As he stood over the tank with Hunter’s eyes stared sightlessly up at him, he was suddenly overcome with an urge. Right now Hunter was defenseless. Sure, if he did kill Hunter he wouldn’t get out of here alive but just the thought. He could wrap his hands around his thick neck and just squeeze until what was just a human in stasis would turn into just another lifeless corpse.
He didn’t realize that his hands had risen to open the tank until he looked down to see Hunter staring at him. Really staring at him.
“You know you wouldn’t have gotten out of here alive.”

Taking a step back as the lid opened, Winston frowned.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“The hell you don’t. There was murder in your eyes. Or at least the thought of murder. Don’t know if you would have actually went through with it though. You don’t look like that kind of guy.”
Winston’s frown was real this time. “What kind of man do you think that I am?”
Hunter smirked as he sat up. “The guy that would purposely drop his soap on a rope. Glad that you could make it Winston. Sorry I’m not properly dressed. I…was more tired then I realized.”
A man that would purposely drop the soap? Drop the soap?! Winston didn’t know what to say to that statement so he wisely kept silently.

Groaning, Hunter climbed out of the tank. He chuckled when he noticed Winston look hastily away. “Sorry old boy. Don’t mean to point out your own short comings.”
“Anyone ever tell you how much of a prick you are?”
“Of course. Usually right as I’m pointing my gun at their head. But, that doesn’t concern us does it Winston? You have something that you think will be useful to me. And in return you want what? We never got around to that part of the deal.”
“Protection. The last few weeks Hannah has become…unstable. Something happened that night that she went to see that bitch.”
“Which bitch are we talking about?” Hunter asked.
“Kaylee. Kaylee Ravensworth-Jameson.”
“Ah.”

They stared at each other for several moments before Winston cleared his throat and shuffled his feet. His boots made clanking sounds on the aluminum flooring.
“Is that all you have to say?”
“I could say that if you call that girl a bitch again I’ll slit your throat but that would just muddy the waters.”
“W-what?”
“Look, Kaylee is raising my son. She’s doing a better job of it then I could ever do. To say that I left my son in less than capable hands is calling into question my judgment. And we don’t want to do that do we Winston?”
A thread of steel had entered his voice causing Winston to swallow dryly. “Of course not.”
“Thought not.” Spinning on his heel Hunter walked across the room and stepped behind an old dresser.

“Besides, her mother was the bitch. A nice piece of ass but a bitch nonetheless. Though I know why she was a bitch to me.” He rolled his shoulders in a nonchalant shrug before he rummaged around for some clothing. Winston heard him curse underneath of his breath.
“I keep telling them to keep a stack of clean clothes down here. Damn it!”
Winston rubbed at his chin when Hunter stepped out in a pair of tight boxer briefs.
“Don’t even give me any shit about these,” Hunter snapped as he strolled out of the room.

“-and I asked him what the fuck he thought he was doing eyeballing my girl. And I says to him: “Yo! Unless you want me knocking your teeth down your throat you’ll look at-”
“Any reason why everyone is just sitting around, talking shit, instead of patrolling the area?”
“Mr. Hunter! Sir, we-”
“And if you weren’t patrolling the area at least you could do is protect my back. When I woke up this asshat here,” he jerked his thumb in the direction of Winston who froze mid-step, “was thinking about murdering me. Now tell me why shouldn’t I just fire all of you and be done with it?”
“Mr. Hunter-”
“Sir, I-”
“We didn’t-”
“Enough. Do your patrols. Winston and I will be upstairs.”
“Sir, did you want one of us to stay near you? Just in case.” Sean glared at Winston.
“To do what? Shoot the shit? I can take care of myself. Fiona, take the dogs and patrol the front, take the roof Corey and Sean you finish counting my money and then patrol inside.”

“Do you think it’s a good idea to leave him alone with that dude?” Sean asked as the two disappeared upstairs.
“If he makes one wrong move toward Hunter I’ll have his head…regardless of how some of us in this room feel.”
Fiona clicked her tongue and the dogs followed after her.

Winston had taken a few more steps when a sound from inside the building had him pressing his back against the wall. Swallowing dryly he held his breath. For the space of one heart beat. And then for good measure another before he released his breath in a sigh. Sure, he had been invited here but he didn’t know exactly why. Okay, he did know why but he’d never been to this location before. This is where he went when he wanted no one to find him. And since that bitch had come to the Cove everyone was pretty much laying low. Except for Hannah. Hannah was preparing. For what he didn’t know. He wasn’t privy to that information.
At that thought he scowled and shoved away from the wall. He had been that woman’s companion, scratch that, plaything, for over seventy years and she still didn’t trust him. Well, if she didn’t trust him there was no point for him to hold onto the secrets he did know. Not when he might be able to align himself with someone that was even more powerful. Sure, Hunter might not be nearly immortal but he had power. And that power had a long arm.

Of course, having that much power lead to paranoia, Winston thought bitterly as he fought his way through the bushes and trees that partially blocked his destination.
“Shit!” he snapped as another branch caught and tugged at his jacket. His flashlight waved wildly as he struggled to untangle himself. If anyone was looking they would certainly know where he was, he thought with a groan before he clicked it off.
Blinking to acclimate himself to the faint light of the moon he continued on. Having been given explicate instructions he had memorized the layout of this old building before burning it. He had no doubt that Hunter would not be using this building once he had met with him. Hunter trusted very few and one of the reasons why he had been asked here was because of those people Hunter trusted one had once been close to Winston.
Shaking his head, and those thoughts from his mind, he shoved at a branch then winced when he was unable to duck quickly enough and it hit him square in the face.
“Motherfucking sonofabitch!” He continued to mutter to himself as he worked his way through the bushes.
“This is insane. What is that? What is that?” he yelped as something crawled against the back of his neck. Slapping wildly at his neck Winston winced when something squashed beneath his hand. Without looking he wiped the thick residue on a nearby tree trunk.
“When I get back home I’m going to take a long-oomph!”
Blinking, he took a step back and blindly reached out. A slow grin lit his face when his hands landed on the ladder that he had been told would be waiting for him.

