Current Status:

Name: Sakura

Level: 2/25

Species: Water Nymph

HP:1600/1600 (1600/1600)

MP:2000/2000

SP:900/900

Offense:19

Defense:268

Magic Power:619

Resistance:268

Speed:460

[Skills: Humming Lvl 2, Swimming Lvl 7, Appraise Lvl 3, Water Immunity, Night Vision Lvl 5, Ice Resistance Lvl 6, Camouflage Lvl 2, Fear Resistance Lvl 5, Foul Heart Lvl 1, Water Barrier Lvl 2, Water Slicer Lvl 2, Life Dew Lvl 1, Hyrdomancy Lvl 1, Oceanic Blessing Lvl 1, Pain Resistance Lvl 1, Heat Resistance Lvl 1, Magic Perception Lvl 1]

[Titles: The Last of Her Kind, Hybrid Species, Blood Sucker, Guardian of The Ocean]

[Skill Points: 50]

[Follower Count: 2]

Micah did as Sakura told him and he got up earlier than was needed and rushed towards the infirmary with his water skin. He didn’t trust that Jidanbo would follow through with the challenge and might do something unscrupulous. There weren’t many villagers up at this time so it was the best time to act. When he got by the infirmary he pushed open the door and the smell of herbs, blood, and groans filled his nose. He was disheartened by the sight of thirty beds lined with injured men and women.

He ran a hand through his hair. ‘There used to be more injured.’

He looked around the room and found the healer with his head down and the corner. He walked over and silently watched the old man wallow in his depressing aura.

“What do you want, Micah?” The healer said in a hoarse voice.

“I’ve come to help Rahsta,” Micah held out the water skin, “Please….”

Rahsta chuckled and looked up at Micah with red eyes. “In all my years, I’ve seen death many times. Yet, the death of my people is what brought me to my knees.

People aren’t just getting injured, Micah. They’re falling ill without reason or they’re starving. Some people that haven’t gotten sick in years are falling prone to sickness easily. I just don’t understand.

You’re right you know even though people won’t admit it. I’ve seen first hand what the chief is. He’s bleeding us all dry. I want to believe you, Micah. I want to believe that the guardians are real. I 9feel like this island is dying and we’ll have to leave. Micah, don’t give me hope just to disappoint me. Please.”

“Rahsta, believe me when I say the guardians are back,” Micha pushed the water skin in his hand, “please give a drop to each patient.”

Rahsta sighed and took the waterskin. “Alright, let’s do this.” Micah followed Rahsta as he poured a drop of water in each patient’s mouth. The results were slow but the complexions on the patients got better and some were even able to open their eyes. Rahsta was shocked beyond words and looked at Micah.

He inspected each patient and found that they were getting better. They weren’t completely healed but it was at least took them from death's door. “It worked,” He laughed, tears springing from his eyes, “you were right. The guardians have returned!”

Micah didn’t want to tell him that only the water guardian returned so he kept silent on that matter. “They’ve returned Rahsta. Do you believe me now?”

Rahsta nodded, tears rolling down his cheeks. “Yes.”

Micah turned to all the men and women that had gotten better. “This water that you were fed was thanks to the water guardian. I hope you thank her when you’re fully recovered.”

“Is this true? The guardians are back?” A brown-haired woman asked weakly as she looked at Micah with hopeful eyes.

“Yes.”

“Then I will forever be in the guardians' debt.” She said softly before closing her eyes to rest.

“I believe as well.” Another person weakly said and he was followed by others.

Micah was overjoyed and wanted to tell them more about the water guardian but was soon interrupted by a loud voice.

“What is going here?!” Everyone looked at the entrance and there was Jidanbo with a shocked expression.

Micah smiled and walked up to him, bowing his head respectfully. “They are feeling much better now chief and its all thanks to the guardians,” Micah said before leaving without looking back

Jidanbo growled and glared at Rahsta. “How?”

Rahsta smiled and looked at Jidanbo pitifully. “Why are you so angry? Shouldn’t this be a joyous occasion?”

Jidanbo growled, ignoring the doctor and exited the clinic, rushing back home. He pushed the doors open and cursed, swiping the ornaments from his table anger. “I can't believe the guardians are back!” He spat, moving to his wooden couch, “If they’re back then the plan will be ruined.”

He quickly locked his door and went into his back room and the stench of a rotting body attacked his nose. He looked at the skinless dead body leaned up against the wall in the corner and walked up to the body, kneeling eye to eye with it.

“Seems like I have to speed up my plans, right Jidanbo?” He said before stripping his clothes. He reached up, pinching the skin on his forehead and began to peel his skin off. If anyone could see his actions they would be horrified by the ghastly sight. It was like he was shedding his skin like a bodysuit.

