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<v Speaker 1>Now one of your pudding. I got a string going

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<v Speaker 1>on here, something just because my dog. Something killed your dog.

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<v Speaker 1>My dog. We're flying through the air over the tree.

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<v Speaker 1>I don't know how it did it, Okay, Damn, I'm

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<v Speaker 1>really confused. All I saw was my dog coming over

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<v Speaker 1>the fence and he was dead. And once you hit

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<v Speaker 1>the ground like, I didn't see any cars. All I

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<v Speaker 1>saw was my dog coming over the fence. Set. What

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<v Speaker 1>are you putting? We got some wonder or something prowling

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<v Speaker 1>around out here. Did you see what it was or

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<v Speaker 1>was it was? Standing enough? I'm out here looking through

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<v Speaker 1>the window now and I don't see anything. I don't

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<v Speaker 1>want to go outside. Jesus, quiet you Bick, Hello, get

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<v Speaker 1>the Boddy out here? What quin I'm out there? I

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<v Speaker 1>thought of a mention about text forty nine. I don't

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<v Speaker 1>know easy ann out there? Yeah, I'm right.

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<v Speaker 2>Hey, hey, everyone, this episode is something truly special. Today

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<v Speaker 2>I'm bringing you the first seven chapters of my brand

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<v Speaker 2>new audiobook, Born Wild Coda's Odyssey, Volume one. This story

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<v Speaker 2>has lived in my heart for a long time. Ever

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<v Speaker 2>since I first started studying and talking about Sasquatch, I've

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<v Speaker 2>dreamed of telling their story, not from our point of view,

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<v Speaker 2>but from theirs. To imagine what it might be like

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<v Speaker 2>to live as one of them, To feel the pulse

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<v Speaker 2>of the forest through their eyes, to experience their fears,

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<v Speaker 2>their triumphs, their families, and their world as it changes

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<v Speaker 2>around them. Born Wild is that dream come to life.

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<v Speaker 2>It's an adventure filled with mystery, danger, and heart. You'll

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<v Speaker 2>meet Coda, a young Sasquatch born in the deep ancient

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<v Speaker 2>of the Olympic Peninsula, and you'll walk beside him as

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<v Speaker 2>he learns what it truly means to survive, to protect,

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<v Speaker 2>and to belong. Along the way, you'll meet the incredible

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<v Speaker 2>clans that make up this hidden world, each with their

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<v Speaker 2>own stories, traditions, and struggles. There are friendships, rivalries, betrayals,

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<v Speaker 2>and moments of breath taking courage that will make you

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<v Speaker 2>fall in love with these characters, just like I did

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<v Speaker 2>while writing them. Coda's journey isn't just about surviving the wild.

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<v Speaker 2>It's about finding his place in a world that's changing

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<v Speaker 2>faster than his people can understand. And when his path

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<v Speaker 2>crosses that of a human boy, everything he's been taught

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<v Speaker 2>about fear, trust and connection will be tested in ways

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<v Speaker 2>that will shape not just his future, but the fate

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<v Speaker 2>of his kind. This is a story about family, about love,

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<v Speaker 2>and about the wilderness itself, that sacred place where myth

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<v Speaker 2>and reality blur together. It's my way of honoring the

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<v Speaker 2>mystery of the Sasquatch while asking deeper questions about who

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<v Speaker 2>we are, what we value, and how we coexist with

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<v Speaker 2>the natural world. If you enjoy what you hear today,

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<v Speaker 2>you can grab the full audiobook with over seven hours

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<v Speaker 2>of narration right now for just six dollars and ninety

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<v Speaker 2>nine cents. Or if you're like me and love something

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<v Speaker 2>you can hold in your hands, you can order an

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<v Speaker 2>autographed paperback for only twenty dollars plus shipping and handling.

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<v Speaker 2>Just click the link right here in the show notes,

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<v Speaker 2>or head over to our website at Paranormalworldproductions dot com

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<v Speaker 2>to get your copy today. And while you're there, don't

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<v Speaker 2>forget to sign up for our free newsletter. It's the

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<v Speaker 2>best way to stay up to date on new releases,

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<v Speaker 2>behind the scenes stories, and everything happening in the world

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<v Speaker 2>of all of our podcasts, Sasquatch Odyssey, Backwoods, Bigfoot Stories,

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<v Speaker 2>The Guilty Files, Disturbing History, and everything we have coming

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<v Speaker 2>your way from the Paranormal World Production Studio. Thank you

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<v Speaker 2>for being part of this journey, for listening, supporting, and

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<v Speaker 2>believing in these stories that connect us to something bigger,

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<v Speaker 2>something ancient, something wild. Now let's step into the forest

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<v Speaker 2>together and begin born Wild Coda's odyssey Genesis. Spring had

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<v Speaker 2>always been a time of renewal in the Olympic Peninsula.

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<v Speaker 2>But this year the air felt different. Asha could sense it,

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<v Speaker 2>a subtle but undeniable shift that pulsed through the forest

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<v Speaker 2>like a slow, creeping shadow. The season's arrival wasn't marked

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<v Speaker 2>by just the usual signs, the thawing earth, budding trees,

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<v Speaker 2>and the nighttime chorus of brogs. This was something more profound,

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<v Speaker 2>a weight that hung on the wind and wove through

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<v Speaker 2>the underbrush. It sent shivers down her spine and heightened

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<v Speaker 2>every since, as if the world itself was holding its breath.

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<v Speaker 2>She felt it in her bones as surely as the

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<v Speaker 2>new life growing inside her. Asha, with her thick, tawny

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<v Speaker 2>hair and wise, silver flecked eyes, had experienced men many

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<v Speaker 2>springs in her life, but none had ever carried such weight.

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<v Speaker 2>This season, she would bring her child into the world.

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<v Speaker 2>She had known for some time now from the way

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<v Speaker 2>her belly had grown heavy, and Caboda had begun watching

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<v Speaker 2>her with that protective, anxious look in his eyes. Her mate,

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<v Speaker 2>strong and silent as always, had grown restless, constantly scanning

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<v Speaker 2>the horizon for any sign of danger. But the danger

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<v Speaker 2>wasn't just the rogue sasquatch that roamed the northern Ridges,

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<v Speaker 2>though he posed a threat to be sure, it was

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<v Speaker 2>the humans. They grew closer, encroaching on their home, their forest,

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<v Speaker 2>with each passing day. Cabodah stood at the edge of

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<v Speaker 2>the clearing, his broad shoulders tents as he listened to

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<v Speaker 2>the distant machines, human machines. His hair, the color of

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<v Speaker 2>rich forest soil, seemed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding trees.

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<v Speaker 2>From afar, he could have passed for one of the

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<v Speaker 2>towering ancient cedars, a figure carved from the wilderness itself.

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<v Speaker 2>But up Asha caught the truth. His eyes burned with tension,

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<v Speaker 2>and his muscles coiled beneath his thick, untamed hair, vibrating

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<v Speaker 2>with a raw, restless energy that betrayed his unease. They're

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<v Speaker 2>getting bolder, he mumbled, his voice low and gravelly. I

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<v Speaker 2>saw their fires last night. Closer than they've ever been.

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<v Speaker 2>We may not have much time before they find us.

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<v Speaker 2>Asha sat beside him, her hand resting on her swollen belly,

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<v Speaker 2>feeling the life stir within. We'll find a way, she

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<v Speaker 2>said softly, though uncertain. He weighed on her heart. We

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<v Speaker 2>always do. But even as she said the words, she

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<v Speaker 2>wasn't sure she believed them. The humans were relentless. They

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<v Speaker 2>came in greater numbers each year, pushing deeper into the

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<v Speaker 2>forest with their strange tools and loud machines, tearing down

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<v Speaker 2>trees that had stood for centuries. They were careless, trampling

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<v Speaker 2>the land as if it were theirs to claim. Asha

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<v Speaker 2>had seen them up close once years ago, when she

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<v Speaker 2>had ventured too close to one of their camps. Though

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<v Speaker 2>smaller than her kind, something terrified her about their numbers

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<v Speaker 2>and the strange, hard objects they carried, tools that could

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<v Speaker 2>rip through the forest with ease, as though nature itself

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<v Speaker 2>bent to their will. They're close, Caboda continued, his eyes

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<v Speaker 2>narrowing as he sniffed the air too close. Asha followed

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<v Speaker 2>his gaze to the horizon, where the trees thinned out

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<v Speaker 2>into open land. She could almost smell the smoke from

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<v Speaker 2>the human fires, the acrid scent of burning wood mixing

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<v Speaker 2>with the sweet fragrance of pine needles and moss. That

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<v Speaker 2>smell always made her uneasy. The humans didn't belong here.

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<v Speaker 2>They didn't respect the land the way her kind did.

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<v Speaker 2>They took and took, never giving anything back. They won't stop,

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<v Speaker 2>she said, almost to herself, not until they've taken everything.

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<v Speaker 2>Caboda growled low in his throat, a sound of frustration

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<v Speaker 2>and helplessness.

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<v Speaker 3>Then we need to prepare. He was right.

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<v Speaker 2>With the humans closing in and the baby's birth approaching,

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<v Speaker 2>they needed to find a safe place, a hidden place

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<v Speaker 2>where she could bring their child into the world without

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<v Speaker 2>fear of discovery. It wasn't just a matter of comfort,

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<v Speaker 2>it was survival. The humans were a threat, but so

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<v Speaker 2>was the forest itself. Dangers for a newborn filled the world,

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<v Speaker 2>from predators that stalked in the underbrush to weather that

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<v Speaker 2>could turn from drizzle to torrential storms within hours. After days

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<v Speaker 2>of searching the forest, venturing ever deeper into the heart

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<v Speaker 2>of their territory in search of a safe haven, at

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<v Speaker 2>last they found it. A secluded grove, tucked away within

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<v Speaker 2>a dense stand of ancient cedars, offering the shelter they

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<v Speaker 2>desperately needed. The trunks of the massive trees stretched wide

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<v Speaker 2>enough to hide a family of sasquatches from view, their

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<v Speaker 2>branches forming a dense canopy that shielded the ground from

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<v Speaker 2>the harsh elements. Scents of pine and damp earth thickened

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<v Speaker 2>the air, and a nearby stream tricked through the silence,

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<v Speaker 2>offering both fresh water and a natural barrier between them

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<v Speaker 2>and any approaching danger. This will do, Caboda said, his

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<v Speaker 2>voice thick with determination. The two got straight to work,

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<v Speaker 2>gathering materials for a nest to cradle Asha and their

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<v Speaker 2>unborn child. Asha's movements had slowed the weight of the pregnancy,

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<v Speaker 2>making every step more laborious, but she refused to let

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<v Speaker 2>Kaboda do all the work. She wove together long, flexible branches,

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<v Speaker 2>creating a sturdy foundation, while Caboda gathered piles of soft

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<v Speaker 2>moss and leaves to line the inside. They worked side

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<v Speaker 2>by side, as always, their hands moving in rhythm with

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<v Speaker 2>the forest around them. Asha took her time selecting the

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<v Speaker 2>softest moss, pressing it into the base of the nest

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<v Speaker 2>until it formed a thick, cushiony bed. It needed to

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<v Speaker 2>be perfect, strong, enough to support her weight during the birth,

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<v Speaker 2>but soft enough to protect the delicate form of their child.

