The Marilians

by Beth Worsdell

  Christik glided out of the craft first, but before she walked away, she turned and used her power to make sure we all had something on our feet. The angels honestly never missed a beat when it came to looking after us and our basic needs. ‘They never ceased to impress me,’ I thought to myself.

  We quickly followed suit and disembarked the small craft, our feet landing on the arid and dusty ground of Peru. As we looked around at our surroundings, I was blown away with how the sky looked. It was growing darker by the second, with more and more bright stars appearing in the early evening sky. I’d never seen so many stars in my life, and it was breathtaking. I couldn’t resist looking up to the heavens while turning in a full circle to really appreciate the bright and numerous stars.

  “What are those stones for?” April asked in awe as she looked at the stone circles.

  “Those are for Earth’s defense,” Abigail told her, “The angels created the defenses with the early Peruvian civilizations.”

  “Woah,” April exclaimed, suitably impressed.

  Christik, Livik and Jakiz glided to the front of us all with smiles on their faces, obviously enjoying our awe and wonder.

  “Please follow us,” Christik said.

  She began to gracefully glide away with the other two angels and us following behind. We seemed to be heading towards the massive Gate of the Gods we’d witnessed being activated the last time we were there. We walked past the other rings of stones as we headed towards it, and I could feel the powerful energy coming from them. The stone rings were still active, their powerful energy feeding the defensive net in the sky above. It was reassuring to know that the angels would be warned straight away when the Marilians tried to invade.

  We followed the angels, and as we reached the Gate of the Gods, it was just as impressive as the last time. In the evening colors of the sky, the surrounding rock frame of the gate looked even more pink, and the center, filled with the angel’s powerful energy, looked magnificent in the side of the darker rock face.

  “What the heck is that?” April asked in disbelief, which had the other kids laughing.

  “It is Amaru Muru, the Gate of the Gods,” Livik told her with a humorous smile on her beautiful face, “It is one of seven-star passages on your planet that our elders will be arriving through,” she explained.

  Christik glided forward toward the stone Gate, and her body began to shimmer with the white glow of her power.

  “My other angels are ready at the other star passages,” she said quietly, as she started to raise her arms.

  We were all silent as we began to feel the power building in the surrounding air. A gentle wind started to blow through my long hair, getting stronger with each second. April was obviously feeling nervous as I could see her inching closer to Abigail and Harrison for reassurance.

  Soon, our hair was being whipped around our heads as the force of the wind increased. The sandy soil at our feet was trembling with small stones bouncing on its surface. Christik was glowing brightly as her power grew, and just when I thought she couldn’t get any brighter; her power burst forth from her outstretched palms, hitting the energy barrier inside the star passage.

  The shimmering barrier absorbed Christik’s power, and it started to swirl a mix of silver, white and gold in its center. Around and around it swirled as we all watched in awe, none of us knowing what was going to happen next. The shimmering vortex increased in size as it moved, gradually filling the inside of the gateway until finally, the star gate gave off a massive burst of silvery light. For a moment, I couldn’t focus, and all I could see was the light in my eyes like the effect of a camera flash.

  I held my breath, and I couldn’t look away as my eyes started to refocus. Blinking rapidly, I looked at the now pulsing silver barrier before us.

  “They are coming,” Christik shouted above the noise of the wind and the humming energy of the gate.

  As we all stared, a figure was starting to form within the barrier. At first, it was just an outline of an angel, but a broader angel with higher and much wider wings. Within seconds, the shape of the angel was beginning to sharpen, its silvery-white skin becoming more evident, as well as the darker silver hair and feathers on its broad wings. I soon realized that the elder appearing before us was Christik’s father. He was definitely a lot more masculine than his other half; Christik’s Mother Lindaz, from what I could remember from Stonehenge.

  The moment his form solidified, he started to step out from the star gate, his foot and leg passing through the barrier and coming out with ease. When the rest of him exited the barrier, we all automatically took a step or two backwards. Not only was he broader and more masculine than the other angels, but he was taller too, and his size was very intimidating.

  Christik glided up to her father, stopping within a few feet, and she dipped her head in respect to him.

  “Welcome to Earth, father, my one,” she said, with a tone of affection.

  Her father looked down on her with love in his stunning peacock blue eyes. Suddenly, his large wings opened before us taking my breath away. They seemed to take up the whole scene before us in their splendor.

  He dipped his head to her in return, and then he took two long steps forward. As soon as he reached Christik, his wings surrounded her, bringing her in for a loving embrace.

  It was very clear that Christik’s father had missed her terribly and that his love for her was just as strong as any human parent. She let him embrace her as she rested her head on his broad chest.

  “Are you going to release our daughter, our one; anytime soon so I may get to her, Evest?” A strong female voice said behind him humorously.

  It wasn’t until Evest released Christik and moved sideways with his head dipped and wings once again folded that we saw Christik’s mother, Lindaz. She was just as spectacular as her other half but clearly female in form.

  “It is so good to see you, my daughter, my one,” Lindaz told Christik.

