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.