Realm Komiks Prequel: New Worlds Chapter 13: LINK

Chapter 13:

Link

Susan’s small sapphire rental pulls up to the large building. The structure appears to be built in the 1900’s with its thick, rusty colored bricks overlapping, introducing balconies that stack upon each other, sealed with black iron railings, each with its own long window that arch at the top. Two towers with slanted roof tops introduce a breeze way, slightly hiding the entrance of the building. Susan locks the car into park and turns to her aunt that has fallen silent, since the turn up the long driveway, after constant nonsense chatter on the whole drive to their destination.

“You can wait in the car if it makes you feel more comfortable. I can go in alone.” Susan offers.

Donna slightly shakes her head in disagreement, “No they won’t hand any information over to you…I don’t think… not without me. It’s okay. I’m okay.” She tries to convince herself grabbing onto the door handle and pushing the door open. She hesitates for a brief moment and then pulls her body into the fresh air taking a deep breath.

Susan walks to the other side of the vehicle and grasp onto her aunt’s hand as her eyes meet Susan’s. “Really, I’m okay,” she tries to reassure her. “It’s just weird, that’s all. Let’s head in.”

As the two women come closer to the building, Susan notices some of the windows decorated with bars, the idea of her grandmother being kept in a place with bars slightly made her shutter. She turns her focus back to Donna whose face appears blank. The two women enter the through the modern sliding doors, an obvious upgrade to the building. The inside smells strong of disinfected cleaning supplies, the stench almost burning the nose. The entrance is updated and reminds Susan of the lobby to a Ritz hotel. The ceiling is large, decorated with gold that glistens under a crystal chandelier. Red fabric chairs with wood and gold trim sit around a wood coffee table that holds magazines, outdated and slightly faded from the sun, that peaks through the large imperial windows, dressed with heavy printed curtains. Susan feels the decoration is an odd choice for a mental institution, but perhaps the character of the place brought peace to families checking in their love ones. She wonders if the areas behind the walnut sealed door offer the same amenities.

Donna and Susan steer themselves toward a man behind a large rounded counter, appearing busy on the computer. A woman in a casual dress files through some papers, walking through a door leading to another part of the building. “After these, I’m leaving for the day.” She informs the man, not acknowledging Susan and her Aunt’s presence.

“Have a good one.” he calls to her as he turns his attention toward Susan and Donna, “Welcome ladies. How may I help you?” the man kindly offers his services with an upbeat invitation.

Susan nods toward Donna trying to prompt her as she heads to the counter toward the thin man dressed in a short sleeve, yellow, striped shirt with a plane brown neck tie. He peers through his thin wire glasses, at Donna, as he patiently awaits her response.

“Actually,” Donna begins not sure where to start, “My mother was here about thirty years ago. I was wondering if you would still have a paper trail from a patient that long ago?” she ask getting straight to the point.

 “Hmmmm…” he says clicking against the computer as his lips become tight and he appears to ponder for a moment on the question.

“I have ID” Donna adds as if it might hurry his thoughts.

“Do you know the exact year?” He asks still clicking around on the computer and then pauses, waiting for her to answer.

Donna turns toward Susan and her eyes subtly suggest her needing a little help. Susan subtly chimes in, “It was 1973.”

“Oh.” He says as almost shock and then continues, “Those files would be in what we call the ‘warehousing area’, which is actually a storage room. Follow me.” He says coming around from the other side of the counter. "You were not exaggerating the thirty year thing, were you?"

“Did you want to see ID?” Donna asks grabbing into her purse.

He waves his hand. “Not necessary.” He says nonchalant leading the two women down a hallway.

Donna gives Susan a look with wide eyes plastered across her face. ”Oh my Gawd.” She mouths to Susan. “We could be anybody.”

Susan discourages her aunt's concern as the man scans the badge hanging from his belt buckle and walks through a thick white door with a simple silver handle attached to it. He holds it opened for them, “After you ladies,” he politely says as they enter, pausing for a moment, waiting for his lead.

They walk through the tiled hallway that feels dingy and dirty compared to the rest of the place. He flashes his badge in front of another sensor and the door unlocks allowing him to enter. He holds the door open once again allowing Donna and Susan to enter the dark room, flipping on a light switch behind them. Rows of fluorescent lights beam on, some flicker as the light bulbs fight for life under the fixtures, highlighting tall metal shelves that rise to the ceiling. Each shelf is stacked with file boxes marked with years and letters of the alphabet.  

“1970’s should be back this way.” He says memorizing the room as he walks past. He stops and points to an iron shelf marked 1970-1975, with a black sharpie, down the metal bar. He walks down the row of boxes and then stops and points. “Those three are 1973 files. Should be in alphabetical order.”

He drags the dusty boxes from the shelves and sets them on the floor. “What was the name?” he asks.

Donna takes a deep breath and manages to say her mom’s name more in a whisper than she tends to, “Edna. Edna Stone.”

He fumbles through the file box as Susan and Donna watch intensely, subtly shifting their eyes to one another and back to the box.

“Not in here.” He says as if it were no big deal. “Sorry.” He begins to close up the box and Donna stops his hand.

“Can I look?” she asks sounding as if she is making a plea.

“Sure,” he says pushing the box toward her.  “What was your mother’s case?” he asks, “Do you have an idea?”

Susan’s aunt pauses turning toward her, and looking as though she is trying to find the words.  The man gives a sarcastic sigh, then pours out information with a slight roll of his eyes, as if the information is of no secret, “Let me guess, she is an alien case? If it was an alien case a division of  FBI, confiscated all those files months ago. They were here for some weeks gathering the files. We really didn’t know what they were doing at the time, but since the announcement at the capital, you aren’t the only family to show up here.”

Donna’s words are lost, and though Susan is shocked by his matter of fact news she manages to ask questions. Reaffirming what she is actually hearing she questions, “A division of the FBI? What division?”

He nods his head and puts the lid back on the box, “Yes that is correct mam. Men in black suits and badges. Government workers. They locked down this room for days, removed some current patients from the premises and gone." He grabs the box, "I will put this away, assuming my speculations are correct?”

“Why?” Susan manages to spill out loud.

“My curiosity is as strong as yours.” He admits sliding the box back to the shelf.

"How can they remove patients? Do the families know?" She questions.

"All classified but to my acknowledge these patients had no family and were all in the same about talks of aliens or outer-space. All delusional type cases with no family. We were told they were being relocated for special treatment."

“How many families have come to check on old relatives?” Susan wonders.

“You are actually the fifth, I believe. Crazy to think they didn’t lose their minds after all, isn’t it?” he smirks, “no pun intended.” He adds walking back down the hallway toward the door slightly turning his head to make sure they are following.

Susan becomes uneasy and watches her aunt who strokes the inside of her arm around her elbow. Her eyes stare straight ahead lost under the lens, they swell as if they want to drop tears. Susan takes a deep breath turning her focus back toward the man to get as much information as she can. “So, you guess some months ago, about how many months?”

“Seven to nine? Maybe showed up about nine months ago but were done about seven. Not really sure. We really aren’t to mention it,” he says opening the door and raising an eyebrow at Susan, “But I can understand the families concerns, if you ARE part alien and the FBI has your information, I’m sure your family will be under surveillance to monitor any kind of irregular activity that might occur. You know, if you are related to one of them.” He eyes them both carefully. 

Susan halts and stares at him as Donna’s mouth falls open. “Actually, I never thought…uh,” Susan stumbles on her words, “I never thought of that as a possibility. We are not part alien.”

“Well, you should think of all possibilities at this point.” He tightly smirks leading the ladies out of the room and back down the musky hallway to the next door. “The FBI were serious on their searching, I’m sure we are not the only institute in the country, let alone the world. They aren’t going to waste their time and man power researching something they’re not going to do anything about. Think about it.”

Susan rubs her brow trying not to focus on her distressed aunt. “Can we contact these other’s families? Do you have names?”

The man opens the second door for them shaking his head.

“He didn’t even check my ID.” Donna mumbles toward Susan from under her breath.

As if hearing the comment, the man turns around with his index finger pointed in the air. He opens his mouth to speak, pausing for a moment, exhaling and gathering his thought. He then spills out, “Albert Gene was one of the names. It stuck with me because Albert was my grandfather’s name and Jean was my grandmother’s.  Thought it was quite a coincidence in the name, don’t you think?”

Susan fumbles for a pen out of her purse as Donna is already handing her a notebook to scribble in. “Albert Gene.” Susan repeats.

“Yes. They were the second to arrive. I talked to the family members extensively. We had racked our brains and connected the dots to the FBI findings. Two brothers seeking out more information on their grandfather.”

“Do you happen to remember their names?” Susan asks drumming her fingers against her bottom lip.

“Rob was one of them. I am not sure of the other one.” The man then continues on, “Their grandfather had said he traveled through the Bermuda Triangle on a plane. His plane came up missing for a few hours and then was rediscovered. He apparently went on to try to find these holes to other gateways he called them. The men had great detail.”

“Rob Gene was his name?” Susan tries to confirm.

“Uh…” he thinks. “I would guess but I am not sure.”

Susan hands him a piece of paper with her information on it. “If anyone else comes by inquiring the same thing, please give them my information and have them contact me.”

