Continuing their journey, Eliza, Eve, and Vulcan found themselves growing hungry. Not wanting to waste time, they decided on a quick stop at a gas station for drinks and snacks. Despite the car's tank still being half full, Eliza decided to refuel it, so they wouldn't need to make any more unnecessary stops.
With all they needed in hand, they returned to the car, Eliza taking the driver's seat once again and driving towards their destination. Eliza looked at the increasingly worsening weather as dark clouds gathered overhead. A distant rumble of thunder could be heard in the distance, signaling the approaching storm. The weather seemed to reflect the series of events that would soon take place.
"You know, Eve, I can't shake the feeling that we're being watched. It's probably just my imagination, but... Well, I don't know, it might just be the weather," Eliza said as she navigated the car onto the highway that connected their town with another town called "Golden Amaranth."
"You just might be nervous, Eliza. Considering we can now officially say we're beginning our journey and leaving home," Eve replied with a reassuring tone.
Eliza sighed, "Yeah, maybe you're right. It could be a mix of nerves and excitement, I guess. This journey feels like a big step for all of us."
"Exactly, so don't worry too much, Eliza. Besides, I'm sure you remember our trips to Golden Amaranth when we were little. Vaos taking us to the amusement park, and buying us so many gifts." Eve warmly smiled.
"We'll have to remind him to take us again for old times sake," Eliza said, her ears perking up.
Vulcan closed his eyes, wanting a few minutes of sleep, seeing how they were still yet to arrive at their destination. It began to drizzle, the rhythm of the raindrops creating a soothing backdrop, making it even more easier for a nap.
"Hey, Eve, why don't you call Vaos and let him know everything is going well so far?" Eliza suggested, as she saw Eve scrolling through social media on her phone.
"Hmm, not a bad idea, Eliza." Eve quick dialed Vaos number.
Waiting in silence for Vaos to answer, Eve held the phone to her ear, but the first attempt held no response from the other end. Trying once more she redialed the number until Vaos's voice came through the line.
"Hey Vaos, don't tell me you were watching those telenovelas again, so much so that my first call slipped by unnoticed," Eve smirked.
"Ahem," Vaos cleared his throat, "how's the journey going so far, Little Eve? Any challenges so far?"
"We barely left Alyssum; we just entered the highway to go to Golden Amaranth. The journey has hardly begun yet," Eve updated Vaos on their progress.
"Golden Amaranth, that place holds a lot of cherished memories," Vaos reminisced. "Wait a second, give the phone to Eliza."
Eve handed Eliza the phone, "How's my favorite grumpy old man?" Eliza teased playfully.
"Eliza, I trust you won't waste time and prolong the trip once you arrive in Golden Amaranth?"
"Of course not, Vaos. That's why when we come back, you're going to take us," Eliza said with a playful tone.
Vaos sighed, a smile forming on his lips. "You know, Eliza, no matter how much time has passed, you're still the same little girl from long ago. Your enthusiasm and spirit haven't changed, and that's why I find it difficult to say no," Vaos giving into Eliza's request.
Eliza grinned, "And you've become more of a softy, Vaos."
"Just don't forget what I told you, Eliza. Always be on guard. As Eve's older sister, you have to look after her and—"
"Wait, wait, wait. I'm just remembering," Eliza interrupted Vaos. "You told me to learn siphon magic, but how do you expect me to do that without a teacher?"
"I thought you'd be self-teaching, Eliza. You have the intelligence to grasp the basics of siphon magic on your own," Vaos said.
"Hey, that's easier said than done. Can't you tell me where to at least find a teacher or how to do it?"
"I unfortunately don't know where to find a teacher, but based on what I've seen, to master siphon magic—where you take away energy instead of healing—it involves the art of siphoning; essentially, the act of taking away or absorbing," Vaos explained.
"Vaos, that doesn't help at all, but nonetheless thanks anyway," Eliza sighed.
"My apologies for not being able to be of more assistance, Eliza."
"It's not a big deal, Vaos. Honestly, no need to be apologizing," Eliza said.
