"Ah!" Aiden wakes up with a scream as the intruding thought of submitting his apprenticeship invitation interrupts his slumber.

He looks around the spot, finding himself in the foliage of the Old Balete tree, the sunlight, ever so persistent, trickles down the cracks between the holy tree's leaves. Aiden sighs at the comfort of the familiar place. He flinches as his hand cupped something on the ground. Bringing the item up, he gasps at the sight of the white crystal.

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"Right... Duko'o." Aiden mutters to himself and looks around; this time, searching for someone in particular. He gives up the instant he started, though; for he didn't want to taint the ritual's name. Still, he stares at the Old Balete Tree with renewed confidence. "Just wait for me, Mirano Suri! I'll clobber you the next time we meet!"

With his declaration echoing past the boughs of the trees, Aiden Maris, Water's Son, dashes back to the Western Capital of Hele, and that was the last time the Beda Rainforest has heard from him.

----

To be Continued...