Page 12

Teach Club

Needing time after my classes, I lock my office door and jump. My spot under the tree is empty so I take it.

Thinking about my day, I smile. The kids and Bits were cute today. Shay told Cai of a story White Wave told them to make a point about seeing any kid threat as all kids have a threat. They stick together and always watch out for each other. Cai saw it and agreed saying Fords see threats to Alder and he’ll tell his Brothers about the lesson. The stories are important.

“Brother, are you sleeping?” His voice, while not heard often, brings a peace over me. He’s sane in a world of ability that’s gone crazy.

I smile, opening my eyes. “You have my permission to wake me if I am.” I sit up and turn. “Brothers. Is everyone okay?” I don’t feel anything and haven’t seen a single thing today that would bring Aiyana, Dakota and Christian together like this. I look for Atohi and Yona feeling the connection.

“Relax, Brother, we wanted to talk to you.” Christian looks younger than the last time I saw him. Less stress looks good on him.

I relax and nod. “It’s not much but sit, Brothers.”

They all look a little too serious. “You are correct, it is a serious matter.”

I nod hoping I’m not being charged with hundreds of murders.

Christian laughs. “No one knows what happened. Relax. They couldn’t prove you did anything anyway. You were here and people in New England keeled over. California and Texas are closer but you’re still hundreds of miles away. We have questions and know you have answers.” He doesn’t have to say it like that.

I’m not going to be charged because I wasn’t close? It seems flimsy to me.

Aiyana shakes her head at me. “Did you ask for death?”

I shake my head no.

“Did you paint each person as a target?”

I shake my head no. Asgina .I didn’t know any of them to read intent.

“The ancestors used you to stop those with deadly intent. The criminal before me fell to his death without my knowledge that he was a criminal. VP informed me after Ops was finished. It was a busy day that I did not have time to read more than intent as we were defending our townspeople.”

I breathe the air in deeply. “Thank you. I don’t know where or even who died.”

“It is not yours to know, Citiali. The ancestors shield you from that knowledge. Prez has spoken of his displeasure in using you and it is agreed, strength, healing and calm, while the three headings do not sound like much, entail a vast number of solutions that will be sent through you.”

I repeat Dakota’s words before I think of strength, healing and calm. He’s right, it could be calm for a Brother unsettled, or calming a crowd of rioters that would need those gentle commands Hemy taught us to throw to groups of people at once. “What if I just need help?”

Christian smiles. “Prez said unless you ask. He said you’d never ask for the death of people you don’t know and have never seen.”

My head is shaking. “No, I wouldn’t. Hundreds died in places I’ve never heard of. I love the laser because it doesn’t kill. Our job shouldn’t be an automatic kill for aggression toward us. Caged animals are first caged, so questions I may not have time for need answers.”

“Very just and true,” Dakota says with approval in his eyes.

“Justice said you rolled fire or black.” Christian points out.

I nod. “Their intent was death to me and mine. Alpha-Bits, kids did nothing to warrant a war. We did nothing to warrant that war.”

He doesn’t agree. “Stealing the readers was the justification they used. It went along with invading and carrying out Ops but they can’t prove any of it. They wanted the readers broken so they could use them.”

My hand holds my heart. They came for Dyani. Bending so my chest hits my knees, I breathe. Strength and calm would be good right now.

“Citiali, breathe, Brother. Nitis was tested and has ability. He’s Indian but doesn’t look it.” Christian isn’t helping.

“Dyani is marked. Her sister wasn’t. Are they coming back? I don’t see another war. Would I see that? She’s mine.”

“Relax, Brother. She stays here and is happy. They aren’t coming back because they don’t know if they’ll all just die setting foot in the US. Dakota, do something, calm him down.”

“He is being calmed, our Great Guardian. Perhaps telling him the threat is gone first would help.”

I sit up fast. “The threat is gone. Nitis and Dyani are safe?” I ask Dakota because Christian apparently sucks at giving news.

“They are safe, Brother.”

