Kip was surrounded by people she didn’t know, though her heart was settling down. The pain had lessened. Perhaps it was due to being reclined, no longer rushing somewhere with desperation. But, she knew a large part was due to all of these friendly hearts and faces hurrying to her aid. She was in a large bedroom that must have Pyria’s, the woman who met her and Tobias, who now knelt at her side as she rested in bed. People rushed in and out of the room of all ages, carrying buckets of water, dropping off rags, small bowls of herbs or pieces of food, asking Pyria if she needed help.

Kip had never seen people go out of their way for a stranger before. Not to this intense of a degree. It brought tears to her eyes. Because, not even in the rich, bustling civilization of Shieldhome had she seen such care for fellow human beings. No, she kept finding it out here -- up in Chamson, down in the Scarred Lands... The people that the Kingdom dubbed as ignorant and blind were the ones who had cared and helped the most.

It angered her to know that, for her entire life, she was the one who had been shrouded in ignorance. That she didn’t have to live in fear for so many years, feeling shameful for her pregnancy, not feeling right for wanting a family with Tobias.

But now… no, here, there was no room for this regret and sadness. They were safe. Their baby was -- Kip smiled. She laughed, suddenly, loudly, through tears. Their baby was going to be born. Her baby. She looked down at her body. It was strange for so long, how morphed, how different she looked and felt. But now, she felt nothing but beauty. A kind woman was at her side. She knew Tobias would find that Alchemist and they would all be together soon enough.

“How are you feeling?” Pyria looked at her and held her hand so firmly. Kip noticed she had been squeezing and she loosened her grip as her entire body relaxed a bit more.

“Right now, yes,” she licked sweat from her lips. “I’m so grateful. Thank you.” She looked down and was even more honest. “I’m afraid. Excited. I’m feeling many things right now,” she laughed.

Pyria smiled and squeezed her hand again, as if telling her it was okay if Kip needed to.

“I’ve seen many pregnancies here in Gnosh,” Pyria said. “Our Alchemist, J’san, is a prodigy. A young man who has helped many women give birth. He gives us medicine and heals injuries. I’ve seen him save multiple lives in these lands.”

Hearing this made Kip feel so much better. Pyria smiled strongly, especially with her eyes.

“You are in such good hands. And the one you love will be here with you soon.”

Among this kindness and gentleness, a contraction interrupts. It’s the same otherworldly pain as before -- the kind that feels supernatural. As it does, thunder booms outside and Kip screams. The sudden pain is powerful -- she should be afraid but instead there’s exhilaration. Resolve.

The rain has become intense. She squeezes Pyria’s hand and smiles. Nadi is sounding much like she is -- the world sounds like how she feels. A powerful storm strikes the roof as Kip unleashes her own from within, one that’s been surging for so many months. So many years.

I have come this far, she tells herself. Gritting her teeth. Groaning. Feeling a hundred gut punches. Still, she smiles at the pain, at the storm greeting the birth of her child. I can do this. We can do this.

Suddenly someone burst through the doorway. It was a young man in a soaked, large red cloak, removing the hood swiftly. Everyone in the house turns to him. He had wet brown hair that clung to his face and removed a large shoulder bag, placing it down on the floor. In with him, he trails water and his steps are thumping and wet, much like the thunder all around. He smiles kindly and hurries to her bedside.

Kip greets him with heavy breaths.

“Hello,” he said, taking her other hand. “I’m here to help you deliver this baby. What’s your name?”

It was strange being taken care of someone so young, but Kip had no other option. He trusted the words of Pyria about him. “I’m Kip. Thank you.”

“Hi Kip,” he said, his eyes squinting as he smiles. He got to work, removing things from his bag -- wooden bowls, rags, things wrapped in cloth. “I’m J’san. The one who retrieved me isn’t far behind. He’s close to you?”

“He’s my husband.”

J’san nodded. He kept removing things. It was nice watching him work, something to focus on as she breathed through the pains and tensions. He still removed tools and supplies, one by one. Vials of colorful liquids. A syringe. He placed them all on a table at the side of the room. He also pulled out pouches of what looks like herbs and plants and a tool to crush them with. He threw off his large cloak and worked on rolling up his sleeves.

“Okay, Kip. You’re going to be just fine.” He actually laughed. “I’ve delivered more children than you can count. Trust me. Don’t judge me based on my age, okay?” He went to her side again and laughed louder.

