Realm Komiks Prequel New Worlds: Chapter 26: Iguana Island

Chapter 26:

IGUANA ISLAND

The boat falls against the blue horizon. Janet runs to her father who is now steering toward shore. “Get ready to anchor her!” he calls to Janet.

She scurries to the anchor and sits next to it, waiting for her father’s help. “There’s another boat.” She shouts toward him.

Daniel’s grin sweeps across his face, “It’s an old friend of mine. I know that boat well.”

He breaks the boat, rushing toward Janet to help release the anchor. “This is where you and mom always came?” Janet confirms.

“It is.” he tries to smile as he checks the depth of the water.

The local is already off on the island calling to the boat; “Is that you Daniel?” he waves walking toward the boat.

Daniel waves, grabbing Janet, and loading her off the boat before he follows. “Mateo!” he greets.

“Daniel, my man,” he follows with a bro hug. “How long has it been?” he appears around Daniel at Janet. “This is the baby?”

“It is.” Daniel nods.

Mateo’s face lights up “What is her name again?”

“Janet.” Daniel reminds him.

“Janet.” His thick accent draws the vowel out before concluding her name. He eagerly shakes her hand. “Last time I saw you, you were not even months of age! How old are you now?”

“Nine.” She beams with amusement.

“Nine. No shit?” he turns to Daniel, “It’s been nine, damn years, man?”

“I guess it has.” Daniel grins. “I’m so surprised to run into you here. I thought we’d be among tourist, that I’d have to search for your whereabouts.”

“Destiny always has an answer, doesn’t she?” his pearly whites shine past his dark skin.  “I’ve actually arrived on island business. Been here for a few days now.”

“Daddy! Look at those pigs!” Janet exclaims, “I think they are heading toward us.

“Oh, let me grab some treats. They indulge in the attention. They haven’t been getting it so much lately.” Mateo jumps on his boat, disappearing under the deck.

“This must be the coolest island ever. Why haven’t we ever come before?” Janet asks.

“Funny, how time gets away. Doesn’t feel like nine years ago since your mother and I visited.” Daniel finds himself lost in the memory. “She carried you in one of those… of what do the women call them?” he struggles, “It was a baby wrap…. That is what she called it, I believe. You were strapped to her. I met Mateo on the island. I used to assist him in the wildlife habitat. We made sure…”

Mateo walks from behind them, interrupted Daniel, “And do you notice anything different on this island?”

Daniel pauses for a moment, surveying his surroundings, “Besides, the tourist? Well, I’ll be damn…”

“That’s right, man; the name of the island is not existent.” Mateo confirms.

“What happened to all the Iguanas?” he mumbles, more to himself.

“Daddy, can I go play with those pigs? Are they safe?” Janet interrupts.

Mateo hands her the small pouch he grabbed off the boat, “Here, ya go, child. Just use it sparingly; they sometimes get aggressive if they feel…”

Daniel hesitantly interrupts, “Maybe you should just stay here, Janet. I’ll come with you.”

“Oh, she’ll be fine.” Mateo chuckles reassuring. “Let the kid go.”

Daniel looks down at her eager eyes. “Okay, just don’t go too far.” He reminds her.

She excitedly grabs the feeding pouch skipping toward some of the swine.

“So, what’s going on here?” Daniel tries to understand.

Mateo shakes his head, “No idea. That’s why I’m here. Other scientist and ecologist will be flying in and heading over soon… but it’s weird. At least 1,300 of our rare iguanas, just disappearing? It was over night. Something weird going on, man. The nest we are finding, but the females are nowhere in sight guarding them. Lots of locals believe it’s the echo system.”

Daniel’s eyes narrow in on Mateo, “What do you think?”

“I’m not sure you want to know what I think, Daniel.” Mateo begins but is cut off by a high pitched scream.

Mateo’s eyes meet Daniel’s, “Janet.” Daniel gasp running toward the shriek.

Mateo follows behind him, running through the thick sand, deeper into the island. “Over here!” Daniel directs as Janet’s piercing scream echoes once again.

Mateo follows Daniel over to a deep hole, peering down the ten foot drop. Janet peers up at her father, “Dad! Help me!”

“Hold on Janet.” He calls, searching for Mateo, “Quick, run to the boat and grab the survival kit. Grab the ropes.”

Mateo quickly nods, slipping in the sand as he races him off.

“Don’t worry, Janet. We’re going to get you out.” He tries to assure her.

“There’s a tunnel down here, Daddy.” She calls up.

“We’ll get you out.” He shouts to her, not taking in her revelation.

“Dad…” she backs toward the dirt wall, “Dad, there are eyes…”

*******

Susan takes in the fresh salty air, the palm trees flowing against the breeze. Her fingers clutch over the wooden railing, watching the waves tumble over one another, racing to the shore line. Nora joins her handing her a generic cup of soda.

“Here.” She pushes it toward Susan while sipping on her straw, Susan taking it into her hand with little response. Sunglasses cover Nora’s eyes, her back leaning against the pier, facing toward Susan. “Did you find someone with a boat to take you?”

“I did. It should be an easy sail since we came to Pompano.” Susan finally pulls the old drink to her mouth, sipping on the straw.

Daisy barks, running down the pier toward the women, Steve following behind. Susan warmly greets the lovable golden, standing when Steve approaches. “I guess this is good-bye.” Susan struggles to not be sentimental.

“Good luck. I’m so happy you will get to finally be reunited with your family.” He tries to smile but becomes emotional, “And you?” he turns to Nora struggling to be strong.

“What do you mean, me? I’m traveling with Susan, of course.” She shrugs.

Susan taken a bit off guard, “You don’t have too…”

Nora stops her, “Look, Susan, for the first time in my life I’m free. I don’t know how long this freedom will last, but right now, I’m on a pier, next to the ocean, fresh air, palm trees…freedom. Something I do not remember ever having in my life. It is because you took a chance on me, you gave me trust that you were not sure of, but did it anyway. You are a good person, Susan. The first good person I’ve ever met. I will see you through your travels, and then I will figure out where I will go and what I will do from there. I’m not abandoning you. I’m in debt to you and I plan to make sure it is fully paid.”

“Really, Nora… you…” Susan tries but Nora interrupts again.

“Until you have you daughter in your arms. I insist.” She stands her ground.

Susan nods, “Okay, then, Nora. Thank you, it will be nice to have familiar company on a stranger’s boat.”

Susan turns to Steve, “You?”

Steve laughs, “Really? After that triumph speech do you really expect me to leave the two of you?”

Susan shoots a glance at Nora slightly and then chuckles. “Steve, take Daisy to the beach.”

“Oh, she’s going back down to the beach. But first, we are getting a boat and going to the Bahamas.” He leeshes Daisy and wraps the loop around Susan arm. He shakes his head with a sighing relief, “I’ll be back.”

“Where you going?” Nora calls to him.

Steve continues down the pier shouting to them, “To rent us a damn boat!”

*****

Tsunami and Kae flip through the book tablets in the space craft’s library. Tsunami keeps her Gatorade between her legs as she studies the information. “I have it.” She mumbles

Kae drops his material on the table and scoots in next to her. “What is the discovery?”

“I knew if anyone would discover something it would be you.” The voice enters from behind them.

“Bruinen?” Tsunami surprise rises. “What are you doing here?”

“What information have you gathered?” he changes the subject.

“Wait, you are here because you doubt Kae and I?” she realizes.

Bruinen shakes his head, walking past her and taking the book. “You two are young. A little guidance and knowledge along the way only helps one grow.”

Tsunami scoffs, her eyes shifting toward Kae with annoyance.

“Indonesia Islands?” Bruinen raises an eyebrow at her after scanning the tablet.

“The Varanus Komodoensis. The island would give her the hiding; the reptile is powerful, protecting her well.” Tsunami discloses.

The communication device buzzes, catching Bruinen’s attention. “It’s Nawfar. I’ll place her on community call.” He taps the button revealing Nawfar’s image above them.

“All is well, Bruinen?” she begins. He nods, presenting Tsunami and Kae beside him, “The United Nations has decided the best place for Poisonous Dart’s whereabouts will be an Island of Indonesia. Here, on this island a numerous of large reptiles inhabit the area. The behavior has mysteriously changed, they are becoming more aggressive and also there have been a few reports of the Komodo Dragon, taking stance on two legs, as we have begun to witness other creatures of their world, also doing.”

“Varanus Konodoensis…Komodo Dragon… the same thing.” Tsunami explains to Kae and Bruinen.

Nawfar continues, “Marlin has divided our armies into five different stations.  Marlin is to lead the battle on Komodo Island, mission to locate Poisonous Dart as quickly as possible. Local allies of Earth and Planeteers will join us.” She pauses for a moment and then continues, “Tsunami and Kae, the battles are moving forward. Prepare yourselves to uncover the stone in Atlantis.”

