CHAPTER 2: THE NEW CHIEF OF THE CHICKEN TRIBE

**Kuro**

For two ‘long sleeps’ now, the entire place of the Chicken Tribe was filled with noise and people coming from the different tribes of the Avinus. There were festive decorations adorning every hut in sight, and one could feel the celebrations because of the mood of everyone.

Looking at them, the Chicken tribe is now a far-cry from a desperate, and desolate village when we first arrived.

“…”

Well, I get it that festivals like these would last for a while. The Chickens invited and were hosting several prominent guests from the other Avinus tribes. As a result, ever since the first ‘long sleep’ of the ‘Adulting’ ceremony, lively music filled the usually quiet hills surrounding their place. However, for this particular time, I think this was the ‘culmination’ of the festivities. Why? Well, it’s because the crowd was noisier than usual. Contests about strength, endurance, as well as anything ‘Beastman’ were held every now and then.

And of course, that would lead to cheering, and teasing from both the audience and contestants.

“…”

I wonder if my companion can take this any longer…

“Tch. This is why I requested to my mother that I remained back in our village!” Salis kept on muttering, “I couldn’t focus on what I’m doing with all this noise!”

“Would you like me to close the curtains so that the noise would be lessened?” I offered.

“Please do that!” she curtly replied, “I got my guard beside me anyway. So you can’t do anything weird, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“Lady Salis, please don’t talk like that,” an owl tribeswoman with the owl-girl reminded her, “We’re the ones who are disturbing the Human Chief; show some courtesy.”

“Hmph! I’m only came around because he gave me good advice on my invention. Otherwise, my great self wouldn’t even dare to look!” Salis defended herself, “He’s got a potential, for a human. Besides, this place is quieter than the hut where Mother is staying! Of all the places these Chickens would choose, they gave us the ones near the square! They really hate me!”

I exchanged amused stares at the owl tribeswoman. She just shrugged and smiled. I could tell that she’s asking for my patience, and I guess, I don’t mind it too. I mean, it’s not that I dislike Salis’ presence in my own place. With her around, she reminded me of Maddie, healing the loneliness in my heart.

Don’t take it in some weird way; I know my limits, and Salis is still a child.

“…”

Haa…I miss Chersea.

“Oh, hey, what’s the deal with this dreary shit? Why are the windows closed?”

“!!!” My thoughts were rudely interrupted by a familiar voice outside my hut. I was about to head over to the entrance, when one of the rabbit-children—Senna, burst running and crashed unto me.

“Hello there, Chief!” she greeted, “Big sis Ursura said we drop by to fetch you!”

“Shh!” I reminded the rabbit-girl, “Please be quiet; or you might disturb others!”

“Ah! Sorry Chief!”

“Hoh?” it was Ursura, “What, do you have visitors Kuro?”

“I do, and they don’t like noise,” I winked at her, “By the way, is there something going on aside from the festival?”

“Well, in case you don’t know, Minahaba’s rite of passage will happen later,” Ursura revealed, “She’ll be an adult after that.”

“Oh? Congratulations…I guess?”

“Of course, you’re coming.”

“Ha? Why me?”

The bear-woman stared at me like I said the weirdest thing she had heard, “Are you an idio—I mean, don’t be like that. You played a great role in her life as a child; of course, she wanted for you to see that she’s now an adult, as thanks for that.”

I found it strange for Ursura to correct herself from the expletives she usually says whenever we talk. Well, I guess she’s going on a phase, or something.

“Argh! Why is it every time I’m doing something, someone’s making a noise!” Salis’ frustrated screams could be heard up to where we were, and that was accompanied by some loud thuds. Maybe she’s thrashing around?

“Let me guess. You got that pretty owl-girl in your kitchen?” the bear-woman asked; her voice was sarcastic.

“Well, she came by earlier, with her guard,” I replied, emphasizing the word ‘guard’. I don’t want any misunderstanding. “Says she’s annoyed at the noise in the square, where her mother, Chief Malu, is staying.”

“Well, it’s a festival. Of course, it’ll be noisy…” was what I expected the bear woman would say. But somehow, Ursura just nodded, and then returned to the topic before, “So, are you coming, or not?”

“Alright, I’ll go with you. Let me just—”

“Can you guys please tone down your voices?” the owl-girl was now standing behind me, arms crossed, “Unlike you simpletons, I’m doing something important, see?”