I nod and give Christian a look. “Love ya, Brother, but you’re a dick. Don’t tell me any more about the ancestors and what happened. What are your questions?”

Aiyana hits his side when he glares at me. “You do not explain, ever. No experience with the job would have rational Brothers leaving that job to Brothers capable of doing it without causing heart palpitations.”

I smile. “Thanks, Aiyana. Questions?” I move them along.

“We need to promote Indian or not Indian but the lessons. We have Maiyun and White Wave to explain them but need to get that out to more than Indians. Badass is great with the lessons but we have more stories, simple stories that are fun and may work better to the young.”

“Did you watch my class today?”

“No. What happened?”

I shake my head. “White Wave does fireside chats with the kids. Before you got here, I was thinking about it. The kids having a class with them both will give perspective and get the chats out to more. We can record them for virtual classes or maybe Dreng can send them out on his news thing. I thought it would be helpful to the Bits.”

He nods. “You think the Bits would get it?”

“Yeah, Brother. Shay told Cai a story that pointed out a threat to one kid is a threat to all and Cai said he’s telling his Ford brothers. It was about animals in a forest but Cai got it when Shay said kids were the same. Atseelsoi was telling the kids about clean water from another story at the tent city last night. It was one of Maiyun’s stories that White Wave told them.”

He smiles. “Fuck, this is almost too easy. I watched Atohi today. He knows the plan and is pushing Andrew to solutions. Is he old enough?”

I nod. “Andrew sees his mistakes and realizes his future is tied to Atohi and Enoli. Justice put them both in place knowing Atohi will need Enoli to grow into his second. Enoli is Atohi’s Protector.”

Aiyana laughs.

“Fuckin’ kids. Aiyana thought so.” Christian isn’t pissed, he’s amused and throws chin to Aiyana.

“The Indians.”

I nod before Aiyana asks. “Co is right here. I’m doing a class and he asked that I send the feeds. He knows you’re spread thin too and we can help, we’re already doing it. My plan is to promote one tribe. When Co watched the next meet, he called me.”

“You are definitely a favorite.”

“I’m honored to be there.” I look at Dakota. “Prez took the kid reservation time from you but not because you fucked it up. Their Leads should be jumping with them. Hemy never jumped with me in Liberty. Half the Brothers there didn’t jump at all. The tribe didn’t believe in it. My grandfather and uncle did. They were our teachers and even last night, Yona showed to give advice and encouragement. Be the Prophet that shows and can share advice and encouragement. Every one of you need to be raised to your positions. Take them. We need help and you saw it. Take a step back and let us do our part.”

Dakota bows his head. “I see it but doing it feels wrong.”

“The kids need to think for themselves with reason behind it. Coddling them didn’t work, Zeke showed you what works. Unacceptable behavior is unacceptable for all of us. They’re starting to get the jobs they want. They come here and act right or Justice sends them back. Step back and support the Brothers pushing for change. You have a list of good Brothers that can do the job if you give them the support. Give it then let them.”

He nods. “Very sound plan.”

I laugh.

Christian pops up. “Times up.”

I feel them and turn, then laugh again. “Preses.”

Prez is smiling. That’s always a good sign. “My council is getting counsel. I like it.”

I nod and tell them what I said before it’s a twenty-minute question and answer session for five minutes of actual words.

“Dakota is okay? He didn’t say he was worried.”

“He’s fine, Prez. They need to step back and guide. He sees it and will support the Brothers they’re putting in place. Age shouldn’t play into it, but it tends to when so much is on the line. I see it working and Dakota sees pieces. It’s not his to see yet.”

Prez nods. “This isn’t why we’re here but I need to ask. Why didn’t we get a warning for the war? Everyone was unsettled but no one else saw the battles we fought.”

