Realm Komiks vanishing drafts!

Bitter sweet news!

As I'm so thankful and blessed to all my  readers over the past three years, my drafts to Realm Komiks will slowly be disappearing as I begin to edit. 

Realm Komiks first novel, New Worlds, is getting a final edit before hitting two more editors and then publishing.

Thank You so much for all your support!

I hope your curiosity brings you back and causes you to buy the final product.

Stay tuned!

~Rebecca Ann Price

#RealmKomiks

Chapter 29: Darkness and Light

Darkness and Light
Chapter 29:

The dark hallways were dimly lit with moonlight, flashes of lighting brightening the shadows before they fall flat. 

“It’s like an abandoned museum,” Margret whispers to Dominious. ,”Eerie, silent… nothing.”

Dominious pauses, “You’re correct. Something is off...” Her ear catches a hint of noise, “Shh.” she tugs at Margret's arm. 

Margret scans through the darkness alert and motionless.

“It only is friend,” a familiar voice echoes down the hall.

The ladies twirl their bodies to discover Lucas and Cirocco briskly heading toward them. A wave of relief swallows Margret, “They’re safe.” Margret’s voice sounds hopeful, noticing solace also over Dominious’ change in demeanor.

“Did the other batch in our company find themselves fortunate?” Dominious blurts what Margret is wondering, but doesn’t find herself bold enough to allow it to echo down the hallway.  

Lucas and Cirocco are now feet away, “They did. Definitely didn’t hurt having the Planeteers advanced assortment of weaponry on our side.” He nods toward Cirocco and the peeks of her lips meet her cheek, as if they are sharing an inside joke of a sort.

“And Lucas’ charms his way into another.” Dominious brazenly concludes, risking a moment of sounding jealous.

Margret smirks at the truth in Dominious’ accusation. Lucas was very delightful and his charisma was infectious. Yet, it is difficult for Margret to grasp her head around Dominious’ udder blunt behavior, seeing it was only days ago she was fragile and broken. She wondered to herself if Dominious’ personality came from being a vampire, the anger she now holds or if she were always so crass.

Margret finds herself searching for the familiar  intrusion on her thoughts, feeling alone from the silence. Thoughts of Colm and Zulima on the battle field begin to leave her uneasy...

“The other side of the castle is where Sultana must be harbored.” Lucas interrupts Margret’s moment of loneliness.

“What I have also reckoned.” Dominious agrees. “It also confirms they don’t have the warrior tally to guard the complete perimeter of the castle. Earth people and Planeteers coordinated too quickly for her to fulfill her conquer as planned.”

“What we encountered in the tunnels has to be the worst of it.” Cirocco figures.

“No, Sultana is the worse of it.” Dominious’ voice is flat, her words heading of a warning more than a statement.

Lucas directs, “You two head in the direction you were, and we will head opposite, passing in the courtyard toward the other side of the castle. Eryi and Misha stand foot at the passage. They will join us, in case we run into any problems, but will not leave the post until we have eyes on Sultana. Do the two of you feel okay to carry forward with one another?”

Margret and Dominious share a silent glance, but Margret is quiet not to answer first. Lost a bit for words, knowing how week she appeared in Dominious’ eyes.

“I think so.” Dominious answers without hesitation, giving Margret a since of relief, not being rejected.

“You?” Lucas’ attention zeros in on Margret’s silence.

“Yes. Yes, I feel very safe with Dominious.” She reassures everyone.

“All right then. Let’s get moving.” Lucas instructs his light demeanor escaping as his back turns on them and he continues in the opposite direction, Cirocco pursues in silence.

Margret’s arm is slightly tugged on, “Come on.” Dominious tilts her in the direction they need to go and she follows next to her.

“Have you had any of those visions?” she whispers toward her, “Since we’ve been here?”

“I haven’t.” Margret disappointedly mumbles, yet a sense of relief, the visions were usually awful.

“Sultana can get into people’s heads, when she wants, predict their next move or thoughts. Something to keep in mind. If you are not expecting it you will have to work hard to block her invading.”  As if Dominious is sharing after thoughts, trying to prepare Margret, “Are you able to get into other people’s minds?”

“Only Colm’s. Apparently it’s some sort of soulmate thing, he can be rather intrusive sometimes, but he can’t tap into my negative emotions, and doesn’t understand them.”

Margret’s head meets Dominious’ neck, but she doesn’t turn toward her, continuing to stare ahead. “I find it impossible to believe in their world.” She shrugs.

“I’ve seen it with my own eyes and still find it impossible to understand most days. But…” she is cut off with a figure slinking down the hallway, about fifty feet in front of them. Dominious’ palm taps Margret’s waist causing her to halt.

“Is it..” Margret whispers, but she gasp as she suddenly finds her neck wrapped between Dominious’ forearm, held tightly, a small blade against her neck. Margret’s whites bulge to her skull, the woman from down the hall coming into focus.

“Well, well, well, look who’s returned, with a human prisoner no less, a present for the Queen? She isn’t impressed with your absence escapade.”

“I only needed time to think, grasp my head around things, remember what is really important, and remind myself of where my loyalties lay.” Domnious pulls Margret tighter into her. Still stronger than Margret has realizes.

Adrenaline now pumping swiftly through Margret, her mind is strained from the events. “Is Dominous REALLY turning against her? Has she been playing all of them? Is this her plan to lure a win in for Sultana? Does she plan to transform back to a vampire?”

Chayse pauses, sniffing the air as if a dog would scout it’s surrounding before proceeding, her nose scrunches and her face has a bit of confusion, her scarlet eyes scanning the perimeter where they stand.

“What is it?” Dominious inquires her voice innocent against Margret’s ear.

“Dominious is pretending... hoaxing this vampire...” Margret's worry dig deeper, as she continues to convince herself, “She isn’t betraying me.... she isn't....”

 “Shh.” Chayse scolds Dominious, “I smell blood other than hers. Someone else is here.” Chayse begins to sniff the room, as a wolf sniffing out a rabbit.

Margret wishes to see Dominious’ quiet expression, searching for a sense of her loyalty; it was only a matter of time that she would discover Dominous… Chayse pauses, a smirking grin crossing her face, quickly her brows dive inward toward the brim of her nose, her tongue twisting to the roof of her mouth, exposing her pearly fangs.

“Hmpf.” Chayse shrugs, “Odd.”

Dominious gropes the knife tighter against Margret’s neck, the pressure stings the skin, and Margret senses a warmth tingle against her collar bone, light headed, things start become a blur, Chayse’s blurry image closing in, 'She’s cut my neck… I’m bleeding…' Margret process, 'Why has she cut me...?' 

“Why are you really here, Dominious?” Chayse’s pupils anticipate flames, the small scratch on Margret's neck becoming too big of a distraction.

There is a pause.

Moments of silence.

Dominious decisively shoves Margret to the wooden floor, freeing her from being an easy target, her body sliding across the floor and slamming her rump against the wall. A grunt escapes her vocal cords when the sharpness vibrates to her throat.

Dominious stance comes to a draw, her fingers slightly twitching, anticipating her weapon.

“Impossinble.” Chayse fang pokes above her bottom lip in a moments thought. “How?”

“Is that a genuine question or a statement?” Dominious entertains Chayse shocking discovery.

“You’ve become a snooty thing.” Chayse taunts inches away from Dominious.

“Witnessing all you’ve loved and dreamt in flames tends to have that affect.” Dominous spits standing strong at Chayse's imitating approach.

“It’s not our choice to have dreams. You foolishly continued to survive as if you were mortal, our Queen had to always remind you of what you really are…" Chayse pauses for a moment, "Were…” Shooting Margret a quick glare as reminder she hadn’t forgotten her being, “Look, at you now, Dominious… one of the Queen’s favorite... week, broken…pathetic.”

“Surrender and we will let you live.” Dominious warns, irked of the idle chat.

“Let me live?” Chayse’s neck tilts back as her deriding laugh echoes between the walls.

There is a moment of silence.

Chayse and Dominious' eyes glare, their bodies frozen, their fists tight.

Margret observes the face off, decing to try and slide her body to a stance but Chayse's head flings in her direction leaving Margret at a standstill; But Dominious ceases the opportunity and rushes Chayse. Her forarm rams into Chayse's gut, pain shooting into her bone as if she has plowed a brick wall.

Chayse scoffs, "Mortality is weak." She grabs hold of Domious flinging her body around as if she were a dainty rag doll. Tiring of the play, Chayse finally allows her body a rest as she grasp her neck between her fingers, imperiously pinning it to the wall.  “Move and she dies.” Chayse warns Margret, recalling the vulnerability of her back towards the enemy.

“As if you don’t have the intentions on killing me.” Dominious chokes, struggling to gain eye contact with Margret whom stands out of view.

“I guess how to kill you would be most appropriate.” Chayse cracks, a glimpse of lighting highlighting the point of her fang.

Margret observes the women's back and forth, mind racing quick to recall the best solution on how to save her friend. 

Dominious' exhausted voice gurgles through the blood to boast,“The Queen will have your head if you destroy me. Sultana will want to do with me as she pleases, your interference will cost your life.”

Chayse's grin presses against her cheeks, “Oh, Dominious, the Queen will never know you were in this castle.”

“Doubtful. She knows everything you do under her roof.” Dominious steals this opportunity to swing her body into Margret's eye sight, before Chayse grabs control, Dominious shoots Margret a moment of reassurance, “Do it.” She instructs in a bellowing whisper.

