Chapter 67: Where I am. (Part 2)

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The helicopter aimed for one of the smaller outer islands and as we neared, I felt the prickly sensation of passing through a barrier. On the ground several people dressed in black waved with lit up batons, directing us to land. Compared to the land below it was teeming with life as people moved about the island.

"And touchdown," the pilot settled the helicopter easily. "Thank you for flying with us today. Please leave any complimentary remarks and give us a five-star review."

Mia shook her head, "That's not a thing."

"But it could be," the pilot unbelted herself and stood up, finally facing our direction. "We could- Holy shit, Ardent!?" Her voice suddenly raised. "You're alive?"

"Ah, yes? Who are you?" I couldn't tell behind her mask.

"It's me Ash," she tore off the mask, revealing an aged-up version of my friend. Slight wrinkles marred her face, but it was the familiar friendly smile and short cut dyed hair.

I blinked surprised, "You're alive...."

"Of course, I am!" she lunged forward and pulled me into a tight hug. "Oh my god, I missed you." She looked down, spotting Ria who became suddenly shy. "And you found Ria! Ria it's me Aunty Ash. Do you remember?"

"Aunty Ash?" Ria looked up at her as she crouched down. Her face twisted into a frown, trying to remember something she couldn't.

"It's fine if you don't remember," Ash smiled. "I only met you a few times when you were much smaller." She looked back up at me. "Everyone is going to be so surprised to see you. No wonder we felt such an energy spike from New York."

"Right," I tried to smile naturally but a thousand thoughts were crossing my mind. Ash was alive, something I didn't expect, and I wondered what else was different other than just demons. Then there was Ria, Ash knew who Ria was.... I had thought it was strange that something pulled us here and now I knew a potential answer.

"Hold on," Mia pushed Ash and I apart. "Agent, we don't know really know who this is. Hold yourself back until we can process him."

"Oh, stop being such a stick in the mud," Ash rolled her eyes. "I know Ardent when I see him."

"We've been tricked before," Mia remained firm.

"Fine," Ash put her hands up and stepped back. "Ardent I'll catch you after. We have a lot to catch up on."

"And you," Mia faced me. I couldn't tell her expression beneath the mask but felt her glaring eyes. "Put this on and follow me." She shoved a mask into my hand.

"And what about Ria?" I asked.

"Just hold on to her." Her attitude towards me had suddenly became frosty. While she didn't recognise me, I had to wonder what her relation to this world's Ardent was.

The helicopter door opened, and we jumped out, Ria riding in my arm. Mia led us across the tarmac, and we caught more than just curious glances. While the people we passed kept to themselves, they whispered to each other, pointing us out. The security on the island was exceptionally heavy. Fully armed and armoured guards were stationed on the ground and in lookout positions carrying powerful looking rifles. Several of them were aimed our way.

"A rather friendly welcome," I commented as we walked.

"It's necessary," Mia replied bluntly and said no more.

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