‘Come on, let’s see if your lucky shots can take a round two,’ Axel quipped, bounding off towards the lights.
‘Oh, you’d be surprised,’ Wyatt muttered after him, chuckling in astonishment, then raced off to join him.
Chapter 27
Beneath The Surface
Lenore studied the charred cuneiform on the ground floor of the mansion, left behind after Marduk’s aetheration. The wholesome night’s sleep had refreshed her greatly, and the last she would have expected to see as she descended the staircase that morning, was black symbols scarring the foyer floor.
Love.
It hadn’t faded completely by the time Beatrice noticed, and she had ended up searching frantically for Anubis, whose absence only reinforced what Lenore already knew. He’s taken her.
‘She’ll be fine, Beatrice,’ Lenore reassured the worried woman, as she busily prepared them all a large breakfast.
‘Ow do ye know? Where is she?’ she quizzed with lowered brows, looking at Lenore expectantly.
‘It’s hard to explain, but honestly, she’s safe,’ Lenore confidently assured. ‘She will return soon, and she’ll explain everything to you. I’m sure of it.’
Beatrice frowned, ‘She was in no condition to ‘ave gone anywhere in the dead of night,’ she complained, setting out the large dining table with platters and utensils.
I can’t exactly tell her that an alien loves Anubis, and he has whisked her off to some unknown place, Lenore lamented.
It wasn’t long before the others emerged from their slumber, and sat at the grand dining table, helping themselves to generous heaped servings of steaming egg, meats, bread and other assorted breakfast foods. Living for a week on forest nuts and berries, was evident as Lenore and her group once again tore into the hot sausages and freshly baked bread. It will take some time for the group to realise that food was no longer a scarce commodity.
The mood was light, despite Anubis’ obvious sudden absence, and the conversation flowed as everybody felt energised, itching to know one another better. Cat had recovered well from her attack, and her previously sullen disposition had been replaced by her usual joyous self as she trilled and giggled with Jenny. Axel must still be on her mind, even now. But she’s hiding it well. I know she must miss him, but she must also feel betrayed and hurt at the same time, Lenore observed.
Emile was her quiet, sombre self, only briefly interacting with Cat, but then resuming her shy and slow mouthfuls of food. All too aware of the commotion around her, and the eyes that may be judging her, she felt extremely self-conscious, despite wanting to desperately devour the food. Her brown eyes flicked up to Johnny, who was seated opposite, and he immediately lowered his gaze back down to his own breakfast. Emile shifted uncomfortably, do I eat disgustingly? Have I got something on my face? she fretted as she reached up, wiping her lips clean from any embarrassment that may have been there. He probably thinks I’m so weird, because of last night. Why didn’t I talk to him like a normal person?
Her fearful thoughts were interrupted by a platter of bread rolls being held out to her by Johnny.
She looked at him, then shook her head, smiling shyly. I do want one though, I’m so hungry... They look so good.
Realising that he was making her uncomfortable, Johnny turned away slightly and made himself appear to be interested in the conversation to his left. Emile flicked her eyes about, subtly assessing where everybody’s attention was, and took the opportunity to stuff half a sausage into her mouth. Hiding behind her long dark hair, she chewed wildly, relishing the delicious flavours and nourishment. Johnny smiled to himself as he spied her from the corner of his eye, and turned back to resume his own breakfast. She’s like a wild deer, springing into action only when nobody is looking, he mused.
The conversations had continued even after everyone had eaten their fill, until finally Beatrice and Jenny moved to begin clearing plates, Cat followed suit, taking her own plate to the kitchens. Johnny rose slowly, noticing that Emile was surreptitiously watching from under her long lashes, and he grinned to himself as he picked up his plate. Moving around the table, he stopped beside Emile, and reached over for her plate. She instantly stiffened, uncomfortable, but managed to murmur, ‘Thank you,’ while avoiding his gaze.
He made his way to the doorway leading to the kitchens and stopped a moment, looking back at her. In the noise and commotion, he watched her take two bread rolls, and swiftly leave the room via the main doorway. Like a deer, he smiled with amusement.
***
Axel awoke to bright morning light pouring in through the skycraft windows, and he jolted up confused.