  Her eyes glistened with what looked like unshed tears as she too moved forward, wrapping her large wings around Christik. It was beautiful and amazing to witness such love and affection between them all. Evest looked upon his family with love and awe, and even though it was their moment to share; we all felt a part of it.

  After a few more moments, Lindaz released Christik, and she backed away, just enough to get a good look at her daughter.

  “We are very impressed with what you have accomplished here on Earth, my one,” Lindaz told her sincerely.

  “We are also pleased that you summoned us, my one,” Evest added, “The Marilians are not to be underestimated. They are a vicious race with a terrible reputation.”

  Christik’s parents then turned their attention to the rest of us, just as the other elders appeared around them. They were all stunning and a sight to behold. There were six of them in total, three males and three females, and because they were stood in pairs; I automatically assumed that they were paired together. The kids and I all dipped our heads to the elders in respect as soon as the last pair arrived.

  When we raised our heads again, the elders were looking down on us with warm smiles on their beautiful silvery faces.

  “Thank you,” Lindaz said kindly.

  Suddenly, in unison, the silver-haired elders not only dipped their heads, they also opened their large, dark silver beautiful wings in a bow. They really were a magical sight with light from the gate glistening off them, and I could feel their powerful energy coming off them in waves. As they straightened their bodies and folded their wings, I felt confident for the first time; that we actually stood a chance against the Marilians after all. The relief I felt was very strong, and I wondered if it was just my relief or a shared relief with Christik, Livik and Jakiz.

  The kids were very quiet, and when I turned to look at them, they were all stood in wonder with their mouths agape. I had to stop myself from giggling aloud for fear of offending the elders. Christik sensed my humor; she turned to look at the kids and then me wi
th a big smile on her lovely face.

  “Elders, I would like you to meet our human friends,” she said to the larger angels, “This is Mel and her family, Anthony, Holly, Harrison, Abigail and April,” she said, indicating to each of us in turn.

  “And this is Nalik, who may be Holly’s other half, and Christine, Anthony’s other half,” she added, pointing to Christine and the glowing angel who was still holding Holly’s hand. Christik then turned and approached the elders.

  “Everyone, I would like you to meet my parents, Lindaz and Evest, and this is Eliz, Ronak, Nical and Mikaz,” she said as she indicated to each elder in turn.

  Each of us dipped our heads again with great respect.

  “I have organized a feast in celebration of your arrival,” Christik explained to the elders, “I will take you to the main craft,” she then turned to Livik, “Please take everyone else back; we will meet you there.”

  Livik dipped her head in farewell to Christik and the elders as they all connected hands, and suddenly, in a split second, they all vanished. We stood still, all taking some time to process what had happened and to watch the Gate of the Gods change back to normal.

  I felt the wind dying down as I watched the star passage change back to its previous state. Within minutes, it was as if nothing had happened, apart from our windswept hair and the fact that we were covered in sand and dust particles.

  “Well, the elders felt more powerful than I thought they were going to,” I told the kids, Livik and Jakiz.

  “We have never come across another race as powerful as our own elders,” Livik admitted, “They are a true force of good.”

  “I think we’re going to be ok now they are here, Mom,” Abigail said, sounding hopeful.

  “I think so too, darling, but we still need to plan for a big fight, just in case the Marilians give us a run for our money,” I told her gently.

  “But you do not use Earth money anymore,” Jakiz stated.

  Both Angels had very confused expressions, which made the kids burst into laughter.

  “It’s a human expression,” I giggled, “It means they could still give us a tough challenge.”

  “Ahh, I like that expression,” Livik said with a smile, “I might try and use it,” she added, which made the kids laugh even more.

  “Come on you lot, let’s get back so we can freshen up and check on your dad before the feast,” I said as I began to lead the way back to the small craft.

  Chapter 4

  It wasn’t long before we were back at our rooms, and we were all still buzzing with excitement, looking forward to checking on James and getting to know the elders.

  Livik, Jakiz, Christine and Nalik had gone to freshen up too, and they were going to meet us at the cruiser where the feast was to be held. The angels seemed to enjoy the trip back and were very chatty with the kids, asking all sorts of questions and listening intently to the kids’ replies.

  When we’d arrived back at the main craft, we found a new bed in the kids’ room for April and all her belongings which she’d accumulated on top of it. Her Cheshire Cat grin made it clear that she was very happy about moving in, and so were the others.

  They all appeared to be thrilled to have an adopted sister, and I knew that James would treat her as another daughter, just the same as me.

  While the boys and I got our showers, Holly and Abigail helped April put away her things. Both girls seemed very keen to get to know more about her, and I knew that April would heal emotionally more quickly with some sisterly love and support.

  I just wished that she had come to us sooner and again, I felt a pang of guilt for not having checked on her more thoroughly. I knew I shouldn’t have been so hard on myself with everything else going on, but I should have made a bigger effort. We were all far too guilty of putting on a brave face for the sake of others.

  After my shower and getting dressed in a lovely sand and dirt-free gown, I sat down with the boys who were chilling in the seating area. Both of the boys looked smart in their tunic and trousers, and Anthony had even made an effort with his hair, which was wild and unruly.