Margret abruptly transforms the ring upon her finger, aiming the sword in the direction of  the women, unsure on where to strike, their bodies struggling against one another. Margret steadies the sword, her stance preparing to seize opportunity to gain a clear shot of the intended target.
Chayse, comprehending their intentions, instantly snaps her body against the wall, flinging Dominious' body as a shield.  Dominious struggles catching, Margret's wide eyed face filled with dread, afflicted when to strike.

Margret slows her breathing, and straightens her body posture, appearing poised and collected. A moment of stillness, the women focus on one another. The storm breaking the silence, Margret positions her sword on her forearm, dragging the blade across her skin, wincing from the burn as it slices into her flesh. Her blood quickly grabs at oxygen, rolling down her wrist and dripping on the floor.

Chayse's eyes burn with desire, holding her stance, Dominious tight against her.

Hush fills the walls between the storm outside.

Another drop of blood escapes to the floor, the splash magnitude, dripping into the puddle of red.

Chayse's hisses between her fangs, Dominious' conveys approval in her worn down eyes, Chayse wouldn't be able to resist, every sound and smell in the air will drive her to attack. Human blood leaves her vulnerable, she is as if a newborn with little control.

"Margret, you win." Dominious mocks between her breath.

Chayse's scrunches her face, anger tugging at her forehead, she swiftly snaps Dominious' neck before leaping over her limp body.

Margret's breath escapes, as if she's been punched in the gut, witnessing the lifeless body hit the floor.  "Nooooooooooooooo......." the scream echoes against the walls, without hesitation she fires the gleaming sword at the vampire, disintegrating it to pieces inches from where she stands.

She hastily moves past the ashes, allowing her sword to hit the stone where Dominious lays, wrapping Dominious' supple head in her arms. "Dom, Dom," she strokes her red locks, with some little miracle that she might wake.

She pauses staring at her new friend, the blood still oozing from her arm, the darkness soaking into Dominious' ginger strands. Her lips press against Dominious' forehead, "Your fight will never be in vain." she whispers, allowing Dominious' head to rest against the floor.

Ripping off a piece of the fabric from Dominious' top, she wraps it tightly against the wound on her arm, then removing Dominious' ring from her finger and adding it to hers. "I will be back for you." she stands, exhaling a deep breath before turning away continuing down the hall.

*********

Margret reaches the courtyard, the lull in the air eerily allowing the raindrops to answer the silence as they tap against the stone. Keeping herself armed, sword visible, she steps into the rain, tolerating it soaking in her clothes, prepossessing to  the other side of the building. 

She desires Lucas to be other side, waiting with  Cirocco, but they could have been attacked as well... They might not be alive... he is her the only one wired to the outside castle walls. She has no way to radio for help or backup...

Margret stews on the thoughts for seconds before returning to the environment surrounding her when she almost trips on a body sprawled to the ground. She gasp, but a closer look helps her to see it is vampire that met his fate. She spies the three wooden stakes shot in the heart, "Lucas'," she mumbles hopeful to herself.

She wants to call out to him through the darkness, standing and observing in which direction she should travel. She closes her eyes for a brief moment, struggling for a vision to give her guidance, but nothing haunts her mind. "Damn it." frustrated, she takes notice to her intuition and decides to accept it for navigation.

Before she is able to put thought on what do to next, a vampire jumps in view, staring her down, his fist clenched. Without hesitation she aims her sword, disbanding what stands before her.  "Blade, first, they could be innocent people..." whispering to herself, thinking of her deceased friend.

The hall widens, exposing doors with hidden rooms behind them. The view is overwhelming, but the anger pulsing in her blood moves her forward without hesitation. She is now determined more than ever to finish Dominious' quest, there is a finish line, and she will find it.

Her body progresses with a sense of purpose, a vampire leaping to attack, she swings her sword through it's body, forcing it limp, and continuing on before it has a chance to hit the floor. Adrenaline drives, steering her arm, continuously swinging as vampires begin to fill the hall, springing toward her. There is a break, and she steps over the bodies that have a chance of survival, proud of her victory, until she raises her neck to follow the hallway, seeing a dozen more beady, glowing eyes staring back at her. Her breath tugs to the back of her throat, adjusting her body for the attack, she allows Dominious' ring to transform into a sword so she is doubled armed. The swords, normally heavy against her biceps, feel like feathers in the moment.

They charge at her, she is still, observing every stone they pass, waiting patiently to snag them with her swords. Their bodies finally rain upon her, arms wildly swinging, she persistently slashes at limbs, causing blood to spill into puddles. There is a break. She straightens her body, ready to move forward, forced to halt as new figures rise into the hallway, blocking her path. A sigh of annoyance escapes her lips, "Really?"

Once again she takes stance, the exhaustion creeping into her veins, she shakes it away, preparing herself for another round.  The distance is shorter and the vampires swiftly surround her. Margret curves her body, confirming the three sixty configuration. She pinwheels her arms and pivoting her body she shoots deadly bolts from the sword, creating a circle ashes encompassing her. Margret's breath heavy, her eyes deep in her sockets, waiting for a third round but quietness falls, allowing the distant thunder to speak.

Margret allows her boot covered leg to step over the ashes and continue, unaware of the pale beast sliding it's body low to the floor from behind. Crouched, it inches close to her heals, tugging at her leg, knocking her flat. The weapons slide from her grasp, her fingers stretch to clench the handle of the closest. The vampire tugs on her, his strength dragging her to his eye level. His face is distorted, more of a demon than a man, nails more like claws, teeth similar to what would be found in a sharks. No emotion showing, only hunger, fiercely struggling, he is too powerful to push away, finally launching at her collar bone with his jaws.  Her eyes wince preparing for the attack but it doesn't happen. The creature is yanked off her body, propping herself on her elbows Margret witnesses Cicrocco's La'Goad twisted around the vampire's ankle, Lucas shooting it with the stake gun before it has a chance to react.

"'Bout time." Margret, with relief, tries to joke down the hallway.

Lucas extends his arm, helping her up, "Where's Dominious?"

Margret can't find the words, she shakes her head with solemn glare.

"Okay." Lucas grimly acknowledges. "The vampire Queen has to be behind one of these doors. I guess we take turns choosing until we win."

Cirocco pushes passed them, moving forward, "That one." she points down the hall at the door, "I can smell the wretched demon."

"Unexpected, but okay." Margret agrees grabbing her other sword from the ground.

"Warrior senses, astonishing," Lucas mumbles toward Margret's ear.

Cirocco smirks, flinging her head towards Lucas, her long pony tail almost smacking his face, "And you haven't yet learned my hearing is just as exceptional?"

"Perhaps, I have learned, but trying to flatter you." Lucas adds lightly.

"I do not weaken at such non-foolery." Cirocco dryly answers, stopping in the hall, pointing at the door before them, quickly changing the direction of the conversation.

"Allow me," Margret pushes froward turning the knob, allowing it to swing open.

Sultana's back welcomes them, her slick figure turned toward the battle scene outside. Margret leads through the door, her heart pounding against her chest, Sultana steadily pivots her body, facing them.

Sultana scoffs, her red lips slighting parting as she sizes them up, "The three of you must be so proud of yourselves. Let me be the first to congratulate you, coming face to face with the Queen without a proper invitation."

"This isn't a game," Margret's anger flares, thoughts of Dominious' pain surging through her veins, "You're killing good, innocent people."

"Lucas, Cirocco and Margret." Sultana smirks as Cirocco tries to move forward but Lucas pauses her, "None, of you are warriors, you are all rejects, only wishing to be a hero..."

"Don't let her get in your head," Margret warns, as Lucas gives a slight nod allowing the three of them to move in position.

"You know nothing of me or what I can do. What I will do." Sultana warns, spitting past her fangs.

"I know what Dominious has told me." Margret snaps.

Sultana's demeaning abruptly shifts, "Tell me what you know of Dominious."

"I know she is dead, because of you." Margret's voice sharply rises.

"The last thing she wanted to do was kill you." Lucas chimes in taunting, causes her attention.

"But now I'm going to kill you for her!" Margret fires the electric blaze from the swords, but Sultana leaps over Margret's head avoiding the hit, almost causing Lucas to be struck. Margret shrieks, as Lucas rolls out of the way. "Sorry!" she shouts at him then feeling a thrust of sharpness, vibrating up her spine and sending her flying against the room on to her rump.

Margret shakes her head, regaining focus, able to witness Lucas blasting his stake gun at her while Cirocco's La'Goad, slaps around Sultana's ankle. Sultana catches the stake, mid flight while tugging on the whip causing Cirocco's body to fling toward her; striking Cirocco in the heart with Lucas' weapon. Margret comprehending as it is happening, rushes to her feet charging to Sultana, Lucas also hastening to try to stop the inevitable. Sultana shoves Cirocco into Lucas' chest, ducking Margret's swords as they cross over her head, once again knocking Margret off her feet.

Lucas holds Cirocco as she gasp for her last breath, "Thank you." the words wisp calmly off her tongue before her caramel eyes fall toward her brow leaving her body heavy. Lucas palm slides over her forehead, closing her eyelids and gently placing her body at rest on the floor. He stands up, observing Margret's attempts to slay Sultana as she toys with her. He pulls his loaded weapons out, shooting mercilessly at her, attempting to slow her down.