A young naked man stepped out of the skinsuit, revealing a bloody but slim and muscular stature. He ran a hand through his white hair that was stained red. He smirked, revealing his perfectly white teeth. He dug into the chest in the corner, wiped himself off, and pulled on his original clothes that consist of a simple white tunic, black jeans, and black boots. He carefully pinned a single red earring in his ear and licked his lips. His silver eyes gleamed with mischievousness and wickedness.

“It feels so good to be out of that skin and wearing my clothes.” He said before pulling out a white magical crystal.

“What do you need? Is the job done?” A voice coming from the crystal immediately said.

“Change of plans. The guardians are back.”

“How is that possible?! I thought the guardians vanished.”

“I thought so too but one of the villagers healed the injured with some magical water.”

“The Guardian of the Ocean; the water guardian probably gave him the water. You need to speed up the process and harness the magical energy from that island.”

The man chuckled. “Even if that means that everyone on this rock dies. They seem very connected to this rock spiritually.”

“Kill them all, whatever the means.”

“You’re dark, man. Sheesh," The man laughed.

“As for the guardians. Let Zellel deal with them. It alone is a match for the guardians and is enough to buy time.”

“Is that all?”

“Don’t disappoint me, Syn.”

Syn chuckled. “I just might on purpose. I do love your punishments.”

“SYN!”

“Relax, I’m just kidding,” Syn smirked, pulling out a black gem from his pocket, “Zellel does need to stretch its wings anyways. Those guardians won't know what hit them.”

The newly appointed guardians decided that they should meet Micah in Sakura’s Shimmering Grotto. During that time she had enough time to know about her fellow guardians and she was a bit more comfortable with them.

Saundi was like a walking library because he kept books inside his body and his formal way of talking amused her. He loved sharing information and spouting facts. He seemed very mature and looked to him in leadership as Aster did because he knew a lot more than they did.

Aster was an entirely different case as she was confident one second and then would be easily scared the next. She didn’t know it was an act or not but she wasn’t sure how the nymph made it this far. However, she could tell that Aster was pretty alright.

‘I doubt we’re what anyone pictured when thinking about the guardians and I bet our human minds contribute to that.’ Sakura thought before observing her occupants from her pool. She also thought about long term plans and didn’t want to be forever tied down here on the island but she couldn’t come up with one that didn’t involve leaving the island altogether which she was reluctant to do.

“Sakura,” Aster called out, snapping her from her thoughts. Sakura turned to the nymph that was happily looking at the flowers.

“Your home is very beautiful,” She smiled, looking around at the cave and her expression then turned sad, “Unlike mine.”

“It's not a home Aster but a holy place for us Guardians,” Saundi corrected, as he leaned against the cave wall, “and the graveyard suits your true nature as a guardian.”

“I’m scared of things like ghosts, graveyards, alright? Especially, the underworld.” She sighed, “But I just can’t help but be drawn to souls or graveyards. I try to fight it but it’s like-”

“Like your mind and soul battling for control?” Sakura interjected, knowing all too well what she meant.

Aster nodded, exasperation evident on her misty face. “I know that during evolution, it said our souls would be affected but not to this extent. Sometimes, I find myself doing things I would never do.”

“It's the true nature of what we are,” Saundi pulled out a book from his body and turned the pages before he stopped, “For example, water nymphs spend most of the time within the water and are known for their rivalry with mermaids. Most nymphs dislike them because of their flirtatious behavior and their habit of seducing males who happen to cross their path. They are notorious peepers and if one happens to hear giggling while bathing in a river waterfall or beach, in most cases it’s a water nymph. Water nymphs are said to be the most beautiful of all nymphs and are excellent seers. However, they care about nature and would do anything to protect it.”

“That explains a lot.” Sakura dead-panned, finally putting together the pieces and why she had such a strong reaction to Micah.

“I think we shouldn’t fight our nature,” Saundi replied, closing the book and returning it to his body. “It creates conflict in our mind and could get us killed.”

“What if the next time we evolve and have the desire to kill?” Sakura inquired with a slight edge to her tone.

Saundi remained silent before answering. “I don’t know.”

Silence ensued before Aster broke it by asking Saundi a question. “How did you adapt to this world so fast?” Sakura looked at Saundi, waiting for his answer.

“Well, its pure survival I guess or that in my past life I used to read novels like this,” he sheepishly said before continuing, “But we should adapt as fast as we can because I think something much bigger is going on.”

“What do you mean?” Both Aster and Sakura asked.

“We all came to this island and we’re all reincarnators. Someone or something is behind this and we don’t know if this person’s intentions harmful or not.” Saundi shared his thoughts.

“You think there may be some higher power?” Aster questioned and he nodded.

“Also, we may not be the only reincarnators in this world. There could be millions like us, or twenty, we don’t know but not all of them will be nice or welcoming.” Saundi gravely said.

“That’s a scary thought.” Sakura thought before she received a surprising notification.

