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Part 31: Poisonous Fruits

Info

Writer

Dougurasu

Character Introductions

Tebok

Character Deaths

-

Arcs

Hikari Crystals Arc

Fight for Mikomi Village Arc

Kyen Koh's Identity Crisis Arc

Zesshou loves Hitori Arc

Timeline Entries

The Story

Endless Rain

Part 31: Poisonous Fruits

© Dougurasu

The quiet rain was disturbed by the march of at least a thousand warriors, all in legions and walking in step. In front on black horses were Kyen Koh and Tebok, the new leader of the army. She really wanted to defeat the Mikomi, get the crystals and leave this god-forsaken valley, but somehow she was reluctant to do so.

Ever since the Sendo’s defeat half a year ago there was something inside her that was indecisive, something… unexplainable. Lana was right that she hesitated a lot, but Kyen Koh really didn’t know why. During the battle with the Mikomi Tribe the only thing she wanted was to win and kill as much Mikomi as possible, but now… now she wasn’t sure anymore…

She remembered something that happened a long time ago. Her parents told her the story of the Hikari Crystals. Her father said that everyone, who has an evil heart and touch one of the crystals, would make the crystal go dark.

Her mother had turned to her and said, “But not you, Kyen… you will never be truly evil…”

Even to this day she has no idea what her mother meant by that. She was evil… wasn’t she? Nothing was sure to her anymore. The only thing she was sure of was that the rain was getting from bad to worse.

Water had made the streets of the Mikomi village invisible. Moyasu was sleeping in Hitori’s big house. Hana slept in the room next to hers, like she usually does. Hitori herself was up all night. She couldn’t sleep. Ever since she found the first Hikari Crystal she had trouble sleeping. She hadn’t mentioned it to anyone, not even Hana. She couldn’t believe that what she once thought was just a fairy tale was actually really happening now. Also, she couldn’t believe she already had two of them. Almost three… She had no idea though, whether the Sendo had crystals or not, though. Where were the last two? She really had to find them. If she didn’t it wo -

“RUN!”

Hitori opened her eyes and looked up, “Wha-?” She said, even though there was no one there.

“Flee, now that you still can! We are coming!”

She recognised the voice. She looked in the mirror and instead of seeing her reflection, she saw Kyen Koh lying in her bed, “You?!”

“Hitori! We are coming! The Sendo are coming! You have to evacuate the village.”

“What? The Sendo are coming? Don’t they know we are prepared for–“

“They know you have three of the Hikari Crystals.”

“What? How can they?”

“Baku’s sister!”

“His sister?”

“We are coming. I know you must flee! Trust me!”

Hitori got up and ran to the guards.

In no time the alarm bell was being sounded and the people were asked to take only the essentials and leave the village at once for their own safety.

“We’re going to flee to the remains of the Chi village.” Kino announced, “The council has assembled and in the short time we had we decided that that’s our best bet.”

Half asleep, Moyasu walked in, “What? The Chi village?” Hana piped up and explained. “We’re evacuating? What? Why?” Moyasu was no longer half-asleep.

“Because Hitori says so. She’s the leader, and we will follow her. The council trusts her, so do we.”

Hitori approached Moyasu, “As a former Chi, could you please guide us along the safest path? I ask of you… please…” Hitori kneeled down before her, “My people must be protected.”

Moyasu was amazed. The leader of the Mikomi Tribe was begging for her help. It was her best bet for safest, and she started to care a little for the Mikomi. They reminded her so much of her tribe.

“Yes, I will, Hitori. You can count on me.”

“Thank you so much.” Hitori turned to Hana, “Hana. I want you to take the Hikari Crystals and go with Moyasu, villagers and the council members.”

“Hikari Crystals?” Moyasu said and looked briefly at her pendant.

“I’ll explain later.” Hana said, “And yes, I will take good care of them.”

“I knew I could count on you, Hana. Wevlum, Wevles and Wevli!” She turned to the triplets, “Protect Moyasu, Hana and the villagers. I know you three can do it.” Now she turned to the crowd, “Mikomi Tribe! I know this is sudden, but I am convinced that the Sendo will attack tonight. I know you have families and want to be with them. I know you don’t want to fight or die, but I am asking all of you. If you want to help defend this village and what the Mikomi Tribe stands for, then please join me in the battle here, at Mikomi village. We will NOT let the Sendo win!” For the first time ever, Hitori felt like she was a true leader. The thundering cheers from the Mikomi Tribe overcame the sound of the rain.

