XXIX: The Survival Game

Chapter 3

Ezekiel's POV,

Saturday.

Perfect time to unwind after a week filled with school activities. Because they had already given us a ton of events for the first week of school, adjusting to college was really difficult. I can only describe it as hell and say that I finally have two days to rest from it.

Anyway, I made the decision to go for an early jog to the neighborhood park. I didn't know many people, so when they waved at me, I returned their gesture.

The most enjoyable days to visit the park are on Saturdays and Sundays. There are so many people around, and kids are running about everywhere. It's simply joyful to see it in this condition. I just wondered, what if they found that I'm not like them? Will they consider it cool? Will that frighten them? Is that going to be good or bad? Well, that's a strange idea, but I suppose it's best if they were unaware of it. After all, being in like this is serene. However, I kind of hope that we will soon be acknowledged and given the freedom to show off what we have.

While jogging, my gaze unexpectedly fell onto someone who was quietly reading a book on a bench. I recognized her right away.

It's Yurika.

I stopped jogging. I wanted to talk to her, but I hesitated because I thought I smelled bad and was sweating profusely from an hour of running. I became aware of it and made an effort to smell myself. Hey, I don't smell horrible. She was staring at me with her customary dull but stunning eyes, and I froze. Fudge, did she just notice that I’m sniffing myself? It's embarrassing! I gave her a clumsy wave before jogging in her direction. I just hope she won't be bothered by what she saw.

I said, "Hello! What are you doing here?" Silly me, she's reading a book! Why do I still have to ask it?

She rolled her eyes and continued reading. I didn't want to disturb her, but it felt peaceful knowing she was close by. I just sat beside her and looked at the scenery when I noticed a group of children making fun of a young girl who is similar in age to them. I was about to leave when Yurika stood up, so I guess she noticed what's happening too.

Greeting us with "Hey kids," a woman who is in her mid-30s approached us.

I greeted her, "Hello, ma'am. Do you see those kids? The little girl looks like she's being bullied."

"Bullied? Psh. They're kids, it's just their way of playing. Don't worry about them." That made me angry right away. She has no right to call it natural. This woman undoubtedly has no idea what the kids are doing. She might be trying to ignore it, too.

I was astonished when Yurika said, "Is one of your kids there?" I suppose I'm not used to hearing her talk. But I'll make it.

She responds in a dreamy voice, "Yes. That tiny child with the cap? That's my son. I observed in movies that if a boy continually teases the girl, they might end up someday." I immediately followed Yurika as she started to move in the direction of the kids. She abruptly pushed the young child wearing the cap. The son of the woman.

She yelled, "What the hell did you do? You hurt him!" as she went and assisted her son in standing.

"He hurt her. What's the difference?"

"You're an adult; stop participating in these pointless fights!"

Her brows furrowed saying, "You're a grown up too, why don't you teach your son some manners." Then Yurika knelt to the same level as the young girl, "Are you alright?" she questioned.

The young girl nodded while trying to wipe her tears. She started to walk away while still holding the young girl's hand. I was merely following. I genuinely find it hard to believe what just occurred. She doesn't seem to care about the surroundings, in my opinion. She seemed stern and cold to me. But I was shocked to see a different side of her when she spoke to that young kid. her gentler side. And that's incredible. When they stopped moving, I snapped out of my thoughts. The park is empty save for us here at the end. I followed their lead and sat on the grass. I saw the young girl had a sketchbook and some crayons.

"You draw?" I asked.

The little girl nodded. "But lola said I shouldn't."

"Why?"

She added sadly, "I don't want say. You'll laugh at me too."

I assured her with a smile. "It's fine. We won't."

"You won't call me a liar? A monster? A freak? A weirdo?" She said and looked up at me.

"We won't,"

She said, looking down once more before sighing. "I create monsters."

Yurika questioned. "What do you mean?"

She looked at the drawing book and the crayons she had and said, "I...I draw monsters and they come alive. I don't know how. Dad said I was a monster so he left me and Mom. And then Cora killed my mom, so I was left with lola. Lola told me I shouldn't draw again, but I'm still carrying this because Mom gave this to me as a gift."

I asked "How old are you?"

"I'm in second grade. I'm seven."

This sounds awful. She's very young. Why does she need to go through those things? I had always assumed that these unique talents were gifts, but after meeting Yurika and the little girl, I realized that this wasn't always the case. I hope we could help her in some way.

"What's your name?"

"I'm Xandrea Raviena Alegre."

"Xandrea, we're gonna tell you a secret." Wait, will she tell her about our powers?

"I am just like you."

She appeared surprised. "Really?"

"Yeah. I have magic too, but I can't use it. Ezekiel can." I froze at that moment. Did she just said my name? I got that right, huh?

"Ezekiel, show her." I concentrated, took a long breath, and then imagined a tiny dagger. I foresaw it happening when I sensed the force moving toward my hand. I opened my eyes when I felt a chilly metal in my hand after seconds. Xandrea looked amazed when I stared at her.

She shouted with sparkling eyes, "Wow Kuya, you're so amazing!" When someone is pleased because of me, it feels nice. Even though Yurika was maintaining her poker face, I could tell she was proud of me. And it just made me happier.

"Kuya, can I ask something?"

"Sure, what is it?"

"My lola kicked me out of the house when I drew a monster and destroyed her house and...I don't know where to go. Can you help me find a place?"

"There's an extra room in our apartment, It's a storage room but we can fix it. Do you want to live with us?"

"Woah, I'll be living with ate and kuya! Oh...I don't know your names yet. Sorry."

"I am kuya Ezekiel, and she's ate Yurika. And we're not living together Xandrea." Though I wish we were. "I'm living with my uncle and his friend. They're like us too. Do you wanna meet them?"

"Can I?"

"Yes of course."

"Let's go,"Yurika said and stood up.

"Wait, you're coming with us?"

"I'll help fix her room."

"Yay!Yay!"Xandrea jumped out of excitement.

"Let's get going then," I said and stood up too. She held my hand, and then Yurika's before we started walking.

Damn, why do I feel like we look like a family strolling in the park? It's weird. Weirdly fun.