The Second Avatar

Chapter 22: Shadows in the Forest

The village was a quiet hum of tension as the expedition prepared to set out. Yogan stood at the temple gates, watching as Kezin gave orders to the group of students and warriors that had been assembled for the hunt. The news of the dark spirit's escape had spread like wildfire, bringing together an unusual coalition of airbenders, earthbenders, waterbenders, and non-benders. Renji, standing at Kezin's side, wore an air of confidence that only deepened Yogan's unease.

Yogan adjusted the staff slung across his back, feeling its familiar weight settle against his shoulders. He could sense the eyes of the group on him, some with curiosity and others with doubt. The bandit attack, his recent training, and the lingering memories of that chaotic night had all stirred something inside him—his airbending had grown stronger. But with that strength came uncertainty.

Yoan stood beside him, still pale from his ordeal but determined to prove himself. His hand trembled slightly as he gripped his walking stick, but there was a newfound resolve in his eyes.

"You don't have to do this, Yoan," Yogan said quietly, glancing at his friend. "You're still recovering."

Yoan shook his head. "I can't stay behind while everyone else risks their lives. I need to show them that I can still fight—that I'm not just a liability."

Yogan frowned but nodded. He understood the need to prove oneself, but something about this expedition felt off. Kezin's sudden expertise, Renji's growing ambitions—it was all happening too quickly.

As they gathered at the edge of the village, Monk Nara approached, her expression unreadable. She had been one of the few elders who remained skeptical about the expedition but had said little in opposition. Now, she stood before Yogan, her eyes filled with quiet wisdom.

"Remember, Yogan," she said softly, "this journey isn't just about finding the spirit. It's about understanding yourself. Don't let the chaos of others cloud your mind."

He nodded, her words sinking in as the group set off, leaving the safety of the temple behind. The forest loomed ahead, its trees towering like ancient sentinels, casting long shadows across their path.

---

The first day of travel was uneventful, but tension lingered in the air. Kezin led the way, with Renji close behind, offering advice to the group. Yogan stayed near the middle, his eyes scanning the trees for any sign of danger. Yoan kept pace, though his breathing was labored.

As they moved deeper into the forest, the air grew colder, and a thick mist began to roll in. Yogan could feel the presence of something watching them from the trees—something old and filled with malice. It wasn't the dark spirit they were hunting, but there was no doubt that vengeful spirits roamed these woods.

"We're being watched," Yogan muttered under his breath, glancing at Yoan. His friend nodded, his eyes flicking nervously toward the treetops.

Kezin, overhearing, stopped and turned to face the group. "Stay focused. These woods are full of spirits that resent humans, but they're nothing compared to what we're truly after. Keep your wits about you."

Renji grinned, his gaze flicking over Yogan. "Maybe you should give us a demonstration of your airbending, brother. I hear you've improved."

Yogan bristled at the taunt but kept his composure. "Now's not the time for games, Renji."

"Games?" Renji laughed. "We're on a hunt for a dark spirit, Yogan. If you've really gotten stronger, now would be a good time to show it."

Before Yogan could respond, a sudden gust of wind swept through the forest, scattering leaves and branches. The group froze as the trees seemed to shift, and a low, guttural growl echoed from the mist.

Kezin raised a hand. "Everyone, stay close. Spirits often play tricks in these parts."

As they pressed on, the air grew heavier, the forest thickening around them. Yogan could feel the presence of spirits, their energy thrumming beneath the earth. It was unsettling, but there was something else—something faint that tugged at the edges of his consciousness.

---

By the time the sun began to dip below the horizon, they had set up camp in a small clearing. The fire crackled softly, casting flickering light across the weary faces of the group. Yogan sat apart from the others, deep in thought as he stared into the flames. The presence he had felt earlier hadn't left him, and he couldn't shake the feeling that the spirits were somehow watching him specifically.

Yoan sat beside him, his face pale in the firelight. "Do you think we'll actually find the dark spirit?"

"I don't know," Yogan replied honestly. "But we're definitely not alone in these woods."

Before Yoan could respond, the ground beneath them rumbled slightly, followed by a chilling whisper that seemed to come from all directions at once. Yogan shot to his feet, his eyes scanning the darkness beyond the firelight.

"Kezin!" one of the students called out, panic in their voice. "Something's out there!"

Kezin stood, calm as ever. "Stay by the fire. They're just spirits—nothing to fear."

But Yogan could feel the malice in the air. These weren't just any spirits; they were angry, vengeful, and growing bolder. He tightened his grip on his staff, sensing that something was about to break.

Suddenly, the mist thickened, and shadows began to move through the trees. Whispers filled the air—words twisted by hatred and pain.

"Humans… you destroyed us… you will suffer…"

The group tensed as ghostly figures began to materialize from the mist, their forms shifting and flickering. These spirits weren't the dark spirit they had come for, but their hatred was palpable. They circled the group, their faces contorted with anger.

"Stay together!" Kezin commanded, his voice steady. "They're trying to scare us."

One of the spirits surged forward, aiming for one of the students. Without thinking, Yogan stepped in front, his hands moving swiftly. With a deep breath, he summoned the air around him, creating a powerful gust that sent the spirit recoiling.

Renji raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Looks like you've been practicing."

Yogan didn't respond, his focus entirely on the spirits. More of them began to circle, their whispers growing louder, filling the air with accusations and curses.

"You took our lands… our homes… your time has come…"

Kezin stepped forward, his eyes narrowing. "These spirits are nothing compared to what we seek. Let me handle this."

He raised his hand, and a strange energy began to pulse from his fingertips. Yogan watched in disbelief as Kezin manipulated the energy, drawing the spirits toward him. For a moment, the forest fell silent as Kezin's power seemed to subdue the spirits, calming their rage.

But Yogan could still feel the undercurrent of hostility in the air. The spirits weren't gone—they were simply waiting.

As the camp settled back into uneasy silence, Yogan's mind raced. Kezin's abilities were beyond what he had expected. There was more to him than met the eye, and Yogan couldn't shake the feeling that this hunt wasn't as straightforward as it seemed.

Renji, standing beside Kezin, smirked. "See? With Kezin's help, we'll capture the spirit in no time."

Yogan remained silent, troubled by the growing alliance between Kezin and his brother. But for now, his thoughts returned to Yoan, whose pale face reflected the tension of the night.

The hunt had only just begun, and already, the shadows of the forest were closing in.

[A/N: Read 10 chapters ahead available on patreon.com/saiyanprincenovels]