Months had passed since we’d left the Vermine Kingdom and started this wild goose chase for Komraad. Now, finally, we are here. We were standing in his hometown, Kurrbryde.

 

The place was a total spectacle. It didn't look like any village we’d seen before. Trees as massive as skyscrapers stood everywhere. The Beastkin had built their homes inside and around the massive trees. Not just the architecture, but the residents, plants, and creatures were all new. Every face we saw belonged to someone who was half-human, half-dog. All of them looked tough, rugged, and completely self-assured. We were, quite clearly, the only humans in the vicinity.

 

Erica walked us through the area, giving us a quick tour and running through the essential dos and don’ts of the village. I noticed right away that everyone knew her, and not just by name, they knew her vibe. She seemed ridiculously popular. I had to wonder why.

 

This place was huge and packed with things to see, so we decided to wander a bit. We snagged a few souvenirs and taste-tested some of the local delicacies.

 

“How was it, girls?” Erica asked, checking in.

 

“We’re having the best time of our lives!” I responded happily.

 

“This place is stunning, and the food is so good!” Astrid chimed in. The others nodded in agreement.

 

“That’s great, but I’m about to make it even better,” Erica said, her grin wide with excitement.

 

“Wait, what do you mean?” I asked, leaning closer.

 

“Every year, a huge land crab wanders into our borders. And, unfortunately for the crab, it’s delicious,” Erica explained. “It’s a tradition that the village leader hunts one down and shares the meat with the entire village. Lucky for you, today’s the day, and you’re about to taste the best food you’ve ever had.”

 

Our eyes went wide with anticipation, and our stomachs instantly rumbled. Not only were we getting a show, but we were also getting a feast exclusive to this tribe.

 

Erica led us toward the venue. When we got there, a massive crowd had already gathered, and the hunt was underway. Their cheers echoed off the giant trees. The satisfaction they got just from watching their Leader fight was intense.

 

Thanks to Erica’s connections, we somehow scored a front-row spot, giving us an up-close view. I finally got a look at the crab. It was colossal, easily big enough to feed the entire village with its promised tender meat. Then I looked at the Beastkin Leader. She was gigantic, easily three times Erica’s height, and absolutely jacked. The sheer power radiating from her was enormous, enough to make anyone who felt it shiver in place.

 

The fight was intense, but it was obviously a one-sided beatdown. The Leader’s defense was impenetrable. The crab’s attacks didn't even scratch her. It swung a claw at her, but instead of taking damage, the crab’s claw tore in half. At first, the Leader seemed to be just toying with it, like a cat with its food. But after exhausting the crab, she finally went all out, finishing it with one final move. She leaped high into the air, the force of her jump shaking the ground, and slammed her fist directly onto the crab’s head. Its shell shattered into a thousand pieces.

 

The hunt was done, and the crowd roared a deafening battle cry. We’d had fun watching, but now, it was time for business.

 

After the spectacle, everyone started to scatter to return to their routines, but we stayed put. Chefs immediately moved in to butcher the crab for the communal feast.

 

The Leader was resting nearby, drinking water to restore her energy, when Erica suddenly approached her. I was confused for a second, but then it clicked the moment they started talking.

 

“Hi, Mother. I’m back,” Erica said, giving the Leader a big hug.

 

“My sweet daughter. Why didn’t you tell me you were back?” She asked, embracing Erica.

 

“I just got here, actually,” Erica responded.

 

Ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh????? W-what did I just hear? The Leader is Erica’s mom??? Okay, that makes perfect sense for her popularity. Wait… if she’s Erica’s Mom, then that means the Leader is also Komraad’s Mom!

 

My brain completely short-circuited. While I was still trying to process the family dynamics, Erica smoothly introduced us.

 

“Mother, I want you to meet Ina and the girls.”

 

The Leader, however, was clearly not thrilled to see us.

 

“My goodness, Erica, why did you bring humans in here? I told you specifically in the letter we’re facing a crisis. I cannot have outsiders getting mixed up in this,” she scolded, a clear hint of disappointment in her voice.

 

“They’re actually here for my brother. They traveled a long way just to see him,” Erica explained quickly.

 

“Ugh, I don’t have time for this. I have matters I need to attend to. Let’s finish this conversation back at home,” the Leader responded, dismissing us.

 

The Leader walked off first, and we followed soon after.

