Aphmau's POV:

I woke up to an empty hut. Strange. I'm certain I didn't sleep in. Ever since I was little, my parents never gave any hint to the idea of sleeping in. So, I never learned. Wake up early and get the day started. I sighed and got up. I sluggishly walked out the door to find Garroth and Katelyn speaking.

"I apologize for just barging in here yesterday," Katelyn sighed, putting her hands on her hips. "I hope it wasn't much trouble."

"We don't mind at all," Garroth says. "Let us know if you need anything while staying here."

"Thank you. Is there anything I need to know about Travis' state?"

"All you need to know is that the scars will heal over time. I would just recommend staying here until I know he's safe."

"Got it. Thank you again."

She walks off, her blue hair flowing freely in the wind. I smiled, knowing she doesn't usually let her hair down.

"Hey Garroth!"

He turned to me and waved;

"Good morning! How'd you sleep," He asked.

"Great," I say coming up to him. "You?"

"Good. Did you have anything to eat yet," He asked.

I shook my head no, not really putting too much thought into it. But, boy, was his opinion different.

He took my hand, which made my face go red, and started to guide me through the forest. He was in full concentration mode, looking up at the trees and inspecting plants. After a while of silence from him and my rapid denial that I didn't need anything, we came to a stop. He let go of my hand and kicked down an apple.

"Here," He says, handing it to me.

"Thank you but, you didn't have to go through the trouble," I say, politely. "I'm not hungry."

"Lady Aphmau, you look like you haven't ate in weeks."

"Not true! Last night I had that soup!"

He raised his eyebrow, like I was acting ridiculous.

"Just eat the apple."

I rolled my eyes and did so. Once I bit into the fruit, my mouth was instantly greeted by amazing flavors.

"You seemed shocked," Garroth says, a slight smirk traced his lips.

"I haven't had an apple...in years!"

His smirked went away and a frown replaced it. I noticed it, again. This wasn't the first time and I knew it.

"Garroth," I asked.

"Hm?"

"Why do you care about me so much? I barely know you and yet, when I mention my world, you seem to become upset."

He paused and crossed his arms;

"I would be a terrible human being if I didn't care."

"What do you mean?"

"Let me explain."

We walked along the trail that lead to the shore. His blonde hair seemed to match the sand perfectly and his blue hood made me think it was made from the waves itself. His eyes were no different.

"Aphmau, I've never seen your world. All I heard was stories from my mother and father."

"W-What have you heard," I asked as we walked along the shoreline.

"That your world was beautiful. What made it special was your kind. Everyone was different and made each place different from the other. You all respected the land. Gave back what you took. Then...Then things changed."

"What happened?"

He stopped and looked at me. At that moment, I had finished the apple. He took the core and placed it upright in his palm.

"You see, in this apple, there's five seeds. Each one, able to be grown and create more. With that a tree will sprout, it gives your kind oxygen. By doing this, you balance things out."

He took out one seed and in one touch, the rest disappeared.

"Your kind only gave a fraction of what was taken. By this, the world slowly became the image that humans wanted."

"Which was?"

"A world powered by energy that was given by my brother's earth. My brothers and I all have a certain type of energy. I, water. Zane, wind. Vylad, earth. If you use too much of one, soon, that will run out."

He continued to walk, I followed.

"The earth is a special place and gives resources, yes but, you have to realize when to stop. Your kind took and took then, a war started and ended it all when you didn't have barely anything to start off with," He says, turning to me. "I don't know your kind or your world. All I know is that mistakes were made. My parents, birthed us through this land. I the sand, Zane dust from the winds, and Vylad dirt from the earth. I know that your kind didn't mean to do it, that's why I treat you and the others with kindness."

"If we did mean to destroy the earth," I asked, hesitantly.

"I rather not say."

I frowned and looked as the waves combed the beach.

"What were your parents like," I asked.

"My mother and father are things you see everyday. The earth and sky."

"Wait so that means," I say, thinking of home. The dying plants and toxic air. "...we're killing you're parents."

He looked down and sighed;

"I guess you can put it that way."

"Garroth, I'm so sorry!"

"It's fine," He says with a soft smile. "Like I said, nobody meant for this happen. It just did. Besides, they're still alive. I hear them everyday."

"Really," I asked, in amazement.

"Yes. All though, I haven't heard them since you and the others came yesterday."

I smiled, showing some relief.

"How was growing up in your world," He asked me.

Shocked, I looked at him.

"You really want to know?"

He nodded.

"Well, I lived in Denver Colorado with my parents," I started to explain.

What was nice about it, was just we just sat there on the sand and...and he listened to every word with interest. Like, he wanted to know. I couldn't believe that a guy like him, would want to know more about a girl like me. I told him about my life as a young child. My mother and father and how loving they were. I told him about the city and parks that I used to roam and call home. The Rocky Mountains and how we would go skiing every year. He just seemed to enjoy every word coming from my lips. He would ask questions that I would answer with more stories. Then, I told him about the nuclear war and how terrible it was. I told him about the time I was in the bunker and by myself until, I met the others.

"How did you come across the others," He asked.

"I was in Phoenix Arizona, really far away from where Colorado Springs is. I had been traveling for so long and when I met them, it was a miracle I guess. I was alone and they were a family that welcomed me with opened arms. Back then, we had more in our group but...they slowly left. Now, we have a stronger bond then ever."

He smiled and took my hand.

"I'm glad you all are a family and you aren't alone anymore."

"I'm just glad we also met you and your brothers as well..."

"Me too..."

Word Count
1217