He sat in a dimly lit room, his left hand buried in his thick white dreadlocks, which were tied back in a low ponytail. In his right hand, he held a short glass of chnag'aa on ice, the neon green streaks illuminating the dark room. Absentmindedly scratching his head, he played with a loose dreadlock that fell across his face. Letting out a deep breath, he leaned back in his black leather chair, its violet color showing signs of wear. His gaze wandered to the marks on the ceiling, remnants of a leaking roof that needed fixing.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvzUh8Nz3X
His attention shifted to a picture on his desk, showing two boys with wide smiles, revealing their teeth. They wore worn-out dungaree shorts and had bare feet covered in red soil, a stark contrast to their surroundings. The taller of the two held a long stick, while the other had his hands resting on his lap. The memory of how people would point out that Abua, the older brother, was shorter than Otich always annoyed him. He ran his hand over his face and took a sip of his chnag'aa.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eZGAtOQE1
"Where are you, Otich?" He let his upper body fall onto the desk, burying his face in his hands. Just then, the door swung open, interrupting his thoughts, but he didn't raise his head.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVE0WVyGiR
"You better have a good reason for barging in without knocking," he calmly spoke up, facing the familiar presence in front of him.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡao9tSWRehc
A newspaper was dropped on the desk, grabbing his attention. He sat up straight, his eyes immediately drawn to a subheadline at the bottom of the left page. The cover story featured the coronation of Sato, but it was the news about refugees returning to Ringa after the Empotos talks that caught Oche's eye.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDIGilK1hO
"What am I supposed to do with that?" he asked, bringing the paper closer to his face as if reading from a distance was difficult.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJdf9ysLI6
The door opened wider, and a middle-aged man entered the room. White strands blended with the black in his beard and hair, betraying his age. Wrinkles lined his hands, and visible veins and scars hinted at a storied past. In his right hand, he held a cane with a cobra head as the handle, adorned with black crystals. The cane, coated in gold strips around the dark wood, matched the small, barely visible stud in his ear. Two hulking men, their dark skin reminiscent of coal, followed closely behind. Their cold eyes mirrored the depths of the ocean. Clad in dark brown leather vests that revealed their well-earned muscles and scars, they wore black pants and sported shaved, bald heads that gleamed alongside their bulging muscles. Each carried a weapon: the man on the right had a quiver with a bow and arrow, while the other had wrist knives tucked into their sheaths and a rungu with spiked edges hanging from his left side. They positioned themselves behind the average-sized, middle-aged man, resembling giants.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGUsfgYv2N
Unfazed by the imposing figures that entered, Abua reclined in his seat. "Uchao, son of the blowing wind, what can I do for you?" he inquired, settling into his chair as Uchao took a seat opposite him, his two men positioning themselves behind him.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xPmMi1p8E
Uchao grabbed the newspaper and brought it closer to his face. "I can see that Sato has finally been crowned emperor," he remarked. "We all knew it was only a matter of time. Bato has been missing for two years now." He signaled to Oche, who poured a drink for him. "But I know you're not here just to discuss that. Tell me.
"I believe you've seen that the refugees who left here 15 years ago are coming back," Uchao pointed at the headline, catching Abua's attention.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFD87uaxroh
"Yes, Uche was just showing me that. What does that have to do with anything? I assigned you the task of finding my brother, not updating me on the country's progress. It's of less interest to me right now," Abua forced a smile, a familiar gesture to those who knew him. Uchao always despised that smile, anticipating an unnecessary compliment that bordered on insult.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsJoGq3gNe
"Before you get all witty with me, I received news from one of my men that Otich, your brother, is on that boat," Uchao continued, noticing Abua's change in demeanor. Abua sat up in his seat, rubbing his palms together, his focus locked on Uchao's face.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9XIrqZZeh
"He is with a girl, and it appears he's hiding from the golden blood. He fled to Babwe, assumed a new identity, and lived discreetly," Uchao revealed.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0Bw1uLIiU
"He couldn't be in Babwe. I sent most of my informants to search for him there," Abua replied, now standing up, his hands tucked in his black pants pockets, concealing his trembling.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQWXv4Ptk4
"To get what you want in Babwe, you need connections. Money doesn't have the same power there as it does here," Uchao explained, reaching into his pocket and dropping a necklace on the desk, capturing everyone's attention. Abua approached the worn-out leather strap with a wooden ball pendant engraved with an "A." He held it in his hands before placing it in his pocket.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwlCcVcpUa
"When will the ship arrive at the port?" Abua asked, his voice calm and collected, his mind set on finding his brother before the emperor and her people reached him.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOmHoyLhSF
"Tomorrow. Sato spoke with the emperor of Ina, and with some bureaucratic procedures, the refugees who wished to return are being allowed back," Uchao leaned back in his seat, shifting his weight.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5qFr1dYD7
"Why didn't you inform me of this earlier?" Abua leaned over the desk, his gaze piercing.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGypDdl8Dd
Uchao brought his cane between his legs, meeting Abua's menacing look. "I had to be sure. We all remember how you reacted last time when I delivered incomplete news."199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wZIZL7RpD
Abua slumped back into his seat, glancing at his reliable assistant standing near the door. He nodded at her, and she quickly exited the room. Moments later, she returned with a young boy, a year or two younger than her. He was taller than the girl and possessed a more masculine appearance. While she had shoulder-length locks with a shaved right side, he had his entire head shaved, leaving the locks with white edges. His face was clean-shaven, lean, and adorned with a smile, in contrast to her sullen and round-faced expression.