“I won’t,” Kip said, smiling up at him.

He looked at her sternly, yet still kindly. “You will need to follow my instructions -- even if it hurts. There’s going to be pain. Are you ready?”

Kip breathed in deeply, resisting tears. She looked into his eyes and took his hand.

“I always have been.”

Kill laughed as Tobias wielded his sword. Thunder rumbled across the vast, grey sky, for miles and miles. Lightning cracked and lit up the world for seconds at a time. Rain was pouring, soaking them all.

“You truly don’t know who we are, do you? We’re out of your league, guy.” Kill said as he crossed his arms. “You’ll experience less pain if you just bring us to her. Sinner to sinner, it’s easier if you just accept your fate, trust me.” He sounded so nonchalant. As if it was common practice for people to just give up their loved ones to be killed.

Tobias didn’t give him a response. They didn’t appear armed. He was prepared to kill them. He had taken on multiple people before even if they did have weapons. But.. a kid… he didn’t want to kill a kid. That stoic child standing among them all -- he must have been being held against his will. A child was no threat to Tobias. Even if they did use the boy to attack or defend, Tobias knew he could handle the rest and not harm him.

The big guy on the left might be a challenge. They had Hawks too, and it was unclear how many. And the rain would make things messier.

Tobias trusted his abilities. He would fight. He had to. He glared and squeezed the hilt of his sword, feeling the thunder shake his bones. Feeling the anger warm him among the cold water. No. No, they didn’t come all this way just to die, days before their chance at true freedom.

Worst of all, as much as it scared the hell out of him, Tobias was prepared to die. To never see Kip again. To never see their baby. To never hear their child’s first words… to never see their eyes… to never hear their laughs or even their cries.

He would die if he had to. But he would make sure they did first.

Kill sighed deeply, placing his index finger and thumb to the bridge of his nose. “Pain, why don’t you give him a taste of what he’s in for?” He looked over at the lanky woman.

Tobias watched the woman with scraggly hair twitch and step forward, scowling at him. Then she placed her face into her hands. “Why can’t we just kill him?!” she shouted. “I want to go back, already!”

Kill growled. “Gods,” he sighed sharply and turned his body to her. “I wonder if you’ll ever stop whining. If we kill him who knows how much longer we’ll be hunting for this woman.”

He’s distracted. They’re arguing.

“They’re clearly disguising their scent from the Hawks somehow,” Kill continued, becoming angrier. “We’re going to make him bring us to her. So incentivise him, would you?”

They were all looking at each other now. Only the boy looked at Tobias. That was good enough. He held his sword tightly and ran at them, quickly, with intensity. Focus, so he wouldn’t slip or lose his grip. For Kip. For his family. He would kill them right here.

The woman named Pain met his eyes. “Just tell us where she is!” She screamed, raising her hands.

Suddenly, a few feet away from them, Tobias felt something surge through his body. He skidded to a halt, unable to move, because… he couldn’t. No, he could, but it was difficult. Like he was too afraid to take another step. Dizziness? A sudden, intense vertigo. It was strange… like with it was a vibration but it felt… wet. Gross. It was impossible to describe. And then the world spun harder. Up became down. Backwards became forwards. He couldn’t see them anymore because his eyes were bouncing everywhere. He felt his guts rise up and he lurched forward, puking, falling to his hands and knees.

He heard Kill laughing. He pressed his clenched fist around his sword hilt to the dirt and an open palm, trying to regain his composure but he felt like he was dying. An intense nauseous feeling filled his brain and stirred up his stomach, keeping the vomit coming in a desperate attempt to relieve himself of the unbearable feeling.

And then, just as fast as it came, it went away and that feeling of being within some kind of sickening sound (or was it water) went away just as the woman named Pain lowered her hands. The vibration lingered for a moment. And then he was simply left with his own stressed buzzing from the intense lurching his body just produced. His clothes were covered in mud and puke.

“What…” He coughed and resisted more bile rising up. “What was…”

Kill sighed. “We’re Cursed. I’m sure you’ve heard of people like us. You ordinary people are fucking terrified of us in the Kingdom.”

Tobias’ eyes went wide, staring up at them. Cursed? No, impossible. The Church would never send Cursed after anyone… the Church would never have Cursed working for them. That simply didn’t make sense. “Y-you’re lying…” Tobias said. “That doesn’t make any sense.”

