Chapter 20 - Tiana Eily II

Outskirts of Abia

Had Tiana known what the city of Abia housed, she would've left long ago. Outside the city walls, Tiana could still hear the screams of those who hid away only to be found by Dao Jin.

General Ocatio had asked her to his quarters, which, like everyone else's who'd been evacuated, was a simple outdoor tent. The General's, however, was noticeably larger than the tents surrounding. Tiana assumed it reasonable, as there were members of his organization, he called the King's Faction, lined around the tent regularly.

The field the refugees of Abia pitched their tents upon was lush and green, though the red sky now made the green one of a darker shade than which she was accustomed. The walls of Abia, some distance behind her now, were still visible. Where excitement seeing the high walls of her home once was, was now fear and sadness. Abia was not the home she knew.

Outside General Ocatio's two men, one young and lean, the other older by many years, and yet still athletic. Together they sparred, each a sword and shield in their hands. Tiana stood and watched in amazement as their swords crossed, sending sparks flying across the ground. Awestruck by the precision of their movements.

Tiana almost squealed in excitement when the elder swordsman parried the younger, sending his sword flying in the air. As the sword soared, the elder swordsman moved forward, closing the space between them quickly and held his sword to the younger's throat stopping just shy of piercing his skin.

"Was your 'special move'" the elder said, holding his stance, and his sword in it's place at the younger's neck, "worth your life, Lionel?"

The younger, Tiana assumed must've been Lionel, raised his hands in defeat and slowly backed away from the elder. His face was smitten with shame, and what Tiana recognized as disappointment.

"Lionel asked Richard to teach him to fight when we arrived. They've been out here every morning sparring since." Tiana was so distracted that she did not hear General Ocatio's approach.

When he spoke behind her, she jump and let out a small squeak.

"Apologies, I didn't mean to scare you."

Standing beside the General was the silver haired woman she saw during Tiana's first meeting with The King's Faction, Ali. She looked at her commander sideways. Tiana could almost see the word Imbecile written on her face.

"No, no." Tiana said, still recovering from the Master's silent approach. "I was just on my way to meet with you."

Swords clanged in the background as Richard and Lionel continued their training. General Ocatio's response was drowned out by the ring of the blades. It was only after Lionel was disarmed again was she able to hear him speak.

"Why don't we speak in my quarters?" General Ocatio said gesturing in the direction of his tent. Tiana followed behind him alongside Ali, and together they entered the tent. In the center of the tent was a large table, devoid of any place to sit. Upon it was a map of Abia, large enough to span the entire table.

"I was told you were of great service during the evacuation." General Ocatio began, placing his hands upon the Map Table, as Ali moved into position behind him to the right. "Austain was glad to have your help."

"I didn't do much, really" Tiana responded. "It was your group that did the work."

"No one appreciates humility as much as I," General Ocatio said. "But you should be proud to have survived the Dao Jin, and stand and offer your assistance during a crisis."

Tiana felt honored. She did not know the man well but she could see he was well respected. She held his words in high regard.

"Now, onto why you were called here today." Mastee Ocatio said clapping his hands together loudly. "I would like to offer you the chance to join The King's Rai Jin Faction."

"What is a faction, exactly?" Tiana had heard the word several times to this point since the red rain touched her, but from context clues had only gathered that it was some sort of organization.

"Rai Jin are governed by Factions." Master Ocatio answered her. "There are currently three major Factions that create and enforce the law for our people. Each has it's own militia and territories and Faction members are given unique training specific to their abilities and work that benefits Rai Jin society."

"So you're offering me a job?" Tiana asked humorously.

General Ocatio laughed along with her. "Yes, I guess that is essentially what joining a faction is."

"What would I be doing?" Tiana asked. She was intrigued by the idea of joining him.

"For now, you would learn your abilities." General Ocatio was suddenly serious. "Austain tells me he only found you after you incapacitated a Dao Jin with your voice."

Tiana had hardly thought about her ability. Any time she would think of the day they appeared, her thoughts would be of the last smile she'd seen on the face of her colleague as his head flew through the air. Tiana shuddered, her face turned into a sour frown.

"I realize the circumstances under which you discovered your abilities were less than ideal." General Ocatio said calmly. "Still, you have received the gift, and you are now Rai Jin. It would be beneficial for you to learn what that means."

"Can I have some time to think on this?" Tiana asked a bit overwhelmed. "This is a lot to take in after all that's happened."

"Of course." General Ocatio seemed genuinely concerned with her well being. His warm smile was inviting despite the many distinguishable scars that marred his face.

