Aether Nexus: Curse of Love & Hatred

“Owwww…”

It was a beautiful morning, close to noon, as Dama wearily trudged down a trail path and into a vast valley. His steps were uneven and uncoordinated with Nina trailing close behind watching him. The effects of last night's fatigue and muscle pain were weighing down Dama's entire frame.

Still, the valley greeted Dama with a chorus of chirping birds and the soothing melody of a nearby stream, the very same stream where he first met Giona in fact. A carpet of wildflowers painted the landscape, their colors a vibrant contrast against the rich tapestry of green that stretched on for what seemed like miles. Each step he took immersed him deeper into the valley's embrace, the earth beneath his feet yielding slightly with each step as he entered a forest.

“Man, I shouldn’t have slept on the floor like I did last night, Nina. My back is killing me!” Muttered a regretful Dama, branches breaking beneath his every step. “But Giona seemed so peaceful when she fell asleep on the bed. I didn't want to disturb her...”

Dama paused for a moment, feeling the gentle breeze brush against his face, and looked up at the sky. Closing his eyes, he let the warmth of the sun wash over him.

His mind drifted back to yesterday, to the moment he prepared dinner for him and Giona. It was just vegetable stew served in wooden bowls. Nothing special to Dama, as he ate it almost every day.

When he was halfway done with his bowl, Dama looked up to see how Giona was enjoying her's. Only to find Giona blankly staring at the bowl in her lap, her nose wrinkled at the sight.

Right before he asked if something was wrong, he witnessed her reach for the wooden spoon, her hand shaking with hesitation. To Giona, the mixture of the orange-brown broth with unknown chunks reminded her too much of when she regularly puked in her cell—with some nights forcing her to eat it again, just to stave off the pain of hunger.

Pulling back her hand, she looked to Dama. "Da...ma?" she said, confused on what to do.

Dama chugged the rest of his stew before sitting beside Giona. "Don't worry, Giona, it's vegetable stew! It may not be much, but it's really delicious," he exclaimed before taking her hand into his own, "I promise! Here, I'll help you."

Taking her spoon, Dama scooped some stew and blew on it. "Here." he said softly as he brought it to her lips.

Giona tensed up, but after looking at Dama's gentle eyes and smile, she, for the first time, truly relaxed. She parted her lips slightly, allowing for Dama to feed her.

As the first sip reached her mouth, her eyes widened. The stew's medley of flavors danced on her tongue, its aroma enriching the taste. Each consecutive spoonful she accepted more eagerly.

That was until Dama stopped, causing Giona to become confused. Setting down the spoon, Dama would further shock Giona by gently wiping her tear-stricken face, unbeknownst to her. "Are you okay, Giona?" Dama said with a sympathetic tone, his smile never wavering.

Giona could only stare at Dama, at a loss on how to react. It wasn't because of Dama though, it was the emotions she could feel welling up inside her. Right after, her face became strained as she felt a familiar lump forming in her throat.

Eventually one tear fell, then another, and another. Before Dama knew it, Giona had launched herself at him, letting loose a tidal wave of tears into his shirt. Completely taken aback, Dama just wrapped his arm around her, trying to soothe her cries.

Back in the present, Dama opened his eyes, blinking against the bright sun. The sight of Giona's tears were now embedded into his memory, stirring awake a protective instinct he never knew he possessed.

Breathing out a deep sigh, Dama then felt a slight push from behind by Nina. “Hm? Something wrong girl?” he said while turning around.

Nina responded to the question by coiling her entire body around Dama. Cuddling him for a few moments, she collapsed onto the forest floor, bringing Dama down with her.

“H-Hey! Why'd you do that for Ni—!?" Dama started to complain before perking up at the realization of Nina's actions. "Oh! I get it, haha! Are you saying you wouldn’t mind sleeping on the floor together? Awwww, thanks Nina!" He said gratefully while rubbing her head. "You're as squishy as a pillow, so I might just take you up on your offer since Giona will most likely take the bed for the time being.”

Patting Nina lovingly on the head, which elicited the ends of Nina’s stitched mouth to raise, forming a smile, the ecstatic fox uncoiled and spun in front of Dama. Bowing her head, she pawed the dirt and threw her head back multiple times. All these signs conveyed an invitation to climb on her back.

