Duo - locum transitus Your liberali

RECAP

My eyes shot open as I heard something smash downstairs.

“What in the world!”’ I said creeping out of my bedroom.

I walked downstairs and my jaw dropped at what I saw. I couldn’t believe it!

Chapter 2- Your passage way to freedom

(Duo - locum transitus Your liberali)

Sitting there on my couch was Aiden and Tessa engaged in a heated kiss. This wasn’t happening. This could not be happening to me. My day was already going terrible and this is like adding salt to an open wound. They didn’t even notice me standing there with my jaw hung to the floor. I tried to say something but only a choked sob came out and they both whipped their heads toward me. Aiden’s eyes were wide open in shock but Tessa just looked nonchalant about the whole ordeal.

“Tai, I didn’t know you were home,” She said sarcastically. She knew damn straight I was home, mummy called and told her!

“This is my boyfriend that I was telling you about.” Tessa said resting her hand ,which resembled an eagle’s talon in my eyes, on my shoulder.

My eyes went even wider. This was the guy she was blabbing to me and mummy about for the past two weeks! Aiden Mitchell! My crush since 9^th grade! What was she doing with him anyway? Tessa was a sophomore in college. Why would she be dating a 12^th grader?

“Yeah, she’s in a few of my classes at school,” Aiden said awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck.

So that’s why he decided to stick up for me. Just because I’m his girlfriend’s little sister. I knew it was to good to be true.

“What’s the matter with you Tai? Your face looks more bloated than usual.” Tessa said narrowing her eyes as me.

But more tears just flooded my eyes. I can’t believe it. Why did the universe hate me so much? To see my crush of four years dating my own sister; it just feels like my heart got ran over by a truck.

I sprinted past them out the front door, my legs taking me God knows where. My vision was blurred because of my rapidly falling tears and I could feel myself bumping into a few people but I couldn’t care less.

Sadly, I started to become out of breath and I stopped directly in front of an alley. I know that’s it is very stupid for a young girl to go into an alley on her own, but I just need someplace to cry in peace. I don’t exactly have a “best friend” who I can tell my problems to. The closest thing I have to one is Zyla, and she is a part of my imagination, which technically is myself. And going home right now was definitely not an option.

I curled up into a ball on the side of a few stray boxes and cried my eyes out. It’s just not fair. Why don’t I ever get to have a happy ending? Maybe I’ll just end up dying here and then I’ll be in Aralia forever. But the chances of that happening are little to none; things rarely go the way I want them too.

“Why so sad?” a slightly creepy voice said above me.

I gasped and shot up faster than lightening. I blinked a few times so that the stray tears would fall and my vision would not be obscured. A very old woman was standing in front of me with a kind smile on her face. What really shocked me was that she was walking without some kind of aid. She looks like she’s about one hundred years old.

“W-Who are you?” I asked in a cautious voice. Even if she seemed to be an extremely old woman, she could still be a mugger in disguise, even though that theory seems a little far-fetched.

“You can’t answer a question with a question. If you answer mine, I’ll answer yours. Now why are you so sad?” she asked in a slightly ominous tone. I was really picking up a strange vibe from her.

“Just, a few family problems’ I sniffled. Well it wasn’t exactly a lie right?

“Now you answer my question.” I said to her.

“My name is Alyza, and I am a traveler. Who are you?”

“Ta-Tamara” I lied. There is no way I’m telling her my real name.

“Now, now, there is no need to lie Taigh-Lyn” she said with a knowing smile on her face.

I backed away from her as fast as I could but sadly, my back hit a wall. Why did I come into the alley? Now I’m stuck with a creepy old lady who knows my name.

“How do you know my name?” I asked trying to be threatening.

Wait. She was an old lady, a very old lady who I could probably out run. Why didn’t I think if this before.

Before she could answer, I ran past her as fast as I could but it proved to be futile when I smacked hard against what seemed to be an invisible barrier.