Shoving the flashlight in the band of his pants Winston gripped the rungs of the ladder and started upward. He hadn’t realized how out of shape he was until he found himself wheezing for air halfway up.
“Jesus!” Blinking sweat out of his eyes he stilled on the ladder until it hit him that he would be a great target right about now. Sucking in a breath he finished the climb and bent over gasping for breath on the narrow walkway. Maybe before he took that shower he should do a hour or so on the treadmill. He groaned under his breath at the thought. He hated working out. As a matter of fact he hated any sort of physical labor which is one of many twisted reasons he stayed with Hannah.

From his bent position he looked around for the door that he had been told was around here. He didn’t see a door.
“What the fuck man? Tell me I didn’t just climb all the way up here for nothing. I swear to God I’ll-”
Shuffling forward he took a closer look at a patch of wall that had thick vines growing wildly…or seemingly wildly.
“Oh, someone enjoyed The Secret Garden growing up,” he whispered as he pulled out the flashlight and clicked it on. Meticulously he scanned the wall until the light reflected off the metal of the small latch. Grinning triumphantly he placed the end of the light in his mouth as he dug through the vines for the edge of the door. He winced when small barbs pierced his skin but continued on anyways. He didn’t have time for this. He had a meeting and he didn’t want to keep Hunter waiting.
Getting the door open he opened it just wide enough for him to slid in before shutting it behind him. The darkness of the empty room seem to suffocate him as he looked around. He froze when a low growl went through the air. Slowly, ever so slowly, he swept the area where the growl had come from.

Kaylee silently laughed as she watched Ty struggle with his pants as he stared down at her. She casually lifted her arm over her head and arched her back. She bit her lip when his nostrils flared and his breathing grew louder.
“It might help if you actually look and see what you’re doing.”
“Can’t. You’re fucking gorgeous. And I’m about to get some for the first time in six weeks.”
“Ty, we’ve gone longer than that without sex when you’re away for practices and games.”
Her own voice was husky as she watched him hop around on one leg as he tussled with his pants.
“That’s different. You’re not there. Can’t touch you. Before I could touch but couldn’t taste. Now-”
Her laughter was smothered by his mouth as he pounced on her. It quickly faded into a moan as he wrapped his arms around her and pressed his body against hers. Then the only sound in the room was the sound of their breathing, the rustling of the blanket as they strained to get closer, Ty’s groan as her hand wrapped around his erection and her sharp exclamation as his hand brushed against her breasts. He pulled back sharply.

“Did that hurt?”
“Wh-what?” Her mind was foggy and her body seemed to be one large erogenous zone and he wanted to talk?
“I asked if that hurt. ‘Cause you’ve never done that before. I know you’re breastfeeding and everything and I don’t want to-”
“You’re killing me and the mood Ty! No, it didn’t hurt!” Snatching up his hand she plopped it back on her breast as she glared up at him. His mouth went slack and his eyes lost focus as he gentle cupped her breast in his larger hand.
“Are you-” He swallowed dryly and licked at his lips as she arched into his palm. “Are you sure it doesn’t hurt?”
“Positive. They’re sensitive is all.”
“Oh…okay. I’ll take it slow. Maybe…probably not. Fuck! You’re beautiful.”
“Oh, you sweet talker you.” She batted her eyelashes and he grinned down at her before he removed his hand and planted it by her side.
“I tell you that I love you all the time. Now, let me show you.”
Her eyes slid closed as his mouth came closer to hers. Kaylee was startled when his mouth brushed against her eyelids, her nose, the corners of her mouth before finally coming to settle fully on her lips. She slipped her arms around his neck as his tongue licked at her lips before slipping inside to gentle rub against hers. At first the kiss was teasing but soon it became all consuming. Ty’s hand trailed down her side and gripped her kneecap to shift her leg. She lightly scratched her fingernails down his back as he shifted. His fingers gripped the edge of her panties as he started to tug them downward. His erection throbbed against the inside of her thigh.
“Oh god Ty. You-”

“Do you think now is the time to say something sister?”
“Sshhh J’enshi. They are not yet done pleasuring each other. And from the looks of it, it looks as if Ty can pleasure a female for a very long time. Not bad for a human male.”
“Hmm…I see what you mean sister. Yes, he is very well endowed. What would you say? Eight? Eight and a half?”
“I don’t know. I would have to get out a ruler and I don’t think that-”
“WHAT. THE. FUCK?!”
Kaylee had shoved out from under Ty and dove under the blankets the minute she had heard the voices in the room. Scrubbing a hand over his face Ty looked down at himself before rolling over and glaring at the two girls who were staring innocently back at him.
“What?”
“What the hell are you doing here?”
“We told Kaylee that we would come to speak to her at a later date.”
He didn’t know which one was which but he glared at the one who had spoken. “Haven’t you ever heard of knocking?” he snapped.
“For what reason would we knock?”
“For the same reason that you just interrupted.”
“If you wish to continue to fornicate we will wait.”
“Un-fucking-believable,” he muttered as they actually scooted back on the couch and stared at him. His head whipped around when he heard Kaylee’s snort of laughter. Her eyes danced with laughter as she peeked out from under the blanket.
“So happy that one of us finds this funny at least. I’m dying here!”
Cupping himself he eyed the two girls. They were whispering behind their hands as they stared at him. He edged one leg off the bed and with his foot patted around for his underwear. He scowled when the door flew open.

“Did I not tell you two to wait until Ty and Kaylee had finished before coming into this room?”
“They were taking forever!”
“It matters not Nirvana! You both know how humans are about their privacy during the sex act.”
“Not true! Remember that time we watched that pay-per-view channel? They were not wanting privacy!”
Kaylee’s eyes bugged then she shook her head. Sometimes she forgot that The Wise weren’t really children. That was just how they presented themselves to her. She eyed Qu’hari. He had refused to say anything else about Hannah. Not until he had sought counsel from The Wise. She had known that they would eventually show up. Especially after she had heard from her grandparents lawyer. She pushed that thought to the back of her mind. She didn’t want to think about the grandparents she never knew…or their horrifying end.
“That’s different J’enshi. They’re paid to do that. What Kaylee and Ty do is done out of love not-”
“It would have been done out of love if we hadn’t been rudely interrupted! Do you have any idea man, how fucking close I was to settling down for a nice, long ride?”
Kaylee cleared her throat when Qu’hari frowned in confusion. “He means sex.”
“Ohhh!” three voices said in unison.