“Will do.” He says pausing and looks at the paper, “Susan. And you are?”

He asks looking at Donna. “Donna.” She manages to grunt. Susan smirks knowing her aunt is thinking that the man finally has asked.

“And you are?” Susan asks.

“Harold.” He says holding his hand out to shake Susan’s. She extends her hand toward him and he grasp her hand tightly with a firm shake. “Nice to meet you Susan. It has been the most interesting year that I ever have worked here. You two ladies take care of yourself and I hope you find what you are looking for.”

“Thanks Harold.” Susan faintly smiles.

“Thank you.” Donna adds with a small nod and her and Susan head toward the door.

The man watches them as they head through the sliding doors and picks up his cell phone dialing a number. He waits for a moment while it rings and then as he pauses listening to the person speak on the other line he responds. “It’s John. Edna Stone’s family members just left.” He reports as he watches the two ladies climbing in their vehicle. "Susan and Donna are their names."

******

Susan and Donna sit in the compact vehicle for a moment. Susan slides the key in the ignition but refrains from turning the car over, her head falling against the head rest she looks at her aunt. Donna slides her strawberry hair away from her neck and stares back at her niece. “What now?”

Susan takes a deep sigh and forces a grin to her aunt. “I want to go back to moms. Before trying to find this ‘Albert Gene’s’ family, I want to see more detailed information on Grandma.”

“We can drive by and see if your mom is home? You have they key to sneak in?” Donna asks.

Susan turns the key starting the engine, pulling her seatbelt across her chest, latching the buckle. “We’re going to confront her and walk right past her to that night stand drawer and retrieve those files.”

Donna gives a laughing sigh as she straps her belt. “I’m on board. There is two of us and one of her.”

Susan puts the car in reverse and backs out of the parking spot, switching it to drive, she gives her aunt a nod and then heads the car toward the street.

*******

Janet helps their friend, Todd, drop the anchor in the water and looks to her father giving him thumbs up. Daniel takes the clue and wraps the thick rope around the metal bar, hoisting the boat in place.

Todd steps off the boat and calls to Daniel, “I’ll get a couple of the other guys to help unload.”

“Sounds good.” Daniel calls back. “Help, me seal this crate, Janet.” He turns toward her as she bounces over toward him.

Daniels cell phone vibrates against his pocket and he fumbles through his trouser coverall searching for the phone. He looks down at the silver device flashing Susan on the screen. “It’s your mom.” He says to Janet as he answers. “Sue!” he exclaims, “I was beginning to worry about you. How is it going?”

Susan’s voice pops from the phone, “Sorry, Daniel. My Aunt Donna is with me now and has been actively involved with this process. I have so much to tell you.”

“Great! Can’t wait to hear about it” his eyes shift to his dancing daughter impatiently waiting for the phone. “Call tonight and give me details, will ya?”

“Definitely. I want your opinion on a couple things. We’re heading back to my mom’s now.”

“Oh really?” he says with interest as his boot falls on top of the crate. He lowers his elbow resting it on his knee as his eyes shift from Janet whom impatiently taps her fingers against her chin, waiting for the phone.

“Yes, I’ll explain more later. Trip will probably be extended slightly longer. Donna and I’ll chat tonight before I call and then I can give you more details.”

“Sure thing. Your daughter is impatiently waiting to speak to you. Say hi.” He says passing the phone to Janet.

“Hi mom!” she exclaims.

“Hello, Janet! You taking care of your dad for me?”

“Of course. When you coming home?” she ask, “I miss you.”

“Not too much longer. I’ll let your dad know tonight. I love you Janet, I have to go.”

“Okay, but mom have you been staying with Grandma?” She quickly tries to pry.

Her mom gives a laughing sigh on the other end, “Love you Janet! Talk to you soon! Bye hon!”

She gives a disappointing sigh, “Love you too mom. Bye.”

The phone clicks and she hands the phone back to her father. “Maybe we should just go meet up with her. Do you think you have time to leave work a few days?”

Daniel kisses his daughter’s forehead and walks to the stern as the other dock workers head toward the boat, scruffy beards hanging from their face. “No, Janet I don’t. We’ll talk to her tonight.” He calls as he continues to wave toward them.

****

Susan hangs up the cell phone and parks in front of the old victorian home. “Her car is here.” She observes to her Aunt Donna, pushing the stick into to park and shutting off the ignition.

“Ready then, I guess?” Donna ask uncertain.

“As I ever will be. You?” Susan searches for reassurance.

“You think we are doing the right thing? We aren’t over reacting and taking this too far are we?” Her Aunt Donna doubts their intentions. “I mean does it matter at this point? Are we just stirring the pot for no good reason?”

Susan’s eyes shift uncertain of the answer. She takes a small sigh and then pulls her body toward her aunt. “If you are not comfortable with this I will take you home right now. I don’t want you to have doubts. I need to know for my own peace of mind. This is something that has weighed on me for years, and now having a daughter of my own… and Aunt Donna, truth be told I worry of my mom’s being. There is something not right about her… what if… genetics… I just have too many questions, and I need to be able to answer those questions; to take care of Janet and her future, the best I know how.”

Donna places her hand on Susan and promptly suggest with an upbeat tone in her voice, “Come on let’s go do this. I can’t live without us doing this for Mom. I don’t know why I felt doubt, but I need to know too.”

“Sure?” Susan gives her one last moment to back out.

“100%” Her Aunt grins stepping out of the car without hesitation.

Susan quickly unfastens her seatbelt and joins her. They walk up to the white painted steps and clomp onto the grand porch decorated with plants and a single rocking chair. Susan knocks on the door,  making brief eye contact with Donna before returning their gaze back at the white, painted wood. Silence almost surrounds them, other than a faint breeze rustling in the trees and a squirrel squawking in the branches. Susan lifts the brass knocker fastened to the door and taps against the wood again.

“You think she is trying to avoid us?” Donna ask.

“When do you know my mom for avoidance of conflict?” Susan smirks.

“True.” Donna agrees.

Susan knocks the brass against the door again, in a longer, drawn out pattern, but the only movement is the birds among the trees, tweeting among the squirrels’ quarrels.

Susan pulls out the key to the house. “I’m going in.” she says sticking the key in the lock but as she goes to turn the nickel, the door volunteers to pop open. “It’s unlocked.” Susan points out with surprise.

Susan pushes the door open and peeks in, “Mom!” she calls.

“Joan!” Donna calls behind Susan’s voice.

As the two walk in the hallway the rooms opening up are in disarray with knocked over lamps and a turned over chair. “What the…” Susan begins and then without another thought starts calling out for her mother, “Mom! Mom?” She questions quickly shooting her head for a moment to her aunt, whose concerned look takes off in the other direction of the house, “Joan! Joan? Joan!”

Susan’s feet carry her up the stairway and she peers into each room that is in the same disarray as the downstairs, furniture overturned, drawers pulled from their tables, papers and miscellaneous items thrown through the rooms. She enters her mom’s room, it follows the dynamic of the house, in shambles, immediately noticing the nightstand flipped over, the drawer torn open and the bottom ripped out with the hidden papers gone. She inspects the broken drawer close,r with shock, as she lifts the broken pieces from the wooden floor. She slowly stands up to head out the door, but halts at the sight of the figure standing in the door way. Her body jolts as she is caught by surprise, seeing her mom standing before her, staring at her in a way that Susan can't comprehend. “Mom, what happened here?” she shakes her head with confusion. “What’s going on?”

“Daughter.” She slowly walks toward her as she gazes upon her with a loving look and soft spoken voice.

Susan studies in confusion as the woman continuously, yet subtly moves closer to Susan. Words are lost from Susan’s mouth, watching the woman that appears to be her mother, with a familiar voice, but actions and tone foreign to what Susan had ever seen or heard. Suddenly a loud shriek echoes from the downstairs and her attention immediately changes focus. “Aunt Donna!” she exclaims tearing through the room toward the door but as her body thrust forward she is halted with the grasp on her wrist. Her head rises toward the woman and her eyes meet hers. “What are you doing? What’s going on?” Susan tries to ask her mother. Susan feels a small prick pierce her skin and her vision begins to blur as her eyes shift back toward her wrist; feeling as her world is moving in slow motion, watching the woman’s fingers fall from her wrist, one by one, dropping Susan’s hand back to her side. “What did you do to me?” Susan tries to ask, her voice echoing through her eardrums. The woman’s eyes spark a deep violet as Susan begins losing consciousness of the world around her, darkness blurring her vision, her body numbing and falling limp before she is surrounded by darkness.

******
Read Chapter 14: Warrior

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Realm Komiks Prequel: New World Chapter 12: RECRUIT

Chapter 12:

Recruit

The small waves bounce against the large towering building that extends from the beryl ocean and the hot sun is clouded to a faint breeze; the Acquavodo Planet is alive with fish dancing across the waters. Bruinen sits at the table, fashioned from Acropora Hyacinthus, a common coral, which sits on the balcony, connecting to a dock bobbing against the water’s surface. The planet is built mostly on water; the abundance of ocean that covers the planet leaves little room for land. The waters that river into freshness are scarce of land, allowing only peeks of small beaches and trees rising from the beryl liquid.  

