Warriors of Passion Part 3: Winds of Change (Second Half) [Complete]
Updated: Jul 24, 2024
Recommended for ages 18+ because of the use of profanity and sexual content.
Chapter 36: Kana (Library Pass Needed)
Chapter 34 - Kana
“Get him! Break his spirit!”
I stand at the edge of the ring screaming at the top of my lungs as Bau dodges PJ’s attack. This is the second time in a row that PJ has had him teetering on the edge and I refuse to allow my cousin to lose without a fight. I know more than anyone how much he detests the thought of being the Kah'Sikae and would be happier as the head healer instead. Even if he is doing this for the sake of the Traib, I’m still proud of him for choosing to fight in the ceremony. It isn’t long before he’s flipping PJ out of the ring and I sigh in relief as the horn sounds Bau the winner.
“Your cousin sure knows how to stretch a fight.”
Stranger stands beside me, those green eyes glued to me and aura swirling with pink and gold. Has he been watching me this entire time?
“Bau’s not the fighting type.”
“So why even enter?”
I tuck a loose strand of curls behind my ear and look out at Oh’Shun. “To make our people feel safe.”
“From?”
He stands in the torchlight like a child hearing a story and I chuckle a little. “Those waves seem to have taken the bad memories along with the good ones. I doubt your people have been able to escape the wrath of the Ju’Ri anymore than we have.”
The thought of those soulless monsters sends a shiver down my spine and I wave the air between us, quelling the echo of old screams. Stranger’s eyes crinkle with concern, his hands slightly reaching out to me but staying near his sides. Is it that visible of how the Ju’Ri plagues me or is he just trying to fake concern to get closer to my body? Make me vulnerable? His gaze instantly shifts to the growing footsteps behind me and I turn to find Bau beaming beside a sour Ahiga.
“Your cousin refused to spar with me tomorrow morning,” Ahiga grunts. “And after saying I’d grant him the first audience with the Kah'Sikae at daybreak.”
“My cousin knows better than to agree to childish fantasies. Once I become the Kah'Sikae, I’ll make sure they make the main hut impenetrable from brutes like you.”
Ahiga doesn’t hesitate to move closer with a cocky smile.“Oh, I believe I’ve already penetrated through your best defenses. Kah’Ohna Ahnah.”
“Ahiga!”
“What’s wrong?” he growls as he wraps me in his arms. “Afraid Stranger will hear how many times I’ve claimed every inch of you for myself. How you loved every moment.”
Bau slams a firm hand on Ahiga’s shoulders with narrowed eyes. “Kana has a match to prepare for. Don’t ya think it’s time for you to cool off?”
Ahiga’s grip retreats but my body flames with embarrassment as I meet Stranger’s hardened gaze. Even in the dim lighting, I notice the flecks of green tinging his aura. Part of me wants to quell his concerns and wipe away that pained look on his face with words. The other is more focused on securing my title. And I refuse to be swayed at the final stretch.
My braids tap against my back as I walk towards the ring. The energy of the crowd is even more infectious than it was earlier. With Ahiga and Bau already slated for the final round, I’m sure they are dying for my match to begin. I’ll make sure not to disappoint them.
“Our final match will be between Kana and Chucho,” my father booms from his throne.
Chucho is already waiting in the ring like a wild beast. He hops from one foot to the other with that wild look in his eye. Usually, he’s the village psychedelic master. Calm. Prophetic. But with his wife and daughter being burned alive in the Ju’Ri raid fourteen moons ago, he has become part warrior junkie slash my number one guinea pig for potions and enhancers. So far I’ve been able to quell his night terrors but that wild look still stays. In the torchlight, he looks even more unhinged. I take his hand in mine with a firm shake.
“You alright?” I whisper.
“Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.” Chucho nods. “Just gotta win.”
He throws my hand away and the horn is blown. Chucho’s punches strike like lightning. I feel my heels teetering towards the edge of the ring and manage to jump out of the way before he finishes me off in the blink of an eye.
“Come on, Kana!” Ahiga yells. “Focus!”
Chucho doesn’t let up and I land a few good punches before being forced to go on the defensive. What is with him tonight? Even his match earlier wasn’t this intense. Did he sneak a potion before the match because he was up against me?
“Better come up with something before your flat on your ass, Princess” Chucho laughs manically.
I stumble a little and feel a sharp pain shoot through my right leg. Fuck. Not now. He’s ready to charge and I’m forced to kneel from the pain. Gotta think of something. I can’t lose. Not now. Chucho runs at me with all his force and I prepare my good leg behind me. It’s a gamble, but it’s all I’ve got left. The moment his shadow is on me, I swing my leg up and land my heel straight in his temple. He stumbles over from the force. I’m sure his ear is ringing but I don’t have time to be concerned. I use the last of my strength to chop his shin and topple him out of the ring. The horn is blown and the crowd erupts in a wave of cheers.
“Kana will participate in the final round!” my father yells with pride.
I stand up tall despite the pain in my leg and beat my chest with a loud battle cry. Finally. Finally! After thirteen years of trying, I finally made it to the final round!
“Kana! Kana!” the crowd cheers as Ahiga runs up and throws me in the air.
“Fuck yeah! You did it! I wouldn’t expect anything less-”
His playful eyes immediately switch to concern and I shift my gaze to the sand. Maybe he won't say anything and I'll be able to ride the high of winning until we get back to the village. But Ahiga has already noticed the tension in my jaw and my faltering smile. He tightens his grip on my waist and I hover at his eye level.
“What hurts?”
“I’m fine-”
“Don’t give me that shit,” his eyes narrow. “Tell me or I’m telling the Kah'Sikae.”
I suck my teeth in frustration before fixing a smile back on my face for the crowd and whispering low in his ear. “Pretty sure I fucked up my ankle.”
“Perfect!” He spins me around with a false laugh and places me on his shoulder. “Then I’ll take you to him.”
