【43 - Duty and Culture in the Life of a Tribesman!】


YouTube: Tropical Night - Nature Sounds for Sleeping - Frogs & Crickets - 11 Hours Long - Relaxing HD Video


Kanoa arose at the faintest beginnings of dawn. Sitting up on a thin mattress in a bamboo hutt. A brief meditation was how he began his day, then as the first awake he crept quietly to not disturb his extended family, especially the young ones. He quietly prepared his breakfast in the front room, fetching oats from a container that mixed easily with water into a porridge. He set the wooden pitcher down - some of the appliances were modern but most were made from island materials. Outside the silhouettes were visible enough for shapes but not colour. Kanoa ate his wholesome breakfast then headed out to begin the day's chores. No activity from the other huts yet.

Nature was quiet. The odd tropical bird made waking calls amongst the crickets, a tester for the crescendo of life that would be audible at daybreak. It was never truly silent, not if you listened for the sounds. Kanoa carried buckets on a sturdy branch over broad shoulders as he made his way to the well. He enjoyed a private time to himself, eying the totem carvings dedicated to various island gods, the towering cliff-faces dripping with moss and vines. The greenery was lush and bright from the volcanic soil. After filling the wooden pails Kanoa began walking up a slope to the older villagers who lived on the outskirts. It was arduous work but it kept him strong and made him feel like a productive member of the tribe.

It look multiple trips. After Kanoa emptied his last pail into a container he sat on the wooden porch. This hutt had insence trailing from the windows, feathers and bones hanging from its edges. He heard the door open and then honeyed tea was being offered to him.

"You're up early, Grandma Kaleo." Kanoa took the hot drink and sipped.

The old woman sat beside him and a wide smile stretched the wrinkles on her face. She wasn't related to him, it was only the customary way to greet older tribesmen. Kaleo had always been more relaxed than most elders. She was much like her house, residing on the village's edge and styled differently. There was still a lot of respect given to her because of her closeness with the ancestors. Her feelings were more attuned than most.

"You're still harbouring a lot of inner frustration, young one."

"Please, even if I weren't the chosen hero I've still hunted on my own: the tribe now sees me as a man."

"Don't think I'm belittling you, Kanoa. To me everyone is young. It felt like only yesterday you had your initiation, and the day before that you were the quiet and serious boy, doubting yourself."

"A lot has changed since then." Kanoa stated as the steam from their drinks wafted above.

"Some things haven't," a clawed hand left her drink and reached for him as she closed her eyes "the energy that flows through us all, connecting us from the land to the universe, in you there are some obstructions... most notably here." she pointed at his middle while Kanoa sipped.

"My centre?"

"You must feel worthy of life. Worthy of taking up space and simply being, as a part of the symphony of all things."

"On this we differ," Kanoa swigged the rest of his tea, ignoring how it burnt his tongue. "Our actions determine our worth."

"You work harder than the others. Does that mean you see yourself as having greater worth than the rest of us?"

Kanoa hesitated "no. I'm trying to live up to the honour I've been given. And make up for..." he stopped himself and stood, handing her back the cup. "I hope you know I didn't expect you to be awake. I've got more work to do."

"I'm sure. Take care of yourself. And I'm glad..."

"What about?"

"The energy around your heart. You're in love."

Kanoa couldn't fight the small smile, telling himself the warmth on his face was from the tea. "Farewell." He left the smiling woman, picked up his things and made his way back to the trail.

Sunlight fell and with it the other tribesmen began tending to their duties. Kanoa was making his way back and could see a band of men leaving to spear fish while a group of women were slipping on straw-woven backpacks, going into the jungle to gather fruits and herbs. Kanoa planned to help the builders at the north end of the settlement; last season a monsoon had forced them to take refuge in the village headquarters and those huts had suffered damages. Before Kanoa could go he discovered someone had other plans for him.

"Kanoa!" Leaning against a palm tree with arms crossed was Luano.