Marlin leans back in his chair, across from Bruinen, his elbow braces against the apricot, stone railing, engaging in conversation with Bruinen, while his eighteen year old daughter skims the waves behind them. She raises her palms calling the waters to her mercy, testing her abilities to surf over the waves; the water tickles under her feet as she playfully leaps from one wave to another.

Marlin’s scruff face observes Bruinen as his eyes shift from the talented teen toward him. Marlin continues mild chatter grabbing Bruinen’s attention “Was the Earth trip a success?”

“A nuisance.” Bruinen admits dryly to the Marlin.

Marlin is well built with defined muscles chiseling through his skin. His arms ripple and his hands are thick, his stubby fingers strong. His height is of only about 5’4, short for most Acquavodian males, but he is unsurpassed in the AWW, Acquavodian World Warrior, with strength of mind and body.

 “Hey daddy! Watch this!” His daughter calls out forcing him to swing his thick neck toward the water, his dark blue eyes focusing on her as she shows off. She circles her wrists, enchanting the waters high in the air as she bounces off of one wave and flips to the next. The aqua grows taller in the sky as she climbs to the top, as if stairs were indented in each molecular step. She reaches the top off the wave, diving gracefully in the water, and after she crashes under the surface the liquid forms a pedestal, reintroducing her to the surface. Her face lights up as she gives a crooked smile and leaps back in the water treading against it naturally.

Her father gives a loud clap between his hands as a low chuckle bellows out from his throat. “Wonderful Tsu!” He calls out to the ocean.

Bruinen sips on his Niwesade`, a seaweed enriched drink, while he smirks at the carefree, young teen. Bruinen then turns his attention back toward Marlin and decides to address business.

“Honestly, things had an unexpected turn when on Earth. One not predicted.” Bruinen admits.

Marlin gazes in his direction prompting for him to continue.

“We may have clear access to our ancestors’ heritage, but it will no doubt come with a price.” Bruinen sips on his refreshing drink, the coldness flowing through his throat, energizing him through the hot rays peeking out of the puffy white clouds.

Marlin’s daughter, Tsunami, eases the waters as a natural bridge to the dock and her bare feet lightly hit the stone deck while she twist the water out of her long, dark, straight locks.

“Gathering the EFWR crew is out of order at this time?” he questions confused by Bruinen’s flakey response.

Bruinen gives a long sigh and relaxes back in the chair with his arms folded over his chest. He watches as Tsunami approaches them, sliding into the seat next to her father and leans  her head on his shoulder while grabbing his glass. She takes a long gulp as her deep blue eyes focus on Bruinen. He hesitates to continue the conversation with her presence, but then decides to allow her ears to engage in the realities of the universe.

“Queen Sultana made an appearance at the meeting.” Bruinen announces getting straight to the point of his indecisiveness.

Marlin’s brows rise with surprise and Tsunami’s freckled face lifts toward her father, observing his reaction.  

“The vampire queen?” She inquires of her father.

He briefly nods to her while maintaining eye contact with Bruinen. “I’m confused. Why would the Earthlings choose to invite a dark planet such as Divobite` into the Planeteers?"

“She wasn’t invited.” Bruinen discloses. “We will need the AWW prepared for options.”

Marlin takes a deep breath letting a sigh fall from his nostrils. He falls back against the back of his chair as his daughter perks up, prying into the controversy of the conversation. “She’s going to bring war among the Earthling, isn’t she?” He assumes.

“Father Onofre and Mother Chesna of the Cepae Planet believe so.” Bruinen admits.

Marlin rubs the scruff on his chin with an annoyed groan. “And we are positive the Atlantis Gem is still in the sunken depths?”

“Has to be.” Bruinen admits. “If the Naldryd decide to attack again we need it to defeat them.” Bruinen reminds him. “You and I know they are gathering their resources for a second attack. They can’t survive without water and their planet continues to rapidly dry…”

“I know Nawfar has tried, but I must ask…” Marlin begins but Bruinen interrupts before he is able to continue.

“Yes, they will not come to agreement. Their greed shatters their clarity of reason. They want the Acquavodo. In an entirety.”

“Fools.” Marlin spits disgusted through his teeth.

Bruinen catches a glimpse of Tsunami’s distressed appearance. Her questions are evident but she holds back, worry they could cause her dismissal. Marlin turns his attention to his daughter noticing Bruinen’s observation. “You want to run in and start dinner?” Marlin kindly suggests.

Tsunami mildly shakes her head, her eyes shift to both men. Marlin easily accepts her answer, continuing to Bruinen, “Engaging in a war on Earth with Divobite` could allow us unnoticeable access to Atlantis. We will need a team of Acquavodians to enter Atlantis’ depths and retrieve the gem.” He pauses for a brief second before completing his thoughts, “After the success, we will still entertain the Earthlings by disclosing more information of  our ancestry on their planet. Our planet will be protected with the gem we have retrieved, and we will not have the conflict of removing it conspicuously from under the Earthlings noses.”

Bruinen nods in agreement. “I’d like you to join Nawfar and me on our next trip to Earth. We leave tonight to a country they call Russia. Other land forms, they refer to as countries, will be meeting us there, along with some of the Planeteers.” Bruinen watches Marlin as he digest the information, his tattooed biceps twitching from the anticipation.

“I’ll be in touch with her mother and ready by nightfall.” Marlin finally agrees.

“Don’t call her, I want to go with you.” Tsunami suddenly announces confidently, shifting her sapphire eyes between the two men.

The men study the hour shape glass teenager as she rises to her feet to plea her case. “I’m perfect in the waters. I’m one of the best on our planet and I am only eighteen measly  years of age; almost the best when it comes to interacting with our planet’s aqua, other than Sovereign Nawfar, of course.” She addresses Bruinen and then continues, “I am sure I can do the same on Earth, which will allow easy access for our people to find the gem in our ‘lost’ city.”

Marlin immediately protests his daughter’s request. “The energy and atmosphere vary on other planets. We do not know if you can manipulate Earth’s hydrogen oxygen molecules with the same capabilities on Aquavodo. Taking elders makes sense. They will be prepared to dive the depths for what we are seeking.”

“But I can part the waters so they don’t have to dive. Swimming and seeking will slow them down, no matter how quick they are. Parting the waters to the bottom will quickly allow them to search. Sovereign Bruinen will need Sovereign Nawfar by his side. I know I can do it, Daddy.  Tsunami challenges her father.

“You do not KNOW.” Marlin reminds her. “We have not researched Earth extensively to know. Absolutely not. Your mother and co-father would never allow it. You will require proper training on planet elements. Go in and start dinner.” He quickly commands, “I will join you shortly.”

She eyes her father hesitantly before heading toward the coral doors and boldly addresses Bruinen,  “Sovereign Bruinen, I look forward to the day when I am able to join Sovereign Nawfar and yourself in important expeditions on Earth.” She gives her father one last glare and heads inside.

“She is your daughter no doubt.” Bruinen grins to Marlin.

“As gifted as she is she is still a typical eighteen year old. She wants to be a warrior, she believes she is ready and yet has so much wisdom to live.” Marlin explains. "She's young and naive."

Bruinen adds an afterthought to Marlin’s statement. “Her passion is a valuable asset. I know it makes you proud.” and as an after thought, "Only you still see her a little girl, but she is a woman."

Marlin admits. “The conversation with her has not ended, but merely began. She will debate.” He sips on his drink standing from the chair and leaning over the balcony, staring into the waves. “I’ll see you at nightfall.”

“I wish we not continue to meet under these circumstances.” Bruinen rises from the chair. “Nightfall it is.”

****

Bruinen walks through the thick, stone opening to the house. He hears dishes clanking from a bottom floor, hesitating for a moment he steps into a sheer elevator and descends to the lower level. The doors open and Bruinen steps into the massive kitchen. Tsunami throws a stone plate over a blue flame, leaning in to grab another dish, she notices Bruinen observing her.

“Hi.” She hesitates in wonder while throwing a turquoise crush station into the boiling pot. “Is there something my father wants?”

“Your father doesn’t know I’m down here. I wanted to address the situation that occurred upstairs.” Bruinen suggest.

Tsunami leans against the counter with her eyes focused against the window, that allows visibility under the ocean's water, as a school of fish swims by. “I’m sorry.” She grits her teeth not making eyes contact with him. “I was out of line. I know my body is young but my soul feels much older. However I crossed boundaries and disrespected my elder, let alone the Sovereign of our Planet.” she spills out the apology as if she were rehearsing it.

Bruinen ignores her forced amends with an educational lesson, “Nawfar wasn’t until the age of forty-two that she was completing water talents you demonstrated today. Her techniques started mild and simple. It wasn’t until she trained amongst the AWW that her skills became so enhanced.”

Tsunami’s eyes shift toward Bruinen taking interest in his words as he continues, “ Perhaps, your father leading the AWW has given you depth at a quicker pace. I believe having you on the Atlantis expedition could be beneficial.”

Her eyes beam toward him but she tries to mask her excitement, forcing her arms across her torso, “Why didn’t you tell my father that?” she pouts.

“Because Nawfar will.” He grins toward her walking back toward the elevator. “That’s her position, not mine.”

“Bruinen!” she clamors causing him to halt.

He turns toward her before stepping between the sheer doors. “Thank you.” She politely adds, her long lashes flashing above her wide eyes.

