by Melanie Ray
"I know." He looked over at Xiam. "I saw your father. He was babbling about the future before the end. It was quick though, not what we thought before. It doesn't hurt as much as you think." Yed grew silent, before speaking again. "Bye, Xiam."
"I will not be a party to this," Bibble repeated. "There is no guarantee it will work again you lunatics! X, he could be dead in every time, dead for good. For all we know, only his memories could be changing."
Yed looked eye to eye at Xiam. “The Chronicle burned, Xiam. When has that ever happened in our history?
"Are you positive?" Xiam tried changing his mind one more time. "There's a chance this could be it."
"Then I better not screw it up," Yed said. "We had good times, Xiam, but this isn't the end. Trust me."
"Yeah. Remember that when he's screaming," Bibble said as she turned and left the room.
"Xiam." Yed nodded to him. "Do it."
"Roast you in hula hoops." Xiam looked at the switch and back at him. "I'm technically killing you. Bibble won't be around; I already heard the door close." Xiam stepped away from the switch. "Bibble did it about five seconds, so I'm going to try and hold for ten. Whether it works or not, I'm not doing this again though."
"I know." Yed nodded toward the switch. "I can do it, Xiam."
"You're skilled at fighting, I know. You once said that's all a Protector was suitable for. You knew how to fight well, but you were no superhero. This is stupid, I shouldn't be here."
"Xiamipoc Vallencio." Yed held his head high. He remembered Ezra's advice from the past. He couldn't let himself be shaken. Xiam was about to break, and it would be twice as hard to get him there again. Xiam didn't fully believe him. His beliefs were wishy washy at best. It was time to do something he had not done in some time. Take real charge. "I am Protector Yeducavich Smilliat and you have no right to treat me with malicious distrust of my abilities. You dishonor your family name, and by all rights I could have you imprisoned within one galactic mile of Pagnia."
Xiam looked towards the ground, his eyes unreadable. "You haven't talked to me like that for decades. That's harsh, but...the Protectors always knew best." He stepped forward to the switch again. "When I went into fits, I never imagined I'd really be here pulling the lever."
"I know that Xiamipoc, but this is no time for being meek." Yed nodded once at him. "Be proud, and be strong. Trust me, I'll save Ezra and my kids. I need too." He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Do it, Xiam."
"But Yed-"
"In honor of each and every Protector, I command you to do it Xiamipoc Vallenc-"
Xiam closed his eyes and held tightly to the switch for his life as he heard the screaming agony of his brother. He tried to blank out the image of Yed when he first found him strung up with Bibble trying to release him. Looking at him, he hadn't been sure how he could have survived at first. The burns, and melting skin. He couldn't even tell it was Yed, he'd thought it was his father. His hands trembling, he wanted to reverse the switch, the electricity simmering through his brother's blood veins. How could he do this, make this happen? Did Yed use some kind of mind trickery? Could Protectors do that? Or did he actually do that to his brother of his own will?
Chapter 60
WHAT THE MIND PERCEIVES
Warm, but still. Yed could not see. His mind moved through time as he heard echoes of the past around him again. Would he be in the same place?
When the voices stopped, he felt himself lying down. A warm presence beside him and a small whine. A baby cry. The children were born, meaning King Sheward was already dead, and Muin was already gone. He'd hoped if he thought hard enough, pleaded hard enough in his head, but time chose to bring him back to when he first left again. He knew it, somehow time had locked on. He opened his eyes and saw Ezra sleeping beside him. He turned to his right and saw the newborns in the crib, sleeping. Same night he left alright.
No King Sheward, and no chance to tell Muinela to wait. Yed looked at the wooden ceiling above him. I am now in the middle of The Great Destruction, the war that will wipe out the existence of the warnos. Who knows what I'll encounter now. His attitude changed as a pesky smell hit his nose. He looked over at Carress who started to cry, causing her brother to cry. Her crib and blanket were soaked.
"Looks like you're in trouble, Yed."
"Looks like he's in urine trouble to me."
Ezra stayed sleeping, but Xiam and Iri let Yed know where the decision stood. He got up and headed for the crib, where wetness was dribbling off the old mattress.
