“And for what reason, Xzion? Why would I come to Earth per your request?”
“Stop being a coward on the sidelines. You are the leader of your people, or so you say. A true leader marches ahead of his troops. What a gutless example you are. They are down here dying, when everyone knows you are the fiercest fighter of your lot, and of Yuledrake royal blood, at that. You want all of this, you come and get it; otherwise, we will continue to fight you, and I will bring in more and more allies of our own!”
Xzion grinned as he thought of his friends waiting in the wings on their respective planets to conduct business, just as he’d claimed. The Yuledrakes had made enough enemies to last a million lifetimes, and now, the Zarkstormians were cashing in on the forefathers’ favors to others. “So, when can I expect you?”
He was met with steely silence on the other end of the receiver. He assumed the maniac was deliberating.
“You honestly believed that I was going to surrender my son to you without a fight? Do you not know who the fuck I am?” Xzion’s lips curled up in a villainous grin. “How foolish! We’ve assessed the situation. I’m truly surprised that you’ve mistaken me for a fool and for the record, Sahee’s skull looks beautiful above my mantelpiece.” He immediately heard Jatorn’s breathing accelerate on the other end, knowing that was a sore spot for him. Sahee had been his closest friend, did all of his bidding while Jatorn stayed safe, nice and clean in the comforts of his remote dwelling.
“No, Xzion.” Jatorn laughed. “You see, I believe it is you who has underestimated me. I understand how you think, even with the recent corruption of your brain from dealing too long with those inferior humans. They must be disease-ridden with stupidity, and you’ve caught the plague. Regardless, let me clue you in on a little something, Warrior of planet Zarkstorm. I am prepared to blow you and everyone else in that miserable world away.” Just then, Xzion’s iris buzzed. “I’ve just sent you documents to help, shall we say, illustrate exactly what I’m talking about.”
Xzion received a pulsing white light in his eye. Yes, someone had in fact sent him something. He immediately closed his left eye, blocking out peripheral vision, and concentrated, moving the email-like folders around until he had secured the one in question. He opened it to find a three-dimensional photo of a bomb, swirling around and around in a blue lined grid on a black surface. There was no mistaking what it was or what it could do and, most importantly, who it was for. It was Doomsday…the threat was real and to make matters worse, Xzion knew the fucker had not one, but four of these things, one of which was the Queen motherfucking Bee…
“Now that you’ve seen my, shall we say, persuasive friend, I suggest you rethink your position.”
“You would blow up the Earth, lose the diamonds and many of your people that are still here, all to have my child?”
“Yes. It is a no-brainer. Now, though your relocating the child to Zarkstorm posed an issue, you are the key to eradicating that barrier. Xzion, this is non-negotiable. Your weak attempt to try to woo me into a trap has failed. Now, it’s your offspring, or nothing. I already know how precious this is to you. If you continue to push your luck, I will demand your concubine, too. Allies or not, you will do anything for that female. That human woman has made you weak…” He emitted a light tinkle of laughter, just enough to try and cause a reaction out of Xzion.
Instead, he remained silent.
“I will have the child. You and I both know I will not cease this quest. Now, remember, you can single-handedly place the seven billion human inhabitants of Earth in death’s path, all of it sacrificed for one simple minded human woman and this tiny creature of mixed lineage that you two have produced. You will then have to live with that as your calling card for the rest of your life, and isn’t that a Zarkstormian Warrior’s shame?” he taunted. Xzion could hear the asshole’s grin through his tone. “…Knowing the one thing you sought to protect, you destroyed! The choice is yours,Xzion. Call off your barbarians and relinquish him into my custody.”
“Give me two hours to think this through…”
“You have one, and only one.”
The phone went dead.
Xzion smirked, opened his wrist and patiently waited…
“I thought you’d never call.”
