Page 21 of Nyanine's Divide

Chapter 15

Kari

“So it’s all good to go now? We’re safe from anything that comes our way?”

“Well, yes, you’re safe from any physical attacks and outsiders. I’ve set the barrier to recognize the villagers, but anyone not known from inside it will not be able to cross it. You and the villagers can cross in and out safely, but that’s all. Anything else will need approval.” Kij nods to me, explaining how he updated the shield after the hacking of it. I have to admit, I appreciate the effort he’s gone through to make it easier on us to hunt without fighting for our safety. As long as we get back through the barrier, we’re safe, and that’s what matters most right now, that extra layer of protection.

“And you don’t believe it can be hacked again like last time?” I raise a single brow, Kosiiba’s gaze bouncing between us as hewatches the conversation with interest. Vahru is inside with his father, preparing for Tavi’s visit, but I wanted to make sure all was fully secure before she arrived as well.

“Kari, if you don’t trust me, how can I stay here to work with you?” Kij cocks an eyebrow back, and Ayira leans back into Alex, oohing at the drama unfolding.

I grin and sigh. “I’m not saying I don’t trust you, Kij, I’m just double-checking, okay? I just want to understand what you did. I’m not a tech guru, so give it to me simply, but it’s my job to ensure the safety of this village, and that means at least attempting to understand the magic you work with that infernal technology. I trust you, I’m just also curious and careful.”

His thin lips work for a moment, his purple eyes narrowing a hint before he nods. “Fair. I have updated the code way beyond anything Charlie or even Zaynt could manage. Love those kids, but they aren’t even close to my level. My code is extremely complex, not to mention that I have warning systems in place, so if anyone begins trying to crack it or gets past even the first barrier I’ve set, I’ll be immediately alerted so that I can stop them in the act. You’re safe. I have eyes on the system at all times.” He lifts a small device from the pocket of his black plants, waving it at me. “This will alert me to anything, allowing me to quickly jump to a computer and fight back. You’re safe as long as I’m alive, little one.”

I narrow my eyes at him, about to make a retort about that little one comment, when a portal light flashes, causing us all to turn. Tavionna steps through with Seuke in tow, a small bag in his hands. I turn and point at Kij. “This isn’t over, you’re going to hear it for that comment on my size.”

I whirl and rush toward Tavi, my arms open wide. “Sister! You made it.” Her four arms open and envelope me tight, her crisp scent of flowers and spring water soothing my soul. Man, I miss her caves.

“Sister, it’s so good to be here. Look how beautiful your village is! Oh, this is lovely. That fresh air. I may never leave.” She chuckles, winking at me, and I laugh. The door to Chief’s home opens, depositing him and Vahru onto the porch as they look on.

Tavionna freezes, her eyes locked on Criido, and I take one of her hands. “Tavi, this is your dad, Criido. Criido, meet High Priestess Tavionna. And I know you remember Vahru.” I smile brightly as Vahru gives a curt nod.

“Seuke, good to see you again. No Xenshay?” Vahru questions as a way of greeting, and I give him a dirty look, which he ignores. He’s being ruder than I’d like right now, despite sounding somewhat polite, if not uptight, but I have no control over him. He has to work through his issues himself.

“Xenshay will be staying with our people to ensure they have a leader. He has our comm and will contact one of you or reach out to us mentally should anything untoward arise. Seuke is my warrior, he doesn’t leave my side in a moment of danger.” Tavionna eloquently puts Vahru in his place, and I have to hold in my snicker.

I’m sure he’d like to see more of Xenshay’s changes for himself, but he won’t be getting that today. It’s probably better this way, anyway, allows the village to get to know Tavionna and Seuke without the shadow of Xenshay hanging over them, making it uncomfortable for all. I can’t be certain, but I’m sure there are still a few who would harbor some unpleasant feelings for him after all he did. It’s Willa I’d worry about most, I’m not sure his apologies could make her feel safe or trust him.

“Oh, before you guys sit down and chat, I’d like you to meet the Nobodies. They’re helping us here with the shield and such. They helped Charlie with the rescued kids and took down the biggest criminal trafficking ring in the cosmos!” I gush and tug on Tavi’s hand, turning her toward me.

