Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ The Realm Of Eternal Dreams ❯ Hooked, or More Catch and Release ( Chapter 1 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

This is an original story, from start to the dramatized ending. All thought, written, and crafted by me. Any similarities between actual people or places are purely coincidental and accidentally brilliant.

I'm still figuring out how to properly use the system, so bare with me while I work on it. Thanks.

~~~~So please read and PLEASE leave reviews.~~~~

Miscellaneous: Original Stories Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 02.20.2008 | Updated On: 04.21.2008 | Pages: 6 | Words: 71.4K | Visits: 513 | Status: Work In Progress

þÿPreface

The black hair of an Angel Sirras tossed and churned around her neck as she crossed her arms over her chest and started the chant. The room instantly became alive with magic energy as two, carved oak floor doors parted, and she vanished beneath them. Having completed the incantation.

The doors fell out beneath her, allowing her to slip past the doors into the dark void below. Her golden wings lightly fluttering, from the upward breeze streaming up around her. Sparkles of an angelic essence swirled around the area where she once stood. Twinkling as a yellow beam of light slid up between two, scorched oak doors on the mossy floor. As they slowly closed to their previous position.

Chapter 1

The Earthen Entrance hadn t been used by the Angel Sirrases in a very long time. The room showed clear evidence of age. And being situated so for down the massive hall, that few Sirras ever bothered traversing the great distance to get there; few would want to anyway. This entrance transfers the traveler to an area on Earth. Just over the now annihilated Grand Canyon, at least that s what the Humans wanted to call it. But this area was now promptly referred to as the Land Of The Dead. A very short title for a piece of history lost to the Sirrases. So all tried to avoid this expanse at all costs.

But now the location hinged on the survival of a certain young Sirras. Who s own body beckoned the door and the swift communication with a Human. Longing for rejuvenation. That was all he needed and he new this, but that didn t make the not in his gut any looser. He new that he was steadily loossing his will and strength to live, and the master couldn t help this time around, he had to do it on his own.

Trudging along the floor, carefully making sure to drag his feet past the library, earning him a couple frustrated glances, he proceeded to slump down the hall towards the heavy oak doors. His wings, once a symbol of grandeur, draped over in pain and discoloration. So after all these hundreds of years, the door was finally, but reluctantly back in use again. He hated the fact that all the other Sirrases could choose their own passages to Earth and her had to us one picked out for him by the master, like a little fledgling.
Arriving at the doors, he stepped into the dark room. And to his surprise, found it a twirl in glitters and sparkles. He stepped forward and closed the heavy doors behind him, taking care to pull his rob away in time lest it get stuck, And that would just make his day. Destroying the one rod that he agreed looked good on him. That designer is so very incompetent. If he would only do as I specifically asked and put the collar up, I would have been happy. But no, the master is the only one to wear the formal up-turned collar, blah blah blah. He mocked in his head while positioning himself over the door.

Hmm, that s interesting. The doors are already warm, like, like they ve been used already. Well, no skin off my back. Who would want to go to the Land of the Dead anyway? He thought as he crossed his arms over his chest. Ow, damn these wings! If they would just stop hurting for a minute!

Now feeling frustrated enough to continue, he quickly recited the incantation given to him by the master, and vanished below the now open doors.

As the room went back to it s original state, harrowing murmur echoed in the seemingly endless, desolate background. The spell, put into affect by their leader and master years ago, was still playing itself out. Giving an edge of foreboding to the room. It s visibly interminable interior radiated the light smell of moss combined with the sweet cent of candied moisture. And As the light faded, was still once more. Steadily settling back to itself. For now.

Chapter 3

Clouds sluggishly rolled over the desolate wasteland that was once an awe-inspiring spectacle to behold by any human. The Colorado River once proud and regal, that ran between shear cliffs of red rock, was reduced to nothing but a small trickling stream now that slowly washed up toxic sediments on the shoreline as it went. Trying still to exist by weaving it s way among boulders and old machinery that had fallen amongst and entangled with decayed bodies. Naught but skeletons now.

Having arrived in the sky, far above the tawny valley, he drifted effortlessly with the clouds while glided over the torched land. Grimacing as he recalled the stories of that awful and dreadful day. Only truly known by the original Sirrases, the day when the Humans declared the Angel Sirrases eternal enemies. And denounced all friendship of any kind. After that, any Human in contact with one was to notify the AAA, or rather the Anti-Angels Association, or risk being locked away in a federal prison for life. no question and no answers, that was it. Nothing was permitted that had anything to do with Angel Sirrases. Their government was screwed up, that was for sure.

Even he, had been badly looked upon by the humans even though he was the most handsome of the lot. I am so handsome, and they, are so blind, he told himself. for this is what he wanted to believe, regardless of opinions.

A shift in the clouds gave him another glimpse of the ground passing under him. He shook his head in disbelief. It was awful.

His bright red robs embroidered with a gold weave whipped in the air around his body and long legs as he descended further down through the stagnant clouds. Looking around, it was easy to tell that things hadn t changed much even after all the years passed from the sounds of things in the news brought back from the others. Though a new declaration was set up in the middle of the field, he hadn t heard of that before. He drifted closer to get a better look, his curiosity getting the better of him.

It stated and now outright declared: The abhorred hatred for all Angel Sirras.

But using more sentences then he cared to read at the time. It reflected what dull light there was to reflect as he flew over it.

The Humans still despised them even after all the Sirras had done for them. Not that they should expect any less. All Humans were the same. Prone to technical changes but not mental. Unless the change is in reference to their ever-changing mental instability. He laughed out loud at the thought. And it was so with the other Angel Sirrases. They didn t expect any of them to change with time either. But it seemed like they would have, at least, left some of their once great treasures - alone.

Like the The Great Bronze Overseer monument, which, from what he had heard, stood three times the height of Mount Olympus. Master Runic himself had put the project into action with the other 199 Angel Sirrases and built the mammoth statue in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. But of course this was no more then a scratched and broken reminder of what they once had.

Apparently, orders were giving to destroy it some thirty years ago when a Sirras was reported beating a small child somewhere in the suburb of on of the major cities. These orders were given by the very council, that had said they were like no other, and would remain by humans for all eternity. Well everyone new where it went not a hundred years after that statement.

But again, all these were stories entangled with news from the Scouts that would go out every week. he still was hesitant about believing everything they said. Where all Humans really that bad? He could now see for the first time the much of the tangible news the Scouts had brought back over all those years was, well, correct. But something still had to be missing, but he decided not to waste his brain power on such a futile thought.

He had been coasting around in the clouds in a large circle, enclosing the area of the bombing. It had been hours, where were they? He let his arms hang down under him as his wings hit some turbulence in the air currant as he soared up over a forty story, downed jet. Then barrel rolled down over the opposite side, and pulling up into an updraft, caring him into the clouds once again. The ships littering the ground with everything else was obviously left for junk from the war. What a wasteland.

A greenish glow still resonated from the land as the he proceed to fly over. It was wondrous though. The open air, all the free space to fly. Now I get why everyone wants to be a Scout. What, with all this room and the freedom to go wherever you wanted as long as you were between radar cover. But freedom is only a word in this world.

Nothing but scorched rocks, unearthed soil, and crisp grass for as far as his eye could see. No one in site for miles and miles. So, what could it hurt? He new that he wasn t supposed to land but there was no one around and his wings were starting to feel the time in the air. Letting his wings relax and slightly changing their position, he locked his shoulders and gently glided towards the ground. Penetrating a think layer of green fog as he neared, he looked from side to side. And, seeing no one yet, deemed it safe to approach further and land.

Floating down, with his muscular legs stretched out behind him and arms at his sides he surveyed the land. Dust and the smell of decay swirled around his beating wings as he penetrated the blanket of mist and radiation nearer the ground. A foul taste began to form on his tongue as he steadily pulled up, and touched his feet to the burnt ground. Nothing. The atomic bombs had taken out everything, nothing was sparred. Even the grass that tried to re-grow was a brownish color and crumbled under his touch.

Master Runic must have been mistaken, though I know he isn t, he muttered under his breath, There is no human even close around here, he complained, The Land Of The Dead is all that it is here, everything is dead. I can t see why a Human would be here in the first place. Maybe he was describing another Earthen Entrance, or, or something. Feeling a little out of place and in his mind, stupid. Just standing there where Master Runic told him there would be people. He began pace the ground in frustration. His legs were starting to hurt though, this was bad, where were they?

The fog here is so thick now, that I can t see anything now that I ve landed, he argued with himself, and kicked a pebble and it rattled across the ground and plunked into a small stream somewhere in front of him. He has to be right though, for he knows I don t have much time left. I can already feel my wings starting to tingle. He reached over his shoulder and began to gently massage his right wing. As he did so, his wings slowly brushed up against each which sang a light, sweet note to the stale air. His wings couldn t sing like the older Sirrases but they had perfect pitch.

