Herothion

Taris' House

Kalira returned with her grandfather and brought tea, some sweets, and cake.

Taris: (with a calm expression) "I'm so happy you two are back safe."

Okays: "It was my responsibility to protect her, so I had to bring her back."

Taris: (smiling) "Thank you. So, did you find the beast?"

Okays: "Yes, of course. It's here with us."

Taris: (surprised) "Where is it? I don't see it. Is it outside the house?"

Okays: (looking at his shoulders) "It's this."

Taris: (laughing loudly) "Do you mean this little bird?"

Torans: (loudly) "Excuse me! Are you referring to me as the little bird?"

Taris: (astonished) "Oh, it talks."

Okays: "Yes, his name is Torans. He's huge, but he can shrink to this size when necessary."

Taris: (astonished) "I've heard of this before, but I thought it was just a myth."

Okays: "I didn't expect him to shrink either. He was really huge when I first met him."

Taris: "So when will you leave, Okays?"

Okays: "Well, I was planning to leave immediately, but there's a problem."

Torans: "What is it?"

Okays: "Your granddaughter Kalira wants to come with me, but I don't think it's in her best interest."

Taris: (smiling) "So, that's the problem. It's okay. She's grown up now and knows what she's doing. If she wants to accompany you on your journey, that's her decision now."

Taris calls Kalira.

Kalira: "Yes, Grandfather?"

Taris: "Are you sure you want to accompany Okays on his journey?"

Kalira: "Yes, Grandfather. I want to see what's behind those walls, and also how the outside world is."

Taris: (smiling) "You've really grown, my granddaughter. Well, I won't stop you from leaving, but remember, Kalira, there's no place for beasts like us out there."

Kalira: "It's okay, Grandfather. I'll wear a mask and scarf like Okays, and everything will be fine."

Taris: (sighs) "I don't think so. Did you forget that you have horns on your head? How do you plan to hide them?"

Kalira: (crying) "So, do I have to live here alone? Endure this miserable life full of blood and killing?"

Taris steps forward and embraces Kalira in his warm, loving arms.

Taris: (speaking softly) "It's okay, Kalira, it's okay. I know you've suffered a lot from losing your parents, Kalira. I'm really sorry I didn't realize you were feeling this bad. Forgive your silly old grandfather."

Taris places his warm hands on Kalira's face and wipes away the tears flowing from her eyes.

Kalira: "It's okay, Grandfather. It's not your fault. It's my fault because I was born inside these walls filled with evil."

Taris: "It's not your fault, Kalira. It was our fault, us adults, when we turned this lovely world into one of destruction, a world that once carried love and kindness between the beasts, now full of hatred and anger towards us. It was our fault, so don't blame yourself, my dear, my granddaughter Kalira."

Kalira calms down a little. Torans and Okays look at them and remember the warmth of family. Okays truly wishes this warmth existed in all families around the world.

Taris: "If you're determined, fine, there's a way to hide your horns."

Kalira: (excited) "Really? What is it?"

Taris: "You just need to learn it. Beasts used to use it before the walls were built to blend in with humans. It's not very difficult, but it requires focus. Are you ready?"

Kalira: "Yes, I'll learn it."

Taris: "Alright, the ability is to focus all your blood's energy on your horns and draw them in. Don't worry, your skull won't get crushed. Just try to pull as much of it in as you can. It's okay to leave a little out; the mask will cover it."

Kalira: "Grandfather, I don't know how to do it."

Taris: "It's okay, I'll teach you, but you'll need a lot of focus and a few days." (Taris looks at Okays) "Will you wait?"

Okays: "It's fine, I'll wai

t for her."

Taris begins teaching Kalira. Four days pass.

To be continued...