HYBRID (Now a draft)

Fourteen

The sky was a clear, bright blue. The trees were a even brighter shade of blue. Many fish-like creatures swam inside. Sometimes when he went too close, the fish will camouflage itself by turning invisible. It was like walking in a gigantic aquarium with the tanks all molded into various bizarre shapes.

Ted's skin was somewhat equal to the trees. If he focused on Ted's finger, he could see the veins. The veins on his face were less visible. Scotch's skin had a deeper bluish hue.

  Max and Ted talked along the way.  

Apparently, Ted was a big fan of Max's musical pieces. He was a painter when they weren't training, and his music gave him inspiration. The Iridescent Minnow was a tribute he made for that very piece. Max thanked him. He smiled a small smile.

" Master Max, I ought to call you that, eq?" Ted chuckled. " Why did you stop playing? You disappeared, and here you are. This is incredible!"

Max's head drooped. Twyla patted his back. " What happened?"

" My Aunt. Aunt Pearl was what happened. I...." He stuttered.

" Go on. Tell us." Twyla and Ted looked at him eagerly. A strange purple bird flew overhead and squawked. The sun was in the middle of the sky. 

He sucked in some air. " I was good in school. The teachers saw my talent. I was trained. I entered contests. I aced pretty much most of them." " The teachers appreciated my talents so, I gained many sponsers. I was on the internet!" His eyes shone. " I had many fans. Before my first tour began, Aunt Pearl could not take it anymore. She said I shouldn't act this way. Said I was a spoiled child to waste her money on useless instruments. My aunt did not like all that attention I was getting, she said I had deprived her of her privacy. She decided my career as a musician will be over. That horrible night, she threw my violin into the fireplace. After that, we've laid low ever since. I tried my best to maintain a low profile as Aunt Pearl had taught me. I did not understand her anger. We moved a lot. We moved one last time to Lazuli Falls. No Internet. No fans. No more glorious violins. Nothing. A brand new start, I guess." 

Max sighed. He missed his violin.

Silence followed. Only the slight thumping of footfalls could be heard.

Twyla and Ted patted Max. Blue Jay did so,too. And so did Scotch.

************

The fire sizzled. It hissed as Max prepared the stew and a drop of water dripped in the fire. 

He had volunteered to do the cooking. A delicious aroma wafted around the camp. He had asked for his backpack. Inside were bottles of seasonings he had made himself. Also plenty of rocks and leaves. The pebble he gave back to Twyla. The vial and note he hid in a secret compartment.

The strange meat and vegetable brew bubbled. Its rich scent made his own mouth water. He had done all the cooking back at home to take his mind off his violin. It had worked. Most of the time. He scooped the contents into the bowls Jay gave him. 

After he scooped his own serving, he joined the circle around the fire. It was a beautiful sight. The tongues of flame licking greedily upward, its hues shifting from red to orange to gold. It cast eerie shadows that danced on everyone's faces. He sipped his stew. Not bad. The moon hung in the night sky. Billions of stars brightened the dark.

Twyla laughed. " My compliments to the chef!" She raised her bowl. The others raised theirs as well, so did Evellyn. Even she had to admit this was excellent cooking.

Scotch and Twyla laughed and sung. The others cheered along. Jay told a spooky tale that made Twyla giggle out loud. Ted turned a pale blue and fell backward into a spongy bush that collapsed into a giant gooey mess that made Twyla laugh harder.

When Evellyn cleared her throat. Everyone became quiet. She stood up, tall and regal. She held her chin high and began." I thank you on our behalf,Max, for your wonderfully brewed stew. I believe we've all enjoyed your company, and it would be most sad to endure your departure."

Max watched as the others eyes widened like his.

" Departure?"

" Yes, departure to fullfill the request of Master LingFu. Had he not asked for your share of help and guidance? He had said that you will become use to me after you've received some training. However, you are clearly inexperienced, which proves to me as unfortunate . I have by no means the experience to teach such a youth as you, for I myself am still learning.  I have welcomed you to my team, no more. If you wish to fully join my team, you will have to prove yourself before I even consider it."

" But , you welcomed me..."

" That is what I have and only did. I mean what I say. I do not know what connection you have with Master LingFu or if he had lost his mind, but I will not just let anyone wander in my elite team.I welcomed you for reasons which I dare not disrespect the Master, for he holds deep wisdom inside. You on the other hand, I dare say I have seen nothing to my likeness yet. Still, I will complete Master LingFu's request. You will be sent to the temples to train under his name. He was the one who recommended you, not I. We will arrive in two day's time. Be ready. Do not dishonor the master."

And with that, Evellyn retreated into her tent.

The camp was once again silent, save the crackles of the flame.

Without warning, Twyla gave Max a punch on the shoulder. " Welcome to the team!"

Max groaned but managed a smile. "Hooray." he said weakly.