When Ryu finishes, the droid looks over at me and then at Nikko before turning back to Ryu. "My condolences on Lyra. She was an excellent engineer."

  "Yes, she was," Ryu says, his voice tinged with sadness.

  "This Shadowfell, you will try to stop it?" IG-22 asks.

  "Yes, we are," Ryu confirms.

  IG-22 raises its arms after declaring, "Then I am at your service." But something about its movements seems... off. The droid pauses, turning its arms, examining them as if expecting to see something that's no longer there. Its three photoreceptors shift, scanning its own limbs in a way that feels unsettlingly methodical.

  Ryu, noticing the droid's confusion, steps forward with a quiet sigh. "Sorry, IG-22," he says, his voice a mix of apology and practicality. "The wrist blasters were destroyed in the crash."

  The droid lowers its arms, its head tilting slightly as its red photoreceptors focus on Ryu. I watch as it processes this, its movements so precise and calculated, yet there's something almost... disappointed in the way it turns toward Ryu. I didn't think a droid could express anything close to emotion, but IG-22 comes eerily close.

  Ryu doesn't wait for a response, moving over to a nearby crate. "I made you some replacements," he says as he pulls out two identical blasters.

  The weapons are sleek, their matte black surfaces glinting under the dim light in the cave. They have a tactical look, compact but powerful. Perforated cooling vents surround the barrels, and a faint orange light glows from the power meters etched into the sides. The handles look like they're made for precision, every detail crafted for efficiency. Ryu hands them over to IG-22.

  The droid takes the blasters, one in each hand, and turns its photoreceptors toward them, scanning. There's an eerie silence as it examines the weapons, almost as if it's thinking—though how a machine can think like this unnerves me. After a moment, it finally speaks, its tone colder than before. "I find it demeaning that you chose to hand me these kind of blasters."

  Before I can even process what it said, IG-22 reaches behind its back, and with a magnetic click, the blasters snap securely into place. I raise an eyebrow, more than a little puzzled by the reaction. A droid... offended? That can't be right.

  Ryu sighs, arms crossing over his chest. "Why do you say that?"

  "These blasters were commonly used by battle droids of the CIS during the Clone Wars," the droid responds, its tone even, but I can't help but sense a hint of disdain. "I am not a battle droid."

  I glance at Ryu, surprised by how... personal that sounded. Can droids even take offense? My mind swirls with questions, but Ryu stays calm, nodding after a beat.

  "You're right," he says quietly, but there's no apology in his voice, only understanding. "You're not a battle droid. But these work just as well as your wrist blasters have." His words are steady, reassuring, but there's a firmness to them too. "And if I'm not mistaken a particular variant of battle droids used wrist blasters too. So, suck it up."

  IG-22's photoreceptors flicker as if processing this, and then it responds simply, "Very well."

  Ryu gives a slight nod, his gaze unwavering. "Good. I need you to keep watch at the cave entrance. Let us know if anything approaches."

  Without another word, IG-22 turns on its mechanical heel, marching out of the cave with its stiff, purposeful steps. The sound of its movements echoes briefly before fading into the quiet of the cave.

  I let out a slow breath, feeling the tension ease slightly, though I can't help but glance at Ryu. "Is IG-22... upset?" I ask, still trying to wrap my head around what just happened.

  Ryu gives a soft chuckle, not looking up as he rummages through the supplies. "It's a little side effect from Lyra's reprogramming," he says, his tone carrying a hint of fondness. "It tends to say whatever comes into its circuits."

  I blink, processing that for a moment. "Wait... so you're saying it has opinions now?" I ask, half-joking but also genuinely curious.

  Ryu smirks, shaking his head slightly. "In a way, yeah. Lyra made a few... modifications to its personality core. IG-22 was always a bit different after that." He pauses, standing up straight and looking at me. "It's still an assassin droid, but it's got a bit more... personality than it used to."

  I can't help but laugh a little at the absurdity of it all. "Great. A snarky assassin droid with a chip on its shoulder."

  Ryu chuckles at that, a lightness returning to his expression. "Trust me, you get used to it. And it's incredibly effective when it comes to getting the job done." His face softens for a moment, and I can see the trace of memories of Lyra in his eyes.