Tsunami and Kae nod toward the hologram.

“I will join Marlin.” Bruinen decides. “Confirming that you two now have things under control?”

“Of course.” Kae agrees. “The drinks were a mere misunderstanding.”

Bruinen’s blue eyes shift toward Tsunami who sits quiet. “What?” she shrugs, “I’ve got this. Only drink water on Earth and,” she smirks holding up the bottle, “Gatorade if you do make a terrible choice,” Bruinen’s face holds serious face, not impressed by her humorous play, “Where’s your humor? Seriously, I’m going to find the stone.” She shakes her head finding Kae’s eyes who slightly shrugs as Bruinen turns away.

*******

“There!” Susan leans past Nora pointing across the blue waters at the bouncing boats against the shore line. She steers the boat closer to the island. Steve stands up from the boat and pulls himself closer to the women so he can hear what they are saying over the boat’s motor.

“Two boats?” Nora voices a slight bit of concern.

“I’m actually surprised it is only two boats. This is a hot tourist island spot. It appears to be deserted from here.” Susan tries to focus in on the bobbing boats and island. “That’s definitely our boat up ahead.”

“I don’t know, something isn’t right.” Nora mumbles, “Maybe we should take the boat and circle the island first….”

“All I need to know is my husband and daughter is here. That’s enough for me. You guys can take the boat back after I get off.” Susan suggests.

“Not until I know you guys are safe.” Nora reminds her, her eyes meeting Steve’s who is quiet, taking in everything the women are saying.

Susan pushes the boat to throttle, instructing Steve and Nora as she pulls in. They secure the boat, after giving it a final tug, Susan is off the boat running toward the families boat. “Daniel!” she shouts as she rushes the boat.

Daisy is off the boat and chasing the waves against the shore line. Steve observes her and then shrugs at Nora, “Myswell get off the boat. Need a hand?”

Nora folds her arms into one another, “I’ve got it.”

“Suit yourself,” he shrugs hoping onto the dock and running toward Daisy.

Nora watches as Susan pops up from below the boat and hops back on the dock “They aren’t here!” Susan calls to her.

Nora meets her on the sand. “Are you going to go look for them?”

“It’s a small island, might be better to wait here so I don’t miss them. Janet could’ve wanted to explore, she loves animals and there are lots of wild pigs and iguanas around…” Susan voice fades as her eyes shift around their surroundings.

“They here?” Steve calls walking toward them, his shoes slipping over the sand.

Nora shushes him, “What is it?” she seriously asks Susan.

Susan becomes uncomfortable, “Something is going on here. There are usually lizards and tourist everywhere. I mean it’s been years since I’ve been here… but it shouldn’t have changed…”

The three turn quickly as Daisy suddenly begins to bark. Seeing a man running toward them, Steve pushes the ladies behind him grabbing at his gun. “It’s okay.” She touches Steve’s shoulder pushing passed him.

“Mateo!” she shouts feet away.

“Susan!” Mateo excitedly shouts, but dodges her hug, pulling her with him.

“What’s going on?” her tone quickly changes.

“I came back for some rope. Janet fell into a deep hole, she’s okay but we need to get her out.” He jumps on his boat.

“I’ll grab the first aid,” Susan rushes her boat and scampers down the steps, grabbing the handled kit out from storage, meeting Mateo back on top.

Steve and Nora quickly trail behind, Daisy quickly beginning to follow, while grasping sniffs of the area around her. “These are my friends, Mateo.” Susan huffs. “Steve and Nora.”

“Glad they are here, we may need them. Some strange stuff going on around here.” Mateo tries to explain.

“What’s going on with this area?” she asks, shooting the other two a glance behind her.

“I don’t know. That’s what I had come here to find out. It was by chance that I came across Steve and Janet. Lizards all disappeared… but we think we might have found them…”

A few pigs snort pass and Daisy takes off running after them. Steve gives an annoyed sigh, “I’ll catch up.” He calls running after Daisy.

“Where did you find them…?” Susan reminds Mateo.

“The ditch Janet fell into…” Mateo grabs Susan’s hand pulling her quickly.

*******

Tsunami and Kae walk through the busy hallway and shopping area of the large resort. “I’m assuming you have a plan, bringing us back here?”

“Wasting time until we are given the go…” She shrugs admiring the merchandise in the window. “The clothing style feels so conservative for such a diverse planet.”

“I think one window display doesn’t reflect the entire population.” He tilts his head toward a group of women walking by.

Tsunami ignores the comment switching her thoughts as she watches the people pass, “One would assume the Earth people know nothing of their planet being taken over by vampires and lizards. Everyone seems to go on with their business as usual.”

“Big planet. Over populated. Everyone has their own agenda. Doesn’t directly affect them, I guess they go on with life as normal…”

She interrupts him with an annoyance, “I realize that. It just continues to amaze me.”

Kae nods across toward the men’s restroom, “I need to relieve myself. Then I suggest we do what we came here to do. They will be in the middle of battle soon enough.”

Tsunami, “You realize I can’t part the ocean for easy access to ground level. The chaos we were anticipating isn’t here. We are going to have to dive.”

“I don’t have the lung capacity you do.” He reminds her. “And my body won’t withstand the pressure the way yours can.” He taps her on the shoulder, “You’ll find it.”

Tsunami nods, “I know. We will have to take the ship to the location and I’ll abort from there. As long there is not trouble…”

“I will use the Hydrobot from inside the ship. It can be my eyes and hands to help you in the search.” He concludes with her nodding in agreement, “Now if you’ll excuse me.” He pushes himself toward the restroom as Tsunami finds a wall to perch her back against.

She watches as the people pass by her. Some alone, and some in groups. Some couples holding hands. Lots of people taking pictures. Why people were so obsessed with having so many photos of themselves, felt rather self-absorbed to her, her nose crinkles at the passing the thought.  

“Hey!” a young lad comes up to her studying her face. “Cool artwork on the forehead. Love how they kind of glow, there. Is it a local thing?” he ask invading her personal space.

She studies his attire and colored hair. “It is my…style.” She carefully chooses.

“It’s mad. Let me get a selfie with you.” He pulls out his device, holding it above their heads, Tsunami seeing herself on the screen has little reaction. The guy smiles touching the screen and capturing the image. “Going to get your look out to social media. Hashtag ‘Killin It.’ Thanks.”

The guy throws his hands up pursing his lips and bounces off while tapping against his device.

“Quirky.” She manages under her breath, her eyes capturing a local island tourist accommodation. She slinks across the hall past the glass windows, into the tourist center, lined with wooden blocks of brochures. She slides her fingers over the folded colored paper, swiftly reading the covers, advertising the tourist attractions in the Bahamas.

“Mam, would you like some help?” the man from behind the counter ask as she picks up the brochure of Iguana Island.

“I’m okay. Thank you.” She forces a grin, while beginning to examine the pamphlet.

“Tours to Iguana Island are actually closed right now. They shut down the island.” He slides in nest to her, trying to pass her another brochure, “Lagoon Tour is nice though…” he begins.

“Why did they shut down the island?” she interrupts him.

“Iguanas suddenly disappeared. It’s odd. They are flying scientist in, have a couple of our locals checking the echo system…” he begins to explain but once again she chimes in.

“Are iguanas dangerous or an aggressive species?” Tsunami’s gears are quickly churning.

“Uh, no mam. It is part of the appeal of the island. The lizards…” he tries but again she cuts him off.

“Thank you. Can I keep this pamphlet?” She ask already walking toward the entrance way.

“Uh, yes, of course.” He oddly watches as she crosses through the people finding Kae as he is exiting the men’s room.

She shoves the brochure in his hand and he looks down at it. “What’s this?”

“This is where Poisonous Dart is.” She now tugs on him leading him through the people.

“At Iguana Island? Here in the Bahamas?” he questions doubtfully.

She pulls him outside into the hot sun, “Yes.”

“Where are we going?” Kae asks.

She stops, “We are going to Iguana Island.”

“They already confirmed she is…” Kae begins.

“No, they haven’t confirmed. They suspect. But the Komodo would be a great fighter. Like the alligators and crocodiles, correct?” she probes. He shrugs with a nod and she continues, “All the attacks, in the random places… Kae, I can guarentee her diversions are sending the armies on chases all over Earth. This way, armies against Sultana are minimized. Dart is here. In the Bahamas.”

She pushes the flyer at Kae once again. “Let’s contact Sovereign Nawfar and Bruinen and explain your theory.” He suggest.

“There isn’t time. They are already heading for battle. If for some reason, my theory is incorrect, we will steer them from the target. We head to the island, find evidence of my theory and then make contact once things are confirmed.” Tsunami decides.

