…

This mood is depressing.

Even after we laughed and everyone apologized, all the others are still staring at the ground with their heads hanging down. I feel like thunder is coming soon with all those black clouds hanging above their heads.

They are probably still ashamed of their behavior, and to right they are! Still, this can't go on like this, after everything is said and done I want to at least enjoy the city-trip, but that is impossible with the current mood.

Though, if I am honest, I am still angry. I mean, who would enjoy being ignored like that?!?

However, watching the mopey group of people nearly fall through the gates towards the city, I finally couldn't take it anymore. I can't stand all those negative emotions being emitted in the surroundings!

“That's Enough!”

Declaring so in a loud voice booming with power, I turn around to face everyone in the group. Surprised, their gazes all focus on me, insecurity reflecting in their eyes.

“I already said I forgave you guys! Now stop with this mood already, it making me sour! If you are truly ashamed then at least take care not to make the same mistake again!”

I don't know why, but finally telling them what I was thinking made me feel refreshed. It feels like I just drank a fresh and cool glass of water...

Actually, was I louder than before? I felt like some unique might of sort was used towards the end... where did I feel it before?

However, all such thoughts vanished when I was able to see everyone faces look at me with astonishment, their gazes fixed on me. Even their mood improved a bit, which makes me feel relieved.

In the end everyone acknowledged my words and finally some strength returned to their eyes. The atmosphere was still a bit strained and awkward, yet as we made our way towards the bustling streets even that atmosphere slowly dissipated and another, more joyful one took its place.

Pacing along the countless stalls decorating the streets, both the girls and me are astonished and begin to browse through the variety of things the people have to offer. To our surprise, something like money isn't really used much, as most times we watch people exchange materials for goods.

What surprised us even more was that if there was a currency used, it was in the form of medium sized green leafs which could be seen in various transactions.

Additionally, Most people were happy, or at least in a good mood. It wasn't something new, as even the dragon mountains lacked true poverty or such, 'cause dragon's can easily live in the wild if they don't have money, or use their abilities to gain some. However, the tense atmosphere with the pressure that I normally feel among the dragons is missing here, causing me to feel somewhat strange while also at ease.

Still, curious about the 'currency' used here, I face the elf-siblings guiding us.

“I have a question. What are those leafs everyone is using to buy things with?” My question is simple, so the sister of the two quickly answered with a teaching tone.

“Those are the leafs of a Lorin-Tree, or sub world-tree as they are called. They are trees that can be found only on this specific island and have a special connection to the real world-tree, something like an extension of itself on the islands. Those leafs themselves have healing properties, while also being a good material for various crafts and even capable of refreshing one's state of mind.

As a result, those leafs are always in demand and have a more or less fixed worth, so they are very often used as currency. Additionally, those leafs take tens of years to even begin rotting, yet the older they are, the stronger their effect, which raises their worth.”

Looking around, I could spot several people trading using green-brown versions of the leafs, probably the older versions of the Lorin-Tree leafs. Yet seeing someone exchange one completely brown leaf for such a huge amount of Iron, he is probably a blacksmith, I could only open my mouth agape.

Though, I immediately prick up my ears the moment I can hear the voice of Alice asking an interesting question.

“Saria, do you know how much such a leaf would be worth on the mainland?”

To this question, it wasn't Saria who answered, but the brother of the two siblings. His deep voice somewhat gruff.

“Those leafs are Illegal to take off the Island.” With a serious expression, he turned towards us, warning us directly. “You will not see any even in the harbor-town at the border of the island, so please don't think of anything weird while you are here.”

Listening to his words, I can somewhat tell that he has some kind of problem with those leafs, or at least with the rules applying towards taking them with oneself.

Confused by his sudden change in behavior though, all of us just silently walk behind him. However, just as I was about to ask, the sister knocked him into his side using her elbow before facing us again.

“Don't worry about this goof. It is just a part of his post that he has the obligation to ensure that nobody takes those leafs off the island, and whenever visitors come, he has a headache incoming due to having to check everything.” Chuckling a bit, the sister began to tell stories about her big brother as well as a bit about their childhood. She seems very talkative when in a good mood.

Though, before she could begin talking about some ‘misadventures’ her Brother went through in his childhood, a fist landed on her head, with the rough voice of her brother coming from behind her.

