Fifteen Journey - Chapter 43

A/N: I hope you had enjoyed the information I posted before. As you can see, we have just entered Sloan’s arc and, I know you don’t understand why it has his name but you’ll soon understand. I won’t say more or I’ll ruin the story.
Just a little comment, pleaza!

Chapter 43 – Eternal Rival

When Sarith arrived, she was perplexed at first. But after seeing she wasn’t being noticed, she decided not to interfere that much and proceeded with the preparations for them to spend the night there.
“Is he a friend of yours?” she asked giggling.
Cassey took her eyes out of the teenager for the first time they’ve met and blushed, embarrassed.
“Th-that’s not it!”
“It what?” Matt asked confused.
Seeing the conversation would just get more confusing, Cassey opted to end it there.
“Let’s eat before it’s too late, shall we?”
Sarith had collected many and varied ingredients. However, as Cassey was the one who had suggested, she felt responsible for its preparation, even knowing she wasn’t endowed with the art of cooking.
As Cassey split the “tasting plate” for the third time, Matt decided it was time to prepare it by himself.
“Here, let me help…” he made the movements grabbing her hands “See, you don’t have to take a big amount, just a small portion.” He tasted some of the soup. “It needs salt.”
In the end, Matt did all the cooking.
“Oh, it’s so good!” Sarith exclaimed of joy.
Cassey tasted it for the first time. Indeed, it was excellent. From Mike and Rick’s meals, this sopu was far better than anything she had ever eaten.
“Is it good?” Matt asked looking worried at Cassey.
“Excellent.” She answered with a slight blush.
Suddenly, they heard some noise in the bushes right next to them. Afraid it would be some kind of wild animal, both Matt and Sarith prepared for the fight: Matt grabbed his doubled sword and Sarith pulled her baton. However, a happy bark saluted them.
“Horous!” Cassey exclaimed. Sarith also recognised the dog as Mike’s pet, but this was the first time she actually heard its name. Together with Horous, two teenagers appeared exaushted, more angry than relieved.
“Where have you two been? We were worried and sick about you!” both Mike and Rick shouted.
Cassey smiled but her smile faded as she noticed Rick and Matt were looking nervously at each other.
“Oh, Seven, this is Matt. Matt, this is Ricky, aka Seven.” Sarith giggled.
In fact, Rick had recognised him from the ceremony. That guys was always wearing a smile. Matt also recognised Rick, but from another place.
“Pleased to meet you.” Matt smiled and gave Rick his hand. He had no other choice but to greet him as well.
However, Mike could only look at Sarith angry. And, not minding anyone else, cleared his thoughts.
“She lead him here, he’s a Tourch player, for sure.”
Matt was a bit perplexed.
“No, you’re wrong. He’s just a guy we met here and invited him to eat with us.” Cassey explained.
Mike’s anger was interrupted as Matt advanced towards him.
“Indeed, I am a Tourch player. And my mission is to defeat other players…” he turned at Rick. “Like you, Ricky.”
“Ahem.” Cassey coughed.
“It’s Rick…” the name’s owner replied, looking angrily at Sarith, who was happily embarrassed.
As Mike wanted to speak again, Matt interrupted him.
“However, I was not sent by her. In fact, this was the first time I ever saw the red haired girl… But I had already seen the blond one…” Cassey blushed.
Matt was being sincere. So, Rick asked Mike to go and look for Fred and Ashley, with Horous’s help.
As soon as Mike left, Rick knew no one else would critisise him.
“I challenge you, Matt.”
He smiled. “I’ve been waiting for this moment…”

Next Chapter:
“This means a lot more for him: if his life’s practice was worth or not.” – Blade X Blade