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

Realm Komiks: Making The Possibility, Possible (Writers Update)

Dear Realm Komiks Fan and Loyal Readers,

It has now been a tad over two years! And guess what??

WE finished the story! Well, I did, though I haven’t released all the chapters to you YET.

I’m so excited to give you the edited full version. I will release it on Amazon.com, that way, you Kindle users can snuggle up comfy and use your electronics. The edited version release date is set for December 2017. A great gift for your Sci-Fi friend!

If you’re like me, and need the paper in between your fingers, to make reading a book feel official, then you will be able to buy the book on Amazon.com.

Then guess what happens?? The second novel will start rough release, like ‘New Worlds’ began. You can read it rough and raw before the editors get their hands on it.

With much anticipation (and anxiety), your loyalty makes me nervous *wink* I HAVE started a KickStarter page; A whopping $42,000.00 that is.

This funding is to finish the editing of the graphic novel. *sigh* All the hard work we’vedone, I’d LOVE to bring that to print when the novel is released. For a professional editor we are looking at about $5,000 to finish it. How exciting it would be to release the graphic novel with the prequel! This will only happen though if we are funded. Releasing the graphic novel without the funding, well it’s not in my personal budget, sadly.

Next, I REALLY want to release a book trailer with the novel. Not a lame book trailer…. But an awesome book trailer. With costume, and all other regular expenses of production, we can quickly sink into the $20,000 number. Makes my head hurt. This number is perceived by talking to Thoughtfly Studio’s producer, MattNiehoff and finding the costuming I’d prefer to see our characters in. (If you like sneak peaks - message me. I'll send you pictures. No joke.)

Then of course, I’d like to come to all of YOU. Give you some free swag, touch base with you at comic conventions, sign books… you know all of the fun stuff where we actually have the opportunity to meet in person!

Now is your chance to make Realm Komiks possible. You can donate or share away the Kickstarter page, if you are not able to give from your own pocket. Every dollar IS a dollar. No amount is too small. Sincerely, it’s not.

On a side, note… have you seen all the NASA post I have been making on social media?

Seven planets orbiting their OWN sun? My mind is OFFICIALLY BLOWN.

You do not even understand the pleasure it brings me to read this stuff! It’s as if Sci-Fi came and knocked on our door, handing us MORE stories! oooooooOOOOOOoooooH how I love it!

The possibilities are endless!

Can you imagine if Realm Komiks brought in enough revenue to higher other writers to create MORE planets and stories? One day merging some of the stories together!?!?

Hey, you can’t hide the fact that I have thrived on Marvel and DC growing up…. Don’t ask me to pick ONE. Seriously, don’t go there. IF you put X-men and Batman on each end of my scale…. My scale is just going to explode. (Unless it’s Ben Affleck as Batman… that makes me cry...Sorry, Ben…)

SPOILER ALERT: Let me give you a tad spoiler about Chapter 25. (Back to my writing) Queen Sultana…. Is …. F-O-R-K-E-D. F-U-D-G-E-D. But things won’t be as grim for her as they will be for Lucius.

How do you like the story so far?

Your lack of comments is almost disturbing. But I see my ratings continue to sky rocket so I figure silence can be okay. OR “If you have nothing nice to say, you just don’t say anything at all.” This is great with me. *wink*

I am SUPER EXCITED to give you the ending of the story. It will be a great lead for the second book. AND to change the subject, as my head spins a little bit everywhere, I’d like to say in the Chapter titled ‘ROGUE’ was seriously difficult for me to write. *sigh* *Deeper sigh* I cried. Then when I read the dang thing, I teared up again. I cannot barely watch the news these days since I became a mother… writing that Chapter was awful. Important for Dominious’ character development…. But horrible.

Thanks Again for reading! All over the world! Though France, your numbers are dwindling and Germany is passing your reading numbers, lately. 

United States, you are still number one in supporting me, thus far. Thank you all for being YOU! No matter what country you are in, OR Realm (bum bum bum – music)  - I just want, wish and hope that you enjoy the characters and story as much as I do! (Except Chapter 23, I didn’t like writing Chapter 23)

Cheers Sci-Fi friends!

Much Love and Positive Vibes your Way,

(Support Realm Komiks, You, US, and the future writers, photographers, models, designers etc. HERE!) 

Sincerely, 

Rebecca Ann Price

Realm Komiks New Worlds: Chapter 23: Rogue

Chapter 23:

Rogue

Susan paces by the phone in the dimly lit hotel room, gnawing at her thumb nail. Nora sits on the bed, chomping on pizza, watching television, giving the screen a faint chuckle or sideways grin when it entertains her.

Finally, without her eyes being removed from the old black box she holds up a slice of the cheese, “Eat a piece. Pacing by the phone won’t make him call any faster.”

“Thank you but I’m not hungry. It’s been five hours at least… what happens if he doesn’t come back?” she asks rhetorically.

“You have the card with plane guy’s number on it? We leave to Florida with him.” She suddenly turns, “What is the beach really like? As much of serenity as in the movies and on television?”

