Page 27 of Rescued By the Alien Acolyte

The implications are staggering. If the rains return, if the climate begins to shift, it could mean a new beginning for the entire planet. The challenges ahead are enormous, but for the first time in living memory, there’s hope for a future beyond mere survival.

I look around at the gathered crowd—Loelle’s crew, the outlaws, the rescued prisoners. Each face shows a blend of exhaustion and wonder. My gaze finally settles again on Loelle, rain droplets glistening on her skin, and I feel a warmth in my chest that has nothing to do with Aridium’s twin suns, now hidden behind the storm clouds.

As the cool rain washes over me, I look toward the crater where the temple used to be. The things I’ve done in the name of the Nexus, the atrocities I’ve committed, they weigh heavy on my soul. I’ve been a monster, a weapon honed by Sakar and his ilk, leaving a trail of blood and broken lives in my wake. Part of me wonders if I deserve this new beginning, this chance at redemption.

But then I look at Loelle, her face tilted up to the rain, a smile of wonder on her lips, and I know I’d do it all again if it meant ending up here, by her side. The darkness inside me hasn’t disappeared. It’s a part of me, shaped by years of survival in a brutal world. But now, that savagery, that willingness to do whatever it takes, has found a new purpose. I’ll use every skill, every brutal instinct the Nexus instilled in me, to protect Loelle, to carve out a future with her. And if anyone threatens this fragile new life we’re creating, they’ll find out just how dangerous a reformed Nexus enforcer can be.

By the time the familiar silhouette of Terrax appears on the horizon, a sense of calm has settled over our group. Theadrenaline of our escape has long since faded, replaced by bone-deep exhaustion.

As soon as we arrive back at Harms Way, the crew disperses to tend their wounds and rest. Loelle and I find ourselves lingering in the kitchen which becomes a makeshift medbay. The room is cool, dimly lit, and private. A welcome relief to the chaos outside.

“Hold still,” Loelle murmurs, her fingers gentle as she applies a healing salve to the gash on my shoulder. The cool ointment provides instant relief, and I can’t help but sigh. Her touch sends a shiver through me that has nothing to do with the medication.

“Your turn,” I say, taking the salve from her. Our fingers brush, and for a moment, time seems to stand still. I carefully dab the ointment on the cut above her eyebrow, my touch as light as I can. This close, I can see the flecks of gold in her eyes, the small scar on her chin from a previous adventure. We work in companionable silence, tending to each other’s injuries, the weight of our shared experience hanging between us like an unspoken promise.

The kitchen smells of antiseptic and the faint metallic tang of blood, but I catch the scent that is uniquely Loelle—a mix of engine grease, Aridium sand, and something sweet. It’s a scent that has come to mean home to me, more than any place ever has.

Finally, Loelle breaks the silence. “So,” she says, her voice casual but her eyes intense, “what are you going to do now, Finzar? With the Nexus gone, you’re a free male.” Her fingers linger on my arm, as if afraid I might disappear if she lets go.

I pause, the question catching me off guard. For so long, my life has been defined by my mission within the Nexus. Now, with that chapter closed, the future stretches out before me, full of possibilities I had never dared to consider. The weight of freedom is both exhilarating and terrifying.

But looking at Loelle, her face smudged with dirt and blood yet still the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen, I realize I already know the answer.

“I was hoping,” I begin, my voice rougher than I’d like, emotion making it hard to speak, “that I might stick around. If you’ll have me, that is.” The words hang in the air between us, heavy with meaning.

Loelle’s eyes widen slightly, a mix of surprise and hope flickering across her face. “You want to stay? With us? With… me?” Her voice is barely above a whisper, as if speaking too loudly might shatter this fragile moment.

I take a deep breath, knowing it’s time to lay all my cards on the table. The steady beep of the medical monitors seems to sync with my racing heart. “Loelle, when I saw you in danger back there, I realized something.” I meet her gaze, letting her see the truth in my eyes. “I love you. And if you’ll have me, I want to stay by your side, whatever comes next.”

For a moment, the only sound is our breathing and the soft hum of the muffled chatter of the crew in the other room. Loelle is silent, and I feel my heart hammering in my chest, each beat a lifetime of anticipation.

Then, slowly, a smile spreads across her face, brighter than both of Aridium’s suns. “Took you long enough to figure it out,” she says, her voice thick with emotion. “I love you too, you big blue idiot.”

Relief and joy wash over me, and ignoring the protest of my ribs, I pull her into a gentle embrace. She fits perfectly against me. I breathe in her scent, feeling the warmth of her body against mine. Her hair tickles my chin, and I can feel her heartbeat, strong and steady, matching my own.

After a moment Loelle pulls back slightly, a mischievous glint in her eye. It’s a look that promises adventure and just a hint of trouble.

“You know,” she says, her fingers tracing patterns on my arm, “now we’ve taken down the Nexus, we’re going to need a new project. And I just might have an idea for our next big score.”

I raise an eyebrow, both amused and intrigued. “Oh? Do tell.” I can already feel the excitement building, the promise of a new adventure on the horizon.

Loelle grins, her face lighting up with enthusiasm as she launches into an explanation of her latest scheme. As I listen, I feel a sense of contentment settle over me. This is where I belong—by Loelle’s side, ready to take on whatever the universe throws our way.

When she’s done, I pull Loelle closer and kiss her. Her lips are soft against mine, and I pour everything I feel into the kiss, all the words I can’t find to say.

When we finally part, both slightly breathless, I rest my forehead against hers. “Whatever you’re planning,” I murmur, “I’m in. Always.”

nine

Epilogue

I stand at thecounter in our hideout’s kitchen, chopping vegetables alongside Finzar. The scent of unfamiliar spices fills the air as we experiment with some of the newly grown produce from Aridium’s slowly rejuvenating soil. It’s still strange to see green things sprouting from what was once barren wasteland, but I’m not complaining. Especially not when it means Finzar and I can indulge in our newfound shared interest: cooking.

As I reach up to grab a spice from a high shelf, my shirt slips off my shoulder. I feel Finzar’s eyes on me, and then his presence behind me. His fingers lightly trace the outline of my brand scar. His touch is gentle, almost reverent, and I feel a shiver run down my spine.

Sensing my sudden melancholy, Finzar leans down and presses a soft kiss to my shoulder, right over the brand. “You’re beautiful,” he murmurs against my skin, his breath warm and comforting.

Our moment is interrupted by Zeth, another crew member, poking his head into the kitchen. “What’s that smell?” he asks, his nose wrinkling slightly.

---