“This is enough playing around Marillene, let's go.” Walking forward again, he slightly quickened his pace. Though I could tell from here that his face became red in embarrassment. Is he embarrassed to have his sister talk about himself in front of guests?

Well, I can understand that feeling. Looking back on my days at the orphanage, I can vividly remember how many times Anna and the others went to gossip to other girls about how 'adorable and cute' I was... let's just say it was always confirmation-hell coming afterwards...

Always those girls wanting to have proof if their friends talk about something cute. Worst of all, due to them 'voluntarily' driving me around outside in my wheelchair at the fresh air, I couldn't even complain to Maria. At least she wouldn't listen to my complaints, saying that company and fresh air is good for me. And always their talk about how I behaved as a small kid and all the embarrassing details... I always wanted to flee from there, yet it is nigh impossible if you can only use the wheelchair.

Anyway, remembering those dark times I can understand the pain that the Larso must be experiencing right now.

Still, continuing to walk past different shops, I come to a halt when I pick up a sweet scent from nearby. Walking up to Saria, I immediately grab her sleeve and try to pull her with me, going into the direction the smell comes from. Actually, I was so focused I didn’t even notice that Saria began to stupidly grin when she realized that I was pulling her along.

Anyway, looking at the stall placed in front of me, I immediately walk up to the shopkeeper and look at the wares he sells with large eyes. I couldn't believe it, Ice-cream! Or at least... something similar.

Drooling ever so slightly, I suddenly remember where I am. After swallowing my saliva I look up at the stall-owner, curious about what this really is.

"Hello young man. So you are interested in Pulah? I have four different flavors if you want to have some."

Smiling brightly, the man began advertising his wares. Actually, I realized quickly that he isn't speaking either the Dragon or Basic-language as I call it, but a language I have never heard off before. Maybe because of that, Anna and Alice looked at the man strangely, unable to deduce what he said.

Still, is it due to mom's memories that I understand it? It feels so natural, like I learned this language long ago…

Anyway, unable to hold back I ask the man how much it costs, to which he only lifts the corner of his mouth and began to make an offer.

"That depends on what you can offer. I would also offer three Pulahs for a evergreen leaf."

"Evergreen?" Surprised I immediately follow up, not understanding the way they calculate the worth of those green leafs.

This time it is the sister of the two siblings, Marillene, who answers my question.

"Evergreen is the name of the freshest of leaves which are often younger than half a year, so they aren't worth much. They are mostly used to buy minimal necessities or small items and products such as this Pulah."

Oh, so that's how it worked. However, I don't have any money. Looking up at Saria with great expectations, I am not betrayed when she pulls out two completely green leaves from her pocket. Handing them over to the stall-owner, the latter immediately begins to pick up some wooden cups and asks what flavor we want.

Though, due to us having no idea what he has to offer, we calmly listen to his explanation.

"I have Strawberry, Pineapple, Phyria and even Paruma."

"Wait, even Paruma?"

I exclaim in surprise! Paruma is the colorful equivalent to potatoes over here, so how come it can be part of ice-cream?

Confused, I think for a moment. Experiment or just enjoyment… meh, I go with what I like.

Choosing Phyria, this worlds Mango look a-like, I immediately make my request to the stall-owner who happily obliges.

In just a short moment, everyone except Larso has gotten some Pulah, with Sumi and Alice sharing the same flavor. Surprisingly, Saria chose Paruma as her flavor, and she happily allowed me to taste some.

Tastes rather sweet unlike my expectations, though does have a peculiar side-taste. Anyway, the Pulah is actually something like a sorbet that has been cooled with ice-magic instead of real Ice-cream, yet is extremely tasty nonetheless. Following which, content with the taste, our group says goodbye to the stall-owner as we slowly make our way past several other streets.

Taking in the surroundings while enjoying the various sights offered to us, I nearly miss it when I was about to trample a unique mana-reaction coming from beneath my foot.

Looking down, I can only spot the gravel-stones lying between the different stone-tiles paving the road. However, one of them has a peculiar color, with a small mana-reaction coming from it.

Carefully I pick up the stone, taking a closer look. Though, once I carry it in my hand, I immediately recognized that what I am holding isn't a stone, but an egg. I can faintly feel the traces of life coming from it, yet as weak as they are I can't imagine it lasting much longer.

