The stream was quieter than usual. You had gone out to explore alone, without the company of your friends Craig, Kelsey, and JP. The cool breeze whispered through the leaves, and the sound of flowing water accompanied you as you walked along a little-used path. Then, you saw it...

A few meters away, a solitary figure stood among the trees, covered by the iconic red cloak that had lately sabotaged your attempts to find the other heart cubes of the forest. The Red Poncho. An aura of mystery surrounded it. No one knew who was really beneath the hood... Until now. You advanced trying not to make a sound, but you stepped on a protruding root, losing your balance. The noise alerted the figure, which turned abruptly towards you. You tried to get up immediately, but the fall had disturbed some leaves, exposing your presence.

The Red Poncho remained motionless. Its rigid posture betrayed that it did not expect company. But then, the wind blew harder, and with a sudden movement, the hood slid back. Under the red fabric was not a stranger... but Xavier.

The former king of the Arroyo looked at you with an unreadable expression, his dark gaze reflecting a mix of surprise and analysis. For a moment, time seemed to stand still.

—“You shouldn’t have come here.”

He finally said, in a tone as calm as it was serious.