Own Time

Chapter 04

"What?!" I exclaimed, utterly bewildered. Me? Her child?

"You certainly have a loud voice for such a little kid," she remarked, tilting her head with amusement. "Are you out of your mind?!" I retorted incredulously.

"No," she replied bluntly.

"Then why are you choosing an orphan whose background and origin you don't even know?" I questioned, shocked by this woman's audacity.

"Because I want to," she replied simply, which made me lift the corner of my upper lip in disbelief. "Seriously, lady, can't you think of a better reason for me to understand?"

"Hmm," she began to ponder, which astonished me even more.

"You're really thinking right now?!" I exclaimed, finding it unbelievable. I couldn't even focus on my surroundings or where we were.

"How old are you?" she asked suddenly. I frowned and answered, "Five."

"Hmm," she responded again, leaving me utterly perplexed by her demeanor.

"I'll answer you, but first, how can a kid who is only five years old have so much personality like an adult?" she questioned, observing me closely. I hadn't realized I was speaking with the maturity of someone older. I gulped nervously. Should I tell her the truth? She seemed like the type who might accept anything, no matter how strange, if she wanted to. I bowed my head and spoke slowly...

.............

I told her about the abuse I had endured, the evil deeds of those people over the years, and even their plans for the future. I held nothing back except for the details of my time travel; that, I decided to keep to myself. When I looked up and glanced at her face, it was clear that she wasn't taking the news well. I sensed a dark energy surrounding her, and the mahika karera started to tremble.

"Lady?" I tapped her arm, unafraid, and she gradually calmed down.

"Sorry, kid. I was just... how can I put it? Hmm, disappointed," she said, her expression troubled. I sensed there was more to it, but I decided not to dwell on it.

"Are you alright?" she asked, and I nodded in response. "So, did I answer your question?"

"I guess that will do for now," she replied cautiously, wondering if she was suspicious because I hadn't divulged everything.

"I'm glad I made Vel do those things," she added unexpectedly.

"What do you mean?" I asked, puzzled by her statement.

"I'll tell you once we get home," she replied with a smile, patting my head gently to reassure me that everything would be alright. The word 'home' echoed in my mind. Would it really be my home too? I had so many thoughts racing through my head, but then a soothing scent drifted in, making me drowsy. Before I knew it, I had fallen into a deep sleep.

.............

I felt us come to a stop, so I opened my eyes and was startled to find her face right in front of mine. "AHH!!!" I reflexively swung my hand, accidentally hitting her face hard enough to make her head jerk back. Instantly, I regretted my action. "Ah, um, lady? Are you alright?" I stammered, fearing her reaction.

She slowly lifted her head, and I was met with a death glare. I braced myself, expecting her to strike me, but instead, she grabbed my clothes and lifted me up as she had done before. She carried me outside, and I was shocked by how many people greeted her.

"You've returned, my lady! How's yo..." The grandma's voice trailed off as she caught sight of me, her eyes widening in surprise. "My lady?! No matter how bored you are, you shouldn't play with a child!" she scolded sternly. I was taken aback—was it really okay to talk to her like that? Even Vel seemed to scold her. I heard her groan in response to the scolding.

"What do you think of me? Do you really think I'll abuse the weak?" she asked, massaging her temples in frustration.

"Then?" the grandma crossed her arms, awaiting an explanation.

"He's my child," she stated firmly, without hesitation.

"What?!" Everyone shouted simultaneously, causing me to flinch.

"Do I need to repeat myself?" she retorted, looking at them with a bored expression.

"How can you decide like that? And do you even know who the child is?" the grandma and others pressed on, making valid points that left me hanging—literally, as she still held me in her arms.

"Oh yeah," she said, lifting me up to her face level. Her intense stare made me gulp nervously.

"What's your name?" she asked, ignoring the grandma's incredulous interruption and waiting for my response.

"I don't have one," I murmured, looking down at my feet. A heavy silence followed.

"Aidan," she suddenly declared, looking at me with determination. I glanced up at her, confused.

"Huh?" I managed to utter in surprise.

"That's your name now,

Aidan Krieger"