The walk back to Robert's house was heavy with silence, the weight of what they'd discovered pressing down on them like a storm cloud. Freddie collapsed onto the couch, his head falling back against the neck rest as he stared at the ceiling. "A human," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "He's a human. How is this even possible?"
Robert paced the room, his mind racing. "I don't know. As far as I know, humans don't even know we exist. How did they find us? And how did they end up here?"
Freddie sat up, running a hand through his messy hair. "He said they're trying to get back to Earth. Do you think that's even possible?"
Robert stopped pacing, his brow furrowed. "I don't know. But we need to get some answers. We can't just let this go."
Freddie groaned, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. "What are you thinking, Rob? We can't exactly walk up to him and say, 'Hey, we spied on you and found out you're a human.' He'll freak out."
Robert sighed, sitting down across from Freddie. "I know. But we have to talk to him. We'll just… be subtle about it. We'll catch him before school tomorrow and see if he'll open up."
Freddie raised an eyebrow. "Subtle? You? Good luck with that."
The sun was beginning to rise as Robert and Freddie waited outside the school gates, the early morning air crisp and cool. Students trickled in, their chatter filling the quiet streets, but there was no sign of Darian. Robert checked his holo-watch for the third time in five minutes. "Where is he?" "Relax," Freddie said, leaning against the wall. "He'll show up. Just don't scare him off when he does."
Finally, Darian appeared at the end of the street, his head down and his hands shoved in his pockets. Robert and Freddie exchanged a glance before walking over to him.
"Hey, Darian," Robert said, trying to sound casual. "We wanted to talk to you about something. Is it okay if we walk with you to class?"
Darian froze, his eyes darting between them. For a moment, it looked like he might bolt, but then he nodded silently, his shoulders tense.
They fell into step beside him, the awkward silence stretching as they made their way toward the school entrance. Freddie tried to break the tension with small talk. "So, uh, how's it going? Ready for that history test today?"
Darian mumbled something unintelligible, his gaze fixed on the ground. Robert could feel the tension radiating off him, and he knew they couldn't wait any longer. As they reached the school doors, Robert blurted out, "Darian, we saw you and your family at the refuge yesterday. We know you're human." Darian's face went pale, and he took a step back, his eyes wide with panic. Before Robert could say anything else, Darian turned and bolted down the hallway.
"Darian, wait!" Robert called, but it was too late. He glanced at Freddie. "Stay here. I'll catch him."
Robert activated his super-speed, the world blurring around him as he shot after Darian. He caught up to him near the gymnasium, grabbing his arm gently but firmly. "Darian, stop. Please."
Darian whirled around, his chest heaving. "Let me go!" as Darian swing a punch at Robert, "ow" Robert frowned, he catches up to him again and tackled him, he hissed, his voice trembling. "You don't understand. If anyone finds out—"
"We will tell no one," Robert said quickly, his tone calm but urgent. "We just want to help. You can trust us." Darian stared at him, his blue eyes filled with fear and uncertainty. For a moment, it looked like he might run again, but then his shoulders slumped. He nodded reluctantly.
Robert led him to a quiet corner of the school, where Freddie was waiting. They sat down on a bench, the early morning sunlight streaming through the windows. Darian fidgeted with the hem of his jacket, avoiding their eyes.
"Why are you and your family so scared?" Robert asked gently. "What are you afraid of?"
Darian hesitated, his voice barely above a whisper. "We're not supposed to be here. My dad says if we get caught, they'll kill us."
Freddie's eyes widened. "Kill you? That's… extreme. I don't think they'd do that."
Darian shook his head, his expression grim. "You don't know what they're capable of. I don't want to risk it."
Robert leaned forward, his gaze steady. "We'll help you and your family get back to your world. But first, we need to make sure it's safe for you to come out of hiding."
Darian looked up, his eyes searching Robert's face. "How? How can you help us? And why?"
Robert exchanged a glance with Freddie, then turned back to Darian. "We'll figure it out. But we need you to trust us."
"Ok, fine," Darian responded
"We are going to need to find somewhere else to plan this. There is still time until class start lets look for an empty room," Freddie suggested. The three of them walked through the school hallways, their footsteps echoing in the quiet morning. Students were yet to fill the corridors, but Robert kept his eyes peeled for a place where they could talk without being overheard. He spotted an empty classroom near the end of the hall and gestured toward it. "In here."
