The Riptide fell smoothly through Sinlung's atmosphere, its sleek, metallic frame shining in the warm sunlight. As it drew closer to Xiaxo, Larin's breath caught. For the first time, he could see his homeland in its entirety. From the vastness of space, the land unfolded like a living tapestry, each thread a unique geography imbued with beauty and magic.
Xiaxo was full of contrasts: its lands separate yet intertwined by rivers glistening like silvery veins. Eastward, the fertile Pamchai Plains lay spread wide in expanses of rippled emerald grasslands that danced and swayed in the whirlwind. In their background, impenetrable and deep blankets of green formed the Xiaxoan Forests, full of ancient whispers by forgotten spells. The southern coastal regions kissed the great Luxo Ocean, whose waves shone with bioluminescent hues that hinted at the magic teeming beneath its surface.
To the north, rugged mountains rose like jagged teeth, their peaks capped with snow that glowed faintly in the twilight. These were the Hills of Zima, home to the shadow-dwellers, who moved like whispers among the rocks. Between mountains and plains there wound the winding rivers and cataracts which made rainbows arch between earth and sky like bridges. Life and energy throbbed in all directions, and Larin was convinced that here, within this land, there pulsed an essence of Sinlung within Xiaxo.
Just when Riptide was coming into view, the city itself lay spread on the rolling hills: Tlangthar-a marvel of ingenuity and adaptability. Looking at it from above, the entire city was constructed as though built to shift locations at one's whim. Bamboo houses are light but stronger and supported bases that mount enchanting platforms and make relocation almost as swift. The people of Tlangthar had, for ages, mastered the art of mobility and their cities designed in such a way that even the most persistent invaders found themselves outwitted by them.
He leans toward the window with a heart full of pride and nostalgia. This place always made him smile, even though the pain in his body lingers. It is as if the very earth welcomes him back home.
---
On the ground, there was apparent life at Tlangthar. Merchants called out their various wares in the busy market square, children ran through the streets playing games, and the workers moved tirelessly to ensure that the city was ready for any eventuality. Life went on as if nothing had been during the events after the ambush of the envoy of the Kirat Empire. The people of Tlangthar were resilient, their history of resistance woven into the very fabric of their lives.
The whole city stopped dead in its tracks, paused in mid-step, eyes raised in a collective gaze at the sky. No one had ever seen a craft like this in all their lives. Not even aerial mage squads with the advance equipment the empire commanded was in a league with the sleek, otherworldly design of the Riptide.
Zakop and Moimui stood outside a homely shack, their eyes fixed on the approaching craft. Whispers swept through the crowd, some people saying it was an imperial machine, others believing it belonged to the mysterious beings that had brought down the Kirat Empire.
The Riptide came down, settling softly with a hiss outside the Chief's residence. The crowd fell silent as the bay door slowly creaked open, a ramp extending down to the ground. From the dark interior of the spaceship came a squad of elite Auquan soldiers. Each wore armor that rippled like liquid silver, and their presence filled with power and precision. Their helmets glowed faintly, marking them as specialists, each trained in a unique role within their unit.
Gasps passed through the assemblage, and two figures stepped out on the ramp, Myrith and Lysara. Elegant forms and gleaming auras immediately made their presence known to all who viewed them. Her bioluminescent hair dripped like fluid light, while her movements appeared to glide along the ground more than she was walking.
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Larin finally took his place before the lights of the hall.
A collective gasp swept over the crowd. He was a mix of the familiar and the extraordinary: his face worn with the same determined expression they could remember, with bioluminescent veins tinting his newly enhanced body slightly. He strode purposefully, though one could see his hesitation in steps, a testimonial to all the injuries that had recently coursed through him.
Even the muttering was not loud enough to cover Zakop's sharp inhale. His eyes blackened, and his fists clenched as he took a step forward. "Larin," he said, his voice quivering with relief and anger in the same breath. "What happened to you?"
Moimui settled her calming hand on Zakop's arm, her face softer but no less worried. "Let him talk.".
Larin lowered his head a little, his voice steady but with a tinge of weariness. "Father, Mother. I was hurt in a battle—one that could have ended much worse. These enhancements were necessary to save my life."
Zakop's anger flared again, his tone sharp. "You left without a word, and now you return like this? Enhanced, changed? Who are these people?" He pointed to Myrith and Lysara, his mistrust obvious.
Myrith stepped forward, bowing respectfully. Her voice was calm and composed. "Chief Zakop, I am Myrith of House Seafoam. This is Lysara, my comrade. We mean no harm. Larin was gravely injured, and it was under our care that he was saved."
Lysara turned to him. Warmness showed in her voice, but she was firm as she said: "We realize your concern. As parents, it is instinctive to care for your child. But assure you, I tell you now, we have done all only to see your son survives."
Zakop shifted between the Auquans and Larin. His anger was gradually surrendered to uncertainty. Moimui stood up and spoke softly but firmly. "Zakop, look at him. He's here. He's alive. That is all that matters.
Larin reached out and placed a hand on his father's shoulder. "I'm sorry for worrying you. But I had to go. And now I've returned. Please trust me."
Zakop's shoulders slumped, the fight going out of him. He nodded slowly. "Fine. But you owe us an explanation."
Myrith bowed her head. "We will gladly share what we can. For now, we request only a cleared space nearby where we can set up camp."
Zakop hesitated, then nodded again. "You'll have it. But know this—we will be watching."
---
As the Riptide flew off, leaving the team to their own devices, the good people of Tlangthar began to assemble in the town square. News travelled fast that the Kirat Empire had been vanquished; and when that news was confirmed, it became a catharsis. There was laughter, tears, and cheers as the city broke into spontaneous celebration.
That night, they prepared a grand feast. The feast was started with single action magical longbore rifles, their ammo being the mana of the person, one volley of twenty shots fired and a poem was chanted along with it
The giant beast is down, Kirat
Xiaxoans long dead can sleep in peace
Parasites of our land, wanting to defile all
Never shall you revive,
We Xiaxoans will make sure of it
There were so many dishes on the bamboo tables-steamed rice roasted with bamboo, flavoured lentils, smoked sambhar soup-and an extensive variety of fruits and vegetables, all from Xiaxo. Food aromas were dancing in step with the pounding of the drums and chirping of the flutes as they danced and sang around the fire.
It was Myrith and Lysara who stood at the square's edge, their faces a blend of wonder and awe. "They are strong," Lysara said, scanning the horde before her eyes. "Against all they've faced, their spirit has not broken."
Myrith nodded. "It is amazing their resistance to the Kirat Empire. No wonder Larin was so strong-he was a man from people who would not be bent.
Larin joined them, his face sporting a small smile. "This is what we fight for. Not just survival, but freedom to live, to celebrate, to be."
Myrith placed a hand on his shoulder. "Then let us ensure that they always can.
As the fires burned late into the night and the people of Tlangthar celebrated their freedom, Larin felt a renewed sense of purpose. The road ahead would not be easy, but with allies like Myrith and Lysara, and the unwavering support of his people, he knew they could face whatever challenges lay ahead.