Another month has passed. It went just as quickly as it comes, leaving me no time to think.
After the incident with Hubris, the children now get to enjoy a day in the forest twice a week. Hans also stopped coming here as frequently, bringing books every time he does.
Nothing much has changed for my situation. The only thing changed was now I could use magic again albeit with limitations. In fact, I have barely be able to learn any magic and yet I felt like I have hit a wall. The most I could do was create a small ball around the size of my thumb.
Compared that to Tok who has already able to create a circular barrier of his size or Sahra who has already been able to condense her trait into her magic, I was lacking. And something within me wasn't happy with that.
As for the solution K offered me, I have no idea where to begin. He said to resolve my past but there's nothing I particularly regret. I thought I have lived a relatively good life...
"...Ken?"
A young voice called out. From the tone, it's Tok voice.
"Yeah?" I look downward.
"It's time to go back home."
"Oh ok."
Tok seemed like he want to say more but kept his silence. I didn't say anything either, taking one last glance at the setting sun. The mellow orange dyed with the endless green forest made for a beautiful scenery. Looking at it, I thought to myself.
'How could I have any regret?'
I climbed back down the tree, making sure to not trip and fall. Tok stood and watch me without saying anything.
It has been like this since our 'discussion'. I thought I have made good progress at getting along with the kids but now we barely talks. At least Tok is much better than Hubris, who has gotten a lot more aggressive especially to me. But it still bothered me that we hardly interacted with each other anymore.
"Ken, Tok!"
A small child ran up to me, her twin tail fluttering behind as she ran. Closely following behind her was another small child with short hair. They were Layla and Beko.
"What's wrong?" Tok asked worriedly.
Opening her palm, a small brown bird was laying helplessly inside. One of it's wing was broken and a there was decent size wound on its body. Blood was coming out of both of the wound, making Layla hand slightly bloodied.
"Please help it!"
Layla was in a panicked state as her eyes moved wildly from me to Tok and back to the bird. Beko didn't seem to be any better as she kept her head to the ground, her body sometimes flinch when she looks up as if afraid of something.
However both Tok and I didn't know what to do. I never learned first aid much less treating injured animals. Tok wasn't any better. He was still a kid and wasn't sure about how to help the bird himself.
"Let's bring the bird to mother." He suggested.
We quickly ran back to the gathering spot where Nasha was waiting for the rest of the children. Layla rushed up to her despite being out of breath, she presented the dying bird to Nasha.
"Mom please help it!"
Nasha was a bit surprised but soon examine the bird on Layla palm.
"I'm sorry my dear... but there's nothing I can help with."
I sighed softly. I also didn't have much hope in Nasha. It was just wounded too badly. Layla stood in shock while Beko who was on my back tighten her grasp on my shoulder. Layla begged again but Nasha just gave the same answer. There was nothing she could do.
"Why?" She muttered sadly.
Suddenly, a green glow emitted from the bird. The wound on its chest start closing rapidly and the injured wing look better. Everyone was surprised at the scene, especially Nasha.
She approached Layla, who is still amazed at the sight of the bird healing. It was now much better, it's wound barely visible. However...
"Mom... why is the birde not moving?"
Nasha shook her head.
"He was already gone when you brought him here."
Layla look at the bird again and her eyes turned wet. Beko hid her head on my back, her body slightly shaking.
Nasha wiped away the tears that formed in the young child eye, her other hand caress the small head.
"It's ok my child. The bird has come to rest, that's all."
Her hand that was caressing through the child brown hair stopped, revealing a few beautiful strands of green.
~•~•~•~
On our way home, I tried to comfort Layla with no result. She was whimpering sadly while walking beside me. Although it was sad seeing her like this, she reminded me of a small pup I had before I got sick. I gave it to my brother care, I wonder how it is now...
Being close to Layla is one of the results of the older children fighting. Since the four older children are divided, the younger ones were divided too.
I was the one who interacted with Layla the most. Hubris plays with Gero while Sahra takes care of both Beko and Aoi. Tok closed himself to the others, standing behind to watch over all of us.
Despite everything, Nasha didn't step in. I couldn't figure out her intentions. Was this something we wanted or did she simply ignored it? Or is she unaware of it all?
Interrupting my thoughts were loud shouts by voices I have never heard before.
"Are you going to give up!"
"Are you going to let those bastards keep standing up top, trampling on us like leaves on the ground!"
"Aren't you all dissatisfied with this place? Take action for yourself! Save yourself!"
Several people was standing on a small platform. Before them, a crowd angrily shout back.
"We won't!"
"We will fight back!"
"It's the king's fault!"
"The abandoned us here!"
"It's the kingdom's fault!"
Nasha quickly hurried us along, moving away from the crowd. I was surprised.
'Is it a riot?'
'How could they do this in board daylight?'
I soon realized there weren't anyone monitoring this place. There wasn't even a guard from what I have seen.
'Perhaps... Hans was the only one checking this place?'
'This... this place might be more dangerous than I thought..."
This realization made my back feel cold. A feeling of determination surge in my heart throughout my body. It lit a desire in my heart.
I need to get stronger, quick!