Box Set #5: Nemesis: [The 4 book 5th adventure of Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood]

by Robert Iannone

  “That’s why she asked to join.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “She feels terribly embarrassed by her behavior. She’s returned your friendship by falling in love with your man. She wants to get away . . . give you guys the space you need to get married and settled down.”

  “Seriously?”

  “Why are you so surprised?”

  “I guess I assumed that with her inexperience with men and with non-Divine Ones, she would not act so maturely. She is such a wonderful person. I hate to see her lose her first love.”

  “Thinking about stepping aside so those two can explore their feelings for one another?”

  “If I didn’t love him as much as I do, I would. Have you ever heard the term soul-mate?”

  “Sure. Must be a universal concept.”

  “Well, he’s mine and I believe I’m his. That doesn’t happen very often.”

  “Most times it never happens.”

  “So I’m not being selfish?”

  “Good grief, no. You’ve been amazingly generous with this whole affair . . . no pun intended. I doubt if I could be friends with a girl that was in love with my soul mate. I’d scratch her eyes out.”

  “Is that something earth women do? Scratch a person’s eyes out?”

  “It happens . . . but usually metaphorically.”

  “I would love to visit your world . . . and the others as well. But . . .” and she shrugged.

  “Keep an open mind. I know I will.”

  “Truly? Thank you.”

  “Don’t thank me yet. I need to see if you can pull off a look in a less official-looking outfit. Let’s get you something sexy to wear. Well, girlie anyway.”

  “You must think me shallow . . . but that does excite me. Can I get new shoes, too?”

  “The whole works . . . including some lingerie that will drive your man crazy.”

  Jax’x giggled like a schoolgirl. “I’m guessing lingerie is your term for body intimates.”

  “I’m thinking black lace”.

  “Not sure what that is, but I’m game.”

  “Maybe we’ll do two outfits – one good enough for spelunking and the other for a date night with Jay’gar.”

  “Spelunking?”

  “Cave exploring.”

  “Oh. Well, that seems appropriate.”

  “I think a version of what my avatar Sera’Fina wore would work. Step over to this contraption and I’ll have it scan you.” Egg turned a dial, pressed a button and a beam of light shot out and did what it was meant to do – scanned Jax’x. “Okay, let me twiddle, turn and flip a few controls.” When she finished, she had the other girl enter a closet-like cabinet. “Here you go” and the thing made whirring sounds. “Alright, come on out.”

  “Wait a second. Do you have a hair brush?”

  “Hang on,” and Egg ran and got one. “Here”.

  “Thanks. Give me a second.” Girls combing their hair – not going to happen in a second. Not on Earth or on Spell ‘Bound. About two minutes ticked by before the ex-Librarian emerged. “What do you think?”

  “Nice . . . very sexy in a practical, bad-ass, no-frills sort of way. Take a look,” and she pointed to a full-length mirror.

  The girl stared at her image . . . doing a full pirouette to see herself from all sides. With a big smile lighting up her face she said “It’s true . . . I am a girl.”

  “Yeah, you are. Jay’gar is one lucky man.”

  “Yeah, he is,” the girl teased back.

  “Ready for your date night outfit?”

  “Absolutely. What did you have in mind?”

  “Well, like Spirit said – I have zero fashion sense. On the other hand, I have a friend back on Aerianna that does. Her name is Molly. I don’t think she’d mind if we borrowed one of her outfits. Get back in the closet.”

  Jax’x did as she was told. “Ready.”

  “Here goes,” and Egg twiddled with the controls and the machine whirred. When it stopped, out stepped. . .

  “Beautiful, elegant and downright hot. Take a look.”

  Jax’x did, and after examining herself with great interest proclaimed, “I can’t believe that’s me. Do you know what the really sad part is?”

  “What?”

  “I’m an Amber Heart. I could have created these outfits with a thought. Problem is . . . I’ve never seen such styles before. Everything on my world is pretty basic, and definitely unattractive, stuff. My imagination would never have allowed me to conceive such beauty. Thank you, Egg.”

