Past: Run

Jin stared at the male, who seemed old and withered. However, he also had a sense of deep knowledge and kindness to him that Jin trusted. "Do you know Coolyala?"

The male smiled. "Yala was a spirited one when she was younger."

Jinnacoobeedy nodded. "She still is."

The male glanced at him, but relaxed. "Is she alright? I assume you are a friend if you're here and asking me if I know her."

Jin nodded. "I am a friend. She is fine for now, but she needs help, the help that you have, apparently."

The male gave a nod. "Coolyala is very dear to me, almost like a daughter. I gave her shelter and sanctuary when her parents requested it, and a trusted friend when she asked. She is also very smart."

"She is bright, but reckless sometimes," Jin confirmed. "But I'm afraid I'm in a hurry."

The male sat in a pew and sighed. "Coolyala has time for me to tell you a few things, Youngling."

Jin shut his mouth and sat down beside the male, restless but knowing not to argue with someone so old.

The male seemed satisfied with Jin's compliance and said, "She was reckless as well. She was also brave and loyal. She kept many secrets, especially from her friends and family."

"Dangerous secrets?" Jin asked.

"Some. But she kept them to keep others safe. Always. She had never learned to share the burdens with others, never learned that she didn't have to be alone in her fight to keep peace and happiness."

"What could she possibly have happened here that she needed to protect others?"

"Bullied. Every world has its demons, youngling. While we seem outwardly peaceful, there is much distress within. We just don't let foreigners see."

"Because it's a weakness," Jin said, understanding.

"Coolyala was a beautiful female who did her best to contain many of our demons." The male paused, closing his many eyes and sighing in grief. "Then, her parents were taken and she disappeared. I hid her for a few days, giving her provisions for whatever journey she made. I haven't heard from her since."

"My friends and I found her and have been keeping her safe since."

"And she sent you here for my help with the situation she's in, didn't she?"

"Not at first, but I wouldn't let her leave the protection when she is so weak."

He nodded. The male reached into his robes and brought out a small piece of paper, small wrinkles in it as if it had been balled up many times. It was a dark tan color, like it was many years old. "I do not know what is in it, nor do I wish to find out. But I know what she told, and that was it came from her father, and he said it would help her but only as a last resort. Only if she somehow failed her assignment from him."

"Assignment? He and her mother just-"

The male held up a hand and Jinnacoobeedy halted his rant. "Do not start raging about something you don't fully understand. You will be greatly mistaken with your assumptions. I won't tolerate it."

Jin bit his tongue to keep himself from giving the male a piece of his mind. "But they left her a burden No youngling should bear," he sighed.

"If there was another, I'm sure her parents would have let Coolyala be as ignorant as a child, but no other was as trusted."

"But she's young! Strong and intelligent, but young and naïve about other worlds."

"She is also resourceful and knows how to hide," the male challenged. "Coolyala knows what is needed, understands better than anyone what is at stake."

"But instead of finishing up her growth, she's being forced at be on the run and alone."

"Yes, but she hasn't always been a child. She's been a full grown female for longer than even she knows." The male gave a deep breath and said, "Here's some advice for you and your friends." He gave Jin a stern look. "Whatever is going on that you've involved yourselves in, don't let your emotions stop her from doing her job. Don't get close. She is not meant for whatever you do. She's meant for running a world and protecting it from others. Get attached, and all of you will be sorely disappointed when she leaves you behind."

Jin narrowed his eyes. "She's got her own mind, can make decisions herself. And I don't think she would willingly leave us."

"Willingly, no. She wouldn't. But it isn't her choice."

Jin stood and balled his hands. "She also isn't meant for the life of boring meetings and politics!" he growled.

"She is not going to abandon her world for a few friends, youngling. She will see her duty and be bound to abide by it."

Jin shook his head, unable to think of what this would do to Lofgun. He'd be devastated, become a shell of what he has become. Coolyala – Butterfly – has brought out his good side, his best qualities. She gave the Wolves life they hadn't seen in so long.

"Give her my regards," the male said, handing over the piece of paper. "And don't blame her for what happens when this is all over."

Jin took the paper and walked out of the building, absently walking back the way he'd come, not noticing the environment.

When he reached his spot to go home, he looked down at the paper. He wanted to open it, but didn't. It wasn't his to open. Instead, he tucked it away and went back to Thear.