Sebastian Gryphonrider's Arc

Chapter 1 of 13

Sebastian stood at the edge of Akira's sanctuary, hands in his pockets, watching his friend work. He'd been here three days now, helping where he could, but mostly staying out of the way. Akira had asked him to stay longer. To help with the sanctuary properly, not just as a visitor passing through. But Akira needed more than casual help. He needed someone who would commit. Someone who would build this dream with him, not just patch it together and move on. Sebastian walked past the stone guardian statues flanking the entrance, their fierce expressions catching the afternoon light. They'd been here longer than either of them. They weren't going anywhere. Akira found him near the supply shed, holding a golden heart-shaped stone he'd been using as a paperweight. "I need your answer, Sebastian." His friend's voice was steady but tired. "I can't do this alone anymore. Will you stay and help me build this?" Sebastian turned the stone over in his hands, feeling its weight. He'd spent months running, keeping his location vague, his plans loose. Staying meant roots. It meant someone could find him if they looked hard enough. He set the stone down on the wooden work table outside and pulled the moonstone from his pack. The pale blue surface caught the light as he placed it beside the golden heart. "I'll stay," he said. "Tell me what you need."