AFIRE: fight for the Earth begins✓

9.2 NALA

The story so far:

---- Aija is a Volunteer at the Pristine School at Innermost. She works along with Zuri and Ze, who are her friends. Aija witnesses a strange event one night – light emanating from Rez's body. The kidnapper is after her soul, next, but he leaves her alive and goes away. Another man finds her, he wants to take her somewhere else - Aija though wary of him agrees. Aija learns of the existence of the aliens – the Ytai. Also, about the R'ies and H'eon, Harvesting and Àvo from Etrie. Etrie tells her that the man, who Harvested Rez (Thieron), will now go after her. He tells her that the spy/kidnapper's name is Luka. Etrie asks her to work along with him.

---- Thieron works for H'eon. The Leader of He'on is Alton Ivar. Thieron tells Alton that he will find the second Priority Soul so that he can be sent to retrieve the Àvo. Thieron is provoked by Dhor-Wo (Alton's bodyguard). He hits Dhor-Wo and breaks his nose. Thieron trails Aija; he finds that she is an extremely powerful soul. And, so, even though Alton asks him to Harvest her, he decides on a different plan by himself.

---- Nala seeks Zuri out. They spend the day together, and go to the APC. 

---- Zuri introduces Aija to Nala.

---- Nala is contacted by her partner, who sees her mingling with humans.

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****9.2 - Nala****

Nala tensed. 

Where was he? 

She looked around, but she couldn't see the owner of the voice anywhere.

"You can't see me," he told her. "You are wearing grey shorts and a black tee," he added, further confirming to her that he was indeed there somewhere watching her. "Meet me at the Park, Nala. Now." He cut the call.

Nala's heart hammered against her rib-cage, as her breathing quickened. She had been caught, talking – even laughing with humans. She ran her fingers through her hair as she saw the two girls conversing excitedly.

She looked at Zuri; beautiful Zuri. What was she to do now?

She steadied herself and hurried over to where the two human girls sat. Nala envied their friendship a little; she once had a good friend. Long, long ago.

"I need to leave," she told Zuri.

"Why?" Zuri's voice was filled with concern. She must have caught on to Nala's tense stance.

"Just some work." Nala tried to brush it off.

Zuri didn't buy into it, but like always she didn't pry. "Alright," she said standing.

Aija remained seated and took out her Scroll. To give them privacy, Nala understood.

Zuri walked Nala to the gate after Nala said her goodbye to Aija. Zuri surprised Nala by hugging her. Nala hugged her back; fear coursing through her, wondering if he was looking at her from afar.

"Will I see you again?" Nala asked, holding onto Zuri tightly. Zuri's embrace was strong and sure, just like she was.

Zuri let her go and looked up at her. She was about three inches shorter than herself. Not more.

"Maybe," she whispered.

"Thanks," Nala was grateful; grateful that Zuri didn't pry; that she accepted Nala despite all her secrecy. But, Nala knew it wouldn't last very long. Zuri surely one day will ask all the questions she has been withholding.