Little Ones

The familiar chill of the morning welcomed Rose as the tent flap closed behind her, muting the soft chime of charms brushing together.

She stood there for a moment, breathing it all in. The sun had almost climbed to its peak, painting the camp in a pale warmth.

Studying her surroundings, she noticed Kai wasn’t in view. He must be helping somewhere, she thought, her gaze drifting toward the open flame.

“You’re done?” a voice reached from the side.

She turned toward it.

“Where did you come from?” she asked.

Kai tilted his head. “I was just over there,” he said, pointing to a man working the fire. “You looked at me, so I came over.”

Rose blinked. She must still be distracted from her earlier conversation with Sylvia.

Kai swung one of their bags around and reached in, pulling out something wrapped in cloth.

“I managed to pack a little cooked meat from the deer. Payment for helping out.”

“That’s great,” she said, though her tone barely lifted.

Kai studied her face—the way her eyes drifted somewhere distant.
“You’re not excited?”

Rose blinked again, realizing what he meant. Normally, food would’ve sparked some sarcastic joy from her. Instead, she just looked away.
“I’m fine. Just… tired.”

He didn’t push. He simply adjusted the bags and gave a small nod.

“I guess we’re ready then.”

Rose breathed in, as if the words unlocked invisible chains of doubt within her.

The camp was awake now. Chatter meshed with the sound of children chasing each other between tents. The air smelled faintly of ash and leftover meat, and the rhythm of ordinary life pulsed behind every smile.

They headed toward the northern gate, their steps renewed with purpose and direction.

As they reached the clearing before the gate, a boy’s voice cut through the noise.
He was asking anyone and everyone if they’d seen his older sister—eight years old, short brown hair. The answers were always the same: a shake of the head, averted eyes.

Rose slowed, concern tightening her expression.

“Where did I see that boy before?” Kai muttered beside her.

“Doesn’t matter,” Rose said, already moving. “He’s in trouble.”

Kai followed as she approached the boy.

Rose crouched to meet his gaze, her warmth enough to still his fidgeting.
“What’s your name, little one?” she asked.

The kid hesitated, uncertain of their faces.
“Luke,” he finally said.

“Alright, Luke. I’m Rose, and this is Kai,” she said, gesturing behind her. “Can you tell me when she left?”

“This morning,” he said cautiously. “She… she just likes going outside the camp a bit.” His arm lifted toward the northern gate. “I think she went near the woods, but not far. Just for a little while.”

Kai’s eyes widened. He remembered seeing a girl heading that way earlier in the morning. No way that’s the same girl—and she’s still out there alone.

“Your sister’s name?” Rose asked gently, sensing there was more he hadn’t said.

“Mia.”

Rose placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “We’ll find her.”

Luke’s lip trembled. “I’ll come with you—”

“No,” Rose said, gentle but firm. “You stay here. I promise I’ll bring her back.”

Kai sighed, half-resigned. “You’re sure about this?”

“Would you rather we ignore him?” she asked, glancing back.

“We could go back and notify Sylvia,” he challenged.

“By the time we explain it, that’s another second wasted if something happened.” She turned toward him, and he could feel her frustration. He couldn’t argue.

“Then let’s move,” he said.

The northern trail was narrow and stony. It was the path they were meant to take toward their next destination, but as the trees thinned and took on a rusted hue, small footprints veered off the main path toward a cluster of trees.

They followed until the terrain dipped toward a canyon ridge. That’s where they found her—a small figure curled beside a hollowed stone, unconscious.

Rose rushed forward and knelt beside her. “Mia!”

Kai stayed a few steps behind, scanning the surroundings.

Kneeling, Rose carefully examined the girl’s body, noticing the faint rise and fall of her chest.
“Good, she’s breathing.” Rose hovered a hand above her chest, her expression tightening.

“Do you know what’s wrong with her?” Kai asked.

