Chapter 59

Rain stood at the top of a large tree, his crystal blue eyes full, calm, and somewhat aloof as he watched as thunderstorm slowly manifests upon the horizon. He sighs, in wonderment and amazement at his newfound power.

As he predicted a while ago, a storm was building. Within a day, it would be over the land, drenching the forest with life-giving rains, its lightning, splitting the night causing it to be as bright as noon.

Although he can’t clearly understand how and what he was feeling, he knows—the mad beating of his heart. The prickling sensation of his skin, and all of his hair standing upright, that a terrible storm will come. However, it would have been good for the village if the rain indeed falls, as it would wet the parched land and bless the growing fields. But the storm he was feeling was beyond one imagination. Strong, and fierce. And according to Zarda, in this land, indeed sometimes a storm comes, along with fierce frightening lightning bolts.

However, most cases of their appearance would do harm rather than good, as it destroys their fields, struck down trees, and many troublesome things that would surely increase their workload the next day.

Storms in the Desolate Cave is different than the outside world. Due to the thick density of magic power, the elements in the air were dense, clustered so tightly, and worst clashing against each other so strongly it could cause a disaster. So, during these days, the Lamians would move underground or settle in caves, away from cold and wind…waiting for the storm to pass by. Which, of course, will last for two to three days, worst five days.

Knowing that Rain made up his mind, wanting to test his newfound power.

The sky seemed damp, down-hearted, trembling—it feels heavy as if he was feeling the world’s emotions. According to Sylphy, he was feeling the shift of the temperature around him, reflecting on his heart. Hence, why when raining or during a storm, he felt his heart turning heavy—sometimes, he felt he could grieve or cry for no reason.

“Can you do it?”

Lafetti asked worriedly, watching him from the ground of the tree he was at.

“Elder Sister said that you don’t need to force yourself. The storm is coming and the preparation for it had already been done. This is just the same as usual.”

“I know… but I want to at least try. I’ve been trying to figure it out, control it for almost a month already. Most of it has been a disaster, and I just can’t quite find a better grasp of it, no matter what I did.” Rain smiled wryly while speaking. “However, I may not be able to change the weather, but it doesn’t mean I cannot chase it away. I just need to disturb a few of its gears and the storm will slowly breakaway of its own, at the very least I’m capable of doing that… I think.”

“…you think… well, that’s hardly dependable,”

The corner of the Lamian’s mouth was lifted and her beautiful red eyes glimmering with humor.

Rain rolled his eyes. Then, he closed his eyes, and power surge through him. His focus and concentration were greater than normal. Unlike the time he had first done this, this time he was much more at ease. He can feel many strange, but incredible things… as if everything around him is alive, he felt an intimate closeness from all around him, which he can’t really understand where it was coming from. But it’s as if he had returned to his mother’s womb—safe and secure.

Be one with it… the strange voice once again echoed inside him. It’s the same voice when he turned into a wolf, and right now seemingly teaching him how to use his power. But how to be one with it, is the problem. Rain grunted as he felt becoming lost within his own mind.

As he focused all his attention, swimming inside the dark world of his mind, colors started to spread.

Like an aurora, so beautiful, so rich in colors.

This is not anything, nor a product of imagination but the things that could be found around him. This is his power, the proof that the World had accepted him, embraced him as its own child, giving him access to its deepest secrets. He opens his eyes, tapping the energy forming within him—now his eyes filled with the glow of power and life, shining in pure, white light.

All the things around him, within a twenty-meter area, all tangible structures of things, beings, and creatures have become replaced by the energies that composed them. The bioelectricity that runs through their very veins now dances around the area.

This is it…

Rain grit his teeth, every minute passed in this omnipotent-like form, his body felt heavier as if turning into a block of lead. He felt drained, his magical power not enough to accommodate the usage of magic. But he gnashed his teeth and endures. He raised his head, and look at the sky, the elements have become magnificent multi-colored bands of light dancing across the benign sky, and so beautiful like an aurora.

He felt as if with a wave of a hand, these beautiful lights will follow his lead, like a musician on a leading conductor. The feeling of invincibility, omnipotence, and most of all…acceptance was addicting.

As if he was in control of the world, that with but a flip of his hand, he could mow down everything—no, come back. Rain gnashes his teeth. You’re losing it… the strange voice once again said. Don’t be pulled by it, strengthen your will and control it, not the other way around…

Rain stared at the horizon which the richest elemental colors, clashing against each other as if in a festival of light, and the thunderstorm gaining momentum, full of power. He’s almost depleted but he endures and stretched his hand out. Lightning flares, thunderbolts struck—scram.

