Chapter 18
Hayden
It was because of me that the small band of Ostilis was sent to Earth for colonization. I chose the ones who would go. It was a difficult decision but it was all for the best. It surprised me when Earth evolved its own race, when it created the humans of that world. When that happened I began to wonder what had happed to cause this. I soon discovered the cause and the implications of the occurrence. I was young when I made the decision of who would go but little did I know it was all planed out. Every move I made was orchestrated by the world hoppers. It was because of them that all but one of our kind who had been sent died, Asher, the youth. He lost much of his memory during the process of being sent so they told him that he was born there, what else could be done? Asher was raised from a child state. He went through his death and re-learned everything. I am not surprised that he is the one who survived. He has his father’s blood in him, my blood. I continually hope that he will return to me but his place is now on Earth, that is where he belongs now. Home is what you make of it, where you heart resides.
Now I am dealing with a Sanguine, Mavra. She has a strong will and is rebellious but I am pleased that thus far I have only been forced to punisher her once. Sending her to Earth to speak with my son may have been a mistake but I could not go myself, there are other things that I must attend to. I hold a position of power in the Ostilis society on this world. As they say, with great power comes great responsibility, this is all too true. At this time I am trying to find a way to restore Asher’s memory, once that is done I shall go and see him myself, damn the rest of my responsibilities. I have come quite close to discovering the remedy. I believe that I know the reason for his memory loss; the sorcerer’s of the second world have the ability to do so. They do not believe that there is a cure for it but I am close to the discovery of it, but only for an Ostilis born as one will this work. I would have gone with Mavra this time around but my journey had been delayed thanks to the sudden appearance of another clan on Earth. We ceased monitoring it until recently because we had no reason to after the colony was formed, now we find that at some point between then and now a new clan emerged. The leaders here want my opinion in this matter so they will not allow me to leave as of yet, the bastards. Now as I sit in the simple conference room I am not focusing upon what they are saying, I am lost in the thoughts of my son.
“Hayden, what do you think of this new clan?” A female Ostilis from the clan Vishnu asked as she cast a glance in my direction.
I looked at her, gazing into her soft green eyes, “Sonja, I believe that they should be allowed to live, they have done nothing to the small portion of clan Rennal that resides there. I think that they should just be left alone. They can be controlled, there are far more us of then there are of them. When I go to Earth tomorrow I shall tell you of my impressions of them.” I said simply.
The leader of my clan, Garrison, looked shocked and appalled by what I had just said, “What makes you think that you will be going to Earth? You have already sent your Sanguine there, why should you go as well?” He spat angrily, storm gray eyes gazing at me venomously.
I looked at him calmly, meeting his gaze, “This is not the time to be discussing our clan’s affairs, this is a gathering of leaders. I suggest that if you wish to speak with me about my little trip you do it outside of this conference.” I said, my voice unemotional and my mannerisms collected, “You have gotten my opinion on this matter, if there is nothing else you wish of me I shall be gathering the things I need for my travels.” I said, getting to my feet.
Garrison followed after me as I left the conference room, “Now we are no longer in the conference, you shall inform me why you intend to go to Earth.” He demanded.
I sighed, “Garrison, you may be the clan leader on this world but you are rather dense.” I said softly, “Don’t you remember who I sent there? Don’t you remember who Asher is?”
He was silent for a moment, “Your son.” He paused, “But what does that have to do with anything?”
“It has everything to do with it. I have discovered a way to restore his memory and I shall administer it myself.” I said quickly, almost angrily.
He sighed, “Very well Hayden. Go to Earth, administer your antidote, but know this, I do not approve of your leaving.”
“Very well Garrison. I shall return in a few days time.” I said before walking away.
The journey to Earth was uneventful, as traveling always is. Upon arrival I began to walk, exploring this new place. I had never been here before but my purpose was clear, I could explore later. I knew where to find Asher, thanks to my link with Mavra. Keeping my movements humanly slow I strolled towards Asher’s mansion. It loomed grandly before me, silhouetted against the twilight sky like some ancient castle. Rapping on the door I waited patiently for an answer. Minutes passed before it finally cracked open. A young man stood there, soft gray eyes looked out at me questioningly.
I smiled at him, “I am here to see Asher.” I said softly, examining him closely, “Would you take me to him, young one?”
He scowled, “Very well, come with me.” He said, motioning for me to enter. I followed him silently, memorizing the path we took. Finally he stopped before a pair of elegantly carved French doors, “This is his sitting room, he should be there.” He said, pointing to the doors before walking away.
Smiling to myself I opened one of the doors slowly. Stepping inside I took in the sights. A simple sitting room with a brick fireplace, oak desk, matching chairs and a small couch was the whole of the room. It was then that I saw him. Sitting in a lush velvet chair was my son. He looked up at me, startled, as I entered.
“May I help you?” He asked softly.
I smiled, “Asher.” I whispered, “I am Hayden and I have come to give you something.”
He raised an eyebrow, “So you are the one that Mavra told me about. I didn’t think you would come.”
“I came, as you can plainly see.” I said, pulling out the antidote from my coat pocket, “This is for you.” I said, holding it out to him.
He took it, “What is it?” He asked softly.
“Drink.” I replied, not answering his question.
Carefully he removed the stopper. The smell of blood wafted through the room. Closing his eyes he put the small vial to his lips. I watched as he drank it down in one gulp. Dropping the vial he fell to his knees, grapping his head as alien thoughts bombarded him.
“Father,” He whispered, “what is happening to me?” Because of those words I knew that his memory was returning. Kneeling down beside him I gently pulled his shaking body to me. Slowly his spasms stopped and he lay very still, “I remember everything. I remember every little thing as if it happened only yesterday.” He said softly, “You have restored me, thank you father.” He whispered.
“Hush.” I said, “Rest.”
“There is one here who has also lost his memory, can you restore him as well?” He asked, ignoring my judgment.
“No.” I said softly, “Now be still.” I ordered.
Closing his eyes he fell asleep. As he fell, the door opened and Mavra walked in. It was good to see her but she was obviously shocked to see me, “What are you doing here?” She asked quietly.
I smiled, “I came for my son. His memory has been restored and now he shall make a decision.”
She sighed and sat down, “What kind of decision?”
“Come here.” I demanded, ignoring her question, “I’m hungry.”
Swallowing hard she stood and approached. Sitting down next to me she tilted her head to the side so that it was open for a strike. Gently I kissed her before opening my mouth. I felt her take in a hiss of air as she felt the solid press of my teeth. I would allow her to feel the pleasure she deserved. As I sank my teeth in Asher rose and did the same. A double dose of pleasurable reward was administered to her in a single moment. She gasped and shivered against us as we drank. Moaning she closed her eyes and collapsed. I held her up as we continued to drink. We withdrew at the same time, causing her to whimper with desire.
“Hush.” I whispered as Asher ran his fingers through her hair. Laying her on the floor I stood, “She must rest, I have never allowed her to feel pleasure before.”
Asher got to his feet to stand before me, “I want to go home. I want to see what I have missed.” He said softly.
“Home is where the heart is Asher, is this your home now or is my home yours?” I asked softly, “Answer truthfully, I will not hold your answer against you, it is your choice because it is your life. If you come back with me you will never be able to return, this world shall be lost to you. Are you willing to accept that? This life that you have had for thousands upon thousands of years will be stripped away from you in a single instant.” I told him, tipping his head up to look at me, “I know not what will happen if you return but I do know this, you will always be my son and I will always watch out for you.”
He was silent for a moment, “This may be my new home but it can never compare to returning to the place I was born.”
I smiled, “You can go home, but you can never go back.”
~Fin~