Hidden Glitches (Animal Jam)

Aparri

I'll have to alternate the chapters now to fit the plot. Can't go in order. Whoops. Anyway, enjoy. 

Aparri shuffled his paws, his face burning with embarrassment. But it wasn't Julian's question that disturbed him the most, it was Wisteria's answer. How could she have said that? All those times that he'd kissed her on the forehead and told her he loved her. All those times she'd smile at him with that trusting smile. The times they laughed together and made jokes. The words bit into Aparri's heart and he turned his eyes away; blinking back tears. Skorm was the first to break the awkward silence.

"You know, when you get better we should all go out somewhere and just hang out, sharing memories."

Aparri blinked, it was a good idea. But the thought of sharing painful memories made his heart turn. Perhaps it was better that Julian was spared from the drama. He remembered the breakup. Wisteria had told him there was no way it could work. Julian had been so heartbroken then, but he had willed himself to keep going; to keep the friendship. It had been a wise choice, Aparri thought. If not, where would Julian be now? What kind of jammer would he be? Aparri suddenly wondered what he'd have done in Julian's place.

"Ooh! We could go to Jamaa Township, and hang out with fans. We could get drinks at Crystal sands, go to dance parties.. do-" Bepper was interrupted by Skorm, who shoved her gently. She looked embarrased and dipped her head. Aparri felt a wave of frustration. How could everyone be so close to another jammer yet he be alone? He had tried to be friendly to Skorm, to Julian. But they had what he didn't, and it only made him feel more bitter.

"Yeah, that'd be great." Aparri noticed that Julian didn't seem very excited. Perhaps he was still stricken by the fact that he lost his memory. Then the look on Julian's face relaxed, and he laughed,

"I'll try to get my memory back as soon as I can; and remember all your names."

Wisteria laughed, but there was a sad look in her eyes. Aparri wondered how she must be feeling. This wasn't the Julian that they knew. Would the old Julian ever return? Julian leaned back with a sigh, his shoulders slumping; and Aparri realized how exhausted he looked.

"Well, I guess we'll let you rest." Wisteria spoke. She bounded up to Julian's side and briefly pressed her cheek to his,

"Get well soon." She whispered. Aparri followed her, his chest tight. Clearly Wisteria still had love for this horse. He stepped up and nodded a goodbye,

"Get some rest." He turned and followed Wisteria. The four jammers stepped out of the hospice. By now the sun was halfway in the sky; and shone warmly over the outback. Heat waves rose from the steamy sand, rippling in the air. A sudden cry startled them all, and a eagle came swooping down. It landed roughly and flipping over before gasping,

"Jamaa is being attacked!"

Aparri stepped back, shock rippling along his spine. Wisteria was the first to react,

"What?!" She said, almost incredulously. The eagle took a deep breath,

"Quick! Come help!"

Almost at once another cry was heard and a black figure burst into the clearing. The wolf was covered with a black suit, a glowing purple amulet around its neck. It turned, fixing its gleaming eyes on the four jammers. Immediately Aparri leapt in front of his friends, fear striking his chest. The scene from his dream replayed again. He forced the thought away. At the sight of the wolf; the eagle let out a caw and flapped it's wings, soaring into the sky. The black wolf bared its teeth and started towards Aparri. Wisteria whipped out the sword from its sheath, snarling.

"Back off!" She growled. The wolf glanced over its shoulder and there was crashing of bushes as more figures burst into the clearing. Skorm let out a growl, shielding Bepper; but Wisteria intervened.