Author's notes: Sorry that this chapter has taken so long to finish. I kinda struggle to write casual conversation, and there is an entire scene dedicated to that specifically. Also. As I said ages back. Once this chapter was ready, I would be deleting the prologue I wrote showing a memory of Akuco's, considering the exact same scene is in this chapter, minus the extra narrative aspects as it doesn't fit the context I wrote for chapter 7.

Chapter 7:
An Eventful Day

A young humanoid crocodile sits on a traditional wooden bench outside a thatched hut, watching another the same age as him. Her colours are not much different to his own, but he enjoys seeing the bamboo fly toy being spun between her palms and her look of thought as she tries to figure it out. He could show her. They are not too difficult to understand.

Standing on the patio floor by the wooden stairs is another of his kind, not far into her late twenties, carrying two yearlings in little carrier cradles over her shoulders. Rexl and Renre, his youngest siblings. Silently sleeping, so that is a good sign. He rarely sees his father, however.

There is no telling when the next attack might happen, so he patrols the swamps daily with the war chief and the other hunters and fighters of his clan. His mother is constantly worrying. With all the explosions he has heard in the distance and the vibrations through the ground, it is only a matter of time before large beasts come charging for his home, frantic and frightened.

"Akuco. Can you please help me?" she asks kindly, still trying to figure out the toy.

"Sure, Athrael," Akuco offers before heading on over to his brood sister.

"How does this work? I can't figure it out."

"You have to roll the bamboo handle between your hands quite fast before letting it go with a throw upwards."

"Is that how it works?"

"Yeah." He pauses. "If you throw it as hard as you can, you can make it fly up really high."

"But what if it doesn't come back down."

"Don't worry. It will. And then you can try and catch it."

"Can you do it?"

"Yeah. It took a little practice, but I got it in the end."

"I wanna see. Can you show me, please?" Athrael hands him the toy.

"Let's go out there." He runs to the stairs and hops down to the ground after stepping on the one lower than his mother. Athrael follows but hops on each step.

"Don't wander far, Akuco and Athrael."

"We won't, mom," the pair answer in unison before Akuco finds a little grassy patch a short distance away. He then shows Athrael the way to roll and then throws the toy into the air. She stares in amazement at how high it went.

"Wow." Watching it fly, she hurries forward to try and catch it as it flutters back down. "That's so cool!"

"Yeah! It is!" He then recalls the same toy in his earlier past that was given to him and the one who made it for him. Thank you, Sheisk, for making it for me. But I was always sad about losing it in the swamp. You went out of your way to go and find it for me after that. I remember being scolded by dad when he learned about what you did, and I cried, knowing it was my fault to start with. But then you told him you chose to go on your own, and I wasn't blamed anymore. You are always so good to me. I'd love to visit you again, but I can't until dad comes back and gives me permission to. I could ask mum, but she'll just say 'Wait for your dad', so that is what I'll do. Even if it takes a long time. It hurts, though. I miss seeing you.

"Akuco! Akuco, look!" Athrael shouts, breaking him out of his thoughts. "I got it flying!"

"Well done, Athrael. I told you you'd get it." He watches her catch it again with a beaming smile on her face.

"What is it called, though? This toy."

"If I remember when Sheisk told me. It is called a bamboo dragonfly rotor."

"Sheisk? Isn't she your girlfriend?" Athrael teases with a sneaky grin.

"Athrael! No, she… isn't my… girlfriend!" He knows he is blushing, but he cannot help himself. Every time someone says that about him and Sheisk, he always gets hot in the cheeks, and his heart always beats a little faster.

"Ha, ha! You're blushing! I'm right, though, aren't I?" She pauses. "Sheisk is your girlfriend."

"M-maybe she… could be. But I only get to see her when dad allows me to. I like her company. I like being with her. But I don't like all these rules for our family. I'm not allowed to do anything without dad beside me. I hate it."

"Mommy! Akuco's outside! He isn't allowed outside without daddy around!"

"Grr!" Akuco growls, knowing that voice all too clearly. Why does she always try to get me in trouble? He glares towards her as she stomps on the spot, pointing towards him.

"Usunu. He is allowed," Akuco's mother answers sternly. "So do not assume, please. As long as I can see him, I do not have to worry."

"But…"

"Usunu!" Her stern voice remains.

"You always let him get away with stuff!" Usunu goes all squeaky-voiced, the worst kind of sound Akuco has to endure often. "It isn't fair! He gets away with everything!"

