Months passed in the hidden cabin, where Aiden and Talia spent their days caring for the baby they had named Aiko. Aiko had begun to smile and babble, her voice filling the small room with simple joy.
"Aiden," Talia said as she cradled Aiko in her arms. "Look, she's starting to lift herself up. I'm not sure if this is normal, but she's growing so fast."
Aiden, repairing his bow in the corner of the room, glanced over with a faint smile. "She looks healthy. That's what matters, right?"
Talia nodded. "But I'm always worried. What if someone finds out about her?"
Her fears proved true. A few days later, a villager unintentionally spotted Aiko near the cabin. News spread quickly to Varek. That night, Talia was summoned to the healers' hall, where Varek was already waiting with a look of fury.
"Talia," Varek's voice echoed in the small chamber. "I've heard something that shouldn't be possible. Tell me, is it true you've been hiding an Edenan child?"
Talia met his gaze calmly, though fear churned within. "Yes, it's true. I couldn't let that baby die."
Varek slammed the table, startling everyone in the room. "Do you understand what you've done? You broke our decision. You've endangered this entire village!"
Elara sat silently in a corner, her head bowed. Talia turned to her with a look of hurt. "Elara, you knew. You knew I was caring for the child. Why didn't you say anything?"
Elara remained quiet, unable to meet Talia's eyes.
The next night, Varek called all villagers to gather outside the healers' hall. Large lanterns lit up the small square, casting a glow over the curious and confused crowd. Standing on a small platform, Varek addressed them with authority.
"Brothers and sisters," he began loudly, "I stand here to reveal a truth that has been hidden for too long. One of our trusted healers has broken our laws and put our safety at risk."
The crowd murmured. Some faces showed shock; others whispered among themselves.
"Talia," he continued, pointing at her. "She has been secretly caring for an Edenan infant."
A gasp rose from the crowd. "Edena? They're our enemies! How could she do this?" someone shouted.
Talia stepped forward, standing tall. "I cared for her because she's a child. She's innocent. Whatever her origin, she didn't choose to be born an Edenan."
"But you know the risk you brought upon us!" Varek countered, his voice rising. "The Edenans destroyed countless lives on this planet. What if they return? What if this child is a threat we can't understand?"
Voices in the crowd grew louder, divided between fear and support.
Elara, standing beside Varek, looked uneasy. She finally spoke softly, "Talia acted from compassion. But... I was wrong to stay silent. I knew about the child and did nothing."
Her confession stirred even more noise among the villagers. Varek gave her a look of disapproval, then refocused on Talia.
"The decision has been made," he declared. "Talia will be exiled. The Edenan child will be returned to the place where the capsule was found. We cannot allow this danger to grow."
The crowd cheered in agreement, though some faces remained quietly disapproving. Talia stood still, head high, her heart breaking inside.
...
That night, the village of Ravara was silent under a full moon that bathed the simple houses in silver light. In that stillness, the sound of hurried, heavy footsteps broke the calm. Aiden ran, sweat pouring despite the chill air, his breath ragged as he reached Kirana's house.
He knocked hard. "Kirana! Please, open up!"
The door swung open to reveal Kirana, startled. Dressed in simple clothes, her face still weary from a recent long journey. "Who are you? What's wrong? You look like you're running from death."
"Kirana, I'm Aiden from the neighboring village," he panted. "I... I need your help. It's a matter of life and death."
She let him in. "Sit down. Breathe. Start from the beginning."
Aiden stood in the main room, gripping his hat tightly. "Kirana, I never told anyone this before. A few months ago, I found a strange capsule near a cave at our village's border. Inside... was a baby. An Edenan baby."
Kirana's eyes widened. "An Edenan baby?"
He nodded quickly. "Talia and I cared for her in secret. She's innocent, Kirana. She's grown just like a normal human child. But now, the secret is out. The elder found out. He's exiling Talia and sending the baby back to where we found her."
Kirana stood silent, processing the information. "How could this happen? Why didn't anyone tell me sooner?"
"We were scared," Aiden admitted. "We knew how sensitive this was. But now... I can't let them harm her. I need your help. You're the only one who can change this."
Just then, Lyra entered from another room, alert from the noise. "What's going on?" she asked.
Kirana turned to her. "Aiden found an Edenan baby months ago. He and Talia have been hiding her. Now the village wants to send the baby back."
Lyra stared in disbelief. "An Edenan child? Do you realize the risk? What if the Edenans return? What happens to your village? To all of us?"
