When Worlds Collide

Chapter 22

The next day was especially hot. The sun's rays were scorching all who stood within it for too long, the air was heavy with salt and sweat, and there was a heat lamp ave so extreme that it was hard to breathe. On days like these, it was torturous to be a farmer or to be training in combat. They would all be drenched head to toe in sweat, their skin was almost burnt, and their throats desperate for a cool drink. Luckily though, on days like these, Wendy and her servants would bring jugs of fresh water to the hard workers. Giving them a drink and washing away all the sweat and mud. It was a tradition her father had started to show his appreciation and care for all his subjects.

"How did you get mud in your ears?" Romeo's father Macao asked as he they were taking a break in order to drink and clean up. "Son we farm with our hands and feet, not our heads."

"Father stop!" The boy complained as he was getting his ears scrubbed. "You're messing up my hair."

"Your hair is full of dirt, it was already messed up."

"I'm sure it's not that bad."

Suddenly a whole jug of water was poured on top of him.

"Hey! Who did that?!"

The answer came in the form of Jellal chuckling.

"There, all clean." He declared with a smirk.

Romeo glared at him.

"Alright boys, take fifteen minutes to rest under a tree and then it's back to work." Macao said.

"But Father I've been working since sun up." Romeo whined. "If I work anymore, I'll die of heat stroke. Can't I call it quits for today?"

"Yes please." Wendy said. "Today would be perfect for a swim in the water hole. Can we go Grandeeney, please? I've finished all my lessons and training."

"Hmm..." The giantess thought before looking up at Romeo's father. "What do you think Macao? Have these children earned the privilege of goofing off for the afternoon."

"Well...It is pretty hot and Romeo has worked hard this morning. I guess it's alright with me."

Wendy and Romeo cheered excitedly.

"As long as Jellal goes with you."

And then their excitement came crashing down.

"No, not Jellal." Romeo complained. "Why does he always have to go with us?"

"Because as your older brother." Jellal said to the boy and then turned to the girl. "And as your bodyguard, it's my sworn duty to keep you both out of trouble."

"He can't go with us Grandeeney." Wendy insisted to her nurse. "He only boss us around and ruin our fun like he always does."

"Now Wendy." Grandeeney said gently. "I know Jellal can be a little arrogant in regards to his position."

"Arrogant?" Jellal said. "I most certainly am not."

Macao thumped Jellal on the head.

"Ow!"

"Don't lie boy, you most certainly are." His father scolded. "You're duty is to keep these children safe, not order them about. Keep it up, and I'll ask Grandeeney to replace you."

"Anyway." Grandeeney continued. "He can be arrogant but he's very loyal and caring. Always has been. There's no one else I trust more with your protection, and you may not be able to see it now, but someday you'll recognize that he's your greatest ally."

"Thank you Grandeeney." Jellal said respectfully.

But Wendy wasn't so convinced. From what she had seen so far, he was a serious, pompous, know-it all who really enjoyed spoiling everything for her and Romeo. He probably did it because he was mad about getting saddled with a babysitting job instead of a great and heroic solider who could fight in battle. That's what he was supposed to be rewarded with when he won the annual games years ago, but the death of Wendy's father had demoted him to watching over the orphaned heir. In other words, he felt that he was wasting his talents with this position and took his frustrations out on her.