by Kate O'Hearn
“Feed us, feed us, feed us . . . ,” the three mutant Titans cried as one.
Emily summoned her powers, and flames shot out of her hands toward the gelatinous creatures, but the laser shot right through them and burned through the wall on the opposite side of the large chamber.
“Yes, yes,” the female cried. “Do that again. Summon all your powers against us. You will taste so much sweeter!”
Pegasus shrieked and the others screamed as Emily was drawn closer to the nearest of the three.
“No!” she howled. But for all her remaining powers and strength, Emily could not break free of the invisible grip. Higher and higher she was lifted until she was suspended directly above one of the creatures. It opened its thin, quivering lips and mewed in anticipation.
“Feed us, feed us, feed us . . . ,” the Titans chanted.
Emily screamed a final time as she was drawn into the gaping, clear, toothless mouth and swallowed whole by the demented Titan. She took a final gulp of air as she passed through the mouth and then down the throat of the grotesque Titan. Invisible muscles pushed her steadily down toward its stomach. As she moved, she peered out through the clear mucus that composed the creature to the blurry images of those outside it. Pegasus was rearing and screaming as he watched her move.
She focused on tearing the body open or trying to draw herself back out of the monster. But it was as though she had no powers at all. The Titan somehow countered everything she tried. Even firing the flame back up did nothing. The laser flame shot through the liquid like a hand cutting through water. But with each blast, she felt the muscles contract as the creature laughed.
Down, down, down she descended. When she entered the creature’s stomach, her skin started to burn in a way she’d never felt before. In Hawaii, the lava of the Diamond Head volcano never touched her. But now she felt like she was swimming in clear, burning lava. She held up her hand and saw the skin starting to peel and her clothes melt from the stomach acids. She quickly shut her eyes as the gel of the creature’s stomach started to dissolve them.
The booming voice of the creature howled in delight. “She is part Xan! I can taste her power—soon it will be ours!”
“Emily,” Arious Minor cried in her ear. “You are being digested! Hurry, you don’t have much time left. Focus your thoughts and use the ring Riza gave you. Use it now before it’s too late!”
Every inch of her body burned like she was on fire. She wanted to scream, but that meant opening her mouth to more pain. With her thoughts fragmenting, she struggled to raise a dissolving arm. She balled her hand in a fist, opened her eyes, and pointed the ring at the blurry image of Pegasus.
As her mind faded, she called one name. “Riza!”
10
PAELEN CARRIED LORIN AND FOLLOWED beside Joel on Chrysaor while Vulcan used his impossible metal wings to speed toward the Solar Stream. Moments later they entered the swirling vortex of light and headed toward Earth.
The sounds around them made speech impossible. But when Lorin hugged his neck and kissed his cheek, he knew speech wasn’t necessary. He looked at her and saw the triumph sparkling in her eyes. She had played him. He knew it. But for reasons he couldn’t understand, he just couldn’t say no to her.
As they traveled through the Solar Stream, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was very, very wrong. Perhaps it was because he was with Lorin and not Emily. All he knew was that he dreaded what they would find when they arrived.
When they burst through the other end of the Solar Stream, they were in the bright blue Earth sky. Vulcan immediately took the lead. The way he was moving with those strange metal wings made Paelen certain that Vulcan didn’t care if he and Joel were with him or not. He was desperate to get to the girl, Stella.
In all his life, Paelen had never seen Vulcan so concerned for one person—especially a human. But there was something about that other time line that had made everyone who’d been there so secretive and obsessed with it.
Emily rarely spoke of it, apart from mentioning Agent B. But when he pressed her for details, she wouldn’t say anything other than he had been very brave and had given his life for the others.
They came down lower in the sky, passing through billowing clouds. Below them they saw an expanse of water.
“Any idea where we are?” Joel called to Vulcan.
Vulcan reached into his pouch and pulled out a small device. “We are over the North Atlantic.” He pointed to the left. “Londinium lies that way—follow me.”
They changed direction and flew together for most of the day. As they neared their destination, the weather turned and the sky darkened with storm clouds. It was dusk when they reached the English shoreline.
Passing over land, they saw fields mostly empty of crops. But on more than one occasion, farmers saw them in the sky and pointed. Cars on roads stopped, and their passengers climbed out to stare at them.
“Vulcan,” Joel called. “We should fly higher. We’re being seen. It won’t take long for the police or even the military to find us.”
“Let them come,” Vulcan boomed. “I will not be stopped.”
Joel looked over to Paelen. “He’s gone crazy.”
“You can tell him that,” Paelen said. “But I would not.”
“I will tell him if you like,” Lorin offered. “Vulcan, Joel says you are crazy,” she called. “We should fly higher.”
Vulcan shot a look at Lorin that would have withered Paelen. Instead she shrugged. “He is a fool not to listen to us.” She looked at Paelen. “But do not fear. I will protect you if the soldiers come.”
“Thank you, but I hope you will protect all of us.”
“Would it please you if I did?”
“Immensely,” Paelen said.
“Then I will.”
