The sun hovered low on the horizon, casting long shadows over the sandy shores of Awaniki. Koda knelt beside the half-built ship, running his fingers along the grain of the wood as if it could steady the whirlwind of emotions inside him. Around him, the orphans moved with purpose—some shaping planks, others securing beams, all sharing the unspoken understanding that this vessel was more than a ship. It was hope, escape, and a chance to belong somewhere on their own terms.
Mira approached hands on her hips, a streak of resin smeared across her cheek. “You’ve been quiet all morning. That’s not like you, Truffle. What’s up?”
“Nothing,” Koda muttered, though the tightness in his voice betrayed him.
Before Mira could press further, voices echoed across the dunes. Koda froze, his heart sinking as three figures came into view—Kaedan, Ryden, and a woman Koda didn’t recognize.
Kaedan was the first to speak, his voice carrying an awkward warmth. “Koda! Been a while, thought we’d come check on you.”
Koda straightened, brushing his hands on his trousers. “Didn’t think y’all would bother.”
The tension in his voice made Kaedan hesitate, but the woman stepped forward, her expression kind and open. “I’m Nylah,” she said softly. “Kaedan’s wife. I’ve heard a lot about you, Koda.”
Koda’s brows rose slightly. “Oh, yeah? What’s he been saying?”
Kaedan scratched the back of his neck, clearly unsure how to navigate the moment. “Good things. Look, I know things have been rough. I wanted to see how you were holding up.”
“Why now?” Koda’s tone was calm but edged with skepticism. “You worried I might’ve lost my mind or somethin’?”
“Not at all,” Ryden said, stepping forward. “But the way things ended… let’s just say it didn’t sit right with some of us.”
Koda folded his arms, his gaze narrowing. “Some of y’all? That supposed to make me feel better?”
Nylah glanced at Kaedan, who nodded for her to continue. She stepped closer, her voice gentle. “Koda, you’re not just some outcast to Kaedan. He sees you as a brother. And so do I now.”
Koda’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t respond immediately. Kaedan seized the opening. “Look, we know it’s unfair—what happened. The ceremony, the Chief, all of it. But I need you to know, you’re still family to me.”
Koda’s laugh was bitter, a sharp contrast to the quiet waves lapping the shore. “Family, huh? Funny how family didn’t speak up when it mattered.”
Kaedan flinched but held his ground. “You think I didn’t want to? You think I didn’t fight for you? But you know how my father is. You know what he would’ve done.”
Ryden, who had been watching silently, finally spoke. “Koda, no one can undo what’s been done. But you don’t have to go through this alone. We’re here.”
Koda’s gaze flicked to Ryden, then to Kaedan, then lingered on Nylah. Her expression was genuine, unguarded. For a moment, he softened.
“I appreciate y’all coming out here,” he said slowly, “but I’m good. Really.”
Kaedan frowned, sensing the distance in Koda’s words. “Are you sure? You seem… different.”
“Different’s what I’ve always been, right?” Koda said, a wry grin tugging at his lips. “Don’t worry about me. Y’all got your perfect little tribe to take care of. I’ve got my own plans.”
Kaedan opened his mouth to reply, but Ryden laid a hand on his shoulder. “Let it be,” the knight said quietly.
Nylah hesitated before stepping forward once more. “If you ever need anything, Koda, I hope you’ll come to us.”
Koda nodded but didn’t answer, his eyes already drifting back to the half-built ship hidden behind a rise in the sand.
The three Mokari exchanged uncertain glances before turning to leave. Kaedan glanced over his shoulder one last time, his brow furrowed with worry, but Koda didn’t look back.
As their figures disappeared over the dunes, Mira emerged from behind a pile of planks, her arms crossed. “That was intense. So did you tell them?”
“They don’t need to know,” Koda said firmly.
“You think they won’t figure it out when this big ol’ ship starts floatin’ out to sea?” she teased.
Koda allowed himself a small smirk. “By then, it’ll be too late.”
The orphans around them shared a quiet laugh, their spirits lifting in the face of Koda’s unshakable resolve. Together, they returned to their work, the sound of hammering and laughter blending into the wind, carrying with it the promise of a new beginning.
The moon lit the sky, its silver glow reflecting off the restless waves. The ship's framework loomed in the distance, half-finished but already a masterpiece of Koda’s determination and the orphans’ collective effort. They had all retired for the night, leaving Koda alone by the shore. He stood silently, hands on his hips, staring at the skeleton of the vessel.
“Be glad when this is done,” he murmured to himself, as if saying it aloud would make it truer. “I’m so dang tired.”
