Granny Gin walked sluggishly and clumsily, resting on her rusted wooden cane. Dysabella pursued the elderly lady. Dysabella imagined the worst as Gin strolled like a turtle. This location was once a spring. There's a dry gorge down here where there used to be a stream of water coming down from the mountain. They walked along the ledges till they reached a big pit.
"Miss, get into that hole."
Dysabella grimaced and then lowered her head. The dry hole with damp dirt wasn't too deep or steep, yet it was effective in persuading the girl's mind to believe something she didn't want to believe.
"Ow!" Dysabella screamed and clutched her ass as Gin smacked her in the bottom with her stick.
"I said, get off."
Dysabella locked her gaze on Gin, her face irritated, or so it appeared. Dysabella descended the steps, trembling, and stood in the middle of the hole. She took a look around. The air is quite cold and humid, and there is still plenty of moss and plants to be found. The former of a gorge where the water flows is the high wall that leads to a hole above.
Granny Gin was already behind Dysabella when she turned to face her. Dysabella was on the verge of collapsing from shock. How did she get down so quickly, she wondered? Is her body still capable of descending the steps in this hole? Yes, it wasn't particularly steep, but for a woman who was 179 years old, it was a nightmare.
"Now hurry up and pull out whatever you have."
Dysabella remained motionless, her eyes gradually widening. Her fists were clenched behind his back. "I'm not sure how. I—"
"How could you not comprehend how your magic works after killing those two dick soldiers and destroying the forest?" Gin sneered. "Don't be garbage. You're the world's only hope now."
Dysabella was in tears. She had no idea how to do it. Her eyes welled up with tears, and she wanted to return home. "I-I...."
When Gin saw the girl in front of her crying, she raised her wand and struck her in the head. "Don't be a wimp! Don't be a whiner! It's difficult to be the only one of your type. Don't be weak, you'll hear the cries and moans of those who have been scorched by Merapi and only you who have the power to save them."
Dysabella couldn't keep her tears from flowing. She sobs. If she may inquire, she does not wish to be born in this condition. "Granny Gin, I'm not sure how to bring out my magic...."
"Stupid!" Granny Gin waved her wand at Dysabella once more. "That means I'll have to start from the beginning with you. Now I'm having a very horrible day."
Gin let out a sigh. Her hands were resting on her antique cane. "Okay, Miss, the first lesson I'll give you is the simplest. It's to sense the existence of anything significant in the world."
"How do I do it?"
Gin instructed, "Kneel and place your palms on this damp earth."
Dysabella wiped the tears from her eyes. She shakily knelt and placed one hand on the ground.
Gin clarified, "Both."
Dysabella smiled and clasped her hands together. "Then?"
"Concentrate your thoughts, calm your heart, and experience it. Close your eyes and try to sense what's going on inside."
Dysabella drew a hesitant breath and gently exhaled it. She did what Granny Gin said and closed her blue eyes. She calmed her heart and concentrated her concentration. Dysabella soon became aware of a weird sensation. It made her hand tingle. In horror, Dysabella drew her hand away from something that seemed to be squeezing her.
"What was that?" says Dysabella. Dysabella inquired, her hand rubbing together. She had the sensation that something was creeping across her palm.
Gin nodded and grinned. "Your instincts are still there, it turns out. That is the essence of the universe. A body of water buried far underground. It's still buried beneath us, waiting for someone to raise it. And the someone it's you, Mis."
●●●●●
Mattias had risen to the top of the military hierarchy. These meetings had been scheduled by the battalion commanders, regimental commanders, generals, and Fiorenzo. They were all seated at a large rectangular table with global maps above it. Fiorenzo's hose was being stood on by Mattias. Everyone was preoccupied with the king and queen's biological son, so Mattias was ignored.
"Have you assembled everyone?" Fiorenzo inquired.
"Yes, Your Majesty," said Erick.
"All right, then let's get this meeting started."
Fiorenzo took a deep breath and grinned lopsidedly at Mattias before continuing. "I'm sure that all of us, including those who are standing, have heard the news that has been spreading. In the space of two days, the entire country was startled by the news of Rain Clan. You must have inquired about my unexpected arrival here."
"I was dispatched by King Michael to take command in Doli and protect all of you. At the same time, after learning of the Rain Clan's arrival, to assist my dear brother in fortifying our fortifications in this human world." Fiorenzo said, "I gathered you here exclusively to discuss the appearance of the creature."
