Blood Lust & Manipulation, and The Amazons (44)

I gathered my people in the room that formerly housed Crimson, as I had renamed him, to explain the events that lead to the week I had remained secluded. I had learned of his past from this man and had to do my best to make it sound mostly like a case of forgetfulness on my part caused by the series of long lives I had lived.

“He may look human but something was different about him, correct?” Meli asked in the silence. I simply nodded my agreement. “I did surmise that his powers are blood based.” she explained. “Similar to the rumours of the blood lust sickness.”

“And Earth elementalists using the iron in the blood as medium for controlling it could simulate the effects.” I return easily. “But in his case it is only his own blood he can manipulate to create anything he needs.” I told them.

“Anything?” Sert remarked softly under his breath.

“Armour, weapons, even transportation is available which is why he was able to survive in the rift space he fell into.” I admitted. “It is an ability that is in his genetic line and not always used for good.” I explained. “But they have all died off while he was lost in the rift.” I continued.

“Have you told him that his kinsman are gone?” Meli asked.

“With his powers, it might be better to have taken him to Atlantis.” Sert remarked.

“And how would we have explained this to the others that we returned to their own lands?” I returned. “He understand that his people are gone which is a good thing for him.” I told Meli. “They wanted him dead because he did not look like the rest of his people.” I explained. “I spirited him away from them long ago but they finally found him forcing him to jump into a rift.” I stated. Long ago I had learned that adding truth to a lie made it easier to believe. “While in rift space, he was attacked and possessed by an entity in the form of a hawk which lead him to a rift back into our world.”

“And the creature hunted you?” Sert piped in.

“That is how it appears.” I replied. “It was the seeress that told me I was the target of the vile entity possessing my old friend.” I explained.

“If his people are gone, his case is not like the others.” Sert remarked. “He cannot truly return home, can he?” he added softer.

“And you should have given me a chance to examine him.” Meli stated. “It would have been a good way to expand my knowledge of human physiology.” she continued quickly. “Correct?” she interjected.

“No to both of you.” I retorted. “Even his pacifist nature would not change the fact that his gift is akin to the blood lust ability.” I told Sert. He nodded slowly back unconvinced. “And his internal organs are unlike anything you would find in a normal human because of his powers.” I informed Meli. She stared back blankly at me. “It is why I examined him personally.” I added.

“But why isolate him if he was a pacifist?” Meli remarked.

“Because the crew still sees him as a rift creature because of his method of arrival and his powers.” Sert answered for me. “It would be the same as when they transport the children cursed with blood lust away from Atlantis.” he concluded. I saw without using my mental gifts the sudden anger Meli felt at her friend's naive view of reality.

“Points in his favour would be that blood manipulation can be used without negative emotions like the earthens can use the iron in a patient's blood to prevent bleeding out.” I said. My interference would give Meli a chance to calm herself before speaking. “Is it spoken of often when children are sent away because of blood lust?” I asked Sert softly. I had glanced at Meli to make sure she was taking the time to recompose herself.

“It is noted in Atlantis' history before the Usurper Queen.” Sert returned. “I would hope it was restarted after Her fall from power.”

“It was not.” Meli retorted. “The Council claimed that it was the disease that drove the Usurper's brutality.” she explained.

“Which did not appear in the medical nor the genetic report of the Usurper.” I commented. Meli gave me a wittered look. “It gave them what they believed security against another royal despot from claiming the throne to conclude her annihilation work.” I continued. Meli looked at me as her gaze soften. “Fear turned to paranoia making them perform evil deeds in the name of protecting Atlantis.”

“Sophistry!” Meli interjected.

“But what happens to the children diagnosed with blood lust?” Sert asked. I saw his jaw tighten and the tension made his eyes squint as he expected to hear the worse.

“Death.” Meli interjected.

“Or biological modification that will kill the person if they lost their sanity when using their blood lust abilities.” I continued. Meli turned to stare at me hard. I realized she did not know that she had been one of the lucky ones waiting to explode. “It depends on the psychological trigger connected to their disease.” I reported. “Protective streaks were modified and kept if they had other beneficial abilities that could be more directly used by the child.” I concluded. Meli stared at me for a moment before speaking.

“How do you know something most Atlantian are ignorant of?” she commented.

“Proper research.” I responded. Both sighed before laughing halfheartedly. “As for blood manipulation, you can simulate some of his abilities with your earth abilities.” I told her. “Some you are already using as a healer without truly knowing it.” I added.

“Such as stemming bleeding.” Sert remarked. Meli and I glanced slowly at him. “Or so I have surmised from what has been said.” he added sheepishly. He blushed slightly as we continued gazing at him in stunned silence.

“Has he always been this clever.” I jested. A small half smile showed on my face.

“Another benefit from your presence.” Meli returned with a half smile.

“Do the two of you practice this?” Sert asked. His cheek still wore overly pinking tone of his blush as he looked from one to the other of us.

“It is just too easy with you Sert.” Meli admitted before giggling.

“As I was saying,” I stated, “it can also be used to increase blood flow or leech out a poisoned part of blood from a patient.”

“By manipulating the iron around an infected area.” she remarked.

“Correct.” I interjected. “Especially organs like the liver, the kidneys, the heart, and even lungs.” I enumerated. She smiled back and nodded to me. “As a armour, he can coat his body with a thin layer of blood that would resist being cut from normal swords.” I explained as I turned toward Sert. “He can create any form of melee weapon or fire darts of blood as projectiles that can pierce most non-metallic armour.” I continued. I heard him gulp at my words. “The sphere is a new trick he must have developed while in rift space.” I added.

“But you called him a pacifist!” Meli interjected. “Is he not dangerous with that much power at his beck and call?”

“Very dangerous which is another reason for him not to set foot on Atlantis.” I stated sombrely.

“Agreed.” Sert whispered.

“While in the world, he may be a great danger but he will only use his abilities to defend himself and those that need a protector.” I told them. “His honour is nearly as great as mine which makes it hard leaving him in a world that honour is seen through a twisted eye.”

