(Thursday's part because I'll be away)
With Lillia by his side there was no trouble as she led them back to where he first arrived, even passing by the spot Valandus had told him to wait. Valandus himself was nowhere in sight. Kyle could only hope to pass a message to the driver later. Moving down the nearby stairs levelled them to the main floor of the training ground and where Kyle had spotted Tai before. The boy was still there together with one of female knights who he had been training with. She was a young women probably a year or so older than Kyle and by the stripes on her shoulder not an officer but a Knight of the Hero's Guard. It really was an exception that Kyle had an officer's rank, though it was the lowest.
"You did very well today Special Officer. I look forward to you working with us," from her tone there was a definite tease to her words.
Tai leaned back as the young women purposefully drew closer. It was clear where the power dynamic lied despite his higher rank. "Umm thank you. I hope we get along."
"Indeed," the women smiled entertained by his innocent reaction. "Maybe you and I could have some private session together. I'm sure we could both learn a lot."
"T-that won't be necessary," Tai took a step back. "We Special Officers have our own duties as well so...."
Kyle looked to Lillia to see if she would intervene but from the glimmer in her eyes he could tell she was equally enjoying this. Feeling for the poor boy he stepped forward,
"Special Officer Tai we're here to take you to your next assignment."
Tai immediately flicked his head towards them, "Oh right thanks. Sorry Rin I'll be heading off now."
The young women named Rin giggled, "Till next time. We'll be looking forward it, me especially."
"R-right," Tai quickly fled as Rin walked away with slight spring in her step. As a fifteen year old boy with no experience, he didn't stand much of a chance.
Lillia was quick to tease him, "Your first day and you already managed to pull a girl."
"It's not like that," he shook his head in defence. "She was just trying to help. I did what you told me and tried to show off my strength but as soon as they got me talking...." He flushed embarrassed.
Kyle nodded at his predicament. Appearance wise Tai looked as old as he did but his youthful face made him seem much more his age. The boy however was naturally shy and though he had shown his skills in battle earning their respect, he couldn't handle the conversations that followed. It would take a while before he got used to everything.
"You did well today," Kyle smiled at him warmly. "I saw you sparring and could barely keep up. Trust me, you were cool."
"Ah th-thanks," Tai blushed and avoided his gaze. "Um Mr Kyle why are you here. I thought you had to stay in the garden." Kyle didn't miss his purposeful use of the title Mr. It was probably his own way in convincing himself Kyle was male. Still he replied like it was nothing.
"I'm just having a look around. Valandus guided me here and Lillia is guiding me back."
"I see," Tai nodded. "Thank you for calling out to me before."
"No problem. If you see me in a situation myself, please save me as well," he laughed but was entirely serious.
"Of course!" Tai beat his chest.
Lillia ruffled his blue hair, "Look at you all dependable. Jana would be proud."
"Stop, don't treat me like a kid," he pushed away her hands with a smile. "There are still people around."
"They're not looking but fine, I'll save it for when we get back."
Kyle watched them as they walked back. The two really were like brother and sister. All the children in the Garden were like that. He didn't have any siblings himself but found their interactions incredibly heart-warming. When he said today that he wanted to help the Hero, as much as it was for the Eternal Hero who saved the world, it was for the Hero here that he knew. One day maybe the Eternal Hero wouldn't have to fight and the Hero's Guard could fully take over. That way Lillia, Tai and the other children would never have to fight again. As much as he wanted that future, when he thought about it, a hole opened up in his chest. Even if that time came to pass many of the children would have already be gone, Lillia included, and after her would be Tai.
They passed through the office greeting Melissa on the way and headed to the Garden. The walk wasn't a long one and the minutes went by quickly. As they reached the door and the open sky beyond, the light from the sun had already been replaced by the moon. Kyle hadn't realised so much time had passed. On their return Maila immediately hounded on to him and forced him to sit as she gave him an earful. Lillia and Tai managed to sate her anger and she promised not to say anything but the next time she saw Valandus he was going to get a good kick in the back. It would be quite some time before Kyle would be let out of the Garden officially.
After Kyle's apology the children were put to sleep, a job that was by no means easy considering the younger ones. As they still weren't used to Kyle, his appearance only made them more energetic as they refused to go to bed quietly. They only settled down after he promised to make pancakes in the morning. Kyle himself couldn't sleep. Instead he found himself in the kitchen sipping at a cup of tea.
Maila stepped into the room and for a moment just watched him, "You really shouldn't run off like that even if you're with Valandus. By military protocol disobeying orders is met by harsh punishment."