“Probably not.” The man, Kill, seemed more empathetic now, in a strange way. He crossed his arms and tilted his head, looking down at him “You were a Knight, yeah? Despite what they did to you, you probably still think the Church at least follows their own rules. Lemme guess, you probably think they actually believe in what they preach.”

Tobias slowly got back up, wiping his mouth, streaking mud across his face, but that too slowly dripped away.

“Hate to break it to you but it’s all bullshit,” Kill said.

The rain poured. Lightning broke the sky apart and a booming crash of thunder increased the dread rising within Tobias’ heart.

“The Church uses people like us all the time for their own gain. Well, hey, maybe it’s to punish us and they truly do believe in all that God nonsense. But I doubt it.” He snorted. “No… no. They only want power.”

Tobias stared at him, shivering.

Kill grinned. His eyes were very clear in their bloodthirst -- he was a man who learned to love his work. A man who has given up on everything else and embraced this violent life. And it was understood now, as much as Tobias found it hard to accept… what he just felt was otherworldly. And every single one of them had those dark powers the Church would warn people of.

He was an insect confronting a boot.

“Okay, tell us where the woman is or else we’ll keep torturing you. Understand?” Kill laughed his irritating laugh again. “And then we’ll kill you. Hey, you probably lived a pretty good life, eh? Maybe the Gods are real and they’ll take mercy on you. We’ll make it quick, don’t worry. I feel for you, guy.”

Tobias took in air, ignoring him.

Clenched his eyes shut.

He had to fight. It was unreasonable. Impossible. The insect cannot fight the stomp of a boot. But in moments like this, logic was out the window. He held his sword and shivered in the rain. He allowed the thooming thunder to course through his system. He imagined he was summoning the noise and the light and the cold into his body for strength. To use all of this pain and discomfort from all the months, all the years, to become his for once.

He gave a final prayer to the mysterious woman who saved him and Kip once before.

Then, he charged them. He had to keep fighting. Clearly they didn’t want to kill him right away, so if he could just keep holding them off maybe he would encounter a miracle. Maybe he would catch one of them off guard. He went for the man named Kill, reeling back with his blade.

A force hit him. He stayed put however. He noticed that the boy had stepped forward, holding out a hand. Tobias slid back -- then he ran forward again. The force was stronger the second time. The ground left him for a few seconds and he lost his breath… feeling as if everything was moving in slow motion... And he hit the ground hard, his sword tumbling out of his hand.

Frustration and fear hit Tobias full force. He didn’t understand the Cursed or what they were capable of. He was just a man with a sword. But these people… they were something else entirely. Were they truly inhuman? How could people hold such power to affect someone without even touching them? Impossible. He was faced with the impossible and it was difficult to comprehend. All he knew was to fight and clearly it was no match for what he was up against.

He slowly got back up to a crouch, glaring at them all. They had barely moved and already had him bleeding and dizzy and out of breath.

“You’re strong,” the boy said. He seemed to contemplate Tobias for a moment as they met eyes.

“Hit him with another wave, Pain,” Kill said, harshly.

J’san had fed Kip multiple spoonfuls of disgusting herbs. He mixed more into a tea that Pyria gave to her in small sips.

“Where’s Tobias?” Kip asked, clutching the sleeve of Pyria, who never left her side. The woman would give her a reassuring smile and tell her he’s on his way. That someone had just seen him.

Kip was sweating. The contractions were killing her. The herbs and drinks made her feel fuzzy and calm -- but the pain and panic still rose up.

She tossed her head back and looked to J’san who had her place her legs in an embarrassing position and asked him what was happening.

“You are giving birth, Kip. There’s nothing to worry about.”

Yes. Good. Still here, still giving birth, that meant she was alive and fighting. That’s all she wanted. “Oh… good. Good.”

“Your vitals are good. The medicine is going to help stabilize you. So far so good.”

But every moment of clarity that came to her, the force hit her again. It made her cry out and sweat and lose her breath.

And then the dreaded words -- the words that scared her most of all but knew were inevitable.

“It’s time to push, Kip.”

She did what she had to do. Crying. Panicking.

“I can’t,” she dropped her head back. “Where’s Tobias? I can’t without… without him. Please someone get him. Please. I can’t.”

