Episode 8: Decision

“Teach me everything.” Ven says, putting some bass in his voice to sound as if he wasn't afraid but behind the facade, he is absolutely terrified.

Enishi smirks and then replies, “So I guess you have made your choice then huh?”

Ven nods.

“This road won’t be easy. Are you sure you want to do this? Beause once you start, you won't be able to quit. Do you understand?”

Ven nods again.

“Very well then. Let’s go to the Tower.”

“This is going to be interesting,” says Nyx as he folds his arms and starts walking towards the forest.

 Kia winks at Ven and follows behind Nyx.

“Come,” Enishi beckons. “They are expecting us.” Enishi turns towards the path that both Nyx and Kia walked towards.

Ven follows behind them, scared of what is to come.

 *Thirty Minutes later*

The four of them have been walking in complete silence.

Enishi, Nyx and Kia walk side by side. Ven follows behind them, at a six-foot distance, watching their every move. He still has a guard up and is prepared to defend himself against them, if necessary, although he already knows that he would lose. Kia glances behind her and slows her speed to match Ven’s so that she can walk beside him.

“So, I’m Kia,” she introduces herself.

Ven replies, “Hi.”

“I know this is a lot for you to take in.”

“It is.”

“I’m sorry. For everything you’ve been through.”

Ven stares at her and can see the sincerity in her soft, blue eyes. He looks down and then says, “Thank you. For what you did for me back there.”

Kia smiles at him.

“You’re a lot nicer than the other two,” Ven says and points at Enishi and Nyx.

Kia laughs. “They’re not so bad. They are just two big dummies. Especially Enishi. He’s a pain in the ass.”

“I can hear you,” Enishi calls behind him.

“Whatever.” She snorts. “We’ve known each other since we were children. We’re practically siblings.”

“Oh really?” Nyx chimes in. “I don’t think siblings are supposed to sleep with each-“

Suddenly, Nyx is hit in the back of the head with a splash of water that seemed to have come out of nowhere.

“What the hell?!” Nyx yells as he wipes his head of the water. He whips his head around and flips Kia off.

“Shut up or there is more where that came from! Asshole.! Kia says angrily.

Enishi laughs.

Ven is stunned by what he just witnessed.

“You! You shot water out of your hands!” He says excitedly.

“Yes. I am a water Madokai.”

“So, you control water?”

“Yes,” Kia moves her hands in a delicate motion and forms a ball of water in her palm. “Water Madokais are capable of manipulating water in any state. As long as there is water, there isn’t anything we can’t do with it. We are strongest at night, especially if there is a full moon.”

“Are you from the same place as them? Voltaria?” Ven asks as he watches Kia toss the ball of water between her hands.

“No. I am from the Kingdom of Rain. The Water kingdom. Enishi is from a small village outside of Voltaria. Nyx was born in Nymbus. He is from the kingdom of Air, House of Wind.”

“I see. How many kingdoms are there?”

“Four. Wind, water, fire and earth. Earth however, the Kingdom of Grout, no one has heard from or seen an earth Madokai in years. Same can be said about House of Wind but then again, they have ALWAYS kept to themselves.”

“Hiding?” Ven pries.

Kia shrugs. “Either that or they have been wiped out.”

Ven gets quiet for a moment then continues, “What is this Tower you speak of?”

“You’ll see soon enough.” Kia hurls the water ball that she was playing with at the back of Nyx’s head, soaking him.

“What was that for?!?” Nyx yells as he turns towards Kia.

“Because you’re an asshole!” she shouts back.

Ven grins.

“How old are you?!” Nyx yells at her.

“The same age as you! Twenty-eight!”

Nyx mumbles something to himself and continues walking as he holds the back of his soaked head.

“Ok you two. If you both are done fighting, we should tell the kid what’s to come because we’re going to reach the front gates shortly,” says Enishi.

“Yes,” Kia replies. “Just be prepared for… the stares.”

Ven’s brows quirk up. “What do you mean?”

“Let’s just say that fire Tenaris aren’t exactly welcome by many and there hasn't been a Tenari sighting in quite some time so, if I were you, I would just keep my head down and not say a word to anyone.”

“Why is that?” Ven inquires.

“People are afraid of the fire Tenaris. Their history…. Isn’t exactly a good one,” Kia answers.

“So why bring me to this Tower if I’m not exactly welcome?” Ven questions.

Kia replies, “It’s… complicated. You will see.”

Ven doesn't respond and continues walking.

“We’re here,” Enishi says dryly.

Ven looks ahead and sees a tall tower that seems to touch the clouds ahead of him, behind a wooden gate. They walk up to the gates of the Tower and stop right outside of them. At the top of the gates are two men dressed in black robes. Ven assumes that they must be guards. Enishi looks up towards one of the guards and the guard nods in his direction.

“They have returned. Open the gates!” yells the guard.

A loud groaning sound comes from the gate as it opens, slowly.

“Remember,” Kia whispers to Ven. “Just walk forward. Do not say anything to anyone.”

"Don't say anything. Don't make any sudden movements. Don't blink. Don't smile. Don't even breathe." Nyx teases.

"Shut up fool," Kia warns.

Ven shakes his head and looks forward. The gates open, and they all walk through them.

Ven looks on and gulps in anticipation as to what is to come.