Chapter 20: Nature's Call
Ashen opened his eyes, his gaze falling on the soft illumination of his mobile phone screen as he lazily reached for it to check the time – it was around 4:45 AM. With a little more time on his hands before the scheduled adventure, he decided to indulge in some casual browsing on his device.
After setting the phone aside, he rose from his bed and stretched his arms out, feeling the tension slowly dissipate from his muscles. He walked over to the window and opened it, letting in the soft and chilling air that woke him up completely. The gentle breeze carried a hint of excitement, matching the anticipation that was building within him.
The cool breeze was refreshing, and he took a moment to relish the tranquility of the pre-dawn hours. The city was still mostly asleep, and the quietness was a stark contrast to the bustling energy that would come later in the day.
After enjoying the cool air, he made his way to the bathroom for a quick visit, followed by brushing his teeth. The cold water splashed on his face invigorated him further, preparing him for the adventurous day ahead. He stepped out of the bathroom feeling refreshed.
As he headed back to his room, the scent of brewing coffee reached his senses. He had instructed his AI to prepare a cup of coffee, and the comforting aroma wrapped around him like a warm embrace.
While sipping on the warm, invigorating beverage, he checked his phone and noticed Kaid's message waiting for him: "Did you wake up? You remember, right? We're going on a trek today?" accompanied by a laughing emoji. Ashen chuckled to himself and swiftly replied, typing, "Yes, I'm already awake and was about to head to the shower."
Kaid's response came promptly, "Great! Get ready, I'll be there by 5:30 am to 5:45 am." Ashen replied with a simple "Okay," setting his phone aside as he enjoyed the rest of his coffee. As the final traces of sleepiness dissipated, he made his way to the bathroom for a refreshing shower.
Feeling more awake and refreshed after the shower, after his invigorating shower, he dressed in comfortable and breathable outdoor attire. Ashen packed his sack for the trek. He placed two water bottles in it, ensuring he had enough hydration for the journey. Everything else he needed had been carefully packed the previous day.
He also remembered Kaid's advice to take a raincoat, considering that the Kinsley Village Forest was often covered with rain. Ashen carefully added the raincoat to his backpack, double-checking to make sure he had everything he might need.
He made his way to the garage, the anticipation growing with each step. The soft glow of the motion-sensor lights illuminated the space, revealing the sleek contours of his classic motorcycle.
Ashen walked over to his bike, his fingers tracing over the polished surface with a sense of fondness. He needed to ride approximately 240 kilometers to reach the Kinsley Village Forest, and ensuring that his bike was in optimal condition was crucial.
A quick inspection revealed that his motorcycle was fully fueled and its battery was fully charged, ready for the long journey ahead. He smiled to himself, appreciating the reliability of his prized possession. With one last glance at his bike, he turned and headed back to the living room.
As he entered the living room, he glanced at the clock – it was still a few minutes before 5:30 am. He decided to use this time wisely and plugged in his phone charger and his watch, making sure they were fully charged for the day's adventure. Time seemed to pass quickly as he completed these last-minute preparations.
Around 10 to 13 minutes later, a familiar sound reached his ears – the distinct beep of a motorcycle horn. Ashen's heart skipped a beat as he recognized the sound. Kaid had arrived. With a sense of excitement, he grabbed his backpack, slung it over his shoulder, and slipped on a brown jacket to shield himself from the morning chill.
In a matter of minutes, Ashen successfully arrived at the predetermined rendezvous spot. Kaid had already stationed his bike there, underscoring his reliable timeliness. After a quick survey of the area, Ashen skillfully positioned his motorcycle adjacent to Kaid's, switching off the engine. Following the secure fastening of his helmet and a slight backpack adjustment, Ashen locked eyes with Kaid, responding with an enthusiastic smile.
"Prepared for what's ahead?" Kaid inquired, mirroring Ashen's playful grin.
"Without a doubt," Ashen affirmed, his tone resonating with a blend of eagerness and resolute commitment.
The engines of their bikes roared to life, the powerful sound reverberating through the early morning stillness.
Kaid glanced at his watch and announced, "Ok then, let's go. It's 5:43 AM now. We will be there at 7 AM. When we reach, we'll have some breakfast and then start the trek." He settled onto his bike, ready for the adventure ahead.
Ashen nodded in agreement, a sense of excitement coursing through him. "Fine by me," he replied, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. With a twist of his wrist, he started his own motorcycle's engine, its low growl blending with the morning symphony of chirping birds and rustling leaves.
As the two friends revved their engines, they turned on the headlights of their bikes, illuminating the path ahead in the dim morning light. The soft glow of the headlights created a cocoon of visibility, allowing them to navigate the winding roads with ease.
With synchronized movements, Ashen and Kaid eased their bikes into motion, their wheels humming against the asphalt as they embarked on their journey. The chilly breeze brushed against their faces, the cool air a refreshing contrast to the warmth that was slowly seeping into the atmosphere.
The streets of Minefall city gradually gave way to a more rugged terrain as they ventured further away from the urban area. The landscape transformed into a picturesque countryside, adorned with rolling hills, lush vegetation, and occasional clusters of trees that added a touch of serenity to the surroundings.
As they rode through the hilly area, the soft sound of gurgling water reached their ears. The rain from the previous days had created small waterfalls along the hillsides, their cascades sparkling like diamonds in the early morning light. Entranced by the beauty of the natural spectacle, Ashen and Kaid pulled over and parked their bikes by the side of the road.
Stepping off their motorcycles, they took in the breathtaking sight before them. The waterfalls flowed gracefully down the hill, their delicate streams merging into small pools below. The gentle rush of water created a soothing melody that blended harmoniously with the rustling leaves and distant birdcalls.
Both of them took out their phones and captured photos of the mesmerizing landscape, wanting to preserve the memory of this serene moment. The beauty of nature unfolded before them, a reminder of the tranquility that existed beyond the hustle and bustle of their daily lives.
After a few moments of appreciating the scenery, Ashen and Kaid continued their journey. The road led them past the hilly area and into a quaint village nestled nearby. The village exuded a timeless charm, with quaint houses, cobbled streets, and blooming gardens that seemed to belong to another era.
In the heart of the village lay a sweet rectangular-shaped lake, its clear waters reflecting the surrounding beauty. As Ashen and Kaid paused to observe the tranquil scene, a sense of nostalgia enveloped them. The village felt like a haven of simplicity, a place where time moved at its own unhurried pace.
With a contented sigh, Ashen and Kaid hopped back on their bikes, their sense of adventure renewed by the sights they had just experienced. The journey continued, their engines humming in unison as they approached the eagerly anticipated destination – Kinsley Village Forest.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
ChiseledMystic
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