~ Ion just felt emptiness, that at this point the day before he was still there and now he is gone. He knew Zephyr was probably feeling the same way but Ion just wanted to be alone. He went to the spot up on the tall hill, the pouring rain meant nothing to him as he just wanted to be there. The place where all 3 of them would hang out and make their little plans, now that was all for nothing. That night was suppose to be fun, they have been planning a camping trip for weeks, the first time the three of them were allowed to go on their own, but it was never meant to be. It was unfair Ion thought, Flint has been fighting his whole life for survival, he even had his condition under control for the past two years, for all of that to come undone so suddenly was just too cruel. Ion just sat there, he had an umbrella but just anted the rain to hit him, so he could feel at least something.
It was getting cold and dark before he knew it as he heard foot steppes approaching him. Looking over he saw his father standing there and before he could speak a word his father just put his hand up and sat down beside him, putting an arm around him in a comforting way. This hurt him to, he didn't know how to help his boy, someone at that age should never loose a friend like this, but it is the way the world works sometimes. The just sat there in silence for a while before Ion couldn't help it anymore and started crying into Ivan's shoulder. All Ivan could do was again try to comfort Ion as best he could. When Ion was finished letting it all out the best he could, he looked right into his father's eyes and just said he wanted to go. Ivan though this meant to go home but Ion told him he wanted to go out there, pointing to the world beyond the city, he wanted to go on his own journey, the one they were going to do when the three of them were older, the one that Flint could no longer be a part of. Ivan asked him if he was sure, he knew Ion had tremendous skills with the sword and had decent usage of his lightning ability, even at 14 he would be ok out there but still worried about him.
Ion stood up and just looked at the night sky, definitively saying yes, he needed to honor Flint's memory, to do what he was now not able to, and become what they all, especially Flint wanted to become. Ion knew Zephyr would be feeling the same way and they would need to make this journey on their own, no more waiting. His father only wanting Ion to follow his own path, supported his decision but told him to make sure he prepare for what lies ahead. Ion knowing agreed, though still feeling that sadness, he now had a path forward and would stop at nothing to achieve their dream, Flint was counting on them. As Ion left the hill, he could swear he felt a warm presence wrapping around him and the sound of laughter he thought he would never hear again. He turned quickly around to see that there was nothing there but the feeling still lingered around him. Cracking a small smile all Ion could think was hopefully he would not let Flint down on his quest. ~