  “My pleasure.”

  “Now it’s your turn.”

  “I’ll show you how to use the controls.”

  “No need. I’m going to use my powers.”

  “Really? I thought you didn’t have the imagination.”

  “I don’t. I’ll just alter the outfit you’re wearing. What do we have to lose?”

  “Well . . . me for starters.”

  “Is the great Egg of Earth scared of new clothes and a hair style?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Too bad. Okay, first off . . . let’s get rid of the grey. I think we’ll go with my new favorite color.”

  “Which is?”

  “Red, of course.” Then Jax’x put her hand on the Amber Heart and a moment later Egg was transformed into . . .

  “Oh my gosh . . . that was epic.”

  “Do you like?”

  Egg examined herself in the mirror. “Better. But kind of plain . . . and not classy at all. And the hair probably can stand a small alteration . . . maybe a little more volume. Don’t tell Spirit I said that.”

  “Okay. Let’s try this . . .”

  Egg again examined herself in the mirror. “Seriously cute. Poor Benny won’t be able to keep his hands off me.”

  “Have you and Prince Charming ever . . .” but she politely left the rest of the question unspoken.

  “I kissed him once. That was kind of nice . . . him being a prince and all.”

  “One kiss and now you’re engaged . . . I’d say that was a heck of a kiss.”

  “It’s not like that.”

  “Let me guess . . . it’s a long story for another time.”

  “When this is all over and we have Tee and Jay’gar back . . . then we’ll talk about things like this. Fair enough?”

  “Of course. So, are you satisfied with your look?”

  “I think I’ll make one small change. Be right back.” She ran to her cabin and came back with her necklace. “How’s this?”

  “Cute. That was one of the three pieces of jewelry your grandmother gave you, isn’t it?”

  “Who told you?”

  “BreeZee.”

  “What a blabber mouth. Yeah, this is one of them.”

  “The other two were a bracelet and a ring, right?”

  “Yup. Each piece gave me two powers. Believe me when I tell you that I blindly stumbled onto the answers. It was just dumb luck that I passed Dazzle’s test.”

  “Dazzle?”

  “Her real name was Princess Rose’Alynnia. Later it was Queen. Now it’s Queen Mother. Dazzle was the name of her sword . . . which became the symbol of the resistance against Mobius – the guy that caused all the trouble.”

  “We’ll add that to the stories you’re going to tell me later. But that brings up a good point. Let’s see how you look in your flying suit. We have to make sure that this hair style works for Flying Girl.”

  “Good idea. Ring tend to my suit,” and a gray fog enveloped our heroine. A moment later in cleared. “Ta da.”

  “Marvelous.”

  “Well, you know what they say . . . a mirror never lies. Thanks, Jax’x.”

  “That was fun. Now if I can get Po into something this cute . . .” but she didn’t finish.

  “Thinking about how Jay’gar might feel seeing her in something other than robes?”

  She was about to protest but dropped her head instead. “I was. I can’t believe I’m so petty.”

  “I’m guess
ing it’s how we women are wired . . . it’s in our DNA. Why would we voluntarily give the competition an advantage?”

  “That’s a valid point but I can’t bring myself to truly believe Po is my competition. Makes me pretty naïve, I guess.”

  “Makes you pretty awesome in my book.”

  Jax’x looked at Egg for a moment. “You would make a spectacular role model. Wait, that came out wrong. You ARE a spectacular role model.”

  “Please . . . don’t say things like that. I’m no different than any of my sisters. Besides, look at you. You’re starting a revolution to save your world. You and Po are the real role models. When this thing is over, they’ll build museums in your honor. And let’s not forget the history books with your pictures splashed all over it.”

  Jax’x smiled sweetly. “I might have started things . . . but it will be you who sees it through to fruition. I’ll never be a hero . . . it’s not . . .” she hesitated as she searched for the right words. “It’s not in my DNA.”