"The Edenans are gone, Lyra," Aiden said firmly. "There's no sign they'll come back. And even if they do, this child is innocent. I can't abandon her."
Lyra exhaled sharply. "You speak of compassion, but this is about the safety of many. What if they return for vengeance?"
"Enough," Kirana said, calm but resolute. She looked at Lyra, eyes filled with conviction. "We can't live in fear of what might happen. The war is over. The Edenans are gone. It's time to heal, not open new wounds."
Lyra looked at her, silent for a moment, then sighed. "Kirana... I just want to avoid repeating the past. But if you believe this is right, I'll support you. What's your plan?"
"Lyra, I need you to go to the Althera Desert. Find Zephyr and tell him everything. We need his help to protect the child. You're the only one who can make it there in time."
Lyra nodded slowly, still uncertain. "Alright. I'll go."
Kirana turned to Aiden. "Come. We need to get to the hideout. If we're late, I don't know what might happen to Talia or the child."
Aiden nodded, renewed with determination. "Thank you, Kirana. I knew I could count on you."
The three sprang into motion. Lyra packed quickly for her journey to the Althera Desert, while Kirana and Aiden left the village in haste, heading for the small cabin, the last safe haven for an innocent life.
It was late when they arrived. The cold pierced the air, but they pressed forward with purpose. Inside, a dim lantern glowed softly. Talia gently rocked the cradle and looked up as the door opened.
"Kirana," she whispered with relief, rising. Her eyes were full of gratitude despite the exhaustion on her face.
Aiden approached the cradle and motioned for Kirana. "Here she is, Aiko," he said softly, pride and worry in his voice.
Kirana leaned over carefully to look. Aiko slept peacefully, her face serene. The lantern's faint light revealed a soft glow to her skin, brighter than human, almost magical.
Kirana was taken aback. Her face softened. "She's... so peaceful," she murmured. "As if the world can't touch her." Then her smile faded into sadness. "But even before her first birthday, she's already on the run."
Talia stood beside her, voice trembling. "I don't know what will happen if they find her. But I couldn't let her die, Kirana. I just wanted to give her a chance."
Kirana nodded slowly and turned to Aiden. "Aiden, listen. Take Talia and go. You can't return to your village. Head south, to Eldara. It's far and hidden. You can start a new life there."
Aiden hesitated. "What about Aiko?"
"I'll take care of her," Kirana said firmly. "She'll stay with me in Ravara. It's safe enough for now. Lyra is on her way to the Althera Desert to get help. If all goes well, we'll have more protection."
Talia looked at her with teary eyes. "Kirana, are you sure you can protect her?"
"I'm sure," Kirana said, unwavering. "She's my responsibility now."
Talia let out a relieved breath, though concern lingered in her eyes. "Thank you, Kirana. I don't know what would've happened to her without you."
The following morning in the village of Vireka, a soft chime rang from the Healers' House, signaling the beginning of the day of judgment. Villagers gathered slowly in the town square, their faces a mixture of curiosity and quiet dread. But when Varek entered Talia's room to fetch her, he found it empty. Her bed was neatly made, as if untouched.
"She's gone," Varek growled, his voice cold. He stormed out, calling to a few of the nearby villagers. "Check the hideout house!"
Several villagers rushed to the hidden house on the edge of the village, Varek trailing closely behind. But once they arrived, it too was abandoned. No signs of life remained, just an extinguished lantern and a folded blanket in the corner.
An older man, Karel, approached Varek quietly. "Last night," he murmured, "I saw Kirana with Aiden and Talia. They took the child with them."
Varek's expression darkened. "Kirana? So she's involved too..." His fists clenched, but he held back his fury in front of the villagers. In a low, seething tone, he said, "We can't let this slide. Tomorrow morning, I'll speak with Kirana myself."
...
Elsewhere, Kirana had arrived in the village of Ravara with Talia, Aiden, and Aiko. Her modest home was warm despite its simplicity, a fragile calm settling over them for the moment. Talia cradled Aiko in her lap, gazing at the baby's peaceful face with quiet love.
"She looks happy," Talia said, a wave of relief in her voice. "I never thought we could leave that place without serious consequences."
Kirana was preparing a simple meal in the kitchen but paused to glance their way. "This isn't over, Talia. Varek won't just let it go. But we have time to prepare."
Aiden stood by the window, staring into the forest. "Kirana, I know you told us to go to Eldara. But... are you sure this is the right choice? What if Varek comes after us there?"
"Eldara is far enough," Kirana replied. "Varek won't have grounds to chase you that far. I'll also send word to a few contacts there to make sure you're protected."
