Chapter V
Here Comes Zulie
Aerio ran through the Senki forest as fast as his legs could move. Jumping over logs, swinging on branches, he felt rejuvinated. He stared upwards at the large green bushes covering the forest, seeing the rays of the sun pierce right through, the wind flowing through his hair, and in a distance, a small town was visible. About midway, “HEY AERIO!” A voice came from his side and startled him. He lost his balance and tumbled forward.
On his stomach, Aerio picked himself up and dusted off. “Zulie, you didn’t have to scare me like that! Especially when I was going top speed!” He looked around for the girl named Zulie, “Maybe it wasn’t her… I was probably hearing things.” He shrugged and examined himself for any injuries. “Nothing seems to hurt,” he looked down toward his feet, “but one of my sandals is missing… great.” He began to search. Checking into bushes, around trees, under rocks, and even little holes within the trees. “Doesn’t seem to be anywhere.” From behind, something flew toward him and smacked him alongside his head. “Ow!” He looked back as he placed a hand on the afflicted area. He saw no one, but when he looked at the floor, there laid his missing sandal.
“Haha! Got ya!” Zulie jumped down from a tree branch. She was a small girl, about a year younger than Aerio. Her skin had a light color, her eyes were about as blue as the sky above them, long red flowing hair traveled down her face, she wore a white tube top, a decently long red skirt, and a pair of red shoes. “Why were you running so fast?”
“I am trying to get to Amherst as fast as I can! I have to meet Jonas,” Aerio explained as he slid his foot in his recovered sandal.
“Jonas?! The town priest?! You’re actually going to meet him?!” Zulie was shocked, “Only those of high authority can visit Jonas!”
Aerio chuckled, “Guess I’m high authority then, huh.”
“Yeah right! Well high authority or not, I can still kick your butt on a race to Amherst!” Zulie taunted.
“Ha! You’re on!” Aerio accepted her challenge. They lowered their bodies to starting positions.
“Ready?” Zulie asked as she looked at him at her side. Aerio nodded. “On three, we run! Okay?!” Aerio smiled and nodded again. “Alright! Here we go!” They set their eyes on the distant town of Amherst. “Three!” Zulie dashed ahead and left Aerio bewildered. Seconds later, he caught on and began running behind her.
“Cheater!” Aerio shouted to Zulie who was about ten yards ahead of him. She laughed aloud as she ran, feeling victory upon her fingertips. They ducked under low hanging branches and vines, as they neared a crossing river, Zulie turned and made her way to the bridge while Aerio had something else in mind. He saw a couple of large rocks whose small caps popped from the water. Algae grew on the rocks, but it was worth a shot. Aerio leaped on the first rock and landed with ease, continuing his flow he jumped to the next, landing was a bit tougher and his balance on the verge of being lost. He managed to jump to the last rock with unstable balance from his leap and jumped hastily on the land on the other side. He landed on his side, got up quickly, and continued to sprint to Amherst.
Moments later, he finally arrived to Amherst and ceased running. He leaned on a building, trying to catch his breath. He looked back into the forest and saw Zulie coming in. “What… took ya?” he said panting.
“How did you get here before me?!” Zulie demanded.
“Shortcut,” Aerio responded with a smile. “Well, guess I’ll see you around, Zulie. I gotta meet up with the town priest!” He began to walk to a chapel that stood in the middle of the town.
Zulie followed, “Hey! I didn’t race you for nothing! I want to see Jonas too!”
“What?! I said I’d race you, but I never said anything about letting you tag along to see Jonas!” Aerio argued.
“Too bad, I’m gonna follow you whether you like it or not,” Zulie wrapped her arms around Aerio’s. She clinged tightly, letting him know she’s not going anywhere.
Aerio sighed, “Fine… just don’t do anything stupid.” They walked together toward the chapel, side by side.