A year later.
Bryce's pockets were as dry as the Sahara desert, his last coin spent on stale bread. he glanced down at Executioner, his four-year-old stubborn kid, and ruffled his hair.
" Time to find work, kiddo. Maybe old friends can help."
He led Executioner to a river, its surface glinting like polished steel. Bryce knew this river, knew the secrets beneath its calm façade. " Follow me," he said, eyes on the water.
Executioner's small face scrunched up in worry. " Bryce, I can't swim."
Bryce's gaze softened. " just jump. I've got you."
The little boy paused for a moment before leaping into the river. Bryce followed, the water slapping him like a cold hand. He grabbed Executioner's small hand and thrust himself downward, holding Executioner tight, descending deeper.
As they swam deeper, the sunlight faded, and the river's pressure pushed against his eardrums. But Bryce knew this route, knew the hidden entrance to Swordsmanship academy- a training school for assassins, hidden beneath the river's surface.
Suddenly, they shot into a cavernous space. A forest sprung out before them, gigantic trunks rose like pillars, supporting the cavern's ceiling. A portal beckoned ahead, its sign creaking in the breeze: " Only Heroes Allowed."
Bryce's eyes stare out at the portal, a mix of old memories and caution.
" This place...I trained here for years. learned how to take lives. Now, I'm a watcher. Different job, same skills." he whispered
Executioner's eyes lit up with curiosity.
" What are you talking about, Bryce? Is this where assassins hang out?"
Bryce nodded, a small smile creeping onto his face.
" yeah, it is."
Executioner's wicked grin spread wide.
" Can we go in? Can we play?"
Bryce's expression turned serious as he bent down to Executioner's level.
" we can go in, but you have to behave. No killing."
His smile never wavered. " okay, Bryce." But his tiny voice muttered under his breath,
" If they deserve it..."
Bryce didn't catch the whisper, but he knew better than to trust Executioner promise. still, he took the kid's hand, and they stepped in the portal.
They appeared at the mountain's base, its peak shrouded in mist. as they climbed, sprawling temples and training grounds unfolded before them. The higher they ascend, the louder the clash of steel resonated through the air.
Upon reaching the top, trainers stopped mid-practice, their eyes locking onto Bryce and Executioner. Executioner's gaze swept across the grounds, his face twisted in annoyance.
" Fools, focus on your training or die!" he shouted.
The assassin's bust out laughing, amused by Executioner's outburst, and Executioner's face changed into annoyance. then, in a flash, he vanished. Bryce's eyes scanned the assassins, his thoughts spinning wildly. One moment Executioner was beside him, the next, he was gone. Goosebumps prickled his skin as he spun around, his gaze darting wildly.
" Where...where is he?" he stammered.
Suddenly, Executioner's voice thundered 'BOOOM' behind them, sending the assassins into a panic. Executioner stood grinning, having snuck up on the assassins. Bryce chuckled. The assassins sprang to their feet, rubbing sore spots.
He sauntered back to Bryce, who nodded. " Respect ."
They continued toward the temple, the assassins wary looks following their every step.
They stepped into the temple. Masters stood scattered, their faces hidden behind animal masks-eagle, tiger, snake. Bryce scanned the room, locking onto a familiar figure. Jaxon, as an old ally, approached.
" Long time, my old friend, what brings you here?"
Bryce smiled, his eyes glinting.
" I'm here for a job. like a watcher."
Jaxon's masked face tilted, interest piqued.
" We need extra hands, and you're here? good news. Two of our watchers have a mission today-retrieving a package from some rich guy who owns two big companies."
Bryce's eyes lit up. " can I join the mission?"
Jaxon chuckled, the sound muffled by his mask. " You can."
Then Jaxon's gazes shifted to Executioner.
" And who's this kid."
Bryce's smile , " My son. Come here, kid."
Executioner stepped forward, he zeroed on Jaxon. Bryce whispered, " his blood follows the line of assassins. strong, but...small."
Jaxon's masked face stared at Executioner, then he said, " Tiny but deadly, huh?"
Executioner's face twisted, and he flipped Jaxon the finger.
" You called me tiny?"
Jaxon's laughed and nodded. Jaxon showed them to a room, the wooden floor creaking beneath their feet. Bryce waited patiently for Executioner to fall asleep, watching the kid's chest rise and fall in a slow rhythm. Once Executioner was out, Bryce slipped out of the room, his footsteps light on the floorboards.
He made his way to Jaxon's quarters, the door creaking softly as he pushed it open. Jaxon's eyes narrowed slightly as Bryce entered.
"Why are you here, Bryce?" Jaxon asked, his voice low.
Meanwhile, Executioner hadn't fallen asleep. He snuck out of the room, his bare feet silent on the cold floor. He padded to Jaxon's door, pressing his ear against the wood.
"My son," Bryce's muffled voice came through the door. "He's a killer. I've seen him do things...unnatural things. He walked and ran at one year old, like he'd been doing it forever. And the killing...he's taken four lives already. I don't know if he killed my wife."
Jaxon's response was a heavy silence. Executioner's heart thudded in his chest.
"A thousand years ago," Jaxon finally spoke, "there was a man named Raven. He killed without mercy, slaughtering people like they were nothing. One day, he attacked a priest of the Thunder God, who cursed him. Said his soul would be reborn into a new body, forced to start anew...or suffer the wrath of the gods for eternity."
Executioner's eyes widened. "What does this have to do with my son?" Bryce asked, worry etched in his voice.
Jaxon's next words made Executioner's blood run cold. "I think your son might be Raven's reincarnation. The Thunder God's curse...it's real."
The door creaked open, and Executioner slipped inside. "What's going on?" he demanded, his eyes locked on Bryce and Jaxon.
"Where is the Thunder God now?" Bryce asked, his voice tight with concern.
Jaxon's expression turned grim. "The Thunder God's power is said to reside in the Storm Mountains, where the ancient priests once worshipped. But no one knows if the god still watches over us...or if the curse still holds."