by Damon Glatz
He paused for a moment. The crowd frowned, some of them scowling, disbelieving his words. What did that mean? Having the spirit animal be the Thunderbird. Some of the men and women looked shocked as they put together all of the pieces. They looked to Ohitekah with a mix of bewilderment and horror.
"That’s impossible." Someone spoke from the tribe, standing up. He was one of the adult warriors named Rowanik, a man Ohitekah had hunted with before. "That would mean you had to hunt the Thunder Mythic... And if you returned... That would mean you..."
Ohitekah unraveled the cloth covering his golden feather. He held it above his head for all to see. They were shocked, unable to speak.
Ohitekah? The Thunder Mythic... That’s not possible...
"You found it!" Someone else shouted. "There's no way! That's not possible! It's heresy!"
"Has anyone ever found the feather of the Thunder Mythic before?" Ohitekah spoke loudly. "They do not fall off on their own. I was given the job to hunt the Thunder Mythic. I did not want to. But the spirits and your traditions forced me to begin that journey. And if you let me continue my story, I can show you how it ended."
The men sat back down, ready to hear him out. Ohitekah looked again to his mother. She smiled from the crowd. Never saying a word.
Ohitekah cleared his throat.
He began again with him in the plains. How he found a wild horse to take him into Ashland to find some supplies and hopefully some answers. For Ohitekah knew nothing about the Mythics.
He then told of the brave Vatnic warrior, Nicholas, who came to his aid. He was the biggest and happiest man he had ever met. How they escaped his execution. How they raced through the forest on horseback and fought off the guards. He explained Nicholas' story and why he had to go home to avenge his family. He spoke of the Ronin warriors from the north and how they battled in the streets. How they were saved by a mysterious man who turned out to be the long lost Mythic of Fire, the ancient Shogun of the North. And how he was being hunted by the Prince of Ashland for a duel to the death.
The crowd hung on his every word, they could not believe such a story actually happened. They reacted to each battle, some of them cheered at the victories. Some sat quietly, trying to imagine the fantastic structures and lands he journeyed to.
He spoke of the mountains behind the Wall. The Tower that passed through the heavens, and the Mythic of the Air. The Goddess of the winds. Some of the men in the tribe shook their heads in skepticism.
He spoke of their attack on Shinra Castle. Their journey to the Vatnic Isles. How Nicholas fought and defeated Ivan, the evil king who murdered his family. They battled with the Mythic of Water and also defeated it, without killing it. Agreeing that the Mythic would never kill again.
The eyes of the children around him were open wide. Taking in every detail of the story. Wanting to know how it ended.
"Then we sailed back at the mainland,” Ohitekah continued, “we traveled back to the plains and saw a storm coming. The Mythic actually landed in front of us. Landed! Turned out it was searching for me as well. I was chosen to succeed it, chosen to become the next Mythic. But first, I had to prove I was capable of controlling that power. Prove I was strong enough to rise to the challenge. And so, I was tested. The Thunderbird and I had a long fight, all of my friends played a part in helping me. At first, I was not sure if I could, or should, kill it. But I discovered the great Bird wanted to pass on. It was tiring, and I had to save it... So, I fought it for him, I fought for my friends, I fought for all of you, to help everyone in the plains."
He swallowed a lump in his throat. "And I won... I became the Mythic of Thunder."
There was a long silence.
"What happened to the Fire Mythic and the Prince?" A man from the crowd shouted, "Did they fight?"
Ohitekah paused. "Yes... It was terrible... Eventually, Red won and Lance rode home." He hated thinking about their fight, his friends should be helping one another, not fighting.
"What happened to Red? The samurai? Where is he now?" Another voice asked.
Ohitekah paused, unsure. "I guess he is on his way here? I borrowed his horse to arrive here in a hurry. It’s much faster than mine, actually, it’s the fastest horse in the world. It once belonged to the Sun God, it left him because the god was cruel and joined with Red."