“No,” Kae protest, “We were brought here for one very important mission; A mission that could determine our planets survival if we are under attack, again. We do not abort the plan without an authority telling us otherwise. You need to get your head out of the water, Tsu.”

“We’ll get the jewel. I promise. If I’m correct we contact Sovereign Nawfar and Bruinen. If I’m not, they will never know we attempted. The stone will be in our hands, either way.” She stares at him with pleading eyes.

“How do we get to the island…” he leads.

“Breaker Hovers. We ride them in.” Tsunami suggest.

Kae gestures down toward his scrawny length, “Do you really believe I have athletic ability?”

Tsunami thinks for a brief moment, “Wave Hovers… you can sit. We have a few on one of the transports.”

Kae pauses before answering, “And we get the stone, no matter what?”

She nods in agreement.

“Contact Sovereigns first sign if Poisonous Dart is actually on this island?” he tries to assure himself of the plan.

“Yes. Definitely.” She nods waiting for his final say.

He studies her shifting leg as she anxiously awaits. “Okay, I trust you Tsunami.”

 “Great. Let’s start those Wave Hovers.” She eagerly grabs Kae pulling him through the bathing suit people. 

********

Read Chapter 27: Behind Enemy Lines

Read Previous Chapters of Realm Komiks Prequel: New Worlds

Realm Komiks Prequel: New Worlds Chapter 25: Canary & the Cat

Canary and the Cat

Chapter 25:

Sultana enters the room, placing her heal on the red rope and smashing it into the floor, stepping onto one of the twin oriental rugs. Chayse slinks in behind her, stepping over the flattened rope and handing her a chalice, holding the duplicate between her fingers. “You’ve been mostly silent since we arrived.” Chayse probes, sipping from her glass.

“The feeling is a bit Deja vu, yet so much is different. They’ve turned an icon into a museum. It definitely is the feeling being lived in… yet, some dark sense feels like home.” She sips at the red liquid, finding the sweetness hit her pallet. “It’s human.”

“Of course.” Chayse lets her rear hit the wooden bench against the window, allowing her elbow to rest against the backless bench. “Quite abundance lately. You expect us not to indulge from the ripe fruit?”

Sultana stares at the thick, burnet floating in the middle of the glass. Her eyes narrow, furry suddenly in the brows and the goblet suddenly pounds against the wall, the dark red rolling toward the floor from the white walls. “Idiots.” She mumbles from under her breathe.

“Idiots?” Chayse says almost entertained by Sultana’s imply.

“Idiots!” her voice flows from the bottom of her lungs to the top of her throat. She falls upon the sheeted resting area, letting her head relax against the maroon pillow, her eyes staring at the arched ceiling.

“You miss her.” Chayse says very matter of fact.

“Relying on human blood makes us week. We are then controlled by an urge, a hunger… our minds then become dull.” She spits.

“Lucius is concerned. He says she is not coming back.” Chayse sips at the chalice.

Sultana turns her head and sits up, propping her cheek on her palm, “Have you no regard for what I have just said?”

“The mind is a peculiar thing, my Queen. I personally, am able to indulge in the sweetness of fruit, while understanding the times it will be scarce. In those times, I will only eat my vegetables.” Chayse sets the gold cup on the floor and crawls toward the bedding. “Haven’t you missed me? Missed us?”

“Stop your desperate attempts of affection.” Sultana sits up, leaning her back against the pillow.

“I know you love her,” Chayse spouts, “But she’s gone. Her sensitive heart has finally destroyed her, and she’s gone.”

“She’s not gone.” Sultana growls, staring down at Chayse, “She’ll be back stronger than ever, she always is.”

Chayse scoffs, rising to her feet and grabbing her chalice, “Lucius wanted me to tell you that Ambrogino gives word that Leeke is doing well. Following him around everywhere, lost without you but still the same otherwise. They look forward to serving you again when the time comes.”

“If you’d like to know who I really miss, it is Leeke.” Sultana now stands, pushing aside the sheer drape to peer out the square window. “Remember when we used to speak of this castle, as if it were a dream?”

“I remember.” Chayse steps behind her.

“It’s ours now. Little by little, we will bring the whole vampire realm home.” Sultana’s view now overlooks a city far away over the trees, from the middle of the Transylvania castle.

“One from Divobite’ may ask, ‘Is Earth really our home?’” Chayse gently voices.

Sultana slightly tilts her head, “Of course, this is where we all were born…”

“A planet of mostly darkness is a planet of freedom. We have abundance of food.  Earth cannot offer the satisfying comparison, unless it is human. Is Earth really what every Divobite’ wants?” Chayse voice falls silent, Sultana finding her amber eyes.

“Do you doubt me, Chayse?” Sultana’s brow slightly rises.

“I do not doubt you. I doubt the people that remain on our planet. You should prepare yourself, for a new rise on the planet, if you shall have Earth. Divobite’ will never be abandoned by our kind. You think you will rule both, but what fantasy you must see.” Chayse now pleas with her queen.

“Domnious will return, stronger than ever. She will reign our planet, as I reign here. You will see.” Sultana turns toward the window, “There never used to be so many modern day things…”

“My Queen,” A voice calls from behind.

Sultana lets the drape fall against the window, pushing pass Chayse, “What is it Lucius?” 

“The time has come. The armies are closing in. We must send the air force out and soon follow. It is time for the armies; the enemy is getting too close to the borders.” He informs.

“We will do what we must.” She pushes past him, “Where’s Dominious?” she pauses.

Lucius briefly meets Chayse eyes before answering. “We have not yet found her…”

“Why?” Sultana simply asks.

Chayse speaks up, “She doesn’t want to be found.”

Sultana’s neck snaps toward her, “Dominious will return.” Sultana finds Lucius’ maroon eyeballs, “She will return. You know she will.” Sultana gives one last glare to Chayse before stepping over the fallen rope and storming down the hall.

*******

The camp feels busy, soldiers from both sides entering and exiting the commander’s tent, him sitting studying things that Margret isn’t sure of. She watches Zulima, curious of her reactions, though she seems to continually drift onto a planet of her own.

“It’s official.” The doctor finally pushes through the tent. Everyone suddenly silent and listening, “She’s no longer a vampire. The healing touch of the Cepaen people healed the poison in her blood. She claimed she was dying before becoming a vampire, but that seems to be healed too.  I can find nothing wrong her medically.” He announces.

The cozy tent is in silence, everyone to their own thoughts until Commander DuPont finally speaks, “So, in an ideal world, the Cepaen healers are able to cure the Romania and Hungary people that have been made into the vampire’s recruits.”

“Theoretically.” The doctor agrees, “But considering the amount of energy it took on one vampire, during war, unless we are to capture the vampires, and strap them down one by one, it would be difficult and unfair for the Cepaen healers to take on that task.”

Commander DuPont scribbles on a tablet and then stands, “I want to speak to the woman.”

“Please, try. She is of little words.” The doctor informs.

Commander DuPont gives the people in the tent one last nod before heading out.

Margret turns to Zulima, “What are your thoughts?”

“My thoughts are we do what we can to rid the innocent people of the virus.” Her lips try to tighten into a smirk.

“That would be suicide.” Margret grabs her hand, wrapping it in to hers. “One alone had brought exhaustion on you. You wouldn’t try?”

“My, Margret, I would do as instructed. However you only asked of my thoughts.” She pulls Margret’s head under her arm, stroking her locks with her fingers. “Cepaen people have a flaw; we always listen to our hearts,” she gives a faint smirk.

“I can’t imagine any place more beautiful than your planet.” Margret thinks.

“Margret, my dear, you haven’t begun to explore the possibilities. As complicated as Earth may be, there are other planets, I would find more complicated. You…” she stops as DuPont storms through the tent.

“She is irrational.” He sighs, sitting back at his table. “If we don’t find someone able to breakthrough to her, she’s useless.”

“I’d like to try.” Margret stands, searching Zulima for approval.

Zulima pushes her head forward, nodding her neck. “I think Margret should try.”

“By all means.” DuPont shakes his head, “Away at it. Good luck.” He gets up and storms back out of the tent.

Margret follows, “Where are you going?”

“Fresh air! Break her.” He twists his arm in the air shooing off Margret as he heads in the other direction.

Margret takes a deep breath, noticing Colm across the camp, engaging with some of the warriors, Natika in the mix. He gives her a slight wink, as if he has been in her conversation from the beginning. Margret tilts her head for a moment, about to pry but decides to walk away, and finds the prisoner’s tent. “DuPont told me to speak to the prisoner.” Margret informs the guard.

The guard gives a slight nod, “Well wishes, Margret,” he encourages.

Margret pushes through the tent, seeing the woman huddled in the corner, no chains or ropes, choice of her own.

