The Life I Gained From Dying

Chapter 22 - Reunion

"Kaden does not have the smallest clue that you are in Aestus right now." Elder Aira explained. "I truly wish that you two would have been reunited under better circumstances, but this situation right now was the main reason I had agreed with your offer during the Elder's Gathering. With the chance of him being broken down mentally by that trial, a long time friend like yourself would be better than anyone else here to help him."

As Elder Aira explained her reasoning to Aaron, the two of them walked through the heart of Aestus where all eyes were locked onto them. One of the leaders of their village accompanied by a man dressed in all black, who has never been seen here before. Aaron couldn't help but notice the overwhelming amount of gazes that were being placed onto him.

"Calm down Mr. Cooper, curiosity is only human nature. Even more so when you reside in a place that isn't frequently visited like here. These people won't do anything to you, especially since I'm with you."

"...Yes ma'am." Aaron hesitantly replied.

After another fifteen minutes of walking they arrived at the Aira's residence which was being guarded by Damien at the front. As they were approaching the house a thick stream of water wrapped around them and blocked the path ahead of them. Aaron and Elder Aira turned around to find Mai standing behind them.

"I came back and found Elder Alex and Elder Mildred inside the house." Mai stated. "Before I could even take a step inside they asked me to leave for the time being. I told them how I came to check on Kaden but they didn't care about that and ordered me to leave. I figured something was about to happen here."

Mai turned her attention directly towards Aaron and inspected everything she physically could.

"Who's this?" She questioned.

"Mai, I'm sorry to tell you this, but what's going on right now doesn't concern you." Aira answered.

"What do you mean it doesn't concern me? I'm being told that I can't enter my own home and check up on someone I consider a friend and yet it doesn't concern me?"

"...Friend?"

"Yes! A friend. Besides the twins he's the only person that hasn't talked to me just because they pity me or have some ulterior motive. All I want to know is whether or not he's fine."

"He's fine Mai."

"Then who is this?!"

Elder Aira was getting ready to dodge the question once again, but before she could Aaron replied ahead of her.

"I'm Aaron Cooper, I'm also a friend of Kaden."

"Wait, how."

"Me and Kaden have known each other since we were kids."

"...But if that's true..." Mai said as she looked over to Elder Aira.

Aira nodded her head in approval of what Aaron was saying.

"...If that's the case then I'd like to talk to you. It'll be brief."

"Mai-"

"I'd also like to talk if possible." Aaron stated.

Elder Aira looked at him in disbelief before turning to Mai with the same expression. Both Mai and Aaron stood in silence, standing with unwavering confidence in their propositions. After a few seconds of internally deliberating to herself, Elder Aira turned towards the house and called out to Damien.

"Yes Elder Aira." He replied as he sprinted over.

"Five minutes." Aira stated firmly. "These two have five minutes to converse privately before you bring them inside. Understood?"