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<v Speaker 2>When the time came, Kaboda used his powerful arms to

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<v Speaker 2>get They gather animal hides they had saved from past hunts,

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<v Speaker 2>draping them over the nest to provide warmth and shelter

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<v Speaker 2>from the cool spring nights. As they worked, Asha felt

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<v Speaker 2>a flutter in her belly, a reminder of the life

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<v Speaker 2>growing inside her. The baby was strong, she could feel

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<v Speaker 2>it in the way he kicked and shifted, already testing

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<v Speaker 2>his strength against the confines of her body. A smile

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<v Speaker 2>tugged at her lips despite the exhaustion. This child would

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<v Speaker 2>be special. It's almost ready, Caboda said, standing back to

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<v Speaker 2>admire their work. Just a few more branches to cover

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<v Speaker 2>the top. Asha nodded, her hand resting on her belly.

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<v Speaker 2>We'll be safe here, she said softly, at least for

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<v Speaker 2>a while. But even as she spoke the words, she

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<v Speaker 2>couldn't shake the feeling that safety was fleeting. The humans

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<v Speaker 2>were relentless, always pushing forward, always expanding. And the other danger,

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<v Speaker 2>the one that stalked the shadows of their territory. No

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<v Speaker 2>one ever spoke his name aloud, but everyone knew who

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<v Speaker 2>he was, the rogue Sasquatch, a giant among giants, even

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<v Speaker 2>larger than Kboda, with a temper as wild as the

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<v Speaker 2>storms that swept through the mountains. He had no clan,

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<v Speaker 2>no family. He lived alone, a creature of pure instinct

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<v Speaker 2>and rage. The stories about him were dark and terrifying,

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<v Speaker 2>passed down from parents, whispered in the darkness by the

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<v Speaker 2>older Sasquatch who had seen him and survived. Legend said

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<v Speaker 2>the rogue had once been in a clan long ago,

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<v Speaker 2>but was cast out for reasons no one could fully explain.

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<v Speaker 2>Some said he had killed his own kin in a

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<v Speaker 2>fit of rage. Others claimed he had simply grown too wild,

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<v Speaker 2>too dangerous, even for his own kind. Most believed he

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<v Speaker 2>had killed many hikers on the Appalachian Trail who dared

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<v Speaker 2>to venture too far into the backcountry near his old

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<v Speaker 2>clan's territory. Whatever the truth, he was an unsettling presence,

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<v Speaker 2>a relentless threat, woven into the fabric of the forest,

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<v Speaker 2>unseen yet impossible to ignore, pressing at the periphery of

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<v Speaker 2>awareness like the weight of an impending storm. Asha had

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<v Speaker 2>never seen him herself, but Koboda had once many years ago,

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<v Speaker 2>before they had become mates. He didn't talk about it much,

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<v Speaker 2>but she knew the encounter had left a deep impression

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<v Speaker 2>on him. I saw him near the Northern Ridge, Caboda

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<v Speaker 2>had told her one night by the fire. His voice

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<v Speaker 2>had been low, almost a whisper, as if speaking of

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<v Speaker 2>the rogue would summon him from the shadows. He was huge,

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<v Speaker 2>bigger than any of us. His hair was dark, almost black,

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<v Speaker 2>and his eyes they were wild, like nothing I've ever seen.

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<v Speaker 2>He wasn't like us, Asha, he was something else. Asha

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<v Speaker 2>had shivered at the memory of Koboda's words. They could

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<v Speaker 2>not ignore the danger of the rogue, especially now with

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<v Speaker 2>the baby on the way. They would need to stay alert,

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<v Speaker 2>always on guard, in case he wandered too close to

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<v Speaker 2>their territory. But for now they focused.

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<v Speaker 3>On the nest.

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<v Speaker 2>On the birth Part one, Chapter one birth, Asha went

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<v Speaker 2>into labor on a calm, clear night. The sky above

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<v Speaker 2>the canopy was a deep, velvety black, dotted with stars

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<v Speaker 2>that twinkled faintly through the gaps in the trees. The

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<v Speaker 2>air cool, but not cold. It should have been a

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<v Speaker 2>peaceful night, a night for resting and gathering strength. Instead,

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<v Speaker 2>pain racked Asha's body. It started slowly, a dull ache

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<v Speaker 2>deep in her belly that made her shift uncomfortably in

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<v Speaker 2>the nest. Caboda stood beside her, his large frame casting

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<v Speaker 2>a protective shadow over the entrance to their shelter. He

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<v Speaker 2>had been restless all day, sinsing the time was near,

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<v Speaker 2>and now that it had come, his eyes were sharp

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<v Speaker 2>with concern Asha. His voice was gentle, but had an

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<v Speaker 2>edge to it, a quiet urgency.

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<v Speaker 3>Is it time?

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<v Speaker 2>Ssha nodded, unable to speak as another wave of pain

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<v Speaker 2>rolled through her. She gripped the edge of the nest,

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<v Speaker 2>her breath coming in short, sharp gasps. The baby was coming,

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<v Speaker 2>she could feel it, the pressure building inside her, her

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<v Speaker 2>body instinctively preparing for the birth. Kboda knelt beside her,

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<v Speaker 2>his hand resting on her shoulder, offering her what comfort

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<v Speaker 2>he could. I'm here, I'm not going anywhere. The hours

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<v Speaker 2>that followed were a blur of pain and effort, her

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<v Speaker 2>body straining with the intensity of the labor. Each contraction

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<v Speaker 2>seemed to tear through her like fire, but Asha remained focused,

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<v Speaker 2>her mind fixed on the life she was about to

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<v Speaker 2>bring into the world. She could feel the baby moving

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<v Speaker 2>inside her, shifting lower ready to emerge. Kaboda stayed by

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<v Speaker 2>her side the entire time, his presence a steady, grounding

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<v Speaker 2>force as she fought through the pain. He wiped the

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<v Speaker 2>sweat from her brow with a cool clump of moss,

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<v Speaker 2>his deep voice whispering words of encouragement as the night

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<v Speaker 2>dragged on. You're strong, Asha, he whispered, you can do this,

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<v Speaker 2>You're almost there, and stay tuned for mor sasquatch oat

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<v Speaker 2>to see. We'll be right back after these messages. Finally,

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<v Speaker 2>after what felt like an eternity, the baby came. With

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<v Speaker 2>one last agonizing push. Asha felt the release of pressure

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<v Speaker 2>as the child slid from her body into the world.

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<v Speaker 2>The first sound to fill the air was a tiny,

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<v Speaker 2>sharp cry, a cry that sent a wave of relief

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<v Speaker 2>and joy through her, even as her body trembled with exhaustion.

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<v Speaker 3>Kboda caught the.

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<v Speaker 2>Newborn in his large hands, his face filled with awe

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<v Speaker 2>and wonder as he looked down at their son. He

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<v Speaker 2>was small, covered in soft, dark hair, his eyes wide

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<v Speaker 2>and blinking as he took in his first breaths of

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<v Speaker 2>the world outside the womb. Coda. Asha whispered, her voice

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<v Speaker 2>barely a breath. She reached out and Caboda gently plas

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<v Speaker 2>placed the baby in her arms, his tiny form warm

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<v Speaker 2>and alive against her chest.

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<v Speaker 3>Our son.

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<v Speaker 2>Asha gazed down at him, her heart swelling with love

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<v Speaker 2>and pride. He was perfect, their Coda, their strong and

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<v Speaker 2>beautiful boy. But as she held him close, she felt

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<v Speaker 2>another sharp pain ripped through her body. Unexpected and wrong.

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<v Speaker 2>A second baby. Asha gasped, her eyes widening in shock

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<v Speaker 2>as her body convulsed again. Cabodah's face twisted with concern

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<v Speaker 2>as he realized what was happening. A twin they hadn't known,

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<v Speaker 2>But as the second baby came into the world, Asha

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<v Speaker 2>immediately knew something was wrong. There was no Crykboda's face

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<v Speaker 2>fell as he gently lifted the still silent form of

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<v Speaker 2>their daughter. She was small, too small, her body limp

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<v Speaker 2>and lifeless in his hands. Asha's heart shattered as she

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<v Speaker 2>reached out to touch her daughter's tiny face, tears spilling

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<v Speaker 2>down her cheeks. Joda Her voice broke, thick with grief.

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<v Speaker 2>Kaboda didn't speak, He couldn't. His face was a mask

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<v Speaker 2>of sorrow as he wrapped their daughter in soft leaves,

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<v Speaker 2>his hands trembling as he prepared her for burial. Asha

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<v Speaker 2>watched through a veil of tears as he carried her

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<v Speaker 2>out of the nest into the grove, where the ancient

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<v Speaker 2>cedar trees stood like silent sentinels. They buried their daughter

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<v Speaker 2>beneath the largest tree, the earth cool and damp as

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<v Speaker 2>Koboda gently laid her to rest. Asha knelt beside the grave,

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<v Speaker 2>her heart heavy with loss. They had gained a son,

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<v Speaker 2>but they had lost a daughter. The joy and sorrow

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<v Speaker 2>mingled in a way that left Asha hollow, like a

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<v Speaker 2>piece of her soul had been torn away. We will

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<v Speaker 2>never forget you, Katya, she whispered, her hand resting on

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<v Speaker 2>the freshly turned soil. You will always be with us.

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<v Speaker 2>The days after the birth were a blur of exhaustion

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<v Speaker 2>and quiet.

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<v Speaker 3>Morning.

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<v Speaker 2>Asha and Koboda took turns watching over Coda, their grief

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<v Speaker 2>for their daughter lingering like a shadow over their small family.

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<v Speaker 2>But even in their sorrow, they knew they had to

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<v Speaker 2>stay vigilant. The humans were getting closer, and the rogue

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<v Speaker 2>still lurked somewhere in the forest. Each day, the sounds

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<v Speaker 2>of human activity grew louder, machines tearing through the earth,

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<v Speaker 2>the distant roar of engines, and the sharp crack of

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<v Speaker 2>trees being felled. The once quiet forest was now filled

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<v Speaker 2>with the noise of human expansion, and it was only

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<v Speaker 2>a matter of time before they stumbled upon Asha and

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<v Speaker 2>Koboda's nest. They're coming, Kboda said one evening, his voice

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<v Speaker 2>heavy with resignation. We need to move. Asha nodded, holding

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<v Speaker 2>Coda close as he slept. They couldn't stay here any longer.

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<v Speaker 2>The humans were relentless, and with a newborn to protect,

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<v Speaker 2>they couldn't afford to take any chances. But more than

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<v Speaker 2>just the humans worried Asha. The rogue Sasquatch was still

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<v Speaker 2>out there, somewhere in the shadows, a threat looming over

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<v Speaker 2>them like a dark cloud. She had seen signs of him,

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<v Speaker 2>broken branches, disturbed earth, and the unmistakable stench of his presence.

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<v Speaker 3>He was close, too close.

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<v Speaker 2>We'll find a new place, Asha said, though her voice

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<v Speaker 2>lacked confidence. Somewhere deeper in the forest, Caboda nodded, worry

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<v Speaker 2>etched clearly in his eyes. The forest, once their sanctuary,

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<v Speaker 2>no longer offered safety. The humans advanced steadily, and the

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<v Speaker 2>rogue posed a threat they couldn't afford to overlook. With

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<v Speaker 2>heavy hearts, they left the grove behind, carrying Coda in

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<v Speaker 2>their arms as they ventured deeper into the wilderness. The

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<v Speaker 2>forest stretched out before them, vast and untamed, full of

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<v Speaker 2>both danger and promise. But Asha knew one thing for certain.

