Children of Sun (Oracle's Legacy)

by R. B. Holbrook

  "Good boy." She patted him on the back of the head before bending down to pick up her socks. "Though I don't mind you reading me, I like you undressing me better," she breathed in his ear.

  Her words slid down his skin, making him uncomfortably warm all over. "This is serious, Ollie. Do you know what could happen if--"

  "I've always known. Why do you think they killed my mother?" She said the words as if she was going to yawn at any moment.

  Her memories told him why. Geo had found out two years after saving the twins. The doctor who had delivered the twins was of House River. After the twins were born, the doctor had let their mother bleed to death because she was Moon. They were given to a River family to be watched. If they formed a Moon seal, the children would be sold into slavery or given over to House Blade. Or killed. The normal and more acceptable procedure was to hand them over to Blade. But it was said that many children of Moon were handed over to slavers, and some were just killed.

  Ellis's and Ollie's seals formed at the same time. Ellis's Sun and Ollie's Moon. They planned to sell her, so they locked her away. During the torment session, Ollie's powers had somehow spiked, making her seal spread and her eyes change. Was it that change that had caused this? And how? The seal prevented stuff like this. She was the one who had made her tormentor go insane. He had been put into an asylum, only to end his life there.

  It was believed that Moon had powers that were chaotic. Though they had always been secretive and their abilities were not well known, there was no proof of such chaos in their abilities. Though looking at Ollie's eyes, knowing her abilities, and seeing her seal … he was beginning to wonder.

  And her powers were one of the formidable five: the five most dangerous abilities in the Structure. Her abilities were a weakened form of mind manipulation. She could cast illusions in the mind. Some of her illusions were almost concrete, affecting not only the eyes, but every aspect of a person's senses. The mind was totally submerged in them. That was why they called her rare abilities "the alternate realm." She could make a person feel, completely believe, have him utterly convinced that he had lived a lifetime in a world entirely different from the existing one--in a single moment. Or she could make him see, hear, and feel nothing at all, like living in a vacuum. Her abilities ranged from making small alterations to major illusions so deep that the mind could never grasp reality again. If she ever reached Level Four, those abilities could drastically change. And a level-four Moon was the Structure's biggest threat.

  "Look, Caesar, I don't like people worrying about me. I would rather you keep your distance, as you did before, instead of worrying. It doesn't do me any good. I can't use it in a fight, and I can't eat it. So leave it behind." She walked down the corridor. "If you want to do something for me …" She turned back, looking at him with her lava eye. Completely wicked but sexy. "Help me find a way to get over you, so that this"--she pointed at him and then at herself--"does not spiral out of control." She walked away.

  How was he going to help her when he needed help himself? Every time she was around, he could not think clearly. She was like a fog in his head. And now knowing that her seal was a large bull's-eye covering half of her body … he needed to do something.

  ()()()

  "You let 'im run tests?" Her cousin's Cockney accent was disapproving after she had let him know that Granger had his medical staff check her over to see what they could find out. She wanted George to be prepared to destroy all the research after Granger was through.

  Granger agreed.

  "I trust the man, but don't tell Ellis, or I'll hand you your Britain ass, George Ellington."

  George laughed. "I'm not crazy." George knew all too well that Ellis was particular--and most particular about Ollie. "So, Loon, what are we lookin' at, a month or two before ye're freed from captivity?"

  "Hell, no. No way. Georgie, it's been only one day on this ship, and I'm already getting restless," Ollie said into her phone. She was sprawled across the couch as the TV watched her.

  "Ye're on a bloody floatin' island, and ye're restless? I can' believe it. I'd be enjoyin' every bit of 'at vacation if I were you. At leas' Anka doesn' 'ave you pullin' double duty, trackin' down some hard-to-find folk." George sighed.

  "Now, that I wouldn't mind doing. If you can reason with Geo, I'll switch with you."

  "Like pullin' teef from a robin, love."

  "Robins don't have teeth," Ollie laughed.