"Usunu!" Their mother continues in the exact same tone. Akuco is then surprised when her voice completely changes. "Check on your brood siblings for me, please. Can you do that for me? It's very important."

"Okay!" And with that, the annoyance is finally gone as she runs back inside. But it is true. Usunu had been the first to hatch in her brood, which is why she is their older sister. Not by much, though. A couple of seconds at best. But did she have to be the most annoying and noisy of his younger siblings? He hears that voice every morning, as loud as a monstrous roar sometimes. That is how it sounds when he is only just waking up. Everything is louder then. Sometimes, however, it is so sudden that it tends to make him jump awake. And he hates it. How do his parents even handle her? But then again, he just witnessed his mother's magic, taming the mighty beast that is his younger sister. He could never do that.

"Mom!" Akuco complains as he walks back to her. "Why did Usunu have to tell on me? She always does! It is annoying!"

"She just wanted some attention, Akuco. Nothing wrong with that."

"I know, but still. She just had to say I wasn't allowed without dad here."

"And as I told her. You are allowed. You're both old enough to be responsible without your father's permission."

"So, may I go see Sheisk, please?"

"Hmm. You'll have to wait until your father comes back."

"But you said we were old enough to be responsible without him saying so! So why can I not see Sheisk? I know where she lives. And I know my way back."

"Because I won't be able to see you all the way over there."

"But I'm old enough to take care of myself!"

"Not until you are sixteen, Akuco. I'm sorry. I wish I could. I'll try and talk your dad into letting you when he returns…"

"Oh sure. I'm certain that will go well."

"Without him accompanying you, okay." Akuco's mother glares at him slightly. "You didn't let me finish speaking, Akuco."

"I'm sorry," Akuco apologises.

"Not to worry. I'm sure your father will be back soon. But he has a lot of land out there to patrol. And you will, too, once you reach sixteen."

"Why would I need to patrol the swamp?"

"Well. It is your birthright as the chief's son to take over the duties when you come of age." She pauses. "You're our firstborn son. You're next in line to be chief. Taking over the duties out there helps you to learn leadership and responsibility in the tribe."

"But what if I don't wanna be chief?"

"Akuco. It is your birthright."

"Yeah, but. What about Ukkutsugu? He's also your son."

"That would be up to you to decide. But you don't have to worry about it now, Akuco." She pauses. "Now go on. Play with your sister."

"Okay." Akuco heads back to Athrael to play with the bamboo dragonfly rotor. As he does so, he hears the cries of unison from Rexl and Renre and his mother's caring calls before she heads back inside the hut.

"Stay there, you two! I'll be back once these two are fed!" She closes the door behind her.

The clan's peace is soon disturbed when Akuco notices movement in the trees. What could be making them do that, swaying and snapping as if something large was charging through? Why does he see smoke from within? His father suddenly appears frantically running for his life, carrying another injured member of his clan. He is shouting continuously something Akuco could not make out, not even daring to look behind. Then, a huge dinosaurian reptile with large jaws and claws appears from within the trees, followed by more. A dylaroc. Territorial apex predators. Among them, more of his clan, including those he remembers as Meglicalda's hunting party and a stampede of megafauna similar to a hippo. Hippesiton, if Akuco recalls right. But what is making them so frantic?

His answer comes swiftly when large flaming boulders start flying through the canopy and down towards the stampede. One after another, the brutes start to fall, rolling about frenzied in an attempt to douse out the flames that burn them, some no longer getting back up. Athelon charges at a hunting party member, diving clear when another hippesiton falls. He shoulder rolls forward, then jumps for his target, keeping them clear from a flaming projectile that strikes where they were just about to reach. He then grabs them by the arm, pulling them clear from a dylaroc as it continues fleeing from the danger.

It is not long before carnage strikes the clan once mechanisms start manifesting from the shadows of the trees, firing more of the flaming boulders their way. The front wall breaks and burns upon the impact, followed by the huts closest to it. Akuco hurries to Athrael to pull her safely towards the chieftain's hut, their bamboo toy falling to the muddy earth.

