Finally, Chex wiggles his shoulders and stretches his neck from one side to the other, slowly coming to himself. I’m relieved to see this occurring. He’s regaining mobility because he’s choosing to partner with the light and not fight its control.
The Aarap who’s slithering around him moves away and unleashes a loud shrill. It is an alarm of safety, letting the others know that Chex has accepted the light and they are safer.
“Ugu Mag?” Na’ta begins frowning thoughtfully, “The first people? Never heard of them.” She waits for elucidation.
“They have been separated,” a second Aarap says. “They are of soil of the Earth, warm blood, and the wind of Elrrzz.”
“Wait…” Chex manages to speak up while shaking his head. “Humans?” He pauses. “You’re asking us to trust humans? Listen, if there’s a scepter up for grabs, you better believe those bastards have their eyes on it already.”
I have no option but to nod in agreement and so does Na’ta. Our chances of capturing the Scepter of Gant are greatly diminished when it comes to putting our faith in the hands of mankind. “Are they men and women of vanity and war?” I ask, although I do presume to already know the answer.
“How can they be?” The Aarap sizzles in shock. “The lips of evil do not whisper in Dag or walk its wind.”
We look among ourselves, gauging each other’s reactions.
What would that be like, encountering a species of humans uninfluenced by dek’ek? “Will you show us the way?” I ask, completely enthralled by the idea of facing the Ugu Mag of Dag.
The large crystal panel that displayed the battle between the Olligark and Treesh is now completely black. Suddenly I realize that the Olligark have prevailed and the surface of Zrr is pitch-black. It’s a daunting sight. but right before our eyes the view disintegrates into swirling light blue clouds.
“Enter,” the Aarap hisses.
We all gaze up at what will be our next destination.
Chapter 8
Dag Lust
The night has fallen here in Dag. A bright full moon hangs in the southeastern sky and its rays trickle smoothly across our faces.
“How is this even possible?” Chex mutters, more to himself.
His reaction stems from the fact that we are standing on one of many black tar roads that crisscross and hang in mid-air.
“But there’s gravity here,” Na’ta says looking down at her feet. “I don’t understand how they were able to do this? This universe is a carbon copy of Earth, right?”
She’s asking me but I have no answer for her. I’ve never heard of the Ugu Mag of Dag, not until the Aarap creature told us about it.
“It was simple,” a voice says from behind us and we all whip around to face a fully human female creature. “Gravity is energy and the Makers are able to transform the consistency of its force to build up high. Do you approve?” she asks, smiling warmly at us.
“Is it for us to approve?” I ask, as both Na’ta and Chex scowl at her with the same distrusting look on their faces. It’s interesting how alike my sister and the Selell are.
“Yes, it is.” the woman gently says.
“Then we approve,” I answer for us all.
The woman studies my face and then Na’ta’s. I can’t help but observe her as well. She’s wearing a garment that’s like the pal’k but instead of white, it’s brown like the bark of a tree. It suits her sand-colored skin and crimped black tresses and discerning gray eyes.
“Navi and Adore,” she says at the end of her examination of us.
Na’ta and I turn our stunned looks on each other.
“How do you know us by sight? I’ve never seen you before,” Na’ta’ says as she dips her chin and prudently constricts one eye.
“Because you are the daughters of Benel.”
“That I know. But who the hell are you?” she says so impolitely I cringe. I often wish she could be less abrasive.
“I’m the Transporter of the Gateways in and out of Ugu Mag,” the woman answers, unaffected by her tone. “My name is Jumangu Luganum; that translates to Magnificent Star.”
Na’ta continues to be rude by blatantly rolling her eyes in response, but our host doesn’t appear to notice. Instead she takes a curious glance at Chex. She sees what I see. He’s slightly wobbly on his feet and the skin of his face is damp.
Feeling the weight of losing time, I go right into telling her all about the Mtknv and the Scepter of Gant and how we must take it back from the Olligark and return it to the Mtknv.
