NINE TIME MACHINES: Do you want to undo your entire life on planet earth?

CHAPTER 108

"How come we didn't hear it?" Xaxu asked.

"Fantum's right. I dropped the veil," Kat confessed.

"I knew it," Fantum boasted.

"Where is she now?" they asked in unison, all except Fantum.

"I'll reveal everything in a moment."

"But why on earth would you keep her a secret from us?" Xaxu asked.

"To make sure that she was ready."

"But once she made the call she was ready," Xaxu said. "We all know that."

"Ready for something else," Kat explained.

"What could be more important than Mother's instructions?"

"Mother's instructions. What else?"

Xaxu drew closer. "You'd better explain yourself."

"I've prepared a few tests. Her job is to pass my tests and release thirty-three keys."

"Like the number of islands," Xaxu noticed. "Why thirty-three? Any special reason?"

"Because it'll take thirty-three keys to free me from sleep and activate Beacon Earth."

"Beacon Earth? Mother's dream?"

"That's right. A new world; one where humans will never suck our energy again."

"And you came up with all this on your own?"

"Remember those walks Mother and I used to have?"

"Yes, I remember," Xaxu said looking uncomfortable. "She told you to do this?"

"She told me to prepare Beacon Earth for her return."

Xaxu sighed. "But what if she fails?"

"That's where Fantum comes in."

"I hate it already," Xaxu said.

"Meaning what exactly?" Fantum asked.

"If Mary doesn't get the first three keys then it's over. I'll face the second death."

"Mary?" said Xaxu. "That's her name?"

"So it's me against a puny human?" Fantum said mischievously.

"Yes and yes."

"I say let the ninth witch have her way," Fantum cooed. "In fact, let's vote right now."

"Not so fast," Qira said. "I need to know. Do we all get to play?"

"Of course," Kat said. "I see no reason we can't all have a little fun."

"I'm still not sure I can support this," said Xaxu.

"There's absolutely nothing to worry about," said Kat. "Because there's a catch."

"What's that?" said Fantum.

"Once Mary frees the first three, the rest of you are bound to protect her. Even you, Fantum."

"Why not," Fantum agreed. "That way no one can say I never did anything to keep them alive."

"Fair enough," Xaxu said. "Now let's have a moment of silence before we decide."