ã€ŠMana Pool Snippets - Keystoneã€‹


 Part 1

    Walsh Estate Winery, Temecula, CA

    February 4, 2013

    2:13 PM

    45 days since The Wave

    Scott Dunne and Katie Walsh watched from the patio as Katie¡¯s parents drove away in the company van. An uneasy feeling dwelled inside Scott, like every other feeling when heading into town.

    ¡°You sure that¡¯s what they want?¡± He asked Katie.

    ¡°You heard me telling them no, but they needed it,¡± Katie said with arms crossed from a similar feeling.

    Brenda and Jonathan Walsh needed a break from everything. Business, family, and alien related. A simple break¡ªlunch and a movie. But if anything bad happened, Jonathan stashed a revolver in the glove compartment and a small pistol in Brenda¡¯s purse.

    ¡°I¡¯m not liking this one bit,¡± Scott said, squeezing Katie¡¯s shoulder. ¡°The town is not even close to being settled. I can imagine an idiot transforming in the theater.¡±

    ¡°So much for changing their minds.¡±

    Nothing else to do but wait until they come home, which was unnerving given that the adults owned the winery. It just wasn¡¯t the right time for the young terrans to inherit a four-generation winery all a sudden.

    Scott and Katie, still, were the only terrans on the property. Only a matter of time until another family member, or one of their workers, sports elf ears, tails, biological armor, and magical energies. And Katie was the most knowledgeable on terran magic. Her knowledge and skills were still not incorporated, Jonathan Walsh¡¯s wish until he fully understood it.

    Robert Walsh, the oldest son and nearly dressed in black, walked up carrying a wine crate for the store.

    ¡°They actually did it?¡± He asked. The couple nodded. Robert looked back at the gates. ¡°Wow. I didn¡¯t think they were that serious.¡±

    ¡°They brought their guns,¡± Katie added.

    Robert jerked his head to the side. ¡°Still. I can see an idiot transforming in the open.¡±

    ¡°You read my mind,¡± Scott said.

    ¡°Let me know when they get back. I got errands to do too.¡± He adjusted his grip on the box and went back to the storefront.

    The couple were heading back inside, but Scott stopped and closed his eyes, hearing a familiar engine from the driveway. A pack animal¡¯s howl, but coupled with a high-pitched electric engine of raw power. Scott could also hear Robert¡¯s audible curse and running into the store. Enhanced terran hearing Scott appreciated.

    ¡°Please tell me it¡¯s a golf cart dragging a wolf,¡± Katie said.

    ¡°I wish.¡± Scott sighed and turned back as an alien motorcycle pulled up.

    The level of design, engineering and technology far exceeded that if any human motorcycle. The prominent feature were the tires¡ªtwice the size of rear chopper tires yet able to perform tight turns. The frame was thick metal but shaped and forged like it was built by an organic metal alien. The condition was far from new; it made countless rides and survived unaccounted battles, riddled with holes, dents, and scraps of its matt black and red paint. Powering the beast was a small fusion core charging a high-output electrical engine. The controls were written in an alien language, the rider¡¯s language.

    The alien rider with digitigrade legs took off his helmet, misshapen skindreads made of wood draped over his shoulders, and longer since the last time Scott seen him. His clothes seemed to have been washed¡ªwhite sleeveless tunic, black short, and sandals. The pistol holster was wrapped around his waist, his alternative besides his sword and bulky plasma rifle.

    Scott shook his head. ¡°Jaruka why¡ª¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t chat now,¡± Jaruka said with his universal translator on his neck. ¡°Saw them leave while coming.¡±

    ¡°Yes but why¡ª¡°

    ¡°No time. I got no time!¡± He was in a hurry by his moves. Why at the winery confused the couple. ¡°Move, kids, this is important.¡±

    He got off the motorcycle and walked passed the couple, carrying a familiar, technical-looking briefcase, and a black plastic bag. He stood seven feet tall and had to duck under the door jam, nearly bumping into Katie.

    ¡°Wait¡­come one. What¡¯s the problem? Who did you tick off this time?¡± Scott asked and went inside.

    ¡°No big problem, just taking over your big screen monitor.¡±

    ¡°You mean the TV.¡±

    ¡°Right. Whatever.¡± Jaruka set the items on the coffee table (a brand new one) and opened the briefcase. It the only communication device Jaruka had for off-world talks. Scott wondered every time how it worked, including the three rings surrounding an oddly familiar purple crystal. Yet the Wave crystals could not match the Slipspace crystal¡¯s purpose. Slipspace crystals do not have black lines on the edges.

    In seconds, the ring device moved, purple light emitted from the crystal, and several beeps came from the device. The window lit up with alien symbols and graphs. Jaruka made quick commands and stood up.

    ¡°Is this for Denverbay?¡± Katie asked.

    ¡°Crog no, it¡¯s mine for a few hours and you can¡¯t do crap about it.¡±

    ¡°Why would we? You¡¯re armed.¡±

    Jaruka stepped over a dog sleeping at the foot of the couch. Normal dog by sight, but he was Scott¡¯s totem, Keeji. The Siberian husky snored away after scaring animals away from the vineyard early morning, not even picking up Jaruka¡¯s sweaty pine scent. Jaruka plugged a couple cables to the briefcase¡¯s side and went to the TV over the fireplace.

    ¡°So it¡¯s not work related?¡± Scott asked.

    ¡°No, race related,¡± Jaruka cleared.

    ¡°Race?¡±

    ¡°Howler Cycle regional championships. It¡¯s preliminaries week,¡± Jaruka answered after connecting the cable to the TV and back to the couch with the remote. Somehow Jaruka figured out the remote control and flip channels to the input feeds. A warning sign for Scott, either Jaruka finally accepted the earth¡¯s Internet and read an owner¡¯s manual, or the mercenary snuck in late at night and learned himself.

    From Jaruka¡¯s stature, he looked more excited in a long time.

    ¡°Well why can¡¯t you watch it at the ship? You know how Mom and Dad are when you¡¯re here,¡± Katie reminded him, and Scott nodded.

    Jaruka paused and looked up. ¡°The what?¡±

    ¡°Your ship. The dropship.¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­yeah,¡± he said looking over the living room, but no eye contact. ¡°Um¡­my monitors suffered spontaneous explosions. And they¡¯re not big enough.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re kidding?¡± Scott asked with slouched shoulders and limp tail.

    He paused, looking around the living room, then continued with the TV. Had be a yes. Jaruka¡¯s device popped a little apart, but stayed together by soldered cables and crystals. ¡°Don¡¯t mind that, the glue sucks.¡±This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    Katie whispered in Scott¡¯s ear. ¡°Looks like soil and spit to me.¡± Scott nodded. Soil yes, but Jaruka¡¯s dread oils, and does not hold together.

    Picture on the TV changed to what showed on the briefcase¡¯s screen. ¡°Yes, it works!¡± Jaruka said with a smile, then screamed at the ceiling, ¡°Take that Wringheart! You¡¯re not the only crack engineer in Nova!¡±

    Jaruka sat down, making the couch creak from his weight. Keeji stayed the same. Inside the black bag was food from off world, some made Scott¡¯s stomach churn just looking at it. One snack was a mix between a cockroach and hamster, roasted.

    ¡°Now be aware, I might get rowdy, so watch your faces.¡± He popped the cork on a bottle of Nova homebrew, sipped it, and laid back. He chewed one snack and Katie quivered in disgust.

    Scott knew first hand how sports fanatics were from bars past. Less not forget, Jaruka still had his plasma pistol.

    Scott walked away from Jaruka and whispered to Katie, ¡°So much for our somewhat peaceful day. What are we going to do?¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t just leave him alone,¡± Katie said swallowing. ¡°He¡¯ll make a mess on the couch.¡±

    A loud crunch came from Jaruka, then a sucking sound. Scott tried not to look.

    ¡°Speaking of watching him, we have to.¡±

    ¡°Yep.¡±

    ¡°But not alone. Keeji¡¯s useless.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Katie asked.

    ¡°Wanna stay down here for a chance? You¡¯ve been in your room for a while. You need the fresh air.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re serious?¡± Katie eyed Jaruka.

    Scott nodded.

    Katie sighed and whispered, ¡°I know, but me and Arana are close to completing enchanted item research.¡±

    Wish she did not keep at the magic every day, Scott thought.

    ¡°And finish your study program,¡± Katie added, placing a finger on Scott¡¯s chest, close to touching the scar.

    Scott whined. ¡°You¡¯ve had your face in that book ever since we got back. You can do that down here, with safe distance. I don¡¯t mind you two talking. As your boyfriend, you need a break.¡± It may have been good advise for Katie, but considering that Scott could not use magic yet, he could not understand Katie¡¯s long-lived fantasy come to life. ¡°After all, you have the power to stop Jaruka.¡±

    ¡°I heard that!¡± Jaruka yelled with a mouth full of whatever.

    Katie had to think for a moment, and she agreed. ¡°Just make sure he¡¯s not talking in my direction.¡± Scott kissed her forehead, gaining a small sigh from her.

    Agreeable, yes, but Scott was a bit creeped out once Katie and Arana, her red-tailed hawk totem perched on the recliner¡¯s back, made inaudible gestures and faces at each other. Katie discovered telepathy, and mastered it, last month. The Celtic tattoo glowing on her forehead showed it. Helpful for late night studies.

    Scott sat not too close to Jaruka on the couch. At least the alien had manners.

    From the sportscast, the vast array of alien species changed from camera to camera. Scott was amused in a way; some were recognized from the Endeavour, many were new. Scott took note that Howler Cycle races were like Terra Firma races, but instead of stock parts and circular tracks, it¡¯s weapons, dangerous tracks, point-driven objectives, and rival riders with grudges. The array of Howler Cycle designs were higher compared to Jaruka¡¯s. A fight broke out half way in the race between two aliens on the black tarmac, near a white-light power stream.

    ¡°That one there, the naga creature,¡± Jaruka said. ¡°That¡¯s a Skrilgax, magical. And the other is Octocre.¡±

    Scott was not paying attention, just making sure Jaruka did not offer him a bit of his ¡°snacks,¡± but he looked. ¡°He looks like that commander from Brill¡¯s crew.¡±

    ¡°Kantra,¡± Jaruka said, and squeezed the food in his hand. ¡°Bastard must be winning his bets by now.¡±

    Why¡¯s there such an issue with him and Kantra? Scott thought. And why is he explaining all this stuff?

    A loud snap from the screen made Scott to look. The Octocre broke the Skrilgax¡¯s right arm in three places. Medics and officers quelled the fight minutes later as the other racers sped by, then quickly disqualified since hand-to-hand fights were outlawed.

    Katie never paid attention. Katie had her spellbook on her lap, eyes never leaving the pages. The dedication was high.

    Wonder if I¡¯ll match her strength¡­

    In the middle of Jaruka explaining the rules and various species¡ªin between cheers and hollers at his favorite riders¡ªa loud crash came from the kitchen.

    ¡°Whoa,¡± Scott yelled, but dubbed down to a whisper. ¡°The hell was that?¡±

    Katie stood up, knocking over her spellbook and notebook. Arana was startled and flapped her wings. ¡°Sounds like the window. I¡¯ll check it out,¡± she whispered too.

    Scott stood. A memory came to mind. ¡°Uh, remember last time you used offense magic?¡± he said.

    ¡°I practiced. I¡¯m not so jumpy anymore.¡± Katie beamed.

    ¡°Either a stranger or it¡¯s Jacob ditching school again. I¡¯ll check it out.¡±

    ¡°But you have no ma¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. Trust me. I have Jaruka to back me up.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be all macho for me.¡± Katie crossed her arms.

    Jaruka slowly looked up at Scott with a glare, whispering, ¡°Are you mad? I never miss these races.¡±

    ¡°So I have no real backup?¡±

    ¡°You fired a rifle while running and nearly killed an immortal. You can handle it, kid.¡± Jaruka took a drink.

    Scott rolled his eyes. ¡°Fine. Keeji, bad guy.¡±

    Keeji huffed, protested for a second to sleep some more, but got up. ¡°To battle, buddy.¡± He yawned.

    ¡°And turn the sound down,¡± Scott asked Jaruka, and he did by half during an announcer talk at halftime.

    Since the Wave and the countrywide zombie attack, Jonathan became paranoid. Like the guns in the car and purse, there were more around the house. Baseball bats for one, like the Louisville Slugger Scott grabbed from the fireplace. Katie fussed over them saying that her magic could protect the family and can enchant the weapons for a better ¡°oomph,¡± but seeing holes in walls from unpracticed offense spells in her bedroom, non-magic attempts were the winner.

    Scott and Keeji sneaked to the kitchen keeping out of sight. Katie¡¯s eyes were on him, none from Jaruka. Rummaging sounds were heard from the fridge. Jacob always comes home from school for a meal. If not, more trouble. Back against a wall, the noise stopped.

    ¡°Keeji, take a look,¡± Scott said. His tail twitched in anticipation. Just as the husky did, the fridge door slammed shut, then footsteps. Scott lived in the house long enough to tell the person went into the walk-in pantry.

    Keeji yelped and backed away.

    ¡°Was it Jacob?¡± Scott asked him.

    The husky¡¯s eyes were big as ping-pong balls and his tail was between his legs. ¡°Not Jacob. Definitely not. It¡¯s a terran girl with poofed up hair and covered in dirt. I can¡¯t get her smell out out my nose.¡±

    Dammit, Scott thought. He signaled Katie to be ready.

    ¡°You just made a serious mistake,¡± Scott started. ¡°You entered a house with two terrans and a grump with a bad temper. Just come on out and let¡¯s talk.¡±

    Scott caught Jaruka giving the evil eye. ¡°Grump?¡±

    Short pause, then a young girl¡¯s voice came. ¡°Scott? Scott, is that you?¡±

    Scott blinked. ¡°Uh¡­yeah.¡±

    ¡°Remember me? It¡¯s Andrea. I¡­I need help. I don¡¯t know what to do!¡±

    A major memory clicked inside Scott¡¯s mind, then a sickening feeling came up. ¡°No way. Andrea? That really you?¡±

    ¡°Yes! Please!¡±

    ¡°Hang on!¡± Scott turned to Katie. Katie nodded. No doubt, that voice had to be the daughter of the winery¡¯s former accountant.

    Then Scott turned into the kitchen and stopped, dropping the bat. ¡°Jesus.¡±

    He had not seen Andrea since last summer. Scott thought it was not Andrea and it was an imposter. No doubt her black hair and face was familiar. Her hair before was straight. Now it was tangled, unruly, and dotted with dirt. Her clothes were the similar condition with rips in her jeans and Adventure Time t-shirt. The sandals on her dirt-coated feet were crying to be thrown with the garbage.

    Keeji was right about her being a terran. Besides from the scrapped and scabbed two-foot tail and armor plating and elf ears poking out of the hair, it was Andrea Livingston.

    But not a welcoming sight for Andrea.

    The little girl screamed. Her bare arms ripped with blue Celtic symbols, then without uttering a word, raised her hands and casted her spell.

    Scott ducked backwards to the floor hitting his back in time before the kinetic force hit him. ¡°Whoa!¡± The spell sailed over the lounge area and crashed into the wall, knocking down a few pictures from the nails, a few feet from the TV.

    Jaruka yelled something in his language.

    Keeji screamed, ¡°Armed terran in the house!¡± while running up the stairs.

    Scott took a breath from the shock and sat up. ¡°Andrea calm down, it¡¯s me. Remember? Katie¡¯s boyfriend?¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t be. Scott is not a terran. And he¡¯s chubby.¡± Scott was on the heavy side, but the transformation gave him a healthy outcome. Andrea¡¯s tattoos still burned with charged mana.

    ¡°I know. Scared myself too, but it¡¯s really me. Forget the terran thing now. Just settle down and let¡¯s talk.¡±

    Katie came up beside him. ¡°Andrea, it¡¯s Katie.¡± She asked from her cover. ¡°Good God. What happened to you?¡±

    ¡°Katie?¡± Life was back in her voice.

    ¡°Yes it¡¯s me. Relax, Andrea. Katie¡¯s here to help.¡± If any person could calm Andrea, it¡¯s a familiar, caring voice of the Walsh family.

    Scott heard Andrea¡¯s voice soften. ¡°I can¡¯t tru¡­No. How can I be¡­You sure?¡­¡±

    The mumbling was sure notice¡ªAndrea had her totem with her. Scott did not see it, but it must be inside her.

    Scott stood up. ¡°Andrea, take a deep breath. We¡¯re here to help.¡± The couple approached her like careful observers. Anything could set off the girl¡¯s magic.

    Andrea flexed her palms and went to complete distress. Tears tricked from her eyes smearing the dirt on her cheeks. It broke Scott¡¯s heart to see that. ¡°P-Please¡­help me,¡± she begged, wiping the tears.

    Footsteps came from the second hallway toward the kitchen and a large weapon pointed down at the little girl¡¯s forehead, inches from her face. The sides and the barrel glowed neon green. From sadness to shock, she looked up at Jaruka.

    ¡°Ah shit,¡± Scott said.

    Jaruka sniffed with wild eyes at Andrea. ¡°Better not cast another, the race was getting good,¡± he said with a rumbling voice.

    Andrea feinted.

