Candor shook his head. “No, Seiss Theniass. The only memory I have is the dream about the humans.”
“I certainly hope that they are not real,” Kythonia said. “Beastly creatures they were. Brutal and savage, deceitful, and against all that the Goddess stands for.”
Candor agreed with her. “I too hope that it was not real. Perhaps the Goddess imparted knowledge to me upon my passing. Aside from that possibility, I am quite content to believe that it was a hallucination in the last moments before my death.”
Zyphon nudged Candor, and when he turned to look, Zyphon inclined his head toward Sador and Janesska. Jinx was escorting them personally, and Candor hoped that he hadn’t taken it upon himself to inform them of his courtship to Thalia.
“Seiss Theniass, Shajin Kythonia,” said Sador as he bowed. “You both look well for citizens of your age.”
“How true, my old friend and brother,” said Theniass. “You should try incarnation for yourself, Seiss Sador. You can’t imagine the feeling. But please, I welcome you to both come and sit with us. Your noble son was just sharing his experiences before being rejuvenated.”
“Incarnation has not yet been ruled on by the Senedos Seiss.” Sador replied, as he and Janesska joined them. He winced, and Candor could tell that his father’s back was ailing him again. “And as for taking that path myself,” he continued. “These old bones and I have become close friends. I don’t believe that I’m ready to part with them just yet.”
Janesska seemed to ignore the sparring, as she asked Candor. “You remember something else then, little one?”
“No, Mother,” he replied. “I was only relaying what you and father already know.”
Candor found it strange that she was more interested than disturbed, which made him wonder why. He began to ask when Thalia, beautiful Thalia with the golden eyes, brought them back to the point for this impromptu gathering. And for reasons that Candor couldn’t articulate, he was grateful for the interruption.
“Father, Mother, Candor has something that he would like to ask you.”
Candor stood, so that he could be seen and heard clearly, especially since he felt a little dizzy. Once again it was loyal Jinx who stepped in, offering him a glass of liquid courage. He smiled at his friend, and Jinx nodded in understanding. Then taking a sip of jenjiss, he cleared his throat, an entirely unnecessary act for a Penticorian, and after taking a deep breath through his skin, he began.
“I ask for your patience as I discuss a matter of utmost importance,” he said, indicating Seiss Theniass, and Shajin Kythonia. “And both of you as well,” he said to his parents. “I know that it is not required, but your love and support mean everything to me. I simply could not go forward without your blessing.”
Everyone around the table was smiling, and Candor sensed that they all knew what was coming. They were only waiting for him to make it official. He hesitated for a moment, and even though he had spoken to hundreds of citizens at the beginning of Earthly Light, this made him more nervous than a thousand movie openings. He felt the touch of a hand as it slid gently into his own. He found Thalia standing next to him, smiling with a joy that made his heart glad. He knew that she was the one for him. No matter the course of time or circumstance, she would always be there to love and support him. He vowed to be worthy of that love and devotion, and to return it in kind.
“Lady Thalia has proffered me the great honor of courting her in the traditions of our ancestors. I have gazed into her stunning eyes, and I have seen her beauty and grace, her strength, and her wisdom. Not to mention that she is an excellent dancer,” he quipped, eliciting a laugh from everyone around the table.
“I have accepted, for I know in my heart that I love her. And now I humbly, and with utmost respect, ask for the blessings of you, Seiss Theniass, and Shajin Kythonia. And you, my beloved mother and father. The whole of the family does not stand alone, apart from the center. This is the way of all who cherish our heritage, and seek to honor the sacrifices of those who came before us.”
Candor had no idea where the words had come from, or how they managed to come out of his mouth so eloquently. He only knew that he spoke from his heart, and it was important to him that there were no rifts between their families. That Thalia could rest easy, knowing that the love and support of all of them would be a pillar of strength that she could rely on. He looked at her, and found tears welling in her eyes. Although unlike before, he knew that these were tears of joy. She gently squeezed his hand, letting him know that she approved.
