminded them of the Vortex Accident.

One day, the young leader decided to guard the perimeter of the recently obtained territory from him. He had already done it hundreds of times before, but something happened that did not allow him to continue his usual walk.

A strange hybrid stepped in his way, a Lamborghini with ash-gray skin and vibrant orange eyes that looked up to him. He introduced himself as Neyzan, the leader of the Vortex, the same one who had caused the disaster that left the Metropolis in ruins, and that left so many people homeless and with broken families.

Neyzan feigned cordiality, and tried to convince Darius to join his cause, the Vortex cause. His plan was to reinforce his troops by making alliances with large neighboring clans, and thus completely devastate the Metropolis.

Darius flatly refused the offer, only a madman would agree to make deals with someone like Neyzan.

Furious, the Lamborghini attacked Darius treacherously as soon as he had decided to return to the village. If he couldn't convince him, he would at least try to kill him to reduce the competition, and destabilize one more clan in the process.

The battle was bloody, Neyzan bit Darius in one of his doors and managed to immobilize him, but he would not die without first giving a violent battle. The agony of his injuries provoked the fury of Darius, an internal force that he fought so hard to suppress, but that would be his only salvation if he wanted to get out of this battle alive.

The great La Ferrari used his brutal strength inherited from his mother, and let his instincts take possession of his body, almost unable to control himself. He took his anger out on the intruder and was about to kill him. Holding him under the weight of his body, securing him with his powerful claws, and having already tasted his blood, Darius had a free way to take the life of the Vortex that had caused so much suffering to those who obeyed him, to the friends of him, and his family.

... But he did not.

Even with the seething fury in his veins, and with the wound on his door weakening him with every passing second, he managed to muster up enough willpower to spare his life. It didn't make sense to do it. If he killed him, it wouldn't make him better than any other Vortex, it didn't make him better than Neyzan himself.

Darius freed the traitor, who cowardly fled to save what little life he had preserved after such a brutal fight. Darius's great roar was heard for miles, alerting all Vortex in the vicinity that anyone who dared to cross these barriers would have the same fate as their leader; a total humiliation, and the possibility of losing his life.

The story of the battle of Darius and the Vortex leader spread quickly among the refugees, the humans who previously doubted him now showed him respect, since they had understood that he not only fought for his own life, but sacrificed himself to protect every human and hybrid that lived under its protection. Since then, Darius was respected by all, and his words became law.

That was the first time this community had found a purpose, a leader, and a name;

Cilt.

_____________________________

I could almost swear that I managed to see their silhouettes in the smoke, moving in a deadly dance to survive. Darius and Neyzan, two leaders facing death for defending their ideals.

The epic story that Ciro told with special respect in his voice has left us all in silence, until the end came, the children screamed and roared in excitement, that makes me wake up from my trance as well, I had been so immersed in the story that I was barely aware that it was completely dark already, and that dinner was ready.

The children dine with their usual hubbub, singing songs around the bonfire and playing with the food. I, on the other hand, had been stunned by the story I had just heard, and what it meant to all the citizens of Cilt. Darius was not just their Leader, nor was he a guy you wouldn't want to mess with due to his massive size... he was a symbol of union, union between humans and hybrids, a reminder that peace is possible, even in the most imposible of the scenarios. And it was that same hybrid that had risked his life to save me and Iker when I was attacked by Dheera.

Why would someone like him risk so much to save someone like me? And, as incorrect as it may sound, why would he save an ex-Vortex like Iker? Being that only a few here would be willing to save someone with the status of my friend.

And why not? Ultimately, he is the closest thing to a perfect citizen I will find on Cilt. There is a reason why he is the supreme Leader. I think he just listened to his impeccable sense of protection, and did what he had to do.

<< It is the Warrior's duty to protect those who cannot defend themselves >>

Did he say it for Iker? ... Did he say it for me? Both?

Dinner comes to an end, and with it, the end of the training day. The children get up from the ground and prepare to go home, when a couple of confusing silhouettes approach us, it was difficult to know who it was, since the fire was already being extinguished. A pair of large blue eyes reflected the little remaining light from the campfire, and the human that accompanied the owner of those eyes was more recognizable as she got closer. It was Adara and Saemus.

- Hello everyone.- Adara speaks in a calm voice, making the little ones scream in excitement and many of them greet their captain by hugging her, which Adara accepted affectionately - Did they give you a lot of problems today, Ciro? -

- Actually, I think the one you have to ask that is Tyler, he did an excellent job supervising and training with them today. He would be a very good teacher.

I blush a bit at Ciro's comment, although to be fair, I felt my cheeks burning from the moment we lit the fire.

- Is that true? Well, now I know who to call when these devils are giving trouble.- Adara rubs the hair of one of them, and then looks me in the eyes the same way she did in the hospital, when she convinced me to leave Iker's room... as if I was still hurt. - How are you? -

The question paralyzes me, because even I didn't know what to answer. How can someone feel after everything that has happened recently? Melancholy, that was the only word that kept clinging to my chest so tightly. That same one that, at times, let me enjoy small moments, like that hot and delicious plate of noodles that they gave me in the hunters' village, and staying clinging to a tree branch when fleeing from a stampede of children. The same melancholy that also made the bitter moments even more painful, the silences more thunderous, and the lies more guilty.

- ... I'm fine. Trying to adapt. It has been a long day.-

It is not necessary for her to listen more to understand that I would not give her the answer she expected, but that did not stop her from smiling empathetically and not elaborating on the question.

