by Kara L. M.
Katie turned sixteen while I was in the hospital but waited until I was able to move to have a party. I was back on the blasted crutches I had used last summer while I hobbled around her basement. It sucked not being able to dance but it sucked even more to be boyfriend less. It had been a month since the disappearance so people had finally stopped asking me about it. Zeke texted a few times but I couldn’t text him back. I was heartbroken over Austin’s disappearance and I wasn’t going to betray him by confiding in Zeke. Katie was genuinely happy that I was not going to China anymore. I was grateful for her friendship as she visited me and kept me sane. I had no want to be around a bunch of people for her party but I owed her that at least. It wasn’t easy avoiding a conversation with Zeke at the party, but it was a good opportunity to thank him for his concern and show my disinterest. That night I decided I wasn’t going to cry myself to sleep anymore; my previous dreams had shown me as a warrior. When Austin returned I would be ready.
The next few months I studied my dream notebook back and forth. My friends kept telling me to give up on waiting for Austin but I knew I never would. They didn’t understand that he wasn’t taken by some criminal. He was taken by his own kind, and he was powerful. As much as I missed him and wanted to cry every day we were apart I didn’t. I felt a strong sense of duty as I pondered the captured aliens from my dreams. I knew it was my destiny to save them. I replayed the dream of me being strong and wielding a bow over and over again. I knew it was silly to think that being on the planet would magically make me strong. It was a sign. I was meant to become strong.
Austin’s Dad was sick of being the guy who lost his son tragically, so he made up a lie that Austin had returned home and asked to go to school in Italy. He was excellent at lying and even hired a young man that was similar to Austin to play the part until the cops were convinced. Everyone seemed to be relieved by his safe return but my friends found it odd that he left me for Europe. I was able to convince them that after his kidnapping he needed to get away and unwind. By summer my leg was healed and I started taking kickboxing classes. I was also involved in trail running and lifting weights at the gym. My Mom was concerned I was overdoing it physically once I upped my classes to 5 times a week. I had shed any baby fat that’s was left and some of my boobs. That was unfortunate. But I couldn't deny the powerful feeling of being fit and possibly ready to kick some butt. I decided to drop one class a week to take something less physical, archery. My mom thought I had lost all the feminine qualities I once had but with Austin gone and seeing me trying to move on she left it alone. I was a natural at archery which surprised me. I had never touched a weapon before in my life but my dream of wielding the bow made me curious.
I turned seventeen and it was uneventful. I caught myself longing for my last birthday when I was carefree with my friends and in the arms of my love by the end of the night. Today consisted of shopping with Mom, a steak dinner and cake with my brother. I was too busy with my physical agenda that I didn’t have time to take drivers Ed this summer. It’s funny how your priorities can change when you care about saving an alien race. My social life had taken a dip. I was trying to be normal but it was obvious to my friends that I had changed. They attributed it to Austin, which was part of the truth but they didn’t realize the big picture. I couldn’t stay on Earth knowing the trapped aliens needed me. I was meant to save them and I wasn’t going to stand by helpless. But all I could do was focus on building a stronger better me.
One week before school started I received a text from Zeke. I had seen him all summer at typical hang outs but we didn’t speak much. I appreciated that he didn’t jump right in and try to take Austin’s place. Maybe he knew it wouldn’t work anyways. “Liv, you taking Physics?” He wrote. I was taking physics, Honors to be exact. I was surprised how well I did in school this spring, even without my amazing tutor. “Honors physics this fall, third period why?” I texted back. “Just wondering, I am not so great at it and I really need to pass to stay on the soccer team :/.” He wrote. I smiled, who knew that a year from summer school I would be considered tutor material. “Sure, if you ever need help let me know :)”
I decided to take a hike up to Albion Basin to Cecret Lake before school started. It was painful heading up the mountain as I re-lived my last moments with him. I searched around the dirt and rocks hoping to find my ring but with no luck. I sat on a rock by the lake. My heart ached, I missed him and life was dull without him. I had been preparing all summer for him to come but who knows if it would ever happen. I closed my eyes and thought about his perfect smile and sexy disheveled blond hair. My heart started to explode as I swear I could smell him. Then I must have fallen asleep because I had a dream or vision. “Liv,” It was Austin’s voice, clear as day. “Liv, I’m coming!” Butterflies swarmed to the surface masking my pain. “Austin? You are? When!?” Is all I could get out. Suddenly my body felt charged as if hearing his voice was having a physical effect. “The next quarter moon. Meet at this exact spot.” He said in his velvet voice. “Ok but where have you been? What happened? I love you!” But there were no more words. The smell of him was gone along with my butterflies. I departed from the mountain that day feeling charged. After nine months of him being gone I wasn’t sure I could ever feel this way again. It made my body burn in delight. I ran faster that night, shot my arrows further the next day. I was alive.
