One More Step

Guard Ao Theo just sat down and listened to the Guards Bathuk's lesson and observed how Anna was acting. Something was wrong with this girl, but what? How didn't they notice this before, or did they but let it go, just like Kyra did.

Guard Bathuk glanced at him with his red eyes that contained anger and reluctance. It seems he really disliked this child as well. There was really something going on, right?

But actually they knew everything about these children. There were no loose ends. Is this child just extremely spoiled? He shook his head and gave up thinking about her. She has her own Guard, let him think and worry about it. As he looked at the moon, his thoughts wandered off.

Deep in night Anna finally understood the basic shield but it was as unstable as her inner power. Guard Bathuk has sent her to sleep for a few hours. Soon the Elder Kai will be back and they will head towards the capital. As he made her go into a deep sleep, just like So Theo did to Kyra he heavily sat down and stared grudgingly at him.

Ao Theo had serious expression in his face. "I know, she somehow gave that feeling. But it's still your duty to take care of her. She is your first Task. By the way, I had worse cases. Having a prince and him knowing that he is under protection is something the worst. The crown prince was under my care last time and it was horrible. He went inside the Big Forest and I had to save his life every day for the whole three years. So having a little girl that acts a bit spoiled is not a big deal. Ok?"

Bathuk just pressed his lips in annoyance. "I have to care about brats once in twenty years? Why?"

Ao Theo just smiled. "We do that so we don't forget real life. And as long you live the boring life becomes. Taking for a couple of years the duty of guarding new generations is actually a nice change. Now it seems bothersome as it is the first time, but trust me you will ask to do that willingly after a while."

The two men smiled at each other and became silent. Both deep in their own thoughts.

Kyra, as usual, woke up just before the firmament became lighter. One side of the sky was still completely dark while the other side started changing colors when she came out and opened her arms.

Actually everyone has its own way to gather and cultivate inner power. After talking to the angel that tried to explain her about this world, she thought she won't have any powers and will be just a simple woman. But as time passed she could feel the strangeness of this body.

She could feel the changes in weather, growth of plants and even delightful energy entering her body every time the sun goes down or up. No powers? It seems that that angel was afraid she wouldn't be able to handle it or would use it in an inappropriate manner. But she already once lived a life full of death, wars and deceit. It was enough.

But no matter past life, or new life, this life she wanted to just live peacefully. Using the slight energy in her body to grow plants and feed herself and others, what is wrong with that? She accepted this world without any grievances. They all were left in her past life, past world, past self.

All she does now is embrace her new life and enjoy it.

Sound of steps could be heard approaching and an older voice called for her. ''Kyra, are you ready?''

Her clear eyes opened to the beautiful sight of sunshine passing her face and blinded her for a second, but after blinking a couple of times she just inhaled deeply and with nod exhaled. ''Yes, Elder, I am ready. Its time, isn't it?''

Elder Kei could see a beautiful smile appearing on this girl's face and sighed inwardly. This child's beauty really came from inside. That person helped her get this body with a certain purpose, but what is it? Thinking about it he turned around and started walking to the house.

Actually where she stood was behind the house so when she came in front house and saw silently standing a few dozens of soldiers waiting calmly she got stunned for a moment, but then started chuckling under astonished Elder Kai's face.

''What? Is something wrong?'' He had no idea why she laughed.

She tried to keep down her laughing but it seems so hard. ''Hhahaha, uh, sorry, hahaha, I, haha hahaha, Oh Elder... HAHAHAHAHA... Why...Why did you bring so many people? Isn't it too grand?''

Of course, Elder Kei didn't understand her but Ao Theo did. ''It seems she feels it way too grand as we are going to help people, not to some party...''

Elder Kai's became serious and he pinched her cheeks until she stopped and yelped a bit. ''Elder...'' She stared at him with big eyes and he felt suddenly the situation turning gloomy as Ao Theo released a dark cloud of overprotective hen and aggressivity. He pointed his finger at Ap Theo and yelled. ''Stop being gloomy. And you little lady,...'' He pointed his finger at Kyra's face but had to take it back as Ao Theo almost bit it off. ''... you need to understand something about the situation down as Anna didn't tell you. The foreign village is spared from the outside world as it has quite a protection that many powerful people sent, but other villages do not. The moment we leave this village we will be sitting ducks for all those desperate people and people that just have something against this kingdom surviving this disaster. From the informations I gathered, this sickness was intentionally imported here so the people would get sick and the Emperor would get it ''accidentally''. But the fingers would be pointed at us as our people mostly frequented with that country. We need all the fighters we can get. The palace got a message about our arrangments so they will send us some soldiers as well. Kyra, the situation outside was bad trough the flood, but now this virus...''

Kyra stopped laughing long ago and understood right away the seriousness of the situation, but still, bit playfulness was still on her lips when she slowly stepped behind Ao Theo and mischievously stared at soldiers again. With a tiny voice, she blinked at Elder Kai and then at stonefaced people.

''Couldn't you bring more cute guys like Ao Theo and Bathuk. These are just... Kids...''

All soldiers simultaneously turned their heads towards her and suddenly blood rushed into their faces. Ao Theo stepped aside and pushed her in front of them. ''You dare to say something like that to the school of young soldiers? Then do not hide behind me. If you dare say it in front of them...''

She smiled brightly at them and loudly announced. ''I will not bow under the power of you...'' And then shyly looked down on the floor. ''..., because I intend to join you soon. So please take care of me.''

Her declaration and afterward bow made them all suddenly startled until one young female voice loudly answered. ''We accept!''

Kyra rose her eyes and could see a pair of dark eyes staring at her with a huge smile on her face. Suddenly everyone looked at Kyra and cheered. ''We accept!''

But why did actually Kyra laughed at the start. It was a small boy about five or six years old that stood in front of them with completely serious expression as he anticipated some people to start a fight.

Now she was seriously curious and asked. ''May I ask, who you might be?''

Ao Theo coughed behind her and shook his head while trying to stop her but when he did that suddenly something dawned to her and with seriousness she stared at his face waiting for his answer in silence...