Page 39 of Emerald

"We have plenty of traditions," zha grumbles, "I'll explain… I guess we'll start with school."

I lean in, curious despite myself. “That word does not translate.”

"It’s where humans learn things, Kroaicho," Olivia says, then presses zha’s lips together for a long moment. It's clear zha is having a hard time figuring out how to explain it in a way that will make sense to me. "I imagine a place wherechildren… young humans, I mean, gather together to be taught."

I frown. The concept of zhannel is not foreign to me, but gathering them all in one place to teach them simultaneously seems… inefficient. It is a rising theme among humans. "Why not just teach them individually?" I ask.

Olivia sighs. "It's not that simple. There are too many of us. Schools let lots ofchildrenlearn together at the same time."

I tilt my head, my spikes twitching with confusion. "That sounds chaotic."

Olivia laughs again, though it's a softer sound this time. "It is. Sometimes. To be honest, I hated it, but don’t let that color how you think of it. It's the best way we've figured out how to teach large groups."

I'm still not convinced. "But why would you want so many humans in one place? Wouldn't that cause problems?"

"Well, yeah, sometimes it does," Olivia admits with a shrug. "But it's also how we socialize. We form connections with others, make friends, and learn how to be human."

I frown deeper. "You have to learn how to be your species? Why would you want to be around so many other humans? You've spent most of your time with me. Alone. Is that not preferable?"

Olivia gives me an odd look. "Kroaicho, just because I'm stuck here with you doesn't mean I don't miss other people. Humans are… social creatures. We need each other. I didn’t really realize until now just how much.”

I don't fully understand. The idea of needing anyone beyond myself after growing up is foreign to me. I shift uncomfortably, my glow flickering between blue and purple as I process what Olivia's saying. Zha’s need for companionship, for these… connections with other humans—it baffles me.

But before I can voice my confusion, Olivia breaks the silence with a new topic.

"What about the others?" zha asks softly, zha’s voice heavy with something that sounds like hope. "The other humans that crash-landed here. Have you looked for them?"

I fight the urge to chitter aloud. I know zha wants to find them, to connect with them the way zha insists humans do, but… I'm not eager to go looking. It's not my responsibility. My focus has always been on my hoard, on exploration—not looking for humans.

Olivia doesn't let up, though. Zha presses on. "Please, Kroaicho. There were other pods. They're out there somewhere. You could help me find them."

I stare at Olivia, my glow darkening to a deeper purple as irritation floods through me. I don't want to upset zha, not when we've managed to avoid an argument again, but… I don't see the point.

With a frustrated sigh, I concede—partially. "I will… look," I say, though I don't fully commit. "But you will stay here. Do not wander. This cave is safe."

Predictably, Olivia doesn't agree. "I'm not staying behind while you search for my people. I'm coming with you."

I blink. I'm trying to protect zha. This planet is dangerous—far more dangerous than zha understands. "No," I say firmly. "You will stay. It is safer."

Olivia's face hardens. "I can handle myself, Kroaicho. I'm not some helplesskidyou need to keep hidden away."

We lock eyes, the tension between us thickening. I feel my spikes twitch in irritation, my glow deepening as I struggle to keep my temper in check. Why is zha so insistent on defying me? Does zha not understand the risks?

"No," I say again, more forcefully this time. "You will stay."

Olivia stands up straighter, zha’s fists clenched at zha’s sides. "I'm coming with you. I won't let you go out there alone. Not when my people could be in danger."

I feel my irritation flare, my glow turning a deep, pulsing purple. But I know this argument is going nowhere. Olivia won't back down, and I… I don't want to lose zha’s trust. Not completely.

But still…

"The only reason I am agreeing to this is on the condition that you stay here." I fold my limbs to signal my urging. “The most beautiful, complex part of the hoard should remain the safest.”

Olivia raises an eyebrow. "You are so officially weird. Stay here? Seriously?"

"Yes," I click back. "Stay. Here."

"No way," zha shoots back, zha’s voice rising with defiance. "I'm not just going to sit here while you—"

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