Chapter 255: Missing Tonks
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With Ethan and Gaga joining the battle, the tide quickly turned in favor of the wizards. The canine people, having lost much of their will and wisdom, grew fearful as the casualties mounted.
A few began to whimper and flee, and their retreat soon spread into a full-scale rout. The survivors, suffering heavy losses, scrambled to escape toward the cover of the dense forest.
Cheers erupted from the wizards on the city wall. For the first time, they had defeated the dog people in a decisive victory.
Ethan circled twice in the sky before landing on the ground. The cheers quieted as the wizards on the wall turned their attention to the large, strange bird and the giant figure beside it, curiosity filling their faces.
As Ethan touched down, his black-and-golden feathers slowly retracted into his skin, and his large wings folded gracefully into his back, revealing his human form.
"It's Mr. Ethan!" exclaimed Reznov, breaking the silence. Recognition spread among the wizards, who visibly relaxed.
"Open the gates! Open the gates, you fools!"
Reznov shouted to the guards, and soon, the creaking of the steel gates echoed as Ethan and Gaga entered the village of Oshdin.
Inside, joy had overtaken the village. The villagers, usually worn with worry, embraced each other and celebrated.
They knew the dog people had suffered a major defeat and would no longer pose a significant threat. Wizards sent colorful bursts of magical fireworks into the sky, illuminating the village in festive hues.
At the bar, Aunt Oni shouted joyfully, announcing that all drinks were free in honor of the victory. The air was filled with laughter, dancing, and the warmth of celebration.
As Ethan entered, Reznov embraced him with a heartfelt hug.
"Thank you, Mr. Ethan! You saved all of us! We owe you a great debt," he said, his voice brimming with emotion.
Only then did Reznov notice Gaga, who stood somewhat uneasily beside Ethan.
"And who is this?" Reznov asked, eyeing Gaga curiously.
"This is Gaga," Ethan replied with a warm smile.
"A great mountain spirit. She was invaluable in the fight and deserved much credit for defeating the canines."
"A mountain spirit!" Reznov exclaimed in awe.
"My grandmother told me stories of the mountain spirits when I was a child, but I never imagined they were real!"
Turning to Gaga, Reznov offered a respectful greeting.
"Ms. Gaga, hello!"
"Hello, hello!" Gaga replied quickly, visibly happy yet a bit bashful.
As a mountain spirit, she felt a natural kinship with humans, but this was her first time among so many people, and she was both thrilled and overwhelmed.
Noticing Gaga's shyness, Ethan chuckled and said, "Gaga is very kind and fond of humans, thoughs he's a bit shy. Reznov, could you show her around the village and help her feel at home?"
"With pleasure!" Reznov laughed, calling over a few young wizards, who eagerly led Gaga into the village, introducing him to their favorite places.
"Reznov," Ethan said casually, "have you seen Tonks? I figured she'd be in the village by now."
"Tonks?" Reznov looked at him, puzzled.
"Didn't she go out with you?"
"Oh, my God!"
Realization dawned on Reznov, and his expression changed, filled with alarm.
"No! It can't be!"
A cold dread washed over Ethan; the thought of Tonks in danger, perhaps even dead, was unbearable.
Quickly, Ethan explained to Reznov why Tonks had left alone to return to the village.
Reznov's expression turned oddly thoughtful.
"Oh… I may know something."
"What? What do you know?" Ethan pressed, no longer bothering with politeness.
"Tell me now!"
"Calm down, Ethan!" Reznov said, trying to reassure him. He then began to explain, briefly recounting the history of the village and its mysterious connection to a werewolf settlement deep in the mountains.
"So, you think Tonks might be in that werewolf village?" Ethan asked, frowning with concern.
"It's possible."
"Then I'm going there now to find her!" Ethan declared, grabbing his gear and preparing to head out immediately.
"I'll come with you," Reznov insisted, resolve hardening in his voice.
"We owe you that much."
Ethan nodded, clapping a grateful hand on Reznov's shoulder.
The two made ready to depart, but a commotion erupted from the city wall.
"Someone's coming! Look, over there!"
Voices called out, drawing their attention. Ethan and Reznov shared a look and quickly headed toward the wall.
Several small figures approached the village in the distance against the snow-covered landscape.
Ethan strained to see, his heart racing as he tried to make out who it could be. After a few anxious moments, his tension eased—it was Tonks!
Tonks had seen him, too. She waved excitedly as she led a group of children, their gray cloaks blending with the snowy terrain like ducklings following their mother.
A tall figure trailed at a distance, keeping a watchful but cautious eye on the group.
Ethan didn't wait. As Tonks and her group reached the gate, he called for the villagers to open it, and as soon as they did, he and Tonks ran toward each other, embracing tightly.
"You're safe!" Ethan said, relief flooding his voice as he looked at her flushed, joyful face.
"Yes! And you're okay, too!" Tonks responded, matching his smile.
Their eyes met, and they couldn't help it—they kissed deeply as if reuniting after an eternity apart. Time seemed to pause until Reznov's awkward cough brought them back.
"Er, Ethan… these children?" Reznov asked, eyeing the group curiously.
Tonks turned, realizing the children were watching with wide, curious eyes. She laughed, slightly flustered, as she introduced them to Ethan and Reznov, gently encouraging them to step forward and meet their new friends.