The Shaman stood up next to Ohitekah, cutting off any more questions. "Now everyone, I am sure Ohitekah is very tired from his travels. He deserves some rest at home after all this time away."
The crowd agreed. Some of the children looked to their parents upset, they must have had their own questions to ask. Ohitekah questioned the Shaman's statement himself. He did not feel tired, he felt actually wide awake. Even after his story and his fight earlier. Ohitekah took a moment to realize that the end of his story actually happened today.
This has been the longest day of my life. This morning I was on a Vatnic ship sailing home. I fought the Mythic today. How am I not tired?
He remembered what Red told him. “Mythics do not need rest, they do not need sleep, and they do not need food. They simply exist.”
Johana stirred in her sleep. She jumped awake and searched the tipi. She was by herself.
“Ohitekah?” She called into the night. Was it all a dream? Was she still alone?
She stepped out into the night in a moment of panic. But there was her son, sitting alone in the grass.
"Why are you still up?" She spoke softly. She rubbed his shoulder. He looked up and smiled.
"Oh. I didn't want to keep you up." He looked down. "Mythic's don't need rest... Don't sleep."
"Well..." She sat down beside him. "Mythic's don't need to eat right?" Ohitekah looked up and nodded. "I saw you eating at dinner today. Nothing stopped you from doing that. Just because you don't need to sleep, doesn't mean you can't. Rest is more than just for your body. It's good for your mind to relax, to reflect, and it’s healthy for your soul." She gave a grin.
Ohitekah tucked his knees into his chest. "I guess you're right."
"But, I can see there is more than just that. You don't want to sleep. What's on your mind?" She nudged him. He sat in silence, choosing his words.
He took a deep breath "There's just been so much... I traveled across the entire world, I've seen so much, met so many people. My actions have already changed the fate of several nations. How do I know what I'm doing is right? If what Red says is true, and I'm just a piece in a game, how do I know I'm the one deciding my actions?" Ohitekah shook his head "I just—I just wanted to go home. And now that I am home, I feel there is still more to be done. This place is great; I love it. But—" he hung his head and stared at the grass below his feet.
Johana paused for a moment. She fell over and gave her son a deep hug.
"You are such a brave, loving, and strong person, Ohitekah. Don't you ever doubt yourself. If you never left or did the things you did. You would not have become the great man you have become now. This is just the start; we all need you." She turned him and looked into his eyes. "You knew what you were doing when you killed the Mythic. If you thought you were being manipulated, or it was wrong, you would not have done it. You are responsible now. Responsible for your own actions. Your friends that you met, they are all responsible for their decisions. Everything you do has an effect. You need to trust you are doing the right thing, and even if it is wrong... Own up to it. Take control. Make it right. You have the power to make a difference now. You can't waste that power sitting here and moping about it. You may have to do things you don't want to do... We all do. There’s nothing special about that. But you need to push forward and trust that everything will be alright. I trust you. You need to trust you as well."
He nodded quietly. "Thanks, mother."
She smiled. "I'm going back to bed now, feel free to join me inside and get some rest." She kissed his forehead. "Growing boys need their rest."
He chuckled. "Alright, I know. I will." Johana rose and stepped inside. Ohitekah sat by himself for a
moment. He took a calming breath and stood up to follow her. Something caught his eye in the hill outside the village. He gave a sigh.
There was Red.
Chapter Six
The Right Path
"There is a problem," Daisuke said softly in the night.
Ohitekah climbed the hill slowly, not wanting to speak right away.
"Good job finding us Red."
"You are not the only one who can soul search. Also, you do not need to call me Red anymore. We are both Mythic's now. Daisuke is fine."
Ohitekah thought about this. It was strange for him to call him by his actual name. He was so used to 'Red'.
"I guess that’s true. Anyway, what problem… Daisuke?"
Yeah, it’s weird. I like Red better.
He nodded. "Apparently, the Orbis Republic has been taken over by a man named Falko, a general. He forced their senate to vote him in as Emperor. His intentions are to claim and collect all five of the Mythic abilities for himself." Red glanced away into the night.
