A/N: I'll be posting this tonight (which is 3/31/24) because I'll be unfortnatly working all day tomorrow and away from my computer, so I'll be posting this now.
Also a vast change to my writing will be present, but I hope it isn't to jarring that it makes the chapter unreadable. If it makes it seem like a different writer wrote this chapter, that's kind what I want because I feel like a totally different writer then I was last year, and also because I was severerly disappointed with the last chapter, because it felt like it wasn't on par with what came before and it didn't feel like what I wanted to portray for this Act and what I wanted for the future of this story...
So, I pushed myself to change my writing style with this story and a few others because I wanted this story and my style to be miles ahead of what it was last year.
So, I hope you like it and I hope the new style isn't to jarring that it takes away from the joy of the chapter.
Anyway, onto the chapter! Love you guys!
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chaos erupted the moment dinner within the tribe was finished, as a group of bandits descended upon the tribe. Despite their lack of explosives and modern weaponry, their sheer numbers and the handful of vehicles they possessed posed a significant threat to the tribe. The campsite was overrun, with bandits swarming every corner, overwhelming the tribe's warriors who struggled to defend everyone.
Amidst the commotion, cries of panic and the clashing of weapons filled the air. The bandits, emboldened by their surprise attack, showed no mercy as they plundered and pillaged, leaving destruction in their wake. The tribe's members scrambled to find safety, but the bandits seemed to be everywhere at once, making it nearly impossible to escape unscathed.
In the midst of the turmoil, the tribe's leaders rallied their forces, attempting to coordinate a defense against the relentless onslaught. However, with the bandits spreading chaos throughout the camp, their efforts were met with limited success.
Amidst the chaos unfolding around them, Starr and Sun took charge of guiding the younger children away from the turmoil, fully aware that their primary responsibility was to ensure the safety of the younger members of their group. With Starr leading from the front and Sun guarding the rear, they formed a protective barrier around the children, shielding them from the danger that lurked in every direction.
Their path to safety was fraught with obstacles as they navigated through the battlefield, with debris strewn about and the sounds of battle echoing in the distance. Despite the challenges, Starr and Sun remained steadfast in their mission, determined to see the younger children to safety.
After managing to gain a safe distance away from the raid upon their tribe, Starr swiftly redirected her attention to the group of children, her expression grave as she addressed them. "Did anyone get left behind?" she inquired urgently.
The children collectively shook their heads, signaling their safety, and Starr breathed a sigh of relief. However, her moment of respite was abruptly shattered as a bullet struck her shoulder, sending her sprawling backward from the force of the impact.
A surge of horror rippled through Sun as he watched Starr fall, his heart pounding with fear for his cousin's safety. "STARR!!!" he exclaimed, his voice echoing with desperation.
Despite the searing pain, Starr gritted her teeth and struggled to her feet, her arm throbbing with agony. She gingerly maneuvered her injured limb out of her shirt, relieved to find no puncture wound but greeted instead by a sprawling bruise. 'Thank the gods for Aura,' she silently acknowledged, her gratitude overshadowed by the lingering pain.
Sun's panic subsided slightly as he witnessed Starr's resilience, his relief tangible as he turned his focus to the assailants responsible for her injury. Whirling around, he confronted the three imposing bandits, his staff poised for defense.
"Look what we got here, guys! Little kittens running away!" taunted the first bandit, a sinister smirk twisting his lips.
Sun's grip on his staff tightened as he braced himself for the confrontation, his resolve unwavering. "Back off!" he warned, his voice tinged with defiance.
The second bandit chuckled mockingly, his voice dripping with contempt. "Check it out, this animal thinks he's a Huntsman!" he jeered.
Sun's fury ignited as the bandits belittled him, his determination fueling his actions. With lightning speed, he lunged at the first bandit, striking him squarely in the knee with a precise blow. The bandit's anguished cry echoed through the air as he crumpled to the ground, writhing in pain.
Witnessing their comrade's distress, the remaining two bandits charged toward Sun with renewed aggression. Reacting swiftly, Sun evaded the third bandit's advance, delivering a powerful kick to his back that sent him stumbling forward, off balance.
When the second bandit charged at him, Sun swiftly swung his staff with remarkable force, landing a powerful blow to the man's face. There was a sickening crunch as bone met wood, and the bandit crumpled to the ground, rendered unconscious by the impact. Without missing a beat, Sun pivoted to confront the first bandit, who was attempting to retrieve his rifle. With a swift motion, Sun deftly knocked the weapon aside and delivered a decisive blow to the bandit's head, rendering him unconscious as well.
