2 Years Later, 11st July, 3:00PM—
Syla, who's now a 4 years old child, was outside her house with the other childrens, the sun was entering its sunset phase, clouds covered most of the blue sky, and inside Syla's village, many childrens can be seen playing along at one of the open area of the village, it was considered the village playground area. Located at the east side, many residents placed various objects and swings around the playground, at the side of the playground, there stood a tall tree that many believed to be older than the village itself, even after growing for hundreds of years, the tree doesn't show any sign of decay whatsoever.
Not many knew the exact tree species, but the elders of the village called it the Elvenfruit Tree, due to how old the tree had survived just like elves, and also the fact that it has edible fruits that grows on its branches.
The sound of laughter and joy coming from the childrens at the playground was undoubtely loud, Syla saw the obnoxious yet playful children and couldn't help but think that she's quite literally doesn't belong there as she was the only child that didn't get invited to any games that they're playing.
'These childrens are sure energetic, they climbed trees and swings as if it was nothing, i guess that's the demi-human genetic— As for me, yeah.. I can't fit in at all, mom told me to act like a normal children when outside, but it's just impossible– How do you expect me to be this energetic when im already an adult inside..' Syla thought as she let out a deep sigh, sitting beneath the Elvenfruit tree while watching the others play.
A year ago, when she turned 3, her mom and dad told her to keep her intelligence a secret, since at that time Syla was already capable of deep thinking and understanding complex sentences, her parents decided that it was the perfect time for her to be reminded that her intelligence will came with a series of consequences.
"Syla, listen to mom and dad.. We noticed you're not like the other children, so we want to make you understand this as soon as possible, we knew you're smart, smarter than anyone, we know you can understand what we're saying, so— Please keep your intelligence a secret from others." That's what her mom used to say back then.
'Keep it a secret they say, i can't teach anyone anything, if i were asked by someone, i need to answer like i don't understand them– It's not that hard, and i understand why they think like that, information can spread way quicker than you'd expect.. Even in a world lacking in technologies, it can be compensated with magic.'
As Syla was thinking, she was unknowingly approached by someone from behind, she didn't hear the footstep becoming closer, and when it's too late, a boy tapped her shoulder and said.
"Boo!"
"WAAAH!?" Syla screamed in shock, she instantly turned around to see who it was, and felt relieved when she saw his face.
"Ahahhaha! I got you!" Said the boy that startled Syla, he was Lud, Ferin's son, and also one of the few people that was close enough with Syla.
"Lud— Don't scare me like that.." Syla said with a sigh.
Over the past 2 years, Lud has grown into a respectable child, he managed to overcome his shyness and became more socially active, he made more friends than before and played with others everyday. His tail swayed aggresively after succeeding in giving Syla a shock.
"Haha! That's why you need to play with me more often! So that i won't scare you again!" He said jokingly.
"..." Syla didn't give an immediate answer, but rather she fell into silence. Then after a few seconds, she opened her mouth.
"Alright, let's play." She said.
"Yayy!! Then let's go!" Lud was overjoyed to hear Syla's answer, he suddenly grabbed Syla's hand and pulled her towards the other children that was playing tag. "Hey!! I invited one more!"
'This kid– He really has changed from 2 years ago, i honestly wished he was still the same kid back then—" Syla quietly thought to herself.
After she was brought to the other kids, Syla looked infront of her, everyone was staring at her, mostly due to her unexpected appearance. She had never joined in one of these games before, so seeing that she suddenly agreed to play made the other childrens confused.
"Wait, who is this again?" Said one of the kid.
"She's Syla! You know, my friend that i've told you before!" Lud responded instantly.
"Ohh! She's the one that always sit beneath the big tree!" Said another kid, remembering the times when he would see Syla at the playground alone.
"Oh! So that's who she is!" The others began to remember Syla aswell, they became fascinated with Syla and curious as to why she always alone on her own. But that wasn't important right now, because they were about to play tag.
"Alright! Let's spin this wood and see where the pointy side landed on!"
"Oh yeah! I will be serious with all of you!"
"Heh, you won't be able to catch me."
"Syla, you know how the game works right?" Lud asked, looking at Syla who's standing beside him.
"Hm? Yeah, i know." Syla said calmly.
'This reminds me of the time when i was a kid back on earth– Now i get to experience it for the second time.' Syla said to herself, a faint smile formed on her face and she began to focus on the game.
The game was about to start, everyone waited for the wooden stick to be thrown. All of their ears twitched, and their tails swayed rapidly.
Clack!
The wood landed, and it pointed to– Lud! Everyone quickly ran to every direction, trying to avoid Lud's pursuit, Syla ran behind the Elvenfruit tree, trying to play it smart and hide until she was noticed, however what she doesn't realize is that Lud already knew she would try to hide, considering that he was a close friend with Syla, he knew her habit.
Lud saw Syla hiding and ran towards the big tree, Syla who noticed the chaotic footstep decided to leave the tree and runaway, she was being chased by Lud, he jumped over swings and rocks, until Syla passed one of the other children, Lud who saw the other children being slower than Syla, quickly changed his target and tagged the other person.
The game continued for more than an hour with occasional breaks, all of the childrens was sweating from the constant running, including Syla. They hadn't realized the sun was about to set, the only thing they knew is that this game of tag still hasn't ended yet.
"Mikaaa! It's time to go home!" Out on the distance, a shout can be heard calling for a name, everyone in the playground looked at the source of the sound, and saw an adult woman standing, it was one of the children's mother.
Mika, whose name was being called, responded back to his mom.
"Yes mooomm!!— Umm, i need to go home! Don't forget that this isn't over yet!" Said Mika as he ran towards his mother, they then walked together to their home as the sunset shines in the sky.
"Then, let's go home too." Syla said as she takes a deep breath after all that running, she then walked her way out of the playground, she spared a few glance at Lud, calling him to follow her and go home, to which he complied. Both of them left the playground and went home together, leaving the other childrens.