I AM.... [Second Book of Loyal. The Past.]

Chapter 329. Learning.

Chapter 329. Learning.

Marei sat with Earth as she read her favorite story out loud. Sky peeked in through the window watching them in awe. It was all so easy for them, why was it so hard for him? Marei and Earth were so lost in their book, that they didn't see Sky open the window and hop in on silent feet. It wasn't until Sky's hair that brushed Earth's shoulder that made them notice.

Marei: Ack!
Earth: Eep! Oh, it's you, Sky.
Sky: What are you two doing?
Marei: We are reading.
Earth: You should read it sometimes, Sky.
Sky: ... Yeah, I will.
Earth: Let's read together.

Marei noticed Sky hesitating before sitting down. Earth smiled and opened her book. Marei and Earth read Sky didn't. When Marei and Earth laughed at a silly part, Sky laughed with them. When the story became dull, Sky copied Earth and Marei when the sighed. When Earth asked Sky if he was finished reading, Sky nodded, and Earth turned the page.

Marei and Earth were catching on. Sky was copying them and agreeing with everything they say.

Earth: Sky, read this story. I think you will like it.
Sky: Okay, hand it over.

Earth smiled at Sky when he took the book. The two Goddesses watched Sky read the story. While Marei and Earth watched, Sky struggled. After a few minutes, Sky gave the book back to Marei.

Marei: You like it?
Sky: Oh? Yes, it was good, yes.
Marei: Did you finish it?
Sky: Uh-huh.
Marei: Was it funny?
Sky: Yeah, it was.
Marei: I highly doubt a story about war and murder is funny, Sky.

Sky's heart skipped a beat, Earth and Marei stared at him sadly.

Sky: Did I say it was funny? I was joking with you-
Earth: Sky, you don't know how to read, do you?
Sky: I do-
Marei: The book is not even finished.
Sky: I-
Earth: Sky. Can you read?

Sky stuttered and pointed around babbling nonsense. Earth's heart shook when Sky fell quiet and shook his head no.

Earth: Oh, Sky.
Sky: I never learned how to read.
Marei: It's alright that you can't read.
Sky: Slaves like me were not allowed to learn.
Marei: Oh, that's upsetting.

Sky looked upset, Marei was afraid he was going to break down.

Marei: Hey, it's all right, Sky. Don't be upset.
Sky: She is upset.

Sky pointed to Earth who was wiping her eyes.

Sky: I hate it when she is upset.
Marei: Earth!
Earth: Nobody should suffer the dark world of illiteracy.
Marei: It will be okay, Earth.

Rock walked into the room only find Marei trying to calm crying Earth down, and Sky hanging his head in shame.

Rock: What's going on?
Marei: Sky can't read.
Rock: That's nothing to cry about. I think.
Marei: Earth is crying for Sky, and Sky is upset because Earth is crying.
Rock: Stop crying, Earth.
Earth: How can they do this to Sky??
Rock: We just have to teach him, Earth. No more tears.
Sky: Hummm?
Earth: -Sniffs- Poor Sky.

Rock walked up to Sky with Marei in tow. Earth sat in the back sniffling.

Marei: Sky, you know a little bit, yes?
Sky: No.
Rock: Can you read a teensy bit?

Sky stared at them blankly.

Rock: Right. First thing tomorrow, I'll find Sky a teacher.
Sky: You don't have to go through all this trouble for me.
Rock: It's no trouble, Sky.
Sky: I'll be fine-