Tsuki ✔️COMPLETE

Chapter 14: Akali

Western Akali Coast

"What do you hear?" Rubi asked Indra as they sat in the crow's nest together.

The sun was bright above them, the sea air crisp and fresh. The moment she saw the hint of new colours on the horizon, she was eager to share the news.

"Hmm." Indra pondered, focusing. "Other than the waves and noise below... some birds?"

"Yes. Can you tell what kind of birds?"

"Gulls?"

"That's right! Do you know what that means?"

"We must be near land."

"Yep. Even better, we're near our destination!"

"Land, ahoy!" Indra shouted down from the nest, grinning from ear to ear. "It feels so good to say that at last!"

"I thought you'd like to share the news." Rubi smiled. "You're almost home. By morning you'll be on your own soil again."

Indra laughed, a few tears running down his face with joy.

"I can't believe it," he wept, rubbing his face. "I just can't believe we made it."

"Of course we made it." Rubi assured him, patting his shoulder. "The Disaster never fails her passengers!"

That night, as a frosty, northern-hemisphere, spring moon rose over them, the ship sailed smoothly and swiftly into port, side by side with the Wanderlust. The passengers cheered and celebrated, embracing each other and looking longingly at the city of Patitsar from the deck.

Some of the children had been born into slavery. They had never seen the land of their parents with their own eyes, tasted the delicacies with their own tongues, or heard the chatter of the native birds at sunrise. For some of the younger adults, there was only a faint memory of Akali. A home garden, the walk to school.

For others, it was the only thing that sustained them through the most brutal experiences of enslavement - the hope that one day they would return.

They all filed down the gangplanks in Patitsar's largest port, the passengers jittering and awash with joy. The crews tried to act natural, not like they were riding high on the thrill of a righteous crime reaching its conclusion. No need to draw attention to themselves. Keeping things looking professional was essential to passing off as merchants. Make it seem like this was just another port on the rounds, another drop off, another payment.

Kai was carrying Sama, who was fast asleep wrapped up in a blanket. Take'Ichi was bleary eyed and droopy. Candles and fireplaces lit up the streets off dock, inviting them all over with tantalising warmth away from the night air.

The smells of cardamom, clove, cumin and mustard wafted from the streets so thickly Rubu could practically see the clouds of coloured dust. Her mouth was watering as she signed the dock papers, a fake name as usual, with fake documentation designed and inked by Mimi with the precision and accuracy of a printing press. It was cheaper than a bribe for a dockmaster at every port they hit.

"Where is Zodwa?" Indra asked. "I have to tell them and Udi something."

"Right here." Zodwa replied, knapsack over their shoulder. They were bare-faced, sleeping bonnet tied around their head and ready to go straight back to bed. "I'll come to you."

Indra took their hands and squeezed them gently.

"You and Udi can be yourselves here." Indra said. "In my country, all love is sacred and beautiful. No one here, no true Akapashtin, will ever give you grief for who you are."