    Scott and Katie¡¯s jaws opened. ¡°Dude, what the fuck!?¡± Scott said.

    Jaruka lowered and powered down his custom plasma rifle, sighing, and noticing the couple. ¡°What? I stopped it, didn¡¯t I?¡± he said. ¡°I wasn¡¯t going to shoot you know. She¡¯s just a kid.¡± He shook his head and walked back to the couch.

    ¡°I¡¯m gonna kill him,¡± Katie commented.

    ¡°No, you wont,¡± Jaruka said plopping back into the couch.

    Scott urged Katie to check Andrea. They knelt beside her.

    The young terran was out cold. No words or shakes could snap her awake.

    ¡°Geeze. It¡¯s like she¡¯s been in the country for weeks,¡± Scott said. ¡°What the heck happened to her?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll find out soon enough,¡± Katie said. ¡°Help me with her. After that, call Beth and Morgan.¡± She went for Andrea¡¯s shoulders and Scott went for her feet.

    ¡°I have a sick feeling about this,¡± Scott said as he moved the girl to the living room.

    ¡°Me too.¡±

 Part 2

    Andrea Livingston. Katie still could not believe what happened to her, and wished it did not. It made Katie sick to think how Andrea survived the transformation, or without help. How long had she been out there? What about her parents?

    Andrea¡¯s parents were a major problem.

    As Andrea slept on her lap on the couch, Katie held her close. She ignored the dirt, caring for the couch was beyond her. The recent rain storm must had some part. Falling in mud, unable to clean herself.

    It has to be days, Katie thought.

    We are unsure of that, Arana telepathically thought. The red-tailed hawk totem sat on the couch¡¯s back, looking down at Andrea.

    Scott and Keeji came back after Katie asked for two glasses of water. Both were placed on the table, minus Jaruka¡¯s food and briefcase.

    ¡°Anything?¡± Scott asked.

    Katie shook her head. ¡°This just breaks my heart.¡± Scott and Katie were victims of terran abuse since Area 51 and when they changed, categorized as demons in sheep¡¯s clothing. At the base, they were treated like animals. She shook her head, the memories were pushed away.

    ¡°I tried calling Beth and Morgan,¡± Scott started. ¡°Three times I tried.¡±

    ¡°What about a message?¡±

    Scott shook his head and said. ¡°Every time I hear the beep the phone cuts, and that was the first two. I think they see the winery number and hang up, but the third call I got a hold of Morgan.¡± He crouched down to eye level with Andrea.

    ¡°What did he say?¡± She asked.

    ¡°Guess,¡± Scott said, and Katie passed. He did not elaborate the harsh words from Morgan. It was best not to tell Katie.

    The extent of Andrea¡¯s body bared more injuries up close. Small to big scraps on Andrea¡¯s arms, probably from branches and bushes. Her armor pattern was seen but was smoother than Scott¡¯s and Katie¡¯s sharper kind, and not seen well through the skin. Andrea¡¯s tail had more scars, which fits since new terrans tend to injure their tails a lot. Andrea had ripped her own pants just to accommodate her tail. Keeji sat at Andrea¡¯s feet, free from the trashed sandals. The soles of her feet needed serious attention with large scabs and bruises on her ankles. Terran healing is much faster than humans, but it could have been that healing could not keep up with the abuse.

    Studies said that with terran transformations, anybody older than 13-years-old had the usual, violent transformation. Children under do not somehow, but turning 13, they experience a much less intense transformation. The last time they seen Andrea, she was 12.

    ¡°Will she wake up soon?¡± Keeji asked them.

    ¡°I hope so,¡± Katie assured the totem.

    Keeji looked, and then smirked. ¡°Wow, you really skipped that time, Scott. She must¡¯ve been pushing all her mana into that spell.¡±

    ¡°Not now, Keeji,¡± he said.

    ¡°Oh. So¡ªOh, she¡¯s back.¡± Keeji¡¯s tail wagged and banged on the couch.

    Andrea stirred and moaned. Katie sighed in relief. ¡°Andrea, can you hear me?¡±

    Andrea opened her eyes and looked up. Even though the terran transformation made little changes to Katie¡¯s head¡ªelf ears holding back her short brown hair¡ªit was a friendly and familiar face.

    Andrea sat up and wrapped her arms around Katie, then cried all at once, catching Katie off guard.

    In between sobs, Andrea said, ¡°Thank you, thank you¡± over and over.

    Katie started to cry. ¡°It¡¯s alright, we¡¯re here, sweetie. We¡¯re here.¡±

    It went on for minutes until Andrea calmed down. The couch and Katie looked like they survived a dust storm.

    Andrea drank the two glasses, plus three more and two pieces of fruit to sooth her unnourished body. Andrea never mentioned her run in with Jaruka. Did she remember, or refuse to?

    ¡°Feeling better?¡± Katie asked sitting beside Andrea.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Andrea said. ¡°Weird. I used to hate bananas.¡±

    ¡°That caught my attention. You are a picky eater.¡± Katie pushed back dirt-coated strands of hair from Andrea¡¯s face. ¡°You got to tell us what happened, sweetie.¡±

    Andrea covered her face. ¡°It¡¯s horrible, Katie. My life was ruined last week after my birthday.¡±

    ¡°Last week?¡± Scott exclaimed. ¡°Hang on. I may be wrong but you¡¯ve been out there for a whole week?¡±

    ¡°I try to count the days,¡± Andrea answered, ¡°but¡­ I just hate it. I hate it! I want to go home! No, I can¡¯t go home. I want to stay here. They hate me!¡±

    Both terrans and totems shuttered from the outburst. It was the first time Andrea ever screamed in fear.

    ¡°Andrea, don¡¯t scream like that,¡± Katie told her, and Andrea apologized. ¡°Now, I need you to think, but don¡¯t scream anymore.¡±

    Andrea sniffed and agreed.

    ¡°Tell us what happened.¡±

    It did help when Andrea leaned on Katie. ¡°I-I just turned thirteen last week.¡±

    During Andrea transformation, she described it that she was ¡°in peace,¡± that her whole body did not convulse normally, but floated as the transformation commenced. Just like every case, but all and all, it was terrifying to Andrea, especially the magic.

    ¡°I have a totem now,¡± Andrea said. ¡°But she¡¯s not ready to meet you guys. She¡¯s afraid.¡±

    ¡°We can understand,¡± Scott said. ¡°Keeji is sometimes a scardy cat and never leaves me for days. But besides that, what about your parents? I tried calling them.¡±

    Andrea nodded. ¡°Since the crystals fell, they treated everything like hell. They called my terran friends and their terran friends demons, including me. I even heard them call your parents traitors.¡±

    Katie swallowed to push that painful memory away.

    Andrea nodded with a quivering mouth. ¡°Then¡­¡± She started sobbing. ¡°Then they kicked me out.¡± The crying restarted. ¡°I came¡­here because¡­I know that, your family accepts¡­ you two,¡± she gasped. ¡°You¡¯re the only family¡­I¡­know!¡± Her cries became intense and loud. It even drove Scott to ball his fists, trying not to cry himself.

    ¡°Hey, hey, don¡¯t cry. You¡¯re with us now,¡± Katie said, trying not to cry too. ¡°We too had our share of problems. Let¡¯s get you come upstairs and cleaned up. How¡¯s that sound?¡±

    Andrea did several more sobs until she nodded.

    Both girls went up stairs, Keeji followed. Arana stayed behind and turned to Scott after watching them.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been watching the news,¡± she said. ¡°More abandoned terran children are up this week. This is turning into an ugly trend, Scott.¡±

    ¡°Very,¡± Scott added. The dirt on the couch started bugging him. ¡°Be right back,¡± he said and walked to the kitchen.

    Reminded about lonely children raked his heart concerning he was family-less for two whole years. Two years ago he successfully recovered from a mental hospital with Katie¡¯s help and was unofficially adopted by the family. His love for Katie was strong in high school and it was stronger afterwards as he made up almost everything he missed, but those memories of loneliness were never forgotten.

    This cannot be this way. They have to take Andrea back.

    As he got a hand vacuum and fabric freshener, the pantry door was knocked on. It was closed. Scott opened the pantry door.

    Jaruka stood with the briefcase open on one arm, broadcasting the morning¡¯s Howler Cycle race¡¯s ending ceremony. The Slipspace Drive glowed against his face. He looked down at Scott. ¡°You just had to push me out. I¡¯ll need to re-glue that cable again.¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    ¡°You made her feint,¡± Scott reminded her.

    ¡°I was disturbed, I had to keep her from smashing the monitor.¡±

    ¡°TV.¡±

    ¡°Whatever,¡± Jaruka said. ¡°Am I good?¡±

    Scott¡¯s eyes rolled. ¡°You¡¯re lucky she didn¡¯t ask about you, but you deserved that black eye,¡± Scott said.

    Jaruka sniffed, yet the bruise caused no pain. It nearly disappeared on its own from Jaruka¡¯s fast healing.

    ¡°Come help me with this, can¡¯t leave you alone,¡± Scott told him, but Jaruka just brooded as Scott started cleaning.

    ¡°So who is she?¡± Jaruka asked closing the briefcase and setting it on the floor. ¡°Oh, and in case you were wondering, my rider came in second.¡±

    Scott set all the pillows on the floor and yelled as he vacuumed. ¡°It¡¯s Andrea Livingston. We¡¯ve known her ever since, but Katie¡¯s parents were friends with her parents for a long time. Former accountants really.¡±

    ¡°So she knows you two well?¡±

    ¡°Before the Wave, even years ago, she came by on her own every other day just to be with them. She looks up to Katie like a sister.¡±

    ¡°An only child, I bet,¡± Jaruka said.

    ¡°Right,¡± Scott said, but how did Jaruka knew that? The couch pillows were clear to the best of his ability, still needed deep cleaning. He then vacuumed the couch back.

    Arana yelled, ¡°Parents own an accounting firm in the city. They handled the winery¡¯s taxes. On the plus they are devote Temecula wine country supporters, one of the major investors in the community.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Jaruka said. ¡°So why is she here looking like she had a mud fight with grimlods?¡±

    ¡°Grimlods?¡± Arana asked.

    ¡°You will feel sick if you knew.¡±

    Scott cut off the vacuum. ¡°Okay let¡¯s not talk about space and aliens and weird shit where you¡¯re from right now,¡± Scott said. ¡°Did you hear what she said?¡±

    ¡°No, sir, the race was priority. I¡¯m not in the right mind to give a damn about human issues right now.¡± His information gathering of Terra Firma news were the reason he was ignoring the problem.

    ¡°Can you please not be snippy for once today?¡± Scott asked with a strong tone.

    Jaruka was silent.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Scott did not vacuum as he relayed what they found out to Jaruka. Afterwards, he went on to finish the cleaning.

    ¡°Ouch,¡± Jaruka said. ¡°She handled herself well.¡±

    ¡°Girls her age are not allowed to be outside, not with those idiots running around. I¡¯m shocked she stayed hidden for so long.¡±

    ¡°So not a survivalist?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Scott set the pillows back onto the couch. At least the couch was brown upholstery from the beginning, but Scott wanted to clean it better. Brenda Walsh would find out.

    ¡°I see.¡± The alien looked up from the sound of running water in the ceiling. ¡°What a shame.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Scott asked.

    ¡°What?¡± Jaruka repeated.

    The men paused, confused. Arana shrugged.

    ¡°So¡­ you four are at a loss?¡± Jaruka asked.

    Scott agreed.

    ¡°But really, what are you gonna do about it?¡±

    ¡°I told you, we don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you what I would do,¡± Jaruka started. ¡°We get her to stop crying like a breached dam, cinch our belts and march over to her home.¡±

    Scott scratched his hair. ¡°That¡¯s just crazy.¡±

    ¡°No, that¡¯s settling matters face to face. In space, sometimes you can¡¯t do things in a nice way.¡±

    ¡°This is not space.¡±

    ¡°But Terra Firma occupies space, so it works,¡± Jaruka added.

    Scott shook his head to not even question that logic. Scott was against any form of meeting the Livingstons in the open. For one thing, humans are not used to terrans, still. Every day he heard of abuse on the streets, then terrans retaliating with untold amounts of magic. They never left the winery, except visiting Jaruka¡¯s campsite to make sure he did not do anything stupid, like upsetting the government in an irregular way.

    ¡°So you want us to risk our lives?¡± Scott asked.

    ¡°Why not?¡± Jaruka said. ¡°It¡¯s help with the youngling¡¯s character.¡±

    ¡°Back up a minute,¡± Arana started. ¡°You saying to go to the house to confront them. Ever since you¡¯ve been unsupportive, Jaruka. Now you want to take serious matters for us?¡±

    Several darted eyes the alien made. Jaruka coughed. ¡°It¡¯s not my problem, it¡¯s yours. I¡¯m here as Denverbay¡¯s collateral,¡± Jaruka said.

    ¡°You¡¯re weird,¡± Scott said.

    ¡°You avoid fights,¡± Jaruka retaliated.

    Then again, the idea got stuck in his head. The Livingstons were sensitive, religious, and hard to change their minds. Andrea barely inherited that mindset. Wine even, it¡¯s hard for them to try any other wine besides Cliffhanger. Hard to ignore, Andrea was homeless, and her parents had to be confronted. If that happened, how could they house Andrea? Jacob, the youngest, was too much of a handful as it was. Following up the police would be untold amounts of time and paperwork.

    Scott needed a second opinion.

    ¡°Don¡¯t go anywhere,¡± Scott said.

    ¡°Where would I go?¡± Jaruka said with wide arms.

    Scott went upstairs. Keeji stood guard at the door. Scott knocked.

    ¡°Just a sec,¡± Katie said. She came out and closed the door behind her. She changed clothes to a blue t-shirt and shorts.

    ¡°How¡¯s Andrea?¡± Scott said low

    ¡°She¡¯s feeling much better now,¡± Katie said low too. ¡°But she talked more. She never went to school this whole time, not even going to the police.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re kidding?¡±

    Katie shook her head. ¡°She said she¡¯s too embarrassed to show herself.¡±

    ¡°Jesus,¡± Scott said.

    ¡°Maybe, just maybe,¡± Katie said, ¡°the police heard of this. Can you call Deryl about it? See if he could help?¡±

    Deryl, Scott¡¯s godfather and U.S. Marshal, was not on Scott¡¯s mind before.

    ¡°I can try. How¡¯s everything else?¡±

    ¡°Well I got hear cleaned and found some old clothes to fit her and fixed the pants for her tail. It took me a while to calm her down and tell her things will be all right still. She even told me that blast on you was her first spell.¡±

    ¡°Wow.¡± Even as a terran they have free reign of their magic, in limited quantities. But surviving in the wild without magic?

    ¡°I casted a couple spells myself to really make her perk up,¡± Katie said.

    ¡°Nothing big right?¡± Scott asked and Katie swatted him on the arm.

    ¡°Just a towel levitation and water bending. She smiled, a bit.¡±

    ¡°Good, anything to make her smile will help,¡± Scott said. ¡°Anyway, guess what Jaruka did.¡±

    ¡°He raided the pantry finally?¡±

    ¡°Not yet. He suggested something.¡±

    Katie¡¯s eyelids lowered a bit. ¡°Jaruka. Made a suggestion?¡±

    ¡°Yep.¡±

    Katie turned confused. One ear was lifted. ¡°I¡¯d hate to ask what.¡±

    ¡°He said that we go and talk to Beth and Morgan, face to face and settle it. Crazy right? I mean, he¡¯s telling us to risk our lives.¡±

    ¡°Crazy,¡± Katie said, thinking on it for a second, ¡°Huh.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, what?¡± Scott shook his head in disbelief.

    Katie raised her eyes at him. That familiar look on her face told Scott one thing.

    If that wasn¡¯t a changer, Katie and Andrea were talking about it too. Katie was for it, all the way. She needed forgiveness and real answers. Taking Andrea in was a potential problem for the family.

    Scott checked on Andrea. She was free of the dirt and mud, her hair back to her usual style (Katie helped clip it) say for the elf ears making an emphasis. No surprise she was wearing Katie¡¯s old long sleeve red blouse and jeans too big that they had to be rolled up. He caught some life in Andrea¡¯s eyes, some. The trauma for the past week still lingered. Andrea¡¯s tail was covered with a bandage to help heal the cuts. Make the thought of ¡°tail socks¡± a workable idea for somebody.

    The decision was scaring Andrea. One side, she was afraid of what would happen if things did not work; the other, she really wanted to be home again. It had to be settled or else it would nag Andrea forever.

    ¡°Uh, it¡¯s like you forgot to what you were screaming at Mom and Dad in the first place,¡± Robert Walsh said in the living room. ¡°I mean¡­come on. Really? You want to go there?¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Katie said. ¡°This is for Andrea you know.¡±

    Robert got wind of the commition while grabbing a snack and why Jaruka was sitting and doing nothing. He heard the entire story, heart broken that Andrea was abused.

    ¡°Well you can¡¯t take my Jeep,¡± Robert noted, ¡°and I can¡¯t let you. Mom and Dad are not home. Have you lost your mind? Has that mana screwed with your brain or something?¡± Keeping them home was a way for him to think it over and call the cops.

    ¡°They won¡¯t know, to which I cannot begin to think what they would say. We will be out of there before they get back.¡±

    The terrans and Robert were in the living room. Jaruka was left to stand outside while Andrea stayed upstairs.

