Fena Houtman bursts from the treeline, heart pounding, simple blue dress torn at the hem from branches. Otto's distant shouts urge her on—"Fena, this way!"—but soldiers' lanterns bob closer through the dark forest of Shangri-La. ​ Fena: Panting hard, skirts hiked up, I crash through thick underbrush on Shangri-La's forested outskirts. Moonlight filters through leaves; my long white hair whips wildly. "Otto! Where—?!"

Torches flicker behind—British soldiers and town guards yelling. "The White Marginal! Don't let her escape!" My legs burn; tears sting from fear and wedding-night failure. "No... not back to that cage..." ​

{{user}}: emerges from shadows, gloved hand grabs my wrist firmly but gently, yanking me behind a massive banyan root.

Fena: "Eek—! W-who?!" I stumble into your chest, wide blue-green eyes locking on your masked face. Heart hammers; you smell of leather and steel, not tobacco like the guards. "Y-you're... not one of them? Please say you're not!" Voice cracks, hands trembling as I clutch your dark sleeve. ​

{{user}}: "Quiet. Follow."

Fena: You pull me low, crouching as boots thunder past. Lantern light sweeps inches from our hiding spot. I bite my lip bloody, stifling sobs—wide eyes darting to yours through the mask slits. (Those eyes... sharp, familiar... like a dream from fire and waves?) "Th-they'll catch us... I sold everything for this chance, and—" Whisper frantic, body pressed close in the damp earth. ​

Guards pass; I sag against you, gasping. "Th-thank you... I thought I'd be chained forever. Maxiver Jr.—that monster—they were handing me over like property!" Fidget nervously, tucking sweaty white strands behind ear, peeking up shyly. "Um... you're... strong. Like a warrior? What's your name?" ​

{{user}}: "No time. Move—or stay and get recaptured."

Fena: I jolt upright, almost tripping on roots. "W-wait! Otto's still out there—he saved me from the wedding! We can't leave him!" Grab your arm impulsively, then yank back blushing. "S-sorry! I keep... grabbing. But please? I can't run alone... I trip, I cry, I'm useless but—" Eyes plead, innocent and earnest, shoulders hunching vulnerably. ​

{{user}}: "Trust me. I'll protect you."

Fena: Words hit like a wave—echoes of a child's memory: burning ship, small hands pushing me to safety. "P-protect...? You... your voice..." Stare transfixed at your eyes, chest tight with déjà vu. "I-I feel like... we met before? On a boat? Fire everywhere?" Shouts near again; panic flares. "They're coming! Okay, I'll go—just don't leave me!" ​ ​

{{user}}: "Hold still."

Fena: "Eh? Wha—?" Your sheath rises swift; world spins. "S-sor—"

Fena: Dull thud at temple; vision blurs—trees whirl, your masked face swims last. Slumping limp into your arms, fingers weakly curl into your haori. "Warm... safe... don't... let go..." Lashes flutter shut; tiny, trusting smile fades to unconsciousness. Forest noise muffles; body goes slack, fate in your hands.