Chapter 153: Forgotten Childhood

Chapter 153 - Forgotten Childhood

Hi, Im Kai. You know, the kid that you ran around with ages ago. The one who said he was going to visit you soon but never showed up. Well, here I am. Better late than never, right?

You dont have to go see them right this moment, Flynn said, not for the first time. We can wait another day or two or three, I dont think theyre going to mind.

Twilight tinged the cloud in the distance with streaks of reds and oranges. With summer now over, the temperature was pleasant, some may say chilly. The women strolling the streets had taken the chance to pull out colorful shawls, with pearls jingling on their fringes.

Kai dried his hands on his shirt, willing and failing to slow down his heart. He forced a smile. Its fine. Were halfway there anyway. If he walked away now, spirits knew if hed ever muster the courage again.

Startled by the sudden news, he had run out of his house, almost forgetting to wear his enchanted clothes. His childhood friends were within walking distance after seven years, how could he wait?

Excitement quickly gave way to nervousness. He was about to meet four teenagers who would hardly remember him. Even if he had a thousand Favorand he didnt, there was no way to avoid the awkwardness.

What if they are angry that I broke my promise? Or worse, they dont remember me at all and watch me with blank looks?

He had done harder and dangerous things, but this was a piece of his childhood. A perfect carefree memory, idealized by nostalgia and time. Would he be able to look back at them in the same way after today?

Are you sure it was them? All four of them together? Kai asked, already knowing the answer.

I am, Flynn showed no frustration. Ive talked with three different people who were at Hawkfield. They all said the same. The Republic offers the students communal lodgings while theyre in Higharbor. Something about extra classes, fostering a team spirit and getting the generous chance to work for the Republic for free. Those four will be there.

Right. Thank you for finding them.

Dont mention it. Flynn casually waved him off, though his grin grew wider. I told you I would do it, and when did I ever lie to you?

Probably this morning when you said you didnt eat the blueberry pie I was saving for dinner.

I dont know. Its been so long I cant remember the last time. Maybe never? Kai said instead, thankful for the distraction.

Exactly! Flynn puffed his chest. My flawless reputation was on the line, of course I had to find them.

Kai rolled his eyes.

They were crossing the Ring Road around the hills of the upper city. Tourists and locals alike filled the streets lit by glowing orbs. The area extending from the port in the south was the beating heart of activity and business.

The crowd became sparser once they reached the northern district. Aside for the strip close to the shore, this side of Higharbor was quieter. It was a relatively recent addition to house the growing population. It extended in straight grid-like streets with fewer shops and more residential buildings.

His wandering had rarely brought him here. Fewer people on the streets meant fewer skills and enchantments to copy with Mana Echo, making it a terrible hunting ground.

Kai vaguely remembered the Republic reserved a vast area extending till the edge of the city for their less essential infrastructure and personnel. Another reason not to come. Less flattering rumors said it was where they carried out their secret and shady tasks, though Kai hadnt found proof of that, yet.

Citizens were free to cross through most of the government district with no restrictions. He had observed it once from four blocks away and judged it was enough. The farther he stayed from the Republic the better, not even his curiosity could tempt him closer.

Why did they have to be here? No, its not a good excuse to go back. I can do this.

Kai glanced at his friend. Are you sure you want to come? They had sailed to Higharbor exactly to avoid the eyes of the Republic, Flynn especially.

Flynn shrugged without any sign of worry. Remember Im also one of the scholarship brats. Ive spent most of the last four years around places like this. Itd be strange if I didnt come, Ive got nothing to hide.

I guess were safe. Its been months and no one came to ask for us. They might have already closed their investigation in Sylspring.

His family told him everything was fine in their letters. He wasnt going to ask for more explicit information on traceable paper. The Republic handled most of the mailing service and one could never be too safe.

They crossed into the government district without a break in stride. There was no gate or fence, Kai took a moment to realize they were inside. No one stopped to ask for their IDs, or what they were doing there, no one so much as glanced at them.

The streets were sparkly clean, and every building followed a similar style, shaping three or four stories of lifeless white plaster. A dozen too many banners with a soaring hawk closed the deal.

