Xiao backstory

Chapter 1

⚠️THIS IS NOT CANON AND PROBABLY INACCURATE⚠️

I slowly peeled back a large branch in the forest. I had heard rustling that I assumed was from a deer. If there's a deer that must mean that there are edible plants or even berries which is why I'm out in the forest anyway. As I slowly crush the wood and leaves beneath my feet I feel a slight guilt for destroying nature. My mother had taught me to be aware of everything and harm little to none. Peace was the foundation of our tribe so of course it would be vital for my mother to teach me that. As I slowly approached closer I noticed a dissipation of the debris around the forest. It left just a field of moss. I was looking at the ground lost in my thoughts until I bumped into something. It was hanging from the treetops. I slowly looked up as soon as I witnessed what I bumped into. I felt sick to my stomach and immediately wanted to run but I just couldn't move.

    There have been many cases of people of my tribe going missing lately. There was nothing in common between the cases besides an increase in nightmares before their disappearance. No one could track them; they were gone without a trace. I don't know if I'm lucky or doomed because hanging in front of me are the bodies of my fallen kin. I don't know how long they've been there or how long I've been there but apparently whoever caused this is behind me now. I hear their feet snap twigs and grind them to shreds. Their breath is heavy and their presence is heavier.

     "Hello."

    I hear their voice very deep but is still clearly one of the women. She has a hint of amusement in her voice. It gives me chills down my spine. I turned around just as she reached for me with both hands. She had long, sharp nails I would consider claws that were sullied in blood. I didn't know what else to do but run. I sprinted to the left and ran as fast as I could. I didn't know where I ended up nor did I care as long as I wasn't dead. I dodged branches and jumped over trees without a care for the destruction of the twigs, leaves, and insects I must've crushed. I could hear her running after me, her feet crushing even more than I had. I assumed she must've had large shoes on unlike me. My feet were sore from the amount of splinters I had acquired through this trail. The forest seemed to go on forever and I was already getting worn out. Luckily my species, the Yakshas, are designed to be strong and resilient so I powered through the pain. I still had friends and family to make it home so I still needed berries to aid in feeding the village's young. However, I have a gut feeling I may not make it home. Even once I reached the end of the forest and entered a large field I couldn't help but feel the dread seep in deeper.

Just as I should've predicted I got too swamped in my thoughts and I was too slow. The woman sprung onto me from behind, forcing me to the ground. Her knee punched into my back as she forced my head into the dirt. It was hard for me to hear due to how much my heart was pounding in my ears. However, I still hear a faded voice. It was hers.

     "Hmmm, I may just keep you, you are quite strong for a little boy."

    I don't know if I should be happy. I'll live to see another day or be scared of those very days to come.