Fractured Souls (Book 3 of the Fractured Worlds trilogy): Fractured Worlds trilogy, #3

Part One

Fulfillment

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Subtle awareness of the truth of the Universe

should not be regarded as an achievement.

To think in terms of achieving it, is to place it

outside your own nature.

This is erroneous and misleading.

Your nature and the integral nature of the

Universe are one and the same;

indescribable, but eternally present.

Simply open yourself to this.

- Lao Tzu-

1: A bright hope

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Tristan patiently tried to help guide the Grethen man’s latent spiritual energy to the spot. He did this by will alone, and not by touch. The man had been earnestly trying very hard for many weeks now, but he was not relaxing enough to realize this. Tristan told him to relax and take a deep breath without focusing on it for perhaps the thousandth time. Finally it happened the first little bit for the Grethen man, and the pedestal base sparkled with more lights.

Very good, Evad, you did it, you partially biased the portal. Tristan patted him on the back. Now just remember how that felt, and how you relaxed into that state.

The next few students of the basic class were having a hard time as well, and Tristan patiently repeated the method yet again, for the seemingly millionth time total. None of them had the initial breakthrough like Evad though. Still Tristan gave them each equal instruction. This was not his favorite class however, as that was his advanced beginner’s martial systems class. Even though he only had three students in the small class, it was where he found the most hope, and need. The only students were Thrag, Owen, and one of Thrag’s contemporaries named Huctub. The man was just as mean and fierce as Thrag was, but each also had open minds for the mysterious way of fighting that had been so evidently exampled to them, and that they had begged to be taught.

Owen was just really a fast learner, and had almost learned the mainstay of a whole external martial system in about six months, it was beyond uncanny, and even somewhat scary for Tristan. Especially when it was considered that Owen had no formal training in the martial arts beforehand. His brother Aiden would soon be graduating into this class also, and seemed to be a very fast learner too.

Penelope entered the cathedral just after the scheduled end of class, but Tristan was still at it trying to fine tune each student’s weak points, into stronger points. Tristan saw her, and immediately noticed their daughter wasn’t with her, so he quickly, and yet formally ended the class.

Where’s Star? he said even before he got close to her.

Her Exobiology course is running over. Penny said calmly, and with no worry.

He wiped the sweat from his neck with the clean towel, and mentioned, She’s only four dear. Some things can wait, she needs play time too, remember? Tristan sat next to his vibrantly gorgeous wife, and kissed her with enduring love evident.

I know babe, but she really likes this class, and is insistent about it. Penelope exclaimed with a blush.

Wow! he looked her over good. You are really shinning something fierce tonight babe! I think I should have Becky take over the late internal class, and you and I should spend some time together. He kissed her neck.

Penny pulled away from him laughing, with a giggle fit, as he made her flush again. I would, you know babe, but I thought maybe I’d tell you a secret first, mister horny head.

You know you don’t have any secrets from me love, I’ll find out in your mind. He teased.

Oh yeah, well how about you and I make another baby then, whoops...too late! She smiled wryly.

Tristan laughed, and then blinked in bewilderment. Whoa, what?

Yup, it’s too late. We already have! She brought twinkling eyes to his face closely, and he looked deeply into her deep oceans of bright mystery, seeing that it was truth.

Tristan embraced his wonderful wife, and squeezed her very gently with love, and bright hope.  I’m going to be a father of your child again! he was so proudly full of life. 

Penny was never so happy in her entire life that he was over-joyed. It was because she was so uncertain about this event. Would they make contact again with her unborn fetus, and garner it into knowledge as they had done with Starchild? Would it make contact with her mind even if she didn’t will it? Would it be safe, and sane, would she be sane? Tristan was close though, and when he was close, as he always was; everything would work out fine.

The next dawn at ‘morning snack’ as they had all begun to call it, Penelope told the good news to everyone, and there was a whole bunch of congratulating, and then outright celebrating that would have caused a ruckus with the authorities, except these were the authorities. It was funny that Eillim was somewhat subdued in her celebrating, and none would know that she too had a secret to share, but now she determined to wait a week or two before letting it out.

It wasn’t quite two weeks before she let slip at morning snack, but she had kept Aiden in the dark too.

I think we should talk about having a baby, Aiden. She pouted in sport to him.

Yes! Brian agreed with gusto. You two should have many grandchildren for Marcel, and I!

