I made my way back into the kingdom, where things got worse for the kingdom. There were people from Soft Shore Kingdom who wanted to move in. Which would have been nice had they not been so hostile. They belittled us and commanded that we move out so they could "feel more comfortable." Safe to say, we ran their asses out. Peace treaty or not, we had too much pride to hide away with our tails tucked.
This caused drama between kingdoms, and people started to worry about their homes being ransacked by rebels. These rebels started off by scaring away the water citizens who bothered us—then destroyed shops and even other people's homes. The other side retaliated by doing the same to us, destroying homes and going on rampages with people who were minding their own business. It was an internal war that was on the verge of becoming bloody. All it would take was one accident.
At the moment, only small instances have occurred near me, such as businesses being shut down due to theft. Many people have hidden away in their homes or left the kingdom altogether.
There was one incident when a man was following me. When I reached my tree, he made his move. He tried to stab me with a kitchen knife, but I grabbed onto the hilt he was holding and twisted his arm behind him. He cried out in pain and let go of the knife. I stepped on the knife and let him go. He merely tried to choke me this time. This time, I've had enough of him and smacked his head against the tree, which knocked him out.
I left him a few blocks from my tree and spread a few beer bottles around him that I found from a nearby trash can.
No one made a scene, and when the guy woke up, he had amnesia and forgot why he was there. He figured he got drunk and passed out.
I didn't correct him.
The panic around the kingdom had calmed down but hadn't let up at all, and on top of the panic of having your only source of income threatened to shut down unless you give your money to the royal family, things aren't going to get any easier.
Azul and Rose had started their own shop selling clothes, accessories, and other fashions, but with the rise in tax, people probably won't be buying new dresses any time soon—and just when their business was starting to rise.
Lavigne was helping out around a bakery as both a baker and a vendor. However, there is a high chance that she will be let go to save enough money for the rise in taxes.
Helda stayed at home to help her family around the house and in the store. She would take care of her younger siblings while her parents worked. Although she wouldn't have to pay taxes, her parents would. Her parents have just barely had enough to feed and shelter their kids. But, with the tax, they might not make it to the due date. Then, what would happen to their business? Would they shut it down? They won't be able to support their family. I doubt anyone would be willing to hire at this time if she wants to help financially.
"Pad? Are you going to be okay?" Helda asked me
I could tell she was worried for her family but still worried for her friends.
"I'll be okay," I said. "I was actually thinking of quitting singing."
"What?!" The girls yelled
I think I went deaf in one ear.
"You're quitting?" Azul asked, "Why? Because of the tax? I'm sure you can make the due date."
I shook my head, "I've been thinking about it for a while now."
My original plan was to work in the military. I still have the duty to protect this kingdom, and being a soldier was the only way I could think of to do so.
Singing was only a faraway dream I knew I could never have. It was fun, but things were getting serious.
"I want to join the military," I said
"The military? Can you even fight?" Rose asked, "You know they need to kill, right? Like real people."
"I know the risks, but… I need to do this," I said
"A soldier," Lavigne muttered and nodded. "You should go for it if that's what you want."
I looked at Helda. She had a sad look in her eyes.
"Just…be careful. Promise," she said
"Only if you all promise me first," I said
They nodded.
We stayed quiet for some time until Helda held her book up.
"Look. I was right." She said and read an excerpt from her book. "The lion leaned down and whispered into the bunny's soft ear, "Little bunny, you can't have what's mine." The bunny shivered."
The girls laughed.
"The bunny shivered with fear!" Rose said
"He shivered with delight!" Helda argued
The heavy atmosphere lightened up, and things went back to normal. For now, at least.