He gives a faint grin staring at her beauty, her innocence piercing through his heart. “Pack Tsu.” He instructs with a smirk as he descends in the elevator.

                                                            ******

The light beams across the long tips of the palace that is no bigger than Colm’s house; yet, the regal appearance gives hint of royalty. Doors appear nonexistent as Margret and Colm approach the entrance way; an invisible wave falls silent as Margret and Colm cross the thresh hold. Walls are wide and ceilings deep, the carvings etched through pillars appear renaissance, yet the decorations are vibrantly contemporary. Zulima greets the duo in the midst of the hallway. Her hugs are brief  and she remains quiet as her urgency tugs at them to follow her. Margret hastily walks along Colm’s side through the palaces quarters, her head rising toward the ceiling admiring the paintings of humans with wings, flying among unipegs, and some sort of colorful bird. In her world, she would have taken the winged humans for angles and the birds as peacocks; she now knows the Cepaen interpretation of the winged humans is their personal warriors, cliché of a planet known for peace. She pondered if the birds most likely had a connection to them the way the unipegs do. Colm failed to mention the depth of connection they had to unipegs, but at that moment she most likely would have found the information inconceivable anyway.

The wide halls begin to tunnel into one another and personal paintings quickly line the walls holding wonders of other Cepaen royalty. The paintings remind Margret much of Roman culture but the technology revealed in the paintings  appears to surpass  Earth’s current technology.

Colm holds her hand tightly as they walk through the halls, flirting as he pulls her shoulder into his armpit multiple times. She raises her neck toward him and his face beams nervously as he stares into her eyes. “Why are you nervous?” she feels her thought trail to him unintentionally.

He quickly turns his focus to a painting of Zulima, discreetly nodding toward it. Margret witnesses her painted figure sprawled out on a bed, naked bosom only covered by her long arms. She appears much younger in the picture, her long hair draping over shoulders and lingering on the pillow of the bed.

“You’re real good at that.” Margret whispers from under her breath, referring to his distractions.

Colm turns to her with a tight mouth grin and shrugs his shoulders.

“Don’t pretend to not know what I’m talking about.” Margret silently protests through her mind as she continues walking down the hall. “Did they teach you that in a school? ‘How do avoid your soul mates comments and keep them out of your thoughts’ 101. I’m sure it was an all boy class. Women wouldn’t have a class like that.”

Colm chuckles out loud grabbing onto her thoughts and let’s go of her hand, wrapping his arm tightly around her. Zulima pauses to make sure they are close behind as she leads them to a sharp right, the room quickly opening wider, and the floor transferring into a  pearlescent white, lined with golden rhombuses across the floor.

Father Onofre and Mother Chesna stand mapping out a universe upon a translucent screen that hovers above the floor. Margret notices the familiar angelic wings that are joined with three others sets. The group points and mildly discusses in small chatter while adverting the detailed information.

Zulima clears her throat bringing the attention of the five on Colm and Margret. Natika’s fluffed pearly wings rise above her shoulders, her tasseled hair falls against her thighs and her face beams with a bright smile as she notices the trio entering the room. Without hesitation, she rushes at full force at Colm wrapping her arms around his neck; pulling his arms away from Margret, he naturally wraps them around Natika’s tiny waist, lifting her toes off the ground as they embrace. Margret’s heart twist against her ribs as the pang of jealousy pushes against her lungs and she walks away from the pair toward Father and Mother.

Colm let’s go of Natika and she bounces behind Margret, tugging her into a giant hug.  Margret’s eyes widen when she is lavished by the angelic woman’s arms, wrapped around her, planting a kiss on her cheek. Natika releases Margret with a wide grin, pulling Colm back to her side, admiring for a brief second with her twinkling eyes she boast, “The radiance, you two. Overwhelming.”

Mother Chesna and Father Onofre approach giving quick hugs, while acknowledging the others in the room. “These are some of our allegiance,” Father Onofre announces, “Serafim, Zagzagel, and Harahel.”

The three men stand shirtless, chiseled bodies with large wings protruding their shoulder blades. Serafim’s wings are chocolate brown, Zagagel a jet black and Harahel’s a radiant blue with wisp of white at the feather’s tips. Each man is as radiant as Natika and Margret’s heart races as they stare upon her. She quickly swings her head back at Colm, trying to control her erotic thoughts and for the first time, she sees his eyes barrow into his forehead and a slight scowl upon his face. “You introduced me to jealousy.” He bounces in her head with a teasing tone.  Her face immediately flushes as she turns her focus toward Father and Mother, but before she can say a word each warrior is greeting her with a sweet kiss on the hand. Her face flushes brighter red as she tries to hurry them along.

Zulima announces in the mist of Margret’s hesitation, “Mother and Father are eager to know what you have discovered with Dark Leake. However, we also have other challenges we are faced with and must address. Please inform us of the visions you’ve witnessed.”

Margret scans the room uncomfortably as their eyes are heavy on her.  She feels a little intimidated until the calmness reigns over the room gently. Warmth, the light flows through her veins, and she abruptly is able to focus her mind on the visions she witnessed, earlier that morning. “Dark Leake plans to use amalgams to break through Cepae barriers of light.”

“Of course.” Onofre quickly speaks as if a light bulb had visually made appearance above his white head. His eyes shift to Chesna and stare heavily through her.

Their gaze holds strong for a moment and Margret now understands the pair’s long stares. They are actually sharing thoughts and feelings with one another and look so naturally doing so. Onofre and Chesna are soulmates, unable to hide thoughts and feelings from one another, able to understand and intertwine with one another. Margret’s eyes shift toward Zulima for a brief moment and she is watching her parents intently. Margret’s heart faintly aches of the thought of Zulima being alone. She has lived for centuries now, never experiencing what most of her planet’s people find. They don’t settle for anything less…  Margret’s thoughts begin to drift as she feels an intruder among them, trying to bandage her tiny bruised heart.  She snaps her head to Colm, for reassurance, and witnesses Natika’s  head resting against his shoulder. He gives a wink toward Margret with a mild smile and the jealousy immediately pulses once more. She grimaces at him and watches as his face transforms to a serious tone.

“Those that are half Earthling and Cepae have the light to enter our planet with enough darkness. Dark Leake will try to pursue their hearts to his benefit.” Chesna reveals quickly turning Margret’s attention toward her.

“What is the time frame we have on all this?” Zulima wonders.

“He needs an army,” Margret informs.

“If he is trying to capture children? Or is he after adults...?” Father Onofre wonders.

“We need to intervene and find as many amalgams as possible. We must disclose their heritage  and introduce them to the possibilities of our Planet.” The winged woman announces.

“We will need to send Margret with Natika. She needs physical endurance as a warrior while on Earth. She will need to be able to protect herself along with those we discover.” Chesna suggest.

“Agree.” Father Onofre walks toward  Natika, “You will take Margret to the Alato Cavallo  Catacombe and begin training.”

 “Of course,” Natika agrees.

Zulima turns toward Margret, “Mother and Father are right in this. If an incident were to happen as you already witnessed, you need to be able to defend yourself.”

“Margret will have to find amalgams and recruit them before Dark Leake.” Chesna instructs.

Margret nods and turns toward Colm who looks a tad a distraught. He walks next to Margret’s side and interlocks her hand within his. “With your permission, I’d like to take part of the training.” He announces. “Considering Margret and I are indeed soulmates, I will refuse to let her journey alone, I will be by her side.”

“Harahel, do you agree with this request?” Father Onofre inquires.

Margret feels her hand grasps tighter in Colm’s hoping she can take him with her.

“Of course.” Harahel agrees. “This is a positive idea.”

“Okay, then, Colm you will assist Margret in her missions.” Onofre confirms.

“You are dismissed then, Margret and Colm.  Serafim, Zagzagel, Harahel and Natika will accompany you to training after we finish in here.” Onofre ensures.

“I feel it is of importance that she is part of our conversations.” Chesna reveals. “Her abilities are strengthening. She will be a promenade key in the war on Earth.”

“War on Earth!” Margret blurts out dropping Colm’s hand and pushing her body forward towards the group.

Onofre steadily breaks the news, “Margret, Queen Sultana, of the Divobite` Planet, Vampiress of vampires, is planning an attack on Earth.”

“What!” she exclaims. “Where? How did this happen? What is our government saying?” Margret begins blurting out questions as they press against her head not giving anyone the chance to answer. She begins to panic, pacing the floor, “What about family? I have family on Earth.”  She feels annoyance as a burst of calmness trickles in the room. “I do not want to be calm about this.” She demands toward the group, gritting her teeth .

 Zagzagel places his hand on her shoulder. “Dear, anger and fear only releases darkness. You must calm down and find some peace. These negative emotions cloud your light, weakening your mind. You will be vulnerable when you do face Dark Leake.  It will be essential for you remember this.”

Margret takes a deep breath and her eyes shift toward the fellow humans standing before her, concern drifting over their faces. She cannot find it in her, to turn toward Colm’s concerning face. The realization is, she herself could be a danger to the Cepae Planet."  Zagzagel’s words spoke all their deepest fear, "it could be a possibility that she would fall victim to Dark Leake’s plan, just as any other amalgams."

“You would never.” Colm’s subtle words pass through her mind trying to sooth her soul of doubts.