“It seems she’s more than depleted her mana,” Rose said, sitting Mia upright against the rock. “This is the first time I’ve seen this.”

“This?” Kai questioned, kneeling on the other side.

“It’s a rare condition,” Rose said softly. “If casters use too much mana—if they can’t control the output—the body starts using life force to compensate.”

Kai’s eyes widened. “Life force?”

Rose hesitated before continuing. “It’s something we learn in caster classes. Not exactly a secret, but it’s not something casters like to share.” Her hand brushed Mia’s forehead. “They don’t want to worry their stabilizers. Usually, when stabilizers find out, they take on more burden in battle to protect their caster. So, it’s… kept quiet.”

Kai’s expression stayed unreadable. There were no records of this in any of the books he’d read in the library.
“So she’s a caster?” he asked finally.

“Yes,” Rose replied as Mia began to stir.

“W…who are you?” Mia murmured.

“That’s not important right now. What were you thinking, Mia? What if something found you?”

Mia’s eyes fluttered open. “I… I didn’t want to leave Luke. They’d take me away if they knew…” A tear trickled down her cheek.

Rose froze, the words cutting deeper than expected. She understood—too well.

“Amos,” Rose said quietly.

Kai looked at her, catching the meaning.

Capital cities had a habit of snatching up talented prospects, especially those with little or no family, to mold and tether. The dark side of civilization. But they weren’t interested in anyone below B-rank.

This girl, Rose thought, must have been struggling with overflowing power. She probably came out here to train it—and overdid it.

“Kai, let’s bring her back.”

He nodded and carefully lifted the girl onto his back.

They walked slowly, Rose leading, Kai behind, Mia’s head resting quietly on his shoulder.

As they approached the northern gates, one of the guards spotted them, welcoming them back.

Luke, seeing them from a distance, ran toward them—his small feet kicking up dirt, hope written all over his face. Tears glinted under the sun as he stopped short of Rose’s leg, peeking past her as she stepped aside to reveal Mia—still unconscious but resting on Kai’s back.

A shaky whisper escaped him. “Thank you…”

Rose smiled softly and placed a hand on his head. “Keep her close next time.”

She looked back at Mia, noticing the girl still hadn’t stirred. Turning to Luke again, she lowered herself to his level.
“Can you lead us to where you live?”

Luke nodded, unable to find his voice.

“Good,” Rose said gently, standing and taking his hand. “Then lead the way.”

The boy guided them inward, weaving through the tents until they reached a small one tucked near the edge of the camp.

So this really is her tent, Kai thought as he paused outside. The same girl I saw that morning.

Inside, the space was modest—blankets piled neatly in the corner, a few hand carved out toys scattered about. Kai lowered Mia carefully onto the soft mound of bedding. She stirred, blinking weakly up at them.

Rose leaned in closer to her. “You’re safe,” she whispered. “Rest now.”

Mia managed a faint smile. Before her eyes closed again, she murmured something they couldn’t quite catch—just a breath of peace.

Rose adjusted the blanket over her before stepping back. Luke sank to his knees beside his sister, his small hands clutching the fabric near her arm.

Rose watched him for a moment, then turned toward Kai. Without a word, they stepped outside.

The afternoon wind shifted, carrying the faint laughter of children playing nearby. A few adults looked up as the pair emerged, nodding in gratitude.

Rose gave a small bow in return, her expression calm but distant.

They walked toward the northern entrance, the tent slowly fading behind them. There, by the gate, stood Sylvia speaking with one of the guards. She turned at the sound of their approach, relief softening her face.

“Thank you,” she said, her voice sincere. “For helping one of our own. May your travels be safe—and may you find the answers you seek.”

Rose bowed slightly. “Take care of yourself, Sylvia.”

Sylvia smiled faintly, watching as they continued past the gate.

Kai adjusted the bags, glancing at Rose. “Ready?”

She nodded, her eyes drifting toward the open road ahead.
“Yeah. Let’s go.”