Element

✭ Chapter 27

Clothing items... Hmm. What to get, what to get. I'm walking down the aisle of AllClothes in Central City, since in two days I have to give a clothing item to Zaiden. This secret giver stuff is awesome, but I'm spending a lot of my money on it. Oh well, it's for a nice cause. Since the weather has been so bitterly cold this season, I wander towards the winter stock. Ugh. Everything here is so overpriced currently, and since people need this stuff, they can get away with selling it at ridiculous prices. I hunt and pick through the extensive racks in the men's XS section, finally coming across a jacket. It's like a rain jacket but in the style of a hoodie, with fuzzy insides. Quirky, and it fits Zaiden's personality. It's also one of the cheapest items I've looked at. I smile, pleased I finally found something. I look further, but don't find anything that strikes me, so I pay for the jacket and head out.

It's another overcast day. As I stroll through the quaint neighborhood shops, I peek in all the store windows. Suddenly, a face in a window catches my eye. Could it be? Mom! I run inside, the bell on the door jingling. Spotting her over by a section of green yarn (I must be in a craft store) I race to her, and tackle her in a hug.

"Mom!"

She looks shocked, but then realizes it's me. "Ramaya! Oh sweetie! How are you?"

"Great! Great! I'm fine. How about you?" I say, beaming.

"Oh, well I'm great too!" She says chuckling. "How about this weather, huh? Have you and Parisa been warm enough? You packed plenty of warm clothes, right?"

"Oh, yeah, we've been fine..." I trail off, thinking about what I should say about Parisa to Mom. I know she'll ask.

"How's Parisa? Is she loving her first year?"

There it is. I hesitate before answering. "Yeah. She... Really likes it. She made some new friends. But, Mom... She's changed a bit. She's hanging out with a different crowd than I expected her to."

Mom's face frowns. "Well what do you mean, honey? Is she having fun and being nice to everyone? Because that's all that matters."

I decide to put the past behind us. "Yeah. Yeah, she is."

"Alright, that's all I needed to hear." She says smiling. I smile too.

"So, what classes do you have this year?" She asks excitedly.

"Mom, I have all the same classes except they're a year more advanced now."

She smiles. "Ok, yes, I remember. But... Anything else?"

"Well, uh, Battle Team." I say.

Her smile fades. "Oh honey, I'm not sure that's a good idea. You're only a fourth-year, and a lot of people get hurt, and-"

"My flying teacher recommended me to try out. I'll be alright. Plus, tryouts are in six days. I haven't even officially joined yet." I say gently, trying to assure her I'll be okay.

"Alright honey." She replies with a tired look on her face. "Just promise me you'll be careful, okay?"

"I'll be alright. I promise Mom." I smile at her. "Plus, General Forge made safety improvements. It's almost impossible to get hurt, or hurt someone."

She raises an eyebrow skeptically. "A General is involved in Battle Team? Shouldn't the military be their top priority?"

"Why? We aren't in a war. Are we?" I ask, my eyebrows furrowing. L

She purses her lips and her eyes dart around. "No I guess we're not."

We stand there for a few seconds. "Listen, hon, I have to go. Promise me you'll stay safe."