Him? I grip onto Ahiga’s beefy shoulder to keep my balance as he weaves through the cheering crowd toward Bau and Stranger.
“Ahiga,” my father calls. “Leave Kana alone and help us clear the ring out before dinner.”
“You’ve got it, Kah'Sikae,” Ahiga calls back before setting me down next to Bau. He motions towards Stranger with a grunt. “You.”
“Sup?” he nods.
“Carry Kana back to the healing hut. Bau will show you the way. I’ll cover for you until dinner.”
Ahiga kisses me on the cheek and squeezes my hand before jogging back to the group already throwing around driftwood. I’m sure Ahiga wanted to be the one to take me back himself. But if either of my parents get a whiff of my injury, I’ll be forced to forfeit the final round. Even Ahiga wouldn't want the title handed to him that way.
I glance at Bau with a sheepish wince, “Think you can heal me up before dinner?”
“Why are you this way?” Bau groans with annoyance. “Come on. Let’s use the shortcut so no one will see us. Do you think you can make it to the forest?”
“I don’t have a choice, now do I?”
I slow my breathing and walk forward, placing most of my weight on my right while my left foot drags slightly in the sand. Most of the members of the Traib are already heading back towards the main trail with thoughts of dinner and I wave at a few of them as they pass us. Hopefully, no one will run up to me directly. It’s not unusual for the younger members to want to spar with the finalists but now is not the moment. Even a toddler could take me down in this state.
“Keep smiling. You’re almost there,” Bau encourages me as he flanks my left side.
I feel the warmth of Stranger walking behind me and straighten my posture. I refuse to look weak. Not when the Kah'Sikae title is right in my grasp. And especially not in front of him. Not yet.
Chapter 35: Mateo
I'm glad I ditched my body armor on the beach. Kana’s body is warm against my back as I follow Bau through the inky darkness. How can this Traib maneuver without torch light? And I thought it was hard to see before...
“You alright?” Kana asks.
“Why do you ask?”
“Because I can feel your heart beating a mile a minute against my chest.”
“Oh, like yours isn't?” I adjust my grip on her and her inner thighs squeeze against my ribs.
“Do I make you nervous, Stranger?” she croons low in my ear.
“Excited is the word I'd use.”
Her chin rests easy on my shoulder. It wouldn't take much to kiss her from this angle. A turn of the head. A brush of the lips...
“Why am I always calling you two forward?” Bau yells in the distance.
It takes a minute for me to find him in the darkness and Kana’s light laugh rings like chimes in my ear.
“You're going to be in trouble later if you don't give into the darkness.”
“Why would I give into darkness? That sounds like the last thing I should do. I know I lost my memories but-”
“SHHH!”
“Kana!” Bau yells. “We don't have time for this shit!”
Kana pushes her hand into my shoulder, her tits hitting the back of my head as she straightens her posture. “Shut up. I'm teaching him something!”
“Kah’Ohna Ahna!”
“I'll be quick. Just get the paste from my hut and I'll meet you there.”
His brown eyes are slits in the darkness as Kana continues to wave him away. I almost feel bad for the guy. Must be hard having to deal with someone so unruly all the time. The thought makes me nostalgic.
“Fine, but I'm not healing you. Do that yourself while I'm stuffing my face with pork and chow.”
He disappears deeper into the shadows and Kana’s hands cover my eyes.
“I think it was already dark enough before,” I chuckle.
“Start walking,” she barks. “This is your training.”
“Yes, ma’am,” I straighten up and begin marching forward.
“Now focus on your feet. How they feel on the floor.”
The forest floor is soft despite all of the foliage. I can feel every pebble and stick I come across. I sense something scurry in front of me and stop, causing Kana to laugh.
“Your instincts are more skilled than I thought.”
“I'm just as surprised as you are.”
She rests her chin on my shoulder again, her breath tickling my neck. “You really can't remember anything about your past. Anything at all?”
“It's a jumble of sounds at the moment. Nothing seems to work but my instincts.”
“Oh really,” her lips graze against my neck. “And what are your instincts telling you now?”
“That you are a dangerous woman,” I growl.
“Do you want me?”
“Do you want me to want you?”
I swallow hard as her tongue grazes my neck. “Maybe.”
Her hands finally recede from my eyes and it's like someone has lit a torch before me. I can make out the shapes of the trees and the smaller bushes outlining a path. The darkness has made me hypersensitive to everything around me. Especially her.
Kana’s hands drape over my chest and point towards the right.“The healing huts that way. We better hurry up before we miss dinner.”
“Yeah,” I clear my throat of the gravel. “Of course.”
I follow the past in silence and do my best to focus. I'm sure she learned those tricks from training with that brute, but I don't care. She's stirred something inside of me. Something I'm not sure that I can continue to suppress.
It isn't long before the healing hut comes into view and the torches of the village dance in the distance. The sounds of drums and laughter echo over the hill.
Kana grips her inner thighs against my ribs again. “I can walk from here.”
She slides off my back before I fully stop moving and walks past me with a prominent limp towards the healing hut. I want to reach out and support her, but something about how she carries herself makes me pause. Kana plans on being crowned Kah'Sikae tonight. Who am I to tarnish her honor with my worries?
I follow behind her into the healing hut. Beads of sweat run down Kana’s face and I manage to catch her before she completely falls on the floor.
“I've got you.”
She leans into my touch, the pain visible in the lantern glowing nearby as she sits on the floor. “Why am I so weak?”
“Kana, you are the farthest thing from weak I can describe.”
“What do you know?” Kana stares at me with mischief. “You don't even know your own name.”
“What I know is what I saw out there in the ring. And you? You're amazing.”
I dare rest a hand on her cheek and she doesn’t shy away as I unfasten her headdress, sitting it beside her. The pain from her face seems to subside a little as she stretches her leg out in front of her with a wince.
“How can I help?”
She props herself up with one hand and points towards the jars lining a table nearby with the other. “The one with the blue lid. It should have a few palm leaves next to it.”