“W-Well, we’re just here for the Chief Kuro,” the bear-woman answered her, “Pl-Please continue on what you’re doing, and don’t mind us.”

Ursura, are you sick? You’re unusually polite this time!

“Ugh! Lowlifes like you won’t appreciate my deeds; please leave as soon as you’re done! I want peace!”

I froze when I heard Salis say that; surely Ursura wouldn’t take that lightly—

“W-Why you—I…I mean, o-okay,” Senna and I could clearly see that the corners of Ursura’s eyes were twitching, and her hands were already tightly-clenched. But she remained calm and collected. The bear-woman continued to talk gently to Salis, as if she wasn’t affected by the insult.

That is not Ursura! Someone’s taken over her!

“And you, human, please take your companions far away from this place,” Salis continued, “My head couldn’t work properly if there’s too much senseless noise!”

“What the—” Senna was quick to stand for me. She almost rushed to hit the owl-girl, but was prevented by Ursura herself.

“Stand down, Senna,” the bear-woman told her, “Patience…”

“But Big sis—”,

“Patience,” Ursura repeated her word, with a noticeable emphasis and an accompanying glare to the young rabbit-girl. Realizing what would come next if she persisted, Senna immediately retreated. Yep, this is the Ursura I know.

“Ah, it’s fine guys.” Wishing not to trouble Salis any further, I also intervened to defuse the situation, shuffling my friends to the exit, “Come on now, we got some festival to enjoy!”

----------

“You’ve been too tolerant about that new girl,” Ursura told me the moment we got out of my place.

“Hm? What do you mean?”

“Didn’t you hear what she told us back there?” the bear-woman asked, trying to keep her voice down, “That person looks at everyone else as if they’re of lower stature than her! She doesn’t even respect your authority as a chief!”

“Authority? I’m not really a chief, you know. Isn’t that ‘Orphan Tribe’ thing made up?”

“Are you stu—” Ursura shook her head and changed what she was about to say. She put her hands over my lips and whispered, “Of course it’s made up. But because of your contributions, the Beastmen had already considered you as an elder of that ‘tribe’, and the children thought of you as one! Don’t you ever let them hear that!”

“Sorry. I’ll take care about that from now on.”

Then the bear-woman returned to her normal tone, “Now, if you could do something about that foul-mouthed girl, it’s all fine.”

“Ah, that’s just how Salis speaks,” I countered, “She may have a sharp tongue, but that kid’s got potential.”

“Potential? You mean that girl’s going to be a chief?”

“Maybe,” I shrugged, “She’s the daughter of an elder, after all. But yeah, what I’m saying is that she’s an intelligent person.”

“Tell me, Kuro, are you smitten by her?”

“H-Ha?” I could feel my cheeks getting warm, but I tried my best to hide it, “What the hell are you saying? I just admire her intelligence, that’s all!”

Ursura just stared back at me as we walked together with Senna. Just as I was pondering about her muted reaction, she spoke, “Well, I just want to say that you should be mindful of yourself and of the others around you. Kuro, you may not be aware of this but many people around you looks up to you. For someone to belittle you, I don’t think it’s the right way to gain everyone’s respect. We got a plan before, remember? That talk we had back when we’re at the mountains…”

I fell silent when I heard that. Suddenly, the thought about their culture and customs came back to me. I mean, yes, considering that these were Beastmen, image and stature mattered a lot to them. Think of the concept of being the most powerful member of the ‘pack’, the leader, and then someone else would come and belittle that person everyone respected. What would the rest of the pack think about their leader? Beastman ‘respect’ meant that you shouldn’t be a pushover.

Of course, no one wants to appear weak; not even the followers.

“…”

But wait, in the first place, they’re not my followers. They’re my companions; my friends!

Nevertheless, I understood what Ursura was trying to say to me. I guess my companions were frustrated because I allowed someone outside our group to disrespect me, their ‘leader’. Even I—if that happened to them, would be offended myself! So yeah, I needed to be more careful of how I conduct myself…

Or our vision of a unified Cherwind will be in jeopardy. After all, convincing people takes a lot of respect to be viable.

“You’re spacing out again,” Ursura brought me back to my senses, “Did you understand what I just told you?”

“Yep,” I nodded, “Sorry, I admit I’m not aware about it at first. But yeah, thanks for the reminder.”

