A Hero's Journey

Season 1 Episode 22: Calm Before The Storm

Date: May 30th 2017

Location: Desbine Square

Desbine Square holds a special significance. It's not just the vast and beautiful cobbled sidewalks, the tall and elegant statues, or even the glamorous marble fountain that makes it remarkable. No, Desbine Square is exceptional because it marks the spot where, 165 years ago, Desbine transformed from a struggling village into a thriving town.

With astute diplomacy, a captivating exchange of goods, extensive understanding of history and law, and a clever combination of coercion and manipulation, the ruling authorities of Desbine skillfully orchestrated an agreement that enabled them to incorporate the adjacent trading village of Central Point. The historic agreement was officially sealed at the location of what is now Desbine Square, signifying a momentous occasion that irrevocably altered the town's history with just one single stroke.

Amidst the cacophony of heavy machinery and countless voices, the birds fearlessly serenaded the world with their joyful melodies, their songs reverberating against the endless expanse of the azure sky. The unrelenting sun was positioned directly above the city, its radiant beams relentlessly beating down upon the inhabitants. But that wasn't enough heat to bring the city to its knees.

With his leg throbbing in pain, Isaac rushed back to Hannah, his hands wildly gesturing in an attempt to quickly dry them in the air. Isaac found himself in Central City for the very first time, the administrative hub of Desbine. In his heart, he understood that this visit would also be his last, so he was making a strong point to check out everything he could. And that included, the famous, Desbine Square.

Hannah caught sight of Isaac out of the corner of her eye and turned her attention towards him. "Welcome back!" she said, smiling brightly. "So, how's your leg?"

Isaac glanced down, his hand instinctively reaching to massage his injured leg. "It's fine," he responded. "It still stings a little, but I think I'll manage!" he continued, offering a reassuring smile.

"That's good," Hannah said, her eyes darting to the cobbled sidewalk. "It would be terrible if you got seriously injured on your very first visit," she continued, her words carrying a touch of regret.

Isaac understood why she would feel this way. He was only out here because he agreed to help Hannah and her family with the move. Isaac raised his arms and carefully grabbed Hannah's hands. They were warm and soft, perfect for someone like her. "This isn't your fault," Isaac said, reminding her. "I should've been paying more attention."

Hannah couldn't help but let out a small giggle before answering, "No matter how closely you paid attention, it wouldn't have made a difference with that man." Hannah could feel her arms tighten, and her face become slightly tense. "Something about him was just off. He wasn't quite right," she said, pointing to her head.

Isaac couldn't help but laugh in agreement, as he recalled his run-in with the man. Something was definitely wrong with him. He seemed dazed and confused, unsure of where he was. The hair all over his head was long and unkept, his eyes distant and traumatized. "I'm sure he was just having a bad day," Isaac said, before taking a deep breath. "Or...life, maybe."

Hannah let out another laugh, before turning her attention to the marble fountain. "It's crazy...comparing life here to the southern district," she said.

Isaac followed her gaze, making sure to keep his smile present as a way to comfort her. "Yeah, everything's...so clean and... massive," he replied. "It's perfect for someone like you!" Isaac forced out a laugh.