Dama smiled with immense gratitude, immediately understanding his companion's gesture. Climbing onto Nina’s back, Dama rubbed her side. “Are you sure girl? I’m not the lightest you know.”

Jumping to turn around, Nina sprinted at full speed through the thicket of forest, eager to prove Dama's worries inapt.

Holding onto Nina’s neck for dear life, Dama saw the light of the thicket’s exit slowly getting closer and closer until the light got too blinding. Opening his eyes once he felt Nina stop, he was met with a sight he welcomed every time—a huge wooden spiked gate with a wooden billboard positioned in front. Said billboard had the words 'Enohay Village' etched into its frame in big, bold letters.

Within the confines of the open gate, a random passerby, lugging a bucket of clothes, spotted the duo out of the corner of his eye. “Oy, someone’s at the front entrance!” He yelled, alerting every villager nearby and attracting their attention to the front gate.

“You’re right…" Another villager said as he shaded his eyes from the shining sun in the sky. "Hey, is that Dama?”

“No way, it is Dama!”

“And look, he bought that fox with him too!”

“Mommy mommy! Look!" A kid exclaimed while jumping up and down, unable to contain her own excitement. "Nina’s back! Can I go play with her?”

The mother, who cupped her right cheek in response to her daughter's relentless tugging on her red maiden dress, tried her best to calm her down. “Now now, let's not get too hasty. Though, now that I take a closer look, didn’t he also have a bear?”

Finally entering Enohay Village, the duo were greeted with an array of warm smiles and friendly welcomes. “Hehee! Hi everyone, long time no see!” Dama responded with the same friendly energy.

While the warm welcoming tone to Dama’s comeback was pleasant, the proceeding chaotic atmosphere of Dama and Nina being swarmed by the village adults and children respectively wasn’t as pleasant.

“EH!? Woah, wait, what’s the matter!?” Dama exclaimed as the mountain of villagers and an even larger amount of requests bombarded him.

“Dama, I’m so glad you’re back! I need some help with the shop inventory.” One villager demanded.

“Oh, Dama! Could you help sweep my store like last time?” Another villager asked.

A third villager, a woman this time, barged in between the previous two. “I need someone to help me carry all my makeshift bracelets, Dama!”

“Hey, I was here first! Get your own errand boy!” The first villager yelled.

“Oy, butt out! I already called dibs on him last time!” The second one interjected.

The last villager's face became slightly red with anger. “Well, that was almost two weeks ago! How could anyone remember such a vague thing, you ancient mummy!”

Before he knew it, Dama was at the mercy of a particularly dangerous mob of villagers in need. The countless demands and arguing soon became nothing but white noise to Dama as he thought back to what Koul said to him yesterday. “Man, Mr. Koul was right… Guess I am the village-wide errand boy…”

“Hey, you lot! Don't smother the poor boy to death! You know, the one thing we thought happened?” A sarcastic voice shouted from beyond the crowd. As Dama recognized the voice, a hand forced itself through the crowd of bodies, grabbing Dama by his green sweater and pulling him out.

“Jeez, you freeloaders are just glad your favorite work pony is back in town, especially you grown boys, shame on you!” The soft voice filled with a fierce motherly instinct was unmistakable. It was Kina—Kina Alder—the village's farmer. “You okay, darling?” She said as she rubbed Dama's head while hugging him tight against her chest.

Looking up to meet her gaze, Dama responded, albeit muffled by her chest. (“Yes ma'am.”)

“Good!" Giving one more loved-filled squeeze to Dama, Kina unwrapped her arms and sent him on his way. “There are a lot more important people I'm pretty sure you to talk with. I'll handle the mob here, have a good day darling, k~?"

“Of course! Thanks Ms. Alder!" Dama expressed his gratitude before calling for Nina. "Nina! Come on girl!”

In contrast to Dama’s sticky situation, Nina quite enjoyed the attention she got from the numerous children rubbing her all over. She perked up immediately however to Dama’s call and swiftly made it to his side. Now united, the two proceeded deeper into the village.

Passing by and greeting every individual along the way, the two eventually made it to a well-crafted and maintained house. Compared to the houses they passed, this one was the biggest, its polished finish showing its quality. Walking up to it, Dama knocked on the single redwood door and waited.