“It can be.” Susan finds herself on the bed beside her. “Do you want to talk about what you’ve been through there?”

With no hesitation Nora blurts, “Nope, I’m good.”

“Did you get to watch a lot of TV there?” Susan tries to open the doors for prying.

“All the time.” Nora chomps on the pizza taking another bite and filling her mouth.

“They educated you; you are well spoken for not having social contact…” Susan guesses.

Nora pauses her chewing for a moment, her eyes shift toward Susan, annoyed, then turning back to the TV, continues chewing her food.

“Okay, I get it; I’m asking a lot of questions… There is just a part of me that is so scared I’m going to fail at protecting my daughter, Janet is her name, and if I do…” Susan shutters at the thought standing from the bed and heading back to the phone, picking it up and making sure it works; then quickly slamming it back on the receiver, as it might have rang in that second. She stares at it for a moment.

Nora rolls her eyes and drops the slice on the box. “Look, lady, you just have to come up with a plan to stay one step ahead of them. You look like you’re accomplishing that. You sent her somewhere safe, for now. Just stay a step ahead and you’ll keep her safe.” Nora returns back to the bed, grabbing her unfinished slice and takes another bite, as if her words were never spoken.

The phone rings, Susan, now taken off guard, fumble the receiver, allowing it to finally rest against her ear, “Hello?” Pauses “yes send him up.”

“Hope you're sending the right person.” Nora's head turns.

Susan pauses, “But our code…”

“You're not staying one step ahead like this.” She warns her.

A knock pounds on the hotel door.

Susan pauses looking at Nora, watching her jump from the bed and hurrying to the door. She glares at Susan before pushing her eye against the peep hole. On the other side Steve stands, bags in hand nervously glancing around.

“It's him.” She nods to Susan falling back on the bed, pulling the entire box of food upon her lap.

Susan sighs shaking her head, “You could have let him in.” She goes to the door flinging it open, overcome with relief to see him standing before her. “Thank God, I've been worried sick.”

He pushes his way in with the bags and closes the door behind him. Throwing the bags down on the bed he begins pulling things out, “New clothes. Hair dye, you’re going to be blonde,” he tosses it to an unimpressed Nora, “and you a red head.” He smiles toward Susan.  “I have your ids and birth certificates. Susan, you'll need yours for the Bahamas, and Nora, well, I'm assuming you'll need yours indefinitely.”

“Blonde.” She looks at him. “Bleach Blonde.” She reads the box.

“You have to bleach it, you are too dark, so the woman says at the store. I need you two to hurry, we don't have much time.”

“Of course,” Susan suddenly says after processing everything Steve has just done. “Thank you.” She gives him a quick hug and pulls Nora by the arm toward the bathroom.

******

Dominious’ soft leather boots find a pounding echo to them as she storms down the long hall toward Sultana’s office. Roland follows close on her heals, nervous of his fate. Dominious narrows her eyes toward him, giving a reassuring nod before swinging open the door. “Queen!” She calls to her friend, referring only with the title when she is angry.

Sultana turns away from her conversation with Lucius, giving Dominious her attention, “My dear friend, something is troubling you.”

Dominious takes a deep breath, annoyed, “Don’t pretend to be sympathetic, Queen, you sent this… this… Born, to steal one of my children?”

“My, Queen, Sire Lucius…” Roland quickly tries to intervene.

“Silence.” Sultana’s head then slants, “Hmmm…” She circles around the new vampire studying him, “Is this his story?”

He nervously shifts his pleading eyes toward Dominious. “He almost succeeded, caught up with him in the woods. He had one of our girls. Iona is her name. An innocent young girl.”

“You, over anyone should understand you cannot get attached during war.” Sultana suggest, “And, you… What’s your name, born?”

“Roland, Queen.” He stutters.

“Lucius,” she turns, “Please, take care of Roland? I’m sure he is starving after such a journey…”

Dominious shifts her body guarding Roland, “Let him live, Sultana, it is not his fault.”

“Is that a demand or a request, Dom?” Sultana rests her hands into one another pausing.

“So, what he says is true. Why? Why would you do that? You gave me a duty and…” Dominious begins.

Sultana sighs, “Dominious, sometimes plans change. We merely, needed the girl as a pawn against her people; only a small casualty for the cause.”

“Iona is more than a pawn. They are my people now; I say who goes and who stays. I should be addressed as so.” Dominious tries to stand her ground.

“Lucius, please take Roland to find a decent meal and assign him to the mission we have discussed, I’d like a moment alone with my dear Dominious.” She slinks toward Lucius adding, “And please assure Roland’s safety, to honor Dominious’ word.” She secretly, winks at Lucius before giving a reassuring nod.

“Of, course majesty.” He returns the nod walking past Dominious and addressing Roland, “Let us depart, shall we?”

“Yes, Sir,” Roland agrees with a lingering pause before following him out the door.

The door shuts with a strong thud as it presses against the frame.

Sultana takes a deep breath and finds a seat in the office chair, propping her ankles above the desk. “Not bad in here, is it? Almost the comforts of home, just a few tweaks needed.”