“This would make him perfect for Atlantis.” Meli commented quickly. “It would also prove that some forms of blood lust should be accepted in our people without modifications.” she continued. I glanced into her mind to see the knot of matter in her brain that would kill her if she suffered from blood lust. I had not seen the mental or physical markers of blood lust in her which still made me wonder why this organic short circuiting that would permanently turn off her brain was present.

“Who died Meli?” I asked quietly. Her eyes widened in shock and fear. “What happen for you to know that Atlantian children with blood lust where being killed?” I added as she stared at me in silent shock.

“I wonder the same thing Meli.” Sert stated. “I am going through if any of our friends during youth disappeared and cannot remember any.” he continued. “I have seen most of their faces around Atlantis during the last year or two.”

“It was before the orphanage.” she began slowly. “Children that lost their parents were tested before being sent to the orphanage.” she informed us. “You were probably over looked since you showed no magical abilities.” she told Sert. “Two of the children tested at the time I was tested were murdered before my eyes.” she continued slowly. “They called them blood devils and both were supposedly having blood lust moments.” she concluded. She shuddered before, with the help of Sert and myself, she sat on the same bed Crimson had sat upon.

“They had lost control which could suggest the possessed triggers too easily activated.” I suggested slowly.

“They were placed in extreme circumstances that would make anyone with decency fling themselves into a rage.” she half growled under her breath. I could see the images that floated through her mind as a child giving me more knowledge than I cared to have. “And when they tried to defend themselves, the examiners claimed they were having a blood lust episode.” she continued. Anger swelled in her words and from her mind remembering the event. “Guards entered the room and killed them while I watched helplessly.” she stated bluntly. “Council guards which was no surprise since it was the Council that paid for these tests.” she concluded.

“Because you did not react violently or defensively, they considered you had passed the test.” I surmised. She nodded but I sensed an oddness to the memories. They felt created and not lived because of a minute blank in the centre of the stream. I did not indulge further in her mind knowing that this repressed memory was tied to the knot in her brain.

“You did not speak of this with me before.” Sert returned. “I ask that you Lord Kestrel look into these tests to see if they have been changed since Meli's torture.” he continued. “It shows how deceitful the Council has been toward the Atlantian people.” he added.

“Yes.” I replied. “But I may visit without proper clearance if needed.” I informed them. Both nodded the soundless agreement to my underhanded methods. “But for now, I am wondering how Balthis will accept losing one of his sailors to Crimson willingly.” I stated softly. As both turned once more to me in stunned shock, a peel of curses roared down the hall to our door like a thrown dagger. “I think he has just been informed of Marina jumping ship with Crimson.” I added with a sigh.

“He was pretty to look at from what I saw of him.” Meli remarked. “But not my type.” she added quickly.

“She is well protected while at his side.” Sert added.

“Points that I will make clear to Balthis when I remind him that I had warned him of this happening.” I returned. All three of us had small mischievous smiles on our faces when Balthis violently pounded on the door. “He would have been misdiagnosed with blood lust while it is just a lack of control over his anger.” I stated quietly. My companions laughed quietly. “Enter captain Balthis.” I ordered loudly. The door flew open banging hard against the wall making the frame cracks and whines.

“Did that blood wielding rift travelling bastard take Marina?” he screamed at me. He stood in the doorway florid faced, huffing, and trembling all from his anger.

“I believe she jumped ship to follow him.” I replied calmly. “I did warn you that she seemed very interested in that mysterious man in crimson.” I reminded him gently. “I would not worry much since he will keep her safe from harm.” I continued. “Or the Amazons that will be escorting him will murder him on the spot.” I added with a half smile.

“And what if the Amazons simply take him as a prize?” he snapped back. “What will they do to her?” he roared at me. “Make her one of their female warriors that collect men like cattle?” he added bluntly.

“If they attempt anything that foolish, their queen will slaughter them to last woman involved.” I retorted. “She owes me too much to let anything happen beyond my strict orders.” I continued. I fought hard to control the anger swelling in me. “Marina left because she wanted to be with him and will return to the Leviathan if and when she decides to do so.” I told him pointedly. “Now go calm yourself before something happens that will end your life and your crews life as seamen permanently.” I concluded darkly. I had not even noticed the red edged orb of darkness that formed in my left hand nor the orb of blue white light forming in my right one.

“I suggest both of you separate before my engine goes toxic!” Lockey comment angrily. Her hand was firmly placed on Balthis shoulder as she spun him to face her. “I do not feel like having to rebuild my engine because you two are having a disagreement.” she growled in Balthis face. She turned him toward his cabin and shoved him forcibly down the hallway. “As for you!” she stated. She turned to face me directly. “Turn those two little balls of trouble off or I will hold you responsible for replacing every crystal in my engine.” she warned me. I looked down at my hand and slowly reabsorbed the twin opposing ball of energy that had formed there.

“Sorry.” I muttered. At this point I noticed the awed fear filled bulging eyed stares from my Atlantian companions. “Balthis may not be the only one with anger control issues.” I stated shyly. “Once again, I am sorry for my actions here.” I added calmer.

“I heard Balthis words.” Lockey remarked through the open door. “But since she had already told me that she was not letting him disembark without her, I understand your reaction.” she continued. “As for his fears of Amazons,” she began quieter, “rumours never tell what is true about a secretive race.” She flashed me a smile and a wink before walking up the deck stairs.

“I am sure they would welcome you willingly Lockey.” I called after her. I turned back to my companions chuckling which died in my throat as I set eyes on them.

“You speak as if you know much about a clan that all other men and many women fear.” Meli commented.

“Maybe we should learn more about them if we ever must travel in there territory.” Sert stated. Both smiled politely at me.

“Do you two practice this sickly sweetness?” I asked mockingly. We laughed for a few minutes before I spoke once more. “I meet the Queen of the Amazons a long time ago.” I told them. “I proved my strength to her and was given privileges as a free male within their society in that former life.” I concluded.

