"For a short time, I began to care for your world just like I did my own, but you ruined any piece of that now." I step toward her, and her mouth drops open. Good, she's afraid. "Getting the Water Artifact is the only way I can save my planet, so I don't give a damn about yours anymore. Not after you killed him."
20
"Come on, Chris." Brad's hand touches my shoulder, and he squeezes. "Let's go. We don't have to stand here and take this. We need to take care of Charlie."
He's right, and let's be real. I need to get Charlie's body some place safe, especially if I decide to chance bringing him back. It's hard not tearing Ria and Tide apart, though, especially when they are standing right in front of me.
"Fine." I take in a deep breath and hold it for a moment. I want to make her worry while I'm gone. "But this isn't over. I'll be back, and you’d better be ready to fight me."
"You need to leave and now." Ria's lavender eyes glow, and she squares her shoulders. "You will regret it if you don't."
"Don't let her goad you." Dax stands on the other side of Brad where the three of us are united in front of her. "She's not worth it. Let's take care of Charlie."
Shit, that's not fair. They are using my one weakness against me. "Fine, Melody, you coming with us?"
"What? Really?" Melody's mouth drops open, and she blinks.
"Of course. You're more than welcome to join us." Please come with us. I don't want Ria to punish you for helping us.
A small smile fills her face, and she glances down. "Thank you, but I can't. This is my home."
Ugh, I was afraid of that, but at the end of the day, it's her decision. I can't take that freedom away from her like it was done to me so many times. "Okay. Then, I guess we'll see you around." Unable to say another goodbye to someone I trust, I spin around and march back to the beach area where we had gathered earlier. I need to get back to Earth so Charlie's body is protected. I don't trust them here, and they could use him against me again.
Dax and Brad fall in line beside me. It's surprising because even with Dax carrying Charlie, he seems to keep up with no problem.
My hand aches to reach out to Charlie, but I force it to stay by my side. I don't have time for another melt down. I've got an artifact to find, but we need to a new plan. It's quiet as we make our way between the houses. There isn't a sound of anyone out and about like there normally is. I bet everyone was either playing guard or holed up in their house. I don't blame them; I did mess up their world.
"You know I can just transport everyone here." Dax stops and readjusts Charlie in his arms. Unlike Tide, Dax is being respectful and taking care of Charlie’s body.
That's a good point. I was thinking the beach because it's mostly vacant, but hell, what are we trying to hide from? "Okay."
Brad glances at me and then holds out his arms toward Dax. "Here, let me take him while you do your thing."
"Good idea." Dax hands Charlie to him and then closes his eyes. He doesn't ask for my help, but stays silent for a moment. Then he holds his hand out and circles the air. An opaque portal appears and glimmers in the suns' light. He motions to me. "Ladies first."
Of course, he wants to make sure I go. I step through the portal without hesitation and appear on the other side right in Luke's office at the mansion. In the time that we were gone, his room got put back together. You'd never know that I had a spell here not too long ago.
"Chris?" Luke drops his pen at the table and stands. "Oh thank God. What took you all so long?"
Before I can even open my mouth, Brad steps through with Charlie in his arms.
"What is he..." Luke trails off and takes a shaky step forward. "Is he dead?"
Tears threaten my eyes, and I can't speak. If I have to tell him what happened, I'll have another melt down. Why didn't I think this part of the visit through?
Soon, the room is filled with Brad's comrades, and at last, Dax steps through, sealing the portal.
"Yes, he died not too long ago." Brad's tone is low and filled with sorrow.
Somehow, it breaks my heart further. "I can't listen to this." I step away and grab my head with my hands. I've got to get out of here. "I'm going to go back to my place and check on things. I need to change out of these clothes anyway." I close my eyes and picture my room and leave before anyone can protest.
I transport to my apartment and take a deep breath. It's dark and quiet, and I'm all alone. I haven't had time to myself like this in a long time, and I don't like it. I miss Charlie and see him in every corner. Memories spill through my mind of the times we shared together.
Dammit, I grab another outfit out of the closet and head to my bathroom to turn on the shower. I need time to decompress and make sure they get through the entire story of the water world. I don't want to catch any of that update and re-live his... I can't even think it.
After peeling off my nasty clothes, I jump in and turn the water as hot as I can take it. At least there is comfort in knowing some things won't ever change. I grab some shampoo and breathe in the vanilla fragrance that reminds me so much of Beth. I'm about to lose myself all over again. I
