Claimed By Zodiacs

Chapter 17

#Sofia Skyloft#

Scorched Desert, city of Augus.

I stared at the man gaping at me. I said man when he's only a sliver of a man. Plucked too early out of adolescence. A victim of times.

As we all are.

The man was bravely staring back at me with his green eyes that glittered like gold. His hair a bright red, perhaps even brighter than Aria's. His skin was flushed, due to sun exposure I assume. Straight nose and regal face. He reminded me of the statues etched from marble. Feeling self conscious all of a sudden, I dropped my gaze to the man sprawled behind me. His skin was healing itself, thank the goddess for that. But it was slow, too slow for my liking. His hazel eyes stared at me in wonder, again. I met him before.

"Wildfire. What happened here?"

There was silence on his part. He was dumbstruck. It was almost comical to watch.

"The Phoenix," the green eyed redhead answered for him.

The Phoenix, as if hearing its name, swooped down so low the sands.

"Duck!" He shouted.

They didn't need to be told twice. They ducked, but even I knew that was futile.

We're about to get scorched, one way another.

Steeling my nerves, I summoned the hot air around us.

Closer now.

Staring at its flaming plumage, I sent a silent prayer to the gods. Raising my hands, I commanded.

Up.

The air responded to my call. They blew hard, the wind whipping around us. It was blowing upward. The Phoenix, despite being a mythical creature, was still a bird. It instinctively followed the wind currents, its wings gliding smoothly upward. It would be impossible for a bird to defy the winds. Even if you're the Phoenix. The creature circled away from them, probably finding a more suitable prey.

"We need to find a way to subdue it. I can delay it, but unfortunately that is not enough."

The winds stopped. When I glanced back, they were stupefied. Even Prince Summerfield, who was the swiftest of them all, blinked twice before speaking.

"Yes, we should. If only we could get a feather. Anything."

The redhead lifted a glowing feather. "Braeden was able to take one."

I looked down at Braeden. "Brilliant."

Is it just me or his eyes glinted in satisfaction.

"Is that..." Lillian trailed off, staring at the distance.

I squinted my eyes. Amidst the flames and smoke was Gabriel. He was flying in haste, with a passed out Cherwood in his arms. He was closer to us now, with the Phoenix following it close behind. A blood curdling shriek came out of its mouth.

By the love of Jove! He couldn't make it in time.

"Do something!" Lillian was shouting.

"I'm trying!" was his brother's reply.

Swallowing the dread stuck in my throat, I rallied the winds under my wings and flew. With these strong winds, I could make it in time.

No. I shall make it in time! There's no other way around it.

Zooming past the fires, I flew, my hands outstretched ready to pull them away.

"Gabriel!" I shouted.