“What else?” Sert remarked.

“That the young Amazon in Lorenzo gave you her warrior's heart meaning she sees you as a fitting free mate for herself.” I told him. His eyes grew wide as he paled visibly. “But first she must prove her value as a warrior to Queen Aurora before she would be seeking any union with you.” I continued. Meli gazed at Sert while chuckling under her breath. “If she comes to Atlantis seeking you, she will ask if you would accept her as life mate.” I explained. “You do have the right to refuse her without fear but she may offer to be your student guard as acceptable compromise to being refused as a mate.” I concluded.

“I do not see that as possible since Atlantis is still closed to outsiders.” she reminded him. “If never asked, you need not fear how to explain a female bodyguard fawning over you.” she concluded before giggling.

“As for you Meli.” I began, “you would need to prove yourself as a warrior to them even if as a healer you would be welcomed.”

“Would I need to prove myself also?” Sert asked. He had turned very pensive. “Being a male?”

“Your life mate would face the warrior and underling challengers.” I explained to him. “She would even face the Queen herself if needed.” I continued my explanation. “If she loses, as a free mate you could battle in defence against all challengers except the Queen.” I told him. “Even as a free mate, you still need to earn the status of free male by defeating every women in the tribe.”

“Every women!” both my companions exclaimed in unison.

“Yes.” I interjected back. “And it is not always in single combat.” I said. Both stared in silence at me. I read from their minds the sheer shock they were in that I had bested the entire Amazon race in combat to be seen as a free male among them. “I believe you should both take time to think about what I have told you and what you have learned during this trip. They slowly left the cabin before I close the door and took an hour to meditate so I could contact Sister Pestilence.

Sert spent the rest of the trip in ad hock training sessions with the sailor on board the Leviathan. He also learnt from the sailors about the creatures known as 'rift beasts' that would pop into this world while on the open seas and oceans. I explained that it was under special mystic circumstances that caused what they referred to as 'rifts' to open and leave these beings a way into this world. Some are harmless like the Ken they had meet while others were very nasty like Crimson's hawk and worse.

The Leviathan's crew main purpose was to hunt down the nasty ones before they made land fall and destroy them. It was a special request by me that allowed them passage on ship which pulled them from the hunt for a bit. With the mystic field upon the planet dwindling, the crew of the Leviathan would be less needed so the captain planned to turn the ship into a special ferry around the globe eventually.

I spent my free time between sparing, discussing with Lockey about more useful modifications to their stolen systems, and actually relaxing on deck. I pondered over the many things running through my mind but in the end put all of it aside as the ship ferried us home. They refrained from using the special abilities of the Lemurian engine during the last leg back to Atlantis but it was still moving faster than any other ship of that time and left no wake behind it.

It had been nearly nine months when we returned to Atlantis and both Sert and Meli had asked at least twice a day when their next voyage would begin. I chuckled without answering their question directly. As we entered the harbour of Atlantis, I spotted Curd, Ent, and Rez standing on the dock waiting for our return. They appeared slightly annoyed at having Cole standing a few feet away from them also waiting for our return.

Crimson's Tale (43)

“What have I become?” he suddenly squeaked out. The orb around us melted as he collapsed into my arms. Tears mixed with blood ran from his eyes as his mind reeled in shame for his actions while controlled. I held him with one arm while waving the sailors back. Meli did not heed my warning as she rushed forward healers' bag in hand. It took what felt like hours getting him in a room below deck away from prying eyes. I dismissed the others once he was laying in one of the hammocks that hung in this small room.

“You have done nothing.” I said firmly. “A creature of true darkness possessed you and did those horrors.” I stated hard. “Stop this misplace blame.” I told him. “Just tell me what transpired after I left you.” I ordered softly. I tried once more to touch his mind but received only a mix of a million disjointed images due to his shock. All of them hued in red by his blood wielding ability.

“After you left me safely on the far side of the Great Forest?” he remarked slowly. I nodded absently as answer. “My hawk and I started setting camp not knowing a village sat only a half day away.” he continued. “A lone huntress discovered me during my patrol of the area and my camp near dusk.” he whispered. The images started flowing slowly in order within his mind letting me see his adventure directly.

“She attacked you thinking you an animal?” I asked softly.

“Not exactly.” he corrected. “She stalked me as if I was beastly until ...” he explained. A small smile blossomed on his face as he paused. “... Until she heard and saw me speaking with Ferus.” he completed.

“And her tribe believe a legend of a beast that speaks to their totem animal?” I responded. This thought whispered from the blackest parts of my mind.

“And more than that.” he returned quickly. His eyes looked distant as he spoke while a soft smile sat on his face. “A prophecy of a great guardian hero-beast that is befriended by their great hawk and wields his blood to defend them from evil.” he told me slowly. “She spent the night watching over me as I slept.”

“She did not approach you that night?” I commented. The darker part of my mind whispered “I know.” to me.

“Not until morning.” he admitted. “I awoke to find her stirring my fire back to life.” he explained. “Her weapons cast aside from her without fear of me.” he concluded. I need not read his mind to see the pleasant awe that shone in his crystal blue eyes.

“And from that point?” I prompted gently.

“She visited me daily at my camp for noontime meal for what seemed months.” he said softly. “Then, one day she didn't appear.” he stated slowly. “I tracked her path, thanks to Ferus' assistance, all the way back to her village.

“And the prophecy came true.” I muttered under my breath at him. He laughed mirthlessly back.

“Raiders had the villagers trapped and defenceless.” he stated. My link to his mind shifted to seeing double images. The real events and those of his actions while controlled in the rift. “All the bandits saw as warning of my assault was Ferus' claws in a blinding strike.” he continued. His face had been sliding slowly from merriness to sadness. “The villager saw a hawk striking blind their enemy while a beast slaughtered them.” he whispered. Blood mixed tears slowly rolled down his cheeks. “Ferus returned to my shoulder as the last raider fell dead on my blood blade.” he continued. His face went blank as I saw in his mind images of his actions while under the malignant force that stole his dearest friend from him and his own life. “The villagers cheered for me upon the field of butchery.” he spat out vehemently. His mind showed mixed memories of his victory blended into his darkest debaucheries he had been forced to perform.