The sound of the waves was calming, their rhythm syncing with his thoughts. Then, something broke that rhythm, a faint splash that didn’t belong.
Koda turned sharply toward the water. At first, it seemed like nothing. Maybe a wayward branch or a fish breaking the surface. But then he saw it: a figure floating on the waves, slowly drifting closer.
His brows furrowed as he stepped closer to the edge of the sand. “What the—?”
The figure hit the shoreline with a soft thud, rolling slightly as the waves receded. Koda’s stomach tightened. Someone had washed up, a girl.
Cautiously, he approached, squatting beside her. Her clothes were torn, drenched, and foreign, not like anything from Aeloria. Her hair was plastered to her face, and her lips were pale, trembling.
“Aye,” he said, nudging her gently. “You good? Wake up, girl.”
She groaned, coughing as she rolled onto her back. Her eyes fluttered open, unfocused at first, then locking onto him.
“Where... where am I?” she rasped, her voice barely audible but familiar in a way that made Koda freeze.
He stared at her for a long moment, his mind scrambling. Then it hit him. Her face, her voice, he knew her.
“Aurette?” he whispered, his voice thick with disbelief.
Her brow furrowed, her lips parting as recognition dawned. “Koda?” she croaked, her voice weak but laced with something almost like relief.
He let out a shaky laugh, leaning back on his heels. “Man, what the hell? I thought you were dead or somethin’! Last time I saw you...” He trailed off, memories rushing back, him as a scared kid, stuck as a slave, and her, the defiant Earth girl who’d dared to speak to him, even help him.
“Guess I ain’t that easy to kill,” she muttered, coughing again.
Koda shook his head, grinning despite the whirlwind of emotions in his chest. “You always been wild like that, huh?” He reached down to help her sit up. “Here, let me get you out this water before you catch somethin’.”
As she leaned on him, her weight heavier than he remembered, he couldn’t help but take in how much had changed. She looked rough—bruised, cut up, like she’d been through hell. But her eyes still had that same fire, the same stubborn spark that had stuck with him all these years.
“How you even get here?” he asked as he guided her further up the beach. “Thought you was long gone from all this.”
“Ship went down,” she mumbled, wincing as she settled on the sand. “Crash or somethin’. I don’t even know.”
He sat beside her, shaking his head. “Damn, girl. Always in some mess, huh?”
Aurette let out a weak laugh. “Look who’s talkin’.” She glanced at the ship in the distance, her gaze lingering. “That yours?”
Koda nodded, following her gaze. “Yeah. It is.”
She looked at him, her expression unreadable. “What is it for? You runnin’, huh?”
“Nah,” he said, his tone firm. “Ain’t runnin’. I’m buildin’. Gonna make somethin’ better for all of us, somethin’ they can’t take away.”
Aurette leaned back, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Still the dreamer, huh? Didn’t think you had it in you.”
Koda chuckled, the sound low and soft. “Yeah, well, life got a funny way of makin’ you prove yourself.” He paused, glancing at her. “What about you? You good? What you doin now?”
Aurette’s smile faded, her gaze drifting back to the waves. “Ain’t got no plan yet. Just tryna survive, I guess.”
“Well,” Koda said, his voice softer now, “you survived this far. Guess that means you meant to keep goin’.”
She looked at him, her eyes searching his face. “Guess we’ll see.”
The two sat in silence for a moment, the sound of the waves filling the space between them. Despite the years, despite everything that had changed, it felt like a piece of the past had found its way back to him Aurette always looked out for him. They were the same age so when he was slaving away on that ship her playful helpful nature was always welcoming. She would help him and even tell him stories. The captain allowed it seeing as they both were children. As Aurette grew she became a force to be reckoned with. She could use a gun by seven like a pro. But after the Mokari destroyed the ship, he never knew what became of her, or them. They were taken in for judgment after that, and he never saw them again until now. He looked over and noticed Aurette shivering madly. He smirked and shook his head as he stood walking over to her.
Koda carried Aurette into the hut, her drenched form trembling in his arms. The glow of the Ember Bloom filled the small space with a soft, golden light, its massive petals curled inward like a sleeping giant. He knelt beside it, adjusting her gently in his arms.
He pressed a hand against the base of the flower, where its stem met the ground. The petals began to shift, a faint hum vibrating in the air as they unfurled, revealing the flower’s hollow center. Warmth spilled out as if the heart of the sun resided inside.
Aurette blinked, her shivering slowing as the radiant heat reached her. “What is that?”
