Penticore Prime

by Mark Chevalier

Zyphon was no better. His eyes were haunted, and he looked tired, like he hadn’t slept in weeks. Their eyes found one another, and they moved closer. Not a word needed to be said, because each one knew what the other suffered. Finally, Zyphon closed the distance and they embraced. They were friends, and more, they were brothers. Brothers who had seen the passage of time together, and were now being parted forever. They wept as they embraced, and as their grief consumed them, Candor said. “I will miss you, my brother, and I call you my brother because you are. Even though we do not share the same mother and father, you have always been there for me.”

  “I know, Brother,” said Zyphon between sobs.

  Candor found the rest of the family huddled together in an embrace. All around them other families were doing the same. “This is a cursed place,” he said. “It is a house of tears and pain. I shall thank the Goddess when it is no more.”

  “I know, Candor. I wish that I didn’t have to leave.”

  “Damn the Senedos Seiss!” Candor shouted without care, wiping tears away that were only followed by others in short succession.

  “No, Candor,” replied Zyphon. “They were fair, and I accepted their judgment freely.”

  “You only accepted their judgment to ensure my pardon, and to absolve me of my part in the first incarnation!”

  “It cannot be undone, Candor. I must not defy the Senedos Seiss. Now you must promise me that you will not speak against them.”

  “I’ll do no such thing!”

  “You will, and for me you must,” Zyphon insisted. Another wave of tears came over him, and an explosion of grief. Because he was leaving them forever, and in many ways the finality of that separation was like death itself. For soon they would be beyond each other’s reach, both in time, and space.

  They hugged again, and when they parted, Zyphon turned to Vesspa. “You are my finest student, Vesspa. You are like a daughter to me, and I shall think of you with fondness, and the love of a parent. I want you to promise me that you will look after your father and mother. You must watch over Seiss Sador, and Shajin Janesska. But mostly your father,” he said, and for added effect he twirled his finger next to his ear. “After all, he is a little unstable.”

  Vesspa laughed, even though she hadn’t meant to do so. It was an odd and charming sound, rising like music over the depths of all the despair around them.

  “Says you,” replied Candor. “Why, I’m as sound as Penticore Prime herself!”

  She laughed again, hugging Zyphon. “You have my word, Teacher. I hope that I was a worthy student.”

  “Young one,” said Zyphon, as he caressed her cheek and smiled. “You are the most worthy and skilled physician that I have ever trained. Somewhere deep inside of you the bloodline of my ancestors runs through your veins. I could not be prouder of you than I am at this moment.”

  Theniass and Kythonia approached Candor, their arms wrapped around both Thalia and Ghedron. Together they embraced, and soon Thador and Vesspa joined them.

  “May the light of Eos shine down upon our houses forever,” said Theniass. “And even though we are not together, we are still together. For we shall always live in each other’s hearts, and we shall miss you terribly.”

  Candor seized Theniass by his tunic and hugged him. While his other arm reached out, and taking Kythonia into their embrace he declared. “Mother, Father, I miss you already, and my heart is breaking under the weight of your loss.”

  “You must be strong, my son,” Theniass replied. Yet it was no use, because they were all sobbing. “You must look after our daughter, and our grandchildren. You have been a fine and loving husband to Thalia, and a better father to your children than I was to my own. Do not forget it, and never doubt who you are.”

  “So long ago, you and Seiss Zyphon came into our home and saved my life,” cried Kythonia. “Now let me save yours, my dear son, and my sweet daughter. I beseech you to live, and love. Stay true to one another for as long as Eos favors you with life. I know that our separation is difficult, but believe in me when I say that we shall be well. We shall think of you often, and we shall love you forever.”

  “This is more than I can bear!” Candor cried. Thalia hugged him, and soon even Jinx was there. His immortal hands adding strength where there was none, and giving comfort where he could.

  A chime sounded inside the station, a signal that final preparations for departure were underway. Candor felt like someone had reached into his chest and ripped out his heart. There were many other words that followed, but Candor heard little of them as he wept. All he could focus on was touching them, hugging them, and committing each scent and gesture to memory.

