Scarlet Flame

Chapter 26

My eyes shot open, and I sat up. It was another nightmare. But what did Mason have to do with it? And Mary...I had completely forgotten about her. She was still out there, assisting the Aqua Raiders.

"Scarlet? Are you alright?" Margaret asked, handing me a cup. My hands reached towards it and I took it. Before I responded, I took a sip. The cold water felt good going down my throat.

"Y-Yeah. I just had a nightmare, that's all." My voice was dry and cracked. Margaret looked at me, her face full of concern. I set the cup down on a table and stood up.

"Well, Xavier and the others are down by the shore. They're just waiting on you. Whenever you're ready, just head down there to begin your training." Margaret handed me some clothes. "I'll be making you breakfast."

"Okay. Thanks! I really appreciate it." I smiled at her and walked to the bathroom. It didn't take long for me to take a shower and get ready. As soon as I finished, I walked into the kitchen and sat next to Margaret.

"So what was the nightmare about?" She asked, looking at me with worry. I played with the fork in front of me, then began eating.

"Well, Mason was there. So was some of my old maids. She's evil though. They were both telling me how I was pathetic and 'it's over'. But I don't understand why Mason would be sided with her. Maybe it was just my imagination going wild..." I shrugged and continued eating.

"Your old maid, was she an Aqua Raider?" Margaret asked, standing up to put her plate in the sink.

"A Dark Angel, I think. That's what Mason told me anyways, whenever we last saw her. It was a while ago, though." I stood up as well, doing the same with my plate.

"That's strange." Margaret's eyes narrowed as if she were in thought. "Anyways, you should get going. The others are waiting for you, remember?" She looked up at me and smiled.

"Oh, right!" I gigged and ran to the door. "I almost forgot! I'll see you later," I called on my way. I could see her wave behind me, and I waved back.

As I made my way down there, I wondered how much longer we would have. The Aqua Raiders were sure to come find us soon, but just how soon?

The moment I reached the group of warriors and my two friends, I was stopped by a bone-crushing hug.

"Scarlet!" Mason grinned, loosening his grip some. I laughed at the goofy look he had on his face and hugged back.

"Good morning, Mason," My eyes went from him to Xavier, and then to the other warriors. They nodded their greetings, and I frowned. Way to make a guest feel welcome, I thought. They could at least smile back.

"Hello, Scarlet," Xavier stood next to me. I looked up at him. Even though he smiled at me, he seemed worried about something.

"Now, I know we just got here yesterday and all, but we don't have any time to waste. The moments spent here will be for training, preparing for battle, and practice. Scarlet, if you're going to help end this war, you'll need a lot more skill at using your fire abilities.

Mason, you'll need to improve your sword skills. Both of you will train with the warriors of this village, as will their young people. Places from far and wide will be joining us soon to aid in the battle. You two can't be expected to fight without knowing what you're up against." Xavier looked at the two of us, then continued.

"The Aqua Raiders don't just consist of skilled fighters. They also have Dark Angels, as you two have seen before. They have people like Gareth, whom I'm sure all of you know what he's capable of." All the warriors nodded. Xavier must have filled them in, I thought to myself.

" Which is why we're calling in as much help as we can get." Xavier looked out at the sea, a small smile on his face.

"Ah, speaking of, look who's here," he walked forward. I followed his gaze to see a variety of ships and boats coming out way. One in particular stuck out to me. It was an ordinary ship, but who was on it interested me. A grin spread across my face.

"You were right. I knew we'd see each other again," I whispered.