“Aton, get my station ready. I’m coming home…”
****
Vex opened the soiled newspaper and placed it over his face. He’d yet to hear back from Jatorn and it grated his nerves. His people had been forsaken for the second gift. It was more than evident, from the body count of Morphitians and Yuledrakes alike, that the bastard was in this for himself. This was what he wanted, but not in quite the same way. Things were happening in a manner he hadn’t anticipated, and the humans were fighting back. Someone was talking to them, training them, putting a buzz in their ear. The fun was being spoiled.
He got to his feet and tossed the paper aside. He’d provided a gift to Jatorn and in exchange, he’d wanted to negotiate — but instead, all he got was disregard.
It was I who gave him to you, Jatorn! How dare you?!
He looked around the bus terminal where he dwelled and hated every stinking person passing him by. He wanted off Earth, but at the same time, he refused to throw in the towel just yet. He looked towards the huge, antique-style wood clocks to the right of him. All of them gave different times for different places across the United States of America. He had no Zarkstormian vaccine, no formulas. No anti-vaccine was even on the discussion table, but he did have his innate gift to destroy; and before he left this damned place, he was going to use it, and use it well.
He spotted a woman holding the arm of her energetic child as she stood in a line. Her scraggily red hair and thin frame let him know she’d fallen on hard times. The child’s mouth was filthy, lined with something sticky and most probably sweet. He approached them and pulled out a lovely green sucker from his pocket.
“Is it okay if your nice boy here has this?” he asked, fixing his lips just so.
The woman looked over at him, the kindly old man he appeared to be, and nodded in agreement— more than likely happy that the boy was distracted so that she could concentrate on the issues at hand.
“Where are you going?” he asked, a sweet smile on his face.
“Akron, Ohio…my sister is really sick.” She blew her nose and smiled back, ever so slightly.
“Well, isn’t that ironic! I am on my way to Akron, Ohio, too. I came here in my car, but it broke down. The mechanic just called me and let me know it was ready, so I don’t have to buy a bus ticket after all. That sure will save me a pretty penny.” Vex gleamed.
The woman said nothing more, just continued to smile.
“You know, I know money is tight now, for everyone.” He palmed his chest. “You could save your money and I could take you and your boy with me. It would be no trouble at all.”
The woman hesitated, looked at her son, down at her pocketbook then at him again.
“Well, I don’t know. I don’t want to put you out of your way.”
“No, no, it’s fine. I miss my own daughter and grandson so much, you two would make great company.”
Moments later, he was escorting the woman and her child outside. He could hardly contain his enthusiasm as he pointed down in an alleyway.
“The dealership is right around here. Let’s cut through this way to get to it a bit faster. Boy is it cold out here!”
He could see the trepidation in her building, but she continued forward until he had her all alone.
Seconds later, her screams gave him an orgasm that almost landed him on his ass as he scooped her and that sticky-mouthed boy into his grip, and sent them on the terror ride of a lifetime…
****
“Game?”
Aton looked down at the boy in confusion.
“I don’t understand what you want to play, Zachary. Besides, according to your mother’s instructions,” — he cleared his throat, attempting to sound as stern as possible —
“you have a busy day ahead of you tomorrow. You will meet your grandparents, your father’s mother and father. They have travelled a long way to see you so it is imperative that you get your rest. You are to go to bed at this hour. Now, you should be adjusted to the time change by now, so let’s—”
“Game.” He took Aton by the hand and led him towards a barrage of books and binders in an area called the ‘Nursing Station’ of the neo-natal ward in Hiltoxile Hospital. This was where young Zachary stayed and played. It had the tightest security of all areas on the planet. They believed strongly in protecting their young, at all costs. His private room with twenty-four hour chamber service was chockfull of magical toys designed to foster complex problem-solving skills. The toys were lined up neatly like a row of soldiers… Soldiers, the very thing he’d grow to become.
“Hide and seek.” The boy clarified, seemingly now understanding that Aton was at a total loss.
“Why, yes,” Aton said as he finally realized what the boy meant. “I know what hide and seek is. The children here play it as well, Zachary. I tell you what. This is not an area for such a thing, but we can catch a quick ride to my house and —” Aton grimaced when his phone started to ring. “Hang on just a moment.”
