18 The Possibility of being brainwashed

[ Germaine's POV]

"Ahhh" I yawned and stretched my arms out still lying down when they suddenly hit something. It was Sanchez, my right hand had hit his back lightly however he made no reaction to this as he continued to sleep peacefully, Mustapha was also at his side. They both were still asleep meekly, they looked so normal and open that I felt the urge to prank them a bit but I ended up dismissing the thought.

I looked around still amazed by the work of magic before me. These intertwined vines, just like Miss Zephyr said provided a strange warmth and made it super cozy to be in. They gave off a glimmer occasionally, undoubtedly, it was something I was unfamiliar with. Not like I had not tried feeling it the night before....Wait, is it morning yet? it's still dark but I feel like I have slept so long that it should be morning now thanks to the effect of Zephyr's magic. However, I tried feeling it against my palm once again. It was so warm and soothing, like a bunch of miniature warm tongues licking my palm combined with soothing flames that had a proportional amount of heat and coldness. I retracted my arm and look out the dome only for my eyes to meet the expected darkness the night brought.

I managed to get off without disturbing the two and now I was outside the dome looking up at the starry sky. Suddenly, a myriad of thoughts swelled up, most were worries about the possibility of us not being able to make it back and spending our lives in an entirely different world, the other was about Zephyr and her companions, they simply acted too good that it felt like they had other intentions.

This is crazy" I said and smiled wryly.

" Unfortunately, this isn't a dream. If magic exists then who's to say that God doesn't?"

" I'm panicking right now, When Miss Zephyr was around, everything made sense that fear and suspicions didn't really well up in me"

" Were we brainwashed?" I said, sweat beads were starting to form up now and I reflexively swallowed.

" Miss Zephyr has the ability to tamper with one's mind so it isn't a stretch that she has the ability to brainwash us"

" No No, I'm just being paranoid"

" I shouldn't doubt their kindness and hospitality"

Having decided to go along with everything that had taken place. I turned back to check on my other peers as they slept.

The glimmer that occasionally shone provided light and I was able to make out everyone's image. Just like Sanchez and Mustapha, everyone was sound as asleep, which placed a smile on my face. it's been a while since I saw any one of us in such a vulnerable state and it kinda bred up a new feeling in me.

' I'll protect everyone until we get home at least' I thought clenching my fists in resolve.

A short while after that self session, I retired back to my cozy spot and slept off.

**********

[ Mustapha's POV]

I gave up to the yearning of having my eyes opened as morning approached, I sat up from my laying position and I saw that the others beside me seemed to have woken up as well. Belle and Sasha's soft voices reached my ears and I was convinced that they were awake.

"Good Morning Sanchez, Germaine," I said to the two obviously awake yet still laid down.

" Good morning"

"Good Morning" they responded

I stepped out of the dome and spotted others, Frederick and Jake being the first as they stood outside discussing.

The girls as well came out and with that, we all had risen.

Just as we did, A figure with wings had appeared from afar swiftly closing the distance and then in less than five seconds appeared right in front of us all. It was Miss Zephyr, she arrived at such a perfect timing like she knew we all were awake.

Just like she had done yesterday, she linked her mind with ours and then spoke.

" Good Morning!" she was enthusiastic as she was yesterday.

" Good Morning" I responded, I was certain others did as well.

" Miss Zephyr?"

" Yes," she shifted her attention to me...

" I need to get rid of waste," I said feeling slightly embarrassed

" Heh!?" she responded