CHAPTER 4: THE TRIBE OF THE ORPHANS

And so, my life together with eleven new people began.

It was a difficult endeavor; I’d say I’m not prepared for it. I became the ‘guardian’ of these children—Minahaba included. I had to juggle my roles as a camp doctor, chef (for I had to cook for them every breakfast, lunch, and supper), part-time advisor to Konka (she would listen to some of my suggestions from time to time), and part-time ‘engineer/supervisor’ to the fortifications being built (because I suggested it, according to Konka).

Good thing some of those kids are helpful and would assist me in my work whenever they want to.

As for my classes? Well, it was discontinued. No one among the ‘normal’ Beastmen children dared to come and play near the orphans, maybe because of the latter’s bad reputation. Of course, I knew where they were coming from; though I do not agree with their reasons. Back when I was a child, my parents wouldn’t let me play outside the house…for fear of being influenced by ‘bad kids’. Honestly, while it was quite sad, it was also a heaven-sent because I could allot more time and attention in shaping up my little companions.

“Kyaaa!”

“Come back here, you!”

Since I’m in charge of these guys, I had them do drills and combat training sessions. Ah, it was another horror story, for they were kids. It’s perfectly normal though, for them to be whiny and ill-disciplined. However, this was a different world, and we’re in an uncertain situation; as much as I wanted them to just play and give no care to the problems of their surroundings, I had to be strict in instilling self-control in them.

“I got you now Rishnu!”

“Kyaaaahahahahaha!”

But I didn’t set aside the fact that they were still young. While shaping them up to be good warriors, I would also give them moments to play around during their free time.

“Okay guys, that’s enough!” I called out to everyone, “Breakfast is ready! Eat now so we can start the training later.”

“What?”

“Yay! Food!”

At once, the children stopped at whatever they were doing and started racing towards where I was standing.

“Hey!” it was Minahaba, who was furious, “Don’t just leave your toys around and run! Get back here!”

However, no one paid attention to her words. Like hungry animals vying for food, they scrambled to be the first on the breakfast table. The falcon-girl ran after them to make them listen.

“Ahh! Big sis is gaining on us!”

“Hahahaha! Catch us if you can!”

“Get in line, guys!” I tried stopping them, blocking the doorway into my hut, “No one’s having breakfast if you’re this unruly—”

“Aaahh! Chief, don’t get in the way!” Minahaba tried to warn me, but it was too late for me to dodge. I was about to be crushed by the onrushing Beastmen children.

“Kyaa!”

“Ugh!”

“!!!”

At that moment, Ursura came up and single-handedly tackled everyone away from me. That put a stop to their stampede.

----------

“Goodness, you brats!” the bear-woman admonished them as she dusted herself, “Have you forgotten that your chief, Kuro, is a human? You almost killed him!”

“Sorry chief…” the orphans chorused, their enthusiasm was lost after they got reprimand instead of food, courtesy of Ursura and Minahaba.

“Ah, it’s fine guys!” I reassured them, “Though next time, don’t rush to your food. Aside from injuring yourself, you might hit someone else.”

“Tch. You’re too kind with these idiots, Chief!” Minahaba rebuked me, “That’s why they’re not following your rules properly!”

“It’s okay; they’re just children—”

“I agree with the falcon-girl, Kuro,” Ursura added, “I thought you’re going to teach them how to be good warriors? How will you do it when you’re that soft on them?”

“Come on now, no one’s gravely injured, so it’s all okay. Besides, they promised me they won’t do it again, right guys?”

“Yes, Chief Kuro!” the children answered in unison.

“See?”

“That’s the third time they promised that, and yet it happened again,” Ursura shook her head, “I told you, adopting these kids is a bad idea.”

“Hey, bear-woman!” it was Minahaba, “I don’t know who you are, nor do I care about your connection to our chief. But I don’t like you bad-mouthing my brothers and sisters!”