The bear-woman smiled and slapped my back, “That’s it! Like what Chief Gislaine said, you should be more assertive, Kuro! Especially now that you’re going to be a—oomph!”

Senna suddenly got behind Ursura and gagged her mouth. They struggled for a moment; as I was surprised, I froze where I stood. Then the rabbit-girl whispered something to the latter, and the bear-woman ended her resistance, and had gone quiet.

“What the hell did just happened? You must be hiding something from me.”

“Nothing,” my companions shook their heads. “It’s just your imagination.”

Yeah, you guys are bad in hiding secrets.

“Chief,” Senna deliberately diverted the topic, “we should hurry now! Everyone’s gathering at the square!”

Well, I guess these guys won’t tell me their secrets until the last minute even if I pressured them. Anyway, as long as it’s something trivial, I think I’d just let it unfold as we go along. Ursura and Senna grabbed my arms and pulled me to the village square, where a throng of Chicken tribesmen and other Avinus had already formed.

----------

The crowd was lively; they filled the streets as we walked along the stands set up by the traders. Food kiosks, wine stalls, clothing stands, and even game booths…it felt like I was in a fair, back in my old world.

“Chief! Play with me!” Senna cheerfully cried out while she pulled me towards a game booth. This one’s mechanics was set up where the player throws small balls to some cups, similar to ‘beer pong’. If one sank a shot in one of the cups, I guess there’s a waiting prize? The only difference was…the ‘beer pong’ cups were set up way too far apart from where we would shoot, and also from each other. And the ball was impossibly light; if a wind blew, it would certainly change direction.

It’s like a ‘beer pong in steroids’ game. How do they win this, anyway?

Senna gave me the ball for the game, and watched me as I prepared myself to throw it. After selecting the cup where I plan to shoot, I took a deep breath and hurled the ball…

“That’s it?” I heard Ursura say, “It’s a lame throw.”

“Shut up!” Of course it won’t hit the first time. The ball was too light, and it’s my first try too!

“Chief, there’s always a second try,” the rabbit-girl handed me the ball once again.

And after some moments of preparation, I made my shot…which only hit the rim of the nearest cup, and bounced back to the ground.

“The Human Chief may be smart, but his throws are lame…” another Beastman commented.

“Heh, well, he’s human! Those lanky arms are weak, after all,” Ursura’s voice was taunting me.

What the hell happened to respect? These guys. I’m using my non-dominant hand here, do you even have any idea how hard that is?

“Well, if you think you can do better, then show it to me! I’m sure you could teach me a few things, since you’re an expert!” I handed the ball to the bear-woman and stepped aside. Ursura’s face was beaming with confidence as she took her position in front of me, and made her shot.

“!!!”

Well, technically, she was able to sink the ball in. But I guess she hurled hard enough to force the cup to turn over, disqualifying her ‘win’.

“You threw too hard,” I teased her.

“Tch! I’m just warming up!” Ursura took another ball from Senna and did her best to hit a win. However, this time she threw softer, which landed the ball in the wrong place.

“Pfft! You may be strong, but that’s a lame throw as well!”

The bear-woman shot a glare at me, and I answered her with a nasty grin. Then, she asked Senna for more balls, as the competition between us heated up. We didn’t notice at the moment, but the crowd’s attention was focused on us. And I heard from Senna later that some folks started betting on who would win between Ursura and I.

----------

The contest between us ended in a draw. Ursura hit too hard, which either caused the ball to overshoot, or the cups to overturn. As for me, my gentle throws landed the ball mostly outside the cups, or just barely hitting the rims. In the end, we had to concede that neither of us could sink any shots, and realized we only exhausted ourselves. By this time, Senna got tired of us and went away to play with other children. And so we were left alone, sitting on a makeshift bench, just a few distances away from the festival stalls.

“Looks like our guide left us.”

“Well, you bored her to death!” Ursura snickered.

“Hueh, like you’re one to talk!” I countered, “You just throw way too hard that it an overkill!”

Both of us laughed. Then I offered her a cup of wine from a nearby stall, which she gladly took and drank in one sitting. After that, she gave the cup back to me and asked for more, to which I obliged. Though this bear-woman could be nasty at times, I really did enjoy my moments with her.

“Hey, I won’t carry you if you get drunk,” I told her, “Tone down on your wine.”

“Pft! I could walk back to my hut without getting lost, even when I’m drunk!” Ursura boasted, “Maybe it’s you who can’t handle your wine well!”

