Arcane Order's Adopted Son

Chapter Twenty Eight: Take Flight

DOUXIE POV:
Unfortunately Phoenix's Ice Titan managed to move from Greenland to Canada. As soon as we hit the northern area, the Guardians of Arcadia, once again, did nothing but complain; this time of how cold it was. We all knew this would happen and preplanned by packing extra clothes and big coats that were fit for going to Antarctica. However it was hard to wear armor and a huge fluffy coat at the same time so those like Toby and Steve whined the whole way. Claire composed herself. Although she was freezing it looked, she curled up beside Jim and managed to warm herself up.

"How are you not cold?!" Steve shouted at all of us. "It's f-f-freezing out here."

He turned to Skrael who kept a straight face while he and Toby acted like they were dying. Everyone's cheeks were rather pink. Skrael, since he already looked pale enough was fine and simply pulled his hood over his head and gripped his staff.

"Can I tell you a secret?" he whispered to me.

"Sure."

He pulled a bottle with lightning in it. "I am cold." He held it close. "Feel."

I held the bottle in my hand. It was like lying near a warm fireplace. And it was indeed comfortable. I almost didn't want to give it back, but I had to. Skrael leaned on my shoulder.

"We'll get Phoenix back, I know it," I said.

"Will we? Or will we have to catch her in a bear trap, too?"

I was sure Skrael meant for that to be a joke, but I didn't find it funny.

"We won't. See, the problem with your Titan was you wouldn't stop teleporting and moving. I'm sure Phoenix's will be easier."

Skrael gave me a fake laugh. "Are you joking? You're going to need metal restraints to hold her Titan down, and not even that! Phoenix, out of all members of the Arcane Order, is the fastest and hardest to catch. You need to be prepared because when she gets in midair...she's going to do some damage."

I bit the inside of my mouth. Well, thanks a lot Skrael for telling us that information right before we were about to face her.

"I'm going to tell the others what you just told me," I said, standing up and walking over to Zoe.

"What's the matter?" she asked.

"Do you remember how we thought this was going to be the easiest task?"

"Yes..."

"Phoenix is the fastest and hardest to catch."

"Oh, you've got to be kidding me," Zoe whisper-shouted.

"I'm not joking! Skrael just told me."

"What are we going to do? Tell Jim?"

"Of course we are. We're definitely going to have to rethink our plan."

"What'cha talking about?" Skrael asked, teleporting in front of us.

"Hey!" I said. "No snow-traveling. You know how it affects you."

"Yes, yes, yes, the frost and all that. It could kill me."

"It could," I reminded him sternly.

"But not only have I managed it for a lot longer than you've been alive, I've also found ways to keep it at bay especially when I snow travel."

"You sure?"

"Of course I'm sure. I wouldn't lie about my health especially when you just saved my life a few days ago."

"He did, didn't he?" Zoe said, kissing me.

"Alright, love birds..." Skrael said. "You two can finally go all out on each other once we get Phoenix back."

"Uh, Skrael, what's your plan for Phoenix?"