Chereads / Awakened As The Useless Illegitimate Hero (BL) / Chapter 13 - A Song in the Forest

Chapter 13 - A Song in the Forest

Kaelan walked beside Cedric, his mind drifting far from their current conversation.

In the book, after the tragedy that struck the Winchester family, Kaelan discovered the truth about his heritage: he was a siren-human hybrid, with his mother being a siren. With this revelation, he realized his voice held immense power, a gift that could both heal and destroy. His songs had the ability to mend wounds and restore life, but they also carried the power to cause destruction, tearing apart anything in their path.

During a great war, the original Kaelan used his voice to save the world from its enemies. He unleashed his full power, defeating the enemy but pushing himself beyond his limits. In the end, the original Kaelan died from the strain, becoming a tragic hero after sacrificing himself to save the world.

Now, Kaelan, with all of these memories swirling in his head, couldn't help but wonder: what if the original Kaelan had known about this power earlier? If he had practiced and mastered it, would things have turned out differently? Would the tragedy and his ultimate sacrifice have been avoided, or was his fate always sealed? The thought lingered, casting a shadow over his heart as he walked beside Cedric in silence.

Cedric's voice broke through his thoughts. "Kaelan, are you listening?"

He blinked, shaking off the haze of memories. "Sorry, brother. My mind wandered."

Cedric looked at him, concerned. "It's alright, but be careful of your surroundings."

"Yes, brother," Kaelan replied.

They reached the edge of the Winchester gardens, and Kaelan paused, looking out at the vibrant flowers and statues of heroes long gone. He could feel the wind rustling through the leaves, carrying with it a faint hum, like the whisper of a song he had yet to sing.

"Brother, can I go to the forest?" Kaelan asked, glancing toward the sprawling woods behind the Winchester mansion. He felt a strong pull to practice his powers there, away from distractions.

Cedric hesitated for a moment, considering Kaelan's request. "Just be careful, alright? I don't want anything to happen to you."

He nodded, feeling a rush of determination. "I will, brother."

Cedric knew the forest had no dangerous animals and was generally safe. Still, he felt uneasy. He remembered the stories about strange things happening in the woods and those who had ventured too far and didn't return. While he trusted Kaelan's instincts, he worried about the unpredictable nature of power.

"Just remember to come back before dark," Cedric reminded him. "I'll be waiting for you."

"Of course, brother," Kaelan replied with a reassuring smile.

"Elara, you stay here," Kaelan said, turning to look at her. She wanted to argue but eventually nodded.

"Yes, young master," she said.

Cedric and Elara watched as Kaelan walked away. After a moment of silence, they exchanged worried glances before turning to leave, hoping he would return safely before dark.

Kaelan took a deep breath as he stepped into the forest, feeling the cool air wrap around him like a comforting blanket. The towering trees loomed above, their leaves whispering softly in the breeze. Sunlight filtered through the branches, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor. It was alive with the sounds of nature: birds chirping, leaves rustling, and the distant trickle of water.

After a short walk, he arrived at a small, serene lake nestled in a clearing. The water was crystal clear, reflecting the sky above like a mirror. Kaelan approached a large stone at the water's edge, its surface warm from the sun. He climbed onto the rock and settled down, ready to practice.

Kaelan closed his eyes, letting the sounds of the forest fade into the background. He took a deep breath, feeling the energy of the place fill him with inspiration. Music had always been a part of him, a passion he treasured deeply, though no one knew he could sing.

Kaelan began to hum softly, letting the melody flow through him. Soon, his gentle hum turned into a song, with the lyrics pouring out from his heart.

Song Lyrics: "Whispers of the Wind"

(Verse 1)

In the heart of the forest, where the shadows play,

I find my spirit soaring, like the break of day.

The whispers of the wind carry secrets untold,

As I sing to the river, where the water runs cold.

(Chorus)

Oh, let my voice be the light,

Guiding the lost through the night.

With every note, I'll bring hope,

Together, we'll learn how to cope.

(Verse 2)

The sun kisses the leaves, and the flowers bloom wide,

Nature dances around me, with joy as my guide.

In this moment, I'm free, with the world at my feet,

Singing sweet melodies, where the wild creatures meet.

(Chorus)

Oh, let my voice be the light,

Guiding the lost through the night.

With every note, I'll bring hope,

Together, we'll learn how to cope.

(Bridge)

And when the darkness calls,

I'll be the spark that stands tall.

With the strength of my heart,

We'll never be torn apart.

(Chorus)

Oh, let my voice be the light,

Guiding the lost through the night.

With every note, I'll bring hope,

Together, we'll learn how to cope.

(Outro)

So here in this moment, I'll sing loud and clear,

With love in my heart, I'll chase away fear.

In the whispers of the wind, my soul takes flight,

For I am a siren, bringing joy to the night.

Kaelan lost himself in the music, the lyrics flowing effortlessly as he poured his heart into every note. He could feel the siren power within him awakening, a warm energy that resonated with the vibrations of his song.

As he sang, small animals began to gather around him, drawn to the sound of his voice. Rabbits, squirrels, and birds approached cautiously, their ears perked up in curiosity. Kaelan didn't notice them at first; his focus was entirely on the music and the joy it brought him.

When he finally finished singing, he opened his eyes and was surprised to see a circle of animals watching him intently. Their eyes sparkled with delight, and they seemed to understand the emotions behind his song. Kaleon blinked in disbelief, unsure how to react.

"You're a siren hybrid," a voice said in his mind.

"Who said that?" Kaelan asked, bewildered, scanning the area for any sign of another presence. The animals remained still, their eyes wide and attentive, but they offered no answers.

Then, Kaelan noticed a small, striking red bird perched on a low branch, its feathers gleaming in the dappled sunlight. The tiny bird tilted its head, and the voice came again, melodic and clear. "You can hear me?"

Kaelan blinked in surprise. "Yes. Are you the red bird?"

"Yes," the voice echoed in his mind, "and you're the first to hear me."

Kaelan narrowed his eyes, curiosity piqued. "How did you know I was half siren?"

"Your voice has a power," the small red bird replied, its tone filled with warmth. "Can you see the animals around you?"

Kaelan glanced around at the animals. The rabbits and squirrels stood still, their ears perked up, while the birds watched him with bright, curious eyes.

"The animals are happy," the bird continued. "Your song has given them hope, joy, and healed them from their pain."

Kaelan was surprised that one song could do so much.

"You seem like a special bird. Who are you?" Kaelan asked, turning to the red bird.

The red bird puffed out its chest proudly. "I am called Flame, the Guardian Spirit. Do you want to make a contract with me?"

Kaelan felt a mix of excitement and uncertainty. "What kind of contract?"

Flame tilted its head, the sunlight shining on its feathers. "It's a bond between us. If you accept, I'll help you unlock the full potential of your voice. In return, I want you to show me human cuisine."

Kaelan raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Human cuisine? You want to try what I eat?"

"Exactly," Flame replied, its eyes sparkling with excitement. "I've watched from a distance, and I'm curious about the flavors."

Kaelan smiled at the bird's eagerness, realizing how their bond could benefit them both. "Alright, I accept the contract. I'll introduce you to the wonders of human cuisine."

Flame chirped happily, and a warm glow surrounded them as their bond began to form, connecting their destinies.