Interlude ~ Averting a Crisis

“Nuclear missiles have just been launched!” Aei and En stopped everything they were doing. They had kept a close watch over the growing global tension. They weren’t sure what was going to happen to America, China, or the rest of the world involved in the conflict. Many had thought Earth was on the brink of World War III, even after what felt like 100 years of peace. Such an event was a surprise to see in the 22^nd century.

“En, what’s going to happen…” Aei asked. He pushed his food away, distraught over the potential of many people losing their lives.

“I don’t know,” he walked over to hug Aei and kiss him on the cheek. “All we can do now is hope…” he laid his head on Aei’s shoulder.

What Are We Gonna Do Now?

“There’s been no activity since you left,” Miche began.

“Things have been quiet to the point of people making jokes about it,” Campbell shrugged.

“Are we really getting that much attention?” Aaron cocked an eyebrow.

“Enough to make me be able to find you,” Arie added.

“Well, that’s one issue to take care of. We need to be more discreet about this. Arie, can you help with that?” Aaron asked.

“Absolutely. You’ve done more than enough for me,” she nodded.

“What exactly did you do, Aaron?” Campbell leaned forward.

“Helped a resistance movement. Took down a despot. Found another guy who wanted to kill me. That’s about it,” Aaron said.

Up to Speed

“The climate has already shifted,” Syleh said to Aaron. They sat with Kilep on top of the resistance hideout, looking at the drifting clouds. While there was still unrest, things really were changing. Aaron could feel it. When he walked around with Arie, he could feel relief from some and complete distrust from others. Still, things were getting better since he had given Xeloc his orders. While his conscious could not stay at rest, he knew he had done something right.

Unexpected Connections

A teleporter was not the most awesome person to fight after battling someone who could disorient him, but Aaron knew he had to stay on his toes.

“Who are you?” Aaron asked as the man stepped out of view again.

“You really think I’m going to let you know?” the teleporter responded, punching him in the back.

“Well, it seems to happen pretty often,” Aaron turned around, only for the man to disappear again. “Thought it was worth a try?”

“I admire that,” the man delivered a kick to Aaron’s arm. “Covering your bases.” He disappeared, materializing at Aaron’s side, ready to deliver a punch to his face.

Phalanx

The members of the resistance sat around a table hours before the mission, silence and tension hung in the air. Each member was reeling from the knowledge of Juhl’s betrayal. He had not been there long enough to cause deep rifts, but his presence and the revelation surrounding it was enough to harm the emotional connection between everyone in the group. One act of distrust was enough for the seeds to be sewn.

Taking Things Into Consideration

“Blink? He’s okay?” Aaron asked, stunned by Arie’s revelation.

“Yes, he’s doing fine, thanks to you and your friend.” She nodded.

“Miche.”

“Was she the young woman sitting with you at the table?” she asked.

“That’s her. I wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for her. She’s either saved me or helped me since I met her.”

“Ah, then we are all connected,” Arie gave a faint smile and turned around.

Aaron shrugged and followed her. “So, is Blink still on campus?”

“I believe so,” Arie looked over her shoulder. “I met him as he was escaping from something. I’m guessing it was the event that led you to save his life. He almost ran into me, and I asked him what was going on. He was so wound up that I could barely follow, but what he was saying matched rumors that had been going on around campus. About you.”

Interlude ~ Ghosting

It had been days. I hadn’t seen him in days. So to find him on that rooftop was a surprise in many ways. I was met with relief but confusion. Why had he gone for so long? Why not contact me, of all people? Why just disappear?

“Soul?” I saw him tense as I said his name. He began to turn and suddenly disappeared. The next moment, I found myself on the ground, the wind knocked out of me. Soul had just attacked me.

Revolutionary Motives

“So, I have a couple of papers and an assessment due,” Aaron said to Miche and Campbell, barely coherent through his mouthful of sushi.

“How exactly are you going to finish that?” Campbell asked, taking a bite out of his burger.

“Oh, I’ve already started the papers,” Aaron replied, his mouth still full.

“How do you do that?” Miche asked, eyes wide and sipping her drink.

“Make sure there’s not enough food in my mouth so you’ll actually know what I say?” Aaron responded after swallowing his food.

“No… I mean…” Miche started, until she noticed Aaron eating again. “Whatever.”

“That’s my line!” Aaron scowled at her, his words barely intelligible.

Suddenly, a pink flash of light surrounded the trio.

“I need you,” A mysterious dark-skinned girl said to Aaron.

“Say what now?” he asked, before they both disappeared.

Not For a Second

“I don’t trust them,” Aaron spoke up as the trio headed home.

“You said that rather quickly,” Campbell responded.

“It’s true. I don’t trust anyone I can’t read.”

“You can’t read me.” Campbell offered.

“No, I choose not to read you. Major difference,” Aaron frowned.

“Have you never experienced this before?” Miche asked.

“Never. I’m sure there are people with natural mental blocks, but that’s not what was going on with either of them,” Aaron asked.

“What do you think is going on then?” asked Campbell.

“I think I’m actually being shut out…” Aaron lowered his head. They were all quiet until they left to go to their own homes.

Shaky Foundations

“Of course.” Aaron looked at James, curious. Something was off, but now was no time to ask questions. Aaron shook his head, stood up, and proclaimed, “Let’s do this!” He immediately began to run toward Golem.

“James, you—“ He stopped in his tracks.

“Aaron, what are you doing?!” Campbell yelled from the distance.

“I can’t… I can’t read him! No messages in or out!” Aaron sent a distraught message to Campbell.

“What? How is that possible?” Campbell looked to James.

“I’m not sure, but…” Aaron chose his next words wisely. “Do not tell him. Keep this a secret. I’ll tell Miche, but, unless I think it’s okay, don’t say a word.” Aaron could feel a protest coming from Campbell. “Now isn’t the time to argue. Just trust me on this.”

“Okay, but watch out for that big stone creature,” Campbell pointed.

Interlude ~ A Gentle Push

Interlude ~ A Gentle Push

As an Empath, living in this world is hard. On a daily basis, I have to come face to face with each and every emotion of those around me. I feel every pain and every triumph, every piece of joy and sadness. As you can probably imagine, it gets overwhelming. That’s why I have to take care of myself. Today, coffee is taking care of myself.

Who are these strange newcomers? The mysterious twins arrive!

“Man, that is a weird title,” Miche spoke.

“All of those titles are weird,” Campbell replied.

“No they’re not, they’re awesome!” Aaron replied emphatically.

“Why are they like that anyway?” Campbell asked.

“I dunno,” Aaron shrugged. “Maybe Japanese people like two titles in one.”

“I’m okay without it,” Campbell said, turning to the tv screen.