- Since the moment Coyopa entered the room and Isis started explaining everything that had happened, Miana had been listening with an increasingly tense expression. As she grew more impatient, she began to walk toward Coyopa with angry, firm steps.
MIANA: YOU'RE DISGUSTING! HOW COULD YOU SAY SOMETHING LIKE THAT, COYOPA-SAMA?!
COYOPA: I told you, it was a complete misunderstanding! You misunderstood me!
- While Coyopa struggled to handle Miana's fury, the tension in the room slowly began to ease. Katara had calmed down; and Allen had stopped crying thanks to Isis' gentle care. Then, in a demanding and angry tone, Miana questioned Coyopa.
MIANA: HUH?! WHAT KIND OF MISUNDERSTANDING IS THAT?!
- Miana's anger filled the room like a raging storm. Her voice echoed like a sharp blade. Coyopa briefly averted his gaze from Miana, then took a deep breath and began to speak with a mix of tension and guilt on his face.
COYOPA: I only wanted to be sure of one thing—Katara's resolve.
- The room fell silent for a moment. As his words echoed in everyone's mind, Miana took another step forward. Her brows were furrowed, her fists tightly clenched.
MIANA: Katara's resolve?! What kind of nonsense is that?
COYOPA: I just wanted to know if Katara was truly determined to raise this child. If she was, no words would sway her. But if not... it would be the end not only for the human infant, but also for her.
- This explanation slightly eased the tension, though not completely. Miana, still visibly angry, stepped back but kept her eyes locked on Coyopa with a questioning gaze. Holding Allen in her arms, Isis turned to Coyopa with a worried expression and a hesitant voice.
ISIS: A-and the result?
COYOPA: I don't think Katara's tears were fake, but...
- Coyopa paused and turned to Katara with a serious expression. He looked at her quietly for a few seconds, then spoke in a cold and decisive tone.
COYOPA: This path may bring great pain. You may be shunned by the whole village, left all alone... you might even lose your life. Even so—are you determined to walk this path?
- As Coyopa's words echoed through the room, silence engulfed everyone. The weight and truth of what he said changed the atmosphere instantly. Katara could already guess what might happen. The attitude of the Void people toward humans clearly showed how dangerous this journey would be. But Katara was unmoved by Coyopa's words or the heavy silence in the room. Without even a moment's hesitation, and with no trace of doubt on her face, she responded.
KATARA: Even if everyone in the village shuns me, even if they hate me... I'm his mother. I'll protect him and love him with all my heart until he grows up and becomes strong.
- As Katara's words echoed in the room, the determination and warmth in her eyes were undeniable. Witnessing this, Coyopa remained silent for a moment, then spoke with a wide smile of confidence on his face.
COYOPA: That's exactly what I wanted to hear. In that case, it's my duty to support you until the end.
- With Coyopa's words, the mood in the room shifted. The gloom on Katara's face gave way to a warm smile. That wave of joy reached Miana and Isis as well, who smiled in genuine happiness. But shortly after, Coyopa's expression turned serious again.
COYOPA: However, don't think our task will be easy. We're trying to raise a being that doesn't belong to this forest. That alone goes against the very rules of our home.
- Those words were enough to wipe away the joy from Katara, Miana, and Isis' faces. Miana took a few steps closer to Coyopa and asked with a worried expression.
MIANA: So... do you think we can succeed?
- Coyopa hummed as if deep in thought. Then, with a wide and confident grin, he answered Miana.
COYOPA: Hmmm… Who do you think I am? I'm the twelfth Shaman of this village! If I say I can do it, then I will DO it.
- Coyopa's confidence brought back the missing smiles to Katara and the others within minutes.
COYOPA: But don't forget—there's no way I can do this without your help. The support of Isis and Katara is crucial to this task.
- After Coyopa's words, Katara stepped forward with a voice as soft and gentle as a breeze and answered.
KATARA: If raising him well is possible, I'm ready to do whatever it takes.
- Katara's voice trembled with resolve and tenderness, her eyes shining with deep love and determination. Noticing this, Coyopa continued with an even bigger smile.
COYOPA: Hm, good. Very good. And you, Isis?
- Holding Allen in her arms, Isis stayed silent in deep thought. Her eyes slightly narrowed, her lips barely curved. At last, with growing resolve, she lifted her head and began to speak with a clear and firm voice.
ISIS: If this child can grow up healthy and happy, I'll do everything I can for him. But...
COYOPA: But?
- Isis turned her gaze to Katara. Her eyes sparkled with affection, yet also with a questioning look. She continued in a gentle but firm tone.
ISIS: Katara, maybe it's just my instinct... but you're hiding something from us, aren't you?