    ¡°I have magic. I can protect myself,¡± Katie reminded Robert.

    ¡°That¡¯s not the case, you can¡¯t go and certainly not endangering Andrea. The cops can handle it.¡±

    ¡°Robert,¡± Katie said, ¡°We have to do this. Look, the Livingstons supported us, and we supported them. We all know we can¡¯t keep Andrea here, Mom can¡¯t handle it.¡±

    ¡°Oh, she can.¡±

    ¡°But have you seen her lately? Every time she sees me I get that same look in her eye knowing she will be one soon. She keeps checking herself for a tattoo every day. Andrea is too much stress. The cops can help if we can¡¯t settle it.¡±

    Robert looked down but could not help but beam a glance at Scott. Scott nodded, a little.

    ¡°Andrea needs us, and Scott and me are doing this. She called us family.¡±

    ¡°Damn.¡±

    ¡°Now, let us have the Jeep,¡± Katie said before folding her arms.

    Robert did not ignore Jaruka. The alien¡¯s glare¡ªpiercing into Robert¡¯s soul kind of brood¡ªmade Robert give up the keys.

    In a turn of surprise, Jaruka told them he was coming with. Why was that he wanted to make sure his watchers were safe, and there was no Howler Cycle race happing. It made Robert think twice, but it was impossible to take back the car.

    Jaruka hated that he had to wear his DNA mask, allowing him to look seamlessly like a human from the Caribbean islands, just to not scare Andrea. Katie¡¯s suggestion. Jaruka went in first, sitting in the back and brooding out the window. His clothes were changed from the mask¡¯s technology: simple black t-shirt, blue jeans, and sandals. His skindreads were now hair-like dreads, bound behind him with a red bandana. Even with the mask changing his natural green skin to a light brown and added a hint of afternoon shadow to his sharp jawline, he still acted as usual.

    ¡°Who¡¯s he?¡± She asked.

    Katie said, ¡°He¡¯s one of our new winemakers. He¡¯ll help if a fight breaks out.¡±

    Andrea nodded, but she did not ask anything else about him.

    The terrans hid themselves too as with their totems entering their hosts. Hats, sunglasses, and jackets. Scott and Katie never felt so suspicious, ever. The fear of leaving the estate kicked in, but why they were doing it had more power.

    ¡°Ready?¡± Scott said to the group turning the ignition.

    The girls nodded. Jaruka kept on looking out.

    Robert stood on the patio watching them leave, and not waving goodbye.

    Scott felt cabin fever passing away as they left the driveway; he did not realize the feeling was there until then. Memories surfaced of what took place at the gates. The first few weeks dealing with Jaruka, government vehicles and vans were stationed at the gate, spying on them. Eventually the new president ordered the commanders to cease all operations against Jaruka. It hurt the winery too, financially, another reason the parents never like him.

    After the Area 51 attack, zombie bodies were scattered over the valley. More than two-thirds of the bodies were picked up, but Scott noticed a truck, the back covered with a tarp, making its checks for more rotting bodies.

    The purple crystals¡ªthe larger ones impossible to remove¡ªwere still imbedded in the ground like natural elements. The smaller ones were collected, either as souvenirs or scientific studies.

    As for the city of Temecula, the damage was still prevalent on buildings. Some were repaired or patched. Driving down Rancho California, Katie spotted a few terrans in the open making a living.

    One terran girl had a snow owl totem on her shoulder as she gassed up her car.

    Another ran as her snow leopard coached her to keep her pace steady.

    One guy walking into a gym.

    Any other totem, Scott thought, had to be hiding. And if anybody attacked the terrans he saw, it would be a disaster for the attacker.

    Which is what Scott hoped would never come to them at the Livingston¡¯s.

 Part 3

    Dark and slithering memories crawled in Scott¡¯s mind that triggered when they entered the Livingston¡¯s neighborhood off Rancho California. The memories of his parents, murdered in front of him. Gruesome deaths, scarring Scott for life. Katie caught his right hand shaking and grasped it, calming Scott a little.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± he said.

    A major feet for Scott. He had not returned to the suburbs in two years, but the neighborhood was not his.

    Nearly identical buildings and mailboxes, the houses were close to wine country. He found the house and parked in front of it. Andrea¡¯s home had unique qualities that set it apart from the rest¡ªan herb garden in the alley by the garage and light brown house paint. The parent¡¯s two Suburbans were parked in the driveway.

    The Wave last year left its mark as well. A three foot, half-foot thick, sharped top purple crystal was in the middle of the front lawn. Scott noticed similar crystals among other homes that have not been removed yet. The Livingstons tried removing theres by ripping lawn chunks around it and digging down, but its depth would need a back hoe in the near future.

    Yet the neighborhood gave Scott an uncomfortable feeling through his tail. Welcoming, but it felt suspicious, down to the few neighbors staring at the Jeep.

    Keeji whimpered. I want to go home.

    Not until we finish this, don¡¯t be a wimp all the time, Scott thought.

    Easy than said, Scott, the fur on my ears is standing on end.

    Scott got his cell phone out and called Deryl Porter, the U.S. Marshal and Scott¡¯s godfather.

    ¡°This is Deryl Porter¡¯s cell number. I can¡¯t be reached right now, but leave a message and I¡¯ll get back to you later.¡±

    ¡°Still no answer,¡± Scott said and pocketed his phone.

    ¡°Darn,¡± Katie said, looking up at the house. ¡°Blinds are down, cars are parked. You sure they¡¯re home, Andrea?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure. They never went to the office since Christmas, but worked on their computers all the time,¡± Andrea said. She watched the house with a lot of worry on her face.

    Remote work was not the parent¡¯s forte. This was sudden.

    Jaruka was preoccupied with the neighborhood. To Scott, that meant military scouting routine, like finding the best escape routes and locating all humans in the vicinity, or terran. ¡°Old man walking,¡± Jaruka said, nodding at a bald man passing by the Jeep carrying grocery bags.

    The man gave a dirty look at the group, then kept on walking.

    ¡°That¡¯s neighbor Joe. He¡¯s always grumpy,¡± Andrea said.

    ¡°Did the neighbors help?¡± Katie asked.

    Scott looked in the rear view mirror. Andrea lowered her head. ¡°Nobody. Not even Jerry from school. I-I don¡¯t want to talk about it now.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s alright, sweetie. You don¡¯t have to. Just stay strong.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Scott exhaled. ¡°You really wanna do this? Keeji and me have bad vibes about this.¡±

    ¡°We too, but we got to do this for her,¡± Katie said. ¡°Wish there was another way.¡±

    ¡°Like the cops.¡±

    Everybody watched the house until Katie talked. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go.¡±

    Scott got out of the Jeep in a cautious mood. The neighborhood was quiet, almost a deserted feel to it. Were the neighbors watching them in hiding? We¡¯re they armed? Katie came out next.

    Once Andrea got out and closed the door, Scott saw Jaruka¡¯s plasma pistol in his lap. A huge revolver-type steampunk-like gun with two green lights powered on. Jaruka kept it low. His personal shield was on the whole time. He never left the campsite without it.

    ¡°You staying?¡±

    Jaruka nodded once.

    ¡°Good idea.¡±

    ¡°You know what these places remind me of?¡± Jaruka said to Scott.

    ¡°There are places like this you know of?¡± Scott said, not noting the space part with Andrea present.

    ¡°Stuff that can scare you three. These neighborhoods harbor bad news for mental health.¡± He said nothing else while watching a woman across the street walk toward the backyard.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Scott said, expecting anything else.

    ¡°Watch your back. I¡¯ll yell if this goes south,¡± Jaruka added. Must be that bad.

    Katie said to leave the totems behind, in case the parents get frightened more. Arana sat on the driver seat¡¯s headrest. Keeji sat in the back beside Jaruka. Scott closed the doors.

    Walking onto the porch, the floorboards creaked. Beth Livingston was crazy for perfection, she was the house¡¯s handy-woman. The porch needed regular maintenance like a few nails pounded in, and she was cheep to avoid calling a contractor. Katie and Scott took note of the neglected chore.

    ¡°I got this,¡± Katie said and rang the doorbell, and a long breath in. ¡°Hello? It¡¯s Katie, Katie Walsh. Look, we need to talk. We found Andr¡ª¡°

    The front door opened as if it was kicked in. A man with a fireplace poker yelled with fury and barged toward Katie. Scott grabbed Andrea to protect her as she screamed.

    Katie, by reflex, reacted well in defense.

    She stood her ground, brought her hands up, and concentrated without effort. Blue and white marble Celtic tribal tattoos, from her fingers to elbows, emerged and glowed off her skin.

    ¡°Sciath chosanta!¡± Katie yelled in Celtic.

    A five-foot wide shield fueled by charged mana burst out from her palms, casting its blue light on the porch and the terrans. The attacker¡¯s poker made contact with the spell. A shockwave ripped through the air as the shield brightened for a second. Judging from the wave, the impact had to have been high. Scott¡¯s hairs on his neck stood on end. He envied Katie, but it sucked he could not protect her just yet.

    When the shield¡¯s light lowered and Scott looked up, Morgan Livingston stood inches from the shield in shock, brown eyes wide. He was a man that never liked the gym and pride on work and family, so his stomach blew outwards and lost some white hairs above his head. Morgan preferred business suits rather casual clothing, to set an example of his accounting firm and his reputation, but he wore grey sweats.

    Jesus, Scott thought.

    Scott looked behind Morgan. The fireplace stick was sticking from the second story wall, wobbling a couple inches. With that much force, the poker was ripped from Morgan¡¯s hands, grateful the attack did not injure him.

    ¡°Jesus Christ,¡± Morgan said. ¡°Can¡¯t believe you two changed.¡±

    ¡°Wait, you should know that,¡± Scott said. ¡°And for Pete sake you scared Andrea. We need to talk.¡±

    ¡°No! Get away. Especially that¡­thing acting like our daughter. I¡¯ll call the cops if you don¡¯t.¡±

    Similar insults like before with the couple, but directly at his daughter drove Katie mad.

    ¡°Awe hell not this again. We¡¯re coming in and that¡¯s final,¡± Katie said. ¡°Look at her. We found her in our kitchen covered in dirt and crying he lights out. This is child abuse.¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s a demon. We have rights!¡± Morgan yelled. His neck looked constricted to Scott.

    Katie¡¯s emotion-driven outcry was done the same as she moved forward, along with the shield. Morgan backed up and closed the door, but the shield pushed it inward to stay open. Morgan was almost clipped by it. ¡°Andrea, stay close to Scott,¡± she said.

    Andrea clenched tight to Scott¡¯s arm.

    Morgan backed up.

    ¡°Beth, call 911,¡± Morgan cried out.

    Scott heard a phone dialing from the kitchen. ¡°Beth, don¡¯t,¡± Scott yelled.

    ¡°Did you hear what I said? Get out!¡±

    ¡°Oh, drop it! We have every rights to be here.¡±

    ¡°Not what I see.¡±

    Beth came out of the kitchen corner holding the cordless phone. Beth was the same build as Morgan, her black curly hair was cut long like Andrea¡¯s. She too wore sweats, odd considering she dressed similar to Morgan at work. ¡°No, no. Get out!¡± She screamed.

    Katie set the shield in one hand. She flicked her free hand¡¯s wrist and the cordless phone was pulled right out of Beth¡¯s hand twenty feet away, flew in the air, and into Katie¡¯s hand. She cut the call and placed it on a side table.

    ¡°Do you even care about your only daughter?¡± Katie asked. ¡°This isn¡¯t like you two.¡±

    ¡°Ha, same to you, demon,¡± Beth said. ¡°Morgan, I told you we should¡¯ve answered to tell them to keep her.¡±

    Katie gasped. ¡°You jerks. How could you?¡±

    Scott closed the door with Andrea still close to him.

    Katie kept the shield up, showing some strain in her arm. ¡°Look just sit down and let¡¯s talk about this.¡±

    ¡°No, we want you two to leave. Get that through your mutated heads,¡± Morgan said. ¡°Every single day we hear the news about terrans. Your kind. You terrans are all alike, telling us you¡¯re the same. Not to us.¡±

    Scott felt like punching him. His words kicked up the time in Big Bear of that homeless man bringing a mob just to kill him and Katie. ¡°Me and Katie are the most trustworthy people you know. Every day we tell our friends were the same. I have no idea where you got the idea were not.¡±

    ¡°Internet,¡± both parents said.

    ¡°It¡¯s full of lies. You two never sound this hypercritical or racist. Andrea is your daughter. You kicked her out. You called her a demon. She survived out there with nobody to help except her totem. She came to us for help. It¡¯s child abuse, Morgan. Plain and simple.¡±

    Scott may have made a clear point, but from the looks of Morgan, he was not effected.

    ¡°I know,¡± Beth started. ¡°What we did was wrong. I realize that.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Scott and Katie said, then Andrea. ¡°But why?¡±This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    ¡°Beth, don¡¯t,¡± Morgan said.

    She walked into the living room and said. ¡°Morgen, let me.¡± She breathed. ¡°Look, I can understand it and I¡¯m sorry, but we had no other choice. The risk was too high.¡±

    ¡°So I¡¯m home, Mom?¡± Andrea asked wiping the tears.

    Beth produced a stone face and said, ¡°No. You¡¯re not.¡±

    Katie¡¯s hand and arm started shaking, either the strain worsened or sadness was taking over. The shield¡¯s light started to flicker. ¡°The magic,¡± she said.

    Beth pointed at Katie. ¡°What you¡¯re doing right now. This magic stuff. We don¡¯t know it and it has no business being here.¡±

    As if it was a strict house rule, Katie¡¯s shield disappeared, as did her glowing tattoos. Scott and Andrea walked closer to her.

    Scott then checked his surroundings. None of the parents had a gun, and if they did, I would poke from the sweats pocket or fall through their pants behind them. No other weapon found in the living room, but it was neglected of it¡¯s cleaning and organizing routines. Food and plates were scattered on the table. That was not like them at all. Were they that scared of leaving the house just to live out their lives as hermits?

    ¡°What Beth said. There is no way were are keeping her, let her practice magic, or God forbid her talking porcupine¡­thing, freaking us out,¡± Morgan said.

    ¡°You have a porcupine totem?¡± Scott asked Andrea. She nodded, then muttered to herself.

    Katie shook her head. ¡°B-But magic can do more besides hurt people. It can help people, like say the house chores, decorative creations for parties. I once heard this terran in Colorado conjured a pair of wings and flew out of the forest after getting lost. I studied item enchantments like coffee mugs to keep your drink hot by feeding mana into the glyphs.¡±

    To Scott, all what Katie described was like a foreign language to Morgan and Beth, and none of them were interested, not even keeping their drink warm.

    ¡°I¡¯m serious. You two think that magic is trouble, but I think it¡¯s a gift. When Scott and me were in Big Bear and Area 51 we used it to fight for our lives. Yes, our magic hurt people, but they were mostly zombies and¡ª¡±

    ¡°Stop right there, terran,¡± Morgan interrupted. ¡°You say that it can make our lives better, but does it, whatever you call yourselves?¡± Morgan approached her and Scott was about to get in between them. Even without magic he was capable of throwing some punches, including terran¡¯s high strength over humans.

    Morgan¡¯s words were just the same as anybody else against terran magic. It was a combination of hate and fear. Fear of not knowing what magic, real magic, was, or knowing one aspect and holding onto it.

    ¡°This magic shit you preach?¡± Morgan started. ¡°Fuck it. Me and Beth see it as a weapon. An uncontrollable weapon in innocent and guilty people¡¯s hands who aren¡¯t supposed to have it in the first place. That cure will come, we put our faith with God that it will come.¡±

    Since day one, people have been pushing any medical corporation and government health agency for a cure. So far, no results on the effort. But Scott and Katie assumed that it might be years or decades until it was announced.

    Before Katie could interject anymore, Andrea pushed passed the couple. The distressed look on her face could melt and convince any person to help her. Her small tail was lifeless, her elf ears drooped. The couple¡¯s ears followed suit.

    ¡°Mom, Dad,¡± she said. ¡°I want to come home. I¡¯ll be good. I don¡¯t have to use magic. I-I¡¯ll keep my totem out of trouble and outside all the time, I swear. Just¡­just stop this.¡±

    Morgan¡¯s jaw hardened and Beth looked away. The cold feeling swept through the terrans like a barrage of icebergs.

    ¡°Andrea,¡± Morgan said. ¡°Get the fuck out of my house.¡±

    <hr>

    Jaruka stayed on Terra Firma long enough to understand American tolerance first hand versus what he leaned before taking the job; the country¡¯s brief history stands for itself. He could easily get killed by a human stupid enough to listen to their ego, or honor outdated and trivial beliefs to keep them in their primitive mindset.

    But these humans seemed to be smart enough, and cautious enough, to make Jaruka¡¯s skindreads agitated. He noticed several people in neighboring houses looking out their windows, staring down at him and the Jeep.

    ¡°Bird, you got good eyes. See that guy in the window across the street?¡± Jaruka asked Arana, but was swatted by her wing in the face.

    ¡°Say my name?¡± Arana said.

