These Hidden Burns

~ Chapter 14 ~

Angela's POV

I laughed as Garroth's jaw dropped a bit at my sudden offer.Aphmau seemed to be as surprised as he was.It was quite a odd,but funny sight.After all,I used to be the one who was always surprised with every new thing in this village I used to live in.

"When would we leave?",Aphmau asked suddenly,straightening her posture a bit."Well,I was supposed to leave today at noon,however now that all of you lovely people are back,I suppose we could leave tomorrow at noon,maybe later depending on the weather and how all of you are feeling.",I replied in a gentle tone,leaning against the old table.

"Wait...are you inviting the entire group?",Garroth questioned and I wouldn't blame him,since I had asked them directly,but I had meant for the entire group to come.If they felt like coming that is."Of course.I do believe there are a few people whom would like to reunite with you all or meet you.",I smiled at them.

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Later that day,I found out the whole group wanted to go.Even the mysterious man,whom's name no one knew.

Odd.
But I said nothing about it,rather I welcomed them all to the journey the same.

That night,I was busy with preparations and sorting out where everyone would be sleeping,since we were leaving at noon and get there the following morning.

In the end,we had more than enough room and supplies to suite the extra passengers we were taking to Hetra.

Once I returned to the settlement after being on the ship for multiple hours,I saw Garroth,awake,sitting down with his back to the well.

The blonde looked over at me,a smile forming on his face as he lightly waved in my direction.

"Couldn't sleep?",I asked as I stepped over to him,sitting down next to him.
"No,I've just been...thinking.About how crazy this all is...It's insane to think that fifteen years passed during the fifteen minutes we were in the Irene Dimension.",He looked at the sky,crossing his arms over his chest.

"Well,while it is insane...I do believe it's going to be fine in the end.That everyone will come to a happy end.However,that might just be wishful thinking on my part.",I replied and he chuckled."You're right...but I do believe you have grown into a wonderful person during this time you've spent without us.",He looked at me and I rolled my eyes and smiled.

"Heh,I've told a few of the children in the village about the great deeds all of you did.How you won the war and such.However,a few of the children think they're just fairytales....I think they'll loose their little minds if they meet you all in person.You all sorta have your own set of fans.",I spoke up after a few moments of silence.

Garroth laughed and flipped his hair."I knew it.One day I would have fans~...and I already know you're one of them,Ms.Angela."He remarked playfully and I laughed,blushing a bit.

"Yes...I am one of your BIGGEST fans Garroth.",I stated in the most blunt and sarcastic tone ever.

He laughed and draped one of his arms over my shoulder."Did you miss me?",He asked with a beaming smile.

I nodded my head,continuing to blush.
"Yeah....I missed everyone,even the people I didn't get to know that well....",A moment of silence settled between us after I said that.However,to break it I spoke up again."I do believe it's time we go to bed...I'm rather tired,but you must be exhausted.",I stated as I stood up.

He nodded his head and stood up as well.

He started walking to the tree house where everyone was staying,but stopped before he went through the arch one of the tree's roots made.

"Angela?"He asked.
"Hm?"
"This might sound ridiculous but...can you...sleep with me?",He turned to look at me,his cheeks a shade of pink.

"Wait...WHA-"He cut me off as I had began to yell,blushing.

"Not in that way!Get your head out of the gutter!"He replied and hit the back of my head playfully.

I rolled my eyes and sighed."Fine.",I replied,Garroth picking me up and carrying me up into the treehouse.

We ended up cuddling until both of us fell asleep.

I woke up on the floor and saw Kawaii~Chan looking over at us,squealing before she ran downstairs and out of the treehouse.Great.People were already making assumptions.

Once everyone was awake,we ate.

Every time I caught Garroth looking at me,he blushed and looked away.

Kawaii~Chan had been gossiping with Donna ever since she found me and Garroth.The two women were grinning and looking between Garroth and myself while talking.

After a couple hours passed,we decided to sail off early.

We said our farewells,everyone in Phoenix Drop telling us to come back safe and soon.

My guards offered to control the ship,but I found myself declining their offer and doing it myself.

Katelyn wasn't looking too well,but she said nothing.Sea sickness.

Aphmau and the others were chatting in the Captain's quarters and looking over maps and such,while my guards were walking around the ship at their own will.

Everyone seemed to be rather relaxed { minus Lady Katelyn } on the journey to Hetra.The waters were peacefully,though later in the day it rained for an hour or two.

Other than that,the journey was calm and uneventful.

The sun was setting when we docked at Hetra.

My head guard stood at the end of the docks once everyone was off of the ship.

My guard took off her helm and tucked it underneath her arm.

I could feel the tension settle behind me at the sight of red eyes on us.