“Sultana…” Dominious sighs with exasperation, “What is your intention?”

“Dare question me, Dominious?” Sultana’s brow slightly rises.

Dominious’ head shakes in disbelief, “I grow tire of your games. I am happy. For once, I am truly happy. I have everything I want here, together… I am only asking you respect this.”

“Remind me of the day I saved your life.” Sultana probes.

Dominious inhales sharply, tapering eyes she begins toward the door, about to leave she pauses, refusing to connect with Sultana. “I was dying when you came. We grew close and you could not bear to lose me.”

“Turn to me Dominious.” Commands the queen.

Dominious tilts her head to peer over her shoulder.

“I rescued you. I gave you a life to live.” Sultana reminds her.

“That’s debatable.” Dominious softly whisper turning the knob, pulling on the door.

Sultana rises suddenly, banging her fist against the wooden desk, “How dare you turn your back to me and snub all that we are, for some measly idea of being some kind of mother. I know this is what this is really about.”

Dominious pivots her body toward her, remaining silent.

“We are upset, misunderstandings do happen with us. We do not always share a mind but we will always share our hearts.” Sultana softens her voice.

Dominious’ fang finds her lip, pressing against it. “I should go, before I say regretting words.”

Sultana silences for a subtle second, then responds, “Of course, my friend.”

Dominious nods before yanking the door open and leaving.

******

Susan exits the bathroom, “Red head. More of a dark, red. Didn’t take too well with my color.”

“It works.” Steve shrugs, collecting their things.

“I feel as though I have had some kind of makeover. New clothes, hair, makeup… if my husband and daughter saw me now, they'd have a good laugh,” Susan attempts humor.

“Soon, enough,” Steve tries to encourage with a smile. “Where’s our stowaway?”

“Here.” Nora lingers in the bathroom door, head still wrapped in the hotel towel. “This is completely unnatural. No one is buying your idea.”

“At least we are all feeling optimistic,” Steve light heartedly grins, “To the car, shall we? Daisy is waiting.”

“Oh, yes, Daisy…” Susan pries.

Steve widely smiles, “After you ladies, the blue minivan down there. I borrowed from a  friend of mine, by the way.”

“A minivan?” Susan chuckles, “What a getaway car.”

“You are leaving the towel on your head?” Steve questions Nora.

Her eyes narrow as she walks past him, leaving the towel attached.

“Had to sell my car. Too obvious, my plate and all.” He explains, now following the women down the steps and toward the van.

“I would ask about a rental but I guess that would track back to you to…” Susan figures.

Steve nods, “Now you’re thinking like a…”

“Criminal.” Nora intercepts with unexpected wit.

Caught off guard Steve and Susan find themselves snickering toward one another, Nora hiding her sly smirk. Steve unlocks the vehicle, “You take front,” Nora mumbles toward Susan, allowing her to open the door.

Nora slides open the back of the van, and a yellow Labrador retriever quickly sits up, her tail patting against the seat, tongue flapping over her jaw with excitement.

“Ladies, this is Daisy.” Steve announces.

“A dog!” Nora exclaims backing away from the car, Daisy jumping from the seat to the entrance, her butt dancing side to side.

“She is adorable!” Susan’s voice finds an extra octave, sliding her body between Nora and the canine; her arms wrap the dog’s body giving it love. “She is beautiful.” Susan says to Steve not taking her eyes off the dog, “Aren’t you girl? You are so pretty and sweet,” baby talking Daisy, the dog nuzzles her head into Susan before jumping on the seat to lick Steve as he enters the vehicle.

“I’m not sitting in the back with a dog.” Nora announces.

“For some reason, I find it hard to believe a dog is the worse creature you’ve ever encountered,” Steve grunts, as if he is offended.

“I’ll sit in the back with her. Nora, please, sit in the front.” Susan suggest, already climbing in the back.

Nora jumps in the front, closing the door and pushing Daisy’s curious nose to the back. Steve starts the van and pulls out to the road.

“No wonder, you said she’d love the beach.” Susan warmly smiles rubbing Daisy’s back. “How old is she?”

“Five,” Steve frowns, “Feels like yesterday I found her. She was almost a year when I adopted her; her previous owners gave her up because of her chewing.”

“Yea, labs do that.” Susan shakes her head, “Their loss and your gain.”

“You know a lot about the breed, then?” he wonders.

“My husband had a chocolate lab when I met him and we married; He passed away about a year ago, the dog not my husband. Was fourteen. Good dog. Dodge he had named him. Great with our daughter.” She finds a faint smile pulling on her cheeks as she remembers him.

“Get another one some day?” he continues conversing, noticing Nora is resting her head against the seat with her eyes shut.

“Probably. Don’t have much time for a puppy now. Janet really wants to adopt a puppy.” She then decides, “Of course if we can get through this, I might just let her get whatever she wants.. as long as she is safe.”

“Nora’s sleeping,” he finds Susan for a second, turning back to the windshield.

“I’m not sleeping.” Nora moans, “Who can? All this mindless chatter.”

