Drowning in the Siren's Song

Chapter 14

Another peaceful year passed. Percy was now 10 and even more powerful than where he was a year back. He had initially decided to dedicate his time to refining his powers, especially the newest addition of Pan's blessing, but he was already so used to using and manipulating powers in similar ways that he had gotten ahold of the reins easily.

Even the reserve had gone under some personal development. He'd found out from Delilah's notes that the government gave them permission to expand, mainly because of the increasing population of animals and rapid growth rate of the plants as well. Because of that, the reserve was going under some careful expansions, and the number of humans was increasing day by day.

They would come to inspect the area, check on the animals, take note of the endangered plants, observe the land and many more tasks. It was a good thing they were being so devoted and meticulous, but it was very stressful for Percy who had to be on guard 24/7. 

Another funny thing happening was that the forest rangers and people working on the expansion project seemed to have gathered the determination to find out he was. He wondered why now out of the years he'd spend there, but if he wanted the answer he would have to reveal himself so he chose to remain ignorant.

Peeking eyes and hawk-like desires was the new norms. If he didn't have his powers, then he was sure that he would've been discovered. But it was quite fun observing humans. Wherever he went, there were people, so he'd found out that it was safer to hide in their vicinity than actual run away and encounter another set of workers. 

This way, he'd even manage a glimpse of Delilah coincidently, recognizing her after a ranger called her name. She was working diligently and focused on a file. Square glasses covering intelligent eyes and brown hair in a tight bun with crisp clothes, she seemed like a scholar. The impression Percy had after reading her notes was of a strict and smart woman and her image fit it perfectly. But the presence of a child clutching to her clothes softened her cold exterior.  

He'd come to respect her greatly over the span of the years he'd stayed there, knowing that she cared deeply about the forest and genuinely did everything she could towards it, but she was so deeply absorbed in the file she was reading that she didn't notice the little girl who was with her drifting further and further away. 

He didn't exactly know why the girl had decided to separate from Delilah, but guessed that she wasn't very aware of her surroundings. She looked to be about 4-5 years old and was completely enthralled by a colorful insect, following it with curious eyes as it crawled along, slow and steadily, leading her away.

"Follow her, will you?" He whispered, giving Keria a light stroke on her back. "It'll be bad if she wanders too far." Keria acknowledged his words and flapped her dark wings, taking off in the direction of the child, leaving Percy perched in the tree with growing exasperation. 

He really wanted to smack that workaholic on the back of her head now. She was still hypnotized by the papers in her hands, still completely unaware that her company was no where near her. 

But just as he was about to do something (he didn't know what) she scribbled something on the file and sighed, looking up. Her eyes widened with growing horror after she didn't find whomever she was searching for. 

"Hailey? Where are you darling?" She called out, franticly looking around. Finally, Percy thought, letting out a sigh himself. Now the question remained of what he should do. He sensed that the girl, who was apparently Hailey, was pretty far, enough to keep Delilah unaware. It was only because of his powers that he could sense the girl, who had surprisingly wandered quite the distance. There was no way she would find Hailey herself. 

"Hailey!" Delilah was getting very scared. Seeing her emotional response, Percy understood that she must be someone close to her. It just made his resolve to help her even stronger. 

He ran through a few ideas in his head, wondering how to intervene without revealing anything about him. After a quick decision, he thought of the best possible idea. 

Without wasting time he went over to Keria, jumping from branch to branch. He met up with the raven in a few seconds, looking down at Hailey who had now fixated on a bush with bright orange flowers. Good. 

He manipulated a single flower, making it float in front of her while the child practically glowed at the sight. He murmured a quick thank you to the the dryad of the bush and started leading her with the flower, her fascination making it extremely easily. He kept himself from her eyes, following from above while Keria flew along, who was too big to hitch a ride on his shoulders  anymore.

Within minutes they were near enough to hear Delilah's cries, who was simultaneously yelling in the phone as well.  Hailey, who was simply following the floating flower in childlike wonder, scrambled up to Delilah after hearing her name being called, suddenly realizing where she was. 

"Hailey- Oh my baby!" Once she saw the little girl, the ranger dropped her phone and burst into tears, falling to her knees and hugging her close. Watching them, he noticed the resemblance and realized that she must've been her daughter. He smiled at the fluffy sight below him, glad that she hadn't encountered any dangerous situations and was able to reunite without any difficulties. Yay for floating orange flowers! 

He decided to let them be, noticing how Delilah wasn't going to stop anytime soon. He pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and scribbled a few words on it, handing it to Keria. "Follow me later." He got up and brushed a leaf from his shoulder, soundlessly leaving the scene with a satisfied smirk. 

Understanding immediately, Keria burst into flight, letting the piece of paper flutter down gently mid-way. Perfectly executed, it landed right next to the mother- daughter pair, catching Delilah's eyes. She grasped it and looked up, seeing nothing but a single black feather dancing in midair. 

She unfurled the paper and let out a gasp, unbelieving. There were only two words written in a messy handwriting.

"You're welcome."