Just then a voice called to him from a distance out behind a stack of rocks and twisted metal. The voice was low and deep, but gentle. Quickly forgetting his ack and remember Runics orders to stay off the ground to leaped into the air, and stayed a few feet up, hovering.
Who s there? Is anyone out there? After a minute the voice called out again, Come on, I know someone's there, I heard singing. Please, show yourself, it s just us anyway. Are you ok, hello? Footsteps signified the definite approach of a Human, so he slowly raised himself up into the air to see if he could get a better look. Dang, I can t see a rotten thing! I hate this planet. Contradicting his earlier opinion, this was suitably not fitting for him.

Coming back down, but staying a few feet off the ground, he halted. His wings making a steady beating motion sending more clouds of dust and ash bellowing into the already think air. Then the Sirras raised himself to his full muscular potential, he could hear them getting closer. He wouldn t have any Human look at him if they new how ugly he felt. He tried to position himself in the air where he could concentrate on hovering and talking at the same time. Trying to give his most threatening impression. His pulse quickened and his mind raced; this was it. All those years of waiting to see a Human, and go through the rejuvenation process. Everything he learned about invoking his genetics was about to come into play. Then, quite.

The foot steps came a little closer, then stopped. A pair of weary, dark blue eyes broke through the fog, twitching back and forth, surveying the ground. As he stepped forward Then looked around and stopped on him. Then they instantly filled with fear. The wrinkled Human threw himself to the ground and begged for the Skerith, for that's what the Humans called them, to spare his life. And pleading that he not be sent flying into an eternal abyss. The Sirras rolled his eyes. Like the Angels even new where that was. The man just kept going on and on. Saying things like,
I have three kids and a wife to support, and an important letter to deliver in the city, and..., and so on.
Hearing his grandfathers sobs, another voice, a younger one, called out in the fog a ways out behind them. Ignoring it, the Sirras spoke.
I am Firas, an Angel Sirras from the Realm Of Sacred Dreams, and I seek all distraught.... and then ... and troubled........ The man s sobs were getting on his nerves now. Shut up Human and let me finish my introduction! The man sops slowed but continued, so the Sirras continued You Humans, befitting my specific needs. I have chosen you to be my benefactor. You shall not refuse to be lighthearted and you shall rejoice in your newfound happiness. The Sirras smirked, he had been working on that speech for around fifty years and no Human was going to mess it up.

The elderly man began to weep bitterly once more, and the shouting of another voice added to the chose. What a riot. The Sirras let his ams slum a bit as his words slowly penetrated the old mans ears.

The mans sops slowed after a minute then let up entirely as he thought. Sirras could see it in his face that he was running over his words carefully. The old man looked up at the Sirras and bore an expression on question and wonder.

All of a sudden, another pair of dark blue eyes breached the fog of the small clearing and darted around scooping out the situation. His eyes also filled with fear, but then filled with hate as he watched the Sirras hover over his shivering grandfather.
Get away from my Grandfather. I refuse to have another of my family members taken away from me like this! His voice steadily filling with rage.
Jason be quiet, don t anger it. Besides, I have a word or two to say to it myself before something happens. Jason clenched his large hand and glared at the Sirras while he carefully placed a hand on a pike hanging at his side.

The old man slowly leaned back on his heels as to get a better look at the Sirras. Trying to look a little more dignified from his humbled place on the ground.

How did you know that I am in serious trouble, and why in the world would you need me to benefit from you? You of all beings? The old man s voice started to get somewhat stronger as he talked to the Sirras.

The Sirras began to look impatient and irritated with the sudden ambush of questions. They have no right to ask all this of me, what do I owe them? He thought to himself as he watched them quiver under the cool breeze being brought forth by his large glittering wings now beating a bit faster.
All I will tell you is this, he began hurriedly, First of all my master said a human would be here, and he is never wrong, and secondly your eyes tell me everything I need to know. Now be silent, I do not have time for all this chitchat.

Jason stood at his grandpa s side as they watched. The Sirras raised his hands over his head and began to chant. A small ball of green light began to form above his circulating hands. Green light suddenly started appearing everywhere around them as the Skerith continued his chanting. Jason gripped his grandpa s shoulder and gently squeezed it. Then the Sirras spoke again.
Now, receive my blessings, and offer your fear and hate up to me. Jason and his grandfather both looked at each other, instantly confused.
This Skerith must not be in his right mind, Jason whispered to his grandfather, but he wasn t paying attention anymore. Something was happening, but, Jason couldn t put his finger on it.

He flung himself around to face his grandfather and looked him square in the face. His eyes looked strange, kind of, happy and entranced? Deranged maybe? And he bore a strange drug-induced smile on his face, a little creepy looking. What?

After but a seconds, the chanting stopped and everything started to go back to normal. if that s what you could call it. Firas looked at the old man and smiled. Steadily filling with relief and a sense of ease, Firas looked at his arms. Which were at long last beginning to turn back to their original light honey brown color. His wings also grew longer and became stronger with renewed strength.

Well it was about time. After an entire century, he defiantly felt like he needed a re-birthing. And had finely done it! And all the elders said it was a treacherous journey, right. Now he wouldn t need to worry about energy regeneration for another three hundred years.

Firas looked down once more at the Humans and watched as the old man ran off into the fog yelling,
I now where it is now, I now where to look for the saber for the museum! It s all clear to me now! Firas muttered to himself. I ve heard that the Humans act weird after a re-birthing. But, it really takes seeing it to believe it. He shook his head then whet about admiring himself.

Jason watched as his grandfather began to rip apart the Earth a few meters away from their previous encampment, in search of, well Lord knows what. Jason couldn t place the behavior. His grandfather didn t even have that much energy to spare in that old body of his.

Jason released the iron clutch an his pick while his eyes twitched nervously from gramps to the Skerith, that seemed to be taking to himself while fondling his arms? ok. wasn t there going to be a fight? A struggle? A tussle at most? This didn t add up to the stories of the Skerith sightings at all. And his parents disappearance.

Scratching his head, Jason felt about half worthless in the whole situation. The only thing he could put together, is that the Skerith made some king of spell, muttered out some weird words, and know gramps is all joyous and happy. He definantly hadn t heard of this.
But what, that s it. Jason turned towards the Skerith and frowned. So this is what you really do? This is why you Skerith's exist. To make humans happy so you can be made, or whatever.

Firas stopped flying upwards and gazed down at the Human who had a rather inferior look on his face but seemed to be talking to himself mostly. Not that he cared what he was saying anyway. Kind of like a kid that figured out how to scar his parents. But this one just wouldn't shut up.
This is why you angelic beings come to Earth, to make people happy? I ve heard some scary shit but this beats it all. Your suppose to be freighting and murderous beings, banished from earth for killing and turning humans.

Disgusting Humans. Firas thought to himself. I know we re not even suppose to think about hurting a Human but this one really deserves it. Firas watched as his face became distorted in thought as Jason tried to grasp the situation. Firas, now supremely irritated from the Humans sudden interest just, simply replied,
You Humans are why we exist, your anger is our life source. And as for the rest, I don t care what the Humans tell you about us. You don t even deserve to know! As an age old riddle says, in your very books in the museum you treasure most. Written thousands of years ago by the Master Sirras himself to you, you Humans Firas hovered a bit higher over the ground and folded his arms, The fuel for life is born with in the Humans hate, many a winged creature to eternally covet, and to a happy soul it will soon require. If this doesn t put it clearly enough for you, Jason, I don t know what will Human. You disgusting Huma......

Not finishing, Firas turned his head and listened. His sensitive ears started to pick up on a very rough frequency. From the sounds of it, something very fast was making it s way to there very location, from a great distance off. Had the Humans really not learned yet? Angle Sirrases have exceedingly good hearing and can hear things from miles away.

Firas heard the rocket, as they launched it a ways off and was headed for their location; do to the detection of him no doubt, Firas concluded. Well glad they find me that interesting as to send me a goodbye gift. Firas whispered to himself. He looked down at the Human who was still starring up at him with that foolish look on his face. So utterly filthy. He had stayed on Earth to long now the Humans of the AAA had found him on their special Skerith radar.

Seeing that the Humans were no where near to any understanding of the situation, he figured it couldn t hurt telling them. That stupid rocket is really going to complicate things. Appearing as non-chelant as possible, Firas yelled down to Jason,
Jason, you and your grandfather must leave at once if you value your lives. This area is going to be nuked in a matter of minutes. You must leave. Though I don t think you need to. Firas added. He said looking at the pair of them with very little concern in the tone of his voice. Put Firas knew better. The earthly turn of the sun must end before the re-birthing is complete. He would have to save their lousy hides after all.

Jason finally came out of his raging stupor and listened to the Skerith words, still unaware of the real danger he was in.
