The Abysmal Territory

[12]

“Teiko! Taiya! Wake up already, get out of your tents,” the village chief shouted.

Taiya heard the village chief and immediately got up but her brother was fast asleep even with the noise coming from outside the tents.

“Hey, my ugly brother. Why are you still sleeping there? Wake up, the village chief is calling for us,” Taiya said while shaking her brother.

Teiko woke up and took time to understand what’s happening. His little sister got up and opened the tent for them.

“You really stay up late to think about what I said, huh? I’m expecting a thoughtful answer, though let’s save that for later and find out what the announcement is about,” Saki said.

"I'm fine with that," Teiko said.

“Did you guys sleep soundly? Why are you calling your big brother ‘ugly’? You’re twins,” the village chief said to Taiya.

“Because he’s ugly,” Taiya replied.

“Village chief, don’t mind her. Anyway, why are you calling us out? Do we have some important event today?” Teiko said.

“Yes, Teiko. The two of you should hurry up since all of our people are already going there. Make a hasty preparation, I’ll wait for you outside. We will be having our breakfast there as a village,” the village chief said.

The two siblings prepare and the village chief accompanies them to the place of celebration. What awaits them is their brand new village; the houses, the roads that span throughout all infrastructure, water system, agricultural lands, elder’s office, and schools that includes their new training area.

“Wow, I’ve never thought that our new village is already complete. I didn’t even see this during its construction,” Teiko said.

“Of course, you wouldn’t. You are only either in our training area or in the tent, excluding that one time you went to the forest,” Taiya replied.

“You’re also like that right?” Teiko asked.

“Nope, sometimes I visit here with others,” Taiya replied.

As the two siblings spoke, the village chief got up off the stage to start their celebration for the newly built village.

“Alright, everyone is here! Let’s get everything started,” the village chief announced.

The villagers cheered.

“As all of you can see, our new village is already complete and ready to live in. Today’s event will mark the day that the village in the sanctuary will be born. I hope that everyone will remember this day throughout our lives,” the village chief said.

“What will we call this new village of ours?” one of the villagers said.

“Our new village will be named the Akitsko Village. All the elder’s agreed with that and I know that everyone here will also agree,” the village chief answered.

Everyone shouted in agreement.

“We know that it’s for Toya and Aica that we could live our lives peacefully. So their family name will forever be remembered throughout all of the generations. I would also like to thank all of the people that help build the village and to all of the people that gathered materials and foods for all of us. For the people that cooked food for everyone, and to the elders that shared their knowledge in creating this. And to all of you that trusted in us doing this, thank you very much,” the village chief said.

Everyone became louder as they cheered.

“So everyone! Let’s enjoy this day, live peacefully and at peace so we can say to our saviors that we are doing what they really wanted,” the village chief.

The villagers started to celebrate, eating the food that was prepared.

“Where is the booze, village chief?” one of the villagers asked.

“Don’t be too excited, we will have that kind of celebration on the night. Don’t use too much of your energy but I hope that you could still enjoy this even if it's very early in the morning,” the village chief answered.

Teiko looks at everyone and sees that they have the best smiles in their life. Tears started to run from Teiko's eyes.

“What a crybaby?” Saki teased.

“Shut up!” Teiko replied.

“Brother? Are you alright?” Taiya asked.

“I’m alright, Taiya. I just felt the happiness that mom and dad will have if they will be the one witnessing this,” Teiko replied.

“Wherever they are, I’m sure that they are rejoicing right now,” Taiya said.

“Starting today, I will never shed a single tear. I’ll become a grown up man and face everything with confidence,” Teiko declared.

“Hey, are you not aware that you’re crying right now? You already lose if it's a game,” Saki said.

“Stupid brother, you don’t need to do that. Grown ups do cry, too. Don’t worry, I’ll cherish you whatever things you achieved,” Taiya said.

“Thank you, Taiya. Hearing your support always makes me look forward to the future,” Teiko said.

“I’m your sister after all, you can always count on me,” Taiya replied.

“And that’s what a little sister should be, not the self proclaimed little sister that just says nonsense things,” Teiko said.

“Hmp! I just don’t want to steal what Taiya has to say,” Saki said.

“Hey, Teiko and Taiya. What are you two still doing? Go there and have your breakfast, it's not only a celebration for the new village but also to glorify your parents,” Dalton said.

The two nodded and proceeded to have their breakfast.

“While everyone is having their meal, I will also announce what duties you could do for our village. I hope that everyone will listen to me,” the village chief said.

“Don’t worry, village chief. We can eat and still digest what you are saying,” one of the villagers said.

The others agreed. 

“I see! The duties that we have includes farming, weaving, carpentry, fishing, hunting, gathering, cleaning, hunting, and guarding our village from wild animals. You can sign up on those papers, make sure that you choose what you’re capable of,” the village chief said.

One of the elders posted the papers on the bulletin board.

“I encourage everyone to do their best to maintain the peace and order of our village,” the village chief added.

“Eh? Why is there no job as a swordsman there?” Reto asked.

“Reto, you could use your ability as a swordsman both on hunting and guarding this city, though you could only apply for this role if you’re twenty or above. You can also train for it if you’re 18 years old,” the village chief answered.

“Ehh? Why not just make another job for that?” Reto asked.

“Reto, you’re stubborn sometimes,” the village chief said.

“Not just sometimes, it’s every time,” Taiya said.

Everyone laughs at what Taiya has said.

“Teiko and Taiya, I hope that both of you also understand that,” Dalton said.

Teiko didn’t hear what’s happening.