Margret sits down on the ground, not far from the entrance way, observing the woman, who continues to look down as if she hasn’t noticed anyone entering. Silence thick between the woman, Margret nervously begins to rambles.

“Two years ago I was leaving school, college, and I was approached by a strange woman. She knew my name and told me that we had to talk.  That was the day I found out I wasn’t 100% Earthling… changed my life forever. Changed my career forever. I’m now considered a warrior; By the way, I never planned on signing up with the US army, let alone an army from another planet.” Margret pauses, waiting for a reaction, but the woman remains still, staring at the flooring.

“Commander DuPont says you don’t want to talk. He is beyond frustrated.” She pauses for a second and then carries on, “He wanted to kill you. Not now, but then, when they found you. Zulima, well she wanted to heal you. I stood there, Zulima’s prodigy, and she asked me in front of the entire army, ‘Margret, what do you feel we should do?’ she asks me. Me. See, I’m supposed to have this gift, from my ancestors, where I can see things in the future… but truth is, I think its shit. I t’s probably stuff I make up in my head and don’t even realize it. Any normal person would feel crazy during these situations… visions that aren’t even frequent enough to be reliable… but when they do happen… Damn...” Margret pauses, Domnious still showing no reaction, she quickly continues her ramble, “Okay, so we are all around… of course we do not know you’d become mortal if the healers put hands on you.  No, we thought it was possible we heal the vampire in you, and then you could very well decide to kill us. Well, during the debate about your life, I got this super strong feeling that needed to save you. It felt like you were screaming in my ear to help you. So, that’s what I told the healers to do and they did.”

Dominious slowly whispers, “I wanted to die.”

“Okay… well, see that’s where we go back to this gift of mine being a little unreliable…” Margret sighs while actually doubting herself.

Dominious raises her head, “Are you ignorant?”

Margret tries not to take offense, “You wouldn’t believe how many people I’ve met over this last month. The stuff I’ve been through…”

Dominious’ brows narrow.

“Seriously, I’m not making fun, I’m just being real.” Margret now feeling subconscious, tries to explain, “Warriors. People from another planet. People from this planet. You, a vampire, was a vampire… learning to fight and how to use a new weapon… sometimes, my brain feels fried. And caffeine was cut. Oh, yea, no more coffee for me. Turns out there is no coffee on Cepaen planet…” with an afterthought she stumbles on her words, “Of course, I guess vampires don’t need coffee…” Margret’s ramble suddenly stops realizing. “Point is… if you hate the vampire Sultana, and Sultana is queen of vampires, then why aren’t you talking and helping us… We are ‘The good guys.’”

Dominious scoffs, “The good guys.”

Margret shrugs, “Way, I see it; vampires came and attacked Earth… taking over two countries and going for all or none. Kinda, makes the vampire the bad guys.”

Suddenly without missing a beat, Dominious mocks with a slow clap, “Congratulations on your shit.” Her body straightens and she becomes serious, “Your life doesn’t compare to what I’ve been through the last twenty-four hours.”

Margret takes a deep breath ‘don’t panic’ she reminds herself ‘what would Zulima say? What would Zulima say to me….” She searches for the correct words as Dominious has already hid her face between her legs, shutting Margret out.

“Okay, tell me what you’ve been through in the last twenty-four hours. I want to understand.” Margret softly encourages.

Dominious’ eyes peek over her knees.

“I’m trying to understand. What happened to you? What made you want to starve yourself to death? Why would any vampire try to starve themselves to death?” Margret raises an eyebrow toward her. “It makes no sense to me. From what I know about vampires…”

“In your stories?” Dominious can’t help to interrupt.

“Unfortunately, but that’s all I have to go on. Obvious sunlight doesn’t kill you, considering we found you in the morning.” Margret thinks.

“No, it does not.” She mumbles through her legs.

“Soldiers think the wooden steak thing, works, destroys vampires. According to some of the Planeteers…” Margret thinks, “Is that true?”

“If they figure incorrectly, aren’t all the soldiers doomed? However, will they kill us?” Dominious pauses. “Them. Kill them… it is now...”

“Does it bother you that you are mortal, again?” Margret sincerely wonders.

Dominious lowers her legs, stretching them out. Wrapping the palm of her hands over the knees. “How do I look? My body appears to be the same.”

“You look beautiful.” Margret honestly answers.

“Do I look old?” Dominious seriously fishes.

Margret shakes her head, “No, not at all. You look young and beautiful.”

“Odd, isn’t it?” Dominious tilts her head, “173 years after being turned, I am mortal again, appearing to never age.” She pauses lost in her own thoughts, taking a slight sigh, “It was made such a deal. The first international cricket game. I was dying… then Sultana…” Dominious scoffs shaking her head.

“You didn’t want to be a vampire?” Margret guesses.

“It often made me angry. But I accepted it. Figaro made me…” she stops, her eyes glaze over, as if she is staring through Margret.

“Figaro?” Margret asks.

A tear rolls from Dominous’ eye, sliding down her cheek. She quickly wipes it away, staring at the clear liquid on her palm. “A real tear.”

“Vampires don’t cry?” Margret pries.

“We do.” She raises her palm, “Not like this.”

“Did something happen to Figaro?” Margret tries to bring her back.

Dominious’ eyes shift toward the left as she gathers her memories, “We finally had it all. Sultana put me in charge of the children and their mothers. They were of a few villages the vampires had taken. It was my job to watch over them. Figaro and I. A handful of babies. One just born a couple weeks ago. Mothers terrified, rightfully so, but I promised them I keep them and their babies safe. I promised I would earn their trust. But the worse promise made was to Sabina and Marius.” Her eyes meet Margret’s, “There was an orphanage, most of the children went with the other mothers… but Sabina didn’t want to leave me.” Dominious’ lip slightly tilts as she remembers, “Sabina didn’t want to go with the other women. She chose me. She wanted to stay with me and of course her younger brother, Marius followed. Figaro and I, childishly, playing house, believing we could finally have the family we always wanted.” She drifts but as another thought enters she continues, “We actually, watched Sabina and Marius sleeping, and wondered what it would be like to watch them grow.” Her head shakes in a sullen disbelief, “Our children having children. Us being the vampire grandparents. Oh, what a jocular mood we were in...” Dominous quickly swipes at her cheek as another tears rolls down her face.

“Where are they now?” Margret tries not to assume the worse.

“Perhaps I will tell you that story another day. Perhaps, you will never know.” Dominious clams up pulling her legs into her chest once again, resting her cheek on her knees. “Please leave me be. I’m exhausted.”

Margret nods, standing to her feet. She begins to exit but stops with the afterthought, “Domnious, do you think you will help us to win against Queen Sultana?”

Dominous raises her head, arched brows narrow, “I will kill Lucius and help bring Sultana to her knees.”

Margret’s eye widen, stunned by her sudden hatred. “Who is Lucius?”

Dominious’ teeth grit, barely allowing her to speak, “The Queen’s number one warrior and tactic. Once I kill him, she will be forced to surrender to all of you. If there was any reason I wanted to live, it is to crush the visions of grandeur she so proudly transfixes. ”

******

Margret exits the tent being intercepted by Lucas, “You were in there a long time.”

She continues, “Have you seen Zulima?”

Lucas keeps pace, “With her warriors, I believe.”

“I need to find her and Colm.” Margret informs.

“What happened? Should I get the Commander?” Lucas confusingly inquires.

Margret pauses, “You can, yes. I just feel more comfortable speaking with Colm and Zulima privately. First anyway. Let Zulima speak with the commander.”

“D’accord?” his face slightly scrunches. “You are suddenly… frigid…”

Margret takes a deep breath, “I’m sorry, Lucas.” Her head involuntarily shakes trying to rattle the words to her tongue. “She has given me so much to process. In short, she sounds very willing to help us win this war.”

“Then I will say a blessed prayer of thankfulness.” Lucas’ lips slowly press against his cheeks, “And his son, whatever the true decent may be.”

Margret thinks for a brief moment, “Are you claiming to believe Jesus is from alien decent?”

Lucas' chin slightly lowers, “I’m claiming with all I have witnessed, there are possibilities.”

Margret shakes her head with a smile halfway smudged across her face. “Lucas, get the commander. I’ll get Zulima.”

He turns to walk away, “And Colm. Don’t forget about him.” He chuckles.

Margret’s cheeks blush and she gives a sighing giggle as she hurries off.

******

Lucas pushes through the tent, Dominious’ eyes raise to look at him.

“Commander DuPont has spoken with Zulima, the Cepaen… they would like to speak with you.” He softly informs her.

“I’m not ready.” Dominious lays down against the ground, allowing her head to rest against her hands.

“You will cooperate, we will get you a bed.” He tries to entice.