“I did, Atohi and Justice did, Zeke and Putam did, hell even Jacob knew or felt it. Teller warned me a couple of days before. Aiyana, Christian and Dakota felt it but didn’t see it. Maybe they didn’t put it together. Christian is doing classes for Luna, Dakota is doing lessons and jumping to the reservation a couple of times a night with different groups. Aiyana is working, growing plants, answering everyone’s questions everywhere from Indian, women issues and medical, plus healing. I saw Zeke worried but it’s about how busy our Leaders are. Putting out fires is stopping them from avoiding the fires.”

Cort sits. “Huh. Justice said almost the same words. He saw the war?”

I shrug. “He saw something coming. I saw it happening in Virginia. It didn’t happen that way. Atohi beefed up their IT and stopped planes getting in unchecked there. He may have seen the fight move but I wasn’t told.”

Cort looks at Hemy getting a nod. “Andrew asked me if it was right. I don’t know what Atohi did but flying into DC shouldn’t be without a check. Kaleb said it’s right so I backed Atohi. Aaron is happy Andrew took the help after seeing everyone else get hit.”

I nod. “Andrew went to Liberty and hung out with the Brothers. Atohi is stoked.”

Prez smiles. “I’m glad they see Atohi’s value there. You’re the only Clubs that weren’t in a war. We needed and appreciated the help, Brother.”

Hemy throws him chin.

I wait for what this is then smile when Mucimi shows. “Axe needed me.”

I look for it. “He okay?”

“Christian said to get drones on White Wave and the kids at the night fires. We got them set and Arndt will send them up when they start the fire so we don’t miss anything. Christian doesn’t give Axe orders so we did it right away. He was worried.”

I smile at Cort and Prez. “Fireside chats will be going out everywhere. He doesn’t waste time.”

Prez shakes his head. “Give them a job and they’ll get it done. I love the fuckin’ Brotherhood.”

Me too, I think but don’t say.

“You should say everything here. I explained to Cort the way we see here. Sometimes it’s words, pure heart means they can be trusted. Sometimes it’s the signs,” he points to the color over the lake, “or it could be who shows.” He points to Justice, Luke Rayne and Maiyun.

I nod. “Color is important to Indians, like bikers we have our tribe colors. I’ve seen more color here lately, it tells me everyone is welcome and celebrated. I want to bring my Indian class here, it will be a comfort to those feeling unconnected.”

“What you’re doing with Crow? The one tribe thing?” Cort asks.

“Yeah, Boss. Dyani found her only relative here. Her connection is to more than ancient stories.”

He nods. “The freed women should come.”

“Co is getting Aylen on the ABSZ women. We had a long conversation here.”

He nods. “Do I need to step back and let Justice run his Protectors?”

Fuck. I breathe deep. “Yes.”

“Why was that hard?”

“You’re a President and I have to answer. Deflecting or answering with a question isn’t allowed.”

Hemy laughs. “Tell him why so we’re not here all afternoon.”

Fuckin Pres. Prez laughs.

I shake my head smiling. “Justice needs to run Protectors all over the country. He can’t if his focus is on Phoenix only. He’s like Christian and Dakota for you. Raise him higher so he can do his job effectively. We need guides and he’s one of them.”

“Planning, the dream team? Drop him from that?”

“The LS board does Club planning. Get a reader to give you if it’s a right fit. You don’t need Justice for that. It’s kid shit for the President of Protectors to be doing. You have Undeen, Naaki and even Caelan that could give you those answers.”

“Jesus. Why didn’t he say?”

I hold my laugh but I’m smiling. “You’re Cort, his President, a fuckin’ giant and when you talk, he listens.”

He smiles. It beats the scary eyes. “I need to let up on Falcon and Raid too.”

It’s a question even though it doesn’t sound like it, so I nod. “In time, the Brothers will work to prevent and not just point out future issues. They’re going to get numb to fighting fires and work like robots, which will stop them from working to prevent the fires in the first place.”

Prez and Hemy laugh. “Take the advice, Brother. I used to get warnings that you were moving too fast. I like the fast but liked the warnings more. It’s a lesson I’m learning now.” Prez Knight shows why he’s Prez.