What do you mean there's a bomb headed for this location, why would the AAA.... He stopped to think about it. O I get it! Their after you, you filthy, rotten disgusting piece of sh..
You really don t have time for this Jason. Firas interrupted, this human was really starting to get on his nerves. Jason, finally realizing that maybe, just perhaps this SKerith was telling the truth, he couldn t take that risk. Jason reluctantly turned and began yelling to his grandfather to drop everything and run for their jeep.

Firas fidgeted and looked down at them walking about. If I don t get them out of here, they will die, then so will my life source. The words rolled through his mind like tires slopping through thick muck. Confounded Humans. Firas had come to the realization that if these pathetic Humans were to die just minutes after the regeneration process began, the sequence would falter and stop, the spell would break, then he really would die. There was no time, he had to get them out of the area.

Jason, so sorry to tell you that your flight has been delayed, so please take your time. The end of your lives can t mean that much to you. So if you seek an ulterior route, please, go get your grandfather and hurry up about it. Firas put emphases on the last few words, more dramatic he thought. Then re-crossed his arms in defiance to Jason s hate filled glance. Firas smirking. So he was going to have to touch them after all.
Jason looked at him cautiously while trying to pull his grandfather out of the hole he d dug himself into.
And give me one good reason why I should listen to you filthy creatures. Jason yelled as he began to run to the jeep with his gramps in toe. Firas flew over him as he ran, trying to seen emotionless to the situation. His red sobs hitting Jason s face as to ran.

For this reason and this reason only, you and your grandfather will die if you do not come with me. Believe me, the jeep won t work, do you absolutely won t to take the chance? Jason stopped running and lowered his head in deep thought, trying to figure a way out of the situation, but there wasn t any, not a safe sure one anyway. I don t I like it as much as you do either. They were miles from any safe point. And the jeep wouldn t outrun the radius of a rocket. Though it was still hard to believe. Finally, he sprinted off into the fog, and signaled for Firas to wait there. Leaving his grandfather to stand by himself, though as soon a Jason s hand left his arm, he was back into the hole.

Seconds later Jason returned with some bags from the jeep. Jason signaled to Firas as he looked around for gramps. Jason didn t take his eyes off the Skerith as he handed the bags to him while walking to the hole. Firas hovered next to him as he walked. Jason reached down a pulled up gramps who was rapping something his jacket.
All right, now come here. Firas said quite irritated. Jason approached hesitantly and grabbed one of the massive arms that had been offered him. Firas grabbed hold of his grandfather around his waist who was now clutching something his his arms with the delight of a young child. Again he d heard stories about the aftermath of rebirth, but this just beat the band. The same trembling man, begging for his life, minutes after the rebirth, everything becomes clear to him and he s as happy as a cat in a bed of catnip. This was going to make a great story back in the realm.

Jason stepped up onto Firases foot and clutched his arm. Trying to control his indignant outlook on the whole thing, somehow this just didn t feel right. Relaying on a Skerith for protection, the embarrassment the situation gave rise to in his gut was enough to make him throw up.

Firas grabbed Jason under the arms, as masculinity as possible, and Slowly but surly he lifted them off the ground and headed out of there hastily.

Stale wind blew into Jason's face and through his hair. The beating motion of the Sirrases wings, coupled their the up and down motion of their bodies was enough to make him sick. How could Skeriths stand flying like this?

They flew for a few minutes then came to their camp site a ways off the dead plain where the rest of their encampment was. An explosion could be heard far off behind them in the valley and a smoke cloud began to rise. They would have to move out their area with in that day or risk the radiation.

Letting them down next to their jeep, Firas shot into the sky with lightning speed and then was gone. Jason stumbled around then looked over at his grandfather who was still as happy as if he had become the head executive of the Museum of Earth s History. What had just happened? It was just too much to take in all at once.

A shiver ran through Jason s body. Why had all this happened? Skerith sightings were quite far and few between. None of it made any sense. He walked about the camp and began to put the equipment in sacks and containers in preparation for their departure. What was that Skerith really doing? He traded his happiness for our anger? And what was with that weird riddle anyway? Firas said that it was even in their museum, but he had never seen anything of that sort before on or in any of all the artifacts. And he would have been the first to notice if that was so.

As he thought about all the strange happenings, he called for his grandfather who was still tightly holding the sword.
Ha gramps, can you start taking these bags over and loading them into the jeeps? ah, gramps? Jason threw a bag over his shoulder and walked over to his silent grandfather who sat on the ground beside a crumbling campfire. With the sword lain across his lap. Jason walked around and sat down on the ground next to him. Silence.

After a short while, his grandpa spoke. Still some what gleeful; having traded his anger and frustration.
Jason, I know this comes unbelievably late, but I m sorry about your parents. My daughter met everything to me but I never said anything about it to anyone not even you. I did my best but I still couldn t stop them from taking her and your dad. It must have been horrible to see them go like that, carried away by the Skerith's. He reached up and put his hand on his grandson s shoulder, but Jason just tensed his shoulder under his hands slight weight.
That s ok grandpa, times were hard and any words of comfort were hard to say then as is now. I did understand then and I understand now. You don t need to apologize for something that wasn't your fault.
They sat there for a while longer before finally getting up to continue packing their luggage and materials. Both in silent agreement with each other.
Chapter 3
The two doors on the floor that Firas had passed through earlier once again glowed with pulsating light in response to an incantation being recited on Earth. In a matter of seconds he stood suspending above the doors with his arms crossed over his chest, and eyes closed. After touching down on the cool floor, his eyes flew open; filled with new strength.
He would waste no time in telling the master of his accomplishments and triumph over the Humans. With wide strides he crossed the full length of the room in moments and opened the large swinging doors and entered the hall. Looking down the south end, nothing but a never ending series of doors lined the entire length of the hall on both sides. They stretched into an erie darkness that alienated all the doors leading to past battle sites on Earth. The north end of the hall was the same except that a brightness started to eliminate curtain doors. The ones that Sirras had used in the past to transport themselves to areas that had resulted in great joy and happiness among the Humans.

Firas passed by other Sirras in the endless hall as they went into rooms in search of specific destinations. Their traditional fiery red robs whipping against their stout legs as they walked. His eyes focused in on a room far down the hall. This rooms doors were carved from wood of the extinct maple tree on Earth. The most rare and valuable wood in their entire realm. And engraved into the two doors was an image of a prophesied Sirras holding a blue spirit diamond close to his chest. His gaze fell upon a female Sirras that had fallen during battle, and now laid before him. The Angle Sirras looking over her was holding her soul gem in his hands. This was an all to familiar image to all the Sirrases, and this image served as a maker for the Grand Council room. Where their master Runic resided.

Firas walked up to them and stopped. The last time he had entered this room he was slowly dying. Having run out of things to fear and hate for the first time in his hundred years of life. After talking with the master earlier, he departed with his first mission, one for survival. He pushed the large doors and they effortlessly swung back to reveal an enormous room. Swaying fabrics of pale blues, reds, purples, greens, and yellows hung from the ceiling in random patterns. Mammoth collombs lined either side of the marble room and continued on until the end was out of sight.

The pillars, who s width could be compared with that of tree trunks ten meters in diameter, were covered with sculptures of beings from other worlds. They were treasured greatly by the master for they twisted and moved around the pillars and sang whenever a Sirras offered them water, their formula for life. Just a sprinkle over they cold surfaces and they would sing you any tune you desired, for as long as you desired it. A soft, bittersweet voice recited poetry in the back ground. A sculpture had indeed been awakened and was now singing words of poetry. Firas traversed the sleek, slate tiles that covered the floors and produced pictures of the once perfect dream. Sirras and Humans living in harmony.
Just a ways down from the entrance, in the middle of the room between the pillars stood a black marble throne, and on it sat their master. Adorned in robes of silk and other rare fabrics. Firas rushed up to the thrown threshold, then bowed deeply and openly.
A once invisible tribunal, now stepped out from different pillars and came to their masters side on bended knee. Each of the twelve Neaths that made up this tribunal held a different sacred object that kept their fragile realm in balance. Each object added the master with decisions that were beyond him. Long silk draped over their slender shoulders and back, otherwise naked except for a chain around their necks that bound them to their eternal burden, forever to serve their master in the realm of dreams.

These were soulless and lifeless Sirras who s soul gem had never been released to the after life by a Cathedral Priest after their deaths. Therefore trapping them for eternity in their own type of purgatory. This was the most dreaded fate by all Angel Sirrases, never to die and be aloud to depart their existence. Forever to linger chained to an object of knowledge.

Firas watched as each one hurried over to their master with soundless footsteps and expressionless faces. The master, who had been in the Realm of Eternal Dreams since the beginning of their time, had never failed in giving his advise to any being who wished to have it. Although he appeared to be satisfied, all the Sirras knew better.