Shortly after Dama knocked, rustling and multiple incoherent voices could be heard. After a while, Dama heard rapidly approaching footsteps with an accompanying: “Coming!”

As the door opened, Dama met the gaze of a light brown haired young girl, clad in a breathtaking formal village dress. The gown flowed gracefully around her ankles, displaying an array of intricate patterns in hues that mirrored the blossoms blanketing the village gardens. It was a person he had known since they were both babies, Mary Koul, daughter of Himon and Tawa Koul.

“Dama?” Mary gasped, her eyes widened with joy. Barely able to control herself, she excitedly hugged Dama, “Oh my goodness! Where have you been!? I was worried!”

Dama hugged her back whilst laughing. “Hehee, sorry sorry... I was taking care of something important.”

Pulling away a bit from Dama, Mary crossed her arms with a smug look on her face. “Hmph yeah, like that seeeeecret project of yours~?”

“HUH!? Don’t tell me h—!” Before Dama could finish, Mary put her index finger on his lips.

“Pfft, do you really think dad is someone you should be sharing secrets with? Here I thought you knew better Da~ma.” Mari teasingly reprimanded Dama as a mischievous smile formed on her face.

“Big brother Dama! Nina!” Another voice innocently called out from behind the two childhood friends. It was Mary’s little sister, Mari. Many within Enohay Village agree their names represent their overall relationship since Mari was seen as just a mini Mary, even down to their matching dresses. *(Mary though denies they’re alike in any way).

“Tch! Mari! I told you to stay inside, didn’t I?” Mary said as she put her hands on her hips and bent down towards Mari, her face adopting a slight snarl.

Mari stood her ground though, adopting an annoyed pouting face in response. “But Mary! It’s Dama! I wanna play with him! Unlike you, he’s actually fun to play with!”

Taken aback by the straight forward diss, Mary could only squeeze her hands into fists at her sides. “You little…!” She said through gritted teeth.

Crouching to match the height of the conversation newcomer, Dama patted Mari on the head, “Hey Ms. Mari, is everything okay?

Switching to a happy expression in a flash, Mari nodded numerous times. “Yep! Everything’s fine now that you’re here, big brother! How about you? Why are you here?”

“Yeah, Mari has a point, why did you come here all of a sudden?” Mary interjected.

Dama looked up at Mary to answer. “Oh, well, I just wanted to stop by to see both you two and Mr. Koul!”

“Really? Well unfortunately, he and some of the village men had to go take care of something somewhere in the valley up north. That was around four hours ago, so he’ll most likely be back soon.”

"Is that so?" Dama said as he rested his chin on his hand. "Mr. Koul sure is a pretty busy man isn’t he?

“Yeah, and a pretty annoying one at that too, but my father’s influence around here can’t be understated. If any issue pops up, most automatically go to him. He’s basically the village chief—right behind Granny and Pops that is." Mary claimed, her voice coming out with a tinge of pride, before rolling her eyes. "Which I bet is why he’s such an airhead..."

Dama perked straight up. “Ah! That’s right! Speaking of Granny Tsu, I have to go talk to her about something urgent.”

“Urgent?" Mary said as she grabbed her left arm, "Well… If it’s important, I won’t keep you then… You sure you don’t want to come in and wait for my father to get back though?”

“Nah, but I promise I’ll come back once I’m done speaking with Granny.” Dama replied, holding out his pinky for a promise. A gesture Mary smiled at and reciprocated, completing the pinky swear.

“Wait, you’re already leaving big brother?” Mari voiced her letdown, pouting once more.

Dama nodded. “Mhm, sorry Mari, it’s very important, we’ll play once I get back," he said before getting an idea to alleviate her mood, pumping his fist in the air, "wait... Aha! In the meantime, why don’t you play with Nina?”

Mari gasped, her eyes seemed to light up like a star in the night to Dama. “Really!? I get to play with Nina!?”

“Of course! How about you girl?” Dama rubbed the side of Nina’s head, prompting Nina to answer by going to Mari’s side and snuggling up against her, much to Mari’s giggled-filled enjoyment. “Well, can I trust you to take care of Nina while I’m gone?”

Mari nodded several times again. “Yeah! I will do my best Dama! You can count on me!” She said as she pressed noses with Nina and giggled.

Backing away, Dama said his goodbyes. “Alright, well you gals have fun. It was nice seeing you two again, and say hi to Ms. Koul for me if he gets back after I'm gone!”

