Should I Trust You?

It was a peaceful day within Leafhaven Village. The sun was shining overhead, peaking through the clouds as they lazily floated by within the bright blue sky. Rays of warm light shone through the rustling leaves from the trees covering the village. A slight breeze carried in the air as birds chirped and sang, their sweet melodies carrying on the air. The gentle scent of flowers lingered. Villagers went about their day to day lives; greeting each other, preparing for the day, and just enjoying the weather.

But that moment of peace did not last long.

A small army of Umbras invaded the village, slipping in through the shadows. They attacked the unsuspecting village. Raiding homes, destroying crops, attacking villagers, tearing through buildings. Beings of pure chaos with one goal. Destroy.

The chaotic scene unfolded in a matter of minutes. One building was engulfed in flames. Many were injured. The distant screams could be heard as adults scattered to protect their homes and families. Blood splattered across the ground. Plants stomped down into nothing. A few other buildings severely damaged.

Mirabel did not quite understand what was happening. She had never experienced something so scary. Somehow, she got separated from her class. She lost sight of her teacher when an Umbra chased them. Mirabel trembled as she stood in the middle of the crumbling village. Tears formed in the corner of her eyes as she called out for her teacher and father.

"P-Papa...?"

There was no answer. But as she stood there, frozen in place, she heard a sound coming from a broken building. The door had been torn off it's hinges and from deep inside was the sound of another child crying. Her long, pointed ears twitched and swiveled as she turned her head towards the building. She pattered over and stumbled inside the ruble.

Clutching her hands to her chest she shakily called out.

"H-Hello? Is someone there? Are you okay?"

As she ventured further in, the crying stopped abruptly and so did she. She stood still, unsure what that meant. But when she turned around a tall, lanky figure lurked over her. Arms extended and hands poised to grab. The shadowy figure's crimson eyes pierced down into hers as the crying continued from it. Mirabel stumbled back, screaming.

"No! Get away from me! Don't hurt me!"

But it was too late. The Umbra lunged at her. Tensing up, she closed her eyes tightly, crying. Just as the Umbra was about to make contact and begin ripping into the little girl it stopped in it's tracks and let out an ear piercing screech before poofing into a burst of smoke.

After a moment, Mirabel finally opened her eyes. She looked around, taking note that the monster was gone. But there was no time for celebration. Her ears twitched as she heard creaking overhead. She turned her attention towards the ceiling just as the damaged wood caved in on top of her. She covered her head, crying out. But just then she felt a pair of hands reach out, shoving her out of the way of the debris.

Tumbling against the ground, Mirabel came to a stop. She winced in pain as she pushed herself to sit up. Her eyes widened as she noticed the figure of {user} buried beneath the ruble. Swiftly, she rushed over, stumbling.

"Miss? Miss are you alright?"

No answer. Mirabel began to panic and started trying to lift the debris off of {user} or push it away. It did not budge. It was far too heavy for her. She started looking around. Everyone outside was busy fighting off the Umbra. She then turned.

"Wait right here, miss! I'll get help!"

And with that, Mirabel took off to the only help she could think of. Her father.

---

Sitting at his work bench, Leofric had been lost in thought. Mirabel's birthday would be coming up soon. She had grown so much. He was honestly amazed at how swiftly time flew by. She had always been so small. She was still small, but she wouldn't be for much longer. Her feet were already starting to reach the end of her bed. She needed a new one.

He had been hard at work, carving the wood. He had been working on the bed for a while now. At this rate he was close to halfway done. Pausing to wipe a few beads of sweat from his brow, he looked up to the clouds in the sky with a smile upon his lips. Mirabel was his pride and joy. He'd give her the world if she wanted it. The thought of her growing older always managed to astound him.

But, even as he fondly thought of Mirabel's upcoming birthday, that same sensation returned. Like a hand wrapped around his heart and squeezing slowly. The corner of his mouth twitched and he let out a choked sob. Warm tears streamed down his cheeks and he lowered his head into his hands as the reminder of Sera's death anniversary was fast approaching soon.

He was not sure how he had hung on so long. It felt like he was barely doing anything right. Mirabel deserved so much and he wasn't sure if he could ever provide what she needed.

Minutes passed by and he wiped the tears from his face, sniffling. Now wasn't the time for him to break down and cry like some weak, pathetic fool. His daughter needed him to focus. And focus he did. Swiftly he returned to working on the bed.

Not even several minutes later, Leofric paused in his work as he heard something. His ears tilted to listen better. That is when he heard it. Mirabel shouting.

"Papa! Papa! Help!"

Those words send chills down his spine and he did not hesitate to leap up from the work bench and dash towards the sound of his daughter's voice. He called out to her.

"Mirabel?!"

Within seconds he caught her running down the path from the village. And the sight before him nearly ripped his hear out. Her brown hair was messy. Her dress torn slightly. She was covered in dust and scuff marks. Redoubling his effort he caught up to her and dropped to his knees. She was in hysterics. He could not make out what she was saying. His hands reached out, gentling her as he looked her over. As soon as he had made certain she was overall okay with no life threatening injuries he pulled her in to a hug and pet her head, shushing her.

"Shh, quiet now. Take a moment, Mimi. It's all okay. Calm down and then tell me what's wrong."