Bau wasn’t playing around when he said he wouldn’t heal her. I grab the supplies and seat myself near her swollen ankle.
She holds out her hand. “I can do it myself.”
“I know,” I smirk. “But you don’t have to be strong all the time, you know.”
She purses her lips before resting back on her hands. “Fine. Take some of the paste in the jar and dot it around my ankle.”
She continues to direct me and I follow her instructions. I don’t think I’ve ever helped heal anyone before. Then again, I don’t know much about what I’ve done before I met Kana. But something about it feels right. Almost as natural as fighting.
I secure the last leaf in place. “Is that it?”
“Yes,” she sighs, relief washing over her face as she closes her eyes. “Thank you.”
“It’s the least I could do after you saved my life.”
“Most people would do a lot more than that to repay a debt.”
“What else could I possibly offer you?”
“Whatever you want to offer.”
Kana opens one eye and stares at me in the lamplight. Her bodysuit glows and outlines her frame, strong yet curved in all the right places. She sits up from her easy stance and rests her arms on her right knee. That mischief in her eye has returned. Those full lips are now only a breath away. I lean in closer and she stays rooted in place. As if she’s challenging me to close the gap between us. Challenge accepted.
Her lips taste like salt water and sweat and I want more. I don’t think I’ll be able to stop until I’ve devoured every inch of her. A small part of me knows that the rest of the village lingers outside this hut, but I don’t care. The final match will have to wait until I’ve repaid my debt in full.
Chapter 36 - Kana
I must be the weakest woman alive. Only the weakest souls succumb to the touch of a stranger the way I am right now. His tongue grazes my lower lip and I refrain from nipping at his in return. Focus. I can’t focus. I want him. All of him.
Fuck it.
The pain in my ankle has dulled enough for me to wrap both legs around Stranger’s waist and bring him completely on top of me. The length of him presses against my lower lips. Only our remaining fighting gear stands in the way of the heat emanating between us. His aura swirls with the colors of sunset, his braids still tied back behind him.
“Kana,” he whispers in my ear and a shiver runs through me.
“Yes?”
“I don’t think I can hold back anymore.”
“So don’t.”
I tighten my grip on his waist and flip him on his back. There’s a dull ache vibrating from my ankle but I’ll deal with it later. Bau left me with enough healing paste for half the village. I’ll use it all if it means that I’ll get to indulge in this moment.
My fingers unhook the simple clasp holding my body suit together and slide it closer to the floor. The more I reveal to him, the harder he becomes. I fear he might burst as I tower over his sun-kissed body and strip completely.
My cocky smirk only grows as I glance at his pants. “Do you expect me to do everything for you?”
Stranger’s eyes squint in amusement and he chuckles darkly. “Such a dangerous woman.”
He twitches with desire as he reveals all of himself. I feel my mouth water and immediately refrain from devouring him. If we don’t return soon, someone will come looking for us.
I’m afraid if I even get a taste, I’ll never want to stop. He shivers at my touch as climb back on top of him and hover my lower lips above the tip of his manhood.
“How badly do you want me?” I whisper, unable to completely hide how close I am to caving.
Stranger grips my waist with his hands and lifts his lower half, sliding inside. A loud moan escapes me and I clamp my hands over my mouth as he thrusts deeper. He doesn’t even give me a chance to catch my breath and I bury my face in his chest to muffle the screams of pure bliss erupting from within.
“What happened, Kana?” he chuckles breathlessly in my ear. “I thought you didn’t want me to hold back.”
His grip tightens on my ass and he thrusts faster. So fast I feel like I might break in two if I don’t get a hold of myself. The meager grip I had on the floor retreats as he holds me close and lifts me completely off the floor.
“Can’t have yourself injured on my account. Now can we? Future Kah'Sikae.”
This man is going to be the death of me. He continues to break my mind as I try to match his rhythm. But he is a beast. One that has managed to conquer me over and over. And I never want it to end. I wrap my legs around him, ready to hang on for the ride.
“Kana,” he pants. “I’m bout to-”
I grip on tighter and brace myself as he releases himself inside of me. A ripple of pleasure surges through us as Stranger stumbles a little, refusing to let me go. His lips find mine and he kisses me so tenderly. I hold him so close, you’d think I’d die without his embrace. Something about him makes me want to stay like this forever.
Logic tells me that I’ve barely known him a full day and yet I feel like I’ve known him my whole life. Being with him seems as natural as anything else. I want more. I’m so lost in his touch that I don’t even notice anyone has entered the hut until I’m being ripped from Stranger's grasp.
Ahiga trembles as he holds my naked body out in front of him. His breath is shallow, eyes frantic as he takes me in.
“Where is your head today?” he screams. “You know that I love you right? That I’d do anything for you? And yet-”
Tears prick the edges of his vision and he quickly sets me down before walking out of the hut without another word. I’ve never seen Ahiga so broken up, that look in his eye haunting my memory. I balance myself on one foot and cover my body. With the heat between me and Stranger now extinguished, I suddenly feel small and fragile. Ahiga wasn’t wrong. What was I doing? And on such an important night...
Stranger stands a few steps away, now dressed in his borrowed pants. Those green eyes are cast to the ground as he holds out my bodysuit between us.
“The rest of the village might worry if you don’t return,” he mumbles.
“Right,” I clear my throat and take my golden fibers from his grasp.
It isn’t long before I’m fully dressed and I grip my headdress tightly, glancing over my shoulder. “You coming?”
“In a bit,” he nods, eyes only meeting mine for a moment before he returns to looking at the floor.
I swallow hard and nod before turning to leave the hut. My headdress sits heavy on my head for the first time as I tie it into place. It’s doubtful that Ahiga would tell anyone about what he saw. This will only fuel his desire for the Kah'Sikae title even more.
The music is almost deafening as I approach the center of the village. Familiar aromas of our Traib’s finest dishes line the tables on either side of the trail. I wave at the elders serving the other members of the village and they nod in return. After the events today, I’m even hungrier than I realized. I take a meat skewer from one of the tables and nearly devour it in one bite.