Fiorenzo took a close look at each of the higher-ups one by one. "Has Mattias made plans to track down the Rain Clan?"
Erick locked his gaze on Mattias for a moment before turning to Fiorenzo. "That hasn't happened yet. We were merely instructed by Prince Mattias to deliver fallen tree branches to the locals so that they might be utilized to manufacture tools and means."
Fiorenzo was taken aback for a while, then grinned and shook his head. "What happened, my brother? To the Doli people, you appear to be a very gentle person. Do you realize how much our Father despises tenderness for the land he colonized?"
"All I'm doing is giving them what they deserve."
Laugh. Fiorenzo tapped the table and chuckled. "What exactly are you referring to? Mattias, if you want to give them their rights, do you also want to give them this land? You have a great sense of humor."
The higher-ups appeared to be licking their lips and staring at Mattias as if he were an idiot.
Mattias just replied, "At least not all of them." He'd had enough of this place."
"Perhaps don't stay in the room too long next time so you can understand what power and position are." Fiorenzo tapped the unfurled map with his index finger. "You're still compassionate after we've nearly conquered an entire continent? That's a blunder, Mat."
Mattias opted for silence. Fighting that jerk is pointless.
"We need to devise a strategy to apprehend the Last Rain." Fiorenzo examined each person in the room one by one. "At any rate, and regardless of the expense. We need to get rid of him as soon as possible. If she is apprehended, we will put her to death as soon as possible. Dzkarda's sovereignty is a major concern for the king."
"What is the point of killing her?" Mattias fixed his gaze on Fiorenzo. "The Rain Clan can alleviate the water shortage. She has the power to put an end to the extended drought. Isn't she capable of conjuring forth rain and water? That..."
As everyone in the room restrained laughter, Mattias paused what he was saying.
"That is why, Brother, we want to apprehend her! So she can't help finishing water crisis, the drought, or the extinction."
Mattias frowned and cocked his head to the side. "What do you mean?"
"For Fire Clan's and Dzkarda, her presence will be disastrous. She'll undo everything the Fire Clan has accomplished." Fiorenzo stated emphatically. "She can bring rain, as well as replenish rivers and oceans that have dried up. For Dzkarda, it's a nightmare. Dzkarda will never be paid for water again by any country. It's the equivalent of slashing profits and slashing income."
"Prince Fiorenzo is correct. Her existence may pose a threat to us."
"Besides, we're going to have a big problem now," Erick added. "Her reappearance after a few decades will boost morale in we occupied countries." And there will undoubtedly be a bloodbath and traitor."
With one eyebrow raised, Fiorenzo peered at Mattias. "Listen? Erick is aware of the situation."
"However, I disagree," Mattias stated emphatically. "We must not be self-centered. Many lives have been lost as a result of our actions. We, the drought, and the water issue have all contributed to this extinction. Aren't you tired of being bored? Were we not living in peace under the rules of the Book of Sijjahtra?"
Fiorenzo sarcastically chuckled. "What do you know about Sijjahtra? So fucking idiot if you believe that. I was a child, and you hadn't even been born! You have no idea what serenity is because you have never experienced it."
"I'm aware of this because I read—"
"Did you read a book?" Fiorenzo stepped forward. "Books aren't the only source of information. You stupid, you can't deduce everything from literature."
Matthias remained completely mute. Fiorenzo was able to get it not to move. Furthermore, Mattias has no one to defend him. Yes, none of them agree with Mattias, and they have chosen to support Fiorenzo.
"What do you think, Erick? Do you know anything else about the last Rain Clan?" Fiorenzo inquired.
Erick was deafeningly quiet as he straightened his clothes and fixed his gaze on Fiorenzo. "Only one of our members survived the horrible attack, which claimed the lives of two of our members. After that, he was deeply traumatized, and it was difficult for him to be interviewed and asked about the Rain Clan."
"However, he did state that the Rain Clan is a girl between the ages of twenty and thirty who has gorgeous glittering blue eyes," says him
Fiorenzo tapped his fingers on the table. "That's excellent. Organize all of your soldiers to drag all of the blue-eyed girls between the ages of twenty and thirty to the grounds in front of the barracks."
"Wait." Something didn't feel right to Mattias. "Can you tell me what you want them to do?"
"I'm not sure, I was thinking about it as well." Fiorenzo gave a kind smile. "I'm debating whether to behead, burn, or feed the dragons who eat human flesh to them. Do you have any recommendations for me?"
"Mattias blinked open his eyes. "You're insane!"