Bao Bao (End of Book 5)

The next day I feel quite excited as I put on the armor auntie gave me. It’s a thick gambeson armor with red and green vertical stripes and a steel helmet that protects everything except my face. This was the compromise auntie and I came up with because I didn’t want a helmet that would restrict my sight and she said she wouldn’t let me go without a helmet. She also gave me a new bow and a better quiver. Overall it’s a bit harder to move in than the leather armor but it’s still pretty mobile and it’s really warm which is a plus. Also I like how colorful it is. It’s a completely different vibe from the black and purple of before.

“Look mama! It looks good, right?”

“It is… Definitely better than your previous attire but I prefer the pajamas you like to wear.”

“Pfft Well, I can’t go adventure in my pajamas, can I?”

“No…You can’t…”

“Right? That’s why I need the armor!”

“...”

“Anyways, I’m ready, mama!”

“Alright, dear. I’ll bring you there.”

I then shrink down into my draconic form and mama picks me up and puts me in her pouch.

“This is going to take a while so get comfortable.”

“Gao!”

It’s so comfy inside mama’s pouch that I don’t really notice how much time passes until we land again and mama pulls me out of her pouch.

Transforming back to my polymorphed form I look around and find my family, some guards as well as Sher Aka and John waiting for me.

“Woah, that was quick! I didn’t think we’d be here already! How long did we fly for?”

“About two hours.”

“Woah, that long? I didn’t even notice, kikikiki.”

Auntie, uncle and Emilia then walk over to me. They seem to be sad.

Emilia hugs me with tears streaming down her face, “Do you really need to go, Rose?”

“Yeah, but don’t worry. I’ll get really strong in no time. I’ll probably be back in two or three years.”

Still crying, Emilia looks me straight in the eyes and lets out a chuckle before hugging me tightly again, “You’re way too optimistic, Rose…Please, always stay safe, okay?”

“I’ll do my best!”

Uncle then gives me some kisses on the cheek and says, “Always remember, mija. You have a home here, you can return whenever you want.”

Auntie adds, “There is no need to wait for A-Rank either. You can come home whenever you want and we will always welcome you with open arms. Never forget that, love. You don’t have to adventure. Just come back whenever you miss home, okay?”

“Gao!”

Mama then hands me a small box. 

“These are for you, Rose. Make sure not to lose them, okay?”

Opening the box it seems to be full of handkerchiefs.

“Handkerchiefs? Why so many?”

“Try smelling them.”

Picking up a yellow handkerchief with a bird embroidery I take a deep sniff.

“Eh!? This smells just like uncle!?”

“They are Casitos. It means little home in our language. They are enchanted to keep the scent of each of us forever, so whenever you miss us, take a sniff and it will feel like we’re with you.”

“That’s amazing…Thank you mama!”

Giving me a really tight hug, mama adds, “Please stay safe, okay?”

“Gao!”

“And make sure to always dress warmly. Also make sure to listen to your big sister and eat right. Don’t forget to drink enough either, okay?”

“Gao.”

“And make sure to tell your sister when you have nightmares, okay? You have such a bad habit of hiding these sorts of things…”

“Gao…”

“And most importantly, you can call me whenever you want and talk about whatever you want, okay? And whenever you want to come home I’ll come and get you,” 

Looking into my eyes kindly she adds, “And always remember, I love you very much.”

“I love you too, mama…And all of you as well of course. You’re all my family and I love you very much.”

Getting a group hug by everyone in my family except Miguel and Rayla, we exchange farewell wishes and kisses one last time. Once we’re done, I approach Miguel who has been standing at the sidelines with his arms crossed.

Giving him a hug I say, “I’ll miss you too, Miguel.”

With a smirk he answers, “I’m not letting you go alone.”

“Hmm? What do you mean?”

“I’m coming with you. At least until the ordainment is over. I want to see how you live.”

“Are you sure? It might be dangerous.”

“Rose…If we can send you then I can go as well. Also, you didn’t doubt Scarlet’s abilities right?”

“No.”

“Then don’t doubt mine either, I’m both older, stronger and more experienced than Scarlet. I’ll be fine.”

“Well…If you’re sure. Just make sure you stay safe, okay.”

“Pfft The day I’ll be outdone by my baby prima is the day I’ll lose all pride as a man. Now let’s go, don’t worry I won’t disturb you guys I’ll just quietly observe. Think of it like bird watching. I want to see what your habitat is like when you’re not at home.”

“If that’s what you want, I’ll gladly take you along.”

“Pfft You’re cute. Those clothes though, not cute at all.”

“Well, they’re my armor, they're not supposed to look cute.”

“A cute girl like you should always try to be cute, even in combat.”

“Huh…”

Together with Miguel I walk towards Rayla, Scarlet, John and Sher Aka. 

Rayla asks, “Have you said your goodbyes now?”

“Yep! We can go. Miguel will come with us though.”

“We know. We were told yesterday.”

“I see!”

Looking at a giant stone door I ask, “So, is this the portal?”

“Yep! Once it’s open we can go through and just instantly get back to Frieden.”

“So cool…”

Some of the soldiers then say something in Draconic and mages start to chant a spell that slowly opens the door. 

Once it is fully opened, Scarlet says “Come on, let’s give them one last goodbye. The cute one, if you can.”

“Gao!”

Waving together with Scarlet I yell, “Thanks for everything! I’ll see you all again soon and I love you very much. Bao Bao!”

To be continued