“Famished are we?”
I jump a little as Ahiga slides an arm around my shoulders and takes the final bite of my skewer. That look from earlier still lingers in his eyes but he only smiles as he chews.
“Ahiga-”
“Dance with me, Kana,” he grabs my hand and leads me into the throng of couples dancing to the music. A few members of the Traib hollar as Ahiga wraps his arms around me and our hips begin to sway. I’ve danced with him like this so many times. I know all of his moves. Yet something about the way he moves is different. As if he’s trying to claim me all over again.
“I can still smell him on you,” he growls low in my ear. “I’ll have to fix that later once I’ve claimed my title.”
“We both know that I’ll be crowned Kah'Sikae by the end of the night.”
His grip tightens on me. “That’s not the title I was referring to.”
My heartbeat quickens as I look up at him. Ahiga’s gaze is steady and he leans down to land a quick kiss on my lips. I don’t pull away. Whether it’s from the infectious energy of the crowd or the familiarity of his presence, I can’t decide.
“I’ve talked to the Kah'Sikae and officially asked him for your hand,” Ahiga continues. “No matter who wins tonight, you will be my wife.”
“What?”
A shiver of dread runs through me and I want to push him away. Instead, he holds me closer, his heart hammering against my chest.
“I love you. You’d think I’d let some stranger take you away from me?”
“Ahiga-”
“It’s already been decided. Hate me for it if you want to, but I refuse to let you get caught up in some fantasy when the safety of the Traib is at stake.”
“I would never jeopardize our Triab,” I say.
“You already have, my love,” he whispers in my ear. “The moment you carried him off the beach I know he had a spell on you. Allow me to free you from his grasp.”
I swallow hard as he stares at me, unaffected by my conflicted emotions. His aura sits the color of dusk. Tired, but tinged with love. And jealousy. And regret. The song ends and the crowd erupts into a fit of cheers. Ahiga lets go of me to join in and I clap stoically beside him. No matter what I do, my fate’s been decided. Unless I come up with a plan, Ahiga will be my husband, and this night with Stranger will be nothing but a memory.
Chapter 37: Mateo
Note: This chapter has a trigger warning for mentions of blood and severe injuries.
The celebrations are well underway by the time I calm myself from Kana’s touch and Ahiga’s rage. Stands full of curious food and drink line the edges of the main square and I’m tempted to try it all. My mouth waters at the aromas as I reach for a grilled fish skewer.
“Oye, Stranger!”
I tear through the smoked fish with my teeth as I turn to find Bau waving me over. He sits isolated from the rest of the festivities, a large pile of meat the only company he needs. I take another bite of my fish and make my way over to him.
Bau bites into a large bird leg and motions to the pile of meat. “I saved you some. Help yaself.”
“Thanks,” I sit on the opposite side of the smoked meat and toss my fish bones into the bone pile. My stomach growls at the spread and I swallow hard. When was the last time I've eaten a meal? Days? Weeks?
Juices drip down my chin as I rip into the tender meat of the smoked bird leg. Now I understand why Bau was so excited for dinner. This food is divine. We continue to tear through the various types of smoked meats and veggies with a ferril appetite.
“For a moment I thought you two were going to miss dinner altogether,” Bau says through bites.
Memories of Kana’s skin pressed against mine make my mouth salivate even more and I rip a piece of glistening meat from its bone. “It took longer to heal her than expected.”
“Mhhm.”
Bau’s eyes linger on me momentarily before cleaning off another skewer in silence. I can tell he wants to ask me more but I’m grateful for the lack of inquiry. How could I even begin to tell him that I had sex with his cousin? In the healing hut no less. He’d probably toss me back in Oh’Shun and ask me never to return. That is if Ahiga doesn't kill me first...
“Look alive, people. The final rounds about to begin!”
Ahiga’s voice booms above the crowd and it's not long before he emerges from the crowd with Kana’s hand gripped tightly in his fist. Her demeanor is her usual self but something about Kana’s stance seems reserved. Cautious. I want to tear her from Ahiga’s side but I rip through another piece of meat without another word.
His glare lingers on me. “You better regain all the strength you can. I have no intention of going soft on you out there.”
I’ve barely managed to swallow when the horn sounds, cutting off any chance of responding. The crowd's direction shifts and I notice the Kah'Sikae taking the stage in the distance. I toss my final bone in the pile and stand with a stretch.
“Your Traib sure knows how to cook,” I sigh, extending Bau a hand. “I might have to stay here forever.”
Bau takes my hand with a smirk. “We’ll see about that.”
The crowd's excitement is tangible as we stroll to the front. Most members move out of the way as we walk past, cheering us on and whispering words that sound like prayers. I follow the others onto the platform and the cheers become deafening. Bau seems uncomfortable beside me as he wipes his face of lingering spices. Ahiga blows kisses at the crowd and a few members of the front row swoon. The Kah'Sikae raises his hand to silence the crowd, his excitement just as tangible.
‘My family,” he booms. “I welcome this year's finalists with great pride. No matter who wins tonight, I can rest easy knowing our Traib will be safe.”
The crowd resumes cheering but the Kah'Sikae raises his hand and they silence.
“The final round is a simple one. A hunt in the densest parts of our protective forests. While the spirit guides will aid each warrior on their journey, do not be fooled by the corrupted animals that linger in the shadows.
“Corrupted?” I ask Bau.
“Some animals have evolved beyond their protective abilities,” he whispers. “The liquid from their bodies can be lethal. Create illusions.”
"Our Shah'Mahn Mai will now bestow the sacred symbols."
The woman identical to Kana in figure and face stands in front of Ahiga with a bowl of red paste. He bows to match her height and she begins to paint symbols on his forehead.
“For Ahiga, the spirit of I’Gi Drah’Gohn.”
“I will wear this symbol with honor,” Ahiga presses his palms together before rising.