“What?” I said to myself feeling it. It was literally an invisible wall!

“HELP! SOMEONE HELP ME PLEASE!” I shouted to the people walking on the street but it was like I was invisible, or they were deaf.

“It’s no use, I’ve taken you out of this dimension” Alyza said smirking.

“What?” I said in a whisper tone.

“See for yourself” she said moving to the side and I gasped when I saw my body still lying against the boxes as if I hadn’t moved.

“B-b-but h-how?” I asked with tears threatening to fall. I was scared out of my wits right now. Things like this weren’t supposed to happen, at least not in reality.

“WHAT DO YOU WANT? JUST TAKE IT AND LEAVE ME ALONE” I shouted trembling in fear.

“You have a very rare talent my dear” she said coming closer to me.

“What?”

“The ability to make your dreams become one with reality; it’s extraordinarily rare.” She said.

“How do you know about that? Do you want to steal my power or something?”

“I know many things. And as for wanting to steal your powers; rest assured Taigh-Lyn, that’s not my intention.”

“Then what do you want from me?” I asked getting annoyed by her beating around the bush. If she doesn’t want my powers what else does she want?

She started chanting an incantation in what sounded like Latin to me and moving her arms in a weird formation. Soon, a pink and purple vortex opened that what sucking everything in like a black hole.

I screamed as I tried to hang on to anything that would prevent me from being sucked inside.

“WHAT IS THIS?” I screamed over the roaring sound of the vortex.

“Your passageway to freedom.” she said as the wind of the vortex increased and I was sucked into it.

It was so bright in here that I closed my eyes or else I probably would have been blinded. I don’t know what happened after that because my vision went black.

…

“You think she’s a part of the Earth gifted? She does have curly hair.” a soft feminine voice said.

“Of course not, Earth gifted don’t have black hair. She could be a dark gifted” a deep masculine voice said.

Where was I? What was going on? I couldn’t open my eyes but I could move my fingers just a little bit.

“If she was a dark gifted, then wouldn’t she have pale skin?” the feminine voice said.

“Strange, very strange, maybe she’s a fluke” the male voice said.

“Hey, that’s mean to say about someone who isn’t even awake to defend them self” the female voice said.

I managed to move my fingers even more and it got there attention.

“Hey look, her fingers are moving, she waking up” the feminine voice said.

“It looks like she needs some encouragement, I’ll help her” the masculine voice said.

I suddenly felt an exceptionally hot hand on my stomach and I jumped ten feet in the air. Well maybe not ten but it felt like it. I whipped my head around and saw two people in front of me looking at me with wide eyes. The first was a petite girl with very short curly blonde hair. Her eyes were light green and even though she had a surprised expression on her face, she still looked very friendly. The other was a tall slightly muscular guy with fiery red hair that fell past his shoulders. His eyes were a bright burnt orange color.

“Blaze what’s wrong with you?” She scolded him. “Are you hurt?” She asked running towards me.

It was now that I realized that he had indeed burned me. Even though I had on a shirt, he still burned me quite badly and it was hurting, a lot.

“Don’t worry, I’ll heal you” the girl said lifting my shirt to expose my stomach and without a doubt there was a giant hand print on my stomach.

She placed her small hands on the burn and a light green glow began to emit. I could slowly feel the pain going away and the burn mark disappeared.

“There, all better” she smiled at me.

“Thank you” I said my voice sounding croaky.

“Who are you? What’s your name?” she asked me.

I was still so frazzled trying to wrap my brain around how I got here, not to mention that a guy just burned me with his hand and a girl just instantly healed me.

“Well, my name is Periwinkle, but you can call me Peri and this is my brother Blaze” Peri said after I didn’t answer her.

“She told you our names so tell us yours? Where are you from? Are you gifted? If so, where's your crystal?” Blaze asked coming in my face and I immediately backed away and I noticed gleaming crystals hanging around each of their necks.

