Page 22 of Semi-Human

We leave the dead behind and march until we find a cave to hide in case they send reinforcements. In the distance, the town once called Spring Spot is burning to ashes, the heavy scent of smoke following us even miles from the destruction.

We lost most of our force, with some survivors unlikely to make it through the night. Ace was one of the casualties, and I’m not yet willing to process his passing. He was the only captain I had ever served under—a damn privilege I hope he knew how much I appreciated. Out of the ten Semi-Humans, four remain, and I draw selfish comfort from having both River and Lyla safe.

Someone once told me that whenever death is all around you, you’re entitled to a degree of selfishness.

Caden screams from deeper in the cave, his voice echoing off the rocky walls as his shoulder is being relocated. I didn’t even notice he was injured as we fled. I should be with him, but I’m drained to my core, sitting at the mouth of the cave and watching the sun descend on the horizon.

Finn is stroking his horse close by. I’m glad he wasn’t there to witness our downfall, but the evidence is written on each of us who survived.

Caden sits down next to me with a grunt, his face pale and damp. He didn’t want us to join this battle, but we didn’t listen.

He says, “We’ll rest here for a day to see who can still walk before we head back home. I’d say we’ve seen enough of our enemy to know what we’re up against.”

“Their soldiers were untrained.”

“Maybe they didn’t see this town as big enough of a threat to send in their more experienced troops.”

I see his point, but I’m not sure how much it matters anymore. Without meeting his eyes, I say, “I can’t go back. Unity is no longer my home.”

He sighs. “I’ll ask the survivors from Mercy to take you in for the time being. The general has had enough time to calm down. I’ll let you know when it’s okay to return.”

I shift uncomfortably. I won’t be going back to any Hive—my journey lies with River. We haven’t spoken since we fled the burning town, but even if I’m eventually allowed to return to Unity, they won’t let him in.

“I strongly suggest you think long and hard about what you want to say,”

Caden says, reminding me how well he can read me.

“River's mission—”

“Is not a plan. A mission is nothing unless you have a solid plan to execute it, and he doesn't have that. Come back to Colorado and figure things out.”

“Josh.”

River comes over, dry blood on his white shirt. There’s a nasty bruise on his right cheek. “Can you join me for a ride?”

I nod and get up to my feet.

“We need to talk,”

Caden tells River.

“I know. Later.”

Finn turns to watch as we reach the horses. He seems to debate what to say but chooses to keep stroking his horse in silence. We mount the black stallion, and I sit with my arms wrapped around River. He rides fast, making me worry we might be going too far, but I let him lead.

He finally slows down next to an old, abandoned gas station. There’s no other structure for miles around. We climb down and sit at one of the picnic tables behind the station. They used to sell tacos here based on the faded sign, and I’m reminded that I’m starving.

“Are you also angry at me?”

he asks, his hair blowing in the breeze.

“It wasn’t your fault. You couldn’t have known that giant would come.”

He exhales, looking beaten. “We’ve lost many friends today. I’m sorry about Ace.”

I nod. “We’ll make sure their deaths weren’t in vain.”

My words are hollow, but it’s what we Defenders say after a bloody battle.

“Caden and the rest want to return to Colorado,”

River says. “I can’t go back.”

“I know. I’ll go with you wherever you need.”

I’m surprised to see reluctance on his face.

“You’re not doing this alone,”

I say firmly.

“I can’t wait for your people to raise an army, Josh. It will take too long, and I no longer believe we can win a direct war.”

He’s right. After seeing what I saw today, I can’t in good conscience ask anyone to fight against such power.

“You know what must be done,”

I say. “The key to stopping Father is you. I have no idea how we’re supposed to do that, but we’ll figure it out.”

River leans forward and holds my hands, gently stroking my palms with his thumbs. There isn’t much daylight left, but I’m in no hurry to return to more pain and grief.

“I love you very much,”

he says out of the blue.

It takes me a moment to collect myself. “I love you too, but you better not be saying it as a goodbye.”

He shakes his head. “No goodbyes. My boyfriend should know that I love him.”

“Your boyfriend appreciates that.”

After a few moments of silence, he says, “The New-Human we fought asked my people to join him, even after we destroyed the tanks and killed the soldiers.”

“Can you be sure it wasn’t a trap?”

“They see us as Father’s first children, and I believe he truly wants us by his side.”

I try to follow his logic. “Are you saying you might not have to fight your way to reach Father?”

“Maybe, but—”

He narrows his eyes and sharply turns his head toward the sky.

I follow his gaze, but I see nothing but stars. “What is it?”

“Trouble. They must have figured out what happened and are sending someone to check.”

My muscles tense. “Do they have one of those giants with them?”

He meets my eyes. “Yes.”

“Shit. They might sense the people in the cave.”

“True.”

I can’t read his expression, but the wheels in his head are clearly spinning. In the distance, I begin to hear the growing hum of a chopper. My head fills with the memories of screams and the scent of smoke and burning flesh. We won’t survive another attack.

“Do you trust me?”

River’s grip on my hands tightens, his eyes filled with determination.

“I… yes. Of course.”

He takes a deep breath. “We have to protect the others. I’m calling the giant here. You have time to escape.”

“I’m not leaving you, River. Didn’t we just say no goodbyes?”

“It’s too dangerous. Take the horse and ride back to the cave. Please.”

I almost give in, afraid of becoming a burden during the most important mission of his life, but I can’t let him do this alone. Too much is on the line, and he should know by now how much I’m willing to risk for him. “I promised Mother I’d help you. Don’t make me out to be a liar.”

“I won’t be able to protect you.”

“I know.”

Still reluctant, he sighs and shuts his eyes. A moment later, he says, “Okay, it’s done.”

We wait in silence as the chopper flies closer. I can’t help but feel I might be waiting for my own execution.

“I told Lyla to escape,”

River says, “but I had to block the connection right after because it’s too dangerous.”

I wish I could speak with Caden as well. I have a horrible feeling we won’t ever see each other again, but I trust that he knows what he means to me.

It takes the chopper a few more minutes to reach us. We use the gas station for cover from the waves of flying sand. When it’s safe to come out, I follow River toward the same type of aircraft that butchered our friends a few hours ago. There’s light coming from inside the chopper, illuminating the giant standing outside. He isn’t quite as tall as the one we killed today, but he’s still twice my height, his white hair reaching his shoulders.

“Brother,”

he says in a deep voice, “forgive me for using my common voice. There is a way for us to speak without speaking, but it will take time for you to learn it.”

River nods. “I’m eager to learn… brother.”

“What happened here today?”

“Those you sent to attack are dead, but the town is destroyed. There are no survivors.”

The giant turns his head, as if sensing something in the distance. I try to keep my heart from racing, but all I can think of are the people hiding in the cave. One missile will be the end of them.

The giant looks back at River. “There are survivors around, but not enough to send forces to collect them. We came here today not to destroy but to gather from the flock. There’s much work to be done in the chosen city. Our brother’s failure on the battlefield is unfortunate. May he rest in peace in Father’s domain. Were you there to fight against us?”

“No, I was there seeking help in reaching the chosen city.”

“To join us?”

“Yes, to answer Father’s call.”

Despite the lack of light, the giant’s smile is wide and toothy. “I’m glad, brother! Father named me Solomon.”

“Mother named me River.”

The giant grimaces at the mention of Mother. “And who is this one next to you?”

He sizes me up with a frown.

River takes a step back and puts his hand on my shoulder. I feel sudden pressure as he pushes me down to my knees.

“His name is not important, but he’s coming with me. My prisoner.”