Windborough Venturers Volume 1 Astral-Touched

Sketch 15 Departure

Vyse's POV

"Why is it that you have decided to talk to me so early in the morning," Lucius asked me. "You should be resting as well."

That morning, while Sora and Arista are still getting their rest, I took this opportunity to talk to Lucius. He was almost fully healed but I feel like I can finally say what I wanted to say to him. Still holding a sleeping Kyu-Kyun in my arms, I gave him a serious look and calmly announced, "I'm going with the girls, Lucius. After what had transpired, I now know that my destiny is somewhere out there.

"Being Astral-Touched is a bit unexpected for me, sure, but it's a path that I decided to tread upon."

Lucius went quiet and thought long and hard for a moment. I had a feeling that he'd still say no but something else happened. He gave me an understanding smile and nodded in agreement. "I suppose I can give the title of chief to someone else. If going out and exploring Windborough is your path, then I won't stop you..

"Besides, I think Amaya would agree with you if I ever said otherwise, especially with the mark on your hand. I'm quite proud of you, Vyse."

"Thank you." I said. I suddenly noticed Kyu-Kyun finally waking up and smiled. "What's up, little one? Did you have a good sleep?"

Kyu-Kyun nodded. "Kyu! Kyu!" She reached out to cuddle me so I brought her in for a hug. She felt so soft and fluffy, like a cloud.

"You're so cute," I cooed, making Kyu-Kyun giggle.

Lucius cleared his throat to get my attention. "Vyse, there has been a rumor spreading around the village that I believe our guests would be interested in. Apparently there is an emerald with what seems to be the sign of the Gemini being shipped off by a merchant ship."

"Is that so? Where?"

****

Sora's POV

"Come on, Arista! It's time we got going!" I shouted with joy.

"Hey, wait a minute!" Arista interjected, grabbing my shoulder to stop me.

"W what? What is it! We have an ADVENTURE to go on."

"Let me talk, okay," Arista sighed. "L look I... I'm sorry for what I said when we got here. It was.. pretty rude of me. I guess...I gotta learn to give my teammates respect huh?"

"Arista..." I mumbled. This is new to me. She's definitely apologizing. That's..so sweet of her! "Oh my Avatar. Of course I forgive you! I really should try to make more serious decisions huh? Anyway, come on! Let's get going!"

"Aren't you forgetting something?" We heard a voice say. We turned around to see Vyse arriving with Kyu-Kyun and the rest of Lycaon villagers. Kyu-Kyun flew over to me and I cuddled her before looking at Vyse with a smile.

"Hi, Vyse," I greeted. "Did you come here to thank us and see us off?"

"Well, you're half right," he answered. "We all did come to thank you. But..my people have come to see US off."

"What?"

Lucius walked up to us and explained, "Vyse has decided to join you on your journey. He believes that his path lies somewhere in the world and wants to travel alongside you."

Arista looked surprised. "You can't be serious. And you're okay with this?"

A smile formed on Lucius's muzzle. "Of course. I already asked another Lycaon, Fang, to be chief of our pack in Vyse's place. Also, there is something you two should know."

"Lucius told me that he heard a rumour that an emerald with the sign of Gemini is being transferred on a merchant's airship."

Arista and I gasped. That has to be the Gemini Gem!

"Where's it being transferred to?" Arista urged. "We have to know!"

"Apparently to a kingdom in Khapharaon. A desert country known for its lively cities. I believe it is called Embernite," Lucius answered. "Apparently, Khapharaon is mostly the home of the Leone race. They are very prideful and vicious however."

"Really," I prodded. "I've read that the Leone race are very cheerful and energetic."

"Not all of them, I'm afraid. Some are very skilled warriors and will not hesitate to fight for their territory."

"But that shouldn't be a problem," Vyse reassured us. "We can just tell them that we're tourists and they'll let us through. They're skillful entertainers and can make friendly and curious outsiders feel welcome."

"Okay.. That makes me feel better. Okay! That settles it then! We're off to Embernite!!!"

"Um.. you do realize that it's far off from where we are," Arista intervened. "It would take weeks to get there. And even then, we won't have enough to survive the desert."

I panicked a little. "Why do you have to say it like that!?"

"That's enough, you two," Vyse settled us. "Come on. You two are women so start acting like it."

"Okay.." I muttered.

"Tch! Whatever." Arista scoffed.

Vyse just chuckled.

****

Cassiopeia's POV

What a shame. Draco has failed again. But then again, he always was a bit of a show off. As I gazed at my reflection, I began to wonder if these Astral-Touched Warriors are tougher than what we originally thought. And to think that Arista would just turn resist my cunning lies. She really is the one who holds wisdom.

No matter. I have a new task at hand. From what my master had told me, the Leo Gem has still not chosen its owner and the Gemini Gem is taken to the kingdom of Embernite. Perhaps, I will take this opportunity to snag them both and then..I will go after the Aquarius, Virgo and Cancer Gems and deliver them all to my master.

****

???'s POV

This couldn't be anymore exciting! In the next few days, I will have the opportunity to attend the Radiance Festival, as a dancer, to honor my god, Aiden. I have been practicing the past month for this moment and I will spread my stories across the whole world of Windborough through my talented dancing!

It is finally done!! I am quite proud that I was able to finish this! I can't wait to see how Sora's adventure will continue! I have a feeling that it's one I will enjoy writing about and you will enjoy reading! Stay tuned for more because I love writing these stories and I plan to do more in the future.

Blackxinfinity