He had been alive so long that he has lost his interest in pursuing living, and it was starting to show. Though this fear would only keep him alive longer everyone new. Happiness would never find it s place in him again. His actions and recent conversations with the Dream Gods, which was forbidden, was starting to spread concern throughout the castle. All Sirrases were aware of their masters situation, but there was nothing they could do to help him. And now the book had found a new place to rest; along side the masters throne.

The evil Gods, with whom Master Runic had been conversing with, had been imprisoned in a gold book by a legendary Sirras that even Master Runis had not known. These gods were the very epitome of awful dealings. Once adorned with loyalty and life, they were now shrouded in dark robes in the many pictures throughout the unwieldy book. In their eyes was the knowledge of impending dangers and unfathomed horrors that Angel Sirras new and feared.

For this was one fear that all Sirrases would not treasure bearing. A fear that would smother life and reveal untold horrors to those that would dare bear it. For it would not keep them alive, but rather it would torture and eventually kill, and every Sirras new this. The only way to gain strength from hate and fear, is to trade their joy for it. A life filled with both joy and hate would never live because it is one of internal battle that would eventually drive the Sirras crazy, unto their very death. So if this book were to give it s hate freely and without taking any feeling in return, then the Sirras would surly die. It was just a matter of time from when the Sirras excepted the trade until it died.

As Firas spoke he watched as Runic stroked the binding to the Dreams Gods book.
Master, I, your humble servant ask that I may speak freely in your presence. The master looked down at him and nodded. Firas explained all that had come to pass on Earth, and how the Humans had departing with joyous life's, leaving him rejuvenated. And then about the Humans search for a saber and the explosion. The king listened to all he had to say patiently. When Firas finished, the master stood and walked over to him, who immediately threw himself to the ground. Quite amazed that the master would rise before such a lowly Angel Sirras.
Firas, I am glad that you were able to successfully once again find something to fear, for that is the first and most important knowledge you may gain in your eternal life. Even though you have found your strength once again Firas, you have shamed the Angel Sirrases. The master stood looming over Firas, who now cowered before the truest of authorities in their realm. His body shuddered so badly for fear of what he had done to affect the master, that his teeth chattered.

Seeing his great fear and panicked expression, the master laid a shriveled hand on his back.
Do not fear Firas, for you are not alone. Many have made the same mistake as you, therefore you should not despair. But remember this, Humans were once our most trusted friends and we should not forget that. For if we do, we are throwing away all the glory we once had with them and some of which we may still retain. Pride is the fasted path to dishonor and death. The Humans once understood our need for fear in our lives. Remember that Firas, and you shall live a life of thriving relationships and eternal joy shall never come upon you in your sleep. And remember why we must fear and hate to survive.

Firas quickly stood, bowed, then hastily made for the doors from which he had previously entered with such a firm sense of pride. Which was the very thing the master said would lead to his downfall. While rushing out from embarrassment, he tried to divert his eyes away from the twelve pairs of other eyes that now watched him cautiously. Unfurling his long wings, he gave one mighty stroke and he was up and out of the the masters presence.

The Neaths hurried over to the swinging doors to close and secure them before they struck the walls. The young Firas flew past them with so much haste that he didn t notice the turbulence he had caused by shooting out of the room.

The master walked over to his thrown and sat back down on a silver threaded cushion filled with feathers of the morning dove. Suddenly very tired and weary. He stroked the soft velvet and recalled the days that Humans and Sirrases lived together in peace. The cushion which was softer than the caress of a fair maiden everyone thought, was one of the last known gifts from the leaders of the United World Council on Earth. But now it was just another alarming reminder of their past when their worlds lived together in harmony. That same council which now denounces any connection they once had; the same ones that wiped out half the population of Angel Sirrases at once in a single battle remembered as the Battle of the Changing World, that brought about their eternal separation.

Master Runic leaned back and sighed.
Sheena, come here. One of the Neaths immediately parted from the group and scurried up to the master and bowed low before his thrown.
Sheena, protecter of the Rights of Passage, I need you to do something for me. I have chosen you because out of the twelve Neaths, for you are the only protecter, so only you will understand the importance of the message I am about to give you. Sheena listened with an expressionless face as Master Runic gave her the information that she was to retain until given time. The master told her that an event was soon to happen that would start a chain of events that was destined to be both catastrophic and extraordinary.
I understand master. I will do as you wish, Sheena replied as she stood and once again bowed. Then rejoined the other Neaths as they disappeared behind their respective pillars to wait until called upon again.

Chapter 4

So Firas, what happened? I know something is wrong because you ve been in a sour mood ever since you talked to the master late last night. Talk to me, please?
Firas looked over at Enemerika who now sat across from him at a mithrel table in one of the many lounges scattered in various parts of the castle.

A service Sirras walked up to their table and gave them each a goblet of crystal clear water. Firas looked into the water at his perfect reflection. The black hair atop his head hung down around his face and slightly over his eyes. Enemerika watched as he studied himself in the liquid mirror. Trying to understand what was bothering him.
You know Firas, just because we require some sort of fear or hate in our lives to live, doesn t mean that we must trouble ourselves over things that are of such little importance. Enemerika watched for a reaction to her statement, but non came. Firas just continued to look into the water and sigh.

Getting a little irritated, Enemerika sat back in her chair and frowned.
Firas, you must come out of this ridiculous depression. I m sure that what ever has happened can not be this bad. That would require your endless concentration on the matter. Firas finally looked up at her into her eyes for the first time since she sat down. Letting her see into his soul.

Enemerika looked deep into his hazel eyes, and then they both sat there, staring into each other. Through his eyes, she looked deep into his thoughts and troubled soul. She now understood everything.

Firas broke the connection first and looked away from her concerned eyes.
Firas. Enemerika leaned over the table and grasped hold of one of Firases large hands. You are not the only one that has endured this kind of trial. For I have too. All the older Sirrases that have gone through the regeneration process and failed in understanding just as you have. It is something we all must learn on our own, the master has set it up like this for just this reason. Pride is not an emotion that can be learned through conversation. You must experience it so you know with complete and full understanding of it s treachery. Pride is what caused the downfall of the connection that Humans and Sirrases once had. Making it the most important emotion to learn. So you have not failed, not at all. You have just accomplished a very important journey in the world of understanding. So you are now quite knowledgeable; a freer Sirras do to this information.

When Enemerika finished, Firas squeezed her hand and thanked her, now baring a large grin on his face. She chuckled with enjoyment.
I m happy for you Firas. I am so glade that even though our souls demand hate and fear, we may still posses the luxury of other emotions. That of love, joy, longings, happiness, as well as all the others. I can not describe the relief I have in knowing that hate and fear do not need my full attention all the time. An appeasing silence spread between them as they sat, enveloped in each others gaze.

It wasn t long before they both realized that they had been sitting staring at each other for a very long time, and were failing to say what was really on their minds. But that didn t matter now. Both were concerned with the one fact that every sirras undoubtedly new. Their very own master was loosing his mind. Slowly but non the less surly; he didn t have much time left. Which didn't make a whole lot of sense for the one fact that all angel sirrases desired hate to live and that was that. They weren t supposed to get tired of life and die, because it s a form of hate for them.

Chapter 5

A tall building peaked up over the horizon as the limo topped the hill. Gramps and a board member from the museum jabbered away in the seat in front of Jason. He tried to make himself comfortable but to no avail. He hated long rides and on top of that, he had to ride with people he didn t care much for, except for his grandfather of course. Archeologists are so frustrating and annoying. All they ever do in their slow, pathetic lives was talk about their latest find or go dig in their back yard; for fun.

The golden saber rested in Jason's lap as they continued into the city. What was so great about this thing anyway? It wasn t even usable. The sheath had rusted to the blade and it was covered in nicks and scratches. Jason turned it over to look at it, while replayed the words of the Skerith in his head. What did it all mean?

After a short contemplation, frustrated, he just set it aside and stared out the tinted window. Massive amounts of people now walked on the many streets as the limo entered the heart of the city. It was so bland, he thought to himself. Everyone wears either white, black, some shade of gray or all of the above. Their personal styles aren t even that different anymore. Where has all the excitement and color gone in this world? Feeling himself getting even more frustrated, Jason decided that he better find something else to spend his time thinking about.
Jason, hand me the saber, will you. came the low rasp of a voice from the front of the limo. Jason then held it out to his grandfather to take.
Here gra.... then stopped. At that very instance, a sharp, high pitched voice echoed through Jason's head, causing him to drop the sword to the limo floor. All eyes now fell upon him as he clutched his head and leaned over in pain, or at least that's what he thought. It wasn t pain so much as it just started him. It felt as though another person was in his head talking to his soul. The words were indecipherable but there non the less.
After a few seconds he looked up and swallowed hard. Everyone watched him closely, scrutinizing every moment as though he had committed a mortal sin. His grandfather leaned over and gently picked the sword up off the floor.
Thank you, Jason. But I thank you need to wait until I clutch it before you let go. I know you don t like archeology but that's no reason to be hasty.