Did he just ask me if I’m gifted? Could it be…that I am in Aralia? It would make sense as to why he was able to burn me and she was able to heal me? And Alyza did say that the vortex was my “passageway to freedom”. But if this Aralia, then why don’t I recognize these two? I know about every creation in Aralia and I’ve never remembered making Blaze and Peri.

“Oi? Are you deaf?” Blaze said snapping his finger in front of my face.

“Huh?” I said dumbly.

“I’ve asked for your name like three times already.” He said annoyed.

“Blaze, she’s probably confused as to where she is,” Peri said.

“Tai, my name is Taigh-Lyn,” I said softly.

“Taigh-Lyn? Just like Queen Taigh-Lyn,” Peri said as her and Blaze’s eyes widened.

Oh, I am definitely in Aralia.

“Well I am Queen Taigh-Lyn.” I said giving them a small smile.

They stared at me blankly for about five seconds before Blaze started laughing so hard that little flames were coming out of his mouth and I immediately backed away.

“Yeah, and I’m Queen Zyla,” He said sarcastically while clutching his stomach.

“I’m not lying,” I said with a straight face.

“Queen Taigh-Lyn is supposed to be the most beautiful woman in Aralia and you’re well, ugly,” Blaze said bluntly and it stung.

“Blaze, stop it! What he is trying to say Taigh-Lyn is that you don’t resemble Queen Taigh-Lyn at all,” Peri said.

It was at this moment that I finally realized that I was in Aralia in my human form, this isn’t supposed to happen. If I’m in my human form that means that I’m not gifted.

“Please, you have to believe me. I really am Queen Taigh-Lyn. Where are we? I’m going to the palace, I need to speak with Queen Zyla,” I said standing.

But I was still a little groggy and I fell back down. It was then I looked around at my surroundings. I was lying in a soft field of grass strange neon flowers surrounded me. The trees were sky high, almost touching the clouds. There was a gentle breeze and overall everything felt peaceful. What part of Aralia am I in? This is all too confusing. I don’t ever remember making any of this.

“Peri, this is all your fault. I told you we should’ve just left her here, this girl is obviously nuts.” Blaze said to his sister.

“What if we left her and she got kidnapped or something?” Peri said resting her small hands on her waist glaring at him.

“Who would want to kidnap her? Look at her Peri, she isn’t attractive in the least” he said.

Ouch, that one really hurt. I don’t know why it’s bothering me so much though. It’s not like I actually like the guy, in fact, I only met him five minutes ago and I already hated him. He insulted me twice and burned me!

“Blaze stop it, what’s wrong with you?” Peri asked her face twisted in disdain.

“Look uh-Taigh-Lyn?” she asked unsurely.

“Tai, just call me Tai” I said down casting my gaze.

“Ok Tai, do you remember how you got here?” Peri asked.

“An old woman teleported me here, she said her name was Alyza” I said.

“Peri this girl is definitely crazy” Blaze said as he began pacing.

“Hush Blaze!” she said to him before turning back to me “Teleported you from where?”

“FROM MY HOME! SHE TELEPORTED ME INTO MY OWN DAMN MIND AND I CAN’T GET OUT!” I screamed at her finally losing it.

Blaze stepped up and pushed Peri behind him before lighting a fist filled with fire.

“Watch how you speak to her!” He growled at me.

“Cool it Blaze,” Peri defended me, pushing her brother back. “You burned her, insulted her and now your threatening her with your fire? You should be ashamed of yourself.” She chastised.

“But Peri she-”

“No,” She said placing her hands on her hips. “She's obviously frightened, waking up in the middle of nowhere. We're taking her to get help.” She said gently pulling me towards their carriage. Which I just noticed was there.

“Why do we have to take this straggly bum with us?” Blaze said rudely while sneering at me.

Who does this guy think he is? I'm ruler of this god-forsaken world and I'm not letting one of my own creations belittle me......even though I have no memory of creating him!

“YOU ARE VERY RUDE!” I shouted at him while stomping my foot childishly.