“I’m so exhausted, I don’t need a bed. I’m fine. Leave me.” She mumbles.

Lucas slides toward her and kneels closer to her face. “I spoke with Margret.”

Her eyes shift up, “Wonderful for you.”

“Margret’s loyal; she didn’t speak much of your conversation, except your willingness to help the United Nations defeat the vampires. We are to meet up with more armies tomorrow. Then we are to head into Hungary. We are said to prepare for battle. It is rumored the vampires have taken parts of Hungary. This is happening tomorrow. If you can provide other information our tactic may sway. But if your provide none, we continue to move forward boldly and blindly to what is ahead. All of us.” Lucas rest back on calves before rising. “I’m not going to pretend to have an inkling of what must be in your heart and mind. But at this point, you are the only one at this camp who can make the deciding factor if we are to win or more sure to lose.”

Lucas gives a slight nod to head out of the tent but Dominious’ faint voice stops him, “Wait.”

He turns and she is now forcing herself to stand. “I am ready to see them now.”

Lucas nods with a tight grin, “Let us go then.”

*****

Dominious steps into the large tent, the size of a small house, dividing rooms allowing for privacy. She follows Lucas toward the middle, and there Commander DuPont stands to great her, Margret and Zulima sitting in chairs, accompanied by a few other soldiers from both sides.

Dominious begins to fidget, her chin lowered, her eyes looking away.

“Dominious. Lucas. Thank you for joining us.” Commander DuPont’s voice is surprisingly gentle and sincerely welcoming. He takes a seat and offers for Lucas and Dominious to do the same.

Lucas pulls the chair out for her and she hesitantly sits down among them. Lucas pushes her chair forward and takes the seat next to her. The room remains silent, Dominious’ eyes, now a light green, find Margret. Margret gives a friendly nod, her hand wrapped in Zulima’s.

“Please, Dominious, advise us. We are here to listen to you.”  Zulima’s tender voice comes from across the room.

Dominious takes a deep breath, placing her hands on the table. “I’ve never been suitable for engaging a group.”

The room remains silent. Eyes on her, she shifts her focus on the table top.

“The queen was my friend. The only way she knew a friend to be. I don’t want her dead.” She lifts her eyes on the room, intensity swarms the air. Silence remains, and she gazes across the room at Margret who gives an encouraging nod.

“Sultana has wanted some horrible things finished. To your world and to my personal world. I am angry, I feel nothing but hatred, yet there is a piece of me that loves her. I would not be sitting here, speaking, if it were not for her loving me. Sultana loves me so much she did not want to watch me die.” Dominious eyes become moist, and she finds the table for a blank slate of comfort.

Lucas slides his hand across the table, subtlety squeezing hers, “D’Accord.” He manages a dim grin, nodding his head.

Dominious finds the strength to continue, “It becomes difficult to announce that you want your friend dead. After the horrid she disposed, more of you would find it an easy task to eliminate her, more than I ever am bound.” Dominious gathers her next thoughts, remembering Lucius’, his smug face after murdering the ones she loved. The subtle warning he indulged in, secretly gloated of the pain that would seize her. Her breathing quickens as she feels the anger begin to pulse against her new found beating heart.

“Sultana is like a canary that sings in her cage. Her cage is the castle that she senses is a halo. But the cat that watches her, and listens to her every song… the cat cannot have the bird, so he slinks around, causing mischief and anguish as if he’s hypnotized by the music. However, if you let the cat play you as the canary, it will devour anything to fulfill a hunger that it’s’ starved. The canary continues to simply taunt the cat. It is the cat that now guards the canary, because to the cat, the canary is his.”

Her eyes lift, “You can blame the canary, but the canary sits in the cage. It is the cat that continues to go for the kill.”

The crickets chirp outside the enclosure, she notices as some of the people of the table are trying to process her words, but Margret nods in agreement, understanding enough to know the difference between her analogies.

Commander DuPont clears his throat finding his voice, “Who is the ‘cat’?” he tries to keep up.

Dominious feels her teeth clench as she once again tries to spit his name, “Lucius.”

“Lucius is the…” DuPont fishes for her to say the answer.

“The warrior I told you about.” Margret quickly intercepts, allowing Dominious a sigh of relief.

“Of course.” DuPont answers. “Now that the name is floating in the air, how do we obtain Lucius?”

“Obtain?” Dominious scoffs, “There is no obtaining Lucius. He has to die.”

“Why?” Lucas whispers toward her. “If we can save him, give him fair trial and conviction, IF why must you say he needs to die?”

Dominious surveys the room, everyone intently waiting for her answer. “As long as Lucius is alive, Sultana will not stop until he is free. Once he is free, the cat has returned to prowl. The canary feels safe in her cage. You are seeking an end of Divobite’ trying to reign over Earth. It is Lucius. He is the one that continues to remind Sultana we…” Dominious corrects herself, “They belong here as much as humans do. That we are entitled to have whatever is on Earth. We were sired here, and we are pushed out by prejudice. Fear. Because some our evil, we are all thought to be evil. While I personally feel there is truth in the introspection, I also know that Lucius is the evil he falsifies in others of our kind.” Dominious takes a deep breath with a bit agitation, “their kind.” She accurately states.

 Commander DuPont examines his peers for a moment before questioning, “Does anyone at this table have concerns they’d like to address before moving forward?”

Everyone remains quiet, waiting for more information. “Then I ask, Dominious, how do we find this Lucius, you speak of?”

“Watching the canary’s cage.” She dryly announces, losing her vision in a blur.

“And the canary’s cage is…” DuPont waits for her to complete the sentence.

Dominious voice drops flat, as if she is in a trance, struggling to care of the information she is disclosing. The numbness trickling over her heart, is raping oxygen, “Romania Castle. They should be at the old Transylvania Castle.”

 Her ears become muffled, as the translation of DuPont’s orders travel over the table.

“You did well.” Lucas’ voice echoes through the ear canal, the pressure of his hand trying to give comfort against her spine.

“I’ve got her.” Margret’s tone brings a mild relief of comfort as she pulls Dominious by the arms, tugging her into the fresh air.

Dominious suddenly vomits. The little food and water she was able to intake, now stinging against her throat at is splatters to the ground. Margret holds her arm, pulling her long locks away from her face. “You did good.” She reminds her. “You just saved so many lives. You did real well.”

Dominious finds Margret in the dark, people now beginning to walk past, trying to pry, but Margret waves her hand for them to move on. “Lucius burned them all. Figaro. The mother, the children, the babies… he burned them all…”

Margret disturbed by the revelation, tries to remain calm and collect. “They will get him. We will get him.”

 ******

Read Next Chapter 26: Iguana Island

Read Other Realm Komiks Chapters

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 Prequel: Chapter 24: Solutions

Chapter 24:

SOLUTIONS

The middle aged woman stands in her kitchen preparing dinner. The air condition blast through vents, keeping her cool from the steam boiling off the stove. Her small television yacks in the background as she finely chops carrots against the wooden cutting board.

“Australian Woman, Georgia Lane claims she’d been attacked by crocodile men…” the television blares, beginning the news story.

She brushes her eyes toward the TV shaking her head, “Crazy people in this world.” Carrying the cutting board over to the boiling water she pushes it in with the knife. Grabbing another carrot she walks back to the counter.

The television rattles on, as she ignores the words, only enjoying the background noise. “Where’s the onion?” she ask herself, searching the refrigerator.  “Ah.” She grabs the red orb, taking it to the sink and running it under the water. The bright sun peers through the trees into her backyard. She turns off the water shaking the droplets off her hands and takes it to the cutting board.  She glares back up at the television now showing a rundown of the baseball scores, “Just show Devils Rays.” She pauses. The television rambles and finally gives the score of Tampa Bay, she smirks, “That’s my boys.” She dances over to the pot, now pushing the carrots and onion into the bubbling water.

“Alligator meat, you’re next,” she opens the fridge pulling out a perfectly wrapped aluminum foil package and shutting the fridge with her rear end.

Walking past to the window toward the counter, she pauses, taking a step backward and slowly turning her to the window.  A bare alligator stands, pressing its u shaped nostril against the window. The woman gasp, the foil meeting the linoleum flooring.

Fog presses against the glass, its nostrils resting on it, parting its pointed teeth. “Get back!” the woman shouts holding the knife in front of her. The alligator walks to the back door, pulling on the knob. The woman screams racing for the front door, she swings open the door, her knees deadlock…two alligators standing in the front yard turn toward her…

*******

Bruinen wraps his fingers between Nawfar’s, petite hands, squeezing lightly, the multitude of screens roaring in front of him. He has never felt so vulnerable, watching his Planeteers friends across the screen. They have never been on one planet all together, yet so far away. Earth’s division makes him more unsettled in this moment, than he has felt for a long time.