She walks in front of Kana with a smirk. “Kana.”
“Mother,” she bows with a giddy grin.
“For our black warrior, the symbol of Bu’Fa Tor’Tah.”
“I promise to win this challenge for the sake of the family,” Kana whispers as she presses her palms over her mothers before rising.
Kana’s mother moves on to Bau trembling beside me in a bow.
“For Bau, the symbol of Ti’Griz.”
“I will do my best to hunt well for the Traib,” Bau stutters before pressing his palms together.
I suck in a breath as Kana’s mother stands before me. Her presence seems consuming as I bow before her and she presses her fingertips to my forehead.
“The blessing of a spirit animal can only be assigned to those with a name,” she says. “So I have asked the Empress of Oh’Shun to regift you the name you lost.”
My heart hammers in my chest and I feel all eyes on me as she smears the paste on my forehead. “For Mateo, the symbol of the Ver’Mau.”
The sound of my name sends a pang through me. Whispers of familiar voices seem to repeat my name in my mind and I know deep down that what she speaks is true.
I bow and press my palms together. “I’m humbled by your Traib's generosity. Thank you for gifting me a piece of my identity.”
To my surprise, she places her palms over mine and whispers. “Take care out there.”
The words linger in my mind as she moves on and the crowd erupts into cheers. Was this a warning from her directly or the spirits beyond? I don’t have much time to think about it before a spear is thrust into my hand and I’m ushered to the mouth of a foreboding forest.
“You have until dawn's light to hunt your fill,” the Kah'Sikae booms. “Until then!”
The horn is blown and I sprint into the unknown. Bau stays by my side and the two of us run in tandem as the darkness swallows Kana and Ahiga whole.
“Mind if I stick with you for this one?” Bau asks. “I’ll let you take third place.”
“Sounds good to me,” I chuckle and we move deeper into the forest.
Without the training from Kana earlier, I’d be completely screwed. What used to be a world of shadows are distinct trees and bushes. Even my body seems lighter than it did before. Is this the blessing of Ver’Mau or the adrenaline kicking through my veins? Either way, I’ve never felt so alive. Bau motions for me to slow down and I notice something slither into the bushes.
“Is that a corrupted animal?” I ask.
“That was a crop snake,” Bau chuckles. “But they do tend to attract animals that put up more of a fight.”
We walk through the brush without encountering so much as a field mouse. The dark canopy above us seems to be where all the birds have hidden for the night. Without a bow or a perfect sense of aim, we’re better off focusing on the animals on the ground. I should ask Bau about the patterns of the smaller prey-
“Look out!”
Bau pushes me out of the way and I catch myself. But I'm too slow. A bright red horn impales Bau's left side, a massive beast attached to the end of it. I don’t hesitate to stab the creature's black body before ripping it off of Bau.
“Shit,” I mumble as I see the wound left behind gush bright red. “What was that thing?”
“A Ushi’Ohni,” Bau gasps. “They're not corrupted, but I think the horn got me pretty deep.”
“How can I help?”
“Grab me some leaves-”
“Fuck, I really thought that plan would work.”
Ahiga prowls out of the darkness, eyes colored red. His left arm looks almost deformed and dripping with blood.
"What happened to you?" I ask.
“Something isn’t right,” Bau mumbles and I shield his injured body from Ahiga’s encroaching nature.
“This is all your fault. Mateo.” Ahiga spits. “This forest is a sacred space. Blessing or not, you’re an outsider. And the forest knows it. They’re looking for the intruder. Good thing I already found him.”
Ahiga lunges at me and I have no choice but to fight back. The onslaught of his spear is relentless. At this rate, there won’t be enough time for me to fight Ahiga and save Bau.
I suck in a deep breath and yell with all my might. There's a chance that she won't hear me through the foliage. But it’s the only chance we have.
“KAH’OHNA AHNAH!”
Chapter 38: Kana
Note: This chapter has a trigger warning for mentions of blood and severe injuries.
The forest wraps around me like an old friend, the energy of Bu’Fa Tor’Tah enhancing my physical form. Every step forward seems sturdier than the last. As if I’m gaining a sort of energetic armor around my body. I wish it could do something about the dull ache in my left ankle. I can’t believe I forgot to put more healing salve on it before leaving the hut. Stupid. Stupid. Here I am at the home stretch of becoming Kah'Sikae and I’m still hyper-focused on him. Mateo. Knowing his name sends a flutter through my insides. But it doesn’t dull the overwhelming grief that sets in knowing we could never be. I rest against a nearby tree with a heavy sigh. Was Ahiga right after all? Am I unfit to lead our Traib? Unless I can convince my father after I secure my title-
“KAH’OHNA AHNAH!”
A few Si’Gi’s stir at the scream. Mateo. He’d never call me that. A pit begins to form in my stomach. Something has gone horribly wrong. My mind conjures a list of worst-case scenarios as I break out into a sprint. Ankle be dammed. Title be gambled. If Mateo dies tonight, I don’t know what I’ll do. Bu'Fa Tor'Tah give me strength.
By the time I manage to find him, I’m grossly underprepared. The adrenaline that carried my legs releases me and all I can hear is my heartbeat. Bau sits in a bloody heap by a nearby tree, his breath shallow as he watches Mateo fight to the death against a deformed Ahiga.
“Kana!”
My attention fixates on Mateo as he dodges another lethal swing, the entire scene unreal. Like I'm watching from the bottom of the sacred pool...
“Move!” he yells and I’m snapped back to my senses as he shoves me out of the way.
"Gotcha!"
“Mateo,” I scream as Ahiga’s spear pierces through Mateo’s left bicep.
“Of course you’d be more concerned about this man instead of your husband,” Ahiga spits, his voice distorted. "But I'll fix that soon enough."
“Kana, get Bau back to the village,” Mateo says as I stand between the two.
“Ahiga, this isn’t you,” I start but Bau’s vigorous coughing catches my attention. A bit of red drips from his lips and my heart freefalls.
