Zephyr: The Elemental Clans

36 - Sorine Confides

Xyder Zephyr - POV;

"What do you mean no?!" Cheryl shouted.

"Lady Catherine called ahead to tell me that you kids were on some sort of strengthening journey so under no circumstances should i just give you a car or a driver," Mayor Mayer explained.

"Damn it! Catherine was a few steps ahead of us!" I exclaimed.

"Anyway Xyder, why exactly are you soaking wet?" the Mayor inquired as he eyed my clothing.

"Ugh. That's a long story....."

After reuniting with Dagan and the others, we had paid the good Mayor a visit in order to acquire a quick direct transport to our destination but as ot turns out, Catherine had expected us to try to cheat the system she put in place. We left the Estates a bit dejected and low in spirits after the epic denial we had faced. It seemed that we had to take the hard route to get there just as Catherine had wished.

After a continuous seven hours of walking, Evelynn had finally said, "Alright everyone, it's almost sundown. We should begin to prepare to set up camp. If this map is right, there should be a small forest a short distance to the West with a river nearby. We should head there for the night."

Just as she had said, we found a beautiful clearing within a small ring of varied trees through which the cool stream flowed. By the time the first few stars had begun to shine, we were already fully set at our temporary base.

"This is a nice change of pace honestly," Alva remarked, "This is much more relaxing and freeing compared to the feeling I get when we're cooped up that concrete jungle of Zephyr."

"The air here is alot cleaner and purer that that in Zephyr City. There is so much pollution and contamination there," Celes added.

"The waters as well are far more appealing," Rydia chimed in.

"The city is often so humid and hot as well. Here, there is a fresh, cool nature that can't really be compared to anything else," Winter remarked.

"I would rather be at home in my room though," Disas sighed.

"To play with that new toy Xyder bought you I'm sure," Cheryl scoffed in my direction with folded arms. Oh god. She wasn't going to let this go was she?

"Anyway, you guys go and get all the food stuff from the bags will you?" Evie changed the topic. Thank. You.

"Why do we have to do it? We set up all the tents practically by ourselves!" Storm complained.

"Oh? Then maybe I should get it myself so that we girls can cook for ourselves while the three of you sit around starving," Evie growled.

"We'llbe back with it in a second," Storm conceded as he ran off dragging Dagan and me behind.

* * * *

With the early start we had hoped for in the morning, everyone turned in early but try as I might, I could not fall asleep. Confirming that the guys were snoring soundly in our tent, I quietly crept outside into the night air. The quiet sound of the crickets were suddenly interrupted by a curious yet beautiful tune.

"Hmm, hmm, hmm, hmmmmm."

A gentle humming accompanied by a warm glow emanated from deep within the woods and it drew me closer subconsciously. I stepped towards it cautiously, being careful to avoid making even the slightest sound. Peering around the corner of a large boulder, I noticed a peculiar sight.

There sat the figure of a girl playing with a ball of what seemed to be pure light in the palm of her hands. I quickly recognised the fair slender body and striking yellow hair which I could spot from anywhere.