  “I love you all, most dearly.” Were his last words as they departed, waving goodbye as they left. His strength waned as he wiped at the bitter tears rolling down his cheeks, soiling his tunic. Yet he didn’t care. Everything around him was a blur, as if he was standing inside a dream and nothing around him was really happening.

  Jinx was there to arrest his fall, just as Candor felt the cane slipping from his hand. “Come, Seiss Candor,” he said gently. “You must sit, and rest.”

  “Jinx, they’re gone…they’re really leaving us. Such a cruel and dark day this is. They were our family, our friends, for centuries!”

  “I know,” replied the simulacrum. Jinx helped him to a comfortable couch near one of the supporting structures. Thalia joined him, her head resting on his shoulder as she cried with him. His mother and father joined them, hugging them both tightly, while Vesspa and Thador sat at their father’s feet and hugged his legs, and together they grieved. Nothing could quench the pain in their hearts. Not even the sound of the moorings as they retracted from the departure station, or the sight of the massive ark-ship as it began to rise. The launch-t performed as it was designed, without a sound, as the mountain of a ship slipped above the station. A low hum shook the ground, the sound of the magnetic generators engaging to full power, propelling the ships away from the surface of Penticore Prime.

  The cable was silver in appearance, and except for the long spiraling groove, it was smooth and perfectly round, down to the millionth of a nanometer. The product of Construct Healer technology, thought Candor.

  The ship rose high into the air, and everyone in the station inclined their heads skyward. With the transparent walls of the station, it was an impressive sight. And as both arms of the launch-t came into view, everyone saw the second ark-ship attached to the opposite side. Slowly it began to turn as the ships gained speed, and soon they were little more than silvery dots in a blue backdrop of sky. Photonic images appeared above the crowd, and everyone watched in fascinated silence. Both the speed and spin of the ships increased as the launch-t shot through the lower atmosphere. Twelve seconds after that, the docking clamps released their hold on the ark-ships, and like streaks of light, they disappeared into the void. It was a void matched only by the empty feeling in Candor’s heart.

  “They’re gone,” he said softly. “Eos, bless them for a safe journey, and may they find a pleasing new world when they arrive.”

  “Eos bless them,” replied everyone around him, their lament carrying outward through the station, thousands of voices raised in hope and grief to the Goddess.

  For quite some time, no one moved. They simply stood, or sat, or cried, or all those things at once. Family was everything to Penticorians, and this departure represented a rupture in their collective psyche. They were all lost, like an amputee with a phantom pain they cannot explain, the hurt running so deeply that it threatens to steal your sanity. Candor was no exception, for time was lost to him, and he wasn’t certain how much of it passed as he wept with his family. What he was certain of was that his heart was broken. He knew that he was changed, different, and the world would never be the same again.

  Four-hundred years slipped through the hourglass. In that time, the departure of the Out-World Faction was completed. While in addition, six cities were transported into the future. It was a hard thing for mos
t citizens to comprehend, as once a city vanished, there was no further communication. In practice, every scientist knew that those cities were both safe and productive. Not to mention that for the first time in over two-hundred and fifty-thousand years they could venture outside, or even open their cities to the atmosphere. Yet the lack of contact remained disturbing, something that carried with it a grim determination to see all of them moved through time, so that they could be reunited. And even though Candor watched his children grow, and basked in the love of his wife, the emptiness in his heart never healed.

  He still had not been incarnated, a byproduct of his stubborn will, and fearful thoughts. And the joints in his knees screamed for an end to the discomfort of walking, as his cane stabbed mercilessly at the floor in front of him. You’re nearly there, old boy, he thought, as they passed under an archway in the Great Hall. Jinx was by his side, and it comforted and annoyed him to varying degrees. As of late, Thalia was worried about his physical condition. As such, and with the utmost blessing of his mother, they ordered Jinx to look after him.

  It seems that I should have a chaperone wherever I go these days!

  “Are you well, Seiss Candor?” Jinx asked him as they entered the arena.