Another polynesian teen. His appearance caused an involuntary scowl. Luano was the chief's son and permanent thorn in Kanoa's side. They were both tall and strong, Luano was a bit more lithe and that made him one of the most skilled huntsmen and runners. Kanoa had never been the competitive type, concerned only with duty. Luano had made it his life's mission to compete with Kanoa over his hero status. It wasn't something that bothered Kanoa until about a month ago.

"Can I help you?" Kanoa didn't hide his irritation.

"The chief wants to see you now at the marae." He was smirking with arms crossed.

"...then we'd better go see him." Kanoa set down his tools then followed the other teen toward the heart of the tribe.

The marae was a sacred place where important meetings and ceremonies occured, led by the elders. It was elaborate with painted pillars and polished planks, designed to encapsulate the sunrise and sunsets. It overlooked the boundless landscape of jungle, untamed rolls of green pierced by sharp and jutting cliff-faces. Sitting cross-legged was Chief Tenakoto, his lined face putting him older than middle-aged. He was adorned in bright feathers and a headpiece. His beady eyes looked up to examine Kanoa within still features.

"Kanoa. Thank you, Luano. Take a seat, both of you." He waved his hand and they dropped and crossed their legs before him. A moment of silence passed and Kanoa was dreading what was to come. The chief took a breath "Harvest is declining, soon we will no longer be able to trade with the other islands. Have you not sorted your issue with Jupiter yet?"

"...no, Sir."

"Supernova Jupiter King Empire provided us and our neighbours with an unseen abundance but now produce is returning to how it was before. Have you offended the chosen phoenix?"

"I… don't know, Sir." Kanoa dipped his head sadly. "I've dedicated my life to helping the tribe and its neighbours. I've done my best to work modestly and tirelessly. I've tried to be worthy of the honour Jupiter bestowed by choosing me."

"So you don't know why the phoenix is no longer lending you its power?"

"I don't, Sir." Kanoa confessed with shame. He wasn't even paying attention to Luano, who was surely enjoying this from beside him.

"Not only this, but the phoenix has begun resisting your call to be summoned in a duel."

"Yes… Jupiter will only let itself be summoned half of the time."

"How can we know that you're still the chosen nature duelist?"

The question made Kanoa's head snap up. It wasn't about pride, he tried to never dwell on the public events or having his face on billboards and posters. He declined most of the interviews. However to lose his chosen status would be the greatest shame. It would mean public humiliation. Kanoa had wracked his brain while trying to realise his flaw. What was it that now made him unworthy of Jupiter after cultivating a close relationship? He was always trying to fulfill his duties and no matter how he tried criticizing himself he couldn't find an answer. Kanoa's expression darkened and he lowered his head.

The chief watched him "we can't have a hero who can't control his phoenix. If Jupiter doesn't find you worthy of him again soon, we will have to consider bestowing the card to another."

"Like Luano?" The words slipped out of Kanoa's mouth with a bitter ring.

"Perhaps. He is my son and the future chief of this tribe, after all." The man was unfazed.

Luano failed to stop the smirk rising up the corner of his mouth. Kanoa paused then raised his eyes back to meet the chief's.

"I understand. I'll do my best, Sir."

The chief nodded "you may leave."

The two teens stood and left the marae. They traipsed back to the village with no words until they parted.

"Best of luck, chosen hero. Let's hope Jupiter answers your call when we duel." Luano's taunt was ignored by Kanoa who didn't turn.

He was feeling distraught but didn't let it outwardly show. As always with emotions Kanoa quickly buried them, heading off to distract himself with work. Busying himself with productive tasks always helped him forget about failures.

He worked hard until midday, then walked back satisfied with his efforts. After a nice lunch he'd go to whichever task called him next. Before reaching the huts he felt someone leap at his back, wrapping arms around him with a playful laugh. His heart immediately puffed up.

"Meilani…"

"Hello, my true flame." she leaned on tip-toes as he turned and kissed him. There was a frangipani in her tangled hair, she was holding two plump mangoes. He kissed her back with eyes closed, their spirits merging as lovers' seemed to do. Then she went back on her feet and looped an arm around his "let's go to the west caves today!"

