CHAPTER 4: The deputure

The storm raged on with ferocity, casting a tumultuous backdrop as Brial steered the boat away from the chaos of the battlefield. The winds howled, and waves crashed violently against the hull, threatening to capsize the vessel at any moment. Nathaniel and Uzah clung to each other, their eyes wide with fear, their knuckles white from gripping the sides of the boat. Each crash of the waves sent them stumbling, fear etched into their young faces.

Nathaniel strained against the fierce wind, his voice barely audible over the roar of the storm. "Uzah! Noooo! Take my hand!" His heart pounded with fear, every muscle in his body stretched towards his brother, desperate to keep him close.

Uzah, caught in the swell of the sea, struggled to reach for Nathaniel, his small voice trembling with panic. "Aaaah! Aaaah! I can't… I can't reach you!" The relentless waves pulled him away, each surge of water dragging him further from his brother's outstretched hand.

Brial, battling the elements to keep the boat steady, shouted above the storm. "Hold on, Uzah! I'm coming!" His face twisted in anguish as he watched the ocean pull Uzah farther away. Desperation filled his eyes; he knew he couldn't save them both.

Nathaniel's scream tore through the storm. "UZAH!!!" His voice was a mixture of raw pain and despair, his body reaching out in a futile attempt to keep his brother from being swallowed by the sea. Tears streamed down his face, mingling with the rain as Uzah vanished into the darkness.

Brial gritted his teeth, pulling Nathaniel into his arms. "He's gone, Nathaniel… I'm so sorry… I'm so sorry… But I promise you—I will search for him. I won't stop until I find Uzah." He held Nathaniel tightly, the boy's sobs racking his small frame, his heart breaking as he mourned his lost brother.

The boat continued to cut through the storm, eventually finding calmer waters. As the tempest faded into the distance, the scene slowly transitioned to black, Nathaniel's sobs carried away by the howling wind.

( Ten Years Later, in the Land of Éland )

A bustling street in Éland. The air was filled with tension and excitement as a large crowd gathered to witness a fierce street fight. Nathaniel, now a young man, was locked in a brutal battle. His face was bruised and battered, but his eyes blazed with a fierce determination. Despite Brial's stern warnings, the thrill of the fight had drawn him into the ring.

Rin, standing at the edge of the crowd, shouted over the noise, his voice frantic with concern. "Oh my God, I thought he would win! Yaaaah, yaaaaah! Come on, Nathaniel!"

Nathaniel, panting heavily, his fists clenched tight, pushed himself forward. "I can't… lose… not like this…" He steeled himself, preparing to land a decisive blow.

But just as Nathaniel was about to strike, Rin's frantic voice cut through the crowd. "Nathaniel! Brial is coming! You've got to stop!"

Distracted, Nathaniel's eyes flicked towards Rin, and in that crucial moment, his opponent seized the opportunity, landing a heavy punch to Nathaniel's jaw. The world spun around him, and he collapsed to the ground, his consciousness fading into darkness.

Rin rushed to Nathaniel's side, shaking him frantically. "Hey, Nathaniel! Wake up! Nathaniel, wake up! Shit…" He glanced over his shoulder, dread filling his heart as Brial's imposing figure emerged through the crowd.

The crowd fell silent, sensing the tension as Brial approached, his footsteps echoing ominously. Rin tried to muster a nervous smile, but his voice trembled. "Hahaha… Brial, what's up? I can explain…"

Brial's voice was low, filled with quiet anger. "I told you… never to let him fight, Rin." His disappointment was palpable as he knelt beside Nathaniel, gently checking his injuries.

Rin, defensive but clearly guilt-ridden, stammered, "But he insisted! I… I tried to stop him, I really did…" He looked away, unable to meet Brial's stern gaze.

Later, back at Brial's house, Nathaniel sat by the window, his gaze lost in the distant horizon. The sunset cast long shadows across his face, the light highlighting the sadness in his eyes. The memory of Uzah lingered, a constant reminder of his unfulfilled promise.

Nathaniel whispered softly to himself, his voice filled with longing. "Uzah… It's been so long… I think it's time for me to come and search for you… I have to find you… I have to…" His heart ached with the weight of his words, the longing for his brother a persistent, painful presence.

