by NB VanYoos
* * * *
Nayllen Osloo II was a young man, and as always, Tyler remained by his side. Tyler’s mind was twisted, and his anger continually fed his demented spirit. He took little joy in watching his son’s life but was unable to tear himself away and return to wandering the Universe.
He barely paid attention as Nayllen readied for school. Nayllen had become the top of his class and was said to be following in the footsteps of his father. Tyler took no pleasure from his son’s accomplishments. He selfishly stayed, watching his son, living vicariously through him. Tyler was bitter and the anger that consumed him prevented him from finding solace.
He watched morosely as Nayllen kissed his mother and left for the University. Tyler followed as usual. Nayllen insisted on driving himself to school, and Tyler hovered inside the vehicle, absently making the appropriate transitions to keep up. It all became second nature, and Tyler did it without thought. With Adanni in exile, Tyler was truly alone, watching his son like a never ending movie filled with pain.
As the vehicle made a right turn, Tyler made the appropriate transition but suddenly felt a pulling sensation. It felt like something he distantly remembered. His anger obscured those memories, but the power of an Onyalum broke through his haze and demanded his attention. He realized the feeling was that of being pulled inside another body.
Tyler was certain nothing was near him when he had made the last transition, so what was happening? Had he accidentally made a wrong transition? He wasn’t sure if that was possible.
All the thoughts ran through him in an instant before he felt a world and a body around him. Slowly, a light steadily increased until Tyler found himself inside a booth at Dale’s Diner in Los Angeles. Sitting across from him was Uncle Sal, a big smile on his face. It took Tyler a moment to realize what was happening. He didn’t want this! He didn’t want to leave his son, but try as he might, he was trapped inside the body, unable to transition back to Poolto.
He looked at the body and was repulsed by his human form. After being on Poolto for so long, he felt more like the Admiral than the cheap drug dealer he’d been on Earth. Being with Uncle Sal brought back painful memories of the world he’d lost and the life he’d never have. Anger threatened to consume him.
“Let me go!” he screamed at Uncle Sal, “I do not want this world and I do not want your help!”
As if he had not heard Tyler, Uncle Sal smiled at him as the waitress brought over two blue plate burger specials.
“Here you go, honey,” she said playfully, “two blue plate burgers and beers.”
Tyler glared at Uncle Sal as he thanked the waitress and began preparing his burger.
“Are you deaf?” Tyler demanded. “I told you I don’t want to be here!”
“But the food is so good,” Uncle Sal said gently, “at least stay for lunch.”
Tyler wanted to hit him even if it was Uncle Sal. He was ready to strike when he remembered who Uncle Sal really was, Thosolan. What would a god do if Tyler struck him? The thought suddenly scared Tyler, so he stewed in silence.
Uncle Sal dug into his burger, enjoying it way too much. Ketchup and mustard ran down his chin, and he wiped at it lightly, thoroughly engrossed in the experience. Tyler looked down at his own plate, but felt sick with the thought of food.
He looked at the cold beer and decided that was acceptable. He drank it in one gulp, the fresh, crisp taste like music to Tyler’s mouth. He called for two more and promptly drank Thosolan’s. Thosolan didn’t seem to care and nodded approval to the waitress who looked concerned with Tyler’s display.
“Well good,” Uncle Sal said quietly, “you’re thirsty. At least I won’t be eating alone.” He took another bite of his burger and smiled at Tyler who stared blankly.
Apparently his new body wasn’t used to the effects of alcohol, and he quickly felt the numbing he desired. The waitress brought two more, and Tyler drank both without a care. The waitress stared in disbelief until Uncle Sal interjected. “He has just lost a loved one … it’s okay.”
Her shock was replaced with a look of pity and she whispered quietly that she would bring a couple more.
Tyler watched Uncle Sal through the haze of alcohol and laughed hysterically at the caricature of the man he’d once watched as a child. His anger was replaced with a feeling of reckless abandon. He relished the feeling and went on the offensive.
“Nice place you got here, uncle Saaal!” He filled the name with sarcasm and disgust.
“Thank you, but I can’t take the credit.” Uncle Sal confided. “Your memories are so rich with the details of your old world, I was able to create this quite easily.”
Tyler snorted. “My old world?” He mocked, gesturing grandly. “Poolto is my old world … the world that I destroyed!”
Uncle Sal stopped eating and leveled Tyler a sad look. “I think you had help destroying that world.”
“Yeah, but I was the one who betrayed it … I was the one who let it fall into the hands of those treacherous backstabbers!” His anger rose to the surface, and he noted several people, including a policeman, turned towards his outburst. He didn’t care, let them stare. They weren’t real anyway—just shams constructed by Uncle Sal for his own enjoyment.
Uncle Sal stared calmly, ignoring the people around them. “Remember, Tyler, it was I who created Poolto—it is my world, not yours.”
This caused Tyler to pause, but only for a moment. Damn this god if he wasn’t going to let him grieve in guilt. “I don’t care, it was my world.” He sounded petulant as the alcohol brought out the worst.