Aiden blushed, and then became truly red with embarrassment. It ain’t from lack of trying folks! I promise! he was serious.

Eillim blushed, and didn’t deny it in any way either, then she cutely said, Whoops... too late! She looked at him with doubt and yearning. She had been without the translator for a week by then, but her English was spot on.

Aiden blinked hard a couple times. Wait, are you saying; what... are you kidding me? he laughed a wallop, and then began to tear up. 

Eillim kissed him softly with earnest trust, and whispered, I am with your child my love.

He took her hand, and promised to her, I will always be a father to your children, baby. He knew it came out strangely, and yet he meant every word of it. So Aiden shut up and kissed her.

Owen became very jealous of his brother then, not only because he was with an extremely sexy full on woman, but because he was going to be the man whose children she bore. To say Owen had a thing for Eillim would have been a gross understatement. You see even though he was quite determined to have Yissim; he also secretly wished, and even fantasized about her older sister, and even her younger one. Hell all three were the very examples of slightly different, but eternal vexing forms of enticement, of the feminine variety. In other words they were all unbelievably hot. And Owen wished for all three, even though he knew he could never have them all, but he was young and cocky.

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The next martial arts class found Owen very nervous, as he waited to spar for his next achievement level. He had no idea whom his opponent would be, yet he feared most if it was his brother Aiden. His brother had just started the advanced external training class that week. It wasn’t from dread of skill that he most wished his brother wasn’t going to be his match this evening, rather he didn’t wish to hurt his own kin, and whoever he was going to spar with was going to get everything he’d learned. He wasn’t angry, just full of life, along with some pent up desires, and he was going to express it fast and hard.

Owen, you will spar with Penelope tonight for your test. Tristan said with a grin.

Now Owen panicked. This was a first, as no one else had ever had to spar with one of the instructors before.  He’d personally witnessed Cousin Penny thrash the most-fierce, mean man on the whole planet of Grethland; Thrag, whom he couldn’t come close to besting, and so he knew she was well beyond his skill level. This meant only one thing; this was going to hurt, real bad!

Relax girl! Penny teased him with some intent to aggravate as she circled around him.

She casually glided towards him, and he suddenly regretted life.

Relax man! And get groovy with it! She told him.

He stuttered and said, Please don’t hurt me Cousin Penny.

Then you go first Cousin Owen. She clearly mocked.

I can’t hurt you Penelope. He said with near embarrassment.

Oh, like you think you could hurt me? She demanded.

He didn’t know what to think, except to run, and that idea even fled from him.

Ok, I’ll start this dance, you big wussy! Penny spat and then effortlessly slid into range just off his centerline. She threw and contacted nicely with two strikes to the front side of his jaw. It wasn’t enough to maim, or even knock a tooth out, but Owen surely had a busted open lip that was bleeding.

He retreated clumsily, and she stayed right with him, in his danger zone.

Then he remembered seeing Penelope throw a punch, but it was hazy like, and he started to swat at the flies, the very buzzy stingy flies that were biting his face. By the time he’d swung four times to swat at these flies, he’d been punched lightly almost well over a dozen times by Penny. Then she backed off to give him time to come to his senses.

OK, Owen, now show me what you have sir. She smiled sardonically at him.

Penelope’s good looks really became prominent in his mind right then as his vision cleared, Owen smiled to himself thinking; ‘Great, now I got a thing for Cousin Penny too!’ He lunged like he’d tripped, at her, trying to get a hold of her breasts. He wasn’t going to go down empty handed, though he was thinking; ‘Cousin Tristan is going to kick my ass!’

Surprisingly Penelope was so dumfounded by the maneuver, that she was stunned a brief moment, and Owen actually got a hold of her covered breasts for just a second. Penelope blushed from embarrassment, and at the same moment she was aroused. The next moment she plowed a very solid palm into Owen’s temple, knocking him out cold.

I’m so, sorry babe. She looked to Tristan for forgiveness. He simply smiled honestly in return, and then told her to help Owen. He called Aiden over to help her move his brother to the first aid area, and Penny went for a cold compress. 

Aiden’s was the only face Owen saw when he awoke from his injury.

Damn, where’s the love? Owen sighed hard.

You know. Aiden was very calm in saying so. You really shouldn’t cop-a-feel from Cousin Penny bro.

I understand, but damn it!’ Owen entrusted. She was going to kick my ass any ways. So I figured what the hell man!"

