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Chapter 2: The Seven Strangers
Elena sighed tiredly and stoked her campfire before she stired the soup she had cooking.
"Oh dear. Just my luck. I made too much. And I can't very well take it with me. I suppose I'll have to eat my fill and throw the rest out." she grumbled.
"Hello, there!" A voice called. Elena looked up to see a group of seven. Five monsters, and two humans. A girl with reddish brown hair and a Suezo hopping along beside her, a boy with dark hair and strange clothes with a Mocchi on his back, and a Hare, Golum, and Tiger walking behind them. The Hare and the Tiger seemed to be arguing. Elena waved back at the girl who had called to her.
"Hello there. Care for some freshly made soup? I've made too much, and if no one else eats with me, I'll have to throw the remainders away." she said.
"We'd love to join you. My name is Holly. This is Genki, Suezo, Mocchi, Tiger, Golum, and Hare. We're just passing through the area. Would it be too much trouble if we asked to spend the night here, camping with you?"
"Nice to meet all of you. My name is Elena. And, no. It wouldn't be a problem. I could use the company. So, where are you folks headed?" Holly and the others exchanged glances, as if debating whether or not to tell someone they just met where they were going. Elena waved it off.
"You know what, forget I asked. Everyone's entitled to their secrets. Why don't you guys sit down and I'll serve you up some supper."
"So what about you, Elena? Where are you headed?" Hare asked as she handed him a bowl of hot soup. Elena looked up at the clear stary sky, her eyes full of longing.
"I'm seeking a little excitement. An adventure. Life on the ranch was always so...imprisioning to me. I want to be free to make my own choices, live my own life. I understand the danger I face out here with all of Moo's lackies, and I'm ready to face that danger head on." she replied. Hare exchanged a quick glance with the others, as if they were all thinking the same thing. Holly was the first to voice it.
"Then if you'd like, you can come along with us. We're looking for the legendary Phoenix." she said. Elena looked at her quizically.
"The Phoenix?" she asked. Holly mentally smacked herself. She had forgotten to take in account that Elena's parents had kept her isolated, making her new to certain things in the world outside her family's ranch. Correcting her previous mistake, Holly explained all she knew about the Phoenix and the journey she and her friends were on. When she had finished, Elena nodded in understanding.
"I see. Well, you'll have to discuss it with your friends, here. I'll come along if the vote is unanimus, but I really have no say in the matter." she said calmly. Holly turned to the others.
"Well?" she asked.
"I see no reason why she should not accompany us." Golum said. Hare nodded in agreement.
"Same here." he said.
"Elena should come, chi!" Mocchi piped in.
"Hmph. As long as she doesn't slow us down." Tiger said gruffly. Genki smirked.
"Well, looks like it's settled. Welcome to the team." he said. Elena smiled.
"Thank you. And don't you worry about me slowing you down." she said, winking.