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.