But gramps I heard this.... and decided not to finish. Jason had heard of what was done with people who were suspected of being involved with strange things. And this just might prove to be to much. Jason knew all the board members didn t like him already. And telling them what had just transpired would only work against him in the long run, so he ended it right there.

I m sorry, I just had a sudden pain in my neck and I dropped the saber. Which wasn t really a lie. Concluded Jason after a second of thought.

Well if that's all, ok, replied one of the quieter board members sitting to the far left of Jason, But if not, are you not well Jason? I can have my personal medic take a look at you if you like. After all, you and your grandfather did find the legendary saber. It s the least I can do seeing as how you are now both rich and famous my boy.

Jason stopped to consider the offer. The truth was, he felt fine, but seeing Miss Stone, or the medic as she was often referred to as, couldn t hurt. He wasn t even sure what had happened just now, weather it be for better or for worse, he didn t know. And Victoria, Mr. William Stones daughter, or medic, would be the only one he could feel comfortable talking with about it. He hadn t seen her in a long time. They were friends basically, but she was a caring person and is sure to at least listen to him.

Yes, and thank you Mr. William sir. I think I d like to be seen by your medic, make sure I m not coming down with anything from being in all that toxic air. Come to think of it, I kind of don t feel all that great, he lied.
Ok then, I ll phone for miss Stone right away and have her meet us at the museum.
The limo pulled up onto a cobble stone driveway lined with poplar trees, that led up a steep slop to the museum. They all then got out at the circle drive and proceeded to climb the multiple steps leading to the museums grand, columned entrance. All five board members, and gramps rushed up and in with haste leaving Jason to come as he pleased. Which suited him perfectly; he hated being rushed along with everything else the museum seemed to offer. Which in the end, didn t seem all that worth while.
Jason sat down near the top of the steps and propped his head up in his large, calloused hands. The sun had began to set in the distance out just above the tree line, on the outskirts of the city. This was a sunset location treasured by the Artifact Preservation Organization. The group responsible for the construction of the museum. Because of the sunlight's affect on the buildings structure, being located far atop a hill, the handsome building reserved some of the only rays that pierced the dark cities outer casing in the evening.
Miss Stone stepped out of the buildings entrance and casually walked over and sat down next to Jason who just stared expressionlessly into the sun.
Your grandfather told me what happened out on the death plain this morning just now. Said Miss Stone but there was no response. He also mentioned that your still not eating and that you ve been acting strange since last month. What s going on? I know you didn t really need to see me, and that you re probably fine, but is there anything you need to tell me?
Jason stood up slipping his hands into his pockets and staring into the sky.

I know that s it s been a while, and that you probably haven t forgiven me for what happened a while back but something is happening that I can t just explain away this time. Jason dropped his gaze to the steps and waited for her response, fearing there may be non.
Jason I told you already, that child's death was not your fault. It was his time, and as unfortunate and uncaring as that may sound, it happens sometimes and you mustn t blame yourself for it.

But I was right there, I could have saved him, if I had just.... Miss Stone stood up and stepped down in front of him on a lower step.
Jason, there was nothing you could have done, and that s it. Even if you had gotten to him in time, you couldn t stop a building from falling.

Jason just sighed had sat back down. Miss Stone could see that there was something still bothering him but she didn t press the matter any further.
So, what happened exactly that s been bothering you the most? Something recent? She inquired just a little.
Feeling the great need to find someone who understood, Jason told her about the entire incident with the Skerith and what had happened in the limo. All the while she listened closely not saying a word until he had finished.
And ever since then, I ve had this strange feeling in my head. Almost as if I m not the only one taking up residence in it. But I ve had similar feelings like this one but their never lasted quite as long before. And as for eating. I do eat, sometimes, I just haven t been all that hungary lately.

Miss Stone thought about all that he d said for a while then replied,
I don t have an answer for you, but I can take you to a research facility, where a good friend of mine can help you. She s a genetic scientist and is sure to have some immediate answers for you. Jason sighed heavily.
I don t have time for all that. Besides I don t trust them, their more likely to do what they think is best for you. And on top of that, we just recovered an ancient artifact that s been hidden for hundreds of years. There's already a TV, radio, and public broadcast station that want to host us, the entire world wants to be notified of the sabers discovery. I don t have time to be running all over the city for something as trivial as an eating complex.
It s not that far Jason, besides, your not even interested in all that stuff. It s just on the south side of the city, in the Triten Sector. Plus we can take my dads J-98 Hoverer, I ll even let you pilot it. Come on, please, for me?

Jason watched as her face contorted into a silly frown while saying the word please .
Can I really fly the J-98? Asked Jason quizzicality. Miss Stone smiled and jumped up off the steps.
Sure. It ll be fine, he lets me fly it all the time and I m not even licensed but you are. Come on, it s docked just behind the museum. Jason followed her as she walked through the museums grand hall ways.

Jason, we just got the key to the city, we re famous! Everyone has already heard about our discovery! Yelled his grandfather from the inside of a large group of people in the center of a display room. Jason smiled and waved to his grandfather who was constantly being surrounded by important people and cheering fans, basking in the spotlight. But that life didn t interest Jason. To him there had to be more to life than finding a piece of junk and getting praised for it. And he was determined to find out what that was exactly.

The Hoverer was small and made for a tight fit but was fun to pilot all the same. They arrived at the research facility and went right in. Jason wasn t too interested in his sudden change in appetite or his physical abnormalities but he was interested in getting some answers to the voice in his head.

As soon as they were in, Miss Stone led him through a labyrinth of halls and various rooms that seemed never ending. Men and women alike crowded the entire length of the facility and wore white robes and a name tag stating their name and area of profession. And almost all of them carried some kind of bundle of papers. It was chaos to the full extent of the word.

After what seemed like hours Miss Stone finely led him into a large office lined with monitors and technology Jason had never seen the likes of before.
Ok, wait here for a minute, I ll be right back. Jason nodded and she left the room off to locate her friend no doubt. After a minute he found a chair beneath piles of paper and software. The room was so packed with research materials it looked impossible to concentrate on even the simplest of tasks.

Getting slightly bored with the wait and the mesmerizing affect that all the white seemed to have on him, Jason began to read one of the reports that he found under his foot. It was an analysis of human behavioral characteristics and environmental similarities. Quickly skimming through he came upon a section on spiritual entities and their evident affect on society. It was a very thorough report with more information then he could hope to learn in a life time. This friend of Miss Stones definitely knew what she was doing from the look of things.
Jason glanced at the name on the front of the report, MD. Anita Stan - Genetics Engineering Research and President of Environmental Awareness Community .

Impressive. He said quietly to himself. The door then opened and a tall, thin women stepped into the room followed by Miss Stone.
Good afternoon Jason Micklary. My name is Anita Stan. Victoria Stone here has just informed me that you have some questions you d like answered about some differences in your physical structure, am I correct?

Jason shook her hand and nodded then after a brief introduction began to explain the happenings from that day all the way to the day that disturbed him most. She, as Miss Stone had, listened to his entire story closely without saying anything to interrupt. She just quietly took down some notes in a folder she had brought with her. Jason caught a glimpse of what she had written, but to him it just looked like of jumble of incomprehensible scribble; no good.

The writing of a true professional was obviously impossible to read by another. Jason had heard people joke and laugh about their doctors signature but Jason had never really considered the truth behind the statements until now, now that he d seen it.

Jason found himself telling Anita everything, even things he had refused to talk to Miss Stone about, he was spilled in full to Anita. Things that bothered him most, and would otherwise probably never talk about for the rest of his life. About his parents and how they always seemed to be abnormally happy around him. And how he had never gotten the chance to go to an actual school do to kids beating him up all the time. He told her how he blamed himself for the child's death a few months back and that s when his appetite changed. But he decided to leave out the one thing about the meeting with the skerith. He then her about the incident in the car with the voice in his head; he paused.

Both Miss Stone and Anita looked up at him in surprise. He watched their faces closely for any sign of disbelief or even, fear. But they just briefly looked at him and then at each other. Curious. Then Anita sat forward and looked him straight in eye.
Jason, have you by chance run across a skerith lately? Anita inquired, then waited for a response.

Jason hesitated. The one subject on which he didn t want to specify. If he told her, she could take him to court for not reporting it to the AAA. Or she even might go so far as to keep him there in the facility for quizzing. But he decided to take a chance and tell her about the entire thing. There was really no use in not telling her anyway. So once again she sat and listened to his entire explanation, without one interruption.

Victoria sat patiently next to Anita and waited for a lull in the conversation. Why was Jason suddenly spilling his heart out to Anita, hum he didn t even know other than she s a friend? Telling her about everything things he hadn t even mentioned before that day. Victoria decided not to worry about it. Him telling her, a professional of all things, was probably for the better in the long run.