I nod.

“Do you have help for me?”

I turn to Hemy and put my arm out. “Andrew is the Leader we know him to be. Keep supporting Atohi, he’s young and may not always feel appreciated. Yona can help with the why’s.”

He looks concerned but nods. “Why he thinks he’s not good enough?”

“Yona helps, Pres. I’m not there and I was always his shield. He says you find him and jump with the Little Brothers. He looks up to you and you seem to have picked up the shield. There are no other ability Indians as a guide in Virginia. Yona is his constant but you’re Hemy.”

He nods. “I’ll be the shield. Those kids know more than me.”

I laugh. “Lessons never stop, Boss.” I throw his own words at him.

He pushes me, letting my arm go. “Fuck off, it’s true.”

I smile at him.

***

Badass tent city

Behind the tree quickie is a thing now. Dyani says it’s number three. I don’t mention we were shielded and no one can see us. The list said danger of being seen so I gave her that, or more accurately, let her think it. No one is ever seeing her come for me. Cleaned up and walking, I get the whole list again. She’s happy, relaxed and excited to be summoned to the tent city again.

“Do you want a drink before whatever crazy they’re planning happens?” She likes a watermelon drink the ol’ ladies made and the tiki bar is just ahead of us.

“Water. The women are crazy too. They’ll have drinks made or we’ll make them when everyone gets here.” She looks around. “It looks like everyone is still here.”

I laugh. “It’s a celebration of life, sort of.” I turn to the Prospect. “Two waters.”

“I thought it’s for you?”

I take the water and turn her. “Not really. Most don’t know what happened and I’m glad to let it go. Right now, the threat level is down so low everyone feels safe. They gather and recharge with their Brothers before the next threat hits. It’s not every day you get to see and reconnect to your Brothers from away. Prez, the old Pres and every Lead is here. It’s like seeing real life legends all together so they’ll drag it out as long as it lasts.”

She smiles up at me so I bend to kiss that happy. I never expected this. She’s doing classes to understand our words and the social graces she missed while chained to a building. She picks everything up so fast, I’m floored sometimes, like now, she’s an amazing woman and I’ll never forget to show her.

“Citiali!”

I turn fast. “Atohi.” I get out, seeing Yona, Enoli and our new Brothers Tsali, Kanunah and Tsula. Throwing them chin, I catch my Brother and hold on. The reservation is good but feeling the life in him is better. “I’m surprised but glad you came back.”

“Pres called for us. Andrew is here too. We found the crew looking for you.” He’s cute.

I set him down and he turns to hug Dyani. “Yona, Brothers. How do you like the new Clubs?”

Tsula’s smile tells me. “Anchor and Keylan are unbelievable. I love it. Pres is here today. He got back from a fire in California. Keylan said they’re looking for land to make another Club for Rescue there just for the fires.”

I nod. “It’s getting bad and they don’t have the help they need.”

Yona nods. “Tsula was telling us about the forestry Brothers that moved.”

I nod, Anchor told us at the pit. “How about you two?” I ask Kanunah and Tsali.

“We like the MC. Everyone is close so we can visit. Noya is a geek but loves her bubble in the safe zone. We visited Ginny last night. The Kana’ti’s were in Zion. Ginny said Prez and the elders were there.”

I smile and look at Yona, Aylen’s pregnant. He nods but doesn’t speak. “I’m glad you’re settled with your Clubs. Noya is at the reservation early mornings. She said starting the day with the ancestors is better than the end. She falls into bed too tired to be appreciative.”

They laugh like I did.

“She’s always been off.” Tsula loves his sister but she drives him crazy.

Atohi starts walking with them so we follow. “She’s just different than us. She’s IT, they’re all different than us.”

Yona chuckles watching the boys. “You’re happy.”

“Always.” He always says that.

“So am I, Yona. I’m glad you came back.”

He nods and points. “We were told to meet at the stage.”

