The TRIBE Chronicles : Forgotten Memories (Completed)

07.1 - Summer Festival (Part 1)

He remembered that it had been hundreds of years since he was put into a sleeping state by his Master. He also remembered that he was awakened once around twenty years ago when he felt a blast of very powerful aura that was very much familiar for him; he felt as if the one that he had been longing to meet had finally come although he was mistaken in the end.

And today, he felt the same strong aura approaching from behind the door where he was kept. He had realized if the strong aura was belonged to someone else. But somehow, the sensation was keeping him disturbed. It was bugging him. Furthermore, it was dragging him out from the deep sleep state where he was put into.

The first thing that he saw when his eyes fluttered open was his master. She was standing gracefully with the same look that he could remember hundreds of years ago; with the same high bun and the same style of her white sleeveless kimono dress. He could also see her glittering aura as well as sensing her powerful inner energy that was much further beyond human's power. Indeed, his master was not an ordinary being; she was a supreme being even for him. But he was too not an ordinary one; at least, his appearance had changed from how he used to look.

However, it was not his master that attracted his attention; he was more interested to the little being that stood a step behind his master.

The little being was taking a form of a human girl. She had small figure, standing no less than his master's upper abdomen. Her hair was black, tied into one bond on the back. Her neat child kimono with sakura pattern seemed to be brand new; surely, it was provided by his master. And just like every working girl servant at his master's mansion, she had a hollow gaze.

But something was different from her.

Despite of his sleeping state, he was aware that every servant at his master's mansion was actually shikigami, a familiar that controlled by his master. But this little girl is indeed a human girl.

He was also aware that his master often accepted guests as he could feel their aura come and go. But her aura, although it seemed to be kept hidden, was outshone his master's majestic aura. Just like the one that he had been longing for.

His gaze finally shifted back to his master as he could hear her smile blooming.

"It seems that you have noticed." Her majestic voice was heard. She was then looking back to the girl, bringing her forward as she said, "She was indeed that girl."

He looked back to the little girl, knowing precisely what his master meant by those words.

"But you will not serve her as you will meet another master to serve." Those words sounded like a prophecy to him. She then continued, "However, when your paths collided once more, it is when you will become her aid. Not as your master, but rather as your comrade."

As his master placed her palm on the top of his front cover, he could feel gentleness flowing through her touch. He understood that the little girl was someone dear for her. And it was the exact feeling that he felt when he saw her. She was then spoken in soft and gentle voice.

"Do everything that you can to support her, Ogre."

---

The festival had finally come. From the early morning, activities had filled the city; the merchants prepared their stall, the visitors tried to look for their potential destinations. And as the sun went higher, the city became more crowded. In the noon, Lopka and Akira guided their guests around to look at the festival, where Sora seemed to enjoy herself; while Gail accompanied them once in a while. And when she was free, Lia joined them.

Then the third day, the final day, finally came.

Just like the days before, the city already crowded even before the dawn was broke. People prepared the ornaments and decorated the city since early dawn. Children and women practiced their dances and their songs, preparing themselves for tonight. Later, by the time the sun touched the horizon, the festival's main event would be started.

Lia was standing at the temple's front yard. Thanks to the temple's position that located up in the hill, she could watch the opening rehearsal on the square downtown even from where she stood. But seeing it all, she suddenly felt worry as her awareness grew.

From Takahiro's story on the day after the incident with the ninjas, she found out that one of the ninjas had managed to break free and hurt her. Lopka and Sora had already made sure if there wasn't any poison on the wound. But it seemed that the weapon that hurt her had been equipped by magic since the wound couldn't be healed even by Sora's healing magic. So Lia could only leave the wound to heal on its own. Sometimes, it throbbed in pain again. And last night, it was bleeding again while she was practicing with her koto.

Her left hand moved to hold her right lower arm. She knew if the wound wouldn't be a hinder later as she would be dancing. But she just couldn't forgive herself for being so reckless. Furthermore, she had something that more urgent than the wound on the back of her palm.

She lifted her gaze, staring straight toward the Tower with sharp and awareness look.

For the days, she had felt something stirring inside the Tower. She was also aware if the Tower seemed to make a preparation for something yet her magical sight couldn't see what happened inside. However, the warning sensation inside of her was getting stronger in time, more especially in these past three days. It had somehow made her restless as she felt if something frightening would happen soon.

But she had determined not to let anything dangerous happened.

Then, a presence made her lowering her awareness. The presence was taking a form of a motorcycle that filled with mystical aura; although she was sensing another form coming from it. It was approaching in slow pace yet she didn't sense any harm intent from it.

She turned her gaze to her left and saw Hiro's motorcycle stopping beside her. A gentle smile then formed on her face as she turned her gaze back to the city. "I thought you will never reveal yourself to me, Ogre."

"Even so, you have sensed my presence since the beginning. Right?"

Lia chuckled to hear it. It was true; she had known if the motorcycle was always parked on the yard of the house during the guys' stays. Gail and Lopka might have seen it as well. And knowing that it was part of Hiro's group, she let it slipped without saying any word.

"The red moon will arise tonight."

The words from Ogre quickly perished her chuckles and awareness was returned to her gaze again. "Yes," she replied.

"The force there is getting stronger."

Her gaze got deeper. "I know. But..." She looked back to Ogre. "It might let us in tonight."

A hum was heard from the motorcycle as he understood what it meant. "I will let Hiro aware of it."

She smiled to hear it. "Please do so." She turned herself to face the motorcycle. "Then..." She bowed to excuse herself.

And as she turned and walked toward the house, she had prepared herself for the worst to come.