  "Then you see me dilemma." He laughed with her. "Ummm, Loon, are you watchin' TV?" His laughter died completely.

  "Yeah, it's on cartoons right now."

  "Turn to CNN. Yer … ye're goin' to wanna see this." His voice was alarming.

  She picked up the remote and flipped until she reached the channel in question. Ollie sat there for a moment, thinking she was watching a science fiction movie scene of some large battle. Then it registered. This was live and in Sacramento, California. Structure members were fighting openly on television, River attacking Stone. And because Stone's abilities were the most visible, that car flying across the television screen wasn't computer-generated.

  Ollie shot up from the couch. "Oh … oh …"

  James, Granger's chef, came up behind her, cursing. He immediately ran off, yelling for everyone to come to the living room.

  "Georgie, what? What?"

  "I've gotta call Creed," he breathed.

  "Yeah, and Geo will …" have kittens. "Bye." She hung up and began to dial.

  "What's going on?" Geo answered.

  "Are you watching TV?" Ollie tried to keep from freaking.

  "No, I'm packing, remember?"

  "Turn on the damn television!" Ollie shouted into the phone. "Now!"

  There was a pause, and then muffled voices came through the receiver. Even a curse she could have sworn came from O-no.

  "What?" Ellis said, coming into the living room.

  Geo finally got back to her. "What the hell?"

  It was a while before everyone calmed down and began to think.

  "This would've never happened during the last war." Arjun shook his head in shock as he came to sit on the couch.

  "We did not have mass communication two hundred years ago. We should have anticipated that the war would receive some notice," Ellis said in disbelief.

  "Who would've thought that after a couple thousand years, we'd still act like barbarians?" Granger was the one most disappointed. He expected more from the Structure, and Ollie agreed. Though communications technology was far more advanced than it had been two hundred years ago, the Structure had the means to keep the events of the war quiet. For once, the Houses could have acted like civilized people and allowed the process of the choosing go without interference.

  "We're still packing, but we're definitely stepping up the speed. This is far more serious than I feel comfortable with. This is a big breach in the code." Ollie listened to Geo's voice over her phone as she caught Ellis glaring at Granger. "Joc and his people offered to escort them, but I declined."

  "Good. The fewer who know their location, the better."

  "Agreed. Let me speak to Granger."

  Ollie looked at Granger. "Geo wants a word." Granger crossed the room and took the phone. Ollie took Ellis's arm and ushered him out onto the main deck.

  Ollie turned to face him. "I'll kick your ass."

  "What are you talking about?"

  "I'm not as smart as you, but I ain't an idiot. Stop eyeing him. He did nothing wrong. If you want to be mad at someone, you're looking at her." Ollie saw the guilt in his droopy eyes and pouting lips. She wished she hadn't told him about showing Granger her eyes. Though at first he'd seemed okay with it, he had been moody ever since.

  "Ollie, it was one thing for him to see into you, but it is totally different when you show him. I cannot help but feel as if we cannot trust him."

  "You're only saying that now because he saw me with his own eyes. Ellis, you trusted him before that. I trust him now. And if he turns out to be untrustworthy,
then we will handle it."

  "What if we can't?"

  "Dammit. Ellis, when this is all over, I'm going on a long vacation. Months, maybe a year. And you cannot come. Don't ask. You need to stop hovering," she said, trying to keep her voice down.

  "Why are you--?"

  "Listen to me." Ollie grabbed his face, smooshing his cheeks between her hands, making him focus on her. "Listen. I can't make you understand. I can't show you why. But we need space, you and I. I love you, but I want you to live your life. Stop hiding behind the past. It is done."

  He began to speak, and she smashed his cheeks harder.

  "Listen," she growled. "If you want to do anything for me, live. Get a girlfriend, teach, get fat--who cares? Just be happy. Because you're going to kill yourself worrying about me. And that I can't live with." A tear came from his eye. She took her thumb and wiped it away. "And if you don't, I'll beat the sense out of your worrisome ass." She smiled, trying to hold back her own tears.