Turning at the crossroad that breaks up the hut businesses, I see Brothers heading toward the stage. It’s all I see. From the road we were on, I could just see the top of the stage, from here, I can see the top quarter of the stage. Brothers are already packed into the square the stage sits at the back of. This is a lot of Brothers.

Dyani looks up at me with worry in her eyes. I look from her to Yona. “Brothers, hold up.”

Atohi looks back then stops. “I’m shielding energy.”

I nod. “It’s the excitement and crowd.” I look up and smile. “Yona, I’ll shield below. Atohi, keep the energy shield up.”

He laughs and we’re all rising. I bring us to the side and hover over the road. All that’s on the other side is the medic, bathrooms and I guess a store but we’re not blocking their view. “Does this work for you? We have a good view of the stage and aren’t in the crowd.”

Atohi sits so the crew does too. Dyani laughs. “Perfect. I’m glad we’re not above the crowd.”

I nod and sit. She sits on my lap. If she were in one of her skirts or dresses it wouldn’t be an option but being above the crowd would be a distraction either way. I don’t want to be the center of anyone’s attention.

“Hey, Brother. Can you hold us?”

I turn and smile. “Yeah, Brother, stay to this side and put your fire out.”

Mase nods and Kateri sits with the kids making a line. Dyani moves off my lap and sits beside me so she can do girl talk.

Yona laughs.

I shrug and see why he’s laughing. Mucimi has two sets of twins floating up with him. Chenoa, Carmen and Teller are following.

“Good idea,” Teller says, sitting in a line by the crew and Atohi. He leans back. “I’m covering the Alpha-Bits. Chenoa can help with energy.

I nod. “Atohi is on the energy shield. Yona is helping. I have the one under us.”

“I got us. Chenoa, help with the shield so the kids aren’t slammed.”

She agrees but I watch the Michaels clan rise.

Mucimi points. “Stay over the roads.”

In five minutes, Protectors are filling in the main road line. I’m glad when they’re all happy to stay in one place.

Hannah rushes me causing my hands to come up. “I’m just asking if you can hold us up.”

I nod. “Mucimi is helping. No one is falling.” I see her kids with squished heads thought and laugh. “Relax. We’re covered. Keep to the outside roads.”

She’s gone. I didn’t know she could move so fast but Blackhawks are Blackhawks. Mucimi laughs so I peg him a finger. Trucks below go to the stage, now I see why the stage has roads breaking up the side lots. Coolers are run to the edges of the lot line. The planner thinks of everything.

Teller is running for coffee, Mase has bathroom duty with kids and Mag is walking the lines handing out bits of chocolate. I shake my head.

Aylen shows and sits by Dyani. I move and Walker sits in between us. The lines are about full so late Brothers are going to have to stand.

Alder walks onto the stage looking like a tiny soldier in his gear. Ari follows and hands him a headset. “Brother, Alpha-Bit Club schedule meet to Alpha-Bits. Sorry you bored to our business. Drink to side.” The crowd laughs. Everyone loves the Little President.

A group of Bits and Web stand behind him while he tells of the help they need and the way they’re going to do it. I laugh seeing the same line of Alpha-Bits appear beside him. He made Ford Officer holograms. The Brother doesn’t waste time and the holograms disappear just as fast as they appeared.

Twinkling has me blinking then turning. Mucimi has confetti entertaining the kids on this side. Bubbles are floating by Hannah. Whatever keeps them calm and seated works for me. My head whips to Dyani. She’s turned to Aylen laughing at something said. She wants kids but said not right now. I hope it’s not a long wait. My girl will be a great mom. I touch my chest feeling that. I hope I’m a great dad for her and our kids.

Atohi leans over and hits me. “You are for me and will be great for yours.”

I feel that deep. “Get the fuck out of my head.” I throw him appreciation.

“Stop with the stupid shit and I can. Don’t throw. I pushed it to the shield.”

Shit. I nod and watch Alder. He was right it’s boring shit. I like IT shit but I’m not a coder and it sounds like I never want to be. I watch the crowd.

