章 11: Ch 11: Rodan Wraith

Rodan's POV

My life began in chaos. Born to a father consumed by the grip of alcoholism and a mother enslaved by the lure of gambling, my earliest memories were punctuated by instability, shouting matches, and broken promises.

My father, Harold, was once a talented mechanic, but the bottle became his only companion after a string of personal failures. My mother, Lucia, had a knack for card games, but her luck often left her in debt, borrowing from dangerous people. Together, they spiraled into a toxic existence, leaving little room for love or care for me.

Despite my circumstances, I was an observant and resourceful child. By the time I was 4, I knew how to navigate the chaos of my home life. I would sneak out to find food when the cupboards were bare, hide under tables during their violent arguments, and even comfort my mother after a string of gambling losses. But no amount of effort could protect me from the eventual fallout.

One fateful night, after my father came home inebriated and my mother had lost a large sum of money at the casino, they made a cruel decision.

Unable to bear the financial and emotional burden of parenthood, they abandoned me at the steps of a dilapidated orphanage. I was 5 years old, clutching a small stuffed bear—my only companion in a world that had already betrayed me.

The orphanage was a bleak and overcrowded place where kindness was scarce. Yet, I found solace in the other children—kids just like me, carrying the weight of loss and loneliness.

Seeing the younger ones cry at night or go hungry because there wasn't enough food awakened something in me. While others despaired, I grew determined. I vowed not to let them feel the same neglect I had endured.

Though, I could only do little things like

being a caretaker for the younger children, fixing broken toys, sharing stories, and sneaking out to find food and supplies.

Still, I was happy with that. Seeing their smiling faces brought a smile to my own. At the age of 7, other kids saw me as their protector. One fateful day, a newborn baby girl named Cristina Yang was brought to the orphanage. Without hesitation, I took Cristina under my wing, treating her like my own sibling.

However, just as suddenly I met Cristina I was told an unfortunate news. Valerie Ignis, fiery red hair, eyes that glinted silver like moonlight on a clear night, and a presence that seemed to cut through the gloom of the orphanage like a beacon, and a well respected hunter decided to adopt me. Despite it being a good opportunity, I rebelled.

I didn't want to be separated from my younger sister. What will happen to her if I leave her here all on her own? Negative thoughts clouded my mind, and it made me even more reluctant.

"What seems to be the problem?" A woman named Serena said. As she and the caretaker were conversing, I realized who she was holding, 'Cristina!'. Without realizing it I shouted at her "Hey! What're you going to do with my sister?!"

She seemed shocked, a mixture (probably) of both not expecting me to shout at her and the child she picked had a sibling. Then she said "So you two were siblings? I'm sorry, little guy. Can you look at her just for just a moment?" I agreed and we talked for a few more minutes, before she left to talk to Valerie.

Serena was a gentle, kind-looking woman with dirty blonde hair and hazel eyes that seemed to radiate warmth. Her soft, comforting voice made everyone around her feel at ease, and when she spoke about Cristina, it was with such tenderness that I knew this woman would take care of my sister.

==================================

As more and more time passed by, my anxiety grew and grew. Although I know that we'll be in good hands if those people adopted us, the thought of separating from Cristina broke my heart.

I noticed Serena with Valerie on her side, approached us. I greeted Serena enthusiastically to hide my anxiety, "Miss, you're back!"

"I told you, it'll be just for a moment. Though Rodan, me and Valerie here would like to ask you a question." Seeing how serious their faces are, I sat up straight.

"So... Like I said earlier, I would adopt Cristina." Hearing those words, my body unconsciously tensed up. 'Looks like all my worries were true, huh?'. As I was thinking about that, tears welled up in my eyes.

Serena as if noticing my thoughts hugged me. To be honest, I'm quite thankful for it. For the first time in my whole life, I felt love even in that small gesture.

"Sweetie, we're not going to separate you and her." As I heard that, I looked at her shocked at what she meant. I tried to say something but my voice wouldn't come out. 'No way, are they serious..?'.

Tousling my hair, Valerie laughed and said "If it's alright with you, will you let us adopt you too?" I expected it, but I didn't expect it to feel this much emotion. My tears fell uncontrollably.

"Yes, t-thank you. Thank y-you so much." I answered.. I hugged Serena back. For the first time in my life, I felt hope, not just for myself, but for Cristina too. We're no longer orphans alone in the world—they had found a family, a future, and each other.

Together, with Valerie and Serena by our sides, me and Cristina began a new chapter, one where love and protection would finally replace the pain of the past.