  "Am I that exasperating?" His voice were stronger than his face.

  "I can't breathe, brutha." She pulled his face toward her and kissed him on the nose.

  "Well, when you go on your vacation, will you at least call?" he asked, pulling away from her.

  "Hell, no. You'll get O-no to trace the call."

  "Damn, give me a little credit,"

  "No way."

  "About Granger …" He looked down at Ollie.

  "Ellis?"

  "No. Wait. I trust him. If most of our family, even Bones, trusts him, then I know he is not a terrible guy. But just because we put our faith in him does not mean we enthusiastically give him our secrets. So what transpired to make you do something that I know in my gut would be one of the last things you'd show him?" The way he looked at her made it clear that he knew something was going on. But telling him wasn't an option until the dust was settled. Ellis was just getting a handle on her exposure, so telling him about the kiss could make him lose it. Then besides worrying about Granger, he'd worry about Joc finding out.

  Aww, man. Why did I have to go and kiss him? It only made things complicated. She was never too good at being level-headed. Now she wondered if Ellis needed to stay close to keep her out of trouble. Well, he did do a good job of that, didn't he?

  "Ollie." He was waiting. But it wasn't time to dish.

  "Yes?" she sang, smiling. Her patented "Oh, nothing" response.

  "Forget it." He shook his head, knowing she wouldn't spill it. But he would try again later, and she would be prepared.

  ()()()

  Granger had been on the phone most of the day, trying to keep every one of his associates from going south after the public exposure of the Structure on national television. They were in turmoil, and for some damn reason, they couldn't handle the situation themselves. He couldn't believe he had to hold their hands and walk them through it. How had some of these people gotten to be in the positions they were in?

  "Sarah. Chantal. Listen to me. I've already talked to Omorede. We are working to discredit the cameraman. We already have people in place inside the news media. So do what I told you," he said calmly as he spoke to two of the three Heads of Heart.

  "Pardon, but zis mess, eet cannot jus' be explained away, Augustus." Chantal spoke softly, never comfortable speaking English.

  "She is right." Sarah agreed.

  "But it can be minimized. Do you understand?" Granger explained.

  "Oui."

  "Yes."

  "Call me back if there is any other news," he said, hanging up.

  Chantal was right; this was a mess. Usually more dependable, even the Heads of Heart were pulling out their hair.

  And how would the seal-less act? Though the news media tried to spin it as being a prank instead of mutated humans or aliens, the general public would fear. Fear on both sides. This was when the Oracle should respond. Her power could smooth this over.

  He set his head on the edge of his office desk and looked down at his feet.

  Would she respond? And if she did, how would she?

  Finding out that one of the best House of Heart seers had committed suicide by jumping in front of a subway train made matters worse. The seer was one of the few people that held the secret of the Oracle. So it was more than just coincidence.

  Arjun's energy approached the door. "Come on in," he called out to his mentor.

  The door opened and closed. "Nasty, isn't it?"

  "Hell broke loose, and I'm here babysitting." Granger laughed.

  "I am not talking about the Structure's exposure. It has happened before and was handled. I'm talking about you and Ollie."

  Granger's head popped up from the desk.

  "And don't give me that spiel about it not being any of my concern. I can see it with my own eyes. You hurt. That is my concern." He sat down in the chair on the other side of Granger's desk.

  "It's complicated," Granger said, trying to get it out of his head.

  "I've been told you were not even present during her medical testing. You two have been avoiding each other for the past day. I find that interestingly … childish." Arjun laughed.

  "Arjun!"

  "Remember what I taught you during your progression. Enlightenment comes to those who open their minds and explore the truth. Seeing yourself, seeing the world, seeing everything as it is, without prejudice. You are clouding yourself, poisoning yourself with lies and deceit. This is not the way."

  "But you are asking me to choose between my best friend and a woman I hardly know."

