The Lone Moon: First Quarter

A little dilemma

Where now back inthe tribe, where Sarawano, Adelpho, Alphonse and Saluke are gathered in their father's study to have a little meeting.

Sarawano: "Sigh". Huh... The other clan is preparing something. I just don't know what IT is.

Adelpho: Have you seen the recovery inn?!? It's PACKED with many of our own! I really do have a bad feeling about this Chief...

Alphonse: Do you believe it's the Deviants?

Adelpho: I'm not entirely sure...

Saluke: For many years, our tribe has brought peace into this world. We still made a pact with the others... do you think?-

Sarawano: No. We must not engage. He expects it...
Thankfully, each one of them left a mark on the peace treaty.

Adelpho: Well, except for one that is...

Alphonse: Who?

Sarawano: I remembered it very well. I should know for I was there on the day it had happened. His name was Devi Lonso.

Alphonse: Why didn't he agree to sign it?

Sarawano: Lonso only seeks power. In this case, he longs for revenge...

Saluke: But why on us?

Sarawano: He found out that we have accepted outsiders into the clan. He will definitely not hesitate to kill anyone who enters his land and lives to tell the tale. He's not really open about accepting humans than we are. 

"Sigh" Huh.... I fear for the two already...

Adelpho: Then, there's only one thing we can do and that's to prepare them...

Saluke's eye's immediately widens over the ridiculous thought.

Adelpho: And from the looks of your son, I think he'll gladly take them in.

Saluke: Take them in as what, exactly?

Adelpho: Your students of COURSE!

Saluke: No... NO...Yo-u've got to be joking?!?!

Sarawano: No Son. He's dead serious...

Saluke: You expect ME to teach THEM?!?!

Adelpho: Well you can't have all the fun now, can we?
Al will be helping out as well!

Alphonse: Really?!? I can?!?

Sarawano: You heard the man! OF COURSE YOU CAN! Since you're birthday is coming-up in a few days, why not test your responsibility? After all, you're practically a man!

Alphonse: YES! This is the best birthday gift ever! What shall I teach them first?!?

Because of Al's constant argue with himself, not to mention his obnoxious noise, all of them  around the table immediately looked at him with a stern expression written on their faces.

Alphonse: Oh... I mean... I think it's probably best that Saluke will choose the techniques... I'm just going to be the one assisting him....

Sarwano: HAHAHA!!! THAT'S MY BOY!
So, Saluke.. are you in?

Saluke: NO! ABSOLUTELY NOT! NEVER TAUGHT, NEVER WILL!!

Sarawano: Please Saluke....

Irritated, Saluke left the tent. Alphonse then quickly chases after his brother.

Alphonse: SALUKE!

Saluke: Now what do you want?!? Did father send you here?!?

Silent, Alphonse couldn't do anything but to look down, disheartened at what his brother had said to him.

Saluke: I should have known...

Alphonse: Send me here or not, I followed you because I wanted to! 

With bated breath, Alphonse cried out;

SALUKE! WILL YOU PLEASE LISTEN TO ME!!!

Saluke abruptly stops in his tracks and turned around to face his brother, for this was no brother-to-brother talk. It was a family feud.

Alphonse: Please do it. Not for mine or dads sake... but for Delina.

His eyes started glowing a bright gold as tears slowly made their way down his face.

Saluke: I DON'T GIVE A DAMN IF IT'S YOURS OR DELINA'S!!! I'LL NEVER EACH THEM!!!! And that's FINAL!!!  This conversation is over...

As Saluke heads towards his tent, the beaten Alphonse makes his way back to his father's study. But by the time he got there, he overheard Amy's name in their conversation. He subtly takes a  peep in the gap and listens to their deep conversation.

Sarawano: Have you found a solution?

Adelpho: Fortunately, yes. I did. But we have a slight problem...

Sarawano: What is it?

Adelpho: If we don't perform the ceremony by the next full moon, she'll turn... into one of them... And you do know the consequences...

Sarawano: "Sigh" Yes. I do.
So when shall we perform it then?

Adelpho: We'll do it on the twelfth stroke of midnight. In the eve of your son's birthday...

Our little intruder peers his eyes away from the tent. His breath now turning cold and heavy.

Sarawano: Please don't tell anyone about this, especially Al.

Adelpho: My lips are sealed.

..................................................................................................

After all, secrets are meant to be kept,  but unfortunately, not everyone can keep it...