"Easy peasy!" Sun exclaimed triumphantly, a cocky grin spreading across his face.
Starr watched her cousin's swift actions with a mix of pride and concern. Despite his bravado, she knew the dangers they faced were far from over. Before she could fully process their victory, her attention was drawn to the third bandit, who lunged at Sun from behind while his back was turned.
"BEHIND YOU!" Starr's warning pierced the chaos, her voice laced with urgency.
Sun reacted swiftly, pivoting just in time to face his assailant. However, despite his efforts to evade the attack, the bandit's blade found its mark, slicing across Sun's chest with a searing pain.
As Sun staggered back, clutching his wounded chest, his mind reeled with shock and fear. Blood stained his white shirt, a stark reminder of his vulnerability in the face of danger.
The bandit smirked triumphantly, revealing the weapon's deadly composition. "Bet you didn't count on me having something like a MoonSteel weapon, huh?" he taunted.
Starr's eyes widened with horror at the revelation, her mind racing with disbelief. 'How did a bandit acquire something like MoonSteel!?' she wondered, her thoughts consumed by the implications of their predicament.
Meanwhile, Sun's terror threatened to overwhelm him as he grappled with the gravity of his situation. Frozen in place, he felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness wash over him, his mind consumed by a relentless cascade of fear and despair.
'I don't want to die!' Sun's thoughts echoed frantically in his mind, his heart pounding with dread. 'I never got to see the world beyond Vacuo. I never became a Huntsman. I don't want it to end like this!'
The bandit chuckled as he saw Sun's fearful expression, a sinister grin forming across his lips, knowing that he had scared the young boy to the very core. Yet, that wasn't enough for him, as he wanted to torture the young Faunus, "Ya know kid, I'm gonna enjoy this, but what I think I'm gonna enjoy more..." he began as he licked his lips, "Is making that little girl my whore,"
The bandit's cruel words only fueled Sun's desperation, igniting a fierce determination within him. With a newfound resolve, he squared his shoulders, his eyes blazing with defiance. "You're not gonna lay a finger on her!" Sun declared, his voice trembling with raw emotion.
The bandit laughed derisively, dismissing Sun's bravado with contempt. "And you think you're gonna stop me? Look at you, pissing your pants! You're weak!" he jeered, his tone laced with cruel amusement. "The desert belongs to the strong, and the strong take what they want!"
Undeterred by the bandit's mockery, Sun's fury surged to the surface, his resolve hardening with each passing moment. With a swift and decisive motion, he disarmed his opponent, his movements fluid and precise despite the chaos surrounding them.
In a burst of primal instinct, Sun unleashed a relentless assault on the bandit, his staff becoming a blur of motion as he delivered blow after punishing blow. Each strike was fueled by a potent mix of fear, anger, and desperation, driving Sun to unleash his pent-up emotions with unbridled ferocity.
As the bandit crumpled beneath the onslaught, Sun's rage consumed him, his mind clouded by a primal instinct for survival. With each strike, he felt a primal satisfaction coursing through his veins, drowning out the screams of his conscience with a deafening roar of fury.
"I'll kill you! I'll kill you! I'll kill you!" Sun's voice echoed with raw emotion, his words lost amidst the cacophony of battle as blood stained his clothes and tears streamed down his face.
Starr watched in horror as her cousin's descent into violence unfolded before her eyes. With a sinking feeling in her heart, she knew she had to intervene before things spiraled out of control.
"SUN! THAT'S ENOUGH!" Starr's voice cut through the chaos, her tone pleading yet resolute.
Sun's frenzied assault faltered as Starr's words penetrated his consciousness, her voice a lifeline amidst the daze of battle. Slowly, hesitantly, he relinquished his grip on his staff, his breaths ragged and labored as he turned to face his cousin.
The look of horror on Starr's face mirrored the turmoil raging within Sun's own heart. For the first time, he truly comprehended the gravity of his actions, the weight of his guilt bearing down on him like a crushing weight.
The bandit layed dead at his feet, his blood staining the grains of sand.
In that moment, Sun Wukong felt the crushing weight of his own humanity, the stark realization of what he had become. Gazing upon the bloodied figure at his feet, he knew that he could never undo the irreversible consequences of his actions.