“We’ve had attacks now, in Florida. Not only sightings, but actual attacks. One woman dead, two men injured. People are being evacuated from the area.” Cromwell stands from his chair, tilting his head toward the screen, sounding genuinely distressed. “What the hell is going on here?”

His eyes shift subtly onto Bruinen and Nawfar, as if they know something more than what they are leading on.

Voices begin to speak on the screens from behind them, the room now ignoring it as the fall into their own conversation. “Listen to Czar Umberto and Herminia,” Bruinen suggest nodding toward the screen, “They know the Surraja Planet, more than any of us.”

Cromwell turns his attention back at the screens, United Nations listening intently as he has the attention of everyone now.

“It is possible that Sultana would have Poisonous Dart join her, a diversion, she can then swiftly move her plans.” Umberto wonders.

“Would that not be risky for Dart, considering her brother would surely try to take over their planet?” his counterpart, Herminia questions rhetorically.  

Umberto taking a brief moment to answer, confidently chimes, “An attractive exchange she cannot resist…”

“How do we find this Poisonous Dart?” the English Queen intercepts.

Rhian, from the Scylitan Planet shares her thoughts, “She’d likely to be hidden a place with many reptiles. A small area. One easy to control...”

Herminia continues her thought process, “An area she can practice her magic, gathering her strength from the area reptiles. She uses mind control effectively when given the proper resources.”

“Perhaps, in our country? The rain forest?” Marina Rocha suggests.

The United Nations intervene, after the idea is presented. “You send armies to these areas? Search for this Poisonous Dart?”  Seo-Jun Quon suggests.

“Brazil will make contact with all location immediately.” Marina Rocha nods. “We will advise every civilian immediately to report anything of suspicion.”

“I suggest we continue to work together of other possible locations.” Andre’ Roux nods toward Father Onfre who sits quiet.

“Agree.” The United Nations and Planeteers nod in agreement through the screens.

Cromwell walks toward Bruinen and Nawfar, “I’d like to know directly, from you, any suggestions?  Would you approach anything differently?”

Bruinen thinks for a moment, sharing a glance with Nawfar and scanning the room at the other Americans sitting around the table, keeping their opinions to themselves.

“I’d like to contact Tsunami. She is a fast reader. Extremely fast.  I’d like her to research our library and possibly an Earth one.” Bruinen decides.

Nawfar nods, “If anyone can figure out where Poisonous Dart is hiding, with haste, I guarantee this woman will find the information needed.”

“Okay, then. Mr. Watson, get Tsunami on the screen?” Cromwell agrees.

*******

Margret leans into the winged creature, stroking the velvet nape of his neck, its horn across her shoulder, pressing his head against her arm. She pats the nape of his neck, resting her cheek on his muzzle briefly before feeding him more lavender treats. “Why I’m so worried you will become a regular horse, must be silly to you.”

Opal snorts, grasping the morsels with his tongue. Colm gallops in behind them on Nacreous, hopping off as he nears Margret, grapping her into his arms and kissing her. She lets out a tiny high pitched screech, unexpected of his embrace.

Nacreous whinnies, nuzzling into Opal. “I told you not to take her out. What if someone saw you?”

“Winged creatures are everywhere on their radar right now, they aren’t going to shoot any of us down.” Colm smirks leaning in for another kiss.

“It’s not just the government…” she sighs.

“Oh, yes! The Earthlings and flying horses, what are they do think?” Colm taunts, “Nacreous needed to stretch her wings. Hasn’t Opal shown such needs?”

“Not that he’s led on,” she kisses the steeds muzzle as his head rises to her.

Colm shakes his head, walking her away, “He does it for you, not himself.”

“What?” she doubts.

“Opal knows you can’t handle the stress. You should let him ride free, us all together.” Colm suggest.

Margret stops, her head falling over her shoulder, observing Opal nuzzling into Nacreous.

“He’s okay; I’m just making a suggestion.” Colm explains.

Margret continues to walk, “You weren’t making suggestions, Colm. You are letting me know what I’m doing wrong.”

“I wouldn’t say wrong…” Colm tries to speak but she cuts him off.

“No, it’s okay. You’re right. You told me all the unipegs on Earth turned to horses and I can’t get that out of my head. Opal grabs a blade of grass; I give him ten more spheres of Cepaen cuisine. I’m so confused. I feel like my reality is obscured.” Margret’s eyes shift as she tries to comprehend the amount of her emotional anguish she just unleashed on Colm, in a few sentences. Embarrassed she continues, not making eye contact while he strokes her hand in comfort, “This has all been a lot. And then the visions… I’m afraid; I’m afraid that I’m afraid.”

‘We will get through all this together, I’m here.’  His thoughts try to lay a calming cloud on her mind.

“Don’t do that.” She sharply interrupts, “Don’t do the calming mind thing. Not here. It makes me feel even crazier. It’s like Cepaen Prozac, or something.”

Colm clutches her cheek in his hand, stroking her jaw with his thumb, “We will get through this together. I’m here.” He repeats verbally, his lips touching her forehead before his hand finds hers, walking forward. “Obviously I do not have the human emotions you have, but it does not mean I do not understand. We are intertwined, soulmates, I feel so much of what you feel.”

She pauses, turning toward him, “Colm, you feel nothing of what I feel, and understand little… when you cannot fully feel my pain.”

“I sense it. I know of it.” He tries to remind her.

“But you do not feel it.” She lets go of him turning away, walking alone.

He processes her words for a moment, and then begins toward her, stopped by Natika, “Colm, a moment? There is someone I’d love for you to meet. A delightful individual.”

“I…uh…” Colm stutters, trying to makes sense of what just took place between him and Margret, her body slinking away to a group of soldiers, her rear finding a seat next to the crackling fire. “Yes, sure.” He nods, Natika already having their arms interlocked, tugging him in her direction.

******

Margret coyly pears over her shoulder, searching for Colm. “Margret,” The handsome solider addresses, taking the empty seat.

She snaps her head toward him, and forces a smile, “It is. And you are…Oh, I’m sorry, I’m horrible with names.”

“Lucas.” He gently reminds her.

“Yes, Lucas.” She smiles. “Our tour guide of Metz. I didn’t forget you, really, just names… I’m horrible…” she bashfully tries to explain.

“It’s okay,” he chuckles.

“It’s not, it’s really not. I need to take on one of those tricks, to remember everyone. I’ve been introduced to so many people over the last weeks my brain is finally like…” she points her finger, slowly drooping it, adding a sizzling sound effect, “It doesn’t want to take on anymore.”

Lucas’ hand subtly hides his lips as to keep him from bursting into laughter. Margret’s eyes observe her drooping finger; “That appeared phallic, didn’t it?” she blushes shoving her hand under her leg.

“A gentleman wouldn’t comment on such a statement.” He smirks, his dimple pressing against his cheek.

“Lucas.” She reminds herself. “Lucas, what brings you to the fire?”

“Actually, I approached because you sat here. The beacon against your skin.” His tone becomes even and smooth.

“Oh… I uh…” she stammers trying to find words.

He nervously snickers, “I apologize if I overstep. You are with the man, from the Cepae Planet?”

“I...uh…” she struggles to answer at first, “Well, I am. I guess. Yes.”

“Doesn’t sound completely convincing.” Lucas titters, “A courtship that is perhaps questionable?”

“Not at all.” She quickly tries to correct, “He is just so sure. I mean so sure. Like, SO SURE. And I, I… I don’t understand how someone can be that sure.  How do you know? How can anyone, I don’t care what planet you are from, be that sure, when you barely know someone. Does that even really happen?”

Her head shakes trying to understand as she ask the questions out loud, suddenly realizing the flake she must be perceived to be to the handsome Franco-German Brigade soldier.

“Sorry, ridiculous. I’m just thinking out loud.”  She quickly spouts, apologizing for her words.

“Oh, please, do not be apologetic,” he lightens the air, “He’s from another planet, has different customs.” He simply smiles.

Her head flings behind her, finding him engaging in conversation with a clingy Natika and another Franco-German solider, obviously fawning over Natika’s beauty.

“Exactly.” She turns toward Lucas. “Nailed it.”

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t familiar with women and their different customs. Europe can be full of them.” He winks and her heart involuntarily flutters.

Margret finds a giggle, “Lucas, can you imagine a world with no jealousy? No anger? No resentment? Not one droplet of negative emotion to blacken your soul?”

Lucas thinks for a moment, “A Utopia. A heaven. I can imagine it, yet I can’t believe it would ever exist in life.”

Margret sighs, “You are walking among those who make it exists.”

“The Cepaen?” Lucas’ eyes burrow in his head, him trying to understand.