Ty climbed out of bed and placing his hands on his hips glared at The Guardian. He quickly dropped his hands in front of him when the girls started giggling again. Taking a deep breath he tried to will himself to deflate but the taste of Kaylee was still in his mouth. Just thinking about that silky skin, that kissable mouth…
His eyes stared to drift close but he snapped them back open when The Guardian, Kaylee had told him his name but he could really care less right now, cleared his throat.
“I humbly apologize Tyrese. I know it’s been weeks since you’ve been intimate with your wife. It was not our intentions to interrupt such a moment but we have news.”
“I don’t give a fuck if-”
“His language deteriorates when he’s upset,” Kaylee said as she wrapped the blanket around her and taking it with her got off the bed.
“Or when I’m horny. Jesus!” Ty tilted his head back as he stared at the ceiling before his eyes came back to the Guardian.
“This better be good.”
“Good? No, it is not good. In fact-”
“He meant that it better be worth the interruption.”
“Ah, I see.”
“Humans and their speech still confuse me.”
“Me too sister.”
“Get the hell out of the room so we can get dressed.”

The step squeaked as she carefully placed a foot down. Through the glass paneling of the door she could see the faint glow of a living room light. She grinned. Some things never changed, she thought.

Standing in front of the door she began to have doubts. Did she really want to do this? Did she really want to make them suffer?
“Yes, of course I do. Make them suffer like I suffered for the last twenty years.”
Reaching up she felt along the jamb until her fingers came in contact with a key.
“The more things change…” she whispered as she slipped the key into the lock. Giving a sharp twist Janet slowly pushed open the door.
Back in the day they used to let the butler go at six. Her father hadn’t trusted anyone of the servants in the house after dark. Peeking into the small opening she noticed the alarm panel to her right. Sucking in a sharp breath she quietly shut the door behind her and walked over to the alarm. Chewing on her lip she hesitated before punching in a code. The red light flashed for a moment longer before it clicked over to green.

Heaving a silent breath of relief she wiped her sweaty palms on her dress.

Pushing up her shades she glanced around the foyer. The usual tasteful art was hanging up and crystal vases with fresh flowers decorated various end tables. It was as if she had taken a step back into the past. The house might be different but the decorations were the same.
“Jesus Christ mother! Did you keep the same decorator?” Shaking her head she ran a hand over an end table and frowned it came away covered with dust.
“Well, well, well. Looks as if the staff isn’t doing what they’re supposed to be doing. I can relate to that.” Dusting off her hand she walked into the kitchen.

People could always be brought Janet thought as she looked in the fridge and saw the bottle. Her mother always used the same cooking service. It had been easy to slip a college kid an extra three hundred bucks to leave a bottle of ‘water’ in the fridge when they came to away the old food. Taking it out she uncapped it and sniffed at the contents. She had followed the instructions to the letter and like the instructions said it smelled like…nothing. With a pleased smile she turned to the expresso maker and dumping the water in started the machine. When it was finished bubbling and brewing she absently tapped a finger on the edge of the counter before stiffening her spine and walking into the sitting room.

]]> http://ravensworthgenerations.wordpress.com/2009/06/26/1-38/feed/ 0 PhoenixFG http://ravensworthgenerations.wordpress.com/2009/06/14/1-37part-ii/ http://ravensworthgenerations.wordpress.com/2009/06/14/1-37part-ii/#comments Sun, 14 Jun 2009 07:39:08 +0000 PhoenixFG http://ravensworthgenerations.wordpress.com/?p=190 ]]> Planet R’ouglia
circa 1709(Earth Years)

“Humans are so different from us and yet…they are the same.We’ve studied their genetic make up for decades now. Tested DNA, studied blood types, tried to splice chromosomes. They are so fragile but they preserve through so much. Take Kaylee for example. She could have ended up being like Venshai . A cold, manipulative woman but instead she’s-”
“Warm and giving. Caring. She holds her pain in the inside. Her scars aren’t of the flesh but of the heart.”
“Yes. But she’s fearless. When others when have stumbled she pressed on. Of course she had someone to lean on even if she did refuse him for the longest time.”
“But Ty always knew that she would be his.”
Karrick smiled sadly. Anon shook his head.
“Did I not tell you that Tyrese would come around? That you would have your own person to lean on?”
“Yes, but-”
“Trust in me Karrick. I would not lie to you. The road my not be smooth but you’ll traverse it nonetheless. I do have a question for you.”
“Yes?”
Anon gestured to the headless mannequin. “Why do human males carry their reproductive organs on the outside of their bodies when not in use? It would seem an endangerment to me.”
“I have asked Ty the same question and his answer left me even more confused.”
“And what was his answer?”
“Because.”
Anon cocked his head to the side as he studied the model. “Interesting. I guess I will never know.” He shrugged. “Humans are so complex but look at what they’ve reduced us to.”
He gestured over Karrick’s shoulder at a plastic alien toy. “We should be offended but if this is what makes the humans sleep at night, to think that they are the only beings alive in the great vastness of space, I guess we should be happy. Come with me Karrick. I need to show you one last thing.”
Anon gestured over to the railing when they teleported up to the roof. “Tell me what you see.”

Karrick walked over to the railing, inhaling a lungful of the rich air. He had missed the smells he had grown up with. Coming to a stop by the railing he looked down to see a couple on the beach. They were oblivious to everything. He heard the female laugh as the male raised her hand to his mouth and pressed a gentle kiss on the back of it. He stilled when the wind brought the sound of their voices to him.
“Kavanh, when will you agree to join with me?”
“When will you let me fight with you in battle Uz’asi? I will fight regardless but going into battle with you-”
“Will not happen, my hearts. I am on the front line. I would be distracted.”
“Do you think I am not capable?”
“I think you are the most capable warrior that I have ever seen. I am not capable. Knowing that you fight both terrifies me and makes me proud. But seeing you in battle is another thing all together.”
Karrick turned to stare at Anon. “My sister and Uz’asi?”
Anon nodded. “Not true hearts mates but they enjoy each others company. They love as we have always loved. They respect each other. Uz’asi has wanted to join with your sister for about fifty years now.”
“How could I not have known?”
“They wanted it that way. It was private and it was cherished.”
Karrick’s hands clenched against the railing. “But he dies.”
“Don’t we all?”

