133 Returning to Tama

It had been several days since our time at the oasis. We all still talked about it fondly and laughed our spirits were high as we finally reached the edge of the desert.

" Grass!!! Not moss or sand actual grass!" Sora said with wide open eyes.

I turned to watch Undine as I knew that this was the first time he had seen this level of green but much to my disappointment his face hadn't changed an inch.

The thrumb of the swaying flora pulsed throughout my ears like an old friend. The closer we got the louder it became. Tama felt like it was welcoming us back with open arms. The sand had become lighter and lighter until we had stepped foot on nothing but pure grass.

" Tama…" Nathan said quietly.

" Mm we are back," Heyu said with a tinge of disappointment in his voice.

I could only imagine what everyone was feeling right now. As much as it was good to be back once we found Ren we may very well separate. I looked around and noticed that everyone expect for Undine had come to a stop.

" What are you all waiting for?" Undine said puzzled.

" Nothing haha let's get going," Heyu said nervously.

" Mm let's" Nathan added as his chest puffed up.

He took in a deep breath before he took the first step.

Each of us followed behind.

From the looks of it, we were on the Tama Dredgelands boarder at least a few days walk from the nearest town.

We picked a direction with the most foot traffic and decided to head in that direction. Where there was a town there was a map! We had no idea how to go about finding an assassins organisation but the best place to start would obviously be the capital.

We didn't believe anyone would recognise us but just in case we all chose a new outfit from my inventory. Our breezy clothing swapped for heavy leather and chainmail finished off with cloaks that disguised our faces.

We had no idea what the political climate was or if we would be treated as enemies.

Four years was a long time for anyone.

Much must have changed.

I took one last look at the desert that was behind us and promised myself that I would take my father, Ren, grandfather and everyone else back with me to see mother. Tama had never been my home. The Tulk had taken us all in and living there was the happiest time of my new life so far.

I clenched my fist and marched forward.

After a while, we had decided to camp for the night. It was much like any other night camping. I honed my senses on the trees around me, my ability to listen to the forest had become a way to make sure we were not surprised during the night.

I looked up at the stars and twin moons and watched as a shooting star fell. Nathan had woken up and made a hot drink for me. It was his turn to take overnight watch.

" How are you feeling?" Nathan said as he said next to me.

" I understand that feeling.. I wonder how my family are" Nathan replied.

" Same," I said quietly.

As we looked up and stared Nathan naturally rested his head on my shoulder.

" Do you think we will continue to have happy moments together?" Nathan mumbled.

" Of course... If we don't then I will just have to make sure we do" I said after thinking for a moment.

" I'm glad Yuki, I am really glad," Nathan said quietly.

Having his face on my shoulder with the cool breeze blowing I couldn't help but wrap my arm around him bring him closer as we shared warmth.

It was a nice quiet night.

We silently enjoyed each other's company before I needed to sleep.

I had a big day tomorrow, everyone did so it was best that I rested.

With a smile and a wave I left to my sleeping area and rested peacefully.

As the twin moons set and the sun rose our belongings were neatly stored away and we once again set off toward the town. Unsurprisingly we were not attacked by spirit beasts. They were all now incredibly low ranked compared to us. Just one notice of Kibble's and Undine's auras was enough to scare off any beasts.

Half the day had flown by before we found our selves looking over a town. It looked to be heavily guarded. We all took one look at each other and decided to investigate. Something was definitely wrong.

Outside the front of the town was a series of guards they seemed to be going through everyone's belongings. There was a line of several people waiting to get in. What had surprised me the most, however, was the townsfolk having to hand over copper to get inside.

I wasn't the only one who was rather shocked.

The tension in the air from my team rose as we got closer and closer to the front of the line.

" Halt!" The guard said.

Each of us stopped in place.

" Remove your hoods!" A second guard added.

We all looked at each other before one by one before we removed our hoods.

The guards seemed to pause on Nathan and I briefly but surprisingly it looked as if they didn't recognise us.

" May I ask what you are looking for?" Nathan asked diplomatically.

" A man by the name Ren Etsuko and his accomplice Tenma Aikyo, If you see them report them to the authorities immediately!" The guard said sternly.

" What did they do?" Loki added before I had a chance to speak.

" They are traitors and known fugitives that is all you need to know," the guard said sternly.

The guards checked our bags before finally holding out there hands.

" Why do we have to give you money?" Heyu asked innocently.

" Have you been living under a rock?! The war effort of course!" The soldier said with a snicker.

" I see," Nathan said with his eyebrow raised.

With my hand shaking, I handed the guards two silver coins before each of us walked through.

" They must be young lords. Thank you for your contribution!" The guard said with a grin.

[Now was not the time to pick a fight!]

I had to remind myself again and again that punching him square in the face would solve nothing. Kibbles reached his hand over and gave me a pat on the back and a smile.

" It's going to be okay" I heard Kibble's whisper.

" Thanks, Kibbles," I replied weakly.

I took the time to stride forward and take in the sights around me. This town was not doing very well. There were very few people around considering the size and many doors to stores were closed. It seemed that Tama had left this place to rot.

We put our hoods back up and made our way to a noodle bar.

We each ordered and took a seat.

"Those guards keep taking everything we have. What am I going to feed my children?" We overheard a woman say as she walked passed with a friend.

" Those damn Vance! How dare they cause trouble!" Said the friend.

" Looks like something big has happened," Sora said in a whisper.

When our noodles arrived we all looked on in amazement. It was a meagre meal but the first time we had had a Tama classic in many years. Kibbles had taken it upon himself to help Undine with the chopsticks we were provided with.

The scene caused Nathan and I to look over and smile.

At least there was something good that had come from all of this.

" We should help these people before we leave" Heyu suggested quietly.

" And gather some information," Sora said as he slurped down some broth.

" And get a map to trace our bearings from the capital" Nathan added.

It was decided that we would split up into three groups. Heyu and I would look for a way to help the villages without being detected. Sora and Nathan were to find some information about what had been happening while Kibbles and Undine were going to go find us a map.

We decided to meet back here in a few hours.

Heyu and I looked around at the area. We had taken it in turns knocking on a few doors. We posed as travellers that had come to settle here. It wasn't long before each of the townsfolk had mentioned issues that had arisen in the last few years.

The first issue had been that there were too many spirit beasts around since the guards were so few in number here. The next issue was that since people here were charged upon entering and exiting farmers were not able to get in and out of town to sell food and thus there was a shortage.

The final issue was that people here were in constant fear of being attacked by Vance soldiers. Heyu and I had decided the best way to approach the issue would have to wait till night time.

Walking together alone with Heyu had been rather pleasant. I watched how he dealt with each of the members of the town with empathy. It seemed that even though Heyu was arranging there houses as he spoke the townsfolk really took a liking to him.

I was really proud at this moment that I knew him.

" Heyu, your really amazing you know that?" I said absentmindedly as we walked back to the noodle shop.

" Uh thanks, I guess, you are pretty amazing too!" Heyu said with a crimson hue on his face as he smiled.