“Excuse me?” He said chuckling at me. “At so what if I am, what are you going to do about it your royal ugliness?” He said sarcastically.

What is his problem? I know that I'm not exactly the most attractive flower in the meadow, but he doesn't have to keep bringing it up.

Tear pricked at the back of my eyes and threatened to fall but I refused. Instead I turned my head and began stalking towards the opposite direction of them. What is that prick's problem? I'll get out of here on my own. Even though I have no idea where I'm going and I'm just walking deeper into the forest.

“Hey wait!” Peri called after me. “Tai please come back. Blaze is sorry for what he said.”

But I ignored her and kept walking. That was the crap I had to deal with in reality and even though I'm in my reality form, I'm not taking it in Aralia.

“Come on Tai, we just want to help you. Just please come back,” Peri said again and it sounded like this time she was near tears.

I turned to look at her to see that she was actually crying. Why? I'm a complete stranger, she shouldn't be sad. But then again, Peri was a plant gifted and they are known for being for being extremely kind and generous. Maybe denying her help was literally causing her physical pain. She'd been nothing but kind to me and even though her brother was an uncouth prick, I don't want to make her suffer.

I suddenly stopped and took a deep breath before I spoke. “Fine, I'll go with you.”

Her face immediately lit up before she gently grabbed my hand and led me back towards the carriage. As I passed Blaze, he stared me down with a conflicted look on his face before he muttered a nearly inaudible “sorry” under his breath. Well, at least he didn't insult me.

Blaze quickly lifted Peri inside and hopped in after. Their carriage was pretty tall and I struggled to get in. But with the help of Peri, I managed to scramble in. I was kind of glad Blaze didn't offer to help; he might've broken his back trying to lift me, then he would've blamed me because I was fat!

“Where exactly are you taking me to get “help”?” I asked as I sat in the back row of their carriage. It seemed old but it felt very sturdy. But it intrigued me when I saw Blaze breath his flames into a furnace underneath the carriage, forcing it to move on its own! Something is terribly odd here. Not only do I not know of Blaze and Peri, nor of this part of Aralia but...WHEN THE HELL COULD FIRE GIFTED BREATHE FLAMES? I NEVER CREATED THEM LIKE THAT?

Someone's changing my world. Could it be Izeel? Has he grown powerful enough to manipulate Aralia? No if he could, he wouldn't create new people and places just to let them roam free. He probably would've made them all his slaves so that he can kill me and take Aralia to rule as a merciless tyrant!

“An old friend of ours, he's a psychic gifted maybe he can tell you how to get back to your home.” Peri said giving me a soft smile.

“It's a thirty minute trip to Marlo,” Blaze said lazily yet dangerously sitting on the edge of the carriage. “I hope you can pay us.”

Marlo?

Peri must have noticed the confusion on my face. “Marlo is a small town, but they're very hospitable.” She smiled. “And she's not paying us anything Blaze, we're doing her a favor.”

“How is this favorable to us?” He asked sarcastically.

“Blaze cool it,” Peri said giving him a stern look. And to think that she's the younger one. Wait...is she?

“You are the younger one right?” I asked Peri.

“Yeah, but sometimes it feels as if I'm the oldest,” She answered. “Blaze is so immature sometimes.”

“You're siblings but yet you two have different gifts.” I said looking at the differences between them. “How is that possible?”

“We're not really siblings,” Peri answered with a tight lipped smiled. Uh oh. Did I ask the wrong question.

“You don't have to explain.” I quickly interjected not wanting to make her feel uncomfortable.

“You're right she doesn't.” Blaze glared at me. His burning orange eyes were staring intensely at me. Albeit, it was in a negative way. But I couldn't help but be entranced by them. Looking at his eyes was like looking at a never ending sunset.

“No it's ok.” Peri said reassuring me. “We're both orphans and Blaze has always protected me like a big brother since I was a toddler. We still think of each other as siblings though, we just don't have the same blood.”