You are a loony tune! Aiden informed him.

You know what? I’ll tell you bro, damn, is she ever built, and firm too, with.... Owen enticed like a hood.

Shut the hell up bro! Aiden admonished heavily, cutting him off. Man, Tristan is going to kick your ass.

I’m just saying that our new cousin Penny is fine, to beat the band bro! Owen said with truth and gusto, and he did like the feel he got, right before he was knocked the hell out.

—————

In another two Grethen months Yissim’s father, Cirea, made formal invitations for the pre-nuptial official engagement between Owen and Yissim. It was to be held on Old Grethland at Cirea’s palatial estate. The party of humans and one Grethen, left New Grethland, or G-two as William had nicknamed it, late in the morning for Eillim’s old home. Owen was very edgy as Eillim had filled him in on the details of what to expect during the upcoming engagement ceremony.

First he had to formally ask Cirea and Aliehs for their daughters hand in marriage in front of the Assembly Elders. During this he had to offer some of his blood to Aliehs for her to make sure he was worthy of their Sacred Bloodline. Eillim had told him he must cut himself, and offer a cup full of his blood to the mother of the Betrothed as part of the ritual. This kind of made him nervous, as he didn’t like the idea of purposely cutting himself, it just wasn’t his style. Then after all that, he wouldn’t know if he was accepted for another month.

The only part that sounded good to him, was that even though he was still forbidden from touching the High Priestess, she could touch him. It was tradition that the Priestess give her consent to the marriage as being of her choice, by kissing the suitor once at the end of the ceremony. This he did look forward to.

Not everyone could make the ceremony unfortunately, as pressing Consortium business had to take priority at times. Brian, and Marcel were of course with their son, so too were Eric, Maria, and their girls, with Michael and Jackie too. Along with Aiden this was the family that could attend. Leena was on mission with Becky, Josh, and William. While Sarah was usually always busy, so too were Tristan, Penny and Starchild. Chirp Swee was back on her home world trying to recruit some Cracowck for the training program. The two civilians, and non-team members of Jessica, and Jennifer were scheduled to give a duet performance the same night, otherwise they would have been delighted to attend. As it was there were enough of the party to require two air taxis to transport them to Cirea’s estate. It was late afternoon on Old Grethland, and there was a rain storm approaching.

At precisely nine in the evening, the ceremony began. Owen was quick to calm himself at first, and proceed through the rituals of garnering formal permission well enough. Aliehs was the one he wondered about from what little he’d gotten from his sister in law. She had some sort of sacred genetic agenda of hers, that if found he was incompatible with, he would not be allowed to marry Yissim.

Then it was time to give her the blood requirement. Owen trembled slightly as he took the surgically sharp blade of the ritual knife, and not so gently split his thumb wide open. He quickly filled the receptacle glass, and then two attendants went to his aide to stop the bleeding, and seal up his wound. Aliehs smugly took the container with Owen’s code in it, and left the hall. The Assembly of Elders began a deep baritone chant as she did so. Owen shook, and was in a fuzzy haze.

Eillim was reticent as she watched the ceremony end with her sister giving Owen a passionate kiss as she embraced him strongly. He could only keep his hands down at his sides by law. As she pulled away from him, Owen passed out. To Eillim and her people, this was a sign from the Goddess herself, one that meant this was a true love.

This should have been Eillim’s moment as High Priestess of her people, one she’d trained for a long time, but she had given that up when she abdicated. It had been her choice, and she knew why. To be carrying Aiden’s child was more than enough compensation for her. Still she was just a bit jealous.

Shortly after all the guests had left, Eillim told Aiden that she wanted to go out for a while. She promised to take him to get some true Grethen food, and she wanted to go shopping too. So they elected to take an air taxi into town, just the two of them. It was still drizzling out by that time, though the main body of the storm had moved out. She took him to a café that was fairly well known for its traditional cuisine, and they sat under a covered outside seating arraignment. The street wasn’t bustling with pedestrians, but there were quite a few considering the rain; most of whom had umbrellas.

Once before they ordered, and twice afterwards they were recognized by some passerby, the first woman stopped to give her greetings and even asked if she could take a picture with the famous couple. They politely agreed to her request. The second was a man merely stopped and bowed formally to the former High Priestess. Several other people that sat at tables nearby, smiled and waved to them as well, but there was one man who came in and sat alone at a table. He seemed to recognize Eillim, as he acted fairly surprised to see here there as he set his bag under his table. After a minute he got up to leave, but Aiden noticed after he left that he’d forgotten his bag.