 

“Wow, that actually went way better than I expected,” Erica admitted, sighing in relief.

 

“What do you mean by that?” I asked, completely curious.

 

“I honestly expected my mother to kick all of you out immediately,” Erica explained, shaking her head.

 

“Ehhhhh? Thank goodness she didn't then,” I responded, wiping a bead of sweat from my brow.

 

“I’m just glad it worked out. Let's not waste any more time. We need to head home right away so you all can finally rest and clean up.”

 

“Finally! I totally stink and need a bath!” Astrid announced loudly. “Yeah, me too,” Rein agreed. The other two girls were nodding just as enthusiastically.

 

As we walked toward Erica's home, one thing kept bugging me. I was curious about this "crisis" they kept mentioning. But if they were in a crisis, why did everyone, including the Leader, seem so chilled out? They were still going through their normal, daily routines.

 

We reached Erica’s home a few minutes after our tense conversation. We gasped when we saw the sheer size of it. Their mansion was built inside a tree, positioned right in the middle of the village, and it was the biggest tree we had ever seen.

 

“We’re here,” Erica announced.

 

“Whoa, that is one huge house!” Astrid exclaimed.

 

“It’s even bigger than the palace back home,” Raya whispered, impressed.

 

“Mom, look at all the guards and servants surrounding the mansion. There are so many!” Fae noticed, pointing.

 

“Their status is clearly equivalent to royalty,” Rein observed.

 

We were stopped at the gate by several servants who quickly took charge of our carriage and baggage. We proceeded inside. The interior was stunning. Most of their furnishings were made of wood, carved and sculpted to perfection. Whoever was behind this artwork was seriously a legend.

 

The mansion was so immense it took us several minutes just to walk through one corridor.

 

“Let’s all take a bath before we go talk to Mother again,” Erica suggested.

 

We readily agreed and headed straight for the bathroom. After taking a refreshing bath and changing clothes, a servant appeared and guided us to our room.

 

“I’ll leave you girls to yourselves for a while. Let’s meet up later,” Erica said.

 

“Okay, later,” we responded.

 

The servant led us into our room, and again, we were astonished by how spacious and comfy it was. Our bags were already there, and food was waiting on the table. We refilled our bellies and promptly collapsed onto the beds to rest and prepare ourselves for the impending confrontation.

 

“This is life!” Astrid shouted, immediately bouncing on the massive bed.

 

“Astrid, be careful not to break anything,” I reminded her.

 

The girls were having a fierce pillow fight when a servant knocked, catching our attention.

 

“Excuse me, dear guests. The Leader is ready to see you. Please follow me,” the servant said.

 

We followed her to the Leader’s audience room. Lady Nilda was seated on a massive chair that definitely looked like a throne. Erica was already standing beside her. Near them was a man who shared a resemblance with both Erica and Komraad, a clear father figure. 

 

Ah, I see where Komraad gets his height from now. Based on what I saw, the females of their race are definitely taller than the males.

 

“Hey girls, did you all get some rest?” Erica asked warmly.

 

“We did, thank you for asking,” I responded.

 

Lady Nilda wasted no time. Her presence was so potent that just standing in front of her was intimidating.

 

“Humans, my name is Nilda, and I am the Leader of this village.”

 

“It is an honor to meet you, Lady Nilda,” Raya responded with a perfect, deep bow. We quickly copied her, figuring the royal knew best how to handle this intense situation.

 

“You said earlier you wanted to see my son. What is your relationship with him? I initially thought those girls were his daughters and that he ran away from his duties, but Erica cleared that up. So I repeat, what is he to you?”

 

“Komraad is a companion and close friend of ours. We just want to clear something up, and we want to hear it directly from him,” I answered, keeping my voice steady.

 

“My son does not have friends, nor does he have any interest in making them. And for him to befriend humans is simply impossible.”

 

That set me off. Her answer pissed me right off. It was like she didn’t know her own son at all. I couldn't hold it in any longer.

 

“How can you possibly know if your son made a friend when he spent his whole life living in a forest far away from here? He ran away from this place for a reason, and I think I know why.”

 

Lady Nilda was furious, but she managed to stay composed, though her fingers gripped the armrests so hard I thought the stone chair might crack.

 

“What are you implying? That I don’t know my own son? Ha! Big talk coming from you. For someone who claims to be his friend, you don’t seem to know him at all.”

