The second day I spent with the Ninja was filled with hour after hour of training while the flying boat sailed south. Aureole vaguely explained that morning that we were heading to somewhere called Songdragon Lake. She said that whilst also applying eyeliner with the aid of a dagger. I didn't know why she spent time putting on makeup (with a dagger nonetheless) while in the middle of a life-or-death mission, but everyone had the attitude that it was a typical trait for those of her bloodline.

     Apparently, the 'voice that sings' lived there.

     "Yeah, but what about the sacrifice? Or the Light? Do you know who those are?" I asked her, tying strips of thick fabric around my forearms. It was an essential part of the Ninja look according to Aureole, so she lent me some of her pieces to wear. We were sharing a room since we were both girls, but I assumed that it was also arranged so she could keep an eye on me.

     "We aren't supposed to talk about the prophecy. Word could get out to those who don't need to know it," she silenced me, tucking the ends of her red hair into an intricate bun. She surveyed herself in the mirror, checking for any inconsistencies. If I weren't so confused by her words, I would have scolded her for thinking her appearance was anything less than beautiful. She had the nerve to be putting on makeup while I had to walk around with puffy eyes and bedhead.

     "We're alone on a flying ship," I rolled my eyes, attempting to tame my hair with a scrunchie, "no one is going to hear us."

     "Still."

     "It kind of sounds like you don't know what it says."

     "Maybe I don't go sniffing around private places stealing what isn't meant to be seen," Aureole raised her perfectly arched eyebrows, glancing my way through the mirror as she readied her setting spray. "If you want to prove yourself to our parents, I would suggest not bringing it up again."

     "You're bossy."

     "Someone has to be. I'm stuck on a ship with a bunch of teenage boys."

     We both laughed at that. I didn't know the older girl very well, but it was nice to joke around with someone for once. For the first time in my life, I actually could talk to someone without playing nice. They all already knew my thieving side, so there was no reason to hide my personality for my grandparents' sake. I smiled even bigger when I thought of my estranged relatives. I was hanging out on a flying ship in the middle of an adventure. They'd probably have a heart attack.

     This was my greatest rebellion yet.

     I was paired up with Shade a lot that day. He was obviously already a master of everything the training covered, so he was told to help me out. Like the day before, I could barely perform two of the moves the rest of the group could do with ease. Shade had to guide me through the basics. My heart jumped into my throat every time I glanced his way. Was I doing the forms right? If I caught on quickly, would he be impressed? Or did he like girls who took time to perfect every movement?

     "Good," Shade nodded in my direction after I went through a simple form of self-defense. "Let's move onto some basic attacks."

     He's praising you, Carmen! Play it cool, play it cool...

     "Basic attacks? I-uh... yeah. Sounds cool."

     He blinked.

     Great going there, Carmen.

     A hint of a smile played at his lips. "You're pretty good at the basic-basics. Good enough where we can step the training up a level."

     He complimented you again! Note to self: he may have a thing for awkwardness.

     He definitely was not the type to like perfection if he was moving me up already, which was nice since I was nowhere near perfect. Every time I thought about how behind I was I felt like a bumbling idiot trying to dance ballet with a bunch of professionals. I smiled at the blonde; he understood this and was willing to work with me.

     He didn't hold me back from my potential. He didn't underestimate my abilities. He didn't judge me for who I had been.

     Throughout the day, my opinion of Shade became clear. I had initially only seen his natural handsomeness, but this was a completely new level. His patience with me was amazingly longstanding, and I glowed with pride every time he complimented my form. He didn't try to slow my pace of learning, nor did he rush me through things. He was the perfect mentor.

      And when he smiled at me, I thought that he might just be the most perfect person ever.

     Shade disappeared after lunch, so I went to find him. I tried to excuse it with how I needed to keep practicing, but I don't think anyone in the dining room bought that. I found him outside on the deck, leaning against the ship's railing and staring out at the passing clouds. I was about to tease him about slacking off, but then I saw the expression on his face.

     "What's wrong?"

     Shade startled a little at my voice. "Sorry, I didn't see you there."

     He sounded sad. Shade returned to watching the clouds, his gaze distracted. I didn't know what he had to be worried about, since he had enough skill to best anyone who came his way. I stared at his blue-green eyes, wondering if he could be thinking about someone. Voices drifted into my head, memories of the adults discussing a girl who had been taken.

     Ver.