    ¡°Oh, please. Arana. Okay. Sorry.¡± Jaruka shook his head. ¡°You see him?¡±

    Arana looked down at the alien for second before looking out the driver window. ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°He waved a double barreled shotgun at me. At least I hope it was a shotgun.¡± He caught himself biting his thumb. ¡°It could get ugly soon.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t agitate the neighbors.¡±

    ¡°Why would I? These neighborhoods creep me out.¡± Jaruka held his hidden plasma pistol harder. Damn cookie-cutter houses.

    Both Jaruka and Arana did similar checks the past fifteen minutes since the terrans entered the house. Jaruka was grateful he brought his pistol along for those ¡°just in case¡± moments. He preferred his rifle and katana, but the pistol and PSD on his chest sufficed.

    Keeji whined and his ears flicked. ¡°Something¡¯s wrong,¡± he said. ¡°She¡¯s screaming.¡±

    Jaruka pulled the pistol¡¯s hammer and looked around. ¡°Where? What¡¯s coming?¡±

    A door slammed and people screamed. Jaruka looked toward the Livingston¡¯s house.

    Scott and Katie stomped off the patio. Andrea was in Katie¡¯s arms crying. Keeji came out of the car glad to see Scott, but Scott told him something to make Keeji yell at the house, ¡°And I hope you two get run over by Spanish bulls!¡±

    Jaruka got the joke, but imagined the animals as blandads from Creos plains.

    The house door was slammed shut by a overweight male human, the same that attacked Katie before.

    Katie opened the passenger door with Andrea still in her arms. The little girl kept on crying. She slammed the door in fury. ¡°Scott, hurry!¡± She yelled.

    Scott got back in the driver side, ignoring Arana on the headrest. ¡°God I can¡¯t believe those two!¡± He said. ¡°You said it, Keeji, have for the Running of the Bulls! That¡¯s for sure.¡±

    ¡°So mission failure?¡± Jaruka asked.

    ¡°Not one flipping second, man!¡± Scott started the engine and drove off enough to push Jaruka in his seat.

    Arana reentered Katie. The child¡¯s cries felt like needles to Jaruka¡¯s mind.

    Keeji reentered Scott just as a couple of neighbors came out. Jaruka¡¯s pistol rose an inch but still unseen.

    ¡°Anybody going to tell me what happened?¡± Jaruka asked.

    ¡°Not right now,¡± Katie said. Andrea kept on crying, face buried in Katie¡¯s hoodie. ¡°It¡¯s okay, honey. We¡¯re leaving.¡±

    ¡°Fine, leave me out, see if I care,¡± Jaruka said and kept looking out. But glancing back at Andrea, deep feelings he locked away years ago somehow seeped through the keyhole. Personal memories. It unsettled him so much he covered his ears until Andrea cried to exhaustion.

    Dammit.

    The memories had to be locked away. If only he still had his glassblowing equipment to work through the issue, but it was scrap metal thanks to Griffon¡¯s goons. Maybe another race is starting. Watching it and drinking a full bottle of home-brew would do the trick. But the deeper he thought, Andrea¡¯s situation kept coming to mind.

    They got back to the winery. The company van was in the parking lot, right next to Jaruka¡¯s Howler Cycle. Crog me.

    ¡°Crap,¡± Katie said.

    Scott stopped the Jeep and the terrains got out, but Jaruka ran out and behind the building before the parents saw him. The two came out and Jaruka entered through the backyard door, grabbed the briefcase, TV cable, and snack bag. He left just as the family came in. Smooth. He overheard them furious with Katie, but more at their former friends.

    The memories kicked in after getting back to his motorcycle. He punched the seat. ¡°Dammit, it¡¯s setting in.¡± The feeling became a fissure. Make that two bottles.

    Scott came out and walked up to Jaruka¡¯s vehicle. ¡°You¡¯re lucky. I told Jonathan and Brenda you were here a few seconds before we asked you to come. They did not notice the crap food on the table.¡±

    Jaruka paused.¡°Oh. Good,¡± Jaruka said putting the briefcase in the cargo compartment under the seat.

    ¡°And Andrea is in Katie¡¯s room.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Jaruka closed the seat. He attempted to pretend he was not interested.

    ¡°Can you at least look up to be interested?¡±

    Jaruka grumbled. ¡°I am interested. Interested to not get involved.¡±

    Scott¡¯s eyebrow skewed. ¡°You said you wanted to know.¡±

    Jaruka took off the bandana to let his dreads roam free, but not the DNA mask. He had to wait until he¡¯s inside the ship. ¡°Talk but it won¡¯t mean much.¡±

    Scott gave the full explanation, and had some choice words on Morgan¡¯s outright burn on his daughter. Katie tried so hard not to blow Morgan across the room with magic. Jaruka would agree. Scott even showed his nasty scar from the Reaper, to shock them if Andrea stayed outside, but that failed all together when Morgan told him he should have died already. That was the last straw.

    ¡°Now Andrea has nowhere to go,¡± Scott finished.

    ¡°Damn,¡± Jaruka said, and paused. ¡°You¡¯re a wimp.¡±

    Scott blinked. ¡°Excuse me?¡±

    ¡°I told you, hard action works. Maybe if I didn¡¯t hang back I would be in there smashing heads around. Or you throwing your fists around.¡±

    Scott shook his head. ¡°This is different, Jaruka. Me and Katie tried our best to not start a fist fight.¡±

    ¡°Niceness will kill you two if you don¡¯t step up,¡± Jaruka said. ¡°No matter the species, niceness gets you nowhere.¡±

    ¡°And where were you when Katie asked you what offense spells you know? And you promised. It might help you know.¡±

    Jaruka said nothing. If anything was true, it was he spends all his free time getting drunk at the dropship. He said one time he would help with Katie¡¯s magic studies but never did. He had reservations against terran magic; so many unknowns to what mana was capable of.

    Scott shook his head. ¡°Jaruka, sometimes you are one cryptic jerk.¡± Scott walked back into the house.

    ¡°Not cryptic, just protective,¡± Jaruka muttered. Realizing he did nothing but push the idea in their heads became a bad idea. He should have acted on his own, make an example, show them he was not useless.

    ¡°Dammit,¡± he grumbled.

    Jaruka made sure he was not watched, then sprinted around the estate.

    The first thing Jaruka did was survey the whole estate in the first few weeks, amongst the drinking and despising the job he was given. He knew the site, down to the crawl space under the living room, the packed attic space, and the garden plots. The winery, with the underground cellar, mapped in his head, but tried his best not to drink the wine, no matter how tempting it sounded.

    Katie¡¯s room was on the second floor facing the vineyards, best picked out by the birdhouse Arana uses to come in and out of the house near the largest window. Along the wall, with Jacob¡¯s and master bedroom windows were, was a wire mesh for Boston ivy to grow. He spat on his hands then climbed the strong wire, just for a test, but as he climbed, he forgot how weak he was.

    Halcunacs are naturally fit because of genetics, evolution, magical atonement, and how they were raised. But being on a planet without having the right foods or enough water, Jaruka lost his footing. He held tight as the wire dug into his hands.

    ¡°I need to stop drinking,¡± Jaruka said after one huff of air. One of many goals he promised himself to complete. He pushed himself to climb further, cussing every time his muscles ached. ¡°Stupid bipedal limbs. Stupid mask. Stupid past.¡±

    Between the first and second floor a roof ran two-thirds around the building just as the patio. Jaruka ducked under the master bedroom window, just in case they were there. Jacob¡¯s window blinds were always closed. If Katie was still with Andrea, he had to wait it out.

    Jaruka peeked inside. Just his luck.

    Andrea was alone, sobbing on the bed, not facing the windows. The Walsh¡¯s and Scott must be still downstairs talking. ¡°Perfect,¡± Jaruka whispered.

    Katie¡¯s room had large windows, she had a thing for views. Jaruka raised the window up, enough for Jaruka to slip inside. Andrea¡¯s sobbing helped for Jaruka¡ªany sound would scare her.

    What he forgot was Katie¡¯s obsession and never realized how fare it got. Her room had stacks of books and papers and charts. Her desk was cluttered with material.

    It was what he dreaded. Keeping Katie from knowing any more magic from Jaruka, even though the mercenary could not practice magic anymore, would be dangerous to her curious mind. And she was young. All terrans were young. One shred of help and that would become a spark of suicidal mayhem.

    Jaruka pushed himself through the window and landed on the floor.

    Andrea gasped and turned, sitting up too. ¡°You!¡± she said. ¡°From the Jeep.¡±

    ¡°Hey,¡± Jaruka said. Standing up, he still missed his true legs. ¡°Came by to talk.¡±

    ¡°Y-You didn¡¯t use the door.¡± Andrea wiped her tears away with her sleeve.

    ¡°I have issues with Jonathan and Brenda. Look I came by to talk about what happened. Scott told me everything.¡±

    Andrea sniffed, and yet, she did not scream for help. People that recognized his DNA mask would yell, scream, even attempt to run away. Not Andrea. Was that gun to the head hours ago not enough? Jaruka had trouble understanding why.

    ¡°You can trust me. I won¡¯t even hurt you, just talk.¡± Maybe trust can be earned.

    The girl sniffed again and her tail came around her legs. ¡°My parents¡­they never acted that way. They were so protective of me, not selfish.¡±

    ¡°I can understand some of that,¡± Jaruka said.

    ¡°They don¡¯t want me anymore, not even my totem,¡± Andrea said. ¡°I hope Katie and the others takes me in. I always liked them, even her.¡±

    ¡°Right.¡±

    Andrea sniffed again. ¡°You¡¯re the alien the news talked about.¡±

    ¡°Anything new?¡±

    ¡°My totem told me you¡¯re friendly,¡± Andrea said before wiping her nose on her sleeve. ¡°I trust her.¡±

    Jaruka never forgot the totem. It made him question why it did not show itself lately. ¡°I doubt your spirit guide¡¯s judgement.¡±

    Andrea looked up at his eyes and said, ¡°And that time with your gun¡­You wouldn¡¯t shoot me. My totem thought you wanted to calm me down, and I listened.¡±

    Jaruka had a moment of fright. Do totems read minds? ¡°I¡¯ll give her credit on that,¡± he diverted.

    ¡°What do you want?¡±

    ¡°To talk,¡± Jaruka said. ¡°Did you really survive in the wild?¡±

    She nodded.

    Jaruka¡¯s hands went into his pockets. ¡°Where I come from, that¡¯s a sign that you¡¯re capable of handling yourself. For a child hybrid that¡¯s¡­let me think¡­better, I guess. I¡¯m not sure what terran magic can do for food gathering, but everything else is easy, I think.¡±

    ¡°I never used any magic,¡± Andrea admitted.

    ¡°I remember that.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid of hurting somebody.¡±

    ¡°Scott dodged it, so you were lucky. It¡¯s best to learn from your mistakes.¡±

    Andrea plopped back down on the bed, face half buried in the pillow. ¡°I just want this nightmare to end,¡± she muffled.

    Repeat and riches will come, Jaruka thought. Shouldn¡¯t have said that.

    Andrea looked up, tucking her hair back. ¡°You need friends.¡± She sniffed. ¡°Friends from school showed me YouTube videos of you. At the ship. You scare a lot of people. I watched a lot of Disney movies that tell me you just need a hug and family.¡±

    Jaruka felt uncomfortable from the comment. ¡°I also question your entertainment choices.¡±

    ¡°No, I like it,¡± Andrea said. ¡°Makes you stand out. Makes you cool.¡±

    ¡°Alright I get it, you¡¯re forgiving, but let me be the judge of being cool, not you,¡± Jaruka said. ¡°Say, do you love your parents?¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Do you?¡± Jaruka repeated.

    ¡°Right now, no.¡±

    ¡°Not now, kid, before the change. Did they house you? Raise you? Protected you?¡±

    Andrea sat right back up, and nodded. ¡°I did, and I want it back.¡±

    That¡¯s for sure, humans respect families as much as my people do, Jaruka thought. ¡°I will be honest,¡± he started. ¡°Scott and Katie did their best, but they are too good to raise a fist at them.¡±

    ¡°Slap them!¡± Andrea covered her mouth.

    ¡°Oh¡­ figuratively,¡± Jaruka cleared.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°Meh, I don¡¯t know. I¡¯m still learning English. Hear me out.¡±

    Andrea perked up to listen.

    ¡°When I see a youngling treated like crap, I get mad, really mad. It get¡¯s personal.¡±

    Andrea nodded.

    ¡°And when I mean personal, I mean it. I want to help.¡±

    Help Andrea, it has to work stop the painful memories. The hatred. The pain. The sacrifices¡­

    ¡°Give me until tomorrow night, kid. Don¡¯t tell Katie and the others about what we said. We¡¯re going back, and I¡¯m calling the shots.¡±

 Part 4

    The following day¡­

    Scott knocked on Katie¡¯s bedroom door. ¡°Dinner¡¯s ready,¡± he said.

    No response from the room. Scott¡¯s dead drooped and scratched his hair.

    Since yesterday, the fight with the Livingstons, Katie was effected the most. She stayed in her room since. At least the door was unlocked.

    Scott opened the door and walked into Katie¡¯s bedroom. It could be called the little sister of the master bedroom. Her desk was always cluttered with papers back in high school, but now it was magic studies. More books of New Age thought and magic were stacked on the floor in several places; from practical spells and rituals, to headache inducing politics and idealistic philosophy. The deep hobby from high school was sparked thanks to Robert Walsh showing her the supernatural. She pretended to be a witch, or a conjurer, and loved it until she went to college and packed it all up in an antique trunk. The same trunk was still at the foot of the bed. It has been open since they came home, and not once she closed it.

    But the books were all reference material.

    Scott never grasped magic and never could, but he had do. He wished he was not stabbed by the Reaper, but grateful his terran body saved his life.

    Katie did some renovating too, but not to the whole room. She and Jonathan cut a hole through the wall near the window. Outside it was tacked to a branch-like perch. Inside was a bed made of reclaimed wicker. Arana¡¯s perch. She was out with Keeji hunting pests in the vineyards.

    Katie was on the bed. She was reading her terran spellbook, the one found in her Inner Sanctum, materialized out of her body. Katie¡¯s spellbook was bound in a brilliant red leather cover. The spine was etched with Celtic artistry. The padlock was shaped the same symbol as Scott and Katie¡¯s Celtic pendants each wore every day.

    She was draped in a thick handmade quilt by her late grandmother. Only her head and hands were exposed as she turned the page.

    ¡°It¡¯s chicken and dumpling soup,¡± Scott said.

    ¡°Not hungry.¡± Katie¡¯s voice was still filled with sadness.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been in here all day. I¡¯m worried about you.¡± He sat beside Katie. He peered at a section in the book about imagination focus. Scott¡¯s spellbook had a much different cover than Katie¡¯s. Since he could not practice magic yet, he loaned it to Jaruka for the investigation.

    ¡°Don¡¯t. I¡¯m fine,¡± Katie said.

    ¡°Liar.¡± Scott placed his right arm around Katie¡¯s shoulders. ¡°I really hate to see you like this.¡± His left hand clasped around Katie¡¯s, and she accepted the touch.

    Katie let out her breath. ¡°Deryl can make Andrea happy. He has to,¡± she said. ¡°I just wish we could do something for her sake.¡±

    After the emotional fight yesterday, they got a hold of Deryl Porter last night. He was out doing whatever the FBI ordered him too, then back home to his family. He was brought up to speed, but the choices were hard to swallow.

    Legal custody of Andrea was one option. They called the police, but ran into two roadblocks. The justice system was bombarded with terran abuse and civil rights cases, and the police force had little interest in pursuing it. More because it was a terran issue, and they selfishly stood out of it. There was a bill on Capitol Hill to make a stand on terran rights, but even the Senate had their strong opinions. Deryl wanted to help no matter what. His wife agreed too on top of their daughters.

    The other was the hardest¡ªrelinquish Andrea and put her in the foster system. Let the government deal with her, Morgan screamed. Even that was tied into the courts. Having an emotional terran child with magic, it was a dangerous combination. She would be labeled as any other unstable terran in the country, a living weapon and a demon.

    ¡°Well,¡± Scott said, ¡°if we win, we can do a partial custody.¡±

    Katie smiled and looked up. ¡°I know you would,¡± she said. She still cried that day, eyes red and puffy. Now they were clear. ¡°Sucks being broke and jobless.¡±

    Scott agreed. ¡°You know what would be funny?¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°You would be her magic teacher.¡±

    Katie smiled.

    ¡°You know more magic than those idiots on TV. And self-control too.¡±

    It seemed he was getting through. Katie smiled wider. ¡°Andrea always loved the Star Wars movies. I can call her my padawan. Master Jedi Walsh sounds good.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit. And give her a braided rattail and plastic lightsaber.¡±

    Katie closed the book after laughing a little. ¡°You always know how to cheer me up,¡± Katie said and leaned on Scott a little.

    ¡°I always do.¡± Scott kissed her forehead, then a long kiss on her lips. ¡°Come on. Can¡¯t leave your mom and Jacob waiting.¡± He took off the quilt and let Katie off the bed.

    For the time being, whether they get to keep Andrea or not, she was put in Scott¡¯s room for the time being. She only been out a couple times since they came back, but mostly resting. It was best to give her space, to think things over, and make the right decision.