 

“Oh no, this is not good,” Erica whispered, stepping back slightly.

 

The Leader and I were ready to snap at each other again. My rage was boiling, but I held onto it for the girls’ sake. I also hated myself because I realized Nilda had a point. I really didn't know Komraad at all, even after a year of friendship.

 

Lady Nilda’s rage was radiating, her presence alone almost suffocating. The girls were overwhelmed and pressed themselves behind me.

 

“Mom, I’m scared,” Fae whispered into my back. The others were clearly just as terrified. I gripped their hands firmly, trying to transfer my calm strength to them.

 

“Look, we just want to talk to Komraad, please. After that, you’ll never see us again,” I pleaded, taking a step back from the confrontation.

 

“My son came home a month ago and has barely spoken a single word to us. What makes you think he won’t do the same to you?” she challenged.

 

Fae, bless her brave heart, found her voice and stepped forward. “We’ll never know unless we try, so please give us a chance.”

 

The atmosphere finally eased slightly. Lady Nilda clearly had a soft spot for the kids, forcing her to stay composed in front of them.

 

She sighed dramatically. “Even if I allowed it, I don’t know where my son is. He’s probably sleeping wherever he feels like it around village. He has this massive house all to himself, yet he still chooses to sleep outside just to avoid us. That boy is so thick-headed, I just don’t understand him.”

 

“Don’t worry, Ms. Nilda, we’ll manage to find him. Thank you,” Rein spoke up, offering a grateful smile.

 

“Fine, do whatever you want. After all, I can’t resist adorable kids like you,” the Leader conceded. She then pinned me with a glare. “But you, rude woman, you are a different topic. I will never like you.”

 

“Don’t worry, the feeling is mutual,” I shot back instantly.

 

“Grr… Why, you little-”

 

We were about to launch into another argument, but thank goodness, a literal miracle happened. A guard burst into the room, panting, with urgent news.

 

“L-Leader! Emergency! Your giant butterworts caught fire! A witness said lightning suddenly struck and burned your plants!”

 

Note: Butterwort is a type of carnivorous plant.

 

“What?! How is that even possible? The sky is perfectly clear! Ugh… We’ll continue this later, humans. Wait, my babies! Mama is coming!” The Leader rushed out of the room in a panic to tend to her prized flora.

 

The girls stared at me with intense knowing looks. They all knew my bad luck powers had caused that 'thunder' strike when I felt threatened. Honestly, she had it coming.

 

“Phew! That was intense. Glad that’s over,” Erica said, approaching us with relief.

 

The man who had been standing silently nearby also stepped forward. He bowed his head and offered an apology on his wife’s behalf.

 

“I am so sorry about my wife. She has a hard time controlling her temper, much like our son. I hope you can forgive her.”

 

“Oh no, please don’t apologize,” I said quickly.

 

He lifted his head and smiled warmly. “My name is Kedrick, and I am the father of Komraad and Erica, and Nilda’s husband.”

 

“It’s very nice to meet you, Sir Kedrick. My name is Ina, and these girls are Fae, Rein, Astrid, and Raya.”

 

Komraad’s father radiated a positive, welcoming energy, completely unlike the Leader. I felt instantly at ease talking to him.

 

“It’s wonderful to meet you all, and thank you for traveling all this way for my son. He can be a prick sometimes, but underneath it, he really is kind.”

 

“Yes, sir, he certainly is,” I responded, thinking of his complicated personality.

 

“I truly hope you find him and talk some sense into him. In the meantime, please feel free to roam around the house or the village. I must take my leave and follow my dear wife now.”

 

“We will, thank you.”

 

He left the room to join his wife outside. The only ones left were me, the girls, and Erica.

 

“So, what now?” I asked Erica.

 

“Mom, can I go back to the village? I saw some new plants out there that Grandma recorded in her medical book. I need to study them!” Fae insisted. “I want to come with her, too!” Raya followed immediately.

 

“Me too, Mom! I want to learn how to hunt!” Astrid demanded. Rein also voiced her interest in learning more about the place.

 

“Okay, okay, I’ll come with you,” I conceded.

 

“No, you’re not,” Erica cut in, pulling me firmly toward her. “You’re coming with me. I have something I want to show you.”

 

“B-but, I can’t leave my daughters alone,” I protested.

