The Element Keepers

Chapter 5 Farewell

Seth and Eric packed their things to go to the nearest town, Gilia. Two days had passed since Eric woke up, and the both of them were completely healed. Though the unnatural healing was slightly unsettling, they had no reason to complain. They had no idea what they were going to do from now on, but they couldn't stay in the hollowed tree forever. They decided to travel to Gilia before discussing the matter further.

Seth hoisted his travel pack over his shoulder. "Are you ready to go?" He asked Eric, who nodded in response. The blonde opened a map they had of the world and studied it. "Gilia is a three day walk from here and we have to cut through this forest. We should make good time and be through it before nightfall." He folded the map and crawled out of the tree, his friend following behind him.

Seth looked up at the large tree and gently placed a hand on its trunk. It had sheltered them for four days and they would probably never see it again. He closed his eyes and let his childhood memories of the village, his parents, and this tree flow rapidly through his mind. A single tear escaped his eyes as he silently said a final farewell to Cerna. He wiped the tear away and turned to Eric who was watching him solemnly.

Eric actually didn't come from Cerna. He was discovered when they were about seven near a broken and looted cart. The villagers that came across him said it was most likely bandits. The only reason the boy wasn't killed with the rest of the people on the cart was because he was hidden under a tarp away from the belongings. The villagers wouldn't have even noticed him if they didn't hear his sobs over the pouring rain.

After much debate with the other villagers, Seth's father decided to take the boy in as his own. At first, the red haired boy wouldn't talk to anyone, not even to say his name. However, Seth eventually broke Eric out of his shell. He had always wanted a brother and his friendly demeanor slowly opened Eric up. Even though he lived in Cerna for 10 years before going with Seth to train in the mountains, he didn't form any bonds with anyone in the village other than the blonde and his family.

Though Eric didn't have as much of a connection with the village, Seth knew he was in just as much mourning as he was in. He smiled sadly at his friend and stepped away from the tree. "Well, let's go."

The two of them walked in silence, neither knowing what to say. The forest was unusually quite as though to pay its respect to the fallen town and its people. All that could be heard was their footsteps crunching against the twigs and fallen leaves.

Seth looked up, sensing something that was almost like a call. Though it wasn't audible, the call echoed in his mind softly. Without a word, he changed the direction he was walking. He was being drawn by this feeling that resonated through him. He didn't look to see if Eric was following him, somehow knowing that he had the same feeling.

A warm light appeared at what looked like the edge of the forest. As they stepped into the light, a small clearing came into view. A stone wall stood across from them in the clearing with a large fountain in the center of it. Vines delicately laced up the stone wall. The forest ground became stone flooring the closer they got to the fountain. It had a mystical aura as though it were an important place. They had never heard of or seen this place before despite visiting and playing the forest many times as children.

"It looks like your powers have finally awakened," said a soft and gentle voice. Seth looked toward the fountain where a beautiful young woman stood beside it. A strange sense of familiarity washed over the blonde teen as he looked into the woman's unique eyes. One was red that blended into a yellow at the bottom, while the other was purple that faded into blue. Her glossy white hair tumbled down her shoulders along the back of her elegant white dress. She held a staff with a large orb on the top.

The woman smiled kindly at the two boys. "You probably have many questions. Let me begin by introducing myself." She took a step forward, a powerful yet gentle aura radiating off of her. "I am Chiyo, the Guardian of the Elements."