“Yes?” he answered, not mincing his annoyance at the interruption. “Well, if the shoots are blocked, then you must… Surely the cadets could’ve handled this! I am with my grandson. I mean, I am with Zachary at this moment and as a matter of fact, we were on our way to my home and I planned to return him promptly... Yes, very well.”
Aton sighed. There was no way out of this. The military students were in intense training, and they’d run into an artillery situation that simply couldn’t wait.
“Fine. Since it is on my way, I will stop by and see what the issue is, but you must always clear those out before inserting the gradient nodules.” He cut the conversation off, perturbed that his evening wasn’t going as planned.
“Zachary, we will have to make a detour. Now,” he dropped to one knee, getting eye to eye with the boy. “We will play one game of hide and seek, just one.” He held his finger up in the boy’s face. “After that, you must go to bed. I promised your mother I would adhere to her wishes and I intend to follow them as closely as possible. Do you understand me?”
The boy nodded happily and took Aton’s hand as he led them to the military base. They waited a brief while, until a narrow and steadfast train pulled up, adorned with black sleek lines and a bullet shaped nose. The two entered and immediately took their seats inside a private coach for one. Aton ensured he rode in style and unless otherwise requested, he rarely travelled with others in his secluded coach. Zachary was a much-welcomed exception. He reached over and fastened the boy in, trying desperately to not stare at him…but he couldn’t help it.
Before he knew it, his hand was atop Zachary’s head, gently feathering the boy’s wavy black hair away from his dark brown, syrupy eyes. He studied the child’s skin — a deep, golden bronze, a color he’d never seen. The boy was physically stunning and perceptive. He wanted to know everything about him, yet a small part of him feared he may not live long enough to have all his questions answered. He shook his worries away as the train came to a soft stop. Walking side by side, they arrived at the military base, which housed the Zarkstorm Warrior Institute.
Aton looked around, trying to decipher the best course of action. He bent at the waist and held tight to Zachary’s shoulders, looking him sternly in the eyes.
“We are at the Master Morgue and Zarkstormian Burial Site. This is a very special place, Zachary. You must be very quiet here.” He pointed to the few scientists walking about in their coats, tip toeing around covered corpses, ticking computers and the like.
“I have to go to another base that is nearby.” He pointed in the direction of the place. “But there are chemicals and other compounds there that could be caustic to you.” He knew the boy may not fully understand him, and it was hard trying to speak to children at times, but he stayed his course. “I will not chance it, so you stay right here, where it is safe. Do you understand?”
Zachary looked a bit sad, but nodded in agreement.
Aton waved his finger to one of the technologists.
“Dr. Colow, as you know, this is Xzion’s son. He is in our protective custody.”
“Yes sir, I am aware of that.”
“Very good. I need to step over to Base 865. There appears to be a slight problem I need to address. Would you please watch over Zachary for a few moments while I take care of this?”
“Of course. I’d be delighted.” He looked down at Zachary, his yellow eyes tinged with what Aton assessed as pure wonder. He’d been quite careful about who was allowed around the boy, and Dr. Colow, though rather dull and not exactly what one would consider an ideal baby-sitter, was a sure bet for a short time period.
“Thank you. I will be back shortly.”
Aton made his way out, but not before looking over his shoulder back towards the two. His gaze hovered over the duo for a spell, then, he waved to Zachary and went about his way. Keeping his steps hurried, he brimmed with annoyance as each second passed, but he knew he’d be with the sweet child again soon…
****
Jayme tapped her finger against her now empty glass of water. The house hadn’t been that quiet in weeks. Their ‘guests’ had relocated to nearby surroundings, most of them at the party warehouse. They took shifts, going out into the streets at various times, but always under the cloak of midnight and beyond. It was unfortunate that some of them were fighting not with Yuledrakes, but simply to breathe – to inhale fresh air. Apparently, Earthlings had no concept of fresh oxygen, as it was mentioned to Jayme several times that their oxygen was like a cesspool. In the end, she had no doubt the Zarkstormian soldiers just wanted to go home.