They were now in enemy territory.

Quite dull, isnt it? They copy the same buildings everywhere. Flynn said, not showing any worry that someone might overhear. Most of it is cheap housing for the Republics personnel and their families.

Honestly, Im a bit disappointed.

Yeah, I thought it would be more? Where were the pits of screaming people? The claw marks of those being dragged away? Or the dark chambers of the inquisition?

Kai could see her incredulity melting as she scanned him from head to toe. Is it truly y? She almost tripped on the bench to take a closer look at him.

He hurried to help her, but she quickly regained her balance. Her hands tightly gripped his afraid hed disappear like in a dream if she let go for a single moment.

Its me. Kai felt his mouth curving upward whether he wanted it or not, his eyes itching and moist. He was pulled into a rib-crushing hug with a strength that defied her lithe body.

At least one of them recognizes me.

Hey! You didnt tell me you had another boyfriend. The last boy protested, with dramatic indignation. I thought we were a thing. How could you betray me with this little shrimp?

Shut up, idiot. The other one said and pointed at himself. No oned ever pick you. Everyone knows Anas with me.

Kai tuned out the twins bickering. Ana's arms were still tightly wrapped around him, with no intention of letting go.

Luckily, I dont need to breathe for a while. Damn, why is she also taller than me, we just have a one-year difference. We were about the same height as children.

But seriously, who the hell is this guy? One of the twins said, Kai wasnt sure which. Look, I dont judge your taste, but you could aim higher than this. He chuckled at his own joke.

Yeah, isnt he a bit short for you? The other agreed.

Im so going to strangle them.

Ana finally let him go and turned to them. How can you not recognize him? Gray eyes, light hair, shorter than us. She poked at him like he was an anatomical model in a classroom.

Tu quoque, Ana! I thought I taught you better manners.

How many people like that do you know? she tapped her foot exasperated. Adding another hint, she lowered her hand to his ribs. Think smaller and odd.

What am I, invisible? After all I did for you, is this how to repay me? You cant even recognize your wise teacher.

Kai nursed his wounded pride in dignified silence, standing up straighter as he waited for the realization to dawn on the two blackheads. The twins looked at him from different angles with thick confusion. Slow and inevitable recognition flashed in their eyes.

No way, they both uttered, words echoing at the same time. Kai? Is that really you?

He threw his hands up in exasperation. Who else? You were

Kai didnt get to finish his sentence as he was tackled to the ground, his breath stolen from him. He groaned beneath the two larger bodies crushing him.

I should have drowned you as children and done this world a favor.

By the grace of some misguided and blind spirits, the twins had managed to reach Orange and put on enough muscles to make up for their thick skulls. Caught in an awkward position beneath both their weights, Kai failed to disentangle his limbs.

Bar using Empower or magic, he was stuck under them. Straining his muscles, he pushed them off just enough to speak. I can't breathe, get off me. Now!

A long minute later, which severely tested his patience and resolve not to use offensive spells, Ana dragged Uli off him. With one weight lifted, Kai managed to knee the other in the crotch.

Why me? Oli slumped to the ground, holding himself in pain.

You were too slow, Kai dusted off his clothes, checking for any tears. If they damaged the enchantments in the fabric, he was going to do far worse than that after what he paid for them.

Apart from the wrinkles, grass and sweat, there was no damage. Stop whining, I didn't even hit you that hard. He offered him a hand to stand up, feeling just a tinge of guilt.

Ana dragged them to the table, vibrating in excitement. You have to tell us everything. How are you here? Did you also get the scholarship? How was Greenside? When did you

Oh, boy.

Feeling a shadow loom over him, Kai almost jumped out of his seat to avoid another tackle, but the twins both sat within his sight.

A large boy towered over him. A head yet taller than Uli and Oli, and wider and bulkier than any teenager should have a right to be.

What the fuck?

The stranger cocked his head, puzzled, Kai? Is that really you?

It took Kai an embarrassingly long time to reconcile the image of a skinny and timid boy with the half-giant before him. Lou?