Sultana dodges, but one of the stakes finally catches her in the leg, knocking her off balance for a brief moment, she steadies herself, yanking the splinter from her thigh. She launches at Lucas with it, and he grabs her wrist, struggling to force her arm away.  Margret goes full force, ramming her shoulder into Sultana, taking her off guard and striking her to the ground.

Margret's breath is heavy, rage pulses through her veins, sweeping into her heart. "Now, you die forever." she threatens, charging at her with both swords.

As tips are about slay Sultana, she dives out of the away, grabbing Margret from behind. Caught off guard, she becomes Sultana's puppet, Sultana forcing her arms in Lucas' direction, stabbing the swords into his ribs. Lucas howls in pain, Margret struggling to break free from Sultana, lets go of the swords, "Lucas!" she gasp, Sultana shoving her into him, she topples to the ground over him.

"Lucas, Lucas..." Margret backs off of him trying to prop him up. "Don't die Lucas, we will get a healer, don't die."

"Two rodents down and one love to terminate." Sultana taunts slinking toward them.

"Shut up!" Margret screams at her, turning her attention back to Lucas, "Stay with me Lucas," she encourages.

"Kill her." he emphasizes.

Margret swings her neck behind her, Sultana lurking toward them, a wicked grin pressed into her cheeks.

"Take the swords and kill her," he stresses.

"But... but.. if I pull them..." she worries.

"Do it, before she kills you." Lucas warns through the aching in his breaths.

Margret swallows hard, preparing herself for a moment, as Eryi and Leventi suddenly appear in the doorway. Sultana shifts her neck, and Margret using the opportunity to quickly free her swords of Lucas and rush at Sultana, breaking as bright violet light emerges from the middle of the room, and a woman peeking out of it.

"Dart." Sutlana's voice has relief but annoyance in it. She gives a last glance at the three left, and reaches for the woman's hand allowing her to pull her into the light.

"Quick! It's a portal!" Eryi yells moving forward.

Margret now understanding, merciless begins shooting the electric bolts from her weapons, but the portal closes quickly, erasing the women from the room.

Margret currently finds little effort in caring that they escaped and instructs Eryi and Leventi instead, "Quick! It's Lucas! I need to get a healer!"

Eryi and Leventi hurry to Lucas, who barely hang on, Eryi placing his hands on Lucas, slowing down the bleeding with the frigid cold escaping his finger tips. "Hurry!" Eryi exclaims, "He has little fight left in him."

Margret hurries to the balcony, "Opal!" she calls, but he is already there, her cries bedded in the stallions mind before her voice can reach the air.  She jumps on his back, allowing Dominious' weapon to return as ring, giving her a hold of Opal's main between his armor.

The unipeg sweeps into the sky through dark clouds from the evidence of war, before ascending above it. Margret doesn't have to direct him, he understands her mission and destination, lowering himself to the Cepaen people, Margret shooting her sword allowing them to land past the vampires trying to attack. The healers are in a shield of light, they are grabbing the wounded and dragging them to the safeguarded area while healing them. "I need a healer to the castle," she screams at them, searching for Zulima in the chaos.

An unknown healer, a male, quickly approaches her, how do I get there, "Opal." she nods toward the unipeg, helping the thin man on his back, pausing him before take off, "Where's Zulima?"

He shrugs, "Here, somewhere."

She accepts his answer, giving Opal a tap on the nape, allowing him to get the healer to Lucas without her. "Zulima!" she yells into the crowd, over gun fire and screams, stretching her neck and slaying those who dive to attack.

Through the fog and rain she sets eyes on Colm, about twenty yards away, using his bow as a weapon, his legs kicking at those who are too close. Natika, is opposite of him, sword in hand, back toward Colm, working with him. She observes for a second before stabbing another vampire that launches at her, finally having visual of Zulima trying to drag a man to the lighted shelter of the healers. "Zulima!" Margret calls to her from across the battle, charging toward her to help.

Zulima pauses and gives her a brief acknowledgment while continuing her duty. Almost to her, a shadowy figure rises from behind Zulima, a hand pushing through her chest, her heart exposed to the outside for a brief moment before being tugged backward. Margret's mouth drops to her chin, trying to grab her breath, witnessing Zulima's wabblely neck lead her body to thud against the ground. There stands Lucius, her heart in his hand, he throws it on top of her in disgust, ready to finish off the injured man she was trying to rescue. Margret bellows in emotional agony, shooting at him before he has a chance to realize she was observing, disintegrating one of the most powerful vampires to dust before he even has a chance to react. She dashes to Zulima, trying to push her heart back into her bloody chest, "Colm! Colm!" she wails, finding him when the lighting brightens the sky, an arrow flinging into a vampire saving Natika from it's fangs.

"Colm!" she shrieks, tear rushing her chin, her echo finally piercing his mind, he turns behind him, seeing her yards away on the battle field, craddling Zulima in a pool of blood that the rain tries to wash away.

 He scurries forward, letting his bow hit the few remaining enemy that try to interfere. Margret pleas to him, observing as he is comprehending what has happened. "Heal her," Margret begs, trying to hold Zulima's heart in her chest.

"I....I...I can't," Colm's voice is lost.

"Try!" Margret commands, "Try! You have to try!"

"She's gone. I can't bring her back from the light." he explains struggling to understand the loss.

"That's the biggest load bullshit! You are a damn healer! Try!" she bawls.

Colm does what she begs, placing his hands over Zulima's heart, Margret holding it in place, his hands glow brightly, and her body slowly begins to repair itself, arteries fusing to the heart, repairing each valve.

"It's working," Margret breaths hopeful, allowing Zulima's body to hold the organ that was once in her hand, "It's working!"

Colm breaks from the repaired tissue, exhausted from the task, gazing at Margret as she contentiously taps Zulima's cheek, "Wake up, Zulima. Wake up, come on..."

"She's gone..." Colm's eyes get soggy as he struggles for Margret's understanding, "She's already to the light..."

Margret ignores him, placing herself over Zulima, begining chest compressions.

"What are you doing...?" Colm effortlessly fights to understand.

"CPR. Get her heart beating again. Help me. When I tell you, tilt her head and give her air." she instructs, working off adrenaline, thrusting her palms against Zulima's body.

"She's gone..." Colm slowly confirms through chest compressions.

"Help me when I tell you!" she continues to push, the battle dying around them, vampires left of the living surrendering, "People come back all the time, just have to get their body working again..." she explains between thrust. "Pinch the nose, blow."

Colm stares at her emphatically.

"Fine, I'll do it." she snaps, giving Zulima a couple breaths of air and continuing.

"We don't come back. Our bodies don't work again once we've reached the light, which is rather quickly." he places his hand on her wrist trying to break her, "Margret, she's gone."

"How do you know? Have you ever died?" she snaps, stopping the CPR, staring in his eyes, now feeling him pressing against her soul trying to soothe her. "Stop it!" she angers.

"What?' he begs.

"You don't get to do that! You don't get to try to soothe me when it's your fault she's dead." she falls off of Zulima's waist, allowing her head to rest against her chest, healers now begining to surround them as the war is ending.

"Her body healed because it was not yet cold. But her soul..." Colm gently wants to explain.

"I get it!" She barks at him.

A healer places her hand on Margaret's shoulder, "Let us take her home."

Margret respectfully nods at the woman, shuffling out of the way and allowing the six healers to scoop up Zulima's body, lifting above their heads, honoring Zulima with a soft solemn whistle, as a dove might coo, carrying her away.

Margret hears Opal from behind her, Colm tries to wrap his fingers in hers for comfort but she flings them away, rushing to the unipeg. "Lucas!" she shouts as he leaps from behind the wings. She hugs him tightly, "You are okay!"

"Yes, very good health. Thank you for your action." He curiously notices her damp eyes.

Searching around Opal she inquires, "Is the healer okay? Where is he?"

"He's alive and well. Some other healers and soldiers have taken on the castle. They are offering the survivors redemption. Many were once good Romania people, and if we can give them as much as their life back we want to try." he explains, his eyes shifting toward Colm who takes Margret's side.
"Tears? I missed something...." he begins, breaking when his view of the six healers carrying Zulima's body over the battlefield reveals itself. "Oh, I..." his words fall in the back of his throat, grasping that idea that no content will be of comfort. He folds Margret's fist in between his, tugging her slightly closer, "You've lost much today. I will be here as needed, while you process events through out these next few weeks, leading to months and years. It won't be easier, but your heart will learn to numb the grief, and your mind will teach itself to cope with the images from today."

She leans in, hugging Lucas again, "Thank you." Colm awkwardly lingering, trying to touch her arm for extra comfort as she releases Lucas.

"Get...off....of....me." She articulates, tilting her head in Colm's direction, avoiding his eyes.

"Margret, I'm here... you need to let me..." Colm prepares but Margret pushes past him to Opal. "Margret." He slightly tugs at her wrist, with an attempt of retrieval.

Her eyes meet his, and she scoffs in disgust, "You be here for me? Where were you for her? That was how I asked you to be here for me... but we were only on the battlefield protecting her." Margret's finger flings accusingly, in the direction of Natika, who is clueless of the conflict pursueing.

"I...I thought Zulima was in the healer shield. I didn't know..." Colm weakly explains.

"You didn't know because you were too busy with her. And now Zulima is dead because you failed to protect as I specifically asked. I saw the visions. I asked of the one thing, and you..." Margret shakes her head, curving away, and touching Opal's neck, ready to ascend.

