by Debbie Behan
Calyx glanced at Jett once in focus. His force field he kept around them both while he checked she was okay. Jett knew it and paced nervously as he waited while Calyx talked quietly to her, comforting Caitlin while he checked he had done nothing to harm her delicate persona. ‘Don’t worry; I won’t let them give you a hard time for coming with me. I’ll stay and take the blame and my punishment.’ He ran a finger gently down her face, touching her soft skin and thinking how much he was going to miss her. Satisfied she was all right, he released her from the magic he used to keep her contained while they spoke.
She blinked, turned and saw Jett. Her feet barely moved towards him before he snatched her up and moved quickly from Calyx. Sitting on the far side of the patio, he checked her face and arms for bruising or any kind of ill treatment. ‘Did he touch you? You can tell me and I’ll darn well knock him into the next universe.’
Calyx heard his threat and didn’t blame him. He would have said the same if someone had stolen her from him.
She smiled and knowing Jett could read her mind thought the answers to him, keeping it private for just him. The respect she gave him by doing it this way gave him power of knowing that her words were for his ears only. His frown smoothed out, his worry eased.
Calyx watched them, and knew she had eased his brother’s worries. He was jealous he had the power of telepathy. How I would love to be able to read her mind. His features saddened for that would never be either. Axon had her heart; Jett had her thoughts, and me, I’m left with what I deserve. He sat heavily and took the starstarter and moonjuice Aurek offered. The lad put his arm on him. ‘I know how it feels; I am lost to her too. They have her everything, and we have been left like an open wound.’
‘Bleeding,’ Calyx sighed, and gulped the elixir down in one go, putting his goblet out for another.
As if she heard and yet he knew she was too far away, her head snapped around towards them, as sadness broke her happiness. Saying something more to Jett she got up, his hand gripping hers as she calmed him to trust her. Moving towards them as if an elusive angel, she held both of their hands in hers, the glow so bright from her Calyx and Aurek had to close their eyes while a miracle she granted, captured them both. They could feel her love float through them, all sadness dissolved, and only what she gave remained. The light dulled and they opened their eyes, both smiled so brightly, they too shimmered in the elusive illumination for just a while. She wasn’t moving her mouth and yet they heard every word spoken.
To my gallant knights of the universe I would never leave you bleeding, as you would from this day forward, never leave me in that condition. We have a bond that time or threats will never break. You may not hear my words as Jett can, you may not have my heart as Axon has, but you will carry my happiness within you always. However, with this comes a price. You will carry my pain if I’m hurt. Do you accept this gift that the goddess of peace shares with you?’
Aurek nodded. ‘I do.’ He spoke eagerly.
Calyx could barely speak. He thought he’d destroyed the goddess but how could he when Caitlin had been created in her honour? They were one and the same, perfection. And this person before him was his Caitlin. He knew her now and she was calling the shots, using her given powers to forgive them both and reward their future loyalty. He was overwhelmed with such a precious gift.
‘With all my heart and all I have to give, it is yours always.’ Wetness filled his eyes as his sincerity was accepted.
‘So be it and don’t say I didn’t warn you.’ The last of her magic spun around them, almost lifting them off their feet.
As quickly as it began it was over but not the bliss they felt as she released them. That feeling intensified at her squeals of joy as Axon shimmered in. The jolt of happiness had them both high five each other and flop back down in their seats. They were at last content to just be, not an ounce of hurt left inside, but this floating happy feeling that kept a smile on their faces. Neither had any interest in changing that.
Axon stood with Caitlin, arms around her, and his frame melted as he listened to how much she had missed him. Rory stood beside them, arms folded and listening, and as usual surprisingly calm.
Calyx had to give both of them credit; they trusted her completely. He remembered back to the look Rory gave him the day he knocked him off his feet when he took her. Jett was beside himself and yet Rory brushed himself off and stood as he did now. The only difference today was that he had lost the darkness in his eyes; every other expression was the same. He knew then that darkness was a warning, bring her back or you are dead. That look burned into Calyx’s mind. A man that speaks only with his eyes he had never encountered before. He was an incredibly capable guardian of the Planets and between just the two of them, they were a powerful force alone, never mind the other team members he had not yet met. This group of Riders they had scoffed at, laughed about, yet at this moment held his respect, to cross swords with this lot, well not today anyway. His smirk gave away he still believed he was the superior one. But today he was a contented man and was on a new mission. For her!
‘Jett, we have to talk.’ He sent his brother a message and both men disappeared.
Sneaky Men Friends
Jett and Calyx returned, both secretive but not about the wedding. Along with Aurek and Rory they finally fessed up to Axon.
‘Oh and my father was in on it too.’ Caitlin beamed.
It was a happy man that now hugged his soon to be bride. ‘So the buck’s night is on Pluto.’ He turned to Rory, still soaking it in. ‘A night on the slopes with the boys, drunk. Can I just watch?’ This made them all laugh.
He took one arm from Caitlin and still holding her with the other, punched Rory in the arm. ‘Still can’t believe you kept it a secret – traitor.’
‘You betcha! You missed the hunting trip too. I’ll fill you in on that blast when we get home.’ Rory was happy to rub it in.
