The Powhatan village had survived the Heartless attack, but unease still lingered in the air. Warriors patrolled the perimeter, scanning the dark woods for any remaining creatures, while the villagers cleaned up the aftermath. Some homes had been damaged, but no one had been lost—a small miracle.
At the center of the village, Chief Powhatan stood before Helios, Aqua, and Skuld, his gaze heavy with both gratitude and caution. His warriors flanked him, weapons still in hand, though not raised.
"These creatures… the ones you fought," he began, his voice steady but firm, "they were not of this land. And yet, you did not seem surprised to see them."
Helios smiled slightly, slipping into his usual dance of half-truths. "We've encountered them before in our travels. They are drawn to negative emotions and to those who seek power above all else."
Aqua, standing beside him, took a more direct approach. "They are called Heartless. They are creatures that steal the hearts of those who let darkness consume them. These were the first, but they won't be the last."
Powhatan's expression did not change, though his grip tightened on the staff in his hand. "And what do you seek here?"
"To protect," Aqua answered without hesitation.
"To learn," Skuld added, surprising Helios.
Helios smiled and let the moment settle before speaking. "I said before we are travelers who simply wish to understand these lands and the tales shared by you all. Although we try to avoid fighting we know traveling is dangerous to those who cannot. This village and your people welcomed us and we to repay that wished to defend this place. We hope you will allow us to stay and help you defend against this threat."
Powhatan studied them carefully before nodding. "Very well. You have proven yourselves capable, but strength alone does not earn trust. You may stay—but know this, if you bring harm to my people, I will cast you out myself."
Helios gave a small bow of respect. "Fair enough."
Pocahontas stood at the edge of the river, gripping her bow tightly. The battle had unsettled her. Not because of fear—but because of how natural it had felt. When the Heartless had attacked, she had reacted instinctively, her arrows guided by the wind as if the land itself whispered directions to her.
It was strange.
And exciting.
Aqua and Skuld approached her, the latter still energized despite the fight.
"You were incredible back there," Skuld said, smiling.
"I was just defending my people," Pocahontas replied, lowering her bow.
Aqua tilted her head. "No, it was more than that. You… didn't just fight, you commanded the wind itself."
Pocahontas hesitated. "The wind has always spoken to me."
Skuld's eyes lit up. "Then maybe we should try something."
She held out her hand, a swirl of air forming in her palm. "This is Aeroga. It's magic, but… I think you might already have something like it inside you. Maybe it's not magic, but something even stronger—something tied to this land."
Pocahontas hesitated before reaching out. As her fingers brushed the swirling wind, she felt something stir within her, like a breeze responding to her call. The moment lasted only a second, but it left her breathless.
Aqua exchanged a glance with Skuld. "She's special."
Skuld nodded. "I guess the title isn't just for show."
Meanwhile, deep within the English settlement of Jamestown, Governor Ratcliffe sat in his lavish tent, frustration twisting his features. His expedition had yielded nothing—no gold, no riches, nothing but forests and savages standing in his way to going deeper into the forest.
He slammed a goblet onto the table. "This land mocks me."
A faint whisper curled around him.
Or perhaps… it was inside him.
He turned sharply, eyes narrowing. The tent seemed darker than before. The candlelight flickered strangely, casting shadows that twisted unnaturally.
Then he saw them.
Eyes.
Glowing, yellow eyes peering from the corners of his tent. At first, just a few—then dozens. Small creatures of darkness, slinking forward, waiting, watching.
Ratcliffe felt no fear. Instead, he felt something new.
Power.
They were waiting for him.
Waiting for his command.
A cruel smile spread across his face.
"Well, well. Perhaps this land has something to offer after all."
At dusk, Helios approached Pocahontas, two sturdy, wooden sticks in hand. She was practicing with her bow, but he had something else in mind.
"You fight well with a bow," he said, tossing one stick to her. "But what about close combat?"
She caught it easily, frowning. "I already know how to use a spear and a knife."
Helios grinned. "Then you'll learn something new."
Pocahontas hesitated, but Helios pressed forward. "As a traveler, I've learned that you should always take the opportunity to learn. Who knows? Maybe one day, this will save your life."
She sighed, adjusting her grip. "Fine. But you let me teach you something."
Helios smirked. "Deal."
Without warning, he lunged.
Pocahontas reacted fast, blocking his strike with quick reflexes. Helios pressed forward, testing her reactions with a series of rapid swings. She blocked well but didn't counterattack.
"You're too defensive," he noted. "You need to strike, not just react."
She narrowed her eyes and stepped forward, swinging hard. Helios dodged, but barely—she was fast.
Good.
He feinted left, then struck low, sweeping at her legs. She leapt back, but he followed with a downward strike. Pocahontas barely blocked in time, her arms straining.
Helios saw her frustration and grinned. "You're holding back."
Pocahontas grit her teeth. "You're toying with me."
Helios chuckled. "Well, maybe a little. I prefer to call it teaching."
She exhaled, gripping her weapon tighter. Then—she moved.
Faster.
Stronger.
She ducked under a strike and countered, forcing Helios to retreat. Then, she twisted, sweeping her stick in a wide arc. Helios blocked, but the force sent him skidding back.
His smirk grew deeper. 'Interesting, she somehow mixed wind into her strike. I wonder what more she can do?'
Pocahontas shifted into a lower stance, her movements now more fluid, her strikes faster. Helios saw that she was very adaptable, a true warrior in the making.
He met her next strike with a grin, blocking and countering with renewed vigor. The battle continued under the setting sun, their movements blurring as the fight turned into a dance of skill and instinct.
As they clashed, Pocahontas felt something stir within her again. The wind whispered at her back, guiding her movements. Her strikes became swifter, more precise—until finally, she disarmed Helios, knocking the stick from his hands.
She stepped back, breathing hard, her eyes shining with exhilaration.
Helios raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. You win."
Pocahontas grinned. "Now, I teach you."
Helios chuckled. "Fair is fair."
As night settled over the village, the two sat by the river, Pocahontas showing him the way of the spear, unaware that Helios held back and wished for this development. His handling of Bríon na Lú was impeded by the fact that he was so used to a sword stance so he needed to learn how to wield a spear and learning from Pocahontas not only helped him but grew their relationship slightly. He would need her trust if his plan was going to work out after all.