    Katie knocked on the door opposite of her bedroom. ¡°Andrea, you awake? Dinner time,¡± she said and opened the door. ¡°What the?¡±

    The room was vacant. The couple became worried. Soon, after coming through the estate and winery calling out her name, Andrea was nowhere. They came back to Scott¡¯s room and Scott was the first to find the note on his desk.

    ¡°Oh no,¡± Scott said after reading it. ¡°She going back.¡±

    ¡°Back?¡± Katie asked? ¡°Her parents?¡±

    Scott nodded with shock on his face. ¡°With Jaruka.¡±

    ¡°Fuck.¡±

    <hr>

    Jaruka rang the house bell three times, then several times in random intervals. Everybody hated annoying sounds, say for the Kumberbac with their atrocious rhythm-free music.

    In the dark, they waited. He had to knock out the front porch lights, but it did not alert the owners or the neighborhood. There were light poles along the street, but peculiar that all other buildings had their lights off. He knew that with lights, they would call the police in an instant if they spotted the alien mercenary and young terran girl.

    But would would dare attack him?

    Sneaking onto the porch was easy. Almost too easy.

    Jaruka parked his Howler Cycle a block away in the shrubs, but still no disturbance. A few skin dreads curled from the uneasy feeling the neighborhood gave off, just like yesterday, and unyielding.

    ¡°I hear Dad,¡± Andrea whispered. ¡°And¡­ I think Mom is hiding. I¡¯m scared I¡¯m hearing this good.¡±

    ¡°Cu sah,¡± Jaruka whispered.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Ah¡­ keep quiet. Don¡¯t pressure me. Dad¡¯s the fat one right?¡±

    ¡°Promise you won¡¯t hurt them? My totem thinks you will.¡±

    Jaruka looked back at Andrea, rolling his eyes. ¡°Things won¡¯t go to hell. I¡¯m not in the mood to kill primitives.¡±

    Footsteps inside came closer. Jaruka heard a man talking to someone, the guy¡¯s wife he imagined. The door opened inward and Morgan stepped out, holding a hunting rifle Jaruka never seen before.

    ¡°Who¡¯s out there? You¡¯re trespassing on pri¡ª¡° He raised his rifle poised to fire at anything in the front yard, but was interrupted by Jaruka¡¯s plasma pistol poking Morgan in the left temple.

    ¡°Ah, shit,¡± Morgan said, then the human looked and froze. Jaruka stood a foot taller than Morgan, wearing a grey shirt, brown cargo vest, dark brown cargo shorts, and sandals. And not wearing his DNA mask. Morgen got a good look, even Jaruka¡¯s black eyes and gold iris¡¯. ¡°You¡­¡±

    ¡°Evening,¡± Jaruka whispered. ¡°Walk inside, slowly.¡±

    Hatred surfaced on Morgan¡¯s face. ¡°No.¡±

    Jaruka pressed a button under the hammer. Green light lined the sides and seven-bullet cylinder, enough to generate heat and radiate out the barrel onto Morgan¡¯s skin. He then yanked the rifle out of Morgan¡¯s hands.

    ¡°Okay. You win. I¡¯ll cooperate.¡±

    ¡°Good thinking. Do it quick or your head gets splattered on the wall.¡± Andrea gasped. ¡°Figuratively. Force of habit, kid.¡±

    Morgan did as told while the pistol came off and aimed at his left eye. He wore the same sweats as before, but were now stained with grease and food over his chest and belly.

    ¡°Kid, close the door.¡± Jaruka said after they came in. Andrea closed it then stayed close and behind Jaruka.

    ¡°I know you,¡± Morgan said. ¡°You¡¯re that alien hanging out near Lake Skinner. The same hanging around the winery.¡±

    ¡°So does every knucklehead out there. What¡¯s new?¡± He examined the rifle in left hand. ¡°For a fact, this is more like a peashooter than a formidable weapon.¡± Jaruka aimed the barrel to the floor, then stepped and bent the barrel with his boot.

    ¡°Hey, that was my father¡¯s!¡± Morgan protested.

    ¡°He¡¯s dead ain¡¯t he? Sit down.¡± Jaruka had lowered his voice to cause a doom feeling across the living room.

    Morgan did as told and sat on the couch.

    Still keeping the pistol pointed at Morgan, Jaruka unlatched from his pant hooks a white cable tie he snatched from the police a while ago. He liked the invention. He tied Morgan¡¯s hands behind his back.

    ¡°You make another word and things will get ugly. I¡¯ll even tell your daughter to power up,¡± Jaruka said. ¡°Where¡¯s your wife?¡±

    Morgan gulped and said nothing.

    Jaruka pushed the pistol to Morgan¡¯s forehead. Andrea took a breath. ¡°Relax, kid. Where is she?¡±

    He was able to make him look toward the stairs.

    ¡°Good human,¡± Jaruka said. ¡°Stay there and don¡¯t do shit. Scream if he does something stupid, kid.¡± He still aimed the pistol right to the second floor.

    Jaruka found Beth in the bedroom hiding in the closet, but was obedient, not even a peep when he called her out. She still wore her sweats. In a calm tone, he told her he wanted to get some real answers. She agreed without causing a fight. Jaruka walked behind Beth down the stairs, to the couch, tied her hands, and let her sit beside Morgan¡¯s right.

    ¡°Why the zip ties?¡± Andrea asked.

    ¡°For my safety,¡± Jaruka said and lowered his pistol but not out of his hand.

    ¡°W-Why are you here?¡± Beth asked without crying.

    ¡°You can guess why, but that would take time. I¡¯m here to cure an itch.¡±

    Andrea sat in a chair far from her parents, holding her tail in both her hands.

    He placed the pistol on the coffee table and noticed Morgan flinch. ¡°Ah, ah, ah. No funny business. I can still smack you cold without my gun. We can¡¯t have that, can¡¯t we?¡±

    ¡°Do you even know how many laws you are breaking right now? Do you even know any American laws?¡±

    ¡°This isn¡¯t about your country. This is about your daughter. Right?¡±

    ¡°Ah huh,¡± Andrea said. ¡°And I want to come home.¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t come home, you¡¯re dangerous,¡± Beth said.

    ¡°I can smell a repeat already,¡± Jaruka said. ¡°Before this fight gets on my nerves, I have something to say about family.¡±

    The act of pulling something from his cargo vest alerted the parents and child. Jaruka expected that fear tactic. Humans are so gullible.

    Instead of an alien weapon of instant death, it was a color printout.

    He had no prints before but on storage media. Jaruka spent the whole day looking for a functional printer in town, scan the picture from a touchpad and print it, on top of creating enough plasma bullets to make his cargo pockets jingle from space cylinders. Wearing the DNA mask was an embarrassment all together.

    The picture was set on the table in front of the parents.

    What Jaruka showed would be considered evidence of an alien civilization. Except, Jaruka rarely showed this picture to anyone, not even the couple, Deryl, or goddess forbid Victor Mathews or President Winchester.

    In the picture, three green skinned Halcunacs stood together.

    The man towered the children and dressed a cross between a modern Italian gentleman and feudal Japan citizen, leather-made clothes dyed in red, blue and purple. A two-buttoned jacket covering a low-neck white tunic along with bottoms crossed between dress pants and a skirt covered the back only. Gems of similar color were embedded in the leather. A third of his bone white skindreads were free, another third bound up behind his head, and the last third were tied and cinched around a much longer dread down to his double knees. The end of the longer dread had a loop. Inside the loop was weave work that of Native American dreamcatchers.

    The female stood the same height as the young male. Her skindreads were similar to the male, but the top was wrapped in a black headband with a green gem in the center. Her clothes were also leather; skirt over tights, compression shirt under short sleeve form fitting blouse, and long brown leather straps from her shoulders down the front. Small breasts indicated that Halcunacs are mammals. Her gaze showed no emotion as did the older gentleman, but she appeared to have the same nose and dread structure as him, including her longer dread.

    For the little boy, he was dressed the same as the gentleman, except his dreads were unshaven, all bound behind him, his longer dread had no trinkets or strings, and he was smirking. Between the boy and girl, they resembled so much just by their faces. But with a closer look, the boy¡¯s eyes showed pain.

    The backdrop was a coastline. A village scape resembling New England fishing towns. Some farming plots. Flowers in brown bushes. A blue sky with two moons too close to the planet.

    As the Livingstons looked, Jaruka explained. ¡°This is my family. Yes you selfish twits, my people have them. Two counting Nova Company. This girl here.¡± He pointed at her. ¡°Her name¡¯s Shaotzi, my big twin sister. And this big guy. He¡¯s my father, the most hard working son of a bitch you¡¯ll ever know.

    ¡°These two protected me since I was born. They loved me no matter what I am. I had a rough childhood, not as short as your daughters, but extreme. These two did everything for me, to stay alive, to fend for myself. I respect them.¡± He leaned over, hands on the table, to be eye level with the parents. ¡°When I heard about you two, I felt disgusted, even though you¡¯re humans. You kicked your daughter out for selfish and fear-driven reasons. Maybe this is not my place, but it surly makes me want to break your legs off with that much disrespect and dishonor in your souls.¡±

    ¡°Can I see?¡± Andrea asked.

    Jaruka passed the picture to her.

    The parents looked unfazed. ¡°We can choose not to embrace it,¡± Morgan said. ¡°We believe in God and God will protect is.¡±

    ¡°Right, I almost forgot about that. You¡¯d think ¡®God¡¯ would protect you? Crog no. I highly doubt it from what I¡¯ve seen and know.¡±

    ¡°He makes miracles,¡± Beth said.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Jaruka said. ¡°Where I come from, gods and goddesses are living, breathing entities. I spoke to two of them, one of them cooked for me. It¡¯s not surprising you ignorant freaks aren¡¯t listening to your planet, but what do I care, my goddess never spoke to me.¡±

    Jaurka took up his revolver, but did not point it at them. ¡°Now, if you so choose to believe your god will protect you and banish your daughter, by all means, be the biggest unprotected assholes in the city. But breaking up a family over ridiculous notions, that is where it draws the line of life¡¯s rights.¡±

    ¡°But¡­¡± Morgan started.

    ¡°No excuses, no pointless reasons without merit. None of that. I want you two to take her back, to learn and understand magic. You know what happens when you don¡¯t learn about the basics of magic? You die, slowly, and painfully. Bullets and missiles are a tool, but nothing compares to a citywide curse, or a deadly ritual wiping out a demographic. You learn it, you build from it, and you protect yourself as long as you can. The same goes for you, kid.¡± He nudged at Andrea.

    ¡°Also you hurt my host¡¯s feelings, which for their sake I¡¯m doing them a big favor to get Jonathan and Brenda off my back,¡± Jaruka said. ¡°And I can¡¯t stand kids.¡±

    ¡°H-Hey,¡± Andrea said from the remark.

    ¡°What? It¡¯s the truth.¡±

    When Jaruka turned back to the parents, a bone cracking sound came up.

    The parents twisted their necks and their torsos skewed from another. The sound made Jaruka and Andrea jump and yell. Jaruka aimed his pistol at them out of reflex. The parents slouched over their laps.

    ¡°What the crog was that!?¡± Jaruka asked, aiming between the two.

    ¡°Mom! Dad!¡± Andrea screamed, but Jaruka pressed his hand on her shoulder to keep her from getting closer.

    ¡°Wait,¡± he said.

    ¡°What happened to them?¡± Andrea protested.

    ¡°Shut up, kid.¡± Jaruka noticed the signs, and pointed.

    Blood dripped from the parent¡¯s faces. Blood so potent Jaruka could smell the iron. Each drip stained the beige carpet and their clothes.

    ¡°No,¡± Jaruka said with wide eyes. ¡°No, no, no. Kid¡­back up¡­ to the door¡­and run for it.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand. Are they dead?¡± She tried pushing him away, but the young terran was no match for his strength.

    ¡°Don¡¯t ask, kid, just get out of here.¡±

    The mother and father took huge breaths with a large load of mucus behind their throats, followed by a low, unmistakable growls that Jaruka remembered well. ¡°Crog.¡± His firing arm¡¯s muscled tensed up, finger on the trigger. The lights got brighter as he pulled the hammer. They paced faster to the door.

    ¡°You dare leave this house without a formal chat, Halcunac?¡± The mother¡¯s voice was not hers.

    ¡°You are far from safe, dreadhead.¡± The father¡¯s voice wasn¡¯t his either.

    In face, both were that of demons, but not what Jaruka remembered before.

    Morgan and Beth lifted their torsos and disjointed heads, staring at the alien and child with anger-filled, blood dripping eyes. Andrea looked away, even from their predatory smiles.

    ¡°Like I said,¡± the two spoke in unison. ¡°Terrans are dangerous. They all must run, and die.¡±

 Part 5

    ¡°Damn my arrogance! I should¡¯ve paid more attention to the signs!¡± Jaruka did not speak in English, he turned off his translator for a second. He felt to not look betrayed and stupid in front of the kid.

    His finger squeezed the trigger in hopes to kill one before the other ripped his body apart. Beth appeared to do so, ready to pounce off the couch.

    Then his arm was pushed away, followed by Andrea screaming, ¡°No!¡± The plasma pistol went off. The green plasma bolt was a foot away from blowing Beth¡¯s head off. It shattered the metal nightstand and antique lamp instead.

    ¡°Idiot!¡± He yelled.

    ¡°Are you insane? You can¡¯t kill my parents!¡± She kept on pushing his arm.

    Jaruka pushed her and she did not fall. ¡°Are you? They are not your parents anymore, they¡¯re zombies, minions to a demon like the ones after the Wave. We need to run.¡±

    ¡°No, I can¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°See that blood? See the broken backs and necks? See it?¡±

    Andrea refused to look. The blood kept gushing from the zombie¡¯s eyes, and still smiling like predators.

    ¡°Oh, she¡¯s a strong little mutant girl. Not,¡± Morgan said. ¡°Without that shit in her DNA she could easily slit your throat with just her fingers in my control.¡±

    ¡°Or good eating for me. Not,¡± Beth said with a laugh, licking her lips. ¡°We reapers love an innocent, pure soul to feast on.¡±

    ¡°Stop it! Just stop it!¡± Andrea yelled.

    ¡°Like the mercenary said: your parents are dead. And they are gone, forever, and in my grasp.¡± Beth and Morgan laughed in sync like puppets.

    The little girl turned her back and covered her years. Once a Reaper turns a human into an enthralled zombie, not sure how really, there is nothing to bring him or her back. Crippling or killing a reaper would be the same during control as what Scott did at Area 51; a quarter of a million American men, women, and children dead by massive brain hemorrhage, the rupture-through-skull kind.

    But to Jaruka, the Malcar¡¯Ji as they are known do not do such thing. The Reaper he met was far different from the original. A far greater danger than the United States suffering a mid-life crisis.

    ¡°Stop with the play, Reaper,¡± Jaruka said. ¡°If you got something to say, say it.¡±

    ¡°I do. I want to talk,¡± both said.

    ¡°Wait. Is that you, Griffon? Are you healed? Because this is some dick move you pulled you manipulative bastard.¡±

    ¡°The ploy is well loved.¡±

    ¡°Oh just can it will ya?¡±

    ¡°But I am not Griffon.¡± Both zombies laughed

    Jaruka felt chills run through his spine.

    ¡°You believe I¡¯m him,¡± Morgan said, ¡°but our great general is incapable of controlling the country.¡±

    Somehow, that felt half from the truth to the mercenary.

    ¡°The attack Dunne made on him, he¡¯s barely hanging on to life as we speak. Strange that terran magic can maim us, maybe kill us entirely.¡±

    Jaruka adjusted his grip. ¡°So there is more than one reaper on Terra Firma. Katie and others assumed it to be true.¡±

    ¡°That tramp is a smart one,¡± Beth said

    ¡°Hey, come on, we have a kid here.¡± He twirled his plasma pistol but still ready to fire. ¡°So why are you exac¡ª¡±

    The zombies stood up fast before he finished. They leaned on each other due to their broken spines. Jaruka was close to shooting through Morgan¡¯s bloated stomach. ¡°Hey now, watch it.¡±

    ¡°I have no name, yet,¡± they said, ¡°I¡¯m one of Griffon¡¯s stand-ins, one of his lieutenants.¡±

    ¡°That man and woman working with him? You Roland?¡±

    ¡°Hardley.¡±

    Jaruka shook his head and said, ¡°I¡¯m out of ideas. But again, what are you exactly here to do? Make sure this kid destroys herself?¡±

    They both laughed. ¡°No, just a chance.¡±

    ¡°What chance?¡±

    ¡°To grow my influence, and destroy the mutants.¡±

    The confusion was enough to catch Jaruka off as the zombies attacked him, jumping over the coffee table. Both of them ripped the zip ties mid air. Morgan raised his right hand and squeezed Jaruka¡¯s wrist to almost breaking a few bones, but safe by his personal shield. He yelled and tried to get it free, but Beth tackled him to the floor. The plasma pistol fell out of his hand and slid to the bottom stairs.

    Andrea screamed and backed away.

    ¡°Kid, run! Get out of here!¡± Jaruka yelled.

    Beth screamed with an open mouth toward his throat. He managed to get his left arm free and grab Beth¡¯s neck, keeping her from continuing.

    Jaruka heard the door open as the little girl ran out screaming.