“Heh, you haven’t seen the rest of me!” I took my own cup and drank it all before her, “Even the human lords back in Chersea knew that it’s a mistake to enter to a drinking contest with me.”

“Oh…are you challenging me again, Kuro?”

I grinned and shook my head, “Nah. In the first place, I don’t want you drunk; this is Minahaba’s special moment. You need to be sober to celebrate it with her.”

“Hmm…I guess you’re right,” Ursura stretched out for a bit, “But really, I don’t mind seeing the rest of you.”

“You wanted to enter a drinking contest with me so bad?”

“It’s not that, stupid!” the bear-woman laughed, “What I mean is, beneath those polite manners you have. Beneath those clothes…I want to see who you really are.”

“Heh, it’s like you’re telling me to get naked!”

“Would it be bad? I want to.”

I stared back at the bear-woman before me. I didn’t notice it before, but her face was red. Wait, is she drunk? But, it’s just a single cup of wine!

“No, I’m not drunk, if that’s what you’re thinking,” she grabbed my arm when she noticed I was keeping my distance, and pulled me closer to her.

“Then are you…in heat?” I was panicking as my eyes went around. We’re still in a public area, and this was getting awkward. However, no one cared on what’s happening; everyone just continued on doing their businesses.

“Hmm…maybe?” Ursura drew closer to me. I could smell the fragrance of her body, and the soft sensation of her chest pressing against mine. At that moment, the bear-woman exuded a different expression on her face; her beauty was bewitching, and I could feel my heart going crazy. She drew her lips closer to my ears and whispered, “But whatever it is, I want you to be my mate…please say yes.”

The beating in my chest went even wilder. Perhaps the loneliness of being in this place for a long time was getting into me, but my body raring to go. Ursura’s sensuous lips, coupled with the soft rays of the sun embracing her rosy skin…she’s a sight too wonderful to behold. I couldn’t stop my hands; I held her body…

“U-Ursura?”

“Yes, Kuro?”

“!!!” At that moment, the words Jules said in that dream before came back to me. Ursura’s faithful to me, yes…but I’m her friend, not her master. I need put a stop into this. As we were about to kiss, I pulled her and wrapped my arms around her body. I don’t want to break my promise to Maddie, nor do I plan to exploit Ursura’s vulnerability. Just because she’s in heat, it’s not a ‘free pass’ for me to do something to her. She had gone through a lot before, and I’ll be a good friend to her.

“We need to see Minahaba,” I whispered to her.

I think that put Ursura’s senses back. But fuck, that’s way too close!

----------

The stalls were already closed, and everyone was now focused on drinking and feasting. Baskets of foodstuffs were passed around; bottles of wine were opened, and all gathered at the middle of the village, now resembling a ‘town square’. A small band of Chicken tribesmen was playing lively music, to which some villagers were dancing to its tune. Chief Habu and his family stood at a podium in front of his house, as the other chiefs of the Avinus gave their respects to him.

I guess the newfound prosperity of the Chicken Tribe elevated their status among the Avinus. I highly-doubt that this would happen if they’re still in their old selves.

“!!!”

I felt Ursura gently pushed me forward.

“What?”

“Don’t just stand there!” she pushed me again, “You’re also a chief! Pay respects to Chief Habu!”

I looked back at her, and the bear-woman was just smiling…as if nothing happened. Perhaps it’s really because she’s in heat; now that she returned to her normal mind, she could forget that scene between us. In any case, I need to watch myself as well. Only God knows where my loneliness would take me, if I lower my guard.

From where we stood in the crowd, I could see Minahaba looking around as if searching for someone. And then, when we locked eyes, she gestured for me to come to where they were. Initially, I was unsure, but with Ursura’s incessant prodding, I eventually relented.

“…”

Goodness, with everyone’s eyes on me, it sure feels awkward walking to the podium.

“Ah! The human chief of the Orphans!” I heard Chief Habu say as I approached them, “The Chicken Tribe owes its survival to you!”

As if on cue, the rest of the Chicken tribesmen raised a cheer for me, and the other guests followed suit.

“Chief Kuro!” it was Ruja, who reached his hand to guide me to my podium spot, “Please, have the honor to stand at my father’s right.”

Yatoi and Chief Gislaine, who were also there, stepped aside to make way for me. Chief Malu patted my back, and greeted me with a smile. From where I was, I could see my orphans cheering; even Ursura didn’t hide her happiness at the occasion.

