Page 21 of Citiali: Teach
“Nope, it was easy and quick. Did you have questions?” Blake asks. I didn’t see him but once in the prison.
“No, Brother. I’m honored you’re all mine and fuckin’ Badass is all that’s left.”
Blake salutes him and closes the board to cheers that get cut off.
I breathe deep. The Liberty Brothers are proud. I smile. My little brother will be chomping at the bit tonight.
***
Reservation
I sit on the rock just taking in the colors playing over the water.
“Citiali!”
I’m smiling before I turn toward Atohi’s voice and footsteps. It looks like the whole Liberty tribe is here. Standing, I catch the nut before he jumps on me. Pulling him into a hug, I squeeze him back before setting him down. “You brought friends, Atohi. Your Protectors will be home soon.” I swing my hair back out of my face.
He looks so young without worry in his normally haunted eyes. “Andrew is here with us. They’re jumping with us now. You’re early.”
With an arm over his shoulder, I walk toward my tribe, my friends. “I’m on the plane, I don’t have much time.”
“You’re not tired.”
“No, Brother. I’m fine and was during the Op.”
“You all moved so fast, we had four screens running, those dogs are crazy.”
Yona steps forward as soon as we’re off the rock. “I’m so proud of you, Citiali. The Little Brothers are all excited to show their abilities now.” He hugs me quick.
I nod, stepping back and look over the Brothers assembled. “Prez Knight says we show when we need to. It was needed so I did. You do the same, Brothers. Abilities keep us safe to do the job. Use them like the tools they are and you’re all good. When it becomes a game, you’re misusing them. Talk to your Protector Brothers when you’re not sure.”
Yona laughs at the ‘yes, sir’ and ‘roger’ I get back from the whole group. “We didn’t expect you.” My uncle hugs me hard. “You’re showing them their worth to the tribe and Badass from across the world, Citiali. You are a true warrior messenger and the ancestors just amplified your purpose. It took them long enough. The older are honored to be on the Op but wished they were with you. They said FBI are boring.”
I laugh with Atohi, Enoli and the Little Brothers that are close. “I came to show appreciation for the help and strength today. I need to get back.” I touch heads and shoulders as the Little Brothers walk by touching me.
“Can I have a minute?”Andrew steps around Yona.
I give Atohi’s shoulder a squeeze throwing chin to Andrew. “I’ll see you later, Atohi, I should be home by then.”
“I’ll find you.” He walks with Yona up the rock.
“Brother, you were fuckin’ Badass today. Hemy said the Liberty Brothers hold back their ability but are proud.”
I nod. “We were taught to show when they’re needed. We do but some are nervous they’ll be thrown on Ops. For some of us, our paths are written and clear to us, others are still looking. The Op today ran well with Virginia covering FBI.”
His serious look holds no anger. “It did, I’m learning. Atohi and Enoli are good teachers. How do I help?”
I smile. “Ask Atohi. He knows the Brothers as well as I do and now knows you and your intentions. He sees more than me too.”
“I will. Thanks for today, Brother. I won’t hold you up. I have questions for Atohi, the fuckin’ kid likes me asking everything here.”
I laugh and jump.
***
ABSZ
Landing, I tell of my appreciation for being brought onto the Op and got laughed at. Not understanding why they are laughing at me, Justice hugs me with a thanks and calming energy. I get hugged and ‘good jobbed’ from every Protector, Cort, Ranger and Luke Rayne. I feel the honor in that and know I am seen, heard and appreciated here for who I am. Letting the last shreds of doubt go is freeing in a way I have never felt. I think it’s because my family banished me and my brother as babies from our home and people. Here, I am free and equal just as Cort told me at our first meeting.