Seuke hmms in approval and follows as I tug them back to where I had been. “Tavionna, Seuke,” I gesture to each person in turn as I introduce them, “this is Ayira, the leader, Tutkijaa, Alex, Rygen, and Tohtor.”

Ayira and Tavionna lock eyes and hold. Tavi’s hand tightens in mine, and I sense there’s something more going on, causing my gaze to bounce between them. Perhaps it’s simply that Ayira is an Ngozii that’s offworld, which is extremely rare to say the least. Ngozii people haven’t left their planet in years, Tavionna’s mother being the most recent to shut the world down even further and stop trade or travel. I have no idea if any Ngozii got locked off-world when she shut everything down, but I suppose it’s possible.

The others all look at Ayira as she’s frozen, and Seuke’s gaze meets mine, something odd clearly going on. Criido takes a step toward us, one step down, when Tavi seems to shake off the odd sensation, her upper left hand reaching out to Ayira. “It’s nice to meet you all. I’m High Priestess Tavionna, the current ruler on our planet.”

Ayira huffs a small laugh, her accent not quite as thick as Tavi’s and Seuke’s since she was raised elsewhere, as she reaches out. “Our planet, right.”

Their hands connect, and a jolt seems to run through Tavionna, her hand tightening painfully around mine as she gasps. Ayira gasps, attempting to tug her hand free, as her mates crowd her. Seuke drops the bag and grabs onto Tavi, holding her up and preparing to catch her should she suddenly drop out of this.

“What is it, Seuke?” I ask, holding onto Tavi’s arm as best I can, but she has my left hand, I need it to support her, so my right can only hold onto her arm in the hopes that I can catch her in an awkward way.

“I can’t see, but she’s in a vision, a strong one. Her emotions are all over the place, just hold on.”

Tavi gasps once more, her grip dropping from Ayira’s but not mine as she whispers, “Sister.” She falls back into Seuke’s waiting arms, and he quickly lifts her, her limp hand sliding from mine.

“I’m right here, Tavi, just hold on.” I grasp her hand and hold it to my chest as Vahru comes rushing down the steps. He snatches up the bag Seuke dropped and tells Seuke he’ll lead him to their cabin. Seems their conversation will have to wait until another time.

“Do not worry, Kari, she needs rest. We’ll reach out when she’s awake and ready to see others again. Just give her time. Let’s plan for breakfast, she should be awake by then.” Seuke smiles at me as he turns, nodding politely to everyone before rushing off after Vahru.

There’s a tense silence surrounding us all as I watch them recede down the trail toward our cabin. They’ll be close enough that I can check on her if I need to. I have nothing to worry about. Kosiiba places a hand on my shoulder, and I grab it with my other, grateful for his support.

“What the hell was that, Uncle?” Rygen’s voice is sharp, his tone filled with frustration as he looks up the stairs to the chief. Chief shakes his head and looks at me, causing all eyes to turn on me, and I shift to face them. I hope I can explain this right, but even I don’t know that much about Tavi’s abilities. She hardly told me anything when I was in her caves, and we’ve shared a bit more since we’ve dream walked to each other, but her abilities are still growing, changing, and even she doesn’t know their extent.

I clear my throat and lift my shoulders so I at least seem like the authority on the topic. “Tavionna has many powers as a fully bonded high priestess, and one of them, even before herbonding, was the ability to have visions of important messages or warnings. Something about Ayira triggered a vision, and Tavi has no control over them, she’s merely a spectator. Whatever she saw must have been important, but it was intense, sudden, and it’s drained her for the time being. She’ll explain to those who need to know when she’s analyzed it and understands its meaning. Until then, we simply let her rest, as her warrior said.”

“I triggered it? I’ve never even been to her world, how could I be important?” Ayira’s brows scrunch tightly in confusion, Tohtor wrapping his arms around her to comfort her. His white lab coat never seems to leave his shoulders. I wonder if he has, like, a million of them or just wears the same one all the time. I hope he washes it….

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