Discovery at Nerwolix

by C. G. Coppola

  “What?” Pratt interrupts my thought. “What’s that look on your face?”

  “What look?” I try to wipe all emotion.

  But it must not work because Pratt leans forward. “What is it? Fallon?”

  I bite my lip. Do I tell them? It’s not something I was hoping to talk about—ever. But being with Pratt and Mae… maybe it’s the best time to get it off my chest. I let out a deep breath and find the words I’ve been too afraid to admit out loud.

  “I told Reid I loved him.”

  “That’s wonderful!” Mae exclaims.

  “And he didn’t say it back.”

  “Oh,” her face falls. It’s quiet for a second and then she looks up. “You know he does, right? I mean, it’s so obvious.”

  I offer a vague shrug.

  “And actually,” Mae frowns, confused now, “I’m really surprised he hasn’t said it. When he looks at you…”

  “What?”

  “Nothing. It’s just…” she blushes, “…when he looks at you, it’s like you can hear his heartbeat.”

  “Fallon,” Pratt exhales, as though she’s annoyed she has to say it. “Reid has been in love with you since he first saw you.”

  “What?” I turn to her.

  “You don’t even know…” she shakes her head. “When Sampson knocked you out that first day, when you ran into Ellae, and Reid had to carry you back… actually, he didn’t even have to. Sampson was going to do it, but then Reid just picked you up. He kept…” she squints, trying to picture it, “he kept looking down at you… like…like he couldn’t believe you were in his arms. He just kept watching you breathe. It was kind of creepy, actually,” she laughs. “But I’ve never seen him look at anyone that way. Not even Ansley.” Pratt sighs. “That’s why I threw you that Gupple and tried bringing you to him for food. I figured he wanted an in.”

  “But…” I glance quickly at Mae, confused. “But he didn’t want anything to do with me.”

  “Of course he did. He was already super into you.”

  “Why? We didn’t even know each other.”

  Pratt shrugs. “Guess you should ask him that.”

  Chapter Sixteen: Emotions

  “We’re not late, are we?” I hold back the curtain to Tucker’s home.

  Pratt, Mae and I peer into the packed room. All the Rogues and Dofinikes are here, spread throughout the space, quietly chatting with one another and nibbling on strange fruit. Walker leans into the corner on my left, eating the same yellow-green melon I had for breakfast while Reid is paired off with Sampson and Clarence in the back right, the conversation stopping at our arrival.

  “No,” Sampson gestures us in. “We’ve just started. Come in, grab something to eat and we’ll begin.”

  Pratt and Mae enter first and I’m right behind them. Walker chews with a grin as I pass him, bringing the melon to his mouth for another bite. Reminded of his comments earlier, I do my best to ignore him and focus on the bowl of fruit in the middle of Tucker’s bed. It’s still hard to believe he has feelings—actual feelings—for me. But it’s Walker. Walker. I can’t really blame him for what happened on Harrizel, but even if things were different, even if I hadn’t fallen for someone else, it probably wouldn’t work. Walker doesn’t do what Reid does. He doesn’t stop my heart with just a look; he doesn’t make me breathless with just a thought. He doesn’t erase the rest of the world when I’m near him.

  Pratt and Mae both swipe a melon. I start to reach for my own when Able hands me a small dark fruit. “Gotcha one, bestie. Hey,” he leans in, lowering his voice, “got to talk to you.”

  “What’s up?”

  He glances behind him, to a distracted Blovid speaking with the other Dofinikes, and then to the girls sitting on the red cushions. Able turns back to me and tugging my arm, he gently pulls me close to the wall. “Uh,” he glances behind him once more. “Boss mentioned you were having some girl talk earlier?”

  “Yeah,” I cross my arms.

  “What uh…” his embarrassed grin turns into a laugh, “what’d you talk about?”

  “A few things…” When he doesn’t respond, I go on. “Is there something you’re wondering about?”

  He shrugs with a nervous smile.

  “Alright,” Sampson’s voice outweighs the others. “Everyone have something to eat? Yes? Please,” he gestures to Tucker’s bed and the plush red seats around the wooden abode.