Susan and Steve quickly share another glance giving a passing grin. Susan watches out the window, also finding her eyes heavy.

“Would you mind if I dosed for a bit?” she politely seeks Steve’s approval.

“Not at all.” He assures.

“It’s just, you’ve been running around too, so busy… If you need company and help to stay awake….” She dances around her words with a sly bit of guilt.

“Really, it’s okay. I have my friend, coffee, and some great music to keep me company.” He lifts his mug to her eye view.

Susan’s cheeks purse as she lays her head back, fingers stroking Daisy’s fur as she drifts.

*****

“Wake up!” Steve yells.

Susan quickly pops up, fully alert along with Nora.

Steve pulls the van to the side of the road before entering the car congestion, feet in front of them.

“Susan jump in driver’s seat.” He shifts the van to park, already climbing to the back before she has a chance to process.

“What’s going on?” she struggles to understands climbing to the front.

“Check point up ahead.” He quickly tries to point pass the cars.

“A check point? For what?” she begins to panic.

Nora gives an annoying sigh pulling the towel off her head, “For us.”

“More specifically, for you,” Steve reminds Nora.

Nora scoffs, “Theoretically, but they could still be coming for her as much as for me.”

“So, why am I the driver?” Susan nervously ask.

“They’re looking for me with two women. Not a red head and blonde with a dog in a minivan. Just remember that. They have little clue, except fuzzy photos. Pull out to the line before we’re noticed as pulling over.” Steve tries to hurry her along.

Susan pulls out to the main road while Steve continues coaching.

“Don’t forget, your driver’s license are in your purses.” He begins pulling a blanket up around him as he lowers himself.

“They won’t check under a blanket?” Nora grunts.

“Stuff is packed in the back, you two are just road tripping. Heading up to Lake Michigan.”  He plans.

“What city?” Nora challenges.

“Traverse.” He eyes her.

“Where are we staying in Traverse?” she spins her head around meeting Daisy’s face before his.

“Pinewood Shores.” He doesn’t skip a beat.

The vehicle slowly inches closer up.

“Is that a real place?” Nora tries to confirm.

“It is. Don’t believe me, ask Daisy.” He smirks.

Nora’s eye’s meet the canine that now pounds her thick tail against the seat.

“Humpf.” Nora faces forward staring at the break lights ahead. “At least I asked, if not we might have been lost for information.” The balls of her eyes shift toward Susan briefly.

“It was a great idea to do so, Nora. Thank you.” She tries to be encouraging. “We are all nervous. Let’s just be calm and collect.” Susan’s voice is slow and steady, struggling to calm herself more than the other two.

Silence fills the van, other than the panting coming from Daisy as she now sits up and stares out the window.

The vehicle edges closer to the police cars, policemen standing outside, addressing each person before allowing them to travel on. “You’ve got this,” Steve whispers from the back covering under the blanket. “Daisy, back” he scolds the dog when she starts trying to lay on the blanket next to him.

“Great.” Nora mumbles turning toward the back.

“Come here Daisy,” Susan tries as she now pulls up to the policeman, sliding her finger over the button and allowing the window to lower.

Daisy quickly jumps up and pushes through the seat belt, sticking her head out the driver’s side with a forte’ bark, throwing the police man away from the car.

“Daisy.” Susan reprimands. “Sorry about that, sir.” she pushes Daisy’s face away from the window, “She’s just trying to protect us.”

The policeman tries to get a deeper look in the van, but Daisy pushes her body weight against Susan’s hand trying to get a sniff of the uniformed man.

“Go on, mam,” he says stepping back.

“Ugh, okay,” she waves rolling up window and pulling forward, patting Daisy, “Whoa! What the heck just happened! They didn’t question us at all.”

Steve springs up, “That’s my girl,” he grabs Daisy behind the ears kissing her forehead.

Nora gives a relieving chuckle, “four legged friend.” She mumbles.

“What was that?” Susan snickers.

“You like Daisy, now!” Steve pops overs the seat antagonizing Nora.

“Like is a strong word.” Nora grins.

******

Dominious storms out of the main doors, Lucius and Roland walking in. “Where are you going?” Lucius yells to her.

She stops, marching back toward him, “Don’t act like you care.”

“Roland, report to the queen, let her known things are taken care of.” Lucius commands.

Roland’s eyes shift toward Dominious, giving a longing look, his swallow is deep against the back of his throat, his head tilts toward the ground, giving a subtle nod and heading in.

“What you do to him, he acts like a scolded puppy.” She watches as he shuts the door behind him.

“You asked to keep him alive. I did.” Lucius reminds her.

“Don’t know what the hell you’ve been through but you both look like shit.” She scoffs turning away.

“Where are you going?” Lucius ask as if he doesn’t know.

Dominious gives him a long look, “What’s your angle, Lucius?”

His sharp fangs peek passed his lip as they curl, “Oh, Domnious, when will you be a little thicker skinned?”

“Don’t taunt me Lucius; I know you don’t like me. You never have, you’ve always been jealous of mine and Sultana’s friendship.” Her brow burrows in her head.