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<v Speaker 2>They would do whatever it took to protect their family.

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<v Speaker 2>They had survived the loss of their daughter, the encroachment

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<v Speaker 2>of humans, and the impending threat of the rogue. They

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<v Speaker 2>would survive whatever came next. They had to Chapter two Growth.

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<v Speaker 2>It had been a few days since Asha had given

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<v Speaker 2>birth to little Koda. Her newborn was nursing well, and

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<v Speaker 2>Asha was recovering quickly, but the human presence was getting

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<v Speaker 2>closer and closer to their nest, forcing Asha and Caboda

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<v Speaker 2>to make some tough decisions. We can't stay here anymore,

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<v Speaker 2>Caboda said grimly one evening. The humans are getting too close.

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<v Speaker 2>We need to move deeper into the forest, find a

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<v Speaker 2>new place to make our home. Asha nodded solemnly, casting

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<v Speaker 2>a worried glance down at the sleeping Coda. I was

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<v Speaker 2>afraid of this, but you're right. We can't risk them

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<v Speaker 2>finding us here. It's not safe for Coda. Caboda reached

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<v Speaker 2>out and caressed Coda's soft hair. Don't worry. We'll find

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<v Speaker 2>a good place to go, somewhere the humans won't be

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<v Speaker 2>able to get to us. He paused, we'll have to

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<v Speaker 2>leave first thing in the morning. Asha sighed heavily. All right,

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<v Speaker 2>I'll start getting ready. This was such a good home

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<v Speaker 2>for us. Caboda pulled her into a comforting embrace. I know,

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<v Speaker 2>but we'll find another, and Coda will be safe. That's

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<v Speaker 2>what matters most. The next morning, they set out, with

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<v Speaker 2>Coda snuggled securely against Asha's chest. Caboda led them deeper

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<v Speaker 2>into the dense forest, keeping a watchful eye for any

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<v Speaker 2>sign of the humans. After a few hours of trekking,

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<v Speaker 2>they came across a small clearing that seemed like a

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<v Speaker 2>good spot to set up a new temporary home. This

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<v Speaker 2>looks promising, Caboda said, surveying the area, lots of cover,

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<v Speaker 2>away from any trails the humans might use. We can

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<v Speaker 2>build a shelter here and hunker down for a while.

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<v Speaker 2>Asha nodded in agreement, rocking Coda as he fussed, all right,

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<v Speaker 2>let's get started.

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<v Speaker 1>Then.

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<v Speaker 2>The sooner we get settled, the better I'll feel. They

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<v Speaker 2>worked quickly to construct a simple, lean to structure using branches,

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<v Speaker 2>leaves and whatever they found in the clearing.

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<v Speaker 3>Though not the most.

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<v Speaker 2>Sturdy or weather proof shelter, it would have to do

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<v Speaker 2>for now. As the sun set, they huddled inside, Coda

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<v Speaker 2>nestled warmly between them. There that should do it, Caboda said,

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<v Speaker 2>giving the structure a pat. It's not much, but it'll

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<v Speaker 2>keep the rain off at least. Asha nodded, running a

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<v Speaker 2>hand over Coda's soft hair. It's perfect. I just hope

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<v Speaker 2>it keeps us hidden from the humans. Caboda drew closer,

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<v Speaker 2>wrapping a comforting arm around her. Don't worry. We're well

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<v Speaker 2>off the trails now. I don't think they'll find us here.

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<v Speaker 2>They settled in for the night, Coda snoozing peacefully while

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<v Speaker 2>Asha and Caboda kept watch. But as they drifted off,

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<v Speaker 2>a sudden, bone chilling howl pierced the silence of the forest.

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<v Speaker 2>Asha stiffened, eyes going wide. What was that, Caboda tensed,

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<v Speaker 2>listening intently. I don't know, but it didn't sound good.

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<v Speaker 2>He paused, then let out a series of low, rumbling grunts,

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<v Speaker 2>a warning call to any threats in the area. They waited,

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<v Speaker 2>straining their ears for any other sounds. After a few

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<v Speaker 2>tense moments, another howl echoed through the trees.

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<v Speaker 3>Closer.

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<v Speaker 2>This time, Caboda responded with more grunts, deeper and more insistent.

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<v Speaker 2>Asha huddled closer to Coda, heart pounding. Caboda, what is it?

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<v Speaker 2>What's out there? I'm not sure, but whatever it is,

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<v Speaker 2>it's getting closer. Stay close to me and keep quiet.

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<v Speaker 2>They fell silent, listening as the forest seemed to come

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<v Speaker 2>alive around them. Twigs snapped, leaves rustled, and a strange,

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00:23:28.680 --> 00:23:33.400
<v Speaker 2>guttural growling reached their ears. Caboda's grunts grew louder, more

387
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<v Speaker 2>desperate as he tried to ward off the unseen threat. Suddenly,

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<v Speaker 2>a towering, shadowy figure loomed at the edge of their

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<v Speaker 2>little shelter. Asha stifled a gasp, clutching Coda. Caboda rose

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<v Speaker 2>to his feet, letting out a series of deep, booming barks,

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<v Speaker 2>a clear warning for the intruder to back off. The

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<v Speaker 2>figure paused, then let out a bone chilling scream that

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<v Speaker 2>made Asha's blood run cold. It was a primal, animalistic sound,

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<v Speaker 2>full of raw power and aggression. Caboda responded with a

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<v Speaker 2>series of thunderous mouth pops, like a bat striking a tree,

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<v Speaker 2>hoping to intimidate the larger sasquatch. For a moment, the

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<v Speaker 2>two giants stared each other down, Then, with a final

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<v Speaker 2>earth shaking roar, the figure retreated back into the darkness

399
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<v Speaker 2>of the forest. Asha let out a shaky breath, heart

400
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<v Speaker 2>racing Caboda.

401
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<v Speaker 3>What was that?

402
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<v Speaker 2>Caboda remained tense, eyes scanning the tree line. I think

403
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<v Speaker 2>I think it was the rogue, the one we've been

404
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<v Speaker 2>hearing about. For the first time, he spoke his name

405
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<v Speaker 2>at of Noah, the Cherokee word for war. Asha's eyes

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00:24:42.240 --> 00:24:45.759
<v Speaker 2>widened in fear at of Noah. But why would he

407
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<v Speaker 2>come so close to our shelter. He's never done that before.

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<v Speaker 2>Caboda shook his head slowly. I don't know, but I'm

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<v Speaker 2>sure it has something to do with Coda. Either way,

410
00:24:56.279 --> 00:24:59.240
<v Speaker 2>we need to be careful from now on. He's dangerous

411
00:24:59.559 --> 00:25:02.640
<v Speaker 2>and he's not afraid to come after us. They huddled

412
00:25:02.680 --> 00:25:06.400
<v Speaker 2>in the small shelter, Coda whimpering softly in Asha's arms.

413
00:25:07.200 --> 00:25:10.160
<v Speaker 2>The rest of the night passed intense silence, with both

414
00:25:10.240 --> 00:25:13.680
<v Speaker 2>Asha and Caboda keeping vigil alert for any sign of

415
00:25:13.680 --> 00:25:17.359
<v Speaker 2>the rogue's return. As the first rays of dawn filtered

416
00:25:17.400 --> 00:25:21.000
<v Speaker 2>through the trees. Caboda finally relaxed a bit, letting out

417
00:25:21.039 --> 00:25:24.400
<v Speaker 2>a heavy sigh. I think it's gone for now, but

418
00:25:24.480 --> 00:25:26.519
<v Speaker 2>we need to find a more secure place to stay,

419
00:25:27.039 --> 00:25:32.119
<v Speaker 2>something that can better protect us. Asha nodded, rocking. Coda agreed.

420
00:25:32.680 --> 00:25:34.519
<v Speaker 2>The sooner we can get moved the better.

421
00:25:35.079 --> 00:25:36.599
<v Speaker 3>I don't want to risk Coda's safety.

422
00:25:37.440 --> 00:25:40.079
<v Speaker 2>They quickly packed up what little they had and set out,

423
00:25:40.519 --> 00:25:44.079
<v Speaker 2>Caboda leading the way deeper into the forest. The going

424
00:25:44.160 --> 00:25:47.079
<v Speaker 2>was slow, with Asha having to carry Coda and Caboda

425
00:25:47.160 --> 00:25:50.960
<v Speaker 2>constantly on the lookout for any sign of adinoa. After

426
00:25:51.000 --> 00:25:53.960
<v Speaker 2>several hours of trekking, they came across a small cave,

427
00:25:54.480 --> 00:25:58.079
<v Speaker 2>partially hidden by a tangle of fallen trees and overgrown vegetation.

428
00:25:58.920 --> 00:26:03.880
<v Speaker 2>Caboda paused, studying it closely. This could work. He ran

429
00:26:03.920 --> 00:26:07.359
<v Speaker 2>a hand along the rough stone. Its secluded and the

430
00:26:07.519 --> 00:26:10.319
<v Speaker 2>entrance is well hidden. We should be able to fortify

431
00:26:10.359 --> 00:26:13.759
<v Speaker 2>it and make it a decent shelter. Asha appeared inside,

432
00:26:14.279 --> 00:26:17.960
<v Speaker 2>Coda still cradled against her chest. It does seem promising,

433
00:26:18.440 --> 00:26:20.880
<v Speaker 2>and if that rogue comes back, at least we'll have

434
00:26:20.960 --> 00:26:26.640
<v Speaker 2>some protection. Caboda nodded, exactly. Let's get started. The sooner

435
00:26:26.680 --> 00:26:30.160
<v Speaker 2>we get settled, the better I'll feel. They spent the

436
00:26:30.200 --> 00:26:32.200
<v Speaker 2>rest of the day working to clear out the cave

437
00:26:32.279 --> 00:26:36.599
<v Speaker 2>and reinforce the entrance. Caboda gathered large branches and sturdy

438
00:26:36.640 --> 00:26:40.680
<v Speaker 2>logs to create a makeshift barricade, while Asha gathered soft

439
00:26:40.720 --> 00:26:45.000
<v Speaker 2>bedding materials and arranged a cozy nest for Coda. By nightfall,

440
00:26:45.039 --> 00:26:48.319
<v Speaker 2>they had a relatively secure and comfortable shelter to call home.

441
00:26:49.160 --> 00:26:51.839
<v Speaker 2>As they settled in for the evening, Caboda kept an

442
00:26:51.839 --> 00:26:54.839
<v Speaker 2>eye on the forest around them. I haven't heard any

443
00:26:54.880 --> 00:26:58.279
<v Speaker 2>sign of Ataoa since last night. Hopefully he's moved on.

444
00:26:59.200 --> 00:27:01.799
<v Speaker 2>Asha nodded, gently, stroking Coda's hair.

445
00:27:02.640 --> 00:27:03.119
<v Speaker 3>Let's hope.

446
00:27:03.160 --> 00:27:06.359
<v Speaker 2>So. I don't think I could handle another confrontation like that.