Oh, that fellow forgot his bag. Maybe I should see if I can catch up with him. Aiden told her. Then asked, You didn’t see which way he went did you?

No, I didn’t. Don’t worry about it honey. She calmed him. I’m sure he’ll come back for it as soon as he realizes he forgot it.

The food came, and as Aiden tasted of the variety Eillim had chosen for them, he wondered at how delicious everything he tried was. Many were bite sized crispy stuffed pastries each with its own specific dipping sauce, and the Grethen sauces were out of this world, literally. Aiden was amused at how proudly Eillim showed him just how to eat their food the proper way, so he teased her by breaking the rules and dipping his savory pastry in the wrong sauce.

You don’t eat that one with that sauce silly! She exclaimed.

No? He provoked her by dipping it in still another wrong bowl. This one right?

Wrong, now why do you tease me? I’m trying to teach you about us. She pouted.

Just then the man whom had forgotten his bag, came back for it. He was talking on a phone and he again looked at Eillim, but this time with a peculiar stare. Aiden saw this and instantly didn’t like the man. He left though, and that relaxed Aiden again.

This one! Eillim pointed with her long lightly bronzed finger. She waited expectantly for him to oblige her, which Aiden did with a smile. She rewarded him with a warm kiss on his cheek.

After the course, in Grethen pastries they called ‘Lumpkit,’ Eillim guided him across the street to a well-lighted shopping arcade. She headed straight for a fine clothing store. She found a couple things she wanted to try on, so Aiden milled around the store just looking at all the unusual Grethen fashions that he knew would look good on his new bride, as anything would he reckoned.

As Eillim stepped out of the dressing room wearing a new blouse, a man walked right up to her startling her. She drew back, and looked him over, then she quickly recognized his face.

Retsehc! Eillim was astounded. What are you doing here? You can’t be seen here, if they catch you they will kill you!

I know Eillim, but I took the chance, because I had to see you. He smiled warmly.

She couldn’t help it, but she hugged her old tutor, and first school girl crush deeply. I was so worried about you. She told him, and he returned the embrace.

Please, I must talk to you Eillim, but not here, I can’t be seen. He pushed her away gently, Follow me, we need to talk. He took her hand and led her towards a rear doorway. She didn’t resist at all.

Aiden had looked up to see his wife hug the strange man as if he were an old friend, and was quite perplexed as the man led her willingly right out the back door, she didn’t even look to him to say anything. He nervously headed towards the back door.

Eillim followed the man into the alley and saw a waiting air car, an intercontinental drifter. She didn’t even see the needle in his hand, nor him slip it into her arm. Then everything went blank.

As soon as Aiden exited into the alley he saw a big sliver air car just taking off. The windows were darkly tinted, so he couldn’t see his wife inside it, but as he saw that she wasn’t anywhere else in the alley, he knew Eillim was in that air car. Aiden instinctively reach towards his breast pocket, and then remembered that he didn’t bring a transport card with him, nor had he when visiting Eillim’s home since he’d traded the transport card for permission to ask for her hand.

Quickly he used his bracelet to call Owen on the emergency channel.

Yeah, what’s wrong? Came the almost instant reply from his brother.

Someone just took Eillim! He shouted. Do you have a transport? They took off fast in a big silver air car.

I got your beacon, I’ll be there in a minute. Owen promised.

True to his word Owen quickly dropped the high speed experimental luxury transport; that was his favorite of all the transport cards he had, into the alley where his brother impatiently waited. Before he’d even come to a full stop, Aiden was jumping through the mesh panel’s opening and into the security of the bubble itself.

I’ve got a track on her bracelet transponder. That way. Aiden commanded.

Owen nodded, I’ve got it too.

The custom speeder took off fast, but they felt no significant acceleration.

Dad’s just a minute behind us with Cirea and some of his men. Owen let him know. They probably got an APB out for them with the cops by now. They’ll get them.

I don’t know bro that air car was big, and it looked fast. Aiden warned.

So what happened? Owen queried.

"There was this man, and Eillim seemed to know him, and was friends, ‘cause she gave him a big ole’ hug. Then he just took her out the back door. By the time I got there the car was just pulling