He gives a snide smirk, “She has done everything for you and you give her nothing.”

“Loyalty is everything,” Domnious reminds him.

“I am her loyalty and you know it.” He spits.

“Yes, you probably are, for I grow so dreary of her games. She’s so temperamental and irrational…most days.” She tries to turn away again but he grabs her.

“She is your queen and you are still in existence because she chose to have you be so. When you are at your lowest of lows, I want you to remember, you have no one else but her.” He wickedly beams, causing Dominious to yank her arm from his grasp.

“Never touch me again.” She warns and then speeds off into the night, not giving him another chance to speak.

Her legs carry her fast, her feet feel easy over the dead leaves and trees. Now she only wants Figaro’s arms wrapped around her, reminding her of why she still chooses to go on. He always calms her, gives her a pep talk; reminds her of why she loves Sultana and why they are friends…

Time and again Sultana will force her to relive the day her blood was infected. The day Sultana chose for her live, forever. Her miscarriage, her disease, she was so week and feeble… everyday Sultana came to see her, she was like an angel brought to Dominious last days with peace and light… but then the darkness came. The darkness she never asked for but Sultana decided to give her… Sultana is her best friend, her only friend, until Figaro… Sultana drives her by guilt, politely evoking the memories of the day she saved her.

She loved Sultana more than she resented her. She knew Sultana tried to do what she felt was right, it was Lucius that mostly was the devil sitting on her shoulder…

She pauses, sniffing the air, thick smoke slightly burning her nostrils.

Fire.

The smell of war. Burning flesh. She has forgotten over the years of such a wretched smell.   

She searches above the trees… her chest rocked as she realizes the direction it’s coming from.

Her jaw drops and she stands heavy for a moment, “No.” her breath falls short against the air. “They wouldn’t…”

A lump in her throat lingers for a moment and then her legs lunge forward carrying her faster than she has ever felt herself go. Panic begins to pound and she finally stands before the village where flames scream in the night.

“Figaro!” she screams entering the village past the roaring flames. “Figaro!” She finds the home they have occupied and swings the door open, fire rushing out for breathe.  Dominious falls backward onto the dusty ground, “Figaro!” she calls again. Picking herself up, she goes to the window, peering in… Figaro is limp in the back of the room…

She leaps through the window tugging on him… “Figaro!” his body falls to the ground, a stake through his heart, revealing the two children with broken necks behind him…

Dominious gasp, “Figaro,” she falls to his side trying to grab the children into her arms too, but the fire begins to roar around her. She struggles and lifts his body; scuffling to pile the two children… the fire begins to rush at her. She stands up with Figaro’s body, peering down at the two little bodies, giving a sigh and setting Figaro’s body back to the ground. She kisses his lifeless lips and then his forehead, “I love you, my love,” a maroon droplet forms at the corner of her eye and she scoops the children into her arms rushing to the window, flames engulfing the frame as she jumps through. Her breath is heavy against the roof of her mouth, the maroon liquid rolling down her cheek, she holds the children, watching helplessly as the town burns around her.

“Your safe, now…” she cradles the young girl and boy, “You’re safe now. I’ve got you…” her head falls between the bodies, her body rocking under the falling ashes. “I’m going to protect….” She tries to speak, but it turns to sobs, the salty maroon liquid flowing to the end of her mouth before streaming from her chin. “No.” her breath is short and deep, “No. No. No…” her neck extends to the dark, the sky clouded in smoke. “Nooooooo,” a bellowing cry echoes from her throat, then her body gives a final defeating slump over Sabina and Marius, the fire continuing to burn around them.

******

Read Chapter 24: Solutions

Read Other Realm Komiks Chapters

Realm Komiks Prequel: New Worlds; Chapter 17: Finding Purpose

Chapter 17:

Finding Purpose

Bruinen rushes to the control center. “What’s going on?” he hastily moves towards the controls in front of Nawfar. “What’s going on?” he repeats now staring in her face.

Her eyes shift toward him annoyed, “It is your responsibility to check all engine controls on the outside and inside of the ship before departure.”

“I did.” He pounds as the other crew now stands in the doorway, curious of the dilemma. 

“The hydro power is not in working order. Once we emerge on planet K-186f we will not be able to launch.” Nawfar snaps.

“I checked the hydro power. Everything appeared in working order before we left. There was no reason to believe any differently.” He explains.

“It’s not collecting water, only treading.” Her fingers thumb through translucent screens, as she points out the levels of the ship, presented before them.

Bruinen’s jaw tightens, “Change course until I figure it out.”

She gazes at him. “That’s your answer.”

“We will need to emerge on Planet Earth” He announces.

“That’s a mistake.” She challenges as her eyes stay locked on Bruinen.

“You disagree?” his eye brow rises.

“Our ship comes to surfaces outside Earth’s California or Caribbean? We cannot descend into air and are trapped on water surface with curious Earthlings. Doesn’t sound ideal, Bruinen.” Nawfar openly shares.

“Of course it’s not ideal. I can alert the others of our issue; the leaders can expect our arrival and take us where we need to go. I’ll repair the ship before our next journey.” He concludes.

