Ancient Forces (2018 Reboot)

Chapter 24 - Snow Days

Days had gone by since that heavy snow, and since then it had calmed down quite a bit. The snow wasn't gone, but a lot of it had melted over the last few days. It had gone down from almost six feet to around three within a night, which many viewed as weird and unnatural, only fueling their questions. Ver explained that there was a special group the government was dedicating to countering the weather, and so far they were doing pretty good. The area was devoid of storms, the sun and its warmth were beating down well, and the temperature was returning to a level of normality. School started up again about two days after the snow went down, they'd waited a while to see if the weather picked up again but it didn't. Everyone at school was a mess, all of them throwing out wild and crazy accusations about what was happening. Even Aries and Austin were caught up in the buzz. Everyone was acting up about it, everyone except two.

As Zayne entered the main lobby area the first day back he was approached rather unexpectedly by Aleah, who had wanted to talk to him before he got to the others in their group. Despite it being so uncomfortably loud, the two spoke with soft, quiet voices so even people eavesdropping couldn't hear them.

"Is this all Mythic related?" Aleah whispered.

"Not exactly. Something's wrong with Damien. He's upset about something, and as far as Ver's concerned he shouldn't be able to possess enough power to control the weather. That leaves us with two options. Either Damien has been working and improving his powers to that level, or somehow he's related to someone else who is causing these storms. Whether its Mythic or Dragon related we're not sure yet, but Keith and Ver have been tasked with figuring it out. They're gonna ask Damien about it today in a less stressful environment," Zayne explained what he knew.

"A less stressful environment? That's a little specific don't you think?" Aleah brought up the point Zayne had alright thought about.

"My thoughts exactly. There's something that Ver isn't telling me and it's important. It's not the first time they've kept me out of the dark on something, but this time it's different. Whereas before they kept the Forces a secret, now they're keeping something about the Forces secret. It's not good," Zayne ranted.

"I'm sure if they needed you to know they would tell you. If it involves something within the Forces then maybe it's something they don't think you'll be able to handle. For now, just respect their stand and move on with it, I'm sure they'll provide an explanation at some point," Aleah suggested as they finally reached their friends.

"Aliens. It's the only answer," Aries declared to Austin, who shook his head.

"No no no, it's obviously Himalayan yetis trying to take over our land for their expansion."

Aries shook his head in confusion and gave Austin an odd glance, "Yetis!? Dude, there aren't even any mountains near us! Especially not snow-capped mountains! Freaking retarded."

"Ah HA! Zayne ends the issue now. Aliens or Yetis?" Austin looked to their approaching friend for confirmation to his own theory.

Zayne held up both hands and shook them, "Not interested in getting involved."

"All right then," Aries nodded as he looked back to Austin, "Aliens."

"Yetis."

"Shut up."

"No, you."

Aries pretended to be stabbed and fell over on the floor as he groveled in fake pain. Then he shot back up and started laughing like someone had just told the funniest joke in history. Austin chuckled, and Zayne gave a good acknowledging laugh before realizing that Aleah was leaning on his left shoulder. She had both of her hands moving up and down Zayne's left arm bandages, massaging it as best she could. He smiled as he set his head on hers and closed his eyes, feeling every single massaging touch on the injured arm. All other sound and discussion were blocked out. All he could feel and hear was Aleah.