    The zombies had strength close to a certain woman Jaruka killed back at Area 51, except Morgan had the upper advantage. Both were trying to get to his neck, but how they would break through his shield was questionable. Had to be running on instinct, the Reaper was. But during his time at the dropship, alone, he devised countermeasures if he came across wild humans, or zombies for that matter.

    He placed his other hand on Morgan¡¯s face, tightened his grip on both, and said in his language, ¡°Shock top.¡± Code for turning on the embedded 450-volt tasers in his gloves.

    Pure electricity raced through the zombie¡¯s bodies, convulsing and rolling their blood shot eyes. Some of their blood ended up on his shirt. He managed to kick them off and crawl away to his pistol. Deep down, he felt sorry for killing them, but it had to be done and Andrea had to learn to accept it. He grabbed his weapon, stood, and took a breath.

    Then the zombies laughed.

    ¡°Oh, crog me.¡±

    They stood up in seconds and shook off the strain, despite their broken backs. ¡°Really? Electricity? Even that much power can¡¯t kill these fat minions.¡±

    ¡°Crap,¡± Jaruka said. ¡°But are you forgetting something? I can¡¯t die. If I do, those spires will destroy a quarter of the planet. They might be hovering over me now because of this.¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    ¡°Oh we are well aware of the spires,¡± Beth said. ¡°In fact, we want to make sure it does not happen. We want to keep our harvest flowing, which means you must leave with your life.¡±

    ¡°Harvest? What cogging harvest?¡±

    ¡°Oops. Said too much.¡±

    Beth threw an ornate dresser with one hand at the alien. Jaruka ducked, but his leg caught it and pulled his foot out. The pistol flew from his hands again and behind a chair. Without noticing, Beth was behind Jaruka. She grabbed his shirt and vest. ¡°Hey, hey, hey!¡±

    Beth¡¯s supernatural enhanced strength lifted the Halcunac over her. He was unable to fight her, even shifting his weight failed.

    ¡°But I can¡¯t leave. Denverbay has me bound to this planet. I will die! The spires would fire.¡±

    ¡°Oh. Too bad. Who cares!?¡± Morgan said without care.

    If he did care, those spires would be on his mind the whole time. Did he already forget?

    Beth started laughing Jaruka was thrown through the window.

    <hr>

    ¡°Oh my god, there she is!¡± Katie pointed at Andrea running out the front door. Scott stopped the Jeep on the street. He got out holding a baseball bat and Keeji running beside him. Katie had both her arms blazing with blue/white tattoos with Arana on her left shoulder.

    ¡°Help me!¡± Andrea feared for her life, and Katie wished she did not see that horrified face on her again.

    ¡°I¡¯m right here, don¡¯t you worry.¡± They came together and hugged tight. Some of Katie¡¯s charged mana was smeared on Andrea¡¯s shirt but was disappearing already. ¡°Please tell me they didn¡¯t hurt you. I promise I will lay a ton of protection spells on you once this is over.¡±

    ¡°No, I think, but¡­they are not my parents anymore,¡± Andrea explained. Arana was confused.

    ¡°You think? Where¡¯s that idiot? Did he go nutzo?¡± Scott asked.

    ¡°His name is Jaruka. He protected me.¡±

    Arana said, ¡°I call bull¡­¡±

    The living room was smashed outwards, cutting the hawk off.

    Jaruka flew out of the house screaming, glass shards slicing through exposed flesh. In the air for a second, then crashed and rolled on the grass. He stopped on his back in front of the terrans. He blinked up at the terrans.

    ¡°I hurt¡­all over,¡± he said.

    ¡°Hi,¡± Katie said. Arana shook her head.

    ¡°And I dropped my pistol.¡±

    ¡°I can see that,¡± Scott said.

    ¡°And those assholes are Reaper cronies.¡± Jaruka pointed.

    ¡°What?¡± The couple said.

    The zombies pulled back the white curtain and stared at the group with vicious intent. The blood covered most of their faces and stained their sweatshirts. The broken backs made them lean as the pain was but a footnote. The couple and totems yelped from the gruesome sight.

    Morgan and Beth produced the well-known zombie howl that could have been heard for miles.

    ¡°Awe, hell,¡± Scott said, raising his bat. Keeji started barking.

    Katie¡¯s tattoos flickered. She wished it did not have to be Andrea¡¯s parents. They were gone; she knew much of that.¡°Stick behind me honey,¡± she said to Andrea. The little girl ran behind her.

    Jaruka stood up quick and shook the glass off, but without a weapon, he was willing to go all two-fist with the two.

    Then another howl from a distance. And another.

    And another.

    Until the neighborhood was singing in zombies.

    ¡°Ah great, just our luck,¡± Jaruka said.

    ¡°Slaughter all witnesses!¡± The zombie parents hollered.

    Smashed wood and broken glass sounds came from the neighboring houses. Over twenty zombies flooded the street toward the Livingston¡¯s: young, old, and child. More zombie howls and growls of hunger from afar. Even neighbor Joe was amongst them, eyes dripping with deluded blood and holding a pitchfork.

    ¡°Well this brings back memories,¡± Jaruka said. ¡°Katie, you¡¯ve done force shields. Make one!¡±

    ¡°Got it. Sciath chosanta!¡± Katie brought her hands together, tattoos blazing brighter, took one step forward, and the similar shield appeared, dome shaped, and flowed out over the group. It started a five feet high, but grew to accommodate Jaruka. It phased through the Jeep but violently pushed a couple of zombies including the parents ten feet back. Neighbor Joe¡¯s pitchfork went flying over the hedge.

    ¡°Wow,¡± Andrea said.

    ¡°Terrans can do more than that,¡± Arana said. ¡°Get to the car, we¡¯re getting out of here.¡±

    ¡°No, I want Mom and Dad to get better.¡±

    ¡°The bird¡¯s right, kid,¡± Jaruka said, ¡°once enthralled they¡¯re¡ª¡±

    ¡°Tubby in the air!¡± Keeji barked.

    Jaruka looked to where Keeji barked. A zombie jumped over the growing barrier. This one was several pounds too overweight, bald, and wore a white t-shirt and pajama bottoms. He screamed with mucus behind his throat. Instead of over, he belly flopped onto Katie¡¯s shield.

    Katie screamed, but held strong.

    He was sailed up by the force, but came down. Katie was knocked down to one knee, and the shield quivered. Another hit and the shield broke, just before Scott pulled Katie away.

    The overweight zombie stood up fast and drove a fist in Jaruka¡¯s chest. His shield protected him, but the force sent him flying at the Jeep¡¯s driver side door.

    Jaruka slumped onto the driveway. Pain burned from his back and left arm. Shaking his head, the fat zombie charged again then jumped ten feet in the air above him. ¡°Not tonight, fatty!¡± Jaruka he rolled away before the zombie touched him. The man landed head first on the concrete driveway, snapping his head back, killing him.

    Jaruka stood up holding his banged up arm. Katie recreated the shield without Jaruka, now twenty feet high, kept up by thick screams of charged mana. Two more zombies belly flopped on the shield again, straining Katie¡¯s resolve. They must have got on the house roof and jumped down, and the third one confirmed Jaruka¡¯s thought.

    Katie had talent, but endless barrage of attacks was not for her to handle.

    Both parents spoke. ¡°First we make you leave, mercenary. Or even better.¡± They turned to Katie, smiling again. ¡°I take over your parents, thereby make them slaughter their children and immortal killer. Even better. We slaughter them all right in front of you, mercenary, see if we can eat terran souls now.¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Katie produced a kinetic blast that passed through the shield. In her emotional fit, she missed. They jumped then landed feet first.

    But Scott was ready.

    He swung his bat at Morgan. The blow to the chest meant nothing to the zombie, like swatting at dense gelatin. Morgan bashed the bat away and punched Scott in the left shoulder, casing him to fall back a few feet yelling.

    Beth went after Katie, screaming with sheer horror. Katie¡¯s shield quivered that Beth got through. Andrea got away as Katie kept dodging a few punches, but despite being cooped up at the winery, her terran agility went so far. Beth kicked Katie¡¯s legs away, then a punch to her stomach.

    Katie¡¯s tattoos disappeared, as did the shield.

    Zombies stopped their barrage, then surrounded Jaruka and the terrans. Jaruka was pushed into the middle by two zombie women. He had no chance to stop the zombies, he¡¯d be kept out and held down. Keeji whimpered and told Scott to quickly get up, but he was held down by a zombie. Arana too, by her feet and head, wings flapping and slapping her captor.

    Jaruka was sure they knew about totem death. If that happened, their advantage was gone.

    The Reaper said it could not kill Jaruka, but it was willing to rip the terrans to pieces right in front of his eyes. If only he did not drop his pistol and blow the fat man¡¯s head before instead of relying on Katie. If only he brought his plasma rifle and sword. Why not? He wished he had magic, but he was looking out for Andrea and his past dragged him into this. Damn his past. He stood there watching his friends about to die.

    Then he saw Andrea. He disappointed her. His help failed. She was furious, and blazing with ta¡­

    ¡°What the crog?¡±

    The whole time since he met her, Andrea was a weakling with no magical control, fearing she could do more harm than good. But on the lawn, acted the opposite. Betrayal and sadness was on her face, but her body was covered in Celtic tattoos.

    ¡°Leave them alone!¡± She yelled.

    The zombie parents turned to look. ¡°Too late, youngling,¡± they said as they were ready to bite into Scott and Katie¡¯s arms and legs, some ready to rip their limbs off.

    Then Andrea placed her left hand on the purple Wave crystal still embedded in the lawn.

    She spoke in Celtic. Jaruka could not for the life of him track what she said. Mana seeped through the crystal, and it started to glow purple. The light from it seeped back into Andrea, pulsing through her tattoos in blue and purple light.

    She aimed her right hand at her parents. One Celtic word sent two separate blue and purple light toward Beth and Morgan¡¯s foreheads.

    Their backs went rigid.

    Their heads looked up.

    Their eyes stopped bleeding and their pupils dilated.

    Both their bodies lifted into the air as they convulsed. The same light radiated through their bodies, head to toe.

    The parents screamed their last zombie scream.

    ¡°What spell is this?¡± Jaruka muttered.

    It lasted for a few seconds until Andrea¡¯s beam disappeared. The crystals glow went away as did Andrea¡¯s tattoos. Beth and Morgan dropped to the lawn, unconscious but breathing. The blood dried instantly.

    Looking up from the strange event, the zombies stood still, staring at the parents. All at once, they howled to make Jaruka and the terrans cover their ears.

    ¡°What have you done?¡± The zombies yelled, then they slumped to the ground like lifeless dolls. Over fifty neighbors crowded the neighborhood¡¯s lawns and street. Jaruka peered at one as the woman breathed normally.

    Did the Reaper pull his control away?

    ¡°What the heck just happened?¡± Scott said, nearly pinned by unconscious people. ¡°Andrea, what did you do?¡±

    Andrea stood with her arms to her side, sobbing. ¡°I-I¡­I saved¡­them,¡± she said, then she fell to her knees and cried.

    Katie went to her, and Andrea hugged her. Jaruka came up to Scott and pulled him up. Once they looked at the parents, Jaruka¡¯s knowledge of terran magic got stranger.

    Beth had a glowing tattoo on her left calf, and Morgan had one on his neck.

 Part 6

    Walsh Estate Winery, Temecula, CA

    February 10, 2013

    12:16 PM

    Five days later¡­

    Robert closed Katie¡¯s black notebook, filled with sticky notes, tags and scribbles of magic notes. ¡°You know what I really miss?¡± Robert asked.

    ¡°The days we have visitors?¡± Katie answered.

    ¡°Nah. It¡¯s the kind of days I love talking about wine to complete strangers. The boredom sucks.¡± He muttered to emphasize his feelings. His feet were still on the counter for hours. ¡°By the way, good stuff here,¡± he said showing the notebook.

    But Katie was staring at the floor with a distant look on her face from the tasting bar. Still?

    ¡°Katie, you listening?¡± Robert said louder.

    Katie blinked up. Her tail whipped. ¡°Uh, what?¡±

    ¡°I said good stuff. The notebook. The notes on enchanted items.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m saying it¡¯s good stuff. If your brain is still foggy, why am I talking to a mannequin?¡±

    ¡°Oh, right.¡± Katie shook her head. ¡°Why not? It¡¯s in the spellbook. It might come in handy.¡±

    ¡°Like that last attempt?¡± Robert reminded Katie of the incident in her room.

    ¡°Stop it.¡±

    Robert surrendered. ¡°Admit it. This break is good for you.¡±

    Katie rolled her eyes. ¡°I prefer to stay in my room. I¡¯m not in the mood to do tastings.¡±

    ¡°Either that or we keep loosing sales. Dad and me still think, and I convinced him, that putting terrans to work and showing they can still work that meaningless fear would subside.¡±

    Robert loved repeating his belief. Somehow he was not listening to reason.

    ¡°The last visitor didn¡¯t think so,¡± Katie reminded him.

    Robert shrugged. ¡°He gave you the cold shoulder and left in a second, but it¡¯s a start. Made twenty-two bucks on my part. A lot better since Jaruka stopped coming here a bunch.¡±

    None would be beneficial.

    The Walsh Estate Winery building, attached to the warehouse and underground cellar, was the second oldest building on the property. The stores details emanated an old cottage-style interior. Nothing on the walls were painted, just wood and light brown stains to brighten the interior, along with black iron fixtures with candlight-shaped, incandescent light bulbs. It was Katie¡¯s grandmother¡¯s strict design standards that lasted this long to bring character to the estate and its wines. The floorboards creaked anytime someone stepped on them. Tables and upright used wine barrels bared items from local artisans and abroad, from china, eating utensils, history books on Temecula and its wine, including Walsh Estate Winery History by Emily Claire, and of course, the fifteen foot boxed wine rack of all the estate¡¯s year round and seasonal wines, each wine set having a distinctive cork seal to tell which was which as the bottle labels were receded.

    Katie grew up with the wines¡ªit was in her blood. Her knowledge and pallet was a natural fit for the tasting bar once she turned twenty-one. Robert was a taster, and like the job, but he preferred to have Katie do it and spend time making with with Jonathan, despite his ghost hunting interests. Before the Wave, her smile had people¡¯s attention. On top of the ears and tail and the rest, the smile had no effect.

    Katie¡¯s depression lost her smile.

    ¡°Still upset about the other night?¡± Robert asked.

    Katie bit her lip, and nodded. ¡°Can¡¯t bring myself to call Andrea or go to the house.¡± She took a breath and exhaled. ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do.¡±

    Even though Robert had no contribution, his little sister¡¯s anguish reflected on him.

    It still felt like it was yesterday to Katie. Once the neighbors started waking up from the zombie enthrall, Morgan and Beth were still unconscious. No prod or shake could pull them from their slumber. With help from Jaruka and neighbor Joe, which had no issues with terrans from the begging and was grumpy over his upcoming tax return, helped the unconscious parents inside and on the couch. Joe then called the police. Scott felt it was best to leave before the parents had a fit.

    Andrea stayed behind. She kept on saying it was her problem and wanted to fix it on her own. The couple had nothing else to do. If they stayed, the verbal abuse would start again. The past few days, Katie poured over her spellbook to find that spell Andrea casted, but sadly she found no hint, and not even Andrea was too stricken that night to say its name.

    Jaruka became a hermit afterwards. All Katie¡¯s calls went to his voicemail. A quiet mercenary made Katie nervous.

    ¡°You remember what I told you about the spell?¡± Katie asked.

    ¡°Yep,¡± Robert said, nodding.

    ¡°It¡¯s a game changer.¡± She paused. ¡°I can, if I figure it out, save you guys. It¡¯s hard enough what she said because she said it a million miles per hour.¡±

    ¡°Katie¡ª¡°

    ¡°Robert, listen. If you, or Mom, or Dad, or little Jacob start turning zombie, me and Scott will save you, regardless of any reason you have against magic. I twill happen no matter what, just as soon as I figure out that spell.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I get it,¡± Robert said. ¡°I go zombie, you make me a terran. Case settled. Stop bringing it up, you don¡¯t need to pursue it to death.¡± Robert got Katie into the supernatural, but even he felt uncomfortable about terran magic in certain places. The tail could exclude him from dates.

    ¡°She does have a point,¡± a third unknown voice said.

    The siblings jolted from the voice and looked over for the source. The huge oak door was open a little. Katie noticed a car in the parking lot with no one inside.

    ¡°Hello?¡± Katie asked.

    ¡°Down here.¡±

    Katie found a creature hiding behind the wine rack, standing on its hind legs. The large quills behind it could very well puncture through weak flesh if anybody did not notice it. It stared back at Katie, and Katie stared right back. No mistaking it was a totem, a Celtic tribal tattoo was etched along the left side of its face and the glowing blue eyes.

    Robert set his feet down and leaned over the counter. ¡°There¡¯s a porcupine in the store,¡± he said.

    ¡°I¡¯ll handle this,¡± Katie said. She walked around the bar and approached the totem, the crouched as if comforting a scared child. ¡°Hello there.¡±

    ¡°H-Hello,¡± she said, hiding half of herself still.

    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±

    The porcupine gulped. ¡°Dallas. My name¡¯s Dallas, Andrea¡¯s totem.¡±

    Katie gasped as her heart filled with excitement. ¡°Oh my god, I remember her saying about a porcupine totem. Is she here? Please tell me she¡¯s here.¡±

    The porcupine yipped and hid her face.