Koda grinned, a flicker of pride sneaking into his voice. “This? This is an Ember Bloom. Ain’t just for lookin’ pretty, it keeps you warm, too. C’mon, we get inside.”
She gave him a wary glance but didn’t resist as he guided her closer. One by one, they stepped into the flower’s hollow, its petal walls glowing faintly, as though alive. Once they were both seated inside, the petals began to fold back in, encasing them in a cocoon of warmth and light.
Aurette exhaled sharply, her breath evening out for the first time since she’d washed ashore. She reached out hesitantly, her trembling fingers brushing the nearest petal. Warmth radiated from it, soaking into her chilled skin. She let out a soft gasp. “It’s... beautiful,” she whispered, her voice filled with awe.
Koda blinked, caught off guard. Most folks took the flower for granted, but the wonder in her voice struck something in him. He shrugged, scratching the back of his neck. “Yeah, I guess. It do the job.”
Aurette scooted closer, wrapping her arms around herself as the flower’s glow surrounded her. “Man... I’ve never seen anything like this,” she murmured. “It’s like somethin’ outta a dream.”
Koda sat down beside her, his tone softening. “Ain’t nothin’ like that back on Earth, huh?”
She shook her head, a faint smile tugging at her lips before it disappeared just as quickly. Her shoulders trembled, but it wasn’t from the cold anymore.
Aurette pulled her knees to her chest, her wet clothes already starting to dry in the flower’s embrace. “Man... I ain’t never seen nothin’ like this. Back home, it’s just... cold and dark, y’know? This? This feels alive.”
He glanced at her, his smile fading as he caught the vulnerability in her voice. “What happened, Aurette? Why are you out here, washed up like this anyway?”
She stiffened, her arms tightening around her legs. “The captain... he threw me overboard.” Her voice cracked, and she ducked her head. “Called me a traitor.”
Koda’s brows furrowed. “Why? What’d you do?”
She let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. “I couldn’t do it no more, Koda. All that takin’, all that destroyin’. Burnin’ down villages, takin’ kids from their families. I tried to act like it didn’t bother me, but it did. Every single time. And when I told him I was done... he said I wasn’t worth keepin’.”
Koda frowned, anger bubbling in his chest. “So he just tossed you like trash? That’s cold.”
She looked up at him, her eyes shimmering. “Maybe I deserved it. I mean... I was part of it, wasn’t I? I helped ruin lives, Koda. Lives like yours.”
He shook his head firmly. “Nah, don’t even start with that. You tried to change, right? That’s what matters.”
Aurette’s lips trembled. “You really think it’s that simple?”
He leaned forward, his tone softening. “ Yeah, I do.”
Her expression softened. “Koda...”
He shrugged, forcing a small smile. “It ain’t been easy for both of us. You were just a kid too. We gon’ start fresh. Make a place where nobody gotta feel like they don’t belong. You could be apart of that too”
Aurette stared at him, her gaze steady. “Even if I’m not from the tribes?”
Koda laughed softly, the sound low and rough. “Yeah, even though you're an alien.”
She chuckled, leaning her head back against the petal wall. “ But for real, thanks, Koda. ”
“Always,” he said simply.
The warmth of the Ember Bloom surrounded them as the night stretched on. For the first time in what felt like forever, Aurette felt safe. And for Koda, sitting there beside someone who understood the weight he carried, the world seemed just a little less lonely. Together, they drifted into a dreamless sleep, cradled by the flower’s protective glow.
The weeks leading up to the day Koda was to leave had been long and grueling. Every day, the sun beat down relentlessly as the orphans worked tirelessly to build the ship. It was a strange and powerful mix of hope and exhaustion that lingered in the air.
Koda led the way, teaching the others how to use the tools he had scavenged, how to work with the natural materials they’d gathered. It was difficult at first, many of the orphans had never worked with wood, never crafted anything with their hands. But Koda was patient, showing them how to shape the ship’s body, how to string the sails, how to bind the wood in ways that would make it sturdy enough to carry them away.
The orphans were determined, working from dawn until nightfall, their muscles sore, their spirits occasionally weary. But every time the ship began to take shape, its sleek curves and sturdy frame, they felt a sense of pride swell in their chests. This wasn’t just a ship. This was freedom. This was their chance to leave the life they’d been given and create something of their own. A place where no one judged them. A place where they could start fresh.
Koda, too, felt that fire inside him. There were moments when he almost believed that the life he’d always dreamed of was within his reach. But those moments were fleeting, and soon enough the reality of what they were up against would return. The Mokari would never accept him, and they would never accept the orphans. Still, the work continued, and the ship slowly but surely came together, piece by piece.