She lightened his spirits and he allowed himself to be led away. They brushed through jungle wilderness, a rainbow bird flapping overhead. The beach was close and they stepped out onto a narrow band of white, each picking at the skin and biting into succulent fruit.

"How has your day found you?" Kanoa asked.

"I picked fruit with the girls then helped Kaleo and the elder women with weaving, then minded the children for a while." Meilani was happy and carefree. She had no troubles and was utterly content with her life. She looked back at him after another bite of juicy amber "And you've been working hard again?"

"Since dawn."

"Oh love…" she hung back to loop her arm around his once more. "None of the young men are as serious as you. They boast and compete and fight amongst each other. You work harder than anyone else."

"I was chosen to be the hero of the islands. It's my duty."

"That shouldn't mean you can never relax."

"My happiness is when I'm with you. But Jupiter… is still resisting me. There was an incident at the South side of the island, I found a pirate and we duelled. Then I saw… a deity."

"A deity!" Meilani's eyes widened with wonder. "That's wonderful!"

"It wasn't one of ours. It didn't belong to our ancestors. It was… an angry deity."

"Oh my…"

"In the duel I was forsaken by Jupiter again. Perhaps he truly would prefer a different chosen, like Luano…"

Meilani turned and held his face with both hands "Luano isn't half the man you are."

Kanoa smiled and took her wrist, he wiped off the fruity stickiness she left on his face.

Meilani turned and pulled him inland.

"I thought we were going to the caves?"

"We're going to a special cave today," she called back with excitement.

They climbed along rocks and mosses before finding what Meilani was searching for. The fabled Lovers Cave. A smooth opening into a wall of rock. A stream trickled down from above into a crystal pool of blue-green. The two entered the dim and walked the ledge beside flowing water. They travelled further down until darkness was replaced by an eerie glow. When the tunnel opened they were awarded with a cavern ceiling covered in bioluminescent fungi. It shone light-blue and reflected off the smooth black surface of the water. Not a ripple, just a serene enclosure of natural beauty. Kanoa looked around in wonder before Meilani took his hand.

"I remember the day the elders confirmed it," She began. "Up the mountain on that day. The star-watchers compared our charts and made prophecies. They told us we were true flames. That we decided to be born and share a lifetime together."

"I believed it immediately." Kanoa confessed. "My love for you has only grown."

Meilani stepped closer and her breath hitched "and a place like this… would be perfect for our first time."

"After the elders make our union official in the Spring. After we're married, love."

She hugged him and murmured "it's always duty with you…"

Kanoa fought to hide the temptation that coursed through him. He truly loved Meilani and didn't want to do anything that would threaten her honour.

Everything had to be done perfectly. Then the two of them would be left alone and nobody would find fault in him, including Jupiter. They took a seat by the water and leaned against each other. Kanoa ran his fingers through her hair and for a while he didn't have to think about his phoenix, rival or the evil presence he encountered. Time dragged on and Kanoa didn't speak again until something occurred to him.

"...I bet he could help me. The blind hermit."

"Him? You think so?"

"I know he's been watching over me. Who else has mastered Kaijudo energy to the point where he can sense his surroundings and still duel even without his vision? It's unheard of, he may be something of a deity himself. Or possibly, a priest."

"Maybe he can provide an answer… but nobody knows whereabouts on the island he lives."

"I have an idea. He may be the one to guide me on how to control Jupiter. Even if he's not a talkative fellow..."

"I also have an idea," Meilani stood and offered her hand. "Duel me. I'm also destined to help you along your journey right?"

Kanoa hesitated. Kaijudo duelling was dangerous but Meilani had been training herself rigorously to the point where she could beat all the other girls in the tribe. She worked hard to improve because she wanted to stand beside him. When he thought about the pirate from before Kanoa nodded and let her help him up. He wanted her to be strong enough to defend herself if she needed to.

