Once leaving the protective barrier Mother cast to protect the Kapok Tree and the cheebs, the downpour was unforgiving. The rain came down in heavy sheets but was warmer than the cool mist Mary had been used to all her life.

Mary trudged along, her hooves splashing in the puddles as they advanced through the forest. All the cheebs had been given brown traveling cloaks and packs for the journey. Mary pulled the cloak tighter around herself and kept her head down.

Meanwhile, Doni danced around her, hood down with a smile on his face. His pointed ears poked prominently out of black hair soaked against his head.

"You seem to like the rain a lot, for a fire elemental." Mary's voice was bitter as she watched her friend smile up into the clouds. Rolling her eyes she shook his hood back on his head.

"We need to keep our hoods on, they said." Mary told him.

"Oh, but I'm just so excited Mary! I'm so happy you decided to come after all." Doni smiled at Mary. Mary tried to smile back at him but looked down to hide her face with her hood and they trudged on with the group.

Sullen and soaked she thought about last night. In her dry, bright room as she waited for Mother. In those moments she almost HAD wanted to accompany the others to the Academy. Right now she just felt so confused, and almost a little betrayed.