Chapter 20

Lerinna

There in the safety and shelter of the tall trees called 'furs', Garol was waiting for us. We slowed and stopped, Mara slid off her horse onto the ground. She wobbled a moment, and I could see a clear fluid leaking from her eyes and down her cheeks. Tears.

Garol ran and embraced her, a human action performed by wrapping one's arms around another. She hugged him back, burying her face in his shoulder, her own shoulders shaking with silent sobs. When her emotions subsided, she pulled back from Garol, looking up into his face, her eyes questioning.

"You…you planned this?" she asked, seemingly confused.

He nodded to me, "With the Andalite's help, yes." He smiled, parting his lips to show his teeth. So odd, I thought.

"Thank you," Mara said, visibly fighting back more tears. Humans sure seemed to be very emotional. Then, "What happened?" her fingers traced over the young man's brow and swollen cheek where Timon had struck him.

"Nothing," he laughed, shaking his head, "I'm fine as long as you're safe."

Then Garol did a strange thing; he leaned down and pressed his mouth against hers. I did not see the purpose of this action, but Mara seemed to enjoy it. She pulled back, a smile playing across her face.

At that moment, Timon made his appearance. Apparently he'd been listening for any pursuit. But there was none, yet. Mara looked embarrassed but then ran to embrace her brother also. Timon was overjoyed to have his twin back safe and sound where he could keep an eye on her. Figuratively speaking, of course.

Stepping back from him, she seemed to remember that I was still standing there. She stepped up to me and hugged me, much in the same way as the others. I was at a loss for what I should do about that. The close contact was strange and unsettling, but somehow, the warmth of another body so close, even and alien's, brought some measure of comfort and affection. Finally, I awkwardly moved my arms to hug her back.

Humans were an odd species, to be sure.

She released me, and I sensed she was about to ask another question. I was correct.

"How is this possible?" she asked, "You are…you're…" she seemed to be fumbling for words.

«Restored?» I suggested. She nodded. «The morphing technology,» I explained, «When I used it, my body was reconstructed by my DNA, omitting previous injury.» I smiled at her, feeling a sudden giddiness come over me. «I could run, Mara. Did you see? I could really run.»

Mara grinned back, "Yes, and you were incredible. I am very happy for you."

Timon stepped up, clearing his throat, which made a very weird sound. We all looked at him.

"I regret to interrupt, but they will soon be looking for us and it won't be long until Garrand's force comes here."

Garol nodded his agreement, "He's right, my father will do all in his power to get you back."

«Your father?» I said, skeptical.

He nodded gravely, "Yes. My father is Garrand, the traitor." He turned away for a moment, bitterly resenting the actions of his sire.

"I will stay and hold them off," he said, jaw set.

Mara protested, "You can't—" he cut her off with a raised hand.

"I can. I can delay them, for a while at least. I'm their leader's son, what can they do to me?" he tried to make light of it, but there was pain behind his forced smile.

Garol pulled Mara into his arms once more, speaking softly into her ear, "I'll come back for you. I promise." He turned away from us then, saying, "Go, take the horse. Get as far as you can. My father's wrath will be great when he learns of what happened. Now go!"

Biting her lip, Mara turned back to the mare, who was grazing quietly nearby. She grabbed the creature's long mane and pulled herself up, then helped Timon to mount behind her.

Hooves pounded on the Garden's soft turf as we crossed to the other side, slipping into one of the many passageways and down the winding corridors. The mounted humans led the way and I followed closely behind.

The two riders seemed gripped with fear, but of what I did not know. But understanding came slowly, like clearing fog. We turned down several long hallways, and I soon noticed that they were far dustier and ill lit. Then we came to the door at the end, and Mara lit one of the golden spheres as the old passage opened into a wider, open area.

A place that smelled old and unused, ancient and quiet. They dismounted and sent the horse back up the passages, back to its herd. Timon was the first to step into the darkness, for, whether or not there was light made no difference to him. Mara followed close, gripping his hand with one of hers and holding the lamp in the other.

I too, stepped into the space. Into that black abyss.

Into the void.