"Wait..." Colm struggles.

Margret ignores him, leaping over the armor and onto Opal.

"Margret, you can't just leave. It is our duty to communicate and comfort one another. You are my soulmate." Colm's voice strains with loss.

"Just because we are soulmates, doesn't mean we are meant to be together." Margret gives her final argument, very matter of fact, before soaring into the dark sky.

Colm hurries over to Nacreous, ready to climb, when Lucas stops him, "Man, what are you doing?"

"I must follow her. Her anger is clouding her heart." Colm's voice distressed and confused.

"Look, Colm, I know she's part of your world, but she's also part of this world. Women from our world, they need the space...but not too much space, or then they will think you don't care. Give her the break she is yearning for. Let her process all this, grieve in her own way and then be there." Lucas advises.

"I did not choose Natika's life over Zulima's... she must understand this." Colm worries.

"You can't talk sense into a jealous woman. You will be blue in the face but your words will only continue to roll like movie credits past her eyes. Let her be, for now." Lucas pats Colm on the shoulder with reassurance, turning attention to a solider running toward him to seek command.

Colm strokes Nacreous, in the moment still deciding, he takes a deep breath, "Okay, Nacreous, let us help the people here. It is where we are most useful." Colm gives a final peak into the sky, as the flying dot of Margret  fades.

Realm Komiks Prequel Chapter 28: Tsunami

Chapter 28

Tsunami

“Daddy!” Janet cries, “They are inching toward me… I’m freaking out…” she presses her back against the dirt wall.

Daniel haunted by the sight of his daughter’s terror, eases forward to the edge, feet first. Thunder clouds roll heavier above them Janet gives off high pitch scream. “Daddy! What should I do?” the words fly out of her mouth as a exclamation rather than a question.

Daniel doesn’t answer, he is figuring out his own strategy on how to ease his body in the ditch, but instead he slips, swiftly sliding him to the bottom, the mud marking his clothes.

She grabs hold of him tightly, “Daddy, are you okay?”

Dusting himself off he stands, without a moment of hesitation he embraces Janet in his arms. “You’re going to be okay.” He assures her, his eyes meeting the open tunnel’s beady gazes. “Janet,” he wraps her thin cheek bones with his fingertips, “I’m going to put you on my shoulders, I want to see if you can balance yourself to a standing position and reach for the top. Okay?”

Lighting divides the sky as he helps her climb to his shoulders, his knees wobble as he keeps his balance, rising her closer to freedom , “Try to stand, use the wall to keep your balance, I’ve got your ankles.”

Janet braces herself against the muddy wall, her thin legs trying to steady her torso as she rises toward the opening. Petite hands stretch, her tiny fingers struggling to reach for the edge. “Daddy, I’m not tall enough…”

Suddenly a familiar hand reaches down, grabbing her arm and locking it around theirs, “Mom!” she gasps with relief.

“I’ve got you Janet.” Susan strains and Mateo leans over to help.

“Mom.” She wraps her scrawny arms around her mother’s neck as Nora looks up to the sky watching the clouds part and the sun peek through.

“Susan!” Daniel shouts, “You made it!”

She smiles over the edge at her husband while Mateo and now Steve secure the rope around a tree, “We will get you of there. We have some other friends up here to help.” Daisy leans over the ditch, her slobbery tongue hanging out and panting.

“Did you go and get a dog?” Daniel tries to joke, turning his head to scope the gazing Iguanas who have now inched closer. Their slant nostrils now visible, “I know it sounds insane, but I really think these Iguanas down here want to attack me.”

“You’ll be okay, Daddy, these guys will get you out…” Janet yells into the depths.

Mateo throws the rope into the hole and Steve peers over calling to him. “You know how it’s done?”

“I believe so, sir,” Daniel answers, locking his arms into the thick twine after sliding his boot into the loop.

Mateo and Steve begin to pull while Nora and Susan get on the end trying to add some strength. Daniel braces his feet against the wall, the mud rolling down as he begins to lift himself off the ground. His freedom not far away, but suddenly his shoes and ankles begin to be tugged on, Daisy barks hysterically. Needle pointed claws sink into his legs drawing blood immediately, biting continues.

“What the…” Daniel kicks his legs in shock.

Mateo calls, “Stop dancing the rope!”

“Daisy, quiet!” Steve scolds over the commotion though she doesn’t listen, the dog’s behavior only becoming more anxious.

Daniel uses all his muscles, desperately trying to climb out of the creatures reach, but now his waist is tugged at and he crashes backwards into the dirt.

A woman, appearing of Asian descent, stares down at him, her eyes hollow and black. The iguanas stalk around him, threatening his next move.

“Daniel!” Susan shouts triggering Poisonous Dart’s head to jerk to the opening.

Mateo, Steve, who pulls Daisy back, restraining her with a leash, are now also hovered over the depth. Nora kindly holds Janet back, stroking her arm, “They’ve got it…” Nora whispers to the little girl, wanting to offer her comfort.

Daniel quickly stands bracing himself more a brief second before ramming his body into Dart, knocking her down. Before she realizes what has happened, he is grasping the rope, using her as leverage to escape.

“Quick, pull him up!” Susan shouts to Steve and Mateo who are already tugging on the rope, Nora, intercepting Daisy’s leash as the Labrador whines.

Susan stretches her waist, reaching for Daniel’s shoulders, fingertips desperately trying to hook his shirt. They are not quick enough, Dart rises to her feet, yanking at his back, causing him to crash against the dirt.

“No!” Susan shouts, “Let him go!”

Dart ignores her pleas, grabbing Daniel by the throat before he is able to find his bearing. The neck in his veins pulse as poison injects into his blood stream, the whites of his eyes bulging from his skull, he’s gasping for air, body twitching from the shock.

“No! What are you doing to him? Stop!” Susan demands suddenly her words transformed to pleas,” Please, stop! Stop! Let him go!”

Janet frees herself from Nora, dangling above her mother, “Daddy!” she cries as the dark clouds return, hiding the sun, “Let him go! Don’t hurt my Daddy!”

Poisonous Dart releases Daniel, his limp body thuds against the dirt floor.

“Nooooo….” Janet screams as a crash of thunder echoes.

Susan grabs Janet into her arms, shielding her from the sight, confused if this is a reality.

Poisonous Dart allows them no time to process the event; she leaps to the surface, flipping into the air with a twirl before landing her bended legs beachy grass.

Crouching, her hallow eyes are accompanied by a grimacing grin plastered upon her face.

“Run!” Nora shouts pulling at Steve’s arm, Daisy leading with her tongue flapped out as if now they were playing a game.

Mateo follows and Susan tugs on Janet, trying to direct her to the front of the group.

Rain pours to the ground, slapping them in face, becoming slightly easier to run when the thick, dry sands flattens with water.

Dart leaps back and forth off the trees, taunting them, finally slamming her feet into the sand before them; Iguanas creeping slowly behind, causing a trap.

Lighting streaks against the sky with a blast of thunder shouting in the sky, the showers become heavier; Daisy frantically, barks causing the iguanas’ slight hesitation.

“You Earthlings are part of no army at all,” Dart observes, “You’ve merely stumbled an accident?”

Susan says nothing, grabbing Janet tight against her Steve, Mateo and Nora huddled close, Nora’s knuckles white from the pull on the leash.

“Unfortunate for you, to have to die.” Her teeth glim through her lips, lighting reflecting in her eyes.

“Step away from them Poisonous Dart!” A strong voice commands from behind.

Poisonous Dart turns, the Iguanas closing the circle around the group, anxiously awaiting command.

“Who are you?” Dart spits, with annoyance in her voice.

“Tsunami. Planet Acquavodo. Here to stop you.” Her chest puffs, as if to introduce herself with intimidation.

Dart laughs, “This is your army?” gesturing to Kae.

“You’re only one person, I don’t need an army.” Tsunami confidently announces, disclosing the three dimensional gold spear behind her back, allowing it to extend at full length.

“Tsunami…” Kae whispers, doubting their decision, “We need to wait for Bruinen and…”

“There’s no time.” She scolds, the rain slapping her in the face, keeping her gaze toward Dart, “this storm gives us the upper hand, Dart doesn’t have a chance. Get the others to safety…”

Before completing her thought Dart leaps at Tsunami, but she anticipates the attack in time, waving the gold wand, a blast of water pushing Dart’s rump to thud against the sand.

“This way!” Kae screams at the group, using a similar weapon as Tsunami, parting the Iguanas’ barricade.

Susan wraps her arm around Janet, attempting added security around her daughter. Their feet pound against the wet sand following Kae to boats without any questions asked, the survival adrenaline pulsing through Susan’s veins.

“Get into dryness,” Kae’s usual soft voice, roars over the rain, smacking him in the face, “Do not try to escape your boats into the waters, the storm is too fierce and your vessels will…”

Susan cuts him short with panic in her voice, “Where’s Nora?” she realizes her friend is missing.  “Nora!” Susan shouts over the downpour, the thunder mocking her worry, “Nora!” again her call presses into the air searching for response.

Steve grabs Susan’s arm shoving Daisy’s leash into her hand, “I’ll find her.”

“I want to go too,” she insists.

Janet grabs hold of her mother’s arm tighter, “Don’t leave me, mom.” Her wide eyes beg, stringy hair plastered to the side of her neck. “I can’t have you leave me.”