“Okay, see you later Dama!”

“Bye-bye!”

As the two girls waved off Dama, the village errand boy sprinted full speed until he reached a stone staircase leading up a hill. Climbing to the top revealed an area dedicated to Enohay’s shrine temple. Walking underneath the gateways, Dama couldn’t help but faintly remember a memory he cherished—his father taking him up there for the first time. He vividly remembered his own awe and excitement while holding his father’s hand…

“Mr. Dama?” A shrine maiden, by name of Caera, said as she tapped on Dama’s shoulder, causing him to jump. “Everything okay? Are you looking for the chief or chiefess?”

“Hmm!? Oh. uh yes!” Dama replied, kind of embarrassed for having such a reaction.

Caera smiled, thinking to herself how cute that was, before pointing ahead. “If that’s the case, please continue straight forward and take your second left.”

“Oh, okay, thank you very much ma’am!” Dama said as he took off.

“No problem, and make sure to offer your prayers once you’re done!”

“Gotcha!’

Following the directions given by Caera, Dama was led to a familiar shrine hut. It was the quarters of the village Chief and Chiefess—the overseers of everything within Enohay Valley. Dama knocked and waited for permission to come in.

“You may enter.” A weathered, but caring voice sounded from inside the hut’s chambers.

With permission granted, Dama heaved the doors open to see two familiar figures—figures he has known since the minute he was born.

One was a white-haired elderly man sitting with grace in the seiza position—rubbing the head of another individual sleeping on his lap. His aging frame was draped in a simple, yet dignified, white kimono. His skin, though aged and adorned with a myriad of wrinkles, bore the gentle demeanor of a life well-lived.

The other person was a short woman with gray and curled up hair, nestled on the elderly man's lap—her features serene in the embrace of sleep. Her skin—a rich mahogany hue—glowed softly in the ambient light of the room, a testament to the beauty of her heritage that withstood the test of time pretty well compared to the man. The most striking feature about her though had to be her giant ears and tail—both of which drooped in her peaceful sleep.

Dama greeted them with open arms. “Pops Owain! Granny Tsubasa! Hey!”

The elderly man, Owain Inin, perked up at Dama's voice. “Oh? My old eyes must deceive me, it’s our young lad, Dama!” He uttered to the woman.

Hearing her husband, the woman’s wolf-like ears and tail both perked up. “Dama!?” Granny Tsubasa shot up from her early nap, surprised at Dama’s arrival. Running on all fours, she quickly pounced on him—much to his surprise. “Gods above! Where have you been! We were so worried about y—!” She stopped mid-sentence as she smelled a peculiar scent on Dama, a scent she thought she would never smell again.

“Ouch…" Dama, while still dazed from the impact, smiled, glad to see her too. "Sorry Granny Tsu, I was busy, hehee!”

“Ohhhhhh, ow ow ow…” Tsubasa suddenly started groaning in pain, holding both of her legs.

Reacting to her low cries of pain, Dama shot up and supported Tsubasa. “Granny!?”

“Oh, Honey! What’s wrong?” Owain said, his voice coming out with a slight pinch of fear as he rushed to the pair.

“Oh, dear, it’s nothing too serious… Just these old knees of mine are aching. I shouldn’t have ran like that, they’re not as good as they used to be…" Tsubasa said as she looked up at her husband. "Owain, could you please go and get some of that cream from Mr. Idin for me? You always had the better knees anyway. Dama will look after me while you’re gone, don’t worry…”

“Oh, will do TsuTsu!” Owain ran as fast as his old legs could carry him, making sure to shout at Dama his current mission. “Make sure nothing happens Dama my boy!”

Disappearing around a corner, Dama felt safe to laugh now that Owain was not in earshot. “Pfft-ha! TsuTsu, I never get tired of hearing th—!”

“Boy…” Granny Tsubasa said in a low and stern tone, cutting off Dama and causing him to almost jump out of his skin.

“Eh? Y-Yes ma’am?" Dama answered without hesitation as he thought about what could have set her off. "Crap, I shouldn’t have laughed!”

Tsubasa stared at Dama with her clear gray eyes—with slits down the middle like a predator. “Why exactly do you have the scent of a witch on you?”

-

Next: (Chapter 7) Scent of a Witch