The Curse Since Birth

Mother Tree

Once everyone was fully recovered and full energised, they worked together to find an alternative to get to the other side.

It just so happened that Solar's cave wasn't as dangerous as Thunder's, and it didn't contain a magic-forbidden area. Ice shot a magic arrow in the cave to confirm it.

" So it is safe. What a relief, " he commented, commanding his magic bow to evaporate. Blaze pat his shoulder and smiled with him.

" Excellent. Let's depart now, " Solar commented. Everyone agreed, and so they packed their things up for the long journey ahead.

They walked to the entrance of the cave. " After you, leader, " Cyclone said, moving aside to make way for Thunder.

Thunder glanced between him and the cave once. He sighed with his mouth closed, and drew his sword. Without a word, he entered the cave.

Some of his comrades drew their weapons as well, and followed their leader in. They walked slowly and cautiously further in the cave. For now, they had their swords down.

" This place feels so empty. I can feel the dead rock in here, " Quake commented, his voice echoing.

" Yes, I can also feel many withering flora in here too, " Leaf said, noticing a dead lily at the foot of his being. He frowned a little in sadness at the sight.
" Unfortunately, it is too risky to cast any magic on anything in this forest. Animate or inanimate, " Fang said. Thunder nodded at his comment.

" Why's that? " Ying asked, her hand holding onto Yaya's tightly.

" Many might get ahold on magic essence and use it for evil. That is why it is so risky, " Thunder replied, his head never turning back.

" In conclusion: we mustn't use our magic unless it is totally necessary, " Cyclone said, walking beside Thunder. Thunder took his eyes off the path ahead for once and looked at Cyclone. He nodded to him. Cyclone smiled back.

The little conversation ended there and they all focused on getting out of the cave safely. After a few minutes, they see light emitting not far from them.

" We see the exit! " said the twins with excitement. Everyone saw it as well, and walked a little bit faster towards it.

" I cannot wait to feel the sunlight on my face! " Solar said. He moved a little ahead of Thunder, eager to regain his magic of sunlight.

As soon as they stepped out of the cave, they felt a welcoming breeze brush over them. " What a relief! How great it is to be out of the darkness! " exclaimed Cyclone happily.

Fang huffed. " I kinda liked it... " he mumbled.

" Let's continue our journey. The Mother Tree isn't far from here, let's go, " Quake said. They all agreed and once again, trekked through the trees.

Quake was correct: the Mother Tree wasn't far. Just a few miles away from them it was. They all agreed to not take breaks unless they really needed, that goes especially to Gopal.

After a few more hours of tiresome trekking through the tall and frightening trees, the map that Solar held told that they have arrived at their destination.