Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Soraya stood beneath the shower head, her mind racing as quickly as the hot water sliding down the drain by her feet.
Tomorrow we're infiltrating Golaytia.
Grime, dried blood, dirt and sweat cascaded down her arms and legs, leaving her skin looking fair and clear.
Zodia Equestria has to help us contact the Angels and Gods. If she can't, then we're finished.
The young woman washed her long hair, scrubbing her scalp with strawberry scented shampoo.
I can't remember the last time I felt this clean...
Soraya stood still for a few seconds, enjoying the soft pitter-patter of soothing droplets hitting her head and shoulders.
Gods, can't you cleanse Etheria of all Demons and return it to the way it's supposed to be?
A dull ache sprang from her arm and grew, creeping its way up to her shoulder, left leg and neck.
"If the Gods do that, you'll be cast out of Etheria too."
Soraya shook her arm as if a wasp had landed on her. "Get out of my head!"
The inner voice went silent.
"I should probably talk to my friends about this," Soraya murmured to herself. "But they might think I'm going crazy."
A loud knock upon the bathroom door started her.
"I have clothes for you," Jacquelle's muffled voice called from the other room. "Mind if I leave them in there?"
"You can come in," Soraya replied. "The shower curtain is closed."
The door slowly squeaked open. "There's a few places in town that have large immigrant communities and vendors," Jacquelle explained while moving towards the sink. "Zaruna, Ujuu, and Valor went out to buy Golaytian clothing early this morning. These should fit you."
"Thanks," Soraya said, poking her face out from behind the curtain. She spotted her friend placing folded clothes on the edge of the marble countertop. The black pants, shirt, and brown hooded jacket matched what Jacquelle was wearing.
"I'm so glad you're all back," the blond stated, her gaze meeting Soraya's through the mirror's reflection. "I really missed you."
"I missed you too," Soraya smiled. "We all did. And that Golaytian outfit looks good on you."
Jacquelle twirled, so the bottom of her tan coat spun with her, then paused to pose. "Yeah, it compliments my hair and eyes."
She has Akoni, Krista, and her Dad back in her life. It's good to see her regaining confidence.
The young woman suppressed her feelings by switching topics. "Hey, are you absolutely sure the spirits of the awakened Zodia statues are no longer here in Etheria?"