“VP Citiali.” Alder’s call has me paying attention. His fist goes over his heart. “ABSZ Club show appreciation to you. We thanks to you.”

I put my hand over my heart and throw him chin and think of appreciation for not giving details.

He throws chin and walks away with his real Ford Brothers and Web following.

Brekan comes out and talks about Clubs everywhere trying to get into BSC West. It’s not as boring as IT so I listen while watching the crowd.

“VP Citiali! We sit to you?”

I don’t see Anton. Standing I look for the Brother. “Here.”

I laugh. “Yeah. Sit in a line.” I raise what must be half the Bits in the Club up.

Anton sits in front of me. “No flight suit to us all. Pres Alder say all or none.” He’s disgusted.

“You’re up here without suits, quit bitching.”

He looks shocked then nods with his smile on. “Roger, Boss.”

Walker laughs and stands beside me. “This works for me.”

I nod and smile seeing Trask and Maverick stand directly across from us. They throw chin so I do.

“Citiali, know we’re all in awe of you. Thank you, Brother.” Brekan has my eyes snapping to the stage.

I throw chin and hold my fisted hand over my heart and think of appreciation. He nods and walks off the stage to the crowd howling.

“You’re the tops, you’re the Mona Lisa.” The Bits sing with him.

I laugh at the little Brother that always has a new voice. “Thanks, are you Alta or Amal?”

He points at himself. “The Real McCoy, Amal.”

“Glad you’re not the hologram.”

“Nope, I’m the real deal.” He uses a different voice.

I shake my head wondering what Amal sounds like.

Walker laughs. “He does movie quotes.”

I nod. “I’m not a buff.”

“Me either, we’re outside, riding, anything but closed in when we’re off.”

“Same here, do you run?”

“On a treadmill at home or for training. Hiking and lately climbing is Aylen’s thing. Anchor’s girl had us up a couple of times this month.”

“I’ll get with him.”

We turn back toward the stage with clapping from the crowd. Pres Knight, Cort, Hemy, Justice, Alder and the elders come out. Chairs and a table are brought out by Prospects. It reminds me of Church.

I’m surprised when Alder starts up. “Brothers, I not bore you this time. Tyson. He puts his arm out and Tyson walks slowly to him from the side.

“Yep, Tyson in the house. I’m not boring you either.” He waves at us up in the air. “The Brothers showing off up there must be doing that so they’re not mixed in the crowd.” We laugh and I nod. “Those Brothers keep us safe like they’re keeping the Bits and all the ability kids safe. Caelan told me too many people means he has to block. Some of them can’t even be touched. Do you feel the energy down here?” He asks the crowd getting some agreement.

“They feel that times, like, a hundred. Being tuned in with those abilities means they feel it so much it stops them from doing stuff we love. We all know Brothers that don’t like crowds. My dad is like that. He’s good for a while but he’s quiet and just sort of watches everyone. He hates being singled out and never stays in a crowd for long. I’m the opposite.” His big smile has me laughing.

“I’m not usually in crowds but I don’t seem to have a problem with it. So, Little Brothers news. Dreng will be sending out what he calls fireside chats. This will go out Internationally but we need you to get your Clubs and kids ready to tune in. These are stories passed down through Indians. It’s all tribes but we’re told all tribes are one tribe now. So, everyone is included, everyone is welcome. It doesn’t matter if you’re Indian or not and the tribe doesn’t matter. My dad has a whole trunk full of Badass Indian stories I’ve heard all my life. For kids, it’s entertaining, a good way to connect and it keeps me looking for more. Once the fireside chats are running, you’ll see what I mean. We’ll get the Badass Indian stories in there too. These stories are lessons that get remembered. For us kids, we need the good and bad so we have a reason not to make those mistakes that seem so obvious to all of you. You know, because everything you do is a lesson .” He smiles big again. “It will make your life easier too.”

Everyone laughs. It’s a line we all learn. He bows then looks up at us. “VP Citiali, thank you from Little Brothers across the country.”