     "Are you thinking about the kidnapped girl?" I leaned against the rail beside him, a twinge of jealousy tickling my chest. Perhaps this Ver girl was Shade's supermodel girlfriend and I wasn't even someone to be considered.

     He soundlessly chuckled, a half-smile appearing on his face. "Yeah, she's my sister. I'm worried about her."

     "Were you close?" It took me a second to think up the words. I was too relieved that Ver was his sister. Besides, I had never had siblings. I had no idea what losing one was like.

     "Not as close as we should have been." He rested his chin on his hand. "We used to spend hours out on the training course. She'd complain about school and I'd counter it with talking about all my... um... all the people who bothered me. When we got older, we didn't get to spend as much time together. Nevertheless, she's still my sister. I still love her and would do anything to get her back."

     Goodness gracious he's perfect...

     "I never got to know my family as much as I liked. A fire of unknown origin spread throughout my village when I was younger, and it killed my parents. I've had to deal with my grandparents ever since," I tried to sympathize, feeling an unexpected rush of sadness. "I don't regret leaving them though. They were only ever after my parents' supposed fortune."

     "We've all got our tragic backstories," Shade messed with his immaculate hair. "But, hey, it's what makes us special."

     He thinks I'm special?

     "I'll do whatever it takes to get back your sister," the words blurted out of my mouth before I could stop them. Did I have what it took to get her back? Probably not. It was likely I'd die trying. But my cheeks were already warming with hope that he might be proud of my promise.

     I still couldn't believe it took one boy to break me into a mushy idiot.

     "I just need you to make sure the key stays safe," he responded, not meeting my eyes. "That's going to help us in the long run."

     Was it just me, or did his voice get softer? Gah, I was overthinking everything. He was just concerned about his sister and the mission ahead. That was it. I didn't have anything to do with how he wouldn't meet my eyes, or why his right eye was twitching, or how he totally might be grateful for my dumb promise—

     Cut it out, Carmen! He would never notice you that way!

     But he just poured out his soul to me.

     That had to mean something.

     While the debate kept up in my head, and the overthinking flooded my palms with sweat, one truth stayed constant in my brain. Shade might not consider liking me, but somewhere inside I still hoped for it. 

The mid-afternoon sunlight was my worst enemy. I was sitting near the front of the ship, watching the distant mountains come ever closer. My belly was full of Zane's great cooking, the gentle sunlight was warming me to the perfect temperature, and it was pretty peaceful outside since Storm had dragged Shade, Aureole, and Carmen inside for a round of Fist-to-Face X. It was the greatest combination for an afternoon nap.

     Someone with more sense would beat Morro to the couch in the library room and stay there all night. I, however, loved hanging out with my second family more than sleep. That was my greatest downfall. We were still a little way off from the snowy mountains surrounding Songdragon Lake, so technically I did have time to rest my head against the wooden sides of the Bounty. I could take a quick nap without anyone noticing.

     Just as I was starting to nod off, I heard Morro's voice.

     "Mother says it won't be long before we're ready to depart."

      I cracked open an eye to see the white-haired boy sit down beside me.

     "The mountains are too high to cross without using most of our fuel, so we're going to have to get through them on foot. It won't be much of an issue, though, since we picked up a ton of supplies in Kunci. Zane said there is a passage through the mountains that is a bit lower than every other way. He mentioned something about a dilapidated road used to visit the inside city. However, the road wouldn't be dilapidated if it were being used... it makes me wonder what this inside city is hiding." Morro attempted to tie his gi's sash around his waist. He had never been good at suiting up in his ninja gear, which was probably a result of him never wearing anything but oversized hoodies and sweatpants outside of his simple school uniform.

     "Hopefully they are hiding the voice that sings," I mentioned dryly. He laughed at that while I rested my head back against the railing. "The attendant at the research center called the area inside the mountains Songdragon Lake. She also mentioned dragons eating people, so perhaps that is what they're trying to stop. Carnivorous dragons wouldn't exactly help tourism."

     "I guess," Morro shrugged, now frowning at his clumsy knot. "Your dad was good with dragons. Maybe you could befriend them or something."

     "I don't know," I gingerly touched the bags under my eyes.

     "You don't know what?"

     "If we do have to make the journey on foot, wouldn't it be more practical if someone stayed behind to watch the Bounty? If this mountain is a home to threatening dragons, then someone is going to need to protect our supplies."

