Chapter 18
"Hang on, Ahn-Ahn! We're going to crash!"
The Makyan Territory is widely known for its human-eating spirits that have been a part of folklore and mythology for centuries. This place is difficult to reach because it is surrounded by gigantic whirlpools throughout the archipelago.
These supernatural beings are said to possess the ability to consume human flesh and prey on unsuspecting individuals. While the existence of such spirits is widely debated, stories and legends about them continue to captivate and terrify people around the world.
One of the most well-known human-eating spirits is the Wendigo tribe. The Wendigo is believed to be a malevolent spirit that inhabits the forests of Makya. It is said to have an insatiable hunger for human flesh and is often depicted as a gaunt and emaciated creature.
According to legend, those who resort to cannibalism in times of extreme hunger may be possessed by the Wendigo spirit, transforming them into monstrous beings themselves.
Another infamous human-eating spirit that lived in Makyan was the Rakshasa Tribes. The late Bai Maputi, wife of Datu Ōthellō Mūsain, belonged to the Tribes of Rakshasas, which are shape-shifting demons that possess great strength and cunning.
They are known to prey on humans, frequently disguising themselves as beautiful women or handsome men to lure their victims. Once they have captured their prey, they feast upon their flesh, leaving no trace behind.
While these theories may seem far-fetched and terrifying, they serve as cautionary reminders of the dangers that lurk in the darkness for the Warriors of Ciboro.
***
"Kulta dén e niyabå pakat. Håhåhå," one creature giggled.
(Another bounty for us, my friend. Hahaha.)
"Se Datū bala sa lekatano langung. Kågunan gid e niyabå," murmured another creature.
(Datu will take care of all of us. I'm sure he appreciates us a lot.)
"De kanú pakatalô! Mangå Babēl!" their leader angrily flouted.
(Don't blab. You bastards!)
Ahn-Ahn understood everything these creatures were gabbing about. One of Mordallatican's abilities is to understand any language. So, regardless of what type of animals or creatures they are, Ahn-ahn can communicate with them because of their special talent. In her calculation, the language used by these people is from the Makyan tribe.
"What is their plan with us, and why did they abduct me? I am sure they are not the cronies of the Great Baba Mutuwa." — Ahn-ahn's POV.
The Makyan Tribes are located between the lands of Northern Pollace and Western Albany. The most famous Makyan and one of the ten legendarium is none other than Datū Ōthellō Mūsain, who is considered one of the gods of their tribes.
Datu Ōthellō Mūsain, known as the leader of the Wendigo tribe, was once human. As time went on, he ate fellow humans and, most particularly, their spirits. He is also one of the best makers of any type of poison and medicine.
His wife passed away decades ago, and they had two courageous sons, Datū Yahfōūfi and Datū Nenad. The entire Makyan tribe is divided into two hundred and thirty-one tribes living here. All these natives follow and deify Datū Mūsain.
***
"Do you recall what that spirit said, Endang?" asked Wamaro.
"About what?" she responded.
"About that otherworldly spell to get us into Zanrta Land's Academia," Wamaro said.
"Yes, but first we have to save Ahn-Ahn," Endang suggested.
They are now heading towards the ocean, where Ahn-Ahn's abductor passed. After a few minutes, they reached the coast where Tatukwe had last tracked down the possibility that had been brought to their sister.
Harris finds out that they can track Ahn-Ahn's whereabouts through her Spaceship. Due to the chip in her body connected to the ship, they can detect where she is, anywhere on Earth or even in the Universe.
"You're brilliant, Harris," praised Endang.
"Jrazm, you open the spaceship," ordered Wamaro.
"Oh, sure. But all of you stay away, so you don't get a shock," Jrazm demanded.
"Hurry! Our sister's life is in danger!" exclaimed Tatukwe.
"We'll be there, we'll find Ahn-Ahn. But Endang, you can't carry Jrazm across the ocean to the other side," implied Harris.
"My boomerang can't go that far either," declared Tatukwe.
"Me, I can swim to the other side. I'm thinking about all of you," added Harris.
"The spaceship is our only solution!" commanded Wamaro.
"Wait a minute, Big Brother, who will operate?" Endang wondered.
"Let's all work together," answered Wamaro.
Tatukwe volunteered to operate the spaceship and successfully started it. So, they all got on board.
"Make us proud, Tatukwe!" screamed Jrazm.
"Great!" said Endang in amazement.
"Just keep it up, Tak," praised Wamaro while patting him on the shoulder.
"Guys, I saw the chip where Ahn is located on the monitor," Harris said in shock.
"Where?" all asked at once.