The emotions seemed to have struck him, anger at him for what he was trying to do.

And he vomited blood.

“Rain!”

Lafetti cried out, shock and panic from the sudden blood Rain had vomited. He staggered and was about to fell back, her heart almost jumped from her chest as she immediately rushes in his direction, intending to catch him. But, Rain suddenly stilled, putting his energy back on his legs and stand, regaining his bearing.

“I’m…fine!” he said, through gritted teeth.

“You don’t need to do this. You still can’t control your power!” Lafetti cried out in worry.

But Rain shook his head in defiance. His face was pale and handsome, with sharp features that had resulted from his transformation. His dark black hair hung over his thin shoulders in a natural way, now slightly longer than before.

“I will control it… if I cannot, then I’ll just have to do it. Nothing works in the beginning, but that doesn’t mean hard work would not pay off,” Rain grinned, wiping the blood from his lips with the back of his hand. And his gaze once again returned to the horizon.

And that's what I've been doing since I was a child. My hard work always helps me when I needde it. And this time is no exception!

“I refuse to step back…” he muttered.

The elementals, with the area’s great magical power, seemed to have found sentient and has struck his spirit. Even if without the support of magic power, the storm was still beyond Rain’s capability. But he was not trying to control the storm. Just disturbing it is enough.

A guttural sound echoed in the world.

The faint rumble of thunder has now become a deafening roar from the heavens. It is as though the gods themselves are roaring in anger, threatening him. But Rain refuses to cower. He laughs, almost manically. Arms outstretched, strong wind surrounded him. Lightning dances around his fingertips, his shoulder-length hair billowing wildly in the winds, which came at his mental command.

Gently, he reaches out, his hand seemingly trying to grasp something in the air, but when he did, a band of light from the horizon seemed to have been caught by him. He then pulls them and tugs, sharping the energies that drive the storm, much like a potter that sculpts his clay.

I cannot fail…!

Snap! However, before he could complete what he was doing, everything turned black. Shit! Rain cursed as he felt his body overly drained. He was almost there—but his magical power couldn’t support what he had done. The only thing he last remembers was the sensation of falling, and the anxious cry of Lafetti calling his name.

His vision still locked on the dark horizon, covered with thick clouds.

He almost succeeded.

Sadly.

Everything turned black.

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

… …

When Rain woke up again, he was already in their little cabin house lying on the bed made of leather filled with straw.

“I didn’t mean to wake you,”

Lafetti’s voice caught his attention. She was at the kitchen counter, and perhaps she thought that the sound of crushed nuts had woke him up?

“It’s okay. I think it’s time for me to get up…” he said as he smiled faintly.

“You can sleep more if you like,"

Rain immediately collapsed onto the bed.

“Oh God, yes…I think I'll just do that.”

He heard her chuckled. However, she stopped when she heard him groan. Damn, his body felt as if he had run a marathon… too tired. And exhausted.

“Are you okay?”

Lafetti hurriedly came over with a cup of steaming green medicine he had been quite familiar with lately—and also a form of torture. It’s bitter and tasted like rotten lettuce. But sadly, he was not the type to refuse something that had given him out of concern, especially if it comes from Lafetti or the other Lamians. As to him, they possess a heart as brittle as a glass pane.

He couldn't even guess what kind of an adverse effect would it have on them if Rain tried to reject them. Hence, like a man, he could only grit his teeth, and think of it as medicine. A bitter medicine.

“I’m fine,” he smiled faintly as he accepted the cup of medicinal herb, surely made by Sarete. “…what about the, the storm?” he recalled what he had done before fainting and got worried.

“You succeeded,”

Lafeti smiled brightly.

Her expression displayed obvious pride, surely in place of him.

“Really?!” he asked, somewhat surprised. He should not have managed to repel the storm, his magic power is lacking.

“Yes you did,” Lafetti came over and sat beside him. “Though not as sunny as you intended, but it’s much better. It’s raining without thunderbolts…and everyone was thankful for it. You’ve done fantastic,”

“It did?” Rain smiled happily.

Although he tried to drive away the incoming storm, rain is much better than sunny due to it tending the fields and many more. He put the half-filled cup beside ad scooted closer to her. Then, he leaned against her shoulder. When she glanced at him, her chin rubbed against his hair, so silky and soft. The scent of him filled her nostrils and filled her with life and energy…especially the energy to live.