Everyone around the table was silent. Thalia’s and Candor’s parents exchanged glances, and all of them held broad smiles. Yet Candor couldn’t tell what was going to happen next, because he knew about the long-standing friction that existed between Sador and Theniass. Thalia’s father rose to his feet, and her mother followed as Theniass shouted. “My son, welcome to the family! Of course, you have my blessing, a thousand times you both have my blessing! I’m so happy for the both of you!”
Kythonia cried with joy as she hugged them both. Soon Janesska and Sador joined them, gave them their blessing, and welcomed Thalia to the family. In no time at all everyone was hugging, laughing, and crying in equal measure.
Candor was never so happy in all his life. Now, more than ever, he believed that his human memories were nothing but dreams. And as he basked in the love of his family, and his beloved Thalia, he was happy that he was awake, and the nightmares were over…
And lo, on the fields of Hessock
The Goddess appeared before me.
As around Her radiant majesty
I did see the spirits of my ancestors
And those slain by my hand
The banners of my clan lay fallen
Amongst the bodies of mine enemies
Their blood flowing like a river before me
Staining the ground, and my fadosh
“Never again!” I declared as I wept
Kneeling before the robes of the Goddess
Her hair the color of midnight, Her eyes a golden hue
And look! Eos did stretch out her hands!
And the sky began to turn from red to blue,
As she commanded me in a loud voice;
“The blood of thy brothers cries out to Me, warrior!
And I shall not let their sacrifice pass
For thou armies have transgressed against Me!
And against the weeping of the deep soil,
And stone, and sky, you and thy progeny shall suffer.
“And the air shall become stale for thee,
And it shall no longer sustain thee, nor thy kind.
And under the soil thou shall live!
For as the beasts of the field thou shalt go
As My gifts to thy race have been squandered!
“And I, even I, shall take my vengeance upon thee
Until one becomes born, yet unborn
And he shall sin, five upon eleven times.
“The door will be opened by his hand
And this one shall be a pleasing sacrifice,
So that My anger shall pass over thy seed.”
Book of Eos
Seiss Nophte Halsshik
Six
Candor Shubin opened his eyes, and discovered that he was standing in an old abandoned warehouse. Looking down at his hands, he saw the pink flesh of a human being, and his stomach churned with revulsion. Even the air felt acrid and thick, with a hint of sulfur that burned his lungs, and felt alien to him. Yet it was only the beginning of this vile and twisted knot, coiling its way through his gut, and forcing the bile to rise into the back of his throat. Because around him were the bodies of six dead men. Since he was the last man standing, he could only assume that this was his doing. Or more to the point, the handiwork of his alter ego, Jeremiah Strange.
“Getting smarter in your old age, aren’t you, Candy?” said Jeremiah.
Candor felt something different this time, a division between himself and Jeremiah that was new.
How is it that I can remember everything so clearly now, and not when I wake up?
“Got me,” replied Jeremiah. “There’s a whole level of insane bullshit going on here. Even I don’t get it. You know, you really should let me out occasionally. I’d have some real fun with Thalia, I promise you that. You move way too slow.”
Candor felt the anger swelling inside of him, a raging volcano that threatened to take him apart at the seams. Insane murderous prick! You stay away from her, you got that!
“Hey, don’t blame me! I’m not the one who conjured up a split personality so I could survive and keep my sanity. I’m so sick and tired of your incessant whining, and complaining. Sooner or later I’m going to take over completely, because you want me, you need me!”
The mere thought of that monster touching his beloved Thalia sent shockwaves of anger through him. Is this real, was I really a pathetic human?
“I’ll be damned if I know. The only things that I know are what you let me. And right now, you’re knee deep in shit, even though you don’t realize it. You need to let me out! We’ll figure it out together, if you let me out. Remember, I’m the smart one, the one that knows how to survive.”
You’re a killer and a murderer!
“I’m a survivor! I saved your ass on countless occasions!”
No! You’re a product of my childhood, and a government experiment to create heartless assassins that can be turned off and on, like a fucking light switch!
