The Earth Shifter

“What. About. Aaron?” I asked again. Tristan looked at me then at the glass floor.

“He’s the one who wanted to stay with you.” He shrugged.

“But.. he’ll die.” I whispered to myself.

“There has to be a sacrifice.” Tristan’s father said and I seriously started thinking about throwing him to the Garda. He’d make a nice meal.

“You made your point the first time you said it, you don’t need to say that every five minutes.” I told him trying to suppress my anger. He seemed like he will kill someone if no one died in the end, only to make a point.

“You shouldn’t take that time to think. It’s pretty easy. He shouldn’t stay.” Tristan shrugged. He didn’t know but it was Aaron who told me not to say anything. He didn’t want to draw more audience for the show.

“No, it’s okay. I’ll stay.” Aaron decided.

“What?”

“Whatever you want, Aaron.” Tristan said.

“We can move them from here.” I suggested and Tristan’s father gave me a death glare that sent chills down my spine. It was like the biggest mistake to move the stupid Garda away from the island because they’re the third protector.

“Okay, sorry.” I held my hand realizing my mistake.

Tristan got out of this place and his father did too, leaving me and Aaron with the Garda.

“I don’t mind. Look at them they’re so small. They can’t kill me.” Aaron argued.

“Look at their teeth and number, Aaron. Of course they can kill you.” He wasn’t convinced.

“No, they can’t and like Tristan said: it’s my decision. And I choose to help you.” He told me.

“It’s your life you’re putting on the line here, Aaron. Think about it for a second. I won’t let you do it.”

“I know what I’m doing and I promised you that I won’t leave.” He reminded me. “I’m staying and that’s final.” Without a second word he turned around and walked to the entrance I followed behind him silently. Periwinkle was riding on my shoulders, this little buddy didn’t leave me for a second since I’ve been on this island. I gave my parrot a little biscuit and got out of this place.

At night, me and Aaron were sitting with Tristan in the garden of the leader’s house.

“I think the people should move out off the island first.” Aaron told Erik. He was talking casually but I can tell that he was tensed since we got out of the Garda place.

“Already on it.” Tristan answered excitedly. “Erik and Lilly were telling all the people who were living here to leave all day.” Tristan said.

“Good.” I said shortly.

Lilly and Erik came to us and pulled a chair and sat tiredly. “Mission accomplished.” Lilly made a tick in the air. “They all left on their Deltars and the only ones left here are us.” Lilly added.

“And your father?” Aaron asked.

“Left too.” Tristan leaned back comfortably in his chair.

How can he be so comfortable?

“And what about our Deltars?” Tristan asked Erik.

“Set and ready for us in the morning.”

Neither Erik nor Lilly looked happy about anything they were saying so I told them about our plan after shooting a look to Aaron asking if I can say it in front of Tristan. And he nodded.

Tristan didn’t comment or react on anything about the plan. Not even when he heard about Aaron’s power and for me it was weird.

On the contrary, Erik and Lilly tried stopping and convencing me to not to do it but I told them that I already took my decision and will take a full responsibility over this island.

No sacrifice has to be made.

I kept telling myself that the whole night, which was filled with anxiety and fear and, of course, no sleeping at all.

“I promise you that when I get home, I’ll take you with me.” I whispered to Periwinkle smoothing his feathers.

“This is absolute madness, I know that and I hate all of it. But I’m only doing it because it feels like the only right thing to do in the moment.” I lied on my side on the bed looking at Periwinkle.

“Just pray that nothing bad happens.”