The Dead Kingdom

9 - A New Friend

Ignius made her way toward the stage, the girl on the stage, Aspen, was confident, unlike her. She wanted to know why this girl was so fascinated about the book like her.

Meanwhile, Zenerius and Griffin helped each other find a place to sit, away from the crowded dance floor. Zenerius's mind was still running around with confusion about his growing feelings for Griffin. He couldn't risk loosing his friendship with Griffin.

"Hey, Zenny, you know Nathan's going to find the book, he's with Aspen right now." Griffin tried to comfort Zenerius.

"Huh? Oh Yeah, I know." Zenerius said trying not to stare at Griffin.

As the music continued to reverberate through the bar, Ignius approached the stage, catching Aspen's attention. Aspen smiled warmly, gesturing for Ignius to join her.

"I like your hair, what dye did you use?" Aspen asked, a weird but good way of making a new friend.

"Dye? No its natural, or my mom just dyed it when I was young," she replied, accepting Aspen's attempt. "I like yours too. I'm Ignius by the way."

"Aspen thanks you." Aspen replied, her voice was still amazing and almost seducing? "I'm guessing your here for the book? Unfortunately I'm busy until the end of the day, but, if you really require it, I'm sure you wouldn't mind sticking around." Aspen smirked.

Ignius walked away from the stage looking at her brother, she hated the fact that because of her, her brother was struggling to walk. She was being selfish, but when she found out the root of this elemental tragedy, she wouldn't ever have to worry again.

"Ok people! This one is dedicated to my ex in the audience and his girlfriend, Nathan and Ignius come on up here!" Aspen said holding onto her microphone.

Ignius raised her head at the sound of her name, her face started too turn red when she realized Aspen had misunderstood her and Nathaniel's relationship. She was about to correct her when, Nathaniel blocked her view with his hand forward, as if asking her to follow him on the stage.

Zenerius got up and 'accidentally' pushed her. Ignius flew but her hand caught on to Nathaniel's and he dragged her to the stage, and helped her climb on. He too climbed on, but with much easier as he was quite taller.

"Finally, here you guys go, just tell me when to start." Aspen said placing the microphone into Ignius's hand and her assistant placed a microphone in Nathaniel's.

Ignius hesitated for a moment but deep down, she knew it was an opportunity she couldn't pass up. She looked back at Zenerius, who offered her an encouraging smile from his spot with Griffin.

With newfound determination, Ignius took a deep breath and nodded.

"Go."

Aspen walked over to the guitar, while her assistant was on the piano. The music began, and Ignius found herself immersed in the rhythm, her voice blending seamlessly with Nathaniel's. The crowd responded enthusiastically, drawn to the synergy and energy radiating from the performers.

Meanwhile, Zenerius and Griffin watched from their seats, their eyes fixed on Ignius as she unleashed her musical talent. They couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and admiration for their friend.

Nathaniel too started to realize some of Ignius' more attractive features, as she started to sing at the top of her lungs but it was beautiful. Forgetting where he was Nathaniel started to fumble but managed to save his part, yet his voice was even better than Ignius', it was trained and he could hold such high notes, and go so low as well. The audience couldn't not be impressed.

When the song finsihed, the crowd erupted in applause, their cheers echoing throughout the bar. Ignius and Nathaniel exchanged a glance, a spark bloomed. They had just discovered a hidden talent within themselves, and the experience was exhilarating. Ignius quickly looked away flustered and walked over to Aspen.

"Hey, you made a mistake." Ignius said trying to correct her but Nathaniel completed her sentence for her.

"We are simply travel companions." He said gaining a serious tone.

"Oh I apologise, not really but, I guess I have too, you guys should stay for lunch!" Aspen tried to change the topic and it worked.

Ignius, still buzzing from the adrenaline rush, couldn't help but feel confident. The stage used to be scary and now it just was a place where she could let go of her doubts and fears.

Aspen led them to a small circular table and started bringing them plates, though it was quite a small establishment the food was delicious.

"That was incredible, Ignius! You've got some serious talent." Griffin said with his mouth full.

"Thanks." Ignius replied.

Nathaniel looked worried almost, he was staring out the window for a while.

Aspen's eyes flickered between Nathaniel's. His face of doubt and worry quickly changed to a cheerful smile when his eyes met with Aspens'.

Zenerius and Griffin hadn't stopped talking with each other after the performance. Their smiles reflecting a shared sentiment.

"I believe you're right, Aspen," Zenerius said, his voice filled with newfound determination. "We have a purpose, and we'll support each other on this journey."

Griffin nodded, his eyes meeting Zenerius's. "Together, we're stronger. We'll face whatever comes our way."

As the day continued, Ignius, Zenerius, Griffin were just sharing stories about theor previous home, the orphange. They realized that soon Cheryl would find out about their little adventure, but their adventure had a reason, and they were determined to unravel the mysteries that awaited them.

"To new friends." Aspen walked over to the table where the four of them were sitting.

"To fulfill are mission." Nathaniel completed.

"Oh I can't drink, I'm underage." Griffin said.

"Wait how old are you?" Aspen asked.

"17?"

"Same, you can drink this don't worry." Aspen said reassuringly.

Ignius watched as Nathaniel gulped the pint of beer down within a second. An alcoholic was not something she thought Nathaniel to be.

Little did they know, their encounter at the bar was just the beginning. Suddenly the door was punched open by a male.

Griffin stood up from the table. Aspen squeezed her glass so hard it cracked.

"Miss me? Babe?"