"Family Means No One's Left Behind"~ A Greenflame and Children Story

Chapter Twelve: True Potential and The Dragon Within

Akidah's Point of View~
It had been two days since my brother's disappearance and right now, I and the others were continuing our search for Lari. I was my own, but May was nearby, searching around the other side. "Lari?!" I repeatedly called out hoping for an answer to his small voice, but the was no response. I sighed and continued to look. Where are you, Lari? We miss you very much. Well, wherever you are, please be okay. No matter what, we will find you. I thought as I was walking. We had been looking for Lari for hours now, and it was getting kinda dark, but I wasn't just going to stop now. Even if it was dark, I could provide myself light and warmth with my fire. I checked the time on my phone and saw that it was almost 7:00. And the battery percentage was 78. Soon, the sun was close to nearly setting all the way, and May said she was going to go back to the house. I said that I'd come later back later. So now, I was officially on my own. I traveled deeper into the woods, hoping that I find Lari or a hint as to where he was. Then, from the distance, I heard the patting of paws running and the patter of hooves galloping. "Akidah!" I heard a small familiar voice call from afar. "Lari?" I asked. "Akidah! It's me, Lari! Can you hear me?!" That same voice shouted. Then, I began a glimpse of my brother on the back of a deer with a wolf not far behind and he was waving. "Lari!!" I yelled in excitement. He hopped off the deer and limped on one foot and came up to me. I ran right to him and wrapped my arms around him tightly. "Lari! You're back! I missed you so much! I'm so glad to have you back with me!" I said to him. Tears began to fall from my eyes, but these were tears of joy. "I missed you too! I missed all of you so much!" He said. We pulled away from the hug and stared at each other in the eyes. "We have to get out of here, we're both in danger." Lari said. I was confused about what he said. I've been out here for hours and haven't experienced anything dangerous. "What danger? And whatever it is, we can take it since we both have powers." I said. "That's just it! Our powers!" Lari shouted. "What do you mean?" I asked him. "Would you believe me if I told you?" He asked sincerely. I was silent before finally saying, "What is it? I'll believe you." Lari looked back at the deer and wolf who were standing behind and nodded at them. Then, right before my eyes, the deer spoke. "You both are in potential danger. For the Sorceress of the Disenchanted woods has sent out her scouts searching for you." It said. "Yes, there are dangerous predators searching for both of you." Said the wolf. My eyes widened and I was wondering if I was just dreaming that these woodland animals were actually talking to me. "D-did you just s-speak to me?" I stammered out. I looked back at Lari and he nodded. "The deer is Lee and the wolf is Hana. They both took care of me while I was out here. And the Sorceress of the Enchanted woods also helped me. But the lions are after us because we have elemental powers." Lari said. I didn't know anything about any 'Sorceress', but the panic in Lari's eyes was pure. "We have to get out of here." I said. Lari nodded and we both stood up. I held his hand and we began to walk slowly. As we were walking, a question was spiraling inside my mind. "Lari?" I said. He looked up at me and said, "Yeah?" I was quiet for a moment. "Do...do you need a break?" I asked. He nodded and we took a break. "Lari? Can I ask you something?" I asked. He looked at me and nodded. I took a deep breath and asked, "Is there anything else that's bothering you because you've been pretty distant ever since you got over being sick?" Lari's eyes widened and he was silent. "N-no, there's nothing." He said. I didn't think that what he said was the truth. "C'mon, you can tell me. I know that some thing's bugging you." I said. "Okay! Fine, I'll tell you. There is something that's bothering me. And...and it has to do with you, May, and Kabaz." He said. "Is this about the accident?" I asked. Lari nodded and continued to speak. "Ever since that happened, it took a big toll on me, and I couldn't handle it right. It was at the point where I couldn't stand to look at you or them, knowing that I caused you guys pain. I hate the wind. It makes me feel so different from the rest of you all. I feel as if I will become someone like Morro, a bad person who brought nothing but destruction and chaos. And that's not the future that I want. I just wish I could be born again, but with different powers." Lari confessed. What he said struck me. He thought that he was going to be destined to be like Morro, but I knew that wasn't true. We all have a say in what's in store for our futures. "I'm sorry I wasn't there for you Lari, especially when you really needed it." I said as I hugged him again. "I'm sorry too. I should've told you. I was just afraid. Why am I always so afraid?" Lari said as he was trying to hold back tears. "But you can't be born again, these powers are a part of who you are. And it's okay to feel different. And it's okay to feel scared or weak because we're all people and these are true emotions that people feel at times. And you know what else?" I said. "What is it?" He asked. "You can change." I said in a calm and soothing tone. Lari looked up at me and stared into my eyes. Then, a small smile appeared on his face. When he smiled, I couldn't help but do the same.