 

“Don’t worry. I’ll have guards and servants accompany them,” Erica assured me.

 

I agreed to her suggestion. The girls happily rushed out of the mansion and back into the village, while Erica led me off to another part of the house.

 

“Phew, that was a total disaster back there,” I sighed, letting my guard down.

 

“I know, right? Mother is really hard to please, but she’s also incredibly dependable, which is why everyone loves her,” Erica responded.

 

We were having a casual chat when I remembered something I forgot to bring up earlier.

 

“Hey, Erica. I’m still curious about this crisis you keep talking about. Is it relevant to why you and Komraad came back home?”

 

“Oh, I’m glad you asked. We’re actually on the brink of war. Mother received a letter from the Featherlights. They’re basically threatening us that they’ll attack with full force if we don’t surrender and work for them.”

 

Featherlights? Wait, isn’t that Raya’s race? I thought, stunned.

 

“Whoa, war is a huge deal! Why aren’t you guys preparing?” I asked, completely shocked.

 

“The public doesn’t know. Mother wanted to avoid panic, so she’s keeping it quiet between us, the guards, and the elders.”

 

“But still… if it could happen at any moment, why aren’t you doing more?”

 

“Jeez, Ina, you worry too much. Mother is already preparing everyone who can fight. We are the Beastkin, proud hunters. We don’t go down without a fight. We’ve been prepped for this kind of thing forever, so chill out.”

 

I guess I was panicking for nothing. I was just thrown off by the gravity of the word 'war.'

 

“I see now why Komraad came back, even if it was against his will. He should have just told us about it.”

 

“Actually, there’s more to why he came back. The thing is, my brother is absolutely essential to winning this war.”

 

I was about to ask why Komraad was so crucial when her attention snapped to something else.

 

“Oh, we’re here. Come on, Ina, you are going to love this.” Erica pulled me along without explaining her earlier comment. I was left with a massive question mark floating above my head. We entered a room, and I was shocked by what I saw.

 

“Where are we?” I asked, looking around.

 

“This used to be my brother’s room.”

 

The entire room was filled with wood sculptures.

 

“What’s with all these carvings?” I asked, amazed.

 

“My brother made them all himself. He used to absolutely love carving wood when we were kids.”

 

I was astonished to think that the gruff, combat-focused Komraad was capable of creating such beautiful artwork.

 

“Wow, really? I honestly can’t believe it.”

 

“Yeah, he’s just the best. On my eleventh birthday, my brother and I went into the woods to find some rare wood so he could carve me a present. But something terrible happened, and after that day, we never saw or talked to each other again.”

 

Erica’s tone had changed, laced with a genuine sadness.

 

“Is that why Komraad completely snapped when I brought up the word 'birthday' during our argument back home?” I whispered to myself.

 

“What was that, Ina?” Erica asked. I totally forgot how sensitive their hearing could be.

 

“Ah… nothing, just talking to myself. Wait, actually… I do have a question.”

 

“What is it?”

 

“Komraad and I had an argument before he left, and it was about birthdays. Does that have anything to do with the tragedy you mentioned earlier?”

 

“I think it does. But it’s really something you need to hear directly from him.”

 

“I see. You’re right, that’s a better idea.”

 

We stayed in the room for a long time, admiring the wood carvings and talking about her family and their past. I was so glad I came here. I was finally learning more about the complicated person Komraad was. We were so caught up in our conversation that we didn’t notice the sun had set.

 

“Is it this late already? The girls are probably on their way back,” I noted to Erica.

 

“Okay, let’s go wait for them at the gate,” she responded.

 

We walked to the gate, and thankfully, it only took a few minutes before the girls arrived. They looked totally exhausted but completely satisfied. We headed in, ate dinner, and crashed into bed almost immediately.

 

“Rest well, girls. Tomorrow we’re having a festival! They’ll be serving that crab meat in the middle of the village tomorrow night, so gather as much energy as you can. Good night,” Erica said before leaving.

 

“Good night to you too,” we responded.

 

The girls were out cold the second their heads hit the pillow.

 

I wasn’t tired yet. I lay there, going over every possible way to approach Komraad once we finally met. Everything that had happened on this journey had only hardened my resolve. No matter what excuse he gives, I am not giving up on him. Just wait, Komraad. We're coming for you.