Rule for Freedom

Chapter 26

Caleb's POV

I struggle to tell Xena the truth because I really want her to be safe but right now her determination keeps bumping on my conscience. Begging me to burst out the truth. I really want her to be safe but keeping her locked to truth felt wrong...

We both climbed down the tree and sat on the ground. I looked at her curious eyes as she looked at me. "He just walked out?" She asked with a disappointed look. 

I shook my head as she raised her eyebrows. "I think he wants you to be safe because he told me to keep you safe." I said and she nodded as guilt took over in her brown eyes. I reached her chin and pulled it up to look at me.

"Hey, cupcake look I know the feeling of this and I hope you forgive yourself because all of this...Isn't your fault." I said and she smiled a little. My eyes widen as she suddenly hugged me.

"Thanks big bro." She said and I hugged her back. "No prob little cupcake." I said and we both pull apart. I saw her eyes lit up and she wiped her tears. "Now I have to bring back the favor to them." She said and I sighed. "You really don't listen huh?" I said and she shook her head as she smiled sheepishly. 

I sighed in defeat. I know that she will not listen to anyone if it involves her determination and belief. Of course I know her better than anyone. I am just her brother who is ready to risk what may cause just to make her happy.

I looked at her and she shift her gaze behind me smiling. I looked behind and my eyes went wide when I saw a little girl and a medium sized girl with a fishtailed hair running to us and was laughing because the black big unknown dog like thing is chasing them. 

"What the heck!?" I shouted as they went straight to us but they sided and jumped on Xena. I was going to pull the thing apart but I saw it licking the face of Xena and the all three of them laugh. 

"Welcome back!" The girl with the braided hair said. "We were worried of you Xena!" The little girl said. Xena laughed. "I'm okay girls." She said and I smiled as I looked at her bright smile. I missed her smile even when she's with little children. 

Xena looked at me and pulled them away. She nodded to the girls even the thing and looked at me. "This is my brother Caleb." She introduced me to them and the braided girl offered her hand and I took it and shake our hands.

"Hi, brother Caleb. I'm so glad that you survived! I am Laura and it's nice to meet you." She said smiling. I smirked. "Well I am a former assassin in the military base back then." I said with pride. Xena nodded "One of the best known." They all gave a wow look. 

My eyes widen as the little girl hugged me. I looked at her and my heart felt soft. She is cute. She looked at me with her cute big eyes and smiled. I can see that she looks a little like Xena. "Thank  you Big brother Caleb! For keeping big brother Link safe from the monsters!" She said and smiled widely.

I smiled at her and caress her hair. "No problem." I said and she hugged me again and finally parted and ran away playing again with the two. Xena looked at me with her eyebrows raised and her arms crossed.

"What?" I said and she smirked at me. "Nothing." She said not changing her expression. I shook my head annoyed and she laughed and slapped my leg. "I knew you wouldn't resist children. You pedophile." She said and she laughed. I smirked. "Shut up Xena." I said and She laughed.

She tilted her head and stood up. "Come on I still have to cook for all of you." She said and I smiled. "Ohh, yes mother." I said and she smirked and rolled her eyes and walked. I followed her but she stopped me.

"Nope you stay here big bro and guard the kids." She said and I looked at them playing and nodded. I know I can't beat her in an argument so I'll just stay. "Sure." I said and she smirked and went inside.