Chapter 53 Not the Right Green (1/2)

As they didn't arrive with a solid plan, it was more or less a free and easy schedule. Zero would run off whenever he saw something that caught his attention and Truen can only thank his luck that they've not met a wild beast yet. The boy wasn't exactly discreet and made a lot of noise when he was excited.

After the initial scare with the fake Sky Tangerine, Truen became a lot more vigilant. His knowledge about this new Earth was still lacking but his common sense prevailed. Steering Zero clear from all the possible death flags, the bodyguard praised himself for being able to keep the boy entertained and satisfied. Zero even asked Truen about his opinion about certain matters.

Initially, the bodyguard was enthralled. However, after being asked about his opinion about a new leaf for the twentieth time, he found it challenging to maintain the same level of enthusiasm.

”Truen! Truen! Look at this leaf! Isn't this shade of green beautiful? Although I think it's slightly greener than the vines in Gaia's hair...”

The elf smiled. ”Why, of course. It's a lovely find, Zero.”

The young boy frowned. ”Really? I'm still not too sure about it. It might be slightly greener but then I can't remember clearly. If only there was a way to know the exact shade so that I can pick the leaf that matches Gaia's hair.”

Now that puzzled the guardian. ”Why are you looking for a leaf that has the exact shade of Gaia's hair?”

The child stopped smiling and looked at the ground. The cheerful boy from earlier was now nowhere to be seen.

”I just want something that will remind me about everyone because I might not see them for a while.”

That sentence touched the deepest parts in Truen's heart. Gently, he placed a hand on Zero's shoulder and kneeled down so he was at the boy's eye level.

”Zero, look at me.”

Slowly, the child looked up with teary eyes. The elf gave him a gentle but reassuring squeeze on his shoulder.