Tales of Kijo - Book One: "It All Began"

2: Back To The Mountains

Bright early in the morning, the siblings had been loading their boat of belongings. Kijo was leaning against the beach hut, crossing her arms as she watched how her brother and sisters glowed with excitement. She knew they have always wanted to go home but since she was only a newborn at the time, there is no recollection of this "home". With a giant sigh she stood straight and lifted the bag of clothes beside her, slowly walking towards the boat.

"Time to go?" Kijo asked out loud.

Ai quirked an eyebrow at her younger sister, "In time. We are still waiting on Baba." She spoke.

"For what?" Asked Oukoji.

Kaki shrugged her shoulders but heard footsteps in the sand approaching them from behind. As they all looked behind them, Baba was standing with her cane. She smiled and reached out her arms for an embrace. They couldn't resist and returned Baba's embrace all at once by taking a few steps toward her.

"My children... remember there is always a place for you here. Be safe in with the waters." There was a hint of sadness in Baba's tone. Again she gave them all a group hug.

The older siblings bowed their heads in respect after standing straight from the hug. Kijo bowed her head slowly and suddenly stared at the sand beneath her boots. She was left behind while they moved on to preparing their ore's, Baba wondered why she seemed so distraught.

"What's wrong child?" She asked Kijo with concern.

"I just feel... like my home is here with you and the tribal women..." Kijo shifted her gaze to Baba and sighed. "I know nothing about this home that Ai, Kaki, And Oukoji even speak about."

"You were born at the Northern Lands, Kijo. The Mountains are your home just as much as it is for your siblings." Baba reached her hand over to Kijo and grasped her shoulder. "You belong there..."

Kijo couldn't help but tear up from Baba's encouragement. Instead of giving another hug she bowed her head in respect, wiping away the small tears before turning around. Her siblings called for her as it was time to finally depart from the Mist Islands.

A group of tribeswomen gathered on the beach beside the old woman, waving their farewells to the children of Queen Leila. Oukoji began to push the boat into the ocean water while his sisters sat inside. Once the boat began to completely float, Kaki and Kijo helped their brother climb aboard. Ai was set to row the ore's while awaiting direction from her brother once he settled in.

Deep inside, Kijo had one more look at the beach knowing she would return to this place one day. With hesitation she decided to face the unknown with courage and eagerness. Besides combat and weaponry skills, the tribeswomen helped the children discover their strengths. They could protect themselves from almost anything coming their way.

"So what exactly is going to happen, when we arrive home?" Kaki asked out loud.

"We need to find Markus. He was most likely the one to keep a council during all this time." Oukoji replied as he brought out a map and compass.

"Baba received a feather, not dipped in ink this time. Apparently that was a sign for us to return home," Ai spoke as she rowed the boat.

"But she didn't come with us. Isn't that kind of irresponsible?" Kaki asked.

"It's not like we're incapable of coming back to our own home without her." Oukoji sighed as he pointed to Ai's right direction behind her. Ai nodded as she only rowed the left ore to turn the boat.

"Guess your right." Kaki yawned as she leaned her upper body into the edge of the inner boat.

Kijo was leaning against the edge as well from the front of the boat. Staring down at the waving waters below, listening to the slight excitement in her family's tones. What was there to be happy about? For the sake of her siblings, she kept her angst to herself but every so often, Ai would notice by her expressions.