  “I don’t want to argue about this. For starters, we aren’t anywhere near finishing this fight. So, no more talk of heroes and role models. Okay?”

  “Okay.”

  “Good. But for the record, it will be you, not me, who will go down as savior in the history of this world.”

  “I presume your get the last word in this discussion.”

  “Always. Before we go check on the others, a couple of things are bothering me.”

  “Like what?”

  “For starters, how did the Divine Ones stop the MAGEK machine from working with Amber Hearts?”

  “If I had to guess, it was probably the same way we’re going to shut it down.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “It seems to me the reason it takes an Amber Heart, a Divine One and a person with no mark to alter the machines programming is rather obvious. Each segment of the population has to agree to any changes.”

  “Okay, that makes sense. But why someone with no mark since they come along only once in a generation?”

  “Because they can never turn into a Divine One. Everyone else with the X might. So this person represents all the non-gifted on the planet.”

  “Ohhh. Good thinking.”

  “What was your other question?”

  “Well, now I still have two. Why would an Amber Heart help the Divine Ones defeat her own kind?”

  “Must have been a traitor . . . or it was done under duress.”

  “Okay, that was pretty obvious. Last question, your power is limited in distance because you can’t connect to the machine . . . just like Po’s will be when we turn it off. But how are you able to control Ziz? You sent him miles away to meet us. You don’t have that range, do you?”

  “No, I don’t. However, if I put a small amber heart in Ziz, which by the way was already there, I can control him at much greater distances.”

  “That could come in handy. How far?”

  “Don’t know. I haven’t experimented yet.”

  “As soon as we find some time, I think you should. It’s another potential weapon at our disposal that the bad guys won’t know about.”

  “Will do.”

  “Do you think the same is true for the Divine Ones . . . only using their hexes?”

  “I don’t see why not.”

  “Any idea where they keep their spare stones?”

  “I don’t. Maybe Po does.”

  “What about you? Do you have spare amber hearts?”

  “Yes. I found a stash.”

  “Suggestion – split them up into smaller amounts. If some get stolen or destroyed, you’ll still have the other half.”

  “Wonderful idea. Can I leave one set on the Gracie and other set on the Astral . . . at least till this is all over.”

  “Of course. Ring tend to my suit,” and Flying Girl became Egg. “Let’s go check on the others.”

  Chapter 7 – All You Need is Love

  The Library

  The Librarian was already up and dressed. She had made her way to the kitchen and was preparing her favorite breakfast . . . well, Jax’x’s favorite breakfast. Feeling frisky this morning after a good night’s sleep, she was concocting what we on earth would call flapjacks. She was about to use a spatula to turn them over when she giggled. Why not flip them in the air and catch them again in the pan. So, she did . . . flipping them a bit too high.

  At that instant, Po assumed control of the avatar. The first thing she did was scream. It wasn’t because being inside the mind of an avatar was disorienting – which it was. The unexpected crash of flapjacks scared the batter out of her (so to speak).

  She stood there for almost a full minute to still her heart, catch her breath and figure out what the heck had just happened. When she realized it was the flapjacks, she smiled. “Jax’x, you can’t get enough of them, can you?” she said to no one in particular.

  Then she jumped again as someone banged on the door. “Librarian, open up,” came a muffled voice. The loud knocking was repeated.

  Po walked over and asked, “Who is disturbing me at this hour?”

  “Lightning Flash.”

  That was unexpected. Since the young woman worked for Grassy Knoll, she had no business being in the Library. Jax’x probably would not have known that . . . but Po did. But at the moment, she literally wasn’t herself . . . she was the Librarian. Opening the door, she asked her visitor, “Good morning, how may I help you?”

  “Gather what belongings are most precious to you. Do it quickly.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “We are leaving the Library . . . now.”

  This was truly unexpected. But Po needed to speak to Jagged Peak about Tee’ka . . . something she couldn’t do if she was forced to leave. “Has Jagged Peak agreed to this?”

