NOVEL NEXT Chapter 2: Spring
It began with two sisters.
Not much of the world knows about this one little island.
It is remote and backwater, with not much excitement occurring here.
In the past, wary travelers would talk about this isolated land and its mysterious warriors.
Donned in elaborate face paints. They fought with golden glinting fans, fiercely defending the island created by its founder.
They devote their lives to Avatar Kyoshi, a deity that have long passed this world. To this day, the legacy is still honored. The duty to protect their homeland from potential outside danger have never been forsaken. If a stranger were to wonder into the island unannounced, do not expect hospitality.
For generations, new warriors would train to take up arms and defend their traditions. This time wouldn't be any different.
It was the first day of spring. Although the changes are subtle, environment around the island has certainly felt more pleasant. Even the birds chirp more frequently as the season changes. More snow is disappearing day by day.
One very noticeable difference is the lone cherry blossom tree planted on a hill that overlooks the village.
Every year it only blooms once, displaying its beauty before quickly dropping them unceremoniously. Like life, it symbolizes renewal, but it's sadly brief too.
Standing on that same grassy peak and witnessing fishermen sailing out to the sea is a young girl donned in blue garment. She leaned her body against the truck of the tree, enjoying the view of humble wooden lodges. The village is never a big place anyway, it is easy to know every little place, practically the same as a hundred years ago. To this day, only small number of traders would sail here to exchange goods. Aside from that, the people sustain themselves through the ocean, which is more than enough to provide for their way of life.
Everything is fine on this small and insignificant island. She enjoys living here without any concerns or the woes of a difficult life.
Yet, she cannot help but feel discontent. Living on an island confined by a vast ocean meant there must be a bigger world outside, waiting to be explored.
What lies out there? Must she always be restrained to just this one place?
"Mayumi!"
Just this instant, she could hear someone calling out from behind, followed by even louder footsteps.
"Mayumi!" The voice cried again.
A woman donned in green kimono and armor hastily arrived.
It was her aunt, Ayuma, who still has that elaborate face paint. The warrior carries a giant blade on her back, but it is not the weapon that she warrants concern.
The little girl turned around to face the frantic woman, who also shares the family feature of brown hair.
"What's wrong?'' Mayumi asked.
Without answering the question, Ayuma grabbed her hand and pulled her home. Judging by this rather worrisome behavior, the little girl is too afraid to ask.
What could possibly warrant a Kyoshi warrior with such concerns? Ayuma always possesses a carefree attitude, which is why this level of seriousness is very rare.
They soon arrived at the outskirts of the village. A few insignificant wooden huts are built in the area.
Mayumi cannot help but feel anxious. Months of anticipation could likely result in a great tragedy. Such is the risk of bringing a new life to this world, and no one is spared.
Both of them entered a wooden lodge. Mayumi's unease grew even more. Since there are no doors to these huts, they immediately arrived at the room that their parents reside.
Her mother is covered in a bed sheet, lying silently on a mattress. She appeared weakened and unwell, which immediately reignited Mayumi's concerns. Her father is sitting nearby.
"Mommy? Daddy?" Mayumi asked, unsure what is going on. "Are you...ok?"
Her father immediately replied. "Mayumi, take a look at what your mother is holding in her hands."
The girl cautiously approached her mother, who sat up. Despite looking frail, the woman still has the strength to support her spine.
It must have been a very difficult process. The woman's face appears slightly pale. She directs Mayumi's attention to the strange object that is protectively cradled with both arms, shielded with even longer brown hair.
By just taking one peek, it was enough for Mayumi to know what it is. She held her breath, marveling with curiosity.
It is a newborn child.
Those pair of eyes opened a little, revealing tiny sparkles of emerald, green color. The infant also has small strands of brown hair hanging from the forehead.
Mayumi gently poked the baby's cheek. But stopped when it winced a bit in response. It is sleeping again.
"Do you want to hold on to her, Mayumi?" Her mother asked in a gentle tone.
"C-can I?" The little girl reluctantly asked. She cautiously received the baby from her mother's protective hands and handled it with utmost care.
It felt alive, and special. While this isn't the first time Mayumi held an infant, meeting her own sibling is indeed a very important moment.
An even greater privilege is bestowed when her mother allows her to think about a name. There is no need to even ponder. She has been waiting this moment for quite a long time. It is also unfortunate that the elder of their family can no longer meet this new member.
"Satchiko," Mayumi said.
There are treasures more valuable than all the gold and jewelries of this world. Like two flowers that shares the same pot, some bonds are impossible to break.