Brial approached quietly, his footsteps soft yet purposeful. He stopped a few feet away, watching Nathaniel with a mixture of concern and sorrow. He spoke softly, his voice gentle. "Nathaniel… I know I've been hard on you… But it's only because I'm trying to protect you… I don't want to lose you too… I…"

Nathaniel cut him off, his voice calm but resolute. "No, it's alright. I understand why you've done what you did… And I've enjoyed every moment of it, remembering how you raised me. But… I have to go." He finally turned to face Brial, his eyes filled with determination.

Brial sighed, sensing the inevitability of Nathaniel's decision. "Same as always… You've made up your mind." He paused, then asked quietly, "What is it, Nathaniel? What do you need to ask me?"

Nathaniel stood up, facing Brial directly, his voice steady. "I'm going to search for my brother. I can't stay here any longer, not when he's out there somewhere, alone." His voice wavered with emotion, but his resolve was clear and unyielding.

Brial shook his head, his voice conflicted. "You're not ready to leave, Nathaniel. There's so much you don't know… so much danger out there."

Nathaniel's response was firm, his confidence quiet but undeniable. "I can protect myself. And I've learned to hide my tattoos—no one will know who I am." He looked at Brial, his eyes pleading for his mentor's approval.

Before Brial could respond, Rin burst into the room, his face flushed with determination. "I'm going with you, Nathaniel! Please, take me with you! I can help! I can fight!" His voice was filled with eagerness, his loyalty to his friend unwavering.

Nathaniel was surprised but touched by Rin's loyalty. "Rin… Are you sure? What about your grandfather?" His concern was evident, not wanting to put his friend in danger.

Brial sighed heavily, recognizing the resolve in both boys. "I haven't approved this yet, but… if this is what you really want, then it's fine. You can go." His voice carried a tone of resignation, but also pride in the young men they were becoming.

Nathaniel nodded, his gratitude clear. "I promise I'll be okay. I'll find Uzah, and I'll bring him home." He glanced at Rin, who grinned back, ready for the journey that lay ahead.

Rin's excitement was palpable. "Let's go prepare then! We've got a long journey ahead of us!" He clapped Nathaniel on the back, his enthusiasm infectious.

The two boys hurried out, their hearts light with the promise of adventure, but the weight of what lay ahead still heavy on their minds. They headed to Rin's house to say goodbye to his grandfather, only to find him lying on his bed, his health deteriorating rapidly.

(The farewell)

Hitomaro Junko Coughing weakly "Rin Junko! Nathaniel Birdman! I need you two to listen to me. There is a great danger you three will face during your journey."

Rin with concern"Grandpa! I can't take Viorst with us. It's dangerous."

Nathaniel took the bandages from Hitomaro, his hands trembling. "But… who will be hunting me, Grandpa? What are you warning me about?" His voice was filled with confusion and a hint of fear.

Hitomaro struggled to speak, his eyes filled with urgency. "When the time is right… you will know. The danger is real, Nathaniel… You must keep your identity hidden. The world is not safe for you… not yet…" A violent cough wracked his frail body, his strength rapidly fading.

Rin, sobbing uncontrollably, clutched his grandfather's hand tightly. "Grandpa… don't go… Please, don't leave me! I'm not ready for this… I need you…" His voice was filled with raw pain, the weight of impending loss crashing down on him.

Hitomaro, using the last of his strength, whispered softly, "Rin… You have always been strong… You will be a great warrior… Protect each other… And Nathaniel… Protect him too… I'm proud… of you both…" With a final, labored breath, Hitomaro's hand went limp in Rin's grasp, his eyes closing as he passed away.

Rin cried out in anguish, his heart breaking. "Grandpaaaaa!!!" He collapsed onto the bed, his body shaking with grief as he sobbed uncontrollably.

The room fell silent, the weight of loss heavy in the air. Nathaniel stood by, tears streaming down his own face, feeling the profound sadness of losing someone so important. He placed a comforting hand on Rin's shoulder, offering what little solace he could.

****

The sun hung low in the sky, casting an orange glow through the thick canopy of trees. Nathaniel, Rin, and Viorst trudged along a narrow, winding forest path. The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, and their footsteps crunched softly on the fallen leaves beneath them.

Rin tried to keep the mood light, his voice cutting through the stillness. "So, do we have any idea how far Trolia is, or are we just going to keep wandering until we stumble across it?" He glanced around, his earlier smile faltering as the forest seemed to grow darker with each step.