Mother Chesna approaches as Margret’s face openly reveals her apprehension. She clasp her fingers through Margret’s pushing into her palms, her eyes shifting into Margret’s. A muffling voice shadows through Margret’s head and she comprehends that Chesna is desperately trying to find a way to Margret’s soul. Margret struggles to open some sort of inner door to allow her to enter, but against her will, she is unable. “Sorry.” She mouths to Chesna as the words are stuck in her throat.

Chesna doesn’t acknowledge her words and instead she stares more intently into to her eyes,  Margret’s body feels heavier as she feels the intrusion, Mother’s soul forcefully trying to communicate from within. Margret feels her inner self fumbling nervously for a way to let her in as if it were some sort of test she could fail. Her body then once again stands alone as she feels Chesna’s soul drift away, Margret focuses back on her violet eyes. “It’s okay.” Chesna tries to assure her with a tight grin, releasing Margret’s hands gently to her side.

Mother Chesna takes a step back and shifts her eyes toward Onofre who nods.

“I thought only soul mates could do that anyway. I’m confused.” Margret suddenly pleads as silence fills the room. “It’s like everyone knows some secret except me?”

Margret feels her hands begin to shake as her eyes begin to swell, her head pounding and throat dry as she holds her tears in. She feels empty and alone inside and tilts her head in Colm’s direction to see Natika holding tightly on his hand, with her arm intertwined in his. She needed him by her side and there he was interlocked in Natika, silent and elusive, not a spark of him reaching toward her.

Zulima approaches Margret, but Onofre marginally shows his palm to her, faintly next to his thigh and so Zulima stops. “Margret…” Onofre begins; but Margret has already witnessed the action between the two and it sends a shooting pang of doubt through her body. She is overcome by emotions, and soon finds her feet patting against the rhombuses, as she sprints quickly from the room. Her body brushes pass Colm as she dizzily finds the entrance way, not making eye contact with anyone, her eyes blur her surroundings with resting tears anticipating their spill. 

Her legs deliver her through the long hallways and as she falls solitary her cheeks flood with moistness, streaking down her chin, the salt liquid falling in between her lips. She wipes at her lids to clear her vision and escapes to the outdoor air. Her legs won’t stop, her lungs labored against her chest, heart hammering at her rib cage, her body accelerates through the garden where she finds Opal at graze alongside of Nacreous. She flings her body toward Opal’s back, but his wide neck flings upward, startled by her sudden motions; as her hands grasp hold of the unipegs bristled main, she is suddenly flung backwards with strong arms pulling at her waist.

Her body plunges into a muscular bare chest and she struggles to pull away from the human contact. “Margret! Margret!” She hears her name calmly shouted through Colm’s vocal cords as he struggles to contain her flapping arms. Finally both her wrist fall into his hands and her dizzy mind begins to focus on his concerning face. His eyes flow with uncertainty, his eyebrows resting above his temples, sandy hair in disarray, flopped against his cheek bones and his lips pursed with worry. Her breath becomes shallow as her tired body relaxes against the grass in defeat. Colm decides to remove a hand from her binding wrist to wipe her delicate cheeks. Her hazy eyes become clearer as she tries to calm herself, her heart still pounding heavily. She cannot find her voice, her vocal cords feel tight and restrained. Colm’s worry upon his face doesn’t loosen as he tucks her hair behind her shoulders and eventually pulls her body into him, holding her tightly against his chest, stroking her head and neck. His firm hug presses his rapidly beating heart to drum against her ear, which brings flowing tears to the surface of her eyes again,  they subtly take turns falling to her chin.  His damp chest clues him to her dripping faucets and he pulls her away, bracing her chin against his thumb.

“Hey.” He whispers delicately. “Talk to me.”

Margret is confused for a moment by the plea, but she falls back into a sob at the realization that he is disconnected from her thoughts and feelings.

“Hey. Hey.” Colm kindly whispers again repeating the gesture.

Her clouded caramel eyes desperately try to focus on him and she manages to mumble, “You can’t …” she pauses as her voice drifts and her head slips toward the ground staring in the grass.

“What happened in there? Talk to me.” Colm begs again.

Margret struggles to gather her thoughts, her emotions slipping in different directions. “Dark Leake could use me against you. Against all of you and Mother and Father fear it. The warriors fears it. Zulima fears it. And you….”

“And me?” He gently questions. “No, Margret we don’t fear the idea. We are aware of it and what Dark Leake could try to do, but you are strong, Margret. You have me. We have each other. Fear can bring darkness. There are parts of us that can’t comprehend your complexity of emotions. You must remember this.”

“You were jealous.” Margret softly tries to pry. “Jealousy is supposed to be darkness, right?”

“I was teasing you, Margret. I only can slightly comprehend it when you…” Colm doesn’t get to finish as Margret interrupts.

“Great. I’m just all kinds of darkness and introducing you to it all, aren’t I?” She pulls herself away from him and stands up, pulling her dress over her knees. "I thought of myself as a good person until I came here. But this... I can't compete with all of you..."

He quickly follows suit and takes her hands before she tries to wonder off. “You are so much light, Margret. If you were darkness you could not be my soul mate.”

She scoffs, “Sure it isn’t Natika? You two consistently appear rather cozy together.” Her eyes roll in circles of the thought.

Colm tries to prop her head toward his face as she works to yank it away. He subtly studies her head with his thumbs, gently pressing against her chin, his fingertips against her jaw. “Listen to me, please.” He begs again.

She releases a huge sigh as her eyes focus on his.

“Thank you.” He begins. “This is not Earth…” he starts and her eyes involuntary roll as he tries to grab her focus. “Hey. Listen to me.” He gently reminds her. “Not Earth. Imagine your world with the love it has. Mother, Father, siblings, children, um…. Pets? Earthlings have pets, right?” he searches in her eyes for an answer.

“Yes.” She pouts, “We have pets and people love their pets.”

“Okay, good. Good.” Colm’s voice raises hopeful when she decides to engage. “Okay, all kinds of love. Friend. Friend love is what I have with Natika. The sexuality on Earth and some other planets is different than here on Cepae. Yes, Natika is radiant…” Margret immediately finds herself trying to pull away from him as he tries to steady her hands with his. “BUT… Wait, Margret. Please listen.”

She halts, her body shifting away from him with her lips puckered tightly. “Try to understand, it is different than what you have learned on Earth. Natika may beautiful but she is a sister to me. She wants to be a sister to you. Everyone female on this planet is my sister. Every male on this planet is my brother. I know not a stranger. Natika and I have grown together since a young age, she is my closest sister I have. Without finding you, there will still never be a Colm and Natika, I would simply live my life with a piece of emptiness in my heart. I am in love with you, Margret. I am connected with you like I will never be or know how with another.” His eyes fall deeper into hers as her walls slowly crumble allowing him to enter her fortress. His soul presses deep against hers and her heart begins to flood with overwhelming love. “I LOVE YOU. You will NEVER be alone again.” his voice circles around her heart hugging her soul.

Her voice is lump in her throat and she can do nothing now but ravish him with her overwhelming love and desire pulsing through her veins. Her lips force upon his, his eyes widen with surprise, quickly closing to feel her tongue glide into his mouth. Their hands come alive, clawing at each other’s clothes, her fingertips pressing into his neck as she kisses him harder. He falls into the grass pulling her onto him while his hands desperately climb up her dress; her hands eagerly jerk down his pants revealing his erect penis. He grasps himself sliding his naked skin between her wet thighs. He moans as the tip of his genital presses inside her, vastly rising with fullness as the tingly sensation of semen rises from his balls.  The tips of his fingers grasp her behind and her nails press into his chest as she begins moving faster against his pelvis. Their passion is intense as their souls grip at each other, heavy between their aching bodies. Colm  quickly rises to the point of inevitably thrusting her faster against him, pulling her behind tighter as it slaps against his balls. He then rapidly climaxes, ejaculating against her g-spot, sending her body pressing against the air, as she simultaneously contracts her inner muscles against his throbbing genital.  He bellows out a tenor moan as his body begins to settle from the last sexual waves pulsing through his body.

Margret’s body collapses on top of him, her head fallen to his chest as their hearts intensely beat against one another and they catch their breath.  She rests her chin on his pec, staring up at him with her dry, tired eyes. He brushes the hair away from her face, pulling her closer toward him and delicately kissing her forehead.

“Come here.” He tenderly suggests pulling her body upward so her eyes are peering into his. “I love you, Margret. I love you so much.” He presses his lips into hers and pulls her away to admire her once more, giving her his wide toothy smile.

She gives a sighing laugh with an endearing grin. “Colm.” She faintly whispers, “I’m not going anywhere.”

He sheepishly smiles at her, leaning in with a swift smooch accompanied by a small chuckle.

“I love you.” She gradually announces. “I really do love you.”

He pushes a strand of hair away from her eye as the breeze dances with it against her face. “I know.” He smirks, placing another peck on her lips. She gasps with a giggle in disbelief by his cocky answer, playfully hitting his chest and laying her head down on it. "I just want to stay like this forever." she whispers tracing her fingers over his naked body.

His hand falls to the small of her back, gently stroking against her sleek, silk dress. "Me too." he tenderly whispers and then subtly changing his tone he adds, "However, we need to go be warriors."

