Up to Speed

“The climate has already shifted,” Syleh said to Aaron. They sat with Kilep on top of the resistance hideout, looking at the drifting clouds. While there was still unrest, things really were changing. Aaron could feel it. When he walked around with Arie, he could feel relief from some and complete distrust from others. Still, things were getting better since he had given Xeloc his orders. While his conscious could not stay at rest, he knew he had done something right.

“I’m thankful, but…” Kileb started. He looked down at his feet, unsure of the group’s victory. “Our problems won’t be magically fixed overnight.”

“And I can’t go around and alter everyone’s mind,” Aaron nodded to him.

“Nor would we want you to,” Syleh responded.

“We know that you’ve done as much as we’ve asked you to,” Kilep added. “This has just been many years in the making. Things could still turn into something we didn’t imagine.”

“If that happens, call on me and I’ll help as best I can,” Aaron placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Thank you,” Kilep replied, a tear rolling down his face.

Syleh stood up. “Aaron, it is about time for you to go home.”

“I guess it is,” Aaron nodded, sighed, and stood up with her. He looked out in the distance, toward the city, and picked up what thoughts he could. He sincerely hoped that things would work out for the better, but knew that there was always a chance they wouldn’t. Still, in the minds he could touch, he offered a message of hope and resilience. He didn’t change them like he did Xeloc; he found whatever glimmer of hope existed in their minds and helped it grow.

Aaron was met with the faces of everyone in the resistance when he descended into the main room. They were all grateful, though such an expression did not show on everyone’s face. They all knew there was work to be done.

“Aaron, thank you,” Kiehr took his hand. Everyone in the room nodded in agreement, even those with a slight scowl on their faces.

“I’m glad I was able to help,” he smiled to Kiehr and everyone in the room.

“If I didn’t trust you’d be able to, I wouldn’t have brought you here,” Arie embraced him. “Brother.”

“Thanks for believing in me, Sister,” he held her closer. He could feel tension in Kiehr and Porehl’s minds; at least Kiehr’s was intertwined with understanding.

“Before you leave,” Syleh stepped forward, “please, tell us about the unknown room in the compound. What happened in there?”

Aaron stood wide-eyed at his audience for a moment, but knew that he had to share his story.

“I’ve been the target of a few attacks lately. I’m not sure why, but they all seem to come from the same place. There’s also time-travel involved…” Aaron rubbed his eyes.

“I’ve heard about such things…” Porehl was in awe.

“In the room where Xeloc was hiding, there was someone else. A meta. He recognized me. I figured he was working with whoever attacked me before. He was. It’s hard to explain, but I knew,” Aaron said.

“Do you know who is behind it?” Kiehr asked.

“No. Not yet.” Aaron shook his head. “There are very little clues as to whom it is. With time-travel involved, things are infinitely harder, though I do have one lead.”

“And I may know how to find him.” Arie looked to Aaron. “That’s why I’m going back with you.”

“No!” Porehl yelled. “You were only supposed to stay long enough to find him.”

“No,” Kiehr looked down, “She was supposed to stay indefinitely so that she could have more opportunity than here.”

“Aaron was a spontaneous addition. I thought he could help us,” Arie placed her hands on Porehl’s shoulders.

“But you’re not even going to see how our nation changes…” He looked away from her.

“I think you’re forgetting I can always come back to visit,” she offered him a sly smile. “I won’t forget you, and I will be back. You have my word.”

“We know,” Syleh placed a hand on her shoulder. Each of the members moved in to embrace her, then Aaron.

“Aaron has helped us,” Arie stepped back, trying her best to hide her emotions. “I want to help him. From what I understand, he is in more danger than any of us can imagine. He will need all the help he needs, just like we did.”

“As long as you come back to us,” Kiehr responded.

“Brother, you know how that works. We never know.” Arie offered, which made her emotional control even more difficult.

“But, because of Aaron, we at least have hope,” Kiehr smiled at him, a surprise to Aaron.

“To Aaron,” Kilep began.

“Our Light,” Syleh added. They all raised a hand in Aaron’s honor.

“Thank you. All of you,” Aaron smiled, crying.

“Aaron,” Arie took him by the arm. “It’s time to go.”

“Right,” he nodded to her. “Everyone, don’t give up.”

“Never have,” Kiehr responded.

“Goodbye, Aaron,” Syleh embraced him.

“Goodbye, partner. It was nice fighting with you.” He replied. The rest of the members acknowledge Aaron and Arie as they left.

“Are you ready to go back to another fight?” Aaron asked Arie as they prepared to teleport back home.

“I’ve been fighting for a while now. This won’t be anything new,” she smiled to him.

“You say that…” Aaron gave a nervous smile as they were enveloped in her familiar pink light.

They arrived in Aaron’s living room to see two familiar and welcome faces.

“You’re back,” Campbell was the first to rise. He gave him a loving kiss. Aaron could detect some of his worry and relief but only in glimpses.

“You’re back,” Miche smiled as she hugged him.

“I’m back,” Aaron smiled to each of them. “This is Arie,” he motioned to her.

“Nice to meet you. Sorry to borrow your loved one so abruptly,” She bowed to each of them.

“You brought him back,” Campbell moved toward him.

“That’s what mattered,” Miche smiled.

“So,” Aaron sat down, followed by the others. “Where were we?”