‘Morning, pup!’ Wyatt called from the cockpit, a white bandage around his head was soaked red with old blood, at the site of his head wound. Axel stumbled from the bunk and into the cockpit, disorientated by the feeling of flying, and slumped down into the seat beside Wyatt.
‘Have you slept?’ Axel murmured, rubbing his face.
‘Can you fly?’ Wyatt questioned with a grin.
Rolling his eyes, Axel leaned back in his seat, ‘Point taken...’
They had hijacked the IGS skycraft somewhat easily, having already rid it from four of its crew in the darkness of the forest. The remaining door guard was effortlessly picked off by Wyatt’s quick shot, and the pilot waiting on board was dispatched with a swift break of his neck by Axel.
‘Where are we headed?’ Axel questioned.
‘Siberia, mate!’ Wyatt stated with a grin, ‘Once we outrun our friends back there,’ gesturing behind himself.
Axel glanced out of the rear window of the craft, spotting three distant dark shapes against the white clouds.
‘IGS?’ Axel quizzed with urgency.
‘Oh yes,’ Wyatt confirmed, ‘They want their baby back,’ he explained, patting the dashboard, ‘And our heads of course,’ he chuckled.
‘I need to get back with my group,’ Axel complained.
‘And do you know where they flew off to?’ Wyatt probed, eyeing him pointedly.
‘No,’ Axel sighed, then relaxed into his seat with resignation, ‘Why Siberia?’
‘Headquarters for my… particular line of work,’ Wyatt revealed, grinning at Axel’s uneasy expression.
‘Mercenaries, mate!’ he laughed, ‘And high risk insiders. We’re called Saboteurs. We… sabotage. Particularly those IGS bastards.’
‘And you have your base in Siberia?’ Axel probed, raising an eyebrow.
‘It’s a secret, frozen paradise, mate,’ Axel chuckled. ‘Perfect place for those who need to hide from the world for a while.’
Axel huffed and shrugged, ‘Well I should fit right in,’ he mused.
‘Yes you will,’ Wyatt concurred, snickering with amusement.
***
The day was bright and clear, and Emile saw the opportunity for some peaceful reading, in the beautiful island surroundings. Grabbing a book from her room, she made her way out along the pathways and moors of the island, to the Old Light.
Securing the lighthouse doorway open, she sat in the shelter of its entrance, shielded from the maritime winds, but allowing the smells, sights and sounds of Lundy to reach her with all its beauty.
Emile looked out upon the pleasing contrast of the green grass, rippling in the wind, and the blue sky, almost cloudless. The roaring of the sea, ushered in the familiar overwhelming feeling of tranquil sadness. No, not now. Please. But it was too late, her heart clenched and tears began rolling down her cheeks.
No longer on her medication, her waves of melancholia had not gripped her as harshly as she originally expected, especially after seeing Axel’s extreme withdrawals. But the sinking feelings of loneliness and despair still came nonetheless. But I’m with people now. I have friends. I’m happy. What’s wrong with me! She pleaded with herself as she dropped her book and sobbed into her folded arms.
The rhythmic thumping of hooves was carried on the cold gusts, nearing until a great black horse trotted up to the lighthouse do
or. Johnny sat astride it, regarding her with a nervous smile, then, upon seeing her tears, his expression shifted to concern, and he dismounted.
‘Are ye-’ he began, but she cut him off.
‘Yes,’ she whispered, hiding her face and gesturing for him to leave. But he didn’t move, instead he reached to pet his horse, feigning his focus to something other than her. Yet he subtly kept his sympathetic gaze never leaving Emile.
Minutes passed, and Emile’s sobbed quietened to sniffs. Johnny waited patiently as her head finally lifted, and she wiped her eyes, hiding her face behind her hair. She took some loud deep breaths, regaining her composure, and looked up at him shyly, hiding half of her face with a shaky hand.
‘Sorry,’ she mumbled.
His face flickered with sympathetic pain, ‘Don’t be sorry,’ he insisted, moving gently to sit beside her, and picked up her book. Some of its pages had bent and folded from the drop and he righted them as best he could.
‘You must think I’m so silly,’ she moaned wiping her face, and taking her book from him.
‘Not at all. I think, what on earth could ‘ave ‘appened to such a lovely lass, to make her so upset in her own company.’
