A GIFT OF TIME

Episode 11

Where I found myself was dark and the only source of light was the green glow from the green mark on my hand. It was glowing so bright that I could make out my surrounding but I spotted another green glow. It's glow lit the strange looking place on. Everywhere lit up as my little alien friend emerge from the door. There were steel carvings on the wall. I couldn't help but feel amazed at the work. My little alien friend moved over to me. For the first time I noticed, It walked like a Pigeon. Why does it looks like he was lifting his tiny two feet at the same time? I mentally asked myself. I didn't know but I was curious. It stopped right in front of me and took my glowing hand in his tiny little ones. He slowly rubbed his thumb on it and slowly the glow disappear. Is that even a thumb, I mean I can't conclude because he had only three fingers.

"what are you?" I asked and he raised it head to meet my eyes. Why was it so short. It couldn't be more than 2ft.

"Ghafils" it replied me but I have no idea what it meant though the word sounds like the only solid word it had said to me so far.

"what do you want?" I further asked even though I had no idea what it was saying. I had a feeling he was replying me with the way it's mouth moves. I felt it understood me somehow.

"why are you helping me?" I found myself asking again. I haven't even figured out what exactly it wants or the meaning of it's earlier answers as well as the place I had found myself when he had almost taken me from my family. But fortunately after I woke up, I sent the recording to Tanya to figure out the meaning and I haven't really gotten time to check it out since I was busy sorting out Danny and Nick's mess. Oh God I'll give them an heart attack if I don't wake up any sooner.

"when you took me the other time. Where was I? What was I doing there and who are those?'i asked but all I heard from him was silly whimpering. He kept whimpering and for a moment I thought I heard it mentioned Tanya after a while of watching it whimper.

" how did you even know about us?" I asked suddenly frustrated throwing my hands in the air in response. After a while of watching him whimper I felt myself slipping back. I thought it'll never end. Thank fully, I thought I sighed after I opened my eyes to find myself back at the work shop. Danny was worriedly holding my hand but watching Brian and Nick argue on something. Tony and Tanya was seated in front of a desk working on something on the laptop. Charlie had his back rested against the net which had the tools trapped to it. His eyes lit to realize I was awake.

"Claire" Charlie called in relief as he rushed over to me. Danny instantly got distracted and turned to me. The rest of the team moved over, except the apocalypse haven't happened, It felt so much like camp.

"Are you hurt anywhere? You have tears in your eyes Claire?" Danny which I knew was Nick worriedly queried trying not to panic and I smiled.

"it feel so much like Camp Danny" the tears was now slipping down my cheek as I met everyone's worried gaze. Danny nodded smiling at me after seeing the faces that had suddenly surrounded me. I realized when I tried to stand that I was lying down on a car seat. An expulsed car seat. Just great I thought standing to face Nick.

"what happened?" I asked briefly meeting everyone's eyes.

"well you freaked us out, why did you passed out like that?" Brian asked and I frowned at him.

"well, you just passed out, it really did scare Hailey and Clarisse but we assured them you were fine. Your brother said it's your type of disease-

" seriously? Type of disease? "I asked in disbelief turning away from Brian to my brother after interrupting him.

" well, it sounded like the most perfect excuse at the moment. I mean there wasn't any other explanation I would have found befitting for the situation" my brother explained shrugging his shoulders in his funny kind of way. I sighed after mulling over it for seconds.

"did I mutter?" I asked not turning to anyone in particular and they chorus yes.

" but, I figured out everything" Tanya informed and my lids shot up in curiosity.

"it's very funny Claire, you will not believe it, come.. I wrote it down" Tanya beckoned me over to the desk where she had been working with Tony and I followed with the rest of the team.

"the first recording you sent me, you know, about you finding yourself in the ship and been forced to meet the giant aliens. This is the conversation. It reads 'humans'-

" I knew hahums was humans, so used to that word now" I scoffed before urging Tanya to continue.

"what is a human doing here?' then a different voice said.' my beloved cousin is siding with the humans, he brought her to the ship' then the first voice said 'my son is not a traitor. He would not do that' then a completely different voice said 'you summoned her to the ship uncle, why? I believe you are the traitor. I've been sensing humans around us I can't believe you would do that uncle' then the second voice came angry saying 'I would never do that and you know I would not. I find this place. But you travel the mind of the human through time. Are you trying to stop us?' and the very first feminine first voice said 'son of divuhuhra and the future chief, would not do that. Destroy the human son'-

"ooh, and that's why I actually felt the worst pain in the world. He almost killed me" I muttered.

"I think I got the thing here" Tony scoffed.

"yeah we all do" Nicholas added and Tony groaned.

"I don't think I do" Brian chirped in but we all ignored him, yeah because he was like that. Very annoying sometimes. I think I still have questions running through my mind. There were so many things confusing about all of it.

"but if they have the power to destroy humans, why can't they do that with their powers instead of turning to our life sources" I mumbled to myself asking no one in particular.

" what about my recent mutterings, did you get anything? " I asked shoving aside the questions and confusion filling me up.