“Well, if you got what it takes to pick up a fight against me, I suggest you turn it to disciplining your kin, falcon-girl.”

“Oi, stop it guys.” Honestly, not only I was stressed out in taking care of the Beastmen children, but I also had to make sure that Ursura and Minahaba would keep their proper distance from each other. Ever since the latter came to my household, the former had been frequently visiting me to check on my situation.

Of course, Ursura’s bound to say something about what she sees, though I’d appreciate it if she just keeps silent.

“Ugh, you know Kuro, your kindness would really kill you.”

“Yeah, I’m aware of it.”

“The bear-woman’s right, Chief,” Minahaba joined in, “Though I don’t like her tongue, I agree with her in this one.”

Wow, you two hate each other’s guts, yet you really have to unite when scolding me, huh?

----------

I’m kind? I think that’s quite funny to hear. Perhaps it’s because these people weren’t aware of the term ‘child-soldier’, that they saw me as a ‘kind’ human.

However…

“Put more weight on your attacks, Teviki!”

“Y-Yes, chief!” the little tiger-girl tried attacking me with everything she’s got. Nevertheless, I simply parried off her dummy weapon. “Oof!”

“Teviki!” coming to her aid were her fellow members from the tiger tribe, Colheen, and Yufos.

“Don’t worry; Teviki is alright!” the tiger-girl was quickly back on her feet and dusted herself.

Guess these kids are more than what they look like.

“See, when you hesitate to attack the enemy, you could be hurt…or worse, end up killed,” I explained to them as we go through our combat training. “When you fight, end it as quick as possible. Don’t let them fool you into prolonging the battle; attack as soon as you find the opportunity.”

The orphans just nodded and watched as I showed how to put a quick end to an enemy. Ursura and Minahaba were on the sidelines; I guess the falcon-girl knew how to fight on her own.

“Now, I’d like Rishnu to attack me.”

“H-Huh? C-Chief?” the mantis-girl was taken aback by my orders for her, “But—”

“Come on, do it!” I quickly overruled her objections; heck, in battle, there’s no room for second thoughts.

“I-I’m s-scared, C-Chief—”

“!!!”

Our conversation was interrupted when someone else attacked me. Good thing my experiences in my past battles had come into play, for I instinctively evaded Luka’s dummy weapon aimed at my throat. Even Ursura and Minahaba were surprised.

“I’m going to beat you up, Chief!” Luka screamed, much to the horror of his peers. I could feel that he wanted to attack me for real, but this was where my experiences set us apart. Just as he lunged once again for a second thrust, I quickly maneuvered around him and easily-wrested away his dummy weapon.

“What are you doing, Luka?” the falcon-girl scolded the dog-boy.

“No, don’t reprimand him,” I told her, “What Luka did is right; this is a battle scenario. He didn’t hesitate to attack me when he had the opportunity. This is what I’m trying to teach them.”

Minahaba, though I could clearly tell that she’s reluctant, backed down. I glanced at Ursura; I guess she understood I didn’t want anyone to intervene.

With a smirk on my face, I turned to Luka, “You must still be angry at me for catching you back at the construction site.”

Luka never uttered a word. Among the ten children, he’s the silent one, almost brooding. Whenever his friends would play, he’s the kid who’d rather spend his time doing something else.

Pretty much like me when I was younger.

“Alright guys, watch and learn from your friend here, Luka,” I threw back the dummy weapon in his direction, and the dog-boy picked it up. “If you wanted to get back at me for what happened, now’s your chance, buddy!”

Luka never wasted time talking back. He quickly resumed his offensive, throwing slashes and thrusts, most of which were aimed at my neck.

I’d say, this kid knows how to kill.

However, like a warrior who’s bent on defeating his rival, I returned the favor by properly fighting the dog-boy. With the wooden training sword in my left hand, I parried Luka’s attacks.

“Ohh!!!”