Looking around, I can see the rest of the group staring at me curiously, Anna even approaching me with a smile on her face.

"Did you find an interesting rock?"

"No, but I did find an egg."

To my immediate reply she wasn't expecting, Anna immediately shut up, curiously looking at my hands holding the egg.

"What kind of egg is it?"

Curious, even Saria approached, taking a closer look.

"I have no Idea…" Answering in an unsure tone, I show the egg to everyone by opening my palms. The egg is tiny, no bigger than the tip of my thumb, with a white color and some black spots around it.

The one answering everyone's question was once again Marillene, pointing towards a group of birds fluttering beside a feeding-station put up nearby.

"It is an egg of a Days-Hummingbird, a rather common bird in this region. They can be found nearly everywhere, yet they mostly stay near places with many flowers or fruits.

They aren't aggressive unless their eggs are involved, yet seeing as they don't react even a bit, I guess you are lucky."

"Lucky, why should I be lucky?"

"Simple, this egg is probably abandoned, maybe because it is dying. However, there is still life in it, so if you want to raise it, please try. It is hard to come by such a situation."

Hearing Marillene's explanation, everyone just nods in unison. So, restoring the life-energy within, huh. Trying it out, I carefully use a small amount of regeneration-magic and guide it to carefully wrap around the egg. I don't know what might happen if I directly insert it, so I will slowly go at it.

Satisfied, I will a bit of the essence of my current clothing to split apart and wrap around my neck to form a pendant, the egg carefully placed in the middle of it, padded with even more essence. Closing it afterwards, our group continues with our tour, arriving outside the city in the later afternoon.

Feeling a bit tired from all the walking today, which I think is curious when thinking about the previous occasions, I take a look at the fields not far away. There are many empty spaces in between the trees, with various small animal and insects running about.

However, though the place was giving off a silent and tranquil aura, the noise coming from the kids playing on the field quickly distorted it, giving it a playful vibe.

The feeling it gives off is similar to the play-field back in the Dragon-Mountains. However, it was by far less chaotic, and the elven-kids were mostly interested in less roguish playing-methods.

Due to the nature of Dragon-Children, they often play and fight with one another based on their instinct, to which the nature of elves is rather calm in comparison. It reminds me more of the way we would play back at the orphanage.

However, I never really felt a problem with playing roguish. Could it be that my nature changed that much since I woke up from Mom's crystal?

Well, I also like playing calmly, yet I also enjoy racing with others over the field whenever possible. I probably don't have to mention that I race in the flying races of the young dragons… on the ground! I am too quick for normal ground-races, so I was 'disqualified'.

Still, watching some of the elven kids playing with cards and skipping ropes, I am reminded of the games back in the orphanage. Getting impatient, I turn around to Saria and entrust her with the pendant containing the Hummingbird egg. I don't want it to come to damage while I play. As a result, asking the girls to join me, Sumi, Anna, Alice and me all run out to the field, causing many curious eyes to land on us.

Marillene already told me that beside elves other races are rarely seen here, causing them to be especially curious if newcomers arrive, even more so if they are children like us.

For this reason, beside Sumi all of us just approach the largest group of kids playing with something similar to a ball, asking if we can join them. Sumi is also with us, yet continues to hide behind me and Alice.

She wasn't used to it, yet her tails were excitedly swishing behind her back, causing a bit of wind to pick up.

I had to giggle at Sumi's behavior, since it was similar to my own when I met the other dragon-kids for the first time. Elrion guided me back then, so I kinda hid behind him. Afterwards however I truly enjoyed playing with everyone, without fear of them.

Confronted with our group of four, one of the older elf-kids stepped out of the gathering and faces us, his expressions showing interest and curiosity, but also a bit of fear.

“Uhm, you don't have anything against playing with us?”

I don't know why he is speaking like that, yet hearing his question I just confirm it again. This time however, one of the other boys speak up.

“But aren't you the World-Trees guest, why would you want to play with us?”

His voice is slightly concerned, causing me to fall into thoughts. Could it be because I was invited by the tree that they look at me as something special?

Well, I am special if we look at my circumstances, yet isn't it going too far to even act like this?