When Jason finished talking, Anita took some more notes then told Jason to wait in the room while she linked into their master web to look for any strange occurrences in air pressure or any other explanation for his physical and mental changes. Then after finding only minor subtopics, told Jason that she would keep looking. With a handshake and short goodbyes, Miss Stone lead Jason back out through the maze to the Hoverer.

After the meeting, Jason and Victoria headed to her house. There was going to be a gala that night at the museum so Victoria invited Jason to her apartments to get ready. After all, Jason s prescience there was mandatory, so he had more or less no chose in the matter. Seeing as how he had no home of his own as he was on the road his entire life and never found the time to settle down.

When they arrived at her house Victoria gave Jason a suit to wear for the night.
But Miss Stone, I can t wear this, it was your grandfathers best suit, and besides, I don t like wearing suits. Jason complained and tried to explain to Victoria while standing frozen in the center of her studio apartment. Get over it Jason, are you that scared of looking good? Victoria walked by and gave him a light push on the shoulder. Come on, just try it on. Are you twenty-two or two? Now I m gonna take a quick shower and get dressed, so I expect you to be ready by the time I come back. Ok? She smiled then hurried off to the shower.

Jason shrugged then waited for her to vanish behind curtains so he could change with some privacy. He put the suit on. It wasn t exactly his idea of a suit that he would go and buy to wear, but, come to think of it, the pin stripping didn t look half bad. Jason slicked back his shoulder length black hair with some gel he found by the sink in her kitchen. He then checked his hair- good, face - ok, suit, tie, hands and, O great, no shoes. Jason began to look around in the closet she had pulled the suit out of to see if some shoes he might wear were in there.

He started pushing heaps and heaps of high heeled shoes and purses out of the way in search of the floor. He had about found it when a piece of crumbled up paper caught his eye from the back of the closet. If was a letter from the Academy of Human Observatory Characteristics'- the AHOC. Victoria had just brought him there. A few of his friends work as recognizance (whatever that is that they recover) at one of the nearby facilities and they all call the Academy a-hoc. So why was a personal letter like this doing in the back of her closet.

Jason began to straighten the paper so it was legible. But this was no ordinary letter, Jason could see that at first glance. For one thing it was written in red ink and for another it looked as though who ever had written it was in a hurry, all the letters were obscured. He started to read but quickly stopped and put the letter in his pants packet at the sound of Miss Stone approaching.

Well I see you put it on after all, it looks good. She stated as she stood next to the closet door trying to assemble a hair piece. So why then are you on your knees looking through my shoes? I assure you that you will find nothing of great interest in there. Victoria snickered as he pulled himself off her floor.

I was just checking to see if you had a rat problem Miss, but it would seem as though everything checks out. Jason replied using the same lightly edgy, sarcastic tone she had used. Um no, really I was checking to see if you had some shoes I might wear anywhere in there.

Victoria led him to another closet wear she then handed him some men's dress shoes from a heap of them on the floor.
Wow, you sure are prepared for these kinds of things aren't you, MIss Stone. Jason said smirking. Cross, Victoria asked, ( What do you mean thing .
All this stuff, the men's shoes and things. Do you get male drifters so often that you cloth them too? Victoria didn t answer so Jason didn t push the issue any further. It was a bit of a harsh tease.
O, by the way Jason, please call me Victoria to night Ok? Jason nodded, then they both left the building and got into a her car and left.

The museum was a blaze in lights and music. People throughout the rooms were festive and enjoying themselves to the fullest. Jason guided Victoria through a crowd of prancing masses to her father standing amongst a sizable clustering of men near the unoccupied section of the ball room. Most of them were the board members with huge cigars in hand and cocktails in the other. Also among them was Jason s grandfather who was also enjoying the luxury of the cigars and drinks.

Hello, my dear. You look spectacular! Mr. William commented of his daughter as she took his hand and kissed it. Victoria then stepped over and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
Your really to much father, but can t you at least call me by my real name tonight, please? Victoria pleaded while holding his large arm and giving him the look that never failed.
Of course not my dear, I shall call you by what you look like, Victoria smiled softly, So tonight I will call you, gorgeous.

While Victoria gabbed with her father in the back of the ball room, Jason walked around looking at all the new artifacts that were part of the new display. The saber was now laying on purple cloth, lodged in a glass case near the heart of the display. It sure looked quit proper now, all polished and meticulously situated on some elegant fabric.

Jason passively peered up, watching the comatose orchestra try to play Beethoven s fifth symphony from a maple balcony overhead. Becoming quit lethargic himself, he then resumed starring at the relentless men as they ferried their woman across the parka floor in a waltz. How picturesque this would all seem if only he even minutely cared about it.

The music continued as Jason aimlessly meandered about the massive hallways in total and complete boredom. New displays were secretly popping up all over the place, while in stealth, as not to disturb the quests. Attendants dressed in formal black attire served drinks to all present while weaving their way through clusters of laughing men and women. A young women came up to him while he studied the floor and offered him an iced cocktail. Jason looked at it a minute and muttered under his breath.

What the hell, I suppose it can t hurt any, he reached up and took a glass off the silver plater offered him. The women smiled politely and turned to ask other guests if they were enjoying themselves. Jason watched as the women walked about offering drinks to people and being waved away.

Slipping a hand into his pocket, Jason leaned up against a display and just watched. It bugged him that some people actually had the patience for that line of work.
I wonder if she ever gets tired of being so nice only to have some bastard tell you to come back later and serve him then. If I were her, I d tell that son of a bi... Jason wasn t able to finish, for his thoughts were instantly tugged away to the sound of crinkling paper in his pocket. What the, Jason pulled his hand out, and out with it came the crumbled up paper he had found in the back of Victoria s closet.

Turning his back to the crowd, Jason straightened the letter and looked at it closely. Sure enough, it was from the a-hoc and was fashioned after that of a plea for help, or so it looked like to him. The paper happened to be a napkin and from the looks of it, had two shades of red on it. Two different pens were used to write it, no big deal. But what it read said otherwise.

Jason crumpled it in his hand and stood up straight as a couple of waiters passed by him carrying trays of shrimp appetizers. When they passed, Jason let out a sigh. The last thing he needed was for some low life to think that he was connected with some kind of weird dealing. And they would too, seeing a loner staying off by himself reading a napkin; quit amusing, he thought to himself.

But looking back down at the note, it was definitely no laughing matter. The note stated the Miss Victoria Stone was to appear before a Judge Walter McAllen to testify against a Josh Brickler and Melanie Freid in the AAA Federal court next week or risk being taken in to custody herself. A threat? But the way in which such an important notice was given to her, Jason felt that something just wasn t adding up. If this were a real notice it would have been signed, documented, formal, and not to mention, typed on a legal document with specific dates. Instead, it was hand written in two shades of red ink, smeared on a restaurant napkin. A formal charge wasn t even mentioned. And why from the A-hoc?

Jason folded the napkin up and slid it back into his pocket. Something important was going on, but to question Victoria about in such a place would only give rise to concern among all the quests present. So Jason decided against talking to her about it that night, or at least during the party.

Walking back into the main drawing room, Jason began his search for his grandfather and, or Victoria. More and more people had managed to find their way into the museum for the night. As Jason passed a large columned hall leading to another exhibit room, a staggering middle aged man passed him carrying a drink in each hand, with a woman hanging off each of his arms. Jason just watched as he came up short of slamming into the wall as both women pulled the fool back.
There s always at least one at every formal, social gathering, muttered Jason as he continued his search past the stumbling bunch.
Be more careful Mr. Brickler, or you ll hurt that pretty head of yours, giggled one of the women as she slung her arm back threw the staggering mans arm. Jason stopped and looked at the man again, his curiosity instantly stricken. The mans tux was undone, his shirt hung out, tie was loose, and his toupee barely clung to the top of his head. He was a drunken fool but had to have money from the looks of it. After all, those women could only be after only one thing. So, could this actually be the Josh Brickler the letter was talking about? He had to find out for sure because if it was, that could mean trouble.

Jason walked up behind one of the women who had stepped back to wave down a waitress for more drinks. Jason came up next to her and gently took her arm. She sluggishly turned a flirtatious smile on him and staggered a little.
And what might I have the pleasure of doing for you sir? She began to slide a hand down his chest but Jason grabbed it before it went any further. She gave him a puppy frown and blinked her eyes innocently.
Listen, I would just like to know who that man is that is escorting you tonight? The words rolled off his tongue in fowl syllables. He knew better then that. Of course she was a gold-digger, but the only way to get anything useful out of her, was obviously flattery. She blinked her eyes at him then turned again and slung her arms around Jason s neck. Some of her auburn hair fell loose of it s clip and hung down onto her bare shoulders. She stepped closer and her purple dress bunched up against Jason s legs.

Listen hun, if you don t even know Josh Brickler, you aren t doin too good. Everyone should know that he s the most well respected man here.
I can tell, Jason honestly lied through a smile.