"Oh, yes, you and I, like Superman and Wonder Woman." She tugs out a laughing sigh. She gives a faint grin to herself as she feels him searching for the answers to who Superman and Wonder Woman are. She raises her head to see his face. "Got it yet?" she teases.

He lifts his head to meet hers, brushing his hair back and gives a slight chuckle,  his teeth fall into his bottom lip and his head lowers back to the grass as he stares into the sky. "Unexpected in my life to say the least. Never would have believed I would be one of the few trained warriors without wings attached to my back." he processes the idea with a hazy glare upon his face, as he continues to roll his thumb against her lower back. "I do not hold doubt in the matter, just much unexpected, my love." 

Margret's eyes are exhausted from laboring over her emotional escapade and can no longer pry her eyelids open. They fall shut and the rhythmic pattern of his heart, against her ear, quickly drifts her to dreamland. 

 ********
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Realm Komiks Prequel: New Worlds Chapter 11: Poisonous Dart

Chapter 11:

POISONOUS DART

An empty space vividly opens ten feet above the thick jungle foliage, spiraling over the muddy ground. Queen Sultana briskly enters through the darkness, leaping into the hidden mud as it splashes on her leather boots. She smacks the bracelet against her hand, closing the opening behind her, wiping some of the mud off her sleek, satin black pants. She scoffs at the sludge smoothed across her long fingertips and tries to wipe it off on the dark tree bark.

“Disgusting planet, Surraja” she complains from under her breath.

She tromps forward, stepping down on the humongous leaves that grab at her knees, giving annoyed sighs through her pursed lips. Then faintly, she hears the foliage crisping around her, as she pauses between movements. She takes longer strides listening to the faint slithering noise hidden among the foliage, skidding against the wet sludge beneath her feet. Leaves twitch as their stems are being cramped down by the weight of an invisible creature.

“Bloody hell.” Queen Sultana murmurs observing the movement under the long tropical leaves.

As the leaves fling to their perching stage the air falls back to silence. The stems stand unbothered.

“Nothing like the hunter to be hunted.” She scoffs and slowly moves her boot forward in the mud starring at the ground below her. As she does the foliage twitches below.  “As suspected.”

She stands still, her senses heightened, and sniffs into the air for a brief a moment, as a wolf catching the wind. She studies a limb above the tree and leaps for it, pulling her body from the ground, and as she goes to free herself from easy prey an enormous centipede flings from the foliage coiling itself around her legs, hissing loudly through its large suction mouth, lined with razor blade teeth. Sultana reaches for its' body but thrown off balance with her last dangling hand and collapse into the muddy leaves. The creature quickly wraps itself around her body trying to contain Sultana’s flinging arms, clasping at it with her nails trying to wiggle her legs and mid-section free. The centipede extends its body and as it hisses it strikes toward Sultana’s throat. She quickly clasp the creature’s neck with the palm of her hands pulling its body toward her and biting into its salmon flesh. It screeches to the sky, oozing thick yellow goo as Sultana quickly pushes out of its coils, her mouth covered with the substance she extracted from the creature. As it gains control of itself it rapidly slithers with its large shelled legs toward her. Sultana raises her hands releasing her force against the creature flinging it into a tree. It hits with a massive thud exposing the mid-section of its body. The vampiress then grabs its head, its antennas flailing as she wraps it around the trunk of the tree. She uses all her strength as she tugs against it; the creature screeches in agony as the tree’s bark presses into its skin. Sultana grabs it from under its claws crushing the head against the bark.  Its thick shelled legs claw at the air as the creature roars in agony, chomping its sharp teeth against one another as it struggles for release.  She finally feels the skeleton in her arms crunch and the centipede falls limp against the tree. Sultana drops the lifeless body and watches as it slumps against the ground. She wipes the left over slime from her mouth with disgust pulling her muddy clothes together.

“I hate this planet.” She murmurs walking forward. “Poisonous Dart!” she calls. “Poisonous Dart! Where are you?”

She stands still for a moment listening to the echoes of heavy steps crunching against the land and flings her body around to facing about six reptilian men. Their faces are a dark gray with noses that beak like a crocodile monitor. They wear dark, rustic scarlet armor over their chest, black mesh shorts straggle from their broad haunch and their lengthy clawed fingers clutch wooden spears covered with a thick black metal point at both ends. Only one fancies a long draped charcoaled cape and oval shield etched with random artwork.

“Take me to Poisonous Dart.” Sultana demands of them, angrily pushing past the lizards but comes to a halt when they surround her in the middle.

“I am Singae, if you remember. Poisonous Dart will see you...” He stands in her path slithering his tongue. “You should remain in the middle for your protection. Follow us.”

Sultana becomes annoyed, “Spare me the insults. I don’t need your protection.” She pushes through the remaining lizards to the front. “Well. Which way?” She dictates.

Singae and the other lizards glare at her with their beady eyes, with his black cape draped under his armor, he comes to Sultana’s side. “This way your majesty.”

Sultana trots through the thickness ripping through vines, mumbling her voices of displeasure as she tromps through the mud of the jungle. Singae pauses for a moment, slightly pushing into Sultana’s waist halting her before she takes another step. Sultana swipes his scaled arm and sharp black claws away from her as she stands motionless, dancing her eyes through the trees that appear empty. The other five monitors are silent as they fall into formation around Sultana, staring into an air that holds only random insect noises.

“Oh, bloody, hell,” Sultana rolls her eyes, “What is it now?”

The caped lizard scowls at Sultana for a moment then turns his attention back into the forest. “I know you’re out there!” he calls through his throat.

Suddenly eyes become visible through the tree as the green in the trees becomes darker, revealing reptilian bodies. One, two, then three and soon Sultana begins to lose count of the naked army revealing their camouflaged bodies, picking up their own weapons through the grassy area and arming themselves as they prepare to attack the crew.

“How did Lord Krait know I had arrived?” Queen Sultana grits her teeth.

“Same way Queen Poisonous Dart has.” Singae muffles, “ His power has grown since you have last visited.” 

Hundreds of naked oversized, two legged lizards come running and leaping down the hill toward the pack. Their two legs carry them gracefully among the leaves, rolling like they are pedaling bicycles among the wind, their spears pointed in direction of the sparse monitor brigade. When the chameleon lizards are about twenty feet away the monitors charge turning their spears into bo staff, the lizards begin smacking them against one another. Sultana flings their bodies, smacking them against the thick trees. One chameleon whaps its tale knocking a monitor off balance and stabbing the spear through its chest. The monitor’s snout screams into the air before its body goes limp, returning the conquering lizard back into battle. Sultana leaps among it, biting its neck and tearing its head away from its body, losing it to the dense foliage.

“There are too many!” Singae announces, in his husky voice, calling to Sultana, who is only feet away fighting.

Sultana grabs the tail of the chameleon, as it is trying to throw its' stick into a Validant Monitor, the tail becoming detached from the keen lizard; it smirks in victory continuing to move forward for the kill. Sultana sighs at the deserted tail, draping over her arms,then rapidly targets the lizard, smacking it and knocking it to the ground. The Validant swiftly runs its spear through the chameleon’s chest giving Sultana and appreciative nod.

 “I’m dying here.” Sultana admits and then demanding under the same breathe, “Don’t give up fighting.” She commands at Singae, as another chameleon flings itself at the talking duo. He clinks his spear against the chameleon as another jumps on Sultana, knocking her to the ground. She kicks it with her legs when it tries to pounce on her, flinging the lizard into the mud; Using her invisible force against another itquickly smacks into a tree, yet remains unfazed. Sultana turns her body to another lizard as it is leaping toward her, while the Chameleon against the tree, slyly removes the black metal tip from the spear, throwing it aside, grimacing at Sultana with the wooden steak clutched in its claws. He rises and thrust toward Sultana’s chest at high speed. She quickly turns to witness the steak inches from her heart, not quick enough to stop the penetration herself.

Suddenly, from above, a body flings from a nearby tree, knocking the chameleon to the ground. Sultana blinks at the close call and takes a deep breath as she watches the woman grab the lizard’s neck with her fingers, it’s body convulsing as the woman injects it with poison from her tips. She stands smirking at Sultana; Her sleek black boots hug her calves, finding refuge at her knees.

“Glad you chose to grace me with your presence.” Sultana mocks.

“Like wise.” Poisonous Dart sneers, giving a high kick to a lizard in the face, then turning back to Sultana.

She gives a nod at the caped monitor and he bellows out a deep call. Millions of scarlet, armored soldiers peek through the top of the trees. The chameleons run in chaos toward them, being easily slayed as their worn down scaled bodies are week against the new, adrenaline pumping, monitors. The Validant charge at them, equipped with shields and double headed spears. Poisonous Dart continues kicking and grabbing with her deadly fingertips, injecting deadly poison in her victims, leaving them limp and lifeless. She leaps over one dead body to conquer another as Sultana continues popping off the creature’s heads and breaking their wiry necks. The few living chameleons flee to the thick jungle, disappearing as their color quickly transforms among the dark green leaves and rusty bark.

Poison Dart flings her jet black hair away from her hallow, ebony eyes, trending painted, red, streaks etched under her eyes. She gazes toward Sultana, straightening her body and slightly titling her head. Her ruby lips part as she subtlety suggest. “Shall we go somewhere that reeks less of carcass?”