I hold my hand over my chest and throw him chin and think appreciation.

“I felt that.”

I laugh. He would. Mag is waiting at the side and Tyson sits in his chair.

Hemy steps up and talks about a program Brantley and Web have for Clubs for planes. He doesn’t know a thing about it but he tells everyone they’ll get it out as soon as they can. He thanks the Clubs that sent Brothers to cover his so they get some time off too.”

He looks up and my hand goes over my heart. “Proud you’re mine, Citiali, Atohi, Yona. Thanks.” Apparently, this is a thing.

Atohi lets a war cry out. I throw him chin and think appreciation.

Cort moves and points up at me. “Tyson is great with the lessons of our fathers, but Nanyehi Brothers will bridge the Indian and Badass so we all get how impactful Native has been to Badass through the years. FBI had all for one and one for all.” He pauses for the Brothers giving the chant. I laugh seeing Brekan saying it. “Badass is never alone.” More Brothers yell. “Badass Indian is one tribe.” The war cry is deafening.He waits without trying to stop it.

When it’s quiet, he nods. “I feel it too. For fuck’s sake, they’re up in the air.” He waves his arm and everyone laughs. “I didn’t get the Indian draw to Badass but I’m realizing it was always a Badass draw to Indian. Wall was Indian, take Thunderhawk, Knight, Blackhawks, here it’s Waters names, like Whitewater, Blackwater we added Lightfoot, Knight, Blackhawk, all the LaPonte variations and now Nanyehi. They’ve always been one tribe. Badass, or maybe it’s just me, but we’re learning. It’s not Mason Badass, FBI Badass, Indian Badass, Space, PD, Sheriff, whatever; to survive, we’re like the Natives. We’re all one tribe banded together or we’re not making it. In one we are many. I read it, see it and hear it all the time, but for some reason, Citiali showed me what it really means just today. We don’t have Mason Brothers and free women, we have Brothers, women.” He looks up again and points. “Citiali, Brother, thank you. E pluribus unum. Badass.” The crowd gets loud again.

My hand goes up and I throw chin feeling it. I think appreciation and he smiles. He felt it.

Justice steps up. “Brothers, Tyson said half the shit I was going to so I won’t keep you long. The ability Brothers tend to shy away from attention and crowds.” He looks up making a face. “That was obvious.” Brothers laugh.

“Anyway, we’re not all Indian or the line is so long and names have changed that it isn’t obvious. Look at Caelan, the LaPontes like me. Alder reminded me that we all came from somewhere and he does DNA shit so I figure he means we’re all Native somewhere in us. To me, Brothers floating in the air is normal. To you it’s like a circus show. We’re working at toning that down so our abilities will show when we need them.” He points moving from right to left up at us. “That’s needed. My boys fall asleep with too much energy. Some adults pass out from too much energy. They have a shield under and around them to keep that energy at bay. It’s not a slight but a need. Ability means we can do the crazy shit but there’s a cost.” He points at us again. “We can’t all take crowds or touch. It’s not an easy way to live hearing Brothers thoughts bombarding us all day, every day, but we learn to block and handle life in a different way. It allows us to be the Brothers that show to warn, shield, heal or fight for our Brothers, communities and home.” He smiles up, looking right at me. “Like Citiali, thank you, Brother. We are the Protectors, born and bred for this shit.”

The crowd laughs

I do my bit and know he feels the appreciation.

Prez moves fast, kissing Justice’s head before he walks away. Prez smiles at the crowd then us. “You always find a way. Thank you for being here, Officers, Brothers from around the country. This break, according to Badass history has only come a couple of times. Pres told me of two.”

I laugh, looking at the table with a smiling old Pres and Danny.

“The reason we got this break is because a Brother found a new way with help from the ancestors. If you haven’t guessed, that’s Citiali. We all owe him a drink but he doesn’t drink. He’s an ability kid so hugging him isn’t a good idea. He’s Indian so don’t buy him shit. That leaves appreciation. Just say thanks.”