They slipped inside; the door clicked shut behind them. The room was small, with rows of desks and a holographic projector at the front. Robert pulled out a chair for Darian, who sat down hesitantly, his hands clasped tightly in his lap.
Robert leaned against the teacher's desk, his arms crossed. "Okay, let's start from the beginning. How did you and your family end up here?"
Darian took a deep breath, his voice shaky. "We are not sure. We were flying on the plane my dad rented. The sky got very cloudy; the pilots could barely see. Suddenly, the plane started shaking, and before we knew it, we crash-landed in a forest. Luckily, none of us got hurt. "
"Ok, that is a start, but it still does not explain how," Robert said. "True, but why do you think you are getting killed if caught?"
Freddie asked
"A short time after armed men showed up and shot the pilots, we were lucky and managed to escape. "
Robert frowned. "But how have you stayed hidden for so long? Doesn't anyone notice you're… different?"
Darian shrugged, his gaze dropping to the floor. "We keep to ourselves. My dad figured out a way to sneak into the city and into the refuge. "
"Ok, but why come to school? Shouldn't you be hiding instead?"
"It was my idea to come. My plan was to access the city's database remotely via the school's network and find a way to get back.
Robert and Freddie looked at each other with surprise. "So that is what you were doing in the computer lab," Freddie said.
The bell rang, and students filled the halls. You could hear the footsteps and the chitchat as they walked to their classrooms.
"We need to go to class," Robert said. "Once school is over, we head out to talk to your parents. "
Darian nodded," Ok…thanks."
As they went their separate ways, Freddie exchanged a worried glance with Robert. "This is way bigger than we thought. Helping him could get us all in serious trouble."
Robert nodded, his expression serious. "But we can't just leave you like this. We'll figure something out. We just need to be careful. Besides, I know someone who can give some help."
The final bell rang, its sharp sound filling the halls. Robert and Freddie waited by the lockers with their bags over their shoulders. When Darian showed up, they walked together, their footsteps echoing in the quiet hallway.
"Ready to head back to the refuge?" Robert asked, his tone casual but encouraging.
Darian nodded, but his shoulders were tense. "Yeah. My parents will probably have a million questions and be scared, so let me talk to them first."
Freddie grinned. "Don't worry, we'll be on our best behavior." As they walked through the city, the tall skyscrapers cast long shadows in the late afternoon sun. Robert turned to Darian. "So, what part of Earth are you from? What's it like?"
Darian's face brightened, a small smile appearing. "The city I'm from is called London. It's different. Really different. The buildings are older, mostly brick. And there's this one bridge called Tower Bridge. It's huge, with two big towers and a walkway between them. You can see it from far away."
Freddie's eyes widened. "Whoa, that sounds amazing. What about the food? Do you have food cloning machines or instant cookers?"
Darian laughed, sounding relaxed. "No, we haven't figured out cloning food. We have things like fish and chips, pies, and lots of tea. My mum makes the best scones. They're small baked treats with jam and cream. You'd love them."
Robert smiled, looking curious. "What about the people? Are they friendly?"
Darian shrugged. "Mostly. London's a big city, so it's busy. People are always rushing around. But if you need help, someone will usually stop. And the pubs are cozy places where everyone gathers to talk and relax. It's nice."
Freddie sighed dramatically. "Man, I want to go to London now. It sounds awesome."
Darian's smile faded a little, and he looked down. "It is. But it's also home. I miss it. The noise, the rain, even the crowded Tube stations."
Robert put a hand on Darian's shoulder and spoke gently. "We're going to get you back there. I promise."
Darian looked up, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thanks, Robert. I… I don't know what I'd do without you guys."
Freddie grinned and put an arm around Darian's shoulders. "Hey, that's what friends are for. Now let's get to the refuge before your parents start worrying."
When they arrived at the refuge, Darian led them inside. The air was warm and smelled faintly of home-cooked food. His parents were in the living room. His dad paced while his mom sat on the couch, her hands tightly clasped in her lap. "Darian," his dad, Theo, said sharply, stopping mid-step.
"Where have you been? And who are these boys?"
Darian took a deep breath and stepped forward. "Dad, Mom, these are my friends, Robert and Freddie. They know about us. About where we're from."