She made a small blubbery snort in shy amusement.
‘What’s the story in tha’ one?’ he asked, pointing to the book. She immediately blushed and shrugged shyly, unable to muster the courage to voice the plotline of the historical romance to him. He smiled and sighed, accepting her refusal, and leaned forward thoughtfully.
‘Do ye wanna see something amazing today?’ he suggested looking out to the sea. She remained silent, wiping her eyes, and he rose to his feet and grabbed the horse’s reins, ‘I could go alone. But I don’t really want to,’ and he turned to her with a gentle smile, ‘and I think you’ll love it.’
She looked up at him in confusion. He doesn’t know me. What does he want me to see? She suddenly felt a pull of regret as he began to lead his horse away. I want to go! He turned around again and asked once more, ‘So? Do ye wanna come with? She reactively stood, hugging her book close the her chest, and nodded. He beamed a victorious smile, and mounted his horse, holding a hand out to her. Emile shoved the book up her thick winter jacket and took his hand, and was hoisted up behind him.
What the hell am I doing? she thought frantically, as he urged his great mount down towards a harbour.
She held tightly around Johnny’s broad, hard midriff, as the sights raced by her. The view opened up as they descended down to the grey, wild, shore. She watched strange white birds flapping about the surrounding cliffs.
He halted his horse, and dismounted.
‘Puffins,’ he informed as he saw her gaze fixed upwards, following the birds above. She managed a small smile as he helped her down, and led her to the blustery harbour on the landing beach. They traversed a wide pier, to where a watercraft was tethered amongst the rough grey waves.
He hopped onto its smooth silver roof and hauled the door open, reaching his hand out to her once again. She hesitated, but something about him made her trust him. His gentleness, and patience. He exuded kindness, like nothing she’s ever encountered before. He made her feel excitement, yet safe. She took his hand, and his strong arms hauled her aboard, and guided her down into the bobbing submersible.
He followed suit, and pulled the hatch closed behind him, with a loud thump and click. The watercraft was spacious, with a panoramic view of the misty grey blue of the underwater surroundings. They took the pilot seats, and Emile gazed around in awe, bathed in the cool underwater hues. He grinned at her wandering brown eyes, twinkling in the dancing light.
He engaged the energy drive and the watercraft began to glide forward, descending a short distance to the sea floor. The sights which met Emile’s eyes were like a psychedelic dream. She had never thought that such beauty existed beneath such cold grey waves.
Coral, anemones and sponges of all colours decorated the seabed, and vibrant fish circled and danced among the kaleidoscopic carpet. It was like nothing she ever imagined. The puffins she had seen before could be seen diving in the waves above, catching mouthfuls of fish, before disappearing again to the world above.
Two Atlantic grey seals circled above, investigating the strange machine entering their environment. Johnny stopped the watercraft, and the seals dived to take a closer inspection, swimming around the large windows and peering in, meeting Emile’s eyes. The curious creatures made her giggle and turn to him in joy, and he chuckled to himself at her joy.
After some time, they returned to the surface, and both wished the experience would never end.
‘Thank you so much! It was... just incredible!’ she said breathlessly. ‘Can I come again tomorrow?’
‘Whenever you like,’ he agreed, ‘On one condition,’ he stated with a sly smile.
She tilted her head, puzzled, ‘Yes?’
‘Can I know your name?,’ he laughed.
She let out a relieved breath with a laugh of her own, realising that she too only knew his name from Beatrice’s barked orders.
‘I’m Emile,’ she smiled shyly, losing confidence now that the subject was aimed on her.
‘Johnny,’ he beamed, glad and relieved to finally put a name to her beautiful face.
Chapter 28
The Nile’s Edge
Anubis woke from a death-like slumber, to a pleasing cacophony of birdsong. The warm humidity in the air enveloped her skin with its silky moisture, it soothed her bruised bones. Then she recalled the previous night, and touched her lips, remembering. His name is Marduk. He’d kissed me, and brought me here, to this place. Nibiru, he had said. After not sleeping for two days, I had been overcome with exhaustion. And he assured me I could rest here safely, under his guard for the night.
