Cherreads

Chapter 23 - "Tears of the Island"

Episode 23

Scene 1 – Ren and Zeno's Room | Morning

(Sunlight filters softly through the curtains. Ren and Zeno are asleep on their beds.)

(Ren's eyes open slowly… then suddenly, he sits up fast.)

Ren (confused):

"Zeno… wake up, now."

(Ren shakes Zeno. Zeno rises, still sleepy.)

Zeno (stretching):

"Huh… what's going on?"

Ren (looking around):

"How are we here? Last night, we were in the Guild corridor…"

(The door opens. Emi walks in.)

Emi (calm):

"I'll explain."

(Ren and Zeno look at her.)

Emi (serious):

"Last night… Grake stole some important documents from the Guild… and a book."

Ren (shocked):

"A book and documents?"

Zeno:

"What was in them that was so valuable?"

Emi (lowering her gaze):

"No one knows… only the Guildmaster and his inner circle."

Ren:

"Then how did Grake find out?"

Zeno (thinking aloud):

"Maybe… Renji told him."

Emi (surprised):

"Renji? Who's that?"

Zeno (hesitant):

"My brother… he's a member of the Silent Shadow Troupe."

(Emi's expression stiffens. She takes a step back.)

Emi (quietly):

"I've heard of the Silent Shadow Troupe… they're dangerous."

(She goes silent for a moment, looking shaken.)

Ren (gently):

"Emi… why do you look so scared hearing that name?"

(Emi looks at them with distant eyes.)

Emi:

"Have you two ever heard of The Lost Island of Nyra?"

Ren:

"No…"

Zeno:

"I've never heard of it either… but we want to know, Emi."

Emi (softly):

"Nyra was a peaceful island… untouched by war. Every corner of it was protected by a perfect energy balance."

Ren (curious):

"You said 'was'… what happened?"

Emi (looking down):

"The island is now under Silent Shadow Troupe's control. And no one lives there anymore…"

(Ren and Zeno stare in disbelief.)

Emi:

"They wanted the Nyrox Stone. It was protected by the island's chief."

(She pauses. Her voice trembles.)

Emi:

"One night… the Troupe came without warning. No one even noticed… and they killed everyone in a single night."

(A tear falls from her eye.)

Emi (softly):

"My mother and I tried to escape… she was injured and didn't survive."

(A heavy silence falls.)

Emi:

"I survived. And from that night… I vowed to take revenge."

Ren (serious):

"So that's why you joined the Guild?"

Emi (nodding):

"Yes."

Ren (with a smile):

"Then we're with you, Emi."

Zeno:

"Yeah. Don't worry—you're not alone."

(Emi smiles faintly.)

Ren (thinking out loud, scratching his head):

"Documents, assassins, a lost island, secret brother… and I just woke up looking for toothpaste."

Zeno (deadpan):

"Priorities, Ren. For you, morning routine > world-ending secrets."

Emi (soft chuckle):

"Well, that toothpaste must've refreshed your brain too."

Ren (grinning):

"Refreshed? I feel like I might be some lost prince from a royal family now!"

Zeno (sarcastic):

"Yeah right. Prince Laziness of the Snore Kingdom."

(All three laugh. The heavy mood lightens for a moment.)

Scene 2 – Guild Training Grounds

(Vanya stands before all the trainees with a clipboard in hand.)

Vanya (commanding):

"Listen carefully. Tomorrow is your test. Those who pass will officially become Junior Trainees."

(Pause.)

Vanya:

"Remember—only a few usually pass."

(Ren, thinking to himself.)

Ren (inner thought):

"Last night… electricity was crackling from Emi's hands. And Grake had that strange red glow… maybe it's part of the training…"

(Zeno, silently watching the sky.)

Zeno (inner thought):

"Maybe Renji's the one who made Grake stronger…"

(Malric steps forward.)

Malric:

"Today, you'll train with full effort. Be ready for tomorrow."

(Vanya and Malric walk away. Trainees begin training in the background.)

Scene 3 – Guildmaster's Office

(The room is dimly lit. Guild Hunters stand in formation. Mr. Ryden speaks to Kaen Voss.)

Mr. Ryden:

"There was a young woman… and a masked man. They laid a trap. We're sure they've headed to Lyscaria City."

Mr. Ryden:

"But why have you summoned us?"

Kaen Voss (grave):

"Last night… one of our students, Grake—Renji's former partner—stole documents and a book from the Guild Library."

Ame (in disbelief):

"He stole the book too?!"

(Kaen Voss nods solemnly.)

Kaen Voss:

"We need to stop him—urgently."

Mr. Ryden:

"Renji… the one who killed Shin?"

Kaen Voss:

"Yes."

Mr. Ryden:

"Then he must also be in Lyscaria."

Kaito:

"Then we should head to Lyscaria immediately."

Kaen Voss:

"Before you leave—make sure Renji's soldiers are locked in the Guild prison."

Mr. Ryden:

"Understood."

(The Guild Hunters turn and walk out. Their footsteps echo as the door closes behind them.)

Scene fades to black.

To be continued…

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