Calytrix's Journey

Chapter XXIII: Enemies and friends I

 A large droplet of water was followed by another. The repeated cycle eventually resulted in a unavoidable downpour.

"Obex," a see-through barrier appeared at my command; I remembered a nice rain I shared with the zombie, Leo. Though the rain didn't affect it, the fire spirit stayed beneath my shield.

Despite the rain, thunder, and lightning, it wasn't cold. I felt comfortable because it was warm. This weather didn't scare me. It was quite enjoyable, actually. The scent of freshly cut grass filled my lungs, urging me to quicken my pace as we neared our destination.

The fire spirit suddenly appeared in front of my eyes, and I instantly stopped. Drifting leftward, it revealed a child seeking refuge from the rain. The child was miniature. She was likely only a few summers old.

"A witch!" She gasped as she looked at me with her big, sad grey eyes.

She was covered in mud, and I detected the scent of blood on her. This troubled kid reminded me of the little witch I met, but she had no magic whatsoever.

"Are you all right? Why are you out here all alone?" I asked the little girl.

Rain, mud, and fresh blood combined. She didn't say a word.

"Hey!" I called out to her again, but she continued to watch me in silence. The girl's black hair was thoroughly soaked by the water.

I was unsure of the appropriate response. The scent of blood grew stronger.

I closed my eyes to focus. I perceived the pain in her back. Apart from that, everything appeared fine.

"Curatio" As soon as I said that, she jumped in joy. Her pain was instantly gone. The wound wasn't deep, but it bled a lot.

"Thank you! Thank you so much!" She cried with joy. "You are a lifesaver!"

The girl's bow caused my cheeks to flush. Bowing is a gesture reserved for royals. I was a villager too. Her gratitude didn't stop at this. She jumped to hug me, which I didn't refuse. I haven't received one in quite some time. My cheeks flushed, but the heartfelt gratitude felt wonderful.

As she pulled away, she offered me a wide smile.

"How did you get hurt?" I asked her.

"Work!" she said as she gestured a few moves. She imitated the actions of washing and cutting.

I took another careful look at her. Work? But she was so small and so young. She was too young to be working.

"No work, no food!" she exclaimed, clarifying my confusion.

I scratched my head in confusion. 

"That's true, but how old are you? Six? Seven?"

"Five and a half," she declared proudly, rising on her toes to appear taller.

"That's so little..."

"I've experienced so much in my life!" she interjected seriously.

Though she was adorable mimicking an adult, small children should prioritize play and enjoying their youth. Perhaps, I may have over thought this. Her work could be playtime, she took seriously.

"You know, once, when I worked in the kitchen, a black hole appeared! It swallowed half of the kitchen!" she yelled.

Cold sweat covered me, and I fought to keep my body from trembling.

"The people who worked there? Are they all right?" I asked.

"They are fine," she laughed. "Nobody got hurt."