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~ CHAPTER 14 ~

Returning to the Hive's Custodian

After Dwayne and Camila went back for her things, he remembered with a startle his and Wesley's own clothes were hidden behind a tree by the supermarket. By the time he'd jogged back with all the bags the other two were waiting for him just outside the border of the bushland.

"Okay let's go!" Wesley spoke tiredly, visibly exhausted by their day at this stage.

"Hey most of these are yours, carry your own shit!" Dwayne grumbled and held out the bags.

The other boy's grey eyes fixed on him darkly before he snatched his away. There was no legitimate menace in them anymore, and Dwayne no longer felt any danger from the taller boy. It was nice. Although he was going to make sure not to push Wesley too far. He'd like to reprimand him for running off like he did to find Camila, and complain about all the trouble they'd probably be in but he knew to hold his tongue. The low blood had agreed to come with them after all so maybe it had worked out for the best?

They made their way through the bush while Camila prattled on. It was quite surprising, even though Dwayne had only known Wesley for a day he was already used to their silence. He didn't mind conversing with the girl however, since Wesley only responded with single words and grunts the talking was done by them two. Dwayne didn't know if the other boy was just really tired or still harbouring ill-feelings after his argument with Camila. She seemed very care-free at that moment however and reminded Dwayne of someone who didn't bother holding grudges. They talked about their families and schools and where they grew up. It didn't take long before they reached the scuttlebuggy and Camila stopped, blinking at it in surprise.

"That looks like an alien hover ship...?"

"It is," Wesley looked back, annoyed. She looked between them suspiciously.

"Alright, guys... alright."

"I'm driving back." Wesley stated and pressed the button outside the camouflaged ship. Camila marvelled as it opened and then whistled in appreciation.

"Uh what?" Dwayne just registered what he said "Are you sure? You only just heard me explain all the instructions to you once on the way over."

"I got it."

"Wesley..."

"I got it." he repeated more slowly, trying to be reassuring as he climbed into the pilot seat.

"Wesley." Dwayne insisted "You've already crashed one of those things. It's really tricky to use, you have to constantly focus on flying straight. And I don't trust you. You're too reckless."

"Get in the buggy, Dwayne."

"No, dammit I'm serious! This was just supposed to be a shopping trip. We drop in buy what we need and go. You went all AWOL, I don't see why that kind of behaviour should be rewarded!"

"You're not the boss of me, Dwayne." he replied resolutely "Now get in."

Dwayne fumed for a moment but then Camila stepped forward.

"Guess I never thanked you for that huh?" she spoke surprising them. "I mean, I probably had it covered, but things might've gotten ugly for me you never know. So thanks Wesley."

He looked at her and opened his mouth, as if to say something nice but then turned his head.

"Look are you guys coming or not?"

Camila climbed into the cockpit behind Wesley and Dwayne finally caved, moodily sitting beside her in the passenger seat.

Wesley pressed the button and the shield went down. Then his fingers wavered over the controls.

"The blue switch." Dwayne chided, sitting forward.

"Shh. I know what I'm doing." he flicked a few switches and twisted a nob, they slowly began to ascend. Dwayne took a deep breath as he tried to calm himself.

"Holy shit we're flying!" Camila chirped "This is actually a hover craft! Holy shit!"

"Do you believe us now?" Dwayne muttered.

"About being aliens? No, I think you guys are off your rocker if someone got you to believe that. Still, we're in a fucking hover craft!" she leaned forward in her seat to get a better view through the glass.

Wesley manoeuvred the stick and then they were flying straight. Camila started asking a lot more questions about what they'd experienced and been involved in the last two days. Wesley even joined in when Dwayne started explaining their crash on the way back. Dwayne reprimanded him and said he should just focus on flying.

"Yeah, yeah." he scoffed but listened to the smaller boy.

He was being careful at least, Dwayne appreciated that, and after flying smooth for ten minutes or so he relaxed. Even though Camila was still clearly sceptical about the alien story she listened anyway. Her eyes widened when he got around to telling her about the mother grub, even more so when Dwayne explained they weren't working with anyone else. It was just them two and her.

"Now I'm sure they've been giving you guys hallucinogenics."

"Well you'll see for yourself when we get there!"

As the large hive came into view Camila pressed her face against the glass and exclaimed further in wonder. Wesley focussed hard on lowering the ship into the open building and onto its landing pad. When they came to a stop Dwayne let out a sigh of relief.

"This is incredible!" Camila continued to cry "Unbelievable! Well, I don't know what to believe anymore! But no doubt about it, you guys must be loaded!" The glass dome raised and Wesley gave Dwayne a tired look.

"I'm going to bed. Dwayne, can you show me where the bedrooms are?"

"Ah sure." he recoiled from Camila's touch as she pushed off his shoulder and the edge to hop out. Wesley turned off the camouflage and climbed out as well, Dwayne followed him. She eagerly ran ahead, her caramel-brown hair flicking as she looked this way and that.

"Cool set up!" she called as she started down the corridor. "You really-" she stopped and became dead-still.

"Camila!" Dwayne shouted worriedly and hurried over. She dropped and he moved in quickly to catch her.

"What's wrong?" Wesley called, jogging up.

"She fainted..."

Dwayne.

He looked up and saw the huge white mother grub standing around the bend. Her empty eyes and full lips betrayed no emotion.

"It was all Wesley!" Dwayne began from where he crouched holding the girl"He's unreasonable. I told him we weren't ready to go after her!"

The monstrous creature turned around and went back through the arched opening she was barely not touching.

This is a very serious breach of trust. Carry her to a bedroom. She was unhappy, there was no denying it. Dwayne just felt awful. Wesley was standing beside him with his hands on his knees and a questioning look on his face.

"Now you've done it." Dwayne grumbled "Help me carry her."

Wesley sighed and then ducked down grabbing Camila's middle, he heaved the small girl up and over his shoulder. She dangled unconsciously. Dwayne stared at him and Wesley stared back.

"Well lead the way."

Dwayne followed the mother grub into the front room and Wesley followed.

Who saw that coming? And then there were three. What will the consequences of their misbehavior be?