Zephyr: The Elemental Clans

6 - Meeting the Mayor

Xyder Zephyr - POV;

"So Xyder.... are you ready to tell me what happened now?" Storm asked.

After I had argued with Satella yesterday, I had left the hospital fuming and immediately journeyed by bus to the neighbouring town of the Mayer Estates. Storm met me outside and noticing my state he had fervently sought to have me spill the beans on what exactly took place. His convenient exit however had me weary that he could have orchestrated the event. Even though the three of us were the best of friends, it wasn't uncommon for Satella and I to break out in a heated quarrel, especially when we were alone. Storm often was forced to intervene or things would quickly spiral out of control.

"I told you it was nothing didn't I?! We just had a bit of a conflict damn it!" I exclaimed.

Storm sighed, "You're hopeless you know that? You big, meaty knucklehead."

"What was that?" I gritted my teeth.

"Anywaaaaaay, what are you going to do about your Persona?" Storm sheepishly changed the subject.

"We'll have to speak to the Mayor in person to allow us access to the chamber. Being a close friend of the main line of the Zephyr family, he normally always allows us to enter on a moment's notice. However, since my Grandfather isn't the one requesting, I fear that we may run into some resistance," I told him.

"Well then what are we waiting for?" Storm rushed out the door excitedly.

I followed the over-eager boy as he led the way to the Mayor's residence. Although we engaged in engrossing, light-hearted conversation, I could feel the eyes of the people staring holes through my body. I could only assume that I was recognised by the curious passers-by. After all, I had become somewhat of an infamous 'celebrity' if I say so myself, what with being the heir of Zephyr who was publically shamed and whom dared to challange the Patriarch himself. On top of this, news travelled fast...... and I mean FAST. Of course I wasn't as recognised in distant places as so many years had passed since I was disowned and I had changed immensely but in the towns, villages and cities around Zephyr I was practically a common News Headline.

"What is the purpose of your visit, Mr. Xyder?" the secretary asked me as we entered the Mayor's office adjacent to his house.

"I would just like to discuss a matter with the old man. But if you don't mind me asking, do I know you?" I was confused by the fact that she adressed me by name.

"No. I'd highly doubt that. Everyone here knows about you though," she responded. "The Mayor will see you both now," she beckoned to a door down the hallway.

We entered the room calmly and I took a seat across from the Mayor's extensive desk while Storm stood behind me with his hands in his pocket.

"Ah Mister Xyder, I have been expecting you. How are you?" the Mayor greeted.

"I am fine. You were anticipating my arrival you say?" I looked at him questionably.

"Ah of course. I have recieved quite a bit of the buzz that sparked when you all suddenly appeared in town," he explained.

"I have a matter to discuss with you however it is not business related nor does it relate to Zephyr... at least not directly. This is much more personal in nature," I told him.

"Hmm. I presume that you are here to acquire your Persona in the Trials of the Persona," he surmised.

"..............." I was stunned by his accuracy.

"How did you know?!" Storm blurted out.

"Hah hah hah! We have all heard by now my boy. You have entered into Seraphim's tournament despite your lack of elemental power. For you to come here must mean that you seek some type of edge for battle," he laughed.

"You are very deductive. No wonder you were made the Mayor of this town and protector of this land's Personas' Chamber. Your wisdom and insight are truly outstanding. As such I must beseech the to permit me access to the Trials," I stated.

"Oh ho. Hah hah, of course you can go right in. The Zephyr Clan has helped our small town in times of great need. Our land is as good as yours. Between us, your flattery and personality would make you a fit leader to the Clan indeed. You could sway the hearts of Kings with your power of the orative. A wish from you is as good as one from Seraphim himself. Besides, your grandfather had called ahead and mentioned that if you were to come to me, I should hear out your request," the Mayor chuckled making his large gut giggle.

"Thank you kind sir, for your hospitality and cooperation," I stood and bowed before him.

He scratched his balding head then twirled the grey strands of his beard around his fingers as he stared at me. He coughed before speaking, "I will never get used to your respectful nature towards your elders and authority. I don't understand why your grandfather has acted so rashly in condemning you. You've always been a kind soul at heart Xyder, ever since I've known you as a young lad. I shall be rooting for you in the Trials and Tournament ahead. Here's to hoping that you regain your rightful place."

"Thank you for your support sir," I humbly showed my gratitude.

We left the office and Storm seemed alot more chipper than usual. He hummed a tune and had a slight skip in his steps.

"Who got you so excited?" I asked laughing.

"Did you not hear what the Mayor said? Your grandfather sought to help you out. He probably figured out that you would search out your Persona so he sent word ahead to make things easier. This definitely means that things are headed in a right direction for you both!" he said excitedly.

My face fell upon hearing his words. I ground my teeth together as I thought to myself. "I don't know and I can't speculate right now, but I am sure that there is some ulterior motive behind his actions. He didn't do that out of the goodness of his heart," I spat.

"Eh? That's how you think after all this?"

"Can you blame me though? I have gone through hell and back because of that man!" I shouted.

"I guess you're right," Storm sighed, "Anyway, let's get this show on the road!"

"Hey you!" someone called out.

We turned to see a girl in her late teens, easily 17 or 18 years of age, approaching.

"I heard that you're heading to the Personas' Chamber," she stated but I barely heard a word of it. Her cute face accompanied by luscious pink hair drawn into twindrills which extended to her thighs was quite captivating to say the least. Her large, shining blue eyes complememted her well.

"Hello! Earth to Xyder! Please come in!" she waved her arms around frantically in an effort to grab my wavering attention.

"Jeez. A beautiful girl is talking to you and you get lost in space. So hopeless," she pouted.

"I think it's precisely your looks that he was lost in," Storm laughed.

"Eh?!" she became red and stepped back.

"N-no. What are you saying Storm!" I exclaimed, blushing myself.

"W-well. I guess it can't be helped if you are taken aback by my splendour...." she murmured.

"A-anyway, do I know you?" I questioned.

"Hmm? Of course you do. I'm your fiancée."