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In the aftermath of the harrowing encounter with the bandits, the tribe was safe, as most of the warriors had survived, as well as the women, unharmed. The bandits were utterly defeated, so there was no need to worry about a second attack. However, just because the battle was over doesn't mean all was at peace.
Sun found himself wrestling in his tent with a torrent of conflicting emotions. Despite the reassurances of his cousin Starr, the weight of his actions bore heavily upon him. He couldn't shake the gnawing guilt lingering in his soul's depths.
Sun's appetite waned as he grappled with the aftermath of the violent confrontation.
Starr, ever perceptive, noticed his subdued demeanor and approached him with a gentle touch. "Sun," she began softly, her voice laced with concern. "Listen to me; what happened out there happened, You were just defending yourself and me and the other children," She told him.
Sun didn't reply immediately, still looking at the tent's floor.
"The bandits are the ones to blame, not you," Starr told him
Sun simply nodded slowly, but the words offered little solace as he retreated into his thoughts. With a heavy heart, he rose from his seat and slipped out of the tent, the weight of his guilt following him like a shadow.
Starr's eyes lingered on her cousin as he walked away, a flicker of concern etched into her features. She felt the urge to follow him, to offer comfort and reassurance in his time of need. But a voice within her urged restraint, reminding her that sometimes solitude was the greatest healer.
With a heavy heart, Starr decided to let Sun go, trusting that he would find solace in his own time. She understood that he needed space to process the events that had transpired, to grapple with the weight of his actions without the burden of her presence.
As Sun disappeared into the distance, Starr's thoughts turned inward, a silent prayer on her lips for her cousin's well-being. She knew that their bond was strong enough to weather any storm, and she vowed to be there for him when he was ready to open up.
For now, Starr would wait patiently, her faith unwavering in the resilience of their familial bond. And as she watched the desert sands swallow Sun's figure whole, she whispered a silent promise to stand by his side, no matter the challenges they faced ahead.
Venturing deeper into the desert's embrace, Sun felt a pull toward the expansive night sky stretching above him. The twinkling stars seemed to beckon him, their luminous dance casting a serene glow across the desolate landscape that lay beneath their celestial canopy.
Lost in the vastness of the heavens, Sun's footsteps slowed to a halt as he gazed upward, his breath catching in his throat at the sheer magnitude of the universe unfolding before him.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" a voice broke through the silence, and Sun turned to see an elder tribe member standing nearby, his weathered face illuminated by the soft moonlight.
Despite the elderly man's presence feeling unfamiliar to Sun, the young monkey Faunus nodded in response to the elder's words. His senses tingled with a strange mixture of curiosity and apprehension, but he kept his composure as he turned his gaze back to the twinkling stars above.
"Yeah, it is," Sun murmured softly, his voice barely audible over the gentle rustle of the desert breeze.
The elder nodded in understanding, his eyes reflecting a wisdom that seemed to transcend time. "The stars have a way of putting things into perspective," he mused. "Reminding us of our place in the grand tapestry of existence,"
Sun listened intently, the elder's words resonating deeply within him. For a fleeting moment, he felt a sense of peace wash over him as if the vastness of the cosmos held the answers to the questions that weighed heavy on his heart.
"Sometimes, it's easy to lose sight of our own path," the elder continued, his voice gentle yet firm. "But the stars remind us that even in the darkest of nights, there is always a guiding light to lead us home,"
Sun's gaze drifted back to the night sky, his mind awash with thoughts of destiny and purpose. As he stood beneath the star-strewn heavens, he couldn't help but wonder what role he was meant to play in the intricate dance of the universe.
"Do you believe in the gods?" Sun's voice carried a weight of uncertainty as he turned to the Elder, his eyes searching for solace amidst the vast expanse of the desert night.
The Elder met Sun's gaze with a calm assurance, his weathered features softened by the glow of the moon above. "I do, young man," he affirmed, his voice resonating with a quiet reverence for the divine.
Sun's next question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken fears and doubts. "Do you... Do you believe they can forgive someone who has blood on their hands?" His words were hesitant, laced with a vulnerability that echoed the turmoil within his soul.