“That is not what they cheered for.” I told him. I reached into his mind to forcibly untangle the images. The entity had made him see and feel the elation of the saved villagers while he performed soulless actions in the rift. “They cheered for a beastly saviour that acted more like an honourable man than the bandits attacking them.” I continued. As I spoke, I reinforced the proper order of his true memories. He did not slash his way through the raiders but used his blood abilities to bludgeon them into submission. But, I could not alter the true events surrounding the last raider's death skewered by Crimson. “It was his life or hers.” I nearly growled at him. “You chose with both honour and heart.” I informed him gentler.

“I know old friend.” he breathed out. “But it still hurts.” he remarked. “The villagers hailed me in as a hero.” he continued. “And Elana, my huntress, was at my side from that point on.” he added. A soft smile returned to his face but it had a sadness touching it.

“Even someone that looks like a beast can be loved.” I returned. At my words, he blushed a deep shade of crimson matching his clothing. I avoided looking at his private memories of his Elana.

“It was fleeting as my clan finally tracked me down.” he said softly. “I still do not know how they found me but they arrived heavily armed and armoured a few days later.” he continued. “They would have easily slaughtered the villagers in their fervour to end my existence.” he told me. I felt this was his way of justifying an action that could be seen as cowardly to others. “I attacked them before they could reach the town.” he concluded.

“Once you had their attention, you lead them away from Elana's village.” I surmised quickly.

“As fast and as far my abilities allowed me.” he responded with a wry chuckle. “But I underestimated Elana's attachment to me which made her follow me.” he reported quietly.

“What do you mean she followed you?” I stated bluntly. I tried avoiding the images that he forced to the forefront of his thoughts.

“As I fled after my attack to gain their attention, I nearly ran her through.” he explained slowly. “I told her to follow Ferus who would lead her away from the army at my heels.” he stated. “It forced my path closer to the foothills and along the escarpments of the mountains.” he continued. “Too bad I was ignorant of the lands I escaped in.” he told me. “I found myself with sheer walls in front and beside me while my people blocked my retreat.” he concluded.

“It does not explain how you fell out of a rift into this world.” I remarked. I could see in his mind the whole story but knew he needed to speak it by himself to heal.

“The air between myself and the mountain I faced tore open.” he stated slowly. “I could sense the heat and smell the brimstone from the rift.” he continued at the same slow pace. “I nearly chose to turn and face death at the hands of my people.” he explained. “But I must believe Ferus knocked me forward into the rift to protect me.” he concluded. Mixed emotions warred on his face. The joy of escaping death soured by losing a being of his true kind that loved him.

“And when did Ferus change?” I remarked in the silence. “How was he corrupted?” I clarified slowly.

“That is where I am as confused as you my friend.” he returned. He avoided my gaze as he continued. “After my tumble into that hellish place, I searched for Ferus.” he continued. “It was in vain since I could not even find a feather of my companion.” he concluded. I sensed that he hide a part of this story, a part of the mystery he was trying to forget himself.

“What did you find?” I asked with mock casualness. His eyes half closed still avoided me as small tremors ran along his tense jawline.

“I found Elana's body.” he finally admitted. “A blood wielder's spear driven deep into her heart.” he continued. “It was her dying action that launched me into hellishness alone.” he reported. “She must have followed me instead of Ferus without my knowledge.” he concluded. Tears rolled down his cheeks in rivulets of mixed tears and blood.

“But no sign of your hawk Ferus?” I stated. He proved he knew my pensive and perplexed face by his words.

“We are both in the dark on this matter.” he returned softly. “Can a gemstone have something to do with it?” he asked pensively.

“Explain your thoughts.” I requested. I saw half images hued so deeply in red to make them appear as mostly empty blackness.

“I removed the spear and attempted using my powers to push the blood back into her body as it healed.” he answered. “But the blood kept escaping my mental grasp which could simply be attested to the strength of her still beating heart.” he continued. He shrugged as I saw his mental images becoming clearer defined. “Or it was the black egg shaped gem down the slop near her body.” he stated. The words tumbled slowly from him as the thoughts clarified to lightly red hued memories. “The gem egg sat in an indentation with Elana's blood pooling in it.” he concluded.

“It is possibly related.” I replied pensively. “I just do not understand how it would have hatched a hawk.” I continued slowly. “Nor why it would be an identical match for Ferus.” I added. I viewed his memory of Elana's wounds receiving the answer I kept to myself. Feathers from Ferus sat in the wound confirming that both had attempted to save him by self sacrifice.

“It is a possibility in the very least.” he said. I could see that as his thought processes returned to normal, his mind calmed. “I did not touch the stone.” he assured me. “After failing to revive Elana, I collected stones and buried her in my clan's tradition in a cairn.” he continued his tale. “I walked away from that place of sorrow.” he concluded.

“Then you spent how long travelling in that separated space?” I asked softly.

I believe about two to three weeks but time moved oddly their making it impossible for me to assured of the passing of time.” he explained. “During the time I had to battle from time to time to survive.” he continued. “Hunting and scavenging for food and potable water.” he mentioned. “Then I spotted Ferus circling in the sky above me.” he concluded.

“Was there any signs of something amiss about him?” I remarked. “Oddness in his call, in his flight, or in his behaviour towards you?” I suggested.

“He dove in to attack me at first.” he replied quickly. “He had no voice but his flight was normal in all way.” he explained. “After the initial attack, he calmed a bit to finally land upon my shoulder.” he continued. “Then the moments of darkness began when the false Ferus sunk his claws on me.” he stated. “Every time the bird sank it's claws lighter but causing the same control over me.” he concluded.

“Until all that imposter needed to do was land on your shoulder.” I told him directly.