Lafetti smiled happily, her gaze full of love and endless affection.

“I thought I failed, but if the others were happy for it. Then, I feel relieved,”

Rain mused as he wrapped an arm around her torso and rested his head on her soft, bare chest. Despite his insistence, Lafetti rarely wears clothing, as she prefers to walk around naked, which really damages his self-control. Fortunately, he was never lacking any action, if he did, it would surely be a form of torture.

Lafetti smiled sweetly as she stroke his hair with gentle affection, while her other hand pulls him even closer to her body.

“You did really well,” she whispered.

And she loved him so much. He raised her head with a smile, meeting hers. She wanted to wrap her arms around him and never let go. If possible, she wanted to stick with him always. She loved him with all her heart. And he loved her.

The fact that they’d found each other was a miracle. She admits that. And hence, no matter what happens, she would never let him go. Never waste the miracle that was given to her. Sometimes it only comes once. Refusing heaven's gift will annoy heaven, and it would surely not give it to you again.

Now she can't imagine a life without him.

... ...

If it rains, it was common sense to use an umbrella. However, there is no such thing in this world, or at least not within the Lamian Tribe. Aside from the fact that when raining, they would hole up inside their lair, and never leave, fearing the coldness. When they did, however, all they do was cover themselves with thick fur.

At this time as well, Rain rarely goes outside. Not only because it was cold, more than usual, but both Zarda and Lafetti didn’t want him to leave even a second. One time, when he was staying inside the house, he was tinkering things, recreating an umbrella-like object for fun.

Using strong and sturdy strips of wood, along with fabric, he was able to make one after many trial and errors. It was a very simple, old-style umbrella, which immediately spread through the village in an instant. And almost every Lamian used it now whenever they go out.

The rain lasted for three days.

The surrounding was well-drenched.

The earth was damp. During these days, either Lafetti or Zarda or both snuggled against him, looking for warmth, which he doesn’t know whether he should just smile or laugh at it. Lafetti seemed to have completely accepted the idea of Zarda joining their little family, making him somewhat happy.

Just that, Rain wondered if he would last against the combined might of the two insatiable Lamians. Fortunately, they decided to sleep with him one at a time after he told them about how he’s almost losing it. Though it's a shame to admit it, he really couldn’t endure both of their combined powers.

The day after the rain ended, the surrounding was filled with the scent of dew and life, and the leaves and bushes seemed to be glittering like precious jewels under the sunlight, and a rainbow across the sky.

It was beautiful…much too beautiful.

Rain gathered his shoulder-length hair in the back and tied the leather thong around it. He smiled, refreshed, the village was completely different than before. Not barren but with few houses and structures along the way. It’s really getting better, that can now be called a true small village.

Walking around the village, he saw an incredible sight of giant ants, black and red in color walking around while carrying logs and boulders. Beside them was Lamians who was acting as a foreman, muttering orders.

After the capture of the Ant Queen, Zarda had pardoned the Ant Queen’s life by turning her into the second slave of the tribe, after Rain. Though, unlike him, the Ant Queen fared worse as she was branded with a slave mark inside her mind, that if she ever tried to rebel against the tribe, Threia who had her life literally in her hands, could snuff her out in an instant.

Obviously, the Ant Queen struggled and even tried to fight back. Sadly, the Lamians strength was much more powerful than her remaining forces, and she was easily subdued. She was given two choices, either die or submit and fearing death, she could only choose the latter.

She was depressed for a few days after that, crying and weeping. Rain tried to visit her from time to time, but she would not even see him, after his rejection of trying to appeal for her. Of course, now she seemed to have been able to at least, accept her newly obtained position and slowly starting up from there.

Well, being a slave was just a status anyway, at least for Rain. Although her life was in another person’s palm, but the Lamians are generous people. They would not abuse her, as long as the Ant Queen wouldn’t do something foolish. Now, the giant ants are a great addition to their forces and manpower. This gave the other Lamians a favorable impression, which led to the Ant Queen’s life turning better.

In addition to that, from what Rain had heard from Zarda and the others, it seems like the Ant Queen is indeed a blessing holder. And she has a very unique power that subdued minions from other colonies to become her own. This enables her to accept both black and red ants to her force without a problem.

