Why Can My Scars Still Hurt Me?

The sun shines on the market, lighting up the glittering trinkets and casting rainbows from colorful scarves. The scent of lilacs and spices fills the air. It's a beautiful day for vendors to sell their items and everyone is in a wonderful mood. But that can't last can it? I hear yelling down the street and see people parting for a younger kid whose sprinting through the crowd. I notice the shine of jewelry as he attempt to shove it in his pockets. I won't let him ruin the bright atmosphere today. I lightly set down the small necklace I was examining and requip into my Aeris Armor. Bolting into the air, I quickly spot the thief and trail him to a shadowed alleyway. I drop down behind him just as he realizes he's hit a dead end. When he whips around and sees me he panic and I can sense his magic aura before he uses it. I lean back as a jet of water aims for my chest, requiping to normal as I come back up.

"I fight next to a water user that could blow you away." I say, talking about the incredible power of Scorpius and his Water magic.

"M-move! Or I'll hurt you!" He shouts unconvincingly.

"Then do it."

He trembles but runs at me with his fist straight out. I grab it and bring my boot up to his chest, lightly driving him back. He looks frustrated and sad but not malicious so I'm being gentle. He runs again and tries a kick to the face. I drop and kick out his planted foot from beneath him. The jewelry spills and he scrambles to pick it up. I send a a dagger right between his fingers and he pulls back. There's a small sniff and he's crying. I'm shocked as it was random.

"I just - I just wanted to help my - my dad. He got sick and couldn't run his forge anymore. I'm no help because I use water, not fire. I didn't want to, I swear! But we're going to lose our home soon and- and we have nowhere to goooooOOOHhhooo!"

"Come on. Let's go. You're returning the jewels." I say. He stands up, gathers the jewelry, and we begin walking back to the vendors stall.

"You're not going to take me to jail?" He asks. He seems relieved.

"No." I say with a chuckle. "I don't think they'd take a thirteen year old who's returning his merchandise."

{To be continued...}