Orb Guardians [Volume 1: Fire]

Chapter 2.1: Zephania

Chapter 2: Encounter

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"Are you really my grandfather!?" exclaimed Blaise

The old man and Blaise were currently sitting on a bench in a park. The wind grew a little stronger as the trees moved with the wind, bushes rustled gently, and the sound of the wind was peaceful.

"You do not have to believe me at the moment child, but know I am your grandfather." the old man replied.

Blaise looked at the man quizzically. The old man was certainly wearing some strange clothes, his long wavy gray hair was pretty odd as it touched the ground, his gray beard was to the length of his abdomen, and his eyes were covered by his own hair, yet he could still see. Blaise hadn't believed the old man yet. After all, what old stranger would approach a young child claiming they're a relative?

"You're strange..." Blaise muttered.

"I beg of you to believe me though, child. I came from a long journey to see you." the old man begged.

"How though?" Blaise asked.

"What do you mean?" the old man replied.

Blaise looked at the old man with tears from the corner of his eyes. "Then why didn't you come to see me when my mom died in a tsunami!?"

A gust of wind flew, blowing Blaise's bright yellow scarf.

Silence

"Your mother... I deeply apologize for her death. Though, she did tell me to take care of you before she died." the old man replied.

Blaise's ruby red eyes widened and asked, "When?"

The old man replied, "A day before. She knew of the tsunami and had informed me. You were still young and attending school at that time."

Blaise let his tears roll down his cheeks, but was also curious. Why did his mom have to leave him? But how did she know of the tsunami that had yet to be reported on the news? Questions began forming in his mind and were unanswered.

"You may be wondering how, but that is for another day." the old man said.

Standing up, the old man began walking away. Blaise stood there, trying to answer the questions, but soon snapped out of it.

Realizing the old man was walking away, he yelled, "Wait! What's your name!? My name's Blaise Hayes!"

The old man stopped walking and faced Blaise replying, "Zephania."

On that night, Blaise returned home safely, worrying Frederick and his foster parents. Zephania, though, left somewhere unknown. Ever since Blaise met the old man, Zephania, he would meet him at the park, where they first conversed as strangers.

Blaise began bonding with his claimed 'grandfather'. Later, Blaise introduced Zephania to his foster family. Meeting the foster family of Blaise led to a closer bond between the two.

Frederick envied the two but acted as if it were nothing. All he ever wanted was for Blaise to be happy no matter what.

During the weekend...

Frederick and his parents had gone to a relative's home for a birthday celebration. Blaise stayed home due to the amount of homework he had to do from school. Just when they had left, Zephania came by to watch over Blaise.

"Gramps, can you help me with my homework?" asked Blaise.

"Of course. What can I do to help you?" Zephania replied.