3 - Life and Death

Caure ran from the tent, to the water, and on, running over the water, reaching the land on the other side. Caure looked back, seeing ‘Yo was staring at her from across the water. ‘Yo looked to the bridge, then back to Caure. They both took off, heading near the bridge.

Katichei laid onto a bed of furs. The Kohetseka Priest stood over him, tossing leaves around Katichei.

“Ok, any ritual in particular?” the Kohetseka Priest asked.

“One that gets rid of bad dreams. Annoying white light.” Katichei said.

“Are you mourning someone?” the Kohetseka Priest asked.

“What’s there to mourn?” Katichei asked.

“You're not from our band, or any nearby band that speaks our language, are you?” the Kohetseka Priest asked.

“No, south. I learned your language out of convenience.” Katichei answered.

“Our people, we believe that White is to be reborn. It’s pure. It shouldn’t scare you. And you shouldn’t avoid it.” the Kohetseka Priest said.

“I am not mourning anyone, so I have no reason to accept being reborn. So please give me a ritual that can stop the sounds that invade my dreams.” Katichei said.

“You are no help. Just close your eyes, and think of whatever bothers you the most.” the Kohetseka Priest said.

“You bother me.” Katichei said.

The Kohetseka Priest grabbed a small handful of leaves, and tossed them at Katichei. Katichei inhaled and coughed the leaves away.

“Just close your eyes, and think of the first thing in your head.” the Kohetseka Priest said.

Katichei sighed, and took a deep breath. He opened his eyes to see a river. Snow at the river banks, and ice starting to cover it. Near the middle was something, someone. Their clothes torn, and their stomach small, starved. Blue coloured Spirit covered Katichei’s vision. Katichei reached out his hand, but everything around him changed. He was in a decorated room of white pelts, statues of carved figures, and memorabilia.

Caure ran past the bridge, seeing ‘Yo on the other side. Caure smiled and ran off.

“Can you make this easy for me? Who are you going to tell Ghost?” ‘Yo asked, chasing after Caure.

Caure ran through the street, moving around the villagers. Caure saw the temple, and ran towards it. ‘Yo saw the temple.

“Really? Back there?” ‘Yo said annoyed.

Caure reached the temple, and entered it. She ran through finding the room where the Priest and Kohetseka Katichei were.

“Ok wake up idiot, we have a problem.” Cuare said, shaking Katichei.

“He is busy darling.” the Kohetseka Priest said.

Caure looked at the Kohetseka Priest.

“I forgot you people can see all manner of beings.” Caure said.

“He won’t wake up for a while. I assume you know why he is running from the White.” the Kohetseka Priest said.

“What are you talking about?” Caure asked.

“So neither of you are from our bands. Ok.” the Kohetseka Priest said.

“I’d get your chief if I was you. The Akida here are not exactly here to help.” Caure said.

“I figured that when the Akida dragged the Shapeshifter off, instead of leaving her to be dealt with by us.” the Kohetseka Priest said.

“How long do I have to wait until the idiot is awake?” Caure asked.

“It’s a ritual, it takes as long as needed.” the Kohetseka Priest answered.

“Annoying. You are annoying.” Caure said.

‘Yo walked into the room.

“Has a Spirit come to grace me?” the Kohetseka Priest asked.

“Shut up.” ‘Yo said, walking to Caure.

“Who am I going to tell? Well as many people who choose to listen.” Caure says smiling.

“You realize that by telling people, you force them into being conquered. The only peaceful route is scaring them into submission.” ‘Yo said.

“Telling your plan out loud is arrogant.” the Kohetseka Priest said.

“As if you’ll live long enough to act upon your knowledge.” ‘Yo said.

“You love her. The shapeshifter. Why fall in line with Akida, and let her be hurt like that?” Caure asked.

“Have you ever had a dream? A goal, a reason to live. I want a world united, controlled, and peaceful. The Akida grant that. And not even my love will stand in the way of that.” ‘Yo said.

“How horrifying. A woman who says she’s in love, but does not choose it. But as if a Spirit can understand a human emotion.” Caure said.

“You talk a lot.” ‘Yo said.

“Well it’s not like I can do much here besides talk.” Caure said.

“That’s good, I don’t like to struggle.” ‘Yo said.

Caure smiled and laughed, as if challenging ‘Yo.

Katichei walked around the room, looking around. He grabbed a leather scroll, and opened it, seeing a painting of someone.

“I fixed this, I fixed you.” Katichei whispered.

“I wish I could be like you. Leave my people and home to chase the stars.” Caure said.

Katichei looked behind, seeing Caure and himself sitting at a river bank. He took a deep breath, and closed his eyes.

“You don’t know what I left behind. How much the Comet legends control my family. What I had to do to earn my freedom.” Memory Katichei said.

“Then tell me. Make me understand.” Memory Caure said.

“A lot of asking from someone I barely know.” Memory Katichei said.

“What if I want to get to know you?” Memory Caure asked.

“I wouldn’t mind. I’d like to get to know you as well.” Memory Katichei said.

“Shut up. You’re annoying me.” Katichei whispered.

“After what you did, am I, Wichcka ruire?” Memory Caure asked, looking back at Katichei.

“What I did.” Katichei said, looking over the river

The river had ice on it. Snow covered the river banks, and a body was in the middle of the river. Katichei walked into the river and swam to the body, to Caure's body. He grabbed her and pulled her out.

“What I did. I saved you.” Katichei said.

The room, a memorial for Caure. Her body was on the ground, laying on a White pelt. He walked around, and grabbed a scroll, opening it, seeing a painting of Caure.

“No, you just couldn’t handle what had happened.” Caure’s voice said.

Katichei dropped the scroll, and held out his hand above his head.

“Ehopwe, I call to you, bring her Soul back.” Katichei said.

“Saved me? No you stole me.” Caure’s voice said.

Blue Spirit covered the room as a blue symbol of the moon was painted into his hand.

“As long as you’re by my side.” Katichei said.

Kachitei walked out of the room, and left the building, Caure followed behind.

“So Katichei, where are we going?” Caure asked.