Chapter 79: The Kuma Tribe

Romaine's POV

Though Melany was reluctant on leaving our mother there dead on the ground, I convinced her to let go of her and leave with me.

When we got outside, I told her to go back to the lab and tell the others what had happened. Using her super speed, she blazed off in the distance; effectively getting her out of Zero's range as I'd planned.

I kept stumbling as I ran, trying to make use of the time my remnant bought us. I'm not fully sure whether or not he would actually be able to defeat Zero though.

Making my way to the neighboring hills, I fell every time the sky got lit up by lightning a few miles away. With every step I took more memories of people dying flashed in my mind, and eventually I passed out on the ground.

~~~~~~~

When I woke up, I was in a very unfamiliar setting. I exited what I assumed was a bed, and made my way out of the room. It was then that I was made aware of my surroundings; all the buildings in sight appeared to be shrines, and the people around were all wearing robes of some sort.

"He's awake!" One of the younger ones shouted once he saw me

He drew more attention to me there as some of the older ones started coming over.

It was then that an individual I assumed to be some sort of 'elder' came through the crowd to speak to me.

"Do you know how you got here, child?" he questioned

"Um, no?" I answered, still very confused

"Brilliant. Come walk with me."

We began going down a path that led to a field.

"You were found unconscious by one of our scouts the previous night, so they brought you back and nursed you back to health."

"What is this place?" I asked him

"Some of us are the descendants of an ancient group called the Kuma Tribe, while others stumbled here and took refuge just like you did."

"The Kuma Tribe? Never heard of them."

"Their existence was well hidden, and their original members were made of Natives and Chinese immigrants from over 400 years ago. We are all that is left of the once great tribe."

"But how did you all manage to stay under the radar for so long?"

"We have our ways."

Just then we past by a training field, where multiple people were sparring and showcasing brute strength the likes of which I've never seen before.

"You seem quite fascinated by our fighting style." He commented

"Fighting style? As in Taekwondo?"

"Something of the sorts. You're free to learn it if you stay here; along with our other hidden techniques."

"I'm sorry. I can't stay here. I need to get back to my friends."

It was then that I'd realized that the note Kyle left for me wasn't in my pocket.

"Oh no no no no no no. This can't be happening."

"What are you looking for?" He questioned, repositioning his cane

"A note my friend left me. It was really important. Aww man..."

"What was on it?"

"I don't actually know to be honest. I never got the chance to read it."

After that we continued walking further down, going on with the conversation.

"So um, this fighting style of yours, what is it?" I questioned

"Though our tribe possess many techniques, the one you saw earlier is called 'Augendae'."

"'Augendae'? That's a new one. No karate or Jiu-Jutsu or anything?"

"Not particularly, Augendae is Latin for 'Enhance', dubbed by the ancient monks themselves that created the technique."

"Ok, but how does it work?"

"The augmentation aspect of Augendae is performed by the user's heart. By controlling your breathing, you can manipulate the speed and power your heart beats; increasing all physical qualities."

"Woah, and you can teach that to anybody?"

"While there are different stages and levels of mastery, the first few are easily attainable with ample breathing control. And to compliment the physical enhancements of Augendae, we also utilize the Apple's Eye; a technique used to see into one's soul, which is usually how we know the intent of those we choose to bring back."

"Well you kinda lost me there, but it sounds pretty cool. I might just take you up on that offer of yours; and in return you teach me all that you know."

"You're welcomed to stay as long as you'd like, consider yourself now one of us."

Walking a bit further ahead of the elder as he stopped, I started getting lost in the thoughts of last night and the others.

"I'm doing this all for you guys." I thought out loud, "I just hope you'll wait for me..."