The Life I Gained From Dying

Chapter 54 - Taking Lead

"I can't believe we're actually doing this." Via said, holding in her excitement. "A cross continent journey, and to Ventus of all places."

"Do you have any connections on the air continent who may help us?" Jayson asked.

"Via was actually born here on the water continent." Aaron answered.

"Yeah, and my mom only ever told me so much about what it's like there. Of course, I did some of my own research as well, but I didn't find out much about Ventus."

"Anything worth noting?" Jayson asked.

"There are twelve factions in the country, and every year, a new faction rotates into the role of leading the country."

"That sounds... interesting, to say the least." Mai commented.

"I think that 'Tuzi' guy is the leader of the faction in control right now." Via stated.

"That would make sense." Replied Jayson. "So what about you, Aaron? Were you also born here on the water continent?"

"Me? Oh no, my story is very... complicated."

"He's like me." Kaden interjected. "We're not from this realm. Different circumstances, but here we are."

Via gazed over to Aaron, who was attempting to hide a melancholic look underneath a fake smile.

"Yhup, I haven't been... in this world for long." Aaron stated.

"So does that mean you can use all four elemental essences like Kaden can?" Jayson questioned.

"Not quite. I can only use wind essence. Like he said, it's different circumstances on how we got here, and that's also the reason why our abilities are different."

Huuuu!!!

"What was that?" Mai questioned as a strange noise was heard from further up the path.

Huuu! Aghhh!

Via ran just a few steps ahead to hear the noise more clearly.

"Careful Via." Mai whispered. "There are many dangerous creatures in this forest."

"I know." Via replied. "But that doesn't sound like one. That sounds like whimpering to me."

Without hesitating, Via jumped into the air and flew ahead of everyone to investigate the sound.

"Via!"

"Aaron, follow her." Jayson ordered.

"On it." Aaron replied as he took off.

"If she's going to move hastily, just make sure she isn't moving alone."

"We should try to catch up to them." Mai suggested.

"No, I think we have our own problem right now." Jayson said as he observed the area around them.

"What do you mean?" Kaden asked.

"... We're being stalked."

.....

"Via, wait up!" Aaron exclaimed as he caught up to her. "We're not traveling on our own. You've gotta -"

"Shhhh."

Huuuu!!

"What is that?" Aaron whispered as he and Via hid behind a bush.

"Look."

Aaron peaked through the bushes to find a large grizzly bear agonizing in pain against a rock. On its stomach were three large slash marks, actively leaking blood.