They Walk Among Us

They Walk Among Us copyright c. 2011 T.A. Chase

Part Twenty-One-

Raven-

I settled into the middle of the living room, crossed my legs and started to clear my mind of everything with the potential to distract me. The constriction of my clothes bothered me, and I couldn’t focus, so I stood and stripped.

“What the hell are you doing?”

Looking over my shoulder toward the kitchen area, I saw Zach sitting at the table and staring at me. I smiled, leaned over to grab the blanket off the back of the couch before I sat again. I wrapped it around my shoulders, and tucked it under my butt. The floor was still cold, and the chill would make it difficult for me to concentrate. I didn’t like being cold.

“Did you have to get naked to do whatever you were doing?”

::I need to make sure there aren’t any distractions, and the way my clothes confined me was such a one. Now I’ll be fine. Go about whatever you were doing.::

He grunted, but I ignored him. Closing my eyes, I began to empty my mind and body of any thoughts or feelings, plus blocking Zach While I trusted Zach to help me, and not betray me, it was time for me to stop being a victim, and start being the person I was born to be.

If anyone, even Zach, discovered who I was before I was ready, everything we’d been planning through out the years. I couldn’t risk that, not even for a human I could see myself falling in love with. Ultimately, the will of many were more important than the wants of a few.

After my mind was clear, I sent out a signal through all the mental lines connected to my soul. I had never used them before, but I knew the process of contacting every Opalite left on earth. The only one I didn’t try was my sister. Rissia’s capture by the government insured that I wouldn’t be able to ‘talk’ to her until I had all my other plans in place. I didn’t know if the scientists working for the government had ways to monitor her brain waves.

::When do we meet?::

I didn’t react to the eagerness in the question. My fellow Opalites had been waiting for this moment.

::I don’t have a time yet, but I want you to be ready to move as soon as you see the signal. I must retrieve the jewel from the government. That is my priority. Once I have it in my possession, it will be time for us to gather.::

Excitement raced through the lines trickling into my soul. My hands trembled, and I wanted to run out of the apartment, declaring my presence to all the creatures on earth. I clenched my hands, resting them on my thighs. I gathered the energy and power pouring in from my fellow refugees. The time would come when I would need what they’d given me.

::But the time is near?::

::Yes, it is very near. We must be very careful.:: I emphasized the caution in my warning. ::We can’t move too soon, or our advantage will be taken away.::

They bowed to my will, and no matter how much they wanted to do something, they wouldn’t. The Opalites had waited this long for their moment, they could wait a few days more.

I eased out of my trance, letting the sounds of the apartment around me become louder. I heard Zach murmuring in the background. Keeping my eyes closed, I focused on what he was saying.

“Listen, Ronsted, I’m not asking you. I’m telling you to do this. I need that information asap.” Zach paused, and I felt his gaze land on me. “I can’t tell you why I need it. Trust me when I say it’s not anything you’re going to get in trouble for. I wouldn’t risk your job like that.”

Maybe if Zach knew my whole plan, he wouldn’t be telling Ronsted that. Was I using Zach? In most people’s eyes, yes, I was, but I needed him as much as he needed me. None of my plans could start until I had the jewel in my hand. Also, I needed Rissia freed as well.

At least, Zach could help me get my sister back, and once she was with me, I would offer Zach a choice. What decision he made would decide his future, though I would, within my power, ensure he didn’t come to harm.

“Are you kidding? When did that happen?”

Something in Zach’s tone told me the news Ronsted imparted wasn’t good.

“The entire facility was destroyed?” A pause as Ronsted talked. “It was their major research lab, and it’s leveled.”

I smiled, knowing Zach couldn’t see me. ::Good for you, Rissia. I should have known you’d take care of yourself. Are you free yet?::

Her reply was weak. ::Not yet, but they’ve had to move me to a smaller less secure facility. It will make it easier for you to come and get me. By the time you get to me, I should be able to pinpoint where the jewel is being kept.::

::You do know letting yourself be captured is rather an extreme way of finding it.::

Rissia somehow managed to convey rolling her eyes through our connection. ::I know that, Raven. I didn’t plan on being taken. I thought I could use him without his knowing what I was.::

::In other words, your arrogance and utter contempt for humans got you captured, and could have compromised our entire mission.::

My disapproval dripped through my line to her. In my mind’s eye, I could almost see her bowing her head at my rebuke.

::I’m sorry.::

::We can’t waste time to regret, so continue looking for the jewel, and I’ll be coming for you as soon as I can. Be safe, Rissia. We aren’t indestructible.::

Her promise came through in a warm wave. I sighed, and slumped forward, rubbing my face with my hands.

“Are you all right?” Zach knelt behind me, resting his rough hands on my back.

::Just tired.:: I could admit to that at least.

“Let’s grab some sleep. We can work on figuring stuff out once we’re recharged.”

He helped me to my feet and escorted me to the bed in the opposite corner of the loft. I absorbed his gentle care, acknowledging how far more complicated things had become since I met Zach.