First World(57)

They looked at me like I was insane.

Josian took Lallielle’s hand and pulled her close. For some reason I found it reassuring to see their constant contact. It was the feeling you got when you watched a fairy tale, all the way to its happy ending.

Brace continued to rub his temples. “You’re just not used to the convenience of things on First World. Once you figure it out, you’ll wonder how you ever did without them.” He shook his head in a jerky manner.

Josian cleared his throat. “That won’t help, Brace. The more energy you have on First World, the harder it is to adjust to Earth. But you’ll get used to the sensation soon.”

Brace didn’t look convinced.

Josian looked at me. “Once your powers are enlightened, Aribella, you will hate being without them. They will be comforting, your favorite warm blanket to keep you safe.” He shrugged. “And with the combination of your mother’s and my powers, we have no idea of your capabilities.”

Lallielle’s derisive laughter trickled through the alley. “When I first was pregnant, some First Worlders and apparently a few Walkers thought we should destroy the unknown power. You are unique, one of a kind. “

Josian stroked Lallielle’s face. “Your mother didn’t even realize at the time the extent of your enemies. She almost definitely saved your life.”

“Come on ... why would anyone even care?” I could not comprehend the fact I had ‘enemies’; important people, and bad people, had enemies. I was neither.

Lallielle shrugged. “I guess to them you should not have existed: Walkers cannot breed with any but Walkers.”

Josian placed a hand on Lallielle’s elbow. “Let us walk and talk. I do not like our lack of movement.” He ushered us to the entrance of the alley.

I stepped out onto the sidewalk and indicated that they should follow me. We needed to check out the compound first. Weapons were important.

Josian spoke as we hurried along. “We were always warned against having relationships with any beside Walkers; but I thought that was simply a Walker superiority.”

“How many Walkers are there exactly?” At first I’d had the impression there weren’t many, but I was starting to think I was wrong.

A calculated look crossed Josian’s face. “Why do you ask, Aribella?”

I shrugged, watching the puffs of condensed air exit my mouth.

Josian strode easily beside me. “I can’t be too sure. I know our clan numbers in the tens of thousands. And there are seven clans.”

He let me do the general maths. They were far less in numbers than the population on either of our planets. But with their power, that probably didn’t matter.

As I led them through the streets, I thought of how helpless First Worlders, and Josian probably, would feel here. People so reliant on their magic and energy. On Earth, technology was the only ‘magic’.

“You know, if you’re trying to take down First World, and in turn all the younglings, hiding out on Earth seems like the perfect solution.” I spoke my thoughts aloud.

Josian nodded. “I have a feeling some entity is taking advantage of the anomaly that is the dead zone of Earth.”

Brace jogged up to be next to me, and for the first time I noticed the form-fitted dark clothes he was wearing. Very distracting.

I hadn’t been paying attention before, but everyone looked to be in new clothes, close-fitted, dark and perfect for running.

The streets appeared a little more derelict than when I had left. I couldn’t believe it was only three days before. It felt like lifetimes had passed. There were new burnt-out vehicles, more buildings reduced to ruins.

As we approached the compound, we slowed and then came to a stop to one side of the gate. Moving the vines, I stepped closer to the security panel. I reached out a hand, fingers hovering just above the pad.

Something was wrong.

The light to indicate activation was no longer lit. I turned toward the gate. It was already slightly ajar.

I gave it a shove.

It swung open.

Peering around the edge, I couldn’t see anything untoward in the outer gardens. Stepping through, I ran to the front door with everyone following. There was a real feeling of neglect surrounding the compound now. I tried the front door – it was unlocked. Josian stopped me from entering first. I rolled my eyes as he pushed me behind him and stepped through the doorway.

As we moved into the front hallway, a familiar voice echoed throughout.

“Well, it is about time you got back here, Aribella. I’ve been waiting for a week.”

Josian spun around defensively as a familiar figure stepped out from the small side classroom.

Pushing my protective giant aside, I ran forward and threw my arms around Quarn in a tight hug. He looked exactly the same and I was so relieved. He stepped back, holding me at arm’s length. It was hard to tell through his usual stoic expression, but I think he was happy to see me.