Guardian of Vulnerable Flames

Chapter 15

As Blaze and Furie entered Ash's healing room, they were met with a sight that filled them with relief and joy. Ash, who had been recently healed, looked like himself again – full of energy and sporting the charming, flirting smile that had become characteristic of him. His eyes sparkled with vitality and flames, and the pallor that had lingered during his recovery had been replaced by a healthy glow. Without skipping a beat, Ash wasted no time bombarding his friends with questions. His curiosity was palpable, and his enthusiasm for the details of the previous day's fight was infectious. "Hey, you! What in the realms happened? I've been stuck in this healing room with Rain and Zephyr, and I need to know everything!" The two Guardians smiled at Ash. They were not with him when the fight started, but Blaze was with Ash. She would be the one who could fill him in.

Blaze chuckled, finding Ash's eagerness endearing. "Well, you see, you and I were hanging out in the volcano before..." Blaze began to recount the events leading up to the encounter with the shadow creatures, describing the intensity of the battle and the challenges they faced. Ash was the one who sent quick messages to all their friends and Queen's advisor, in order to get help. After fighting with all their power, Ash and Blaze were both relieved when Zephyr came through a portal and came to help them fight the eight creatures that surrounded them. Unfortunately, Ash got thrown against the wall of the cave by a shadow creature and ended up unconscious. Ash's eyes widened in fascination, and he listened intently, occasionally interjecting with playful comments or teasing remarks.

As Blaze continued her narrative, Furie couldn't help but appreciate the familiar banter and camaraderie that defined their friendship. Ash's presence, brimming with life and vigor, reassured them that their companion was truly back. The healing process had done wonders, and Ash's inquisitive nature, along with his flirtatious smile, was a welcome sight for his friends. The room buzzed with the energy of their shared stories, laughter, and the reunion of friends who had faced adversity together.

As an Air healer arrived in the late afternoon to check on Ash, the anticipation in the healing room was palpable. The group of Guardians—Zephyr, Rain, Blaze, Ash, and Furie—had spent the afternoon chatting, reminiscing, and sharing laughter as they eagerly awaited Ash's release. The prospect of leaving the healer center and returning to their usual routine brought a collective sense of joy. The healer, after a thorough examination, delivered the news everyone had been waiting for. "Ash, you're free to go. The healing process was a success." The room erupted in cheers and applause as Ash grinned, expressing his gratitude to the healer.

Excitement filled the air as the group made their way out of the healing center. The prospect of walking Ash back to his place was a celebration in itself. However, just as they stepped out into the fresh air, Furie's attention was diverted by a telepathic message from Leaf who was on his way to the healing center. "Wait, everyone," Furie called out, raising her hand to pause the jubilant procession. "Leaf is on his way. We should wait for him here." Confused glances were exchanged among the Guardians. Rain voiced the unspoken question, "How do you know he's going to be here soon? I didn't see you open one of his spheres." Furie shared a shy smile and tried to explain, "Umm...he just told me." The revelation was met with surprise, and the group looked at Furie with a mix of curiosity and intrigue. Rain's eyebrows raised inquisitively as he sought an explanation. "I didn't need to open one of his message spheres. We have a special connection," Furie elaborated, her eyes reflecting the unspoken bond she shared with Leaf. The Guardians looked at her puzzled since it was the first time they heard about Guardians having a telepathic connection.

As Leaf stepped into the circle of friends, he offered a casual salute, unaware of the peculiar atmosphere that hung in the air. His friends, still recovering from the revelation Furie had shared, wore expressions of surprise and curiosity. Leaf, slightly puzzled, couldn't help but notice their shocked faces. "Why are you all looking at me like this?" Leaf inquired, his green eyes scanning the group for an explanation. Ash, ever the playful one, couldn't contain his grin as he replied, "Well, your girlfriend just told us that you talk to her in her head, so we're wondering if she's going crazy." Zephyr laughed, adding to the light-hearted banter, "Can you explain to us what she's talking about, Leaf?" The question lingered in the air, and Leaf found himself glancing at Furie for a moment, a silent inquiry etched in his expression. Furie, nonchalant, shrugged her shoulders. She did not know how to explain their link.

Leaf took a breath, realizing that Furie had spilled the beans about their telepathic link. He addressed the group, attempting to provide an explanation. "Well, you see," he began, pointing at the green medallion hanging around Furie's neck, "I created this necklace and gave it to her the first day we met. It was made with a piece of my magic and a leaf. And somehow, it allows Furie and me to telepathically communicate." He paused, aware of the raised eyebrows and exchanged glances among the group. "I'm not entirely sure how it works, but it's a unique connection we share. And, uh, I kind of like it," he admitted with a sheepish smile. The revelation was met with a mix of surprise, amusement, and acceptance.

Rain, always immersed in books and knowledge, turned to Zephyr with a perplexed expression. "I don't understand. I have never heard or read about this." His furrowed brow conveyed his genuine confusion, as he thought he had a comprehensive understanding of most Guardian secrets by now. For a moment, Rain appeared lost, grappling with the unexpected revelation. Zephyr, ever her calming presence, sensed Rain's unease. She gently placed one of her hands on his shoulder, offering reassurance. "It's fine, Rain. I'm sure you'll research and find some information about Guardians' telepathic links tomorrow." Furie observed the interaction with a soft smile, finding the dynamic between Rain and Zephyr endearing. As Zephyr's calming touch and words took effect, Rain visibly relaxed. The tension in his shoulders eased, and the confusion in his eyes gave way to a more contemplative expression. "You're right," Rain conceded, a newfound determination in his tone. "I'll go look for information tomorrow. There's probably a tome about telepathy in the Guardian library." The prospect of unraveling the mystery seemed to rejuvenate Rain's curiosity. Zephyr, continuing to exude a nurturing aura, softly smiled at him.

Zephyr's supportive presence not only calmed Rain but also fostered a sense of unity within the group. As they continued on their way to Ash's house now, the collective spirit of friendship and understanding prevailed. Blaze reminded everyone that now it was time to celebrate her and Furie's end of first training year. And Ash announced that they will all party at his place, then.