I Shall Devour Everything

Mei and Arion soon reached the Fok Grove Ward and Kisho, who was helping down Arion, said in a comforting tone, "Arion, my boy, don't worry about anything. If you need something, don't hesitate to ask this uncle, okay?"

Arion softly smiled, "Of course, Uncle Kisho."

"Hey, they returned," A middle-aged man called out as he saw Mei and Arion while working in his field.

"Arion, I heard you were finally able to connect with Prana! Why didn't you tell us?" A woman looking in her late thirties came forward with an excited smile.

She was dressed in tight robes that perfectly accentuated her bountiful assets and complimented her mature yet beautiful looks.

Despite how she looked, Arion knew that her real age was well over how she appeared to be. And that was only because she was a Defier, though Arion did not know if she was strong or not.

However, she was one of the people Arion was most familiar with since the time he set foot in this ward, and he was quite fond of her too. She had a loquacious nature and was someone who loved to gossip a lot.

It has been a long time since she settled in this ward after her husband died in a battle against the Dreadlings. Since she was his wife, she was allowed to live peacefully in this ward for the rest of her life as compensation for her husband's efforts.

Arion turned his eyes towards her and said in a low voice, "Aunt Yuro, I—"

Kisho said in a chiding tone, "Yuro, don't disturb him now with your big mouth. If anything, go and cook something tasty for him. He has had a long day." He then motioned with his eyes that it was not a good time for her to ask anything about what happened today.

"Ah…" Yuro parted her lips, noticing that Arion's face seemed a bit pale, and his expression seemed as if he wasn't feeling that well.

Her lips arched into a bright smile, and she said as she pinched Arion's chin, "Of course. For my favorite boy, I will cook you the best lunch. Mei, do you need one too?"

Mei envied Yuro's cooking skills, and even she couldn't help but feel addicted to her food. However, since she had work to do, she replied with a smile, "Aunt Yuro, I would have loved to, but I would be busy the whole afternoon and might only return by evening. Maybe next time?"

Yuro smiled, "Of course, you deserve it too, girl. You are working so hard every day. And both of you look thin. Maybe I should cook more?" Yuro mumbled as if she was contemplating it.

Mei sighed helplessly, "Aunt Yuro, you already always cook too much, and even after Arion fills his stomach completely, there are always leftovers. Surely, you don't want us to waste your precious food?"

Yuro pouted, "And here I was showing my care and love towards the both of you through my cooking. Fine, I will make less from now on since you both are complaining."

"It's fine, Aunt Yuro. I am happy with how much you are making," Arion said, feeling amused.

Yuro put on a proud smile, "As expected from my boy. See, Mei, he likes me more than you do."

Mei playfully pinched Arion's arm and said, "You really have a sly tongue. You were the one who told me to tell her. Sigh, I feel betrayed."

Arion coughed, "Ahem, Sister Mei, I must have said something while feeling sleepy. You shouldn't take everything seriously."

"How long are you all going to talk while standing here under the sun? Little Mei, my cart would be leaving in five minutes, or do you want to take some time and go on the next shift?" Kisho asked as he looked at Arion's back.

Mei had a hesitant expression as she glanced at Arion, feeling that she should spend some time with him till she makes sure that he is okay after what happened today.

But at the same time, if she doesn't go for her usual rounds, then she won't earn anything today.

Arion saw through her hesitation and placed his palm on her hand, and said with a reassuring smile, "Sister Mei, you should go before it gets too late. I will be fine."

He then looked at Yuro and said, "Aunt Yuro, can you take me home? She is getting late."

"Sure. Mei, see you later." She then quickly whispered in Mei's ears, "Don't worry. I will take care of him."

Mei sighed and nodded, "But you can't bully him."

Yuro's eyes became round, "Bully? Me?" She lowered her head and looked at Arion as she asked, "Arion, did I ever bully you?"

Arion met her gaze and saw her winking at him. He coughed and said, "Sister Mei need not worry. Aunt Yuro is always nice."

"See, Mei. I am upset you think of me as a bully, hmph. Let's go, Arion," Yuro harrumphed as she pushed Arion's wheelchair.

Mei didn't leave till she saw Arion and Yuro disappearing from her sight.

She wondered when Arion got so mature since she didn't expect him to put up a brave face for so long.

Usually, whenever he was feeling down, he would try his best to keep it inside, but it would show on his face. But now, it seemed as if he got way better at it. And he also would usually ask her to stay with him whenever he was not feeling well.

But now, it seemed as if he was concerned about her daily work and didn't want to impede her. She didn't know whether to feel happy or sad. However, one thing she realized was that he indeed was maturing into a man.

"Little Mei, don't worry about that boy. Even if he is in a wheelchair, that boy is stronger than you think. One day, he might not even need your constant support and protection," Kisho said, seeing Mei's vacant expression.

"I know...I just hope he will still remember me when that day comes…"

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A/N: Motivate me with powerstones, thank you :)