Akuco's father reaches the clan, bellowing at the top of his lungs. "GET OUT! GET OUT NOW! RUN FOR THE MOUNTAINS! GET YOUR FAMILIES TO SAFETY! OUR HOMES ARE NOT SAFE!" Quickly handing the injured member to Meglicalda, he is then upon his eldest children, lifting them off their feet and into his hut as the clan is overwhelmed by the beasts. "AEQUOTHRA! STAMPEDE! OUR LITTLE ONES! GET THEM OUT OF HERE! GET THEM OUT OF HERE NOW!" Within seconds, dylarocs charge through the hut, breaking everything in their path of destruction while Akuco and Athrael are held close. Akuco witnesses his mother carrying all five of his petrified younger siblings out into the danger of the stampede, the last he sees of them.

"NO! MOTHER!" Akuco cries, raising his arm her way. The last thing he recalls is the clan bombarded by flaming boulders before blacking out in his father's arms as he is carried to safety.

"Mother!" Akuco shouts as he wakes, seeing himself in a stranger's bed with Ijiera, Kaietha and the Turtles all around him. He is anxious and unsure as to why and how he got there. "Wait! Where am I?! What is this place?!"

"Calm yourself, Akuco. There is nothing to worry about now. You are safe here in the tribe," Ijiera assures.

"The tribe? My tribe?" He holds his head in pain while looking around, feeling that a bandage is there. "No. This is not my bed."

"Akuco. You're back in my tribe. This is my room." Ijiera confirms, wearing a guise of worry amidst her confusion. "You were hit on the head pretty bad, weren't you?"

"The necklace!" He checks around for it, but does not see his pouch anywhere. That is when Kaietha holds it up to show him.

"Don't worry, Akuco. We got it back. It's safe and sound here within your sack."

"The thing is," Raph begins, his hand on Akuco's shoulder. "We were more concerned about you, Akuco. Khuzo forced you to roll. Then you started to freefall. We had to catch you before they did." He pauses, a little hesitant to speak another word. "But in the end, the bakhora you hired with Aerne caught you before Chracer did."

"So why the hesitation? What has happened to her?"

"She's been mortally wounded. Mikey did all he could to keep Chracer back, but she still got to her. She carried you as far as she could."

"Then we must go back and save her!" He tries to pull off his covers, then just stops as he thinks about all the times he was useless. The reason why he ended up in his current predicament in the first place. "ARRRGH! If I wasn't so damn useless…!"

"Relax, Akuco," Leo interrupts, aiming to keep the peace. "Aerne's stayed back with her. As we speak, the vet has her under his care, safely back at the station." Leo assures, but his guise hides a more dire thought Akuco does not wish to learn. "But we had to get you out of there." He pauses. "You've made new enemies this day. Now, they will not stop with the attempts on your life and of all those who know you. Khuzo goes to such lengths. That's what makes him so dangerous."

"Gah!" Mikey suddenly cries from across the room. Akuco glances his way, noticing the bandaged collarbone, his arm in a sling and his leg being tied in a splint by a nurse. "Don't worry. I'm okay…" he says in a feigned attempt at masking his pain.

"So what happened to you, Mikey?" Akuco asks, trying to remain sincere.

"Oh, the usual." He pauses. "I'm fine, really." He groans in agony when the nurse taps his leg with her palm.

"Sure. So long as you keep the weight off your leg and keep your arm in its sling," the nurse states. "I'd say for at least a few months."

"Great! So now we'll have to babysit," Raph complains before glaring at Mikey with disgust. "Idiot! Why the shell did you have to go and do that?!"

"Easy, Raph," Leo stresses in kind, despite his obvious underlying concerns. Akuco can see something is on his mind right now. "If it weren't for Mikey, Chracer would have carried Akuco off."

"I'm the one who's supposed to care for Akuco, not Mikey!" Raph growls.

"It looks to me like somebody's jealous." Mikey jests with a cheeky grin amidst a laugh.

"Grr! I'd be pummelling you right now if you weren't so injured!"

"Last I checked," Donatello cuts in. "We were all caring for Akuco."

"Keep your trap shut, Don!" Raph shouts. "Akuco's care is my job!"

"Raph, please," Kaietha interjects, grabbing him on the shoulders and pulling him close to her. "You have done a fine job, but don't think it is only meant to be you. We all care. We all look after him and each other. Just let someone else care for him, too. You can't always be there for him. You have your limits, too."

"I'm sorry, I…"

"It's fine, Raph. We all know how much of a heart you have. You just don't need to carry all the burden." She nuzzles him on the cheek.

"Aww! Poor baby Raphy," Mikey jokes.

"Grr! Mikey!" He raises a fist, causing Mikey to scream with his arms raised.