It looks like some sort of brainwashing ability that only works for her kind—of course, it’s not absolute. Not all attempts seemed successful. Even still, because of this, she was able to increase her army faster. And most of all, this seemed to have an added feature that makes her minions, those that submitted to him grew stronger, faster than normal. This is also the reason why Zarda sees the Ant Queen highly and was quite reluctant to kill her. They wondered if this little ant actually has the royal blood of her kind on her, which made her value increases.

Rain walked through the striving village and greeted all the Lamians he had encountered.

“Damn it! Treating me like a packhorse, I’m the Queen damn it!!”

As Rain was walking around, suddenly he heard a grumbling voice. It didn’t need him to turn around and see for who it was, because the voice was already extremely familiar to him. And he couldn’t help but smile wryly as he saw the figure of the Ant Queen dragging some sort of a wagon filled with logs.

Around her, were three Antmen who was also doing the same, though the others were half-filled while the Ant Queen’s wagon has only four to six logs. But she was still grumbling and complaining that it was heavy.

“Let me help you with that,”

Rain jogged towards her with a wry smile. The Ant Queen who never had to work was now doing manual labor, the nasty angry face she was wearing was extremely terrifying.

“Rain…huh,” The Ant Queen noticed Rain and snorted. She was still angry over his rejection to appeal to her status. “I don’t need your help. I can do it myself!” she grumbled and started dragging the wagon, ignoring him. Though, as expected of her herculean strength, despite her complaints, the wagon was not actually heavy.

She was able to pull it as if the wagon was filled with cotton. But still, Rain came over and step beside her, grabbing one of the handles, and started pulling the wagon as well.

“You’ll get used to this,” he smiled at her, “I didn’t at first, but well… I really thought I was different. But as time passed by, I was able to fit in, found where I belong. I hope you will, as well. Once they were finally able to trust you, I believe they will erase the slave mark on you. I just really hope you can really fit in here, and find where you belong. We could really need a hand here, as you know how dangerous this place is. We could really help each other out,”

“I don’t need you to say that. I also haven’t found any other choices either…” The Ant Queen gnashed her teeth in annoyance. However, her expression seemed to have softened already. “Did you just come here for this?”

“Not really,” Rain chuckled in amusement. Then, suddenly he saw two Lamians rushing towards him.

“Rain what are you doing?” One of the two asked. “Let me do that,” the other, on the other hand, tried to replace him with a worried expression. But Rain shook his head with a wry smile. “I’m fine, it’s not really that heavy. Though I would be happy if you help the others, those seemed quite heavy.”

The two Lamians still look at him with concern, but they nodded their heads, albeit reluctantly, and went towards the other Antmen, helping them from their work.

“They really cared about you, huh,”

The Ant Queen muttered with a queer expression.

Rain felt proud and move by what she had said and his lips curled into a radiant grin; “I’m grateful for it. Though I hope they would really not take it too much. Sometimes, they cared for me too greatly I couldn’t find a way to repay them. Well, anyway, Lamians and you might have a bad start, but I hope you would be able to mend the rift between you. The Lamians are sweet, and reliable, which is completely different from the rumors and hearsays.”

“… …”

“That’s right,” Rain turned towards the Ant Queen, seemingly thinking of something. “I heard that you don’t have a name… I thought about it, and then... what about Scarlet? Things are now different, it would be quite troublesome to not have a name to be called. Ant Queen seems more of a title than a name. How about it?”

“Sca…rlet?”

The Ant Queen stop and stared at Rain, somewhat surprised by the sudden change of topic. And to think he would give her a name. She had never expected that.

Rain nodded his head. “I don’t think it’s a bad name, isn’t it? The color of your hair, from where I came from they also call it scarlet. What do you think?”

“So you gave me a name based on the color of my hair?” The Ant Queen smiled wryly, “Well, I guess I can live with it.”

Rain chuckled.

“Scarlet…that’s my name,” she whispered softly.

Rain stared at her, mumbling the name he had given her under her breath, and he felt satisfied. There would come a day that The Ant Queen; Scarlet would surely be able to find where she belongs in this village, and he hopes it wouldn’t be that long.

She was not actually that bad, and in fact, she was quite a wonderful person—albeit spoiled. But once you know of her, she was really not that bad. He mused and he burst into laughter. The Ant Queen glared at him, confused by his sudden laugh, but he ignored it and continued talking with her.

With a feeling of contentment for gaining another friend, Rain and Scarlet now pulled the wagon with renewed happy emotions. They talk about many things and laugh a lot.

Rain found where he belongs, and that is here, in this place… and he hopes Scarlet would be the same.

… …