“Have you ever seen a sight more beautiful?” K’ava asked as they laid down on the beach and stared up at the sky.
Karrick watched as Uz’asi pulled his sister close before pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Of course I have. You.”
This was the same warrior who caused everyone to tremble in fear and respect? His voice was softer and the hands that had killed hundreds were now gently stroking up and down his sister’s arm. How could he not have known? He scowled and thought back to the days after his death.
Kava had gone to war as well. When she came back she was more somber but then everyone had been when they learned of Uz’asi death. Perhaps that’s why he didn’t notice.
Anon’s hand landing on his shoulder brought him back to the present. Or his current present. He shook his head at that confusing thought.
“The guilt still eats at her.”
“What guilt?”
“Does she not speak of him?” When Karrick shook his head Anon sighed. “He finally relented and allowed her to go into battle with him. What better way to prove his affections for her? And he died protecting her. She came close to being beheaded herself. A female R’ouglian in battle draws attention. While he was thrusting his blade into her attacker another was coming up behind him.”
“It wasn’t her fault. She has to know-”
“But it was her fault. Kavanh was not ready to be part of the Elite warrior class. His affection for her blinded him to that fact. It’s a fact that she will have to live with. It is only right.”
Karrick glanced down at the beach to see the two of them involved in pleasuring each other. All he had to do was say something and he could change the course of history.
“And forever damage your future. Put the thought from your mind Karrick and look here. Tell me what you see.”

Karrick walked to where Anon pointed and stared at himself in the mirror.
“I see me.”
“And what else?”
“I-I don’t know what else.”
“Hmm…may I tell you what I see?” Karrick nodded.
“I see a misplaced R’ouglian. A male that does not fit into any mold that we have here on our planet. I see a male who could have been brought up as a Wise One if only he had been born with the mark on his face. You feel deeply but show little. You seek answers but keep your own counsel. I see a male R’ouglian that I would have been proud to tutor if only he would have asked. I also see a male R’ouglian who thinks little of himself and in so doing never finds true happiness.”
“I don’t know what to say Master Anon. You humble me. I would never have thought that you would tutor me. The Wise never take disciples.”
“Because no one has thought to ask. The Wise aren’t the only ones who have the knowledge you know. Now, tell me what the humans see when they look at you.”
Karrick closed his eyes and brought forth the image of the man he projected when he had to make public appearance with the team.

“Ahhh…no matter what you are still project the warrior image no? You have the battle scars and what are these markings?”
“A tattoo. Ty helped me with it.”
“And the scars?”
Karrick traced a finger lightly over a scar on his stomach. “The females of the human race seem drawn to the mystery of scars. I was interested in seeing what the fuss was about sex. Humans pay for sex, some do it for fun, and some even do it for careers. And then there are those that have sex because they are in love. They want to give of themselves. I wanted to see if it was any different from what we do on our planet.”
“And was there?”
He shrugged. “I felt…nothing. I got my rocks off, a human expression that I find curious since there are no rocks, involved as did she but she seemed to feel something that I did not. The panting, the moaning. She scratched my back and screamed in my ear and all I felt was a slight tingle. “
Anon chocked and Karrick looked over his shoulder to see him laughing. “What’s so funny?” he asked with his own smile.
“I think you were more focused on the mechanics rather than the emotions. We would not have multiple partners here if there was no fun involved Karrick.”
“Perhaps. But I’ve tried this with several women and the results are always the same.”
Anon shook his head. “Do you think your sister and Uz’asi fornicate on the sands because they have to or because they enjoy it?”
“Kava enjoys sex.”
“For the most part it is a thing to be enjoyed. It’s also great exercise.”
Karrick spun around. “Anon! You?”
“I was not always as I am now Karrick K’atri.”
Before Karrick could ask him any more questions he turned and walked over to the globes that had appeared from nowhere.

“When we knew that we could not save the planet we looked to places where our race would be able to survive. These three planets ended up being the only ones where we could live and be able to procreate with other species so that our race would not die out.”
“Only three?”
“We have no wish to inhabit a barren planet Karrick. Our wombs are either crippled or barren. What good would that do us? No, we needed a planet where we could thrive and live in peace amongst the inhabitants.”
“But…just three?”
Anon sighed. “There were more but after investigating them we realized that they weren’t going to last much longer either. And what would be the point in moving our people to a planet only to have to uproot them all over again?”

]]> http://ravensworthgenerations.wordpress.com/2009/06/14/1-37part-ii/feed/ 0 PhoenixFG http://ravensworthgenerations.wordpress.com/2009/06/01/1-37part-i/ http://ravensworthgenerations.wordpress.com/2009/06/01/1-37part-i/#comments Mon, 01 Jun 2009 07:39:09 +0000 PhoenixFG http://ravensworthgenerations.wordpress.com/?p=189 ]]> Planet R’ouglia
circa 1709(Earth Years)

It had been years since he’d last held a ontaki in his hand. Decades actually. And what was he doing with it now? He remembered meditating. Embracing the physical pain to forget the emotional and then…
His body had felt weightless and he’d been drifting. No worries, no cares. Then he could hear Kava’s voice. And was that Ty? Why were they calling him? Was something wrong? Maybe he should go back…and then the bright light of his home planet. His home planet? His hearts skipped several beats.
“Karrick K’atri! At this rate you will never make warrior status. Why do you stand there looking at the weapon instead of swinging it? You ask for my assistance and yet you do nothing I have instructed.”

Karrick looked up to see Uz’asi glaring down at him. Uz’asi. One of the best warriors that R’ouglia had ever known. He had fought and killed hundreds. Been in battles that Karrick had only read about. He was legend. He rarely instructed but it was a great honor for those that he did. Karrick had been astonished when he had approached him and said to meet at the beach when the two moons first appeared in the sky.
“What troubles you Karrick? Why do you stand there staring as if I am an apparition? There is more that I wish to teach you but first show me what you already know. Or perhaps it was wrong of me to expect you to have mastered the use of our most deadly weapon?”
Karrick could hear the challenge in his voice and he responded in kind.
“I prefer my hands.”
“Ah!” He nodded approvingly as he hit his chest with his fist. “What true R’ouglian warrior relays on weapons when he always has these,” he held up his fists, “at the ready? Maybe you have the potential after all. Come. Show me what you can do with your fists.”
“Do you mean…you want me to spar with you?”
A grin passed over Uz’asi face. “Yes. And for every blow you land I’ll remove an hour from your practice time.”
“An hour?”
“Yes, I have you scheduled to practice for the next eight hours. Close your mouth Karrick. You look like a dying Hortriran. I slit one’s throat one time and its mouth opened and closed like yours before it had the dignity to die.”
Karrick shook his head in amusement before he started to climb out of the water.
“I would like a word with Karrick before you start pummeling him Uz’asi.”
“Master.”