447
00:27:07.440 --> 00:27:10.880
<v Speaker 2>Caboda reached out and squeezed her hand. Don't worry. I

448
00:27:10.920 --> 00:27:13.559
<v Speaker 2>won't let anything happen to you or Coda. I'll keep

449
00:27:13.640 --> 00:27:17.359
<v Speaker 2>us safe, I promise. They fell into a light sleep,

450
00:27:17.599 --> 00:27:21.319
<v Speaker 2>Caboda waking periodically to check the perimeter, But just as

451
00:27:21.359 --> 00:27:24.319
<v Speaker 2>the first hints of dawn peeked over the horizon, a

452
00:27:24.440 --> 00:27:30.000
<v Speaker 2>howl shattered the stillness of the forest. Chapter three Tension.

453
00:27:30.960 --> 00:27:34.960
<v Speaker 2>Caboda's eyes snapped open, and he bolted upright, a low,

454
00:27:35.079 --> 00:27:39.000
<v Speaker 2>rumbling growl building in his chest. Asha sat up as well,

455
00:27:39.279 --> 00:27:44.200
<v Speaker 2>clutching Coda. He's back, Cabodah whispered, already moving to reinforce

456
00:27:44.279 --> 00:27:49.799
<v Speaker 2>the cave's entrance. Stay inside, keep quiet. Asha nodded, her

457
00:27:49.799 --> 00:27:53.319
<v Speaker 2>heart pounding in her chest. She huddled deeper into the cave,

458
00:27:53.759 --> 00:27:56.240
<v Speaker 2>shielding Coda with her body. As Caboda went to work,

459
00:27:57.039 --> 00:28:00.000
<v Speaker 2>the howling grew closer, accompanied by the snapping of browns,

460
00:28:00.039 --> 00:28:03.960
<v Speaker 2>inches and the rustling of leaves. Caboda braced himself, ready

461
00:28:04.000 --> 00:28:07.839
<v Speaker 2>to defend his family at all costs. Suddenly, a massive

462
00:28:07.920 --> 00:28:12.359
<v Speaker 2>figure emerged from the trees towering over the makeshift barricade.

463
00:28:12.519 --> 00:28:15.680
<v Speaker 2>Caboda let out a series of thunderous barks, his deep

464
00:28:15.720 --> 00:28:20.119
<v Speaker 2>booming voice echoing through the forest. Ata Noah paused, then

465
00:28:20.240 --> 00:28:23.880
<v Speaker 2>unleashed an earth shaking roar in response. It was a

466
00:28:23.880 --> 00:28:26.920
<v Speaker 2>sound that seemed to vibrate through Asha's very bones, and

467
00:28:27.000 --> 00:28:29.079
<v Speaker 2>she had to fight the urge to leave the safety

468
00:28:29.119 --> 00:28:31.680
<v Speaker 2>of the cave to join Kboda to defend their new

469
00:28:31.720 --> 00:28:36.000
<v Speaker 2>found home. Caboda answered with more barks, his own voice

470
00:28:36.079 --> 00:28:40.200
<v Speaker 2>rising in volume and intensity. The two sasquatches stared each

471
00:28:40.240 --> 00:28:44.079
<v Speaker 2>other down, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife.

472
00:28:44.119 --> 00:28:46.480
<v Speaker 2>For a moment, it seemed like they might come to blows,

473
00:28:47.160 --> 00:28:50.039
<v Speaker 2>but then out of Noah let out a final guttural

474
00:28:50.079 --> 00:28:55.200
<v Speaker 2>growl and turned, disappearing back into the trees. Caboda waited

475
00:28:55.519 --> 00:29:00.000
<v Speaker 2>listening intently, before finally relaxing his stance. He hurried by

476
00:29:00.000 --> 00:29:03.519
<v Speaker 2>back to the cave, checking on Asha and Coda. Are

477
00:29:03.519 --> 00:29:06.920
<v Speaker 2>you both all right? He asked, his voice tinged with concern.

478
00:29:07.799 --> 00:29:13.400
<v Speaker 2>Asha nodded, still trembling. Yes, we're fine, But Kboda, he

479
00:29:13.519 --> 00:29:16.279
<v Speaker 2>is so much bigger than you. I'm scared for us.

480
00:29:16.839 --> 00:29:20.480
<v Speaker 2>For Coda, Caboda reached out and pulled her into an embrace.

481
00:29:21.160 --> 00:29:24.240
<v Speaker 2>I know, I know, but I won't let him hurt us.

482
00:29:24.880 --> 00:29:29.279
<v Speaker 2>I promise we're safe here in this cave. That rogue

483
00:29:29.279 --> 00:29:32.240
<v Speaker 2>won't be able to get to us. Asha buried her

484
00:29:32.240 --> 00:29:35.599
<v Speaker 2>face in his chest, taking comfort in his warmth and strength.

485
00:29:36.440 --> 00:29:37.200
<v Speaker 3>I hope you're right.

486
00:29:37.759 --> 00:29:39.680
<v Speaker 2>I don't know what i'd do if something happened to.

487
00:29:39.640 --> 00:29:40.640
<v Speaker 3>You or Coda.

488
00:29:41.680 --> 00:29:44.799
<v Speaker 2>They stayed like that for a while, Kaboda gently soothing

489
00:29:44.839 --> 00:29:48.599
<v Speaker 2>Asha's fears. Finally, as the sun began to rise, they

490
00:29:48.640 --> 00:29:53.000
<v Speaker 2>settled back down. Coda nestled safely between them. The next

491
00:29:53.000 --> 00:29:56.039
<v Speaker 2>few days passed in relative peace, with no sign of

492
00:29:56.079 --> 00:30:00.440
<v Speaker 2>the rogue, and stay tuned for more sasquatch see, We'll

493
00:30:00.440 --> 00:30:07.400
<v Speaker 2>be right back. After these messages, Caboda used the time

494
00:30:07.480 --> 00:30:10.960
<v Speaker 2>to keep fortifying their new home, reinforcing the entrance and

495
00:30:11.000 --> 00:30:15.480
<v Speaker 2>gathering supplies. Asha meanwhile focused on caring for Coda and

496
00:30:15.599 --> 00:30:18.640
<v Speaker 2>keeping him warm and safe. She was relieved to be

497
00:30:18.680 --> 00:30:22.000
<v Speaker 2>in the more secure cave, away from the prying eyes

498
00:30:22.039 --> 00:30:25.799
<v Speaker 2>of the humans. One evening, as they huddled, Kaboda turned

499
00:30:25.799 --> 00:30:30.359
<v Speaker 2>to Asha, a serious expression on his face. Asha, I

500
00:30:30.359 --> 00:30:32.240
<v Speaker 2>think we need to start thinking about what we're going

501
00:30:32.279 --> 00:30:35.160
<v Speaker 2>to do if that rogue comes back. We can't rely

502
00:30:35.279 --> 00:30:38.720
<v Speaker 2>on this cave to protect us forever. Asha looked up,

503
00:30:39.319 --> 00:30:43.319
<v Speaker 2>What do you mean? Where else could we go? Caboda side,

504
00:30:43.559 --> 00:30:46.559
<v Speaker 2>running a hand through his thick hair. I'm not sure,

505
00:30:47.079 --> 00:30:50.319
<v Speaker 2>but we need to be prepared. He's dangerous and it's

506
00:30:50.319 --> 00:30:53.640
<v Speaker 2>clear he's not going to leave us alone. Asha glanced

507
00:30:53.680 --> 00:30:56.759
<v Speaker 2>down at Coda, snuggled against her chest, fast asleep.

508
00:30:57.519 --> 00:30:58.200
<v Speaker 3>I don't want to have.

509
00:30:58.200 --> 00:31:00.599
<v Speaker 2>To move again. Coda is still I'm so young, and

510
00:31:00.640 --> 00:31:04.359
<v Speaker 2>I'm worried about exposing him to more danger. Caboda reached

511
00:31:04.359 --> 00:31:07.880
<v Speaker 2>out and gently squeezed her hand. I know, but we

512
00:31:07.960 --> 00:31:10.279
<v Speaker 2>have to do what's best for him and for all

513
00:31:10.319 --> 00:31:13.119
<v Speaker 2>of us. If that rogue comes back and we can't

514
00:31:13.119 --> 00:31:16.359
<v Speaker 2>defend ourselves here, we may have no choice but to

515
00:31:16.440 --> 00:31:21.599
<v Speaker 2>keep moving. Asha nodded slowly, her heart heavy. All right,

516
00:31:22.119 --> 00:31:24.559
<v Speaker 2>I'll think about what to do where we could go,

517
00:31:25.319 --> 00:31:28.319
<v Speaker 2>but Caboda, promise me you'll do everything you can to

518
00:31:28.440 --> 00:31:33.160
<v Speaker 2>keep us safe here. Caboda met her gaze, his expression resolute.

519
00:31:33.960 --> 00:31:36.920
<v Speaker 2>I promise Asha, I'll fight him with everything I have

520
00:31:37.039 --> 00:31:39.359
<v Speaker 2>if I have to. I won't let him hurt you

521
00:31:39.440 --> 00:31:43.200
<v Speaker 2>or Coda no matter what. Asha felt hope in the

522
00:31:43.240 --> 00:31:46.799
<v Speaker 2>midst of her fear. Caboda was her rock, her protector,

523
00:31:47.240 --> 00:31:49.039
<v Speaker 2>and she knew he would do whatever it took to

524
00:31:49.119 --> 00:31:55.400
<v Speaker 2>keep their family safe. Chapter four Fight. As the days passed,

525
00:31:55.440 --> 00:31:59.680
<v Speaker 2>Asha and Caboda continued to fortify their cave, stockpiling supplies

526
00:31:59.720 --> 00:32:02.200
<v Speaker 2>and keeping a constant watch for any sign of the

527
00:32:02.279 --> 00:32:06.319
<v Speaker 2>rogue menace. But the relative piece shattered one rainy night,

528
00:32:06.759 --> 00:32:10.160
<v Speaker 2>when the unmistakable howl of the rogue echoed through the forest.

529
00:32:10.920 --> 00:32:13.640
<v Speaker 2>Caboda got to his feet in an instant, his body

530
00:32:13.680 --> 00:32:17.799
<v Speaker 2>tense and ready to defend. Asha clutched Coda, her heart

531
00:32:17.839 --> 00:32:21.640
<v Speaker 2>pounding in her chest. The howling neared, with crashing branches

532
00:32:21.640 --> 00:32:25.720
<v Speaker 2>and rumbling growls. Cabota responded with a series of mouthpops,

533
00:32:26.119 --> 00:32:30.319
<v Speaker 2>the sound thundering through the cave. Suddenly, a massive silhouette

534
00:32:30.319 --> 00:32:33.519
<v Speaker 2>appeared near the entrance, barely visible through the driving rain.

535
00:32:34.279 --> 00:32:38.960
<v Speaker 2>Cabota roared, his voice directed at the threat. Ataoah paused,

536
00:32:39.279 --> 00:32:41.640
<v Speaker 2>then unleashed a scream of his own that Asha could

537
00:32:41.640 --> 00:32:45.079
<v Speaker 2>feel in her chest. She could see it now, the towering,

538
00:32:45.160 --> 00:32:49.759
<v Speaker 2>hulking form of the massive sasquatch. Caboda made more mouthpops,

539
00:32:50.000 --> 00:32:52.920
<v Speaker 2>trying to intimidate the larger creature, to make it back

540
00:32:52.960 --> 00:32:56.759
<v Speaker 2>down without a fight. But Ada Noah was undeterred. He

541
00:32:56.799 --> 00:32:59.240
<v Speaker 2>took a step forward, filling the entrance to the cave.