  Everyone sits except for Reid, Blovid and Clarence who are situated on either side of Sampson. I’m perched between Able and Pratt, watching as Walker saunters past me to sit next to Pratt.

  “And if you’re still hungry, we’re having roasted Horrop here in a while,” Clarence adds.

  “Yes,” Jace celebrates.

  “Thank God,” Werzo agrees. “This fruit diet was killing me.”

  “It’s been two days,” Able laughs. “Come on, guys.”

  “And that’s two days too long. I need real food,” Werzo places his hand over his stomach. “Something from an animal.”

  I take a bite from my fruit as Sampson paces the room. “Alright, I wanted to speak with you all about what happened earlier—what I think it was.”

  “They were spies, right?” Jace crunches down on melon.

  “I don’t believe so, no.”

  “There’s no way they could’ve been the first round,” he chews, “Reuzkimpart wouldn’t send eight in at a time.”

  “No, I don’t think that’s it either. Reuzkimpart isn’t the type to send in spies—he doesn’t care what he’s walking in to—he believes he always has the stronger, upper hand in every situation. But, he’s also not foolish enough to send in so little.”

  “So what is it?” Werzo asks. “What were they doing here?”

  “Searching.”

  “For us?” Tucker frowns.

  “No.”

  “But Reuzkimpart wants you,” I say, turning to Blovid. “Both of you.”

  “And he plans on finding us, whether it’s in this invasion or afterward. But those eight Vermix were sent here for an entirely different purpose. I believe,” he inhales, “they were the first to scout for Nerwolix’s Gift. We found them up near the Hylas Mountains—that’s a deep terrain and would take a bit longer to comb.”

  “Do you think it’s there?” I ask.

  Sampson shrugs. “I have no idea. It could be anywhere.”

  “So if Reuzkimpart thinks it’s hidden up by the mountains, shouldn’t we guard it?” Jace asks.

  “Guard what?” I turn to him. “How can we guard something when we don’t even know where it is?”

  “Hozfin’s got to know,” Jace looks at Sampson. “Did you tell him this theory? Is he planning on protecting it?”

  Reid steps forward, arms crossed. “Hozfin’s keeping tightlipped on its location. He keeps saying it’ll be protected.”

  “But we have no idea what that means,” Clarence shakes his head.

  “And we’re sure Thias shouldn’t be contacted?” I look between the three of them. “The mountains separate their territories. If Reuzkimpart is planning on striking it, wouldn’t they want to know?”

  Sampson turns to Jothkore. “What do you think? Is it time you return?”

  “Thias was not devastated to see me go. I believe he knew I was rejoining you. He may not be as welcoming as before.”

  “You won’t be there as a friend to the Fychu, but as an aide to him,” Clarence says. “Thias must know of the Vermixes’ plan to invade. They may wish to get involved if they fear the Gift will be stolen.”

  “Thias, like Hozfin, does not believe it can be done. Even if I was to convince him—and I am not certain that I could—he still may wish to stay impartial. He will see it as a fight between Dofinikes and Zingfinolds and, if anything, will be angry it is spilling onto his land.”

  “He’s holding it against me,” Sampson sighs. He begins pacing. “If I wasn’t involved, he may take it seriously.”

  “He would not take it seriously even i
f you had not wronged him,” Blovid says. “Thias, like Hozfin, is prisoner to his pride. It is of their nature, stemming from their being the first. They think themselves invincible.”

  “First?” Able bites into his melon.

  Sampson nods. “She created Nerwolix first, then Dellapalania and Mybyncia.”

  “So why did She give Dellapalania the Sight?” I ask. “Why didn’t that go to Nerwolix?”

  “She created and presented Her Gifts to the World that needed it. To Nerwolix—so proud from being created first—She needed to secure their humility. So She offered the Gift of Understanding, so they would know the balance of the Three Worlds and would find the Way, leading to Her. To Dellapalania—so watchful and curious of its sisters—She gave Sight. Obsessively focused on others, they are perpetually blind to themselves and their actions, so She offered the Gift of Sight, so they may seek their own reflections and find their way back to Her. To Mybyncia,” Sampson inhales, “so strong-willed and traditional—She gave Ability. Needing for nothing, She offered the Gift of Ability because there is always need for constant transformation, something inherent in all living things.”