Meilani pulled him along to a different exit. It narrowed until daylight peeked from a manhole atop a stack of boulders. They climbed up and out onto a hooked bay. Across the water was a coastal shelf that looked to be the perfect size for a duel. They went over, feet leaving rocks to sink into soft sand then water. Palm trees swayed in the breeze and soon they were walking across a powder-soft surface once more. The cliff before them was sharp and tall enough to cloak the shelf in a light shade, making it cool under their feet. They stepped back to take their marks then Kanoa's hand burst with green light, Meilani mimicked him by conjuring white. Their tables appeared and Meilani took the first turn. Yellow shone from her table and she smirked in waiting.

Kanoa smirked back and charged, then in green light he played "Treasure Map. I search my top five cards and add a creature to my hand." his fingers moved expertly over his deck, extracting his cards and fanning them out. Kanoa deliberated with Aragoto Musubi before choosing Ragmal. The other four cards he slipped into the bottom of his deck. "Turn done."

Meilani charged nature mana "I cast Faerie Life and boost mana." Additional yellow shone from her table as well.

"Well done, love." Kanoa lightly praised and got a scoff in return.

"I'm no pushover in this game, you don't always have to protect me."


+ [OST] Darker Than Black (06. Acid Razz)


"Force of habit," Kanoa drew. "I summon Yattar Wan. He allows me to add Kabra Katabra to my mana zone." At the appearance of his jacketed fox Kanoa added more mana.

"Alright I got four mana now, I bring out my D2 field! You don't have one of these, do you?" Meilani grinned "so it's here to stay. I play Memento Guardian Shrine, Prison Court of D!" Light beams twirled from behind her, a colourful architecture glimmering into view. "All my creatures have blocker now. And…"

"...and" Kanoa finished for her "Denjara Switch."

"Go, love."

Kanoa drew "I evolve Huckle Kirin Sawyer from the Kabra Katabra in my mana zone." The giraffe fighter with its dual blades swept forth on 5000. "Brace yourself love. Break her shield!" he turned the card and air blew with energy. The giraffe leapt and swung its weapons.

Meilani turned away from the glass then reached out as the pieces assembled "Shield trigger! Aegis Boost, Matchless Dragon Saint!" The nature-light creature had a serpentine body and 3500 power. It was also a blocker, Kanoa hesitated then removed his hand from Yattar Wan "Turn done."

Meilani charged light-water "I cast another Faerie Life! Now Aegis Boost, shield break!" Her creature charged and Kanoa crossed his arms, when the card bounced to his hand he saw another Huckle Kirin.

Kanoa used it for mana then "I summon Ragmal, Spirit Knight! I use its effect to send it and your Aegis Boost to our mana zones." Vines whipped up out of the sand and pulled the monsters from view. "Huckle Kirin, shield break!"

"Another trigger. Luck is on my side this duel, my love." Meilani turned over a spell shining green and blue "Faerie Shower. I look at my top two cards, one goes to mana and the other to my hand…" Meilani assessed her options and placed another Faerie Shower into mana. She seemed happy with what she had.

Kanoa hesitated before "Yattar Wan, shield break!" the clothed fox jumped excitedly before flinging itself forward.

"Ninja Strike 7! I summon Saizoumist Dolge!" A blue giant on 7000 was brought out from her hand, feet sinking and spraying sand. It had all three civilizations used in her deck: nature, light and water. "You already know about the mundane effects he has… my graveyard gets shuffled back into my deck, I get an extra shield from my deck that will go to my mana zone when I start my next turn… but the important ability…"

"Your D2 field. Memento Guardian Shrine makes him a blocker…"

"Yes! Block Yattar Wan!" Meilani turned the card and the fox comically flailed before getting stomped under the giant's foot. After the turn's end her giant vanished, its card sliding under her deck.

Meilani's fourth shield reappeared then dissolved as she started her turn, granting her more mana. "I summon Jasmine Mist Faerie! Done." The green-haired fey held tight to the edges of the leaf it stood upon.

