Tres - Aeris

Chapter 3-Aeris Festival

The mountains are calling and I must go.

- John Muir

Author's Note: Just in case anyone is curious, Tai is pronounced like Tie not Tay. So her full name would sound like Tie-Lyn.

“Tai, Tai wake up we're almost there.” A soft voice said while gently shaking me. The voice sounds so nostalgic, but I can't really place it and it was far to soft and gentle to be my mother's.

“H-Huh?” I said groggily as I opened my eyes. I rapidly blinked away the sleep from my eyes and for a few moments, I was confused as I saw light green eyes staring back at me. Until all of yesterday's even came rushing back at me.

Oh yeah, I'm stuck in my imagination. Won't this make a good story book!

“We're only about fifteen minutes away from Pryst Mountain, look.” She said referring behind me.

I slowly turned around and my jaw literally dropped to the floor when I saw it. Ok, I definitely don't remember creating this!

It was absolutely breathtaking! The gargantuan mountain was covered with lush and beautiful green trees stretching all the way to it's peck. Cobble stone temples lined around the edges of the mountain, with the largest building at the top of the beautiful waterfall that trailed down it's left side into a breathtaking lagoon.

“Amazing!” I said breathlessly; that is, until I remembered that I probably have disgusting morning breath.

I quickly covered my mouth with my hands and Peri looked at me in amusement. “What are you doing?” She asked giggling at me.

“I don't have a tooth brush, and my breath uh...” I trailed off hoping that she caught the hint.

“Oh you mean morning breath?” She said finally catching on. “I can fix that, open your mouth.”

I stared at her skeptically. What did she mean she can fix it? I don't want to open my mouth and have her pass out. Blaze would incinerate me! Speaking of Blaze, he was still sleeping against the side of the carriage. I wonder if he has neck pains?

“Come on Tai,” Peri said holding out her now glowing hand. “I can fix it, I promise.”

Slowly, I removed my hand from my mouth and she instantly replaced it with hers. The stiff feeling of an unclean mouth quickly diminished and Peri grinned at me as she pulled her hand back.

“How's that?” She asked.

I licked my lips and sucked my cheeks in a few times to test it out. The morning breath was definitely gone. Though, it feels like I have brushed my teeth but there is no flavor to it. My mouth just feels clean! Is there nothing Peri's magical hand can't do?

“That's amazing!” I praised. “How did you learn to do that?”

“Experimentation,” She shrugged nonchalantly. “Blaze and I didn't have access to water to clean our mouths sometimes, so I came up with this!”

“That's so neat, I never knew plant gifted could do so much!”

“You're Queen Taigh-Lyn, but you seem to know so little of Aralia,” Peri said tilting her head in confusion. “How is that?”

“I know of Aralia,” I answered. “Just not of this part of it. I didn't create you, your brother or Cosmos. I didn't create Marlo Village and I definitely didn't create this majestic mountain!”

“It's called Pryst Mountain, powerful air gifted live here and it's incredibly beautiful.” Peri said admiring the lovely mount.

“If you didn't create us, then who did?” She asked, her light green eyes twinkling in anticipation of my response.

“I don't know,” I answered honestly as my shoulders slumped. “I've already ruled out the possibility of Izeel, I can't think of anyone else who would have that kind of power.”

Sensing my distress, Peri quickly dropped the topic. “Don't worry, once we follow Cosmos' instructions, everything will be fine. He's never wrong!”

I really hope she was telling the truth and not just saying that to make me feel better.

“We'll being arriving there in about ten minutes. Are you done preparing breakfast Peri?” Blaze asked with his eyes closed. Was he awake the entire time?

“How do you know that?” I asked narrowing my eyes at him. “Your eyes were clos-”

“Don't question me!” He rudely snapped.

I had forgotten that this was Blaze, the bounderish king I'm talking to.

“Hush Blaze, it's to early in the morning for you to be so rude.” Peri scolded. “And yes I did make breakfast.”

She pulled out three small wooden bowls and passed one to each of us. But when I looked inside, my face twisted in disgust.

“This is just weeds and water!”

“I'm sorry, but it was the only thing I found on our journey here.” Peri said looking apologetically at me. “Besides, I've eaten this before, its edible!”

