"Gone"

Chapter 7

"Independence Day"


STANDARD DISCLAIMER: See: Chapter 1


The heat from the gas grill was nearly unbearable on the hot July 4th afternoon.

"This is an important duty for human Kithriarchs, yes?" Zeta asked, watching Nikki's father flip hamburgers and poke at hot dogs.

"Son, is this probably the most important duty we have," her father replied seriously. Zeta nodded once, gravely.

Nikki put a hand over her mouth to smother her laughter.

"Hey, Ray, whaddya say?" Nikki's uncle greeted Zeta, who gave him a withering look.

"My Name is Raelzyn. That is what I say."

"Whatever. Where's the beer?"

"There's one in every family," Nikki's father apologized.


CONTINUED IN CHAPTER 8, "Independence Day Part II"