542
00:33:00.119 --> 00:33:02.880
<v Speaker 2>Asha pressed herself and Coda as far back as she could,

543
00:33:03.359 --> 00:33:06.359
<v Speaker 2>her emotions a mixed anger and terror in equal measure.

544
00:33:07.160 --> 00:33:10.240
<v Speaker 2>Caboda would fight to the death if necessary. He was

545
00:33:10.319 --> 00:33:13.640
<v Speaker 2>younger and nimbler than the rogue, but the sheer size

546
00:33:13.640 --> 00:33:16.440
<v Speaker 2>and power of the creature was daunting. He'd hoped to

547
00:33:16.519 --> 00:33:20.440
<v Speaker 2>drive him off without violence, Caboda stepped forward out of

548
00:33:20.480 --> 00:33:23.839
<v Speaker 2>the cave and into the open, meeting Adinoah's glare head on.

549
00:33:24.759 --> 00:33:28.400
<v Speaker 2>His heart pounded as he sized up his opponent. Adainoah

550
00:33:28.440 --> 00:33:32.920
<v Speaker 2>was larger, older, and scarred from many battles. Dark stains

551
00:33:32.920 --> 00:33:36.640
<v Speaker 2>from past conflicts streaked his thick, matted hair, and his

552
00:33:36.759 --> 00:33:41.480
<v Speaker 2>eyes glinted with feral determination. Caboda stood his ground, puffing

553
00:33:41.599 --> 00:33:43.680
<v Speaker 2>up his chest, resonating.

554
00:33:43.079 --> 00:33:43.880
<v Speaker 3>A deep growl.

555
00:33:43.880 --> 00:33:47.279
<v Speaker 2>Throughout the clearing, he began the mouth pops and guttural

556
00:33:47.359 --> 00:33:51.200
<v Speaker 2>sounds meant to warn intruders, signaling his claim to the territory,

557
00:33:51.720 --> 00:33:57.000
<v Speaker 2>but Adaoah seemed unfazed, his expression unmoved, his stance steady.

558
00:33:57.000 --> 00:34:00.400
<v Speaker 2>As he took another step forward, Caboda felt weight of

559
00:34:00.440 --> 00:34:05.119
<v Speaker 2>the rogue's gaze, a silent but potent thread. With a roar,

560
00:34:05.400 --> 00:34:09.639
<v Speaker 2>Adaoah charged his massive form, shaking the ground with every step.

561
00:34:10.320 --> 00:34:14.360
<v Speaker 2>Caboda braced himself, muscles coiled like springs. As the rogue

562
00:34:14.440 --> 00:34:18.119
<v Speaker 2>thundered forward, the gap between them vanished in an instant.

563
00:34:18.719 --> 00:34:22.400
<v Speaker 2>Caboda twisted at the last second, narrowly dodging the powerful

564
00:34:22.400 --> 00:34:26.480
<v Speaker 2>swipe of Adinoah's arm, but the rogue's momentum clipped him.

565
00:34:26.760 --> 00:34:30.360
<v Speaker 2>The impact was like a battering ram, sending him skidding backward.

566
00:34:31.119 --> 00:34:35.559
<v Speaker 2>Caboda grunted, The pain sharp and immediate, but he steadied himself.

567
00:34:36.280 --> 00:34:39.239
<v Speaker 2>His chest heaved as he locked eyes with Adanoah, who

568
00:34:39.280 --> 00:34:43.880
<v Speaker 2>growled low, baring jagged teeth. The rogue didn't wait. He

569
00:34:43.960 --> 00:34:48.519
<v Speaker 2>lunged again. Relentless, Caboda surged forward to meet him, his

570
00:34:48.599 --> 00:34:52.440
<v Speaker 2>fist driving into Adanoah's ribs with a dull thud. The

571
00:34:52.559 --> 00:34:56.599
<v Speaker 2>rogue grunted but barely faltered, retaliating with a backhanded strike

572
00:34:56.679 --> 00:34:58.719
<v Speaker 2>that sent Caboda sprawling to the ground.

573
00:34:59.519 --> 00:35:00.199
<v Speaker 3>Rolling with the the.

574
00:35:00.159 --> 00:35:04.239
<v Speaker 2>Blow, Caboda scrambled to his feet, his vision swimming. He

575
00:35:04.280 --> 00:35:07.159
<v Speaker 2>shook his head, forcing the dizziness aside, and focused on

576
00:35:07.199 --> 00:35:12.679
<v Speaker 2>Adinoah's advancing form. Each step was deliberate, heavy, brimming with menace.

577
00:35:13.400 --> 00:35:17.760
<v Speaker 2>Caboda's mind raced. He couldn't match Adinoah's brute strength. He

578
00:35:17.840 --> 00:35:22.559
<v Speaker 2>had to be faster, sharper. When Adaoah's massive arm rose

579
00:35:22.599 --> 00:35:26.760
<v Speaker 2>for another strike, Caboda feigned retreat, luring the rogue closer.

580
00:35:27.559 --> 00:35:30.280
<v Speaker 2>At the last moment, he ducked low and surged forward,

581
00:35:30.360 --> 00:35:34.079
<v Speaker 2>tackling Adahoah's waist. The impact drove them both to the

582
00:35:34.119 --> 00:35:37.880
<v Speaker 2>ground with a thunderous crash. Caboda clung to the rogue,

583
00:35:37.880 --> 00:35:42.559
<v Speaker 2>delivering rapid, calculated punches to his rib cage. Atakoah roared,

584
00:35:42.880 --> 00:35:48.119
<v Speaker 2>thrashing violently, his claws, slicing deep into Caboda's side. Warm

585
00:35:48.159 --> 00:35:51.480
<v Speaker 2>blood trickled down Caboda's ribs, but he gritted his teeth

586
00:35:51.519 --> 00:35:56.280
<v Speaker 2>and held on. Atanoah twisted with terrifying strength, throwing Caboda

587
00:35:56.360 --> 00:35:59.400
<v Speaker 2>off like a rag doll. Both scrambled to their feet,

588
00:35:59.599 --> 00:36:04.000
<v Speaker 2>battered and bloodied. Caboda's side throbbed, the pain pulling at

589
00:36:04.039 --> 00:36:06.599
<v Speaker 2>the edges of his focus, but he forced it down.

590
00:36:07.239 --> 00:36:11.119
<v Speaker 2>He couldn't afford to falter, not now. The rogue let

591
00:36:11.159 --> 00:36:16.320
<v Speaker 2>out another deafening roar and charged again. Caboda sidestepped his claws,

592
00:36:16.360 --> 00:36:19.599
<v Speaker 2>catching out of Noah's arm. With a sharp twist, he

593
00:36:19.639 --> 00:36:23.360
<v Speaker 2>wrenched it behind the rogue's back. A sickening pop echoed

594
00:36:23.400 --> 00:36:27.440
<v Speaker 2>as the joint strained under Caboda's grip. Out of Noah howled,

595
00:36:27.760 --> 00:36:30.920
<v Speaker 2>But before Caboda could press his advantage, the rogue's free

596
00:36:31.039 --> 00:36:35.960
<v Speaker 2>arm swung like a sledgehammer, slamming into Caboda's jaw. Caboda stumbled,

597
00:36:36.199 --> 00:36:40.159
<v Speaker 2>the world spinning, His knees buckled, and for a fleeting moment,

598
00:36:40.519 --> 00:36:43.679
<v Speaker 2>darkness threatened to overtake him, but he fought through it,

599
00:36:43.960 --> 00:36:47.000
<v Speaker 2>shaking his head to clear his vision. Out of Noah

600
00:36:47.079 --> 00:36:51.599
<v Speaker 2>loomed above him, his fiery gaze promising death. Caboda barely

601
00:36:51.639 --> 00:36:54.920
<v Speaker 2>dodged the next strike, the rogue's fist grazing his shoulder

602
00:36:54.960 --> 00:36:57.199
<v Speaker 2>as it crashed into the ground with enough force to

603
00:36:57.239 --> 00:37:01.199
<v Speaker 2>send dirt flying. Breathing hard, Aboda noted the hitch in

604
00:37:01.239 --> 00:37:05.639
<v Speaker 2>ada Noah's step, a slight limp. The rogue was wearing down.

605
00:37:06.360 --> 00:37:09.960
<v Speaker 2>Summoning what strength he had left, Caboda faked left, then

606
00:37:10.039 --> 00:37:13.800
<v Speaker 2>darted right, his foot connecting hard with Adaoah's injured leg.

607
00:37:14.679 --> 00:37:19.639
<v Speaker 2>The rogue stumbled, his balance wavering. Caboda lunged, claws raking

608
00:37:19.679 --> 00:37:23.320
<v Speaker 2>across ada Nooah's face. Blood streaked down the rogue's cheek

609
00:37:23.360 --> 00:37:27.039
<v Speaker 2>as he roared in pain, but Caboda pressed on. He

610
00:37:27.159 --> 00:37:30.639
<v Speaker 2>drove his fist into Adinoah's abdomen, the blow forcing the

611
00:37:30.719 --> 00:37:35.119
<v Speaker 2>air from the rogue's lungs. As Adaoah doubled over, Caboda

612
00:37:35.159 --> 00:37:38.280
<v Speaker 2>gripped his arm and twisted with all his might. The

613
00:37:38.320 --> 00:37:42.239
<v Speaker 2>bone snapped with a sharp, gut turning crack, and Adaanoah's

614
00:37:42.280 --> 00:37:45.679
<v Speaker 2>howl of agony echoed through the forest. For a moment,

615
00:37:45.920 --> 00:37:49.920
<v Speaker 2>Cabota thought it was over. Ada Nooah sagged, blood dripping

616
00:37:49.960 --> 00:37:54.719
<v Speaker 2>from countless wounds, his breaths ragged and shallow, but desperation

617
00:37:54.880 --> 00:37:59.400
<v Speaker 2>fueled the rogue. With a final, enraged snarl, he lashed

618
00:37:59.400 --> 00:38:03.119
<v Speaker 2>out with his own uninjured arm. Caboda couldn't dodge in time.

619
00:38:03.760 --> 00:38:05.119
<v Speaker 3>The rogue's claws.

620
00:38:04.800 --> 00:38:09.920
<v Speaker 2>Tore across his chest, leaving deep, jagged gashes. Caboda staggered,

621
00:38:10.119 --> 00:38:13.199
<v Speaker 2>clutching the wound as warm blood seeped between his fingers.

622
00:38:13.880 --> 00:38:17.320
<v Speaker 2>His strength was nearly gone, his body battered and raw,

623
00:38:17.840 --> 00:38:22.119
<v Speaker 2>but he refused to fall. Standing tall, Caboda growled low

624
00:38:22.159 --> 00:38:25.800
<v Speaker 2>and steady, a primal warning that echoed in the tense silence.

625
00:38:26.719 --> 00:38:30.639
<v Speaker 2>Aut A Noah hesitated, trembling from exhaustion and pain, his

626
00:38:30.719 --> 00:38:34.440
<v Speaker 2>body quivering with the effort to stay upright. Finally, with

627
00:38:34.519 --> 00:38:38.239
<v Speaker 2>a defeated snarl, the rogue turned and limped away, his

628
00:38:38.400 --> 00:38:41.599
<v Speaker 2>massive form retreating into the shadowy depths of the forest.

