Chapter 23: Unusual Connections

                                    

                                          
     As quickly as we could, we all huddled together in front of the space amongst the vines Chase had created with his sword in search of the culprit behind them. As we looked inside, we could see the vines were in fact cut into scattered pieces, with the tips engulfed in burn marks. They seemed withered, unable to move but still alive and tamed. Pieces upon pieces of burnt vines scattered all around the space adorned the way to our friend.
     We were ready, and yet I wondered. How did Chase manage to cleanly cut and burn the vines in such a way? I knew of his prowess as a swordsman, and yet this was a surprise. Did he have a way to make fire? If so, he was better off than us.
 "Let's go, guys. Try to keep up," Russel said as he clapped, signaling Echo to lead the group. With a bark of acknowledgment, Echo led our little vanguard into the unknown. We entered amongst the withered vines without an option.
     The space we had for walking was very narrow. Only one person could go through comfortably. There was space to stretch our arms a bit, though. So, we went in one by one. Again, to protect Emilia, she went in the middle of the group. Russel was ahead with Echo, and at the end, Camila was behind Cameron. Emilia, Russel, and Echo were a few steps ahead. I could have kept up more with them, but it seemed that Cameron and Camila still had a few things to say to each other as they walked. They whispered to keep their conversation private, but I was close enough to hear. So, I paid close attention while moving forward so they wouldn't notice.
 "Don't even think for a second that I forgot, Cameron. You and I still have unfinished business," Camila said, leaning towards Cameron's head from behind.
 "I know... I fucking know... could you give it a rest for a while?! At least until we're out of danger?" Cameron replied whispering back.
     I could tell by the way he whispered he was running on thin patience. But, you know, this is Cameron we're talking about. It wasn't a surprise. I know Cameron hurt Emilia, and it was uncalled for. But it would be nice to avoid any fighting amongst ourselves. Especially now that we're inching closer to an unknown threat. I stayed ready to intervene amongst them as we walked. Hoping I wouldn't have to. I continued walking, while being aware of the conversation they were having.
 "I just want you to remember. You don't get to forget for even a second that you hurt my sister. If we were not in this mess I would have dealt with you already" Camila said again, whispering in Cameron's ear.
 "Please... what would you do? Fuckin bore me to sleep with your empty threats?" Cameron replied wittingly.
 "Oh shit... please, don't go at it again in here"
 "What's that? Empty threats? You wanna go now? In here? I swear Ill fucking feed you to the vines in pieces" Camila replied as she hinted at drawing her black and gold knife by the sound of the knife sliding through the holster.
 "Fucking try it bitch. I'll split you in half" Cameron replied, still walking forward with his back to Camila. 
     I thought we were tired... Oh my God. Those two were still going at it. I know that in some cases people without any will or energy tap into emotion to keep going, but these two were just plain ridiculous. Monster vines had just done a number on us, and wiped the floor with the three of us and even after that these two had enough energy to bicker like kids. 
 "Hey! Everything okay back there?" Russel said, looking back at us.
     It seemed that Camila and Cameron, even in whispering, had raised their voices to the point that it was heard a few steps ahead.
 "Everything is okay back here!" I replied quickly, trying to avoid unnecessary conflict.
     I knew it wasn't my place to intervene, but for the sake of the team, I steeled myself and addressed the bickering duo behind me.