"Sorry," Kyle apologised again feeling guilty.
"As long as you understand," she sat down. "Though I can see why you wanted to. It's good that you saw them out there as well. At least you know they're in good hands."
Kyle smiled, "They were nice. Though I was caught up in a few things."
Maila poked his arm, "Just keep that to a minimum. Remember you're here to help me as a caretaker not go fight a war."
"I know that."
"Also... thank you."
"For what?" Kyle looked at her perplexed.
"For not running away and treating the children the same," Maila smiled. "A lot of people can't and although you haven't been here long at all, some of the kids really do like you already."
"I'm just trying my best," he stared down into the cup in front of him.
"That's all we can really ask isn't it?" Maila stood up. "I'm off to sleep. Oh and don't go promising pancakes every day to get the children to sleep. They're smart so they'll use it against you." She waved, "Goodnight."
"Goodnight," Kyle waved back.
Alone again he still couldn't muster himself to sleep and instead walked into the kitchen. He might as well make the batter now and save some work for himself in the morning. The rhythmic process soothed his mind as he took his time to prepare the mix. Eggs, milk, butter, flour, a side of choc chips and other things. Like this he could focus on the job at hand and not worry so much about the future. In the end he had even prepared some dough.
"You're not tired?" Lillia's voice caused him to jump and drop the bowl he was mixing. Her reaction was fast scooping the bowl before anything could be split.
Kyle settled his surprise, "Lillia please don't scare me like that. I swear you walk like a ghost."
The girl giggled and placed the bowl back on the table, "Sorry. I thought you heard me."
It was only then that Kyle realised what she was wearing. Far different from the military uniform she was wearing before, now she was dressed in a simple nightgown. Floral patterns had been sewn into the fabric and a woollen fur spread across it to keep warmth during the cold nights. For a moment he was stunned at her delicate appearance. When it came down to it he had been sympathetic of Tai and his problems interacting with the opposite gender but he had the same issues.
"Di-did you need something?" he tried to avert his eyes that continued to be drawn to her.
"Ah just a glass of water," noticing as well Lillia pulled the gown more tightly around her.
Kyle quickly took a glass and filled it, "Here."
"Thanks," the two couldn't quite look at each other properly. As soon as she was finished Lillia took a step away, "I should go back to bed."
As her figure grew further away Kyle's hand shot out gently pulling against her arm, "Wait. Is it alright if we talk?"
Lillia was a bit surprised but hearing his tender tone nodded, "Sure." She turned back and the two sat in the dining room. The light of the moon shone down on them from the glass door leading to the yard outside. A strangely soft atmosphere spread between them.
Kyle had reacted before he could think and now that Lillia was sitting in front of him, the words he had wanted to say were far harder to recall. He pushed through, "Um Lillia... are you going to be okay?"
Lillia blinked already understanding what he meant, "Maybe.... I mean it's not like I want to die. Yes it's my duty as the Eternal Hero but I also want to do it for me."
Kyle's hand clenched on the table, "I really don't want you to go."
"Then who'll protect our world? News flash but demons aren't something any normal person can contend with," she smiled gently, mostly from the genuine concern in Kyle's voice.
"It's not fair. Just because you were born special... to be made to fight... it doesn't sit well with me."
"It's not meant to," Lillia gazed outside. "You're new here but I'm already standing on the lives of my brothers and sisters before me. I wasn't just close with Jana.... I remember them all."
"Then...," Kyle took a deep breath, "Then let me do what I can. I don't know when the demons will come next, but I want to help you. I want to be able to give you that something. Jana wanted to be a performer. I'm not much but if there's something you wanted to do, I'd give it my all to make it happen."
It might have been the sincerity in his words or something else entirely but at that moment Lillia shed a tear. "You really are weird." She breathed in and out releasing a smile, "There is something actually."
"What?" Kyle focused on her as she turned to face him. Their eyes met and neither turned away.
"I always wanted to try fall in love." Lillia who had been caught up in the moment was the first to look away as she realised the implication of her words. She stood up. "I-I mean, I've seen movies and read books about it. I just thought it was nice- not that- I mean. I'm going to sleep. Just forget I said that."
"Ah right," Kyle forced a laugh. "I don't think I could help you with that anyway. I should go to sleep as well." He stood up trying to avoid looking at her as he wasn't sure how he would react.
Just as she was about to walk away Lillia lingered. A part of her wanted to say just a bit more. Be a little more honest. Instead she quickly said a 'goodnight' and went back to the stairs. Once out of sight she felt the hammering of her heart and paused. The words slipped from her mouth as a whisper, "Maybe you're already helping."