I could hear the cheers from the others as the dog-boy and I exchanged blows—though I had to be careful not to injure Luka severely. Left-hand parrying, right arm on the attack, with my legs trying to make him lose his footing, soon the dog-boy realized that he’s fighting a veteran.

“Graah! Stop making me for a fool, Chief! You’re only a human!” Luka shouted as he jumped and lunged toward me.

Guess it’s time for me to finish this.

“!!!”

Like what I did earlier, I maneuvered around Luka as he fell to the ground and wrested his dummy weapon from his hands. Then, with my right arm, I pinned him down by his back.

“Well, another lesson you should learn guys, is that whenever you fight, keep your cool,” I chuckled, “A lot of battles didn’t end well for those who were quick to get pissed at their enemy.”

----------

And so, our training session for the ‘day’ finally ended. I guess everyone learned the value of using every part of your body as an offensive ‘weapon’ against an enemy after my mock fight with Luka.

“…”

Well, to me at least, it’s a mock fight.

“Hey, Chief!” it was Minahaba. She brought me a mug of water as I rested by the doorway of my hut. Ursura was watching the kids play in the distance.

“What?”

“About Luka…I apologize for his rash actions. Please don’t punish him.”

“Nah, I understand he wants to take revenge on me for what happened to you and the others,” I smiled, contemplating the events.

“Luka’s pretty protective towards us…” the falcon-girl mused, “Humans violated and killed his mother right before his very eyes.”

“I see…and it didn’t help that it was another human who almost caused his friends to die, huh?”

Minahaba nodded.

“Ah, I also didn’t like the idea of you guys getting executed because of me. I mean, you’re just victims of the situation.”

“Thank you for being kind to us, Chief. You’re one weird human.”

“Haha…I get that most of the time.”

“Hmm…don’t you worry, Chief! We Beastmen won’t turn back on our words; I’ll convince the others to serve you well.”

“That won’t be necessary.”

“Eh?”

“Honestly, I wanted to earn your trust guys; not because I forced you, but you decided that I’m worthy of your respect.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, Chief.”

“Thanks,” I patted Minahaba’s shoulder, “And uh, you know…”

“Hmm?”

“You really should stop calling me ‘Chief’.”

“That’s one thing I won’t do,” the falcon-girl stuck out a tongue on me. “See you around Chief!”

----------

***Konka’s hut***

As the leader of the growing community of Beastman refugees, Konka would always make herself available every end of the ‘long sleep’. She would sit by the doorway of her hut, on a special chair that she had made, and would judge cases brought to her or hear some petitions of the tribes that needed help.

Of course, sometimes the elders would send gifts and pay homage to her.

“Oh holy maiden, we come before you to give our utmost respects,” the delegates from the tribe of the Tiger kneeled as they give their offerings of food and pelts.

“Thank you, tribe of the Tiger,” Konka motioned for one of her guards to receive the gifts, “Are there any problems you want to bring to my attention?”

“Because of your great wisdom, we have none, Your Holiness!”

“That’s good to hear.”

“However…”

“Hm?”

“Our elder, Chief Giyama, would like to send you a warning about the human you have taken in, Your Holiness.”

“What about the Lord Kuro?”

“Ever since the Lord Kuro had adopted those thieves, he had been training them relentlessly for fighting.”

“I don’t see any problem with that. Those orphans have no one to teach them about hunting.”

“While it is indeed seemed innocuous, milady, our chief sends these words: humans are not to be trusted, for they always look for chances to destroy us. Who knows if the Lord Kuro is building his own army to rival yours?”

At that moment, Konka fell silent. With her head resting on her hand, she pondered about what the elder of the Tiger tribe had said.

Meanwhile, the Tiger tribe delegates gave their respects and left.

----------

***Kuro***

Since I became the unofficial camp doctor, there were moments when I’d go on rounds at the refugee settlement just to make sure that no one was sick or injured. I didn’t want a repeat of the near-outbreak of cholera from before, see? Though most of the refugees had been following my ‘personal hygiene’ recommendations, I couldn’t be too complacent; our population was getting bigger every moment.

