Katelyn's POV:

I groaned as Aphmau stomped off. She's so...so...right. What is the worst that could happen if we stay here? We are out of harms way and there is no chance of death here. We could probably live the rest of our lives here if we wanted to...but, that would mean throwing the rest of the world and it's life away. I didn't spend the past over ten years of my life to have it be thrown away by some crush! I kept stuffing things into bags, desperate to get my team off of this brain washing island.

"Katelyn?"

"Not now Vylad."

"Why are you so angry?", He asked, still after my demand of him stopping. Sure, he wasn't part of my team but, usually people stop by just my voice. "You're probably breaking something-"

"I'm not in the mood to talk right now, Vylad.", I say.

"Katelyn, breath.", He says, placing a hand on my shoulder. "You're not yourself when you're angry."

"Don't tell me to breath!"

He back away, a bit frightened by my tone. I froze, ashamed for what I did. He was only trying to help...I took a deep breath and released it. I messaged my temples and said;

"Look, I just-It's nice of you and your brothers to help us but, we have a mission at hand and it's all my fault we fell off track."

"It's not your fault.", He assured me. "Besides, it's our fault for letting you all stay here so long in the first place."

I looked down and sighed.

"Do you three normally let people stay here?", I asked.

"We would...if people did."

I turned back to my bag and continued to pack.

"I heard your argument with Aphmau.", He said, coming next to me and helped gather things.

"How much did you hear?", I asked.

"...Not much. Do you think we brainwashed you and the others?"

"No. Just Garroth."

He chuckled and gave me a few clothing items.

"Why would you think that?", He asked, curiously. He probably didn't see my serious face. "Garroth would never-"

"Aphmau just doesn't act like this...ever! She's usually a person that doesn't lean so much on others. When she met him, she instantly grew comfortable towards him."

He seemed to understand and said;

"Well, have you ever thought about...I dunno. That she actually likes him?"

I frowned and looked down.

"That's what I'm afraid of."

"What do you mean?", He asked.

I looked into his emerald eyes. I reminded me of the soft grass back in my old home's backyard.

"We are completely different, Vylad. We have a mission and so do you and your brothers. Aphmau told me about the discussion between Garroth and your Father.", I say, crossing my arms, flipping my ponytail behind my shoulder. "You three need to focus on Earth while we focus on how to ever let this situation ever happen again. Look...I know you and your brothers are good people. I apologize for ever thinking otherwise. I've just been spending most of my life running, trying to find answers as to why this happened to my home and if I give up now...I'll never be satisfied."

He smiled softly, showing that he understood.

"Can...Can I just show you something before you leave?"

I looked around and saw everything was packed again. I nodded with a smile and followed him out of the hut.

•••

Vylad led me on the trail again and found a flower. He picked it off the bush and held it firmly in his hands. He placed it in my hair and gently touched it. I felt it grow and soon, a flower crown of simple white and blue flowers was in my hair. I felt a slight sense of heat come to my face and looked at Vylad with shock.

"You look beautiful...", He says, caressing my arm.

I smiled up at him, mentally saying thank you. His hand felt warm and comforting against my skin and I never wanted the feeling to leave.

"...Vylad, you're so...so kind and patient. How?"

"It comes and goes.", He chuckles. "Do you promise to visit when you finish your mission?"

"Of course! It's just..."

"What?"

"What if I don't survive? Will I ever see you again?"

"You will.", He says, now both hands on my arms. "You're Katelyn. A strong and courageous leader. You can do anything."

"But, can you promise me something?", I asked.

"Anything."

"If I don't make it,", I say, tearing up thinking about it. "will you, Garroth, and Zane let the others stay here, to make them happy?"

I frowned but, nodded.

"Only if you promise if that you survive, the same thing will happen with you here as well."

I nodded and smiled, feeling a tear fall. I wrapped my arms around him. Him doing the same. The feeling of never wanting to part from him came over me again. It was odd. I knew that it was odd. He's so important and yet, I felt like I was falling for him. It didn't make sense. He isn't human. He's a part of earth and I can't take that away. That's when I made the goal with myself, to stay alive and come back...with my whole team. To see the three boys again...they were our family and I wasn't going to leave them here alone again.

"I promise, Vylad."

"Good...I promise too."

We let go of each other to, my dismay, and walked back to the hut. To gather our things.

Word Count
936