[31 devout followers gained. Follower Count: 33]

[You’ve reached level 3]

[You’ve reached level 4]

[You’ve reached level 5]

[You’ve reached level 6]

[You’ve reached level 7]

Name: Sakura

Level: 7/25

Species: Water Nymph

HP:2100/2100 (2100/2100) ( + 500)

MP:2500/2500 (+ 500)

SP:900/900 (+0)

Offence:19 (+0)

Defence:518 (+250)

Magic Power:1119(+ 500)

Resistance:518 (+250)

Speed:960 (+500)

[Skill Points Gained: 130. Total Skill Points: 50].

“W-why did I just got a notification about 31 devout followers?” Aster gasped, surprised, and elated.

“So that’s how it relates to our titles?” Saundi contemplated before he appraised Sakura. “You’ve jumped to level 7? How?!”

Sakura dismissed his question and spoke. “I guess Micah completed the first part of the plan.” Just as she said that Micah barrelled into the cave.

“I’ve completed your task guard-holy ancestors!” He yelled, staring at the other guardians. “Y-You’re-" He pointed at them with wide eyes.

“Micah, I would like you to meet the other guardians,” Sakura said, gauging his reaction. She briefly wondered if it was a good idea.

Saundi stepped forward and looked down at the dark-skinned man. “The water guardian has told me about your needs! Well done, Micah!”

Aster smiled. “Thank you for your hard work, Micah.”

Micah was shell-shocked and kept opening and closing his mouth unable to say anything.

“Micah, you’ve done a good job.” Sakura said softly, “Your wish is slowly coming true.”

Micah smiled, tears threatening to fall. “Its honor guardians and thank you!” Micah quickly said, bowing his head respectfully.

Saundi pulled out a bag from his body and handed it to Micah. “For the next part of the plan, mix this soil with the soil where you grow your crops and it will provide the earth with the magic it needs.”

“Didn’t we tell Jidanbo ten days to complete all of the tasks?” Micah asked.

Saundi deeply chuckled. “Yes, but by now, he knows we exist and is here.”

“So it's better for us to end it quickly.”

“I will complete this task, my guardians.” Micah grinned, feeling blessed to be approached by all three guardians.

“Finally, I need to ask. How knowledgeable was your grandfather about us guardians?” Sakura asks with a hopeful voice.

Micah perked up at this and grew excited. “Grandfather was very knowledgeable. He even said he met the guard- I mean he met all three of you when he was a young boy."

‘Maybe he’ll know about that chamber.’ Sakura thought before turning to Saundi. “Tell him.”

Saundi coughed before forcing his hand in his body and pulled out a book. “Did your grandfather mention anything about a chamber with three pillars?” He flipped through pages of his book, “the books I’ve read don’t mention anything about a chamber.”

“Um,’ Micah stared at them wide-eyed before answering, “in fact, I do remember him mentioning a chamber. I think it has something to do with the island. He said it was the guardian's way of protecting the island with their magic.”

“Does your grandfather have any texts or notes about this?” Saundi asked excitedly.

Micah shook his head. “I don’t know. If he had any information on this it would be passed down to the next chief.”

Sakura tensed, he feeling of dread building up inside her. “You said the information would pass to the next chief?”

Micah nodded.

She met Aster and Saundi’s stares and knew that they all came to the same conclusion. ‘If Jidanbo knows the truth about the chamber…’

“Guardians?” Micah called out, sending them a questioning look.

“Quickly, go back to the village and-" Before she could continue, a large explosion rocketed the island, followed by screams. Sakura climbed out of the pool and bolted to the cave entrance with the others right behind her.

“That’s Zellel!” Micah shouted, pointing at the giant bird with lighting dancing around its body. “Why is it attacking the village?”

Sakura watched as the bird shoot bolts of lightning down on the village. ‘I didn’t expect this to happen!’ Sakura looked on in horror as smoke rises from the island.

[10 devout followers lost. Follower Count: 23]

“Sakura!” Aster called out worriedly, forgetting Micah's present.

Sakura turned to Micah. “Hurry back and try to get the people to safety.” Micah nodded and quickly got on his boat. Sakura watched the man speed towards the island and turned to his companions.

“What should we do now?” Sakura asked, turning to Saundi.

“I think we should save people.” Saundi replied after some thought, “There is a chance that the chief will go to the chamber but the people are more important.”

“But shouldn't the island come first?” Aster questioned before looking at Sakura. “What do you think?”

Sakura didn’t know what to do either. The weight of this decision was too much and she decided to follow Saundi’s plan.

“We should follow his plan.” She said stiffly before diving into the water, swimming towards the island.

A poet once said people believe that everything happens for a reason and others believe that each decision has a domino effect that affects the future. It is believed that every decision leads to various outcomes and that there are multiple paths a person can take, whether good or bad, and you can only live with it.

Sakura didn’t know that in the future she would be quoting that same poem because of the decision they made.