The Life I Gained From Dying

Chapter 25 - My Little Sister, The Teacher

"Wait, so, are they gonna let you live!?" Via questioned.

"I don't know yet." Aaron answered. "I'm trying not to get my hopes up."

"But let's say they actually do let you live. Then... if they let you go... afterwards..."

Aaron stopped her by softly tapping the top of her head with his hand.

"If I actually am allowed to continue living in this world, then there's only one place I'd want to be."

"With your friend Kaden?" Via questioned in a satirical manner.

"Kaden's a grown man and at the very least it doesn't seem like he's alone here. I think I'd be needed more elsewhere." Aaron answered while warmly smiling at Via.

"Mmm."

As they were conversing the ice which blocked the door began to liquefy.

"Someone's here again?" Via asked.

"Maybe they've made their decision already. That was pretty quick."

Aaron walked over to the door to greet whoever was on the other side, but he was surprised to be greeted by a face he hasn't met before.

"Good afternoon." Elder Claire stated with a bright smile on her face.

"Um, good day to you." Aaron responded hesitantly. "I'm sorry but who are you?"

"Oh my, am I that unrecognizable? I know I'm young but I still am donning the colors of an Elder."

"You're an Elder? Please forgive me, it's just I haven't seen you before and yeah you do seem quite young."

"You would've seen me at the gathering but this is our first time meeting, so hello my name is Claire Harvey, nice to meet you."

Elder Claire stretched her arm out to shake Aaron's hand, and at the same time she took a step into Aaron and Via's prison.

"Wait if she's coming in here then that means she can't use her abilities." Aaron thought to himself.

Claire stopped right before Aaron with her hand still waiting on a response. Both Aaron and Via were confused and couldn't tell if she was overly trusting or just overly oblivious. No matter what it was, it doesn't change the fact that at this very moment she's powerless.

"Is something the matter?" She asked out of genuine concern.

"Umm... no everything's fine." Aaron replied after finally shaking her hand.

"Good. I have come here bearing with me news from the Elders Council, but before that. Via may I have a quick chat with you?"

"Me?" Via questioned.

"Yes you, I just need to ask you a few things which shouldn't take more than a few minutes."

Via confusingly looked over to Aaron before eventually agreeing to join Elder Claire.

"Great! Follow me." Claire said as she left the prison.

"She isn't going to restrain me?" Via questioned.

"I like to think that I'm pretty good at reading other people's energy, but she confuses me. She's overly cheerful. Well, don't keep her waiting. I'll be here when you get back."

.....

"Is it true that you've been living in the redwoods all these years?" Claire questioned.

"Yes..." Via nervously replied.