*****

Susan sits on her aunt’s pastel couch fumbling through the lap top. Her Aunt hovers over her shoulder; her faded red locks floating above her shoulders, her bangs falling over her forehead outlining her eyebrows that widened her hazelnut eyes. She is the youngest of the three sisters, her fine lines less prominent in showing her true age. She points her finger at the screen, “What’s this?” she asks, of some short hand writing, scribbled in the corner of the document.

“Not sure. Let me zoom in.” Susan suggests pulling it in view. “I can’t read it, only the question mark after it. You try.” She pushes the computer screen toward Donna who reaches for her reading glasses from the end table and pulls the computer close to her eyes.

It says, “’False-memory syndrome?  ‘It’s one of the diagnoses they gave my mother, later adding sleep paralysis and hallucinations. All the diagnosis appear to make sense. My mom was sleep deprived and grieving. It’s as if she was trying to find reason to escape all of the reality of my father’s passing.” Susan watches as her aunt’s eyes seem to lose focus and cloud as she remembers the fragility of her mother. Donna sets the computer down, “I’m not sure what we are going to find in here.” She shakes her head resting her palms on her forehead as her strawberry bangs flop over her fingertips. “There is no information here that I haven’t seen before.” She peers up toward Susan through the palm of her hands, “I hate to admit it, but your mom might have been right.” Her hand presses against her forehead rubbing hard against her temples and she fixes her body and sits up. Susan watches her aunt struggle and she feels helpless with a loss of comforting words.

“I know we’ve talked about it before, Susan. Joan, your mother, wasn’t always so callas. There was a point in her life she was genuinely happy. She would sing and dance around a room with Patsy and I. She was always a mother figure, especially when mom wasn’t around… but it wasn’t until she was eighteen or so that she began to slowly drifting away from us. Then everything with dad and then mom and then losing your dad…” Donna pauses, “I’m sorry she wasn’t the ‘mother’ to you that she was to us. The three of us grew up with a wonderful mother and she took pride in that at one time protecting and shielding us and I just can’t believe…” her aunt’s eyes begin to swell and a tear drops as she quickly wipes it before it can touch her cheek.

Susan takes her aunt’s soft hand and rubs it gently, “It’s okay. I’ve made peace with it long ago.”

“Oh, how could you?” Her aunt challenges. “No one makes peace with an unloving mother.” She stands up giving Susan’s knee a gentle tap and heads towards the kitchen. “I’m getting us some wine.”

Susan watches her aunt walk into the kitchen and continues to read through the information before her. “I didn’t get to any of the documents that explained more in detail to what she had actually told the doctors.”

Donna enters with a rose wine and stemless glasses, placing them on the coffee table. She unscrews the cheap bottle and pours. “Let’s see.” Donna scans her mind as she tries to remember the details of her mother’s stories. She hands Susan a glass of wine and then takes a sip of hers before falling into the pillow on the couch. She leans her head backward on the pillow for a moment with her eyes closed and takes a deep breath. Donna then sits up and opens her eyes while taking another drink; Susan patiently awaits her Aunt to gain composure.

“My mom told me she didn’t know my grandfather was an alien, until shortly before they were going to be married. Two or three days before I think.” Donna begins taking another sip of her wine.

Susan sets the laptop on the coffee table pulling her mobile device free. She wraps her arms around her legs letting her head lean against the cushion, giving her aunt her undivided attention.

Donna lets her head fall back to the pillow, as if she was entering a therapy session, resting her wine against her pelvic bone. “Dad didn’t want to keep any secrets from her. Those two were really in love. They had a respect and kindness toward one another like I’ve never seen.”

Susan gives a faint smile watching her aunt reminiscing her parent’s reunion.

“My dad didn’t just bring her flowers; he would plant her gardens of all her favorites.  On her birthday we girls were summoned to help serve her breakfast in bed.” Her aunt gives a mild laughing sigh as she remembers the thoughts, “Fresh strawberries from the garden were a requirement, also one of mother’s favorites.”

Donna pauses for a moment and sits up once again sipping from her glass. She gives a wispy smile to her niece and Susan returns her gesture. “They really were so happy.” Donna whispers from under her breath to Susan.

“I know,” Susan tries to encourage realizing she will never be able to see the dear memories that her aunt holds in her soul’s depth.

“Mom married him anyway, of course. She said she was sure that my father, had in some way, lost a part of his mind thinking his own dad was an alien, but that wasn’t going to stop her from marrying the man she was in love with. She told me, “He could tell me anything at the point, it was too late, I was in love with the man of my dreams and nothing was going to keep me from marring him.” Donna laughs, “Mother was such a spirited individual.”

Susan chuckles as she watches Donna’s face light up with the memory of her mother’s words.  Donna then continues, “She said she never met his father and that she assumed that my father’s talk of his dad being on another planet was some kind of mechanism he used as a child. Then she said she thought he continued the charade into adult hood as a facetious tale. And then one day, a spaceship landed in her backyard and it was indeed his father.”

Donna shakes her head in disbelief, “The thing is, it all sounds legit until you get to the end, doesn’t it? Then it’s like a bad joke.”

Susan admits, “It does. Odd that it sounds so logical and then fades into an E.T. movie.”

“Exactly.” Donna nods. “Why have we never had this conversation before?”

“I was never to speak or know of these things. I was scolded for asking anything to anyone…” Susan mocks and then playfully adds, “Except you of course.”   

“I wish we had talked more about it in the past. It feels so wonderful to chat with someone willing to listen and be opened minded. I always just had the ‘what If’ in my head; so unlike Joan and Patsy.” Donna sighs.

“Grandpa never mentioned these things? Grandma never mentioned them when he was alive?” Susan ponders.

“No. No, not to my acknowledgement. But it was also like ‘I don’t give a crap, now’ attitude after my father passed away. She would reminisce and tell of these stories, but what I saw in her was she acted like she was trying to announce to the world who my father really was. She was proud and now that he was gone she could tell everyone because it didn’t matter anymore to keep such a secret. Of course, your mom and Patsy didn’t feel that way, but it was enough passion in her to keep my curiosity of that ‘what IF’. Now all that Planeteers stuff… no one can deny that my mother could have been telling the truth. What I wouldn’t do to get a hold of one of those Planeteers and drill them with questions.” Donna sips from her glass finishing down the sweet liquid and pouring herself another glass. “More?” she ask pointing the bottle toward Susan.

“Still full.” Susan lifts her glass for her aunt’s view.

“Well drink up.” She insist.

Susan smiles taking another drink. “Drinking.” She shows her. Susan has never been a big drinker nor a fan of sweet wine but she knew her whimsical aunt would have reservations about drinking ‘alone.’

“Did she ever mention what planet her father-in-law was from? Did she ever mention a mother-in-law?” Susan wonders.

“She never mentioned a mother-in-law.” Donna thinks. “Never thought about that before. Weird. She has mentioned a planet but I don’t remember what she said the planet was called.”

“Hmm…” Susan thinks allowed. “I wonder if it would be in any of her sessions’ paperwork.”

“Possibility is high, I would think. She actually said the day after her father-in-law landed… said his name, but I don’t remember that either, it was something weird; she said her and my father traveled to his planet. Then she proceeded to describe the planet. Then she claimed after my father’s death she revisited the planet, which she did disappear for about four days. This sent your mom and Patsy over edge, your mom mostly, and that is when they admitted her to the home.” Donna’s eyes search for the memories in chronological order.

“And you?” Susan ask softly.

“Me?” Donna laughs. “I’m the youngest sister! My weight pulled little in the battle between those two… though I wish I fought harder now...  because I believe ultimately my mom died of a broken heart. Wherever her mysterious weekend getaway took her, she came back revived and anew with passion in her voice again. My sister’s crumbled her heart all over again sending her there and I just watched it all happen.” Donna’s voice becomes solemn as it fades in the silence of the room.

“But you were there for her. You listened when she needed to talk. You believed in her when no one else would; and you still do. I wouldn’t be here now having this conversation with you if you didn’t.” Susan tries desperately to lift her aunt’s grieving heart.

Donna tries to force a smile to her supportive niece but mostly fails at the attempt. “I try to be positive Susan. How do we prove my mother wasn’t all these things the doctors diagnosed? Does it matter now if we were able to prove it?”

“It does matter. I am here because I also want to know my grandmother’s story. If her and my grandfather are as amazing as you say they were, they deserve the opportunity to have their stories heard. Oh, how Janet would have a field day with the thought.” Susan chuckles at imagining her wide eyed daughter boasting her heritage trickled down from somewhere in outer space.

“So what do we do next? Get back into Joan’s house?” Donna ask sipping down another glass of wine.

Susan sighs at the thought of going back into her mother’s house and cringes. “I’m not fond of the idea but I don’t know any other way. I would have to imagine the home she was sent to would have originals... but I don’t know how to obtain them.”

“They should have to release them to me if they were to have them? I assume since Joan had all the paperwork, it was indeed all the paperwork and records of mom. I didn't think of her obtaining copies.” Donna tries to reason.

Susan thinks out loud, “But wouldn’t they have to keep some for their own records?”

Donna gives a doubtful moan, “It was so many years ago. I am sure they are not obligated to keep files dating back so far.”