Pyria turned her face to her. “You’ll need to do this,” she said. “You can do this.”

Kip stared at Pyria. Tobias was gone. She couldn’t imagine where he was and -- and she couldn’t think about it now. Too far. They’ve come too far. Their baby has come too far. She had to focus. Be in the moment, be with the pain, with the mystery.

“Push,” J’san said. “You can do this. Push.”

She did.

Pain stepped forward again, wiping her eyes, and Tobias felt those vibrations, that sickening feeling again. He groaned, trying to get up, trying to resist it. But he dropped to his hands and knees. It was an unbearable weight of illness. He wanted to vomit again but it was all dry. Dry heaving, the feeling of his entire body being scrunched up, crushing his guts and bones. Tears welled up in his eyes and he reached for his sword.

Kip… I’m going to die here, he spoke within his mind, hoping that in some unreal way that she’d be able to hear him. I’ll never get to see our baby. I’ll never see whoever they become. I’m sorry. I’m glad I got to say “I love you” one last time. But this is it.

He forced himself up. Bile dripping from his lips. His eyes felt like they were shaking… The figures who tormented him were blurry. The world was spinning, but Tobias held his focus tightly, attempting to keep them steady. Despite the attack, despite the force, he stood and gripped his sword.

If I die, then I die with the knowledge of where you are. It’s possible that these people will pass through Gnosh. Maybe they’ll find you. But where I have sweated out most of the potion that protected me from their Hawks, maybe you still hold more of it in your system. You always took it more religiously than I did, after all.

Tobias couldn’t breathe. He could barely move. He didn’t care.

Goodbye, Kip. Goodbye, my child. I know whatever you name them, it will be strong just like they are. Just like you are.

His enemies stared at him. Confused. Angry. In shock. He was glad he could surprise them one last time.

Tobias charged them.

Kip pushed and something pushed back. A wave of energy. It was the force from earlier, from when she was standing with Tobias among the butterflies… something came out of her then. A shockwave, a vibration. It brought her pain and panic.

But this time it gave her strength and resolution.

Thunder shook the house. Lightning turned everything white for moments at a time.

Kip screamed. Bled. Cried. With every push, a stronger, otherworldly force of power, bursting from her very being.

Everyone in the room was hit by it. They all faltered for a moment. But they did not fall. They were not harmed.

And then, the strongest contraction, the worst push, and her own storm exploded out of her -- that force of energy turned the air into colors. It surged through every person in the room, through the walls of the house, traveling fast, moving for miles and miles.

Tobias was ready to fall. Until a force of energy shook through him, much like the ones that came from the ones before him. But this was cleaner. Brighter. Stronger. It cleared his vision, giving him speed and resolution. Suddenly, before him, all four members stumbled and looked confused as the same energy hit their bodies.

When they held out their hands, trying to harm him with their powers, they looked confused. Scared. Tobias was unharmed. They seemed to just be people.

Somehow he knew. This was his opportunity. He would stop them. Here and now.

Tobias screamed, reeling back his sword. In reaction, the man named Kill thrusted his arm forward, sending out his Hawk, but Tobias ignored it. The Hawk’s wing sliced into Tobias’ side, but he used the pain as motivation.

In a thrust, the sword was through Kill’s stomach. The man’s eyes went wide.

Tobias didn’t stop -- he spun, ripping the sword out of his gut and slashed open the large man, running past him, allowing blood to coat his being and ran the woman through, dropping three people in a way he never thought he could. Such power, such focus. They all fell and Tobias removed the sword from her chest, turning to the boy. The boy was powerful like them -- he attacked like them -- and Tobias had to kill him too.

“I’m sorry,” he cried, charging the child.

The boy was not fearful. It was more of a surprise. The boy held out his hand and noticed that, whatever his powers were, weren’t working just like the others. Tobias swung his blade with tears in his eyes.

However, another force of energy did hit Tobias. It was right when that feeling of strength within him dissipated. Right as the sword connected with the boy’s arm, leaving only a cut. What he felt was like a force field, exactly what he felt before, throwing Tobias back. But this time, also up. High into the air.

He couldn’t breathe. It felt like he floated for a time. During this time, he felt relieved. He had taken care of most of them… with only the boy left, perhaps there was a higher chance for Kip and their baby to live.