The next few weeks after school started I worked on my alibi. The quarter moon was one week away. I ended up finding an African charity where high school kids go dig wells. It was the best I could do on short notice, but Mom bought it. I felt guilty lying about it since it is such a good cause and because of my Mom’s proud tears. Maybe one day she would be happy to know I helped save aliens lives. Yes, maybe.
School was challenging. I couldn’t concentrate with all the uncertainty in my mind. I felt ready to leave, more than ready. But a few things occurred to me. What if Austin didn’t like the new me? I was strong all lean muscle and any soft curves I once sported were gone. My physical and mental skills had improved and so had my attitude about myself and life. I loved Austin and would always love him, but I knew I had another mission besides securing our love and it was to save the aliens in my dreams. I tutored Zeke a second time before my “Africa” trip. It was fun hanging out with just him again. I forgot how easy we got along and how sweet he was. When all the guys in my grade were giving me strange glances at my new strong appearance he was complimenting me. No matter what I threw at Zeke he seemed to always be there.
The night of the quarter moon I was anxious and wired. I filled my bag with the same dull colors I packed the first time. My clothes were more athletic since that is all I wear now. I kissed my family and re-wrote letters to them in case I didn’t make it back. I had Zeke drive me up the mountain at 3 a.m., telling him a friend was meeting me there to carpool. He was wondering why in the mountains but not enough to say no.
“I’m going to miss you, I mean my tutoring buddy.” He smiled. “Awww, thanks Zeke.” I couldn’t say I would be back soon because who knew. “Thanks for being a great friend.” I said with a sad edge to my voice. “Don’t act like this is goodbye forever!” He nudged my shoulder. “Gosh girl you are so tough, it really is unbelievable.” He complimented. I smiled “Thanks, I’m actually pretty proud of my progression.” I flexed my arm at him and laughed. “But really, you will be recruited for every sports team in college.” He declared. “Well this is me. I should go.” I reached over and gave him a hug. “Be safe Liv.” He said. “Thanks Zeke, take care of yourself.” I kissed him on the cheek as a one last goodbye gesture.
Once Zeke’s tail lights were out of view I left The Inn parking lot and hiked up to Albion Basin. I found the same flat rock by the lake and sat down. I clutched my grandfather’s book. Not sure if it would work but after Austin had held up his book and declared his name I figured it wouldn’t hurt. The dim lights appeared. With the light of the moon it was hard to tell they weren’t stars until the roar of t
he ship grew louder as it appeared. I felt nervous and excited to hopefully see the love of my life again. I sat there gripping my book and searching around for possible escapes if something went awry. No way am I ending up with something broken again if they don’t want me. The door opened and the metal clad alien men stepped out and I held up my book.
“I am Peter’s great, great granddaughter. I am with Austin!” I pleaded. One alien reached to his head and pulled off his metal mask. “Liv, it’s you.” Austin’s face lit in the moonlight and before I could think I sprinted towards him. I didn’t reach my destination thought, one of the alien crew threw a hand out and I crumpled to the ground. The wind was knocked out of me but my strength popped me back up and I swept the legs of the alien out from under him. The sound of his metal suit clanked as he tumbled to the ground. “Liv? You ok?” Austin asked. It didn’t seem to be a question as his concern was on the alien man on the ground. “Stand down men.” He commanded as they went to capture me. “Austin what is going on?” I asked breathless. “They are my protectors; some of them are not used to anyone running towards me that is not a threat.” I nodded in understanding.