  I glance toward the entrance where IG-22 disappeared, my earlier unease easing just a bit. "I guess as long as it's on our side," I murmur, still trying to wrap my head around the idea of a droid with opinions.

  Ryu gives a small nod, turning back to the supplies. "It is. Just don't expect it to hold back on what it thinks."

  I shake my head, half-smiling to myself. "Duly noted."

  ?????

  It's deep into the night, and I am nestled in the bed, sharing the space with Ryu and Nikko. The cave is enveloped in darkness, save for the faint glow of the embers from the fireplace. I am asleep, or at least I think I am, until an unsettling sensation washes over me—the feeling of being watched. I open my eyes slowly, and my heart nearly stops when I see three glowing red dots staring back at me from the darkness. Panic seizes me, and I scream, the sound echoing off the cave walls.

  Ryu and Nikko are startled awake by my scream. "What's wrong?" Ryu asks, his voice filled with concern. He follows my gaze, and his expression shifts from worry to frustration as he spots the source of my fear.

  "Dammit, IG-22, can you not do that?" Ryu says, his tone carrying a hint of anger.

  The three red dots belong to IG-22, its photoreceptors glowing eerily in the darkness. "But you told me to watch the premise," IG-22 responds.

  "Yes, but not like that. I meant patrol the area, not literally watch us sleep," Ryu clarifies, exasperated.

  "Understood," IG-22 says before turning and leaving the cave to continue its patrol.

  I let out a frustrated sigh, my heart still racing. "Is he always like that?" I ask, rubbing my eyes and trying to calm down.

  "Unfortunately," Ryu replies, shaking his head.

  Nikko chuckles softly at the exchange, the tension in the cave easing slightly. She nestles back down beside Ryu, and I follow suit, still feeling a bit unnerved.

  "Hope he doesn't do that again," I mutter as I lie back down. I scoot closer to Ryu, seeking comfort. Without thinking, I rest my head on his chest, the warmth and steady rhythm of his heartbeat soothing my frayed nerves.

  As I become aware of what I'm doing, my heart starts to race again, but this time it's not from fear. My cheeks flush, and I can feel the heat rising to my face. Before I can move away, Ryu's arm wraps around me, pulling me closer. His embrace is firm yet gentle, his breathing steady and calming. The rise and fall of his chest under my head is a reassuring rhythm, lulling me into a sense of security.

  Despite my initial nervousness, the closeness brings a sense of peace. The unsettling presence of IG-22 is a distant memory now, replaced by the comforting warmth of Ryu's hold. The worries and fears of the night start to fade, and I find myself relaxing, my breathing matching the rhythm of his.

  In this moment, I feel safe. The events of the day and the looming threats seem far away. I close my eyes, letting the warmth of Ryu's embrace wash over me. The sounds of the cave, the soft crackling of the dying fire, and the gentle breaths of my companions become a lullaby. Slowly, I begin to drift off, feeling more content and at ease than I have in a long time.

  This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  The next couple of days pass by quickly, a blur of activity that keeps my mind occupied. Thanks to IG-22's help, the work on the speeder bike progresses swiftly. To pass the time, Nikko and I work on our shooting skills, and I help her refine her stance and fighting techniques. The sun climbs higher in the sky, casting long shadows in the cave.

  By mid-afternoon, the smell of stew fills the air. I stir the pot, glancing over at Nikko, who is deeply engrossed in Lyra's notebook. IG-22 applies the final touches to the speeder. The new speeder is an impressive sight, sleek and streamlined, its body built for both speed and agility. It resembles more a starship than a speeder bike. Unlike its predecessors, it has retractable wings that Ryu has ingeniously incorporated, transforming it from a simple speeder into a formidable fighter. The engines are powerful and compact, designed for maximum thrust, and the cockpit is spacious enough for all of us.

  Ryu, meanwhile, is at a workbench, surrounded by various blaster parts. Barrels, grips, and scopes are spread out in an organized chaos as he repairs and fine-tunes each piece. I feel a sense of relief seeing the speeder nearing completion. Soon, we will be able to head out and continue our journey. However, a nagging worry about the outside world and its silence lingers in the back of my mind.

  With the stew finally done, we gather by the cave entrance, enjoying the serene beauty of the forest. The sunlight filters through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the ground. We sit in a comfortable silence, savoring the warmth of the stew and the peaceful surroundings.

