Chapter 10 - Sheltered Dreams

After landing softly on the other side of the academy's wall, Rion and Kasuto took a moment to catch their breath. The cool night air filled their lungs, a refreshing contrast to the heated tension of their escape. They exchanged a quick look, each understanding that they now had separate goals to pursue. Kasuto, always the strategist, was the first to speak."This is where we part ways. I've got something I need to take care of tonight," he said.Rion nodded, already knowing not to press Kasuto for details. "Yeah, I have my own plans too. Be careful out there."Kasuto smirked, a hint of his usual confidence shining through. "Always am. Good luck, Rion. Don't get yourself caught."With that, Kasuto slipped into the shadows, his movements almost silent against the gravel path. Rion watched him disappear into the darkness, knowing that his friend was on a mission that was as dangerous as it was personal. Kasuto had mentioned in passing his plan to investigate the Richarlison Foundation, and Rion understood the significance. Mr. Manuel Richarlison, the owner of the foundation, was involved in shady dealings that Kasuto was determined to expose. But tonight, Rion had his own priorities.He turned away from the academy, his heart beating with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. The path to the secluded village where Penelope was staying was not far, but it required caution. The cover of night was both an ally and an enemy, concealing his presence while also hiding potential threats.Rion hurried along the narrow path leading to the secluded village, his heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. The moonlight filtered through the thick canopy above, casting dancing shadows on the ground as he made his way to the small chapel where his sister, Penelope, was hidden away.The village was quiet, a peaceful contrast to the tension Rion felt inside. He reached the chapel and pushed open the heavy wooden door, the familiar scent of incense and old wood greeting him. The interior was dimly lit by a few flickering candles. Rion moved quietly toward a small side room where he knew Penelope would be waiting.As he approached the door, he hesitated for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady himself. He gently pushed the door open and saw Penelope sitting by the window, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the moonlight. She looked up, her eyes widening in surprise and delight as she recognized him."Rion!" she exclaimed, rushing toward him and wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug.Rion hugged her back, his heart swelling with relief and affection. "Hey, Penny," he murmured, using the nickname he'd given her when they were kids. "I've missed you so much."Penelope pulled back slightly, looking up at him with a mix of happiness and concern. "I've missed you too. Are you okay? You look tired."Rion chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I'm fine. Just a little worn out from all the training at the academy. But enough about me. How are you? Are they treating you well here?"Penelope nodded, a small smile on her lips. "Yes, the priestess is kind, and everyone here has been so nice. It's peaceful. But I worry about you, Rion. I know you're doing everything you can to keep me safe, but… I can't help but feel guilty that you have to take on so much."Rion's expression softened as he looked at her, his eyes filled with a mixture of love and determination. "Penelope, you don't have to feel guilty. I'd do anything to protect you. After everything we've been through, I'm just glad you're safe here. You deserve some peace after all the chaos in Iturreal."Penelope lowered her gaze, her voice barely above a whisper. "Do you ever think about Mom and Dad?"Rion's heart clenched at the mention of their parents. Memories flooded his mind—images of their laughter, their warmth, and the day they were taken away, leaving him and Penelope to fend for themselves. "Every day," he said quietly. "I think about what they would want for us, how they'd want us to stay strong and look out for each other. That's why I'm doing all of this. I want to make a world where you don't have to be afraid anymore."Tears welled up in Penelope's eyes as she listened to her brother. "I wish things could be different, Rion. I wish we could just be normal kids with normal lives."Rion hugged her again, holding her close as if trying to shield her from the harsh reality of their world. "I know, Penny. I wish that too. But we have to keep going, for them and for ourselves. We can't let the darkness of our past dictate our future."They stood there in silence for a moment, the weight of their shared history hanging in the air. Finally, Penelope pulled back, wiping her eyes and trying to smile. "You're right, Rion. You always know what to say."Rion gave her a small, reassuring smile. "I'll always be here for you, Penelope. No matter what happens, we have each other, and that's all that matters."Penelope suddenly yawned, and before long, she was fast asleep on his lap. He picked her up and carried her to her small room in the church, then gently placed her on the bed.He sat down on the floor next to her, his eyes never leaving her face. She looked peaceful, her dark hair splayed out on the pillow, her small hands tucked under her cheek. Rion reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face, his heart swelling with a mix of love and sorrow. She was his world, the reason he fought so hard, the reason he took risks like this.As he sat there, watching her sleep, he felt a renewed sense of determination. He had to keep her safe, no matter what. He would face any challenge, any danger, to ensure her safety. Because without her, he had nothing.Hours passed like minutes as Rion stayed by her side, lost in thought. Eventually, the first light of dawn began to creep through the window, signaling that it was time for him to leave. He leaned over, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Stay safe, Penelope. I'll be back soon," he whispered.He rose to his feet, casting one last look at her before slipping out of the room. The priestess met him at the door, her expression soft with understanding. "You're a good brother, Rion. She's lucky to have you."Rion nodded, not trusting himself to speak. With a final nod of thanks, he stepped out into the early morning light and began the journey back to the academy, his heart heavy but resolute. There was much to do, and he knew that whatever came next, he would face it with the same determination that had brought him this far.