The Secret of The Universe

Coming Home...To an Adventure?

I tensed my body as my dad slackened his arms in surprise. I gathered my bearing as my dad's hold on me regained strength as he turned around. Oak and Conall had been ready to attack the newcomer. However, their fighting stance melted when they turned around. There stood Rose, looking completely innocent.

"Are you ok?" Rose asked, surprise filling her voice.

"Yeah. " Conall replied. "You just scared us. We thought you were someone else."

"Oh," Rose said. "Well, we should get moving before someone else does come." We all nodded in agreement. We gathered our bearing and made our way down the path, trying to blend in.

The pain in my ribs throbbed as we made our way to the village, before fading away as we neared the bridge. Jansey and Violet stood on the bridge looking at the waterfall, just like Rose and I had had the previous day.

"What happened?!" Jansey asked frantically.

"Josinik" I answered angrily as my dad's hold on me tightened ever so slightly.

"Oh Cole" Violet whispered. My father carefully laid me on the bridge as the flowers hovered over me. They both chuckled as I struggled to sit up.

"I'm fine." I comforted them. "Just a bit sore." my dad shook his head as he once again gathered me in his arms.

"Let's get out of here" he suggested. Oak and Conall agreed, nodding their heads.

We made our way through the village, stopping to talk to people as we walked. Past. The flowers all assumed that we were just visitors, so it was no surprise we were headed out of the village. When we got to the doors of the village Rose sighed.

"This is where I say my goodbyes. I have to stay here and make sure May-Sun stays out of trouble." Rose snivelled. "I wish you the best of luck."

"Thanks, Rose." I smiled, climbing out of my dad's arms so I could hug her. The flower smiled back and wrapped her arms around me.

"Bye Cole," Rose said. I watched as she waved while walking back into the village. I caught one last glint of her hair as the doors closed completely. I turned around slowly, still leaning heavily against my dad. Oak looked over at Jansey and Violet, before smiling.

"You can turn back now." He chuckled. The girls nodded as a blinding white light once again hid them from view. The light grew brighter as the seconds ticked by.

When the light finally faded Jansey and Violet were gone, replaced by Galaxy and Cotton Candy. I stared in shock at the change. Seconds later my father's voice broke through the swirling mess of thoughts.

"We should go," He remarked. Oak and Conall nodded.

"You and Cole ride together. I'll ride with Oak." Conall commanded. "Tyrek and Naro can ride with whoever."

"We'll ride with Cole." Naro decided as we mounted the quadcorns. The couple settled on my shoulder as my father wrapped his arms around my waist, being careful of my ribs.

"Everyone ready?" I asked. I looked around to see nods from everyone. "Let's go then" we then started riding off, wind whipping through my hair. As we rode I noticed the aching in my ribs fading. I was confused at first before suddenly remembering the magical healing powers of the quadcorns.

I leaned forward slightly so I could pet Galaxy, showing her my Thanks. In response, the quadcorn gained speed. I felt my father's hold tighten a bit, before loosening again.

"ITS OK DAD" I shouted over the wind. "GALAXY HEALED THEM '' I felt more than saw him nod as his grip tightened again, this time remaining tight against my waist. Naro and Tyrek slipped off my shoulder, choosing instead to hide in my pocket.