Spinning around Karrick placed his hand high on his chest and bowed his head. That voice. It was so calm and serene. It soothed a million people just by saying a word. A hand on a shoulder could reduce a warrior to tears.
Anon O’tavi. One of the only Wise in history who lived among the people. He said it made him understand the suffering more if he had to live among it instead of observing it from a distance. Karrick could feel his eyes on him.
“Of course Master. Karrick and I will continue our bout another day.”
“Perhaps not when I tell him that you intended to add an hour to his studies for every blow you landed.”
“Ever are you right.” Karrick could hear the thread of amusement in Uz’asi’s voice. “However, if I had stuck him it would have been days before he would be able to resume practice.”
“Which means you would have worked him even harder.”
“Once again the truth falls from your mouth Master. Come Karrick. Master O’tavi would like words with you. We will resume practice another day.”
Reaching down he helped him out of the water before clasping his forearm and slapping his shoulder.

“Perhaps one day we shall fight in battle together. I know you have it in you to become a warrior Karrick. You must leave behind the fear and embrace the unknown. When you do that there is nothing to stop you.”
Karrick stared into his face. Uz’asi had inked his own tattoo onto his face. He had done it publicly which had started the tradition that every warrior now followed when getting their mark. It read that he never flinched. That he had stood in front of the glass and carefully placed the intricate mark on his face that now proclaimed him part of the warrior caste.
Inwardly Karrick shook his head. This day was like a hazy memory. There was something that he wanted to tell him. Something that he always meant to say but the words eluded him.

“I will remember these words Uz’asi and try to live by them.”
It suddenly hit him when Uz’asi nodded and released his forearm. In a battle, two weeks from now, he would fall. He would be killed and his head sent back to R’ouglia as a warning. Karrick opened his mouth to say something but cool fingers wrapped around his arm and pulled him away.
“I must speak to Uz’asi Master. I have something to tell him.”
“You have nothing to tell him Karrick K’atri,” Anon said as he tugged him away.
“Do you think to change the course of our history? You change one thing and who knows what else could change. It’s like tossing a pebble into the pond. The ripples go on and on. Do you think my hearts don’t weep at the knowledge that we will lose Uz’asi? My sorrow runs deep but changing the past is not what brought you back here.”
Karrick stumbled. “Y-you know?”
“Of course I know. It was a foolish stunt to pull without the proper aid but nonetheless you are here. The memory I safeguard is what pulled you here. Come, let us walk.”

]]> http://ravensworthgenerations.wordpress.com/2009/06/01/1-37part-i/feed/ 0 PhoenixFG http://ravensworthgenerations.wordpress.com/2009/05/21/1-36/ http://ravensworthgenerations.wordpress.com/2009/05/21/1-36/#comments Thu, 21 May 2009 07:39:02 +0000 PhoenixFG http://ravensworthgenerations.wordpress.com/?p=183 ]]> Hannah stood outside the window. She could hear Kaylee and her husband talking and laughing then the slam of the front door. Kaylee walked into the nursery and stood looking down into the cribs with a soft smile on her face. It made Hannah’s stomach turn. Children were nothing but parasites and she just considered herself the exterminator. What she did she did out of necessity. She didn’t consider what she did wrong. Just as humans enjoyed their hamburgers she enjoyed the fresh, thriving blood of an infant. Was that so wrong? Of course it wasn’t, she reassured herself as she heard their vehicle back out of the driveway. Nothing was wrong with that at all.

Peeping around the corner of the house she could just make out the solid form of Kaylee’s husband behind the driver’s seat. She smacked her lips. His blood thrummed in his veins. Never more so when he was around Kaylee. She would love to just take a sample, a small sip, but she knew he would be addictive. Like a fine wine. She had made a promise to Anastasha before her death that she would only take the blood from infants. Why that had been important to her friend she would never know but she had made that promise, had sworn a blood oath even and so she was bound to hold true to that promise. No matter how much she wished otherwise.
Standing in the shadows a while longer, making sure that the husband didn’t forget anything else, Hannah leaned heavily against the side of the house. She was so tired. Her body was just tired. It felt as if the years were pushing down on her and every step was a year and every breath was a decade. Before a step had been nothing in the grand scheme of thing but thanks to Winston and his incompetence her life span was beginning to show. She could barely look at herself in the mirror anymore. Figuring that enough time had past she pushed away from the house and made her way up the porch stairs. With a motion the door opened silently.
A low, warning growl stopped her in her steps.

“Stupid mutt,” she whispered under her breath. She had forgotten about the dog. Closing her eyes she tried to soothe it but, like Kaylee, she came up against a wall. Scowling she tried harder but to no avail.
“What what in the world is going on here?” she demanded. The dog’s growl grew deeper and he started to crouch in preparation to jump at her. She didn’t really want to do this. Taking energy from around her also took energy from herself. Energy that she really couldn’t afford to give. Not that she had much choice in the matter, she thought as the dog came flying towards her. Almost languidly she waved her hand in the air and particles hit him in the chest sending him flying backward. His body hit the ground with a soft thump.

Immediately she could feel a change in herself as well. She was tired. And hungry. Famished if she was going to be honest with herself. She absently glanced down at her hand, which was still sparking with energy. Sighing she cut off the flow. She was getting slow. The dog should have never even made it as close as he had. Years ago she would have been able to handle him from miles away but not now. Not since Kaylee, and whatever power she had brought with her, came to Serenity Cove. Her hands curled into fists as she walked in the direction of the nursery.
“I give you your heart’s desire, your dream job and you want to quit on me?” she snarled under her breath. “No one quits on me!”