When Tobias landed, he lost all vision. He felt broken. Pain consumed him for a time.

He felt the rain drown him.

He closed his eyes.

Kip opened her eyes to find relief.

She relaxed into the pillows and felt like she was swimming in the hot air around her. All she could smell was sweat. The sound of rain soothed her.

And then the sound of crying hit her ears. A small, frustrated, voice, crying out in discomfort. Tears welled up in her and she gasped.

Tobias quickly found that he was not dead. He stared up at the cloudy sky and felt the cold rain soothe him. Footsteps came and he waited for the boy to finish him off. He was just happy he was able to do one final thing.

“You’re strong,” said the boy. Tobias turned to see him standing next to him. He finally got a good look at him. He must have been no older than nine. His dark hair clung to his face and his eyes were full of admiration. Tobias looked back up into the grey clouds.

“Yeah, you mentioned that before.” Tobias coughed. He felt something warm and wet come up with it. “Sorry for killing your friends.” He shrugged. “Sort of had to.”

He heard the boy sit down and take a deep breath. “They weren’t my friends,” the boy said. He seemed to ponder Tobias for a moment. “I’m not going to kill you, just so you know.”

Tobias grinned. “Too late for that kid. Something’s broken. I think something’s pierced me deep inside. Time’s up for me.”

“I’m not going to kill her either.”

Tobias blinked at him, watching the child look down at him with such stoicism. Tears welled up in his eyes.

“That’s all I want.”

“But you are a sinner,” the boy said. “And you need to pay.”

In the next moment, Tobias was floating. But this time it was for real. It was only a few feet off the ground.

“What’s happening to me?” He couldn’t move. He looked around, seeing the ground moving past him. There was that vibrating feeling again… moving all throughout him. The boy was next to him, walking, moving him without touch. Those powers again.

“I’m taking you back to Shieldhome,” the boy said. “You’re going to repent for your crimes. You will not die. People like us can be redeemed.”

Tobias swallowed. He wished he could be with his family before the end but…

“What’s stopping me from biting my tongue and ending it all instead?” The thought scared the hell out of Tobias… but being some slave to Shieldhome sounded worse.

“The Church won’t stop hunting your family. I’m sure of it. But if you repent. If you do what you can to pay for the sins of your family… I believe they will leave them be.”

“Oh,” Tobias said. So that’s how it was. “What’s your name, kid?”

“Name’s Burden.”

“That’s an unfortunate name.”

“I’m going to appeal to the High Priest himself,” he said. “To the one who has been overseeing my own progress. You’re strong. And everyone is capable of repenting for their sins. I know people believe that. After all… you’d do whatever it takes to keep your family safe, right?”

Tobias took in a deep breath. Felt the rain. Exhaled slowly. He would do whatever it took. Even if it meant losing himself. Even if it meant suffering forever. If it meant there was a chance that the Church would leave his family alone…

“I will do whatever it takes,” Tobias said.

J’san carried the tiny body over to Kip.

“Your daughter,” he said with a smile.

Kip couldn’t move. But remembered to when he held out her daughter to her. Her daughter. So small… she started to cry.

“An early birth,” J’san said. “But she’s healthy. She’s breathing. I’ll need to help you both care for her. We’ll need to treat her with medicines and keep an eye on her vitals. Keep her warm. But as far as I can tell,” he held the small baby out to her, “She’s going to be just fine.”

She was just a bit smaller than the size of J’san’s forearm. Her cries were so gentle and had calmed down since being wrapped up in warm linens. J’san eased her into Kip’s arms on the bed, so slow, so gentle. Kip had never been more gentle, more afraid, yet more calm in her entire life. It was such a strange swirling of emotions.

Kip sniffed and blinked away tears. Her daughter stopped crying the moment Kip held her close. Her baby’s skin was reddish -- her eyes were closed -- her breaths seemed far away but the breathing happened.

Kip stared down at her. So fragile… so peaceful. Born of hardship. Taking a breath of stillness, as was she. In this moment, there was balance.

Pyria and J’san watched with smiling faces. Those who helped with supplies, young and old, stood in the doorway of the bedroom, watching silently.

“What’s her name?” Pyria asked gently. “Did you both pick one out?”

Kip took a moment to simply be with her daughter. Then she looked up to everyone who had helped her.

“Yes,” she said. “Her name is Svana.”