  “So…” I look at Jothkore, “even if you go to Thias and warn him of what’s coming… he wouldn’t believe you? At all?”

  “He may, but like I said, he wouldn’t put much stock into it. He does not believe the Gift can be found, much less stolen.”

  “Still,” Sampson reasons, “it wouldn’t hurt to be with him, constantly feeding him this information much like Walker has been doing with Hozfin. We’re entirely giving Reuzkimpart the upper hand here, and he knows it. Reuzkimpart is feeding off Hozfin and Thias’s pride, knowing they’re doing very little to prepare, if they even know at all.”

  “And he’s right,” Reid nods. “Even with us here, Hozfin and Thias aren’t concerned. They’re almost taking it… nonchalantly.”

  “Even after today?” I look at Sampson. “With the Vermix?”

  “That…” he exchanges glances with Blovid, “is why we’re here.” Sampson folds his arms. “Hozfin is contemplating a counterattack—a strike on Dellapalania.”

  “What?” we all gasp.

  “Another one?” Jace asks.

  “But how?” Pratt whispers.

  “Is he serious?” Tucker narrows his eyes, glancing from Reid to Sampson. “He doesn’t have the forces… the defenses…”

  “Oh he is serious,” Sampson nods, “but at this moment, he’s still undecided. We tried explaining that Dellapalania is currently in a state of civil war and that has only piqued his interest. It may give him the very advantage he needs.”

  “But…” I wonder aloud, “but…do they do that? Do the Zingfinolds travel to the other Worlds? And to fight?”

  “No,” Blovid shakes his head. “Not typically. Thias and Hozfin would much rather remain here, on Nerwolix.”

  “But Hozfin is outraged,” Sampson goes on. “What you saw in his home—it was nothing. He held back because there were females present. Had you not been there, I assume he would have flayed them alive.”

  “I think I’m going to be sick,” Pratt mumbles.

  “So he’s really considering an attack on Dellapalania?” Able asks.

  “Can you imagine if Queen Ravan wanted to attack too?” Jace glances around. “The Arizals wouldn’t have much chance.”

  “So when is he contemplating this?” I ask. “After Reuzkimpart invades? Before? When?”

  “We do not know…” Blovid looks at Sampson, “he does not know. He is holding a meeting with his council later tonight… the Fychu and I will be there, on his request. We will have more information to share with you after.”

  “Jeez…” Able exhales. “This just keeps getting better and better.”

  “And we still have no clue when Reuzkimpart’s going to show up,” I mutter. “It could be any day now.”

  “Any day is right.” Sampson nods. “We need to be on alert every hour, every minute, every second going forward. Truthfully, I’m surprised he hasn’t brought the fight here yet. He’s had ample time since they pulled out of Mybyncia. He loses nothing by waiting and every day that passes, I’m more shocked it hasn’t happened. So always be on the watch,” he scans us. “Always be alert.”

  “Are we even safe here?” Mae asks. “In the city?”

  “As safe as can be. Reuzkimpart is going to spread his forces around the southern territory while sending in troops to the Hylas Mountains.” Sampson glances at Blovid and Clarence. “My guess anyway.”

  “We will remind him of this tonight,” Blovid nods.

  Sampson turns to Jothkore. “I would like you to go to Thias first thing tomorrow. See if you can make any headway. Let him know of the Vermix’s anticipated arrival and stress how they were found in the Hylas, not around the Zingfinolds.”

  Jothkore nods.

  “Very good,” the Fychu turns back to us. “Everyone good?”

  Werzo raises his hand. “Weren’t we supposed to get some roasted Horrop?”

  “Werzo,” Tucker snaps.

  “No, he’s right,” Clarence moves for the curtain, “and it’s coming right now,” he disappears outside.

  Jace elbows Werzo who shrugs. “What? I’m hungry.”

  “No, I’m glad you asked.”

  “Anyone have any other questions?” Sampson glances around. “We’re all clear that from this moment going forward, the Vermix could attack at any time. You all need to be constantly on guard.”

  We nod just as Werzo’s stomach lets out a gurgle. He slips his hand up to cover it. “Sorry.”