Also, just a side note, Maddie’s god-power was really handy in building relationships with the villagers; once reviled, now they looked up to me as somewhat ‘weird, but kind’ guy.

And in line with my goals to ‘rehabilitate’ the reputation of the orphans I adopted, I’d make sure that at least someone would accompany me. You know, just to show to the villagers that the children were being reformed. This time, it was the shy and timid Rishnu who came along. Honestly, this mantis-girl was the tallest among my charges, but she’s the gentlest.

“Alright, a few loops more, and the bandage should be done.”

“Y-Yes, Chief.”

The Beastman we’re healing fell from a certain height after slipping from the scaffolding on the ramparts being constructed. The tiger-man’s bone wasn’t broken, but there was a huge gash on his leg that required a tourniquet. It’s a good thing Rishnu’s dainty, and careful approach to first aid was really useful in situations like these since the patients were assured that healing them won’t be a painful business.

“Okay, that’s enough,” I told her, “This is how you apply a tourniquet. It’s for stopping the bleeding, see?”

The mantis-girl nodded as she closely watched how I healed the bear-man’s wound. Soon enough, the injury was no more; it’s as if the accident didn’t happen.

“It’d be good if you guys began wearing harnesses on your waist so that this type of accident won’t happen again,” I said to Banu, who was also at the scene.

“Harnesses, milord?”

“Yeah, it’s just a long rope tied to your waist. Have a piece of cloth wrapped around it so that it won’t hurt you. The other end should be tethered to a secure post so that when you slipped, you won’t fall easily.”

“I see…it’ll be done.”

“Great. Now let this guy rest for a moment. He must be in shock of what happened to him.”

Banu nodded and ordered the others to carry their fellow Beastman to the shed, where some other workers were resting.

“Milord?”

“Hm?”

“That Insetus girl; she’s one of those children you adopted, right?” Banu asked, with his eyes filled with curiosity.

“Yep. Her name’s Rishnu, and as you can see, her fingers are great for doing first aid.”

“I see…we just can’t believe that she’s a former thief.”

“Haha…I’m glad you noticed that.” Well, it’s the purpose of what I’m doing, anyway. At least I got good feedback; meant it’s working!

----------

Rishnu, honestly, could fit for the role of an assassin. She could move with no one noticing, and her hands were careful and precise. However, she was averted from hurting anyone, even in practice sparring. That’s why she was a favorite of her peers whenever we do training.

Like Teviki, who would always want to be partnered with her, since the little tiger-girl would be assured of a win in the sparring sessions. There were times we really had to separate them, and Rishnu ended up afraid of Teviki because of that.

I guess Rishnu isn’t suited for killing. If that’s the case, maybe helping me in medical matters might be her strength…

“Chief?”

“Yes?”

“Can I ask a question?”

“Anytime. What is it?”

“Uhm…I’m just curious,” the mantis-girl said, almost whispering, “You can heal all sickness and fix all injuries, right, Chief?”

“Well, I can’t resurrect the dead.”

“Oh…” Rishnu then continued, “Then why don’t you just wait for the villagers to come to you to be healed? Don’t you think it’s more tiring to go around the camp looking for the sick and injured?”

I turned to the mantis-girl and chuckled, “Well, you see, I’m attacking the source of the problem rather than the problem itself?”

“Huh? What do you mean, Chief?”

“Why do you think a Beastman gets sick or injured?”

“I think I remember you said before that it’s because they are not thorough with their ‘personal hygiene’, or careful with their ‘workplace’?”

“Yep precisely. You see, if I’d just heal them, what do you think would happen?”

“They would always come to you for healing.”

“And? What would happen if I’m doing something at the moment?”

“Well…you can’t focus your attention on the person who needs healing,” Rishnu then went quiet for a few moments before saying, “Oh, I think I get it. You’re going around seeking for the sick and injured then teach them about what to do to avoid the same problems in the future?”

