Zephyr: The Elemental Clans

123 - Irreplacable Times

Evelynn Zephyr - POV;

"We're continuing to scout every possible lead that can aid us in finding Blaze and the people they have captured. I'd like to say we're making good progress but I'm not sure how true that is," Zeliel muttered.

"I've been soliciting the aid of some trusted employees an I've been exploiting some of the resources of Mendax Company myself in order to close in on them myself. I've forwarded all that I can to you all but we're still a ways from pinpointing them," Nero grunted.

"Even so, the information you've given us has been critical. It's gotten us so much closer to finding Blaze so don't underestimate your impact Nero," Dagan added.

"Yeah for sure!" I chimed in, "With all of us so busy and focused on our practice and planning for the tournament itself, we wouldn't be anywhere close to beginning our search for our friends if you all weren't helping. Nero, Zeliel, Emiko.... the you all are irreplaceable allies!"

"Even so, our circle is still extremely small. We could use the aid of more influential and powerful people," Emiko mentioned.

"There was one point where Regulus Astra offered his assistance but I turned him down. I'm not sure if it still stands," Dagan thought aloud.

"Maybe we could have Xyder ask him?" I suggested.

"It won't happen," Storm intervened, "I ran into Xyder before dawn. He was leaving to meet up with Lord Grisha. He said that he knew we were all meeting today and that it might be important to know that he spoke to Lord Astra regarding the whole incident with Blaze and they both felt that Lord Astra should stay out of it."

"Damn it! We should have accepted his help earlier!" I cursed under my breath.

"Actually, he had a message for you too Evelynn. He says he wants to see you in person tonight," Storm added.

"Tonight? Gasp! Don't tell me wants to- His own sister! No Xyder, that's too far! Such a scandal!" I squealed, feigning that I was feeling faint.

"Evie, please. There's a time and place. Not now," Satella scolded me seriously.

"Aww, I was just trying to light up the mood. It's so gloomy in here. Can't a girl have any fun?" I murmered sadly.

"We should split for now. Sorine, Celes and the others are all in the midst of preparing for the coming battles and Evelynn, Satella, Storm and I should join them soon," Dagan sighed.

"The two of us will head back out to search for any clues. If only Jaya were here she'd use her tech to grab them in a second.... Those bastards will pay for touching our sisters!" Zeliel hissed.

"I'll call around to all of my benefactors and see if I can make progress on my end," Nero informed us, "You will have vengeance, all of you. I promise I'll see to it that your family and friends are returned to you!"

****

"Xy, you wanted to see me?" I questioned as I approached my younger brother on the rooftop. He stood at the edge, looking off at the brilliantly lit city sprawled out before him as the bulbous full moon peeked it's head over the concrete jungle.

"Xy? What's the matter? Is something wrong?" I called out again as I found myself beside him.

"It's serious. I need to know how long you and Dagan have been banging," he stated in a monotone.

"I'm leaving," I said angrily as I began to storm off.

"Hey, I'm kidding! Come on Evie," he laughed, grabbing my arm and turning back to look at me, "Though... are you two-"