"Iuki, I need you to call me Nana from the dock. I need to get some things straightened out," Abua instructed the boy, whose name was Iuki. Iuki nodded in agreement.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ArEiiSjaP
"Well, Abua, I've delivered the message you've been waiting for. Can I have my payment now?" Uchao stood up from his seat, straightening himself. Oche extended her hands towards Uchao, holding a brown rectangular envelope that was so full it couldn't be closed. Uchao glanced at the envelope before placing it on Abua's desk.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgU3wzdthAc
"This isn't what we agreed upon," Abua tried to remain calm.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ww5nWSsJr
"I know. I'll give you the rest once I see Otich is safe in Iron Blood lands," Uchao stated, standing up and walking past Abua, followed closely by Oche.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoiLTLR4m5
"Where are we going?" Oche asked, struggling to keep up with Abua's brisk pace.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IUySeYjLr
"We're going to Ott," Abua replied matter-of-factly. "My brother is finally coming home."199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGtULPLp5f
A worn-out black wooden door led to a dimly lit room exuding an atmosphere of lawlessness and determination. Sturdy and unremarkable tables were occupied by eccentric and unpredictable individuals. Two prostitutes sat together, surrounding a pot of bussa, while their owner occupied a table a short distance away, drinking alone and keeping a watchful eye on the bar's patrons.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmjU4x94nI
Abua navigated through the dark and filthy room, making his way towards the counter where a solitary light illuminated the bartender. A silver-haired, slender man with a black round earring in his left ear stood behind the counter, serving drinks to the bustling maids.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnhjNuIjab
"What can I get you today, sir?" the silver-haired bartender asked, recognizing Abua with a smile. Abua struggled to keep track of the bartenders at Ott since Nana frequently changed the staff.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUwrgjBmqZ
"A chang'aa on ice," Abua replied, tapping the table twice, a signal that the silver-haired boy understood. He handed Abua his drink with four ice cubes before disappearing into the back, instructing one of the maids to keep an eye on the counter during his absence.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SefFVP2T9
While waiting, Abua turned his attention to the group of prostitutes huddled in the corner, scanning their faces in search of his preference. His gaze settled on a young man wearing a mesh top and leather pants, sitting with crossed legs, holding a cigarette in one hand and a bussa straw in the other. The young man sported an afro adorned with a bright yellow sunflower clip on the right side, matching his nail polish. Abua shifted in his seat, now facing the boy, whose smile became all the more welcoming.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rzyLXJxdC
Abua gestured for him to come over, and without even acknowledging his mistress, the young man extinguished his cigarette and walked towards Abua, placing his hand around his waist. Abua reciprocated by putting his hands around the young man's waist, pulling him closer. He whispered something in his ear, and as the boy moved closer to the light, it became evident that he was older than Oche. The group surrounding the pot of bussa couldn't hide their envy, despite their heavily made-up faces. Even some of the prostitutes who already had clients were annoyed at not securing the most lucrative catch in the bar. Abua noticed the tension and sent a pot of bussa to both groups to alleviate the animosity.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8OqA3fOAI
The silver-haired bartender returned, relieving the girl behind the counter. "She's coming down right now," he informed them.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhlPCVUAWk
Abua was so engrossed in kissing the young man with the afro that it was unclear if he heard the silver-haired bartender's remark or not. 199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0dgnXLGYu
Suddenly, the back door swung open, and a tall, angular woman with gray hair entered the room.
