Rebellion

Chapter Two

Chapter Two~

I crashed into my brother as I turned a corner on the path.

"Neera!!! There you are!! What are you doing here? Demons could be living here!" He exclaimed.

"Delst, it's alright. I'm fine, and there are no Demons in the Forest,"

"I don't believe it. I don't want you coming here again. Understood?"

"That's not fair. You are not my guardian,"

"I don't care. I'm your brother. I don't want you coming here again,"

I released an evil laugh. "You will be a terrible father you know that right?"

Delst's eyes grew dark. "Never say such a thing again,"

"Then don't take away what's dear to me,"

"I'm doing it for your safety Neera!!"

"And I'm telling you facts about your future as a father," He roared and raised his hand to strike me, but I grabbed his wrist with both hands when he was inches from my face. "This only proves my point," and with that, I danced around him and ran back home. I heard him calling my name, saying how sorry he was. Yet I continued running. His apologies meant nothing to me. I didn't entirely mean what I had said to him. I only said it as a way of defence. After all, he was taking away my forest. I would never allow that. Especially after I met Briss.

I arrived home tired and out of breath. Mother looked at me confused. "Where were you?"

"No where of importance," I replied.

"It is important. You were gone for two and a half hours. I was worried that They--"

"Mother, I'm fine. Besides, I can defend myself against Them if I need to,"

Mother shook her head and was about to reply when Delst came charging in. He let out a puff of air when he saw me. "I was hoping you would come here," he mumbled half-heartily to himself.

I glared at him and he didn't hesitate to return the expression.

"Please. None of this," Mother said.

"Of course Mother. I'm sorry," he paused, appearing to think for awhile. "I...have to go. Ill be home soon, I swear,"And he was gone before one of us could ask where he was going.

Mother turned to me. "Could you give some food to Grandmother?"

"Of course,"

Mother handed me a small bowl of soup and a spoon, and I went to the back room where Grandmother rested. I quietly opened the door, balancing the bowl in my right hand. I heard her groan slightly as I grew close to her.

"Neera..?" She asked weakly.

"Yes Grandma, it's me. I have some supper for you,"

She slowly sat up, and I helped her so she was more comfortable. I held the bowl and fed her the soup. She ate slowly at first, then faster as she realized how hungry she really was. When she finished, I set the bowl on the ground and held her hand, enjoying the quiet.

"You seem full of joy my child. Tell me what...has made you so..joyful," She said quietly, smiling slightly.

I smiled to myself. Of course she knew. "His name is Briss. He is very kind, you would like him. He's from the West Side of the village," I sighed. "He taught me how to outsmart some of the dumber demons, and he taught me how to use a sword as well,"

Grandmother smiled. "I am glad to know that he has taught you so much. You two...your friendship will..certainly grow. I can see it now.."

I nodded. Grandmother laid back down and closed her eyes, silently drifting off into sleep.