  I felt my baby girl gently moving around in my tummy as I listened to the boys’ chatting between themselves, and I gave my bump an affectation stroke with my hand. I knew it wouldn’t be long before she was doing big movements with her elbows and knees.

  It was nice to take a load off my feet after such a hectic and exciting day; bad and good, and I was relieved to no longer have sand and dirt in places where there shouldn’t be. ‘I wonder if guys have the same issue,’ I thought to myself, but I decided not to ask.

  When the girls came into the seating area, they looked stunning. Holly was wearing a stunning pale green silky gown with her hair tied to the side of her neck; April and Abigail also looked beautiful in soft tunics and trousers with silk scarves around their necks, both scarves matching their lovely eyes. They looked more like twins than Abigail and Harrison did.

  “Wow, you all look fantastic!” I told them with a big smile on my face and my heart full of pride, “Let’s go and see how your dad is doing,” I added.

  All three girls headed towards the exit with the boys and Hulaz following behind them.

  “Do you think your dad’s going to mind that I’ve moved in with you all?” April asked Holly and Abigail, with a worried tone to her voice.

  “Nah, Dad won’t mind; he’s always wanted a big family, and now he’s got one,” Holly told her warmly.

  “At this rate, we might have the first football team since the angels arrived,” Anthony laughed

  I shook my head while smiling to myself at their banter. Our family was certainly growing unexpectedly, but I was very happy about it, and April didn’t need to be worried. Holly was right about James; he’d always wanted a big family.

  The medical room was just as quiet as before with only Zanika, Harrik and James present. This time, James was laying on his stomach with Harrik’s glowing hand hovering above his lower spine and Zanika’s hovering over his neck. James’ handsome face was facing us as we entered, but his eyes were still closed.

  My eyes scanned my husband from his head to his toes, and I was so relieved to see that nearly all of his previous bruising was gone. It had been so hard to see the man I loved looking so broken, but now I could visibly see how well Zanika and Harrik were healing him.

  The angels looked up and gave us big smiles as we walked towards them, and I took that as a very good sign.

  “You are both looking very pleased with yourselves,” I said with a responding smile.

  “Yes, we are very happy with James’ progress. His body is healing quicker than we expected,” Harrik said, sounding very positive.

  “He may be awake sooner than we thought,” Zanika added with another smile.

  “You are both amazing for what you are doing,” I told them. “You both need to get some rest though; can other angels take over for a bit?”

  Zanika and Harrik both looked at me with serious determination on their faces.

  “We do not want to leave James,” Harrik said strongly.

  “We want to stay with him until he is well enough to be back with you and your family,” Zanika added.

  As Zanika finished talking, the kids walked up to the angels and James. My heart ached in my chest as I watched them. Abigail leaned over James, giving him an affectionate kiss on his cheek.

  “Wake up soon, Dad, we need you!” She whispered softly next to his ear.

  The boys moved to either side of the bed, each of them taking one of James’ hands in theirs, and Holly rested her hand on James’ left leg. It was as if they were checking that James was still warm, to prove to themselves that he was still alive.

  A small soft hand slipped into mine. When I turned my head, I saw that it was April with a tear slowly trickling down her cheek.

  “They love their dad, don’t they!” She said in a quiet voice; “I never had that,” she added, dipping her head towards the kids and James.
r />   I gave her small hand a gentle, affectionate squeeze, and when she looked up, I smiled.

  “Well, you do now, April, and James will love you just as much as we do already,” I told her with conviction. April’s smile spoke a thousand words!

  When the kids walked back over to Hulaz and me after checking on James, they took April over to the chairs so I could have my moment. He really was looking so much better. Zanika and Harrik both smiled at me, and I assumed they could sense my relief and anticipation.

  “Please wake up soon, baby, I miss you,” I said softly, as I ran my hand down his cheek.

  I could feel his stubble grazing my skin as my hand moved downwards.

  “Will you definitely let me know as soon as he wakes, please?” I asked Zanika earnestly.

  She looked at me with understanding.

  “Yes, Mel, we will, we promise you!” Zanika answered sincerely.

  Feeling more positive; I turned back to the kids, who were waiting patiently.

  “Let’s get to the feast; hopefully, they aren’t all waiting for us,” I told them.

  As we walked towards the exit, I touched the com resting against my neck. ‘Livik, we are ready to be collected from James’ medical room.’ Within seconds, I heard the angel reply. ‘Angels are now waiting for you, Mel; we will see you soon,’ Livik answered, and I could hear the excitement in her voice. The elders were obviously causing quite a stir.

  Angels were waiting for us the moment we left the room, and they were stunning. Two of the angels had long, red shimmering hair, two had blue hair, and one had green, and as they stood all together dipping their heads to Hulaz and us in respect, they looked like something out of a fairy tale. The kids, Hulaz and I, all dipped our heads in response, thanking them for collecting us.

  “If you would all like to hold on,” one of the red-headed angels said politely.

  Each of us walked towards an angel, placing a hand on the angel’s arm, and within seconds, we were arriving outside the cruiser.