Kinsha walked alongside Cani through the overgrown paths of her childhood village, each step stirring echoes of the past. The remnants of once-vibrant homes stood like weary sentinels, their roofs sagging under the weight of time and neglect. Sunlight filtered through the dense foliage, casting a warm glow over the area, but it couldn't chase away the shadows of sorrow that lingered in the air. The village was still lively despite its wither.
"Is it strange to be back?" Cani asked gently, noticing the flicker of emotions in Kinsha's eyes. Kinsha paused, her gaze fixed on a dilapidated building that had once been her friend's home.
"I used to play here every day," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. Memories flooded her mind—laughter shared with friends, her mother's gentle smile, the aroma of her chefs cooking wafting through the open windows. She stepped closer to the old structure, running her fingers along the crumbling wall, feeling the rough texture beneath her fingertips.
"I'd sneak out of the castle… and we would gather here to make mud balls…" she recalled, a small smile breaking through the clouds of her memories.
"During Festival season, The village would light lanterns, and we'd dance by the lake until dawn. I was so happy… so free." Cani smiled warmly, though concern flickered in her eyes.
"You still can be. We'll bring this place back to life… But not right now…" Kinsha turned to her, gratitude swelling in her chest.
"I hope so," she said, her voice stronger now.
"But it will take time. It will take courage." As they continued toward the castle, Kinsha spotted the old oak tree that had been the center of her childhood adventures—the very spot where she and her friends would gather for storytelling.
"I remember climbing that tree," she said, pointing.
"I thought I could touch the sky. I was fearless back then." Cani looked up at the tree, its branches now twisted and bare.
"You can be that girl again, Kinsha. You've already shown so much bravery." As they approached the castle, Kinsha felt a surge of determination. This place, once filled with light and laughter, had been overshadowed by darkness. But she was back now, and with Yuma and their friends, she would overcome her past.
They walked up the steps. Kinsha took a deep breath as two knights blocked their path with spears.
"State your name and what you require" Cani goes to speak up but stops when Kinsha takes a deep breath. Furrowing her brows in determination.
"I want to talk to my Dad and Mom about some things" The knights pause. Struggling not to break composure.
"Princess Kinsha?" Kinsha nods. The Knights instantly recognize her and lift their spears out of the way.
"Welcome home Princess Akaba" Kinsha nods as Cani shrugs and follows Kinsha into the castle.
Kinsha stood at the grand entrance of the castle, the towering stone walls looming overhead. Cani stood beside her, a silent pillar of support, as they entered the once familiar halls. Memories of her childhood in this place washed over her—though none were pleasant. The air was thick with the weight of old wounds, both physical and emotional.
"Just up ahead…" Ahead of them, seated on lavish thrones in the dimly lit room, were her parents. The King, once proud and commanding, now looked older, weaker—his power diminished after Ikati's fall. Beside him, the Queen sat stiffly, her hands folded in her lap, eyes darting nervously between her daughter and the ground. The silence in the room was suffocating until the King finally spoke, his voice cold and detached.
"You've returned." Kinsha's heart clenched, but she stood tall, her voice steady.
"I have. And Ikati is no more." The King raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed.
"So, the monster is dead... You expect me to thank you for that? What about Buki?" His tone was dismissive, as if her victory meant little in the grand scheme of his own survival. Kinsha's fists clenched at her sides, the anger bubbling beneath the surface, but Cani's quiet presence beside her kept her grounded. She took a breath.
"No. I don't need your thanks... I came for answers. For closure." Her gaze hardened as she locked eyes with her father.
"You sold me to him… You handed me over like I was nothing." The King's face darkened, his eyes narrowing.
"You think I had a choice? Ikati would've killed us all. I did what I had to do." Kinsha shook her head, disgust evident in her expression.
"You didn't even hesitate. You sacrificed me to save yourself." The Queen shifted uncomfortably in her seat, but still, she said nothing, her gaze fixed on the floor. Kinsha's attention turned to her mother, her voice breaking slightly.
"And you, Mother- no… you don't even deserve that title… You watched it happen. You didn't fight for me. You let him take me." The Queen's hands trembled in her lap.
"I… I couldn't stop him. You don't know what it was like. I… didn't want to anger him." Her voice was quiet, a weak defense for her inaction. Kinsha's heart broke all over again as she stared at the woman who had failed to protect her.
"You were my mother… You should've fought for me… But instead, you stood by, silent… I lost everything because of your cowardice." The Queen looked away, guilt clear on her face, but the King's sneer deepened.
"You should be grateful, Kinsha… You're still alive. I did what I had to do to ensure the survival of this family." Kinsha felt the rage rise again, but this time, it was different. It wasn't the powerless anger of a scared girl. It was the fury of someone who had survived, who had reclaimed her life. She stepped forward, her voice steady and cold.
"I'm no longer a part of this family! The moment you gave me away, I stopped being your daughter!" The King's eyes flashed with something—anger, perhaps, or maybe fear—but before he could respond, Kinsha continued.
"You were willing to sacrifice me to keep your throne! But I'm not here to reclaim my place as princess… I'm here to let you know that you can no longer use me… I'm free now." Cani stepped forward, her arms crossed as she stared down the royal couple, her voice sharp.
"And you're lucky Yuma dealt with Ikati… Otherwise, you'd be left to clean up the mess your cowardice created." The King's face paled, and the Queen's lip trembled as the weight of their decisions seemed to finally settle on them. Kinsha straightened, turning her back on her parents.
"I'm done with both of you. I'll rebuild this island. But it will be without you." With that, Kinsha and Cani turned and left the throne room, the sound of their footsteps echoing in the silence. The past was behind her now, and for the first time in years, Kinsha felt the heavy weight of her family's legacy lift from her shoulders. She had her own family now—her real family. And that was all she needed.