Wings & Dreams

Ch.8 - Hunting

On the way home, we again cross paths with Rio's gang. This time, Kei approached her first. When they had talked for a long time, I was about to step aside to give them a place of privacy when someone pulled my arm.

My heart was hammering when the hood I was wearing almost slipped off. Fortunately my hands were swift and only then did I realize who was pulling me. Rio.

"Wait here" he said, showing his white teeth. Kei who was nearby just crossed his arms. "Rio. You're a habit of touching women carelessly."

"Is that wrong?" He said while putting on an expression without guilt. "I think this girl's coming with us. Do you want to leave him alone in the crowd?" He said while watching me. "By the way, we're not acquainted yet. I can't see your face yet."

"I'm-I'm Clara" I said shyly. He stretched out his hand and was about to open my hood when Kei suddenly grabbed his ear.

"Hey!" Rio whimpered in pain.

"Basic you!" Kei gripped the collar of his shirt. "He's shy, you know?! I told you not to touch her!"

"Yes, yes! Forgive me! Let go of me, Kei!"

"Oh!" Kei finally let go of his ears. Before long, another Fae who was also from Rio's gang approached us. I immediately looked at her face and realized Fae's face was not much different from Rio's.

"Dain, my brother," Rio said briefly. This Fae Fire also had black hair, although it was longer and looked busier. The rest like height is not much different from Rio. His black eyes were busy swallowing my appearance from head to toe.

"So where's your little sister Xiela?" Ask Kei. "I thought you were taking her out for a hunt, too"

Dain laughed. Surprisingly, her voice sounded beautiful in my ears. "You crazy, Kei? She's still a toddler. The magic hasn't come yet."

Rio clicked his tongue. "My other friends still have business in Faedemy. That means we will only hunt the four of them" he said, pointing at his other companions.

"Hunting what?" Rio and Dain looked at me. It felt like a miracle when I let out a sound. I also realized my actions and did not dare to look at Kei. I'm afraid that making a sound is one of the things I can't do. Could it be that I could be recognized as a human being if I spoke just a little?

"You..." Rio was at a loss for words. I was shocked when he suddenly wrapped his hand around my neck. "You sound so sweet! I'm getting curious to see your face!" Said girang. Without me noticing, the sound of laughter came out of my mouth, followed by a damming feeling of relief.

They led me out of the crowd in this village. Kei said, this place is called Recalla, a village located in the northeast of Fae Region. He said we were going to hunt a little monster named Krilie, a little flower-thieving fairy with a poisonous bite.

"Say my friends, their dragonfly wings are rare and like to be sold at high prices in the market" Rio explained to me. We were walking out of the crowded village. Now, I could see a snow-white cluster and tall, thin trees.

"Winter Park," said Kei who led us in front. His gray wings were moved. The girl stopped her footsteps and turned to Dain. "Belbid."

They were all ready to hunt. I'm not sure this is a good idea for me. So I stole a glance from Kei and whispered, "Have you forgotten I'm only human?"

"Oh?" Kei raised his eyebrows. "Of course not. You're on duty to track him."

"What?!" My yelling. Rio immediately looked at me and put on a face like he wanted to say What's wrong? I just shook my head and lowered my voice. "Tracking?! I've never been hunting"

"Use your abilities," Kei said casually. "You can see the future."

"Again" I protested. "It's still noon! Why are you so sure I can?"

"What the hell is it?" Rio could not stand it and approached me. "Clara, what's wrong?"

"Ma.mmm..." This time Kei didn't give me a clue though. I need to be able to answer the question. "Said Kei, I was assigned to track them."

"Well, I can't believe that ugly girl gave you such a hard task." Kei just stared at him sharply. Rio cengar-cengar. "Don't worry. I'm the best tracker in the Fae Fire. I'll help you."

The journey feels fast, but the time needed when we walk is certainly more than using the wings to fly. I still don't understand why they don't just use their wings. Rio who is usually a tadpole also does not suspect me because I did not show my wings that do not exist.

We have entered the area of trees that are always snowy, heard from the name of the Winter Garden. Rio again aligns his body with me.

"When do you want to open your hood?"

I turned my face away. Kei was already too far ahead. I can't depend on him. "It's nothing."

"Kei told me. You're human, right?"

I swerved and gaped. "I-i-i"

"It's okay." Rio smiled at me. The wind blew on her hair bangs, piercing her eyes. "You can trust me."

I nodded, unable to say anything more. It seems my secret as a human is getting more and more entrenched.