Chapter 11: The Next Morning
Zach was running, where to, he did not know. The path that he was following winded through the Silva Forest, and it seemed as though it would never end. Finally, however, the air Magi approached a small pond that was supplied by a waterfall that fell softly. Bending down next to the water, he splashed some of the cool water on his face, looking down at the pond again to see reflections of his loved ones. Screams echoed in his ears as the peaceful image in front of Zach turned to a horror seen, the people he liked falling to the ground, dead.
A figure appeared before him, smirking and laughing at Zach's misery.
"No!" He wailed. "No!"
Zach blinked.
Looking around, the air Magi froze as a Dark Raiju stared at him, sparks of electricity bouncing off of its black fur. The tongue that lolled from his mouth dripped slobber everywhere, the wild dog barking softly and walking over to the Magi. Licking him softly, the Dark Raiju panted and sat down next to Zach, resting his head on the air Magi's lap. Zach looked at him with worry. Wh-what is this thing doing to me?!
"Deathdrop!" The sound of hooves echoed in the room as a Centaur trotted in. Alexander cast a glance at Zach, eyes shining with amusement as he noticed the Dark Raiju resting on him. "Well, I see that you've met Tempete."
Alexander walked over to the Magi, clapping his hands together excitedly to rouse the dog. Looking up happily, Tempete stood up and dashed over to the Centaur, jumping to lick his face. The Centaur smiled and patted him, holding out his hand for the dog to lick.
"You must be Zachery. April speaks of you often." Zach hid his blush behind what was left of his ruined mask as he opened his mouth to reply.
"Yes, I am. Speaking of April, do you know how she is faring? She did not appear well last night."
"No, I just came in here to ask Deathdrop that myself." Just after the Centaur finished his sentence, the Naga slithered out from April's room and looked at the two intently.
"Good morning Zachery." She smiled, stomping her staff on the ground in greeting. "How did you sleep?"
"I slept well, thank you for asking. Do you know how April is doing?"
"She is lying on her bed - you're welcome to go see her if you'd like. I'm sure she would appreciate the company." Deathdrop watched as Tempete and Zach walked into the room, Zach's Anaugi following them slowly. The Naga smiled, turning to Alexander and winking.
Kiwon looked at Tempete and the Magi as they entered the room, eying them warily as she kept watch over the two Winged Cat eggs. That reminded Zach of his Axolotl egg - he felt into his pocket to make sure it was still there (the costume had a pocket in it). A Winged Cat hatchling peered at Zach from behind a pile of books, meowing softly and hiding behind them again.
"April?" The air Magi said gently. He watched as the Dark Raiju - Tempete, if his memory served correctly - leaped onto the bed and indulged April with kisses. Kiwon hissed at him, flying over to the fish-tank on the other side of the room and resting on top of it. The one Koi that was in the tank watched the cat warily, the purple glow around it growing stronger.
"Yes?" A blonde head emerged from under the blankets, ocean blue eyes that were normally bright and happy, dull and in pain. Dry blood rested on her face, the scratch from a different Raiju residing under her eye. It agonized Zach to see his friend like this, but he kept walking toward her until he was close enough to sit on the bed. Tempete looked at him briefly before hopping down onto the floor and wandering over to the Koi.
"You feeling okay? You looked pretty bad yesterday."
"Yeah - I'm fine. Just a little worn out." April's voice was hoarse, hard to understand and raspy. Luckily, Zach could make out what she said and smiled.
"That's good." Zach stood up as April got out of the bed, revealing her ruined dress. Somehow, though, the water Magi still seemed to be determined to get up and get ready for the day - a quality that Zach liked about her. "Well, I'd better go check on my Xand Bears. They like to get into trouble."
April smiled weakly and turned to her dresser as Zach left, opening it slowly. The air Magi walked back out into the entrance and sat down on a comfortable chair with a nearby window that led to a beautiful view of the outside world. He sighed, stroking his Raza Cobra's scales with a finger and leaning back. For once, he was relaxed in a time that could easily lead to a disaster.
A golden Gryphon cawed from outside, alerting Zach of its presence. He turned to look for Deathdrop, but the Naga was already out the door and beside the Gryphon. She undid the ribbon that was tied around its neck and nodded, watching for a moment as the Gryphon soared off into the sky. Deathdrop quickly slithered back inside, heading towards April's room but stopping as she walked out. She was dressed in her usual attire.
The water Magi accepted the scroll from the Naga and nodded a silent thanks, loosening the knot that held it together and unfolding it to read the note.
Dear April,
- I heard that you were struck by lightning at the dance! Hoping you're alright - but you're a big girl now, I've got to learn that I can't always hug you close and tell you it'll be okay.
However, the real reason I'm writing this note is because I have seen a bunch of Dark Brotherhood members lurking about. I'm not quite sure what they are doing, but they're getting uncomfortably close to my home. Rocky is even getting wary. Do you think you could come see what's going on when you are well?
Uncle Wapiti
April folded the note slowly, looking up and staring at the space in front of her.
"I'm going to the Alasre Mountains tomorrow."
Beetle by Cassowary