Intense Chapter 30 Part 2:
After the meeting and drama in the dining room I made my way to my room.
My mind flits back to Varian and a hope that he will be okay for the mission. He scarpered in humiliation shortly after our talk. Poor dude.
A rhythmic knock distracts me from my worry tyrant.
'Come in.'
Layla's head pokes through the door causing me to sit up in surprise
'Hey Lay. Come sit. How you been? Your dad treating you okay?'
Layla sits down quietly and focuses on her fingers. Concern takes over.
'Lay whats going on?' I reach forward and rest a hand on Lay's head forcing her to meet my eyes.
Lay swallows before speaking. 'Erza do you have to go on the mission in 48 hours?'
Huh. Where did that come from?
'Yes of course I do. You know I have to get my friends who I left behind. Why?'
'Well...its....just...I...dont...want..youtodie.'
She says the last bit so fast I barely catch it but I get the gist.
'Layla Im not going to promise you I will come back unharmed.' Layla whines at that. Her eyes watery.
'But I will swear to you. I will come back no matter what whether I am injured or what. We will see each other again.'
Layla's damn bursts. Tears flow down her cheeks and her voice is thick with pain. She talks but her words are so coated I cant make them out. I pull her into my arms and feel her whole body shaking as she cries.
'Listen to me. You are going to be safe here. Then once I am back we will play together and train together as always. Trust me.'
Layla grips my shirt tightly before pulling away. She dries her tears and looks at me.
'Dad said to me if he doesnt come back I am to stay with you. But if you dont come back then where do I go? I will be alone again.' Her voice admits wetly.
Dammit Laith really. You had to have this talk with a child? Jesus he needs a book on parenting.
'You always have a place with me Layla because I will live just so your safe.'
Layla chuckles at that. She shows me some new tricks with her powers and I watch with amazement. This girl has grown exponentially since I found her.
I have to get back for her if anything.
That is more motivation than needed. In that spirit I look outside the window at the moon and i howl. A howl of whats coming. Victory. Layla howls along too.
We are a pack. Despite our differences we are all connected. My people the freaks, the outcasts. We are one and we are attacking as one. Bring it on.