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Nico wasn't sure how long it's been since King Kojo exiled him It felt like he'd been walking for months, but his gut told him it hadn't been that long. At the most, it's been a couple of days.

The Wastelands appeared to be a large expanse of tall grass. Not a puddle or tree in sight, his throat was dry and felt like sandpaper every time he swallowed. If he didn't get a drink soon he was sure to die of dehydration.

The verdant blades of grass danced ever so slightly in response to the gentle breeze that swept by, while his unkempt hair was tossed around his face, obscuring his vision. With a deep exhalation, he lifted his hand to brush away the unruly strands, hoping for a brief respite from the playful gusts that toyed with his hair.

Before Nico was exiled, that guard...Luca was it - had given him some bites of food. He was beyond grateful. If it weren't for him he'd have died of starvation.

He still isn't sure how to feel about Kaya lying on him to her father. Nico wrapped his arms around himself, he'd never felt so alone. He thought he could trust her.

Nico collapsed to his knees in the blistering heat. He started sobbing. "What am I going to do?" He licked his parched lips and released a shuddering breath.

He could feel his parents' disappointment as they watched him from the afterlife. His father was most likely shaking his head and his mom would have her brows curled and lips pulled down into a frown. 

Her disappointed look.

Emmani would probably just stare at him like he was a stranger. Her mouth would be open in surprise and her hands out at her sides.

"How could I do something so stupid?" Nico whispers, "I thought Kaya was different, I thought he cared about my people. Zander tried to warn me but I didn't listen and now I'm here with no water, hardly any food. I'm not sure how much longer I can survive out here."

His dad's voice echoed in his head. Everyone makes mistakes, that's not a reason to beat yourself up Just remember to do better next time. Keep moving.

Nico got to his feet and moved forward. Step by step, inch by inch. Eventually, he reached a clearing, surprised to see a tree stump. Nico sat on it and released a breath.

The sun was setting, giving him a front-row seat to the most beautiful sunset. It looked like a painter had taken a brush to the sky and splattered it with hues of red, orange, and pink.

The stump began to tremble and shake. Nico shot to his feet and started down in wonder as the trunk began to glow. Light beams travel through the roots like glowing veins.

Behind him the grass rustles and he braces himself for the worst but he looks up and comes face to face with an older elf with pointed ears. He wore a tattered robe and had a staff in one hand.

"Welcome young one to the Revolution. This was our home, and we're going to take back what is rightfully ours."