“It can’t be returned to them,” Magnificent Star says, resolutely shaking her head. “They’re too vulnerable, and the Olligark will just take it back.”
“Yes, I know,” I concur. “But it’s rightfully theirs.”
“Then you already knew it was stolen?” Chex asks, raising an eyebrow suspiciously. “What, you think it’ll be safer here?” He asks, assessing her motives.
Magnificent Star shoots a quick look at Na’ta, one I almost missed, before saying, “Emblems and trinkets of evil cannot remain in Dag.”
“You’re telling me you don’t have any designs on such a powerful trinket?” Chex asks dubiously.
“No,” she firmly states. “We don’t deny that the very essence of humanity is to seek certain power. We have our struggles, just like the humans on Earth, but we have an advantage. Evil is not allowed into our realm; therefore we don’t seek to dominate. Our goal is only to expand our minds, hearts, and universe.”
“Ha!” Chex scoffs. “I don’t buy it. If you’re trying to convince us that, if it weren’t for this mean, evil force, humans wouldn’t be violent, power-hungry shitheads, then your efforts are lost on me.”
Magnificent Star takes two strong steps over to face Chex. “You forgot envious, rapacious, and domineering. “Yes,” she nods, “We have the ability to manifest those traits. But we do not. And anyway, my goal is not to convince you. I’m here to help you.”
“Why?” He grunts. His skin is wet and clammy.
“Because the Daughters of Felix Benel are here. That is why.”
“Because they showed up?” His tone is colored by sarcasm.
“Yes,” she affirms boldly.
“Wait.” Na’ta asks abruptly. “Then how did he get in?” She motions toward Chex. “He’s a vampire.”
“Do you crave blood?” Magnificent Star asks him.
He sighs tiredly and shakes his head.
“Then he is cleared to enter Dag.” She studies him for a few moments. “We should move forward; we have a lot to do,” she says, and walks to the edge of the road where there’s nothing in front of her but air. “And do not be concerned when I jump. The degrees of gravity will guide me safely to the landing pod.” She faces forward and casually steps over the edge.
“What the hell?!” Na’ta exclaims as she hurries to search over the edge. “Oh,” she sounds relieved. “There she is.” She looks over her shoulder to glance at me. “We’re next; let’s go,” she says before stepping over herself.
She’s expecting me to follow without hesitation, but when I turn to Chex to make sure he’s ready to walk over the edge with me, he takes me by the arm and pulls me into him.
“I’m sorry for throwing you back there.”
I hardly remembered him tossing me out of the way so that he could attack an Aarap creature.
“You were filled with rage and revenge. It wasn’t personal.”
“No,” he mumbles. “No excuse…”
All of a sudden, I’m lifted off the road in his embrace and I’m keenly aware that his tongue is not cold but warm in my mouth. His body is warm too. And I can feel his heart beating against my chest.
“Chex,” I manage to puff through our heavy kissing. I want to ask him if he’s alive but my mouth can’t stop receiving his and my head feels like it’s twirling on my shoulders.
“I’m dying for you, Ad’ru,” he whispers.
I want to fall deeper into ecstasy with him, but Na’ta is yelling at me t
o hurry up and join them.
“Chex,” I breathe as he runs his tongue around my lower lip before indulgently consuming it in his mouth. “You’re more human here….”
Suddenly he stops kissing me and presses his forehead against mine. “I know,” he confesses. “That’s why I can’t restrain myself any longer. I love you. Shit, I love you.” His eyes are shut tightly as he says this.
I press my hands on his cheeks, concerned because his skin has grown warmer. Not even warm but hot - smoldering hot.
He’s now even more unsteady on his feet. Therefore, I wrap my arms tightly around his strong waist and try to steady him. “Let’s see if we can get you some rest,” I say hurriedly and guide him over the edge of the road.