The Elder regarded Sun with a gentle understanding, his eyes reflecting the depths of ancient wisdom. "Who is to say," he replied, his tone imbued with a sense of humility before the mysteries of the divine. "Think not of what has happened today, Sun Wukong, simply try to hold onto the future, and if you can't do that, then I believe you will surely speak to my sister soon enough and gain your answer to that question you have been asking yourself for a while,"
Sun's gaze lingered upon the stars above, absorbing the Elder's wisdom with a solemn reverence. Yet, a sudden realization jolted him from his contemplation, he had not told the man his name. This sudden realization quickly prompting him to turn swiftly towards the Elder. However, to his astonishment, the Elder had vanished without a trace, leaving behind only the vast expanse of the desert night.
Perplexed, Sun scanned the surrounding landscape, searching for any sign of the enigmatic figure who had offered him guidance. Yet, there was no trace of the Elder—no footprints in the sand, no lingering presence to mark his passing. It was as if he had dissolved into the ether, leaving Sun to ponder the nature of his encounter.
The desert offered no answers, only the silent whisper of the night wind as it danced across the dunes.
Alone beneath the vast awning of stars, Sun felt a sense of awe mingled with unease, his mind grappling with the Elder's inexplicable disappearance. As he stood amidst the silent expanse of the desert, he couldn't shake the feeling that he had just witnessed something far beyond the realm of mortal understanding.
Sun tilted his head back, his gaze fixed upon the shimmering tapestry of stars above, his features etched with uncertainty. "Is my destiny written in those stars?" he murmured softly to the night sky. "Can they offer me forgiveness for the blood on my hands? Can I continue down the path I've chosen... Can I still aspire to be a Huntsman? Can I be Free?"
The desert night held no answers, only the silent twinkle of distant constellations and the whispered secrets of the cosmos.
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Days later, After the raid upon their tribe and after Starr's wounds slowly got better, Sun made his way to Chairo's tent, his steps purposeful yet weighted with the lingering thoughts of the previous day's events and the mysterious occurrence of the previous night's events. As he approached the tent, he could feel the weight of uncertainty pressing down on him, but he pushed the thoughts aside, determined to focus on his training.
Entering the tent, Sun found Chairo already preparing for their session, his expression calm and welcoming. "Ah, Sun, right on time," Chairo greeted warmly, motioning for Sun to join him.
Sun nodded in acknowledgment, offering a small smile in return as he settled into a familiar spot within the tent. "Thanks, Chairo, I'm ready to get started," he replied, his voice betraying a hint of lingering tension.
Chairo nodded and requested that Sun practice with a bit of shadow sparing and Sun agreed.
Sun swung his staff in practiced arcs, his movements precise yet lacking the usual fervor that characterized his training sessions with Chairo. The elder monk observed Sun's demeanor with a discerning eye, noting the subtle signs of distraction and unease that clouded the young man's focus.
After a particularly lackluster display, Chairo called for a pause in their training, motioning for Sun to sit beside him under the shade of a nearby tree. With a gentle smile, Chairo began their conversation. "Something seems to be troubling you, Sun," Chairo told the young boy, "Care to share?"
Sun hesitated for a moment before exhaling deeply, his shoulders sagging with the weight of his thoughts. "It's just... ever since that day, I can't shake this feeling," he confessed, his gaze fixed on the ground. "I keep wondering if I did the right thing, if I'm even a good person,"
Chairo placed a comforting hand on Sun's shoulder, offering him a reassuring smile. "Sun, what you did was an act of self-defense, You protected yourself and the others from harm," he said earnestly. "It's natural to question such actions, but you mustn't let guilt consume you, Death is a part of life, my dear student, and sometimes, it's necessary to preserve life,"
Sun nodded slowly, absorbing Chairo's words with a mix of relief and uncertainty. "But what if I become a Huntsman?" he pondered aloud. "Will I have to face more death? Will I become part of that... spiral?"
Chairo's expression grew solemn as he nodded in understanding. "Those who choose the path of a Huntsman often find themselves entangled in a cycle of violence and death," he explained gravely. "It's a harsh reality of that life, and many are unable to break free from its grasp, some find ways to dull the pain or run from it, but I will tell you the harsh truth, Sun," He began.
Sun regarded his mentor quizzically, Chairo's solemn demeanor piqued his curiosity. He wondered what profound truth the elder was about to impart.
Chairo's sigh carried the weight of years of experience and wisdom as he regarded the young faunus with a steady gaze. "Embracing the path of a Huntsman is a noble endeavor," he began, his voice tinged with solemnity. "In doing so, you'll undoubtedly be a beacon of hope, saving lives and making a difference in the world, but it's important to understand that this journey won't be without its trials. You'll encounter heartache, sorrow, and suffering along the way,"
For a moment, He paused, his gaze momentarily drifting to the ground before returning to Sun.