  "The speeder is finally complete," Ryu announces between spoonfuls of stew. Nikko and I look up from our bowls, excitement evident on our faces. Nikko's eyes sparkle with anticipation, and I can't help but feel a surge of excitement myself.

  "With the speeder now ready, we can head straight for the elven capital city of Inyeth Themar," Ryu continues. "Hopefully, we can get an audience with the elven king and also find some extensive information on the Shadowfell there."

  He then turns to Nikko. "I'd like to see what Talia has been teaching you. Can you show me?"

  Nikko puts down her half-empty bowl of stew and jumps up. "Of course, Papa!" she exclaims, eager to demonstrate what she has learned.

  As Nikko explains and demonstrates her newly acquired skills, I watch with a smile forming on my face. I look over at Ryu, who is watching intently, his focus completely on Nikko. In this moment, surrounded by the simple joys of teaching and learning, I wish this peaceful scene would never end. Just the three of us, in our little cave in the forest, enjoying each other's company and finding solace in our small victories.

  Nikko performs a series of moves, mimicking the stances and techniques I have taught her. "This is how you parry," she says, moving her small arms in a defensive maneuver. "And this is how you strike back," she continues, demonstrating a quick, precise thrust.

  Ryu nods approvingly. "Very good, Nikko. You've improved a lot."

  Nikko beams with pride, her tail swishing happily. "Talia is a great teacher!"

  My heart warms at the compliment, feeling a sense of accomplishment. I look at Ryu, who meets my gaze with a look of gratitude and admiration. The connection between us feels stronger than ever, forged through our shared experiences and the quiet moments of teaching and learning.

  As we finish our meal and clean up, the sense of anticipation for the journey ahead mingles with the bittersweet feeling of leaving behind the safety and comfort of the cave. We prepare for our departure, each of us lost in our thoughts, but united by our shared purpose and the bonds we have formed.

  The cave is bustling with activity. I'm busy packing supplies—food, water pouches, and cooking tools—while Nikko assists me. Apollo is gathering Ryu's tools and materials, and Ryu himself is collecting all the weapons we might need. Suddenly, the serene environment is disrupted by the erratic beeping from Ryu's glove. The sound echoes in the cave, causing both Nikko and me to rush over, concern etched on our faces.

  Ryu's fingers dance over the gauntlet, and a holographic image springs to life, displaying a bird's-eye view of the cave and the surrounding forest. A cluster of white dots represents us, with one yellow dot indicating DP-7. But what catches our attention are the red dots moving swiftly towards our location. Ryu zooms in, revealing a young woman clutching a satchel, running desperately through the forest, pursued by a group of soldiers.

  The woman's appearance is striking: her long auburn hair is braided neatly, and she wears a practical yet stylish outfit consisting of a wide-brimmed hat, a white shirt, a leather vest, and trousers tucked into sturdy boots. Her face is framed by loose strands of hair, and her eyes, filled with fear and determination, dart around as she runs.

  ?????

  Rebecca is out of breath. She has been running for what feels like hours. She thought she had lost the soldiers, but they found her again when she took a brief rest by a creek. Clutching her satchel tightly, she knows she can't let them get what she's carrying. Suddenly, she trips and falls face-first into the dirt. She turns over and sees the culprit: a tree root protruding from the ground. The soldiers catch up, surrounding her.

  The soldiers surrounding Rebecca are grim-faced, their dark armor bearing a striking resemblance to that of the soldiers of Eldoria, though it's clear to Rebecca they are something else entirely. The metal of their armor, though well-crafted, has a sinister gleam, a darker hue than the typical silver of Eldorian armor—almost black, yet with a strange, dull shine that catches the dim light in eerie ways. Their helmets are sleek and faceless, obscuring all emotion, save for the narrow slits for their eyes that gleam like predators in the night.

  But it's the emblem emblazoned on their chest plates and shields that catches Rebecca's attention. Instead of the proud griffin of Eldoria, these soldiers bear the twisted emblem of a coiling serpent-like figure, its form wrapped around a broken blade, dripping with inky blackness. The symbol exudes menace, as if it were alive, pulsating with dark energy.