Kanoa charged his sixth mana, smirking because it meant he could summon "Sasoris, Dragon Edge! I bring out Boaroaxe, Evil Tomohawk from the hyperspatial zone." The masked squirrel lifted a green paw, the wicked axe floating into its grip from the gap in space. Electric chains rattled at its borders. "I bring Ragmal out from the mana zone once more, then send it back along with Jasmine." The two creatures found themselves swallowed by nature. "Now Huckle Kirin breaks a shield!" Kanoa twisted the card, casting himself in a green glow. Glass shattered and he ended his turn.

"I summon Lionel, Lion Zenith Dragon!" Meilani declared, she now had plenty of mana for her heavy-hitters.

"Her ace card…" Kanoa remarked as yellow shone brightly, a huge fighter standing tall. A pale bipedal lion with six arms, adorned in gold armour with swords of blue light. Its roar shook the surrounding trees and shimmered sand dunes. A 12,000 triple-breaker that wasn't only resistant to most removals but also made all her light cards shield triggers.

"Turn done." Meilani waited for Kanoa to draw before announcing "Denjara Switch! All your creatures tap!" She flipped her D2 field and Kanoa watched as Huckle Kirin and Sasoris crouched. For his Boaroaxe to dragsolution he needed creatures with total mana cost 20 or more, it seemed focusing on rush at this point would be the smarter option.

"I summon Kabra Katabra! With his effect I add Antique Dragon Ruins from my mana zone to my hand. Turn done."

Meilani seemed unbothered by the lettuce-wreathed fighter. She drew "I summon Kuromame Danshaku!" This 12,000 creature resembled a purple bean in a top-hat. It twirled a cane in wait, it lacked Lionel's impressive arsenal of abilities but was still a valid threat. "Go Lionel, triple-break!" Glass exploded and Kanoa turned away, feeling the pieces bounce against his back but not cut. "You alright, love?"

Kanoa surprised himself as much as Meilani by bursting into laughter.

"Huh? What's so funny!" She demanded. "You're not going easy on me again, are you!?"

"No love," Kanoa answered once he regained control over himself "I'm just glad the one I love has grown so much as a duelist. Makes me feel better to know you'll be safe. I cast Antique Dragon Ruins to send both your creatures to your mana zone!" Tikis rose up and her creatures began to be covered in moss. Kuromame vanished but Lionel resisted, shining brightly and forcing the spell to recede.

"Lionel's ability activates when he'd leave play! You must select a shield of mine to be broken instead!"

"Very well. I choose your centre one." It broke as Kanoa pointed.

"Wrong choice. Lionel allows all my light cards to be shield triggers! I summon Kirazeus Savark and attach Sasoris face-up to one of your shields! Don't forget, it's also a blocker thanks to Guardian Shrine!" A gold and purple dragon on 11,000 spread its wings with a metal-scraping roar. Sasoris was flattened into a gold depiction on one of Kanoa's shields, the dragheart weapon was instantly sucked back into hyperspace and Kanoa had no choice but to begrudgingly end his turn.

"Lionel, shield break!" A sword of blue light burst his final defense.

"No triggers, this has been your game."

"You promise you didn't let me win again?" Meilani insisted, drawing another laugh.

"You got lucky with your triggers and that ninja strike. I didn't utilize Sasoris or Jupiter in time so this duel is yours."

Meilani's eyes brightened in excitement before she swept her cards together. The creatures vanished and she ran over, jumping into Kanoa's arms just as their tables disappeared.

"I'm so happy to be strong like you. Even if I'm not a chosen, I promise I'll help you with whatever your destiny entails." She murmured the promise into his shoulder and he tightened the hug in response.

The two headed back to the village while holding hands. The aquamarine water was clear as it crashed against the white. Seashells reflected green, blue and purple from their silvery surfaces. They could see fishing canoes sailing out in the distant ocean. Unfortunately the first person to greet them on their return was Luano, striding over importantly. Meilani went taught with annoyance and let out a sharp sigh.

"My father wants to see you." He reported.

"Again?" Kanoa asked.

