Small World (Slugterra Fanfiction)

Chapter 3: Reunited

With the Shane Gang and newcomer finally came back home, they all dismounted and walked inside.
"I still can't believe you managed to give Prisma wings! That's incredible!" Trixie exclaimed once inside.
"Yeah, quite the achievement." Eli also praised with a smile, causing her to subtly blush.
"Thanks, guys."
"Mind if we see who's behind the brilliance?" Junjie inquired with a smile as well. The newcomer released a deep sigh, but slowly took off the mask which covered most of her face. The second more of her was revealed, Eli couldn't believe his eyes. Noticing his jaw having dropped with eyes staring, Kord chuckled and smirked while playfully nudging Eli.
"Wow, must be pretty gorgeous to have stunned the great Eli Shane, huh?" Trixie teased him as well, soon laughing softly along with Kord.
"Guys..." the girl blushed while looking down, "You're all so nice."
"Well of course! Why wouldn't we be?" Pronto asked with a big smile. She glanced back up, still seeing Eli speechless. He couldn't believe it was her. Eli never thought he'd see her again, let alone look so pretty.
"Long time no see, Eli." She worked up the courage to look him in the eyes.
"Texas? Is it really you?" He stepped forward out of shock.
"You know I hate it when you call me that!" She suddenly rose her voice, but only somewhat out of anger.
"It really is you!" Eli became exceedingly ecstatic, "Only one girl in the whole world I know reacts the way you did when I call her that." The girl soon sighed as she looked down, letting Trixie speak up,
"Um, what just happened?"
"Guys, meet my childhood friend. Dexas-Taryn. But I like to call her Texas to get under her skin." He smirked while vigorously rubbing her head out of play. Dexas began laughing as she struggled to get him to stop,
"Ok ok, you got me. I admit, you've certainly grown up. Somewhat," She smiled softly, until a frown grew on her face instead, "I've missed you, Eli." She suddenly hugged him tightly, feeling the touch of his arms wrapping around her in return.
"I've missed you too. I..I'm sorry I left so suddenly. But, Burpy lead me here when my dad was in trouble. And when I was old enough."
"Burpy?" She pulled back in question, and noticed a fire-type slug hop onto Eli's shoulder. Dexas gasped with fear screaming across her face, her body taking big steps back. She knew exactly what kind of element Burpy is.
"Get him away from me..."
"Dexas? What's wrong?" Kord asked the question on everyone's mind.
"Fire is what caused my left eye to go blind..." She worriedly stared at Burpy, as shock and silence filled the room for a moment.
"I'm so sorry, he didn't mean to scare you. Also, I thought the eyepatch was just part of your look..." Eli thought aloud as she slowly shook her head back and forth, her right eye wide with fright. He then glanced at Burpy with sorrow,
"I guess it's best to keep your distance, Burpy. Just for the time being, ok buddy?" His little friend nodded before hopping off and onto a nearby table. Dexas breathed a sigh of relief,
"I'm sorry about that guys. It's just...second nature to flinch at the sight of anything fire anymore." Dexas lowered her head, seeming to only close one eye. Eli stepped forward, taking her hands in his.
"Don't apologize, you can't help it." He smiled somewhat with sympathy, noticing her eye seemingly smile at him in return.
"Uh, question. What's a Texas?" Voiced Pronto with confusion, watching Eli and Dexas laugh quietly together in response.