Chapter 27 - 27.The boy

If he is what she thinks, then they hit jackpot. Future brother-in-law you are accepted.

''When did you swim so freely before?''she asked carefully.

''This is the first time.''he said while swimming like fish back and forth.''On our mountain, there is almost no water and the water that everyone bathes could probably kill me. It comes straight from the earth. As I do not heat resistant I couldn't swim with others.''

''Did your family treat you good,I mean you are different as them?''she asked while thinking about all the bad family -kick the different child-novels she read.

''My family actually adores me.''he said with a smile.''They love me that much that they choose to send me to my great-aunt here. They knew about my older cousin's ability so they taught I'd be better off here than on volcano mountain.''

Kendra realized that his family might be strange in view of the old world, but she lives here and has her own powers. People living at the volcano and taking baths in geysers, so what their body got used to it. She then asked the question that nagged her since she started hearing about their fire resistance.

''If they are resistant to heat, does that mean lava can't hurt them?''she asked while that is the first question that she could think of.

"They do have fire resistance and would be able to fend against lava for some time. But swimming in lava or standing in lava for longer than a day is even for my people too much,''he said as it was natural. Well, it is, but lava swimming?

''They swim in lava???''she asked while her heart trembled, what world is this. She really needs to get stronger.

If there are people that are fire resistant then there are those that are water or other elements resistant or have terrifying powers. She needs to get stronger a bit and then travel.

''Yes. But only younger people do that. They like to take the dare. The living volcano is dangerous. It spits huge amounts of hot lava sometimes and they could fly out at that moment. Even if they have fir resistance they can't fly. If they fall from a high place they will die like anyone else.''he said while looking at stunned Kendra that sit there with opened mouth.

''Wait. They don't die from the lava, but from being spat out and hitting on hard ground? This...''What kind of joke is that? What kind of resistance do they have?

''My family is like that. Even my mother likes to jump into the lava. Only small children are forbidden to go near it. After they turn full age they can go to lava sea and swim. I couldn't even breathe there.''It seems he misses his family.

''It seems your family can't swim than in water,''she said that with worry.

''Ahmmm. Yes, they can. They have resistance to fire but they can live anywhere they want. It is only because they feel the most comfortable they live on the mountain.''he said while splashing Isaa with his hands and answering at the same time.

''In that case why they don't live with you in the city?''she asked curiously.

''My mom is pregnant. In our case its better for a child to be near heat to get starting requirements to get resistance. It was just me who didn't get it. I hope my brother or sister can get it so they can live with parents. But I am quite happy with my great-aunt and uncle. They are so good to me. It's just I didn't have friends so they were worried. But now I have two of you .''he smiled brightly.

Isaa went out and jumped in water splashing the two children. When she came out she started chuckling.

''Isaa has a brother and Isaa has a friend. Isaa is a happy girl,''she said while cutely looking at the two children that were splashed and their hair hung like seaweed.

''Isaa might have a brother but this brother will definitely play good with Isaa.''said Kendra with a playful face. She started splashing Isaa and Cian tried to save her. The children played around for quite a while after that. The sound of them joking and laughing echoed giving the surrounding playful feeling.

After playing around children laid on nearby sand and talked. At that moment weird sound could be heard. They turned around to look at Cian as he held his stomach, the same sound came at the same time for Isaa's and Kendra's stomach as well. They started laughing. Its time for food.

It was already passed lunch time and they had just a few fruits to eat. When you are a child you forget. Kendra remembered the potatoes, she didn't put strong fire. So she hoped that potatoes didn't burn totally. They went to the house and saw that the fire was almost out. They used sticks to fish out the potatoes out ash. Isaa brought the sausage and bread from inside.

Kendra slowly blew the ash away and the two children just mimicked and looked what Kendra will do.

She then slowly cleaned ash of still warm potato and slowly peeled the skin of it. Inside was white-yellowish flesh that was still steaming. She slowly bit in it and tasted it. Hmm, the taste of potato and chestnut and a bit of corn. So many tastes from fire burned potato.

Isaa and Cian saw her actions and did the same. Cian ate chestnuts before so he was amazed. It tasted like that and it was so much and it was tasty. The three children even forgot the bred and sausage as they stuffed their face in fire-burned-potatoes.

Their faces looked after while like there was coal worker as the rests of ash went into their face while stuffing the potatoes in their mouth. When they saw each other face they laughed heartily. Even Kendra started to laugh freely. She taught to herself. Why not enjoying it. She got a chance and she will do it. Enjoy it every second.

After they put away the sausage and bread, they didn't eat it anyway, they went back to swim. Isaa started yawning and Kendra taught it was better if she goes to sleep. Little children need to sleep more, so she taught. She gathered lots of dry grass let one piece of cloth over it and let Isaa lie down to sleep in shadows. She just lied down and fell asleep.

Kendra and Cain went to water again. Kendra had an idea in her mind even before lunch. So she wanted him to try it out.