" yes. I recorded everything and the translations should be ready in 7..6..5..4..3..2..1..0 seconds... And it's ready" Tanya announced a notification popping up on her laptop and clicking on it we entered into the site which brought a whole lot of writings out.

"I'll do the reading" Tanya offered clearing her throat before deciding to read. 'what are you' English, your question I guess" Tanya said raising her head to face me and I nodded before she resumed reading.

"Ghafils it replied then you asked 'what do you want' and he told you 'earth, but not all of us want earth. Earth is not that healthy for my people. As you make use of oxygen. Our life source is Nitrogen. We cannot survive long enough with the amount on earth, not that it's minimal, it's too much for our use. We left our home on the promise of my uncle finding us a better home. But he merely want to rule us all. I cannot alone prove to my people we do not belong here. Though Nitrogen is abundant here, oxygen is not really good for us. And the abundance of Nitrogen can be very harmful as well. I cannot prove this to my people with my uncles manipulation. That is why I need you to help me prove that. I do not want to stay here either. I do not want your world or neither dominion over it. I just want to protect my people " Tanya read out as we all listened very much attentive.

" I like this alien already " Charlie declared and I cackled.

"go on Tanya" I urged as I adjusted in my seat. It wasn't really convenient to have Charlie's arm resting on my shoulders while we watch Tanya but I could see he wanted to be close to her so I withstand the pain.

"then you asked why are you helping me and it replied ' I know you want to so much to save your people as much as I do. I do not could not find anyone better. I felt your pure heart and it draw me to you, I know you were the only human to help me. Help me and I will help you-

"didn't know that's what he said. Would have gladly took the help" I grumbled despondently suddenly regretting I didn't understand him.

"we can travel about your time, uncle realize I was against us staying. So he's coming back earlier. But there are consequences to his actions. Traveling back your time is quite difficult move risky than traveling from our planet to yours. We traveled for 10yrs which is 40years in your time. But we didn't attack immediately. We studied you every day for 5 years. It was easier because we have some of our kind that can imitate any nature. They appear like you but they are us. They might be unto you because uncle knew your subconsciousness is not destroyed. Be careful" Tanya concluded.

"that's what he said!?" I half yelled in shock.

"shocking I admit" Tanya commented meeting my furious gaze. Others looked scared and nervous. But I was furious. How the f**k did they get to study us for five years without our knowledge. What were we doing? It sounds absurd and crazy.

"should I go on?" Tanya asked noticing the dissatisfaction on my face.

"yeah, yeah... Go on?" I urged and she nodded scrolling up to see the next conversation I had with my alien friend.

"then you asked 'when you took me the other time, where was I? What was I doing there? Who were those?' then he replied 'I did not take you there, it was my uncle. He already found your subconscious and he would find you but he can't anymore. I have forever lock you in so I might not be able to communicate with you once you wake up. And you been there, he was trying to make me kill you. And I almost did but I made sure you would survive it. The woman you saw. My mother she is. She begot me. She is the chief queen of Ghafils but she is aware not of my uncle's plot against her. I might not be able to communicate with you for a while. It is the only way to keep this out of my uncle's knowledge. But the only way of defeating my uncle is making him come down from the ship. You have to bring him to the centre of the earth where the abundance of the oxygen and Nitrogen will deteriorate him. He shall be a sample to all my kind. If you have any other unanswered questions I would gladly answer them. When we meet next in your home' and that is all" Tanya finished and she turned to face us all. Everyone looked extremely disturbed, can't blame them though. It's tough.

"I have been a frequent member in church wishing all you told me wasn't true. Why is it getting more real-

" it's real Brian. More real than we know it" I sighed not wanting to believe my own words. It was hard.

"any luck building that thing?" I questioned turning to Nicholas who shook his head.

"we have to hurry. This is war." I muttered and I knew I was boiling. I couldn't be more grateful for my alien friend and his little gift of Time. But. I swore, I was going to use it properly.

"I got the weapons" Tanya announced leading us to the desk at the end of the workshop. Opening the case we saw freshly collected guns. I grab a Derringer and checked aiming it to my brother jumped.

"jeez Claire, you're gonna get me killed" Charlie fretted his hands immediately thrown in the air.

"Coward" I snickered lowering the g*n as I examined the chambers. I nodded to myself in content examining the other weapons. There were six rifles, six Derringers, some pistols and revolvers.

"perfect" I muttered smiling at Tanya.

"how do you manage to get this things!" Brian unbelievably freaked staring at the case in horror.

"some little secrets of our own" Tanya giggled.

"getting firearms isn't so hard for us. We deal with s**t" Tanya smirked then winked at Brian who was still looking quite horrified. Nicholas wasn't looking so good either. It was definitely his first time seeing real guns up close.

"you think you can train them how to shoot?" I directed the question to Danny and he nodded.

"my expertise" he grinned and others except my brother watched in disbelief.

"you know how to shoot?" Tony queried completely finding it hard to believe.

"yeah, took some practice" Danny smiled meeting my eyes briefly.

"you think we can start the training now?" Brian asked sounding excited and Danny shook his head.

"Nah, we should stick to making the power engine-

"you're joining us?" Nicholas interrupted abruptly tuning to me in question.

