Chapter 2 - Decision Making

Chapter 2: Decision making

The sun shone brightly through the small window as Terra pulled her things together. Finding the city of Esthar would be tough. She had heard that the entire city was surrounded by an illusionary veil that blended into the background, making the city impossible to see from a distance. Terra picked up her katana and strapped them on her back and picked up her waist bag from next to her bed. Checking that she still had some potions left, she set off out of the door of the small wooden hut.
Thanks. She said as she handed some Gil to a short, elderly man. He tipped his hat and Terra waved as she set off deeper into the salt flats that were situated close to where the city apparently lay in hiding. The salty earth moved under her feet as she walked along, keeping an eye out for monsters. There were many skeletons littered around, perfectly preserved in the salt that made up the scenery. Terra climbed on top of a large skull and held her hand over her eyes, shielding them from the sun. She still had a long way to go before the end of the flats and she didnt have any water. She hadnt yet learned how to control her water power. Terra climbed down again and continued on her way, but it wasnt long before her journey was disturbed.
Terra stopped and looked up at the sky. She swore she was seeing things as, in the distance, she swore she saw it flicker. She continued to watch, completely unawares of the dangers that were approaching her. The ground shook violently, catching her off guard and causing her to trip. She fell to the ground, throwing her potions all over the floor. She quickly scurried across the floor, picking them up and stuffing them into her bag, and that is when she saw it. Standing only a few metres away was the largest monster she had ever seen. It had huge tusks and red, feather-like spikes that stuck out of its back. Its body was skinny, brown and shrivelled and its eyes were sunken deep. Terra stood up slowly, not daring to take her eyes off it in case it attacked. She slowly reached behind her back, carefully withdrawing her katana. The blades rubbed against the scabbards as she pulled them out, which the monster obviously heard. It reared up, revealing its true height, and roared menacingly. It swung its clawed hand down towards Terra who jumped out of the way, landing gracefully on her hands and one knee. She began to run towards the monster, dodging its every attack, before bringing her katana down on its arm. It yowled as the arm fell off and disintegrated. Terra flipped backwards as the monster swiped again and smiled. This was too easy. Her joy was short lived, however, as the monster began to spasm. Its shoulder grew larger and larger like a giant spot just about ready to burst. Terra watched in horror as the mass split open, revealing a brand new arm, thicker than the one before. This wasnt going to be as easy as she first thought.
Terra wouldnt be able to defeat it on her own. This was obviously a zombie creature, and as she had no idea how to trigger her healing powers, she decided the best option would be to flee. Turning tail, she ran, the monster following close behind. She jumped again and again out of its way as it continued to attack throwing her in all directions. Suddenly, she noticed a large crack in the side of a cliff face. She dove into it, catching the monster unawares. It crashed straight into the side of the cliff, causing it to tremor. Terra moved back as far as she could as the monsters hand entered the hole, groping around for her but unable to reach. In its anger, it reared back and slammed its tusks into the cliff face. Rocks began falling from the cave roof each time it hit the cliff. Soon, the entrance had been completely blocked, trapping Terra inside. Only a small sliver of light shone through. Terra crawled over to the hole and peered through. The monster was leaving. Terra sank against the wall. What was she meant to do now? If she attacked the wall, it would surely cause the whole roof to cave in. she was trapped.

* * * * *
So you see, headmaster, Loz said to Cid as they stood in his office. We have reason to believe that Terra has travelled to Esthar.
I see. Cid replied. He paced up and down as Loz, Hayden, Liney, Kai, Zack and Wulfy looked on, waiting for a response. I shall have to talk to Nida, the pilot, to see how close he can get to the Esthar continent so you can reach Terra.
Thank you! Hayden exclaimed as Cid stood on the lift to take him up to the bridge. Thank you so much! Cid tipped his glasses as he vanished from view above them.
How do you think we can get to Esthar? Zack asked. I heard it was surrounded by a mountain range of some sort.
It is. Liney replied. I dont know if the Garden can get over it. We may have to go by foot. Everyone sighed, except Hayden, who stared out of the window with extreme determination. The mountainous continent was coming into view as the Garden continued across the water. Hayden could make out Trabia Garden in the distance, but it would be a while before they got there. First, they had to find a way the Garden can make up onto the land. Suddenly, the lift jerked as it began to move downwards to the lower floor. Headmaster Cid slowly emerged with a slight look of concern on his face. Everyone looked at him expecting the worst.
So? Kai asked as Cid stepped off the lift into his office.
Im afraid we cant get that close. Cid said shaking his head. There are so many mountains and rocky regions in the way that the Garden cant get over.
Is there any other way? Hayden asked, almost shouting.
Yes but it will take a long time. Cid replied. You will have to go to the chocobo shrine and meet a man called the chocobo sage. He will give you a chocobo that can travel over those peaks.
It doesnt seem too tough. Zack laughed.
Im afraid it is. Cid continued. First you need to travel north, and then youll need to complete some tasks before he thinks you are to be trusted.
Thats in the wrong direction! Hayden exclaimed. And what do you mean by tasks? Cid shook his head. He had no idea.
Youll just have to be prepared for anything. Hayden turned around and ran for the lift. The others ran after him, just making it into the lift as Hayden pushed the button.
Where are you going? Wulfy asked, a look of confusion on his face. Hayden just continued to look forwards, the determination on his face growing more and more by the second. As soon as the doors opened on the ground floor Hayden sped out, running full speed around the fountain. Wulfy managed to keep up with him whilst the others fell back, helping up those that Hayden had knocked over in his rush. Wulfy said nothing but continued to run with Hayden as he sped towards the training centre. Suddenly, Hayden stopped. He was breathing heavily and his look of determination had sunken. He collapsed to his knees. Wulfy slowly walked over to him, placing his clawed hand on his shoulder.
I have to do this. Hayden said between breaths. He turned to look at Wulfy who nodded.
I know. Wulfy agreed. It may be dangerous and most of the rocky outgrows will be impossible for you to scale. Please, allow me to accompany you. Hayden looked at Wulfy. His expression was stern, as though he would never allow him to say no. Shes important to me too. Shes the only family I have left. Hayden stood up and placed his hand on Wulfys shoulder. He had forgotten that Wulfy was probably going through the same thing as he was. He nodded his head. Good. Wulfy replied. But first I think we need some training. With that, Wulfy leapt over Hayden, drawing his sword. He ran full throttle through the gates into the heart of the training centre. Hayden stood for a second, then, smiling, he charged up his claw arm and ran to join Wulfy.

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