"Huh? Where am I?"
This was the second time in a row that I woke up to an unfamiliar scenary. It would be a lie to say I was starting to get used to it, but I wasn't as flustered as last time since rather than a cell, I was in a good looking bedroom.
It lost to the room I was in at the hotel, but the comfy bed I was on allowed me to slightly relax.
Since I didn't seem to be in any immediate danger, I went through my memories to see if I could find a clue to explain my current situation...
After the sudden appearance of newcomers, the bad guys were quickly defeated and us children were rescued.
Once we got out from a hidden room of a discreet building, we reached one of the smaller streets of the city. Of course, I was happy and relieved that we were safe again but just like a lot of us, as we finally tasted freedom, we also realized that we no longer had a home.
I didn't know how many of these children were sold by their parents like me, nor if they felt the same way I did. Even the birds that flew through the eternal sky had nests, but we were different. We were free, but alone.
"Fairy...?"
With a speck of hope left in my heart, I called out to the fairy in my bracelet, but there was no response. Of course there wasn't. Though not by my own hand, my wish was granted, so it left.
'So I really am by myself.'
In a daze, I watched from a distance as some of the children were able to be welcomed by their families, the lucky ones.
'A family, how nice.'
In order to protect my heart that tore up at this sight, I turned around and found a random direction to go in. I was in a daze, with no idea what I was going to do in the future.
"Kaili!"
I froze once I heard my name. I instantly recognized that voice, but I shook my head and denied it. It couldn't be him, after all he...
"Kaili!"
They called me again, this time I heard their voice at the same time as their arms wrapped around me. As I was embraced by his warmth, I couldn't look away anymore.
"Mister..."
'He abandoned me, right?'
Just like that man who I used to call Dad, he sold me. That was the truth I believed, but I found it hard to keep believing it as he hugged me.
"I'm so glad! I was so worried when we came back and you weren't there."
"Mister...?"
"I'm so sorry. One of us should have stayed with you. If only we hadn't left you alone, you wouldn't have had to go through this."
"Mister?"
"I'm so so sorry."
"Mister!"
Overwhelmed by emotion, my confused hands also reached around his back as I released my tears while in his arms. I didn't know why I was crying, there were too many reasons it could be. Maybe it was all of them, or maybe none, I didn't know. But at this moment, all I wanted to do was be comforted...
"Hmm, that's the last thing I remember. So, I slept while crying. How embarrassing."
With my memories back in order, I felt more stable. I had no idea where I was, but it didn't seem like I was in danger at least.
Now that I felt better, I started having playful thoughts.
'I should investigate this place, shouldn't I?'
I walked to the door and opened it without a word. Ready for a new adventure that awaited, I stepped out of the room confidently, at the beginning at least. About three steps after leaving the room, I turned to my left and then my ri-
...
"..."
I tried my hardest not to make any sudden movements, but the creature I spotted faced me and tilted its skull.
"Arghhh!!"
I immediately locked the door and sat on the bed with my arms around my knees.
"That, that, that was,"
I knew what it was called. The name was at the tip of my tongue, but the moment I tried to say it my lips failed me. I remembered that creature, that skeleton knight.
While I was still speechless from that encounter, I finally realized that there was a window in this room so I went to see what was outside. And, I was quickly disappointed by what I saw.
It was better than an army of those things, but I couldn't help sighing while thinking that I was trapped in this wasteland.
"What should I do, what should I do?!"
I was extremely flustered as I tried to come up with a plan, completely forgetting that the skeleton knight could have already done something if it wanted to harm me.
I panicked in solitude wandering what happened to me. Was I get kidnapped again? Was I actually sold this time?
'Mister, where are you?'
This time there was no fairy to help me, I was completely by myself. Even if I wanted to escape, I couldn't. Just like always... I was helpless.
Hic...
I silently cried as I sat with my arms around my knees. I couldn't believe in any hope of escape, so I was drowned in sorrow. Nothing had been resolved, I was only beginning to enjoy my freedom, and yet it was already over.
'Maybe, maybe I should have just given up. Someone like me, someone like me can't-'
"Um, Kaili?"
"Huh?"
Out of nowhere, Mister appeared by the bed and gave me a troubled look. As I became aware of him, I hurriedly wiped my eyes and my nose.
'I can't let him see me crying.'
After wiping away the evidence, I looked up at him with my usual smile.
"You're late! Where even is this place?"
"Oh, sorry about that. I was going to explain it before you got here but you were asleep so..."
"So you dragged me along while I was sleeping. That sounds kind of suspicious, Mister."
"...I can't deny that."
As I watched him scratch his head with an awkward expression, I really wished I could take back what I said. It was because I always talked before thinking why I got into trouble often, but even while I was acting cheery I couldn't suddenly change my bad habit.
"Anyways, where is this place? And and, what's with that undead outside my door?"
"Well, um, before that... I'm sorry but, could I have your answer now?"
For a moment, I had no idea what he was talking about, then I remembered. The choice he gave me when we first met.
When I meekly checked his expression to get a clue as to what he wanted me to say, I noticed that the awkwardness was replaced by total acceptance, as if any answer I gave would be correct. But I knew all too well that that was a lie.
I could get this wrong, and if I got it wrong then they'll leave me. I wouldn't be abandoned, after all, I was just someone they happened to save. They had no obligation to keep looking after me.
I really wanted to stay with Mister and Big sister, but all I could do was give an honest answer.
"I...I..."
Even so, my fear didn't vanish. As I imagined what would happen if I gave the wrong answer, there appeared to be a rock blocking the words from leaving my mouth.
'I have to, say it.'
In search for the will to say the words in my heart, I looked at my shaking hands.
I had to speak, I had to. If I took too long then he would be disappointed, I can't let that happen.
I wanted courage, but my thoughts only added to my fear and hesitation. I was about to bury my face into the palms of my hand when I noticed it.
The bracelet that I received from him.
'Fairy...'
As memories of yesterday came back to me, I recalled how I felt when I had Fairy on my side, and tightly clenched my fists.
Next, I looked up at Mister.
"I, I don't have a lot of confidence, and I don't know if I'll meet your expectations but, I'll try my best. Not just because you want me to, but also because, I don't want to be helpless anymore,"
I also remembered the faces of the ones that came with me to the surface. We didn't interact after being rescued, but that didn't dirty the feeling I had.
"Instead of waiting for help, I want to be someone who can help! Is that okay?"
After I said what I wanted to, I watched his face, waiting for a change in his expression. My heart pounded in anxiety and impatience, but luckily he didn't make me wait long.
"No, that's a fine reason. For people like us, strength is only a means to end. Whether you become a hero or a villain, just stay remember what you said today."
Mister then hugged me and I quickly returned the hug.
"Thank you! I'll be in your care."
"As will I."