His first mission in the past was clear. Although not exactly the way he pictured it.
The final result was better than anyone thought as they entered the town. Covered in covetall on every tiny piece of hair on them, they sauntered in expecting the worst. The town had some broken windows, but most of the buildings were still standing. Ezra held Tiger as she peered into Vallencio's. "It’s still here."
"Like a dream!" Xiam hugged the front door of his restaurant. "Some graffiti but nothing that can't be wiped off." He looked from his left to his right. "Almost like there was only a small tussle here. We should have stayed."
"Appearances are deceiving." Yed pushed Carress higher on his shoulder. "The residents left will not be the kindest. See if there's anything inside Xiam, but don't dawdle."
"Compared to everything outside Fallensworth, I don't think it's as bad as you think here." Xiam pushed his broken door open. "Expensive furniture, I had just bought that." He headed toward the back and came out empty handed. "No surprise. Vallencio's probably saved a lot of lives though." He wore a proud smile. "Maybe it kept the place in line." He went under the bar and pulled a small lever. The bar angled out as a small cubbyhole was shown. "Not much but better than we had. Canned goods mostly, and I also kept cold bread in here."
"Load up the sack." Yed held out the sack to him, not looking at him straight on. He wouldn't bring his guard down, especially in Fallensworth. He glared at anyone who walked by the restaurant to see how many glared back or who was more frightened of his glare. Surprisingly, fifty fifty.
Some of them must have been warnos hiding behind covetall. They weren't all destroyed yet, but the war was far from over. "Xiam, hurry. We need to keep moving."
"Do we really have to?" Xiam questioned him. "It's relatively safe now, and Vallencio's is still standing. With a little work, I'm sure we'll be back in business after the whole battle is over."
"I just saw Ms. Geofren strolling down the road," Iri said. "Maybe Xiam is right, Yed. Maybe the greatest impact wasn't in this area, and we'll be-"
"I say we go," Yed said, his voice held stern and in command.
"I say we stay. We won't be any safer anywhere else, and this is home." Xiam patted his bar. "It's still standing, Yed. I'm out of food but its still-"
"It's a building only, and it's standing. It isn't a business anymore, Xiam. Fallensworth is no longer safe. We're leaving, and this is not up for negotiation." Yed glared at him, showing him that he meant business.
"No," Xiam countered. "This from the guy who was spouting weird psychic visions and past tenses a few days ago? You're nuts, Yed. It's safe."
"Xiam," Ezra looked around Vallencio's once. "It was enjoyable while it lasted, but Yeducavich is my Protector. If he says go, we should go."
"Go where? To another place that's safer? Ms. Geofren was strolling bye, remember?" Xiam looked over at Yed. "It can't be much safer than that. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw Mar-"
"No." Yed wouldn't budge. "We are going to my safe house, and that's the last word."
"This is my home," Xiam answered. "If others are surviving well, then I bet we can find a stash of covetall somewhere. I'll go ask around."
"Ask around? Xiam!" Yed watched as Xiam left and headed after Ms. Geofren. He held his fists tight, Xiam was not taking him seriously.
"I knew it! A huge batch of covetall and I know who owns it." Xiam said as he came closer to Iri. "We can stay, there's enough to last. A whole basement
full, and there's even enough food stock."
"No," Yed repeated. "Xiam, no, this is not an option."
"It's safe here," Xiam said as he held on closer to Iri. "This is my home, this is our home. We know people here, and there is enough covetall to handle anything that will happen. Yed, I'm telling you. We need to stay."
"He's right," Iri urged Ezra. "Ezraponia, open your eyes. This is better than anything we've seen yet. You need to raise Tigeravich and Carressela here."
"Yed." Xiam smiled. "This is it. Seriously, can't you see it?"
Yed didn't look around. "I can't explain it, Xiam." He puckered his lips and stuck his tongue in his cheek before saying it. "I just know."
Xiam took a few seconds before giggling. "Psychic nut again, aren't you? I'm not psychic, but my mind is more on top than yours. We're staying."
"I agree," Iri headed toward the back. "If we can locate some glue, we should be able to repair most of the damage back here honey."