629
00:38:42.519 --> 00:38:46.840
<v Speaker 2>Caboda watched him disappear, his own body swaying with fatigue.

630
00:38:47.480 --> 00:38:50.960
<v Speaker 2>Relief washed over him as the rogue silhouette vanished, the

631
00:38:51.039 --> 00:38:54.840
<v Speaker 2>sound of labored breathing fading into silence. The fight was

632
00:38:54.880 --> 00:38:59.480
<v Speaker 2>over for now. Caboda stood there a moment, chest heaving.

633
00:39:00.960 --> 00:39:03.679
<v Speaker 2>He felt the sting of his injuries, blood trickling down

634
00:39:03.679 --> 00:39:07.920
<v Speaker 2>his hair, but he was alive. More importantly, his family

635
00:39:08.000 --> 00:39:11.400
<v Speaker 2>was safe. With a final weary glance at the forest,

636
00:39:11.719 --> 00:39:13.840
<v Speaker 2>Caboda turned and made his way back to the cave,

637
00:39:14.440 --> 00:39:17.480
<v Speaker 2>his steps slow and heavy, each a reminder of the

638
00:39:17.519 --> 00:39:21.039
<v Speaker 2>cost of the battle he had just won. Caboda staggered

639
00:39:21.079 --> 00:39:24.320
<v Speaker 2>back into the cave, his broad shoulders heaving with every

640
00:39:24.400 --> 00:39:27.960
<v Speaker 2>labored breath. He dropped to his knees, trying to slow

641
00:39:27.960 --> 00:39:31.880
<v Speaker 2>his heart rate. Asha and Coda watched him, their eyes

642
00:39:31.960 --> 00:39:35.559
<v Speaker 2>wide with concern. His thick hair was matted with streaks

643
00:39:35.599 --> 00:39:38.599
<v Speaker 2>of dark blood, some of it his own, some of

644
00:39:38.639 --> 00:39:42.360
<v Speaker 2>it out of Noah's. Caboda's right shoulder had taken a beating,

645
00:39:42.679 --> 00:39:46.760
<v Speaker 2>and his left forearm bore deep gashes. Pain jolted through

646
00:39:46.800 --> 00:39:49.880
<v Speaker 2>his body with every step, but his gaze softened when

647
00:39:49.880 --> 00:39:54.320
<v Speaker 2>he saw Asha and Coda, his family safe. That was

648
00:39:54.360 --> 00:39:58.519
<v Speaker 2>all that mattered. Asha took a tentative step forward, reaching

649
00:39:58.519 --> 00:40:01.159
<v Speaker 2>out to touch the deep scratch along as rib cage.

650
00:40:01.800 --> 00:40:02.920
<v Speaker 3>You're hurt, she whispered.

651
00:40:03.760 --> 00:40:08.320
<v Speaker 2>Caboda grunted in response, nodding slowly. It'll heal in time,

652
00:40:08.400 --> 00:40:11.480
<v Speaker 2>he said, but he knew the bruising and torn flesh

653
00:40:11.519 --> 00:40:14.960
<v Speaker 2>would take days, weeks, or maybe months to fully mend.

654
00:40:15.760 --> 00:40:18.840
<v Speaker 2>For now, he just wanted to rest. He needed to

655
00:40:18.880 --> 00:40:21.920
<v Speaker 2>be at his best if Adaoah returned, though something in

656
00:40:22.000 --> 00:40:23.320
<v Speaker 2>him doubted the old.

657
00:40:23.159 --> 00:40:27.239
<v Speaker 3>Rogue would dare to. Chapter five Recovery.

658
00:40:28.360 --> 00:40:31.079
<v Speaker 2>Kboda spent the weeks that followed recovering in the cave,

659
00:40:31.719 --> 00:40:35.519
<v Speaker 2>his wound scabbing over as he regained his strength. Asha

660
00:40:35.559 --> 00:40:39.280
<v Speaker 2>stayed close, tending to him and Coda and occasionally leaving

661
00:40:39.280 --> 00:40:42.599
<v Speaker 2>to search for berries, fish, and edible roots. They would

662
00:40:42.639 --> 00:40:46.360
<v Speaker 2>eventually need to hunt larger prey, but for now, Caboda

663
00:40:46.360 --> 00:40:49.599
<v Speaker 2>was grateful to have Asha at his side. One evening,

664
00:40:49.840 --> 00:40:53.519
<v Speaker 2>Caboda stretched out his stiff limbs. The scabs had tightened

665
00:40:53.559 --> 00:40:56.880
<v Speaker 2>over his wounds, tugging at his skin, but the pain

666
00:40:57.039 --> 00:41:00.679
<v Speaker 2>was becoming bearable. He felt the urge to leave the cave,

667
00:41:01.159 --> 00:41:04.199
<v Speaker 2>to move again, even if only to test his strength.

668
00:41:05.079 --> 00:41:08.280
<v Speaker 2>He looked at Asha, who had sensed his restlessness, and

669
00:41:08.320 --> 00:41:11.360
<v Speaker 2>she gave a slight nod as if to say, I'm

670
00:41:11.400 --> 00:41:15.440
<v Speaker 2>with you. We'll go together, he said, his voice softened

671
00:41:15.440 --> 00:41:16.280
<v Speaker 2>with gratitude.

672
00:41:16.880 --> 00:41:17.639
<v Speaker 3>The three of us.

673
00:41:18.639 --> 00:41:22.199
<v Speaker 2>Asha smiled and eased Coda onto her back. The little

674
00:41:22.199 --> 00:41:25.159
<v Speaker 2>one clung to her hair, his tiny hands gripping with

675
00:41:25.199 --> 00:41:29.320
<v Speaker 2>surprising strength as he nestled between her shoulder blades. They

676
00:41:29.320 --> 00:41:33.400
<v Speaker 2>set off into the forest, Koboda moving cautiously, not wanting

677
00:41:33.440 --> 00:41:38.199
<v Speaker 2>to overextend himself, while Asha stayed close, occasionally glancing over

678
00:41:38.239 --> 00:41:41.519
<v Speaker 2>her shoulder to ensure Kboda was keeping up. As they

679
00:41:41.599 --> 00:41:45.719
<v Speaker 2>ventured deeper into the forest, Koboda scanned the surroundings, mentally

680
00:41:45.760 --> 00:41:49.760
<v Speaker 2>marking signs of animal trails, listening for any distant noises

681
00:41:49.800 --> 00:41:53.599
<v Speaker 2>that might betray the presence of deer. The quiet rustling

682
00:41:53.639 --> 00:41:57.199
<v Speaker 2>of leaves and the occasional bird song calmed him, grounding

683
00:41:57.239 --> 00:42:00.400
<v Speaker 2>him after the chaos of the recent fight. The scent

684
00:42:00.440 --> 00:42:03.559
<v Speaker 2>of deer eventually reached his nostrils, and he motioned for

685
00:42:03.599 --> 00:42:05.639
<v Speaker 2>Asha to follow as he led them to a small

686
00:42:05.719 --> 00:42:09.719
<v Speaker 2>clearing where he had noticed deer tracks before. Kaboda and

687
00:42:09.760 --> 00:42:12.800
<v Speaker 2>Asha worked together, setting up a simple trap that used

688
00:42:12.840 --> 00:42:14.400
<v Speaker 2>the natural layout of the forest.

689
00:42:15.199 --> 00:42:16.360
<v Speaker 3>They found a narrow.

690
00:42:16.159 --> 00:42:20.039
<v Speaker 2>Area bordered by a fallen log and thick underbrush, perfect

691
00:42:20.039 --> 00:42:24.440
<v Speaker 2>for funneling any passing deer into a confined space. Caboda

692
00:42:24.519 --> 00:42:27.679
<v Speaker 2>then circled wide around the clearing, using his presence to

693
00:42:27.719 --> 00:42:31.719
<v Speaker 2>subtly drive the deer toward Asha. She moved in stealthily,

694
00:42:32.039 --> 00:42:36.639
<v Speaker 2>positioning herself along the trap's edge. Soon, a small deer

695
00:42:36.760 --> 00:42:40.320
<v Speaker 2>trotted into the confined space, Startled by the sudden presence

696
00:42:40.400 --> 00:42:45.280
<v Speaker 2>of the massive creatures. Kaboda lunged his powerful arms, encircling

697
00:42:45.360 --> 00:42:48.679
<v Speaker 2>the deer's neck, and in one swift motion, he twisted,

698
00:42:49.000 --> 00:42:52.400
<v Speaker 2>breaking its neck quickly to minimize its suffering. It was

699
00:42:52.400 --> 00:42:54.920
<v Speaker 2>a clean catch, and the family would eat well.

700
00:42:54.960 --> 00:42:55.400
<v Speaker 3>That night.

701
00:42:56.239 --> 00:42:59.320
<v Speaker 2>They hauled their prize back to the cave, Coda babbling

702
00:42:59.320 --> 00:43:02.920
<v Speaker 2>in delight at the feast. Asha looked at Kaboda, her

703
00:43:02.960 --> 00:43:06.880
<v Speaker 2>eyes filled with pride. You're healing well, she said, softly,

704
00:43:07.559 --> 00:43:11.360
<v Speaker 2>and still as strong as ever. Caboda chuckled, though he

705
00:43:11.440 --> 00:43:14.760
<v Speaker 2>winced as he laughed with you and Coda. Here, I

706
00:43:14.840 --> 00:43:18.400
<v Speaker 2>have no choice but to be strong. Days passed and

707
00:43:18.440 --> 00:43:22.800
<v Speaker 2>the forest returned to its familiar rhythm. Kaboda's wounds continued

708
00:43:22.800 --> 00:43:26.280
<v Speaker 2>to heal, and the knights felt peaceful once more. He

709
00:43:26.280 --> 00:43:29.920
<v Speaker 2>heard the distant cries of adaoah less frequently now, though

710
00:43:29.920 --> 00:43:35.039
<v Speaker 2>still out there. The old Sasquatch posed no immediate threat. Life,

711
00:43:35.039 --> 00:43:37.920
<v Speaker 2>it seemed, was returning to normal, or as close to

712
00:43:37.960 --> 00:43:41.199
<v Speaker 2>it as possible in the wild forest. But one morning,

713
00:43:41.480 --> 00:43:44.719
<v Speaker 2>Caboda picked up a scent that tensed his muscles. Faint

714
00:43:44.960 --> 00:43:49.880
<v Speaker 2>but unmistakable, the smell of humans. He gestured to Asha, who,

715
00:43:49.920 --> 00:43:54.320
<v Speaker 2>sensing his unease, quieted Coda. Together they crept to the

716
00:43:54.440 --> 00:43:57.199
<v Speaker 2>edge of the forest, where they saw faint shadows moving

717
00:43:57.239 --> 00:44:00.599
<v Speaker 2>between the trees and the distance. Unlike the loggers who

718
00:44:00.639 --> 00:44:03.480
<v Speaker 2>had disturbed them in the past, these humans moved more

719
00:44:03.519 --> 00:44:08.360
<v Speaker 2>deliberately and without the usual machinery. A distant, rhythmic thudding

720
00:44:08.400 --> 00:44:12.079
<v Speaker 2>echoed through the trees. Caboda's eyes narrowed as he tried

721
00:44:12.119 --> 00:44:15.239
<v Speaker 2>to make sense of the strange noise. The humans seemed

722
00:44:15.239 --> 00:44:18.159
<v Speaker 2>to be hitting trees with some sort of club, mimicking

723
00:44:18.239 --> 00:44:20.920
<v Speaker 2>the mouth pops that he and other Sasquatches used for

724
00:44:20.960 --> 00:44:26.719
<v Speaker 2>communication and territory. Marking The sound, though clumsy, set Koboda's

725
00:44:26.760 --> 00:44:32.159
<v Speaker 2>nerves on edge. These humans, they're looking for us. Asha whispered,

726
00:44:32.480 --> 00:44:37.199
<v Speaker 2>barely audible. Caboda nodded grimly, signaling for her to stay low.

