Chaos of Elements

Little Discoveries pt.2

When the two wolves returned, Yuna had awakened. Aqua placed the large leaf filled with water on the ground in front of her and she drank every last drop. "How are you feeling?" asked Aqua. "I'm alright. I think I can walk now," replied Yuna, taking a breath and successfully standing up. However, she immediately sat down. Her body felt too weak to hold herself up. She sighed sadly, knowing she couldn't pursue the journey in her state. "You're still too weak to even get up, Yuna," said Sparrow, his ear twitched, concerned about her health.

Yuna thoughts were running nonstop, feeling overwhelmed until they were interrupted. " I'll give you a lift, if you want", Shadow offered. Sparrow almost opened his mouth in shock, knowing that Shadow never asked or offered to help to anyone, nor she wolves, except him, his "brother". "Are you sure? I mean, I could just rest for a bit before continuing " , she suggested. His dull gaze just stared at her. He kept his silence and right away scooped her up on his strong back.

Yuna was shocked and stood silent, as words couldn't come out of her mouth. Before they set off to continue the journey, Sparrow interjected, "Before we set off, there's something we wanted to tell you guys. When me and aqua went to search for water, she discovered an entrance to a cave. She scouted further ahead and found something extraordinary."

"Oh yes, you guys won't believe what I saw. There were trees with green leaves and a small waterfall that created a stream. There was also a small flying creature and a patch of white buds. In the distance, it appeared to be a green forest. However, the surrounding area was dry, and the trees were brittle," Aqua informed them. "Patch of white buds. Why does it sound so familiar?" Sparrow's thoughts whispered. His ears twitched. "A forest with healthy trees? Aqua, you must be dreaming. I think you need to open your eyes and wake up," Shadow replied dismissively.

"It's true! You have to believe me!" she insisted. "No one has seen a forest like that in a long time. Dream all you want, but can't you see the state of the environment? It's impossible," he said in a hopeless tone. "Guys, please calm down. Let's focus on what we need to do. Aqua, show me where you saw this forest," Yuna interjected. Aqua nodded and stuck her tongue out at Shadow, causing Sparrow to chuckle and Yuna to do the same. Shadow simply rolled his eyes. When they arrived, Shadow couldn't believe his eyes.

Standing at a distance, they gazed upon the vast forest ahead of them. "Maybe there's food for all of us there. We should explore and see if there are any packs are around," Sparrow suggested. They slowly descended down some boulders and rocks, and kept a watchful eye out for any lurking creatures. Though not dangerous, the creatures they spotted were far from appealing. As they walked, Sparrow couldn't help but be concerned about something. "Aqua, how's your paw feeling?" he asked, as he saw her limping from time to time. "I'm fine, I can handle it," she reassured him. She continued walking, but with each step she took, it continued to sting. " Are you sure you don't need any help?" Sparrow persisted in a calm tone.

"I'm sure. You've helped me enough already by saving my life, so, I owe you," she replied, defeating him. "By the way, I wanted to ask you something," she continued, catching Sparrow's attention. "I'm listening," he said, curious about her inquiry. Aqua tilted her head as she curiously questioned him, "Do you know what this creature is? It has such beautiful patterns on its wings." Sparrow looked up, reminiscing, "When I was young, I used to call them flying flowers, but my friend always corrected me and said they were butterflies."

Aqua smiled, enchanted by the name, "Butterflies. That sounds lovely. What about your friend? Have you seen her lately?" Sparrow's expression turned wistful as he shook his head, "I lost contact with her a long time ago. I haven't seen her in years." Shadow, overhearing the conversation, added, "You still hold onto her memory, don't you?" Sparrow nodded, his ear twitched. "Why would I forget her? She was like a sister to me. I hope she's safe wherever she is."

Yuna remarked, "It seems like your bond was strong. Maybe one day you'll reunite." Sparrow had a glint of hope in eyes. Aqua, with a comforting smile, added, "I hope you two can meet again if fate allows." Touched by their words, he felt a warmth in his heart. A silent promise echoed in his mind, "Alive or gone, near or far, you'll always be etched in my memories."