I was struck by a piercing pain in my head when I woke up. My head felt like it was on the verge of exploding because of the reeling and swirling it experienced. What with this headache? The last thing I remember was...was...Zeo giving me some kind of painkillers. 'Wait!' I exclaimed in my mind when the residing memories revealed themselves.
'I was seducing Zeo !!!! ' I couldn't believe my actions. I had known for quite some time that there were some feelings developing in my heart for Zeo but this...How could I fall to this?? What the hell did I do? Now he must be hating me. I finally remembered that look on Zeo's face. That look of hate and disgust was the one thing that had kept me at bay of the truth.
Zeo, was among the few people that I didn't expect that look from but...but now I really messed up everything. It felt so hellish painful to think that Zeo hated me. Just the idea of that look in those beautiful moon eyes squeezed my heart and set my mind on fire of shame and fear. Maybe...maybe this was what I deserved for being like this.
Suddenly, the knob of my room twisted and a man with brown curly hair appeared. It was Nathan.
"Hey! You are awake !!" He exclaimed, his face showing every curve of joy.
And just like that he hugged me tightly. Its kind of remarkable that a simple hug from my friend can help me escape the whirlpools of my own thoughts. I smiled, lightly but still a smile.
I felt the cloth above my shoulders getting wet and soft, silent sobs were creeping my ears.
"Are you crying? " I exclaimed. Truthfully, I had never witnessed Nathan crying. He can be sober or sad like our times in the Palace of Peace but real tears never escaped his eyes.
"No !!" He shot back, his voice a little groggy. He was of course crying. I put my hands on his back, patting it. This was my usual move whenever he was sad.
"It's okay. I am fine here." I announced.
"I told you I am not crying. My eyes... my eyes..are just Sweaty! " He protested. I gave a small chuckle at this. 'Nathan and jokes' I thought to myself. He broke off and glaring right into my eyes he said:
"If you ever try to put yourself in danger again. For anyone, for me, for Zeo or whoever the fuck is in danger, I am going to kill you myself. YOU ARE NOT GOING TO PUT YOURSELF IN HARM!! Understood." He warned. I nodded, gulping a mouthful of saliva.
"You know you are starting to talk like my mom." I said shortly after.
"Her dear Elli needs protection. Someone has to do the job." He told me.
"Not that nickname again."
"Why?? I find it cute. Dear cute little Elli." He teased me while trying to act like her, patting my head. I escaped him and then we fell silent again.
"Do you miss her, your mom?" He asked shortly after.
"Of course, I do. Everyday probably. "I accepted.
"Elliot.."
"Hmm?"
"Do you think we will ever be able to go back home?"
"Of course, we will." I replied without a ting of hesitation. I turned towards Nathan who was already facing me.
"We will go back. Happy and safe. I promise you. " I declared putting my hands on his shoulders. He nodded quietly. His eyes looked puffy from earlier crying.
"And you promise me one thing too."
"What??" He asked.
"That you would never cry again. You really look like an idiot with those puffy eyes." I declared and we laughed together. Laughter is truly a sweet medicine, I suppose.
After that Nathan took me to the kitchen for dinner. It was already evening. He also mentioned that there was some surprising visitor in the house. This got me a bit nervous. The first and the obvious reason was that I was a human and maybe Walker too which would surely pop the eyes out of any elf here. And secondly, these dinner meets were always awkward for me. I was never able to fit in those mature and adult talks. Some seventeen year old kid, I was. But Nathan later assured me that I need not worry about the former reason because he had already told everything to know about. That leaves me with one reason but no less nervousness.
When I entered the kitchen, the spotlight turned to me. Millia and Zeo were sitting facing my direction while the huge visitor had his back on me. For a moment, just a split-second I noticed that Zeo was preventing any kind of eye contact with me. So, he got really angry with me. On the other hand Millia had a usual smile on her face. I brought my focus to the Elephant in the room. The gigantic man, probably in his forties or fifties, was wearing a red coat and black pants. His head was covered by shades of grey and white hair. He stood up and turned towards me. I could only gaze in awe on how huge he was. His face was rough and flat, like that of a man who has witnessed real life. He also wore a thick white beard over his face and an extremely gentle smile.
"Oh! You must be Elliot. I am Ross, Zeo and Millia's father. It's a pleasure to meet you." He declared while forwarding his right hand for a shake. But I was frozen in my form. I was just too overtaken by his formality and not to mention his huge hands. Nathan shook me from the side, bringing me back to my senses.
"Oh..oh It's a pl-pleasure..to-meet y-yo-u too, sir." I said shuttering like an idiot and bent down showing my uttermost respect. Suddenly he laughed loudly at my reaction. At that moment, I just wanted the Earth to crack open and swallow me.
"Dad! You shouldn't laugh like that." Millia said.
"No..no ..I didn't mean to laugh. I just felt how ironic it was for this little friend to be so nervous while his friend right here was the one who got me nervous with his confidence ." He explained.
I looked at Nathan. It was not new for me to end up in situations like parties and get-togethers where he was the perfect fit while I literally sucked. But even here. He just gave me a shrug and pulled me to sit down on the table. I didn't resist.
I sat beside Nathan, quite far away from Zeo. Zeo had never given me a single glance till now and I can't explain how much it hurt. Ross finally sat on the table, leaving a seat in between me and him and I was glad that he did. 'How can a grown man look tiny in front of someone??' I thought.
"So, since all of you are gathered here. I would like to announce something." Ross began.
"What is it dad? Just say it fast." Zeo finally spoke up..
"Stop interrupting me. First let me finish. Have you forgotten your manners, kid?" He scolded Zeo and it kind of reminded me of how Mom used to pick me up with such lines. Zeo just rolled his eyes.
"As I was saying, I have an announcement to make. We are Leaving Terra Clan. " He declared.
"What!!" Zeo and Millia exclaimed simultaneously. Only me and Nathan were silent but I am sure we had different reasons for that. He was probably not even giving much interest to this talk while in my case, I didn't quite understand what Ross meant by leaving.
"Yes, you heard right. We are leaving. I have decided that you guys have to leave the Terra Clan temporarily. It is not safe here anymore. The attack on Zeo just strengthened my belief. I have contacted the leader of the Flora Clan and asked her to take you in for the time being. She has accepted my request." He explained.
"But-" Zeo started but no more words escaped him.
"There are no buts. I have decided that you guys will leave tomorrow and that's final." He added.
"Tomorrow!!! How can we pack up so fast.??" Millia exclaimed.
"Don't worry about the packing. I will send your things after you."
"But I think there is one more problem." Nathan spoke out of the blue. He took me by surprise too. Suddenly all the eyes turned to me. For a second, just a second my eyes aligned with Zeo. I could feel some distinctness in them. As if the Zeo I knew wasn't there anymore.
"What about us?" Nathan questioned.
"Hmm...that's a good point. What should I do with you two?" Ross said, itching his beard lightly.
"I hope you don't think of dumping us."
Ross gave a loud laugh again. Shaking the table beneath his hands.
"Of course not, kid. This old man here does possess some kindness." He said.
"Good then." Nathan said.
"But I am sure about the intention of the Flora clan and what they might do, once they meet a human and especially a Walker." He said. "Well, I don't think that there is any need for them to know." Millia said.
"What do you mean?" Ross asked, raising an eyebrow.
"They just need some....modifications, I guess." She said. Modifications? ?