“And AQ11 sits in the water while we are taken away? What universe are you living on, Bruinen? Earthlings aren’t going to leave our ship at peace.” Nawfar rationalizes, her squeaky voice popping an extra octave.

“Slow the ship. I’ll exit here and check the pressures. My lung capacity is at what… twenty minutes? That will sure give me enough time.” He turns away but Nawfar quickly stops him.

“Sleep has gotten the best of you. The pressure is too much to emerge or leave the ship.” She reminds him.

Marlin subtly clears his throat from behind them causing their head to turn.

“Honest mistake.” Marlin tries to encourage. “Both of you have had little sleep. You are worn. Please, put the ship on auto pilot for a few hours and rest.”

“I’m not going to be able to sleep.” Bruinen sighs, “Especially with these turn of events.”

“I will not as well,” Nawfar admits. “We have bigger to deal with. Sleep is currently not an option.”

Marlin’s voice deepens as he approaches the duo, “You have to try. Our minds must be clear emerging Earth. There will be no room for mistakes.”

“Uh…I brought these.” Kae suddenly speaks up, flashing a case of shiny pearlescent sea shells, “I never leave without them. They’ll help you get the rest you need, sharpen you before we are ever in Earth’s realm.”

Bruinen’s face involuntary crinkles at the appearance of the shells. “I don’t like the way they make me feel.” Bruinen grunts.  

Nawfar pushes a couple buttons on the controls and step away from the seat. She eyes the shells, turns toward the crew, and then takes the shells from Kae. “Thank you, Kae. If I don’t sleep, they will at the least relax my body and mind enough to gain focus again.”

“They will eventually put you to sleep.. I promise” Kae smirks as if the effects from shiny oysters were a secret.

Nawfar reaches and grabs a couple but Kae stops her handing her only one.  “I would prefer to reach Earth sometime within this decade.” He chuckles, snorting between his nostrils.

Nawfar, losing her humor, nods reassuring, reaching for another, Kae hesitates, but releases it. She shoves it toward Bruinen and he frowns. “I don’t want it.” He murmurs from between his teeth.

“You need to energize. You’ve left us with little option.” She snaps, her natural high pitched voice finding a low octave. Her cyan eyes narrow, tightening her lips, her oval face nods with encouragement.

Bruinen snatches it from her finger tips, feeling defeated. A pout washes upon his face, suddenly feeling very childlike as Nawfar continues to harp him, “Bruinen, we are team. This isn’t about us.” Her eyes shift toward the crew and back to him. “We cannot make wise decisions for our people on loose anterior commissures.”

“To slippery sleepers,” He interrupts her speech, holds the shell toward her. Nawfar forces her cheek muscles to tighten, following his gesture; they simultaneously suck back the juices from the shell.

Bruinen’s teeth chisel when the sour, tarty juice, rolls to the back of his mouth, finding its way down his throat; jaw expanding, as the slimy liquid rolls to his esophagus, air pushing out of his mouth as he finally swallows, allowing the oyster to find his stomach.  “I need a drink to wash that down.” He gags toward Kae.

*********

Margret’s eyelids flutter open, the sun peeking through the window, reflecting against the crystals dangling from the light, causing a small rainbow against the wall. Her hand slides against the bed finding Colm’s bare chest, her chin rising so her eyes can find him. He peeks at her with one eye, grinning, letting the eye flicker close.

‘I’m as sore as you are.’ His thoughts wonder through her mind.

‘No you are sorer.’ She flutters backs to him, turning her head and shooting him a grin.

Colm gives a small chuckle, leans in kissing Margret’s forehead, pulling her into him. “I don’t want to get up.” his thoughts purse.

“Where is your optimism?” the passing leads her cheeks to swell.

His arms tug at her as a moan touches his lips. “Tell me why we are doing this again?”

Margret’s fingers circle around his chest. “Ridiculous reason, really; only to help save our planets from destruction of darkness.”

“Oh, yeeeeeees. That. I guess we should probably get up then.” Colm curls into her squeezing the base of his back into him. “How did we become so important?”  His lips pressing against her ear.

“I’ve always been important. You became important when you realized you were tied to me.” Her tongue pushes through her teeth parting her lips.

“You…” Colm sniggering tickles her sides. Her body flaps as she tries to gain control, Colm giving in and finding her lips, shoving his tongue into her mouth, their bodies’ fall surrendering to one another.

********

Bruinen’s eyelids flutter as he struggles to open them. His body feels light, thinking he remembers falling into a bed yet a floating sensation surrounds him. ‘The slippery suckers…’ he struggles to focus.., ‘I ate… I dislike the way they make me feel…’ Once again he fights against his body, failing to pry his eyes open.

The cabin door creeks as it must be opening… sounds of the ship softly treading against water… someone was entering the cabin…Nawfar; could it be possible Nawfar was already mobile after the slippery suckers? 

Bruinen’s soul tries desperately to nestle into his warm body… I hate this feeling…

“Bruinen?” the voice’s whispery breath leads him to find his face. “Bruinen, are you okay?”

