35 Theysre Back (1/2)

I follow Irvin's lead as I go over the alphabet with Daric and Lark as we tread along. Making a fair amount of distance throughout the whole morning because didn't feel the need to rest. We're nearing the afternoon when Lina unknowingly makes her way near me. She must be in deep thought to come within arm's length of me; this is more apparent when she suddenly trips over an exposed root. Without thinking, I reach out to grab her; preventing her from faceplanting the ground. When she comes out of her thoughts and sees it's me holding her, she immediately begins shaking. Giving a shaky smile and she extracts herself and quickly walks off.

Seeing that she isn't completely overwhelmed with terror at the sight of me, lifts my spirits for the remainder of the day. Other than Andri attaching himself to me like a shadow out of fear I would suddenly collapse. The day went relatively smooth, and I even talk to Lark and Daric some before going to sleep.

Thinking about what Irvin said earlier gnaws on my mind making me unable to fully fall asleep. The dim light of the moons gives everything an ethereal glow as I get up to look for Lark knowing he's on watch. I walk a short distance before he locates me first.

”Emma, where are you going this late?” he asks.

”Well, I'm looking for you.”

He stares, momentarily before stuttering, ”W-w-what a-abo-about?” No doubt is thinking about why a young woman would seek out a young man so late at night.

I couldn't keep myself from rolling my eyes. ”What crazy ideas do you have going through that head of yours?” I hesitate, ”I heard what Irvin said to you earlier today.”

His embarrassed look turns into one of loss, ”I can't do anything about him.”

”I don't want you to; I want to know if you'll do what he says.”

Now it's his turn to roll his eyes, ”No matter what anyone says, Emma, you are my friend,” I could hear the smile in his voice. ”I haven't had one in a very long time, so I'll be very put out to lose the one I just made.”

When he makes such a ridiculously happy smile, I feel stupid for bothering to worry about it. Nevertheless, I ask, ”You sure? I know your unit would travel to the Dark Realm and back for each other. I don't want to cause friction between you guys.”

”You said it yourself; we've been through too much together for this to have us fall apart.”

Reassured, I go back. With my mind mostly settled, I quickly start to fall asleep. Just before I go completely under, I vaguely hear the sound of barks in the distance.

____________________

The cloaked figure slips free of the prying eyes. Hiding in the shadows for concealment, waiting. Shortly after, the shadows shift as X reveals himself. They don't bother exchanging pleasantries.

”Her talent level?” X demands.

”I made sure to check thrice. Her talent level is increasing at a frightening rate. It's not yet where we need it to be, but I estimate it will be in another one to two weeks. I cannot explain how its happening. I've never heard of a case where someones talent level increases so drastically in such a short period. It's not slowing either.”