Chapter 235

"Showing concern for your people isn't something to apologize for," Kang told Zack.

"Did she take people through for a visit?" Zack investigated.

"A few were interested, and I was tempted, but we're waiting for the others to return from today's hunt," Kang replied.

"I would take the time to talk more, but my daughter's probably looking for me by now. We look forward to your visit." Zack said as he fixed the land with a wave.

With a smile, Zack disappeared from their village. The Youko began mumbling about his appearance, and how easily Zack affected the land. When telling others about Eden they would typically leave out Zack's identity. Most wouldn't believe it anyway and seeing Zack in person simply sped things along.

Back in Eden Zack appeared inside the basement of the estate. It was a habit to return here with concern over the egg, but as he glanced around the room was empty. Zack walked out of the basement and started his walk towards the others.

Playing near the forest was Helena with the other children. During their game of tag, she froze in her tracks glancing towards her home. Helena heard of a group coming back but her papa wasn't with them. She glanced at Ren, and Yuki as she ran up to them tugging on their arms.

"Papa just got home." Helena smiled.

"Are you sure?" Yuki asked.

Helena nodded as she eagerly guided them towards the estate. While they were strolling through the market citizens greeted them all politely. Not wanting to be rude they stopped to talk, but Helena never stopped scanning the crowd. As they offered gifts to the two mothers Helena ran off jumping up to Zack.

"I knew you were back." Helena declared while hugging him tightly.

"Sorry, it took so long. What did you do while I was away?" Zack asked with a smile.

"They showed me the whole city, and then we played games around town," Helena replied as Zack put her down.

"Where was your favorite place to play?" Zack asked as he walked up to Ren.

Zack opened his arms embracing Ren, and Yuki waited patiently with a smile.

"I like the forest the most," Helena replied.

"She knew exactly where to find you." Yuki smiled.

"That's 'cause she's talented. Just wait till you see how fast she's getting." Ren smirked tussling Helena's hair.

"Pretty soon you will be the only one who can keep up with her," Yuki said while kissing Zack on the cheek.

The group wandered towards the estate as Zack talking about their day. After checking on their conditions he took Helena on a trip to find Vanessa. Knowing Helena would wanna stay by his side he wanted the two to meet before Vanessa left.

"Who are we looking for?" Helena asked.

"One of my friends who's leaving today. She's very shy so if she doesn't say much to you that's why." Zack replied.

They walked through the city towards Vanessa's house, and on the way, Helena was learning more about the people around town. As they neared the fields for the guild they saw Vanessa doing inventory, and directing dolls on the changes to the fields.

"What time are you leaving?" Zack asked Vanessa.

"In a few hours, but hopefully I'll be returning tomorrow," Vanessa replied while turning to face Zack.

Helena had a nervous smile on her face when Vanessa met her gaze. Zack was expecting her to hide under the hood, but Vanessa dropped down to Helena's level. She retrieved her notebook and looked up eagerly.

"Your eyes are so pretty. I wonder why you don't have spider legs...Do you make web-like your mom? Can you fly like Zack?" Vanessa investigated.

Vanessa fired off so many questions that it was a struggle to keep up. Helena was happy to have the attention but wasn't sure how to respond.

"I thought she was shy papa?" Helena asked.

Vanessa heard this and realized how close she was. Once again her desire for information outweighed her manners. She pulled her hood up and turned around.

"I'm sorry about that," Vanessa mumbled.

"It's okay right?" Zack asked Helena.

"Yeah, I wanna know if I can too. Momma makes beautiful clothes, and flying with papa is fun." Helena replied.

Helena walked up to Vanessa and looked up at her with a smile. With Helena's short stature, it was difficult to not see the child from the cover of her hood. She truly didn't mind Vanessa's questions and had no look of judgment. Vanessa removed her hood nervously smiling at Helena.

"Papa said we will practice tomorrow. Papa says you're the smartest person he knows, and that you help him learn new things. If you can help papa then maybe you can teach me to..." Helena said while twirling her hair nervously.

'Did he really say that?' Vanessa glanced over her shoulder at Zack.

"Would you come practice with us?" Helena asked.

'I think this is how they do it.' Vanessa's hand was shaking nervously as she placed it on Helena's head.

"I'll be here," Vanessa replied.

"Promise?" Helena asked.

Vanessa was eager to see her abilities and seeing Zack watching them with a smile she had to return. Zack made her a better person, and when in his presence Vanessa was filled with confidence. With a lovely child asking for such a promise with such an excited look on her face how could she say no?

"I promise." Vanessa smiled.

Helena was excited about training and ran off to look at the fields. The new desire to train came from the other children talking about classes. Knowing her papa would train the others Helena was eager to start.

"She definitely likes you," Zack said as he approached Vanessa from behind.

Zack wrapped his arms around Vanessa as she jumped. She turned around seeing the smile on his face. He kissed her gently on the forehead and held her in case the return to Eden took longer than expected.

"If they make you switch with someone I can set you up a personal gateway to the estate. That way you could still visit the library, and us anytime you have free time." Zack reassured Vanessa

"Can we take a walk somewhere?" Vanessa asked.

"Where did you have in mind?" Zack replied.

"Let's ask Helena," Vanessa smiled.

Helena was playing between the fields and seeing the two waving she returned. Hearing the choice was hers Helena led them to the forest. They were playing around the divine tree, and seeing Vanessa's staff Helena was intrigued by the emerald.

"What's that for?" Helena asked pointing at the gem.