Kaylee had just finished changing Isaac when the door opened behind her.
“What did you forget now?” she asked with a laugh. It quickly died in her throat when she turned to see Hannah standing in the doorway. She was leaning against the door as if she were exhausted. Kaylee looked down when Isaac squirmed in her arms. She realized that her grip had tightened on him. Letting out a breath she relaxed her arms around him and he stared up at her for a moment before yawning and smacking his lips before drifting back to sleep.
“Hannah, what are you doing here?” she asked in a whisper.
“Just coming to see the babies. You didn’t invite me to the baby shower you know. I felt like the wicked fairy in one of your human fairy tales. Which one was it? Oh yes, Sleeping Beauty. I wonder how I should punish you. Should I do as she did and find some way to put your children into a soundless sleep? Or should I just think that my invitation got lost in the mail?”
“You know why I didn’t invite you Hannah.”
“Oh yes, I know why.” Her words were hissed out between gritted teeth. “It was you that day in the lab wasn’t it? Silly Kaylee. Did you think that I was going to let you get away with spying on me. Who did you tell?”
“I didn’t tell anyone!”
“You’re a liar!”
Kaylee took a step back as she stepped forward.

One of her hands flew to her mouth and the other to her stomach as she stared down at the little boy child. His blood was calling to her. So strong, so sweet. Her mouth watered and her stomach clenched in pain.
“Long has it been since I’ve tasted the innocent blood of a child. There’s nothing like it Kaylee. Have you ever wondered-”
“No!” Kaylee was sickened by the hungry look she was giving Isaac. “And just what are you? A vampire? I thought-”
Hannah laughed. “Kaylee, Kaylee, Kaylee! A vampire? Really? No, I walk in the sun. I am not bound by their laws. The laws which stifle them and make them all but extinct. No, I am a R’ogulian who has found the fountain of youth. My friend and I discovered that blood strengthens what was already strong. Imagine the possibilities Kaylee. A life without worrying about death. A life-”
“Spent searching for someone to feed off of. Killing innocent children. Thanks but no thanks!”
“I would expect nothing less from a human,” Hannah spit out.
“Really Hannah. Is that the best you could come up with?” she asked mockingly as she turned to put Isaac in his crib. Hannah’s unwavering gaze was making her nervous.
“Human’s aren’t the only one who are sickened by your acts. Your own people want you dead.”
“And they can try.”

]]> http://ravensworthgenerations.wordpress.com/2009/05/21/1-36/feed/ 0 PhoenixFG http://ravensworthgenerations.wordpress.com/2009/05/12/1-35/ http://ravensworthgenerations.wordpress.com/2009/05/12/1-35/#comments Tue, 12 May 2009 07:39:04 +0000 PhoenixFG http://ravensworthgenerations.wordpress.com/?p=182 ]]> “The kids are in bed and…holy hell!”
Ty came to a stop just inside the bedroom door and stared across the room as Kaylee bent over to make the bed. Absently he brought his hand to his mouth to make sure he wasn’t drooling. Swallowing, he dropped his hand back to his side and took a hesitant step into the room. Kaylee hadn’t said two words to him sense Karrick had sullenly left the house over three hours ago. Clearing his throat he huffed out a breath as she continued to ignore him.,
“Did you hear what I said?”
“Uh huh.”
Ty winced at the coldness from those two little words. “Did you need some help?”
“No, thank you.”

Ty stood there feeling useless as she straightened the bed on his side. She was meticulous about it as she yanked at the sheet then ran her hands over it to remove the wrinkles. He took a step back when she balled up a fist and punched at his pillow before fluffing it and placing it carefully back down. And she did this in her underwear. Her barely there, almost see through underwear. He remembered those underwear. He had brought them for her after the twins were born because she kept complaining none of her bras were fitting her right. She had gotten a little bigger on the top. Not that he was complaining. Hell, right now he was getting an eyeful and enjoying every moment of it.
“Are you going to talk to me?”
“Oh, it’s fine for me to talk now?”
Ty groaned underneath of his breath. He knew that tone. She rarely used it but when she did he knew she was good and pissed. Scrubbing a hand over his face he plopped down on the small couch they kept in the bedroom.
“Babe-”
“Oh don’t you babe me Tyrese Damon Jameson!” She whirled around and stormed over to him and for a moment Ty was distracted by the jiggling of her breasts in the demi cups of her bra. He nearly swallowed his tongue when she crossed her arms underneath of her breasts and tapped her bare foot as she glared at him.
“I can’t believe that you would be so…so callous in regards to your friend. In regard to Karrick! Hell Ty! You nearly tossed him out of the house!”

That distracted him. “What the fuck Kaylee? Karrick was talking about taking one of our children and making him or her his mate. And you seriously see nothing wrong with that? Everything is butterflies and rainbows for you? I don’t understand. Maybe we didn’t hear the same thing. Let me break it down for-”
“Hold it right there! Don’t you talk to me like I’m an idiot!”
He frowned. “I wasn’t. I-”
“You weren’t? ‘Let me break it down for you’,” she said in a horrible mockery of his voice. “Sure seems like you were implying that I was stupid.”
“I would never-”
“And since we’re on the subject of stupid can I just tell you how stupid I thought you were? I heard the same thing that you did but did you happen to see the same thing as I did? Did you see your friend, our friend, pouring his heart out to us? Did you see the look of longing on Karrick’s face as he spoke about true hearts mates? Did you see the fear buried deep in his eyes? Did you see the hurt when you nearly ripped him apart with your words?”
Ty leaned forward as a frown puckered his face. No, he hadn’t seen all those things. For one a red haze of anger had clouded his vision the moment Karrick had started talking about taking one of his babies away from him. He couldn’t see past his anger, couldn’t hear past that roaring of fury in his ears. No, he hadn’t see any of that but apparently Kaylee had.
“I don’t understand why you’re okay with Karrick taking one of our babies and-”
“He won’t be taking them. Why do you keep saying that? They would be married Ty. Married. Eventually it’s going to happen. Someone is going to come along and our babies are going to get married, grow up and have babies of their own. It’s the fucking circle of life! Why shouldn’t it be Karrick?”
“Because….because…”
A stunned look crossed Kaylee’s face. “Oh,” she said softly. “I see.”
He frowned in confusion. “What are you talking about? I don’t even see it.”
“Love is love Ty. If you’re black, white, green or purple love is love. I thought that you, of all people, would understand that. Sure, we haven’t gotten any flak from anyone because we’re married but others haven’t been so fortunate. And you would begrudge Karrick the same kind of joy and love that we share because you can’t get over the fact that he’s an alien?”
A shock went through Ty. Was that what this was all about? Was he fearful of letting Karrick claim one of his kids because he was biased against him because he wasn’t from the same planet? Scrubbing a hand over his face he shook his head. “Karrick is my friend. I-”
“He was your friend. He’s dead to you remember? Speaking of which that was overkill don’t you think?”
“Karrick is my friend,” Ty repeated firmly. “But I…I’m just so confused!”
Kaylee threw up her arms and spun on her heel.