''Cian. You are our friend now. You know there are so many powers in the world. Right?''she said while seriously looking at the boy. Cian nodded.

''I know what you are saying. Uncle told me you two have powers but are hiding it quite well,''he said with a serious face.

''If he found out, that means we are not hiding it well,''she said while thinking about possible dangers if more people find out.

''He said that normal people and those with powers of lower levels will no be able to tell. Only those that are really strong and experienced would feel the energy in bodies of others. He said usually they can even feel what power that person had. But in your case, he said he could feel the power only you were really near him. If you were far not even powerful person would be able to know. He told me I should tell you that you are safe as long no one comes to close to your body.''he said whispering as he was afraid Isaa would wake up.

It seems that her powers are quite strange and strong. To be able to hide it well is good. Less troublesome.

''But what about Isaa?''she looked at him''Did he say something about her powers?''

''She is your sister''said Cian looking at him in confusion''she has same powers.''

''Same powers is good,''said Kendra while looking at Isaa that slept in shadows. The wind played with her hair and one of it fell on her nose making her crunch her little face and try to take it off. It was so funny that both children started snickering. Cian stood up and carefully took that naught hair off her face and went back into the water.

Kendra looked at his tender actions and taught to herself''yes definitely brother-in-law''.

But who knows what kind of things will happen in the future. She didn't know much about this world and she will slowly dig it all out from this boy. But now to more important things.

''Cian. I want you to do something,''she said while having a crafty smile on her face. He looked at her and had a premonition that this friend of his want him to do something weird. So he backed off a bit.

''Cian. Let's dive and see how long we can hold our breath. It has something to do with our powers.''she said while slowly gliding under water.

He looked at her actions and followed. His actions seemed to copy hers so she showed him to go down to the bottom and sit down. She sat and waited to see is it possible for him to do the same.

He tried over and over and finally found a way to do it. He slowly sat down and looked at Kendra.

''Cian.''she opened mouth and started talking.''can you hear me?''

He looked at her amazed and tried to talk as well but nothing came out. But the strange thing is while he got upset about not being able to talk underwater, Kendra was looking at him and his body. It seems he is one of those that get gills.

''Cian. Calm down. You can't talk as you are different than I am. Your ability is water. Not fire that is why you felt uncomfortable near heat and comfortable near ice and water. Look you can breathe underwater.''she said while pointing at the side of his head.

He slowly calmed down and touched the gills. He really can breathe. He heard stories about sea people and knew this is possible. He had a happy expression on his face. He has found his ability. Not many of his tribe has an ability and he has one. Even if it just breathing under water.

They came up and Kendra finally saw that his face was filled with tears.

''After all, I am not worthless. I can at least swim without breathing. That is good ability as well.''he said while laughing and crying at the same time.

Kendra smiled. She was happy for Cian. He found something about himself that could make him feel more confident. And he will be able to help her and learn more about his abilities. Maybe he could control water like them. But for now, it's enough that he knows that they can swim about other things...Maybe later she will tell him.

But for now, they should just have fun. It seems the boy is as fast as the two of them as well. She showed him to go up as she wanted to ask him.

''Cian. If we ask your uncle, can you come with us to some special place in a couple of days. It will be much fun and work.''she said while looking at him thinking about the sea.

''I will ask uncle and great-aunt. I do not think there will be any problems. Anyway, I think he will be happy about my new ability so he will accept it.''he said while already making plans.''How long do you plan for us to stay there?''

''Maybe ten days. Is it too much for you?''she asked while curiously looking at him.

''No. That will be perfect. I know that my father will come here after finding of my new ability, maybe even some elders from my tribe. I think they week need more than ten days to come. It is perfect if we get there before they come.''he said while thinking about his family. His mother is pregnant so she can't take such a long trip. But knowing his father and elders they will come with certainty.

''Don't worry. I will explain to your uncle where we go, in case they come earlier.It is not far from town with the carriage.''Kendra said while thinking about oysters. She needs to talk to his uncle.

''That is great then. I can't wait. I mean I like it here but I really want to see that secret place you are thinking about.''

''Let's wake up Isaa and let's go to see the traps,''said Kendra it was already time for them to check the traps. She will leave them on today as she planned to come again after the market. She needs to buy a few things.

Cian went to wake Isaa up. He did it slowly as not to scare her.

''Isaa, Isaa wake up,''he said while tenderly patting her head.

Isaa's eyelashes trembled slightly and she slowly opened eyes and saw Cian staring at her. She slowly stretched and gave him one of her brightest smiles. Kendra shook her head. It seems she will have problems later. She plans to travel...But these two people.

''Cian. Cian is best,''she said while rubbing her sleeping eyes.

''Oh. I taught I am the best. You are mean Isaa''Kendra made a sad face and started teasing her.

''No, no my brother is best. The bestest and bester.''Kendra shook her head...this child needs to learn more words.

''I know, I know as soon you found yourself best friend your best brother became second in line...I am sad Isaa.''Kendra turned her head as if she was angry. Isaa looked at Cian then at Kendra as run to hug Kendra.

