Lilia's Tale: Freyja's Endeavor

Chapter 8: Bullies

A group of people was approaching us. Although that, in and of itself, was of no concern, the attitude and look on the face of the one in front was what made me hate the situation. He was coming for us, and he was not friendly.

I hugged Sayuri closer, as if to protect her, without even realising at first. Now, he was right in front of us, and his first motion was to look down on her and smirk.

"I see she's weak in magic and in tears, huh?"

It seemed I was right to keep her close and protected. It took me some time but I recognised he was the boy who was quite rude to me at first.

"If you're here to mock us, please move on. We don't have time for you."

"Yeah, you don't have time for us, but you have time to be crying and hugging all over the place."

Him and what I can only call his minions started laughing, as if what they said was smart and mean. I wanted to throw a remark back at them but refrained, both to prevent further trouble but also to not let them make me stoop at their level.

"Nothing to say? 'Boutta cry?"

They laughed again and started leaving. However, my horrible mood and constant pains got the better of me and I couldn't stop myself from throwing insults back.

"Nothing to add? 'Boutta flee?"

They definitely didn't take it kindly as they stopped and looked at me, surprised but angered.

"So you do have something to say! Don't make us wait like this, we have better things to do than talk to you two!"

"If you do, then move along. Nobody forces you to stay here except your own pride and necessity to bring down others to try and make yourself feel better."

He was now quite angry, and it was very apparent. His teeth were gritted and his face reddening.

"Fine, We'll get going," he said as he went towards us to push us.

I wasn't about to just take it without moving however. Not when I had Sayuri, who had properly calmed down and looking at me, or when I was this angry. I set my feet on the ground properly and prepared myself to prevent whatever push he made.

And push he did. He almost slapped me instead, but the result ended unchanged. I did not feel any pain from what he did, and I did not move an inch.

"Move!" he shouted.

"Hey!" I heard from behind the troublemaker. "What are you doing?"

Julle was running to us. I was very thankful as it made me feel safer. However, this relief also came with the resurgence of both my head and back aches, and also guilt for failing to keep my calm.

It seemed he made them flee though, as I heard rushed footsteps through the pain.

"Tch, cowards. Face me like a real man if you have the guts!" he scream at them.

"Are you two okay?" he followed.

I refused to answer as I knew I'd just worry him for nothing.

"I-I'm fine," Sayuri stuttered, her voice muffled through my uniform. "Can you let me go Lilia please..."

"Ah, sorry."

I finally let her go and took off my defensive stance, suddenly falling as my legs surprisingly gave out.

"Hey! What happened?" Julle yelled at me.

"Ah, I'm sorry, my legs gave out. I guess I was putting too much strength into them."