Ezra looked back at Iri, glanced at Xiam, and then stopped on Yed. Her eyes were hopeful when they first hit his, but faded into skeptic. She lowered her eyes toward Tiger against her chest, then back at him again. She rested on him several seconds, then turned toward Xiam. "We're moving on."
"Ezraponia." Xiam marched toward his sister. "Don't you remember what he was like when he first rescued you? These last few days, marching back here he hasn't been..." He glanced at Yed, then back at her. "Normal. You know it, and I know it."
"Stop talking like I'm not here," Yed strutted over close to him. "I don't care what good vibes you feel in your hometown, Xiamipoc, this is not as safe as you think. Get your things and move."
"No."
"Yes."
"No, I refuse!" Xiam shouted. "This is the safest place we've come across, and it is home. Give me one legitimate reason we should leave on a longer journey to some safe house that might not be as safe as this? And don't say psychic, Protectors aren't psychic, Yeducavich." He held up his finger. "One reason, that's all I want."
Yed stood motionless. One reason. He knew warnos no longer existed in the future that were their age. All were younger than two centuries meaning they were all wiped out in some shape or form. However, Xiam wouldn't believe any of that. Heck, he wouldn't have before he actually traveled through time. Alright think. This location has friends they trust. The secret is shared, anyone who spilled would be putting themselves at risk. Balance. The restaurant is here, once food is found Xiam will be back in business. The house is most likely fine, the cribs ready for Tigeravich and Carressela. The longer journey would tire them faster. There was no reason his old self would reject this idea. He would take care to grab enough covetall for them and hide it as well as extra food. His past self would agree, temporarily. Tigeravich and Carressela died on the journey to a transporter. Where was it and how far? This journey will be long.
He looked down at Carress in his arms. The long journey with everyone would stretch food enough. He glanced at Ezra, knowing she would be torn, but he couldn't let her stay. He looked back over at Xiam and smiled. "Xiamipoc, you be careful. If you sense anything awry, you hide, don't wait."
"What do you mean?" Xiam scrunched up his eyebrows. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means you take care of yourself because I'm not going to be here." Yed looked over at Ezra. "We're moving on."
"Moving on? It's a safe place for the babies." Iri held onto Ezra's shoulder. "Think of your children, Ezra, this is insane! Don't leave, please."
Yed held Carress tightly. He knew Ezra loved her family very much. During this war she had already lost her father, mother, and sister. Tigeravich and Carressela may be safer there, although he couldn't be positive. When did the waryes strike again in that area, and how? Ezra and those babies are my first priority. I can return."
"Protector Yeducavich." Ezra looked over at him. "Xiam and Iri are family."
Yeah, Yed thought so. The terror of disobeying a Protector died with the war. His opinion or advice no longer heeded. He couldn't risk Ezra staying there, no matter what it took. "Ezra, I am not-"
"-but so are you my Protector." Ezra interrupted Yed. "You are also Tigeravich and Carressela's biological father. You would not lead us astray. I can't see your logic, but if I can't trust my Protector, who can I trust?"
"No. No, no Ezra." Xiam grabbed her hand, but Yed moved quickly before she had a chance to change her mind.
"We need to go to the house then, get anything necessary and leave. Now." Yed nodded to Xiam and Iri. "Good luck and be careful."
"Is that it?" Xiam blinked at him. "You're taking my sister, brand new nephew and niece away with a single ‘good luck’? No, I refuse! I will not let you take-"
"Xiamipoc Vallencio, stop messing with me right now." Yed grabbed his collar. "You have no idea what hell I've been through, what I've seen or how I've felt. You've seen one piece of the puzzle, I've seen the whole massacre together. I am watching it come together, piece by piece." He gritted his teeth. "Don't. Challenge. Me." He let go of Xiam, his old friend's eyes lit in amazement. "Ezra, we're heading out. We'll take the food, Xiam, we will need it."
Xiam didn't say a word as he shoved the bag into Yed's arms. "Then go."
"I'm not kidding Xiam, you're a smart guy. You take care of Iri, hide if anything happens. I'll find you." The words didn't seem to make any difference toward Xiam.
