Alexander Stowe was drenched.

And that was putting it lightly.

He'd been out on a walk through the jungle when the sudden storm started. He'd just finished playing with Panther. Since Aaron was away with Kaylee, staying with the scientists, Alex had taken it upon himself to make sure the creatures of the jungle weren't forgotten about again.

But the one thing Alex forgot? That when he magically set up weather for Artime and Quill, he'd made sure to include heavy rainstorms once a month. It was usually very much appreciated by gardeners from both countries (though Quillens were awful at saying 'thank you') and Alex hadn't stayed home in the mansion long enough yet to be in a bad storm. This one reminded him of the hurricanes on the Island of Shipwrecks.

He shivered as he felt the cold water drip down his skin. Mr. Today's robes were far from waterproof - Alex guessed they absorbed water faster than other clothes did. And so just as he exited the jungle and the rain poured heavily down, he was instantly soaked to the bone.

The cold feeling was so familiar to Alex. Like the first time they scrolled in the ocean and everyone on their quest was terrified the ship would sink. Spike Furious even went over with them. To Alex, it felt like the end of the world. Or the freezing of the churning waters after Simber froze and Alex and Meg were thrown off the boat. While he watched Simber plunging into the sea, unable to do anything other than focus on keeping Meg above the water.

Alex choked out a sob at the vivid memories. He didn't want to remember almost being swept away in a hurricane or staring at the sea as Queen Eagala's ships grew larger as she came closer until a fight broke out and-

He sobbed into his arm as he stood still on the small, barely used path that connected the mansion's yard and the jungle. His breathing was uneven as he struggled to keep from swallowing the rain pouring down his face.

"Please...stop…" he cried, though he knew just asking wouldn't stop a rainstorm. He'd have to re-perform the spell, which would involve clearing his mind - which wouldn't stop racing right now.

He wiped the snot off his nose with his sleeve, his tears and raindrops mixing on his freckled cheeks.

"Alex?" a husky voice called out.

The mage quickly looked away when he saw Sky approaching.

"Are you alright?" she asked, and he could see in his peripheral vision that she'd been smart enough to bring an umbrella outside. "You look sick! And not the good kind of sick."

Kaylee had taught them that phrase. Apparently in America, her homeland, sick meant cool. Alex thought it was dumb. Aaron had immediately loved it and called Kaylee "sick" every day. It caught on and soon most everyone in Artime was "sick". Alex was hoping the fad would pass. Henry even said it made working in the hospital confusing.

"Not sick," he mumbled, "I'm fine."

Sky stood in front of him, lifting the umbrella over his head until he no longer felt raindrops hitting his body anymore.

"Alex. No lying."

He almost laughed. Sky could see right through him. He met her beautiful gaze and opened his mouth.

"I just-"

RUMBLE! BOOM!

Alex flinched and tears spilled uncontrollably from his eyes. He trembled, both from the cold and pure terror. The loud clap of thunder startled him and he scanned the horizon and dark sky wildly.

Sky grabbed Alex by his shoulders and pulled him closer, not caring that he was dripping wet.

He hesitantly put his arms around her in a gentle hug.

"It surprised me. The storm," Alex bit his lip, "I'm sorry."

Sky squeezed the hug a little tighter. "It's okay, Alex. I know it's scary."

Alex nodded. "It's the water. Everything that went wrong seemed to be when we were having adventures around the ocean. And the few times I actually get to be home," he stood a shaky breath as Sky rubbed circled on his back, "We were starving. Remember before I brought back Artime when all we had was the water in the shack. If we hadn't figured out the spell, we would've either died of dehydration or gone back to Quill."

"I know," Sky said comfortingly, grateful that Alex was finally letting his emotions out.

"But I knew Quill would just have me killed. I was an Unwanted. I led other Unwanteds. That makes me even worse than the rest in their eyes."

"I know."

"I thought I was going to die."

Sky felt Alex's knees give way and she helped lower him gently to the ground. They huddled under her umbrella and he clung to her tightly, sobbing as he tried to hide his face in her hoodie.

"I'm sorry," he mumbled through snot and tears.

"You've been through a lot of really scary things. Nobody blames you for feeling this way, Alex."

I know. He thought. But I blame myself. I should be a better leader.

"But it's childish to get scared of thunderstorms. Especially when we've faced so much worse."

"It's not childish! Get that through that thick skull of yours. People are going to love you no matter what you're afraid of. Because you're brave and you've sacrificed so much for all of Artime!" Sky huffed.

Alex gaped at her sudden emotion, unsure of how to respond.

"We're going inside now and you'd better not catch a cold."

She grabbed his hand and helped him up, pulling him in the direction of the mansion. He felt his cheeks grow warmer and he hoped she didn't see his blushing.

Even though he was soaking wet, it was pretty nice to know that somebody cared about him.

"Thank you, Sky."