by Lizzy Ford
* * *
Jule looked around Yully’s room, trying to digest everything he was learning about himself. He still couldn’t remember much more than what the Watcher and Original Vamp had told him. That he was an Original Being who had chosen to stay with Damian and a woman long since dead. He doubted the decision was made on emotion only; he’d never leave Damian to battle creatures like the Watchers and Others on his own. Without even fully knowing why, Jule despised the two factions too much to abandon Damian-- and through Damian, humanity-- to them.
Whatever had happened in the immortal realm to make him hate the little bastards, he was glad the sense of distrust wasn’t wiped out with his memories. Jule Transported himself from the Other’s Irish manor to the study of the White God’s temporary headquarters in Texas. Damian appeared to be waiting for him, perched on the corner of a mahogany desk with his arms crossed.
“’Bout time,” Damian said before Jule’s eyes opened. “Something you wanna tell me?”
“You know me too well,” Jule said with a smile. “We need to talk, D.”
“I’d say so. I’ll send Dusty out to keep an eye on Ireland.” The White God bristled with power, but his smile was quick. The friendship between them stretched thousands of years, to just before the Schism. Gazing at his adopted brother and recalling everything they’d done to protect humans, Jule had no doubt giving up his life in the immortal world was worth it, despite Xander’s uncertainty.
“Thanks, D,” Jule said quietly.
“I called off the hit on your woman,” Damian said. His golden eyes were calm, and he was dressed as if he’d just finished sparring.
“Thanks, D,” Jule said again. “I never told you why I was exiled from the immortal world, mainly because I didn’t fully know why myself.”
“I take it now’s the time,” Damian said with a snort. “Start talking.”
“I don’t remember much of anything, D, but from what I’ve gathered, I was an Original Being tasked to help you navigate the transition to Godhood. I just refused to return. I’m remembering some things. Every time there’s a new era-- where either a Black or White God transitions-- an Original Being is released from whatever exile the immortals inflicted upon him. The hope is that the Original Being will oversee the transition and make sure none of the immortal entities interfere.”
“They’re doing a shitty job,” Damian said. “The Watchers and Others will wipe out everyone.”
“It’s worse than that. I ran into the Original Vamp already and am under the impression all the Original Beings are free. The Watchers must’ve done a number on me before I left. I can’t remember the time before the Schism, except for you and Darian, and my magic is but a fraction of what it once was.”
Damian was quiet for a moment. “Sofi said the Originals aren’t what we’ve been led to believe them to be. I trust her, and I think you’re the proof.”
“I wish I could remember something of that time.”
“The funny thing is, the Watcher told me that any Original Being that was set free would destroy the world. You’re here. The Vamp is here, and yet the only tear between realms was caused by Darian and is being pursued by the Watchers and Others,” Damian said. “Do you remember much of the Originals?”
“Not at all. Most of what I know comes from what I’ve relearned after the Schism,” Jule answered.
“So you know what I know of them, which is what the Watchers and Others have propagated.”
“Yes,” Jule answered, pensive. “You don’t think they’re the enemies.”
“I don’t understand their motivations any more than I do those of the damned Watchers, but I feel safe saying that the Originals are not our current problem,” Damian said.
“The Watchers are using us. They want me back in the immortal realm to help them battle the Others.”
“Makes sense,” Damian said thoughtfully. “Darian said a Watcher ordered you to kill your mate?”
“Yeah.”
“I bet the Watchers were counting on manipulating the only creature in the mortal realm that can battle an Other on earth. What would make an immortal who chose humanity once return to who he was in order to save the humans again?”
“A damn woman.” Jule rose and paced, anger rippling through him. “So they force me to seek out my mate by claiming she had to die, fully knowing I couldn’t kill her and we’d be bound at first touch. I hate those little trolls.”
“I can’t tell if they have faith we’ll figure this out, or if they’re secretly hoping we don’t,” Damian admitted. “In either case, I’m planning on expelling them and the Others both from the mortal realm. Sick of their interference.”
“You’ll need the help of an Original Being or two for that,” Jule said. His thoughts went to Yully. Caught in the middle of the battle between Others and Watchers, her danger was increasing, and he was stuck in a riddle he couldn’t quite solve. “D, I need my Original powers back, but I’m not going back to the immortal realm.”
“You said the Original Vamp is here,” Damian asked. “Have you considered asking him?”
“I guess I could.” Jule chuckled. “He didn’t tear my head off when he sought me out the first time. I’ll need Sofi’s help, though.”
“Just promise me you will call me if the Vamp decides to turn you into dinner,” the White God said.
“The White God must exist for the sake of humanity, but an exiled immortal is no loss if he dies.”
“It’s not a request, Jule.”
“Yes, ikir,” Jule replied with a smile, amused. “Is Sofi free?”
“She’s already waiting for you.”