"Are you the chief's messenger now?" Meilani remarked while crossing her arms "or is it just when it comes to your rival?"

"This news is just for Kanoa." He crossed his arms belligerently. "We received a message while you two were away. It came from Kua Kuano and concerns the chosen nature duelist."

Kanoa looked at Meilani with open confusion. A message from across the islands? Hopefully not a village in need of powers he was currently lacking.

He looked back to his rival "Okay, I'll go speak with him." He turned to kiss his beloved then left for the marae once more.

Inside the chief was pouring tea at a small table. Kanoa dusted the sand off his feet before entering the sacred space. Here the ancestors were always watching, ensuring the newer generations stayed respectful of the customs.

"You wanted to see me?" Kanoa spoke as he entered.

"Yes. Come sit and drink with me. I received news from across the islands."

Kanoa made his way around and slinked down, curiosity peaked. He took the ceramic cup and sipped. The chief poured his own cup before setting the clay jug down on the little table.

"We've received word that the chosen fire duelist has arrived at the islands and is seeking you. She'll be here in a matter of days. We've prepared a hut for her arrival but we don't know how long she intends to stay."

"The chosen fire duelist…" Kanoa blinked. "The newest chosen. I've met the others but not her."

"What do you know of her?" the chief asked as he took a sip.

"I only heard the last chosen was a girl. Nothing else."

"Her name is Heidi Hirazumi. She hails from Duextra, a rural suburban colony. She was staying at the Duel Masters Academy in Augus when it fell. Apparently she was also present at the Dawn of the Phoenix's temple when it collapsed and its leader died. Rumor has it she was also near the coal province city when it underwent that nuclear attack. She survived a hurricane just to get here and see you."

"Oh my," Kanoa blinked in shock. "I see…"

"She has a habit of bringing misfortune where she goes."

"Or a habit of chasing it." Kanoa murmured, thinking again of the murderous deity he confronted some days ago.

The chief didn't respond and sipped his tea. Kanoa wondered why the chosen fire duelist would go so far to see him. Shrugging it off he also drank from his tea, deciding it didn't matter. Meeting the other three chosen duelists hadn't been meaningful, in the end. He doubted this would be different.

"Before her arrival there are some details I'd like to go over." Tenakoto straightened.

"Details?"

"Yes. You are loyal to the tribe and your duties, correct?"

"Of course," Kanoa said at once.

"And you hold true to our values. That community, family and the tribe is everything."

"Yes. I know where my duty lies."

"Good. That's good. After your selection when you were given Jupiter and whisked away to an outside country, you soon found yourself returning from Augus. You were given powers and like a responsible member of the community you returned to share those gifts with your tribe. To work for the people who raised you. And then you became a hero for the whole islands, blessing us with natural abundance for trade and even bringing future cards. The lapse in your powers over the last month isn't enough to undo all this good, but as the chief I must look toward the future."

"What is this about, exactly?" Kanoa asked, wishing he'd get to the point.

"She may be attempting to do the same as old principle Engyo: gather all the chosens."

"Then why would she start by coming here?"

"The other chosens could be harder to find now. We don't know the true state of the main continent after the terrorist attacks it has undergone in the past year." The chief poured more tea. "I wanted to make sure we'd be well-represented."

"You don't have to worry," Kannoa spoke assuredly as the man drank.

In the end it would be interesting to see what this Heidi had to say, if nothing else.


AN: This took me a hot minute but I finished the chapter. I can't drag out their inevitable meet more than this, so next time you can be sure to see some chosen + chosen interactions. My last laptop carked it like a month ago, but being the clever bean that I am I'd emailed myself the duels I had with friends. What I didn't save is the list of soundtracks I came up with for the arc. So that was disappointing. I couldn't find the Darker than Black one I liked but this one here isn't so bad. The duel is actually brought to you by... me. I randomized Meilani's deck into a list and played myself on Untap-in to create a realistic duel. If I haven't said it already, I really appreciate the decks, especially Kanoa's deck made by Acuma. All that mana-swapping was just really fun to play with!