''My brother is my brother.No one can exchange,''she said while looking at Kendra with big eyes full of trust and determination. Cian is a friend, but no one can be better than her Kendra.

Kendra looked at the determined child and had a sigh of a relief.No matter if Isaa liked someone in the future, but now she needs to learn more about powers. They can't take him with them. Who knows what will happen in the future. She needs to know that.

''Isaa, in future I promise I won't stop you to like someone. But now we need to become strong and powerful. Cian can't be always with us. You know that.''Isaa nodded head.

Kendra looked at Cian and saw sad expression on his face.

''Cian, whats with that sad face. I didn't say we won't be friends. But our powers are bit different as yours as you can see. We need to learn how to control it. You as well will need to learn more about your power. But that doesn't stop us become friends. Do you understand?''she said while looking at the boy that nodded his head.''And you will anyway most of the time be with us.What's the worry about?''

He looked at her as he realized that they didn't want to stop being friends.

''Let's check the traps and then let us get the strawberries. It's not as hot now. After that, we will go back to the city.Come.''She said while giving Isaa and Cian each one basket to put on their back.

They went to the traps but it seems because high heat there are not many of these running around so they will leave it overnight and just come again tomorrow.

They went to the meadow and got every lest strawberry they could find. Of course, some of it went into their mouth.

It was already late evening when they went back home. They went down the stream again with baskets full of strawberries. They passed Goluk but didn't see either him or his wife, so they just went back to the city. On entrance, the guards greeted them, friends, as they passed.

When they arrived at their alley they saw a bunch of children running around and playing. When the children saw them they started calling them to play. But this time even Cian was a bit tired so they just waved at them and went home.

At home, Kendra told Cian to go wash himself and then Isaa should do that. It time between she planned to just make vegetable porridge and add some potatoes.and carrots and seasoning and greens. They have it all there. Tonight they will eat lightly.

Cian and Isaa came back and Kendra told them to just mix the porridge from time to time so she could take bath and change into clean clothes.

They took meal and Kendra choose to take him back home. It was still light outside but it was late already when they arrived at the ice-milk store. Cian went in and from inside came the lady in fast steps.

Kendra was worried that she would be scolded as he was all day with them and didn't come back so she got ready for reprimand.

But nothing like that happened. The old lady gave the two children a huge hug as she hugged them both at the same time. Kendra didn't know what to say so she just pleadingly looked at Cian. But he just shook his head to just let it pass. Kendra relaxed and hugged bit the old lady and let go. So did the old lady let go of both of them.

''I am so happy. So happy our Cian found such good friends. And able.''she looked at Kendra''Young man, are you promised to someone?''

''No and don't plan to promise my self to anyone. I want to live free like the wind.''She didn't want to say bird as they pair after while as well...This woman might choose to use it against her.No marriage, please. Kendra's age is just too little to even think about any matrimonial promises.

The old lady looked at the scared boy and sighed.

''My son has a beautiful baby girl and she will be soon two.If...''Çian stopped her as he saw that Kendra was about turn and run. He could see that she was quite uncomfortable.

''Kendra doesn't want,''he said seriously. The old lady saw the faces of the children and gave up.

''No problem. My son told me that you gave him an amazing idea. We will become rich. I plan to involve half of our tribe to work for us.''She looked at Cian''they can exchange every three months so you could have some of the family members always around you.''

Cian had a huge smile on his face. He looked at Kendra and Isaa happily.

''Than you.Thank you so much. You did so much for me. Even today...''he wanted to say something but Kendra smacked him on his head.

the old lady looked at the two children and saw that Kendra looked around.

''Talk about it at home.'''she hissed at him'' Stupid. Do you want the whole town to know it? Do not involve me if something happens. I will disappear and you will never see us again''.

The old lady got serious. It seems their secret is not a small play.

''We will talk about it later,''she said to Cian who was petrified looking at Kendra's angry eyes. He just got friends but because of his big mouth, he might lose them.

Kendra took Isaa's hand and left more worried than angry. She didn't talk all the way home and Isaa saw her face and didn't dare to ask. When they arrived home Kendra turned around and looked at Isaa seriously.

''No matter do we like someone or not, is that friend or not, we definitely can't reveal all our powers for now. We will just say that we can swim underwater. You can't show him how you control water. Do you understand?''Isaa nodded. She didn't understand why not tell to Cian about powers, but she trusted her brother. If he says no, then is no.

Kendra calmed down little and hugged Isaa. She was worried.No matter if someone has a friendly face. This is the world where people have powers and there are still wars. That means there are bad people outside and they need to become much stronger. So much stronger that no one can harm them and they can enjoy leisurely days.

Isaa was still little, but she could feel the worry that seeped out Kendra. She knew that there are bad people. She met bad people when she was alone and was kicked out of the house. And then the bad man. But since she was with Kendra she felt happy, safe and free. She will stay with Kendra. Because Kendra cares about her as a true family.

Kendra is one and only family for Isaa. No one matters more...