‘Unbelievable!’ Axon glanced at each of them. ‘You’re all secretive rotten sods, but so glad you sorted my little woman out for me. I was beginning to plan a trip to Vegas and do “the drive through wedding”.’ He shook his head.
‘Not long now babe. I’m going to make an honest man out of you finally.’ Caitlin leaned into him lovingly.
Aurek took her by the arm and pulled her next to him; an action that had Axon scowl and he looked ready to take him on.
‘She isn’t yours yet! Don’t even think we’re giving you a chance to sneak into her room until the big night. She stays here with me until the wedding and that’s written into the wedding planner contract.’
‘Cait!’ Axon had thought he was taking her home.
She shrugged and grinned. ‘They made me sign it. That’s the only way they would tell you tonight. I don’t think they trust you honey!’ She chuckled.
Axon let off some choice language but the boys stood firm, Rory standing up to him. ‘Majority rules big guy.’ He threw a comforting arm around him. ‘Come on, let’s blow this star and go get a beer.’
‘You in on it too?’
‘My idea! I know exactly what you’d be doing if you took her home tonight and it wouldn’t be putting her to bed in her own room.’
A few more flavoursome words came from Axon before Rory dragged him out.
‘See you at the altar, gorgeous.’ He blew her a kiss. ‘And there better be one!’ he grumbled as they faded from sight.
Time Forgotten
Caitlin woke and pulled the curtains back to show a pleasant spring morning. The glass felt warm from the morning sun so, unlatching and opening the window, she called out below, ‘What are you guys doing up and about so early?’
Calyx and Jett were walking towards the house. They had stayed in the chalet over the far side of the grounds, their lights on until well into the night. Caitlin slept little, and restlessly tossed and turned with the excitement of the wedding day. She was glad when they switched everything off and quietened down. It was only then she caught a couple of hours of undi
sturbed slumber.
‘We want to steal Aurek for the day to set up the buck’s night with us.’
‘Really.’ She frowned. Aurek was under the window waiting to discuss it with them.
‘Hang on, I’m coming down.’ She closed the window and left her room. Sitting on the staircase banister, she slid down, and Jett made it in time to catch her at the bottom.
‘I told her not to do that,’ Aurek scolded, arriving seconds after.
‘Phewy.’ Her nose went up in the air, as she still rested in Jett’s arms. ‘Knew one of you would get here in time. And that person now gets a wish for saving me.’
‘Thanks Glow, I can take your ex–boyfriend then.’ He put her on her feet.
‘Sure!’ Her eyes gave away how happy she was. ‘I have Bree and Lisha coming, and they’ll be here any minute.’
Aurek grinned when her mouth opened. ‘Yes the day spa is set up and ready to go. You will be well looked after by the servants.’
‘See; I’m good. Now go. I want to get ready.’
‘Thanks Glow.’ Jett grinned.
As Caitlin ran back up the stairs, she stopped midway, looking back at the men who were organising things to leave. In a cheeky voice she called to them, ‘And if you have to have strippers, make sure they’re fat and ugly.’
With guards all around her, she threw a towel out on the ground and lay beside the pool to work on a suntan. A medium tan would be nice. Her hands worked sunscreen over her skin, enjoying the warmth on her back. Lathered up, she lay back on the towel and closed her eyes.
A shadow disturbed her light. She put a hand up to shade the sun from her eyes. ‘Woody!’ She hadn’t been expecting him to come for a visit.
‘Hi Red.’ He stood in the middle of Bree and Lisha.
Bree knelt down beside her and gave Caitlin a hug. ’You have no idea how much we’ve missed you Cait. Hades’ family have been at war against Mercury and it’s been so tough out there without you.’
Lisha ruffled Caitlin’s hair. ‘I even missed your annoying chatter. I just wish I had your talent as I would have blown them all up weeks ago.’
Bree huffed at Lisha. ‘Thank goodness you don’t. There’d be no planets left for us to look after.’
Caitlin chuckled. ‘So you two still haven’t changed.’
‘Well we sort of have.’ Bree smiled. ‘I actually like her now. She even listens to my opinions instead of blowing me off.’
Caitlin eyed Lisha. ‘Really.’ Lisha had taken time to adjust to her brother’s relationship with Bree. They had been inseparable and when his attention suddenly switched to his new girlfriend, it left Lisha feeling on the outer. Bree had worn the anger she should have directed at Rory.
‘Bree’s okay – I guess. But hurry up and come home will you. I only have so much girlieness in me and then I’m like, far out, where are the boys, give me a beer and let’s watch some footy.’
Caitlin and Bree cracked up laughing. Lisha hadn’t changed at all.
Caitlin stood. ‘So Woody, what have I done to warrant this visit. I feel fine, powers all good and I’m more than ready to start back at work once the wedding is over.’
‘How about you ladies go settle in and give Caitlin and me some alone time to talk.’
‘Of course.’ Lisha snatched up Bree’s hand, snapping her fingers at the hired help to direct them to their room.
‘Let us know when you’re finished Woodsta,’ Bree called out. ‘I want her too you know.’