“But when I was free, I started realizing something was wrong.” he informed me. “I started attempting to escape it which lead to it forcing me into harsher battles when it controlled me.” he continued. “It was at that point when I ran away in earnest using my full abilities to defend myself from that evil bird.” he said. “But it seemed in vain as it chased me to a cliff high above the nearly barren landscape.” he concluded.

“A rift into this world formed, correct?” I hazarded.

“I stood at the edge of the cliff slowly being pushed to the edge by what I believed was my Ferus.” he returned. “I glanced behind me over the edge to see another rip forming exuding smells I have never faced before.” he explained. “I threw myself backward into the rift with the false Ferus following closely to me.” he ended.

“And that is when you landed on the deck of the Leviathan to see beings that looked like yourself.” I concluded for him.

“”Yes.” he interjected. “It made me forget about that damnable bird which allowed it to land on me once more.” he continued. “Then I moved away with the vague memory of hunting beings that lived here.”

“Which the vile entity discovered you knew me from the moments it controlled your mind.” I replied slowly. His eyes widened at my words. “I cannot change your memories of me but I can lock them away from external spies.” I offered. He nodded slowly to me. “Only you will know me as Genin but I do ask you keep this knowledge to yourself my friend.” I asked. He smiled as he nodded quickly to me. I smiled back. “Here I am know by many names but I believe you can name as I am known in Atlantis.” I told him. A soft knock sounded from the door of the cabin. I motioned him to relax as I went to open the door. Balthis stood at the door with the female sailor that had first laid eyes on Crimson.

“May we have words?” Balthis asked gruffly. I was in a mid step backward to allow him into the room when he spoke again. “Alone.” he clarified. “Marina offered to stay with your friend if that is acceptable.” he added slowly. I nodded slowly my agreement before exiting the room. Marina saluted me before entering the room leaving the door open. I hesitated before following Balthis to watch as Marina sat across from Crimson with a small shy smile on her face. Balthis lead me the length of the corridor to his cabin. He held the door open as he stood rigidly waiting for me enter before him. I peered ahead into the room with my eyes and mind cautiously as I moved forward slowly.

“What is this about?” I asked with forced patience.

“That something from a rift is sitting on this ship alive.” Balthis retorted. I held back the urge to laugh in his face over this childish complaint.

“He is not a thing born in rift space.” I snapped back instead.

“Are you positive about that?” he returned quickly.

“Does he not look human to you?” I replied.

“Then why does he have such powers?” Balthis retorted.

“I admit he travel through a rift space.” I stated softly. “But he was born somewhere far from here.” I explained. “A race that is far from being human to begin with.” I continued slowly. “Because of his human form, he was treated as an abhorrent thing hunted by his own people.” I clarified to Balthis. “He has the ability to manipulate his blood giving him great strength but he has a good heart.”

“I cannot keep him on board without risking issues with my sailors.” Balthis remarked quietly.

“I would not ask you to keep him.” I returned quickly. “I have been thinking of sending him to a remote location as an envoy to their deities.” I informed him. “It would be too easy for the Atlantians to realize he is not human.” I explained. “I cannot take the risk of them realizing that I existed before my rumoured history started.” I continued slowly. Balthis nodded at my words. “Even the Atlantian would question the fact that I seem to be able to time travel.” I lied.

“I have always known that you appear when you are truly needed.” he stated. “If this is because you can walk into the past, so be it but I need that man off my ship before something happens to him.” he concluded.

“We can deposit him at the southern tip of Africa.” I told him. “He would not be on your ship longer than a week.” I admitted. “Gives us time to verify if that entity that possessed him changed Lockey's notations.” I explained in a whisper. “Best to discover if a spy sits on your ship unknown to you.” I reminded him quietly.

“True.” he admitted after a moment. “But do not ask me to transport that man ever again.” he added gruffly.

“I already have his transportation planned.” I remarked with a half smile. “But you may have problems with Marina.” I continued. “She seems a little taken by the crimson stranger.” I concluded. Balthis gruff barking laughter was the only answer I received as he open the door to his cabin. With a wave of his hand, I was dismissed. I slowly returned to Crimson's assigned room. I stopped at the door and peered into the room. Marina leaned forward in her seat as she spoke with him. I did not listen to the words being exchanged. I knocked on the door frame gaining me a look from her before she slowly rose to her feet.

“He appears to have recovered well from his unwanted guest.” she reported. “Will he be accompanying you back to Atlantis or does he have another deposit point?” she asked in a whisper.

“The tip of Africa where another friend will guide him home.” I answered.

“I cannot wait to return home.” he stated quickly. I left it at that as both Crimson and myself said goodbye to Marina then waited in silence after a few moments closing the door before speaking.

“Very nicely done.” I remarked softly. “How did you know to lie to her?”

“Best to agree with your comment then question it in front of others.” he replied softly. “Secondly, I know that I would not return to my home world even if I do know it is in your powers.” he continued. “It is also why I told her that you had already examined me medically so she did not ask for a medical person to verify my health.” he added.

“You always thought ahead when explained a situation.” I remarked. He smiled at me as he tapped the side of his head with his index finger. “I will have someone meeting you after we drop you off.” I told him. He nodded back to me quickly. “They will take you to India so you may hide away from those that would seek out information about myself.” I concluded.

“An will I be told of your history here?” he asked. I nodded back. We spent the next day going through my history in this world making sure he understood it was the only history others needed to know. I sent Little Thunder with a message to Aurora, to ask her to have guides and arrange passage for Crimson to India. It was only a few days after he arrived that I had him deposited near what would become the tip of Africa. I had told my companions that I would explain who this being was once he had been released safely back in the world. I feared that moment since what he had whispered to me and I had seen from his full mind that he had finally allowed me to enter.

The Man in Crimson (42)

We disembarked the followers of Circe that had come from Greece by midday and set sails toward the Roman lands. It would take until morning to cover that distance under the power of just the sails but Lockey would not hazard using the engine until she verified all the components first. This meant I faced the man in crimson on my own.