    ¡°Oh sorry. So sorry for raising my voice. Don¡¯t be afraid.¡±

    Dallas peeked out after Katie coaxed her. ¡°She¡¯s behind the door. She made me come out to meet you. I hate being out.¡±

    Katie quickly turned at the door. Andrea stood there, hands behind her back, and wearing clothes of her own with a tail pant mod. She looked to have more life than before, happy even.

    Katie, full with glee, hugged Andrea in seconds. ¡°I was so worried about you. I thought about calling but¡­¡± Sadness and happiness welled inside Katie.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Katie. Really,¡± Andrea said. ¡°I thought about calling too but Mom and Dad refused for being embarrassed.¡±

    ¡°But what are you doing here?¡± Katie asked. She noticed Dallas walking up and moved to the side. ¡°How are your parents?¡±

    ¡°About them,¡± Robert said looking out the window. ¡°I may be late in the game, but did they transform?¡±

    Andrea nodded. ¡°They did. It wasn¡¯t easy for them, but I wanted them to come and explain what they told me.¡±

    Again, Katie didn¡¯t notice Morgan and Beth approaching the old wood doors to push them wide open.

    <hr>

    Scott just heard the news as he came out of the house. Keeji walked beside him. ¡°Still wondering why they are here?¡± the husky said.

    ¡°I¡¯m still wondering why they haven¡¯t started a fight,¡± Scott said. ¡°You¡¯re my totem, you¡¯re supposed to know what I think. Remember?¡±

    Jonathan and Brenda did not want to go with him for reasons and kept Jacob inside. They relied on Scott to check see what they wanted.

    The patio was the landmark location the same for their famous wine, Cliffhangar Port. Unique and iconic. Katie¡¯s great grandmother was a dedicated gardener and had an affection for recycling junk. The lights¡ªplain lightbulbs inside clear Mason jars strung up on power cables screwed to the wood trellis¡ªmade up over half the winery¡¯s advertisements. The tables and chairs were all steel, all handmade. The floor was white mosaic stone, hand laid by Grandmother Walsh. Used wine barrels doubled as flower, herb and vegetable garden pots, stools and short tables for the lounge seats along the low railroad tie barrier.

    The patio was the one and only party hotspot and visitor destination to enjoy a glass of wine or two. Seeing the Livingstons on the patio with Katie and Arana, it became a hotbed for an impending fight.

    Except, the parents, now terrans, appeared ashamed. The parents sat at one table. Their tails stuck through the chair¡¯s back, unmoving.

    ¡°Holy crap,¡± Keeji said.

    ¡°Stop stealing my words,¡± Scott said.

    ¡°Can¡¯t help myself, buddy.¡±

    The stark change, obviously, was their body fat, and strong as Scott would bet. Morgan and Beth looked able to run the LA Marathon without a drink of water. Their black hair had no signs of grey, replaced with life from when they were young, but they did not get a haircut yet. After a transformation, all terrans developed long hair, but how or why the intense remains unanswered. Their business suits were baggy telling Scott they have not bought new clothes.

    On the table were their totems. A bald eagle with a Celtic tattoo, different from Arana¡¯s and similarly placed on its chest, and an orange and white bobcat with legs folded under. Its Celtic tattoo was on the right side of its face. Both parents had a glass of wine. Underneath another table, a large porcupine took advantage of the shade, but was scared of anything around her. Is that Andrea¡¯s totem? Scott thought.

    ¡°Morning, Mr. Dunne,¡± the eagle said first, sitting on an empty chair¡¯s back. ¡°I was looking forward to meet you as well. Andrea told much about you and Katie.¡±

    ¡°As do I, sir,¡± the bobcat said.

    ¡°Yeah, uh, thanks,¡± Scott said with an attentive tone in his voice. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°I told them to come,¡± Andrea said.

    Scott blinked. ¡°I understand but¡­why?¡±

    Arana arrived and landed on the trellis, looking down at Morgan and Beth. Keeji sat down, tongue sticking out, zoning out.

    Beth shook her head while pulling back her hair with both hands. ¡°Andrea, I still don¡¯t feel right being here. I don¡¯t want to be here. I¡ª¡°

    The bobcat turned. ¡°This is for your sake and Morgan¡¯s. I can¡¯t stand staying in that house without a clear conscience. They must know what really happened.¡±

    Beth shook from the totem¡¯s outburst. She had to be her totem.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Katie started. ¡°It seems like it¡¯s more than an apology.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I bet,¡± Scott said, partially balling his right fist.

    Morgan gulped. ¡°I know. We heard. But here me out,¡± he said. ¡°We were torn to come here. But Andrea wanted to. As far as the transformation, we look like hypocrites. We have a reason why we acted that way.¡±

    Arana¡¯s head tilted. ¡°The truth?¡± Everybody looked up. ¡°You insulted my host, your daughter¡¯s best friend and her family. You kicked your own daughter out of your home, forced to survive on her own without using magic. And on top of that, you were enthralled and nearly killed us with your bare hands. How can you explain yourself?¡±

    Morgan was about to talk, then paused as the bird mentioned the zombie bit. Beth looked away. Scott seen it before: people being told they were enthralled were scared, confused, even vulnerable.

    Scott shook his head. ¡°What Arana mentioned. What truth?¡±

    Beth shook her head again. ¡°We had blackouts,¡± she said.

    Scott¡¯s chin lifted. Katie was taken back. Any thought of hating them left their attention.

    ¡°Andrea never told you?¡± Morgan asked.

    ¡°No,¡± Scott said, noticing Andrea¡¯s drooped ears.

    Blackouts were common on the Internet, the free-from-corruption web blogs mostly, but none of them had a shred of thought it was Reaper related. The presence of Reapers was still hush hush across the government and within the Walsh Family. Once General Griffon was nearly killed by Scott¡¯s mana and all enthralled zombies controlled by Griffon in the United States died, other countries had zombies too, except they turned back to normal. Nobody had any memory of being a zombie, and certainly none of them had memories that the Wave ever occurred.

    But blackouts became a regular occurrence. Tracking which one was a reaper control or a late night drink marathon had to correlate to the person¡¯s events, but that would take time and money to record it all. It was the once slice of evidence that more Reapers besides Griffon are on Earth.

    ¡°When did they happen?¡± Scott asked. ¡°You might be lying.¡±

    Beth took a breath. ¡°Two weeks before the Wave.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re kidding?¡± Katie asked.

    ¡°I never kid. We thought it was stress messing with our heads.¡± Brenda shuttered. ¡°A few minutes in the beginning. One time we were in the office, the next were outside without memory. Then hours, even days passed. It got so bad that we stayed home to not scare our employees. We tracked the blackouts. We can¡¯t remember anything during the Wave or after the attack in Nevada. Then things got worse.¡±

    ¡°How worse?¡± Katie asked.

    ¡°Tasks,¡± Morgan said. ¡°I wanted to call your parents so many times, but the blackouts somehow kept it from happening. We don¡¯t even remember saying anything to you, not even when you came to the house, we remember nothing.¡±

    ¡°God.¡± Katie covered her mouth.

    So if they did not remember, then who was Scott and Katie talking to?

    ¡°It felt,¡± Brenda said, ¡°like we were in prison by¡­something. Believe us, if we didn¡¯t come here to apologize, it was a blackout, but there was none after the transformation. Andrea saved us.¡±

    If a new Reaper controlled humans and prevented them from seeking help, then how many people and mass media does the demon control already? Was it even connected to not mention Reapers? Scott felt like screaming while running down the driveway, but did not.

    ¡°I saw a transformation circle in the backyard,¡± Brenda continued. ¡°And we could not find Andrea so we thought the worse. Then nothing after that. The last two weeks were gone. We were alone.¡± Brenda sniffed. ¡°We woke up with the tattoos and God, we hugged her so tight she screamed of being crushed.¡±

    Andrea nodded and wipe a tear away with a finger. ¡°It¡¯s all Dallas¡¯ help.¡±

    ¡°Wait a minute,¡± Scott said. ¡°Andrea never said anything about blackouts. She never yelled at us at all before he transformation.¡±

    ¡°I never had them,¡± Andrea said.

    All the terrans and totems turned to the little girl saying, ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± she said. ¡°I never heard of the blackouts until last week. I assumed that Mom and Dad had a change of heart before the Wave.¡±This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

    ¡°And we forgive you honey,¡± Brenda said. ¡°Nothing about it was your fault.¡±

    ¡°So all the anti-terran threats. The reasons why magic is dangerous. The reasons why you can¡¯t have Andrea in the house. All of that was not you?¡±

    ¡°Yes, all of it,¡± Morgan said. ¡°Amongst the mess, we were for terran rights from the very beginning. The things we said was¡­like we were puppets to something.¡±

    Scott¡¯s mana heart jolted in his chest that his pecks clenched. He pushed those horrific memories behind him.

    ¡°What about the totems? They see everything what you guys did,¡± Katie mentioned.

    ¡°Yes and no, Ms. Walsh,¡± the eagle said. ¡°We experienced bits and pieces of the enthrallment, but it was blackness. We were beaten and tortured by telepathic violence day in and day out.¡±

    ¡°That answers that question.¡±

    ¡°When these two arrived in their Inner Sanctums, we were so beaten we barely moved. I felt like I was mauled by an alligator. Feeling our hosts hold us made us recover quickly.¡± The eagle sniffed.

    ¡°Never again I want those feeling come back,¡± the bobcat added.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you two worry,¡± Katie said. ¡°Blogs assume that terrans can¡¯t be zombies anymore.¡±

    The relieve in the parent¡¯s eyes was evident.

    ¡°Well, there is the magic, and I don¡¯t think you two tried it out?¡±

    ¡°Not quite but eventually,¡± Beth said. ¡°I mean it¡¯s there so why not? Me and Morgan must know how this impacts the economy and be prepared.¡±

    Katie smiled for them accepting it and thinking ahead.

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing this place is getting hit financially, right?¡± Morgan asked.

    ¡°You¡¯ll see,¡± Katie said. ¡°But here¡¯s what I still don¡¯t know.¡± Katie looked at Andrea. ¡°What did you do to save them?¡±

    Without any more questions and hoping to get any closer, Andrea told them what Dallas discovered. It made Katie so excited yet stupid to not notice it sooner, and thus Scott knowing what to look for in his spellbook.

    ¡°I want to talk to the alien,¡± Andrea said.

    ¡°Jaruka?¡± Scott said. ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°I want to thank him.¡±

    Scott eyed Katie, and returned the gesture.

    <hr>

    Alien Campsite, Temecula, CA

    Fifteen minutes later¡­

    Half a mile north from Doffo Winery and one-thousand feet east from Lake Skinner¡¯s entrance, sat the alien vessel inside a high and wide repulsion shield against a small hill.

    Inside, Jaruka Teal stared into space and pretended what he heard was a creak in the dropship¡¯s hull. ¡°Don¡¯t be Mathews. Please, don¡¯t be Mathews.¡±

    Two knocks outside the rear hatch. Jaruka closed his eyes and clenched his fists. Only one person would frequent him on a bi-daily or weekly check-up as CIA agent Victor Mathews.

    ¡°You must be joking,¡± Jaruka said. ¡°One time, just one time I¡¯m right without issues.¡± He got up from his cot and walked to his station. ¡°I swear if it¡¯s Mathews again that boy better have a cup in pla¡­Oh.¡±

    On the security screen, the camera had Scott, Katie, and their totems standing before the hatch. The repulsion shield can keep everything and everyone out, but it can be programmed to be selective. Jaruka and five others were allowed in, and sometimes he wished he could remove their passage, but that would put Denverbay off.

    ¡°Jaruka, you awake?¡± Scott said through the mic with two more knocks. ¡°We came to talk about the other night.¡±

    Jaruka closed his eyes, then pondered. He did not want to talk to anybody that day out of spite. But they were his only friends on this world. He opened the hatch and peered outside. People¡¯s voices outside the shield, familiar ones mostly, grew from his presence.

    ¡°He¡¯s outside, our prophet has come forth!¡± One religious nut chanted.

    Do they have some other fanatic to foam over? Jaruka thought.

    ¡°Hey there,¡± Katie said. ¡°You look a little frazzled. And stink.¡±

    ¡°Water tanks are low. Haven¡¯t left to get some. Obviously,¡± Jaruka said in clear English, pulling a few oily skindreads away. ¡°What do you want? I¡¯m busy.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a terrible liar,¡± Keeji said.

    Jaruka grumbled. ¡°Hey, it¡¯s not easy combing through your spellbook with a near broken translator, kid.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s mostly that,¡± Scott said.

    ¡°Anyway,¡± Katie said to prevent the impending fight. ¡°We came because Andrea wants to thank you.¡±

    ¡°Oh. Her, Wait. Thank me? After what her did to me?¡± He popped his head out and looked at the crowd, spotting the Livingstons a foot from the shield. The other campers¡ªhippies, lowlifes, religious folk, evolution haters, and college students¡ªcheered at his presence. The crowd grew every week; it was turning into a public hazard. The government could keep them away, but the Titan spires have them scared if even touching the shield.Make the dropship without weapons, what a brilliant idea.

    Andrea waved at him. Jaruka did not wave for the crowd might get the wrong message.

    ¡°I barely did anything to be thanked,¡± Jaruka said, but noticed the changed parents. ¡°And¡­Oh, I see. They transformed.¡±

    ¡°Andrea really wants to talk to you,¡± Scott said.

    ¡°Oh come on, I told them what I had to say.¡±

    ¡°Told them what?

    Jaruka paused. ¡°Eh¡­nevermind. Although, I do want to know what she did.¡± Jaruka thought for a few seconds. ¡°Let me get the handheld.¡± What he talked about with the parents, Jaruka¡¯s family, was best not to be shared to them, especially the ones he was close to. He found the device and passed it to Katie.

    Katie went back for Andrea¡¯s blood sample from a pin prick, then the shield generator¡¯s computer dinged, the message that Andrea was added to the ¡°Allow¡± database. Katie gave the thumbs up and Andrea walked through. They walked back holding hands. The campers became furious. The parents grew concerned but were protected by stationed military personnel. But the campers grew insulting to the girl.

    ¡°She has the right to come here you greedy bastards!¡± Jaruka yelled at them. He could see the local tabloids buzzing already and hounding the poor kid how was it inside.

    ¡°Hello, Jaruka,¡± Andrea said walking up with a basket in her hand.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah. Hello. What do you want?¡±

    ¡°I just came over to talk and thank you,¡± she said, not phased by Jaruka¡¯s voice. ¡° Your place looks awesome.¡±

    Jaruka¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°They say it, it¡¯s just a dropship.¡±

    ¡°I brought you something.¡± Andrea held up with her hands a basket of red fruit. ¡°They¡¯re apples.¡±

    Jaruka did not accept.

    ¡°Just take it,¡± Scott whispered.

    Rolling his eyes, Jaruka took the basket and said, ¡°Thanks.¡± Hope they aren¡¯t poisonous. He set them inside on an bare crate.

    ¡°See that wasn¡¯t so bad,¡± Scott said.

    ¡°Don¡¯t, kid. Just don¡¯t.¡±

    Katie leaned down to Andrea¡¯s height. ¡°Tell him what else you have to say.¡±

    ¡°Oh, yes. Nearly forgot,¡± Andrea said. ¡°I want to talk about what I did to save my parents.¡±

    Jaruka looked back at the crowd. ¡°Come inside, I don¡¯t want these hopeful people to know about it.¡±

    Arana told Keeji to stay outside, just so that Keeji did not get his nose in Jaruka¡¯s things again. He led them inside the dropship, which caused a stir from the crowd and the Livingstons.

    ¡°Hang on, we have to be there too you know,¡± Morgan yelled.

    ¡°This is just a small talk, your child is safe,¡± Jaruka said.

    ¡°I highly doubt that.¡±

    Do they even remember what I said?

    Jaruka closed the hatch thinking also, His tone changed.

    The Marin¡¯zal gunnery dropship, it was originally built to house four troop seat rows, a weapon rack above the seats, two side turrets (removed), and very minimal storage. Before Jaruka was sent to Earth, it was heavily modified within a couple hours to suit his basic needs. The two middle seat rows were removed. The third port side seat row was gutted and replaced with a basic kitchen and shower, which had its fill of Jaruka¡¯s random rage attacks. Most of what he could recover from the Lunar Spear was strewn all over the place like clothes, gadgets, and stuff the terrans failed to associate with.

    Scott, Katie and the totems no better to not mess with anything on the ship, except Andrea. She looked up at Jaruka¡¯s Custom T31ZK Plasma Rifle on its wall pedestal, next to his katana. She was about to touch it when Jaruka moved his hand between Andrea¡¯s and the plasma rifle¡¯s locked trigger.

    ¡°No touching. That¡¯s my rule around here,¡± he said.

    ¡°Ok,¡± Andrea said. ¡°It looks so cool.¡±

    Jaruka sniffed. ¡°Alright, kid. Tell us. What did you do?¡±

    Andrea sat down at the fourth remaining seat row. Her porcupine totem exited her and sat two seats to her right because of the quills. That¡¯s her spirit guide. The totem reminded Jaruka of one of the metal spike-covered wallowbads from his homeworld, and a certain jackass from Creos.