“Do you ever plan to stop looking into my face?” Blaze asked as his glare intensified.

I quickly averted my eyes away as I felt a blush creeping onto my face. Did I stare at him all that time? Geez, he must think that I have a crush or something on him now. But I just couldn't help but stare. His eyes were incredibly beautiful. And he wasn't that bad looking either...

No stop it, he's a rude boy a very rude boy.

“You ok Tai? You look red.” Peri asked resting her hand on my forehead. A light green glow began to emit and I could feel my face relaxing as my blush disappeared. That's a neat little trick she has there. I couldn't do that in my Aralia form. In fact, I couldn't even heal! Because I wasn't a master at any of the gifts, I only knew the basics; and healing was definitely not basic in the plant gifted. You had to have had lots of practice and training, and since Peri could do it with ease, she must be powerful.

“Thanks,” I said as I let out a deep breath. I wish I could speak to Zyla, I need to know what's happening with Izeel. I wonder if Peri and Blaze know about him? Certainly they should, he was Aralia's most ruthless man.

“Do you know anything about Izeel?” I asked softly.

But once again, it seems as if I asked the wrong question. Blaze literally growled and his hair even set on fire!

“Don't you ever mention his name!” He snarled at me as little flames protruded from his mouth.

Note to self: Don't ever mention Izeel in front of Blaze.

I quickly backed away in fear of being roasted by his scorching flames. He wasn't burning me again. With his hair lit aflame and fire spewing out of his mouth, he could literally pass for Satan right now.

“BLAZE STOP YOU'LL BURN HER AGAIN!” Peri shouted while flicking a yellow substance near Blaze's nose. His demon persona quickly vanished when he began sneezing uncontrollably. Talk about a complete 180 transformation!

“Is he ok?” I asked chuckling at his sneezing form. He looks almost cute sneezing and wrinkling his nose. “What did you put on him?”

“Pollen,” Peri giggled. “I use it to cool him down if he gets to heated.”

“Damn it!” He sneezed. “I'm calm Peri now please heal me!”

Peri rested her hand on his forehead and the now familiar green glow brought his sneezing to a stand still. His eyes were puffy and he was still sniffling.

“Apologize,” She said to him.

“I'm sorry for flipping out ok,” He said throwing his hands up. “Just don't ever bring his name up.”

“Noted.” I said simply before scooting as far away from him as I possibly could. Why did I create the fire gifted so hot headed? Like seriously, they're like ticking time bombs ready to explode!

“Look, we're here!” Peri suddenly shouted as she rushed to the front of the carriage. “This is Marlo.”

Wow thirty minutes had flown by so fast. I gazed at beautiful little town. You could definitely tell it was inhabited by psychic gifted. The few buildings that were here were accented with purple lining. The road was stone with shining purple at pink trailing along the sides. Most of the residents' pink and purple hair shone marvelously at the gleaming sun.

“It's lovely.” I smiled as I continued looking around.

Blaze extinguished the flame in the carriage's furnace and it came to a complete stop in front a cottage that was significantly smaller than the rest of the buildings here.

“Come on,” Peri said as Blaze lifted her down from the carriage. “Our friend is in here.”

It was a struggle to get on this thing and I know it'll be a struggle to get off. I tentatively tried to ease myself out of the carriage but of course, fate likes to mess with me. I miscalculated my footing and I was going tumbling to the ground. But a pair of warm arms wrapped around my waist and steadied me. I quickly looked up to see Blaze staring at me in shock before it quickly turned to annoyance and he removed his hands from me as if I had the plague.

“Watch it!” He growled before following after Peri inside.

I quickly tried to exterminate my blush before I followed them. That was the first time a guy had ever held me like that. And even though it was with a rude d********g, it still made me blush.

“Tai come on!” Peri's gentle voice broke me from my reverie. Keep it together Tai! Blaze isn't even real! None of this is!