  Clarence arrives, passing around a large red bowl filled with hot, roasted Horrop meat. Everyone takes a handful the first round and on its second pass, most of the Rogues reach in for another helping. Already filled up, I stick with my original portion, licking the sweet juices from my fingers.

  “Alright,” Blovid says after we’ve eaten. “I think it is time for the Fychu and myself to head to Hozfin’s for the meeting.”

  “Remember,” Sampson warns as we all get up. “Be on alert. Every day they’ve not arrived means they’re one day closer to it.”

  We all nod, offering a goodnight as we head for the red curtain. Walker is making his way to my side but Able reaches it first. “Sorry Walker—got to be quick around here,” he tugs my arm closer to him, pulling me outside. “Walk you back?”

  “Sure.”

  Able yanks me toward the bridge, quickly glancing over his shoulder at everyone still leaving. Cheeks red, he turns around and hooks elbows with mine. We make it halfway over the wooden overpass when he opens his mouth and then closes it again. He tries once more and giving up, he exhales. He turns to me. “So how’re things going with Boss?”

  “Fine.”

  “Awesome,” he nods, his focus drifting.

  “Why?” my heart suddenly takes off, a deep knot settling in the pit of my belly. “What’ve you heard?”

  “Nothing,” his attention falls to the ground. “Same.”

  “Able?”

  “Yeah?”

  “What’s going on?

  “Just uh…” he scratches his head with his free hand. “Just wanted to say hey. Never get to talk to you, you know?”

  “You’re acting really weird,” I laugh, bumping my hip against his. “Now come on, out with it. What’d you want to talk about?”

  “Nothing, nothing…” he runs his free hand through his hair. “Just, you know… how’d girl talk go?”

  “Girl talk?”

  “Yeah,” he blushes, leading us over the end of the bridge. “Didn’t you say you did that earlier? I forget you’re constantly around the Rogues all the time… must be difficult to be—”

  “Are you really asking me about girl talk?” I laugh.

  “W-well…”

  We reach my trunk, the Eckle I’ve known as home for the last few days. I lean against the wooden wall and cross my arms, waiting for him to finish.

  “I forget how, you kn
ow…how hard it—”

  “Able,” I narrow my eyes. “What’s going on? Why are you so interested?”

  “Interested?” he backs up. “I’m not interested. Just making conversation.”

  “Of course.”

  “Just… if you wanted to share anything…”

  A small grin tugs at my mouth. What is Able trying to find out? “I’m really curious as to why you want to know.”

  “Yeah,” Reid is here, hands on his hips and a huge grin across his face. “Me too.”

  My heart skips. “What are you doing here?”

  He flexes his brows. “It’s later.”

  “What?” Able glances between us. “What’s happening later?”

  A hot tide sweeps my body. I bite my lip, trying to distract myself from the spear of heat spiking my chest. I can’t look at Reid this second and after a moment, Able seems to get the point.

  “Okay, well…” he backs up, already spinning for the bridge. “I guess we’ll pick this up tomorrow. We’ll talk tomorrow—right bestie?”

  I nod and a smile crosses his face. His focus shifts to Reid. “Night, Boss.”

  “Commander,” Reid watches as Able disappears down the bridge. He turns to me with a smile. “Hi.”

  “Hi.”

  “I wasn’t interrupting, was I?”

  “Not at all.”

  “Good,” he rests one hand on the wall next to my head. “I don’t want to be rude,” he leans closer, his focus dropping to my mouth. His smile widens and his eyes flicker back to mine. “You snuck off so quickly, I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to see you tonight.”

  I bite my lip—harder this time. “Well you’re here.”

  “I’d meant to walk back with you, but Sampson wanted a last minute word.”

  “Everything okay?”

  Reid nods. “Just invasion stuff.”

  “Anything I should know?”

  He shrugs. “Beach location info. That’s all. We’ll go over it tomorrow. But right now…” he leans in and presses a gentle kiss to the side of my neck. I close my eyes, completely immersed in it as everything grows dizzy. Reid slides his hand to my hip. “This is more important,” he whispers.

  I grip his shoulders. “We need to be focused,” my mouth falls open. “Alert.”