As more time passed, Paelen found it increasingly disturbing that given the number of people who had obviously seen them, there were no military helicopters or any other vehicles chasing them. Even when they reached more populated areas and they were being seen by thousands, they kept moving without opposition.
He maneuvered closer to Joel. “Why has no one come for us? We have been seen. There must be many reports.”
“I’ve been thinking the exact same thing,” Joel called. “I have a bad feeling about this.”
After a few more minutes they saw a large city looming ahead.
“There it is,” Vulcan called as he pointed forward. “Londinium! It has changed greatly since my last visit.” He looked back at Paelen. “Command your sandals to take us to Charing Cross.”
Lorin was gazing around with wide, excited eyes. “It is so interesting down there. Can we stop to look around for a while?”
“Maybe later,” Paelen said. “Right now we must focus on finding Pegasus.” He was careful not to mention Emily or the others. Lorin would help if Pegasus was in danger. He doubted she would lift a finger to save Emily.
He called down to his sandals, “Take us to Charing Cross Station.”
Paelen took the lead as the sandals followed his command. Eventually they stopped and hovered high above the large train station. He called over to Joel and Vulcan, “We are here. We should land away from it and walk back.”
“Do it,” Vulcan called. “And be quick. If my Stella is down there, I want to see her.”
Paelen directed his sandals to take them away from the station and to land on a quiet backstreet.
When they alit, he set Lorin down on her feet. “Stay with us. I know you want to see the city, but for now we have a job to do.”
Lorin nodded. “Just as long as we see it after Pegasus is safe. There is so much to see and I have such little time left.”
Paelen frowned. “We have all our lives. I promise I will show you Earth after Pegasus is safely home.”
She grinned at him. “Yes, we have all our lives. . . .”
The sun had set some time ago and it seemed London was even busier at night. They followed along the narrow stre
et where they’d landed toward the Strand. Vulcan was storming through the crowds and shoving people aside without caring that everyone he encountered could see his large metal wings.
Lorin was just the opposite. She was stopping in front of every shop window and peering at the items inside, squealing with each new discovery.
“Lorin, come on,” Paelen cried, trying to drag her along.
“But I want to see,” she protested, pulling back.
“Fine,” Paelen finally snapped. “Stay here and see all you want. But I am going to the station to save Pegasus and Emily!”
He pushed past her and stormed forward.
“Paelen, calm down!” Joel said as he jogged to catch up with him.
“What is wrong with them?” Paelen said. “Vulcan is rampaging through here like the Minotaur with a toothache, not caring who is around us or what they are seeing. And all Lorin wants to do is go window-shopping. They are both driving me mad!”
“I know,” Joel agreed. “But look around. This isn’t like New York. We’re out in the open and no one seems to care about us. Look, they hardly even notice Chrysaor!”
The winged boar looked up at Joel and snorted in agreement.
There were some curious glances at Chrysaor, but not enough to draw a crowd.
“And that is another thing,” Paelen said. “Where are the soldiers or CRU agents? Why are we being left alone? This is not right, especially as we are so close to a large CRU facility.”
They gazed around at the masses of people on the busy street. Up ahead a couple of well-dressed men stopped Vulcan to ask where he’d bought his wings. When he answered that he’d made them, they gave him their card and asked him to get in touch, explaining that they had an art gallery and would be interested in seeing what else he had made.
“I don’t know,” Joel said, glancing around. “Something’s not right. No one seems to be watching us, but I have the feeling that we are being watched.”
Paelen also looked around. Joel was right. He too had the distinct feeling they were being watched. It was then that he noticed Lorin moving away from a shop window. There was a frightened expression on her face, and her wide eyes were darting around.
“Paelen . . .”
“What is it?”
She huddled closer to him. “I do not know. But something feels very wrong. I think we should all leave here, right now.”
“Wrong? How?” Joel demanded.
Paelen knew Joel didn’t like Lorin. But he respected her powers because they were just like Emily’s. If she said she felt something, she did.
“I cannot explain it,” Lorin said, frowning. “But it started when we arrived on this big street. With each step we take, it grows. I do not like this. I really think we should go before it is too late.”
“No!” Vulcan spat. “I have come this far. I will not leave until I know everyone is safe.”
“But there is evil all around us.”
“I feel it too, but I am ready for it.” Vulcan reached into his sack and pulled out a sword.
“Vulcan, no!” Joel cried. “Put that away. You can’t draw a sword in the city. That’s a surefire way to call the police. Look, when we’re at the forge, I do everything you tell me to because you have way more experience than I do. But here on Earth, I’m more experienced with the modern world. I know what will happen. Please, put that thing away.”
Vulcan grumbled, but he reluctantly stowed his weapon back in the bag. “I will bow to your experience, Joel. But I hope you are right.”
“So do I,” Joel muttered.
With the rain falling heavily and the crowds in London increasing, the short trip to Charing Cross seemed long. But finally they stopped across the street from the station.
“Well, there it is,” Joel said.
Paelen shook his head. “I still cannot believe the CRU has a super-facility right here in the middle of this large, busy city. What were they thinking?”
Vulcan rubbed his chin. “From what I am feeling, whoever is in there has been here longer than this city has.”