727
00:44:37.960 --> 00:44:40.559
<v Speaker 2>He couldn't understand why these humans would try to imitate

728
00:44:40.599 --> 00:44:44.239
<v Speaker 2>their sounds unless they had a purpose. A creeping sense

729
00:44:44.239 --> 00:44:47.280
<v Speaker 2>of dread settled over him. If they had come looking

730
00:44:47.320 --> 00:44:51.000
<v Speaker 2>for sasquatches specifically, it meant they knew more than Caboda

731
00:44:51.079 --> 00:44:53.880
<v Speaker 2>had thought possible, and it could mean trouble for him

732
00:44:53.920 --> 00:44:57.480
<v Speaker 2>and his family. They retreated into the cave, lying low

733
00:44:57.519 --> 00:45:00.320
<v Speaker 2>and watching from a safe distance as the humans moved

734
00:45:00.360 --> 00:45:04.679
<v Speaker 2>deeper into the forest and stay tuned for more sasquatch

735
00:45:04.719 --> 00:45:07.280
<v Speaker 2>ott to see We'll be right back. After these messages,

736
00:45:11.480 --> 00:45:15.719
<v Speaker 2>for hours, the rhythmic knocking continued, each sound reverberating through

737
00:45:15.760 --> 00:45:20.079
<v Speaker 2>the trees. Occasionally Caboda could hear faint voices among the humans,

738
00:45:20.519 --> 00:45:24.719
<v Speaker 2>though he couldn't understand their words. Cautious, they checked behind

739
00:45:24.760 --> 00:45:28.800
<v Speaker 2>trees and watched the ground as if tracking something. Days passed,

740
00:45:28.840 --> 00:45:32.239
<v Speaker 2>and though the humans retreated at daybreak, they returned each night,

741
00:45:32.639 --> 00:45:36.440
<v Speaker 2>systematically moving through different sections of the forest, their calls

742
00:45:36.480 --> 00:45:40.599
<v Speaker 2>and noises filling the air. Caboda's patience thinned, but he

743
00:45:40.679 --> 00:45:44.159
<v Speaker 2>knew better than to act rashly. One wrong move could

744
00:45:44.239 --> 00:45:49.199
<v Speaker 2>reveal their presence. Asha Ever, the quiet observer collected leaves

745
00:45:49.199 --> 00:45:52.920
<v Speaker 2>and branches to disguise the entrance of their cave. Caboda

746
00:45:53.000 --> 00:45:57.039
<v Speaker 2>helped layering moss and twigs, working together in silence to

747
00:45:57.079 --> 00:46:00.480
<v Speaker 2>insure their home remained hidden. As the days as went by,

748
00:46:00.760 --> 00:46:03.800
<v Speaker 2>they felt more concealed, though the presence of the humans

749
00:46:03.880 --> 00:46:07.239
<v Speaker 2>still weighed on them. Koda, though still young, seemed to

750
00:46:07.320 --> 00:46:10.679
<v Speaker 2>understand the need for silence, mimicking his parents as they

751
00:46:10.719 --> 00:46:14.840
<v Speaker 2>stayed close and quiet. Kaboda's heart swelled with pride at

752
00:46:14.840 --> 00:46:18.039
<v Speaker 2>his son's adaptability, but he worried about what these humans

753
00:46:18.159 --> 00:46:20.960
<v Speaker 2>might bring if they ever stumbled upon their hidden family.

754
00:46:21.920 --> 00:46:24.639
<v Speaker 2>One evening, as the humans packed up their gear to

755
00:46:24.719 --> 00:46:28.039
<v Speaker 2>leave for the day, Kaboda noticed a small group lingering

756
00:46:28.119 --> 00:46:32.800
<v Speaker 2>longer than the others. These few seemed particularly intent, shining

757
00:46:32.840 --> 00:46:36.760
<v Speaker 2>flashlights into the trees and tying bright orange ribbons to branches,

758
00:46:37.239 --> 00:46:40.199
<v Speaker 2>marking the path back to their camp. They must have

759
00:46:40.239 --> 00:46:44.239
<v Speaker 2>intended to return to that very spot, maybe to investigate further,

760
00:46:44.679 --> 00:46:48.280
<v Speaker 2>or worse, to set a trap. Kaboda knew they couldn't

761
00:46:48.280 --> 00:46:51.920
<v Speaker 2>stay hidden forever. Keeping his family safe might mean finding

762
00:46:51.920 --> 00:46:54.760
<v Speaker 2>a new hiding place, at least until the humans left

763
00:46:54.760 --> 00:46:58.440
<v Speaker 2>for good. But moving now with Asha and young Koda

764
00:46:58.800 --> 00:47:02.360
<v Speaker 2>would be risky. For now, they would have to remain vigilant,

765
00:47:02.480 --> 00:47:05.639
<v Speaker 2>their senses a tuned to every sound, every scent, and

766
00:47:05.719 --> 00:47:09.360
<v Speaker 2>every movement in the forest. Though the human's presence weighed

767
00:47:09.400 --> 00:47:12.280
<v Speaker 2>on them, Kaboda and Asha resolved to stay close to

768
00:47:12.320 --> 00:47:15.239
<v Speaker 2>the cave, only venturing out at dawn and dusk to

769
00:47:15.320 --> 00:47:19.280
<v Speaker 2>hunt and gather, always careful to avoid leaving any traces

770
00:47:19.320 --> 00:47:23.559
<v Speaker 2>of their existence. Their life had changed, but together they

771
00:47:23.599 --> 00:47:27.880
<v Speaker 2>would adapt as they always had. The months passed with

772
00:47:27.960 --> 00:47:31.239
<v Speaker 2>the silent tension of a family bound together, yet wary

773
00:47:31.320 --> 00:47:34.119
<v Speaker 2>of the shadows that lingered at the edges of their world.

774
00:47:35.280 --> 00:47:39.639
<v Speaker 2>Chapter six Decisions. Kaboda and Asha knew it was only

775
00:47:39.679 --> 00:47:43.000
<v Speaker 2>a matter of time before Adonoah returned, or worse, that

776
00:47:43.079 --> 00:47:48.159
<v Speaker 2>the humans came back, more determined and organized. They had sheltered, healed,

777
00:47:48.199 --> 00:47:52.280
<v Speaker 2>and hunted quietly, always vigilant, but a gnawing sense of

778
00:47:52.360 --> 00:47:56.920
<v Speaker 2>vulnerability persisted. Kaboda could feel the threats to their family growing.

779
00:47:57.639 --> 00:47:58.159
<v Speaker 3>For days.

780
00:47:58.199 --> 00:48:00.840
<v Speaker 2>The two had talked late into the night, huddled in

781
00:48:00.880 --> 00:48:04.920
<v Speaker 2>the quiet security of their cave, discussing their options. They

782
00:48:04.960 --> 00:48:10.119
<v Speaker 2>could stay, risking confrontation with adinoa or human encroachment, or

783
00:48:10.159 --> 00:48:13.000
<v Speaker 2>they could venture out, joining a clan they'd seen only

784
00:48:13.039 --> 00:48:15.679
<v Speaker 2>a few times over the years, but knew well enough

785
00:48:15.719 --> 00:48:20.119
<v Speaker 2>to trust. Ultimately, they came to a shared understanding. For

786
00:48:20.199 --> 00:48:22.920
<v Speaker 2>Koda's safety and their own peace, they would need the

787
00:48:22.920 --> 00:48:26.719
<v Speaker 2>strength and numbers that a larger family could offer. Kaboda

788
00:48:26.760 --> 00:48:29.639
<v Speaker 2>and Asha soon decided to reach out to this nearby clan.

789
00:48:30.480 --> 00:48:33.239
<v Speaker 2>This other group, which they had often seen traveling the

790
00:48:33.360 --> 00:48:36.920
<v Speaker 2>edges of their territory, was likely foraging farther north in

791
00:48:36.960 --> 00:48:40.519
<v Speaker 2>the Olympic Peninsula, near the densely wooded hills and hidden

792
00:48:40.639 --> 00:48:44.599
<v Speaker 2>valleys that had always provided ample cover and food sources.

793
00:48:45.079 --> 00:48:47.880
<v Speaker 2>The Hoe Clan, as they called themselves, was known for

794
00:48:47.920 --> 00:48:51.599
<v Speaker 2>their resilience and cohesion, A bonded family that had long

795
00:48:51.639 --> 00:48:54.519
<v Speaker 2>adapted to life in the lush forests of the peninsula.

796
00:48:55.360 --> 00:48:59.039
<v Speaker 2>The Hoe clan was led by two older Sasquatches, Omaki

797
00:48:59.320 --> 00:49:02.440
<v Speaker 2>and Taran, who had guided their family through many seasons

798
00:49:02.440 --> 00:49:06.360
<v Speaker 2>of upheaval and adaptation. The rest of the clan consisted

799
00:49:06.400 --> 00:49:10.760
<v Speaker 2>of younger Sasquatches, Terran's two grown sons, Eric and Varro,

800
00:49:11.239 --> 00:49:14.320
<v Speaker 2>and three juveniles, siblings who had come to live with

801
00:49:14.360 --> 00:49:18.400
<v Speaker 2>the Hoe clan after illness claimed their parents. These young ones,

802
00:49:18.599 --> 00:49:21.360
<v Speaker 2>barely old enough to roam far on their own, were

803
00:49:21.440 --> 00:49:25.960
<v Speaker 2>named Micah, Ryla, and Paca. Together they formed a tight

804
00:49:26.039 --> 00:49:28.119
<v Speaker 2>knit group that rarely ventured beyond the.

805
00:49:28.079 --> 00:49:31.119
<v Speaker 3>Protection of the elder pair. It was late.