His dad's face darkened, and he crossed his arms over his chest. "What do you mean, they know?"
Robert stepped forward, speaking calmly but firmly. "Sir, we're not here to cause trouble. We want to help you and your family get back to your world. We think we might be able to help."
Darian's dad stared at him, his expression unreadable. "And who are you to make such promises?"
"My name is Robert, Robert Martinez," Robert said, extending his hand. "And I'm Freddy Thorne, sir, nice to meet you."
Theo's face turned pale, and his eyes widened. "Excuse me, I need to discuss something with my wife. " Theo took Sadie to their bedroom and closed the bedroom door firmly, leaning against it as if to keep the world out. Sadie stood in front of him with her arms crossed, looking both confused and worried. "What's wrong, honey?" she asked softly. "You're acting like you've seen a ghost."
Theo ran a hand through his hair, his voice shaking with emotion. "It's them, Sadie. It's them."
Sadie's eyes widened. "What are you talking about?"
"The boys," Theo said, his voice low and urgent. "One of them is named Thorne. And I'm sure the other is…"
Before he could finish, a soft knock interrupted them. The door creaked open, and Darian peeked in, his blue eyes full of concern. "Everything alright?" he asked, sounding hesitant.
Sadie forced a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Yes, sweetie. We're just talking. Go back to your friends. We'll be out soon."
Darian hesitated, his gaze flickering between his parents. "Okay," he said finally, closing the door behind him.
As soon as he left, Theo turned to Sadie, his face pale and his voice barely above a whisper. "We can't let him be near them. We have to get out of here. Now."
Sadie stepped closer and gently touched his cheek. Her hand was warm and steady. "Theo," she said softly, "we can't protect him forever. We knew this would happen sooner or later."
Theo's shoulders dropped, his voice heavy with emotion. "I know. I just… I'm not ready."
Sadie's eyes filled with tears, but she smiled and kept her voice steady. "I know, love. But it's something we have to do. For Darian. For all of us."
Theo nodded, even though his heart ached. He hugged Sadie tightly, pressing his face into her shoulder. "I just don't want to lose him," he whispered.
Sadie held him close and spoke softly. "You won't. He's stronger than you think."
Sadie and Theo walked back into the living room, looking both determined and worried. Sadie gave the boys a small, apologetic smile. "Sorry about that," she said, her voice warm but tense. "We just needed a moment to talk," he said, his tone polite but firm. "It's alright. We understand."
Theo crossed his arms and looked at them closely. "So, how exactly do you plan to help us?"
Robert and Freddie exchanged a quick look, silently agreeing on what to say. Robert stepped forward, his voice steady. "My plan is to visit the Royal Family of Imperial City.
Princess Kara is a friend, and she might be able to help us find a way to get you back to Earth."
Theo's eyebrows rose, and he gave a short, doubtful laugh. "The Royal Family? That sounds like a plan that's going to fail."
Robert looked him in the eye, his expression steady. "Trust me, it won't. Princess Kara has helped me before. If anyone can figure this out, it's her."
Theo looked at Sadie, his jaw tight as he thought it over. Sadie put her hand on his arm, her touch gentle but firm. "Theo," she said softly, "we have to trust someone. We can't do this alone."
Theo sighed, his shoulders dropping a little. He turned to Robert, his voice low and resigned. "Fine. Darian can go with you. But if anything happens to him…"
Robert stepped forward, sounding earnest and sure. "Nothing will happen to him. I promise."
Theo looked at him for a long moment, his dark eyes searching for any doubt. Finally, he nodded, though he still looked cautious. "You'd better keep that promise, Martinez."
Freddie grinned, trying to lighten the mood. "Don't worry, Mr. and Mrs…?"
"Braxton"
We'll take good care of him. He's in good hands.
Sadie smiled, though her eyes still showed some worry. "Thank you, boys. We appreciate what you're doing."
As they left the refuge, Theo's words stayed with them. Robert glanced at Darian, who walked quietly beside him. "We'll figure this out," he said firmly. "I meant what I said. Nothing's going to happen to you."
Darian nodded, but he still looked unsure. "I hope you're right. Going to see the Royal Family sounds really risky."
Robert put an arm around Darian's shoulders and grinned. "I have it all figured out."