The Accidental Journey: Battle of the Last woman Standing

The Seer

MEANWHILE, AT THE GAMZA FACILITY.....

''Did you really think you would escape your fate?

You will pay for the blood of our linage.

Revenge is coming, brace yourself.''

Scarrio woke up in cold sweat, despite having the same dream for every night that month, he dreaded it. He cringed at the remembrance of the cold voice which spoke in the dream. It was terrifying, he knew he had to do something and fast.

The blue moon was coming out that night and if the ancient prophecy from the crazy seer of the ancient times was right, a kimchi was to come. 

His father and grandfather had tried their best to dismiss the prophecy as a myth and he did more by ensuring it remained that way. He ordered all the mid wives in the territory to use all means necessary to kill any new born that period. That way, even if a kimchi was to come, he would be dead. He smiles satisfactorily. He was doing a good job heading the facility. What was the use of a Kimchi, his subjects certainly didn't need saving and neither did he. He had to eliminate any threat to his position at the facility. The position has belonged to his family for centuries and he wasn't going to give it up.

He knew he had eliminated every threat to his life and position but still wondered why he kept having that same horrifying dream. Could it be his conscience hunting him? He laughs at that. He was a leader, he didn't have a conscience. 

He thought about the events of the dream.

''His faithful subjects, all of those who feared and respected him looked at him with scorn as he lay on the ground beaten to the point of death. He hears a cold voice laughing hysterically.

Just then, a person whose face he could not see for it was covered with a bright light walks towards him with a sharp sword and places it on his neck.''

''Did you really think you would escape your fate?

You will pay for the blood of our linage.

Revenge is coming, brace yourself.''

This was the point where he would wake up in cold sweat panting heavily. 

He had never experienced fear in all of his life. He had gone through a lot and fought a lot of battles but was never scared. In fact he had always been the feared one but this dream shook him to his bones and unlike everyone earnestly expecting the arrival of the blue moon, he dreaded it because he felt that somehow, the dreams were linked to the prophecy, it was the only logical reason he could come up with.

There was only one person who could help him clear his doubts however he wasn't sure how ready he'll be to help him.

There would be a huge celebration that night, it was the perfect opportunity for him to sneak out to meet Zoma ''The Seer.'' He would rather die than be seen in his place in broad day light.

Zoma and Scarrio had always been rivals since childhood, they were both talented, charismatic and blessed with good looks. Scarrio was able to get into the Gamza facility but Zoma wasn't as lucky. They bought fought for the heart of the same woman, however Zoma won that part; they were also the most powerful and respected men in the territory. They were always at loggerheads with each other.

As much as Scarrio hated the thought of asking Zoma for help, he knew of his talent when it came to interpreting dreams and prophecies, if anyone could help him, It would be Zoma.

He thought of a plan and sent for Madam H, she would be taking over that night while he attended to other personal matters.

Madam H was shocked when she got the news of Scarrio being ill. She couldn't believe it. It was then she realised that he was just as human as the rest of the elders but his Image and strength sometimes made it difficult to believe he was just that. She remembered how frail he spoke and felt for him. He had a lot of responsibilities and it was taking a toll on him. 

She was a little worried, with his strength, it wasn't easy for someone like him to fall ill. Whatever the illness was must be a critical one. However she believed he could face anything. That's how much she and the elders of the facility thought highly of him.

She laughed when she recalled the look on Garrio's face. He being the second most powerful elder in the facility did not not believe Scarrio had assigned her such responsibility, he even went as far as going to Scarrio to confirm but was dismissed for questioning his orders. 

To be honest, she couldn't believe it either, for the  first time in her life she was going to be conducting an official gathering at the facility and not just that, she would be the first woman to do so. She felt proud of herself, she didn't expect Scarrio to trust her with such responsibility. The blue moon would be coming out that night and there would be a lot of activities in the preparation for it. After looking up to Scarrio all her life she knew she could do it.

She asked the messengers to tell all the members of the facility to converge at the heart of the Gamza in a few hours as she went to get ready. It was going to be a long and magical night.

After dismissing Garrio who had the audacity to question his orders, he instructed no one to come into his chambers for the rest of the day. He could hear the messengers telling the members to get ready to converge. It was the perfect time for him to leave. He does this using the Lument technique and in a few seconds, he was in Zoma's Chambers.

However he was surprised to see his rival smiling at him as though he had been expecting him.

''Welcome, Old friend.'' Zoma greeted Garrio with his usual menacing smile.

''I have been expecting you.'' He added.

''How am I not surprised'' Scarrio said regaining his composure, his face blank like a wall.

''The Great Scarrio of The Gamza facility paying me a visit.'' I am so honoured. In fact, I have prepared a feast in anticipation of your arrival he says, his smile not wavering.

