Kaskia: A Hero's Awakening

Chapter 9

Aiden glanced back at the shack, feeling a twinge in his heart at the thought of never seeing his home and parents again. Wiping a tear from his eye, he turned his gaze upwards, seeing sunlight breaking through the trees above, the light brightening the path ahead of them. Remembering that he was not alone, he steeled his emotions for the sake of his sister and pressed on. He wondered where Jr. was, never seeing the Kaiine, Jr. was always scouting ahead and leaving little symbols marked on trees for Arlington to find, guiding the rest of the group safely ahead. Squishy was quiet as he walked behind Aiden and Rina, bringing up the rear of the group, listening for any signs of pursuers. Grape stood firmly at his side, watching the children, thinking of what their life may end up like if they failed to protect them.

"We need to train them." Grape whispered to Squishy. "They need to be able to protect themselves, just in case we cannot."

"I agree." Squishy sighed, knowing how much trouble they're likely to run into. "This is not going to be an easy journey."

"What about Ellie?" Grape asked. "She seems very well trained. Do you think we can get her to help protect us while we're traveling?"

"I'm sure she can." Squishy admitted. "But that's something that has to come from them." He said, pointing at Rina and Aiden. "I do not believe she will listen to anyone but them. They're her family and she seems to guard them with her life."

"Where are we going?" Aiden asked Squishy as he slowed down to walk with them.

Nodding to Grape, Squishy replied. "Cosan village. If we're lucky, we will arrive there tomorrow, hopefully before noon."

"Is that where he is?" Aiden asked, watching as Grape caught up with Rina.

"No. We need supplies. We didn't bring a whole lot with us because we were in a rush to get to you." Squishy answered. "The plan was to head there or to Osion, whichever was easiest. Since we are already heading east, Cosan is the village we need to go to, it's on our way."

Aiden nodded his head, understanding what Squishy had told him. He watched as Grape talked with Rina, wondering how his sister felt about the situation, traveling with strangers. Aiden was thankful that they had Ellie with them, she knew a lot and gave him some sense of ease being away from home.

"She's very well trained." Squishy stated, as he looked at Ellie.

"Dad trained her." Aiden told Squishy. "He trained me too."

"Your father must be a very skilled fighter." Squishy stated, patting Aiden on the shoulder. "I bet he is very proud of you."

"I guess." Aiden sulked, thinking that he had failed, that the only reason Rina is safe is because of Squishy and his group.

"May I see your dagger?" Squishy asked.

"Here." Aiden replied, handing his dagger, hilt first, to the Bermion.

"The craftsmanship is amazing on this." Squishy said, staring at the blade and hilt, admiring the balance between the two. "Who made this?"

"My dad." Aiden replied, still watching Grape and Rina.

"Do you mind if I walk with you Rina?" Grape asked as she caught up with Rina and Ellie.

"No." Rina answered, staring at Grape. "I've never seen a Bermion."

"There's not many of us in Kaskia." Grape stated. "How's Ellie?"

"She's okay I guess." Rina replied, looking at Ellie who Barked quietly. "I think she misses home too."

"What's wrong?" Grape asked, stopping alongside Rina.

"This is where the boar attacked us." Aiden answered, as he and Squishy caught up with them. "This is where she first used magic and all this got started."