“Yes, the hologram is programmed to show a circus tent being dismantled, packed up, and loaded into big black trucks. Your primitive Earth minds wouldn't be able to cope if they saw an alien ship lifting off the ground and taking off into the sky. Once they’ve run the entirety of their programming, they send a signal to the ship. It will beam them aboard, no matter where we are surrounding the Earth.”Hey, buddy, who the fuck are you calling primitive?I guess to him we probably do seem primitive, but he doesn't have to be so rude about it. Knowing the future leader of the circus can’t just bite people’s heads off, I push down my offense for my fellow man and focus on the important things.
“Wow, that technology is light-years ahead of anything the human race has. Honestly, I’m a little shocked that the powers that be—you know, the government or whoever—haven’t tried to weasel more information out of you… or taken it by force.” Let’s face it, humans are better known for trying to take what they want rather than having the patience to develop it themselves.
“They are not completely stupid. They know that the big ship sits in the upper atmosphere, fully equipped for battle when necessary. It was made extremely clear to the human governments from the very first landing that they would get more than they bargained for if they tried to take anything by force. The Adams made sure they knew they’d live long enough to regret a foolish decision like that.”
He holds out his hand with the emitters, shaking them just enough so that I know he wants me to take them. “Let's do this. People will be exiting the dome soon, and we don't want to be caught.” I take it from his hand and follow the instructions he gave me. After placing it on the ground and pushing down on the top, it makes a clicking sound and fades from view.
“Perfect, it’s all set now.” There’s a prickly feeling running down the back of my spine, causing me to step back and rub my arms, like that almost primitive fight or flight response. But this one is leaning heavily on flight. Xavier watches me with curiosity in his eyes as I start to back away.
“Well, that’s very interesting. It shouldn't be affecting you if your Skarrian heritage has come to the forefront, though you’re the first Skarrian I've heard of who has grown up without constant direct contact with the waters of Skar. Even those that migrate to other planets have bottles of it shipped to them for daily consumption. This latent development of your Skarrian aspects has to be connected to the lack of water in your system.” He’s eyeing me like I’m a science experiment, one he would really like to take apart and put back together, which makes me back away quicker.
“Whoa, it’s okay. I’m not going to hurt you.” He holds his hands up in that universal way of trying to make someone feel better, but who knows what can come out of his hands!
“Can we just finish this?” The human repellant is working overtime on me, and I already want to run screaming from the area.
Xavier nods before his body explodes into mist, and it’s just one sudden move too many while I’m feeling so anxious. Basically, I very smoothly and maturely scream and turn, running like the hounds of hell are on my tail.
“Lila, wait!” At least he makes the effort, but I don’t stop. I want to get out of here. It’s working just fine until misty Xavier appears in front of me, causing me to skid to a stop. I mean, it would be kind of rude to runthroughthe guy. I don’t know what that feels like for him. Maybe it’s like the warlock equivalent of someone grabbing your dick without permission if someone wanders through you when your body is all one with the fog. That definitely wasn’t covered by the info on the tablet.
My ragged breathing is loud in the quiet that surrounds us. “We don't have time to walk the whole distance, so I’m going to jump us to each position.” I think he’s trying to sound reassuring, but without the visual cues, it’s hard to tell. “But from the way you’re reacting to the repellent, I think I’ll keep a hand on you. That way I won’t have to waste time chasing you down after you activate one.”
I’m breathing too hard to respond, so I just nod my head. Almost immediately, his mist reaches out, enveloping me again, and we repeat the process until all four holo-emitters have been put in the right place. Neither of us says much more to the other, and that’s fine with me.
Finally finished, Xavier jumps us back inside the dome, our bodies teleporting into the corridor just outside the control room.
“There you go. How do you feel now?” he asks as the mist recedes from my body, and with it my breathing calms. With my eyes having adjusted to the darkness outside the dome and the shadow of Xavier’s mist, the lights of the corridors are causing me to squint against the brightness.
A big sigh of relief escapes my mouth. “Better, thank you.” His misty arm reaches up and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. The sweet gesture is surprising from someone who routinely feels like they have to be on guard.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a human run so fast.” I think he means it as a joke, but my stomach sinks at his reminder that I’m human. Before I can respond, I hear someone call my name sharply.
Turning, I find Dylan in half-form, staring at us, with a thin trail of smoke coming from each flared nostril. “What are you doing?”
Smiling at my friend, I wave him over. “Hey, Dylan. Xavier here was just showing me how to set up the holo-emitters outside.” He walks over, the frown on his face and quick steps telegraphing some kind of discomfort.
“Hey, Dylan,” Xavier adds, and it sounds friendly, but Dylan just returns his greeting with a short nod. Shit, I hope he’s not jealous. Maybe Xavier is the guy he’s got a thing with. I step back, putting some room between me and the shadow-shrouded warlock.
“Xavier showed you how to do that?” He sounds skeptical, and his brow ridges rise in surprise.
“Yes, Lila’s grandpas entrusted me with the pleasure of showing her how to do it.” If I didn’t know better, I would say Xavier sounds slightly smug about it. There was almost a little emphasis on the word ‘me’ like he was trying to make a point. What point, I have no idea.
“Apparently everyone else was busy with the show. Isn't that where you’re supposed to be?” I ask him, curious at why he’s questioning things.
Dylan shakes his head. “No, I’m done for the night.”
“Tut, tut, tut, Dylan, skipping out on the final parade through the arena. How rebellious,” Xavier mocks with a slight edge to it. Hmm, maybe they’re not as friendly as I first thought.
“I won’t be missed for one night,” he argues. “And I was worried when I noticed Lila had disappeared from the audience.” Well, considering he hasn't been to visit me for a few days, I’m surprised at his reaction. “I was worried because all the animals are still in the dome for the final parade. I didn't want her to wander into the wrong area, especially because I think this is the first time I’ve seen her out and about during the show.”
“Like her grandfathers are going to let her wander off without them,” Xavier argues back. “And why is it your business? Who went and made you her guardian?”
“Well, thanks for your help, but I’ve got her for now,” he assures Xavier, ignoring his questions, almost brushing him off like he’s unimportant. Once again, I watch as his misty outline shrugs, not rising the edge of hostility that Dylan’s pushing at him.
“Okay. It’s been a pleasure, Lila. I’m sure I’ll see you again soon.” And with those parting words, Xavier disappears.
A hissing sound escapes Dylan's mouth followed by a little puff of flame which has me yelping and scooting backward. “What were you doing so close to him? Do you know what he is?” Holy shit, what the fuck? His voice has devolved, transforming his words into what could only be considered a growl, and his tight grip on my arm is definitely not what I would have expected from him.
I snatch my arm out of his grasp. “Dude, chill. You heard what he said; my grandpas asked him to help me. And yes, I know what he is. What is your damn problem?”