Tatukwe runs the spaceship, since he is the only one who has the slightest knowledge of how this spaceship operates. Fortunately, he was listening and remembered most of Ahn-Ahn's demonstrations when they were still on the road.
***
Instantly, the surroundings became quiet and they did not say a word. Suddenly, their respective experiences came to mind.
Especially now, if they don't hurry, their sister will be in danger. A mixture of fear and nervousness because they have not yet determined what kind of creature they will face again.
"I'm sorry, guys, I can't help myself anymore," Endang sobbed.
"I hope she's in good shape now," Jrazm answered worriedly.
"Stop crying, I'm crying too," scolded Harris.
"Hey. Stop! That's not helping," Tatukwe weaned.
"You were the first to cry," Endang retorted.
"Brother Wamaro? No reaction at all?" exclaimed Harris.
"We all know, among our siblings, she is the best at everything except fighting. She can protect herself," answered Wamaro.
"Yes, maybe, but she still needs our support. Alven said that powerful beings are hunting their kind, "Tatukwe reminded.
"That's enough. There might be we'll go somewhere else. I'll prepare something for us to eat first," said Endang.
"I don't feel like eating right now," replied Harris.
"Oh, it's a miracle. Haha," Jrazm joked.
"Stop it, Jrazm. I'm disgusted by your attitude, atm," Wamaro scolded.
"Eh? Hahaha. Okay, guys, I'm going to sleep now. I require strength," replied Jrazm.
"Yeah, better idea," glared Tatukwe.
***
After an hour in the sky, there's still a trace of trepidation in them, especially Tatukwe. Even at first, he doubted Ahn-Ahn's ability and was jealous because all the attention was always on her. However, after spending a few months with her, he got to know her true qualities better.
Although she is the youngest of all, Ahn-Ahn is the most stable and quickly finds a beneficial way. Besides being able to communicate with any kind of creature, she can also heal.
Tatukwe reflected on the days when they were always debating, and then Ahn-Ahn would just chortle so hard.
"You say firmly and forthrightly what you think about a situation, even if this may offend or upset people. She has never been afraid to speak her mind," Tatukwe cogitated.
***
Of all the siblings, Endang is the most compassionate. Considering that, she couldn't stop crying every time she remembered what possibly happened to their little sister.
"Stop, Big sister Endang. It's better if you rest," concerned Harris said.
To reduce the sadness they felt, Harris immediately supported and hugged her. This will hopefully alleviate the sorrow and worry they feel for their lost sister.
Endang reminisces about when they were still on the island. Apart from Alexandre always training, they also occasionally had fun as siblings.
She loves to fix Jrazm's hair, but doesn't want to because she gets rid of it. So, when Ahn-Ahn comes, she invariably fixes her hair and puts dried rose juice on her lips, and she doesn't oppose her.
Instead, she is delirious due to the reasons that she longs for such care, especially from a sibling.
"I think the reason it hurts so much to be separated from you is because our hearts and souls are connected. We're coming to save you," mumbled Endang.
***
While hugging Endang, Harris was also moved by her weeping and eventually cried too.
Among the siblings, Harris is the most adorable, and there is no doubt that he was an overeater of any kind of food. But for a short time, only Ahn-ahn tolerates his overconsumption.
"Of everything in the world, you are my favorite." — Harris's thoughts.
Ahn-Ahn is the only exception; her brother doesn't tell her to regurgitate. He obtained more food many times every moment they shared a meal, even though he didn't get full right away.
She always gives him extra, so Harris dotes on her deeply. Ahn-Ahn is not only his little sister but also his number one supporter. Seriously, he harks back to it and vociferates even more.
***
Jrazm pretended to be asleep. However, when she caught a glimpse of the three sniveling in the corner, she stood up and scrutinized them in the rearview mirror.
She refrained from grieving over the situation. Jrazm is characterized by being frank, boyish, and hot-headed. But when it comes to Ahn-Ahn, she is gentle in dealing with her.
"You guys are being mischievous, stop crying. Huhuhu! We're going to save her, aren't we? Hang on, guys. Huhuhu!" she rebuked.
Jrazm couldn't be infuriated because of Ahn-Ahn's kindness and pizzazz. She is willing to do anything to protect not only Ahn-Ahn but all her siblings.
Not only that, but she doesn't even express how she feels right now and can't excuse anything harmful that happens to Ahn-Ahn.
"We have created numerous unforgettable memories together, and we will have many more to come. Just stay alive," pondered Jrazm.
***
On the other hand, Wamaro was busy reading Mordallatican's letters. He strained to figure out what was on the interior spaceship monitor, but what was written there was not fully unambiguous.