“Janet, I need you to be strong…” Susan begins but Steve interrupts.

“Your daughter needs you. I might know where Nora ran off to. Get Janet sheltered before she finds herself sick.” Steve gives her a reassuring nod.

“It’s too dangerous to go alone.” Susan insists.

“I’ll go.” Mateo chimes, “Get Janet inside.” He turns to Kae, “Sir, please watch over them.”

“My coordinates will remain outside of your boat, for I am to await my people.” Kae informs. “Tsunami is in a dangerous situation,” he continues with concern, as if they know Tsunami well, “She wasn’t elected to move forward, we are to retrieve…” Kae’s words trail as he is disclosing too much information.

“Your partner’s choice saved our lives…” Susan recalls.

Kae struggles to explain, “Oh, she’s not my…”

Susan cuts him off with haste, “Bring Nora back.” Reversing her attention to Steve, “I can’t lose…” she takes a deep breath, “Come back safe, with Nora.”

Steve and Mateo are at little words; Steve delivers a jerky nod, tugging on Mateo and scurrying off.

Susan pulls Janet onto the bobbing boat, rocking against the restless waves. Into the shelter, Janet rushes against her soggy mother, her face pressing against Susan’s stomach, sobbing uncontrollably.

Susan tightly comforts her daughter, in shock, continuing to process the events that have occurred. Her words of comfort are lost.

*****

Poisonous Dart flings to her feet, hunching down, Iguanas hissing behind her, the rain flattening her long, dark locks against her cheek bones. “You will lose and I will have no mercy in killing you. It will be an enjoyment.”

Tsunami flexes her arm, aiming the ‘mesipike’ toward the amphibian creature, propelling heavy streams of water in her direction. Dart continuously leaps, avoiding the attempted hits. Tsunami pauses, glaring at Poisonous Dart who flaunts a wry grimace. Frustration and furry cloud Tsunami and she uncontrollably aim the wand miscellaneously, with failing effort of her target. Water bridges build upon one another, allowing Tsunami more of an attempt for striking her, the plan effective, Dart finally is struck against her pelvic area. Tsunami loses the moment of victory when the Iguanas oddly perching themselves, assist her quickly to an upright position.

“I have just as many tricks as you do.” Tsunami taunts, being cocky, but before she can finish boasting, Poisonous Dart acrobatically tumbles, landing her face to face with Tsunami. Dart kicks her weapon, knocking from her loosened hands, the weapon tumbles to the ground. Dart gives a final shove to it with her foot while swiftly grabbing Tsunami’s thin neck.

Tsunami gasp, her focus fuzzy, the air feeling heavy against her chest. Poisonous Dart’s head tilts as she zeros in on Tsunami’s blue eyes, filling her veins with deadly poison.

The burning sensation pulse through every micro of her body, probing each major artery with a deeper sting as it passes.   “Ahhhhh,” Tsunami screams in agony, struggling to break free. Tsunami’s brain fogs and thoughts are broken fragments, but she somehow manages to turn each raindrop in to sharp snippets, launching them into Poisonous Dart’s back.

The unexpected ache propels Dart’s body into the packed sand, causing her to free Tsunami from her claws. Loose, from Dart’s grips, Tsunami tries to gain control but it feels as though a fire has ignited her insides. Every grain of sand, against her skin, is like pricks of glass shards, stinging her skin. She fights to keep conscious losing to the darkness her eyelids fall shut.

******

Nora’s flat feet pound from the wet sand to the thick grassy path, leading her to the ditch where Daniel lays limp in the depth. With slight hesitation she pauses as the opening, analyzing the best approach to lower herself, noticing the rope still hugging the tree. She quickly tugs at her shoes, releasing her moistened socks from her damp wrinkling feet. She wraps them around her palms to shield from any burns and abseils down the muddy ditch. A puddle of water flings droplets to meet the rain as her feet smack against it and she sloshes to Daniel lifting his head onto her lap. She smears away the mud from his cheek, studding his face for a moment. “Don’t go too far…” she softly instructs, placing her ring and middle finger against the silent vein in his neck, allowing her eyes to fall shut and concentrating….

Her soul is swept to dark emptiness, foggy, hard to see. She rapidly advances through the darkness, a spotlight not far ahead; she snatches another deep breath and then carries her legs harder toward the light, blinding her… only emptiness through the brightness. She fears he has already crossed and she can go no further with breath left in her lungs. She has failed her new friend; she wasn’t quick enough to get back to him…

Finally admitting her defeat, she turns back toward the darkness, pausing before her first step when a voice chimes from behind, “Who’s there?”

“Daniel!” she squeals, “Follow my voice!”

“I need to go to the light…” he is illuminated in the whiteness, his face not yet visible.

“No, Daniel! Follow my voice back to the darkness. I will take you back to Susan and Janet. They need you! Don’t go any further into the light.” The paused moment feels like an eternity, as his conflicted stance finally heads in her direction.

“It… is… so painful…” he grunts as he closes toward her, visible for a brief a moment between the light and dark. “The further I walk into the light the lighter…”

“I know Daniel,” Nora interrupts, “But we don’t have much time. Your body is poisoned, it is going to be very painful, but you have to fight through it for your wife and daughter. If you fight through it I promise there is an antidote, and we will have more time with your wife and daughter where you breathe with lungs… Come back to them, Daniel, fight through it, please…” she extends her hand toward him and he quickly grabs it.

“I’ll do anything for my loves.” He squeezes Nora’s hand, “Take me to them…”

Nora’s eyes fling open, conscious the rain is continuing to thump in the hole around them, creating its personal concert between the puddles and mud. Daniel’s chest rises as his lungs inflate, pulling oxygen into his body. “Way to do it,” Nora whispers to him, “Way to do it.” A relief escapes her mouth as she now removes her fingers from his founded pulse.

“Nora!” She hears Steve shouting from above. “Nora!” he calls again before she has a chance to answer.

“Down here!” she hollers.

Nora finds the sky, between the droplets and Steve and Mateo’s head appear over the side.

“He’s alive!” Nora shouts up to them, “Help us out!”

********

 The Royal Bahama defense force pulls their boats to the island, quickly unloading with their weapons drawn, an Acquavado water craft close behind. Kae approaches the commander, “This way!” he calls gesturing up the beach.

The commander turns to Kae,”We are instructed to await your Sovereign.”

A long robe covers the body exiting the craft and Kae rushes in,” Soverign Bruinen, Tsunami …”

The cloak is pulled away from the face revealing Nawfar’s elf like structure, “Sovereign Nawfar,” Kae chokes.

She pushes past him without words, heading forward, the RBD following close behind.

Nawfar comes to a clearing, Poisonous Dart’s head jerking in their direction, her back dripping with specks of blood. Nawfar’s eyes scan past her, finding Tsunami on the ground inches in front of Dart’s boots, unconscious but lungs slightly taking air, “Grab the antidote,” she barks at one of the men, not removing her fixated pupils on the frozen woman before her.

Nawfar waves her hand against the pattering rain drops, causing them to forge a shield, allowing only an escape for Dart is she were to chance a fight against Nawfar and the RBD. Baracading Tsunami’s sprawled limbs away from danger, on the other side of Dart.

Poisonous Dart steadily rotates her body toward Nawfar and the defense; her lips purse with victory, no fear or distress in her stance. A smirk jabs her jaw bone, as if it were attached.

“Surrender.” Nawfar finally demands, over the crashing sky.

Poisonous Dart yanks a delicate raven feather from her glove, causing the RBD to prepare to fire their weapons, but before anyone can respond she waves the feather into their air, opening a portal and leaping through, it closing before anyone has time to react to the event.

Nawfar lowers her palm, allowing the rain to rest in its own pattern, quickly accepting Poisonous Dart’s escape with no regret. The water shield clears a visual of the RBD injecting Tsunami with the serum to save her life. They lay Tsunami’s limp limbs upon the stretcher, Kae running toward the scene. “Sovereign Nawfar!” he waves for her attention when halted by the RBD.

“Allow him to pass,” Nawfar instructs her face long with bitterness.

“Is Tsunami going survive?” he genuinely wonders with regret.

Nawfar’s neck slightly pivots, “I should assume the stone was not retrieved.” Her questions alter to a firm statement.

“Sovereign…I…Tsunami…” Kae stumbles on his words.

“Was the mission for Tsunami and yourself unclear?” she rhetorically mocks.

“Very clear, Sovereign.” He pauses deciding to take advantage of the moment of silence, “It was only that…”

She raises her hand, stopping his words. “This is neither the time nor place of discussion. Tsunami and you are to be summoned by the counsel upon returning.” She turns away from him; her tiny feet appear to float above the sand as she carries herself away.

Kae inhales a deep breath, running toward Tsunami, who now mumbles on the stretcher, “Is she responsive?” he questions a fellow in the RBD.

“The serum is taking effect as planned, but it will be your people’s to determine is she will survive, as ours know little to none of this poison she has been injected.” One of the RBDs honestly informs.

Kae leans into Tsunami, keeping pace with the men, “Tsu, you okay?”

“We won…” her eyebrows rise to the jewels on her forehead.

Kae is unsure on how to answer her inquiry. He decides he will explain later…

******

Susan flees the boat, into the dampness after overhearing Dart had disappeared. Janet grabs hold of her mom’s hand, refusing to let go, stroking Daisy’s fur to keep her calm through the commotion. They witness the RBD, closing areas off, marking the sights, as though investigation is needed. The brave woman being taken away on a stretcher, Kae running alongside, his mouth ongoing to the men; a tiny woman in a long cloak, tired of observation, heading to a ship that is none of this Earth’s.