Ohitekah's face dropped. "Wh-What? How?"
Red looked at him in the eyes. "By killing us... all of us."
"To do what?! What would he do with all five powers?! He would go mad! He is mad!"
Red looked down in thought. "I am not sure what his final intentions are. Surely nothing good. Either way, all Mythics are his targets now."
"Well, he is just a man, right? I'm sure we could easily take him on."
Red snapped to Ohitekah, his face furious. "Just a man? Ohitekah! How dare you ever underestimate humanity! It was just men that defeated the Water Mythic. The Fire Mythic. You were 'just a man' when you fought and beat the Thunder Mythic! It is the very reason that he is a man is why you should be terrified of him. He is smart, he is controlling, he is confident, do not take him lightly."
Red settled down and took a breath. Ohitekah's face was pale.
"I am sorry but this is serious." Red changed tones. "He is also being protected by what seems to be a God. I believe he is being manipulated one way or another. He is just a small piece of the enemies’ true plans. That is what I am more concerned about. That is what I need to look further into."
Ohitekah cleared his throat. "So what are you going to do?"
"I am going to travel to Orbis. I need to see the situation first hand." He looked to Ohitekah, reading him.
"You want me to go with you?"
"It is up to you. I trust you. It could be a trap. Have both the human Mythics walk straight to him. Gain two powers right at the start of the game. Or, we could gain a better understanding of the intentions of our foes. Make a difference perhaps. You need to do what you feel is right. I trust your decision but I am going, one way or another."
Ohitekah looked back to his tribe. Sleeping silently in the night. He had only just arrived; would that be fair to leave right away?
Trust yourself. His mother's words echoed through his head.
He listened to his heart, his soul.
This man sounds evil... Even if I don't go to him. Eventually, he will come looking for me. Coming to my tribe. Red is right. We need to know more.
He looked back to Red. "Okay... I'll go with you."
Red cracked a smile. "Good, I was hoping you would. We can leave in the morning; you can explain the situation to your people then."
Johana awoke with unusual warmth. The sun crept through the bottom of her new home. She rolled over. There he was. Her son. Sound asleep beside her.
After so long, here he is.
She brushed the hair out of his face and took in the moment. He would not be here for long and she understood that. This village would never be enough for him anymore. He had duties elsewhere, he would rise to the challenge. Whatever it was.
He blinked his eyes open, he felt his mother's warm hands on his head. He was hesitant to move. He knew this was his last night here, he wanted to cherish it.
"Ohitekah?" A female voice worked its way into his bed, it was Mae.
What could she want?
He reluctantly sat up. His mother continued to lay down. She did not want to end the moment either. He threw some more clothes on and stepped outside.
There was Mae, her face partially covered by her dark hair again. Her hands held behind her back, she had a hard time keeping eye contact with Ohitekah. She blushed.
"How... How did you sleep?" She asked.
Ohitekah stretched. "Alright... I only got a few hours to be honest. I didn't dream."
"Oh, okay... I met your friend. The Northerner."
"Red?" Ohitekah looked surprised "I'm surprised he would talk to you."
She turned pale. "And why wouldn't he talk to me?"
"Oh no... He's just a really quiet guy."
"Oh, yeah, I found him watching the tribe and figured he was the friend you told us about. You're right, he didn't say much. Only that you were both leaving today."
"Oh, he told you that?"
"Yeah, so it sounds like your adventure isn't over, huh." She looked away. Ohitekah glanced around, unsure of where the conversation was heading.
"So," She continued. "I just wanted you to know. When you come back, whenever that is..." She hesitated "I'll be waiting for you here."
Ohitekah gave a nervous smile. He avoided her eyes now. "Uhh... Thanks, Mae." He faced away from her.
Oh god. What do I say? I have to say something.
He collected his thoughts and turned back around. She was gone.
I looked like an idiot!