“Get Bau out of here,” Mateo grunts.
“I can’t just leave you two like this,” I yell.
I’m practically hyperventilating at this point. This can't be happening. How am I supposed to choose?
Mateo rips the spear out of his shoulder and shoves me out of the way. “I said go!”
Tears blur my vision as I rip a handful of nearby banana leaves and run toward my cousin. His eyes glaze over to watch me patch up the bleeding, a weak smile lifting the corners of his mouth.
“Hey, cuz,” he wheezes.
“Don’t you dare die on me,” I say.
“I’ll try.”
The metallic smell consumes me as I fix the leaves in place underneath his remaining armor. Bau grunts in pain as I fix him onto my back, his blood already starting to pool on my back. I don’t know if running is the right call, but if I don’t hurry...
“Kana,” Bau wheezes but it's too late.
A searing pain shoots through my right foot as I step right on the stinger of a Bat'Rat. I stab the body with my spear before resting on a nearby tree.
"Fuck," I scream in frustration.
Are you serious right now? How could I be so careless? I never step on such an obvious creature. Is this the overwhelming power from the spirits or my mind working against me? Either way, I don’t have time to find out. I need to keep moving. No matter what.
It doesn't take much for me to find the stinger and I manage to yank it out in one shot. The pain in my ankle is child's play compared to this new burning sensation. Every step is like a new level of pain. But I can’t stop. Gotta keep moving.
Bau’s breath seems to stop entirely. If I didn't feel the faint beating of his heart on my back, I’d think I was carrying his corpse home. I know deep down that Bau won’t die that easily. But everyone has their limits. And not even I have the potions to bring someone back from the dead.
I can’t help but wonder about Mateo. And Ahiga. That wound on his arm looks like it came from a ShrikLi, but they’re known for being asleep around this time. Did bringing Mateo into the sacred forest trigger a defense stronger than the spirit animals can handle? But he was gifted his name. Mateo. Mateo. Mateo. Sweet, juicy Mateo.
I can feel the delirium of the poison taking hold but I don’t have time to rest. The first light of the torches flickers in the distance. I have to get Bau to the healing hut. To get Bau safe. Have to get...
“Kana!”
My father’s strong hands hold me up before I completely fall over. The weight of Bau’s body releases from my back and I try to reach back to grab him.
“No,” I slur through the poison. “I need to heal him. I’m the only one that can heal him.”
“What happened to you? Where’s Ahiga?”
“The forest attacked us, Dad,” I sob. “It’s my fault. If I had never saved Mateo-”
“Mai!” he yells. “Get my staff!”
“No, you can’t go in there!”
I reach forward to try and stop him but my mother’s strong arms hold me back past grabbing his forearm.
“It’s okay, Kana,” she croons in my ear. “The poison is starting to spread past your leg. We need to get you healed up. You still need to take care of Bau.”
Bau. The fate of his life hangs in the balance and yet I can’t seem to let my father go.
“Let your old man handle this one,” he winks at me. “I promise to bring them both home.”
He walks towards me and kisses my forehead before taking his staff from my mother and running headfirst into the forest.
“Let’s get this over with,” I mumble, allowing my mother to lead me to the sacred pool.
The fog in my mind begins to lift the moment my foot hits the water. Endless tears of frustration flow down my face as my mother cleanses my wounds with herbs and oils. Ahiga was right. I really am unfit to be the Kah'Sikae. How am I supposed to keep an entire village safe when I can’t even protect those I love the most?
“It will all be okay, Kana,” my mother says. "This is how it was meant to be."
I nod and wipe the tears away. “Right."
The searing pain in my leg has dulled enough for me to tolerate and I move to a stand despite my mother's concerned gestures.
"Enough of this. I need to save Bau.”
Before it's too late.
Chapter 39: Mateo
Note: This chapter has a trigger warning for mentions of blood and severe injuries.
My arms are on fire as I defend myself against Ahiga’s relentless attacks. The spear I was gifted is starting to crack under the pressure of our fight and Bau's spear is probably lost in the foliage. More than anything, I want to talk this brute off the ledge. Get him some help before he loses his arm for good—but one wrong move and I know that I’ll be dead for sure. I manage to kick at his uninjured arm but he seems unfazed as he jabs his spear my way and I’m forced to defend.
“Just die already,” he growls.
Never.
The stench of the Ushi’Ohni corpse is overwhelming at this point. I need to get us away from here before something worse shows up. Maybe I can bait him back to the village. It can’t be too far away from here. But the moment I step back, the most searing pain fills the heel of my foot. I don’t have time to analyze the situation before Ahiga lunges my way. My spear breaks in two and I grip the ends for dear life. So much for that plan.
I’m about to lunge at Ahiga when the hairs on my neck prickle up in high alert. Ahiga seems to have the same sensation and I take the chance to shift my gaze away from him. A dark shadow lingers in the foliage watching us. Something bigger than either of us can handle alone. And it's too close to outrun.
I shift my focus back on Ahiga. “Do you sense it?”
“Sense what? Your death?”
I dare to abandon my broken spear and dig my nails into his skin, desperate to wake him up from the poison's hold.
"Let go of me."
Ahiga beat me with his free hand but I refuse to release.
“There’s a huge shadow lingering near the Ushi’Ohni," I grunt. "If we leave now, we might be able to get out alive.”
“And why should I listen to someone like you?”
“Because Kana deserves to have us come back alive. You said you were going to marry her, right?”
Ahiag’s fist hovers in the air with uncertainty. I release my grip a little and take a step backward. “Come on let’s get you home to Kana.”
“I have a better plan.”
His fist comes down heavy on my temple, knocking me to the ground. A loud ringing is all I can hear from my left ear. My body screams for me to run but I’m running out of limbs to defend myself.
“Kana won’t have me unless you're out of the way,” Ahiga grunts.
“And that's a valid excuse for murder?”