“Yes, that’s what I mean by ‘attacking the source of the problem’,” I gave the mantis-girl a pat on the head, though it took me a bit of effort to reach it, “Though my healing magic can solve all sickness and injuries, I’m only one person—I couldn’t be everywhere at once.”

“You’re really kind, Chief.”

“Haha…I’m surprised you can say that after I scared you into attacking me before.”

Rishnu shook her head, “I wanted to be of help to you Chief, but…I fear of hurting anyone. My brother, before he died, asked me to live peacefully.”

“Oh…is that so? Well, I won’t force you to learn to fight.”

“Chief, I also want to be of use…just that, not in battles.”

“But well, I can assure you, we’ll always be in battles,” I already knew what she would do; but in any case, I’d like to joke around with her, so I said, “If you can’t be on the battlefield, then you won’t have any role in it.”

Rishnu fell silent. I could feel her desire to help me, though she’s conflicted about whether to follow her brother’s principles. “Then, if it is like that Chief, teach me how to kill—”

“Nah, that won’t be necessary,” I laughed while interrupting her, “I’m just joking!”

“Eh?”

“Just stick with your promise to your brother; you won’t kill, but you’d still be on the battlefield, nonetheless.”

“W-What do you mean, Chief?”

“You remember well the first aid techniques I taught you?” I smiled, “If so, you’ll be a battlefield medic.”

----------

And so with that in mind, I came up with a new idea on how we fight our battles.

“…”

See, with what happened between Luka and me, as well as my conversation with Rishnu and her resolve to ‘help’ rather than ‘kill’, it’d be impossible to ignore the individual ‘fighting styles’ of my charges. For example, the rabbit children had a noticeable speed and skill in evasion. The dog kids could smell and detect people from a distance. The tigers were unmatched in their strength, even the little Teviki. And the Insetus were stealthy.

“…”

As such, I drew up plans on how these guys would coordinate on the battlefield.

“Listen up, starting this moment, you’ll be assigned roles on how you would fight,” I began explaining to them through my illustrations, “Senna, Gero, and Taro, you guys would serve as skirmishers. A skirmisher’s role is to harass the enemy by attacking them from a distance. With your speed and skills in evading, this is how you fight: hit the enemy fast and then run back to safety.”

“Yes, Chief!” the three rabbits said in unison.

“The tigers, Teviki, Colheen, and Yufos, you’re all physically powerful. So your position in the battlefield would be in the main line, where your strength and endurance in battles are needed to destroy the enemy.”

“Yay! Chief called Teviki powerful!” the little tiger-girl jumped happily. Colheen and Yufos just nodded to me.

“Rumia and Luka, your ability to detect people for several miles could be used in scouting missions and pursuit operations. You can fight in the main line, but your skills would shine best when the enemy is broken and is trying to flee.”

“Yes Chief, we understand!” Rumia replied, taking a glance at her friend Luka, who was silent.

“Luka, did you understand what I said?”

“Tch,” was the only reaction I got from him. Minahaba was quick to hit him in the head.

“At least answer your chief properly, brat!” Ursura told him as well.

“Y-Yes, Chief Kuro!” he finally replied.

“Good. As for the Insetus…” I turned to Rishnu and Yufa, “You guys would serve as battlefield medics.”

“Huh?” it was Yufa, “What is that, Chief?”

“Well, if the others are out to kill, medics are on the battlefield to save lives.”

“What? I don’t get it!”

“Oh dear, here he goes again…” I heard Ursura mutter.

“A medic is like me who heals people, but in the middle of the battlefield,” I explained, “You see, you can’t be assured of going in and out of the fighting unscathed. That role is needed so that you won’t be left injured in the field.”

“But Chief, it’s Rishnu who doesn’t want to fight!” the butterfly-girl reiterated, “I can fight!”