She squeezes Janet’s hand, peering down beside her, Janet’s fingers vigorously stroking the Labrador’s fur. It is now that she wants to tell her daughter that ‘it is over.’ But she is not sure what is over and what has begun. She is unsure of her daughter’s safety, on where they will go next and how they will cope without Daniel; if they are able to cope without Daniel…

“Mommy?” Janet suddenly murmurs exasperated, Susan not sure if she has a question or a statement.

Susan tilts her head toward her daughter, Daisy already prancing, ready to jet in the direction behind them, Janet’s eyes wide at the visual.

Susan curves her neck, stretching it behind her, allowing her body to follow as it catches up to the brain with what she is now seeing. She frees her daughter’s hand, which has no choice but to allow Daisy her freedom, the canine tongue flapping against the droplets or rain. Four figures stumble toward them, one being crutched in the middle.  Susan’s breath becomes quick, her eyes submerged with wetness.

“Daniel!” Susan sobs with disbelief.

“Listen, we need the serum, does the army ahead have the vaccine?” Nora intercepts the moment, before her fingers can reach for her husband, Janet already grasping his waste, Daniel holding himself up between Steve and Mateo.

“I…uh…I don’t know…” hastily Susan scans her brain trying to recall if Kae had ever mentioned a serum.

Nora drops Susan’s arms, pushing forward toward the RBD; they take guard for a moment but lose it as her words echo through the clearing storm, “We need the vaccine! We have a survivor!” she calls to them, as though she knows exactly what she speaks of.

One of the men fall away from the others, rushing toward her with a small, handled box bouncing against his side, “Who is it?” he quickly ask allowing Nora to lead him toward Daniel.

Steve and Mateo clear, helping to sit Daniel down, the man quickly opening his case, revealing a line of needles, he untucks one, flicking the syringe before shoving it into Daniel’s jugular vein. Susan gawks helpless as Daniel’s chest leads his torso to convulsions. Seconds, feeling like long drawn out minutes, Susan stares helplessly at her husband’s body, kneeling by his side.  There is a long pause, and then suddenly, he stops and is still, his eyes flutter, grasping the clarity before him. “Susan. Janet.” He gasps, standing to his feet with little effort, as if he never were in trauma.

Susan and Janet simultaneously embrace Daniel, his arms grasping them tight, Daniel’s chin sinking into the top of Susan’s head, relief stations itself tight in her chest, her face tilting toward him for a brief second, giving confirmation to the heart, that she was not delusional.

The thunder is absent, the lighting as if it never were in the air; the clouds withdraw, allowing the sun beam in the blue sky, as if a storm were never present.

********

Read Other Realm Chapters Here: 1-26

Read Chapter 27: Behind Enemy Lines

Chapter 27: Behind Enemy Lines

Chapter 27:

Behind Enemy Lines

Margret finishes throwing together the rest of her things in a small duffle bag that holds the minimal. The camp is now almost all packed away, with little trace they were ever there. Vehicle tracks visible in the mud will vanish after a few rains.

Margret throws the bag over her shoulder and walks toward Colm and the unipegs.

He shoots her a sideways grin, “You okay?”

“Yea,” she forces, her stomach wrestling in knots with the thought of walking into a battle.

“Hey!” Lucas calls from across the yard, carrying an appearance of chain mail, Dominious assisting him with the load, it flapping from her arms.

“What have you gotten there?” She calls letting her eyes meet Colm’s whom shrugs his shoulders with a smirk.

Lucas and Dominious set down the bulky pieces in front of them. “Armor.” He announces. “For the unipegs.”

“Armor?” she grins.

“Yea, I’ve been working on it. Opal and Nacreous were quite cooperative once I tried to explain…” Lucas shoots his eyes toward Colm.

“You know about this?” she eyes Colm whom again shrugs with a smirk.

Lucas picks up the mask, “May I?”

“Yes, Opal, obviously doesn’t mind.” Margret stands out of the way so he can fasten the mask the muzzle. “I had this idea to keep them safe, especially they could be easy targets in flight. It appears as chain mail but doesn’t have the heaviness. It was approved and…” he turns towards Dominious, “Other piece please?” she hands him the body shield and he carefully places it around the wings, “I know your weapons come equipped with some shield protection, but if you aren’t on them the whole time… I’m sure it’s plain compared to what you’re planet might have come up with.” He winks toward Colm finishing the latch on Opal’s attire.

“Nacreous it is your turn.” He grabs the other armor.

“Wow, he looks amazing. You look amazing, Opal.” Margret taps him. “It’s very sleek and form fitting.”

“Bullet proof underneath. Same stuff law enforcement and well, I wear.”  Lucas informs finishing up Nacreous’ final latches.

“Well, done,” Colm nods to Lucas embracing him into a partial hug, “Thank you so much for your generosity.”

“The honor is mine.” Lucas nods. “I need to go catch my ride.”

“Dominious is riding with you?” Margret wonders.

“She is. And the Commander, along with Zulima.” Lucas informs.

“Okay,” she nods giving approval, though she knows the decision wasn’t hers to make.

Margret’s eyes shift toward Dominious, whom has already checked out of the conversation, anxiously fidgeting as she observes soldiers loading the vehicles.

“We will meet at our next destination. Thank you again for taking care of our friends.” Colm goes in for a hug and Lucas stops him.

“Handshake works, mate.” He smirks taking Colm’s hand and giving it a quick shake. “Margret,” he nods head, “Safe flight. I will see you both on the outskirts.”

Margret watches for a moment as Dominious follows behind him showing little expression upon her pale face.

“What do you think she’s feeling?” Margret turns toward Colm.

Colm steps into Margret, pulling her torso against him, “I think the same thing as all of us.” He tilts his head toward her pressing his forehead against hers. “You okay?”

“You already know I’m not,” her voice trails.

“We all feel….” Colm begins.

“Don’t.” she softly interrupts. “I feel your optimism. It often trumps your fear.”

“Not trumped. Redirected.” He kisses her forehead. “Look at me.” He tips her chin toward him. His eyes feel as they gaze through her skull, grasping at every nerve center, trickling until grabbing her heart, tugging at it. She gives a forfeiting sigh, wrapping her arms around his waist.

“I don’t know if I will ever be comfortable with these feelings. What you do to me.” Her voice barely reaches her mouth.

“It’s not what I do, it’s who we are.” He leans in passionately kissing her as if they were the only two standing among the armies.

“Yo! You two ready?” a voice calls across the field.

Commander DuPont stands over the open vehicle door.

Margret hides her face into Colm’s chest as he calls over, “All ready, sir.”

Margret peels her body away from Colm, ready to mount Opal. Colm suddenly tugs on her hand, “We’re just going to the front lines. It is only another journey.”

She forces a smile while hopping on Opal, giving him a pat on the neck. “Let’s do this.”

*******

The front line. The moment that everyone gathers before officially going into battle; making sure the plans are secure and flawless, setting up for war. Against vampires.

Margret lays her head on Opal for a moment, muffling the noise around her, taking a deep breath. She allows the moment to feel their spiritual connection, a moment of a feeling…her heart steals a double beat. “Love you, Opal.” She kisses his nape before dismounting, seeing Colm eagerly awaiting her only feet away with Nacreous.

She inflates her cheeks a bit, posing a grin for Colm and he meets her half way. “Don’t pretend.” He whispers to her, guiding her toward the other Ceapaens.

“Pretending what?” she ask offended.

“You’re okay. You wear your emotions.” He reminds her.

She scoffs, “I am haunted by the man who gunned down an entire restaurant. I ran away. Now I’m about to run into gunfire, by vampires, no less, who are almost indestructible. I don’t think any of us are okay.”

Dominious intrudes in the conversation, “Try being a vampire, so powerful and then adjusting to being mortal. My body feels fragile. I’m not coming out of this alive. But I don’t care. My agenda is what will make me  powerful.”

Colm and Margret both stop, staring at Dominious. “You will come out of this alive,” Margret finds herself suddenly sympathetic and convincing.

“You don’t believe that…” Colm press solemnly against Margret’s conscious.

She pushes him out, “If we believe we will die, we will. You are more powerful than any of us; you know exactly how the vampire body works. The weakness of the vampire. You are our biggest hope of defeat.”

“I won’t go down without a fight. Queen Sultana deserves the worse.” The furry in her eyes appear to blaze, quickly fizzling at the sound of Lucas’ voice.

“Mates!” he calls, cheerful as ever, waving his arm to the air.

Their heads swing toward him, Zulima with the warriors and healers another direction, as if the three of them were the center of a committee. Margret scans the area, a groups falling into formations, groups she has never seen before, all appearing human, yet the cultural appeal was nothing she had witness on Earth.

Margret’s hand is suddenly wrapped in Zulima’s and her fingers naturally wrap between her delicate, silken tips. Natika’s wings subtly brush against Margret’s arm as she passes, wrapping herself in Colm’s arms, but the visual rolls off Margret’s bitterness, they were all in jeopardy of not being able to feel one another again.

The Cepaen people embrace one another; console, comfort and reassure while the Earthling armies giving inspirational monologues.