“No. I'm blameless. That El’Dir will finish you off before I even reach the village. By the time they find you, you’ll be bones. And Kana will be all mine.”
Ahiga takes a step back and I lunge for his leg, digging my nails into his ankle. “Kana will never forgive you. She’ll know-”
“Kana doesn’t have a choice,” Ahiga laughs hysterically and kicks me in the face.
“You’re better than this. I know that-”
A high-pitched screech erupts from behind us. The El’Dir has moved beyond the rotting corpse and has set their sights on us. Those antlers look even more menacing as they dig their hoof in the dirt. Ahiga was right. I’m going to die here. Forgive me, Kana.
“Enough!”
A vibrating sound emits from the earth, sending me back to the ground. I blink back the blurred spots in my vision as the Kah'Sikae emerges from the bushes. A golden staff is gripped tightly in his right hand, his left hand extended towards the massive creature.
“Why do you attack our people?” the Kah'Sikae asks the El’Dir.
“Intruders linger in this forest,” El’Dir replies, their voice a melodic echo in my mind. “One from the shores of Yuk’Au.”
“This boy is an honorary member of our Traib,” the Kah'Sikae continues.
“Is the other one also a member? The Nah’Kah boat on your shores tells us otherwise.”
“We will seek out this threat on our own accord and choose to suffer any consequences.”
The El’Dir stares at me with slanted eyes before picking up the Ushi’Ohni with its mouth and walking away.
“We will be watching you, Kah'Sikae Looka. If you fail, we will always protect you. But not them.”
The Kah'Sikae doesn’t move until they have fully retreated. Ahiga stands paralyzed above me in a bloody mess. I want to tell the Kah'Sikae to take him back to the village but my mouth won’t move. The edges of my vision are already dark. I need to move. But it’s no use. The darkness consumes me and all I can think of is Kana.
***
“Light. Dark. What is the real meaning of it all?”
My eyelids feel heavy as I struggle to open them. My body feels light, like a leaf on the breeze.
“You’ve taken a nasty fall, Mateo. This is the second time I’ve saved you from death.”
A sliver of light stabs my eyes as I fight to open them with every fiber of my being. My mouth refuses to ask the questions I want answers to. Who are you? Why do you continue to save me? Why didn’t you save my parents instead?
“Your family needs you, Mateo. You have more responsibilities than you realize now.”
Warm hands embrace my body and I feel like I’m a newborn all over again.
“Time will reveal all the answers that you seek. But remember this. There will not be a third time. Your next death will be your last. Embrace this life, Mateo. Mateo.”
“Mateo!”
My eyes shoot open and I gasp in a deep breath of air. The light stings my eyes as I blink my way back to the living. The lightness in my body has been replaced with a world of paralyzing pain. Blinking even hurts. Kana stands over me looking worn but relieved, her hair a wild mane around that sun-kissed skin. Shah’Mahn Mai stands nearby with her hands covered in a bright red paste.
“Oh, thank the heavens.”
Antali’s familiar face comes into view, tears streaming down his wrinkled face.
“I’m so sorry, Mateo. I had feared the worst when you were thrown overboard in that storm. Don’t worry, your brother and I have already implemented a plan...”
Antali’s voice continues to drone on about various events, each one blurring into the last. Despite the urgency he speaks with, all I can focus on is Kana. The relief in her eyes seems to cloud over with a deep sadness. One that I want to quell in an instant. Will words be enough?
Mai rests a gentle hand on Antali’s shoulder. “Maybe we should let the Kah'Sikae rest for a bit longer before we dive into specifics. My daughter still has to tend to a few more injuries before he’s free to leave.”
“Of course,” Antali sighs.
“I’d like to discuss a few things with you while we wait,” Mai continues. “Would you care to join me for a hot meal?”
“I’d be honored.”
Antali ruffles my hair a bit with a small smile before leaving from view. It isn’t long before their footsteps retreat completely and we’re left alone.
I open my mouth to ask so many questions but my throat feels like sandpaper and a violent cough takes hold of me.
“Don’t speak,” Kana quickly fills a cup with water and holds it to my lips. “Here.”
The sweet relief of water brings tears to my eyes. There are so many things that I want to ask her.
“Bau is fine,” Kana says, wiping a sweaty curl from my forehead. “So is Ahiga. And my father. And me.”
She lowers the cup from my lips and sets it on the table. Her eyes search the ceiling, for what I don’t know. Eventually, she looks down at me with tears in her eyes.
“Judging by the familiar look you had seeing your advisor, I take it you have your memories back. Mateo.”
I blink at her a little as I take in her words. My memories. From before...
It’s like a bolder has been dropped on my chest as the wave of my life washes over me. Andres. My parents. My home. And Cecile. Beautiful Cecile that reminds me of sunny days and endless sky. A woman who is no longer mine and will never be. Because of Charlize. Because I’m betrothed.
More tears prick my eyes and I feel like I’m dying all over again. How can this be happening? Is life so cruel that I find love twice only for it to be snuffed out in an instant?
“I’m sorry,” I croak out.
“Me too,” Kana laughs sadly. “Once you are well enough, you will leave for Kah’Noh with Antali. And once Ahiga is well...”
She trails off with a hard swallow and wipes her eyes. Her hands move in silence as she business herself with my wounds. Not that I blame her. Whether she has won the title of Kah'Sikae or not, Kana isn’t free to choose who to love. Just like me.
Chapter 40: Kana
It’s been a full night since Mateo left to go to Kah’Noh. Between nursing three men to health and planning my Kah'Sikae ceremony/wedding, the last few days have felt like a dream. One I wish I never had to begin with. Sure I won the title I was fiending for, but do I even deserve it? After everything that has happened, I feel less and less worthy of the honor.
“Knock knock.”
I glance over to see Bau close the door flap, his body decorated in the feather pattern of the next Shah’Mahn. The scar from his taste of death sits stitched up under a few bandages and I look away, another cruel reminder of how powerless I am.