“Me, among them, it is like a black sheep among a perfect flock of white, silken wool, sheep.” Her eyes unexpectedly cloud, “And they are so perfect, not one of them acknowledges the skepticism, of what could happen, with me around.”

“Perhaps, you are more perfect than you realize, and they are not blinded, but you fail to see in yourself what others see in you.” Lucas leans toward her.

“Precisely.”  The even voice says from behind them.

Margret’s rear end quickly lifts off the seat, standing before Colm, “I uh…” she tries as if she is guilty.

Lucas stands behind her, “Lucas.” He extends his hand toward Colm.

Colm, knowing the custom, without hesitation returns the gesture, “Colm.” He smiles.

“Colm.” Lucas hangs on his name for a moment, “Colm, you are a genuinely blessed man. I appreciate Margret’s company, thank you for sharing her with me.”

“Her company is hers to share alone, but in the same, thank you for recognizing our souls as mates, very galactic of you.”  Colm beams gracefully.

Lucas cheeky glances at Margret whom shrugs, then continuing with Colm, “My pleasure.” Lucas gives a slightly taunting bow and one last humorous glance at Margret before walking away.

Margret shakes her head at Colm with disbelief, “Have you no inkling of jealously?”

“Of what it is or the feeling of it?” he teases.

“The feeling.” She boasts.

“That I do.” He grins smug.

“Really?” dumbfounded, her voice hits an extra octave.

“Of course,” he agrees, “It’s that feeling you get when you see Natika and I together, engaging.”

Her fist spontaneously hits against his chest as her head falls flat against him, “Uh, you are annoyingly perfect.”  She lifts her head, tilting it toward his chin, “But you do know he is totally into me, right? Lucas is flirting with me. He wants me.”  She playfully pokes, “And if it weren’t for you, I’d totally let him have me, you know that, right?”

Colm pulls her far enough away to gaze in her eyes. “Is this banter supposed to make a man jealous?”

“It most certainly is.” She confirms.

“May, I take you and make sweet love to you instead?” his hand wisp across her cheek, gently, softly crawling to the arch of her back, trailing down her spine, “I’d like to kiss you, everywhere.”

Her eyes flutter from his touch, the chill slowly creeping up her spine as his tips caress her skin, “In the tent. I don’t want to look week among fellow soldiers.”

His lip folds upward, “I’d like to laugh at your assessment…”he grasp her hand pulling her toward the tent, Margret trying to find eyes on them, but finally only noticing one pair, Lucas’.

Colm closes the tent flaps behind them, her ears suddenly between his palms as he presses his lips hard against hers, their tongues intertwining, his soul grasping for hers - Margret’s mind quickly trying to catch up with what is happening with their bodies. With their souls.

There.

Here.

 Engaged.

Together, inside and out, now tearing at one other’s clothes, desperate to join their naked bodies.

******

Tsunami grabs at the cell phone, it ringing across the room, the facetime flashing across the screen. She tries to adjust her eyes, letting her fingertip swipe the green button.

Bruinen and Nawfar come across the screen, looking as if two parents, checking in on their child.

“Tsunami?” Nawfar ask, trying to make sense of her flattened hair and smeared dressings.

“Huh?” Tsunami tries to focus.

“Where’s Kae?” Bruinen ask.

“Over here.” Kae moans from across the room.

****

Bruinen looks down at the phone, noticing Tsunami’s face plastered against five other screens, “Can’t you shut those down?” he snaps.

“They’re connected,” Mr. Watson tries to explain.

“What is wrong with you?” Nawfar struggles to understand, “Are you hurt?”

“My head is pounding.” Tsunami stresses, “Is it huge? It feels huge.”

“The appearance is as always Tsunami. Do you need medical attention? Are you and Kae in danger?” Nawfar concern, guesses.

“They look hung over, sir,” Mr. Watson tries to lean into Cromwell, discreetly, but Bruinen sharply turns his head eyeing them.

“I don’t think so.” Tsunami groans, “It must be this Earth air, having a strange effect on our health…”

“Ask, them if they had anything to drink last night, other than water.” Cromwell embarrassingly request.

Bruinen pauses, annoyed.

Cromwell sighs, “Please just ask.” 

“Have you had anything peculiar to drink?” Nawfar intercepts, not waiting on Bruinen.

“Just some Earth drinks. The water and uh… the pink stuff with all that floating Earth plant and some fancy garnish, maybe… perhaps.” Tsunami tries to remember.

“It had frozen water in it too.” Kae chimes from across the room; body sprawled out on a bed, “Frozen water, in a drink. In a pink drink. It was…. Beautiful.”

“It really was.” Tsunami agrees trying to keep her eyes open. “Tart but delicious.”

“What happened to them?” to Nawfar stands.

Cromwell’s eyes roll, “Please, Sovereign Nawfar, they consumed alcohol. In small doses it is harmless and in tad larger doses, it can cause what we call a hangover. An after effect of the alcohol on the body.”

Mr. Watson covers his mouth, pulling at his cheek trying not to laugh, along with the other presidential advisories in the room.

“This is not a joke.” Bruinen angrily confirms.

“We take it serious.” Cromwell agrees, scolding his team with his shifting eyes. “It is a… flaw that happens to the best of our people, on Earth, sometimes. Almost any country, actually. There is nothing to be embarrassed of or angry about it. It was merely a misunderstanding.”  The president turns to his assistant, “Can you assure they get their hands on a lot of Gatorade and perhaps some greasy food.”

“Of, course, Mr. President,” Watson nods quickly leaving with the room, breaking into a small laughter when he gets to the hallway.

“Give it about six hours; I can assure you they will be okay. Until then,” Cromwell addresses the staff, “Let us get a hold of our top scientist and researches. I want ongoing ideas thrown at me until my body is bruised.”

Bruinen gazes at the phone in disappointment, “They will have someone there to reintroduce you to your proper health and structure.”

“Okay.” Tsunami closes her eyes against the phone. “Sounds great”

“Tsunami.” Nawfar snaps, causing the teenager to try and focus, “I expect more. Read up on customs.” She hangs up the device, hitting it against the table. “We need an outlet to relax.” She demands standing from the table, already making her way toward the door.

Bruinen nods, gently pushing in his chair and waiting for the President to join him.

“I will travel to Bahamas.”

Nawfar over hears and quickly rises, “Bruinen.” She gently protests.

“You are perfectly capable of making the decisions here. Tsunami and Kae are young and naive. They need direction.” Bruinen reminds her.

Nawfar sighs, “I want to disagree. I cannot.”

Bruinen toward Cromwell, “It is decided then. Nawfar will make the choices needed, here. I will join Tsunami and Kae until they prove things differently.”

Cromwell nods, “Okay then.” He turns toward another man in the room, “Arrange this please.”

“Yes, Mr. President.” The man agrees.

Bruinen turns to Nawfar, “We will still continue strong communication.”

“As always.” She agrees. “I will walk along side of you soon.”

“Until then.” He kisses her small forehead before heading out.

“Nawfar, would you like to join me in meeting with a few of our top researches?” Cromwell urges.

She subtly nods, “Yes, I would.”

*******

Raging fire screams over bodies as chaos unceasing to fold. Gun fire ricochets, one bullet grazing past Margret’s arm, ripping at her flesh, she winces in pain, pausing her to catch a glimpse of Zulima, a fanged man flinging himself toward the space Zulima occupies.

“Zulima!” Margret screams out.

Seconds too late, Zulima is tackled by the creature….

******

“Margret. Margret.”

Her name pulls her from the war, slowly to conscience now filling the images with empty darkness, light now pressing against her eyelids…

“Margret.” It’s Colm’s soft whisper against her ear, his hand gently tugging on her arm to wake.

She flings her eyes open and quickly sits up, relief that her surroundings are of the inside of the mundane tent they reside in.

“Somethings going on outside.” He immediately informs her, already dressed. He shoves her clothes into her arms, “Get dressed. We need to explore this matter.”

She nods, mundanely, snugging her body into her tank and leggings, still recovering from the dream she was left with.  

She slides on her boots and searches for Colm, standing by door of the tent he waits patiently for her, extending his hand towards her, she grasp it and he pulls her out into the fresh air.

Soldiers of the Franco-German Brigade and Cepaen Planet surround one area. The rest of the camp is vacant, the crowd is hard to see over, and a few of the Cepae warriors flap slightly above in the air, to get a better view. “What is it?” Margret leans into Colm.

He gives her the obvious answer, just arriving with her, “I have no idea.” 

“Do you see Zulima?” her tiptoes slightly rise, her neck extending.

“I don’t.” Colm begins pulling her back as the crowd backs away, in order of Commander DuPont, asking everyone to step back.