"I see, well nonetheless, knowing your talents, you'll be able to master siphon magic easily. Also, could you hand the phone back to Eve?"
Eliza grinned, "Compliments won't get you anywhere, Vaos. Anyway, here you go, Eve. He's eager to have a chat with you." With a casual flick of her wrist, Eliza handed the phone to Eve.
"Eve, I was wondering, how is that punk doing?" Vaos asked.
"Vulcan? He's doing just fine. He's sleeping right now and I don't blame him, considering we woke up early," Eve replied.
"I see, very well. It seems like everything is going smoothly, I'm glad. Did all of you get something to eat?"
"We just stopped by a gas station and got a few drink and snacks."
"I hope you found protein drinks and bars at that gas station," Vaos said in a stern voice.
"Uhmm, of course I did," countless wrappers of honeybuns sat right beside Eve.
"That's a relief. I thought you'd be gorging yourself with sweets. Anyway, I believe there's nothing left to tell me?"
"That's all for now, Vaos. If something important happens, you'll be the first to hear about it."
"Sounds good. Take care, Little Eve. And remember, always be on guard," Vaos advised before ending the call.
As the call ended, a silence once again took over. Entranced by the peaceful sound of the rain, Eve soon felt asleep right after.
Not wanting to drive in silence, Eliza connected her phone to the car's stereo, setting the volume low, and tuned into her favorite podcast. The voices and discussions added a lively touch to the dull atmosphere as she drove through the rain-soaked highway.
Eliza sighed, thinking about asking Vaos to make Eve and Vulcan to get their driver's licenses, so they could take turns driving, allowing her the luxury of dozing off during the journey.
"Although it's a rare sight, seeing you sleep so cutely like this, Eve," Eliza said to herself, a soft smile on her lips.
As Eliza saw Eve sleeping peacefully, memories flooded her mind, reminiscent of the times when their mother used to share such peaceful moments with them. Those cherished memories filled her heart, and she couldn't help but wish for the opportunity to relive those precious times again. Eliza's ears drooped down, reflecting the bittersweet emotions.
Eliza couldn't help but remember the conversation she had overheard between Eve and Vaos. Eve's supposed need for revenge remained in her thoughts, Eliza questioning its worth. She thought about the consequences, knowing that revenge wouldn't bring their mother back and would only pose significant dangers, not only to Eve but to all of them.
"Mother, if only you were here to lecture Eve, just one last time..." Eliza let out a sigh, saying, "Look at me, making myself sad with those happy memories."
"We should consider ourselves lucky to have these precious memories. I'm sure even you miss Mother's lectures, Eve," Eliza thought to herself, a smile forming on her face.
The rain began to fall more heavily, its tapping on the car roof becoming more louder and persistent as Eliza tried her best to navigate through the weather.
With Eliza's heightened senses, a unique trait to her as she is a beastkin, she picked up on a loud disturbance coming from the forest
that bordered the highway, her ears catching the unusual sounds despite the heavy rain. Eliza unmistakably heard the distinct sounds of portals opening and closing, giving off a reverberating electro sound, the sound of swords flying through the air, and the ferocious roar of a blazing fire.
Amongst the chaotic sounds, Eliza could distinguish three voices – one belonging to a woman and two to men. However, she could not figure out what they were saying due to the already loud environment. But what caught Eliza's attention the most was the distinct sound of machinery accompanied by a robotic voice.
"I better drive more quickly; I'm not waiting to find out what those sounds are," Eliza said, increasing the speed of the car as the mysterious noises continued in the distance.
However as soon as Eliza pressed on the pedal, a blue car emerged erratically from the dense forest, its movements unpredictable. Without warning, the reckless vehicle collided with Eliza's car.
"Healing magic, protective ward!" Eliza swiftly conjured, three bubble-like shields enveloped her, Eve, and Vulcan, creating a barrier against the collision.
Before Eliza and the others could react, a menacing and loud robotic voice echoed through the air, declaring, "COMMENCING EXTERMINATION."