"Ow…" He holds his collarbone in pain.

"Serves you right." He heads to him making him cower, then unremarkably rests his hand on his good shoulder. "But thank you, Mikey, for being there for Akuco."

"Em. Are we sure this is the same Raph?" He remains in place, but in a more awkward way. "He's gone all kind on me. Eww!"

"We couldn't put it past you to make a remark like that," Don acclaims. "But Raph does mean it, Mikey. He is glad you were there to save Akuco. No one else would have been quick enough. If you were to race Chracer, you'd both reach the finish line simultaneously."

"Well. After meeting the face of that mountain, I don't think flying is for me. Did you see how it looked at me?"

"Mountains don't have faces like that, Mikey."

"But it was mad! I…" He then starts to sniff the air for some reason. "Mmm! Something smells good!"

"Yes. That would be dinner," Ijiera corrects before holding up a full set of clothing on a hanger, her eyes fixed on Akuco. "I made it myself, Akuco. A dinner suit just for you."

"Let's go, everyone," Leo says. "We best leave them to be together for the evening. This is no business of ours."

"But… The nice, grand-smelling, awesome dinner for all is at stake here," Mikey tries.

"And we have cake," Ijiera adds, turning her head to Mikey as though she knew he would react.

"See. There's cake. I love cake!"

"Not this time, Mikey," Raph says, before grabbing Mikey carefully and lifting him off the chair. His other brothers grab him too, before they leave the room with Kaietha close behind.

"No fair! It looks so good! Why can't we…" his voice fades away as they exit into the tribe, Akuco assumes. But his attention is soon drawn back to Ijiera, as she glances at him with a smile.

"I know how much the colour fulvous means to you, so the bowtie was dyed in it. You have fulvous coloured cufflinks too, and fulvous coloured tippets I made from silk."

"Why must I wear something so fancy?"

"Because this evening's meal is very important for both my family and you, Akuco. Both my dad and yours know this."

"But I'm not used to so many layers."

"Please just try it on. I'll even help you dress into it."

"But…"

"Come now, Akuco. It's just for one evening."

"But what about my spinal scutes? Won't they damage or tear it?"

"Akuco. You're full of excuses right now. It's all sorted. Trust me."

"But what if I were to tear it? All your hard work would be ruined."

"Oh dear. Whatever would I do?" Ijiera remarks amidst a jest. "Not like something that dramatic will ever happen. Honestly Akuco. It will fit you just fine. Please just try it on."

"Okay." He gives in. "I'll try it on." He agrees, still a little reluctant.

"There's a screen at the back of the room if you're uncomfortable in dressing with a lady present. I'll even help you dress."

"I'll be alright. I'm covered." He pulls the bedclothes aside and slides to the edge of the bed before standing. Ijiera looks as though she is entranced for a moment, and then he notices what it is she is glancing at. His bandages.

"Ijiera? Everything alright?"

"Oh…" she says, directing her gaze back to Akuco's eyes. "...sorry." She hangs the hanger on the wardrobe and carefully takes off the shirt before showing it to Akuco. He admires all the handiwork, the minute intricacies, even the silver chain-link connectors over the gap at the back.

"Em. What's with these hanging things?" Akuco questions with a frown, lifting one up with a finger.

"To help hold it on across your back," Ijiera replies. "I told you I had it all sorted."

"Oh. I see." He turns around and raises his arms to allow Ijiera to dress him, but she is silent again for a moment. "Ijiera? You're silent again." He turns his head to glance her way.

"Yes. Sorry. At least the bandages have stayed on."

"On my back?" He then remembers the pain he felt after cold steel struck him across the back. Was he not protected enough by his natural armour? If he ever chose to check how it looked, he would most likely accept it as just another thing to remind himself about his failures. "How bad was it?"

"Your injury?"

"Yeah. I only remember a stinging sensation there after the cold steel struck me on the back, but it was an agony I couldn't ignore."

"It wasn't good. The cut was quite large, and there were veins of dark colours coming from the wound. Like you were poisoned or something."

"So the blade had been laced with poison?" Damn. Khuzo must really want me dead. Or maybe he always has a poisoned blade on him? But is that why it hurt so much? Because it was poisoned?

"Probably. Not sure. Could've been something else, too, though. Either way. Whatever it was, it never got worse. Why would that be? Are you immune or something?"