“Zeebla is fashioned in the burning oranges and reds; the representation fits them well for their planet. Brenton and Misha are to lead their people.” Zulima’s words are slow spoken, unhurriedly parting between her lips.

Margret searches for Zulima’s focus, spotting a male and female chatting amongst them, laughing and relaxed. Misha was dark complexion, her black hair twisted in braids leading to a tightly fit roll secured to the top of her head. Misha’s lean body was wrapped in tight orange suit, backless, blazes around the leg, peaks to her bare skin.

Brenton was stalky; his hair white, orange color peaks the tips that spike above his head. His red tethered pants cling to every inch of his body, boldly drawing attention to his well-endowed crouch. His black shirt appears ripped; allowing a preview of his broad pecs. His style reminds Margret of an eighty’s rock star but his built was much more of a wrestler.

They chatted amongst their people, as if little fear hovered.

“What are their weapons?” Margret finds her wondering thought escaping her lips before she has a chance to process it fully.

Zulima, off guard thinks for a moment, “You would refer to it as whip? Their reference is a ‘LaGoad.’  If you notice the bands on their upper arms, it fashions into their weapon easily, much like our swords and bows. It makes for easy grab.”

“Wow, they reek of coolness.” Margret finds a grin. “The people…not just their weapons…”

“They have a few other weapons,” Zulima continues, “The ‘LaGoad’ is usually of choice.” Her attention now focuses on the Planeteers coming to interact with the Zeebla people as they greet one another, “Their planet is YaKayo. Czar Umberto and Herminia leave Ceallach to lead the planet. The femme that strolls in the center.”

Margret searches over the people and as they spread amongst the Zeeblings she spies a woman with long black hair, tightly pulled away from her face, olive skin, shorter yet muscular, her abs bare, and breast lifted in a halter.

“They have many weapons…” Zulima continues as if Margret has already inquired, “Mostly using the VoltaicRapier. I do not know what you would refer to it as…” Zulima continues, “To your left is Planet Joko…”

“Wait,” Margret interrupts, “So, the VoltaicRapier would be like an electrical sword?”

“Precisely,” Zulima answers trying to continue with her introductions.

“Do you know how epic it is to be the planet with an electric sword? That is almost like a…” Margret doesn’t get to finish her thought as they are interrupted.

“Dear, Zulima,” a tall thin man smiles, his white teeth almost invisible to his porcelain skin.

“Dear, Tushar.” Zulima warmly smiles leaning in with an embrace.

“Allow me to introduce, Margret. Proudly she is an Amalgam.” Zulima slightly nudges her forward and Margret is suddenly pulled into a frigid hug by Tushar. His body feels like a morgue corpse but his hands are clammy, pulling hers into his, arms lengths and admiring.

“My eyes bestow a faithful Amalga; willing to stand among her descents during the shift Planeteers has come to settle upon.” He gives a lasting awe before allowing her hands to slide against her thighs.

“Tushar has been a cherished friend of mine since we were children. Our planets have found great comfort in one another over the lifetimes.” Zulima explains.

“I didn’t realize,” Margret warmly returns the introduction, “It is my pleasure in meeting you.”

Margret finds that they are now surrounded amongst the people that Tushar represents. “And their weapon of choice…” Zulima concludes.

Tushar chuckles, “We, DaSowdians are the weapon in itself, I suppose. At least that is what the planet Earth perceives.”

“I do not follow…” Margret feels lost with their inside jokes.

Tushar holds out his hand, his fingers forging into a cup position, the bright blue veins pulsing at his wrist, a hard ice crystal begins to form in his palm. “What is your color of choice?” his eyes squint.

“Uh….” Margret tries to quickly think, not really having a color preference, “Blue, I guess?”

“Blue…” he repeats, and the icy crystal’s hue slowly transform into an electric blue. “For you.” He hands it to her.

She grasps the cold ice between her fingers, “Wow.” She softly gasps.

“Editable if you choose.” He chuckles toward Zulima who widely grins.

Margret’s cheeks puff; she feels she has never seen Zulima so joyful in enjoying someone’s company. ‘How was he not her soulmate?’ she wonders.

‘Just friends.’ Margret hears an answer probing at her thought.

She quickly turns finding Colm across the way, winking at her.  “Excuse me.” She nods respectfully toward Zulima and Tushar. “And thank you for the ice crystal. You have no idea the comic books you would be in, for such a talent.”  She snickers to herself, grabbing one last glance as Tushar tries to process her words.

Margret finds herself against Colm, “You know I find it annoying when you pry.” She pesters.

“I wanted your attention.” He pecks her forehead with his lips pulling her tightly against his chest. “We will be away from each other in battle.” His words soft. “It keeps me uneasy.”

“I will be okay,” she tries to convince the both of them, “Just take care of Zulima. The other healers. To be in battle unarmed…”

“The protective shields will be available to them. They will survive.” He assures her, pulling her face to his. “Come there is a few from the DaSow planet that are long friends of mine. You will appreciate meeting them.”

He tugs on her hand and she leans up placing the ice cycle on the back of his neck, forcing his body a chill. He quickly turns toward her, his mouth resting on his chin, “You…” he chuckles and she laughs disclosing the ice. “Too bad my souvenir is destined to melt.”

“My friends much outweigh yours on this planet… and your one little piece of ice.” He playfully reminds her trying to pry the crystal from her hand, eventually surrendering her into a kiss.

********

Sultana’s fingers wrap around the stone of the balcony, looking over the trees to a town, nonexistent when her long ago ancestors walked these lands.  She only wanted to take back all they have lost for so many years. A place where the sun would shine, amazing eclipse would prevail themselves, a place all her subjects had once called home before they left, fearful for their lives. The prejudice and persecutions they have faced on this planet, would now be brought to justice.

“My Queen.” Lucius steps out into the breeze.

“I am aware.” She breathes in, deeply staring over the trees.

“Then you are aware only two planets have gone to find Dart. All other Planeteers are with the Union Countries of Earth… ready…” she cuts off his explanation, turning her body and perching against the stone.

“She’s useless.” Sultana ponders for a moment, “What preparations have you already placed?”

“Our old and new armies are prepared in all major cities. In these areas we will use ambush tactics. I also have a perimeter of ambush surrounding your castle. Our army will lead the enemy to the ambush team.” He discloses.

“I want the new born Romania’s in front of all lines. I want their men, women and children whom are found alive or dead, used as shields.” She sways past him deep in thought.

“The united nations and Planeteers calibrated much more quickly than we expected.  The armies outweigh our people twenty to one.” He eases into the reminder.

Her hips stop swaying and she holds her posture still, gritting her teeth. “Is this your way of informing me we’ve lost a battle we have not yet began to fight?”

“My Queen, I hope your knowledge leads to remember that the word lose is not in my vocabulary.” His voice becomes intense.

She turns to him, “Thank you, Lucius, for the reminder. I appreciate hearing it.” Her hands fold into one another, “I want you here with me.”

“Our soldiers are week without my commands.” He steps to her. “We will take no prisoners. We will kill unmerciful, for if they have made the choice to battle us, they will know we battle to bloodshed. We will take many lives; let them not forget we are mighty.”

He tilts his head toward her and then begins toward the door.

“Lucius.” She stops him, “Do not allow your life to be taken.”

“My, Queen, I will assure you, that I will do everything in my power to return to you.”

******

Margret’s knees are weakening by the visual of soldiers unloading weapons and prepping brigades. She tries not to slump her body over Opal, sitting tall next to Colm who straddles Nacreous. Neither of them makes effort to tap the others soul, trying to conceal their nerves.

She turns her head to him and he gives a forced smile, one she will never forget as he has never had to falsify being optimistic. There was worry buried in his forehead and a lump in his throat; Margret suddenly felt the urge to comfort him for once.

She dismounts Opal, tapping his nape, turning to Nacreous and stroking her velvet, pearl skin, sliding her fingers against the three-dimensional metallic on her chest; finally she rest her palm upon Colm’s knee. She struggles to finds words, and her body falls against him as he leans in, stroking her shoulder. Her head tilts and her eyes meet his, “You know you are coming out of this alive.”

“It is not my life I fear. The loss of others is the torture for the living.” Colm’s voice is flat; his eyes focused on the trees, blowing against the wind that has gradually increased its’ speed.

Margret knew he was right, but quickly searches for words to smooth over his haunting thoughts. “It looks like rain.” The words stumble out of her mouth, an obvious observation.

Colm dismounts Nacreous, wrapping Margret into his arms immediately, grasping her tightly against his chest. His heart thunders against her ear as she watches the final preparations made, readying for battle. His cheek rest on her head and they both stand silent, what feels like minutes, probably only seconds before Zulima approaches.

Colm and Margret are about to pry their bodies apart but Zulima, unexpectedly, leans in hugging them both, her longing gaze as a proud mother would admire her children. She delivers one last longing look, patting them on the back, and then freeing them from her grasp.  

“You both will meet again after...” Zulima abandons the words but then continues, “I recognize it is not ideal for you not to remain at one another’s side, but one of each Planeteer, and Earth army, is to join the castle mission, and Margret’s possibility of intuition through the darkness is vital.”

“I have had no visions since Dominious, I think. I can’t have anyone relying on me to make decisions…” the worry in Margret’s voice excels.

“No need to anguish yourself. Lucas will be there to lead. Just if you do…You are to inform him. Expectations are nonexistent.” She gently reminds her.

