179 Par’Talucca

East Bahran Island

Par'Talucca

After months of travel. Kozumi and Mizumi had made it home. Since the border dragons had disappeared, the two were quick to return. They had faithfully accomplished their mission. The two southern kingdoms were greatly weakened. Their soldiers lay dead, their more powerful nobles and warriors assassinated. 

The two urged their horses on. Promising them rest, from the long and arduous journey to the far north.

A certain fear kept creeping up their backs as they made it ever closer to the capital of the dhans. Par'Talucca.

They had been expecting someone or anybody to receive them, their intelligence. However many weeks passed as they travelled the lands, they found no one. And it only made sense now that they've entered their capital. Their home.

Rather than finding the lively cheering of children. The warriors training within the many courtyards. The pristine and proud pagodas and shrines that stood towering above their homes. They came home to find it all in ruins. The cobblestone pavements in ruins, their homes burnt down and left as ashes. 

Deep within the territory, within the patriarch's own manor. The man's throne had been sliced into pieces. The wall behind it had four large scars. Dragon claws no doubt.

"Kozumi!? Mizumi!?"

The two turned to find a young child, covered in dirt and extremely malnourished.

"MIKU!"

Upon finally finding someone alive. The two sisters ran over and embraced the girl. Once their emotions settled, Kozumi quickly pulled out some provisions to feed her.

"What happened? Where is everyone? Do you know?" Whilst Miku ate and drank, Mizumi hugged her from behind. 

She nodded twice, and washed the food down her throat with a chug.

"The dekans. They beat us, killed everyone. We lost..."

"Are you the only one left Miku?"

"No. There's ten of us. We've been hiding, since we didn't know what to do..."

Kozumi turned towards her little sister.

"Mizumi, go scout the Wailing Battlefield and if you can, try to see what the dekans are doing. Stay safe, and come back to me okay?"

Mizumi's usual playful attitude was no where to be found. She immediately nodded in confirmation before departing.

"Miku, please. Take me to the others, I have food for them."

The little one nodded and did as instructed.

...

Hermit's Hideout

Within a dense forest west of the capital. The 10 children hid among the tree tops. Currently, they were stuffing the jerky and water down their throats. God knows how long they've had to live within the woodlands, scavenging and relying on fruits and berries.

"Neesan. I'm back."

Kozumi immediately pulled her little sister into her embrace. Shoving her face into her bosom.

"Welcome back. Now tell me, what's the status?"

"The dekans are preparing for war. The provisions they're gathering can only mean one thing. Their next target will be the far southern kingdoms of the humans and elves. Also, the patriarch's son is with them. I think they've been taken as hostages-"

"-No! He isn't a hostage! Xian Par'Talucca betrayed us! He wanted his father's position so badly, he made a deal with the dekans! It's true! I saw it with my own eyes." A little one emerged and shouted.

"If this information is true, then it won't be safe to stay here. The dhans will become a subservient state to the dekans. And if he becomes patriarch, I can only imagine how greedy he would be if he were to come back here to find us." "I wonder if he still remembers the time I slapped him for trying to touch my butt?"

"Neechan, I think we should leave. I'll rather die down south than to be married to that ass hole. And with your beauty, he'll probably make you his mistress too!"

"I agree."

Kozumi turned to the 10 little ones.

"It's going to be a long journey. Gather your belongings, bring as much food and water as you can. I have a friend down south, I'm sure he'll help us. For tonight, get as much sleep as you all can."

...

That night, Kozumi was taking first night watch. Mizumi had her head laid upon her lap, as she snored.

Staring up upon the half-moon.

"What was it all for? All those years..."

"Will Asai accept me? Accept us? Every time he saw me, I never hesitated to leave him behind... I hope he doesn't hate me."