He closed the few feet between us and lifted me up and kissed me. I could have sworn that fireworks were going off because the electric buzz in my head was so loud. Every nerve ending in my body was on fire. I felt as if I could sprint up a mountain or swim a thousand miles with the energy I had gained. He pulled back and I gazed into his eyes. “Austin, I love you”. I said with tears pouring. “Liv I have never stopped loving you.” He said with tenderness lacing each word. We embraced again. “We have to go; I will tell you everything on the way to Octavia.” I nodded. We entered the ship and I swear it was straight out of a Star Trek movie. The millions of switches and the foreign language scribbled around were unearthly. The floor and wall panels were blue steel that almost seemed to glow from all the lights. Austin led me to the cockpit where two alien women were preparing for our departure. They both had dark black hair that swooped in intricate braids and loops on their head. They had black makeup around there eyes similar to Austin’s Mom in her pictures. One turned to me.
“Welcome Liv, I am Shasa we have heard so much about you.” She said with admiration in her voice. The other woman next to her didn’t acknowledge me. “Don’t worry about her” Austin said. “Emya doesn’t like the idea of humans.” “Great” I smiled. “I am the muggle on the ship.” He laughed at my joke. “Oh how I miss Earth movies like Harry Potter.” He smiled. He led me to a room which must have been his sleeping chamber. He slid off his metal suit and revealed his tight black pants and shirt. His body was even sexier if that was possible. He was physically tougher and more toned than I remembered. He caught me ogling but seem to be checking me out as well. “Liv you are so strong.” He complimented as he caressed my arms down to my finger tips. “You’re so sexy.” I said as I put my hands on his chest.
We kissed again as he threw me on the bed. I locked my fingers in his blonde hair as we lip locked. My body was on fire and when I felt his kisses slowing down I used my new strength to flip him off me and I crawled on top of him. “Wow!” He said at my strength. “I could get use to this.” He grinned. I sat with him pinned between my legs and I pulled my shirt off. He traced my abs with his finger and marveled at me. A sting in my heart wondered what he was thinking. I wasn’t the soft curvy girl he remembered. But he mouthed “Gorgeous.” He then pulled me down on top of him. Austin’s hands caressed all around my chest outlining my sports bra, it was driving me crazy. In the heat of the moment I was ready to be with him. It had been months since I felt his touch and my heart was begging for his full embrace. Everything with him was perfect as if we had never been apart. Then a knock came at the door. I hopped off Austin and clutched my shirt to my chest as the door opened. “Sir we are approaching.” A tall Octavian man said throwing a quick glance at me. Austin nodded and the man left. Normally I would have been blushing by being caught with my shirt off but old shy Liv was gone. I knew what I wanted and I wasn’t afraid anymore.
“Sorry, everything is formal now that I am the leader.” He explained. I sat on the bed with him. “Yes you need to tell me everything.” Before we landed Austin explained that the night he was taken the guards were under strict orders to collect him and only him. He tried to get them to take me but they had battle plans and no time to spare. Once he returned to Octavia he went to the hideout where families and aliens loyal to the royal family were hidden. He trained with the best and ended up leading a war against the rebels. He was successful and they eventually gained the castle back.
Chapter 17: A new home
Our ship approached the bright blue planet and my mouth dropped as we flew closer to the ground. The waterfalls and rivers flowing through the land were a glowing electric blue. We landed outside the castle. As the ship powered down I grabbed his hand.
“What about the people in my dreams?” I asked, hoping they were safe. He shook his head. “That’s the thing, you need to help us. You’re the one connected to them.” He said. I was worried to find out that he had lost his connection. I also had not dreamt about them since we have been separated. The ships door opened and the sun shone inside. I was taken aback by a crowd of people gathered. They each had a glow to them. Every color of the rainbow was represented although green and blue were the majority. I stepped out of the ship and a rush of color particles gathered around me and Austin, bright red. “Beautiful! The colors are bright and vivid. Doesn’t red mean?” But then he interrupted me. “Passion and love, yes.” He confirmed and smiled that devilish grin I had missed. I was now embarrassed that the crowd could see our hot make out session from the color of our aura. Austin laughed as if he knew what I was thinking. We arrived at the castle and it was identical to the picture from Austin’s parents wedding. It was spooky and eerie from the outside but surprisingly warm and clean on the inside. The white marble floors were as reflective as a mirror. The walls were a cream stone that didn't match the outside but made the space feel cozy. An unusual smell tickled my nose as we passed by the dining hall. I saw a feast laid out on a giant circular table. My stomach growled at the sight. “Let’s get changed and will eat something.” Austin suggested.