I looked at her with a raised eyebrow before I turned to look at Blaze who heated his bowl before gulping down the entire thing down in one go! His face remained platonic, but I was hoping to see any sign of discontentment that would give me an excuse not to eat it. But Peri's gleaming green eyes were staring up at me in prospect and I knew that I had to at least try it.

I slowly brought the surprisingly splinter-less bowl to my lips and I quickly took a quick sip.

“How is it?” Peri asked smiling, while clasping her hands together in anticipation of my response.

I gave her a big thumbs up and a wide close lip smile. She squealed in delight before she turned around to eat her breakfast, and as soon as she did, I leaned over the side of the carriage and spat the disgusting concoction out of my mouth. That was the most revolting thing that I've ever tasted! It was completely bitter! How Blaze managed to eat that all in one go, I'll never know.

I quickly grabbed my bowl and poured the entire thing out. Luckily, Peri didn't notice me doing it, but Blaze did. He watched me with a hard and impassive face. But in eyes, I could see a hint of amusement before he quickly covered it up with anger. But surprisingly, he didn't mention to Peri that I had thrown out her disgusting breakfast.

“Tai,” Peri said looking at my empty bowl with confusion etched on her face. “Where's your breakfast?”

“Oh-Ah-Um I-uh I ate it all in one go.” I lied. I felt really bad for doing so, but I couldn't tell her that I hated it!

“Wow, so you really liked it!” She beamed. “Maybe I'll make it for dinner later tonig-”

“Oh look we're here.” Blaze said cutting her off while hopping off the carriage.

He extinguished the flame while Peri and I hobbled out onto the ground. I looked up at the elephantine mountain before me. It had to be at least ten thousand feet!

“How do we get up there?” Peri asked folding her arms.

Well that was another problem. Their was no pathway to walk up to the mountain. Since the air gifted can fly, their would be no need for one. And those who were not gifted would stay in the vicinity of the mountain, unless they traveled with an air gifted.

“I could use my flames to propel us to at least the edge of the mountain. We should be able to walk from there.” Blaze said.

“Sure let's do it!” Peri clasped her hands excitedly.

She crawled onto his back but he only wrapped one arm around one of her thighs. He glared intensely at me when I didn't move for a few seconds. What did I even do to deserve that look?

“Well, are you just going to just stand there like a simpleton?” He growled. “Let's go!”

“BLAZE!” Peri scolded.

“Don't you have to take Peri to the top first?” I asked ignoring his revilement. “I mean, it'll be too heavy to carry both of us. Not to mention that I'm much heavier than Peri so you'll probably strain your back and I don't want to be the cause for tha-” I rambled on but was cut off when Blaze roughly wrapped an arm around my waist and blasted off into the air!

If this mountain had snow on it, I would've caused an avalanche. We were soaring through the air at rocket speed for about ten seconds before he finally landed on the edge of the mountain. As soon as his feet touched the ground he practically flung me away from him. No one told him to carry two people at one time!

“Oh my goodness, that was insane!” Peri said giggling in delight. Their has got to be something wrong with that girl. That was the scariest moment of my life.

“What's insane is how heavy your stray is,” Blaze said referring to me. “I thought my arm was going to break off from holding her!”

I am so sick of this dirtbag insulting me!

“My name is Tai, not stray, Tai, T-A-I!” I said finally fed up with him. “I spelled it out for you, just in case your minuscule brain isn't able to process three letter words adequately!”

“And no one told you to carry two people at a time jackass!” I seethed. “I'd rather you'd left me there and I would've figured out my own way to climb up here!”

At the end of my little rant, both Blaze and Peri were shocked; their eyes were as big as saucers. My breathing was heavy and ragged as I stared at the both of them before I cleared my throat and began walking away.

“Civilization is the other way.........Tai.” Blaze said grimly.

A smile immediately etched itself on my face. He was looking anywhere but me and I could see he was biting his tongue to prevent himself from saying a sassy remark. I think he's actually trying to be a decent person!

“Thanks for not calling me a stray.” I said to him softly.

“You still are one,” He seethed before stomping ahead of Peri and I. He must be pissed because his footprints were leaving burn marks on the ground.

“I think he's warming up to you, even if it's just a little bit,” Peri said as we followed Blaze. “In no time, I bet you two will be the best of friends!”