We’re dropping fast although we’re in full control of our speed. Chex is shivering now, he seems to be struggling to keep his eyes fully open and sweat is pouring out of him. Oh goodness, he is ill. I’m anxious, wondering if we’ll ever hit bottom. We pass layers upon layers of these roads and I find myself cursing their existence.
What’s taking you so long? Na’ta is back inside of my head, scolding me.
It’s Chex. Something’s wrong with him. The side of his head flops down on the top of mine.
What’s wrong with him, other than the obvious?
He’s become ill, I say, although I’m not sure what she means by “the obvious.”
He can’t be ill. We need him to get into Tetra! she whines.
And then I see it, a sprawling - and yes, floating for sure - city with thousands of constructs made of aluminum, or steel, or similar material. Some buildings have glass windows, but most have slots opened to the bright light of the moon. Some are shaped like circles or squares or rectangles, or have taken on other odd shapes. Even while frantic, I’m compelled to take in as much of this new world as I possibly can because it surely is a sight to behold.
Finally our feet touch down right in the center of a round sponge which hovers above a bright green turf that is by no means grass, although it appears to be. I’m struggling to support Chex’s weight because he’s become quite heavy. Na’ta races over to hinge her neck under his other armpit.
“What happened to him? Why is he like this?” she asks apathetically while scowling.
“I don’t know,” I snap. I feel the urge to lecture her about her lack of empathy, but now is clearly not the time. Instead I cut my eyes away from her to focus my attention fully on Magnificent Star. “We have to get him some help,” I plead.
“We have cure pods but…”
“No!” Chex cuts her off, mustering up enough energy to vehemently object. “Just rest,” He mumbles, sounding so weak that I can hardly stand it. I’d rather we take him to the cure pods. The Ugu Mag are a sector of humanity who have figured out how to change the consistency of gravity to erect cities in the sky. Surely they can cure whatever ails him.
“I’ll now take you to the dorm of Felix Benel,” she says. “Where the vampire can fully recover.”
“Shit, why now…” Na’ta grumbles, as together we’re able to easily lift Chex and follow Magnificent Star up a concrete-like path that appears after she touches a yellow glass strip hanging in mid-air.
“Hey…” Chex whispers groggily in my ear as we race up the path. “I can trust you?”
“Always…”
And only now is he secure enough to completely give into sleep.
“He’s not your bond,” Na’ta mutters her warning.
I don’t reply to her. If her attempt is to anger me, then she has succeeded. I feel something deeply for Chex. He’s proven to be valiant and even patient. I would venture to say good-natured too. Therefore, at the moment, all I allow myself to think about is how the hike up the walkway feels like it’s taking forever.
Finally, we stop off the path and onto mid-air, but are carried about two feet through the sky and into one of the windowless cavities of the construct. It’s an empty room with gray marble-swirled walls.
“Remain still,” Magnificent Star says standing beside a yellow glass panel attached to the wall. It lights up as soon as she touches it and, once it’s activated, objects appearing to be furniture become visible across the floor.
“Most of the flat is furnished, using energy binding instead of textiles. It keeps our environment free of toxins,” she explains.
I quickly notice a yellow sofa and two matching armchairs with end tables illuminated beside them and an oblong glass table with a diamond centerpiece that sprouts little tiny sickles of glass that curve like branches of kark trees.
“Where do we lay him down?” Na’ta asks, looking around for an appropriate spot. She sees that I’m struggling. Her strength is greater than mine being that her power is derived from the physical and mine from the mental.
Magnificent Star walks swiftly behind the couch leading us toward a cozy hallway. “This way,” she says in a rush.
“Let go of him. I’ll carry him from here,” Na’ta orders. I hesitate but do as I’m told.
She’s like a streak of light that races into a corridor. It only takes an iota of time before it appears as if she’s disappeared. The power of her speed is fascinating. I remember when she was only a child and she first discovered she possessed the power. She was definitely a “handful” as Father called her, making it difficult for us to keep up with her. Following the emptiness she left behind, my limbs feel as light as a whispery wind since I am no longer sharing the burden of carrying Chex, although I miss his nearness.