And he s also the one funding the new sister display in the west wing of the museum next month, and a new research facility for the A-hoc..
Jason stepped back and carefully unraveled the women s arms from around his neck and put them by her side. Not really interested anymore in finding out who this man was for sure. Jason had all the information he needed at that point.
Thanks, I stand well informed now. The woman cocked her head and smiled at him as he turned to leave. She watched as he made his way back into the clustering of people; then ran back up to him and took his hand. Jason stopped and turned, some what frustrated with her persistence.
I m Rachel by the way. Rachel Doune. Jason gave her a pressed smile but it seemed to please her enough to let go of his hand. Just then Victoria called out Jason s name and walked up to him. No voice ever sounded so sweet to his ears.

Rachel dropped his hand and watched again as Jason walked away. But raising her voice just so he could hear her without disturbing the guests, she asked in the same polite tone he had used,
Excuse me sir, but what is your name? This time Victoria hurriedly turned and replied,
His name his Jason Micklary. Jason winced at hearing his name given to the very woman whom he d been trying to rid himself of. Victoria turned and noticed Jason s discomfort but decided that it had nothing to do with the woman so she pressed on, guiding Jason threw the center of the room to the back.
Rachel took a couple glasses off a passing plater and stood hip shot as Jason moved into the crowd once more.
Jason, Jason Micklary, Rachel spoke into one of the glasses as she took a quick sip. You sure don t meet many nice men like that anymore around here.

Jason took Victoria s arm as she showed him to the drawing room where the board members were steadily gathering, along then was his grandfather and various other no-names who had helped fund his grandfathers research. Many to have their five seconds in the lime light.
While the chattering was waved down by a man near the center declaring a toast, Jason leaned over to Victoria s ear and whispered urgently,
Victoria, I need to speak with you later after the meeting. Victoria nodded in response and simultaneously held up her glass in the toast. More focused on the speech at hand then Jason s comment.

Jason left the crowd and made his way to the back of the room where he found a shadowed wall to lean against. He didn t know who was giving the toast or what it was even for, but that didn t seem all that important to him at the moment. What did matter was how in the world did Victoria have ties to this Josh person? Or at least to the point where she was going to appear in court to testify against him.

While pondering all the new information, Jason lifted the half forgotten cocktail, somehow still in his hand, to his lips and took a long drink. All at once, as the cool liquid flowed down his throat, his vision blurred then instantly intensified, searing his brain. The voice he had previously heard in the limo was back again. Only clearer and loader then before.

Dropping the glass to the floor, Jason clutched his head in his hands as he slip to the ground in phenomenal pain. The braking of the glass on the tiles was lost in the sounds of clapping hands as the toast was concluded. Jason tried to speak, but only unfamiliar mutterings came out of his mouth instead. He tried to stand but as soon as he tried, felt a stabbing pain in his shoulder blades sending him to the floor once more. The noises in the room seemed to resonate around his now very sensitive ears. An awkward sensation also began creeping up his spine to his head. The last thing Jason heard as he fell unconscious to the floor, was not of his own voice, but of his mothers.
Jason, it s time for you to wake up.

Chapter 6

The great halls shook as a shudder ran it s course through out the entire castle. Sirrases ran back and forth and took to hovering as to stay off the unsteady ground until it stilled.

Firas leaped off his bed and unfurled his long wings for balance as his room shuddered and shook. Books bounced off shelves and drawers in tall and slim dressers lurched forward and out onto the floor, spewing their contents on the marble induced slate. One of the drawers fell so hard, the pine on the corner edge shattered under the pressure. Firas jumped under one falling from the very top to limit the impact. Pine was not the most abundant wood anymore, especially in their realm. The drawer fell into his open arms safely, but bruising them. Firas winced and carefully set the drawer on the floor.

His arms started to bleed, but it was well worth the effort in his eyes. The floor began to settle and the castle was back to it s self soon after. Only one, of his ten drawers was damaged badly. Firas breathed a sigh of content relief. It could have been worse. Just then, to his horror, Enemerika burst into his room. Instantly stepping in one of the drawers, tripping and falling backwards over him, after stepping on his fingers. Firas tried to contain his anger and pain as Enemerika regained her balance. Her legs were now draped over his back as she lay on the floor with her woven flower shoes dangling at his side.

After carefully removing herself from the floor, Enemerika stepped back and folded her arms across her chest, trying to hide her obvious embarrassment. Firas wasn t short on words on the other hand, but knew it would only make her angry even more to know that she had hurt him. To let the incident lie was probably the better thing to do anyway. So to brake the ice, Firas asked her what she was doing bursting into his room like that.

She immediately dropped her arms and remembered why she d come. Instantly forgetting their current dilemma.
Firas, you know that shudder we just felt? She suddenly asked, but slapped her hand to her head as soon as she finished the sentence. Having realized the pure irony in the question. Ok, of course you know about it, but there s something big going on in the meeting hall right now! I heard word from Tasha on her way there. She said that master Runic has had some sort of attack. She said that he s lying on one of the cots in the main meeting hall at this very moment.

Enemerika leaped forward and pulled a unbelieving Firas to his feet. Taking him by the hand she darted out the door with him in toe. Firas followed closely, holding her hand, as they made their way down the massive hall to the meeting room where master Runic was to have had the attack.

On their long and hurried walk to the room, their legs began to ache bad enough to have to stop for a minute.
Sometimes I hate this castle. Why does it have to be so dang long anyway? Why couldn t the masters have made the castle wide too? Firas just shrugged his shoulders. He didn t have the answer for her questions either. The castle had been like that for as far back as he could remember. Enemerika finally stopped and leaned over, resting her hands on her knees. Firas stopped as well, but wasn t as physically spent as she seemed to be. But that was probably just nothing.

This castle is said to be older then master Runic himself, you know. It was made by the original 200 Angel Sirrases that were cast off Hollow all those years ago by the humans.
Ok, but that still doesn t answer my questions. she stated bluntly. ( I know, but it makes for any interesting conversation anyway. Firas playfully made mock conversation with his hands, as they began walking again.

When they finally arrived, the door leading to the room was jammed with other Sirrases, who of course, had come to check on Runic for themselves. Amongst all the pushing and chattering, a short blond haired girl snaked her way in between legs and robes to the front of the horde, closest the door. Her soft blue eyes danced from one Sirras to the next as she carefully watched with growing worry. As care Sirrases weaved their way around the room just inside tending to master Runic. She had just gotten the news that her grandfather had suddenly fallen ill. This was strange, but not near as unexplainably weird as the fact that it has never happened before, and shouldn t have. Especially to their master.

Chapter 7

Jason slowly rose from a bed as he came to, in a seemly small, enclosed room. As far as he could tell, he guessed that blinds were pulled down on the far side of the room; allowed for the slit of light that shone around the perimeter of the curtains. Jason sat upright on the stiff bed and searched the darkness for as far out as he could reach in either direction. After finding a small metal table, he flicked on a small lamp sitting neatly on top.

As the bulb steadily heated up, dull light began to illuminate a corner of his room. Faded lavender walls peered back at him. Bleak, save a large framed print that hung suspended above a serving table opposite his bed. And with it, sat a small chair holding a sleeping Victoria. Jason relaxed.

He studied her as she slept, while slipping his wondering cold feet back under the covers. Satisfied for the moment to sit content, in an unfamiliar room, as long as she too was with him. He would savor this sweet peace with her, before the inevitable questions took control of his thoughts once again.

Leaning against the wall, Jason watched, secretly and lovingly. Though for the most of him, couldn t figure out why that was. She was a friend to him more then anything else, and the most he had ever thought about in other terms, consisted of other woman.

Jason s eyes ran the length of her body, as it lay in the awkward position in which she fell asleep. Her chest rising and falling to the rhythm of her steady breathing pattern, entranced Jason while his eyes adjusted to the rooms setting.

But after a moment Jason quickly averted his eyes away from her. Suddenly finding that he was becoming a bit unhinged with himself at watching her sleep. It didn t seem all that fair to her to have him scoping her over as he had been doing. Her hair fell in such a way around her face that accented her lips, they were after all, beautiful. Instead, Jason settled for studying and mapping out the area of his room. Save for the things he noticed earlier, there was not much more. To the best of his ability, it still appeared to be only slightly light outside.

If not for the reason Jason was in this room, after a while he thought of nothing else then he would surely die of boredom if something didn t happen soon. Jason reached a linen imprinted hand up over his shoulder to rub his aching back, and found, to his ever growing amassment, that his wrist was bandaged. How had he not noticed it before?

What the...., what s this? He whispered to himself while lifting up his arm. The bandage started at his wrist and trailed his arm to his elbow. He pulled the sleeve of his hospital nightgown up and discovered a labyrinth of scrapes and bruises. Searching, Jason also discovered that just about his entire body was of a similar nature. Save for his right arm which remained unbandaged.

