I was able to diffuse the mess Nori had tangled herself into and gently shift her view of the world. She listened. She chose to treasure her parents and pursue what she wanted through honest work.
With that settled, it was time for me to continue my journey—to help where I could, to create enough change that might finally convince Eriu it was time for me to return to my world.
I said my goodbyes to the foxes, and just as I turned to leave, Nori came running after me one last time.
"Thank you, Shelly, for everything!" she shouted, waving both arms. "I promise I'll be just like you!"
I smiled and waved back, flattered… but unsure if I was truly someone worth imitating.
As my hand lifted, a faint warmth flickered along my forearm. A soft glow pulsed beneath my skin, and a new word etched itself into my wrist:
Integrity.
Another word. Another virtue.
I was collecting them like milestones—proof of something I didn't yet understand. I still didn't know their purpose, but they weren't hurting me. If anything, they made me feel… grounded. Accomplished.
Inspired, I turned back to the path ahead.
⸻
The deeper I went into the woods, the drier the land became. Far from rivers and swamps, the soil turned arid and cracked—but nothing went to waste. I spotted black willow, perfect as an antiseptic, white walnut for pain relief, and mullein for coughs and congestion—plants that thrived in harsh conditions.
As I knelt to inspect the ground, a low growl echoed through the air.
Suddenly, the forest erupted into noise. Chipmunks, voles, skunks—and even bears with their cubs—scrambled about, muttering angrily.
"Why can't he just pass away already?" a younger bear snarled.
"He's a washed-up leader!" a group of chipmunks protested. "His glory days are over!"
"He's dangerous," another voice hissed. "When his memories blur, he attacks without warning. We should drive him out before he causes real harm."
The words stung.
I hadn't even met him, and already everyone wished him gone.
As I tried to quietly slip away, a chipmunk spotted me.
"Look! A stranger!"
Cold stares turned in my direction. I knew instantly—I wasn't welcome.
Then the ground shook.
Heavy footsteps thundered closer. The creatures scattered in terror, even the bears fleeing with their cubs. I was left standing alone.
"You there!"
The voice was deep and terrifying. I froze, convinced he was calling to someone else—until massive paws grabbed me and slammed me against a tree. Pain shot through my back.
Before me stood an old bear—scarred, worn, eyes sharp with paranoia.
"Who are you?" he roared. "Are you here to conquer our land? As long as I breathe, this territory will never belong to you!"
I couldn't move. Despite his age, his strength was overwhelming. I didn't want to summon flame—it would reveal too much. I manifested my dagger instead, ready to defend myself—
Then suddenly, he released me.
Just like that.
His posture slumped. His eyes dulled. The rage drained away, replaced by confusion—fear, even.
He looked like a lost child.
That's when I understood.
It wasn't madness. It was memory loss.
I followed him carefully, afraid he might hurt himself. With a gentle voice, I guided him to sit. He obeyed instantly. Slowly, the other animals crept out of hiding.
A vole whispered, "You're the only one who isn't afraid of old Barok."
I ignored the comment and asked where he lived. The vole pointed to a cave at the edge of the forest.
I led Barok there, speaking softly. The cave was enormous—grand enough for a king. The tunnel walls were lined with old tokens, relics, mementos of someone once deeply respected.
Inside, fruits and plants were scattered about. Claw marks etched the walls.
"Thank you for helping me," Barok said suddenly. "What was your name again?"
"Shelly. From the Bunny Tribe," I replied.
He wandered off, already forgetting.
When I stepped outside, a crowd had gathered.
"Where do you think you're going?" a half-bear man demanded.
"I'm leaving," I answered coldly.
"Why not take the old bear with you?" someone sneered. "He likes you. Abandon him in the woods—he won't remember a thing."
Cruel.
Damn it! Why do I always insert myself in other's issues? Having a good heart isn't easy. Now how do I get out of this one?
"He belongs here," I said. "You should care for him."
"We did care," someone shouted back. "We're just tired."
That hurt too. Unbelievable! How they want to throw out one of their own. If he's only in Juno, Gideon will never let an elder be disrespected. Gideon again.
Then the vole spoke again. "If you think it's so easy, then stay and prove it. He's your responsibility now."
Cheers erupted.
I stared at them in disbelief.
They weren't asking.
They were trapping me.
"Fine," I said, voice steady. "I'll prove Barok isn't a lost cause."
I returned to the cave.
Barok was asleep, snoring softly. I picked up the scattered items around him, watching his chest rise and fall.
I sighed.
Now I was the caretaker of an old bear.