Woody put up his hand up in a gesture for her to leave them. ‘Go! Baby Bree.’ He turned back to Caitlin. ‘She is such a sook when you’re not around.’
‘Been around a bit?’
‘Had to; it’s been crazy up there over the past few months while you’ve been tied up. Caitlin, you have no idea what it’s been like out there. It’s a wonder Axon has held it together. He’s missed you a lot you know.’
‘That’s nice to hear, I’ve missed him too, missed you all. But honest, this is the first I’ve heard that the war towards Mercury had begun.’
‘Not sure what’s happened but today it is quiet up there. Not even any chatter over the NAVnet. Axon believes it has something to do with what went down between you and Calyx.’
‘And that will stay between us.’ Caitlin recalled the last moments she had spent with Calyx as she tossed and turned during the night. He tried to seduce her in an obvious attempt to destroy her. But in turn that kiss almost destroyed him instead. He’s felt the anguish of seeing how much love she held for another. He had seen what she kept secret. His distraught look saddened her, when he finally got it and realised it was not his arms she dreamed of and never would be. This morning she had decided to leave it in the past. Calyx cared too much to ever hurt her again. They were moving forward with a new found trust and she intended to keep it secret. It was a small price to pay for the memories of the world he had shown her and for the freedom of life he now gave unstintingly. Never would she need to hide or feel the wrath of the gods again. It was over and what remained was a strong friendship that would last for all time.
‘I told you once about a one-off power Cassie thought you had. Do you recall the conversation?’ He jogged her memory.
‘You said I had a one off power to erase a link to a moment in time. . The only problem is that you warned it might erase my entire memory that surrounds it.’
‘Cait, I’m not interested in what happened between you and Calyx. What’s done in the line of duty is nobody else’s business unless you want it to be. What is our business is when you spend time with someone as powerful as Zeus. Then it is our duty to warn you of something neither of you may be aware of. In the event of even an innocent kiss, someone as powerful as Zeus might have left something inside you. It could eventually eat away and diminish your magic or he may have the power to lock in on you, control you if need be.’
‘You’re kidding, right.’
‘Sorry, but I have to give it to you straight up. I never joke when it comes to these matters.’
Her eyes were wide. ‘Calyx would never do that. I only see his devotion and love for me in his eyes now. I swear, I would pick up deceit if it was there.’
‘Either way it is risky to do nothing when you have the power to do something about it. Break the link you both share. You are pure, and he has an evil that could fester and take control of your innocence.’
‘I will lose everything.’
‘To do nothing you risk the purity of your powers and maybe your position as a Rider. If nothing happened then you will be fine, but if it did and he takes control of you on a mission, can the team ever trust you again?’
She heard a voice. ‘What’s this about trust?’ Axon gazed at her.
Woody was angry that Calyx had put her in this position. ‘He bloody well kissed her.’
‘Yes, I know, he came and told me a little while ago. That’s why I’m here,’ Axon replied with sadness.
‘I’m so sorry Axon!’ Tears sprang to her eyes.
‘We have no idea what that might do Axon. She has the power to erase it and I believe she should use it.’
‘But it was only a silly kiss!’ she cried out. ‘My trip, it was so wonderful, so memorable.’
Axon sat the other side of her and using his thumbs, gently wiped away her tears. ‘Let me replace the memories Cait. Let me be the man to fill your life with happiness, and when we kiss, it will be real and never will you need to feel ashamed – pick me, Caitlin.’
She nodded. ‘You still want me?’
‘Until death do us part! Cait, honey, he had you under his spell. He even admitted it.’
Tears ran heavily down her cheeks as she closed her eyes and built up her power. Carefully she went in search and found the strong link between her and Calyx and snapped it. With a frightening scream of anguish she watched. Floating from her were memories of the last few days, spinning and entwined together. Colourful thoughts spun around in front of her eyes, both good and bad. She wanted them
back and put out a hand to hold them dear to her but a hole appeared, the swirl of whispers, laughter, places and the kiss intermingled into nothingness and with a sharp snap as the portal shut, her eyes blinked with the glare. She slumped, her mind exhausted from the magic. The man who held her became the centre of her thoughts, his hands, and his muscles that flexed in worry as he wrapped her in his arms. This was where she now wanted to be, not just today, but always. Her eyes opened to Axon, his smile loving, grateful she had done this for him.
Woody’s voice broke her trance. ‘Do you remember where you have been the last few days?’
‘Here with Aurek. Why?’ she asked, her eyebrows furrowed with the strange question.
‘I need you to answer very carefully. When was the last time you saw Calyx?’ he asked.
‘That’s a strange question, but I’ll play along. On the beach at Delphinus Island, when I was with Jett. He was with a woman, but the rest is fuzzy, why?’
‘Now apart from right now, when was the last time you saw Axon?’ he asked.
‘Last night at dinner?’ she asked, confused. ‘He was there with Jett, Rory and Aurek.’
‘Think hard, was there anyone else at the table?’ he pressed.
She looked at Axon. ‘I don’t understand, it was only us, or I would remember.’
Axon smiled. ‘You did well honey, you’re quite correct, it was just us. He was just testing your memory.’