“It makes sense to have a healer on board with us. Zulima, you should come with me.” She decides.

“A healer is collateral damage to the mission. I am to give our planet inspiration as they move forward to battle. It is I that represent Mother and Father.” Zulima wraps Margret’s hand into hers.

“I can go with you. Zulima will be protected entwined in the healer shield. I am a healer and have been trained for battle…” Colm presses against Margret’s thoughts.

She presses back, “You need to protect Zulima. You need to…”

Margret’s eyes shift toward Colm, with a stern gaze, Zulima interrupts with a sighing laugh, “Please, do share.”

Margret and Colm spin their heads to her with a bit embarrassment, flushed over their faces.

“I am the daughter of Mother and Father; I’m too familiar with the visual of thought swapping. Please share.” Zulima’s mouth purses, waiting for an answer.

“Colm, just had a silly idea and…” Margret stammers, Colm grabbing the opportunity to chime in.

“I am a healer but now also a warrior. I could go with them in the castle. Margret however, insists you need my protection.” Colm gives a satisfactory smirk toward Margret as she rolls her eyes.

 “While I appreciate both points of view, neither will be necessary.” Zulima insist.

Lucas approaches, reversing their attention toward him, “It is time for final formations. Margret, you will travel with us. There is an old escape tunnel they used from the castle. We will enter that way.”

Margret gives him a nod, “Yes, I’ll be right over.”

“Colm, Zulima…” Lucas nods, “No matter what your belief, may God be with you.”

Lucas speeds off, avoiding lingering words.

Margret turns to Zulima embracing her in a lengthy hug before releasing, Zulima pecking against her forehead. “Let the light be with you.” She leans in giving a short embrace to Colm and repeats, “Let the light be with you.”

Her hand finds Margret’s giving one last squeeze before allowing it to drop and trailing away. “Let’s do this.” Margret, suddenly with a bout of confidence, she grabs Opal’s neck, ready to jump but is yanked into Colm’s arms, smothered with a passionate kiss; their tongues tangle, his hands clutching her buttocks, pressing her tight against him.

For the moment, the wind against the shuttering leaves is all that fills her ears. Margret’s heart pumps a power that ravishes her body, allowing her soul a lifting, soaring moment. He finally frees her, assisting her on Opal’s back. They stay silent, only glances of reassurance, and forced, tight grins upon their face. He gives her hand a final squeeze, now peering up at her, his voice forced, “Let the light be with you.”

Margret’s voice was lost and she can only find it in herself to give a reassuring nod before pulling Opal away.

********

The woods are becoming dark as the clouds continue to hover in thicker formations of gray. Dominious’ arms clutch to Margret as they ride upon Opal, while the others walk. Lucas leads the front, Margret to the back, with the other Planeteers and Earthlings centered. There are eight all together; Lucas, from the German-Franco Brigade, Levente from the Hungarian army, Misha, from the planet Zeebla, Cayden, from Yakayo, Cirocco, representing Joko, and Eryi, coming from DaSow.

Everyone is quiet, even careful not to step on lingering twigs, except Opal, seeming that he would try to stomp down every branch that might touch his knees.

“You go on foot from here.” Lucas stops everyone, breaking the silence, instructing Margret and Dominious, “Opal will be safe.”

Lucas passes everyone to help Dominious off the unipeg, trying to maneuver around his large wings. Margret leans in whispering toward Opal’s ear, “I’ll let you know when I need your assistance. Don’t stay if there is danger.”

Opal clearly understands, giving a tap against the leaves and a short snort, and then pushing his muzzle against her hand. She strokes the velvet before wrapping her arms around the armor protecting his neck.

“Thanks for the ride, Opal.” Dominious gives him a slight tap as she joins the others.

 “Should she tie him up?” Levente tries to discreetly lean into Lucas.

“No need.” Lucas informs him, now directing everyone, “We will move to the passage exit, when we are close I will use hand signals. Stay in twos to whom you have been partnered with. We each understand where we are heading once we are out of the passage inside the castle?” he scans the faces before him, as they nod in agreement. “Dominious has informed me, the vampires main form of attack is ambush. Because you see no one, expect them to always be there. Let us travel forward.”

Opal bellows a whinny as he stretches his wings fully and lowers his horn. They pause for a moment, Margret translating, “That is just his way of wishing us well.”

The group stays silent and begins to walk on, but Lucas falls behind for a moment, giving Opal a reassuring tap against the chain mail, “We will meet again, my friend.” He passes Margret and Dominious and returns to the front of the line.

Dominious stays close to Margret, whispering toward her, “Our goal is to find Sultana. Lucius will be on the battle field, they will have the pleasure in killing him.” voice spitting hatred as she continues to move forward.

“We need to stay level headed.” Margret follows her, “Revenge can make us unfocused and week.”

“Revenge is what gives me power and determination. They will suffer for what they have done to Figaro and every child that burned in that village. For every mother that had to feel helpless. I want them to have a slow death, tearing at every inch of them before killing their black hearts.” Dominious stays focused on the path before her, avoiding Margret’s judgmental eyes.

“You are a good person Dominious. Torturing them will only torture you.” Margret tries to level her.

“Ugh,” Dominious tears away at a vine before her, “Much easier be a vampire through woods; I feel so slow and week as a mortal.”

Margret appreciates her trying to change the subject but has little words for response. Dominious has been through so much while returning to Earth; sometimes just letting her vent was what she needed most.

Lucas comes to a halt. “We’re here. Everyone approach smoothly. To the left will begin. We will try to draw out the hiding.”

“Trees.” Dominious reminds Lucas, “Likely to be up.”

He nods giving Misha and Eryi the signal to move forward. They split from the group, heading toward the opening, surrounded by few trees. There is silence in the air until the wind howls and now a flash of lighting flickers in the sky, accompanied by a rumble of thunder.

Misha and Eryi head toward the passage door with no interference. Misha yanks on the old door and it squeaks open, only darkness on the other side.

Margret shares glances with the others, Dominious leaning into Margret whispering in her ear, “They’re out there.”

In that moment Margret wasn’t exactly sure if she was referring to Misha and Eryi or the vampires, but suddenly the clarity was obvious. Branches and twigs crack loudly behind the remaining six, accompanied with snarl and growls.

Margret flings her body around, falling backyard and tumbling down the hill. She struggles to find her footing, catching a glimpse of Misha and Eryi running into the dark passage.

Dominious throws herself down the hill, landing at Margret’s footing, and “Draw your weapon!” she screams at her while transforming a ring upon her finger.

She aims it at a vampire leaping toward them; disintegrate him in midair, then grabbing Margret’s hand and dragging her to the tunnel, slamming the door behind them. It is pitch black, she can barely see Dominious standing in front of her face.

“What happened back there?” Dominious scolds.

“I…I…” Margret takes a deep breath.

“Draw your weapon.” Dominious demands.

Margret slighting twist the ring on her finger, allowing it to transform into her sword.

“Take your advice and stay level headed,” Dominious mocks. “Or it will be my head that Colm and Lucas will have. I am an enemy until I prove myself otherwise. Understand?”

Margret nods, “I’m ready, I just didn’t expect them behind us…”

Dominious pushes forward abruptly swinging her sword and beheading a vampire that leaps at them through the darkness. Margret’s body jolts, not having time to realize it was there, “Be prepared for anything. You’re not dealing with humans. They are speedy. Hunters.”

“Okay, I’m ready. Going to pretend they are raptors.” Margret tries a pep talk with herself.

Dominious shoots an odd glance her way, “Whatever you propose, just do it.”

Dominious tugs at her to follow, leading her up the stairs through the narrow passage, “Watch your step,” Dominious warns, stepping over an icy body.  “Misha and Eryi should’ve taken care of most through here; Doesn’t mean more won’t be coming.” Dominious runs the sword through the body, shattering it to pieces, “He’d still be alive if he’d ever thaw…”

“I didn’t notice they gave you a sword.” Margret thinks, “I didn’t notice the ring at all.”

“They offered arrows, I’m no good with them.” She says placing her palm on Margret’s chest halting her and pointing up ahead.

A brim of light touches the crack of a door, “Ready yourself,” Dominious whispers, anyone could be on the other side.

Margret nods, following her as they creep up to the opening. Dominious taps the door, letting it open wider.

Silence.

Dominious slinks her body out the doorway, pressing her back against the door, signaling for Margret to lean against the railing, they both slowly slide down the wooden stairs.

Without warning, Margret’s arm is grabbed, swinging her over the rail, causing her sword to fling from grasp. Her back thuds against the wooden floor, the shock tingling against her spine.

Dominious leaps over the railing, ready for battle… but it is only Misha and Eryi.   

“Apologies,” Misha extends her arm pulling Margret to her feet, as she tries to rub the burn out of her back; Eryi shoves her sword back into her hand.

“Anyone else make it through?” Eryi asks as if no mistake was made.

“We went in after you,” Dominious informs, “I closed the door to slow down any vampires that might follow.”

“We should move forward as planned,” Misha decides, pulling the lagoad from her arm, resting it on her shoulder.

We split up as planned.” Eryi confirms with a nod and without hesitation Misha and him slide out the door before Margret and Dominious can respond.

“You’ve got your shit together?” Dominious glares toward Margret.

“It’s together.” Margret stands tall, “Let’s fuck up some vampires.”

*******

Read Chapter 28: TSUNAMI

Read Other Realm Komiks Chapters here