806
00:49:30.920 --> 00:49:33.719
<v Speaker 2>Afternoon when Kaboda and Asha decided to make the journey

807
00:49:33.719 --> 00:49:36.159
<v Speaker 2>to the area where they suspected the Hoe Clan would

808
00:49:36.199 --> 00:49:40.719
<v Speaker 2>be foraging. They moved with care, carrying Coda on Asha's back,

809
00:49:41.159 --> 00:49:44.760
<v Speaker 2>each step purposeful and quiet, conscious that they were approaching

810
00:49:44.800 --> 00:49:48.840
<v Speaker 2>the clan's territory and needed to be respectful. The forest

811
00:49:48.920 --> 00:49:52.159
<v Speaker 2>was dense, the underbrush soft and thick beneath their feet,

812
00:49:52.559 --> 00:49:57.760
<v Speaker 2>muffling their steps. Birds flitted above, darting between branches, and

813
00:49:57.800 --> 00:50:01.599
<v Speaker 2>the sun shined through the canopy cast dappled light across

814
00:50:01.599 --> 00:50:05.039
<v Speaker 2>the forest floor. It was a calming contrast to the

815
00:50:05.119 --> 00:50:08.559
<v Speaker 2>days of tension they'd endured. As they neared the boundary

816
00:50:08.599 --> 00:50:10.960
<v Speaker 2>where they had last seen traces of the Hoe clan,

817
00:50:11.519 --> 00:50:15.719
<v Speaker 2>Kaboda paused, signaling to Asha. He let out a low

818
00:50:15.800 --> 00:50:20.519
<v Speaker 2>steady rumble, a vocalization that signaled a peaceful approach, one

819
00:50:20.559 --> 00:50:24.199
<v Speaker 2>meant to communicate that they came in friendship. They waited

820
00:50:24.559 --> 00:50:27.800
<v Speaker 2>the forest silent except for the rustling leaves, until a

821
00:50:27.840 --> 00:50:32.199
<v Speaker 2>shadowed figure finally emerged from behind a towering cedar. It

822
00:50:32.280 --> 00:50:36.719
<v Speaker 2>was Omaki, the clan matriarch, her tall, weathered frame moving

823
00:50:36.719 --> 00:50:37.639
<v Speaker 2>with an easy.

824
00:50:37.400 --> 00:50:38.960
<v Speaker 3>Grace that belied her years.

825
00:50:39.719 --> 00:50:41.920
<v Speaker 2>Her hair was a mix of deep brown and silver,

826
00:50:42.480 --> 00:50:44.920
<v Speaker 2>the markings around her face and chest tinged with the

827
00:50:44.960 --> 00:50:48.679
<v Speaker 2>gray that came with age. She surveyed Koboda and Asha

828
00:50:48.760 --> 00:50:52.239
<v Speaker 2>with a calm but discerning gaze, assessing their intent in

829
00:50:52.280 --> 00:50:57.280
<v Speaker 2>the way only an experienced elder could. Greeting's Kaboda Asha.

830
00:50:58.079 --> 00:51:01.800
<v Speaker 2>Omaki's voice was low, nearly a whisper, carrying a tone

831
00:51:01.840 --> 00:51:06.079
<v Speaker 2>of curiosity. We've seen you before at a distance, but

832
00:51:06.199 --> 00:51:11.000
<v Speaker 2>now you come closer. Kaboda stepped forward, respectfully, lowering his

833
00:51:11.079 --> 00:51:15.039
<v Speaker 2>gaze as a sign of deference. We seek your council omachi,

834
00:51:15.280 --> 00:51:18.800
<v Speaker 2>he replied. Our family is small and the times are

835
00:51:18.800 --> 00:51:23.519
<v Speaker 2>growing uncertain. We face dangers both from humans and from

836
00:51:24.000 --> 00:51:27.719
<v Speaker 2>others of our kind. We hope that perhaps we could

837
00:51:27.760 --> 00:51:31.960
<v Speaker 2>discuss joining your clan for the safety of all. Omaki

838
00:51:32.000 --> 00:51:34.519
<v Speaker 2>studied them for a long moment before gesturing for them

839
00:51:34.559 --> 00:51:38.920
<v Speaker 2>to follow. Come, we will speak with Tarran and the others.

840
00:51:39.480 --> 00:51:42.599
<v Speaker 2>They followed Omachi through the underbrush to a secluded hollow

841
00:51:42.679 --> 00:51:46.360
<v Speaker 2>surrounded by towering ferns and fallen logs, where the rest

842
00:51:46.360 --> 00:51:50.000
<v Speaker 2>of the Hoe clan was gathered. Arran, the clan's patriarch,

843
00:51:50.039 --> 00:51:53.280
<v Speaker 2>stood up as they approached. He was a formidable presence,

844
00:51:53.679 --> 00:51:57.119
<v Speaker 2>taller than Omachi, with thick auburn hair and a piercing

845
00:51:57.199 --> 00:51:59.639
<v Speaker 2>gaze that spoke of a life shaped.

846
00:51:59.320 --> 00:51:59.920
<v Speaker 3>By the wild.

847
00:52:00.840 --> 00:52:03.039
<v Speaker 2>Though his movements were slower than they had once been,

848
00:52:03.559 --> 00:52:07.559
<v Speaker 2>the strength in his stance was unmistakable. Beside Tarran stood

849
00:52:07.559 --> 00:52:11.360
<v Speaker 2>his two sons, Eric and Varro. Both had inherited their

850
00:52:11.360 --> 00:52:16.519
<v Speaker 2>father's build and presence, though they carried themselves in distinct ways. Eric,

851
00:52:16.679 --> 00:52:19.559
<v Speaker 2>the elder of the two, was a broad shouldered, contemplative

852
00:52:19.559 --> 00:52:23.519
<v Speaker 2>Sasquatch with a keen eye for observation. He rarely spoke,

853
00:52:23.880 --> 00:52:27.360
<v Speaker 2>preferring to let his actions communicate for him. Varro, the

854
00:52:27.400 --> 00:52:31.480
<v Speaker 2>younger sibling, was leaner, quicker, and known for his curiosity.

855
00:52:32.239 --> 00:52:35.360
<v Speaker 2>His gaze was sharp and constantly shifting, as if he

856
00:52:35.400 --> 00:52:39.000
<v Speaker 2>were cataloging every detail of the world around him. At

857
00:52:39.039 --> 00:52:42.559
<v Speaker 2>the edge of the hollow, the three juveniles, Micah, Rila,

858
00:52:42.719 --> 00:52:48.079
<v Speaker 2>and Paka watched Kaboda and Asha with wide eyed curiosity. Mikah,

859
00:52:48.320 --> 00:52:51.280
<v Speaker 2>the oldest of the trio, had a protective air about her,

860
00:52:51.719 --> 00:52:54.639
<v Speaker 2>watching over her younger siblings with a maturity that belied

861
00:52:54.639 --> 00:52:58.760
<v Speaker 2>her age. Riyla, the middle child, was more timid, hiding

862
00:52:58.800 --> 00:53:03.119
<v Speaker 2>behind her sister, while Paka, the youngest, couldn't resist inching forward,

863
00:53:03.599 --> 00:53:08.159
<v Speaker 2>his small form quivering with barely contained excitement. After Caboda

864
00:53:08.199 --> 00:53:13.119
<v Speaker 2>and Asha explained their circumstances, Taran nodded thoughtfully. The forest

865
00:53:13.159 --> 00:53:16.159
<v Speaker 2>has changed since we were young, he said, his voice

866
00:53:16.199 --> 00:53:20.039
<v Speaker 2>a deep rumble. Humans press farther into these woods each year,

867
00:53:20.360 --> 00:53:25.559
<v Speaker 2>and we've encountered others like Adaoah, desperate and dangerous. Omaki

868
00:53:25.559 --> 00:53:29.159
<v Speaker 2>looked at Asha, her gaze softening. We know the need

869
00:53:29.159 --> 00:53:32.519
<v Speaker 2>to protect the young, she said, gently, nodding toward Coda,

870
00:53:32.760 --> 00:53:36.039
<v Speaker 2>who was peeking over Asha's shoulder with wide curious eyes.

871
00:53:36.880 --> 00:53:40.840
<v Speaker 2>Caboda met Terren's gaze. We only ask for safety, he said.

872
00:53:41.440 --> 00:53:44.679
<v Speaker 2>We would do whatever is necessary to contribute. We bring

873
00:53:44.719 --> 00:53:47.239
<v Speaker 2>our skills and we are willing to defend the klan

874
00:53:47.360 --> 00:53:51.159
<v Speaker 2>as fiercely as our own family. Eric, who had kept

875
00:53:51.199 --> 00:53:55.800
<v Speaker 2>silent throughout, spoke up, his deep voice, measured, we could

876
00:53:55.800 --> 00:53:59.840
<v Speaker 2>benefit from extra eyes and hands. He acknowledged. Adaoah is

877
00:53:59.880 --> 00:54:02.719
<v Speaker 2>a familiar name to us. He was once part of

878
00:54:02.760 --> 00:54:05.559
<v Speaker 2>a distant clan to the south, but his temper and

879
00:54:05.599 --> 00:54:08.840
<v Speaker 2>aggression drove him into exile. I do not doubt he

880
00:54:08.840 --> 00:54:14.159
<v Speaker 2>will return one day. Varro, ever observant, nodded, and the humans,

881
00:54:14.760 --> 00:54:18.159
<v Speaker 2>they seem to learn more each season. They have grown bolder,

882
00:54:18.559 --> 00:54:22.119
<v Speaker 2>finding ways to mimic our sounds, leaving marks and places

883
00:54:22.159 --> 00:54:26.039
<v Speaker 2>we once considered safe. His voice trailed off, and he

884
00:54:26.079 --> 00:54:28.880
<v Speaker 2>glanced toward the forest, as if expecting to see a

885
00:54:28.960 --> 00:54:33.199
<v Speaker 2>human emerge from the shadows. The clan conferred among themselves,

886
00:54:33.239 --> 00:54:36.599
<v Speaker 2>and after a brief discussion, Omaki turned back to Koboda

887
00:54:36.599 --> 00:54:39.360
<v Speaker 2>and Asha, you may join us, she said with a

888
00:54:39.400 --> 00:54:42.320
<v Speaker 2>soft smile, But know that our way is one of

889
00:54:42.440 --> 00:54:46.639
<v Speaker 2>unity and shared responsibility. We protect each other and we

890
00:54:46.639 --> 00:54:50.119
<v Speaker 2>look out for each other's young. Kaboda felt a surge

891
00:54:50.119 --> 00:54:54.159
<v Speaker 2>of relief and gratitude. Thank you, he said, earnestly, nodding

892
00:54:54.199 --> 00:54:56.880
<v Speaker 2>to each member of the Hoe clan. He could see

893
00:54:56.880 --> 00:55:00.559
<v Speaker 2>the warmth in Asha's expression as well, and Coda, sensing

894
00:55:00.599 --> 00:55:03.559
<v Speaker 2>the change in the atmosphere, let out a happy coup.

895
00:55:05.039 --> 00:55:08.719
<v Speaker 4>They say, you don't gotta go home, but.

896
00:55:08.840 --> 00:55:09.760
<v Speaker 5>You can't stay.

897
00:55:14.639 --> 00:55:41.960
<v Speaker 4>I don't want to be alone. World out it, chop.

898
00:55:41.880 --> 00:55:47.920
<v Speaker 5>This job, that chart everything, ride back, ride back, No

899
00:55:48.199 --> 00:55:54.239
<v Speaker 5>joy for me, need joy stay right there, come it

900
00:55:54.480 --> 00:56:27.280
<v Speaker 5>right away, Unside State State secuside still Stateside Side says.

901
00:56:25.039 --> 00:56:28.400
<v Speaker 6>Side inside, inside.

902
00:56:27.800 --> 00:56:31.039
<v Speaker 1>Inside stay State.

903
00:56:31.559 --> 00:57:03.199
<v Speaker 6>Stills as games and games Stas sings the state basins.

904
00:57:03.480 --> 00:57:07.840
<v Speaker 6>The fast state Stack insist