Volunteers streamed towards Hitori and all were equipped with a shield, armor and a sword.

Nagata, walked up to Hitori, “Uhm… Hitori… I know I’m a member of the council, but I really want to… stay and help you.”

Hitori smiled, though on the inside she was not happy, “Nagata, you’ve already proved yourself over and over again. It’s your decision if you want to stay here or protect the villagers.”

Immediately Nagata felt a surge of energy going through him. Hitori was a true leader, he thought and quickly ran to the other volunteers to get his equipment.

“Well Hitori, I think this is a wise decision. The council is fully with you.” Hitori turned to face the person that was talking to her, “Kino… Thank you. And good luck.”

“You too, Lady Hitori.” Kino turned around and joined the other council members who were getting ready to depart.

“Lady Hitori!” It seemed like everyone wanted to have a last word with her. This time it was Zesshou, “I just wanted to say… that I will do my best – no more than my best – to defend this village.”

Hitori didn’t know what to do but smile. She was uncertain if she was leading the people to victory… or to their grave… Everyone volunteering now… this could be the last time she ever saw them.

Zesshou was overjoyed with Hitori’s smile and walked away. ‘Lady Hitori…don’t die… I love you too much for you to die.’ The young warrior thought to himself.

The villagers were ready to depart.

“Follow me!” Moyasu shouted and she slowly led the way.

Hana looked from a distance to Hitori. Hitori nodded. Hana nodded back and with a bag with the two Hikari Crystals in it, she followed the remaining council members.

This was but the second time Lana was on a horse in front of a giant army like this. The first time was hundreds of years ago, when Afrain’s army marched towards the fairy land in order to destroy Layou.

“Father, this plan is a fool’s plan!” She tried to persuade Afrain.

“I am no fool!” Afrain protested, “I am a fearless leader and I will destroy Layou and his supporters.”

She tried hard to be persuasive, but deep inside she already knew it was in vain, “You are a coward, Father! Using your army just to kill a few evil monsters. You should be doing this by yourself.”

Afrain’s eyes were red with anger, “You will not question me. Go to the left flank legion and join your brother Sendo.” Lana’s father commanded.

In front of the left flank a brave monster was talking to his sister, “Mikomi, I don’t want you to get hurt. Please do as I say and fall back.”

“I can’t do that, Baku! I just can’t!”

“You will! I command you to. I am your older brother, so hear and accept my plead.”

With that Mikomi turned back to Afrain’s palace.

It was a glorious battle, and even though Layou was incredibly strong, the mighty Afrain beat him.

“Friends! Children!” Afrain was calling to his army, “This victory requires a victory meal! Eat! Eat the fruits of nature. The fairy family has been avenged. I shall imprison Layou and his minions in the prison in the center of our world, where they will burn for eternity!”

“NOOOOO!!” Lana cried out, but she was not heard, as everyone was celebrating.

Sendo approached Lana and hugged her, “We have won Lana. Let’s celebrate!” Sendo pushed some grapes in her mouth, but Lana spat it out immediately.

Afrain returned to the land of Dead Fairies, “My sons. What is the matter?” he asked.

Sendo answered, “I feel like… my magic is being absorbed… like I’m dying! Father! I believe the fruits we ate are poisonous!”

Lana ran to her father, “I am sorry, father. I am the only one who hasn’t had a bite of that poisonous fruit!”

Within no time Mikomi had heard of this and raced to the valley, but just as she entered Afrain used his magic powers to make The Land of Dead Fairies a valley of Endless Rain. “This wicked valley, will have endless rain to make that dark magic wash away. It will take centuries, but it will happen. No one would be able to escape this Valley. No one at all!” The good Mikomi was trapped inside the valley with no way of contacting her father.

Lana however, stayed with her father in The Clouds Before the Sun to live there until Baku would return from the valley using The Passage of the Rainbow. After that, she would be exiled from The Clouds Before the Sun and sentenced to live in The Valley of Endless Rain forever as a normal woman, but she would never die and she was separated from her true love… Layou, the worst punishment Afrain could have ever given. Afrain did not know however, that Lana had already been pregnant of a half-good/half-evil child, which she had hidden from her father…

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