Lemonade and chill

It's already 1 in the afternoon and we decided to have a picnic by the river. We are currently preparing the things we need and Adam who's supposed to make lemonades is nowhere to be found!

John announced the result early in the morning and almost all of the people in the village have congratulated me already. We haven't discussed what I'll be doing since he told me to have a rest.

"I thought he'll only be picking some lemons?" I asked Avah who is also unaware of Adam's whereabouts.

"He's probably out there" I went out of my house and tried looking for him.

I asked some kids and fairies and they told me he's talking to John. What are they talking about?

I came back to the house and told Avah that he is out there talking to John. Minutes later, John came back with a basket full of lemons. He started making lemonades and when we are all prepared, we headed to the river, just a few meters away from the backyard.

We brought wooden table and chairs for the foods and drinks and we also brought a blanket for us to sit in.

"After months of deadly training, I finally got the time to chill with you guys" I said and rolled over. They started laying as well and together, we watched the skies and the birds flying around.

"Hey Avah, do you want to pick some flowers around?" I asked her and she happily nod.

There are so many butterflies around the flower field.

"Where is this river headed?" I asked her because I can't see the end from here.

"This river is surrounding the village. It's like, this village is an island surrounded by the river. Wait, what?"

We both laugh at her answer. She just rephrased her first statement.

"Why? Are there some specific reasons?" I haven't seen the whole village or even the entrance of this fortress.

"So that when the enchantments that is hiding this fortress no longer works because of an attack, we can still be protected by the Agua." She explained.

"But you, Terra can create a wall, right?"

"Yes, and if they can no longer create a wall, we will exchange roles and we will be on the defense team while they are the offense team."

"Were there any attacks after the Ignis vanished?" I asked curiously.

"Fortunately, no. The two elders might quarrel sometimes, but when it comes to protecting this fortress, they are dependable."

"Quarrel?"

"You know, most old people do when they reach that age" we just laughed at what she said.

After picking some flowers, we went back to Adam who is already eating. We put the flowers on the empty glass and poured some water on it.

"I've been here for more than 3 months yet I haven't visited every place in this village." I said while munching the bread in my hand.

"You will have the chance when you start patrolling the village starting tomorrow morning." Adam told me

"I will?!" I really want to be on the patrol team!

"Yes. Since you won yesterday, you'll be the leader of the patrol team. Don't tell John I already told you."

But what do patrol leaders do?

"Don't worry, Avah will be there too and I'll be coming with you since I am the head of the security team." I saw a glimpse of hope. They'll be coming with me!

"And also…" I looked at him and raised my brows.

"What?"

"John wants to see you tomorrow to discuss some things"

"Is that what he told you earlier?" I asked

"Uhm, yes. Partly."

We continued eating our foods until we are already full. We played like we are kids and caught some big fish while we are fishing.

Another good memory with them. I hope this won't end.

It's already 6 in the evening and we decided to come back to my house.

"Will you be sleeping here?" I asked them.

"Nope. We have to clean our house because it is a total mess! Unlike you who is always productive, we can't do things together unless it's necessary." Avah explained and put the basket on the table.

"Mom and Dad will be coming home tomorrow. I'll fetch you here so you can meet them." I smiled at them and nodded. I'll finally meet them! They have been so good to me since I came here so I am excited to show them my gratitude.

They went home already so I decided to wash the dishes we used earlier.

After cleaning everything, I took a shower and decided to go downstairs to watch a movie when I noticed the art room.

I opened the door and turned on the light.

I often come here to clean but I haven't touched any of these. They are my mom's possession. They are so precious. I am afraid I might only ruin it.

I was about to leave when I noticed a painting of a phoenix surrounded by trees in a dark forest. Its bluish color looks so refreshing. I touched it and remembered the dream I had before.

Why does she have a painting of it? Does that mean… the phoenix appeared in her dreams too?

I stared at it for a few seconds and decided to go to the library room. I opened the smallest box and took the necklace. I have been thinking about this for a few months already. I guess it's time for me to wear it. I just feel like my mom would like me to wear it.

I went back to my room and decided to sleep already. I still have to wake up early in the morning tomorrow and the movie I want to watch can wait.

---

My alarm woke me up. It's 4 in the morning and I still have to prepare because we will be patrolling this morning.

I took a quick warm shower, eat a light meal and made a hot chocolate drink. I am waiting for Avah and Avah to pick me up and head to the rendezvous.

I heard some footsteps and the door opened.

"Morning" Greeted Avah who is still sleepy.

"Want to have some?" I offered them my drink.

"Yes, please." Avah helped herself and poured some on her mug.

Adam looked at his watch and when he realized we still have time left, he took a mug and drank some.

After drinking, we headed to the rendezvous and saw all of the participants of the combat training and some faces that I guess, is Adam's colleagues.

Adam and his colleagues divided the group into four to patrol the east, west, south, and north. I am with Adam and Avah and unfortunately, with Maddy too.

It is still dark since the sun is not rising yet. We have our own flashlights but Adam told me to only use them when necessary because the invaders might notice us and try to escape. He also told me to be alert because if there is really an invader, there is a chance that they are looking for me.

We started walking and everyone is vigilant about their surroundings. I heard some rustling sound of the dried leaves. We have keen ears so we can hear even the slightest sound made few meters from our direction.

"Stop!" Adam said in a whispering manner. We all stopped and looked around our surroundings.

After realizing that it was just because of the air, we continued walking. We reached the bridge and decided to sit for a while since we are done patrolling the south. Everyone is still quiet and vigilant of their surroundings.

It is my first time to be on the patrol team but they have been doing it for months already. I feel like I am an outcast.

Minutes later, we decided to get ready to go back. Everyone who is sitting stood up and shook the dust off of their clothes. Everyone stopped when we heard the sounds of dried twigs and leaves being stepped on. I looked around my surrounding and saw that we are still complete.

Everyone rushed to the direction where the sound came from. We are standing on a bridge that has no leaves or any twigs scattered around!

"Scatter!" Adam shouted and we followed.

We can't properly see in the dark but we can hear his footsteps. The sun is already rising so we have an advantage. His moves are so quick like he was trained to be on this mission but we cornered him and he is now at the center, surrounded by us.