"Probably due to my daily swamp duties. But seeing as I had darkened veins, I'm not that immune. If it were poison, for example." But what if it was something far more sinister? Would it come back again, like a permanently cursed mark? Akuco suddenly thinks to himself.

"I guess, but at least your spinal scutes and osteoderms weren't cut or sliced off. That'd mean a permanent scar if they don't grow back." She pauses. "Anyway. Pass me your right arm, please."

Akuco does so, letting Ijiera slide the sleeve along and doing as he is told when she asks for the other. She repeats the same thing for the waistcoat, then hands him a pair of smart trousers. Akuco admires the minute intricacies of this article of clothing, too, learning that they are also backless around where his tail would be. What he questions, though, is the extra lengthy fulvous material on them. Does his tail need to be this covered? He likes his tail. He slides them on anyway, allowing Ijiera to work around the base of his tail while he buttons himself up at the front. However, he cannot help but automatically raise his tail when she gently clips the strap under the base of his tail, lifting her off the floor momentarily amidst a gasp.

"Akuco! I'm still behind you!" She cries, obviously swinging her legs in surprise and clasping his tail securely with her arms.

"Huh?" He turns his head her way, noticing what he must have just done subconsciously. "Oops." He lowers his tail. "Sorry, Ijiera. But that felt so nice." He witnesses her sigh in relief after her feet touch the floor again. What am I saying? And why did I do that? I'm only supposed to lift Sheisk up like that.

By the end of it all, once the tippet is tied and nestled comfortably around his neck and shoulders, Ijiera begins to tidy up the bowtie he failed to get right.

"Lift up your head, please," Ijiera kindly asks.

He does as asked. "Like this?"

"Perfect." Her claws on his neck feel cold to the touch and a little too close for comfort, but they are also gentle and trusting. "And finished." She takes a large step back. "Have a good look at yourself now, Akuco. You'll be surprised."

Akuco heads to the mirror and admires himself fully, completely surprised by what he sees as he remains silent. He looks like an entirely new crocodile. He could never imagine wearing anything this high in status. He did not look like himself at all.

"This looks nothing like me," Akuco states. "I could never have imagined how I'd look in this. Or how different. I'm so not used to this. So many layers. But I must say. I look so great."

"I'm glad you like it, Akuco."

"Thank you, Ijiera. But are you sure about this? We're only in your father's hut. Looking this fancy seems a bit, over the top for a place that isn't public."

"It's just to make a good impression on my dad. And I believe after the meal, we're heading to a celebration in the tribe. Everyone's gonna be intricately dressed like you."

"This is just a little strange is all. My tribe never dresses like this for celebrations."

"It wouldn't be the same as us I don't think. Aetuja was never one to adapt to new things, unlike her sister Evari. You don't know the history of them, do you?" Ijiera asks in wonder, pulling Akuco by the arm towards the bed so they can both sit down.

"Not really, no. History isn't really my thing. I might know a couple things, but I never wanted to study it much. I was more interested in cartography and exploration."

"I can see there are a lot of things you need to learn. For example, Aetuja and Evari were sisters. And they came from another continent across the Sylu Sea entirely. Perhaps your celebrations are still widely tribal for where Aetuja and Evari first came from."

"So, we're not officially from Reinkara?"

"Nope. But both of our ancestors left for a new continent, to find themselves a place and a mate to settle down with. They wanted to start their own clans independently. And the result is our two clans now."

"I see. I do recall less fancy but more revealing attire when we do celebrate. Maybe I could search around back home for what I used to wear."

"It wouldn't fit you now though. You were just a kid."

"Yeah. I remember." He then realises the time, and notices Ijiera is not dressed up. "But what about the meal? And your evening attire."

"Sorry. I seem to lose track of time sometimes. I'm just trying to make sure you're okay after what happened."

"Thanks, but I'm alright."

"Okay. I'll see you at the table then."

"Are you sure you won't need any help to get dressed? I don't mind, really. And as I need to make a good impression, walking you to your seat seems to be the right thing to do."

"Aww. Thanks, Akuco. I'll call if I need you." Akuco watches her head to the dressing screen, before she disappears behind it. Waiting in case he is called, he ends up going into thought as he walks back to the mirror just to admire himself again. But is this the right thing to do? Treating Ijiera like we're engaged. What would Sheisk think if she knew about this? Or is this what chief Reptilitz was going to tell me once I was ready? What is it they're not telling me?

"Akuco? A little help, please," Ijiera calls.