She yawned contentedly, refreshed from the unbroken rest. She gazed around at the beautiful marble apartments about her. Grand pillars, and tapestries decorated the space. Drapes of sheer, water-like fabric, waved gracefully in the evening breeze through the open windows. Evening? Had I slept almost a full day?
Her ears soon identified the beautiful tune of a duduk carried on the air with the evening chorus of birdsong. She moved towards the nearest window and peered out.
Marduk was leaning lazily against a granite archway below, fingering a sweet and haunting melody. The sound and sights that met Anubis’ senses were almost overwhelming. The picturesque gardens were almost like a jungle, and they spread for what looked like miles upon miles. Pyramids and towers could be seen in the distance, faint megaliths within the peachy haze.
Marduk stopped playing and grinned up at her, and she returned the smile awkwardly. Her facial wounds had hardened with scabs, and now felt tight and pulled on her skin.
He beckoned her down, and she turned from the window, and descended the great marble staircase to the ground floor of the temple, joining Marduk outside. He was every inch an angel, amid the paradisal landscape. The light of the unfamiliar sky made his light skin glow, and Anubis suddenly felt the uncomfortable feeling of inferiority. She glanced down at her Drakestoke apparel, the dark blue, dirt, and laser holes, were like a mar upon the pristine surroundings she found herself in.
He chuckled to himself as she approached, ‘You wish to bathe?’ he suggested, gesturing for her to walk with him.
‘I think I’ll have to,’ she obliged with a laugh, and joined him, as he set off through the labyrinthine gardens. The air was wonderfully fragrant. It smells like him, but tenfold, with the sweetness of honey and fruits, and the exoticness of strange spices or incense. In fact, everything about Nibiru was pleasing to her senses.
‘I wish expect it to,’ he began, ‘this is the Paradise. Where the first of your species were created. And where the rest of your species wish to return.’
‘Do we return?’
He thought a moment, ‘Something like this.’
The unfamiliar but beautiful sky caught her attention. It was strangely crowded with one large sun, starting to dip
below the horizon, and two gigantic moons. The sun was bigger than Earth’s, a deep, fiery orange in colour. However, it was the two moons which struck her with overwhelming awe. The largest was silvery white, and was so massive that Anubis could see the details of its many craters and dusty terrain. The slightly smaller moon, looked more like a planet, with its smoother dusty red and pink surface, almost like a small Jupiter, she pondered.
‘Gal, and Didi. The great moons of Nibiru,’ he explained, pointing at each of them.
‘Beautiful,’ Anubis praised, ‘is this your planet?’ she quizzed.
‘Yes, and no,’ he answered with a smile, ‘I was born here, so it is my homeland. But this place is not a planet. More like... an artificial copy of a planet. That original planet was the true Nibiru. The original homeland of my kind. But it is long gone, and there are few now who even remember it.’
‘Is everything here… artificial?’ she puzzled, in disbelief.
‘No. Only the foundation and workings of the mothership herself. The magnetic field, the gravity, the atmosphere, the climate. Those are engineered, and maintained, and regulated,’ he explained, pointing at the colossal climate-towers, located far apart, a far as the eye can see, towering up to the durable, indestructible sky-roof. A roof so smooth and seamless, it looked like water. It allowed in the sunlight from the host star, yet did not show the black cosmos outside of the self-contained bubble-ship. The artificially produced clouds and weather made it easy to forget it was artificial.
‘Other than those workings and sky projections, everything else here is living and breathing. Flesh and blood. What you see around you is real. We have saved, and collected life from other planets, including some from the old Nibiru,’ he pointed to the blue and yellow fireflies. ‘A unique ecosystem, found nowhere else in the galaxy.’
Anubis gazed around at the fantastical evening around her. Fireflies danced above pools of glowing blue water, and butterflies fluttered around flowers of every type and colour. Animals of all kinds were everywhere she looked, from the parrots and parakeets in the thick foliage of the trees, to the ocelots and black dogs darting past into thickets. There were animals that Anubis had never fathomed. Maned and striped, iridescent and flamboyant creatures. Everything that slithered, and crawled, trotted, and flew. All was here. Remnants of Nibiru, married with keepsakes from Earth.
Dark Rain: Book 1 of The Aetherium Saga Page 17