There were several colored flags draping down the hallway walls. I could see writing but couldn’t de-code it. “What are these flags for?” I stopped and pointed. “They represent the colors of our auras. Red is the true sign when the mind is only thinking of love and passion.” We walked to the royal blue colored flag and he stopped. “The blue represents a cool and calculated mind. Most aliens are this color since we are all intelligent and generally have easy going personalities.” I nodded and walked to the green flag. “What about green, I noticed many of the aliens were sparkling green?” He laughed. “Green represents a serious and verbally aggressive mind. Most the aliens with this aura tend to be leaders or trouble makers. It’s usually a bit of both.” I laughed out loud. I wondered what color I would be when I wasn’t fresh from a make out session.
“The last four colors on the wall are rarer. Purple represents a sad and tragic mind. Anyone that has suffered immense loss will emit a purple light. Unfortunately, more people were glowing purple when I showed up here months ago.” He said with a sad voice. My heart stung at the thought of how much worse Octavia was before he came here and helped them. I held his hand as we walked to the orange flag. “Orange represents unity. This is by far my favorite color. There is nothing more inspiring than seeing the troops glow orange before battle.” The triumph in his eyes made me want to know more about it but I knew he would tell me everything soon. “What about yellow, does it mean happy?” I guessed jokingly. “Close, yellow and gold are the rarest of all the colors. Yellow represents a brave and honest mind. Yellow aura’s typically surround aliens that are naturally happy people that thrive in being honest, empathizers and most of all brave. It’s hard to be truly brave and happy at the same time.” I smiled, I liked that one. “And Gold?”
I touched the shimmery fabric with my finger tips. “Gold represents a strong heart and ultra intelligent mind. To be gold means you have all the colors inside you but you’re able to let the most important ones shine in the right moments. Typically in the past only the King has possessed gold. Having an understanding of all colors means you can relate to the kingdom and make the best choices for everyone.” I nodded. I enjoyed the sound of that one too.
He led me up the spiral steps to a large bedroom. It had a white fuzzy rug that covered most the reflective flooring. There was a circular bed with a silvery bedspread and closets that were built into the stone walls. He led me over to the closet where he pulled out an emerald green dress. It had long sleeves similar to the dress his mother wore. “Beautiful, but don’t you have jeans?” I joked even though I was kind of serious. “You're going to be a queen so you might as well get used to the formalities.” He smiled. “I have to get ready but I will meet you in the dining hall.” Austin pulled me into his arms and gave me a parting kiss and walked out of the room. I wonder why I was meant to bring dull clothes when they obviously wanted me dressed like a beacon of green light. I couldn’t hate the dress though, it was beautiful. I slid it on over my strong frame and eyed myself in the reflective ground.
I walked into the dining hall and was surprised to see the large table was mostly full. There were a few seats on one side and I went sit down when the room hushed to complete silence. Old Liv would have died but new Liv kept her head up high and sat tall in the seat. The alien woman sitting at the table eyed me with their black made up eyes. They were wearing gowns as well but less elegant than mine. The alien men had black eyeliner on as well as the same black graduation gowns that I had seen in Austin’s parent’s wedding picture. I suddenly felt self conscious that my hair wasn’t swooping in large circles on my head. But to make the awkwardness worse Emya stood up. “That’s not where you are supposed to sit.” Snobbery was lacing each word. Without missing a beat I fired back “It is now.” I said with a fake smile. Her face turned cherry red when Austin broke the tension. “Liv can sit anywhere she likes.” He said as he walked in and sat in the seat beside me. He was in a graduation gown as well. Normally a dress isn’t something that would flatter a man but he was gorgeous and could literally make a bed sheet look good. My body warmed at the thought of bed sheets.