No one dared utter it, but why wouldn’t they? Home…yes. Wasn’t this where her family was supposed to be?
In a surprising turn of events, Cxeza offered to stay with her in the unobtrusive house. Jayme refused her sister-in-law’s presence, but appreciated the offer all the same. Fact of the matter was, Jayme welcomed the hush of the place again. She had been used to being alone for so long prior to Xzion entering her life; she now craved tiny tastes of that old world, especially in times of deep stress. Waking up to the man and resting in his arms had a way of relaxing her to the point she’d slumber so hard, her dreams would only come in shades of black. She did not recall one shred of an image or sound from the movies her mind created during her sleep. That morning, Xzion made his inspector-type rounds, then disappeared on a trip to Zarkstorm. Right before his departure, it didn’t help that Gladys Knight kept talking about a ‘Midnight Train to Georgia’ on the old-style white clock radio. But as the woman serenaded her with the touching classic, she felt his lips upon hers, kissing her goodbye, and the next minute, it was like he vanished in thin air.
She was jealous of the man. It didn’t matter that he had important work to do, but hell, she was entitled. She hadn’t bitched at him about the situation; shit, it wasn’t the man’s fault. If anything, she should be thanking her lucky stars he was on her side of the battle…but still, inside of her heart, a sore had formed.
Each day that passed, with no end to this madness, tore the half-healed scab away from her spirit, leaving her with having to start the discouraging restorative process all over again.
Xzion would now be able to look at the one she called her ‘tiny soul’, her Zachary — eye to eye — and hold him in his arms. She prayed that the man hugged him tightly enough for the both of them. Rising to her feet, she trekked her way to the window. Jayme blew her nose and looked sullenly through the glass, the sheer curtains framing it caressing her upper hand while she drifted in thoughts like the snowflakes that fell outside.
Xzion, damn it…
She hoped every day he’d find a way to get her there, just once, but she was still unable to travel that far. The tests Xzion had run on the specialty pod h
e was constructing for her as well, as the query of assessments he’d run on her entire body, told the unfortunate truth. She wouldn’t last more than a day or two on Zarkstorm; at best without special breathing apparatuses that would be heavy and cumbersome, just like the unfortunate astronauts who had landed on his planet before his conception and birth. No, he wanted her experience to be different. Right now, the only connection to her child was a diamond that glowed, brilliant, on her finger — but left her insides dull.
She looked down at her sparkly engagement ring. She relied on the damned rigged ring and fuzzy teleconferences so covered with static and interference, she could barely hear her baby, let alone see his face. On top of that, the boy seemed far more interested in the elaborate gadgets with blinking lights and doodads Aton continuously spoiled him with, versus speaking to the woman who had brought him into the world. She couldn’t help but woefully laugh at her own frustration. It was funny seeing the youngster struggling with the divided attention. She was mad about her sweetie’s reaction, but at the same time grateful that her little guy was happy. He was just a little boy; she couldn’t blame him because she was insecure and doing what moms do best: worry…
She could see he was healthy and in good spirits, thus, she couldn’t expect much more. With a sigh, she worked her way back to the bed, one slow foot in front of the other until she was sitting on it, the room still murky and cool. She placed the glass to her lips, forgetting it was empty, grunted in disappointment then returned it to the nightstand.
Damn…
She rubbed her head and yawned, catching the time in light blue on her husband’s alarm clock on his side of the bed. She was astounded at how long she’d slept. Still, she continued to suffer with the weight of insurmountable exhaustion. She’d been touring the streets all night, but things had gotten unmistakably quiet. No bodies showed up for the first time in weeks. Jayme sighed and lay back like a floating feather against her pillow, her eyes on the ceiling. She crossed her arms over her chest. A sense of serenity fell upon her, and slowly but surely, she fell into an even breathing rhythm, into another slow dance with a smooth Casanova named slumber. After a while, she turned on her side and curled her knees upward, towards her chest, just as she’d always do to snuggle up to the man she adored. Instead, this early morning, he was replaced with a pillow.
The Tale of the Blood Diamond Page 24