The whole crowd looks up at me and yells, “Thanks!”

I crack up with the Brothers and Bits around me yelling it too.

Prez is smiling. “We have some new coming to all Clubs, you’ll get that in email from José soon. I could list it but you’re not here to work.” He turns back toward the table and throws chin, then says to the Brothers, “Go do whatever the fuck makes you happy.”

The table behind him laughs loud. The Brothers cheer, Indians throw out war cries and Prez is in front of me. Asgina .

He hugs me. “Thank you.”

I step back when he lets me go.

“You’re feeling it. Your back is radiating energy.”

I nod. “I’m shielding the Protectors.”

“I got you a bike with a changing paint job. It’s an Indian, you’ll love it. Cort is going to try for a chopper. Hemy told him you fly. Justice is doing the dinner here and said it’s enough but Cooper wants to send you horses. Harky said he has dogs.”

My head shaking stops him. “Can you stop all that, Prez. The thanks was enough.”

“You’ll take the bike?”

I breathe deep hoping for strength. I smile. “If you can keep all the other shit away, yeah. You got a reason to celebrate that has nothing to do with me.”

He freezes then smiles and is gone. I laugh at him hugging Aylen. “You’re not naming her anything Sesame Street.”

“What?” Walker pitches forward.

“How did Aurora get here! Citiali! Hold them!” I’m shocked at Mucimi’s yell. I’ve never heard him yell like that.

Feeling us lower. I look around and move. “Atohi, Yona, kids, the field!”

Dyani moves closer but doesn’t touch me.

We float to the empty field and I breathe. Fuckin’ Mucimi.

Yona is on the grass by Walker. I look for Atohi. “This is crazier than your Club. I’m going to see if Andrew will leave tomorrow. I need a break from all this.”

I laugh and hug him. The crew follows him back down the hill.

Dyani laughs at the Bits all lined up single file while doing the messenger run with Zeke, Axe and Luke Rayne jogging beside them.

Trask is following a floating boy that doesn’t look like he wants to be caught. Hannah has the other. Mase is on fire carrying his youngest girl who is not happy. Old Pres, Danny, Knight and a line of Brothers appear in front of Aylen.

Maiyun hits my leg. “Luke Rayne said to stay close to you until he gets back. Spirit in the sky, where did they all come from?”

I look and move her back. “They look like Princes. Yeah, that’s Darren. Aylen’s pregnant they’ll all show.”

She screams and Dyani laughs. Aiyana shows. “I will get us to the women’s teepee.”

They’re gone. I didn’t even get a kiss.

Yona stands Walker up. “You okay, Brother?”

“We’re having a baby.” He’s not okay.

I push him into the crowd waiting to get to Aylen. Knight takes his arm and walks him to her.

Yona laughs. “Atohi is right. The constant activity here is overwhelming. You’re not suffering from it.”

“No, Yona. They’re fuckin’ crazy but they’re mine now.”

He laughs. “I saw and hope my dad did. Your story is starting.” He hugs me singing the song we learned but haven’t sung since I was small. We changed the word but it works. “One tribe, one heart, let’s get together and feel all right.”

I laugh when the crowd by Aylen starts singing. I’ll see Aylen later. We walk and the Brothers are singing. They must have heard the Protectors.

Yona laughs. “I can see this will be a new anthem but not for you.”

I shake my head as someone starts singing on a microphone. Yona points. Ranger is on the stage.

“They’re all fuckin’ crazy.”

He laughs. “You’ve mentioned that and I agree.”

It’s well known. I guess there’s nothing left to say.

Thanks for reading Citiali and Dyani’s story. A bit shorter than the last and they don’t sing until the end, but it’s their story and now written for you. I’d tell you I love Citiali but I say it with all of them, so I’ll just say I hope you do. I wonder who is next.

Until the next one, faithful readers…

Please leave a review or hit the stars on your way out,

Thanks,

L.