I quickly jogged up to them. Peri grabbed my hand and tugged me inside the small house. It was dark in here and only pink candles illuminated the room.

“Well if it isn't little Peri!” A loud voice said.

Suddenly, a short man with bright pink hair and matching electric eyes appeared in front of us. His clothing was a simple white top and pants and his feet was bare. He gazed at us with a curious yet friendly gaze.

“Cosmos!” Peri beamed back at him. “It's so nice to see you again.”

“Always a pleasure to see you my dear.” He said giving her a quick one armed hug before addressing Blaze and I.

“Well look at you Blaze, you went out and finally got yourself a girlfriend.” He grinned. “She's cute.”

My face immediately heated up before I quickly corrected him. “No no no, I'm just a frie-”

“She's just some stray Peri decided to pick up along the way.” He said looking at me disgustingly.

“You just love to compliment me don't you?” I asked sarcastically.

“Blaze leave Tai alone or I'll throw pollen at you again.” Peri warned.

He immediately dropped his glare to a platonic look. What the hell is this guy's problem?

“Well moving on.” Cosmos said clapping his hands excitedly together. “Not that I don't love seeing you two, but why are you here?”

“Well Blaze and I were just passing through when we met Tai passed out on the ground. As you can see, she clearly has characteristics that doesn't make her distinguishable to a certain gift.” Peri said referring to me.

“Yes yes go on.” Cosmos said circling me and playing with a lock of my curly tresses. Does this guy not know about personal space?

“Well she says that she's Queen Taigh-Lyn but...” Peri trailed off.

“I am Queen Taigh-Lyn.” I said to Cosmos. “I was sent here by this old lady but I'm not in my Aralia form and I desperately need to speak to Queen Zyla.”

“I believe you.” He said simply.

“Look I know it's hard to believe but...wait...you do?” I asked shocked.

“You do?” Blaze repeated after me shocked.

“I'm very skilled in my gift your majesty.” He said bowing his head slightly. “I know exactly when someone is lying and when they are not. Your testimony just now was genuine plea from your heart.”

At least one person believed me.

“Thank you.” I smiled as I breathe a sigh of relief.

“Cosmos, you don't actually believe this lunatic-”

“Shut up Blaze.” Cosmos said gently resting his hand to my forehead. A neon pink glow began to emit, and so did his eyes and crystal.

After a while, he pulled away and furrowed his brows in confusion. “Whatever that lady did to you, it seems to be permanent. You can only be returned to normal if you've completed your purpose.”

“What purpose?” I asked confused.

“Well, while I was looking for a way to send you back, I looked into your memories.” He said ushering me to take a seat. “I saw it, Izeel has returned.”

At the sound of that, Blaze immediately perked up and got into Cosmos' face. “What do you mean he's back?” He growled as flames started to spark out of his mouth. “I thought Queen Taigh-Lyn sent that f****r to hell?”

“I should've but I didn't and it's the biggest regret that I have.” I said solemnly. “He was my first and favorite, I just thought that maybe he could return to the beautiful creation that he used to be.”

“Izeel is on the move looking for you your majesty, killing you would mean that he has complete control over Aralia.” Cosmos said. “Perhaps, it is a blessing that you are not in your Aralia form. Izeel would not recognize you as you are now.”

That is true. Maybe that's why that old woman sent me here. To defeat Izeel without him knowing. And truth to be told, I don't think I could've taken Izeel in my Aralia form. I was still weakened from our last battle.

“What about the palace?” I asked. “Do you know if the ministers are all alright? If Queen Zyla is alright?”

“I can't say much about the ministers your majesty,” He answered gravely. “There seems to be a psychic block on the palace. I can't see what's happening.”

Damn you Izeel! He must have put a psychic block on the palace so that I can't see what's happening unless I go there myself. Nor can I communicate with Zyla. I hope if it comes down to it, she'll activate Aralios without my permission.

“Then how can I stop Izeel?” I asked getting frustrated. I'm powerless in my reality form.

