The Human's Comeback

Chapter 4

A couple of long days passed by. The two brothers and others were approaching their designated destination, the village of Shujin. People started to feel comfortable being around Nagami and Nikari, their nervousness about being captured and enslaved again was slowly fading away.

-Shouldn’t we arrive today, brother? – Asked Nikari while stretching and glancing over at the beautiful nature.

A while back, they left the gloomy dense forest with tall green trees. This place had a lot fewer evergreens, but the grass was taller and even butterflies and other eye-catching insects were flying around, enjoying their short lives.

-We will at this rate. – Responded Nagami while looking back to ensure everyone was safe.

-I’m surprised no monsters approached us, being humans.

The older brother confidently smiled. He gently placed his arm around his younger brother’s shoulder, pulling him towards his body.

-No monster here is strong enough to stand a chance against me brother. My presence alone will make them fear me enough to make them run away.

-Well, I should’ve guessed. – Chuckled Nikari while admiring Nagami’s power.

After a short time, they drew near tall mountains. People were confused and started to get nervous.

-Where are we going chief? – One man lifted his arm and shyly asked.

Nagami stopped their tracks and turned around towards them.

-Calm down everyone. – He said with a soothing voice – We aren’t going anywhere dangerous. Inside these mountains is our prosperous village. We have an illusion barrier set up around it, so enemies won’t spot our destination.

The humans settled down and thought what their chief said made plenty of sense. They trusted him with their lives. Sadly, no other opportunity was shown to them. Everyone entered a small grotto. It was pitch black inside, so people couldn’t see anything. The children teared up, as they still feared the darkness. Nagami set light to a torch and the place brightened up. The cave was very narrow, and it became crowded.

-Watch your steps everyone, stride along with me. Be careful to not step on sharp stones. – He faced his brother – Nikari, keep an eye on them.

The younger brother nodded his head and helped those in need. He even piggy rode the young boy, whose mother tragically fell during the battle. They became closer and got to know each other well, as they spent the nights together. The kid was really anxious while being alone. Nikari noticed this and kept company during their days with him. After a couple of minutes of traveling within the confined caverns, they reached a dead end.

-We arrived. – Nagami sighed with relief. He was happy that no incidents occurred during their path.

-Where are we chief? – One nervous woman asked.

Nagami faced them with a straight face.

-Follow me, everyone. There’s nothing to fear. Nobody will get hurt or injured.

Suddenly, he went inside the wall, shocking everyone. People were left confused and some were distressed because they saw something like this for the first time in their lives.

-Don’t worry everyone, just go inside. – Said Nikari while smiling, trying to relax them.

- I trust our chief. - One man mustered up the courage and went inside.

Another followed, then another. Whenever everyone entered, Nikari followed. People were stunned after the whole village came into their view. It was a beautiful sight. A massive village, almost the size of a whole city. It was surrounded by tall and steep mountains. Children were running through the streets. Adults were having small talks. Elders were resting peacefully. It was heaven in this hell world. Every human was, free, with no fear of being killed or exploited. Nagami mightily stepped on a tall stone. The sun brightly shone on him, giving him the outlook of a king.

-One of my ancestors founded this village a long time ago. – The chief started his articulate speech – My family governed over it ever since. We always try to keep peace within the borders. – He put his leg down and turned around – Please, accompany for me to ensure your place within this village is secure. – He then turned around towards his brother – You go to Drak to heal those wounds, brother. I have been really worried since I saw you.

-Sure brother. – Nikari responded charismatically – Well, Gar, I need to put you down now. - He gently kneeled and let the young boy jump off him – Follow my brother, okay?

-Okay, Nikari. – The kid looked cheerful, but in reality, he was fearful.

Nikari smiled and placed his hand on his shoulder.

-Everything will turn out okay. I will visit you soon.

The minor grinned back and ran off. Nikari said goodbye to him and waved his arm.

-Well then, off I go.

The boy jumped down the steep hill and bravely slid through the short grass. Before crashing on the hard ground, he jumped, flipped in the air, and landed perfectly. The roads of the village were jolly and lively. Walking with injuries and torn clothes, people couldn’t help but stare at him, almost as if he was a monster.

-Isn’t he the chief’s brother? – They started whispering between themselves – What happened to him?

He strolled through peacefully until a sudden yelling caught his attention.

-NIKARII! – A boy at his age ran towards him like a mad bull.

-Whoa whoah! – He was surprised and wanted to back off, but the boy jumped at him and pinned him to the ground.

-Where were you Nikari!? – He shouted.

-You don’t need to yell at my face! – Nikari kicked him off himself and leaned upwards.

-Sorry, sorry. – The boy stood up, apologized, and giggled – But where have you been all this time!? You were missing for nearly a month! Everyone has been worried sickly about you. But I’m especially nervous.

-Why? – He brushed off dust off his clothes.

-The masters are, furious…

Nikari’s face went pale. He gulped as his limbs started failing.

-I-I’m s-sure It w-will be alright, hehe… - But in his mind, he knew the truth – I’m going to die!

-Really, where were you? – The boy closely observed him – You’re injured all over, and what’s with those clothes?