Now, as Koda stood before the nearly finished ship, a sense of finality washed over him. The hardest part was over. The ship was ready.
The moonlight bathed the nearly finished ship in silver, its frame gleaming like a promise. Koda stood on the ridge overlooking the Mokari City, arms crossed, his expression carved from stone. Below him, life carried on, drums echoing in celebration, warm lights flickering in the homes of people who were whole, complete, and loved.
He wasn’t angry, not anymore. The anger had burned itself out, leaving something quieter and heavier in its place. It was time to move on.
A rustle of leaves pulled him from his thoughts. Aurette stepped out of the shadows, her arms crossed against the cool night air. Her presence was grounding, a reminder that even in the face of loneliness, he wasn’t entirely alone.
“You been standin’ up here all night, Truffle,” she said, her voice gentle but firm. “You sure about this?”
Koda’s jaw tightened. “There’s no other way. This place is not for me. Never was.”
Aurette stepped closer, her dark eyes searching his face. “Makin’ choices ain’t easy, you know that better than most,” she said softly. “But you gotta do what you gotta do. Even if it hurts.”
He nodded, exhaling a shaky breath. “It’s not like I don’t love Kaelan... or even Kira, Ryden, all of ’em. But this is their home Aura. They complete. Me? I’m just... I’m still lookin’. Still tryin’ to figure out where I fit in this world.”
“And you think you gon’ find that out there?” she asked, jerking her chin toward the ship.
Koda looked back at it, the symbol of weeks of toil, determination, and hope. “I don’t think, I know. If I can’t belong here, then I’ll make a place where I do or die tryin’. “
Aurette tilted her head, her lips curving into a small, sad smile. “That’s big talk, Truffle. You really think you can build all that?”
He turned to face her fully, his dark eyes blazing with quiet determination. “I know I can. And maybe one day, when the Xiled is somethin’ real, I’ll come back. Not as some outsider beggin’ to fit in, but as someone they gotta respect.”
Her smile grew, warmer this time. “I like that. ‘Xiled.’ Got a nice ring to it.”
“Yeah,” he said, his voice softening. “It’s somethin’, ain’t it?”
They stood there in silence for a moment, the weight of the decision settling over them both. Aurette reached out, placing a hand on his arm.
They retreated and prepared everything. They loaded food and water to last for months and weapons just in case. Koda retreated to his shelter grabbing things of sentimental value. He paused staring at a beautiful in a clay vase that still shined with brilliance. He remembered ho his mother once told him his father gave that to her the day they were mated. He remembered how he was going to give it to Kira and how now things were just so messed up beyond repair. He sighed picking it up.
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“Koda,” Zodac called softly, his voice urgent as he peeked into the shelter. “We gotta go. Now.”
Koda glanced up. His heart was heavy, but his face remained resolute. “I know,” he replied, his voice calm but firm as he placed the flower back down. “Let’s move.”
The orphans worked quickly and quietly, pushing the ship away from the dock with the tide on their side. The moonlight shimmered off the sea, casting a silver path as the ship began to glide into open water.
Just as the first sighs of relief filled the deck, a shout rang out from the shore.
“Stop them!”
Koda turned, his stomach knotting as torches flared along the shoreline. Wyverns screeched as they took flight, their riders calling out commands. Among them, ShadowClaw’s beast led the charge, and before Koda could react, ShadowClaw himself leapt onto the deck, landing with a thud.
“Did you really think you could leave, traitor?” ShadowClaw snarled, straightening to his full height.
Behind him, another heavy set of boots hit the deck. Chief Arlan stood tall, his sharp eyes piercing through the darkness. “Koda,” he said, his voice heavy with authority, “this ends now. You’ll return to the tribe. If you resist, you’ll face the consequences.”
Koda frowned. “I’m not going anywhere.”
Arlan blinked. “ Excuse me? You want to repeat that Koda?”
Koda’s tattoos flickered faintly in the moonlight as he stepped forward, his jaw tight. “I said I ain’t goin’ back, Arlan,” he said, his voice steady despite the tension in his shoulders. “And I dare one of you to try and make me.”
“You’re making a mistake boy talking to me like that,” Arlan said, his tone colder now. “You don’t know what you’re walking into.”
“I know exactly what I’m walking into,” Koda shot back. “And like I said, boy, make me.”
