Own Time

Chapter 02

Perched on a sturdy tree branch, I scanned the gathering of Kwaris, each searching for a child to adopt. My expression remained unchanged, despite recognizing each of these individuals and recalling their actions from my previous life.

I maintained a look of disgust as each Kwaris selected their child, showing no shame in my expression. I had no friends here; everyone displayed a repugnant attitude and treated me as inferior. Left to fend for myself, I needed to find a suitable Kwaris who would adopt me until I could stand on my own.

I thought the day was over, but then an intimidating energy filled the air as a dark black mahika karera with a golden bird emblem on the door arrived. Though unfamiliar with the symbol, the energy felt strangely familiar. One of the assistants, I presumed, opened the door, revealing the only person who could possibly help me.

"Aditya Krieger," I heard Bald Head say as he approached her with his entire family. I could see how intimidated they were, despite their forced smiles and bows. Quickly, I descended from the tree and hid underneath its branches, listening in on their conversation and contemplating following them inside.

"My l-la-ddy, what b-brings you here so l-late?" bald head stuttered, visibly sweating.

"I came to an orphanage. Am I supposed to eat here? It's not even that late; I can still see the sun," she replied sarcastically, her tone cutting through the tension.

"N-no! My ap-pologies, of c-course it's not late and you came to a-adopt a child" He stammered, continuing to bow. I facepalmed, watching him make a fool of himself.

"How about we go inside so you can inspect the children and make your choice?" he suggested, finally starting to lead the way.

"No, bring them outside," she said bluntly. The family gulped, and bald head simply nodded. He began calling all the children, but to my surprise, he didn't even notice I wasn't among them. He usually has an obsession with noticing everything about me, but I suppose he's too scared to pay attention right now. 

"Here are all the children, please t-take your time to choose" he said nervously. Immediately after he spoke, she looked at the children, who began crying and shouting. The family and workers started to panic, trying unsuccessfully to quiet them down.

"Okay, I'll be going now," she said, turning around. My eyes widened, and I rushed towards her, but the guards blocked my path and pointed their swords at me. She turned back and looked at me.

"Who are you?" she asked, just as I was about to answer, bald head spoke up.

"My apologies again. This child is ours," Bald Head said, approaching me and forcefully pushing my head down to bow. I struggled against his grip, but he tightened his hold on my shoulder, causing me to hiss in pain.

"I'll take him inside so you can be on your way without any further trouble," he said, dragging me towards the building. Despite his efforts, I continued to resist, knowing full well what awaited me once I was inside.

"Help me!!!" I cried out, but he quickly covered my mouth and hurried inside. I struggled, feeling my strength wane, when suddenly...

"Stop!" she commanded, causing Bald Head to halt in his tracks. "Turn around and bring the child here," she instructed firmly.

"But he is..." Bald Head started to protest, but he fell silent as he felt a slight change in the atmosphere. I glanced at her and noticed her expression had shifted from calm to stern, with an unmistakable air of displeasure.

Bald Head had no choice but to bring me down, and without hesitation, I ran towards her, only to be blocked again by the guards.

"Out of his way," she commanded firmly, and all of them obeyed her instantly. I approached her, going down on my knees and bowing until my forehead touched the ground.

"What are you doing?" she asked, her tone now different, seemingly shocked.

"Please take me, I'll do whatever you ask," I said with a slightly shaking voice, but I remained determined to convince her.

"Raise your head and get up," she commanded. I did as she said, trying to meet her gaze, but she was very tall.

"Kid, you're asking me with that desperate tone of yours. Do you even know who I am?" she questioned. I nodded, taking a deep breath. "You're Aditya Krieger...

The ESTEVEL of Norouca"