Weirdos IV: The Emerald Heart

Chapter 23: Lost Souls

Due to the insistence of the people in the Tunnels, Ahren and Maia stayed for dinner. The two of them (but mostly Maia) spent most of their time in getting to know the newcomers of the camp. When all the chores have been finished and the people wandered off into the other parts of the Tunnels, the two Morph Weirdos bade the others goodbye.

"You're still ice-cold as always when it comes to other people. You could've at least talked to them. They're still in shock and probably traumatized with what happened to them. Your expressionless face wasn't really the warm welcome that they should receive," Maia said to Ahren as they descended the stone stairs leading down the mountain.

"I thought you know me already? I'm just not a people person. I'm not like you," Ahren replied. "Besides, I saved their asses when they scattered in the forest. I think I've done enough already. My back still hurts from flying all day just to find their members."

Maia raised an eyebrow. "Really? Why did I never hear you complain about your back whenever you fly around the forest all day to have fun? That's a bit strange, don't you think?"

"Uh, I had to carry about two to three people at the same time, for your information," Ahren snapped back. "I'm used to carrying my own weight whenever I fly. It's a completely different thing when you have to carry people."

"If you say so. . ."

"Why do you care so much about them anyway?" Ahren asked her. "Their lives are the exact opposite of ours. They lived in the city where they could have whatever they wanted. Above all, they have parents who love them enough to send them to the best magical school in this country. They don't have any idea about the horrors of the real world."

"You're correct, but everything you said about them changed when the villains attacked their school. They were forced to flee and live in hiding, away from the comforts of the city, away from their families. Also, I think it's unfair to say that they don't have any idea about the harsh reality that we've experienced. Their lives aren't exactly fairytales. Most of them also went through a lot of hell just to get to where they are now," Maia said.

Ahren raised his hands. "Alright, you win. You always win. I'm sorry if I didn't act like a warm and approachable hotel staff when I first met them. My bad."

"You're always so distrustful of people," Maia said.

"You're always so helpful and kind even when it comes to total strangers," Ahren snapped back. "I know they're good people and that they need our help, but you don't always have to work so hard for other people. Haven't you learned from your childhood? I'm not saying that those people are cut from the same cloth as your parents and former guardians, but people have used and abused you because of your kindness. Sometimes, you also have to be stern and careful when it comes to people. . ."

The chilly morning breeze blew into the rooms through the open windows, causing the inhabitants inside to shiver with the cold. It's only a few days before Christmas, and the kids in the orphanage have high hopes that they're going to be adopted before the coming celebration passes.

However, one of the kids doesn't feel the same way as the others. He's currently outside the big house and savoring the cold wind while hanging from a tree by his legs. The boy was probably the strangest-looking of all the kids inside the house. Apart from his silvery hair and eyes, white angel-like wings also hung from his back. His peaceful relaxation was suddenly interrupted by a sharp cry coming from the house.

"Ahren!"

The winged weirdo flapped his wings and somersaulted in the air, causing him to land smoothly back to the ground. He was greeted by the sour face of Mrs. Tameran, the head of the orphanage. Ahren just stared flatly at the old lady with her messy hair and baggy clothing.