The crowd gasped. No one had ever spoken to the chief that way. Arlan looked around his pride fueling his anger. He gripped his staff tightly. But, before Arlan could respond, ShadowClaw shoved past him. “You just couldn’t handle it!” he growled. “You couldn’t handle me taking your girl huh? The humiliation must have killed you Koda! Allow me to humiliate you some more when I kick your ass in front of her!”
ShadowClaw lunged at Koda, his fists swinging wildly. Koda ducked the first punch and blocked the second, countering with a sharp jab to ShadowClaw’s ribs. The two clashed violently, their blows echoing across the deck as the orphans scrambled to stay out of their way.
“You’re pathetic!” ShadowClaw sneered, landing a glancing blow to Koda’s temple. “Is this your best Koda huh?”
“Nah, but this might be!” Koda yelled, slamming his fist into ShadowClaw’s gut and shoving him back. But Shadow kicks Koda in the face knocking him to the ground. Koda lay there in pain as he held his face and blood poured into his hands.
Kira ran towards the waters but Kaelan grabbed her holding her back. “ Koda!”
“It’s over Koda!” He dived on him and punished him repeatedly over and over again in the face. The others turned away not wanting to see Koda’s defeat. Then ShadowClaw stood his arm wide as he smiled pacing the ship.
“This is your leader? Look at him now! This is who you decide to ruin your lives for? He can’t even stand up for himself! How was he ever supposed to protect you? He’s pathetic just like all you outcasted, worthless, non-Moakari scum are.”
Suddenly without warning, Koda raised behind him in an otherworldy fashion to his feet. He spoke his voice deep and intimidating.
“Now, you fucked up”
Before ShadowClaw could turn around, the ship rocked violently. A low, guttural sound rumbled from the depths of the sea, silencing everyone.
“What’s that?” Zodac whispered, gripping the railing.
The water exploded as a massive kraken emerged, its glowing eyes locking onto the wyverns circling above. The beast’s tentacles lashed out, striking the wyverns with terrifying precision. Koda’s tattoos flared to life, glowing brighter as the kraken seemed to respond to him.
ShadowClaw stumbled, his confidence wavering for the first time as he looked at Arlan. “No, no way is that his spirit?”
Its tentacles wrapped around the mast and sides of the ship, steadying it as the Moakari warriors above fell into disarray.
Chief Arlan drew his ceremonial blade. “Koda!” he shouted. “Stop this madness!”
The kraken’s glowing eyes fixed on Arlan, and one massive tentacle rose above the chief, ready to strike him down. The chief dropped his weapon backing slowly as it came down with force.
Koda hesitated, his chest heaving as the weight of the moment pressed down on him. “This ain’t what I wanted,” he thought.
“Koda!” Aurette’s voice cut through the chaos. “This isn’t you Koda. Don't let them make you bitter! Koda!”
Koda’s fists clenched, and his glowing tattoos seemed to pulse with his heartbeat. “Stop!” he commanded, his voice carrying over the roaring sea.
The Kraken froze, its massive tentacle hovering inches from Arlan. Slowly, it withdrew, retreating into the waves.
Koda walked calmly all hailing to his presence and grabbed ShadowClaw by the collar, shoving him toward Arlan.
“This is my ship,” Koda said, his voice low and deadly. “Take him, and leave.”
Arlan hesitated, his eyes searching Koda’s glowing tattoos as if seeing him for the first time. Then, reluctantly, he grabbed ShadowClaw and stepped back toward the wyvern hovering nearby.
“This isn’t over Koda,” Arlan said, his tone grim. “Do you hear me this isn’t over!”
Koda’s expression didn’t waver. “Leave.”
The wyvern lifted off, carrying Arlan and ShadowClaw back to the shore. The remaining wyverns followed, leaving the ship in silence except for the sound of the Kraken now retreating into the sea. Kaedan, Kira, and Ryden watched in shock from the shore. All was quiet as the chief returned. Koda stood at the edge of the ship watching for any more sudden moves as they drifted away. His tattoos are a reminder of the events that just played out right before their eyes. The Moakari watched until the boat left their sight and the faint glow of sunrise dawned upon them before leaving the shore until the only ones that remained were Kaedan, Kira, and Ryden.
Kaedan shook his head. “ He really is gone, isn’t he?”
When the boat reached a safe distance Koda swayed, the glow of his tattoos fading as exhaustion overtook him. His knees buckled, and Aurette caught him just as he collapsed.
“You did good,” she whispered, holding him steady.
The last thing Koda saw before darkness claimed him was the shore shrinking into the distance, the faint figures of his friends standing frozen in disbelief.
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