  “Yes Jinx, I’m fine. You know, I’m not so old that I can’t make it from here-to-there without assistance. I’m old, not an invalid!”

  Jinx shrugged. “Indeed. However, both your mother and your wife disagree, so I must do as I am commanded.”

  “So loyal you are, my old friend. I must admit that I am a bit disappointed. I always thought that you would gain a heightened sense of individuality. Perhaps lead a simulacrum revolt, or some such thing.”

  “We have a place of honor before those that made us, so I find the very notion disturbing. Aside from the fact that simulacrums were created to serve Penticorians.”

  “Oh, I know,” grumbled Candor. “On second thought, I am not well. My knees beckon me to cease my hostilities towards them. So, give me your arm, my friend.”

  Candor switched his cane to his other hand, while Jinx lent him his strength. “You really should be incarnated, Seiss Candor. You are aware that you suffer needlessly.”

  “I’m also aware of the fact that I have only two rejuvenations remaining. I am quite content to live in this body for as long as I am able.”

  Jinx heard the argument before, and didn’t respond as they reached their assigned seating. It was near the base of the arena, not far from the box where Candor was, the first time he visited the Great Hall.

  “I was so young then.”

  “Younger then what?” Jinx asked as he helped Candor to his seat.

  “It’s nothing, I was just reminiscing.”

  “Candor,” said a voice nestled in his mind.

  He looked around as if someone had spoken to him, but then he recognized it as the same voice that had been calling out to him for centuries at various times.

  My madness appears to have no bounds, he thought.

  “I’m right here, Candor. Look, and come find me.”

  “Did you hear that, Jinx? Did you just hear that voice?”

  Jinx looked around. “There are many voices around us. To which do you refer?”

  “I’m talking about the one that just said, ‘Look, and come find me.’”

  The puzzled expression on Jinx’s face told Candor what he needed to know. Ah yes, I am truly mad. And my unfortunate Thalia has bonded herself to my insanity. In the end, she shall be poorer for loving a wretch like me.

  “I am sorry, Seiss Candor. I did not hear anyone call to you in such a manner. Shall I summon Vesspa to attend you?”

  The opening ceremony began, and Candor’s eyes closed to sharpened slits as he tried to set aside the dark feelings that threatened him. The photonic image of Eos hovered above the crowd as the music played. As Candor witnessed so many times before, it passed into the arms of the statues which guarded the dome. A moment later, the council session began. Seiss Demast was still the leading Senedos Seiss. He was no longer an old Seiss, however, having availed himself of an incarnation.

  “Candor, I’m right here. I’ve always been here.”

  Who are you, and what do you want? I should be old enough now to have outlived the hauntings of my youth! Leave me!

  Candor ignored the noise of the council session. His focus turned inward as he struggled to understand the origin, and nature, of the voice.

  “You’ve forgotten about me, Candor, haven’t you?”

  Forget what, a voice in my mind that drives me mad! Every few decades I’ve had to endure your irritating barbs at the decay of my faculties. So then, why don’t you come out? Let us be done with this once and for all you fiend!

  The voice in his mind laughed, and it chilled Candor to the marrow of his old bones.

  I’m just looking to have a little fun, Candy. You thought that you could get rid of me, but I’ve been here, quietly lurking behind the scenes for centuries. You can’t get rid of me, you need me! You’ve always needed me to protect you, and make you strong! You remember what Seiss Demast said about the escalating violence in the city, don’t you? That was me, Candy-ass. Even back then, I would sneak out once and a while to have some fun. But honestly, I lost interest. You Penticorians are as hard as hell to kill, and even when I damn near take someone’s head off, they still manage to get themselves a new body. It’s infuriating, so I gave it up. But I’ve got a new plan, and this is just the place to test it.”

  Candor’s blood ran cold as Jeremiah opened the vault, and all his memories came flooding back. Memories that were dusted off after centuries of being kept locked away by his vile alter-ego.

  Jeremiah Strange! It’s not possible!

  “Candy ass,” Jeremiah replied with a laugh that prompted Candor to tighten with fear.