"Sir," a member of General Ocatio's faction entered the tent.

"Ah. Yes," General Ocatio greeted his subordinate. "Tiana, this is the newly promoted Lieutenant Kairus. He was scouting for other survivors during our first meeting."

"A pleasure, miss." Kairus greeted Tiana. She however had to time to respond as the Lieutenan of the King's Faction continued. "I apologize for the interruption, General. The scouts have returned from the city."

"Did they find survivors, or food?" Ali, for the first time this day spoke."

"Lieutenant, I did not notice you." Kairus greeted Ali, somewhat awkwardly.

"Of course you didn't," Ali responded, rather viciously.

"I uh-" Kairus stammered, attempting to turn his attention to the matter at hand. There was clearly something between the two of them that Tiana did not know. The tension around her was near tangible.

"Th-the scouts managed to find food stores to last nearly a weeks time. However they reported no survivors. At least none they were capable of retrieving."

"What does that mean?" General Ocatio said patiently.

"The only people they found were in pens, and under heavy guard." Kairus made no attempt to hide his emotions. His expression was smitten with anger and regret.

"Kairus." General Ocatio's call snapped Kairus back into an attentive state. "Did the scouts give a number?"

"Stephen, who led the Squadron, said he counted near eighty of them." Kairus said, grim in tone. "He estimates that most of them will be dead before the week is out."

Jaws dropped on both Tiana and Ali, as a vein bulged in General Ocatio's scarred forehead.

"The Dao Jin are…" Kairus looked as if he might hurl. "They're eating them, Sir."

"Dao Jin may be base creatures but they are not cannibalistic." General Ocatio did not seem too surprised by the news.

"I don't understand." Tiana said. Her presence was once again noticed by the King's Faction. When all eyes fell on her she immediately regretted saying anything aloud. "I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt."

"What don't you understand?" General Ocatio asked her warmly.

She almost asked them to continue on without her, excuse herself and leave the tent. She almost chose to remain ignorant of the world the General offered to introduce her to.

The image of Eddie's smile flashed through her mind, followed by the towering monster that had taken her friend's life.

She chose instead to honor his memory, by learning all she could about the Dao Jin, and become a member of this army life group who called themselves the Rai Jin King's Faction.

"Is it strange for them to keep people alive?" Tiana asked, feeling somewhat braver than she had moments before.

"It is," Ali responded. "Dao Jin would normally kill they're prey immediately, and eat the meat even after it's spoiled."

"It suggest that there is perhaps a higher intelligence among the beast." General Ocatio elaborated. "Perhaps more than one."

"So then there is a leader?" Tiana deduced from their answers.

"Yes," Ali muttered, still the space inside echoed the one word. General Ocatio looked onto her approvingly, as she pieced together the strands of information given to her into one.

"Yes," the General reiterated the point. "Normally something like a few mindless beasts running rampant would be easy to subdue. We would need only to isolate them and pick them off one at a time, but if they have a beast with the intellect of any man leading them.." The thumb and index finger of his left hand pushed into the bridge of his nose as he contemplated the orders he quickly followed with. "Kairus," the General dictated.

"Sir."

"Have received word from the King?" he asked

.

"No, sir." Kairus answered dutifully.

"Then we must accept the possibility that we are alone here." Ocatio said. Despite circumstances his voice showed no signs of broken courage or will. "Kairus, gather a group of men. Keep the group small, and fill it with warriors who are adept in stealth and close combat.

"Go into the city, collect any resources you can, food and medical supplies are essential. Then, assess our enemy. Get me an accurate count of how many there are, and a profile on the leader, or leaders."

"Sir," Kairus began. If there are two missions of importance here, I believe we should send two teams. I will lead the reconnaissance team, but, you should choose another lieutenant and have them gather a team to retrieve supplies."

"I'll go then," Ali said without hesitation.

"Your division is designated for catching Rouges." Kairus rebutted, only to be quickly shut down.

"Exactly. We don't make noise. We'll bring back supplies. Just take care of yourself and your duties." She said scowling.

"You have your assignments," General Ocatio said, defusing the rising tension. "Get to it."

Kairus and Ali saluted simultaneously and shouted "Sir!" then quickly left the tent.

Once the tent was clear, Tiana was once again addressed by the General.

"So then, it would seem you are decided yes?"

Tiana nodded her head without hesitation.

"Well," Ocatio said, a wide smile spreading across his face. "We'll need to find you a uniform."