“I would be satisfied if we made it to mere acquaintances.”

…

“Well it looks like we're crashing a party.” I said staring at the festivities around me.

After three gruesome hours, we finally made it to the top of the mountain. I nearly passed out from hunger and my lack of shoes, so my feet were being cut and bruised. Thankfully though, Peri healed my feet but she couldn't do much about the hunger problem.

“It's the Aeris Festival!” Peri beamed.

“The what festival?” I asked in confusion.

“The Aeris Festival,” She repeated. “It's an annual festival that the air gifted celebrate on Pryst mountain.

I looked around in awe at all the excitement around me. Air gifted were soaring all around us beautifully as they were dressed in eloquent silver and light brown garments. Dancers twirled beautifully in the air as they performed aerial tricks. Food was in abundance as many of their native cuisine was being sold to esurient customers. It was a magnificent sight to behold!

“This is beautiful,” I said in awe as my eyes took in the beauty that surrounded me.

“I've always heard about it but I never actually got the chance to attend.” Peri said grinning excitedly from ear to ear. “Isn't it amazing Blaze?”

“Let's not get sidetracked.” He said impassively. “We're not tourists, we're here on an agenda!”

“Oh lighten up will you,” Peri said darting through the crowd. “Let's have some fun while we're here!”

But her tiny frame easily got lost in the crowd of people that were actually walking on the ground. Oh boy.

“Peri!” Blaze shouted as he frantically searched for his sister. “PERIWINKLE!”

“Peri?” I called out her name, but it was futile. We'd completely lost her from our vision.

“DAMN IT!” Blaze shouted frustratedly as his hair lit aflame.

People looked confused at the sight of us. A boy with hair on fire would attract a good amount of attention. Plus, my features are considered “weird” in Aralia, so we must look like a freak show right about now!

“How could she have gotten lost that fast?” I said to myself as I tried to look for the familiar short blonde curls.

“She ran in that direction, let's go.” Blaze said wrapping a scorching hand around my wrist, but I immediately pulled back. He'd burned me again!

“Ouch Blaze, you burned me!” I said cradling my wrist to my chest. “You need to cool down!”

He closed his eyes and took five deep breaths, flames coming out each time, before he give me his signature glare.

“Come on.” He said as he gritted his teeth. His grip was still warm but not as blistering as before.

“Where exactly are you going Blaze?” I asked as we weaved through the throng of people. “You should try to follow the direction she went.”

“Well if I knew that don't you think I would do it!” He snapped and I felt his grip become increasingly hotter. Why is he even tugging me in the first place?

“You don't have to pull me you know.” I said trying to pull away from his flaming vice grip. “I can spot your red hair miles away, you won't exactly 'get lost'.”

“Fine then,” He roughly released my wrist as he stalked off. His long legs were taking much longer strides than my short ones, leaving me lagging behind him. So that's why he was pulling me.

“Blaze,” I called out as taller masses of people came into my view, obscuring my sight from the flame-haired demon. “BLAZE!” I shouted as I know became panicked. I literally couldn't see anything beyond these people!

“Well well, aren't you a cute little thing,” A derisive voice said behind me. I whipped my head around to see a guy, slightly older than me with light brown hair and eyes. His tight fitted vest made his muscular frame much more perceptible than it should be. Though he was fit, his face wasn't exactly the most attractive thing. His nose was atrociously large for his face, making his small beady eyes look comical; not to mention a 'not-so-subtle' uni brow was forming.

“You're not from around here are you,” He asked circling me like a predator. “My names is Alvez, what's yours honey?”

I internally (and maybe outwardly) shuttered at the pet name 'honey'. My father would always use it when referring to me and hearing it some from a guy using romantic tactics, it made this whole ordeal seem incestuous.

“Uh, I'm Tai,” I said softly as my eyes frantically searched for red or blonde hair! I was getting creepy vibes from this guy.

“Interesting name, but it's cute,” He smirked. Though it did not do his already unflattering face any grace.

“Thanks,” I clipped back as I avoided eye contact. This seemed to upset him and he moved closer to me.

“A pretty thing like you shouldn't be walking around here all alone,” He says stepping closer to me. “How's about I show you around and show you just how fast a tornado can spin.” He smirked as he made a tiny tornado with his index finger. Guess he's gifted, and what does mean 'show me how fast a tornado can spin'? Was that some kind of air gifted sexual innuendo?