  But you’re dead! I killed you myself, a long time ago!

  “You only thought you killed me, a form of suicide if you think about it. I faked it, I hid, from you and the rest of the world. I bided my time until I could grow stronger, or conversely, you could grow weaker. And you are weak, Candy. You’re nothing but a pathetic old Seiss that’s forgotten who you really are.”

  I’m not a human! I never was a human, it was only a nightmare!

  “Wake up and smell the sok-ta you fool!”

  Candor held his breath. His skin broke out in a cold sweat, and his hands gripped the cane on his lap with such force that they began to turn gray.

  What shall you have from me? Whatever it is, get on with it you despot!

  “Oh, I shall,” replied Jeremiah in a mocking tone. “You know all I ever really wanted, was to have a little fun.”

  To Candor, it felt like an explosion in his mind. Jeremiah invaded his thoughts like a virus, assuming total control of his body. Immediately, Candor sensed what he was after.

  No, no not that! Exclaimed Candor.

  Jeremiah was inconsolable, an unreasoning monster as he reached into the crowd with Candor’s mind-gift. While in a last-ditch effort, Candor attempted to fend him off by turning his gift upon himself. Jeremiah was too strong, and shattered his will. His body went rigid and he began to convulse, like he was having a seizure. Everyone around him knew that something was wrong, and many of his fellow citizens approached, offering aid to the famous tale-smith.

  Jinx called out in alarm, “What’s wrong, Seiss Candor!” He reached out to take hold of him, and watched in terror as Candor’s eyes flushed a deep crimson.

  It was no use, Candor was unreachable. And Jeremiah threw in something extra, as an invisible barrier formed around him. Jinx was violently thrown backward. The force of the mental blow sent him careening in an uncontrollable spin, finally coming to rest six rows behind Candor. Meanwhile, all Candor could do was watch in horror, as Jeremiah began to daisy-chain the magnetic forces of every Penticorian in the Great Hall. There were thousands of them, and with enough combined energies to bring the towers themselves down upon them. Screams erupted from the cro
wd as citizens ran for the exits. And with a sharp thundering crack, three fissures opened in the dome above.

  “Candor, please stop!” Jinx shouted, fighting to reach him.

  Jeremiah cackled, as a wicked smile crept over Candor’s face. Then without warning, citizens began floating through the air, hurtled skyward, and then shot straight into the podium where the Senedos Seiss resided. The carnage escalated, as bodies littered the floor of the arena, and what was left of Candor Shuveen cowered in terror, as Jeremiah shouted with glee.

  “I’m just having a little fun! Isn’t that right, Candy?!”

  Then something happened that Jeremiah did not expect. Something that as an interloper, he never gave due consideration. He felt his control of the magnetic forces around him being usurped by someone else, swept away from him like a leaf in a tornado. The ground shuddered, as the immovable object met the unstoppable force. And Jeremiah looked through Candor’s eyes, and found Seiss Demast standing over him.

  “Did you honestly think that you were the only one to have evolved with this ability?”

  Bless Eos for your intervention! Candor cried out, still locked inside Jeremiah. Kill me! Please kill me, Seiss Demast! Give my despicable soul a merciful death!

  The incarnated leader of the Senedos Seiss hovered over his body, and Jeremiah screamed in fury. “Help me, Candor! It can’t end like this! We can kill him together! Remember what he did to us, remember what he did to Zyphon!”

  Candor Shuveen was at peace, laughing at Jeremiah. I’ll do no such thing. How little you really knew me, knew us. You’re nothing but a coldblooded murderer, and together we shall finally account for our sins.

  Seiss Demast touched his forehead, and sensing the mind of Jeremiah Strange, he recoiled in disgust. “I declare,” said the old Seiss. Jinx stood behind him, ready to assist in whatever manner the Senedos Seiss commanded. “There are two fadosh’s inside of him! This one, the one that looks upon us, is not Candor, but another.”

  “That’s right, decrepit old relic!” Jeremiah cursed as he struggled to break free. Yet Seiss Demast was far older and more powerful than Jeremiah was.