I pondered the tales stated to me as I idly watched Sert sparring with the sailors. He was often talking while others showed different techniques. I hoped he did not get it in his head to become a rift beast hunter. The rift events where being caused by mystical conversions happening in this world. As the magical field dwindled, the rifts would finally cease. I did not fear them happening in Atlantis since the field there was organized and did not allow random pulses happening normally. Time slowed as I stood thinking and watching around me.

“Will you explain your request to have my deck cleared?” Balthis asked. I had been so deep in thoughts that I had not noticed him joining me. “Or what actually happened to my engine?” he added softer.

“Notations were changed suggesting sabotage.” I whispered back quickly. “And I have been told that I am the prey of that man in crimson.” I reported softly. “I wish to face him alone without endangering your crew.”

“I think my crew want another shot at that being.” Balthis returned. “The first rift beast that ever escaped us.” he explained.

“He is a man and not a beast like the others that have invaded this world.” I retorted. Balthis shrugged off my words.

“An invader is an invader no matter what it looks like.” he replied. “And it arrived just as everything went wrong suggesting to me, he is the cause.” he added harder.

“Let me deal with him!” I growled. “This is something beyond your crews' ability to face old friend.” I stated much softer. “Best to err with caution here and follow my advice.” I added with forced calmness.

“Do you think your two friends will let you face it alone?” he remarked. “Or Lockey, me, and most of this crew?” he continued. “While on my ship old friend, we face things together or not at all.” he muttered. I glanced at him to meet his dark glare. “Request denied!” he added firmly. The free will of humans had me trapped it seemed.

“Just promise me you will hold back on attacking him on sight.” I returned. He nodded as I sighed. I could see in his mind, if given a chance, Balthis would order everyone to attack the man without mercy.

We ran slowly on the waters heading toward Roman shores while Sert trained and talked with the sailors and I simply watched. I did not simply watch Sert, but the entire crew as they seemed to be waiting for the mysterious man in crimson's return. Even Lockey as dusk touched the sky was now on the deck with most of Balthis' crew armed and waiting. I looked around fearing this would end badly. My sword remained in my chamber below as I stood with only the unstrung bow-staff in hand.

“Going to show that little trick again?” Sert asked softly. He had joined me as I stared off toward the open water.

“Make sure the longboats are ready to sail if this goes wrong.” I whispered back softly. “I cannot see this event with my gift and we have lost our seeress back to the Greeks.” I added quietly.

“Seeress?” Sert remarked.

“One of Circe's followers was a seeress that gave me a warning.” I returned slowly.

“About what?” he returned quickly. “Is that why nearly every sailor is on the deck?” he added even faster.

“The man in crimson will be returning by night fall.” I told him. “I am what he hunts.” I added with feigned calmness.

“I will fetch my weapons and be ready for that spectre of a human.” he remarked. I grappled his arm before he could rush away from me. “I should be armed to help defend you, sir!” he reprimanded quickly.

“I have heard a differing tale about that man and the warning I received was to aim at the right target.” I informed him. “Help me by keeping the others out of this battle Sertian!” I ordered bluntly. I saw in his eyes, in his heart, and in his mind the anger at my words. “He had human eyes when he stood on the deck at first.” I explained quietly. “I believe something else took him and is what is truly hunting for me.” I continued quickly. “And it is extremely powerful.” I added.

“I am your honour guard and will not let harm befall you sir.” he replied quickly. He yanked his arm from my hand freeing him to collect his weapons. A sigh echoed from me and from the darker parts of my mind. I could not be sure what would happen if others interfered in this meeting but they all seemed bent at protecting me when I did not need them for this.

As the darkness slowly gathered around us, the call came from the crows nest followed by the high pitch shriek of little thunder darting off in the darkness. I followed it as it flew away from the ship toward the glowing reddish orb that speed at us. I slowly drew my hand back forming the arrow of light from the unstrung bow. I ignored the screamed commands from Balthis to target the man and raised the protective shields of the ship.

Through the eyes of my little thunder, I aimed my projectile of light at the crimson man's heart as he moved without fear at us. I saw in Balthis' mind that he was preparing to order the velocity cannon and the turret to fire at the man in crimson while I keep my aim steady. My hand jerked up and to the left before I released the arrow at my true target: the red-eyed hawk.

Silence suddenly screamed around me as all stared at this bolt like lightning speeding from the ship. I watched through my pet's eyes as the hawk spread it's wing and the man dropped to the sea but it was too late. The bolt hit home into the birds flared chest piercing the black shadowy heart that sat there. The hawk burst into white flames as it was purged from existence. Little thunder's eyes glanced down to see the man splashing in the surf where he had dropped.

“Get a longboat in the sea and to him before he drowns!” I screamed in the silence.

“He rises!” the watcher above screamed back. I looked up in shock before glancing back toward the man in crimson. An orb of red rose from the sea and return to the unerring path toward the Leviathan.

“Hold your fire!” I howled at Balthis. I felt his sudden panic as he saw this man performing an unearthly act. I glanced through the eyes of my kestrel to see the man's smiling face with crystal blue human eyes shining in his face. I reached out mentally to him dashing my chained mind against the shielding orb he rode in. The velocity cannon fired hundred foot long slivers of iron toward the man. The metal shattered like glass against the surface of the crimson tinted orb. “You're wasting your time and ammunition!” I screamed at Balthis.

My head snapped back to glared across the deck at captain Balthis as he signalled the turret to fire. The pointed cylinder was airborne in seconds with a tail of flames burning behind it. I had mere seconds to react to this attack on a being I could only believe was innocent. I tossed a ball of black lightning at the missile as it rocketed on target. It exploded a scant foot before impacting with the crimson glow that sped faster as it dodged the rest of the airborne projectiles to reach us. With but a thought, I forced the air to turn solid around the sailors and my companions ready to charge the man as one if he landed on their deck once more.

