Return

1

 I stood outside of my new home in Quietlog Cavern, my arsenal of slugs sitting on the step behind me, the wind blowing my, still raven black with turquoise streaks/tips,hair. Two years had passed since I left the care of the Shane Gang. Two long, lonely years. We had crossed paths before, many times, but I always ran away and tried not to be seen. Cowardly, yes, but there were still emotional scars that had yet to heal during the time of solitude. There had been times where Eli, the leader, would lock eyes with me, or try to get my attention. Every time he tried though, his eyes conveyed mixed emotions usually consisting of sadness and regret. As usual, I'd run away to avoid being hurt again.

After not seeing him or the rest of his gang for a few months I  had begun to think that they had forgotten about me and wouldn't recognize me if i stood right in front of them. I'd always chickle sadly at that though. Two years isn't enough time to forget a friend, but it is enough time to forget someone that you've only known for about a month.

"Do you think he still remembers me, guys?" I asked my slugs, who in reply, gave me a slightly confused look. I smiled, "You know, Will's kid. Eli." Dreamer, my Frightgeist, and Spark, my Tazerling smiled back and nodded. Where my other three slugs, Lullaby, a Slyren, Frost, a Frostcrawler, and Shine, a Phosphoro all gave me a confused look. "It's okay little ones, you don't know him." I picked all five slugs up and gently gave them a hug. These slugs were my family now, and that's how I liked it.

I felt an unusual pressense behind me and i quickly turned around, ready to fight. My slugs hopped back onto the step and watched as a new person walked toward me. I reached for my blaster and had Spark hop into the barrel. the newcomer continued to walk towards me, even with a Tazerling slug pointed at his chest. My black eyes narrowed in anger. What the hell is this guy's problem? Does he have a death wish or something? Then I saw the familiar deep blue eyes that met with mine, nearly causing me to drop my blaster. I would've been happy with anyone, even Dr. Blakk, coming to me. Anyone except for this person.

"It's been a while, hasn't it, Astrus?" his voice was the exact same as two years ago. He had gotten a little taller, which now put him at being a foot taller than me. This time i really did drop my blaster onto the ground.

"No..." I managed to whisper. Spark Crawled out of the barrel of the blater and hopped over to the male with and Infurnus slug resting on his shoulder and chirpped happily. I backed away from the familiar person, careful not to step on my slugs. I could hear three Mechas coming close to where the two of us were.

"Eli!" the blue Cavetroll called, "What're you doing?" Kord...

"Who's that girl he's with?" Trixie...

"Eli! Now is not the time to be flirting! We need to go take down Dr.Blakk's dark water drills!" Pronto...

Without thinking, I grabbed my slugs, and blaster and ran into my small home. The door locked behind me, yet i still pressed all of my weight against it to keep the 'visitors' out. It was quiet save for the soft footsteps from outside, my ragged breathing, and my slugs' chitterings.

"Is it really her, Eli?" Trixie asked.

"Astrus, please, come out," Eli spoke softly.

"G-go away!" I stammered.

"Why won't you talk to us anymore?" he questioned.

"You hate me, so why would I want to waste your time?" I mumbled.

"What?"

"You hate me, Eli." I pulled my knees to my chest, crossing my arms on top of my knees. "You even said so."

"Is that why you left?" he asked quietly. I keppt silent. That was something he didn't need to know, yet. "I thought so. Come on, guys, she doesn't wanna talk." Footsteps drifted off in the distance. "It was nice seeing you again, Astrus," then he too walked away.