“Ha-ha, no thank you,” I said awkwardly moving away from him. “I'm here with my friends and they're probably looking for me so I better get going.” I said turning around but it looks like Mr. Tornado here wasn't having it.

“Did I say you can leave?” He asked as he held a firm grip on my forearm. Who does he think he is, my dad?

“P-Pardon?” I asked partially shocked, partially confused.

“You don't just walk away from me honey, I was still speaking.” He said bringing his face dangerously close to mine. Jesus, it's even uglier up close.

We'd managed to attract the attention of some people standing by. Most of them held a bit of fear and apprehension in their eyes. Did this mean that this guy was some kind of bully? That would probably explain why anyone isn't doing anything to help me.

“Look just let me go please,” I said softly; curse me for being so timid! “M-My friends are probably-ARGH!” I screamed as he tightened his hold on my arm.

“Shut up,” He growled.

I knew that I must have a mark on my arm from where he was gripping me. Where was Blaze when you need him!

“You're coming with me, you'll make a fun play thing for tonight.” He whispered in my ear. This guy was completely out of his mind!

“WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?” Blaze shouted as he stormed through the crowd. Great timing! “THAT'S MY STRAY!” Really man?

“Who're you?” Alvez sneered. “I found her first, go find your own cocotte, fire boy.”

COCOTTE! ME? He was the one who grabbed me out of nowhere!

“She's my stray, so give her back!” Blaze said stepping closer to us.

“If you want her back, then take her.” Alvez said challenging Blaze. Though Alvez was more muscular than him, Blaze was leaner and probably could've moved twice as fast as him.

“Fine,” Blaze said simply as he shot a fire ball straight at Alvez, which prompted him to release me. Blaze grabbed me by the back of my shirt and began tugging me, but not before Alvez released a gust of wind that sent us both flying. How do I get caught up in these messes?

“You wanna play with fire?” Blaze asked igniting his fists aflame. “Then let's play.”

He dashed towards Alvez knocking him off his feet as he released his flames, from his fists and surprisingly from his mouth! But Alvez had created a wind barrier and flew into the air before sending miniscule tornadoes in our direction. Blaze counteracted by sending a stream of fireballs at the tornadoes which caused many explosion all around the festival. I can't believe that they are actually fighting over me. Though I hate them both, I still feel a tiny bit flattered.

But what could I do to stop them? I wasn't gifted and I'll only get hurt if I try to intervene. But my prayers were answered when a brave soul zoomed up in between the two and sent them flying away from each other with her winds. Her long light brown hair, adorned with silver streaks were whipping furiously with the winds. Elegant robes draped body; more elegant and extravagant than anyone else that I've seen. This girl obviously held some title on this mountain. Though she looked young, probably around Peri's age which was fifteen.

“Why is Blaze fighting?” Peri asked standing beside me.

“That perv was trying to force me to sleep with him and.......PERI!” I shouted mid sentence as I realized that my friend was back safe and sound. I engulfed her in hug and quickly assessed her body for damages. Gosh, I feel like a mother hen.

“Where were you?” I asked narrowing my eyes at her. “Blaze and I were looking all over for you.”

“I'm sorry,” She apologized, bowing her head slightly. “But I got so caught up in the festivities and I got lost, but luckily, I meet an amazing person!” She beamed.

“Who?” I asked bemused.

“This is your friend you told me about Peri,” The silver and brown haired girl said as she flew back down towards us. Alvez was nowhere in sight and Blaze's facial expression looked like a child who'd been thoroughly scolded by his mother. What did she say to them.

“This is she, and my brother Blaze as you've met.” Peri said pointing to him. Because of Alvez's winds, his clothes worn torn in some places and his hair was blown all over the place.

“Nice to meet you,” I smiled as I shaked her hand. “Thank you for getting rid of that creep.”

“No problem, he is a known trouble maker, he thinks just because he's bigger than everyone else that he has the right to bully people,” She said. “But he's been sent to corrective rehabilitation for three weeks.”

“Where he probably belongs,” I said. “My name is Tai by the way.”

“Peri has told me all about you Queen Taigh-Lyn,” She bowed slightly. “My name is Vee.”