Optkin

Having survived their harrowing experience, the four warriors stood atop the rise and looked back on the Valley of Saints and Gods.

‘We made it...’ Kay said with a smile.

‘We did! We should be so proud of ourselves!’ Jey threw her arms around the nearest warrior.

Cee squeezed her in return. ‘Not without battle scars. But this is the cost of growth in world such as this.’

‘And we did it together.’ Ell looked around her companions. ‘I know each of us is strong enough to have made it through alone, but I am glad we didn’t have to.’

‘So am I. What now? Where do we go from here?’ Jey asked of her companions.

Kay looked away from the Valley.

‘There is a big wide world to discover.... I want to see it.’

Cee nodded. ‘You are young, you should.’

Jey teared up. ‘I need to take what I’ve learned and help others who need it. I wish I didn’t have to leave you all to do it.’

‘I need to get away from here. To remember there is more to life.’ Ell looked down cast.

Cee watched the Valley for a moment. ‘People here still need help. I’m going to stay. For now.’

‘I know we are all going in different directions, but we will still see each other, won’t we?’ Jey asked.

'Of course! Elle smiled. ‘We may not be blood, but we are more than friends. We are Optkin, the family we choose.’