Jason? Are you awake? Came Victoria s soft voice from across the room. Jason glanced over for only a moment but his attention was quickly pulled back to his aching body.
Your awake, I ve been so worried. You ve been asleep for almost two da.... Victoria started but was hastily cut off by Jason s questions.
Where did all these scratches and bruises come from? And where am I? Why cant I remember anything except going to the museum last night? Cried Jason as he half whispered the words to himself, still somewhat unbelieving. Suddenly very aware that something wasn t deffinantly not right. Victoria hurriedly stood and walked over to Jason and sat down on the bed next to him.

Jason, there is really not much to say right now, right here. I probably have more questions then you do at this point. Jason gave her an unbelieving smirk but she just girlishly shrugged her shoulders.
Jason sat back in bed locking his arms in front of him. Victoria sat forward and rested a sympathetic hand on his knee.
So what happened last night....I mean, the day before yesterday? That is how long you said it s been right?
( Ya, it is. All I remember is that when we were at the museum, you fainted during a dedication toast not more then ten minutes after the ball officially started. I just happened to look over and see you drop your glass and fall to the floor; shaking. Victoria's face contorted in a frown as she recalled the night. You scared me Jason, I thought you were dyeing. I mean, I ve seen you faint from being drunk before but this was different, much much different. Your eyes were open and you were shaking uncontrollably in my arms as they called for an ambulance.

Jason watched as Victoria told him what had happened over the course of the last couple days. Her face went through a roller coaster of emotions as she spoke, some what in mono tone to him. Virtually making it impossible for him to tell exactly how she felt about the whole ordeal. She spoke of the ambulance ride to the hospital and the nurses waiting in the waiting room for the doctors diagnosis.

She passingly mentioned that all the doctors and nurses were saying that they had never seen anything like that he was going through before. Shaking, stuttering, and whispering short indecipherable phrases to the void.

They said that your eyes were constantly open, but you looked like you weren t home. What some of them were mockingly referring to you as having the Mockingbird Syndrome. Jason sat slightly forward and clasped Victoria s arm tenderly but firmly.
( Victoria, it isn t Mockingbird Syndrome is it? I feel fine, I m not crazy. Just between you and me, I do remember hearing my mothers voice before I passed out, but thats all. She leaned forward too and put her other hand over his.
You know I don t believe it for a second. But they didn t want to take a chance with you being untreated, if you have it. So they moved you here, to the A-Hoc. I do say your vary lucky though. I managed to get you under the care of Dr. Anita.
I m in the A-Hoc? Really, I was actually emitted? They must think I m some case. I never would have believed I d end up here for a second. What s so special about me that I need to be closely monitored? Victoria stayed with Jason for the rest of the hour talking and trying to answer as many questions as she could without making him angrier then what he was becoming. But for good reason.

But while in mid sentence to her explanation to not being there early that morning to see him, Jason asked,
Victoria, who is Josh Brickler and Melanie Freid? I found a note in you closet that clearly shows that you have something important going on with these people. Important enough to not have said anything to your father or me? Victoria sat up a little straighter and tried, unsuccessfully, to hide her great shock at the sudden question.

Then her eyes burst open in phenomenal dismay. But her face clearly betrayed her to the fact that she was desperately trying to change the subject.
Wait a minute, you talked to my dad before you asked me? Jason leaned forward, close to her face, and quietly asked,
This has nothing to do about your father being asked before you did, does it? This hearing that s so important it has to remain secret. Concealed on a scrape piece of paper thrown in the back of a closet. Your secret Victoria, your little Victoria s secret sounds dangerous. I know, I met the guy. You need a lawyer from the sounds of it Victoria.

Victoria slumped here shoulders, finally letting go of the obvious tension and pressure that had been building for the last week or so from the looks of it.
Can t pull a wool over your eyes now can I. She offered a half smile to Jason s focused and intense expression. He watched her as she realized and tried to smile. Jason then realized his own face and reciprocated the smile. He also reconsidered and thought that he might have been a bit hard on her. This was probably a hard enough situation without him, her friend, judging her for it.

Jason scooted to the edge of his bed and turned to face Victoria. Gently grabbing her arms he pulled her into his arms and just held her there. It seemed like the right thing to do at the time and she didn t object to it. He had only comforted her once before and that was when her mother passed away. So he felt a little unsure if she wanted the hug at all but was assured when she relaxed into his arms. Submitting to being held. Jason tried to be honest with himself as well. As Victoria lightly sobbed into his shoulder, he was just her friend after all.
I feel a little stupid. being here, crying in your shoulder over something I should have talked to the authorities with weeks ago, you at least. Besides, your the one in the A-Hoc, it should be you that s being looked after, not me

Jason just let her talk, nodding here and there and closely listening to everything she said. But being sure not to say anything for fear that she might stop talking of the things she needed. He wasn t really sure, but he felt an unfamiliar need to hold her and help her, no matter what is was.
I knew you were going to ask, you care to much to let me handle things alone. Besides, I saw you talking to Josh last night so I knew that there was going to be a question and answer session soon, just like the ones I have with the 1st graders I help. I also knew you found the note in my closet and saw stuff it in your pocket as I came out of the shower. But to be honest, I m glad you did. I haven t been able to tell any of my relatives what s going, on mainly because I don t want them to get involved. But I am glad to have you to talk to about it now. Especially you, for you are my only true friend.

That last statement caught Jason a little off guard, but he didn t have time to inquire about it because at that moment Anita and a couple nurses entered the room.

Jason slowly slackened his arms as Victoria gradually pulled away from them. Keeping her head turned down and towards the wall as not to give away the fact that she had been crying.

Anita walked up to Jason s bed and pulled up a chair and sat down. The situation was quite obvious to her but she made sure not to make note of it. She already new of Victoria s struggles and they didn t need an audience.
Ok Jason, I have some questions for you and of course some explanation as well. But before I start, I d like to show you your x-rays. As Anita pulled the x-ray negatives out of an envelope Victoria, quickly wiping her eyes, took the chance to thank Anita for taking Jason under her as a patient. Your quite welcome, it s no problem at all, it fact, it s really an honor. You ve done so much for me Victoria it is the least I can do for you and your friends. Satisfied, Victoria stood up and moved to another chair that a nurse had moved up along side the bed for her. Now Jason, I will need you to tell me everything you remember before you passed out the other night. And please don t leave anything out. The more you tell me, the more I ll be able to help. All you can remember is crucial for diagnosis.

As Anita said this she handed the negatives to Jason to look at. They were of his back. After looking closer, he found that the basic high school and minor college education on anatomy did him more good then he d ever thought it could. The negatives showed that the muscles and bones around his scapulas were changing; evolving.
The bones! They re changing, they re growing again. That s impossible! Jason insisted after studying the x-rays for a second time.
That s quite true Jason. I m sure your aware that after adulthood the bones in your body stop growing, but yours have somehow started growing again.

Chapter 8
Doors rushed by on either side as Sheena sped by them down the hall to the lounge. Teeny feet pounding the ground as she rushed to her master who had now passed into darkness and lay deadly still. And worst of all, there was nothing they could do to prevent what was happening. For it had never happened before to any of the Sirrases, and now the entire castle was in a panic.

The hall cleared as Sheena came closer to the lounge. She had never been out of the masters room before, not since the time she passed. Though master Runic was gracious enough to lock her memory so she wouldn t be haunted by her life before purgatory. But now

Sheena arrived at the lounge to find the care Sirrases around Master Runic. Doing all they knew to do for something like this; nothing. Worried and shocked expressions accompanied her as she proceeded to his side. She walked up and sat on a small round cushion placed on the floor for her next to Master Runic. His face was cold but his heart was still beating. This Sheena new even before she arrived at the lounge and saw him. He had foreseen it the day earlier.

A small blond haired girl sat opposite her, on Runics other side. Her blue eyes were full of tears and starred wearily at her grandfather. One of Runics large, wrinkled hands was clasped firmly in hers. Sheena observed her emotions as she sat stock still. The girl looked exhausted. Sheena could almost remember going through similar emotions.

Sheena jolted up to her feet. She could remember her past! It had been more years then she new to know since the day her memory had been locked.
I will do as you asked Master Runic, I will find the boy and tell him what you instructed. I will not fail you, she promised. Squatting down next to him see whispered into his ear, For if I do not, I fear I may remember.

Standing up once more, she turned and started for the door but a small hand clutched hers before she could leave. Sheena turned to find the girl looking up at her.
Please, she pleaded, Please help grandpa, I have never seen him like this. Will he die? Sheena looked at the girl, not knowing how to react. But, somehow she new to say it would be ok. The girl let go of her hand and nodded, then walked back and sat back down.

Leaving the room, Sheena made her way to the earthen entrance in which Master Runic said would be the best one to use. As she walked down the hall, light started to illuminate the doors. She didn t know why, but it seemed familiar, like she d seen this hall before.