"Alright!" Akuco replies, heading to the screen to help with whatever it is Ijiera needs. In his eyes as he glances at the mirror, helping to connect the chain links of her dress and necklace, she is actually quite beautiful.

Entering the dining room with Ijiera linked on his arm, he feels proud and like a gentleman, especially with chief Reptilitz watching at the head of the table before he nods his head at him. Pulling out her chair, Akuco helps Ijiera to sit down before glancing around the room at the rest of her family. All of them had eyes of respect for him and him alone. So far so good, as he is shown to his seat by Kamara before the rest take theirs. Now all that matters is whatever they do before eating, yet he does not wish to pry. Do they pray like his family does, or was that forgoed in the morning? And why is there an incense stick at the centre of the table?

Much to his surprise, there is no prayer. Instead, a small golden plated bowl with water inside is passed to Reptilitz by Ijiera. Akuco watches as the chief dips in his digits, before blessing himself across the forehead and passing the bowl to his eldest son. At the same time, he moves his hand in a way Akuco recognises, touching a claw at each of the six points in question. Akuco knows this symbol, even though he does not worship her. Retune, Lord Bahkarahju's lover. He has learned about this deity, knowing that she is worshipped for rain, peace and food. A perfect match for Bahkarahju, as he is worshipped for harvest, prosperity and feast. When at last it is Akuco's turn, he repeats the same action but moves his hand in the symbol for his deity as he passes the bowl to Ijiera. He just assumed that the action everyone was doing is what he had to do as well, but was it the right symbol, or did he have to use Retune's?

After Ijiera blesses herself, Kamara lights the incense stick slotted inside an intricately detailed tray at the centre of the table, waiting for a moment and then fanning the smoke around to everyone in turn with a handheld fan. A mix of smells soon fill Akuco's nostrils. What are these smells? Did he know them? Before he could ask however, with impulse he bows his head with his hands together at the same time as everyone else, then closes his eyes. Unsure what happens next, he soon hears familiar words being chanted by Ijiera. The runes of their deity. Bahkarahju has his own runes for chanting, so Akuco quickly begins to speak them thinking he has now failed to impress the chief.

"Shek. Saan. Veet. Jekka. Kaari. Maa. Beshka. Kanche. Faa. Retaan. Juuso. Shaa. My Lord, Bahkarahju. Amen." I've ruined it now, haven't I? I've failed to impress him. I never spoke his runes at the same time as everyone else. Is that bad? Or would it be accepted as a nice attempt?

"Thank you, everyone, for this time of worship." Reptilitz thanks, bringing Akuco out of his thoughts as he makes eye contact. "Let us all enjoy this meal together." However, when everyone starts to fill their plates including Akuco, he could not help but notice Reptilitz keeping a firm eye on him. He tries to brush it off as he kindly picks his fill, but with the corner of his eye he still sees Reptilitz just looking at him with intrigue.

"So, Lord Bahkarahju, eh, Akuco?" Reptilitz says, as he reaches for the plate of meat.

"Yes, sir," Akuco answers, after being addressed by name. He picks up his cutlery and begins to cut up his meat into bite sized pieces.

"Heh. Of course Dazethes would worship him as you do. Lord Bahkarahju is a crocodile after all. Your father was always so simple."

"How did you guess?" Akuco asks with curiosity.

"Those runes I heard you chant. You were so eloquent in them. That's how I knew."

"Oh. I see." He takes a bite from his plate with his fork. "Thank you, sir."

"There's no need to thank me. It is just expected," Reptilitz states.

Akuco starts to chew, but Reptilitz still keeps a firm eye on him. Is he doing it on purpose, hoping that Akuco slips up somewhere?

"But what I really want to know is this. What was it like at the Cerbist Ruins? Did everything go according to your plans? Was everyone alright? And what I said about the reasons for you proving nothing, I take it all back. The Brotherhood said you were a very good asset for their team. And well, you seemed to have gotten poisoned. But seeing you at the table now, eating like normal. It's like you weren't affected at all."

"It was all okay. Eventful, but okay. The mission was a success and no one got too hurt, so my job is fulfilled. I'll simply just travel back home, and return to my daily duties like normal."

"Michaelangelo would say otherwise, though," Reptilitz replies. "He came back broken in a few places."

"I was unconscious by then, sir. I have no idea what all happened after Khuzo decommissioned me. The last thing I remember was getting hit around the head." He pauses to cut another bite. "I was told they tried to save me because I was free falling, but the bakhora Aerne rented was the only one who managed to catch me. I'm worried about her. Her wound is apparently mortal."