Ezra hugged her brother and sister in law.
"What about the house, why not stop by and see if there's anything you need?" Iri smiled at her as she hugged her extra tight. "There are diapers over there you know."
Ezra smiled back and nodded once before heading out the door. Yed didn't look back after he went out the door.
The departure was quiet. Yed, Ezra, and the babies with the bag. They stopped by the house for only a few minutes gathering diapers and the basic essentials including a couple set of clothes. Ezra did not even say a word about getting dressed in the clean clothes and out of the grime. She hadn't said a word since they left Vallencio's. It wasn't until they were a few more blocks away that she finally spoke. "Why didn't you force them to come?"
"He wanted to stay, it was his choice." Yed rolled up his sleeves, feeling the heat warming up for the day.
"You only threatened him with force when he tried to change my mind. You could have pulled your authority beforehand." Ezra looked over at him. "Be straight with me Yed, why did you want my family to stay? I-I trust your judgment, I always have, but I still don't see the why of what you've done. Even leaving town, this isn't the fastest way."
"I know." Yed glanced back at her a second, a small amount of sympathy he hoped she would catch considering his next move. "I am about to do something Ezra, but follow my lead. Understand?" His eyes didn't drift back to her as he scoped out the cars around him. He'd glance in every once in awhile to see how much energy they held. Like Xiam, many felt safe. He had his eye on a few if what he wanted wasn't there. As they turned the corner, he saw the prize two houses up. The mother was watching her children playing in the yard, but it wouldn't block his goal. He snapped his fingers toward Ezra. "You went to your pregnancy class with her, right?"
"Right," Ezra answered. She smiled politely at the family. "I don't know her well, she had her babies early. Shouldn't be surprised you know."
"Twins too." Yed stopped beside the car and glanced at it. Bingo, twin baby safety seats and the energy was full. He broke the window and unlocked the inside doors. He watched Ezra's mouth open in surprise, but he didn't slow his motions down. He opened the back door and placed Carress in the safety seat. He walked to Ezra, grabbed Tiger and placed him in on the other side. The whole time he knew Ezra was staring between him and the family that just went quiet. He went over to the passenger side front seat and opened it. "Get in."
Ezra didn't speak as she climbed into the car. Yed walked over to the driver's side, opened it up and took off. A block away the conversation he knew would be coming made its presence known.
>
"You stole a car," Ezra spoke. "You had no reason to break a window and-and take this Yed. I know you're a Protector, but we're not in the middle of a war here. You-you took that family's car, right in front of them! You could have been arrested, there was no legal reason-"
"No one is going to mess with me right now; they were hiding warnos and wouldn't make a scene. Even if they weren't hiding, they wouldn't fight for it because warnos don't fight. And yeah, I broke the window. I could have walked up to the mother and asked for the keys, but I figured committing the act and leaving would be more appropriate and less traumatizing." Yed spoke with no love in his voice. "I know the outcome, Ezra. Soon someone else will take this car, and they might not be so polite." He gestured toward the back. "We're not walking to my safe house, the babies are too small. I did this for them."
"Mm." Ezra crossed her arms and looked out the window. "Our first family car I guess."
Yed was unprepared for that statement and tried to hide a chuckle. He looked through the back and saw the babies tucked away safely. Morally, it was awful. A part of him felt awful, but then again maybe his act will make that family shape up, and secure themselves tighter again. The Great Destruction was not over. Those hiding warnos would not survive. This was simply the calm before a massive storm that would eventually come. With no Protectors and no King, the world didn’t stand a chance against the enemy. They would come in fast, and wipe out anyone they even thought was hiding. Warnos couldn’t cover themselves in covetall forever.
Chapter 61
GETTING IT RIGHT
"Oh, Yed." Ezra stared at the crib room, tears threatening to fall. "This room is gorgeous."
"I had a feeling." Yed took Carressela and walked toward her crib. The last time he was here, he was Wye. Figuring out who he was, eighty years in the future. He'd bent down in the middle of that room and screamed. Now, he had Carress and laid her down on the still new sheets. The toy he had laid inside, right beside her. He watched as Ezra laid Tigeravich in his crib, safe and sound.