Chapter 2: To Eternia & Beyond!!

Xion's P.O.V

I held my hand to my ear."Kratos, I've picked up the Phoenix." I heard Zephyren sigh behind me, I turned around to meet his gaze. His eyes showed no sign of anticipation to returning to his home, or even sadness for his father's passing.

"I'll be there soon & Xion remember what I told you" I heard Kratos tell me.

"Yes, I know……over & out" I took out my earpiece & pocketed it.

"So, how long till he arrives?" Zephyren questioned impatiently.

"Only a couple of minutes, my lord" I answered & saw him glare at me when I finished the sentence.

"You know I hate being called that" He snapped, he drank the rest of his drink & threw it angrily into the nearby garbage disposal.

"Umm……where are we headed exactly?" The girl supposedly named Keira asked.

"To Eternia Academy a place where different-"

"A place for you to stay" Zephyren interrupted. He looked up his eyes seeming to focus on something in the distant sky. "About time he got here" he said sarcastically. "Kratos knows how impatient I can get if I have to wait too long" Then I turned noticing Kratos landing behind me as silent as ever. His blue transparent wings disappearing.

"Greetings, Mr. Feral" He said brushing his red hair out of his eyes. "You don't seem too pleased to see me" He sighed.

"You're damn right I'm not" Zephyren snarled. "You know as well as Xion that I'd rather not go back to Eternia at all!"

"I know but unfortunately current circumstances require your presence" He looked up as it had started to rain. I noticed that every drop that dropped near Zephyren evaporated into steam, he must be really furious. Zephyren sighed again & lowered his head in defeat.

"Keira take Kratos' hand…" He gestured towards Kratos, she looked at Zephyren who gave her a reassuring nod then walked over & took his hand. I took the other & Zephyren took my free hand it was scorching hot…like touching a red hot poker, but I said nothing.

"Kratos" I began as he closed his eyes to concentrate, his wings reappearing.

"Hmm?"

"You could have been less conspicuous instead of wearing that purple uniform." I paused" Oh, & that warning you gave me…" I noticed Keira looking at Kratos' wings surprised that they were see through I guess.

"Yes?" He didn't seem to notice Keira's gaze.

"Umm, let me put it this way." I glanced at Zephyren quickly who was smirking. "I feel the burn right now" Kratos glanced at my hand which was smoking as much Zephyren was even though we were standing in the middle of the rain.

"Zephyren" Kratos began. "I know you are angry but must you burn Xion?"

"At least I'm keeping half of him dry" He replied sarcastically "Let's just get going so I don't keep burning him, okay?" He was angry, obviously, but still I could tell his next words were truthful. "You know I can't control this outside of my Phoenix form."

"Very well" Kratos replied smirking. I really wanted to hit that stupid little prince right now, taking pleasure in burning me & not being able to do anything is incredibly inconvenient. Then I could feel my body being pulled, my soaked hair whipped into my face like…well, like whips & then as suddenly as it began, it ended.

"Woah!" Keira gasped. "What was that! I saw the road & then suddenly I felt something pull & then we were here in this field!" She turned around & stumbled falling on her rear. "What is that?!" She yelled pointed at the enormous building in front of her as two students walked by.

"Heh, new girl" I heard one of them say & the other laughed.

Zephyren walked over & helped her onto her feet. I could see the despair in his eyes this time. Not for his father though, but instead because of the return to his birthplace & homeland. "This is Eternia Academy, my home" he snarled the last word. "A place where all people who are different live & are taught" He continued "It also lies on a time-space dimensional rift" He started to lead her to the building, Kratos was already at the steps gesturing for them to follow.

"Xion!" I turned to see Alice a Zeonthrope running well, more like jumping towards me "It's good to see you back!" She gave me a hug, after my little problem she was the first to accept me despite my fatal error & has treated pretty much like a brother of sorts.

"Glad to see you too" I replied as she released me.

"Come on I want to show you something" She gestured for me to follow & I did.

Zephyren's P.O.V

Eternia Academy…ugh! Why do I have to come back here! Why couldn't the old man have another heir? WHY? Anyways, as Kratos lead us into the main hall & into the 'Instructor's Office' he told us where we'd be staying, to my surprise Keira insisted on staying in the same room as me & since my room could fit about 12 rooms in it she was allowed, I didn't care I was still pissed about being brought back.

"Oh & Zephyren, you'll be pleased to know that your father's funeral has already passed" YES!! "And we'll be going along with the traditional end summer tournament." He smiled "Would you like to participate?"

"Of course! I mean do you even have to ask?" I said giddily feeling my anger dissipate at once. Fighting's a great stress reliever especially if you know there's going to be some competition. "When does it start?" I asked

"The day after tomorrow" He was smiling, glad that my mood had changed I guess.

"Great, that means plenty of time to scout the competition & train some myself." I looked at Keira "Oh, could you give her the tour Kratos? I don't trust anyone else to do it"

"If you wish" He sighed probably knowing I was going to ask him that.

"Thanks" As I walked out of the office I shouted "WAAAAAAHOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

CHAPTER 2 END