Walking Dollar Bills

Chapter 44: Horatio's Warning and Zala's Apology

The burning ball of fire sinks into its slumber faster than usual. Shades of orange embers and yellow sparks that color the sky shift into a hazy purple. Stars, separated by miles of sky, play peek-a-boo with their radiance.

Thoughts of Toure's wager weigh down the legs of Zala and Earl. Their pace has changed significantly. Instead of running full-speed into the belly of the beast, their steps are more methodical.

They both finally process the gravity of this moment. A debt they were doomed to never pay-off has led them to the greatest adventure of their life. From pills that grant the power of gods, cannibals, an insurgence, death, and a dictator, these two have lived through history and made it.

As Zala's weather-beaten shoes hang together literally by a thread, she wonders if things will ever go back to normal. The abilities her friends have gained cannot be left in Mao Country. They will accompany them on the trip home. Do they keep these abilities secret? Do they keep this adventure secret?

Earl worries that victory will not be as assured as Toure believes. What other secrets might the Dictator have waiting for them? While Dictator Beneficence has had time to prepare for them, what preparation have they had? Gumbo is not here to draw circles into the ground and present a strategy. That thought almost makes Earl chuckle. He knows that planning went out the window the day Amara brought him back to life. If death can be cheated, then studying is a waste of time.

Before entering the building, Zala raises her chin and gazes at the replica head of Dictator Beneficence. A large hand lands on her shoulder and she hears the release of carbon dioxide from a nearby mouth. This is the beginning of the final battle.

"He won't hurt any more people," says Earl pulling his arm away from her shoulder, "We're going to finish what the Nationalist started."

Zala prepares to reply, but another voice calls out before the words leave her tongue.

"Hey! Hold up!" screams Horatio storming up the last few steps.

Sweat slides down his pink cheeks as he waves his open hand in the air. Behind him are Byrd and Twister. They use the combined strength of four legs to keep up with Horatio. Their arms hang over each other's shoulders. Wheezes and phlegm filled coughs accompany each hop.

"You're alive!" shouts Zala meeting them halfway.

"Hold on, we'll come to you" says Earl following behind the girl.

Horatio presses his hands against his hips and gasps for air, "Yes. We made it in time. There's something urgent I need to tell you. It's about the Dictator and what I think he has—"

The siblings collapse onto their butts and grimace in pain.

"What happened?" asks Zala, reaching out a hand.

"We'll be alright. We're the least of your worries," says Twister. His heart jumps as soon as he hears quiet sobs from Byrd.

"He's in there? Isn't he?" she asks.

Zala and Earl reply with a nod.

"Dammit!" Byrd tightens her fist and pounds her injured leg with it. "Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. It's not fair!"

Everyone watches Byrd with concerned eyes, but only her brother understands her pain. This has been her desire for so long. To confront the Dictator and force him to answer for his crimes to the country and humanity.

Twister reaches across his body and grabs her arm.

"No brother! Let me go! It isn't fair. Our dad died! That bastard killed him! I should get the first crack at him. That should be me preparing to fight this battle. This is our country and we can't even defend it!"