Published at 17th of September 2024 7:38 pm

Chapter 103 The Queen’s Path: 11 Beneath the Surface

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The days following the discovery of the Ryuumyaku fragment passed in a haze of anxious activity. Sāra had mobilized everyone who could be spared to search the ruins of Rōran, digging through the debris and rubble for any sign of more fragments. The presence of even a single remnant of the Ryuumyaku’s power was enough to send ripples of fear through the camp. The idea that such dangerous energy could still linger after Mukade’s defeat kept Sāra awake at night, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios.

She stood at the edge of the camp, watching as another team of scouts returned from a day’s search. Their faces were tired, but they offered hopeful nods to her as they passed by, signaling that they had found nothing dangerous. Sāra let out a breath she didn’t realize she had been holding, though the tension in her chest remained.

Ryū approached her, his brow furrowed with concern. “No more fragments, at least for today.”

Sāra nodded, her gaze still fixed on the camp. “That’s good news, but it doesn’t mean we’re in the clear.”

Ryū crossed his arms, his stance rigid. “We can’t stop searching, not until we’re sure. But the people are starting to wear down. They need something to hold on to, something more than just survival.”

Sāra looked at him, her mind swirling with thoughts of what to do next. “You’re right. They’ve worked hard, and we’re making progress on rebuilding the city, but without a future to look forward to, they’ll lose hope.”

Ryū tilted his head, studying her. “So, what’s the plan?”

Sāra remained quiet for a moment, then spoke, her voice soft but determined. “We need to bring the people together. Something that reminds them of why we’re rebuilding Rōran, of what we’re working toward.”

Ryū’s brow arched slightly. “A gathering?”

“Yes,” Sāra replied, her thoughts taking shape. “A celebration of life. We’ve all been through so much loss, so much pain. But we’re still here, and we need to honor that. We need to show people that there’s more to Rōran than just the ruins—that we can create something new, something beautiful.”

Ryū considered her words, then nodded slowly. “A celebration might just be what the people need. It would give them a sense of normalcy again, remind them of what they’re fighting for.”

Sāra smiled faintly, feeling a flicker of hope within herself. “It won’t solve everything, but it could help. If we can bring the people together, remind them of the future we’re building, it might be enough to get them through the hard times.”

Ryū’s expression softened, his respect for her growing as he saw the strength she carried within her. “I’ll help organize it. We’ll make sure it’s something the people will remember.”

Sāra nodded gratefully. “Thank you, Ryū. I couldn’t do this without you.”

Ryū shrugged, though his eyes held warmth. “You’re the one leading us. I’m just here to make sure things don’t fall apart.”

As they walked together through the camp, the idea of a celebration began to take shape in Sāra’s mind. It would be small, given the resources they had, but that didn’t matter. What was important was the spirit behind it—a reminder to the people of Rōran that their strength came from each other, not just from the city’s walls or the power of the Ryuumyaku.

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Two days later, the camp was buzzing with energy. The soldiers and builders who had spent their days combing the ruins now worked to clear an area for the celebration. A wide square in the heart of the camp was chosen, and though it was still rough, it would serve as the gathering place for the event.

Sāra walked through the bustling camp, her heart swelling at the sight of people working together, laughing, and sharing stories. The air felt lighter, as if the heavy burden of survival had been lifted, even if only for a little while.

Hana approached her, carrying a bundle of fabric. “We’ve managed to find some decorations in the ruins. They’re a bit worn, but they’ll do. I’m having the children help string them up around the square.”

Sāra smiled warmly. “Thank you, Hana. This means so much to everyone.”

Hana nodded, her face softening. “It means a lot to me too. After everything we’ve been through, it’s nice to have something to look forward to.”

As they worked to prepare the square, Ryū and a group of soldiers returned from their latest patrol of the ruins. He approached Sāra with a tired but satisfied expression. “No more fragments today. Looks like the Ryuumyaku remnants are scattered, but we haven’t found anything dangerous.”

Sāra exhaled in relief. “That’s good. Hopefully, we’re nearing the end of it.”

Ryū glanced around the camp, watching as people bustled about, preparing for the evening’s gathering. “It’s amazing what a little hope can do. The mood around here feels different—better.”

Sāra nodded. “That’s exactly what we need. Something to remind us of why we’re doing all this.”

As the sun began to set, the camp gathered in the square. Sāra stood at the center, her heart racing with both nervousness and excitement. She had always been a reluctant leader, thrust into a position she hadn’t asked for. But as she looked out at the faces of her people, she felt a deep sense of pride. They had survived. They had fought and bled for Rōran, and now, they were coming together to celebrate what they had built.

When the crowd had settled, Sāra stepped forward, her voice carrying through the square. “My people, we have been through so much. We have faced danger, destruction, and loss. But we have also faced these challenges together, and that is what makes us strong.”

She paused, letting her words sink in. “Rōran is more than just a city. It is us. It is our spirit, our resilience, our hope. And tonight, we celebrate not just the past we have survived, but the future we are building.”

The crowd erupted in cheers, their voices filling the night air with joy and excitement. Music began to play—simple tunes played on makeshift instruments—and the square came alive with dancing and laughter.

Sāra stood back, watching as the people of Rōran came together in celebration. For the first time in what felt like forever, the weight of their struggles lifted, replaced by a sense of community and hope.

Ryū joined her, his arms crossed as he watched the festivities. “You did it,” he said, his voice quiet but full of admiration. “You brought them together.”

Sāra smiled, her heart swelling with warmth. “We all did. It wasn’t just me.”

As they stood side by side, watching their people celebrate, Sāra felt a deep sense of contentment. For the first time since the fall of Rōran, she believed that they could build something lasting—something that would endure beyond the ruins and the battles.

But as the night wore on, Sāra’s thoughts returned to the fragments of the Ryuumyaku still hidden beneath the city. The celebration was a reminder of their strength, but the shadows of the past still loomed large. There was more work to be done, more dangers to face.

And yet, as she looked at her people, she knew they could overcome whatever lay ahead.

Together.

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