Almost

Chapter Eight

We found them. We found them. We found them.

That sentence rang through Tam's mind over and over and over again.

We found them.

They left Norath panting where they were. Kaz had grabbed Annie's hand, and she went with no protest.

We found them.

Soon they were half-way to the Tower.

We found them.

Then they were there.

We found them.

Then they were flying away, towards Aeos.

We found them.

Kaz sat next to her, Annie next to him, staring out the window.

Silence.

We found them.

"I hope they aren't angry."

It was Kaz who had spoken. His voice was a bit hoarse, maybe from worry. Or from not talking for the past half hour.

"Why would they be mad at you?" Even her own voice sounded strange to her. "You didn't do anything."

He took in a breath, as if to calm nerves. "That's the problem."

"Kaz, no one knew. If anything I could've-"

"Don't put this on yourself, Tam."

She glanced over to see Annie still looking out the window. "Is that all you're worried about? Something you didn't do?"

"Just don't want to make anymore enemies."

Tam snorted.

"Annie." Kaz said, trying to change the mood. "Are you excited to find your mom?"

The Aeosian girl's head perked up. "Yes. I hope she is happy to see me."

"Of course she will be happy to see you. Why wouldn't she?"

Anastasia avoided his gaze. "I didn't hide like she said. That's how I got stranded all alone."

Kaz gave her a sad smile and a pat on the head. "Your mom will be revealed that your OK."

She looked up as Tam added, "and if she's mean about it you can stay and run around the Tower all you like."

Annie's giggling cut off as they felt the ship gave a small jolt as it landed.

They stood up and walked out, Annie holding tight to both of their hands as they did so.

We found them.

The sun was blinding as it reflected off of the azure waters, but figures were blocking most of the light.

Some were tall and thin, others squatter with more of a muscular build. Some wiry and with gentle tones of aquamarine, others sturdier with more seaweed green. But there was one thing they all had in common.

There was confidence in the way they stood, a sort of pride that radiated about them. It made Tam afraid but brave at the same time.

The Doza's were already there. And Yeager. And the Aces. And Synara.

"Looks like we're the last ones to arrive." Tam whispered to Kaz.

"To be fair Norath was running all over the station trying to find us."

"It all would've been easier if you would've brought your com."

"Me." Kaz hissed under his breath. "What about yours?"