Aarmau: Remember Me, Remember Us, Just Remember

Chapter 104

When they finally make it back downstairs Melissa chuckles. In reality, they weren't gone that long but their friends aren't stupid.

Garroth smiles as Aph bounces up to the island counter and sits down on one of the stools. "Well, you look like you're feeling better today."

Aph smiles and nods, "Much better. I think we can get rid of all the medical crap behind me or at least store it in the garage for now. I'm glad I didn't have to really use half of it."

Rowan nods, "You did heal pretty fast or at least a lot faster than Aaron did after the lodge."

Zane pushes a plate of food across the counter toward her along with a glass of orange juice which she accepts with a smile. Aaron glares at him because he likes to be the one to fix her plates and then shakes his head as he fixes his own and sits down next to her.

Without his usual mask, Zane gives Aaron a large smile and turns back to Aph, "So Aaron was telling us about what happened after you left last night."

Aph freezes with her fork halfway to her mouth and then glances at Aaron. She watches Aaron slowly close his eyes and then groan.

Aph nods, "You should have seen the looks on their faces. It was priceless. They might just think of a new line of work."

Zane smiles, "So about that sword...is there any way we can see it?"

Aph laughs and then shrugs, "Boys and their pointy things."

She hops down from her stool and moves back away from the island counter. Taking a deep breath she closes her eyes, extends her right arm and they all watch as the sword materializes in her hand.

She hears Aaron sigh quietly as she holds the sword out for a couple of minutes and then closing her eyes puts it back where it came from. Returning to her seat Rowan harrumphs as he studies her. "You'll have to be very careful who sees the things you do. I was a little confused about your mistrust toward Carter but I understand now. He's still unknown and no matter how we intimidate him we can't guarantee he's on our side."

As she takes a big bite of her pancakes she nods in agreement. "You know, the Guardian Force was once the Phoenix Alliance. Lady Aphmau founded it during her lifetime on the old ruins of Lady Irene's civilization. Without either of them guiding them and reminding them they lost their focus and eventually became the Guardian Force. They've never had to face anything more powerful than the occasional warlock or witch so something like Ultima or Irene herself would have terrified them. I don't necessarily blame them but you should never assume the worst until you're given a reason. I also don't condone the methods they use to gain knowledge."

Her fork freezes halfway to her mouth again when she realizes she's been way too relaxed over the last couple of weeks. She wasn't supposed to let her guard down especially with how talented the asses are with virtual reality.

She glances from face to face suddenly doubting everything, worried that this has all been a trick and that she fell for it. Her heart starts to race and she grows cold as panic starts to take hold. How many times did she use her magic or reveal how much she brought back with her?

The food in her stomach begins to churn as she carefully places her fork on her plate, climbs off her stool, and then backs away from the counter. A fine sheen of sweat forms on her brow as she glances from face to face again trying to find anything off, anything that would tell her this is all a lie.