In Search of the Ancient Ones (IV)

His explanation was exhaustive and quite similar to what Lavos had told us, in short it would go something like this.

According to the myths, since the beginning of time there have been manifestations of the elements of the Earth. These watch over the safety of the planet and its inhabitants but without inflicting direct interaction. They could be considered as a kind of watchmen.

Other than that, he mentioned with similar concepts what we already knew about the animals displaced from their natural habitats, and how they were still living out there in the hidden corners of the world.

"Ummm at the end it's the same thing we knew" said Maria with a disappointed face.

"It's true, it's no different than the stories you read as a child. With this we have nothing solid that can help us"

We have been weeks chasing something that is nothing more than rumors. There was never any assurance that this would be of any use to us. But still we blindly trusted that this would be the key to everything. How stupid I feel, what should we do now?

"Hey! How dare you sully the beliefs of my people! You're nothing but a couple of disrespectful brats!" shouted the gentleman who I had forgotten he was there.

"We're sorry, we'll be leaving now"

I got up from my seat and started walking towards the exit.

"And you won't even offer us a cup of tea?"

"Maria, let's go"

"Alright..."

She put on her shoes and hurried to where I was.

"You have no respect for your elders! I wish our priest was here so he could have taught you a lesson!"

"... priest?" that word made me stop.

"Yes, our most respected preacher and founder of the ancient beliefs of this humble village. An ancient member of the forgotten knowledge of caring for nature and wildlife. Sadly it has been months since he left for the mountains to resume his training and has not returned since"

"That sounds familiar... where have I heard that before" added Maria.

"It can't be..."

"Asriel?"

It's similar to Lavos's story. Could it be another survivor from his tribe? Or perhaps... that Dars guy he's looking for? The one who murdered all his family and friends?

"Clearly our shepherd was right, all this is a sign from the heavens. That's why from that day those demons descended into our world to punish us for our sins and the earth cried out in agony because of us"

They descended? Demons? Not this again.

"Wait, you're saying that guy knew what was going to happen?"

"Indeed, he predicted it but we were still skeptical. After those events happened he left in search of what he needed to perform a purification ritual, and he still hasn't come back"

"Maybe this will be useful to us after all"

"Yes, I think so too"

"Thank you very much sir. Let's go Maria"

"Ok~"

We both left the cabin in the direction of the mountains, where that priest had gone before they lost his trail completely. If Lavos is looking for him, then he is most likely to be found there.

Mind you, I have a bad feeling. If he really is the one who cold-bloodedly killed his loved ones for power... I have to be prepared for the worst.