- Glad to hear that Tyler, believe me. And now that I have been able to see you again, I wanted to take the opportunity to invite you to a test training for young recruits, I will teach the class. The group is made up of boys and girls our age, I think it would be a good opportunity for you. What do you say?-

- Oh... hehe, I'm not a Hunter, I have no aptitude for it ... Look at me! I am weak and without physical resistance.- My answer is in joke, and seriously in equal parts. It is impossible for me to consider that I had anything good to offer the Hunters and, to be honest, I had never considered becoming one in the first place.

- Just like the rest of the recruits, they are all beginners just like you. In addition, it is not necessary that you stay for the entire training, if at any time you decide that this is not for you, have the confidence that you can tell me. But at least try it, even once. - I rub my hands in slight nervousness, as it was difficult to say no to Adara, and the experience seemed tempting- Come on, the Tyler I know never hesitated to venture into the unknown. Why should it be any different?

It stung me in the little pride it gives me to admit that this was true. I had already completely abandoned my past life to come to Cilt. Why should a simple training session intimidate me?

- Ok. I'll go to your training. -

- Just what I wanted to hear. See you tomorrow at 9am at the Stone Podium. Don't be late, rookie.- Adara says goodbye with a subtle smile towards me and Ciro, and she makes the children follow her, she and Saemus would take care of returning them to their houses.

The big yellow Camaro had stayed on the edge of the conversation at all times, keeping a respectful distance between himself and our conversation. He looked thoughtful, unable to make eye contact. It was the only time I'd seen him after our incident, and it sent a chill through me just thinking about it. Adara takes the children until she is next to her partner. He turns to look at her in silence for a moment, making sure that all the children followed her in order, and it is at that moment that Saemus begins to approach the dying campfire in which only Ciro and I stood guard. My stomach is spinning, although I try to stay as calm as possible, knowing that Saemus could not hurt me, not being Ciro next to me... it would be very stupid of him to try it.

But instead of looking aggressive, or even showing dominance towards me, he seemed somewhat insecure, clearly uncomfortable being in front of me, a feeling that was mutual. Neither of us speak for a moment, Saemus tries to make a forced comment about his children, which did not represent any burden to me, as he wanted to interpret it. It was clear that he did not know how to start the conversation.

- Tyler I... I just wanted to tell you that, honestly, I feel awful for the way I behaved, I am ashamed of my actions towards you and Iker... what I did did not make sense. I was stupid, and I didn't control my strength... I could have hurt you. And I wanted to offer you my sincere apologies. - The circus that had been created in my stomach seems to stop completely when hearing his words, unable to believe that he was really apologizing. The impression only allows me to show an incredulous face towards him, incapable of gesturing even a little. -... I'm not asking you to be friends, but... Do you think you can forgive me?

In some inexplicable way, Saemus's words touch me. The image of the aggressive Camaro trying to attack me somehow seemed to fade. Sometimes an apology from the person who hurt you has much more meaning, and even more so if it is offered in such a humble way. Saemus was clearly sorry. It was clear that he was not an aggressive hybrid by nature, even the Warriors reaffirmed it when I visited the den. I had simply come at the wrong time, and had done something at the wrong time.

- ... Of course I do, Saemus. I forgive you.-

My words seem to take a weight off both of us, I could tell that Saemus was less tense when listening to this.

- Thanks Tyler. I promise you it won't happen again. And for Iker, you don't have to worry, I already apologized to him in the hospital anyway.- For the first time I see a gentle smile on Saemus, making him look like a kind giant once he had left his pretense and brute captain facade. Now it didn't seem so crazy to me that Adara had chosen him as her partner. - Heh ... though, I must say it. When I first met you, I could swear that I sensed you as if you were just another hybrid.

- I think that would be pretty stupid, don't you think? - The subtle sarcasm in my voice elicits a laugh of relief in both, giving a good opportunity to lower the tension of the conversation

- Well then I think we'll see each other again tomorrow, get ready for training, Adara is not exactly kind to newbies.- Saemus winks before turning around, and returning to his partner who had already gone ahead, in the walk to the center of the city along with the fleet of children-

From one moment to another, I find myself alone in my thoughts. It wasn't overwhelming loneliness, but rather, it was like having confidence that no one would attack me from behind now. It was nice. I felt in a strange peace, so much so that I almost forgot that Ciro was still with me. He keeps his eyes at the firewoods that still had burning embers running like rivers of lava inside them. We have remained in darkness, but being next to him, I felt safe. I think we both had too much to think about to talk about it in the dim light of the ashes. Seeing that he would not move from the place yet, I keep him company by sitting close to him, gazing at the stars now that I had the opportunity to do so.

- ... the ability to forgive is something that many do not give it's true importance ... but, in the end, it is what separates us from the Vortex, and from any other extremist.-

- Well, that's what Darius did with Neyzan, right? ... he spared his life, because he was a better person.- I say without taking my eyes off the stars, smiling to myself-

- ... The stories may not tell the whole truth, boy ... just like you didn't want to tell me the truth about Marione.-

I feel as if a heavy rock falls deep within me, hitting and bruising everything in its path.

- I don't think you know me well enough to be completely honest with me... that bothers me, but it's my fault, because I never gave you reasons to do so. That is why, now, I will show you my honesty.-

"I'll tell you the true story, of Darius and Neyzan."

Hybrid-Kira (2021)