Chapter 10: The hasty departure
Hael and Anthanasia were once again immersed in conversation and the more time Hael spent with Anthanasia, the more his desire to leave the forest could be felt.
The animals watched with each passing day as the two grew closer, and on the third day after the human's arrival, their worst fears were about to come true. Hael—their dear friend and companion had come to the decision of leaving the forest. The animals were sad to hear this despite expecting it.
"Do you really have to leave now?" Ria, the young chimpanzee, asked, her big doe eyes filled with sadness as she gazed up at Hael.
A pang of emotion gripped Hael's heart. He crouched down, gently pulling the young chimp into his arms. Pressing his forehead against hers, he inhaled deeply, taking in the warm scent of her fur—the comforting smell of sunlight and nature. He exhaled slowly, a sense of finality settling over him. He would miss these moments, this connection, but he knew it was time to go. He had to leave.
"I promise I'll come back whenever I can," he assured her softly.
Ria whimpered in response, her small hands clutching at him desperately, unwilling to let him go. She clung to him with all her strength, her body trembling as she tried to prevent his departure.
Ria's mother quickly stepped forward, and pulled the young chimp from Hael's arms. "Ria dear, be a good girl. You know Hael needs to go." She told her.
Tears dripped down her face, and despite not wanting to, she knew she needed to let him go. The animals all watched with wet eyes and heavy hearts as Hael got back up, eyeing them fondly. His eyes then landed on the white cockatoo who looked the saddest of them all.
Loki understood very well that he was a human being. Despite possessing higher blood than his counterparts, a part of him still bled red and would always have the same desires regular mortals had. He gently caressed the bird who nuzzled into his hands. As he bid his final goodbyes and prepared to set off, Loki stopped them.