"Yet, amidst the darkness, there is always a glimmer of light," Chairo continued, his tone infused with reassurance. "It's during the most trying times that we discover our true strength and resilience; remember, my young pupil, that sometimes, one must endure the most arduous challenges to find solace and peace at the journey's end,"
Sun's brows furrowed as he grappled with the implications of Chairo's words. "So... what should I do?" he asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty, "What is my Destiny?"
Chairo chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. "Do you truly believe in destiny, Sun?" he inquired, his tone playful yet probing.
Sun hesitated before nodding resolutely. "I do," he replied with conviction.
Chairo's smirk widened as he leaned in closer to Sun, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Well then, my young friend, I have just the thing for you," he said cryptically. "A ritual that will allow you to commune with the gods themselves and seek guidance for your path."
Sun's eyes widened in surprise and intrigue. "How... How does it work?" he asked eagerly.
Chairo leaned back, a knowing glint in his eyes. "It's a sacred ritual passed down through generations," he explained. "Through a few special herbs and some chants from the Tribes Bruja, we can put your mind and soul into the world of spirits, and thus, help you seek answers from the gods,"
Sun's heart raced with anticipation at the prospect of uncovering his destiny. "Can we... can we perform the ritual Tonight?" he asked, his excitement palpable.
Chairo nodded, a serene smile gracing his features. "Of course, Sun," Chairo replied. "Prepare yourself, for the gods may reveal truths that you never imagined, or they may not even reveal things to you, may not show themselves, but I am sure, you shall find the answers you seek, one way or another," he said, his voice tinged with reverence.
With a sense of determination burning in his heart, Sun braced himself for the ritual that would unravel the mysteries of his fate.
"Even if I can talk to one god, I'll be fine!" Sun's voice echoed with a glimmer of hope, his eyes alight with determination. "I-If I can just ask even one of them a few questions, I-I'll be happy!" he confided to Chairo.
Chairo's wise gaze met Sun's fervent expression, a paternal warmth emanating from his weathered features. "Understood, my young student," he acknowledged solemnly. "But remember Sun, once the ritual is complete and should you find what you seek, when you return, I want you to remember one important thing."
Sun leaned in attentively, his curiosity piqued. "What is it?" he inquired, eager for Chairo's guidance.
"Do not rely too heavily on the gods and their words," Chairo imparted, his voice laden with wisdom. "The gods and spirits can offer guidance, but it is ultimately our own actions that shape our destiny, promise me, Sun, that you will not become dependent on the gods' words when you return."
Sun absorbed Chairo's words, a sense of solemn understanding settling over him. With a determined nod, he affirmed, "I promise, Chairo."
Chairo's smile was tender yet knowing, a silent reassurance passing between master and pupil. "Good," he acknowledged with a gentle nod. "Now, let us continue our training. Once it is complete, I will speak to the Bruja tribes and arrange the ritual for you tonight."
Sun's spirits lifted at the prospect of moving forward, newfound vigor coursing through his veins. Chairo observed the transformation with quiet satisfaction, knowing that he could offer Sun the guidance and support he sought. Sun was a cherished pupil, and Chairo was determined to help him find the answers he sought.
As the evening descended and the ritual approached, Chairo remained confident that Sun would find the peace he sought. Whether through communion with the gods or the spirits, Sun would uncover the knowledge he yearned for, guiding him on his journey towards enlightenment and understanding.
And in the quiet of the night, as Sun prepared to embark on his quest for answers, the promise of Knowledge and insight awaited him, a beacon of hope amidst the uncertainty of the unknown.
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Damn guys, not even gonna lie, this chapter took a lot out of me, not only because I had to really take my time on it, but I also had/wanted to change up my writing style.
I know this sounds dumb and maybe a little arrogant, but I want my stories to be as good as an actual novel, I want them to be good and with the Act that were entering I felt like I had to use some bigger words and be a bit more detailed and... abstract? If that's tha right world?
Anyway, I liked out the chapter came out as if defintatly felt different to the chapter I wrote previously and to me it felt like I hit the nail on the head with philosophical stuff that this Act is gonna contain, but I know that the new writing style may be jarring but this is how I'll be writing from now on with certain stories so, please let me know if you like it or not, and please let me know if you enjoyed the chapter with the new writing style.
Thank you all and have a nice day/night!