''Care to join me?'' He added.

His kind gestures did not fool Scarrio who smiled and declined.

''Why don't you drop the act and let me tell you why I am here.''

''Very well.'' Zoma said

They stared at each other for a while probably reflecting on the events that has taken place between them over the years causing their rivalry.

''I have been having strange dreams lately and I need you to interpret them.''

''And what makes you think I'll help you?'' Zoma asked unmoved.

''Name your price.'' Scarrio said arrogantly.

''Does it look like I am in need ?'' Zoma asked with a smile.

''Oh Scarrio, when will you realise that everything isn't about money, wealth and status?'' He added. 

''I am not a man who places my emotions over my responsibility. I am a seer. Interpretation is my responsibility not a business.'' Zoma said again.

''And as you know, I am a busy man with a lot of responsibilities, kindly go straight to the point.'' Scarrio deadpanned.

Zoma laughed in response.

 ''You are too full of yourself Scarrio, you expect everything to go your way but I'll have you know that it doesn't always work this way, I hope that when you realise this, it won't be too late.''

''I don't need anything from you, I have enough as you can see. However, I will help you and I want nothing in return.''

Scarrio was not expecting that, he didn't expect Zoma to help him so easily without subjecting him to mockery or asking for something in return. He felt he was up to something but had no idea what it could be.

''Give me your palm." Zoma said and Scarrio did that.

After a few seconds, Zoma dropped Scarrio's hands.

''You're in big trouble.'' Zoma said flatly.

Your tribe is guilty of a terrible crime and you are to pay for it. Zoma added with an expression Scarrio couldn't fathom. 

''Why do I have to pay for the crimes of others?'' Scarrio asked visibly worried.

Zoma laughed a cold strange laugh.

''The crimes of others? Don't be so self righteous Scarrio. It is your fate and you made it that way. You accepted the beliefs and principles of your fathers whole heartedly without question, You have enjoyed the good parts of that decision and now it is time to face the consequences.''

''Stop speaking in parables, go straight to the point. What I want to know is how to stop having the dream.''

''The dream is the least of your worries Scarrio. You should be happy you're having them, otherwise you wouldn't know of the danger ahead.''  Zoma said with a short laugh

''The blue moon is coming out tonight, the chosen one is already in the territory.'' Zoma added and this did not sit well with Scarrio. He thought he had gotten rid of whomever it could be.''

''Why are you so surprised?'' Zoma asked  with a short laugh.

''Did you really think Kimchi would be so easy to get rid of ? Your devious schemes are no match for a thousand year prophecy.'' He stared at Scarrio for a while shook his head in pity and added.

''You know for someone like you Scarrio, sometimes you're not so smart. You have only added to your sins. You might have been successful with your plan if you actually paid attention to the prophecy instead of disregarding it as a myth; The Kimchi was said to be found at the cold north's nook, did you even bother to check there? You didn't think twice before killing thousands of innocent children believing that the Kimchi would be among them, you  encouraged people to disregard the authenticity of the prophecies of the ancient times in order to protect your so called throne!'' Zoma rants fury evident on his face but he still managed to maintain his smile. However, Scarrio wasn't so composed.

''How dare you!'' Scarrio shouts enraged

''How dare you accuse me of such? Everything I do is for the benefit of out territory, You must be out of your mind.''  Scarrio said with a low yet intimidating tone.''

''I am not called the seer for nothing Scarrio, you are only making matters worse by not coming to terms with your actions. Thousands of young are children are crying for justice, thousands of mothers are in pain, some have died as a result.'' He falterd at his last part.

''You killed my wife and fist child Scarrio.'' Zoma said, the smile on his face disappears and he stares at Scarrio with the hatred he was used to.

''Gada....is dead?'' Scarrio asked his expression softening.

''We have been praying for a child for several years. We finally got our wish only for you to order the mid-wives to kill our only child, a child we have been expecting for twenty five years, twenty five years we have longed to be parents and you...killed him, He was killed before I could even set my eyes on him. I never got to see my Son! and all of this was for your selfish interest. The worst part of everything was Gada's death, she didn't deserve to die, She was so excited to have her first child only for him to die in her hands; She couldn't bear it, She died a few hours later.  Everyone said it was the flu and that the same thing happened to thousands of babies during that period but I wasn't stupid enough to believe that. At first, I wondered what the cause could be and after a few consultations I discovered you had something to do with it. I know what you are capable of but I never imagined that you would do something so cruel.''

Scarrio was at loss for words, he had been exposed. But strangely that didn't affect him as much as that of Gada's death and that it was his fault. He had promised to always protect her even if she didn't choose him. He vowed to never get married if she didn't become his wife. She was the only thing his power and status couldn't give him. He couldn't believe it he killed her. 

