The Guild

Beneath the helicopter, the landscape had radically changed, the trees and grass thinning out as they traveled further north. The earth turned rocky and barren, frost gathering on the windows as the weather grew colder. Aunora was familiar with the lush, colorful jungles of Ereith, and even the lively metropolitan city of Alcorith, but the stark and sudden contrast of the area was starting. She could only describe it with one single word: grey. She shuffled in her seat. She was out of her element.

Aunora cut her eyes, watching Matthew beside her. He had solemnly offered her the window seat, a small but uncharacteristic gesture. He leaned back against the seat, glasses resting on the bridge of his nose as he reclined his head back, eyes half closed.

He was sullen, far more quieter and withdrawn than she was comfortable with him being. Umbra had trusted her to take care of Matthew, and she couldn't stand to see him like this.

“Yeah,” Aunora said, continuing a conversation that had never actually started,”Last time I was in a place like this it sucked. Broke my leg and almost froze to death.” She flashed Matthew a toothy grin.

Her humor tell flat. “We shouldn't run into any problems like that,” Matthew murmured, watching her from the corner of his eye.

Aunora felt her cheeks grow warm. “You feeling okay, man?”

Matthew's knuckles were white against the armrest. “I just have a headache. It's nothing you should worry about. Umbra cleared me for seizures several days ago.”

She furrowed her brow, sighing as she turned away from Matthew. That's not what I meant.

Aunora cradled a bag between her feet, filled with the bare minimum she needed for the trip. Umbra had prepared it for her, and she had tossed out the unnecessary items, like the absurd amount of underwear he packed for her (she really didn't need a different pair for everyday). Buried within, she pulled out a small notebook Umbra had gifted her.

Peeking inside, she was met with Umbra’s curly handwriting, almost too artsy to read. It was detailed instructions on how to do pretty much every domestic matter Umbra normally handled- cooking, child care, and even first aid. She squinting, skimming across the details.

She was told to make sure Victor had taken his medication, and that Seraph had no ability to control his own sugar intake, and she should be sure that he doesn't make himself sick. Victor had sensitive skin and shouldn't be allowed to use normal soap (then what should he use?), and she should be cautious of letting Seraph walk long distances.

At the bottom of the page, one short but poignant line was written: “Don't let Matthew be alone.”

Aunora swallowed down a hard lump in her throat. She had never had this much responsibility before. Was she really cut out for this?

She stretched around to check on the kids. Victor was staring vacantly out the window, and Seraph was clutching his stomach. She mentally noted she had probably failed one of her objectives.

The helicopter jerked, making Seraph groan and Aunora look out the window. They were approaching a small metallic structure nestled within snow-covered stretch of land, bearing no true distinguishing details. She figured it had to be Raging Hail.

Infinity stood up, crossing his arms and facing the rest. “Alright, everyone. We're preparing to land. Get ready to go.”

Author's Note- ahhh!!! my drama club has had me real busy!!! sorry!!!

hope you enjoy-remember to vote and comment :)