-It’s a long story, Jack. I will tell you later. I’m heading over to Drak’s house to heal myself all up. I will see you later at Mal’s.

-Okay, but be sure to arrive this time!

-I will. See you later! – Said Nikari as he continued his path. But one thought bothered him. It made him so scared that the battle with Woolred’s was nothing compared to it – What I’m I going to tell the masters?

*meanwhile*

A beastman finally arrived at the capital of Kimon, the city of Dobu. Without wasting a second, he jumped off the wooden cart.

-Hey, you need to pay up! – An old beastman shouted as he pointed his wrinkled fist towards the freeloader – Kids these days. – He thought in acceptance that he was scammed.

The beastman ran through the gates and the crowded streets. He even accidentally bumped into a person.

-HEY, watch where you are going!

But he didn’t give anyone or anything attention, his mind was set on reaching the Pack’s headquarters. After an hour of nonstop running, he rushed through the doors and hurried toward the counter. The female worker was disturbed by the sudden intrusion.

-How can I help you, sir? – She spoke while observing the beastman, reeking from sweat.

-I… *Huff* I… – He was exhausted from all the sprinting and could barely catch his breath – I’m here from the “Human Slave Escape” mission. I have… *Huff* Precious information and want to talk… *Huff* With the leaders.

-Sorry but, I can’t set up a meeting with the Pack so abruptly. – She made a wide fake smile – We can see you later!

A female cheetah approached them without them even noticing her or her aura. The beastman gulped and turned around after he felt a faint touch on his shoulder.

-Pack’s commander Jess, you’re earlier than usual. – The female worker bowed.

-Oh well, I had nothing better to do. – The cheetah had a bewitching and alluring voice. She wore revealing, yet protective black and red armor, with a black robe around her – I heard what you said, sweetheart. – She giggled in a lustful manner while leaning forwards towards his face – Why don’t you follow me and we can discuss this topic further with the others?

-Y-yes m-mam! – He straightened his back and had a serious soldier voice.

They sauntered around the headquarters. Everyone bowed down after noticing Jess. Finally, they reached a massive blue door. The beastman was nervous but tried to not reveal it. The female cheetah pulled out a special key that opened the gate.

-We’re here. – She said with an attractive voice.

They walked through a long, dark corridor. Torches that emitted blue flames were hanging on the brick walls. The more beastmen looked around, the more creeped out he was. After a short time, they arrived at a huge room. There were 6 high tables surrounding the walls, and 3 of them were occupied.

-You’re early, Jess. – Said one with a comedic voice.

He suddenly caught a dagger right in front of his face.

-I told you not to speak to me with that tone. – The Cheetah was irritated.

-Where the hell am I? – Thought the beastman. He couldn’t see the people sitting behind the tables, the blue light didn’t fully reach them. He only saw vague shadow figures of them with glowing eyes.

-I brought us someone from that slave mission, the one where you sent Woolred. – Jess returned to her enchanting voice.

-Speak up. – Said the one in the middle of them.

-Well, - He cleared up his throat. His legs were trembling and his palms were sweaty from fear and tension – we were transporting the humans as usual, when suddenly one of the slaves broke free from the chains and started fighting everyone. He was agile and nobody could keep up with him. It was bloodshed, he would murder anyone he laid his hands on! But then, he started battling with Woolred. Woolred was forced to open the first Gate, and he was winning with ease, but right before when he was about to land the finishing blow, someone jumped from the sky and slayed him instantly! I barely managed to escape.

-And why didn’t you help Woolred? What cowardly behavior. – He sounded disgusted.

-He made the right choice. – The one in the middle fell in thoughts – did you hear their conversation?

-He called the other man b-brother. – The beastman’s voice was quivering.

-Hmm. – The middle beastman stood up, showing his mane – Did he have dark red eyes and black hair by any chance?

-Y-yes if I remember correctly.

-It’s them. – The lion jumped down from the table on the hard brick ground. He stood up and lifted his head, striking fear into the terrified beastman in front of him. He was really tall, too tall even for his kind. Wearing heavy silver armor, he walked towards the exit – So they had an offspring. – He turned around - Everyone, I personally will handle the situation. – The lion made a dreadful face – It’s the son of the person I lost my eye to.

-I will follow you. – Said Jess while latching on, pushing her chest on him.

-No, this is personal. I will take, “him”.

-Him?

-Are you going mad?

The beastmen from the tables were shocked.

-“He” has the best tracking skills among all of us. I will make sure this time to exterminate all of the humans. – The lion had a menacing voice – “He” won’t escape under my command.

-Ugh. – The cheetah backed off disappointed – Do it how you like. Just make sure he won’t murder any more of us just like the last time.

The lion nodded his head in approval and walked off, signaling the beastman to follow him.

-Has he gone crazy!? How can he take “him” and not us with himself!?

-Letting emotions get the best of him. That’s not how he acts. I wonder how much anger he had pent up within him to let “him” escape again.

-This might be interesting. – Jess chuckled as she swiftly jumped onto one of the tables.

Nagami glanced over at the beautiful red sunset.

-I have a bad feeling about the future. – He thought, looking over at the palm of his roughened hand.

He carefully leaned back on the oak tree and slowly closed his eyes, not knowing of the incoming doom.