The corridor is short and I stop in front of Magnificent Star who is standing right outside the opening to a room that has a door made of cloudy light. Unable to fully express my gratitude, I stare into her eyes.
“He will recover shortly,” she says. Something tells me she knows exactly what’s ailing him, but I am too anxious to ask and lack the patience to listen to an explanation. Instead I take her hand and squeeze it, injecting her with the light of gratitude. She closes her eyes to drink it in as it fills her with the warmth of good.
“Thank you,” she whispers.
“You’re welcome.”
We share a smile before I make haste and walk through the door. Na’ta has already laid Chex down on an actual bed, although he doesn’t look too comfortable curled up on top of the white linens. His eyes are still closed; he’s still shivering, but only mildly.
“You should get him undressed Ad’ru,” she says, looking down upon him while standing at the foot of the bed. “And get him under the covers. I think his body is in shock from entering this new place.” After a deep moment of observation she says, “It looks like he’s turning back to a human or something.”
“Or something,” I sigh, watching him. It’s strange because he’s not so pale and, although his body is behaving as if it’s ill, he looks serene.
“Really Adore, what’s going on between you two? Are you in love with him?”
“Yes,” I reply, with assuredness.
“Why? You just met him.”
“I know we just met.”
“I thought you loved Tryst?”
I take a glance at her. Her eyes are pinned on Chex.
“I do,” I say. “He is my friend. Chex is more than that to me. He’s my…” I pause to think of how to express what I’m feeling. “He’s my body.”
She sniffs lightly and I am sure I hear a tiny bit of empathy in her tone. “Well, it had to happen one day. Just promise me you won’t forget that I’m your favorite person.”
I turn to look at her and she’s already watching me with wide, hopeful eyes and a slight smile. “Na’ta,” I sympathetically say as she rests her head on my shoulder.
“Am I being selfish? Tell me if I’m being selfish,” she implores.
“Of course you are,” I say with a tiny chuckle. “But I understand. You will always be a priority to me Na’ta. As I am your priority.”
“I doubt it,” she mutters. “I have never been for you what you are to me.”
“Tha
t’s because I haven’t tested you in the way that you’ve tested me.”
“That’s true,” she chuckles. “Oh, but you love it Ad’ru.”
“No, it’s you that I love. I hate your insolence.”
“Insolence?” she blurts out. Her head flies off of my shoulder as she winces.
“Yes. Insolence,” I reaffirm.
She blows a hard breath. “No one does the sweet and sour thing better than you Adore. Never lose that, please… Your insults, ah…” she breathes as she presses a hand dramatically on her heart. She’s being facetious, I know.
I don’t respond to her. It’s the best way to make her stop. And now we both watch Chex as he shifts from lying on one side of his body to the other.
“He is a good looking vamp, in the rugged sense of the word,” she says and then turns to look at the doorway. “I’m going to step out and leave you to him…” she mutters.
“Wait,” I take her by the arm before she can leave. “Where are you going?”
“Magnificent Star wants to show me something.”
“And what does she want to show you?”
“I don’t know,” she says with a shrug. “I’ll let you know when I do.”
As soon as I let go of her, she disappears from my side, leaving me alone with Chex.
Now I’m alone, wondering what to do next. I have never nursed an ailing creature other than my sisters. But I start by taking one of his feet, untying the dusty black boot and tugging it off of his foot. I do the same to the other boot. He makes an abrupt move and flips on his back, groaning. When he’s all still and settled into the mattress, I unbutton, unzip, and slide his dusty pants down his legs. I hadn’t noticed the tiny hairs budding out of his epidermis until this very moment. It’s very odd. Tryst doesn’t grow hairs on his body, only his head. My sisters and I are the same. Invoking the permission he gave me to touch him whenever I want, I rub a hand gently up and down his leg to get a full sense of the fibers, except it’s the muscles in his legs that enchant me. What a strong being he is.
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