  “It is not for him to approve. Now, either gather your belongings or I will teleport us immediately.

  Po needed to stall for time to find out what was going on or for Peak to make an appearance. “As you wish. How long will I be gone for? That will determine what I will bring.”

  “Assume you are not coming back.”

  “WHAT?”

  “When you leave . . . it will be for the last time. Now hurry.”

  “Am I being relieved of my duties?”

  “In a manner of speaking.”

  “Divine One, it is not my place to ask for explanations, but . . .” and she left the sentence unfinished.

  Flash gave that some thought . . . seemingly fighting an inner battle to decide how to respond. She exhaled loudly in resignation. “I am trying to save your life. You are aware that Chaos’ mas is almost upon us. There is going to be a great and ugly power struggle between my Absolute, Grassy Knoll, and Jagged Peak’s Absolute, Forrest Green. Unfortunately, you are going to be caught in the middle, and you will most certainly be a casualty in the conflict.”

  “And Grassy Knoll wishes to save me from harm? Is that why she sent you?”

  “She did send me . . . but not for your safety. She does not wish you to fall into the hands of her hated adversary. She would rather see you dead.”

  “Why am I such a threat?”

  Again the other girl hesitated. “You know very well why.”

  Now that was interesting. “Do I?”

  “Librarian, we are on the same side.”

  Say what? “Which side would that be?”

  Before the question could be answered, there was a commotion in the outer room. Obviously, someone had just teleported into the Library. In a panic, Lightning Flash was about to take Po and leave when she heard, “Librarian, are you awake?” Stating the obvious, she said, “It’s Jagged Peak.” To Po’s amazement, the girl visibly relaxed. “We’re in here.”

  A moment later, in walked Peak. Jax’x was right, thought Po; he was good looking . . . though not up to the standards of Jay’gar. He looked from Flash to the Librarian then back to Flash. “What’s going on? Why are you here?”

  “To save her.
”

  “Did Knoll send you?”

  “Of course. She wants to insure that our friend doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.”

  “Where were you taking her? To the Crypt?”

  “That’s where I was ordered to take her. Obviously, I can’t.”

  “Then where?”

  “I was going to hide her until I could talk to you.”

  “Well, without realizing it, both Absolutes have now backed us into a corner. I’ve been given one day to interrogate the other then dispose of her. We’re forced to move our plans forward.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “What choice do we have?”

  Po, the Librarian, listened to the conversation with utter fascination. Was it possible? Was she reaching the right conclusion? Time to find out. “You two are working together, aren’t you?”

  “Obviously,” replied Flash.

  “Against your Absolutes?”

  This time Peak answered, “Yes. I did try to tell you before.”

  So that was why he put Jax’x in the cone of silence. “How is that possible? You are on . . . opposing sides.”

  Then her surprise turned to shock. Jagged Peak walked up to Lighting Flash, pulled her into an embrace, and kissed the heck out of her. Po blushed at the show of intimacy . . . but could not force herself to turn away.

  *****

  Home of Taysen and Hay’gar

  “Come sit on the bed,” said Bl’azzz as she patted the spot next to her.

  Kr’eep didn’t hesitate and virtually flew across the room. He landed so hard that his momentum once again carried him into his companion. “Sorry.”

  “You just can’t keep your hands off me, can you?” She meant it a joke.

  Not wanting to offend the only woman who had ever shown the least bit of interest in him, Kr’eep croaked, “I didn’t touch something I wasn’t supposed to, did I?”

  Now we humans know what he was referring to. But Soo was really Bl’azzz who was a dragon. Male dragons can’t get ‘handsy’ because they have none . . . so Soo was momentarily flummoxed by the question. She finally responded with a stern, “I’ll let you know when or if you cross the line.” She then smiled. “I’m obviously not as sophisticated in the ways of love as you are. Maybe . . . maybe if this goes well . . . well, maybe.” That was mostly gibberish but Kr’eep took from it what he wanted.