“Ahiga wishes to see you, Kah'Sikae. I told him it was uncustomary before the ceremony-”
“Send him in.”
“But Kana...”
I look at his concerned gaze through my mirror with a tired sigh. “Nothing about this is customary and you know it. Just let him get what he wants for once.”
Bau stares at me for a moment longer before nodding. “As you wish.”
He disappears outside and it isn’t long before Ahiga appears. His body is decorated in dried paints with symbols of protection and prosperity. A bright red scar laces the outside of his arm and I frown.
“You need to cover that before you catch your death,” I scold.
“Nagging me already?” he laughs.
I turn away, brushing a few tears away from my face before taking hold of my hair. The simple act of braiding calms me. Despite the current situation, I am pleased with the sacred outfit my mother chose for me. Simple yet powerful.
The simple golden-fibroid top clings to me, a flowing skirt of spider silk covering my legs as I adjust my seat. Ahiga watches me in the mirror as I move from one braid to the next.
“You look beautiful.”
“Thanks. You don’t look too bad yourself.”
“Well, I am about to marry the most amazing woman in the world. Had to look my best.”
He leans on my shoulder and checks his reflection in the mirror with a cocky smile. I know that he wants to ease the tension growing between us but don’t have it in me to banter with him today. It feels like every breath I take is heavy. The idea of living without Mateo is like a death sentence. Even though I only knew him for a moment, he made me feel things that I'd never felt before. The thought of him sends another pang through my chest. I really am the weakest woman alive.
Ahiga’s playful demeanor dissipates as he looks at me. That familiar sunset aura wavers with tinges of blue. Like dusk at the end of a sunny day.
“You hate me for this, don't you?” he spits. “Marrying me I mean.”
“I don't hate you.”
“But you don’t love me.”
I don’t hesitate to face him. “Of course I love you.”
“You just love him more.”
His face hovers a breath away from mine.
“I’ve stared at those familiar brown eyes my entire life. And yet some stranger managed to take you away from me in an instant.”
“I haven't been yours for a while now.”
Ahiga grips my arms, his brow crinkled in concern. “We’re meant for each other, Kana. This whole time I thought you understood that.”
“We’re not meant for anything,” I yell. “Ahiga we are fools if we think living on this island gives us any kind of advantage. We are so ignorant of the outside world. You can't tell me that if the tides were reversed, you wouldn’t have been the least bit curious.”
His eyes search mine as he weighs my words. I kiss his forehead and trail my fingertips on his scar.
“We have to cover this up before the ceremony,” I say, reaching for my ointment but Ahiga takes my hand.
“Do you think he could’ve made you happier than I can?” he whispers.
His eyes are so full of sadness that I don’t even know how to respond. Would marrying Mateo have been that much better than Ahiga? Or am I so clueless of the outside world that I’ll fall for any stranger that washes up on shore? I glance at my unfinished braids and bare face.
“I shouldn’t be the Kah'Sikae,” I mumble.
“What?”
“I can’t protect anyone. You. Bau...”
“But you did save us. Kana you are the fiercest warrior that I’ve ever known,” Ahiga leads my chin to face him. “And you won this honor without any potions. Fighting to run with corrupted poison in your body.”
He kisses my forehead and sighs. “You are going to make a fantastic Kah'Sikae. Kah'Ohnah Ahnah.”
“Until next year,” I chuckle. “I doubt I’ll keep the title for long.”
“Then let your short reign mean something before I take it from you.”
He lets go of me and walks over to my headdress, plucking it from its stand. A devious smile spreads on his lip as he puts it on his head.
“How do I look?”
“Like next year’s fiercest competition,” I chuckle.
Ahiga removes the headdress and puts it back before moving to leave.
“I’ll be waiting for you out there,” he says.
“I’ll meet you at the podium.”
He disappears outside and I quickly fasten the rest of my braids in place. The Kah'Sikae’s headdress bites the edges of my palm as I fasten it atop my head. There. Ready as I'll ever be. The Traib deserves to feel safe and our union will provide that. I doubt anyone will be nearby with the ceremony about to start. This may be my only chance before they come to get me.
I glance outside of the hut before fully emerging and slinking down to the beach. Down to the place where I thought I could be a savior of my people. Before my entire world was shaken in a single moment. The rocks that once held Mateo captive sit empty as the waves cascade over them and splash against my toes.
“My child.”
I jump a little at the sound of a melodic voice in my mind.
“Yes?” I ask out loud, glancing around the empty beach.
“Do not be afraid. I’m simply here to deliver a message. One that you might find worth your while if you give me the chance to explain.”
I swallow hard and nod, still unsure how to feel about all of this. But her presence feels welcoming and as she begins to tell me her message, everything becomes clear. I find myself shaking by the time she is done talking. From fear or excitement, I can't tell.
“Thank you, Ahtah’Bae,” I whisper, a goofy smile plastered on my lips as the tears flow down my cheeks. How am I supposed to explain this to my village? To Ahiga? And most importantly, to him? More importantly, will I even get the chance?
End of Part 3
A Note from the Author:
Well, hot damn! What a whirlwind of a story! Don't worry there is more on the way before the year lets out in more ways than you may think. Fun fact about part 3, it was originally supposed to be part one of this series. But once I started digging into Mateo's backstory, it became impossible for me not to write the story we have today. Either way, be sure to check some of the other stories that we have to offer, or maybe invest in the paperbacks of Parts 1 & 2 so we can bring this and other stories to life. Until next time!
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About the Author
Crystal Cabrae is a storyteller who writes dystopian, romantic, and adventurous worlds for animation and fantastical fiction. Born as Angelica Cabrera, she is a proud graduate of Full Sail University, AMDA NYC, and New World School of the Arts. Her six years of acting training in New York and Miami gives her a unique perspective when approaching her characters. Crystal has a passion for sharing how to create stories with the world and inspiring the storyteller that lives within all of us. While she tries to keep up with her social media accounts, the best way to get to know her is over a cup of tea or a good plate of food.
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