Page 90 of Xefe
“Follow the baby Guardian. He is with me. We’re besties,” Veras faint voice was hard to hear over the roar of the tornadoes.
“You and this Guardian arebesties?” I scrambled to look over Sunny’s shoulder and sobbed. “I don’t want to go. I have to follow my sister.”
“You cannot!” Veras shouted. “Come back to the compound, and we will find her. I promise.”
“You trust him?” Sunny asked as he and the warriors slashed through the Aavvee, dodging gunfire and ray guns.
I nodded and sobbed. We only had seconds before the Guardians would destroy the place. Aavvee clogged the portals, but the smaller mini tornado took us toward the exit, out into the sands. I was shocked at the sheer force of wind. We plodded along, fighting the squalls, completely ignored by the massive Guardians. I had never been so close to utter destruction. They attacked with the force of an atom bomb, disintegrating the arena now that they had full access. We cut away from the Guardians, and the little whirlwind led us to a portal, along the side of the mountain.
At this point, I was numb, watching from afar. All I could think about was Valentina and Nieve.
CHAPTER 39
“What is thisplace?” Sunny’s deep voice vibrated against my chest. He still held me in his arms as we followed the tiny whirlwind to the facility’s entrance—a giant force field positioned high above an alien jungle. The humidity was thick, and moisture beaded on my forehead.
My sobs had quieted, but silent tears still tracked down my face. “Go in.”
“How do you know it’s safe?” Sunny watched the swirling tornado breach the force field in front of us.
“Veras brought me here.” And told me the truth about this horrific planet.
Sunny’s grip tightened as he and the rest of the group walked through. The markings on his body sizzled and heated against my skin, but we were able to pass. The rest of the warriors, as well as Querida and Nheenya, followed.
The little Guardian led us down long halls, past equipment and weaponry, transportation devices as big as tanks stacked one on top of the other. The facility was massive enough to accommodate a large city. We eventually ended up in a central hub with several hallways and doorways branching off from it. The center room had a homey feel to it, with colorful throw pillows, hanging drapes, and rugs. It looked like a cozy room on Earth, but with an alien twist.
“Welcome, warriors. Humans. You are home.” Veras walked in, and as he strode toward us, his squat legs lengthened, his narrow shoulders broadened, and his mottled skin took on a golden hue. In seconds, the Aavvee scientist had turned intoa Nozarocan warrior, with golden markings outlining his chest and neck. There were a few differences: the color of his eyes, the shape of his face, but otherwise, he had the same black hair and swirling eyes as Sunny.
Chameleon.That was how he’d described himself. Too bad I was so numb, I couldn’t even feel the shock of his big reveal. My feelings were buried deep, no longer accessible.
“Veras? You are a warrior true?” Sunny took his measure, poised to tear him apart if he gave the wrong answer.
“I am. I am a native to this planet, like you. A Nozarocan warrior. I have much to explain.” Veras tipped his chin up. “But first, you must swear to keep this location a secret. We have put ourselves in grave danger by allowing you here. But we could not let any other humans come to harm.”
“As long as myalmax, the earthers, and the warriors are in no danger, I make this pledge.” Sunny pounded his chest, and the rest of the warriors followed suit.
The spiraling Guardian whirled around us with a sense of glee, shimmering and shrinking into a wisp of gold. The slight breeze zipped around us, nuzzling under our hair, as if saying hello. That would have been shocking enough, but when the tornado disappeared, a curvy human stood in its place.
“This is Truena. Myalmax. And that gust of wind is Nito, our very own Guardian.”
“Hi everybody. You can call me True. I’m sure you have a bunch of questions.” She looked at Veras and sighed. “After you put on some clothes.”
“Of course, my heart.”
True put her hands on her hips, clearly used to being in charge. “How about you make yourselves comfortable. It’s not perfect, but it’s been home for a while now.”
Nime set Nheenya on her feet, and the purple alien swayed. “I don’t… Shapeshifting? More humans? I don’t feel well,” she whispered.
Querida was next, and when Loxo lowered her down, she collapsed at his feet, sobbing.
“My beautiful one. Please, do not cry.” He threw himself on the floor with her and wrapped her in his arms.
I was the last, numb to everything but loss. “I want them back!” I sobbed and pressed my hands over my face.
“What is this? Why aren’t they happy?” Veras asked his mate.
“Because, babe, they’re in shock. Get blankets for the girls, and I’ll get everybody food.” True pushed Veras toward a large metal cabinet.
“Blankets, my heart? How will that help?”