"Even though I'm worried about what happened to you, I can't make our siblings feel like I'm giving up. I pray you're safe. I'm confident you're safe," Wamaro ruminated.
Wamaro is the eldest of all; he needs to show his siblings that he is a strong leader and a good influence, inspiring them to be strong and brave. He must mentor his siblings on how to handle situations like this.
"Hang on, Ahn-ahn, we'll be going to save you," stated Wamaro.
But everything he indicates to his siblings is the opposite. Since the fate of his siblings or The Warrior of Ciboro now depends on him, he must show fearlessness. They have to overcome whatever challenges they encounter.
He needs to be ready for whatever happens in the hereafter. As an older brother and a leader, he has to fight. He must apply to himself, as always, Alexandre says, "Face your fears."
***
As a consequence of not knowing how to operate this spaceship, it flew very slowly through the sky until dusk fell upon them again.
The sun has set, and the view is stunning. Its reflection glistens in the seawater, which is battered by the waves. Gigantic clouds cover the entire sky.
Eventually, in the direction they were heading, there seemed to be a storm with a heavy downpour of rain accompanied by thunder and lightning. This is a portent that they are about to enter Makyan territory.
"Do you notice that direction?" Tatukwe pointed out.
"It said on the monitor, that's where they're heading," explained Harris.
"It's truly a different world we're going to face," Tatukwe replied.
"Wake up the two, Harris, so we can prepare for the step we will abide by," ordered Wamaro.
"Okay, okay," he reacted.
***
"Paliyū kenan selan langōn, engatti nū namakapalagōy. Himatayan kō kanō langōn!" shouted their leader.
(Get them all out of their prisons, and keep a close watch, so they don't flee. I will kill you all!)
They are now crossing into the territory of The Korūway tribe, a dead nature shrouded in dark mist and astonishment. Their appearance is that of people with a unique aura and idiosyncratic veneer.
Adults have a large mouth opening leading to the chin. They fill it with large animal or human bones that extend from the mouth down into their abdomens. It is a kind of embellishment of what they have killed. This is also verification that they belong to The Korūway tribe.
"Jabulani! Zonke iziqhingi ziyajabula!"
"Jabulani! Zonke iziqhingi ziyajabula!"
"Jabulani! Zonke iziqhingi ziyajabula!" they vociferate.
(Rejoice! The whole archipelago rejoices!)
"You… Come out…" — yelled their abductor.
"I'm afraid, Aellejr," whispered one kiddo.
"Take courage, Orpilla," it answered.
Feel their trembling as they are moved one by one into a large cage made of human bones. Ahn-Ahn just got chilly and was still sensing around.
The five of them were simultaneously in the new prison. Everyone wanted to avoid speaking and didn't wish to be like Aellejr, who was covered in bruises. Then they noticed that they were rising into the sky. They felt the fervency in the surroundings due to the effects of the mist.
They were behind the massive Griffin mythical crest, with the body of a lion, the head, and wings of an eagle, and the tail of a serpent. This type of creature can only be found here in Makyans.
They were used as vessels to travel from one location to another. They would be carried to the center of Makyan, specifically to Datū Mōsain's Donjon.
***
(After thirteen hours in the sky)
"Sorry guys, my body needs to rest, "excuse Harris.
"I will go with you," added Tatukwe.
"Jrazm and Wamaro, I don't understand why it takes so long. We were very far from their locations. I have a lot to ask, but I'm sleepy. Just wake me up when you reach there," murmured Endang, then she lay down and started to sleep.
Due to the strange type of weather here in the Makyan Ocean, they became enfeebled. They decided to take a rest. After a while, Harris, Endang, and Tatukwe proceeded to sleep first. Jrazm was busy glancing around and at the monitor, looking for Ahn-Ahn's whereabouts.
"I'm gradually understanding their letters. Ahh, this is what it should be," said Wamaro in stupefaction.
"How?" asked a confused Jrazm.
"Come here," he told him.
On the other side was Wamaro, who gradually understood the words and messages of the Mordallaticans. He immediately tried to pick up his pace.
Jrazm was amazed at what was happening. Wamaro was thrilled with his several hours of effort and was able to get it working quickly. Finally, they were flying a bit faster than before. They now had an idea of where Ahn-Ahn was tracked down.
"Whoa!" exclaimed an amazed Wamaro.
"It's truly working, Wamaro!" screamed Jrazm.
"Hey! Have we arrived?" asked Tatukwe, who woke up because of Jrazm's screaming?
"Yes, finally! We are moving faster now!" she replied.
"Endang, Harris. You need to wake up! Come and see!" Tatukwe woke them both up, shaking their bodies at the same time.