The orb slipped away from the man letting him land upon the deck lightly. He looked around at the crew with ecstatic enthusiasm laughing madly to himself. His crystal blue eyes finally touched upon me his face shifted to stunned surprise. He raised his right hand slowly toward me as a circlet of pulsing red formed above his outstretched hand. He glanced at me through the circle of red as shock was replaced by mirthful recognition that I did not share.

“How can you be here Great Lord?” he stated haltingly. He rushed forward as the circle disappeared from his hand. He fell to his knees prostrated before me. “It is good to see you once more Great Lord Genin.” he gushed face against the wooden deck. My mind reeled as I dashed his words from all the mind upon the ship.

“Silence!” I growled at him. The pale haired head rose slowly until those crystal eyes meet mine.

“Speak not that name here.” I whispered to him. He smiled as he nodded at me.

“Anything for the one that helped me escape with life in me from my people long ago.” he replied jubilantly. “But I fear something found me in that hiding place you opened for me.” he continued. “It has been stalking me for months Sir!” he added quickly.

“It has been dealt with but ...” I began slowly and quietly, “... who and what are you?” He stared up blankly at me before raising the circle of reddish light before his face once more to peer at me through it. I could see the confusion darkening his face but could not touch his mind. As fear touched his eyes, the globe of red light surrounded us completely.

“Who has addled your mind Genin?” he asked quickly. Nervous tremors ran along the edges of his eyes as he examined me. “It has been no less than two month since my people found me again to kill me for being an aberration!” he stated with true fear.

“I saved many in my long life.” I returned softly. I waved to the sailors and Sert to not attack the sphere that held us. “They cannot hear?” I whispered.

“Not a word.” he returned softly.

“Since you do know the true me, understand this:” I told him. “None here know of that being and it must remain this way.” I explained quickly. “Too much is at stake here for errors to occur.” I warned him.

“I understand Sir!” he replied quickly. “But not recognizing me still causes me worry.” he added quickly.

“To prevent an enemy from gleaning this from my mind or other minds around me, I have 'forgotten' much of that information.” I answered softly. He nodded in silence to me as he still peered at me through that circle of reddish light. “But how do you come here with a shadow creature upon your shoulder?” I charged ahead.

“As I said, two month ago my own people found me again and tried once more to erase me from existence.” he stated slowly. “As I ran from them, the air ripped open before me and I tumbled into a hellish place were unimaginable beast roamed.” he continue. “My hawk had followed me into this abysmal place.” he stated.

“Then your bird's attitude slowly changed before time seemed to slip away from you?” I asked softly.

“Yes.” he lied. “As I said, only two months has past since last time we meet.”

“More like many millenniums my friend.” I remarked slowly. His eyes widened at my words. I could read his disbelief fighting with his solid trust in my words. “It is hard to swallow but it's is the truth.” I stated calmly. “It has been at least a millennium that I have been on this world.” I concluded. I saw the veil slowly pulling back from his memories. Horrors beyond reason was in his mind and done by his unwilling hands while under the shadow's dominance.

Sailors' Tale (41)

Sert returned to the deck as I felt the engine pulse back to life under my feet. A round of cheers arose from the sailors slowly as they realized that the Leviathan lived again. Balthis patted Sert heartily on the back.

“Thank you for the assistance lad!” he stated happily. “But where is your lady companion?” he asked softer.

“Mekiliean decided to remain below deck to discuss with Lockey, sir.” Sert informed us.

“They are getting along?” Balthis remarked stunned.

“Other than a small incident with a dark earth crystal, she seemed happy having us around.” Sert returned quickly. “It was a minor mistake that we did not foresee happening.” he added to me.

“I should have warned Lockey about Meli's gifts.” I muttered to myself.

“Thinking that drinks are in order you old bird.” Balthis commented. “I am sure that girl can take care of herself.” he added. He ambled away screaming orders to his sailors.

“After the drinks, we can spar with some of the sailors.” I suggested to Sert. “A chance to learn a few mariners tricks.” I added with a shrug.

“It would be good since I would like to learn more about those rift beast Lockey spoke of.” he replied stone faced.

“They are not all vicious and nasty things.” I told him. We walked in Balthis' wake toward the stairs leading below deck. “Going to check on Meli first.” I added. Sert nodded to me as he walked at my side. I open the door to a strange sight.

“You help me with my engine, the least I can do is help you heal yourself.” Lockey stated.

“I can do this without help.” Meli responded softly.

“But it's easier with someone to help right?” Lockey returned quickly.

“Always better to have the extra hands when one's single handed.” I stated from the doorway.

“It is a simple thing to heal.” Meli whined. “Even if I only have the one hand.” she added calmer.

“Most healers hate having others work on them.” Sert commented from behind me. “Except if it is Her Holiness.” he remarked. “But I would let Lockey help me.” he continued easily. “How often do you get the chance to say a Lemurian helped heal you?” he added with a chuckle.

“Very true.” Lockey agreed quickly. Meli nodded grudgingly as she held out the bottle of ointment toward her. “Meanwhile we can discuss our little issue we had in private before presenting it to the captain.” she added quietly.

“The double notation that could have destroyed the ship?” Sert whispered. She nodded to him.

“The tablets are still sitting out.” she stated. “Verify the order in reverse from the one you have Melchia.” she told me. I took the first tablet and quickly ran through the procedures in reverse order from those listed in the one explaining the modifications. I remained silent as I spotted the extra entry. I went through the list on the second tablet noting once more an added entry.

“Both of these have an extra entry.” I remarked quietly. “And those extra two crystals would explain the engine failing when facing a node stone area.” I continued.

“So my thoughts were sound?” Lockey asked. She was slowly bandaging Meli's hand which had a thick layer of slave in the palm and fingertip areas. “Sabotage?” she suggested.

“It would seem so but who would have access to those tablets without being able to reach this one?” I hazarded slowly.

“Or the knowledge to make those changes knowing the consequences?” Meli remarked.