He wanted to lash out at everything, to cause the same pain he felt. He wanted to reach out and smash the faces of those smug people who stared at him from around the diner. Damn them and damn Thosolan!
Uncle Sal took it calmly, a serious expression replacing the smile he had before. He wiped his mouth before pushing his blue plate burger aside. Tyler sat back, challenging him with his stare.
Uncle Sal folded his hands together and leaned forward. “Is that not what you wanted? To live in another world and experience another life?” He gave Tyler a challenging look.
The alcohol dulled Tyler’s speech, but he tried to come back with something witty. “Yee…es, but I … I didn’t expect to blow up the planet!” A hiccup interrupted his flow, but he plowed on. “I didn’t es … spect to lose my family, my life, my so …” he hiccupped again, “… my son!”
Uncle Sal looked concerned. “Didn’t you learn anything from our last meeting? Life is not perfect. It is messy, and often involves pain and suffering.” He paused, looking at the people staring. “But it also contains wonder, and joy, and … new life.” He emphasized the last part, and Tyler understood his point.
“What good is creating new life if you are not there to enjoy it!” His drunken yelling got the policeman looking again, and he was conferring with the waitress. Tyler ignored them.
Uncle Sal considered his response. “I understand, Tyler, I, too, have created many worlds and then left them to grow on their own. They have grown into wonderful worlds, worlds that embrace all the Universe has to offer. Why can’t you embrace it?”
“I don’t want to embrace the Universe,” he spat angrily, “my problem is the Universe!” He stood up from the booth and yelled down at the shocked Uncle Sal, “The Universe is what created me, and made my life a living hell! I didn’t want this!” He gestured wildly. “I don’t want this! Why can’t you understand that?” He wobbled on his feet.
He slammed his hand on the table just as the policeman came to their table.
“Okay, buddy, let’s calm down. I am sure we don’t need to upset all the patrons …” Tyler watched as the policeman moved slowly his hands outstretched, “can’t we just go outside and talk about this in private?”
Tyler stood up straight and nearly fell down from the alcohol. “Calm down you say … you’re not even real!” He turned around wildly, barely able to stand. “None of you are real! You’re just this man�
��s imagination!” He pointed at Uncle Sal who looked sad, but said nothing.
“Okay,” the policeman said calmly, “we are all not real, but why don’t we go outside anyway?” Hands held out, he inched closer to Tyler who rocked back and forth, dizziness threatening.
Tyler reached for the back of the booth next to him, the occupant moving as far away as possible, frightened by Tyler’s outbursts. Yeah, he thought, beware the crazy man! I am the possessor of bodies, the demon in the night, the destroyer of worlds! He liked the sound of those titles—that’s what he had become, a demon.
He felt the strength waver in his legs and began to fall. The policeman took the opportunity to move in and grab Tyler. Tyler tried to fight him off, but his strength waned through his haze. The policeman tried to wrestle Tyler to the floor, but Tyler used his last ounce of strength for a move the Admiral had learned when a young officer. It flipped the policeman onto his back, and in one swift movement, Tyler had removed his revolver.
Like a madman, he held out the gun towards the stunned policeman laying on the floor, a look of disbelief and fear on his face. Tyler backed to the rear of the diner, patrons moving out of his way. He loved the feel of the power he held, the power to hurt, and cause pain.
That’s right, he thought, back off from the crazy demon-man. I am the one who causes great pain!
He backed against the counter, everyone’s attention riveted on him. He looked around flashing an evil smile. He briefly locked eyes with Uncle Sal, but the god only stared back with pity. This made Tyler’s anger erupt.
He pointed the gun into the air and let out a blood-curdling scream containing all the anguish he’d held inside. With tears pouring down his face, he placed the gun to the side of his head and pulled the trigger. Instantly, he felt the familiar rush as his spirit exited the body.
He was sober again and plunged into silence. In an instant, Tyler transitioned to a galaxy far from Thosolan and far from Poolto. It was a place he knew nothing about, but it came unbidden to his tortured mind. In a blink, the diner and its stunned patrons disappeared, replaced by the silent blackness of space. Once again, Tyler was alone, adrift in the Universe.
About The Author
NB VanYoos has years of experience in the military, technology, and educational fields. He was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado.
After receiving his bachelor's degree, he spent time in Colorado Springs and Seattle creating software for telecommunications and software companies. Once he and his wife returned to Colorado from Seattle, they started a family after he transitioned into education. Though losing his wife to cancer shortly after their second child, her memory remains an inspiration for his life and his writing.
He continues to reside in Colorado Springs where he teaches high school mathematics while sharing a wonderful life with his girlfriend, two daughters, and two dogs.
Links:
www.nbvanyoos.com
www.facebook.com/nb.vanyoos
[email protected]
Other Books By NB VanYoos:
The Onyalum Series
The Trial of Gesh
Red Star Conspiracy
Galactic Checkmate
A Speck of Blue
Preview from next book in the Onyalum series