     Morro tilted his head, processing my point. He began to nod slowly and gave his knot one final yank. It came completely undone and fell onto the floor. Morro stood up, shooting the loose fabric a glare. "I need to talk to Father about this, since it might just be the perfect opportunity to avoid any type of camping. In the meantime, though, try and get ready to leave. You may be younger than us, but there's no way anyone is heading into mountains without a Master of Earth."

     I had to laugh at the irony about an hour later when Kai told us he was staying behind to watch after the Bounty. "If for any reason you can't leave peacefully, I'll fly around the perimeter to try and pick you up somewhere else. Also, there's no way I'm watching over this vessel without an elemental with me, so decide right now who's staying behind."

     Everyone except Morro collectively groaned.

     "Well," Harumi started, putting a hand on Morro's shoulder. "My kids are coming with us since I'm not letting either of them out of my sight." The adults shared a glance that everyone else didn't catch, save the inquisitive thief. She blinked, trying to connect the dots. I knew why both Shade and Morro had to go. One of them was the prophesized son, so we couldn't risk leaving them behind. The Overlord could be hiding anywhere.

     Morro started to protest but was quickly cut off by Shade's cheering.

     "As much as I'd love the same principle to apply to my family," Aureole propped her arm on Shade's shoulder, "there's no way you're leaving me out of this."

     "I'm coming too," Carmen added a bit too quickly, her cheeks flushing as soon as everyone's attention was brought to her. I shouldn't have been surprised that she'd already developed a silly crush on Shade. "I'm good with finding valuable things and stealth. I may not have powers like the rest of you, but I'm sure I can help."

     Eyes turned to Storm next, but for some reason he looked kind of flustered. "Eh, you can't really count me as an elemental, so I guess I'll tag along. You all need comedic relief anyway since you're so serious all the time," he shakily laughed at his own words, turning away so we couldn't see his expression.

     Shade tried to help him out, but the forced laughs faded to silence.

     "Are you okay with staying behind, Peak?" Lloyd asked. "We're going to need Zane for mapping and first aid."

     "They only need me for my brain," Zane attempted to stage-whisper to Kai, "I guess your daughter is taking over your looks part of the team."

     "Hey!" Kai immediately started messing with his hair, which made Aureole raise an eyebrow in amusement. Sometimes their interactions made me ponder. Half the time they looked like a happy family, the other half Aureole seemed so detached from her father and mother. I wondered what went on over on Skylor's Island.

     Still, Kai's reaction to not being seen as the looks had a few of us chuckling, and I was glad to see it. Somehow, despite the world and Ver's fate resting on our shoulders, we could still find time to smile. It was a nice trait; I would miss it when they left. And, deep down, dread was already piling in my stomach for them. I truly, truly hoped that they would survive the carnivorous dragons and any other danger the mountains presented.

     Remember to keep steady. You are the master of earth; you will be fine.

     I just prayed they would be fine as well.

     "I can stay behind," I told the green leader, hiding the mental images of my frightened father behind false confidence. "The mountains will be an excellent place for me to practice."

     Lloyd clapped his hands, smiling. Morro looked absolutely miserable at the thought of camping, but the rest of the kids were ecstatic to go together. "Okay, then it's settled. We're going to estimate about a week for this journey. It shouldn't take too much longer if we move quickly. Unless we contact the Bounty with different plans, we will return to this spot within seven days. Everyone get ready; we're leaving within the hour."

     As the adults and kids filtered out, I found my gaze drawn once more towards the mountains. The cool air was nice when combined with the outside sun. If I closed my eyes and mind and let the air wash over me, deep breaths would wash the stress away.

     They would be fine.

     No one was going to die.

     We were all going to make it back home in one piece.

     For the next week, there would be no one to keep me awake at night except Kai, who would surely video chat Skylor from a room far away. I could spend my days growing stronger in my mastery of earth, and my nights filled with unbroken sleep. I could be very productive if I utilized my time properly.

     Perhaps it was for the best I stayed behind.

     I doubt any of my friends could have properly dealt with what came next.

 I hated camping with a burning passion.

     Edit that: I hated living outdoors with no plumbing with a burning passion.

     The snow-capped mountains were beautiful to look at; they gave me a great amount of peace during the first hour of hiking. Birds chirped from high up in the trees, adding to the sense of serenity in the air. There was a great sense of a lack of humanity in this area, which added to the appeal. We'd never traveled far from the city, so the change of pace was nice.

     However, the 'dilapidated' road was more akin to 'no road at all'. It looked like no one had walked the path in so long that nature decided to return it to retake it over. The lack of items my parents had us all bring was unsettling, but still, the paraphernalia we were required to drag around was forced through prickly plant after prickly plant.