“Am I not also a kid, I also want to play and have fun.”

Towards my comment and big smile, the kids relaxed and in the end decided to let us join.

We started with a round of leaf-ball as they call it, something similar to football using two or even four teams if there are enough people. The goal of the game is to shoot the ball into a designated goal using only ones feet.

Unlike normal football however, non-combat magic was allowed for use, so the field we played at had to be rather large.

It is a lot of fun, especially when the unexpected happens. Like this, we started to play. Alice tried to take the ball from another kid, only for that one to sink the ball temporarily beneath the ground using magic before resurfacing it and continuing on.

One of the kids even told me that for a long time fire-magic was forbidden, until someone discovered that the heat-aspect can be used without letting it burst into flames.

As a result even Alice had found a way to utilize her 'domain' for the game.

She actually just formed a thin heat-haze around herself, causing one to become uncomfortable by looking at it too long, especially with the colors she mixed into it.

On that note she even managed to score a goal, the haze effectively confusing others while keeping them from approaching too close.

On the other hand, Anna used her wind-domain to sometimes lift the ball up into the air, gaining an advantage this way.

Sumi also played along, using a tiny bit of chaos to disturb magic used when she had the ball. Actually, Sumi and me were reprimanded by the other kids in the beginning for using our tails, so Sumi just used them to balance herself while I returned to my human-form, shocking a few of the kids and even their parents watching by the sidelines.

Sometime during the game I even spotted Saria walk towards the outer edges of the city, talking with the elf-siblings about something. I don't know what it is about, though Saria and Marillene seem to hit it off together rather well. Larso on the other hand looks like the third wheel in all this, quickly losing interest in the talk and instead coming over to watch us play.

In the end he even joined us, playing as a goalie for the team with the least points. Otherwise it would be unfair wouldn't it?

Actually, I even spotted a few of the near-adult girls that stayed nearby chattering look over when Larso appeared, stealing glances at his large frame that gave one a feeling of assurance.

I could actually perceive a pinkish aura drift off of some of the girls, something similar to the one Uncle Black and Mama Lumi sometimes emit, only a lot less subtle and more lost. If Uncle Blacks aura is like a silent storm trying to burst free, Mama Lumis is like a river that has no destination, unable to reach a decision where to go.

On the other hand, those girls aura just flared like a fire, unable to be contained… I wonder what kind of emotion pink aura represents. Well, pinkish. Pink is a lot brighter, so I guess some kind of mix between red and Pink?

Anyway, I quickly become distracted as I once more steal the ball from another elven-kid and begin to storm towards the nearest goal, only to have the ball taken away from me again shortly after by another kid using wind-magic. I did react, yet the teamwork of the elven-kids was near seamless with the ball, giving me no chance to retaliate and regain the lead.

Like this we played until the sun began to sink, the sky slowly turning a beautiful orange color mixed with the natural blue of the sky above.

In the distance one could even see the unimaginably large tree as it pierces the clouds above and grew towards the heavens.

Watching the skies color shift, some of the kids began to leave with their parents while we just enjoyed the scenery, feeling at peace. We had to wait for Saria and Marillene, as the latter appears to be guiding Saria around specific stores she could be interested in.

In the meantime Larso is the one to look after us. As by now most of the elven kids were already gone, leaving Sumi, Anna, Alice and me to just sit there in the field and watch the sky.

All of us talked and exchanged about our experiences today, as well the new things we learned. We even exchanged as to what we liked most and would do again. It appears that the Pulah was well received by everyone, me included. Alice was even mumbling something about trying to steal the recipe, so I am already feeling sorry for the stall-owner.

All the talking aside however, all of us continued to enjoy the slowly reddening sky, its fire like brilliance lighting up everyone's mood.

It was then that it happened...

Beyond our sight and senses, the heavens began to burn. The orange sky suddenly began to burst up in flames as the clouds evaporated in the heat...

In the distance, a loud and shrill cry emanating endless rage and sadness is heard, blood-lust drowning the skies as it rapidly approached us...

However, I understood what the cry said, I could feel the honest yet dark emotion coming like a tidal-wave towards us as well as the massive mana-reaction accompanying it...

I immediately jump to my feet and turn towards the girls...

“We need to Run!”

...