His fingertips twitch, slowly awakening the other senses of his body. Arms, legs, toes, face, and then eyes. His lids bat open as he gains clarity.

“You’ve been sleeping for hours. Are you feeling better?” steadies the woman’s voice.

Bruinen’s eyes focus on the ceiling, his mind still slightly foggy. He tries to find his tongue in the numbness of his mouth.

“Are you okay? Should I grab Kae?” The voice continues after a short pause, causing Bruinen to wrestle for a quicker recovery.

His neck works as he decides to turn his head toward the voice, witnessing Tsunami at his bedside. The tussle intense, as questions surfaced, his tongue finding words before his mind, “What are you doing in here? Where is Nawfar?”

“She bedside my father before you two parted to sleep. Kae as well, indulged in the special oyster. It’s only been I for hours.” She falls back on her bottom crossing her legs, propping herself on her palms. “I was bored. Even the auto pilot had run out of things to teach me. That said I am confident that I am perfectly capable in steering this ship now.”

“Is that right?” he sits himself up.

“It is. As well, as you did do your job precisely. It was Nawfar who had missed step in the controls. I slapped a lever, and BOOM, we are ready for airborne on any planet we emerge, which it appears Earth will be the final destination after the journey had changed course.” She tosses her hair back, batting her sapphire eyes proudly.

“Tsunami,” he begins trying to grasp all that she has just informed him, “Are you most certain of this information?”

“I am.” Her toothy grin broadens her cheeks, her head tilting.

“Show me.” Bruinen swings his legs over the bed, slowly steading himself as he stands.

“Whoa, you sure you are okay to move?” she quickly stands, assisting him.

“I’m a little light headed but fine.” He tries to shake it off.

She leads him, lowering him back onto the bed. “Look, I don’t know how those oysters make you feel exactly, but I think you should rest a tad longer before you get up.”

He groans, “I don’t like them.”

“So you’ve said.” She patronizes, “You were a real team player in there.” She pushes him to lie down.

Bruinen’s lips loosen as they edge toward his cheeks, involuntarily he forces his hand on hers, stroking it for a brief moment before realizing it. “If all you say is true, I have a hero today and it’s you. There is nothing more a man adores than being proven correctly in a situation.”

“Touché,” Tsunami smugly returns. 

“Never take those oysters. They are awful.” Bruinen turns his head toward her, “I feel as if I were swallowed by a frilled shark, digested and released back into the ocean.”

Tsunami finds humor in her voice, “Then I will never eat those oysters. Promise. I did find a book, in your library, that suggests other medicated sleep aids that have fewer effects than the sleeper oyster.”

“Of course you did.” Bruinen’s eyes roll in his head.

The awkward pause leaves an odd buzzing in the room noticeable. Bruinen tries to quickly break the silence, “Would you like to actually fly the ship, now that you have studied over five hundred manual pages?”

Tsunami’s face brightens and her body springs from the floor. “Would I? Of course!”

Bruinen eyes widen with joy as he watches her bounce to the door, swinging it open. “After you!” she insists.

*******

Colm and Margret stand side by side; the four warriors training them dangling across. The sun beams into Alato Cavallo Catacombe, as if dividing the amateurs from the experts. The feathers on their wings slightly move from the light breeze drifting through the open roof. Their beauty is magnified but now also intimidating, Margret realizing their strength and tenacity.

“We have come to conclusion of how you will join us in flight during battle.” Zagzagel announces his coal wings slightly expanded as if he might take off into flight.

Margret’s thoughts quickly filter to Colm, “How do we get wings?  I don’t want to sprout wings Colm.”

His eyes shift toward her, his hand gently squeezing her, returning his focus quickly to the wing warriors standing before them.

Serafim’s chocolate wings push him into the sky, flapping above them, intensifying the soft breeze. A loud, foreign call echoes from his throat and from a distance Margret begins to recognize two winged creatures coming toward them at full speed.

“It’s Opal and Nacreous.” Her voice lightens from under her breath.

Colm’s face brightens at the unipegs near. “There is no other creature I’d be as so honored to play as my wings.”

Opal and Nacreous are covered in a shiny armor, the suns blazing off it as they land, trotting toward Colm and Margret.

“The suits will protect them if we were to be in battle.” Natika announces.

Serafim chimes, “There is actually numerous of gizmos on this light weight equipment, protecting them and yourselves in a battle. The gadgets will be triggered by the slim glove the finds its way to the base of your fingertips, controlling the sensors on the cloak.” He explains, pointing out the detail while displaying the wear.

“We’ve never asked the unipeg race to endure in such behavior, or serve among battle with us. It has been unheard of…” Zagzagel begins.

“I had a strong vision,” Harahel interrupts explaining. “It was from Opal. Opal is dedicated to you, Margret as Nacreous has found a special bond with Colm. The four of you have become intertwined, somehow.”

“Destiny.” Natika’s eyes widen, “It’s amazing.”

