Warriors are Humans too

In the far lands of Russia, a girl named Emu rose from poverty to glory being a warrior hunter for the games. She is Yuna's best friend who grew up in a very poor family. Once she dreamed of becoming a warrior hunter, competing in the games just like her heroes, Keyoshi and Yuna. Shi was just twelve then and Emu, eight years old.

This lass remembers her childhood compared to now that she is a hunter with privileges. My family and I lived in an old worn out home, full of termites, all types of wild and creepy crawling animals on the ground, ceiling and doors almost broken by these insects that not only eats the floors on crumbling cements, they also make our home weak and unsafe. As if we don't have any way out because of poverty. The governing leaders in our tribe doesn't seem to care at all. They continue to launder the countries money and ask for taxes exceeding every citizen's income and business. What I can only do is pray and ask for the gods mercy and provision with this plea, "Gods of our forefathers, please help my father who has painstakingly farm our land which is just lent by one of the riches businessman in Primovera". Mother helps in selling the crops to our nearby towns so we can have money for food and personal needs. But father has been farming, plowing the fields that made his back suffer from osteoporosis and our cattle losing focus over the heat and exhaustion from hard labor in exchange for some scraps of food and small income. Why are we poor and when will this hardship end?, I always thought. And an opportunity came that I can be one of the hunters as representative of our clan and I passed the challenge. From then on I was able to help my family and lifted them out of poverty, and now living in a nice home in Mimiko. But then the incident in the games happened. Being disqualified is a huge setback for me just because Yuna's dad asked for a favor I couldn't refuse. Yet, I am given a chance to redeem myself by participating in the Hunt to fight side by side Keyoshi, Yuna and other prominent warriors of other clans and tribes. Yuna, I won't let you down alongside Keyoshi and Mimiko, my family and my people. Haaa…..I can't wait for the games to start. Here we go!, Emu thought while looking at the peaceful half-moon in the still of Mimiko island's night.

Ahhh..not again mother! I don't like wearing Sanko's old socks, clothes and over-alls. They are so worn-out and ….eek!!!, the little boy about eight holding his big brother's sok with a big hole in it and a shirt where the color is faded from blue to grey. This is crazy!, I thought, then I see not so far from our old hut shackles, some warrior hunters practicing and training every move and thrust of their sword, arnis, bow and arrow or any form of metal, lead or iron arms to protect them from enemies especially wild animals, creatures and monsters. Chief Lolo and Uncle Jazpar were only twenty years or so that time when I saw them in the forestry training their hearts and wills out for the Hunt some decades has passed. Haaa…I want to be like them!!!, I always thought and dream when I see them in the fields while I'm here helping father out to plough the farm. Mother bakes home-made sweets like "turon" (banana with wraps then rolled in brown sugar then fried to a crisp) or "kwek" (boiled quail eggs placed in liquid flour with coloring then fried on plenty of oils). Yummy but not so fun when it's my turn to wrap the bananas so mother can cook them. And sell them before breakfast or every snack time in the afternoons. Isaac!!! Hey, what's the matter with you? I have been calling out for minutes and you're mind is flying or hanging on the clouds, with that damn dream again? Becoming a warrior is hard and you need to bere all things including wounds, scars and fights not just with wild creatures but dark spirits from the underworld..Ooooohhhhh, spooky! Hahaha!, Isaac's big brother scared him and laughed at the end when his little brother didn't budge and almost hit him with his fist.

Gray! Stop messing with your brother and sell this bunch. I have three more so hurry up, will you?, their mother insisted. Sorry mother!, both boys said in unison. Good morning Madame! We would like to ask for your permission to hand us your boys to train as warriors for the tribe?, Lolo said and Jazpar came running to hand a piece of paper for the boys to be new recruits for the hunting games since hunting season is about to come that time. No!!!, their father hesitated. My sons are helping me with the farm and besides they study in the afternoons. But father?, Isaac replied and looked at Jazpar who smiled at him graciously. I want to join them. Please, father! I will do my chores and train at the same time. I will do my homework and help mother in the afternoons, Isaac eagerly said and pleaded to his father that he is decided to be one with the warrior hunters. Okay!, their father said after thinking hard and breathing harsh. Oh, thank you father, mother! I'll see you later, then, Isaac told Lolo and Jazpar while still hugging his father. Got you kid!, Jazpar added and there he trained the little Isaac to be his apprentice, why Isaac gotten close with Yuna. They grew up together as partners in the hunting games but this year they won't be returning as pairs but in an opposing team.

As it has been said before, Yuna is paired with Keyoshi of Miriad Clan. And now that the Hunt competition is getting nearer, every warrior hunter is excited and scared at the same time. It is overwhelming when one thinks of the enemies, which are hardly humans and are spirits from the underworld.

Kemolohlun is so glad since he will be owning the girl her father has promised to be his bride. I'm so sorry, your Lordship, I was late!