"Yes. It was not good. I'll take you to her once everyone has had their fill. But you might need to prepare yourself for what you may see." He pauses. "But now let's get to know you better." He glances around the room and cuts his slice of meat. "I think we all have questions."

"Do we really have to?"

"Of course. How else will we learn about you?"

"But, I'm not used to being asked personal questions, sir."

"I'm afraid this is the usual, Akuco," Ijiera states, coaxing Akuco to look her in the eyes with a little agitation. "You'll do fine. Just be honest and truthful. And relax. We're all family here."

Heh. Family, she says. I'm not even engaged to you yet, Ijiera. What if they ask questions about how I'm supposed to care for you? Or questions about the feelings I'm supposed to share with you. How can I answer them truthfully when my heart is only for Sheisk? Yes. You're beautiful and kind and seem to care a lot about me. But the relationship we had was young love. This was all before I met Sheisk for the first time and where my feelings truly lie.

"If you can only manage short answers, then that is fine too. But personally, I would prefer longer answers," Reptilitz says, a guise of hope in his eyes that Akuco will give him his wish.

"I could try, but I may not manage it."

"I understand." He pauses to eat what he cut. "So tell me. What is life like in your clan now?"

"The usual. Father has been keeping the clan running alright, making improvements and such. Recently, he's had workers digging out trenches to keep the flood waters at bay when the rainy season starts. We also have crops at the verges of our land and bridges over the trenches. And I have daily duties to do for the clan too."

"Hmm? He sure does like to keep his clan aquatic to an extent, doesn't he?"

"It's to stop our homes from flooding."

"But he can easily just move to higher ground, right?"

"I guess, but…" Akuco cuts himself short to complain in his mind. Ugh. Why does he not understand? Father ain't gonna move the clan to higher ground. He's too stubborn and proud for that. And don't forget. We had to rebuild it years ago after that battle. We're not trying to blend in to the mainland here. Too many clothes. I like to feel free. I like the wind brushing past my scales. We like to keep to Aetuja's traditions. It's what makes our clan unique. Why would we choose to change all that?

"Father, come on," Leculx presses a little sternly. "You know as well as we do, that Chief Dazethes isn't gonna move just like that."

"Have I overstepped the line?"

"A little, yes."

"Sorry." He is quick to go silent, awkwardly stabbing at his meat with a fork.

"Anyway. Let's talk about something else." Leculx glances at Akuco, now picking at some small bites on his plate. "You mentioned duties. What sort of duties do you do? I'm intrigued."

Akuco directs his attention to Leculx, the oldest brother. "Well. I'm mainly having to head out in the early mornings daily, to gather whatever the clan needs at the time from the swamp. I'm kinda an errand boy in that respect."

"Out in the dangers of the swamp? Are you serious? Father would never ask me to do that."

"I don't mind, really. It makes me feel responsible for my people, and helps me be a leader for them, especially when others join me on my errand run." Even though it is clear I'm still useless at it. If I wasn't, the dylaroc wouldn't have tried to attack the clan. Jiszuzu wouldn't be in the state he is right now. I tried to fight it, but all I did was freeze up. "Anyway," Akuco says, trying to forget his thoughts. "I like to help out my people. It makes me feel useful."

"I see. That is quite an interesting disposition to your duties, if I do say so myself."

"Thanks."

"So," Okano begins, coaxing Akuco to look his way and listen. "I heard that you initially disliked Aerne's ways, but despite everything, you worked together as a team as though it were natural to you. She looks up to you, you know. All your skills and ways of doing things. So now I ask. What are your skills, and do you have any rivals?"

"Em. I have survival skills. I can fight pretty well. I have quick reflexes. Acute senses. And I'm very capable of memorising all the different paths and dangers of the swamp."

"Any other skills?"

"I'm a skillful puzzle solver. I can harvest well. I mean. All the skills necessary to survive in the wild I can do."

"What about a job? Shouldn't you, you know, start thinking about an occupation?"

"Do I need one? I'm apparently next in line to be chief. Isn't that a job?"

"Oh. I see."

"But I don't really want it. It seems to be too much effort and work."

"It's the most important job of your clan, you know. You should take up the offer. I think you'll be good at it."

