A year had passed since Wads' quiet days of observation. Time had moved slowly in their small village, but the three friends had grown in both stature and personality. Wads remained sharp-minded, always calculating, while Klyden's boundless energy and sunny optimism drew others toward him. Liora had matured too—still clever, quick-witted, and always ready to challenge the boys with her teasing remarks.
It was a crisp morning when a commotion near the east side of the village drew their attention. Shouts and laughter echoed from the market square. Without hesitation, the trio sprinted toward the noise, arriving just in time to see a small figure surrounded by a group of older kids.
Red hair glimmered in the sunlight, stark white eyes wide with fear—it was Atticus McLean, the boy who had always kept to himself. He was being shoved and laughed at mercilessly.
"Hey! Leave him alone!" Klyden shouted immediately, charging forward with a wide, fearless grin.
The bullies turned, smirking at the three smaller kids. Wads' mind immediately started calculating: he couldn't overpower them physically, but he could manipulate the situation.
"Step aside," Wads muttered calmly, and with a flick of his hand, he sent a loose basket rolling toward the bullies' feet. The older kids stumbled, distracted and off-balance. Liora stepped in with a confident stance, her eyes sharp, voice commanding: "If you don't stop now, you'll regret it." Her presence alone gave the older kids pause.
Klyden leaped in, moving in exaggerated, goofy motions that made the bullies unsure whether to fight or laugh. With Wads' clever manipulation of the environment, Liora's imposing presence, and Klyden's chaotic energy, the bullies scattered, fleeing in confusion and fear.
Atticus stared at the trio in awe, his fear slowly replaced with relief. "Th-thank you…" he stammered.
Wads adjusted the locket around his neck and said plainly, "Don't get caught like that again. It's dangerous."
Liora smirked, brushing dust off her pants. "Don't worry. We've got you covered. Just try to keep up."
Klyden grinned, clapping Atticus on the shoulder. "Yeah! You're part of our little team now!"
After the excitement died down, the three sat under a large oak tree, catching their breath. Klyden leaned back and grinned mischievously. "You know… we should have a name. Something cool, mysterious… for us."
Wads raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "A name for what? For running around and scaring off bullies?"
"That's exactly it!" Klyden laughed. "We're the Veil! Silent, clever, and untouchable—even if it's just for fun!"
Wads considered it carefully, then nodded. "Veil… fine. But we each need a secret nickname, something only we know."
Atticus hesitated but soon joined in, eager to belong. Liora smirked and suggested nicknames that reflected their personalities, teasing Wads and Klyden in the process. By the end of the day, the Veil was officially formed—a secret alliance bound by wit, courage, and friendship.
As they walked home, laughing and plotting their next "mission," the locket around Wads' neck pulsed faintly, almost as if acknowledging that the adventure had only just begun.