Animal Adventure

Chapter 16: Freedom of the Sanctuary

The poison is finally gone after 3 days. On day two, Aka was ready to jump out of the window. Teresa had a lot of practice to know that Aka would sneak out of the house when she clearly can't go out. So, as a compromise, Teresa would let Aka go out into the backyard if she eats out there.

And that is where everyone is right now. Teresa and Aka are near the house, underneath the patio, and watching the boys interact with each other. Moonlight and Masato are also with them as those two aren't that huge of a fan running around and getting dirty. Instead, they both brought a book each to read. Aka finds it amusing on how quickly the two winged hybrids got along. It is probably because they both have similar personalities that they understand each other almost immediately.

Aka's eyes drift to where the remaining four are. Sunflower and Fighter are currently kicking a soccer ball back and forth. Sunflower and Fighter seems to really like sports after watching a game of soccer on T.V. one day. Aka bought them a soccer ball so they can play. It became clear to Aka that they are really athletic. Especially Fighter, who has a heart condition that makes it difficult for him to get excited. Aka was worried that she'll have to force him to stop but Fighter is quite stubborn when he wants to be.

Aka watches the two before looking to Prince and Ren. The two are near the fence where there is a small garden is. Prince is telling Ren about the plants that he is growing. Ren seems to be interested so he asked if he can help. When Prince said that his family are farmers and miss working there, Teresa bought seeds for him to plant and take care of. Prince was glowing when Teresa handed the seeds. Right now, Teresa only got Prince some herbs and vegetables to grow, so there aren't any flowers. Aka didn't know what they are talking about, but it seems like Prince likes the idea that Ren proposed.

Ren and Masato. The two newest additions to this slowly growing family. Aka couldn't imagine that their two people family grows into 8 people. It all started with Sunflower too. Aka always wonder what if Teresa haven't picked Sunflower up. Would he find his way to them? Would they never meet at all? Questions upon questions built up in Aka's head that it almost gave her a headache. So, Aka stops questioning and just accepts that it is meant to be.

"Aka." Teresa called, cutting off Aka's thoughts.

"Just thinking about this little family we manage to build." Aka answered Teresa's unsaid question.

"And?"

"I don't mind it, to be honest."

Aka leans forward with her elbows on the table. The first solid food Aka had in a while is only half-eaten in front of her. Although the poison is gone, Aka is still weak to do any of the normal routine that she usually does.

"Me, too." Teresa agreed. "And to think that Otoya was the one to start it all."

Aka nods as she pushes the food around on the plate. Aka sighs and pushes the plate away.

"You done?"

"Yeah."

Teresa nods and grabs the plate. She gets up and makes her way inside. Aka continues to watch the boys. With how warm it was out here, Aka's eyes become heavy. Aka doses in and out. The sounds around her didn't help the fatigue. Before Aka can fall asleep, a loud shrilling noise rings loudly. Aka was so startle by the noise that she falls back on her chair. Aka near hits her head on the ground and Aka feels a sharp pain on her back. Aka lays there for a moment before rolling onto her stomach and pushing herself up.

The boys all turn to see Aka getting up from the ground. The ringing still didn't stop. It takes Aka a moment to realize that it was her phone ringing. Aka scrambles to grab her phone and picks it up.

"Hello?" Aka answered.

Aka can feel her cheeks redden as she hears the boys trying to not laugh out loud, almost failing.

"Good to know you're still alive." A familiar voice said jokingly.

Aka brightens up when she hears the person on the other side of the phone.

"Unfortunately." Aka said, smirking. "You woke me up, by the way."

Aka picks up the chair and sets it back where it was. Once the chair is in place, Aka sits down.

"Sad." The voice said.

"Anyways," Aka began, "why are you calling? Is there an emergency?"

The short playful air is now replaced with a serious one. Aka's lips twist into a frown.

"No, nothing like that." They said. "Just checking in. The boss was worried when they heard that their best agent is out of commission."

Aka sighs in relief.

"How's the team doing while I was out?" Aka asked. "I'm guessing no one died yet if you are calling, Judai."

"Of course, we're alive." Judai said. "We can't let our leader down now."

At the corner of Aka's eye, she sees Teresa coming back with a tray of milk, glass cups, and a plate full of cookies. Teresa gives Aka a look that asked, 'who it was?'. Aka gives a smile that answered, 'a friend'. Teresa puffs her cheeks out, giving Aka an annoying look. Aka just smirks.

"Hello?" Judai called, getting Aka's attention back. "Are you still there?"

"Yeah." Aka said. "Just talking to my sister."

"But I didn't hear anything."

Aka chuckles as she watches Teresa sit down and starts pouring the milk into the cups. The boys are fully interested in Aka's conversation that they were quiet. This surprises Aka as she would expect Sunflower and Fighter to go back to their game. Aka watches Teresa hands the cups of milk to the boys except for Prince.

While living with them, Teresa and Aka found out that Moonlight and Prince are vegan. Or at least Prince is. Moonlight is more vegetarian as he can digest dairy and egg products just fine.

"I don't need to say anything to my sister." Aka explained.

"Oh, right. A twin thing." Judai said.

"So, what's the real reason you called." Aka asked seriously.

"Nothing gets pass you." Judai stated. "You got a mission."

"Just me?"

"Yes."

"When?"

"Tomorrow. It's those people who tried to take the two kids that you protected. Apparently, they were paid to kidnap them. I send you the details on your email."

Aka sighs through her nose. Teresa give Aka a concern look.

"I'll be there in the morning." Aka said.

"Sorry for putting you back to work so soon. And you are still recovering from last time."

"It's our duty, Judai." Aka reasoned.

"I know, but..." Judai trailed off.

"Don't worry. I'll be careful."

Aka tries to reassure not only Judai but also Teresa who looks ready to argue.

"I believe you." Judai said. "You're strong. You're not our leader for nothing."

"Of course. You wouldn't be here without me otherwise." Aka said jokingly.

Aka hears Judai laughing. This makes her cheeks red. Aka likes the sound of him laugh. Aka looks over to where Teresa was staring. When their eyes meet, Teresa looks confused at first, but it turns to a mischievous look. Aka's cheeks get redder. She looks away.

"If that is all you need to tell me, then I'll end the call." Aka said.

"Yeah, that's all. I'll see you tomorrow." Judai said.

"See ya tomorrow." Aka said before ending it.

Aka looks at Teresa before away again in embarrassment. Aka can already hear the teasing from Teresa without even having her opening her mouth.

"So..." Teresa began. "a friend you say?"

Aka just wants to dig a hole and buries herself in it.