Yeah. And then I won't have any time to myself. I'll be too busy organising everything in the clan. I'll be travelling around the world, taking part in boring conversations with other high authority figures. It's not something I want to do. I want to explore. I want to learn new things. He then recalls the other half of Okano's question. His rivalry. "Anyway. When it comes to rivals, I have a few. The main one is a member of my clan. His name is Acuthroa. But Druqaorok and all his lackeys are rivals to me, too. I can't stand them half the time."

"None of us can. He's had altercations with this clan as well."

"But not to the extent he does back at my clan. I think he has his reasons, though. He always tries to capture me for ransom."

"Ah. I see. That's why you needed the fighting and survival skills. To get away from him if you're suddenly captured. Thank you, Akuco."

"Akuco, em," Ijiera tries, but she is quick to go quiet and fiddles with a piece of round fruit on her plate. It does not stop Akuco from glancing at her, though, wondering what she has to say.

"What is it, Ijiera?"

"How do you, you know, feel about me?"

"Em…" Are you serious? Of all the questions you could have asked, you ask that. How can I answer, though? I doubt my feelings are what she expects. I know she's becoming more mature now, but I don't know how to answer her. I guess I have no choice. Just be yourself, Akuco. "I think you're nice, kind, gentle, beautiful…" He pauses, trying to hold back the fact that he is blushing again. "You're fun, too, despite being a little clumsy at times."

"Hey! You ended that on a bad note." She seems to glare at him suddenly.

"I… but… I-It's one of your charms, though. You're attractive, you're fit and healthy. And I like you a lot, I mean, not as much as you might like me, but I do like you." I just don't love you, Ijiera. Not the way you want me to.

"Aww, thanks, Akuco. I like you a lot too. I'm sorry that I put you on the spot, though."

"It's okay. I guess it was something important you needed me to get off my chest. But it's true. You're very beautiful. And you know, when I first saw you today, I didn't quite recognise you at first. I love your eyes."

"My hazel eyes?"

"Yeah. They shine so brightly."

"Thank you. It's nice to hear that from you." Ijiera smiles.

There is silence at the table as everyone returns to their meal, but Akuco believes there may be more questions on the way as he glances at each of them. They are just letting him calm down for a moment or two. It is not until Kamara looks him in the eyes that the quiet is soon broken.

"I'm afraid this next question might put you on the spot too, Akuco," she says before placing an arm over the other while resting them on the table. "Do you have someone true to your heart? Someone you want a future with."

"I do. Her name is Sheisk. I've always wanted a future with her. She's my world, my everything. I feel complete, just being there with her." The way he had answered proves to the entire group about his true feelings, and Ijiera glances at him with what Akuco can only describe as a hidden loss in her eyes that were full of divine hope only moments ago, making his stomach clench up with guilt all of a sudden. Why Kamara asked that question he may never know, but now he regrets answering it so casually. What if Reptilitz did not want to hear that? How would he react, now that he knows? What would Ijiera think of him now? As he glances around, he sees all of their concerning glares, but Reptilitz's one is what makes him now hate himself for what he said. Damn you, Kamara! How could you wait until I was relaxed again to ask that question you knew I would be true to my heart in answering? Now you've ruined whatever the initial intention for this get together was. You've ruined the respect I got from everyone here!

"I see. She must be very special to you."

"You do realise, Akuco," Reptilitz begins, his voice a tone of an intended gloom, making Akuco sweat with anxiety. "The role you must play between our two clans is of great importance. But hearing how you really feel about someone else entirely, goes against the custom that your father and I have agreed to." He pauses, making Akuco gulp with fright as though he is about to be chastised by his father. Ijiera lowers her head, avoiding any eye contact she may have attempted on Akuco.

This is it. Everything they worked towards is now ruined. I ruined it. I damn well ruined it! They hate me. They all hate me! Akuco thinks to himself angrily, wishing he could just leave and never return here again.

"Everything we planned. Everything we worked towards." Reptilitz's tone starts to change into one of rage. "And now I find out that your heart belongs to someone else!" Despite his glare, he takes a deep breath and closes his eyes, perhaps something he was taught in order to hold back any underlying anger he may have. He exhales slowly, masterfully, his contorted face now back to that of a professional, yet Akuco knows Reptilitz's anger is still hidden underneath his guise. "You need to realise how important your choice must be. Especially because you have to know what your father and I have arranged. You are to marry Ijiera when she comes of age, for our two clans to combine as one."

But all Akuco can do is stare in absolute shock amidst the foreboding silence of the room.