Margret glances for a moment at Colm before hopping on Opal. She rests her cheek on his crest, feeling his velvet black skin against hers, as she strokes his main. ‘Thank You, dear friend.’ Her thoughts carry to the stallion, her heart feeling as if it were being stroked.

Margret’s head rises, finding Colm. He is already mounted on Nacreous and he winks at Margret.

“Today we need both of you to bond with these unipegs and all of you familiarize yourselves with the new equipment.” Zagzagel informs.

“Then with your permission will we ride.” Colm suggest.

Zagzagel nods at them.

“Are you ready beautiful?” Colm softly vibes to Margret.

Her cheeks swell as she returns a nod and without hesitation Opal swooshes toward the sky leaving Colm on ground.

*******

Bruinen stands behind Tsunami as she gains control of the ship. Her eyes filled with excitement as she touches buttons and slightly steers, navigating the ship through the waters.

“What is going on?” Marlin booms from across the room, causing Tsunami’s body to bounce when startled.

“She wanted to learn to drive the ship. She took initiative of over five hundreds page of manual while we all slept.” Bruinen brags.

Marlin’s eyebrows rise, “Really? Tsunami I never knew you held interest.”

“This is a surprise.” Nawfar decides coming in behind Marlin.

“A good one.” Marlin decides.

Tsunami’s freckled cheeks find her eyes as she continues to watch ahead of her.

“I’ve come up with a plan.” Nawfar announces, “I have an idea of how we can…”

Bruinen interrupts, “No need, the problem is fixed. Of course now we are directed toward Earth, so we will need to emerge in the Caribbean, keeping a glimpse of our other gateway hidden.”

“I don’t understand.” Nawfar’s forehead wrinkles in confusion. “How is anything fixed? How was it possible?”

Tsunami’s eyes shift toward Bruinen, curious of his disclosure. “It was simple confusion.” He decides after a moment. “All hydro power systems are filled and in working order. It was an oversight.”

“My apologies.” She sits next to Tsunami. “You discovered this didn’t you?”

“Uhhhh….” Tsunami sits on her word looking for approval to reveal Bruinen’s unfinished story.

“I’m proud of you.” Nawfar continues. “You are going to make a wonderful successor to our planet.”

*********

Colm and Margret land the unipegs near the water spot they first ventured them to. She kisses the top of Opal’s velvet muzzle and nods, giving him a soft pat on his neck. The charcoal unipeg trots toward Nacreous, collecting him to graze in a nearby pasture.

“That was amazing and terrifying.” Margret’s adrenaline spouts toward Colm.

He grabs her waist, wrapping his arms around her, pressing their lips together, her feet slightly rising off the ground. He finally releases her allowing to find her footing, stroking her temple, “You are amazing and terrifying.” His lips slant upward and he briefly leans in for another kiss.

“I can’t grasp reality of possibly riding Opal on Earth. Earthlings are either going to be amazed or angry, not to mention I can’t imagine the military finding us on one of their radars…” her images drift towards Colm as he tries to understand.

“My, dear, if Earth is under attack by vampires, I am sure they are not going to think much of a unipeg flying in their sky.” His body exhales loudly.

“What have I gotten you into?” she realizes.

His lips tighten, his eyes different than usual, “I fight armies of vampires if it means being by your side and assuring your safety. I’m never leaving you Margret, please stop doubting my loyalty. It does not matter what I feel, or what is happening here on the Cepae planet, with my family and with my dear friends. If our souls are parted, I’d be forever broken. What good I am to anyone if I am broken?”

As she stares in the window of his soul, it feels as though his fingers are massaging her heart gently. Every wound that was created throughout her life, on her planet, felt as though it was being soothed. Any heartbreak she had endured through her life was softly being mended by the gentleness of his soul touching her heart.

“Colm?” Margret begins soft spoken. “How does a planet made of peace even begin to think of war?”

“Margret, Love, we do not think of war. We think of protecting those we love.” A sigh leaks from his lungs titling his head, his thumb finding her chin. “I want to understand the Earth part of you, but this murky fog in you, sometimes makes it difficult.”

Her chin pulls away from his thumb, finding the ground.

“Please, don’t be sad. I did not say it to make you feel bad.” He please, trying to find her eyes.

Her lips tighten and she makes a conscious effort to quickly lift the fog. “Of all the women on your planet, your soulmate is born and raised on Earth. Is that like one and million chances?”

“There’s my smiling Margret.” He chuckles. “Perhaps, if a million occupied our planet it could be.”

Her lips brighten her teeth as she bounces her should against him. “Well, then you won! Congratulations you!"

“Margret…” he begins, his chiseled face widened with excitement, “I’m going to race you back to base.” He pulls himself to his feet, slightly pushing against her as she tries to stand up.

“Hey!” she playfully screams balancing herself and running after him.

Colm’s legs fling over prepared Narceous’ back and he rushes into the air. Margret grabs hold of Opal, tapping his neck, “Did you know they were going to do that?” she teases to the unipeg, hopping onto his back and riding him into the clouds chasing after Colm.

*********

Realm Komiks Prequel: New Worlds

READ CHAPTER 18: