Legends of Irene (Garroth x Reader) | Aphmau Fanfiction| UNDER IMMENSE EDITING

Alive

(A/n): I'll let you know when to start the music.

Aphmau's eyes darted between the forest and the large cloud of dust that rose many miles ahead of her the moment she stepped off the boat. Her lips twitched with fear and she swallowed anxiousness. What in Divine's name had happened?

"I'll head towards the cloud of dust," Katelyn stated, her voice quipped with affirmity. She sheathed her sword, determination written on her face. But even Aphmau could see right through it. Katelyn was just as shocked--confused, even--as she was.

"I'll go with you," Ruby replied, her words void of their usual joviality—her usual joviality. After all, it was hardly the time for such a tone anyways. But a small part of Aphmau wished there'd be more enthusiasm from her team (or what was left of her team). It would reassure her; perhaps things weren't as bad as they seemed.

There could be a perfectly reasonable explanation as to why (Y/n) and Garroth hadn't returned from their date, and an even better reason explaining why nobody could find neither Laurance nor Katrina anywhere on the boat.

But there seemed to be far too much doubt for there to be a benefit of the doubt.

Aphmau nodded her head, staring ahead at the forest she knew would inevitably be her assigned direction. The same forest she'd avoided entering since she had begun feeling that weird presence...the presence that had called her--dared her-- to follow in its tracks only a day ago.

"Alright," she said, her voice not as deceiving as Katelyn's, "Lucinda and I will go into the forest." She turned to look at Travis, who stood closest to the small ship dock and pursed her lips. "I trust that you'll look after Aaron?" It almost felt as if her heart came to a stop when she mentioned his name. As if any utterance about the sleeping man may break him. Like the movement of Aphmau's tongue would shatter his mere existence.

Perhaps she was being too emotional.

"You have my word," Travis spoke curtly. Aphmau's shoulders slumped. 'Oh, great. He's serious too,' she thought dejectedly, disappointed that she was the only one without a defeatist personnel. Everybody was acting much too pessimistic for her liking, even while they hadn't said a thing. But she could sense it. She knew what they must be thinking.

Or perhaps Aphmau only knew what she, herself, was supposed to think yet, she refused to think it.

And suddenly, Aphmau felt guilty. She felt guilty that she couldn't find it in her to be worried about the missing parties. Maybe it was because she refused to accept that for the first time since they had arrived on the island, they were in real, grave danger. They must be. That meant she'd have to admit that the island, which was supposed to be a safe haven for the Phoenix Alliance, was no longer safe.

And admitting to that meant Aphmau had to admit to a lot more. Like how after (Y/n) had explained her--Irene's--unrecounted past, Aphmau had shut her out. The last conversation they had hardly ended on good terms and since yesterday, it had been eating at Aphmau like crazy. What if that conversation would be the last she'd ever have with her own sister? Aphmau knew she'd never forgive herself.

Lucinda stepped forward, her hand resting on Aphmau's arm. She must've sensed her tension.

"Then, what are we waiting for? Let's start looking for them."

~