“Well, let me give you time to think about it,” she snapped as her hands balled into fist. She just couldn’t believe Ty was being so stubborn about something that was so easy for her to understand and acknowledge. They were usually on the same page.
“I’m going to take a shower…and get out of this bra and panty set that you brought me. This bra has been slipping all day.” She glanced down and heaved a sigh.
“Yep, there goes a nipple.”
Groaning Ty dropped his hand into his hands and stared down at the floor as she stormed off muttering to herself. Absently drawing designs into the carpet with the toe of his sneaker he erased them with a quick sweep as he knocked his fists lightly against his head.
“Just what is your deal?” he demanded of himself as the water came on in the bathroom. “You’ve always been about equality for all but the moment you’re given the chance to act on it you toss it aside in the face of fear. Brilliant man, just brilliant.”
Absently tapping his hands on the side of his head, his thoughts tumbled over each other to get to the forefront of his mind.
What was his so scared of?Why was he scared?
Was Karrick gay?
Did it matter if he was?
Did he really want to cut Karrick out of his life?
If The Wise said it was there a chance that they might be wrong?
And if they weren’t wrong did he really have a choice?
“Fuck, fuck, fuckity, fuck!” he growled. He heard the water cut off in the bathroom and realized with a start that he must have zoned out longer than he thought. The bathroom door opened bringing with it the scent of Kaylee’s berry.
He didn’t look up as he heard her feet heading toward the bed. She was well and truly pissed.
“I fucked up didn’t I?”

]]> http://ravensworthgenerations.wordpress.com/2009/05/12/1-35/feed/ 0 PhoenixFG http://ravensworthgenerations.wordpress.com/2009/05/05/1-34/ http://ravensworthgenerations.wordpress.com/2009/05/05/1-34/#comments Tue, 05 May 2009 07:39:03 +0000 PhoenixFG http://ravensworthgenerations.wordpress.com/?p=173 ]]>

“So,” Ty said as he reached to lift Isaac out of the bouncer. “Just what was that little girl talking about?”
Karrick made a choking sound. “That wasn’t a little girl. Well, in a sense she was but not really. She’s one of The Wise. It’s most surprising that they were here. Most surprising. And to bring Kaylee’s deceased father back as well?”
“Say what?” Ty absently patted his son’s back as he stared at Karrick in amazement. “You’re kidding me right? How in the hell would they be able to bring her father back? He’s been dead for almost twenty years.”
“In this plane, yes. In others death is just another gateway.”
“Oh good Lord! I can’t deal with your mumbo-jumbo right now Karrick. Besides, you never answered my question.”
He watched as Karrick heaved a sigh and looked skyward as if he were expecting an answer to come from the Heavens. When nothing happened he heaved another sigh and peered somewhere in the vicinity of Ty’s left shoulder.

“Look,” he said as he rubbed at his neck. “I didn’t want to talk to you about this. At least not yet. I figured it would come up eventually but The Wise are only patient in some things. Apparently they think that I need to tell you now. Which, if I may say, I don’t exactly agree with. But what’s done is done and now I must face-”
“What the hell Karrick? What are you talking about?” Ty held up a hand as a gentle breeze came across the porch. “Let’s talk about this inside. I don’t want the baby to catch a chill in this air.”
As if on cue Isaac gave a delicate sneeze. Ty’s eyes widened in horror.
“Kaylee will kill me if one of the babies catch a cold,” he muttered as he shoulder open the door.
“No, I won’t.” There was laughter in her voice as she looked up from putting Dani down on play mat.
“It’s natural for kids to get colds. Besides, he just might have allergies or something.”
“Should we get him tested? I mean there’s all sorts of pollen and dirt and-”
“Sure we can get him tested. And he can live in the bubble you’re going to try to put him in. Relax Ty. Dr. Z recommended a good doctor. Stop worrying. Karrick, come into the house and stop wringing your hands.”
“One of those little girls said he had something to tell me but he’s been dodging my questions.”

Nana walked by with Gabe in her arms. There was a new spring in her step and the lines around her mouth seemed to have softened.
“This seems like it’s grown folks business Gabe. How about we go upstairs and let old Nana show you how to hustle pool. Start young I always say!”
“Hustle pool!”
Everyone did a double take. Those two words were as clear as day. Not something they were used to. “Nana….wh-when did Gabe start talking like that?”
“Oh he’s a regular chatterbox now. Those two little girls were playing with him before they left and the next thing I know Gabe comes walking over and speaking crystal clear. Amazing isn’t it? Although I knew Gabe was smart. Yes you are!”
He shrieked with laughter when she tickled him on his belly. Kaylee, Ty and Karrick just stood there in stunned disbelief for a moment until Kaylee broke out in a grin.
“They are so awesome!”
Ty scowled. “Uh huh! What’s this I hear about your dad? If he was here how come no one said anything? I would have liked to meet him.”
Nana stopped walking as she softly called Ty’s name.

He glanced over at Dani as he put Isaac down and she waved her little fists as she grinned at him.
“Someone’s going to have her dad wrapped around their finger,” Kaylee said softly. Ty just grinned as he straightened.
“Yeah Kiki?”
“Terry told me to tell you…he told me to tell you that he couldn’t have found a better person for Kaylee himself. And he wanted me to thank you.”
“Thank me for what?”
“For loving her. For loving her through everything.”
“Hell, I would sooner stop breathing than stop loving Kaylee.”
Kiki grinned as she headed up the stairs. “We know.”
He stared after her for a moment with a confused expression on his face before he turned to Kaylee. “So that’s what that guy, the Guardian meant when he said to greet your father. I thought it was so kind of riddle. That man never has a straight answer. Speaking of which…”
Motioning for Karrick to sit at the kitchen table he nudged Kaylee as well as she tried to step away.

