The campfire had burned low, casting warm embers into the night sky. The weight of their earlier conversation still lingered in the air, but the group had shifted, settling into something more comfortable. The night was calm, and for once, things felt... peaceful.
Then, someone said the magic word.
"Food's ready."
Wild's head shot up so fast it was a miracle he didn't get whiplash. His tired eyes suddenly gleamed with energy, and he was on his feet in seconds, practically teleporting to the source of the scent.
The others barely had time to react before Wild was already hovering over the cooking pot, staring at its contents like it was the most precious thing in the world.
"What did you make?" he asked, barely containing his excitement.
Twilight smirked. "Just some simple stew. Figured it was time to eat."
Wild, to no one's surprise, looked deeply offended. "Just stew?" He scoffed, grabbing a spoon to stir it. "It's all wrong. You didn't add enough seasoning. The balance is off. The texture's too thick. It's edible, but it could be great."
Sky chuckled, watching Wild's energy shift completely from battle-worn warrior to passionate chef. "You really are obsessed with food, aren't you?"
Wild turned to him, dead serious. "Food is important. Good food is happiness. Good food is life."
Wind snickered. "You sound like you'd marry a good meal if you could."
Wild didn't even hesitate. "If I could, I would."
That earned a round of laughter from the group, but Wild was already too focused. He quickly took over, grabbing herbs and ingredients from his pouch, tossing them in with the kind of precision only a master chef could manage. Within moments, the air was filled with an even richer aroma, the stew transformed into something mouth-watering.
Warriors leaned over, inhaling deeply. "Okay, I'll admit—that smells way better now."
Wild grinned. "Of course it does. Cooking is an art. You have to respect it."
The food was served, and as expected, it was incredible. Everyone ate heartily, but Wild? Wild devoured his portion like he hadn't eaten in weeks. And when he finished, he immediately started eyeing the pot for seconds.
Four nudged Wind. "He really is a bottomless pit."
Wind nodded sagely. "Truly. A force of nature."
Time watched Wild inhale his food and shook his head with a tired but amused sigh. "At least we know what motivates him."
Wild, mid-bite, looked up. "What? I have priorities."
The group laughed again, the tension from earlier finally melting away. They had been through so much, but for now, for this moment, everything felt lighter.
And all it had taken was food.