***
(After several minutes…)
⚡️⚡⚡
"Whoa!!"
"What was that?" shocked Endang.
"Look, you suddenly roared, and this ginger ale I was drinking was spilled," Tatukwe complained.
"Didn't you notice that?" asked Endang.
"Which one?! You know, you notice a lot? That's the last ginger ale we had," Tatukwe complained.
"That was just a bolt of lightning," answered Wamaro.
"I apologize!" said Endang.
"Surprisingly, there was no thunder before the lightning," added Harris.
It was about to take off smoothly when lightning suddenly struck the back of the spacecraft. Its split rudder was destroyed, and the Orbital Maneuvering System Engine went up in smoke.
Jrazm and Wamaro, who were operating the spacecraft, did not immediately notice because they thought it was just normal lightning, and they were not struck by it.
"What's happening?." Wamaro asked, seemingly worried.
"Why is this ship rocking?" Harris inquired.
"Yeahhh. What's going on?" Endang exclaimed, giddy with excitement.
"The monitors are going dark!" Jrazm declared.
"Brother Wamaro, what's going on?" Tatukwe asked, feeling woozy.
"I can't even say!" Wamaro responded.
"Poor us!" Jrazm yelled.
"HOLY SAINTS!" Tatukwe exclaimed.
"WOOOOAHHHH!!!" Harris shouted.
"WAHHHHHH!!!" Endang cried.
"AHHHHHHH!!!" Jrazm and Tatukwe screamed.
A few minutes passed, and the spaceship sped up! Wamaro couldn't stop it! It was going faster and faster, causing everything to become tenuous. Even Jrazm was screaming, highly strung! The three of them were also freaked out and almost fainted!
It was running at 10 km per second, then increased to 20 km per second! They were spooked inside. The four of them huddled together tightly, while Wamaro was still trying to keep the speed down. Despite the difficulty in moving, the spaceship still didn't stop, refusing to shut off.
Jrazm almost threw herself into the rearview mirror, but luckily, Harris's hand stretched out and caught her, saving her from harm. The speed had reached 30 km per second. And in a wink…
"HANG ON, AHN-AHN!!! WE'RE GOING TO CRASH. AHH." screamed Wamaro.
***
Ahn-Ahn's fellow prisoners signaled. She couldn't understand because that person spoke softly so that those watching over them wouldn't hear.
"I thought my siblings were caught too," whispered Ahn-Ahn.
The young man (Orpilla) signaled not to speak.
"Help untie me, I can treat your colleague," added Ahn-Ahn.
No one listened to her. Nevertheless, she insisted on getting up and reaching where Aellejr was, trying to reach him and hand over her bruises.
Although Ahn-Ahn is floundering, the treatment for the bruise is still flourishing. They looked at what Ahn-Ahn did in shock and amazement. As a result, Aellejr had new energy and thanked her for aiding him.
"Thanks for the healing. By the way, I'm Aellejr," he introduced himself.
"Not a big deal," she replied.
"He is Orpilla, and the twins are Klane and Glene," he added.
"I'm Ahn-ahn. Why did they abduct us?" she asked.
"We didn't know either. All we know is that it's because we are Haos," Orpilla joined their conversation.
"Everyone wants to wipe us all out," whispered Aellejr.
"Yes, I understand the feeling of being different," responded Ahn-ahn.
"But I guess you're not a HaO, and you have spectacular skills as a healer," articulated Aellejr.
"Don't worry, guys. I believe my siblings will save us," Ahn-ahn expressed.
"Where are you from? You're not like us. Why did they capture you too?" Aellejr asked again.
"Well, I will tell you whenever we get out of this situation. I must admit, I thought you were a girl," Ahn-ahn replied.
The others couldn't help but laugh at what she said because Aellejr was inherently noisy. He is Ha-Os, a half Albanian-Half Grey wolf.
Orpilla and Aellejr both live in nearby towns. The disparity between them is that Orpilla is a bit of a coward who always agrees, even if it means he will get harmed. He is half Albanian-half Polar Bear.
And the two remaining twins from Pollace's Monafik Valley, Klane and Glene, love to dance and sing. They are unusual and solely Ha-O twins, half Pollacian-half nine-banded armadillo.
The Moon Metal was bound to their bodies; certainly, they could not escape from it. This is one of the defenses in Ha-Os.
So, they cannot get away from their bindings. Furthermore, they tried to untie Ahn-Ahn, who would discover a way for them to flee from that situation.
The Makyans' bounty hunter heard the noise they made, so he directly opened the cloth covering the cage. They immediately acted as if nothing had happened. Until the unexpected happens…
∆•∆•∆