"Ohitekah." A familiar voice called him from behind. It was Red seated on his own horse, Blaze. "We should be going."
A crowd gathered to say their farewells. Ohitekah found himself being blessed by many of the adults. The Elders approached him through the pack of people.
"Thunder Mythic. We wish you luck on your journey." They spoke to him, Ohitekah bowed in response.
"Thank you, thank you both." He shook the hand of his Shaman.
"Ohitekah," The Shaman spoke up. "We wished to give you this." The old man pulled a long belt from his waist. It was yellow, it was made from braided fibers and woven in various designs. Sewn into the fabric were rudimentary illustrations of people, the Mythic, and many other events.
The entire history of the Qaokte tribe. The most sacred possession of the Elders.
"No. No, I can't."
The Shaman shook his head and forced it into his arms. Ohitekah held onto it delicately.
"You need this. To remember us. Remember your true people. And how you must always return to your home here. With us." Ohitekah held it to his heart.
"We have a question for you Mythic." The Elder spoke again, Ohitekah nodded, listening. "Where has the Thunderbird fallen? We wish to salvage what we can so its body will not go to waste."
"Of course!" Ohitekah turned to face west. "It’s that way, close to the coast. It’s resting on a large hill. If you see burned grass you’re close."
The Elder bowed his head and thanked him. "We will go to it at once."
Ohitekah let out a big smile. "Thank you... Thank you all... I will be back." He looked at his Shaman. His mother. Mae. "I will be back." He looked to the sky. "I've got something little for you guys too. Don't forget about me. No matter where you all go... I can always find you again... I love you all."
Mae smiled.
I know how to make it rain...
Ohitekah held his hand to the heavens. Grey clouds slowly materialized from the air. Speckled drops of water drizzled down from the sky. People started to cheer and clap.
"Goodbye, everyone. I'll always be thinking about you."
The rain on Johana's face made it hard to see the tears. She waved goodbye to her son as he turned with the strange Northerner and rode away.
"We are going south, as I am sure you know," Red began, the village beginning to vanish from sight behind them, the dark clouds storming above them.
"Yeah, I figured... Orbis was the only kingdom I have never been to before. After this, I
would have visited everywhere."
"Congratulations." Red spoke, "I have only been there once, to study in its expansive library when I was preparing to become Shogun. But the city is too busy for me, I like my peaceful space,” He paused for a moment. “We have at least a day’s ride from here. Maybe two. Luckily for us, we don't need to eat or rest."
"Well," Ohitekah began. "Bolt will need rest at least."
"Hmm, that’s true." Red stared forward, unsure of what awaits them in the big city.
"They are on their way here," Deyanira whispered, opening her eyes and standing, she was sitting cross-legged in the center of the room in silence for some time.
"Good," Falko said before sipping his tea. He was seated in a comfortable looking chair in his personal study. He glanced around at the empty shelves of the room, not a single book lined the large walls. The Emperor paused before speaking again. "We will have to get their attention somehow."
"What do you plan to do?" Deyanira moved to the corner of the room, avoiding the light from the windows.
"Leave the planning to me." Falko shot her a glance. "You will know it when you see it. Get your spies ready to find them when they arrive."
"Of course, my Lord." Deyanira bowed and crept out of a window behind him. Falko finished his tea at a leisurely pace before rising from the chair. He knocked his knuckles on the door, signaling two guards to enter. Falko motioned to the empty shelves around him which lead to more soldiers walking in with piles of books.
It's a shame, the casualties of war. Falko watched the books get placed around him by the many soldiers. But to change the world, there must be sacrifices. I wished it would not have to be this way...
Chapter Seven
The Gilded City
The journey took a day longer than expected. Red was further west than he had thought originally and they had to travel around the Shadow Mountains. A trek through them would have been unnecessarily treacherous. For Bolt specifically. Red said it would be worth the extra day, the Shadow Mountains were nothing to be taken lightly. Bolt could still be killed at least.