“Yeah, that’s why you’ll be protecting Rishnu while she works as a medic on the battlefield.”

“Oh…”

“Heh, you thought I would give you the healing role, eh?” I jested.

“S-Sorry Chief…hehe,” Yufa finally conceded.

“What about me, Chief?” Minahaba then came forward, “What should I do?”

“For you? It’s a special one, really,” I took an illustration I made of a bomber, “Since you can fly high, Minahaba, you’ll be attacking our enemies from the air. You’ll serve as my ‘air force’.”

----------

With their battlefield roles clearly defined, we set out to practice our formation every time we wake up from the ‘long sleep’. At first, the children had difficulty following the drill, but with patience and repeated correction of mistakes, our little army began to operate smoothly.

Meanwhile, though the community was hostile to them initially, the refugees soon opened up to the ‘former thieves’. This was largely because of our efforts in helping the camp by treating sick and/or injured patients.

Everything was going according to my plan. I guess, with a few more missions, the orphans would be accepted again by their former kin.

“…”

Though, it’s going to be sad once that happens…

Well, anyway, I think I reached my goals. And the peace of Konka’s refugee camp was once again secured; that was, until one time, just before we woke up from the long sleep…

“!!!”

When I opened my eyes, Luka’s hand was on my mouth, and his hand had a dagger drawn.

What the hell are you doing, dog-boy?

“Sorry Chief! But please be quiet,” he told me in whispers, “I’ll remove my hand from your mouth, just move slowly and wake up the others.”

“What’s happening?” I asked, confused.

“I can hear footsteps outside the hut. Rumia thinks we’re being surrounded.”

“Huh?”

Without further answering, the dog-boy handed me a sword. I strapped it on my waist and took out my gun instead, lighting the slow match. And then…

“!!!”

We heard three loud knocks just outside my hut’s doorway. I could also make out a shadow of a big man standing at the front.

“Milord?”

Luka and I exchanged glances. I told the dog-boy, “It’s okay; it’s Banu.”

I removed the sword and put down the matchlock gun on a nearby table. Then, sighing with relief, I stepped outside my hut.

“…”

“W-What’s the meaning of this?” I asked, after realizing that Luka’s words were true. Konka’s guards, led by Banu himself, stood around my house, with their weapons drawn.

“Milord, I’d like to ask for your apologies,” Banu began, with a sad, downcast face, “Her Holiness the Lady Konka is ordering your arrest for conspiring to remove her as the ruler of this camp.”

“Huh? Am I really hearing this?”

“Kuro!” it was Ursura, rushing to my place, “I heard of what happened. What’s going on?”

“I don’t know as well! I’m as confused as you!”

“Please milord, I don’t want to fight you,” Banu pleaded, “Please come with us peacefully.”

At that moment, Minahaba and the other orphans were all awake, and they were peeking at my doorway. When Konka’s guards arrested me, they all got out—weapons drawn, ready to attack them.

“Stop!” I ordered, “Don’t fight them, or our hard-work would be wasted!”

“But Chief!” the falcon-girl called out to me, “What would we do without you?”

“You’ll be adopted back to your own tribes,” it was Banu who answered, “Please stay back.”

“But Teviki doesn’t want to go back! I want Chief Kuro!”

“So we are!” the others chorused.

“It’s fine guys! It’ll be—”

“Banu! Banu!”

The commotion about my arrest was interrupted when another guard showed up. He had a pale face, and he almost collapsed, trying to catch his breath.

“What happened?” the bear-man asked, “Why do you look like you’ve seen a human army?”

“Well, it’s because—”

“Kyaaa!!!”

His words were drowned out by the sudden screams of everyone after we heard a loud explosion. The guards that were restraining me were forced to let go, to cover their ears. Turning around, I saw the palisade at the top part of the rampart being blown to pieces.

“What’s that?” Banu kept on questioning the shivering guard.

“T-T-The h-hu-human armies have arrived!”