She wore a long, flowing dress that covered her hands and legs, with sheer peekaboo accents from her thighs all the way down to the floor, concealing her high-heeled boots. Despite the incongruity, her enormous sunhat stole the show, just like the sun itself.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1S30aQszGa
"Abua," she greeted cheerfully, nodding to the silver-haired boy who then left.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXgOpPbEAN
Abua returned the nod to Oche and turned to his companion, who blew him a kiss before exiting. "Nana, how are you?"199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdRtDuuokW
She knew that Abua only sought 'fun' after he had dealt with his troubles. She never judged his chosen lifestyle; she owed him a lot. Without his kindness, she would have perished long ago. Her, Iuki, and Yango owed their lives to Abua. Despite what others may say, they failed to see the compassion he had shown them when no one else would.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQNDEOgeOF
"My name is Mweda," the afro boy introduced himself, extending his hand as he caught up to her.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSnttKF6VY
"I'm sure you know who I am," she replied, glancing down at his outstretched hand. Mweda withdrew his hand when she didn't shake it. He pulled out a cigarette from his pocket and lit it, trailing behind her as he continued with his questions.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6ie2OvXdy
"I know you're Oche, Abua's right-hand person."199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJfaqMGGrz
"Then why ask if you already know?" Oche retorted. "Just making conversation?" Mweda took another drag of his menthol cigarette, which seemed to irritate Oche. He persisted with his inquiries. "So why has he come down to Ott?"199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhOxB1Rwuf
"To fetch you, of course," Oche evaded the question, well aware that the emperor had spies everywhere.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6fhTbniNn
"We know if he wanted someone, he could have gone to Usi. They have more skilled individuals there," he said playfully, questioning.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3K1yqNRKuo
"Maybe he missed the excitement of Ott," Oche replied, continuing to walk towards one of Abua's owned buildings. They received nods and greetings, if not salutes, from the people they passed on the streets, clearly demonstrating the influence her boss held over these chaotic yet resilient streets. Graffiti adorned some of the buildings, with neon lights emanating from the occupied homes. While the streets couldn't compare to where the goldbloods lived, it was the reality they knew.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbt4uyWBp4
"I'm just saying, the people in Usi are more attractive. There are days I contemplate paying myself just to have one of those men or women in my arms and between my thighs," he chuckled, glancing at Oche, whose expression turned sour.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFr5jAZHEx
"Do you ever smile?" he asked, his voice laced with concern, as they reached their destination.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHk933flziY
In a neighborhood where most buildings appeared abandoned, it was clear where the iron-bloods resided.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3kE5gzVqF
"I've always wondered what the penthouse in this building looks like," Mweda mused, taking a final drag of his cigarette and extinguishing it under his shiny black boots. He adjusted his shirt, as if trying to fix something. "Let's go."199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9h2GGTOOJ1
They entered the building, which was dimly lit except for a chandelier hanging from the ceiling, casting a subdued glow. The entrance hall had occupied chairs filled with the influential figures of Ironblood. Oche nodded in recognition to those who glanced her way and proceeded towards the elevator.