Talia looked at Aiden, her eyes filled with quiet fear. "Aiden, Kirana's right. We have to go. It's the only way."
Aiden nodded slowly. "Alright. We'll leave tonight."
Kirana walked over and placed a hand on Talia's shoulder. "I know this is hard, but it's for your safety. I'll care for this child as if she were my own. Lyra will return with my friend, and I'll ensure everything's ready here."
Talia gave a faint smile. "Thank you, Kirana. I don't know what would've happened without you."
Kirana simply nodded, then looked down at Aiko, who was fast asleep in Talia's arms. "She is hope, Talia. And we will not let anyone take her."
...
That night, under the starlit sky, Aiden and Talia departed from Kirana's house, setting off toward Eldara with a fragile hope guiding their steps. Meanwhile, Kirana remained behind, readying herself for whatever lay ahead. She stared into the forest, waiting for Lyra and Zephyr's return, to continue the fight.
...
Morning light spilled over the quiet village of Ravara, seeping through the slats of Kirana's humble home. The air was still cool, and dew clung to the grass surrounding her yard. Kirana was sweeping the front porch when the sound of heavy footsteps approached. She turned to see Varek walking toward her, his face a mask of anger and disappointment.
"Kirana," Varek said flatly, though his eyes burned with restrained fury.
Kirana stopped sweeping and stood upright. "You came earlier than I expected. Come inside. We can talk."
"No need," Varek snapped. "I'd rather speak out here."
Kirana nodded and leaned the broom against the wall. "Alright then. Say what you came to say. I know this isn't just a morning visit."
Varek took a deep breath, trying to hold himself steady. "I heard what you did. You took Talia, Aiden, and that... child from the village. What were you thinking?"
Kirana didn't flinch. "I did what I believed was right, Varek. That child is innocent. You wanted to return her, to let her die slowly in that place. I couldn't allow that."
"She's Edena," Varek snapped. "They destroyed our world. They cost us everything. How could you, after all you did to stop them, now choose to protect one of their offspring?"
Kirana crossed her arms, voice calm yet firm. "I know who she is. I know where she came from. But she's a baby, Varek. She didn't choose to be born an Edena. Will we punish her simply for existing?"
Varek's jaw tightened, his face flushed with fury. "This isn't just about her being a baby. It's about the risk you're taking. You're giving Edena a chance to return, letting an enemy grow among us."
Kirana's eyes narrowed. "And you think I haven't thought about that? I know the risk. But I also know what's right. We can't become the monsters we fought against. If we want a better future, it starts with the choices we make today."
Varek's voice grew heavier. "You're a hero, Kirana. You saved Earth. But what if this act costs you the trust of those you protected? What if they see it as betrayal?"
Kirana stepped closer, her voice unwavering. "I don't care what they think. If protecting an innocent child means I lose my title, so be it. I won't be remembered as someone who let a child die out of fear."
Varek stared at her, torn. Her words struck deep. Yet he couldn't let go of his doubts. "How can you be sure she won't become a threat? That she won't grow into them?"
Kirana breathed deeply. "Because I will raise her, Varek. I'll teach her what it means to be human. I won't just keep her alive, I'll guide her to be something better."
Varek exhaled sharply, frustrated. "And if you're wrong? If all of this leads to another disaster?"
"Then I'll take responsibility," Kirana answered without hesitation. "This is my burden. And if I've made a mistake, I'll face it. But I will not let fear stop me from doing what is right."
Silence settled between them. The morning breeze carried the scent of dew and wildflowers. Varek looked at her, eyes filled with conflict. He wanted to rage. But he couldn't deny her conviction.
At last, he sighed. "I don't agree with you. I still believe this is dangerous. But... I know who you are. I know what you've done. I just hope you're not wrong."
Kirana gave a faint smile, calm in her defiance. "Thank you, Varek. I appreciate your honesty. I don't need your approval, just your understanding."
He gave a slow nod. "I'll go now. But remember this, Kirana: I'll be watching. If that child becomes a threat, I won't hesitate."
"That's your right," she said quietly. "And I won't blame you for doing what you think is necessary."
Varek turned and walked away, disappearing into the trees. Kirana remained where she was, gazing at the brightening sky. This wasn't the end, but it was a beginning, however fragile.
Inside, Aiko slept soundly, her tiny face serene, unaware of the storms she'd already stirred in the world. Kirana stepped into the room and sat beside her, brushing a hand through the child's hair.
Softly, she whispered, "I promise I'll protect you. No matter what comes."