“You have to fight Izeel with the power of all thirteen gifts.” He said cryptically.

“How am I supposed to do that Cosmos?” I asked. exasperated.

“When I used my gift on you to figure out what was happening at the palace, I also got a divination.” He answered, his eyes starting to glow neon pink again. “Gather comrades with each of the thirteen gifts. The power of thirteen individuals with their own unique gift is stronger than one person with all the gifts.”

“Like forming a rebellion?” Peri asked stepping closer.

“Precisely.” He answered. “You already have two powerful gifted comrades.” he said gesturing to Peri and Blaze. Though I don't really consider Blaze a comrade. I wouldn't be surprised if he wanted me gone just as much as Izeel!

“No no no,” Peri said shaking her hands. “I only know healing techniques, I'm not powerful in attack techniques at all.”

“Healing is an essential part of a battle,” Cosmos said. “Just because you can't harm the enemy doesn't mean that you are useless, healing your comrades is more important.”

“Whoa whoa hold up,” Blaze said interjecting. “We never said anything about us joining in on this crazy plan, that I still don't believe!”

“Blaze, Tai needs our help we-” Peri started to say but was cut off by her brother.

“No Peri, we're not getting caught up in all of this for some stranger.” He said harshly. “If what Cosmos is saying is true, then we can't get involved, they're not talking about some petty criminal, they're talking about Izeel, the man who took everything away from us.”

Blaze's eyes were a bit glossy, as if he was going to cry. I sort of figured out that Blaze had some bad memories with Izeel, but it seems as if Peri has to. Just has much people has that man inflicted pain upon?

“That's why we have to do this Blaze,” Peri said reaching up to give him a hug. “We have to do this, for them.”

“I just don't want you getting hurt, I can't lose you.” Blaze said pulling back.

“We're a team aren't we?” She asked tilting her head to the side. “If it's the two of us, we can do anything!”

This is so cute, I think I'm going to cry. They stared at each other before Blaze stiffly nodded his head before turning to me.

“We will accompany you, but I'm only going to make sure my sister stays safe, not you.” He spat before he charged out of the cottage. I swear that guy is permanently on his period. But at least he agreed!

“Don't worry about him Tai, he's just in a sour mood.” Peri said. Yeah, more like he's been in a sour mood for the past two hours!

“When I gather these people then what? Charge into the palace to kill Izeel?” I asked Cosmos.

“You'll know,” He said cryptically. “Now, I have to make provisions to secure the village in case Izeel attacks.” He said walking around us to the outside.

“But wait,” I stopped him. “What do mean I'll know?”

“Trust me your Majesty,” He grabbed my shoulders and stared intensely at me. “You'll know.”

“Now go!” He said as he tugged me towards the carriage. “The mountains are the closest from here, you'll find an air gifted there.”

“Thank you so much!” I said before Peri and I engulfed him in a quick hug.

“Be safe.” He said before releasing me and teleporting away.

“If we want to make it the mountains by morning, we'd better move.” Blaze said lighting the carriage.

“Come on Tai,” Peri said as she helped me into the contraption. Well she didn't really help, but I had to make her feel as if she did.

“We can rest, it'll take us a while until we reach the mountains.” She said pulling out a thin blanket from the a wooden chest at the back of the carriage.

“Can this really keep us warm?” I asked skeptically.

“No worries!” She grinned. “With Blaze here, we don't have to worry about the cold. Though, it is comforting holding the blanket.”

Yeah, like Blaze will keep me warm!

“Thanks for helping me out.” I said to him.

I expected an insult, a glare, maybe even he would shout at me for “speaking in his presence”. But I was shocked when all I received was a stiff nod from him.

IMPROVEMENT! Does that mean he's warming up to me now?

“Just shut up and don't bother me ok! I'm going to sleep and I don't need your face or voice upsetting me!” He said snappily before leaning against the side of the carriage.

And he's back ladies and gentlemen!