For All It Revolves Around

V1: How did we end up here?

LENIN

"Also. . . I've been meaning to ask you something for quite some while," Rickston looked at me.

"What is it?"

"I know we touched on this topic a long time ago, but this idea of the Village of Facio is growing bigger and bigger. . . Where does this lead us?"

I nodded, my gaze burning with conviction and determination. "I know exactly where it leads."

"Your family will find you. . . They're not as forgiving as you are with people."

"Tell me about it." I quipped, trying to slice through the tension that pressed in on me like a heavy fog.

"When the times come, we'll be ready for them. But as of now, I'll do my best to keep the Village of Facia the best it possibly can be."

"Alright then," Rickston replied, "You should probably head back. . . I need some time anyway."

I nodded, then slipped away, leaving him alone with his thoughts as he seemed to need.

With chaos swirling around me, I found myself lost, uncertain of which path to take next.

People with their differing opinions didn't make it any better, either.

My thoughts threatened to pull me under, but I snapped back to reality when I spotted a crowd gathering ahead, swelling like a restless mob.

What was going on there?

I pushed my way to the heart of the commotion, where Zac was locked in a fierce duel.

I watched from nearby, studying his movements; each attack carried a hidden venom, a sharpness that set him apart.

He lunged forward, trying to catch his opponent off guard.

Watching the sparring match unfold only confirmed what I already suspected: Zac was a force to be reckoned with.

He was just as good as both Lusan and Tara. . . If not better than them.

Each strike was calculated, promising devastation if it landed, but soon his rhythm faltered and his attacks scattered in disarray.

That lapse became his undoing as he was sent sprawling to the ground.

Laughter erupted from the crowd as he grumbled and stormed away, defeated.

As the crowd dispersed, I kept my eyes on him from a distance, curiosity tugging me to follow.

As I followed him, I could see his body slightly tense up.

WHOOSH!

The blow landed with surprising force.

He stared up at me in shock as I caught his wild, furious punch mid-air.

"I-I'm sorry, I didn't know."

I chuckled, releasing his fist, "Don't be sorry, that was a good punch."

A small smile grew on his face, "Thanks. . ."

A heavy silence settled between us. "I've noticed you've been working hard, haven't you?"

Zac nodded, "As hard as I can be, someone has to in this Village."

I could hear resentment seeping into his words.

"Would you like to talk about it?"

He shrugged, feigning ignorance, "Talk about what? There's nothing to talk about."