“No one on board ship that I know of.” Lockey replied. “And Balthis is the only person that would enter this room but never if I am not present.” she continued. “Could a rift being have the power to do this?” she added quietly.

“Possible but most are more direct in their destructive behaviours.” I replied.

“Speak with the crew about the man from the rift.” she returned softly. “I was not on deck when he appeared.” she explained. “I had been in the midst of stripping the crystals from the engine when that event happened.” she added.

“Seems our time at sea should be lengthened while you double check the engine for other possible issues.” I suggested. “I am sure Meli would be available to help.” I continued. She smiled as she nodded to me. “Sert and I will spar and gain the tale from the sailors while we sail by the wind back to Atlantis.” I added. A set of nodded agreements rounded the room.

“We can discuss with captain Balthis about this matter once we have verified all the possible angles?” Lockey returned. “Better for us to have answers than a mystery to hand him.” she added slowly.

“Let us be at it then.” I told Sert. We returned to the deck seeing many of the sailor looking at the water wake in confusion. “Could we have a few volunteers?” I asked out loud. Most of the sailors turned to face us. “My companion would love to learn mariners fighting tricks and I consider learning from rift beast hunters would be a great boon for him.” I explained.

“Aye!” half the sailors replied. I could feel the smile on my face and felt the same elation in my martially driven companion. I waved Sert forward as the sailors lined up to face off with him one at a time. I moved to stand with one of the older sailor that declined spar against Sert.

“I hear you had a man of sorts exit a rift.” I whispered softly. From the way Sert moved, I knew he was listening to hear about this oddity. I felt the sailor stiffen next to me.

“That was no man!” he interjected. He spat on the deck as he shuddered. “I may have looked like a man but had eyes of pure blackness and that infernal red eyed hawk.” he continued.

“No rift creature I have seen or heard of was man-like.” I hazarded back.

“Best you start the tale from the start.” another sailor remarked. “Like having the ship running at half power while Lockey was modifying that engine of hers.” he added quickly.

“I would be interested to hear this tale.” I stated, “So would my Atlantian friend.” I added quickly. I signalled to Sert to join us gaining most of the free hands gathered around us on the deck.

“Aye!” the old sailor replied. “Lockey had been slowly changing sections of her engine over while we stood watch on deck.” he began.

“She could not be assured that we would detect a rift while she modified the engine so most of the sailors stood guard. The small rift opened to the port side of the ship tossing the man onto the deck. As he stood in his full crimson clothing, that hawk flew through the rift and landed on his shoulder. The rift sealed after that. He looked around letting us see those black orb-eyes while sneering.

'I think we made it my pet.” he said in a guttural voice. 'Best start looking for those we seek.' it added with a dark chuckle. He lifted from the deck as this partially see-through red hued globe surrounded him. The men moved to stop him but it was too late. He rocketed away from the ship knocking them aside like they were nothing.

That globe moved away too quickly for us to follow and we still had to reach Circe's (he spat on the deck) to collect your trio. Lockey must have completed the changes since the ship lurched then died in the water.”

“A man in crimson only?” Sert asked softly.

“One with much power also.” I remarked pensively. “And the hawk's eyes were crimson like the man wore?” I verified.

“Aye!” the gathered sailors exclaimed.

“Any words of wisdom to an old sea dog?” the old sailor stated to me.

“Nothing that comes to mind.” I replied. Sert glanced at me knowing from my face as I read it from his mind that he thought I knew something about this man in crimson. “The oddness of something man-like coming from a rift has me baffled as much as you.” I stated slowly. I attempted showing concern and confusion as I spoke. “Best you return to your training Sert.” I added quickly.

“As you see fit sir.” he returned easily. The sailors remained standing around us tightly packed.

“I will speak with the captain and Lockey about this mystical rift man.” I told the sailors. “I am sure if we put our heads together, we will gain greater insight on the matter.” I explain to them. “That and discuss where the others that escaped Circe's are disembarking.” I added softer. I move slowly toward the stairs while Sert return to sparring with the sailors. I spotted a younger sailor following me down but she did not stop me until we reached the bottom of the stairs.

“He was wrong.” she whispered to me. “I saw the man's eyes and face before that infernal hawk landed on his shoulder.” she stated quietly. “They were human.” she added.

“Explain please?” I whispered back. She looked around nervously.

“I was before him when he stood.” she answered softly. “He was smiling with relief and then the hawk landed on his shoulder.” she continued. “The moment that damnable hawk touched him, his elated smile turned into a contemptible sneer and his eyes turned into dull black orbs.” she explained. “I tell you on my honour that it was a man that was thrown out of that rift and the hawk is the unnaturalness upon him.” she concluded quickly.

“I will look into this.” I replied quietly. “I thank you on his behalf if he truly be a man.” I added with a nod. She sighed before rushing back to the deck. The warning bell that had rang in my mind hearing the tale now clanged like thunder in the darkest parts of my mind. I could see no path of this man in crimson but somewhere in my hidden mind, I knew of him. A thrill of thoughts and furtive movement drew my attention down the short corridor.

“Beware since it is you crimson hunts.” Circe's follower stated softly. A single touch to this preteen girl's mind told me she was a seer. I walked slowly to her side as she stood half hidden in one of the doorways.

“When will he come for me?” I asked softly.

“After the sun sets, it will come for you.” she told me. “Aim right or all you do is delay it.” she added.

“I thank you for showing me something I cannot see myself.” I returned softly. I walked on to the engine room to find Balthis present with Meli and Lockey. “Could you give us a few moments, Meli?” I asked from the doorway.

“Of course, sir.” she replied quickly. I watched as she passed me noting her one hand gloved in bandages. Once the door closed at my back, I moved slowly to stand with Balthis and Lockey by her precious engine.

“Your rift visitor will return after dusk for me.” I stated bluntly to them. “I want the deck cleared as the last rays of the sun touch it.” I ordered. Balthis nodded slowly toward me. I turned and left them to retrieve my bow-staff for this encounter.