It sure is a special moment, yet I’m kind of embarrassed to be accorded with such honor. I just helped and did my ‘human duty’, after all.

The cheering eventually stopped when Chief Habu gestured for his people that he was about to speak.

“Noble Beastmen, people of the honorable Avinus! I, Chief Habu of the Chickens, would like to present to you, my blood-daughter Minahaba.”

At that moment, the falcon-woman took a step forward.

“She was given to me by the heavens as a child,” Chief Habu continued, “and now, I give her back to the gods as a woman!”

Once again, jubilation erupted as the Avinus welcomed their newest ‘adult’ member, Minahaba of the Chickens. Some of them even flew and showered petals from above. However, Chief Habu wasn’t done just yet…

“Also, I would like to take the opportunity of this joyous occasion to announce something important!”

Everyone went silent as they waited for the Chicken elder to reveal his thoughts.

“As you know, I’m already old. My former, ‘warrior’ self had long vanished in the creases of my face and skin.” At that point, he elicited some laughs from the crowd. The Chicken elder just winked at them and continued, “So, after thinking it over, I finally reached a decision. A decision that would certainly alter the future of my tribe towards greatness!”

Yatoi, Ruja and Minahaba never took their eyes away from their father as he spoke. Judging by their reaction, these guys know what’s going to happen next…

“From this moment forward…” Chief Habu bowed before his people, “I’m humbly stepping down as your elder.”

There was a slight commotion that came from the crowd as they were clearly taken by that ‘surprise’ announcement. Even the other Avinus elders were in shock; however, nothing out of the ordinary occurred. As for me…

Heh, I sort of expected this. But who among his children would succeed him?

“And in my place, I pass the cloak of leadership to the Orphan Tribe’s chief, Kuro of the Orphans!”

Hahaha…what the fuck are you guys saying?

----------

A human chief of an Avinus tribe.

“…”

It never occurred to me I’d end up taking the mantle of leadership for these people. I mean, my intention was to shape them up into a powerful society; but it was to help them survive, and help me get back to Chersea as well.

Maybe this is the thing that Ursura and the others have been hiding from me for a while now!

“Chief Kuro! Chief Kuro! Chief Kuro!”

The crowd chanted my name as the rest of the Avinus guests were left in confusion. Among the other elders, only the chiefs Gislaine and Malu were vigorously clapping their hands. The others felt forced. And I could understand why: no matter how we looked at it, I’m still a human. And humans were the enemies of the Beastmen, to which the Avinus belonged. It may had been a long time since that happened, but some of these elders might’ve lived long enough to witness the time when their tribes had to cede the land now called ‘The Enclave’ to my people, after losing the war. What Chief Habu did was unprecedented—he basically empowered an ‘enemy’ with his move.

What are you doing?

Besides, even if I’m considered a friend, I still don’t want to lead the Chickens. My goal was to return to Chersea; I’m going to leave them at some point! It would be unfair to them once they put their trust and expectations on me. And also, I could say that I’m not worthy of such honor…

“…”

I mean, if we look back, it’s not me who did the effort to save this tribe.

“May we request for the new elder to oblige us to a speech!”

The crowd was even roused by that. Ruja added to the noise as he encouraged his people to cheer louder. By now, I could feel the sharp stares of the other chiefs; perhaps sizing me up as the newest member of their small circle. And I don’t like this to continue…

As Chief Habu retreated, I took a step forward.

“My Avinus friends…” I began, “…while it is a great honor to stand here before you as your new elder, I’ll be honest with you: I’m not worthy to be the chief of this noble tribe!”

The cheers died down immediately. At that moment, everyone was utterly confused. Murmurs floated around, and there were some who were asking about the new chief if the old Habu would retire.

“My intention when I came here is to help you survive, not to rule over you! I am but a lowly human, and my people caused harm to your ancestors. So it’s only reasonable for me to reverse what we humans did! If anything, I know of someone who did more for this tribe than I…that person deserves to lead you!”

Never waiting for any reaction from the stunned crowd, I turned to Minahaba and kneeled before her.

“K-Kuro, what are you—” the falcon-woman was visibly shocked.

“Since you’re already an adult now, Lady Minahaba, I’m passing the mantle of leadership to you,” I took her hand and kissed it, before standing to whisper, “I’ll help you if you need it, but please don’t make me the chief!”