The new day had begun. The sun rose high in the sky, its tormenting heat already pressing down upon the village below. In ancient times, it was said that the people knew a method to survive such days: a heavy rain would often precede the heat, calming the earth before the sun scorched it mercilessly. But today, there was no rain. Only the oppressive blaze of sunlight.
Aron walked along a dreadful, winding road. Each step felt heavy, yet necessary. He sought a fresh start, a chance to leave behind the shadows that had followed him. Yet, his mind refused rest. Wood's backstory ran through his thoughts like an endless river, a story of struggles, sacrifices, and secrets that weighed on him even now.
Eventually, Aron reached a breathtaking mountain, its slopes blanketed with delicate, white lily flowers that swayed gently in the wind. The sight made him pause. He took careful steps into the field, each movement soft, almost reverent. Finally, he lay down amidst the lilies, placing both arms beneath his head. He inhaled deeply, letting the gentle mountain air fill his lungs. The sunlight, though bright and scorching, felt strangely kind, almost nurturing. All around him were mountains and valleys, untouched beauty that seemed to whisper promises of hope. He had once dreamed of reviving a dead land, and now, standing here, he felt closer to becoming the man he had hoped to be—delicate, peaceful, yet determined.
Yet, something was not right. A strange sensation prickled at the edge of his awareness, a feeling that someone—or something—was waiting for him.
He closed his eyes, letting nature wash over him completely. A soft rustle caught his attention. Slowly, a baby goat approached, sniffing the air cautiously before venturing closer. Aron's eyes snapped open. For a brief moment, fear surged through him—he wasn't used to sudden, unexpected company in such a remote place.
"Ahh…" he breathed out, calming himself. It was just a goat. Its soft, silk-like fur glimmered in the sunlight. Aron reached out and gently placed a hand on its head. "Where are your parents, kiddo?" he murmured, a soft smile forming on his lips.
From the mountain path, a stranger's figure appeared. An old man, his steps slow but purposeful, approached. His eyes were sincere, curious yet kind. Aron observed him cautiously, the baby goat still nestled against his side.
"Who are you, young man?" the stranger asked, his voice aged but steady.
"My name is Aron. I live down in the Wood Field," Aron replied.
"I am Hakiro," the man said. "It seems this little one has taken quite a liking to you, son."
Aron chuckled softly. "I don't know why, but… it's the first time I've experienced something like this."
Hakiro's eyes twinkled. "Do you know that even animals have the power to sense the nature of a person? They can feel your heart, your spirit."
"They… do?" Aron admitted, shaking his head slightly. "I've never thought about it."
"They do. We humans may not always see it, but they sense it all the same," Hakiro explained.
The goat, seemingly satisfied with Aron's presence, nestled further into his lap, resting peacefully.
"Look at that," Hakiro said, his voice warm. "This goat feels safe with you. If your spirit were dark, or if your heart were heavy with malice, it wouldn't come near. You have a kind soul, young man. Animals know it."
Aron stroked the goat's soft fur. "Hm… he is cute. It's fun, but… I think I should return to the field. There's work to be done. The dead land waits."
"Indeed," Hakiro replied. "I do not see many people like you. Reviving a dead land… it is a noble pursuit. But do you do it alone?"
"Yes," Aron said, his tone resolute. "It is part of my training. And yet, being here, I feel… changed. Different."
Hakiro nodded, sitting down on a nearby rock, his staff resting against his shoulder. "Tell me, boy… who is the real problem in this world? Humans… or darkness itself?"
Aron widened his eyes. The answer should have been simple, yet something within him stopped him from speaking. Silence stretched between them.
"Even you cannot answer," Hakiro said gently. "That means you have suffered. You have struggled. And yet… here you are. That struggle brought you to this moment."
Aron could say nothing. He wanted to answer, to make sense of it all, yet he could not. He simply did not know who was right or wrong.
Hakiro smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling. "Do you wish to adopt this goat?"
Aron's eyes widened. "Huh… can I? How… how can you give me your goat?"
"Do not worry," Hakiro said. "I see the strength of your heart, the clarity of your mind. You wish to protect, to help. You may have him, as a gift from a villager who trusts your spirit."
A smile spread across Aron's face. The baby goat rested in his arms, sunlight glinting off its fur. Hakiro stood, leaning on his staff. "Then this is where we part, son. I must take the rest of my goats now. But take care of him. Protect him."
"I will," Aron replied earnestly. "I will protect him with my life."
"I know you will," Hakiro said. With that, he began to walk away. Within minutes, he had vanished from sight.
Aron stood, cradling the baby goat in his arms. Far in the distance, the lands were green, alive, and vibrant. Even the mountains seemed to shine in a heaven-like splendor. The wind tugged at his hair as he began walking toward Mr. Wood's home, carrying his new companion.
When he arrived, Carlos and Mr. Wood were chatting in the yard. Both turned as they saw Aron approaching, the baby goat in his arms.
"Wow!" Carlos exclaimed, running toward him. "What a beautiful goat! Where did you get him?"
Wood came closer, his eyes inspecting the little creature. "A nice goat. Who gave you this, Aron?"
"My name was Hakiro," Aron said, smiling. "He gave him to me on the mountain covered with lily flowers."
Wood's eyebrows rose. "That man… he speaks to almost no one in the village. If he gave you this goat, consider it a blessing. Protect him with your life."
"I will," Aron replied.
Wood smiled faintly. "And by the way… from today, Carlos will work with you."
"No way! That's awesome. Now the dead land can be revived much faster," Aron said.
Carlos laughed. "First, we need to prepare a proper home for him."
They built a small wooden shelter with thick woolen sheets, making a comfortable resting place for the baby goat. Aron placed him inside gently, and the goat settled immediately, looking content and safe.
The next morning, the two boys went to work in the fields. With pickaxes and shovels, they loosened the hardened sand, letting water seep in to nourish the soil. They removed rocks, cleared debris, and sweat poured down their faces under the scorching sun. The goat frolicked beside them, playfully nipping at their heels and darting between their legs, bringing laughter to the grueling work.
"Yo, Aron," Carlos said, brushing sweat from his forehead, "let's go to the seashore tomorrow. Heavy rain would make it even better."
"Huh, okay," Aron replied. "But first, let's grab some water. I'm parched."
The baby goat trotted along, nudging them playfully, and even licking Aron's cheek, making him laugh.
As the day ended, the horizon glowed orange with the coming dawn. Wood called them for dinner. "I've prepared meat stew. Clean yourselves and get ready for a feast."
They ran to the well, splashing water at each other, laughing until they were soaked. The goat watched them, bleating happily as if enjoying the playful chaos.
Finally, the family settled for their meal, the goat resting peacefully beside Aron. Laughter filled the air, and for a moment, the world seemed perfect.
But far away, in the depths of the Kingdom of Hell, a dangerous power stirred. From the ground, an ominous energy began to erupt, a silent promise that trouble was approaching.