The Irene Girls

Aphmau's sons

It's morning, Marie had finally fallen back asleep last night after thinking about what questions Laurence may have in store. Marie still has yet to think of a plan to stop Aphmau from talking to Zoey, so far all she thought of is leaving notes that threaten Zoey if Aphmau tells her anything. Marie figures that'd be bad in case they somehow trace it back to her. Marie still doesn't even know where Zoey lives, so she wouldn't know where to stop Aphmau from going. Marie wakes up before Avalon.

Marie cheers up when she sees that the sandwich she left for Avalon is gone, the crumbs on Avalon's blanket suggest she ate it. When Marie looks around she realizes that the only people left sleeping are Aphmau and Avalon. Marie stands up and walks over to the table where they are now serving breakfast. Marie grabs a plate only for herself since she wants Avalon to do something today, at least walk on her own.

Once Marie has finished breakfast Aphmau finally wakes up. Marie is about to walk over to Aphmau when she sees Dante walk over, she hears what they say since she is only a few feet away. Dante tells Aphmau of a trade ship that just came in with Malachi, Alexis, Kyle, and Logan. Then Dante asks if Aphmau wants to see them now or later, Aphmau says she is unsure and wants to talk to Laurence first. Marie figures that it must be important, so rather than speaking with Aphmau or Avalon, Marie decides to explore the safe hold and abandoned village.

Marie hopes she can find Zoey and ask her to keep Aphmau in the dark about her powers, if word got out that she is a Time Keeper, people would try to take her away and brain wash her. Marie knows this because it's happened before, long ago Marie had a younger sister who couldn't keep secrets. Marie's sister's name was Clara, word got out they were Time Keepers and the lord of the village put up posters, 2,500 diamonds for anyone who brought one of them back alive. Her family had left the village safely, when they went to the back of the carriage to check on Clara, she was gone. A small note was placed where Clara once sat, it was from who ever kidnapped her. Marie's father tried to go back and save Clara, that's when he died.

Marie finds herself by the gate, she turns around for anyone who can help her find Zoey. Then she sees Kawaii~Chan walking around with Nekoette by the well. Marie walks over to Kawaii~Chan and asks, "Excuse, me, by any chance do you know where I can find someone by the name of Zoey?" Kawaii~Chan smiles and says, "Yes, Zoey~sama lives in lord Levin~Kun's house." Kawaii~Chan then points to a house just off the center of the village. Marie thanks her then heads in the direction of the house.

Marie walks up the steps slightly nervous, she knocks on the door and waits. No one answers so Marie tries again, louder this time. Finally someone answers the door, the same woman who came through the portal to save them, Zoey. "Hello I'm Marie, I'm looking for someone named Zoey." Marie says with a friendly smile. Zoey returns the smile and asks, "Well you've come to the right place, how can I help you?" Marie looks around and sees that Aphmau is heading over with a boy. "Is there anywhere where we could possibly speak in private. I'm sorry it's urgent." Marie says with a concerned expression.

Zoey notices Marie's worry and beckons Marie to follow her. Marie and Zoey climb down a hatch big enough for one person to get through, then climb down a ladder to a bedroom. Zoey closes the hatch behind them, then sits at her desk. "What's wrong?" Zoey asks Marie calmly. "Aphmau is going to come in here later and ask you to look into something, I know you trust her over me, I've heard you two are good friends. But I need you to understand the it is best if no one finds out what she is asking about. I need you to steer her in a different direction of whatever you find... Please." Marie looks at Zoey with pleading eyes.

"I'm afraid I don't know what you mean, however I sense that you use rare magicks. I also heard Laurence telling Alexis to be on the watch for someone who moves faster than any human. I'm sorry but what ever I find I will tell Aphmau." Zoey says with a slightly sympathetic tone. Marie exhales, looks down, and says, "I'm a Time Keeper." Zoey's eyes widen from shock.

"I though they disappeared around 200 years ago, I haven't met one for quite a while." Zoey says is disbelief. "I know, I don't know how to prove it to you I just need you to believe me. Please, don't tell Aphmau."  Marie hears the hatch open and a familiar voice say, "I heard my name!" It's Aphmau, who wears a smile until she sees Marie and Zoey expression. Aphmau steps between the two and looks to Zoey. "Is everything okay Zoey?" Aphmau asks with a slight fear tainting her voice. Zoey's expression return to normal and she gives Aphmau a smile, "Yes, everything is fine. Sorry, Marie and I were just going over how she got to the Irene Dimension." Marie flashes a smile of thanks to Zoey then climbs out of Zoey's room.

Before she has the chance to turn around she hears a voice ask, "Who are you?" Marie turns around sees that it is Levin. "Oh, I'm Marie." Marie says extending her hand for Levin to shake, he accepts and shakes Marie's hand. "Yes, you came from the Irene Dimension with the others. My mom told me about you." Levin says his tone getting slightly grim towards the end. "Right, I was just leaving so... I'll go. I have to check on someone." Marie says backing away towards the door. "Of course, I have to speak with my brother so I suppose I'll see you around." Levin says giving a small smile. Marie turns and leaves the house.

Marie decides to leave Avalon alone just a little longer, she probably has her own agenda to deal with.