When his father died, he accepted it calmly as something that was bound to happen but Gada's death shook him to his bones. However, he could not show weakness especially in Zoma's presence.

''I did what was best for the territory, who knows what destruction the so called Kimchi would bring with the kind of power he is said to possess?  I apologise for the death of your wife and child. However, it was for the good of the territory.'' Scarrio said with his usual blank expression.

''You fool, the Kimchi isn't a child and if you paid more attention to the prophecy, you would know that the Kimchi isn't from our part of the world, the kimchi is only related to us by ancestry. You killed all of those children for nothing. You destroyed my happiness for nothing but your greed. The Kimchi would use the power for good, it was stated in the prophecy. It wasn't for the interest of the territory that you planned to kill the Kimchi but because you felt the Kimchi would become stronger and powerful than you and would possibly take your place in the territory.'' Zoma said to Scarrio angrily.

''You see, when I held your palm, I had it in mind to kill you, I had prepared a special poison that would kill you in seconds but then,  I changed my mind. I wasn't going to have blood on my hands because of someone as shameless as you are. If I had done that, you wouldn't get what you deserve and the world wouldn't see you for the monster you truly are.''

''Now listen, like I said earlier, my responsibility as the seer is different from our relationship as enemies, I would help you interpret your dream and tell you what can be done to stop it, I will answer whatever questions you have and I will make no effort in taking revenge because what lies in store for you is greater than what I had in mind and far greater than you can ever imagine.'' Zoma says with his usual menacing smile.

Scarrio didn't know how to react in this position but he was desperate so he asked for what could be done.

''Your tribe committed a terrible crime several years ago, and the sin rests on your shoulders. You could have averred this by being different and changing your ways but you have done worse. All of the children you murdered are innocent and filled with raw talent, such act cannot go unpunished. This can be traced to the ancient adage;

''Divora, Divora

Givusta, Rivusta.''

I am sure you do not know what it means, considering the fact that you have neglected our ancient traditions and encouraged others to do the same. It means; ''As you do, you shall be done. What you give you shall receive.''  The fact that you are having dreams shows that life is giving you a chance to right your wrongs before it is too late. But how can you right those wrongs when you have killed those you should compensate? There is a way and that is by confessing to everyone the evil you have done and apologising for the misdeeds of your ancestors and finally give up the most precious thing to your heart. Only then will you escape the humiliating and dangerous fate that lies ahead of you.'' Zoma says with a  serious expression.

Scarrio was at loss for words, for the first time in his life, he had been placed in a tight corner. The most precious thing to him was his position as the head of the Facility. It was a position that he and his fore-fathers have held for centuries. He did all of those terrible things in order to protect this position and now in order to have peace, he had to give it up? He couldn't do it. He was never someone to quit, he would do all he could to protect his position.

''Is there no other way?'' Scarrio says to Zoma.

''Oh there is, that would be to take your life, that way, no one would know of your crimes and you certainly wouldn't have any dreams.'' Zoma answers with a straight face.

Scarrio was furious, he knew Zoma was mocking him but he couldn't say anything because all of his secrets were with him. He could ruin his life.

''With the blood on your hands, you must be really lucky to be given the chance to correct your misdeeds, there are people who didn't commit crimes as great as yours and yet they were not given this opportunity. It shows you still have a purpose you are yet to discover, a path you haven't taken.'' Zoma says expression void from his face.

''My responsibility as the seer ends here Scarrio, get out of my house immediately.'' Zoma says finally.

Scarrio was embarrassed. He had so many questions but his pride would not let him speak. However there was one he could not keep quiet about.

''You're not done yet Zoma, I need to know more about this Kimchi.'' Scarrio asks and Zoma smiles in return.

''Do all you can, use everything you have in your disposal but you would not be able to kill the Kimchi, however, if you do not do what is right, the Kimchi will be the one to kill you. Mark my words Scarrio, you will fall like a log of wood. You will be a subject of mockery to all, you will pay for all your crimes and I will witness it all. I will laugh you to scorn and encourage people to do the same." Zoma says with a laughter so cold, Scarrio felt threatened.

''We'll see Zoma, who is going to kill who.'' Scarrio responds with a short smile regaining his composure, waves at Zoma, uses the Lument technique and leaves.''

Zoma smiles satisfactorily. He knew Scarrio would never give up his position. He knew that the prophecy would be fulfilled, he knew the Kimchi had arrived. He had to,  He was the Seer after all.

However, his abilities were limited when it came to things that concerned him and his family. He didn't see his wife's death coming and it made his heart ache.