“You say tomato…I say tomãto, you say potato…I say potãto…” Jeremiah sang in a twisted limerick that fueled Candor’s anger even further. “Hey, Candy-ass?” he said. “Do you think that Thalia is a moaner, or a screamer? I sure would like to find out.”
Bastard! Candor screamed. His fury was like rolling thunder, and he felt Jeremiah flinch, which made him push even harder. You forget, Jeremiah! You couldn’t have become what you are without me! If you possess the will to murder, then so do I. And I can assure you that the only one I want dead is you!
“Think about it, Candy-ass. You don’t know what that’ll do to you.”
You know what, you’re murdering heartless piece of shit, and I don’t care! I’d rather be dead or a vegetable than for you to hurt the ones that I love!
In the depths of his mind, deep inside his expanded Penticorian abilities, Candor visualized himself. In this vision, he was Candor Shuveen, son of Sador, and Janesska. Breathing through his skin in his true body, which was young and vibrant, his long fingers and gray-green skin were comforting. Before him was a door. It was tall and thick, made of forged steel and set in a sturdy frame. He reached out and grasped the doorknob in his hands, and discovered that it was unlocked. Tugging at it, he realized that Jeremiah was on the other side. As he pulled in one direction, Jeremiah pulled in the opposite direction, trying to keep the door closed. Candor redoubled his efforts, and slowly the door began to open. Jeremiah was human after all, contained in the old bones of Candor Shubin. Jeremiah began cursing at him, taunting him. Yet his words didn’t faze the powerful Penticorian on the other side. He pulled harder, and as he did, the part of him that was still standing in the warehouse doubled over in horrific pain.
I’m coming for you, human, Candor Shuveen said with a malevolent smile. And there is nothing that you can do to stop me. I will never let you harm Thalia, or any of my family! You shall meet the Goddess!
“Come on, Candy,” replied Jeremiah. Moreover, Candor Shuveen heard the pleading in his voice. “Can’t we work this out? After all, we’ve been together for a long time. Come on, you can’t do this!”
Filthy human! I have had enough of this nightmare! This is only a dream, and I was never one of you, a pathetic sack of flesh that chokes on oxygen. You are an aberration, and you will be destroyed!
Jeremiah shouted as he pulled against the door with all his might. Yet it was no use, as Candor opened the door. As he did, there in the warehouse, his eyes defocused. Once clarity returned, he saw two arms springing from his shoulders. One was that of a human, while the other was longer, clearly Penticorian. His legs, his head, and his torso followed, as Candor drove a permanent wedge between the human, and the Penticorian. A scream erupted, born in the agony of the separation. Wracked with pain, both Candor and Jeremiah reeled, as flesh tore, and along with it, the personalities of two distinct individuals. It was Candor Shuveen, who stood up first; watching as Jeremiah Strange, bound to the body of Candor Shubin, sank to the ground as muscle spasms shook him.
The Penticorian waited, savoring the moment. Slowly, Jeremiah got to his feet, glaring at the alien with eyes filled with both hate and longing. “You shouldn’t have done that, Candy!” He spat, pulling a knife from a sheath at the small of his back. “But look on the bright side, once I kill you, I’ll be the only one left. Then your life, and Thalia’s, will be mine!”
Candor Shuveen stared at the short aging human, with his insane eyes, and arthritic hands. Standing a full two heads higher than the human did, Candor crossed his arms over his chest. Without fear, he stared at the nightmare called Jeremiah Strange, his anger frothing. He felt the urge to leap forward and throttle the human. Yet the Penticorian in him was patient, knowing one key element of this encounter that would never occur to Jeremiah.
“You forget, human, I am in control here. This is just a dream, my dream.”
“I’m going to gut you, and then watch you die,” cackled Jeremiah. “And when I’m done, I’m going to wake up and kill Sador, and Janesska. And then I’m going to visit dear sweet Thalia, and we’ll have some fun together before I slice the skin from her bones, and pluck out her golden eyes.”
