World Between: Chapter 6 part 1

“I’m wondering what we’re still doing here!” Cain said. “Like everyone else is!”

“You what we're doing-” Aaron began

“Aaron,” Anna said. “You’re really gonna try this again? Now?” She gestured over the wagon on its side. Multiple boards sticking out of various trees. “Ugh… to think you’re actually like this…”

“What that’s supposed to mean?” Aaron stepped towards Anna

“It’s means I liked you better when I thought you were stupid!” Anna said stepping towards him as well. “At least some of us had a plan then.”

“We haven’t changed the plan.” Jared said. “We just didn’t know how it worked.”

“And what are we doing when it doesn’t?” Cain responded.

“It will.” Aaron replied.

“Why?” Anna questioned.

“Because it makes sense!” Aaron shouted.

“What about any of this has made sense!?” Anna replied. “Beyond you two lying, and holding hostages!”
“Ey. I’m here to find someone.” Cain replied. “No one is forcing you along.”

“No one but, dear, old uncle, over there…” Anna mumbled. “At least we made an effort to find yours…”

 “Man that’s just cold.” Bushes rustled, and every turned towards a humanoid squirrel. “I can try to put a word out, if you want? Messages don’t get around easily in these parts though.”

“... Cid?” Cain asked.

“Hey, bro.” Cid replied. “Didn’t think you’d come, to be honest.”

“What you think you can just up and vanish for a week?” Cain said.

“It took a while to get communication through.” Cid replied. “Invisible lighting was a new one to them.”

“Does it… Doesn’t it seem dangerous to… be around?...” Anna stuttered looking at the squirrel.

“Naw.” Cid replied. “Weird that you wanna keep going when you have this many doubts about your own plan, but it’s not worth me stopping you.”

“Cid,” Cain replied. “come home.”

“Yeah, easy enough for the straight A one to say.” Cid crossed his arms. “Maybe people like it here? Has that not occurred to you?”

“Enough to leave friends and family behind? To go, who knows where?” Aaron replied.

Cid shrugged. “Majority either didn’t have many they liked, or seem to connect just fine. I know quite a few who don’t take missions at various times, because they have plans.”

“And you expect us to be content with that?” Jared replied.

“Everyone else seems to be.” Sofia stepped forward next to Cid. “it would make my life a lot easier, honestly.” She yawned.

“Look, bro.” Cid began. “People are happy here, and I know you;ve gotten my text.” 

“It’s not about the text!” Cain said. “It’s about 33% of the population vanishing out of nowhere.”

“Okay,” Sofia replied. “Can we at least admit a third doesn’t leave out of nowhere? Those aren’t numbers you get unless something is wrong.”

“Unless they're scared.” Aaron replied.

 “I mean, if you wanna be glass is half empty about it.” Sofia replied, rubbing her eyes.

“Why are you here again?” Cid replied.

“I just did a ten star mission. I think I deserve some slack.” Sofia said. “I’ll be off.” She walked away, and vanished into the forest. Cain and Aaron dashed after her, but came running back from the opposite direction they left.

“Oh, leave her alone.” Cid replied before walking away himself. “You guys got your own problems.”