In the heart of the forest, a delicate water droplet clung to the edge of a leaf, sparkling like a tiny diamond in the dappled sunlight that filtered through the canopy above.
The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth and greenery. The gentle rustle of leaves seemed to lull the forest into a peaceful slumber.
Suddenly, the tranquility shattered with the sound of pounding footsteps, vibrations echoing through the forest floor.
I burst into view, running at full speed, my feet pounding the earth with rhythmic intensity. As I sprinted past the leaf, the wind from my speed swept through the trees, rustling leaves and snapping twigs.
The water droplet, dislodged by the rush of air, fell through the air, its descent quickened.
Birds, startled by the disturbance, took flight, their wings beating rapidly as they fled the chaos.
The trees blurred together as I ran, their branches swaying from the wind created by my passing.
My breath came in ragged gasps, heart pounding, but I didn't slow down. I couldn't.
As I sprinted, the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows on the forest floor. I thought to myself, I need to reach camp before it gets dark.
The trees grew taller and the shadows deeper as the light faded.
Finally, I saw him in the distance—a figure waiting. My eyes strained, and there he was: Drake.
A grin spread across my face. "Gramps! I'm here!" I shouted, waving my hand as I closed the distance.
Drake turned toward me, his eyes crinkling in amusement as he took in my disheveled state. "Aries!" he greeted, his voice a mix of relief and humor.
When I reached him, he placed his hands on my shoulders, his calloused palms grounding me with their familiar weight.
"Where were you? Took you long enough. I was starting to get worried," he said, his tone laced with concern despite his laid-back demeanor.
I forced a reassuring smile, though my insides were churning. "Just got lost a bit, Gramps. No big deal."
Drake's gaze sharpened as it fixed on mine, his eyes narrowing. He studied me like I was some kind of puzzle.
"Anything bothering you?" I asked, trying to keep the mood light, but the tension hung in the air.
Drake didn't answer immediately. His eyes never left my face.
"Uh… what did you do to your face?" he finally asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.
I blinked. "What do you mean?" I asked, running a hand across my face, confused.
Drake chuckled, his laugh deep and rumbling. "Your face is covered in mud, kid. Did you wrestle a pig or something?"
I froze, hand still on my cheek. The rough texture of the mud sank in, and my eyes widened. "What?!" I exclaimed, looking down at my hands, now covered in dirt. "How long has that been there?!"
Drake burst into laughter, shaking with it. "You didn't even notice? You're a sight, Aries. I can't believe you didn't see it."
It must be those muddy areas of the forest when I was teleported by Zarak, I thought to myself.
"BWAAHHAHAHA!"
Hearing the loud laughter of drake Heat surged through me, frustration bubbling up like a storm. My hands clenched into fists. "You're loving this, aren't you?"
"Couldn't help myself," he teased, still laughing.
In frustratation my body covers up in flames, I gritted my teeth. "You're not just going to stand there laughing, are you? Come on do something about this you pathetic Old geezer!"
Drake smirked. "Okay, I will grant you your wish."
Without warning, he flicked his wrist, and a blast of water came crashing down on me like a tidal wave. The flames from my irritation were doused instantly, and I stumbled back, feet sliding out from under me.
I hit the ground with a thud, sitting down hard against a tree, legs sprawled out. The cold water was everywhere, soaking through my clothes.
I glared up at him. "What the hell was that for?"
Drake, unfazed, crossed his arms and grinned. "You're welcome. You were looking pretty ridiculous—."
" WHO THANKED YOU?!"
I wiped water from my face, frustration turning to embarrassment. "I didn't ask for a bath."
He shrugged, unbothered. "It's a bonus. Mud's gone now. And look at it this way—you're clean."
I muttered something under my breath, pushing myself up from the ground. "Well You're impossible, Gramps."
Drake chuckled. "Anyway, dinner's ready. Let's go."
I followed him toward the camp, the warmth of the fire pit ahead a welcome sight.
As we walked, my fingers brushed the golden chain around my neck, the pendant that Cleya had given me. A soft smile spread across my face before I quickly masked it.
Drake, ever observant, raised an eyebrow. "What's this? I smell a girl on you."
I froze for a second, then shrugged casually. "You're imagining things."
He smirked, clearly unconvinced. "Right. Sure."
I narrowed my eyes "Hey why the hell are you thinking? Something doesn't feel good about that evil smile of yours"
"Awww come on its nothing Aries!"
"Well, I doubt about it"
We continued walking, the soft glow of the fire growing brighter ahead, but the teasing glint in his eyes made me tense just a bit.