     My untied ninja gi caused me to trip several times, and the stuffy fabric did not help with my natural altering of the temperature. Before I knew it, I was burning up so bad that Shade had to come and walk next to me so I wouldn't overheat.

     And where Shade went, the rest of the very loud group followed.

     Carmen turned out to be quite the loudmouth when provoked, and this was not helped by her sharp attention to details. Before long, she and Aureole were prattling on with their girly talk. Shade, being far more experienced in the field of sociality than the rest of us, could easily keep up with their conversations. Those three were loud enough. It got even worse when Storm tried to lodge his way into the overly loud discussion, which normally resulted in everyone laughing so hard it made my ears ring. They wouldn't even discuss interesting things. They'd debate whether water was wet, if pineapple really did belong on pizza, or if ketchup was a tomato smoothie. I could have put up with their volume if they'd at least discussed something fruitful, but no. They were just being silly.

     By the time we had to stop to set up camp, I was seriously considering trying to sneak off back to the Bounty.

     "Why is there a volleyball in here? This bag is supposed to be for clothes," Aureole barked later that night.

     Storm protested that a volleyball was more important for our mission while the parents collectively mumbled about not needing such trivial items on their adventures.

     We quickly found out the lack of our parents' packing had led to us missing some pretty essential stuff. There was a riot when no mirrors were found, and the lack of light sources left all the kids crowding around Aureole so they could see. It didn't take long until she snapped, Shade got everyone to find wood, and a campfire was born. When Aureole decided to curl up in her sleeping bag for the night, Father thought it would be a good idea to start a Starfarer trivia game. Zane gave too many correct answers, so he was banished to referee the other contestants. The only other people in the group as invested as Lloyd was were Shade and Storm, and they started shrieking over each other to win bragging rights. Meanwhile, Mother and Aureole's sleeping forms started to slowly rise and fall, signaling their sleep.

     After about two minutes of catty fighting over trivia answers, I excused myself for a bathroom break and went to find a private spot to rest in. I had a feeling the noise wasn't going to stop anytime soon, so I sat against a tree, staring up at the stars I could see through the leaves.

     The mountain air was quite cool, even with my elemental powers heating me up. Staying outside away from our heat source would only make the air seem colder, so I extended a hand from my cocoon to try and shift the temperature.

     The problem was, I could only amplify existing energy, not create it. Since the air was cold, there was nothing to amplify. I frowned, closing my eyes to try and feel for more. As Father put it, energy was always there, I just needed to find it. The process of finding energy often overheated me as a child; I avoided it as much as I could.

     Yet, I was already tucked in a sleeping bag and already settled into the perfect spot. If I wanted to be warmer, then I'd have to get up and reposition myself next to the noise. That wasn't going to happen.

     I closed my eyes, opening my senses to the energy sources around me. Fireflies flickered from a few feet away, emitting cold light. The campfire flickered from beyond the trees, but I didn't trust myself in making that warmer. I'd probably burn the mountainside down. My own body heat was an option; yet every other time I'd tried that I'd pass out from overheating myself.

     I wish I had as much control as Shade over my powers.

     Well, I guess my clothes were warm from being worn. It was the safest option I had, so I wrapped myself in a hug and focused on finding the energy. Little sparks danced where the fabric met my skin, signaling an energy transfer. My elemental power latched onto the particles, slowly making them hotter and hotter.

      I yelped when I made them a bit too intense. The talking in the clearing stopped temporarily, but everyone dismissed it as an owl or something seconds later. I'm pretty sure Father knew what was going on, but he had the wisdom to understand I wasn't coming back anytime soon.

     Despite heating my clothes up to a way too warm temperature, the mountain air counteracted it and soon I was truly a cocoon of a sleeping bag and a stinky ninja gi. I rested my head against the bark of the tree, letting the peaceful sounds of nature block out the rest of the groups' refusal to sleep.

     Soon, it all faded into the darkness of slumber.

     Then, a shrill noise drifted through the silence.

     I opened my eyes to the dark woods, not knowing exactly what time of night it was. The moon shined bright overhead, and the clearing was silent with sleep. I surveyed the area, finding the air even more chilling than before. A distant owl hooted, but other than that there was nothing.

     There it was again.

     I strained to hear, and sure enough there was a faint noise coming through the air. It wasn't the normal sound of wildlife. This was something different.

     I nearly choked on my own gasp at the realization.

     It almost sounded like a song.