Kabo returns back to the woods with disappointment! And looking at the scene I sighed. It has been months since I was stranded on Paradis. A large seismic wave hit Welkin, my home and I can’t fathom the number of Welkins who fell on Paradis as wreckages occurred in far off areas.

​

As I looked upon the trees clinging on the rear segment of Welkin and the overview of the terra firma, I saw the only hope to re-unite with my beloved ones. Although the folks of Welkin are contiguous with the geographical boundary of Paradis, the long disputes of the two realms ended with no-proper outcome. Their rivalry is believed to be caused by the fruit which we grow on the upper realm; the tree of desire.

       

Just the other day Kabo, my best friend informed me that the search troop discovered other Welkins. We are gathering our people to move back to the upper realm through the tree of desire.   

Kabo asserted, “Make sure you are vigilant, we don’t know what this land holds in for us!”       

Kabo and I have been leading the way towards the giant stump presumably two mountains behind and I shouldered the responsibility of leading our group.  

​

My feet ached; the boots were starting to wear out in different spots, causing blisters as I looked out for Welkins through the spare wasteland. Cresting a hill, I looked down into gorge and saw a smoke rising amidst small caverns. Excitement filled me as I slide down and ground got rough and gravels got underfoot. The thought of possible food down there numbed my pain until I stumbled upon a sedimentary boulder and rolled all the way to the foot of the hill.        

In the next few moments, my sight darkened as I saw Kabo and the others rushing down and everything went blank. I awakened a little nauseous when something cold splashed on my face.       

“Hey! Are you alright?”       

“I think so-”  

There stood a paradisan, his long arms stretched out, and crude clothes filled with stains of mud and looking barbaric. I instinctively backed off,” Don’t you dare come near me.” As I immediately looked for familiar faces, the crowd cleared a path. The same man got closer.      

“Who are you?”       

​

Kabo rushed in,” Don’t you dare lay a hand on him!”  

     

“Are you guys are from Welkin? Although Welkin and Paradis foes each other, we personally don’t hold any grudges. Come, it seems like you sprained your leg. We’ll summon Erza; she is the only one who knows how to heal injuries here. I know there are more of you; they can come as well that is if they want.”   

“Psst...It is alright. Come out!” Kabo signaled and everyone emerged from a shadow. We followed a young paradisan through the cavern into underground cellars. The room was spacious and illuminated aesthetically by pyrophorus, leaves of the fruit of desire. Welkins used them too.   

“How do you like it?”        

 

I said,” it is marvelous! You create everything yourselves? This is so amazing.” The girl nodded with a smile. Kabo contemplated for some time and murmured,” Do you really think they could be trusted?  We have to get back to our home as soon as possible.”     

“Yeah” But right now, we are helpless. So let’s wait and watch.”  

“Okay”        

​

Soon, the man reappeared with a woman. She was tall and her fingers holding onto a spherical object. She muffled some chants and the ball glowed, I levitated in the air for few seconds and the next instance, I could freely move my leg! 

“Woah.I didn’t know Paradis had such powers.”    

“Welkin is winning war only because of their magical council. But we do have our own magic wielders except that they excel in minor fields and healing. Her name is Wendy. She heals injuries here in Fiore village.” 

“Thank you so much, Madam, “I said.” People of Welkin are taught that the people of Paradis are evil and unpleasant and I believed the statement. But now, seeing all this I am so sure.”

   

The man introduced himself as Arak, the village chief. Welkins thought of themselves as wise but this man was truly wise. He reached the expectations of his people well. As I glanced around the room, Arak stood up, “Because of the war, our ancestors built their homes underground to avoid the struggle of renovation. Anyway, what are you Welkins doing here on Paradis?”       

​

“We were knocked down when a large tremor hit Welkin and far off places disseminated into Paradis. We have been stranded here ever since and we are in an attempt to get back to our homeland.”        

“As far as I'm aware, Welkins subsist on the fruit of the desire tree. I'm surprised you've all made it this far. The tree of desire is heavily guarded, and if the judiciary members discover you all, all of you will be doomed! Let me take you all back home.” 

​

Kabo acknowledged their willingness to assist in the mission but he asserted, “You’ve already helped us enough. We would be grateful if you could just direct us the safe route. I personally want to apologize for my rude behavior earlier. I didn’t expect paradisans to be humble.”  

​

“It is alright, son. Eat well and get plenty of rest. A long day awaits you tomorrow.”      

Before the next dawn, everyone crept into the vast grassland and towards the mountain through the valley. As we got closer to the tree, the tip of a watch tower was visible and then the flying Pegasus and guards.         

“There are several open ruptures here, use the pyrophorus and hurry now!” The brief run into Arak and the paradisan, somehow felt warm, yet sad. As they waved goodbye from a distant, a part of me remained in the land of Paradis. As we got deeper into the ground, they disappeared back in the grasslands.       

“Hey Kabo, wanna race to the top?”

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