"Did you notice the fresh roses on the counter?" Mweda broke the silence, his hand quickly covering his mouth as if retracting his words. Oche smiled quietly to herself as the elevator doors closed.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkCM5G78oL
The door opened directly onto the top floor, revealing what could only be Abua's room. The room reflected the occupant's persona. Oche gestured toward the couch next to a side lamp.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKTHsjdbeG
"Do you want something to drink?" she asked, walking towards the open kitchen bar situated in the corner of the room. She poured herself a glass.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwZlRLdgpX
"I'd love some muratina, please. I don't want to mix bussaa and chang'aa," Mweda requested, reaching into his pockets and pulling out what appeared to be a cigarette.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn77d6L4gyo
Oche approached him, glass in hand, and handed it to him. 199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiTGrkyuwG
"I noticed you disliked the cigarette. I hope you partake in the herb," he said, holding up a roughly rolled herb. Oche looked down at it with her expressionless face. She walked to another room and returned with a small box that fit in her hand. She placed it on the couch between them, revealing a neatly arranged assortment: a wooden smoke pipe, a yellow and pink lighter, cigarette rolling paper, and a round tin containing the green herb. Taking the rolling paper, she carefully placed the herb inside and rolled it into a neat joint. Mweda picked up the lighter and flaunted it, displaying his attention to detail.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKgibercKZ
"Now this is a ready-to-smoke herb," she remarked. She took the lighter from Mweda, who now fiddled with it in his hands. Placing the rolled joint between her soft, flirtatious lips, she lit it and took a long drag, exhaling a large cloud of smoke. "I needed that."199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsXWpjYQEy
Mweda took it from her and started smoking, leaning back in his seat to join her. "So, you and Abua are really close?" He turned his head to face her.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53L1sTTHYa
"Why do you say that?" She turned to look at him. Mweda raised his hand, still holding the joint, as evidence to support his claim.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOkyLRWUww
Oche laughed, taking the joint from him. "I am his right hand. I handle things that need to be handled, and that's what has strengthened our relationship. He trusts me."199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCuHsULLF2
"That doesn't reveal everything, you know," he said, tilting his head and observing her beautiful features. "What is he to you? A boss or a father?"199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwIbIlGA4u
Caught off guard, Oche did a poor job of concealing her surprise. She stumbled over her words before composing herself, sitting up straight. She rested her head on her hands, taking a deep breath to calm herself. "Why are you asking all these questions?" She regained control of herself just as the elevator doors chimed, and Abua entered, smiling and with his arms open for a hug. This interrupted Oche and drew her attention away from Mweda. She walked to the kitchen, picking up the now-small rolled joint between her fingers.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFhCBYCXHa
"Finally, you're here," Mweda exclaimed, rising to his feet and walking toward Abua, embracing him. "I thought you left me here with her," he speculated, his hand resting on Abua's shoulder. Abua wrapped his arm around Mweda's waist, and Oche couldn't help but notice their comfort around each other. She extinguished the joint, grabbed her rungu, which she had placed by the door, and walked out.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSbBKuA1Dq
The following morning, the wharf was bustling with activity. People from all corners of the land had gathered, including reporters donning their respective colored attire. Barriers separated the refugees from the onlookers, with the press closest to the action, mingling with soldiers from the Red Lands. The other lands occupied the second row, and a barrier separated the Iron-blood from the rest.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfTN0n0MEK
The moment finally arrived as the ship drew closer and docked. The crowd was overwhelmed with emotion, especially the Iron-blood. They held hope of reuniting with their missing relatives, elated that their loved ones were returning home. 199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHoTMBtOca
A woman stepped off the ship, clutching her scarf tightly. The others followed suit, allowing the crowd to surge forward. It was a joyous day filled with shouts and screams from the Iron-blood, accompanied by their music. Even the emperor had sent her maids to assist, distributing water and food to the weary refugees coming back home.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCM49wrfZLU
In the midst of the crowd, individuals searched for familiar faces, calling out the names of their loved ones in hopes of a response. The air resonated with cries of joy as some spotted their long-lost family members. They were then guided to a tent where a man and a woman diligently recorded the returning refugees' details, following the necessary protocols.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqqC81SL6x
"We need to blend in," the boy whispered.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwghUZ2HSfu
"What names should we use?" the girl replied in a low tone, cautious not to attract attention.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cxzO16f9r
"We'll use the names we've always used. We need to find my brother," he said, tiptoeing and scanning the Iron-blood crowd. Suddenly, a firm grip caught his arm, and he turned to see a hooded figure, clearly trying to remain unseen.
"I think we are..." He turned to look at the girl he was with, but she had vanished. She had been right beside him moments ago. Panic surged through him as he scanned the faces in the crowd, desperately trying to locate her. She was the last connection he had to his late wife. He raised his head above the crowd, resisting the urge to call out her name. Breaking free from the grasp on his arm, he pushed his way through the bustling crowd, frantically searching for his daughter. He sprinted to the front of the line, scanning the area, but she was nowhere to be found. It hit him like a wave crashing against the shore—his daughter was lost.199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKO8sgCv772
"We need to leave before you're spotted by the emperor's guards," the hooded figure appeared, placing a reassuring hand on his arm.
199Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUiudwvVF4
