Mirae Walkers

Chapter X

Ryley moved quickly along the streets of his hometown. Keoni chased behind him, her movements much more graceful. He'd been so focused on what was going on in the Mirae that an entire day had passed. For all he knew, his mum could have already contacted the local enforcement.

His hooves thudded on the dirt as he skidded to a stop in front of his small house. He caught his breath, leaning over, and ignoring all the panicked thoughts in his mind.

Oh, Mum was going to kill him.

He took one last deep breath before opening the side door, ducking so his antlers didn't hit the doorframe. Keoni followed him inside.

Immediately, their presence was noticed. A blur crashed into Ryley, squeezing him hard.

He held his breath as she spoke. "Ryley, where have you been?" Was his mum crying?

"I um..." he avoided the question. "It doesn't matter. I'm home now."

"Nice try," She stood up and put her hands on her hips. "Where were you?"

He scratched the back of his head. "I fell asleep at the library." He hated every bitter word of that lie, especially to his mum. "Nobody woke me up until opening." Keoni gave him an impressed look at his improv.

"I went to the library, and you weren't there. Three times." She held up her fingers for clarification.

"In the attic, Mum," He responded. "I've been working up there for days now."

Was she convinced? His heart pounded in his chest, and she could probably hear it.

"I'm unconvinced. First you got lost for a day, and now you fall asleep at work for a full day and night. What's next, you get captured by a Mir-Cognate and it almost kills you, and you barely escape with your life?"

"Sorry, Mum. Isn't there no such thing as Mir-Cognates?"

She rolled her eyes. His little comment might've failed. "There is. You're lucky we have the Hunters to keep us safe. If one of those creatures gets a hold of you, you'll never live to see the light of day."

Yup. Caste was the most dangerous creature ever, with murderous attempts and intentions. "No more leaving the house until you can prove you're responsible again." She glared at him.

Ryley held his tongue. "Yes, Mum." There were so many things he wanted to say. So many things he learned were wrong about everything.

"Keoni, somehow you're always around when Ryley gets into trouble. Got any explanation?"

Ryley felt bad that Keoni was being dragged into it. "I'm... I just go with him. He's my friend." Keoni stopped herself from stuttering.

"And your brother." She reminded her. "If you had anything to do with what's been happening, it ends right here."

"Yes, ma'am." Keoni responded, though she was quiet.

Ryley watched her pace away wearily. He felt guilty lying to her face like that, and staying away for so long. He walked across the hall to his room, mostly where he read. Keoni followed, similarly tense.

"I hated that," He said once they were out of earshot. "I really hated that."

"Amen," Keoni pulled up his chair and sat down.

"You're welcome to go," Ryley offered. "This is my punishment, not yours."

She thought for a moment. "I'm staying." She fidgeted with the clasp on her bag. "Though I want to know what happens if your mom finds out."

"More like my father," Ryley muttered. He'd been hiding from everybody what happened, but just now, Ryley knew Keoni needed to hear it.

"My father works for the Quuarks," Ryley blurted. "If he finds out that I've spoken to any Mir-Cognate, he'll try and capture them." He twiddled his thumbs.