“Where do you think you’re going,” he asked as he ushered her into a chair.
“I thought you and Karrick would like to talk. Alone.”
“Kaylee, if it has to do with our kids than it has to do with the both of us.”
“He’s right Kaylee.” Karrick blew out a breath and tilted his head to the side as he tried to figure out the best way to explain this whole situation. He knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Ty had worried about the baby sneezing. What would he say when he found out that one of his children was his mate? He valued their friendship too much to lie but he knew that it was bigger than their friendship.
“Karrick?”
“Remember when I went to see The Wise?”
“When you ran off to see them you mean?” Kaylee said teasingly.
He tried to smile but he knew it fell short. He cleared his throat and shifted in his seat.
“Well, they told me some things. Some very important things.”
“Such as?”
Karrick looked over at the children laying under the mobiles and giggling at the sounds they made. He swallowed dryly.

Finally Kiki shifted her arms and he shifted his but they were still hugging. They had years to make up for. Years of words, of hugs, of touching but Kiki knew, and don’t ask her how she knew she just did, that she was only going to get so long with her son before he had to go back to where ever he had been before. She couldn’t be mad though. No, that would just be a waste of time when a miracle was staring her in the face.
“Am I ever going to be able to stare into your face Ma?”
“You don’t want to see this old face,” she said with a watery laugh. “It frightens me every morning when I look in the mirror.”
“Don’t you know that I’ll always think you’re the most beautiful girl in the world Ma?”
“You always used to say that when you were little.”
“And I meant it just as I do now. You are the most beautiful sight that I have ever seen. Always…and forever.”

“Ty, don’t.” Kaylee tried to sound stern but she couldn’t help the small shiver that coursed through her body as Ty’s hand drifted down her back and over her side to rest underneath of her breast. His thumb brushed back and forth over her nipple.
“You know what the doctor said. We can’t. Not for another four weeks.”
Ty groaned as he buried his face in her hair. He brought his hand to rest on her shoulder. “You would think, with them being so advanced and all, that he could have given you a little something something to make the healing process faster.”
“Six weeks isn’t that long. Heck, you waited a year to sleep with me.”
“Yeah, but that was before I know just how sweet the honey pot was.”
“You’re an idiot!” she said with a laugh as she dodged his roving mouth.
“And you love me,” he said as he captured her earlobe in his mouth and gave it a gentle suck.
“Ty,” she breathed. She had just turned to him and their mouths were millimeters apart when a shrill cry pierced the air. It was quickly joined by a second.
“The twins are up,” she said, stating the obvious, as she pulled away from him. Ty buried his face into the hammock pillow and let out a whimpered before straightening when he felt the hammock move.
“You lay back down. I’ll get it.”
She frowned at the frantic note in his voice. “What is your deal? You’ve been acting so strange.” She shook her head. “Most be all those hormones. Anyways, it’ll go faster if we both go. Especially seeing as how I’m the one with the milk.”
Ty’s eyes stayed glued to where she had pointed. At her luscious breasts. They were about a size bigger and he couldn’t wait to get his hands on them. And his mouth. Man, he could-
He jerked when she snapped her fingers in his face.
“Focus and wipe the drool!” she said with a laugh.
“I was focused,” he grumbled as he wiped at his chin.
Laughing Kaylee swung her legs over the edge of the hammock and pushed upward. She had taken one step forward when the door slid open.

She stared in open mouth amazement as two little girls trotted out from her kitchen. They were shielding their eyes from the sun and were intent on heading out to the ocean if their attire was any indication. She knew them. They were the two little children she thought she had d imagined when she was in labor.
“Hey Kaylee!” they said in unison as they raced down the stairs and made a beeline to where Karrick and Kava were staring at them.
“Oh my god!” she whispered. It couldn’t be. Was it possible that she had just met The Wise? As that thought entered her mind they turned, and grinning cheekily, waved at her before they dived into the surf.
Why were they here? Was something wrong with her babies? At the thought she raced into the house and toward the babies room. She came to a screeching halt when she entered the room and stared at the figure holding her son.

“Kaylee, daughter of Terrance, it is a great honor to meet you and your children. Children are a blessing aren’t they?”
She swallowed. “Y-yes, they are.” She watched as he tickled Isaac under his chin before a far away look entered his eyes.
“Would you love them regardless of their choices in life? Will you love them if their paths are different front what you expected?”
She frowned. “What kind of question is that? Of course I would love my children. They’re my babies!” she snapped.
His gaze sharpened and then he grinned at her. “A warrior’s heart. That is what you have. Who else to birth a nation?”
She shook her head. “You’re just as bad as Karrick with his riddles.”
He started to laugh but it was abruptly cut off when the door slammed against the wall and Ty entered the room. He took in the scene in a glance and quickly moved to stand in front of her.

“Give me my son.”
Isaac giggled and waved his hands in the air as he stared up at the purple man. Ty shook his head. Why had he assumed that all of Karrick’s people were the same color? Was he racist against a group of people that he didn’t even know. Oh man, that would…he shook his head again at that though. That wasn’t important right now. There was a strange man in his house, holding his son.
“Give me my son.”
“Certainly Tyrese. A quick question first.”
“What?”
The man shifted Isaac in his arms. “Just how much do you love your son?”
“What?”
“How much do you love your son?” he repeated patiently.
“I would give my life for my son.”
The man eyes him curiously. “And your daughter? What of her?”
“I would give my life for my family.”
“But will you live for them?”
“Uhh…what?”
“Will you live for them when things aren’t going as you planned? Or will you turn your back on them when they need you most?”
“They are my family. My family!” Ty snarled. “I would do anything for my family. Any man that wouldn’t isn’t a man. Now give me my son!”
“Of course!”

He smirked when Ty grabbed his son. “He is none the worse for wear. Little Isaac is much stouter than he looks. He’s going to have to be.”
Ty opened his mouth to say something but the man cut him off.
“I am the Guardian to The Wise. I am because they are. And because they are so am I.”
“What?” Ty asked in confusion. Kaylee rubbed her forehead.
“Okay,” she said as he went over and touched Danielle’s forehead. She let out a gurgle before kicking her legs.
“And because your family will soon be tied to ours I will be seeing you more often. Get used to me Ty.”
Ty opened his mouth to say something but the Guardian cut him off.
“Kaylee, why don’t you say hello to your father while your husband and I get acquainted.?”

“My father?!”
Her heart thundering in her chest she spun around and raced out the door.