Chapter 15:

"Granny Zhou."

"Ah, yes fillial child. Are you going to the town today?"

"Yep, I'm going to the pavillion. Shall I greet Su young, on the way?"

"Please do... " The granny slightly smile, ruffling the facial wrinkles to curls, as crow claws appeared on the sides of her twinkling eyes.

"Of course."

Granny Zhou;

The first generation of exiles from the almighty Zhou family; casted out from the main family, then joined into the withered branches it is today, few decades ago due to some secretive reason. Suspiciously hidden well, no one ever dares to tell the tale of "why", nor do they hint at anything surrounding the topic; heck, you couldn't even bribe someone.

Not even with an artifact. Well, perhaps heavenly artifacts would do the trick, but I doubt that anyone would even trade that in for a family secret.

Imagine if it was a sandal among the wives; that would be the most likely reason, but no one, other than those who were directly involved knows.

"AHA, THE BLUE PRINT FREAK IS HERE"

I turned my head towards the sudden outburst, and find my eyes catch sight of a small troupe of kids, who seemed to all average around 6-7 year olds, with the exception of one really little guy in the back. Neo's squeeze tightened around my hand.

"Ehhh, Jakey, you are right, the blue print freak is here." A nicely dressed, freckled boy teasingly mocked, as he gazed towards Neo with an outlandish huff; only to be returned with my baby's terrified expression.

Neo's tiny figure hugged itself closer to my clothed legs, and he planted the side of his face to my thigh; the highest his face could reach, while a small round of whimpers escaped his glossy lips.

... Don't tell me it was these sticky boys, who made you act this upset.

Wow, they're as ugly as their personalities.

... I cognitively snarled at their silk pants, and furred vests.

So, it was you.

Sounds true.

Rich, spoilt brats hurting my baby?

Who the hell, do you think you're talking to?

Huh?

You think you can call my baby a freak?

HAH, THINK AGAIN DUCK-FACE-

"HA, LOO...k... How... Stupid... He... Loo-"

Their voices came to an abrupt stop, as their eyes widened; staring directly at my face.

Whoops, you made an oopsy?

Aha, you forgot I'm here?

Now you regret making fun of my baby?

Elizabeth purposely let a grimacing darkness veil her face, truly allowing her brown eyes shine, as she crawling into the inner depths of their pupils; scratching every detail of her into their souls.

The little kids could only let out a small, "ah", as they froze in their spots, unable to look away; vulnerable like sitting ducks; retribution she said, and didn't think more. Ignoring, that it was clear that she was abusing her authority as an adult, and was pretty petty about it too.

Well, I suppose... A little scare wouldn't hurt, would it?

Elizabeth thought, arguing to herself.

Hm...

.

.

.

"Ooo, that's one nice tiny pebble. It's barely the size of my nail."

"Whoops."

"It's flying."

:O

"Is it going to hit you?"

"Whoopsy."

The pebble slapped the clothed feet, rolling from one child's toe to another, and made a full round, before it finally landed on the floor. Staying naturally, and undistinguishable from the other scattered, similar rocks.

"WAAAAHHHHH."

Then, a symphony of terrified wails erupted; delighting my eardrums with the high-pitched shrieks;

.

.

.

Is what I'd like to do.

But I obviously can't. You see their clothes? Their parents are probably some rich guys, so I can't afford to piss them off.

Well, at least not out in the open.

◢✥◣

Profanity Warning :D

I stared at the boys once more, and though I was having an inner argument with myself, all my face showed was a cold expression.

I had no idea what they thought I was feeling, but it was clear that whatever they perceived was not pleasant. After all, shivering legs and large gulps don't seem to be any sort of hint of happiness.

They probably stayed there, just frozen for a good few minutes before one of them finally bolted, and soon, all of them scurried away like the little rats they are; truly a pity, their rich education had rot on their ignorant brains. I stood still for a while, and once the little silk coats left the reach of my view, my eyes apprehensively went towards the small, body pressed against mine.

Frankly, I didn't notice until now but...

The tiny warmth seemed more minuscule than ever, and it reminds me once again, that I'm genuinely powerless to change anything; the power imbalance had gone to my brain, and completely turned me different.

Maybe that's why Neo had been rather odd today.

Bullying takes a huge toll, I know that for sure.

I swear, the next time I see them, I'll skin them-

I reached towards his little patch of hair, that flowed gently like the blades of grass in the meadow, but before my fingertips could even graze upon it, a flinch jolted it all away.

Oh dear...

I never-

...

I should've paid more attention to Neo.

Stupid you are, look at your beloved son no; shriveling. Shriveling like he's without protection. What are you, huh? His mother?

Obviously. It's not just a role with significance, do your job properly at least.

I retracted my hands in worry, and was hesitant to even move; should I comfort him? What should be my next move?

What do I do? If I keep this up, Neo will get more upset and even become more like Garnet. No, no, please not like her; I don't want to be a failure of a mother again, please. I don't want to-

"What pesky little boys they are."

"Darned if I will, I should've beat their tender tofu butts raw."

"Y' know what Susan, I can actually agree with that. Of course, in a much more feminine way."

"You trying to start a fight with me?"

"Perhaps. Neo dear, you mustn't pay too much attention to those kids."

"Exactly, even if you can't do anything to them, you're not alone. We can always do something."

"But don't expect Jessica Auntie to do anything, she's far too weak."

Oh.

That's right.

A faint smile appeared upon my lips, as I gazed towards my new-found community; full of connections, and love-

"WHAT DID YOU YOU SAY B*TCH?"

"LANGUAGE. LANGUAGE, WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE. THE CHILDREN ARE HERE."

Well-

They really are my family.

Elizabeth, you aren't alone anymore, so stop shaking like a leaf whenever you're clueless about something, alright?

I smiled again, but brighter as I crouched down to Neo's eye level.

"Like your family had said, next time they do that, we'll give them a nice beating. Have faith in us kiddo."

Neo couldn't look in my eyes, probably disbelieving my words, and to be fair, I don't blame him; I missed my chance to prove him that, I was trustworthy. In spite of his possible expectations, I only disappointed him.

I looked to the ground, and flicked my forehead to his; hitting it with mine.

"Mama won't ever let anyone bully you again. I made a mistake. I'll go beat up those boys once we come back with grandma's medicine."

I was once again, met with silence, so I continued;

"You think I don't know where they live? I'll go make a mess, alright?"

"Of course, after we go to-"

"I get it."

Neo grumpily shook his head away, and although he closed his eyes, facing a completely different direction, his arms still raised towards me.

Sorry about that Neo, I'll make sure to never disappoint you again.

I took him into my arms, and said goodbye to everyone.

I promise you that.