  Their boots thud against the ground as they surround Rebecca, and she can see the slight reflections of the dark emblem in the blades of their weapons—swords curved in a cruel fashion, meant not just to kill but to cause suffering. Even their cloaks, a dark, tattered fabric, seem to flow unnaturally, adding to the air of dread surrounding them.

  Everything about them—their stance, their cold, mocking voices, the way they move—reeks of something far worse than the standard soldiers of Eldoria. These are no mere soldiers. These serve a far darker being, and Rebecca is right to be terrified.

  "Did you really think you could get away with this, Rebecca?" one of the soldiers snarls.

  "Stealing from the Great Shadow? Tsk tsk tsk, Rebecca," another chimes in mockingly. Rebecca remains silent, clutching her satchel in terror. She has not once given them her name. How do they know her name? One soldier grabs it, but she holds on tightly until another places a sword to her neck, forcing her to release her grip.

  "Normally, for a crime like this, you'd spend some time in the mines, maybe lose a hand," the soldier with the satchel says, tossing it to another behind her. "But the Great One doesn't appreciate his own books and manuscripts being stolen, so the penalty will be death."

  Two soldiers pick her up roughly, holding her tightly by the arms and neck. They force her to kneel, pressing her head against a tree stump. One soldier raises his sword, preparing to strike. Rebecca begins to cry, pleading for someone—anyone—to save her. "No one can hear you," one of the soldiers cackles. "No one's coming to save you."

  But a strange sound stops them. It sounds like heavy, whining thuds. The soldiers all turn to the direction where those thuds are coming from, letting go of Rebecca. Rebecca's breath catches in her throat as the source of the strange, thudding steps out of the dense forest. The figure is towering and menacing, standing well over six feet tall. Its thin body is a patchwork of metal and strange components, with an elongated, cylindrical head adorned with multiple glowing red eyes that seem to scan the area with an eerie precision. The torso is a series of interlocking metal plates, giving it a skeletal appearance, and its limbs are thin yet powerfully built, constructed with a combination of strange joints and metal coverings. The metallic sheen of its exterior catches the dim light, casting an almost sinister glow as it moves.

  The being's arms and legs are covered in intricate mechanisms, with pistons and gears that whir softly as it walks. Strapped across its chest is a series of bandoliers, each holding various tools and components. Its hands are large and claw-like, designed for both fine manipulation and crushing strength. The legs are sturdy, with wide, articulated feet that grip the ground with each step, ensuring balance and stability. Two sheaths attached to its back house strange weapons, each one sleek and metallic.

  "You are to immediately leave this area at once," the being says, its voice hollow and lifeless. It continues to move forward, holding strange objects in either hand. The soldiers surround it, ignoring its warning. "This will be your final warning." it says, but the soldiers don't move.

  Rebecca's eyes widen in terror as she takes in the details of the metal being. The multiple glowing red eyes give it an almost insect-like appearance, scanning the surroundings with cold, mechanical efficiency. The way it moves is unnervingly smooth, each motion fluid yet precise, like a predator stalking its prey. Despite its mechanical nature, there is an air of authority and menace about it that makes her blood run cold. She has never seen anything like this before and can't comprehend what it is or why it's here. The fact that it speaks, issuing commands in a hollow, lifeless voice, only adds to the surreal horror of the situation.

  One soldier charges in, but the being catches his sword arm mid-swing with its own hand, stopping the blade effortlessly. The soldier cries out in pain as his arm is twisted in an unnatural direction, startling his comrades and Rebecca. Two more soldiers charge in simultaneously. The being moves quickly, dodging one sword strike and grabbing the other soldier by the neck. He gasps for air as he is lifted into the air and used as a weapon, smashing into the other soldier.

  The remaining soldiers hesitate but then charge. The being retrieves the strange weapons from sheaths on its legs and fires beams of red light, hitting each soldier in the chest. They collapse to the ground, dead, smoke rising from their chest plates. One of the being's red eyes turns to Rebecca, and panic takes over. She turns and tries to run but trips over another tree root. She turns onto her back and tries to crawl away as the menacing figure steps closer.

  "Are you unharmed?" it asks, but Rebecca is too terrified to comply. She cries out for the being to stay back. It raises one of its weapons and aims it at her. Before she can react, a blue ring of light hits her, and everything goes black.