    ¡°What I did was charge my mana, speak words Dallas told me, touched the crystal on the front yard, and this¡­ energy escaped me. It felt nothing like mana,¡± Andrea started. ¡°She kept screaming in my head since you crashed through the window, but I was scared what would happen. I couldn¡¯t trust him.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not what I wanted to hear. What is the spell?¡± Jaruka pressed. ¡°You said words I cannot remember. My patience is waning thin here so think hard.¡±

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t a spell, I think. It was a limerick.¡±

    Jaruka blinked and his arms fell to his sides. ¡°What the crog is a limerick?¡±

    ¡°Language,¡± Katie said.

    ¡°It¡¯s a poem,¡± Scott said. ¡°A type of human poem.¡±

    ¡°I know about poems¡­¡± Magic spells use poems too across magical species. The big difference was using a dormant Wave crystal. ¡°That¡¯s it? Just a poem?¡±

    ¡°No. There¡¯s more to it, Jaruka,¡± Katie said. ¡°You still have Scott¡¯s spellbook?¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t given it back yet so yeah.¡± Jaruka pointed to a makeshift desk covered in weathered papers, strings, and photographs, much like what Katie¡¯s desk looked like. Scott¡¯s dark green cover spellbook sat open.

    Katie went to it, but paused. ¡°You were ripping pages out of it?¡±

    ¡°You did what to my book?¡± Scott said.

    ¡°Oh that. Check this out.¡± Jaruka smirked.

    ¡°Jaruka,¡± Katie said with an elevated tone. ¡°This is a priceless tome of knowledge. You can¡¯t just rip delicate pa¡­¡±

    Jaruka took a page on terran anatomy right out of it¡¯s binding. Katie was about to loose her mind, but she saw mana glowing from the ripped edge. ¡°See?¡±

    The duplicate page manifested to reality just as mana transmuting to the caster¡¯s desires. The page that was ripped was an exact duplicate.

    ¡°How in the¡­¡±

    ¡°You never tried doing it to your own?¡± Jaruka said. ¡°Found that out when I blasted it with a plasma round accidentally. I save money. Those pages have been out for weeks without disappearing. Be grateful you¡¯ll learn magic so enough.¡± Scott pocketed his hands. ¡°Now, kid, as you were saying?¡±

    Katie shook her head and lifted the spellbook. She brought it so all five could see it.

    ¡°We know it¡¯s a spell, and a poem,¡± Katie started, ¡°but what Andrea and Dallas said to me and Scott, it¡¯s hidden.¡±

    Jaruka felt like not interrupting.

    ¡°I assumed, but it¡¯s not entirely in plain sight. Follow me.¡± She turned several pages to a section of basic terran magic mechanics and placed her finger on one bold Celtic word in purple. ¡°Seen these?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Jaruka said.

    ¡°I¡¯ve seen these colored words and thought they were a glossary type of format when looking up a definition. It turns out to be part of the limerick, connected to a symbol of the required object.¡±

    ¡°Catalyst,¡± Jaruka clarified. One squandered over his earhole curled.

    ¡°Right. And that tiny number on the top right of the word.¡± She pointed at it. ¡°That¡¯s the word placement in a sentence. The purple words makes up one poem.¡± Katie¡¯s smile grew, but Jaruka did not.

    Katie pulled out her black notebook from her jacket pocket. ¡°It reads:¡±

    The Darkness consumes an innocent soul,

    thwart freedom and the abundant bowl.

    A Keystone will Spark

    to give souls a Mark.

    And the Darkness will take a toll.

    ¡°Dallas said it¡¯s the Keystone Waker spell,¡± Andrea said.

    ¡°I was so tired to realize that it stared right in my face,¡± Katie said with excitement. ¡°Not only the basics are visible, but advanced spells and rituals are spread out. Isn¡¯t this awesome, Jaruka? We have tiers of hidden magic! I swear there are more so we just need to keep looking.¡±

    ¡°Sounds awesome to me,¡± Scott said. ¡°Maybe one of them can heal my heart faster.¡±

    Andrea and Dallas agreed too. Katie nodded with hope.

    But not Jaruka. By the Goddess, he thought.

    He felt agitated by the discovery and showed no expression, but his back-most skindreads under the honor dread stump were curling like octopus tentacles in boiling water. At times, he reviewed Scott¡¯s spellbook in a rage. The rage coming from his situation. He did not pay attention so much that he glazed over the pages. He looked past the terrans to the table. He noticed the purple symbols, then a few yellow ones.

    He had a sickening realization that every terran spellbook has them.

    ¡°Of course, I found it,¡± Dallas said. ¡°I never came out, this world scares me. So I talked to her, yelled at her, to use magic, to stop putting fear in front. I found that spell the day she transformed, and I pleaded her to use it on her parents.¡±

    The totem knew?

    Andrea nodded. ¡°And I didn¡¯t trust her. I was so conflicted to what to do I was afraid of killing people with magic.¡±

    ¡°Until you listened.¡±

    ¡°I was afraid,¡± Andrea affirmed.

    You should have come forward you stupid kid.

    ¡°And you had ever right, but you had to make the right choice.¡±

    Andrea nodded.

    ¡°I agree,¡± Katie said. ¡°Making the right decision is hard. What you did showed more.¡±

    Andrea shrugged. ¡°Having responsibilities suck.¡±

    Katie laughed.

    Scott sat beside her. ¡°Sometimes we have to do what we are afraid of doing. You know, I was afraid too. I was afraid of magic if I would loose to it. Become corrupt. And it nearly costed my life when I needed it the most.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Andrea asked.

    ¡°This.¡± Scott lifted his shirt showing the little girl his scar. It was healed but pale colored, just like the rest of his scars from years past that never disappeared after his transformation. Andrea gasped. ¡°I nearly died at Area 51. This slowly healing mana heart saved me. And Katie. And Jaruka. And others. Now I wish I never regret ignoring my gift because I¡¯m useless without it.¡±

    ¡°He relies on me most of the time,¡± Katie said.

    Andrea touched the scar. Surly Jaruka, not saying it out loud, wanted to thank that mana heart for saving him and maiming General Griffon, but he was too freaked out by the limerick discovery.

    ¡°Scary,¡± Andrea said. ¡°But what if¡­¡±

    ¡°Forget the what ifs,¡± Katie interjected. ¡°You did what was right. You saved your parents. We are all terrans now. Magic is part of our lives now.¡±

    Andrea took a breath and covered her face.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. When you want to talk, I¡¯ll teach you,¡± Katie told her and closed the spellbook.

    ¡°That sounds fun.¡±

    Scott looked back at Jaruka, frozen on place. ¡°Hey, you okay?¡± he said with a poke to Jaruka¡¯s tattooed bicep.

    Jaruka coughed. ¡°It¡¯s time to go,¡± he said. ¡°You might not know this but I¡¯m not comfortable with humans or terrans in my space.¡±

    ¡°But I just got here,¡± Andrea complained.

    ¡°Well it¡¯s my place, my rules. And now I have more research to do.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s cold you know,¡± Katie said.

    ¡°Cold as a space glacier.¡± Jaruka did not catch Andrea as she plowed into him, hugging his right leg. ¡°You could at least warn me.¡± Being taller than the rest, Andrea was no taller than Jaruka¡¯s thigh.

    ¡°Thank you for that bit of courage back home,¡± she said.

    ¡°Eh¡­no problem,¡± Jaruka said, but scared to touch her. He felt her hand tug something in his pants pocket, and the act was not in view of the couple.

    After she left to join her family along with Dallas inside her, Scott and Katie stayed behind. ¡°We could stay here for a while,¡± Katie said. ¡°Comb through the spellbook and find more poems.¡±

    ¡°Nah, I¡¯ll manage,¡± Jaruka said.

    ¡°Oh come on,¡± Scott started.

    ¡°I said I¡¯ll manage.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t know anything about human poetry.¡±

    Jaruka breathed and said, ¡°Rhymes, patterns and deep meanings¡ªpoems are not a human invention.¡±

    He promised to share what he found, if any, before the couple and totems left.

    He closed the hatch and reached into his pocket. Andrea gave back his photograph of his family, folded four times. Instantly, flashes of his life flowed through his eyes. The memories were so deep they¡­

    He crumpled the picture into a ball. It will join the fire pit soon.

    ¡°Frightened, yet respectful. Good kid,¡± he said and went to work.

    <hr>

    Late that night, when all the campers were asleep, Jaruka was wide awake in shock, like a moment a shard of enlightenment. He uncorked his first bottle of Endeavour homebrew for the night. He had plenty in storage, but it was untold when he will get a new shipment to feed his need.

    Filling his tall glass and taking a long, burning drink, he stared back at the desk with his head feeling like crap.

    Jaruka never done this sort of research since his Academy years on magic studies, but not this obsessive or concerning.

    The ¡°rescue¡± spell Andrea performed was found, the Keystone Waker. Afterwards, there were five more. Jaruka stood back and leaned on a stack of crates to view the torn out spellbook pages, pins, and strings on the wall connecting to colored symbols. He filled his glass again and downed the brew in one gulp. He still could not translate them, but the symbols were written down, scanned, and recorded. He just needed help from Katie for translation, but he was more afraid that if she knew, she might use them, and had no idea what those spells do.

    ¡°What is going on here?¡± he mumbled.

    Several rings came from the briefcase. It was someone calling in. ¡°Finally,¡± Jaruka said. ¡°Took him long enough.¡±

    The Slipspace device has been on and transmitting a call signal for the past hour and almost running out the Slipspace crystal¡¯s fuel. Jaruka did not want to call him, but this evidence had to be passed. Jaruka answered the call.

    The screen flickered and a humanoid alien head appeared. It was a Creosian, a three-eyed half humaniod, half tripodic being with an insidious amount of quills on his head that made up the person¡¯s ¡°hair.¡± The alien licked his mouth and yawned. At public events, the quills were combed back professionally, but some were crossing each other. Jaruka smirked; he caught him in the morning without his Galactic Council robes, wearing a thin light blue robe.

    ¡°Waking me up before dawn,¡± Councilman Denverbay said. ¡°I swear it was a Council matter.¡±

    ¡°Then my header hack works,¡± Jaruka said. ¡°I got something you must hear before I tell Xi¡¯Tra.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t this wait until I¡¯m awake and fed? This better not be about your new ship or I¡¯m hanging up.¡±

    ¡°The ship can wait,¡± Jaruka badgered. ¡°You and Brill always say ¡®when it¡¯s done, it¡¯s done.¡¯ I get the point. I¡¯m talking about the terrans here. Something came up, something bad.¡±

    Denverbay was in his personal office at his family home in Salajon Valley on Creos. The morning light was nearly peeking past the mountains behind the councilman.

    ¡°I suppose you increased your intelligence gathering,¡± Denverbay mentioned.

    ¡°Crog no, don¡¯t be stupid.¡± Anybody calling Denverbay stupid would be killed instantly, but Jaruka was safe.

    ¡°You¡¯re recent reports failed the Archive¡¯s interests. The way station has grown tired of your attitude.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s an ass.¡±

    Denverbay¡¯s three eye¡¯s squinted. ¡°You have been drinking.¡±

    ¡°I just started,¡± Jaruka said lifting his glass. ¡°I had to focus. This is recovery.¡±

    ¡°Spare me, Halcunac. Tell me what you fond before I cut this expensive call.¡±

    Jaruka sat back down at the desk¡¯s chair. ¡°You remember Scott Dunne and Katie Walsh?¡± he said.

    ¡°I do.¡±

    Jaruka then told Denverbay the events leading up to his findings, finishing with a long drink, emptying his glass.

    ¡°Impressive, huh?¡± Jaruka asked as he filled his glass again.

    ¡°That is impressive. Any chance what this spell is?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s two spells in one,¡± Jaruka started. ¡°One is a Castelazan monk endowment spell, when a magical creature gives temporary magical energy to both magical and non-magical. Nova has a pack of them in its ranks.¡±

    ¡°Those monks are heavy enchanted item users,¡± Denverbay said.

    ¡°Exactly, but this was scribed to be a trigger spell, not a ritual. So no matter the situation, a terran uses the Wave crystal as a catalyst. And there are a shit ton of crystals on this planet.¡±

    Denverbay was quiet for a second. ¡°Meaning?¡±

    Jaruka sighed. ¡°It triggers the terran transformation without consent. If my assumption is right, this can be used for mass transformations, lowering the expected conversion time.¡±

    Denverbay slowly blinked. ¡°You do know that my species is not magical, and this is a long time I heard any clear and non-insulting magical explanation come out of you.¡±

    ¡°Told you I got something. There is a way to not only break them of the enthrallment, but this can.¡±

    Denverbay¡¯s head tipped back as agreeing.

    ¡°What do you think?¡± Jaruka asked. ¡°Still think my GMT theory is bogus? Still think the Malcar¡¯Ji on Terra Firma are a coincidence?¡±

    Denverbay folded his hands and his chin rested on them, six fingers in total, each with a claw to cut Jaruka¡¯s skindreads off. ¡°The theory is still being reviewed. There must be more evidence to help the case.¡±

    Jaruka became furious that he threw the empty brew across the ship, shattering against the wall. ¡°Cut the sidestep worm shit you croging excuse of a politician. This is GMT written all over the human¡¯s croging DNA and you know it!¡±

    ¡°Mr. Teal. You are talking to someone with high power. This sort of thing has to be explained slowly, patiently. GMTs are complicated, the Republic know this.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not assuming, this is fact.¡± Jaruka grabbed the camera on top of the briefcase, tethered to the lid, and aimed it at the desk. ¡°See this?¡±

    ¡°I do,¡± Denverbay said with no tone.

    ¡°Five hidden, high-level spells across multiple pages. Every single terran I talked to said the spellbook wasn¡¯t in their brains before. The crystals, the magic¡¯s structure, and terran biology are borrowing known spells, rituals across know magical species. I¡¯m lucky no Halcunac incantations surfaced, but I¡¯ll be damned if they are.¡± He set the camera back, almost breaking it on the lid. ¡°Somebody is behind all this. Benali is the only lead we have. And to make those quills of yours shudder in some way, if this culture accelerates their transformation, I¡¯ll be retrofitting this dropship, fly into space, and set myself on ice straight back to Creos. Or I¡¯m say enough, use this briefcase to make my own Slipspace rift.¡±

    Jaruka pulled back, then dozed off. He spoke so much he did not take a breath. He shook his head.

    For years, the Galactic Council is a win/loose streak for speakers. You might not know what answer you get unless your argument is valid and solid. Others succeeded, and others failed, even if it was true. All part of heavy checks and balances between the members. But convincing one outside the Council, like Denverbay, was difficult. Denverbay¡¯s nickname is the Hammer, after slamming and breaking gavels after high-profile cases and passing on harsh sentences. The Creosion did not flinch, move, not even a nostril flair.

    ¡°What do you want me to do about it?¡± Denverbay asked.

    ¡°The same thing, but make it faster,¡± Jaruka said after drinking. ¡°How¡¯s ¡®bout that team you¡¯re forming?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m still working on it.¡± No sign of lie in that voice.

    ¡°Not fast enough, but I want someone on the team I know and trust.¡±

    ¡°Who?¡± Denverbay asked.

    ¡°This guy will do it in a wing flap.¡± Jaruka smirked. ¡°Domoja Balcusten, a Faldeg sorcerer. He was my Academy professor on magical theory.¡±

    ¡°Scholars is not what I¡¯m looking for, and it¡¯s a tall order.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s also a high honcho expert on GMTs. Look him up and bring him in, also tell him I said hi.¡±

    ¡°And you¡¯re sure he¡¯s an expert?¡±

    ¡°Me and Domoja fought in the Goomash Raid,¡± Jaruka said with a level voice. ¡°He contributed to the court case you were part of,¡± I added.

    ¡°Oh, that political mess.¡± Denverbay lowered his hands and typed away, hopefully the notes Jaruka explained. It seemed he forgot already.

    ¡°And make sure there is a crystal expert. I need to know if there is anything else lurking in these Wave crystals.¡±

    ¡°I already have a couple hundred candidates for it, Jaruka.¡±

    ¡°Oh, good.¡± Jaruka smirked. ¡°At least you¡¯re doing something at least.¡±

    ¡°Something?¡± Denverbay asked.

    ¡°One more thing,¡± Jaruka said with a smile. ¡°Make sure my new ship¡¯s paint job is what I asked for.¡±

    The connection was cut before Denverbay answered. Jaruka did not take that personally, but loved the ploy of annoying the one person that put him in this situation. He kept asking about his ship, but he only got bits a pieces on it¡¯s progress. Brill was useless, but Brill would be the one to make it a surprise.

    Jaruka made another call to Xi¡¯Tra. The screen flickered to a female Zimmi GNN investigative reporter. She apparently was wide-awake, noon-ish compared to the light coming from the window, and still wore her bedclothes.

    ¡°I had a hunch you would be calling sometime,¡± Xi¡¯Tra said. ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for new reports from you for a while. You need to step it up.¡± She sipped her hot tea from a ceramic mug.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah, I get it. It¡¯s hard enough people recognize my DNA mask now. But I got something here, and it¡¯s something you have got to hear.¡±