  "Am I? Who told you that you had to choose?" Arjun smiled that knowing smile that grated on Granger's nerves. "You should take a lesson from Ollie. Though she is brash and untamed, she is honest. She faces life with her full force. She lives for her family, because she knows they are a part of her. She understands her loyalties, and knows that one day she will have to face the world as Moon."

  He knew? He had probably found out when digging into her past.

  Arjun continued, "I think that is why she has grown in enlightenment, why she will continue to do so. You should learn from that. Stop holding back your nature. Be who you are. Except that there is no perfection, but there is enlightenment.

  "And what do you mean, you hardly know her? You know her better than you realize. I can see it. Another thing--you should not be so quick to ignore her. She may be the very key to all of this."

  "That I know. Too many events point to her. Too many--"

  "What is that?" Arjun frowned, looking down at the desk. Granger followed his eyes to the amulet on the table.

  "Oh, that was a gift from the Oracle."

  Arjun's face held the oddest expression. "She gave you that? What did she say?"

  "It's a focus. She says it will help me stay focused on my goals. But I find it very interesting. Sometimes I catch myself staring at it for hours. Have you seen it before?"

  "In visions. She put it in your hands?" Arjun said, leaning forward.

  "Yes. Arjun, what is going on? What is it?"

  Arjun began speaking in an ancient language before saying, "The Oree. And that is all she told you?"

  "The what?" Granger picked it up. If Granger was correct, Arjun's words sounded a lot like an ancient language that the priests at the Temple of Enlightenment spoke. Which was entirely possible, since he used to be one of the temple priests.

  "I … did she tell you anything else?"

  "No." Granger studied its details closely and then looked up at Arjun. "Why?"

  "If she did not tell you, then I cannot as well. But I will tell you that you just gained some very powerful allies. If I were you, I would not lose that. Ever. Keep it on you at all times."

  "Arjun?"

  "Don't ask, because I will not tell. Not even a hint. Now put it on," Arjun urged.

  Granger did as he said, though he was hesitant.

  "And keep it on."

  Granger nodded, feeling very uneasy. Arjun got up to leave, as if he had to get out of the room quickly. Granger
didn't know what was going on, but that woman had answers.

  He got up immediately and went down the hallway, heading up to the main deck and out by the pool area, where Ollie stood by the railing, looking out at the water.

  "What is this?" Granger asked, displaying the amulet for Ollie.

  She turned her head slowly and looked down at the amulet. Without a change in her expression, she turned back to her view. "Looks like a pretty expensive ornament to me." Her words were flat and expressionless, and her mind was closed tight.

  "Ollie, you know what this is."

  "I know a lot of things," she said, walking off. "I know, for one, that you are asking the wrong question."

  "Then why did she give it to me?"

  "Why not?" Ollie stretched and yawned.

  Damn, she was a pain. "What is it for?" He raised his voice, trying not to shout.

  She stopped and looked back at him with fire in her eyes. Smiling, she said, "For you to focus."

  "On what?" he asked.

  "What do you focus on best?" She winked before continuing on her trek.

  Granger looked down at the amulet and sighed.

  The Oracle had said it was just something to remind him of his goals, to encourage him. Encouraging all members of the Structure to seek enlightenment was more a dream than anything.

  You have started something you cannot stop, Augustus. You have sought after a future that will create a struggle, and yet it is a future I have only dreamt of …

  That was what the Oracle had said. But this couldn't help him, could it? He looked down at it and sighed, calling on his teachings.

  The mind must stay open and the vision unobstructed. Seeing all, feeling all, being all. For while each is an individual, no one is alone. Energy connects us all.

  Maybe it was time he refocused.

  ()()()

  15

  Aaron, the yacht's navigator, looked intently at the cards in his hand. Ollie noticed by the quiet that he didn't have anything worth gloating over. Every time he had a good hand, he got a little chatty. Ellis, however, did. Her twin always had a poker face, but she could tell by the subtle brightening of his eyes that he was riding a good deal. Arjun, on the other hand, was an open book. It was obvious that he didn't play cards much. His face showed everything, even the nasty hand he was barely keeping from her view.