“No,” replied Candor. His tone was emotionless. “You’ve already lost, Jeremiah. I’ve outgrown you, and don’t need you anymore.”
Jeremiah started to curse, but it was already too late. Candor was now in full command of his mind. With the powers and prowess of a Penticorian, and the brutality of a human, he reached out, not physically, but mentally. Then seizing Jeremiah in a vice that he imagined in his thoughts, he began to squeeze. Jeremiah’s curse turned into an unabashed scream of terror as his bones began to crack, imploding and shattering as his muscles ripped, and flesh tore. His eyes burst like two ripened grapes, and blood spilled from his sockets as he crumpled to the floor. The knife clanged across the warehouse, and Candor smiled, savoring the moment. Because the memory and personality of Jeremiah Strange, was expunged forever.
It felt like a cool bath of acid in his brain, searing away the murderous venom that poisoned his soul for far too long. He closed his eyes, feeling the last retreating scream of Jeremiah fade to an echo. When he opened them again, he was still a Penticorian, and he was standing before another door. This one resembled a vault, such as you would find in a bank. He knew it was the vault of his memories that Jeremiah kept shut. Now, with Jeremiah gone, he smiled as he walked through the door, and into the archives of his life.
Five years passed since the opening of his first movie, and Candor Shuveen awoke from his exploration into the deeper reaches of his mind with an uneasy tension. He lay there for a moment, in the quiet solitude of his bedroom, staring at the ceiling as he tried to put the experience into perspective. Then taking a deep breath through his skin, he managed a smile. For the first time since his rejuvenation, he didn’t feel conflicted, as if there was a part of him that was separate from the rest.
“Goodbye, Jeremiah Strange,” he said softly.
Jeremiah was gone, only Candor remained, and he took solace in the fact that he had defeated the nightmare, while preserving his memories. He knew all about the human dream now, with nothing in the shadows. For starters, Candor’s parents fled Italy, in April of 1944. One year later, Mussolini and his mistress were executed, and the end of World War Two was close at hand. By 1945, Germany was making its last stand on the western front, and Japan had surrendered to the United States. Meanwhile, Candor’s parents booked passage to New York, along with several hundred other refugees, some of them German
scientists. As it happened, Candor’s parents caught the attention of one of them, which eventually cost them their lives.
For Jewish refugees didn’t mix well with German scientists who were still loyal to Hitler. Candor wondered if death in the gas chambers of Auschwitz would have been better than the fate his parents suffered. For at the time, the Americans were deeply involved in several Cold War projects that employed German scientists who were captured, or who had fled, or defected. These scientists had no quarrel using human subjects for experimentation. Call it collateral damage, or a necessary evil, wrapped in the cloak of democracy and freedom. So, when Candor was born toward the end of 1959, he and his parents were already living on the Air Force Base in Montauk, Long Island. His parents were experimented on, and ultimately murdered, while he and many other children like him were taught English, along with an advanced scholastic curriculum. Yet at the same time they were victimized, brutalized, and psychologically broken down in every way imaginable.
The doctors and scientists convinced themselves that it was for the greater good. Yet the fact of the matter was that children were being reprogrammed for a Cold War agenda, and turned into living weapons that could be aimed at will. Human missiles with unnatural skills like remote viewing, or sleepers like Candor, assassins who were psychologically triggered to kill, and then trained to bury those memories after the mission was completed. Candor, or at least the Candor in his human dreams, was a successful sleeper. The Penticorian in him was intrigued, because to insulate his mind from the torture, this human Candor developed a split personality. An entity designed to shield his sanity from the depravities of life.
Sitting up in bed, he stretched, running his hands through his hair just as he did each morning. Yet this morning was different, because even though his memories returned, he knew that he was missing an important piece of the puzzle. He felt as though he was hiding something, but if he was, then he was hiding it from himself, and that made no sense at all. That aside, what really concerned him was that upon entering the vault, he couldn’t retrieve any Penticorian memories from before his rejuvenation.
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