The group walked around their new surroundings which was more of an open field covered with layers of green grass which gave out a fresh earthy scent, the sun shone brightly, the atmosphere was peaceful and the gentle rustle of the wind created an eerie calm, yet an unsettling stillness hung in the air.
So.., Kymani spoke up, what now, are we free?..if we are, why's noone here, or is this another trap we have to get out of?
There's no one here that could answer your questions Kymani, Zara replied him
I know, I'm just really confused right now,..
while they discussed, Valtor glanced behind at Orea who seemed to be avoiding his gaze for a while now, staring at the ground in silence while they walked.
How about we do this,..Zara's voice brought him back to the present, let's split up, two of us go one way while the other two go another , we'll look around for anything or anyone that can help us with where exactly we are and then we'll meet back at this spot to share whatever we found. Is that okay?
Fine,.. I guess that makes sense, Kymani agreed, so who's going with me?
Valtor's attention returned to Orea, deciding to move with her, he started to approach her, only to be held back by Zara's firm grip, Valtor and I could go together, Zara spoke up, you and Orea can go east and we'll go west, Is everyone okay with that?
Sure, Kymani replied as he and Orea began moving in the other direction.
So,.. Kymani glanced at Orea after a long silence, what's up with you?
Nothing, she replied with her eyes on the road
I get it, he added, I'm not a fan of her either.
Orea whiplashed towards him as he continued, she's bossy,..you can be bossy too, sometimes but in a more manageable way
She grimaced,..is that supposed to be an insult or a compliment?
could be both, he shrugged, but in this case, I guess it's a compliment
So,..thanks?,
'Anytime',.. he replied, causing her to smirk.
And I know it's none of my business, he continued but you should be more open about your feelings
Orea glanced at him again in surprise,.. what does that mean?
I'm just saying, he raised his palms in defense, maybe you should tell Valtor how you really feel, you'd be surprised what you might learn.
Orea paused on hearing his words, she stood thinking for a while as she observed their surroundings, before reacting.
Oh my God!..
What?..Kymani faced her, you're not mad are you, because I was only suggesting..
Shush..she cut him off, look towards your left Kymani
Kymani turned to his left, meeting a view of what looked like a big city with tall buildings laying afar off,
Wow!..This is it..right?, he exclaimed in excitement,..it has to be
Orea smiled at him..I think we've just found our way home Kymani.
Zara and Valtor continued west, Zara talked as they walked while Valtor supposedly 'listened', or so she thought, his mind seemed to have drifted a long time ago.
So, Orea.., she began, earning Valtor's attention.., I thought you said she wasn't your girlfriend
Yeah and she isn't..he replied
So why do her actions bother you so much, she cocked her head at him in observance
I'm not bothered..just confused
About what?
Valtor stared at her without giving a reply
Tell me, she continued, why did you come back for me when you could've jumped through the wall
Because you were in danger?..he wondered if that wasn't obvious enough..and after you helped all of us, it was the least I could do.
And why did you choose to resuscitate me?, she continued
Because it was the only idea that came to mind, he replied,..and I would easily have done that for anyone else
So no strings attached?
No, he outrightly replied
Does Orea know, or do you just expect her to believe that?
It doesn't matter, she has no emotional attachments to me, she said so herself
Okay, she paused, so why are you confused?
He sighed,..I guess because, her actions don't match her words
That should tell you something,.. shouldn't it? Zara asked as she continued to walk ahead
Valtor stared at her back in thought, before responding..why did you choose to walk with me?
So I could see where your mind really stands, she replied,.. you're not much of an open book either you know.
You guys!,..
Valtor turned on hearing a familiar voice, sighting Orea running towards them, she stopped midway, panting for air
What's going on?, Valtor wondered, while Zara began walking back.
Where's Kymani, he asked again
He's..., Orea looked back, but saw no sign of him,..he's on his way I guess
Anyway, she continued excitedly, we have good news,.. we think we've found our way home!
Wait really! Valtor exclaimed in shock as he began moving closer to where she stood while Zara listened from behind
Yes!, she continued,..Kymani and I sighted a city afar off, it looked huge and modern with high walls and everything, she beamed.
That IS good news, it was his turn to get excited, as he smiled sweetly at her, causing her to smile back,..his smile was as contagious as it was attractive...
And I'm glad to see you happy, he added on noticing her change in mood
I really am happy, she replied as she embraced him while he hugged back, her head resting on his shoulder,..the scent of her hair filled up his nostrils instantly. He smiled to himself,..this felt right.
You guys!, Kymani finally showed up, running from behind, we have good news!
Too late Kymani, Orea already informed us, Zara cut in as she walked past the huggers to meet him, ..come on, let's go
Breaking up the hug, Valtor's sky blue eyes gazed intensely at Orea,..so does this mean we're on the same page?, he asked
Yes, she smiled at him, I guess it does.
Umm..Zara turned towards them, interrupting their little talk, are you guys coming or..
Of course, Valtor immediately replied as he glanced ahead,.. let's go home.