“Well, there is only one way to find out. If they don’t have anything then I’ll sneak back into mom’s house, but I would like to use it as a last resort.” Susan confirms.

“If we have to go back to your mom’s, I will make it a we and not a you. Let’s do this together.” Donna decides standing up from the couch and catching herself for a moment.  “And you’re going to drive. Let’s go.”

*****

Russet walls fortressed the underground cave that holds tunnels dimly lit with scorching torches hung on the wall. Poisonous Dart falls into her magnetite throne, tapping her dark fingernails against its arm. Scarlet spotted feathers protrude through her sleek onyx gloves, delicately hovering over her knuckles. “Sit, Queen Sultana.” She demands as Sultana scans the catacombs, admiring a thick, triangle cerulean jewel that hovers over a hanging kettle of murky water.

“I prefer to stand.” Sultana announces. She turns her head over her shoulder slightly, “You still live so… primitive." She mocks placing a fingertip on the cerulean treasure admiring it.

Singae watches Sultana suspiciously and turns toward Dart for approval of Sultana’s boldness. Poisonous Dart slightly raises her hand giving him the approval he seeks.  

The vampiress grimaces as she stares back to the triangle's translucent shape. Dart rises from her throne, her boots snapping against the rock as she approaches Sultana. She peers toward Sultana for a moment and then pokes her finger into the water tracing it in circles. Sultana watches intently as imagery of the forest appears. Her men stand above the ground in mild chit chat. “Why does one need technology when they own magic?” Poisonous Dart boast.

“A comfortable bed?” Sultana sneers.

“And what would you know of a comfortable bed? You have no use.” Dart reminds her.

“I have plenty of use.” Sultana smirks staring up at Dart. “Don’t be simple minded. To what lengths are you able to use this stone?”

Poisonous Dart eyes her, “Depends on the recipe of magic. What use have you of it?”

“I didn’t arrive depending on its use but I see the value in it. I want to know if I can spy other planets from this trove.” Queen Sultana inquires staring into the vision.

Poisonous Dart smacks her hand against the water splashing the visual away and bringing Sultana’s amber eyes to hers. “Why are you here Sultana?” Poisonous Dart ask slightly miffed, “Get to the point.”

Sultana hesitates for a moment and then turns her back toward Poisonous Dart as she rubs her fingers against the hieroglyphics etched in walls.  “I’ve taken business with planet Earth and I need your assistance.” Sultana announces.

Dart scoffs as she finds refuge to her enormous throne, “Earth? It’s in another galaxy. Another realm way. Why would you travel to such lengths for that diseased enriched planet?” A Varanidae reptile enters from a connected tunnel with over sized insects lingering on a marbled platter; it sits the delicacy at the edge of Dart’s throne and then hastily exits. Dart’s petite body leaves open space between the magnetite arms. She slouches toward the arm of the chair extending her torso toward the plate and grabbing her snack, pinching the abdomen and suckling the guts through her mouth, removing the juicy fluids, and placing the skeleton back on the plate. “Need anything?” Dart entertains.

“Apologies your planet has nothing appealing to my appetite.” Sultana confirms with disgust.

Dart smirks loading another creature to her mouth and suckling delightfully while eyeing Sultana.  “Not much different than your daily meals.” Dart grunts.

Sultana protest Dart’s snooty comment, “It is very different,” Sultana turns toward Dart and approaches her boldly trying to make her focus, “If you can believe this, dear Poisonous Dart, the Earthlings have created an alliance with the light planets in our realm. We happened to not be invited.”

“Of course you were intrusive.” Dart decides. “A representation for the likes of us all.”

“Precisely.  ...” Sultana confirms. “The Ceniathiancs entertain the idea that they will be able to mesh in this deal everyone is striking… I think they could be persuaded to see things my way.”

“Why do you care what the other planets do with Earth? You say I am primitive, yet their knowledge and research is long in our past.” Dart relaxes in the depths of her seat, crossing her legs that our snuggled in black fishnet stockings.

“The planet is of much value,” Sultana thinks allowed, “Earth is rich in one particular thing that my planet finds very worthy.”

“Continue.” Dart plainly commands.

“Human blood.” Sultana smirks.

“You already consume human blood from that planet. There is no change in that.” Poisonous Dart notes staring at her nails and once again shifting her body so that it is now dangling over the throne; using it as if it were a partial bed. “You bore me, Vamp.”

Sultana ignores her rudeness and continues her thoughts, “For centuries we have born and survived from Earth’s planet resources. Some trusting vampires left humans clues of our defeat... and the more the barbarians retaliated against us... we have had no choice but force into hiding when among Earth. My father, Vlad Dracul discovered Divobite` so we could thrive freely among one another.” Her fist clench as she continues her thought, “He died at the hands of those damned mortals. The humans of light and goodness choosing our demise and trying to extinct our kind; monks and churches erasing our existent and power after hunting my father and killing him." She pauses as she strolls toward the hot flames scorching through a pit, surrounded by overlapping rocks that circumference it. It rises from the side of Dart’s throne and her eyebrows mildly shift as Sultana pauses among the fire. “There are some mortals that yearn to become what we are. Their hearts of ebony cloud their scant minds and leave them vulnerable to creatures likes us. The planet has much potential for complete darkness, only need to…,” she hesitates and then continues through her trance across the flames, “extinguish the light.” Her clenched teeth illuminate the glow of the flames as it dances off her face.  “Humans are considered my delicacy.” She smirks, gazing towards Dart’s carcasses plate, continuing. “Many I will be able to recruit. They can be complicated creatures wanting things in return, like eternity itself; however, if I took over the planet, made their multi ruled planet only under my ruling, then my vampire army and I will be in riches. We keep the dark, pursued the gray and kill the light. I tend to clean up the planet, Dart…”

“Lots of you. I don’t hear anything appealing for me.” Dart dryly announces siting up from her throne. “Good luck with your war.”

“My vampire army, as much as we dislike your planet, will help you gain the other half from your brother; giving you complete control of your planet. Your army may not be able to defeat him alone, but with us you will conquer.” Sultana proposes.

“That is an attractive offer.” Poisonous Dart admits chewing on the thought. “However, you have seen us in battle today. We are becoming stronger. I am cloning hundreds of soldiers a day. It is only a matter of time before he meets his demise. “

“All of his soldiers, I am sure he has the same ideas as you. Why not place an end to this sibling rivalry once and for all.” The queen approaches Dart and stands at the end of her throne with her arms on her hips, determine to persuade the amphibian in her direction.

“To be done with him once and for all would be complete victory.” Dart thinks aloud staring up at the vampiress.

“Yes, finally you will have no one to challenge your authority.” Sultana entices the offer.

Poisonous Dart stands from her throne, “How could we be of service on Earth with our spears and shields? Their choice of weaponry would demolish one of my armies in minutes.”

“You have something that will catch Earthlings off guard. Reptilian Soldiers.” Sultana suggests.

“The Earthlings will not be prepared for such a thing.  Perhaps, you can even persuade some of their own, home reptilian to join?”

Dart grimaces with the thought, “Yes, I could bring them to legs. They will be slow and clumsy but useful for taking first blows.”

“They will be ideal, to bring the earthling soldiers to their knees, and we will lose less of our stronger soldiers.” Sultana agrees.

Dart grins wickedly as she paces and continues the plan, “Yes. Yes, indeed. I knew there was a reason I kept you on my side, Queen Sultana.” And then as if an afterthought, “There will be some things I will want to bring home with me.”

“What do you want from Earth?” Sultana becomes confused.

Poisonous Dart approaches her murky liquid kettle staring at the stone above it. She grins in thought, “A few things I need to inquire from some labs on Earth. Nothing of importance to you.”

The vampiress becomes suspicious and corners Dart against the kettle as flames burn against its depth. “What do you know about science labs on Earth? I thought you had no interest in the planet.”

Dart’s lips tighten as her cheeks swell and her eyes squint with pleasure, “Turns out I do. Nothing you need to worry about it, friend. I will gather my resources and be prepared for when we are needed.”

Queen Sultana eyes the amphibian with uncertainty. “How will you know when you are needed?”

Poison Darts twirls the hot liquid through her fingers revealing the Queen’s planet through the reflection. Sultana hastily whips her head towards the woman, sullen, “What game are you playing Dart?” she demands spitting her words through her sharp teeth.

“Yours.” Poisonous Dart scowls innocently.

Sultana locks eyes with the hallow amphibian staring back toward her. Her eyebrows burrow in her head and she searches for expose` in Darts brain, but can receive nothing. Dart grimaces at the vampire, knowing quite well she is seeking revelation and only finding emptiness. Sultana huffs as she swings her body toward the entrance of the catacombs and pauses taking a deep breath, holding and then releasing. She faces Dart once again who remains calmly awaiting Queen Sultana’s frustration to subside.

“We will meet again soon.” Sultana pouts.

“I’ll be ready.” Poison Dart simply confirms. “Singae lead her toward the gate way.” Dart barks, “Appears I have one right here, Queen. No reason for to trace through a jungle unnecessary.”

Queen Sultana nods her head, “Until next time Dart.” She follows Singae into the tunnel. Poison Dart wraps her arms around her torso sneering proudly to herself.

**********

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