“All right,” Paelen said. “So now that we are here, how do we get in?”
Lorin pointed. “We could walk in, just like all those people.”
They followed a steady stream of people entering the busy train station. Large red buses stopped in front and more people disembarked and also walked into the station.
“It looks like it is rush hour,” Joel offered. “Maybe we should wait for later.”
Standing opposite the large station, the group wasn’t aware that the crowds around them had changed. No longer was it a mix of working men and women trying to get home. Suddenly they were completely surrounded by people wearing black, with grim expressions on their faces.
“No, Joel,” one of the men said as he came up behind them. “How about we all go in right now. Just stay calm and no one gets hurt.”
They turned and saw a man standing with his weapon drawn. The others behind him also had their guns pointed at them. It was only then that they realized they were completely surrounded by at least fifty agents.
“You know the drill, boys, and you know we’re not afraid to shoot out here on the street. So nice and easy—just cross the street and go into the station.”
“Who are you?” Vulcan demanded.
“I’m shocked that you don’t recognize us by now. We’re the CRU. Welcome to London.”
11
EVERY PART OF EMILY’S BODY was burned as she was dragged through the Solar Stream. Her eyes felt like they were about to burst, so she kept them shut tightly. She prayed that the power of the ring was enough to take her and the others out of the clutches of the mutant Titans and away from the danger.
The length of the journey could not be measured, as Emily was in too much pain to pay attention. But for her, it seemed endless. Eventually she felt herself slowing and then crashing down and sliding across a cool metal surface.
“Emily!” Riza cried. The tall Xan ran to her side and knelt down. “Don’t open your eyes or move. Rest for a moment and let me heal you.”
Emily felt a cool, fine-boned hand lightly touching her forehead. The pain started to fade. “Just be calm. It will be over shortly.”
Moments later, she heard the best sound in the world, Pegasus’s soft nickers. Emily opened her eyes and saw his white muzzle at her face. Then her eyes landed on the beautiful Xan.
“Riza,” Emily choked. She tasted foulness in her mouth and spit out some thick, slimy liquid that had come from the Titan’s stomach.
“Just settle down for a bit,” Agent B’s soft English accent said. “Let Riza finish healing you.”
“Agent B?” Emily lifted her head and saw the CRU agent kneeling on the opposite side of Riza. He was draping his torn jacket over her. He was left wearing only his white shirt, and Emily could see the blood and other evidence of the beatings he’d taken. Cupid stood behind him with concern showing on his face.
When she was healed, Riza offered Emily her hand and helped her stand up. The Xan touched Agent B’s jacket and it vanished. Emily was now standing in the same lovely white flowing robes that the Xan wore.
“Not that I’m not thrilled to see you all,” Riza continued. “But by the state of you, and the fact that Stella and Agent B are here, I’d say you found yourselves in some trouble.” She put her hands on her hips. “And you didn’t wait for me.”
“It’s a nightmare,” Emily said. She looked around and saw Stella still seated on Pegasus, but there were two missing. “Where are Earl and Frankie?”
When no one spoke, she turned to Agent B. “What happened back there? Where are Earl and Frankie?”
“I’m not sure, but they were standing farther away from us. My guess is, when you used that ring, they weren’t included.”
“They didn’t make it?” Emily cried. “We must go back! We can’t leave them there with those monsters.”
Riza shook her head. “I’m sorry, but we can’t go anywhere right n
ow. Look around you. See where we are. This is a world on the verge of complete destruction.”
Emily looked past Pegasus. They were in what looked like a large control room with metal paneled walls and an immense window that seemed to encircle the whole room. It actually looked at lot like Arious’s control room on Xanadu except for the window that revealed a sky full of flashing colors of red, yellow, and gold.
She gasped when her eyes landed on several strange-looking people standing on the opposite side of the room. There were huddled together and staring curiously at them, whispering softly using clicks and burrs. They almost looked human, but their skin was silver and their long hair was lavender.
“Don’t be alarmed. They’re a very peaceful people,” Riza said. “Unfortunately, they don’t speak any Earth languages, but they are capable of learning them. It will just take time.”
“Where are we?” Emily asked.
Riza grinned, showing her pearl-white teeth. “Welcome to Rhean—at least, that’s the closest translation I can give you.”
“Rhean?” Emily repeated. “I’ve never heard of it.”
“Of course you haven’t. It’s on the other side of the universe.”
“What?” Agent B cried. “That’s impossible! I’m remembering a lot from the past—mind you, but I don’t seem to remember either of you looking like that, or being separate. What I especially don’t remember is this kind of space travel.”
“Oh, how I have missed you, Agent B.” Riza laughed. “You were always so resistant to change. First you didn’t believe in time travel until we all went back to ancient Greece. Then you didn’t believe you could make a difference in the war, when your actions saved us. Now you can’t believe that Emily and I have been separated, or that Emily has changed. But we have. And believe me, we have crossed the universe.”
“Riza, we must go back,” Emily pressed. “We have discovered something really terrible. . . .”
They explained everything they’d been through to Riza, including the grotesque Titans living under Charing Cross Station and how they’d created the CRU to serve their evil plans.