"yeah, he is... He's in charge". I declared and Brian scoffed.

"you told me I built this" Nicholas was frowning now his irritation was quite obvious.

"yeah you did. But you were older, smarter and more matured, you might need a hand now" I defended and he scoffed.

"so he's older" he laughed and I wish I could tell him 'if only you know'.

"he's smarter and older, hey... I'm the senior here" Nicholas chuckled.

"yeah I know. But he's in charge" I patted him grabbing a revolver not minding his complaints.

"is it loaded?" I asked Tanya and she nodded.

"everything is" she informed and I smiled in response before digging it right into the back of my jeans then drawing my top to cover it.

"you're walking around with weapons now?" Charlie asked with a groan.

"don't worry Charlie. I can't mistakenly blow your head off" I teased and he rolled his eyes.

"I think I might have something to share" Brian said looking calmer now.

"school will be opened soon and we got to go back-

" I thought you two are in community College. Your college shouldn't be that far we can always meet here" I suggested and he nodded.

"it's a very good idea and I wonder how you know" Nicholas had a brow arched at me now.

"I always find my way around things. You had it on your profile anyway-

" no I didn't-

"yes you did. The picture you took with Nicole was at your school and besides you also mentioned it in the future" I winked smiling as his face drop clueless.

"Claire" my brother called voice a little alarmed.

"mom want your a*s back home in 20mins or we're grounded" Charlie informed with a smile.

"it's 7 o clock pm" brother finally added.

"holy s**t I haven't had lunch" I fretted and that got their attention because I was definitely not freaking out because my mom want me back in the house in 20mins. I was freaking out because I hadn't had lunch. It was quite silly really.

"have any of you had lunch?" I asked and they all averted my gaze. Brian totally left to ignore the question switching on the working area lights as it was now getting dark.

"how did you all have lunch?" I asked in total disbelief.

"well, you were half dead when Charlie headed out to get us lunch" Tony revealed and I turned to Charlie's direction but he was gone to only God knows where.

"Charlie!" I screamed and everyone flinched.

*

"You could let me eat some of that?" Charlie half pleaded as he followed me while we both headed out of the garage right straight to where our car was parked while I was munching down the hamburger Danny had got me after Charlie disappeared to only God knows where.

"no way Charlie you already had lunch. I haven't had any and I'm practically starving" I complained while I munch on my snack.

"where's Danny by the way. He said he was gonna catch up."I frowned slowing down until we got to the car.

" let's wait for him " I stopped my brother who was just about to get into the car.

" like you were gonna let us leave without him" Charlie scoffed and I rolled my eyes at him. Yeah I wasn't going to leave without Nick. As the apocalypse draw nearer I feel closer to him. It's a miracle he's alive and I'm gonna make use of this time to love him. He had a smile on his face while he walked towards us but that smile suddenly disappeared and he yelled.

"Claire behind you!" Danny screamed running towards me.

"f**k!" I cursed as I pulled my brother down with me as we hid behind the car while the gunshot sounded.

"what the f**k is that! Tell me that wasn't you Claire!" my brother panicked.

"no, that wasn't me" I immediately replied trying to figure out where the gunshots came from.

"oh darn it Claire. Who's trying to kill you now?" Charlie's voice was hoarse and brittle. I understand how scared he must be. I was just like that the first time I saw a g*n. Talking of guns. I removed the resolver I had trapped in my jeans and tried to peep back maybe to see my gunman but the resounding sounds of gunshots made me mad. I saw Nicholas roll over to our side with a furious expression.

"what took you so long?" I questioned before deciding to shoot back to anyone shooting us without really checking who.

"personal issues, also I needed to grab a g*n. Didn't know it'll come to use any sooner" Nicholas muttered completely out of breath.

"same here" I replied meeting his eyes.

"why are you conversing like it's any normal thing!" my brother whispered totally freaked. I chuckled at the horrified expression on his face.

"you should see your face right now Charlie" I cackled then meet Nick's eyes nodding before we fan out. Heading different directions but what was because there were two other cars parked away from us. We heard the gunshots and we realized it was coming from a car parked not too far away from us. Slowly peeping I saw three heads and I knew too well men where hiding behind the cars as well.

"there are three of them" I mouthed to Nick and he nodded. I crawled under the car I hid against and aimed under the car which our attackers were hidden. I fired rapidly and I heard a loud screech which doesn't sound very human if I was asked. Nick taking the advantage of that ran unopened shooting continuously at the car until it exploded throwing out one of the man who had attacked us. Meeting Nick's eyes I slowly moved forward to check which the man was thrown across the street face flat on the floor. Nick turned him over after a brief hesitation.

The man was not at all familiar but he was whimpering and slowly... Dissolving. He wasn't dead I was certain. He met my eyes and I felt him try to react but he showed restraint probably because he was in pain. He whimpered louder and his skin was slowly changing.

"This can't be happening" my brother muttered making his presence obvious as neither Nick nor I noticed he's walked up to us. Charlie gagged as the man slowly developed tentacles on its head. The he puked. Gross! I thought.

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