“I understand, we are curious,” he shouts in a powerful and commanding tone, “We have some choices to make. I will be willing to hear rational thoughts when the time comes, but as your commanding officer, along with Zulima and Zagzagel, we need the space and respect to find the best solution amongst one another.”

Margret observes as soldiers from both sides nod their heads in agreement and understanding, leaving a gap wide enough for Margret to now catch a glimpse of Commander DuPont, Zulima and Zagzagel standing above a woman’s body, it curled into a fetal position.

Margret spots Lucas through the crowd and tugs on Colm, ‘Follow me’ without hesitation he allows Margret to guide them toward Lucas. “Hey.” She approaches.

Lucas’ head swings towards her and he gives a wispy smile, ignoring Colm on her hand, “Hello beautiful, half breed.” He winks.

Pretending to not notice his flirtation, “What is going on? Who is that woman?”

He leans into her ear, “It’s a vampire.”

Margret tilts her head concerning at Colm, “A vampire?” she slightly gasp with a whisper.

Lucas, hearing her, turns, noticing she is speaking with Colm. “Oh, hello, fellow.” He smirks.

“Where is my Margret?” she hears Zulima’s soft voice struggling to echo through the crowd.

“I think she’s calling you.” Lucas gently pats Margret’s shoulder.

“Zulima, needs you.” Colm tugs at Margret’s hand almost simultaneously.

Colm tries to pull Margret pass the mob while Commander DuPont backs up Zulima with a louder announcement, “Please let Zulima’s Margret past!”

Slowly the crowd becomes more aware of their passing, allowing an easier access for them to get through. Zulima lays eyes on her, almost with a sigh of relief, pulling her from Colm’s grasp and hugging her. “Where have you been?” she questions, as if she were meant to be by her side all along.  

“It’s one of Sultana’s vampires,” Zulima states nodding toward the woman, Margret now has the chance to observe every detail on her.

The woman looks starved, her long red hair drapes over her bony cheek bones, body thin, knees pulled tightly into her chest. “Is she dead?” Margret asks.

Zulima’s shakes her head.

“She is not,” Zagzagel chimes in.

“Should we try to heal her?” Zulima questions as if Margret knows the answer.

“I….” Margret stumbles on her words, awkwardly dragging her eyes across the crowd whom wait for an answer.

“We have a few ways of approaching this situation.” DuPont chimes in, “We kill it, and give it a quick death or We let it hang on to what life is left, and if it wakes we try to get information from it.”

“Or we heal her,” Zulima adds catching Colm’s glimpse.

“If she is well she can lead us to Sultana’s choice of residence. Ending all this quickly.” Zagzagel finishes.

“Or it has its strength back and decides to blood suck us all to death.” Commander DuPont gives the final detail is a slight humorous undertone.

“I….a….” Margret’s lips tighten as the bottom lip quickly hides behind her tooth.  She takes a deep breath, meeting Colm’s chiseled face. ‘Why are they asking me?’

‘Your gift,’ he reminds her.

She shrugs her shoulders with frustration and turns to Zulima, “I don’t think I should be making this decision.” She tries to whispers.

“What do you feel?” Zulima ask her. “What do you sense?”

“I sense that I am not God and no life, vampire or anything else, should be a choice of mine, if they live or die.” Margret searches for Colm’s hand for comfort.

“With all due, respect, Margret, this is a war. These tough decisions have to be made every day on the battle front. I suggest you best prepare yourself for the worse case scenarios. All of you!” he addresses the murmuring crowd for moment, “Now, Zulima says you have some gift of insight. If you do not have this insight then we need to move forward in our decisions.”

Commander DuPont meets Zagzagel, “Warrior to warrior, respectfully, I feel we should destroy it. If it gets the strength to feed, it is a danger to us all. It might be week during the day and gain strength at night. Take out a great part of our camp and us. We may never have the chance to meet up with the others before the battle really begins.”

Zulima stands between the two men, “Perhaps, we should wait to see what the United Nations and Planeteers leaders, decide. We can give them before night fall.”

Margret’s head starts to spin, their words now echoing between her ears, becoming fainter, another voice deep in her mind grows louder.

“Stop!” Margret shouts.

The crowd silences and Margret’s eyes begin to focus, feeling uncomfortable with the stares. Her eyes meet Zulima, the commander and Zagzagel, her hand tightens against Colm’s palm. “We don’t have until night. She will die by then.”

“She spoke to you?” Zulima hesitantly wonders, mystified and almost horrified at the same time.

“I ugh…” Margret searches for the correct answer.

‘She is of darkness, Margret. Can you tap into darkness too?’ Colm’s thoughts press against hers.

Margret pulls her hand from Colm’s, covering her eyes with her palms, allowing her fingers to pull the eyelids to her temples, trying to refocus. “I don’t know if she spoke to me. But I feel I know that if we don’t save her now, she’s not living until tonight. And I feel we should really save her now, if you are capable of saving a creature of darkness.” She chooses her words carefully, grabbing a deep breath of air, anxiously awaiting Zulima’s answer.

“We heal her then.” Zulima answers with an ounce of hesitation.

“We are going to heal this vampire, based on a feeling?” The commander questions.

“Yes.” Zulima nods, now with more certainty.

Commander DuPont touches eyes with Zagzagel who gives a reassuring nod. “Let us be prepared then.” He gives his approval.  DuPont turns, searching the crowd, “Deputy Boyer!” he calls out to a man.

“General.” Lucas Boyer reports to the front.

“Arm our men appropriately. Prepare for the kill if needed.” He instructs.

“Yes, sir.” Lucas nods. “You heard him,” he now shouts to the other men, leading them away.

Zagzagel finds Harahel and with a slight hand gesture all the winged forces are armed with swords and bow and arrows, as if magically appearing in their hands.

DuPont smirks toward Zagzagel, “You’d perhaps humor me and the rest of the united nations with your light weight traveling weapons.”

Zagzagel, grunts with a twisted grin, “That’s a Planeteers matter.”

“I envy the weaponry. You will at least find humor in training me with it?” DuPont inquires.

“Considering we both walk away from this battle. Yes.” Zagzagel banters.

Commander DuPont’s men return, Lucas leading them, in hand with long wooden steaks, some holding fire. Margret tried not to smirk; it felt like she had suddenly walked into a very confused 1800’s vampire saga. Lucas finds her eyes flashing a wink, causing Margret to blush.

Zulima nods toward the commander, leaning down to the woman, prying the vampire’s arms away from her knees, gently allowing her head to rest against the dirt. Her strawberry locks fall into the dust, her lips parted, revealing the razor sharp incisors hanging from her mouth.

Zulima takes a deep breath and rest her hands on the woman’s chest.

‘Zulima. If the vampire wakes, Zulima will be her first target…’ Margret suddenly begins to panic.

‘Zagzagel will protect her. He’s prepared.” Colm’s soft voice presses calmness in her mind, easing her nerves, his thumb caressing the back of her hand.

Everyone watches eagerly and anxiously as Zulima’s hands glow a faint blue hue, pushing strength into the limp body.

Seconds.

Then, Zulima’s head tilts, “Somethings, wrong…” Zulima tries to gasp, “Help…” her white sockets find Colm, “You must…” her voice begins to become week, glazes of concern emerge over faces as Colm rushes to Zulima’s side, placing his hand on the vampire, his hands now glowing among Zulima’s.

Silence erupts at the camp. Anticipation falls heavy against Margret’s heart, barely feeling the beat against her chest.

The ginger haired woman suddenly gasps a breath causing everyone to become tense, holding their weapons tightly in front of them. Zulima falls against Colm, and Margret rushes down to them, grasping on Zulima, staring at the woman as she struggles to gain clear consciousness.

She pulls herself into a sitting position, her green eyes flapping open, “Thirsty.” The struggles. “Thirsty.”

A sort of panic ensues, glances exchanged amongst each other.

“Water. I need water.” The woman grabs at her throat.

Lucas throws down his weapon quickly grabbing a canteen of water and shoving it into the woman’s hands. She chugs at it, pouring down her chin as her mouth can’t gulp fast enough. She wipes her lips, blinking her eyes again at the scene in front of her.

Whispers begin, as confusion brews, Margret suddenly realizing, “Zulima and Colm’s healing powers, they didn’t just heal her they must have healed her.”

Theories grow louder through the crowd, weapons now being lowered, the woman trying to make sense of it herself.

“What is your name, girl?” Commander DuPont asks.

“Dominious.” She softly answers.

“With your agreement, Zagzagel, I’d like to announce Dominious as a prisoner among this camp.” His eyes meet Lucas’ “Get her taken care of, she needs food and more water. See she is fully guarded.”

“Yes, sir,” Lucas answers commanding some of the men to move forward.

********

Read Other Realm Komiks Chapters

Read Chapter 25: Canary & the Cat