Akaji's eyes fluttered open, and he was immediately assaulted by the bitter taste of the medicinal soup. He struggled to move, but a wave of pain washed over him, making him gasp in pain.
As his vision cleared, he saw his sister Ling's worried face hovering above him. "It's ok your home your safe," she said softly. "So relax little brother you need to rest."
Akaji's gaze drifted down to his body, and he was shocked to see that he was heavily bandaged. Memories of the fight with Ryujin came flooding back, and he struggled to sit up, but Ling gently pushed him back down.
"I'll relax if you keep that poison away from me," Akaji muttered, his voice weak but defiant remembering the countless time he'd been forced to drink his mother's traditional burnt leaves soup when he was little.
Ling smiled and set the spoon aside. "It's not poison, Akaji. It's medicine. You need it to recover."
Akaji's eyes narrowed, but he didn't have the energy to argue. He lay back, wincing in pain as he tried not to move.
Looking around the familier setting of his bedroom he looked back at his sister "How long have I been out?" Akaji asked.
Ling's expression turned serious. "A few days maybe a week. Jianyu and Lian are recovering with their families. They'll visit you soon."
Akaji nodded, feeling a sense of relief that his friends were okay. "And Ryujin?" Akaji asked, his voice growing stronger.
Ling's eyes clouded over. "He's...recovering. His father, is not happy about what happened." But he's the one that ambushed us" Akaji argued but Ling shook her head. " It doesn't matter Akaji he's the son of the master of the Thunderfall sect plus he's the heir of a prominent clan so they'll always take his side in all matters".
Akaji's jaw clenched, and he felt a spark of determination ignite within him. He knew that he would have to face the consequences of defeating Ryujin, but he was ready to protect his family and friends even if he had to die trying.
Soon after forcing him to finish the rest of the burnt leaves soup Liang stood up. " Now try to get some rest mom and dad will be home soon" she said getting up and walking out the room.
After his sister left he stared up into the roof of his room. Brief memories of his fight with Ryujin replayed in his mind if you could even call it that, " That power was incredible" he muttered.
He then grinned despite the circumstances on how he unlocked his aura he was glad he did, he was finally a chi user a true martial artists and he couldn't wait to use his powers again.
Closing his eyes he soon drifted off to sleep but he wouldn't be able to sleep for long before he heard raised voices coming from downstairs weakling getting out of the bed he gasped as a hand flew to his chest where Ryujin had cracked a few ribs as he weakly shuffled towards the sound of the commotion he'll see his father blocking the door way and he was in a heated argument with someone outside with his mother and sister ringing their hands nervously nearby.
" I don't care if your here on orders of the magistrate I'm not going to let you dragged my still recovering son like a common criminal through the street's!" That was soon followed by a rhythmatic thump followed by his father crashing unto the floor as one of the guards had stroke him with his armoured fist.
" Kiato!", " Dad!" Both women screamed and " That will teach you for disrespecting the town guard you trash" the offending guard sneered looking down at the prefously bleeding from the mouth Kiato as they along with seven others stepped into his families living room. " Find the bo....." But his sentence was immediately stopped when they saw Akaji standing at the foot off the stairs watching them.
" Akaji the clanless your under arrest for the vicious assault of" but before he could continue Akaji despite his numerous injuries blitzed over to the guard who before he could even utter a cry of alarm Akaji stroke him in his armoured chest denting the armour and sending him crashing through the thatch walls of their family home he landed outside unmoving seemingly knocked out cold.
Seeing this all the guards immediately drew their weapon's and pointed them menacingly at not only Akaji but also his family. Soon one of them holding a bow and arrow spoke up " That's enough boy theirs no further need for violence look just come with us peacefully the magistrate just wants you not your family hmmmm?" He said.
Akaji looked at him despite him knowing that he could defeat them all he knew he couldn't fight and protect his family at the same time. " Fine I'll come with you if you promise not to hurt my family anymore" he said.
The guard nodded " you have our word once you surrender no more harm will befall your family" he said gesturing for his men to lower their weapons in a gesture of good will and Akaji nodded and began walking towards them so they could arrest him.
As he passed him Kiato continued to struggle " Son no!" His father struggled to speak as he weakly tried to get up off the ground.
But Akaji only looked at him " I'm sorry dad but this is the only way I can guarantee all of your safeties" he then looked at his sobbing mother. " Don't worry mama I'll be back soon" he said trying to reassure her.
As he reached the guards they firmly clasped metal manacles around both his wrists and began leading him away firmly by the shoulder. " No Akaji you can't go with them" Liang said but Akaji only turned around and grinned at her that same grin that he always gave her when he was telling her that everything was going to be ok.
Despite her being four years older than him Akaji had always protected and looked after her he was mature for his age and everyone had comolimented him for it. So if a tone could smooth over things with the magistrate it would be him.
" Dont worry sis I'll be back before you know it on the meantime Im going to need some more of your delicious burnt leaf soup" he said causing her to smile. Soon after the guards had lead him outside her mother collapsed into her arms sobbing.
" My boy, my precious little boy what are they going to do to him" she sobbed into her chest Liang continued holding her tightly trying to comfort her. " Don't worry mom if anyone can get out of this mess it's Akaji" she said.
Kiata who had finally managed to stand up looked outside to where they had taken his soon and then finally spoke. " Liang's if anyone can fix this mess it'll be Akaji all we can do is hope for the best" he said. " But how can you say that Kiato what if they decided to execute our son" She wailed into Liang's chest.
Kiato gently took his wife into his arms and began stroking her hair. " I know my love I know but theirs nothing we can do all we can do is pray to our ancestors to guide and protect him" he said as she continued to sob as he continued stroking her hair.
Staring into nothingness Kiate then spoke. " I believe in you son and I know you'll find someway to win and come home to us" he said he then stared up into the ceiling with his eyes closed and muttered a quick prayer.
" Ancestors please keep him safe"