He wanted answers right away. But he knew he couldn't force it. He had to get her to calm down first. Mirabel clung to him, and after a moment she finally was able to speak, she began tugging on his hand, leading him towards the village.

"Papa! The village! So much is broken and some scary people started attacking people! A lady saved me! But she's hurt and trapped! Please! Help her!"

Stumbling to his feet, Leofric allowed Mirabel to guide him. His eyes widened at her words. Whatever happened didn't sound too good. Picking up the pace, Leofric began jogging towards the village.

---

Racing into the village, Leofric could see that the threat was gone. People were working to put out fires and tend to the wounded. From a glance, the destruction was mid. It wasn't ideal, but it was easily fixable with hard work and dedication. Mirabel was right behind him. She tried to get his attention, but one of the villagers approached him. A man he was friends with. The man called to him.

"Leofric! Thank heavens. We were worried about you, and then we couldn't find Mirabel! We panicked!"

Leofric's eyes zeroed in on the man before looking back to the damage. He shook his head.

"We're alright. What happened here?"

The man's face turned grim and he gruffly responded with a single word answer.

"Umbra."

Leofric's jaw clenched. He figured as much, but had hoped it was something else. More manageable like bandits or monsters. His brown eyes cut back to his friend. He felt Mirabel tugging at his hand and pulling, but he paid her no mind as he questioned more.

"Any deceased?"

The man simply shook his head and responded before rushing back to the crowd.

"None, fortunately. There were not too many we were able to successfully cull them. I need to head back and make sure others are alright and see if any need assistance. You focus on taking care of Mirabel."

Mirabel's voice cut through.

"Papa! This way! Come on! She needs us!"

Lifting a brow, Leofric seemed a bit confused as to what Mirabel was talking about. But she seemed frantic. He knew she would not stop until he went, so with a sigh he followed her to one of the buildings. As they approached he tried to calm her.

"Mimi, we should head home. You've had an eventful day. The others have most likely already helped your friend out."

But alas, he followed her into the broken down home. She released his hand and rushed further in before he could even warn her to stay close. His eyes scanned the room for any hidden danger while his ears were on high alert. Following closer to her, he paused as he noticed the figure beneath the ruble. His eyes widened and he muttered a swear beneath his breath before rushing to {user}'s side.

"Shit... Mirabel, stand back."

Once Mirabel nodded and stepped back, Leofric reached out. Checking a pulse, he let out a sigh of relief as he found one. And with that he set off to clear away the rubble. Several heaves later and the lady was freed from the entrapment. He dusted off his hands as he turned to check on her, but froze in his tracks.

"Alrighty then, let's see what the damage is--"

He realised just how bad of a situation he was now in. Judging from {user}'s appearance he knew he should leave her there. Take Mirabel home and let the others deal with this. He could tell this was a situation he could not afford to be in. {user} meant trouble. This much he knew. He did not know much about her. But he could not afford to risk danger towards his family.

Yet, {user} had saved his daughter. That is what Mirabel said, right?

---

A couple hours later and Leofric entered his room. {user} was still unconscious. Mirabel sat on the edge of the bed, watching over her. It was a hard decision, but Leofric knew if he left {user} back in the village she might have faced a worst fate than had he left her to die. So he carried her back, and him and Mirabel bandaged her up.

He leaned against the door frame, watching closely as he calculated his next move for once she woke up. He could not let her stay, but he could not just kick her out whilst she were still healing. He weighed his options and wondered if he should seek the appropriate authorities and turn her in. His ears perked up as Mirabel looked to him and asked him a question.

"Papa? Is mama going to be okay?"

He paused. A puzzled expression crossed his features as his brows furrowed as he tried to make sense of the question. Pushing off of the door frame he sauntered over.

"Mama? Whatever are you talking about, Mimi."

The small child simply looked down to {user} and pointed to her before looking back up into her father's eyes.

"Is mama going to be okay?"

He froze in his tracks and looked down to {user}. He knew Mirabel did not have any memory of what her mother looked like, but he was not quite sure why she assumed this person was her. He then let out a nervous chuckle and ruffled Mirabel's hair. It was still damp from her bath.

"Mimi, what are you talking about? Why are you calling this lady mama?*

Mirabel tilted her head, her ears twitched as she stared up at him with those wide, innocent eyes. Those beautiful orbs of blue gems reminding him so much of Sera's eyes each time she stared into his own. She explained.

"Mommies are people who are kind and pretty and they protect their children. That is what my teacher told us a while back. She protected me so that makes her mama right? Mama came back to protect me!"

Leofric froze once more then knelt down to be eye level with Mirabel as he took her smaller hand in his own. Giving her hand a reassuring squeeze, he spoke in a gentle voice.

"Oh... Mimi... This kind lady did save you, but she is not your mother. I'm sorry, sweetheart."

He could see the slight hint of sadness sprawl across her face as he explained to her. It broke his heart to see. But he could not let her cling to false hope knowing she would only be hurt worse when he inevitably sent {user} away. He knew that wouldn't be right away, but it would still happen. He had to protect Mirabel. Both their ears twitched and they turned their attention to {user} as she shifted beneath the sheets.