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STAR CHILD
RETURN TO THRAE
CHAPTER TEN
"I should leave." Jonas said once Otto had given him some extra supplies and water. "I can't thank you all enough for what you've done for me."
"I just wish we could help you find the boys." Puck said almost shyly. "But our mission."
"I understand completely. go and complete your mission. And when you need my help or any of the House of Cigam, just ask." Jonas smiled and knelt next to the solemn Ash. "Prince Asrais, I want you to know that I.I pledge my complete allegiance to you."
Ash smiled awkwardly, looking desperately to Otto for help.
"We thank you Jonas." Otto said quickly. "Safe journey."
"Thank you." Jonas bowed.
"Wait." Ash said before Jonas started his climb down the mountainside. "I just wanted to say. I hope you find Deland and Dorian. I guess I should say something princely." Ash giggled nervously. "Go safe brave Knight, may your journey be successful."
"T.thank you sire. thank you." Jonas bowed low and blushed.
They all watched as the young man disappeared over the edge. Once he was out of sight, Dango broke out laughing. "Oh man Ash. may your journey be successful?"
"Dango. shut up!" Puck interrupted. "I think that was nice, it's
just." Puck looked around the group, trying his best to keep the smile off his face.
"What?" Ash said annoyed.
"Well Ash. you just made Jonas a Knight." Puck sucked in a giggle.
"I. I knighted him? I can do that?" Ash gasped.
"It's all right Ash; as far as I'm concerned Jonas deserved to be knighted." Otto added. "I believe he has given us the information to successfully complete our mission."
"Oh you do huh?" Dandy said. "What did he tell you? How not to be caught by weird robed freaks? I can tell you how to avoid that. just run when you see freaks chanting."
"No Dango, he has given us the true song of Jerico." Before anyone could ask a question, the autonoid began to sing.
"Look a yonder my youthful feisty boy
See the night star of pleasure and joy
Towards the west sky I travel onward and away
Sword in hand, keeping evil at the bay
Oh hi Oh hi the Sword our soul
Oh hi oh hi the Star Child our life is whole
To the south over the mount of gold
Thru woods and past the well of cold
Divided our child shall rest
Deep in the mines, a journey in test
A light afar, beyond our reach,
A stretch of black sanded beach
To the tower rests the edge of light
Hidden away, hidden within sight
Oh hi oh hi the Star Child of magic
Oh hi oh hi the Sword is tragic
Away with you, to hide and stay
By Jerico's kin will it only sway
Two halves, united again
By Lazar and Jerico kin
For the sake of Thrae, it was concealed
Of gryphon and unicorn shield
Within soul, within heart
That which was torn apart
Oh hi Oh hi the Star Child our soul
Oh hi Oh Hi the Sword of Magic
Oh hi Oh hi the Star Child our life is whole
Oh Hi Oh Hi the sword is tragic
Oh Hi Oh Hi
Oh Hi Oh Hi"
"Otto are you sure this song is authentic?" Puck asked quickly.
"Absolutely, Jonas sang his version to me, not knowing anything about ours. With the songs combined, we now know the sword has been split. We will find the first half of the sword within the labyrinth of Maelstrom."
"Then the blade is in some kind of tower?" Ash asked. "A tower on the beach?"
"It would make sense." Otto said smiling down at Ash. "If we travel south from the Maelstrom Mountains, it would lead us to the Sememman Sea."
Dango laughed, shaking his head. "This doesn't make any sense. That stupid song talks about the Caverns of Erland. do we go through that or straight towards Sememman?"
"We will just have to see once we recover the first half of the Star Child." Otto said calmly, and then he turned his attention to the west. "If we don't get started, we may never solve the truth from the song. I suggest we get moving."
The group packed up the rest of their belongings and began their journey towards the Maelstrom Mountains.
"So we're going to meet real Dwarves?" Ash asked as they made their way across the rocky peak of the mountain.
"Sadly, we are." Puck moaned.
"What? What's wrong with Dwarves?" Ash questioned as he climbed over a boulder.
"They stink for one and then there's the obsession they have over gold. that's all they talk about!" Puck almost screamed.
"Oh ignore him." Dango said slapping Puck on the back. "He just hates Dwarves because of the Brood War." Dango stopped walking and whispered to Ash as if Puck couldn't hear him. "The Dwarves kicked their cute little butts in combat."
"They never!" Puck yelled. "Anyway, they didn't fight fair!"
"Fair huh? Like sneaking around in the middle of the night.."
"Sneak? Eller's don't sneak."
Ash shook his head and let Puck and Dango continue their fight. "What are the Dwarves really like?" He asked Otto.
"I haven't actually met any Dwarves, but I hear they are a noble race. They are obsessed with gold as Puck said, but not for its wealth. Let me help you up." Otto lifted Ash on top of another large boulder. "Gold is a representation of their soul."
"That's kind of weird. Do you think they will help us?" Ash asked.
"I'm not sure; it could get nasty if we have to be forceful." Otto said looking out towards the horizon. "Storms moving in." Otto said loudly so that Dango and Puck could hear him over their arguing.
Ash looked towards the horizon and cringed. Raging black clouds towered high into the sky, with radiant flashing of lightening. It was a monster of a storm.
"Should hit us in a few hours." Puck said. "I'm not sure being on this mountain is the best place to be when it arrives."
"I don't care about the storm." Ash said bluntly. "We're heading to Maelstrom. so let's get to Maelstrom." Ash felt strange being so forceful, but he ready for this adventure to be over. The idea of having to fight the Dwarves to get the sword wasn't something he was looking forward to, as far as he was concerned Thrae was overflowing in violence. Ash just wanted to get this all finished and sleep for a month.
"I understand you hurry Ash, seeing Dwarves will be very interesting, but being struck by lightening isn't something I look forward to." Otto said smiling down at Ash. "We can at least see how far we can get, before all hell breaks loose." Otto patted Ash on the shoulder and motioned for him to continue walking. "From the ease of our journey here, I believe we could see Maelstrom as early as tomorrow evening. even with a delay from a storm."
"Tomorrow, that would be great." Ash said with a finally smiling. "Hey Puck remember that storm last summer. I thought it was going to blow the house away." A sudden pain struck Ash. Aunt Emma's house, a place he would never see again. Would he ever have a place to live here? Or is this world of endless wanderings?
The group continued their journey over boulders and ledges; no one spoke, though everyone kept one eye on the advancing storm. Otto helped Ash up another large boulder, giving Ash a warm smile. Ash grinned, somehow this strange machine of a man made everything all right. Otto ran his hand across Ash's bare back. Perhaps this world wasn't all bad. Ash grabbed hold of Otto's and pulled it across his shoulders. No this world wasn't that bad.
Lord Aero awoke from a fitful dream. He slowly sat up from his bed and clasped his head in his sweaty hands. There had been no word from Grem, since the strange boy had disappeared. If Prime had discovered his spy, was there any hope for Aero to survive the day?
"Lord Aero." Someone whispered.
Aero pulled the sheet off him and cautiously looked around. "Grem, is that you?"
"Yes my Lord." The reptilian boy materialized at the edge of the bed. "I have news of the utmost importance."
"Quickly, tell me all you have discovered." Aero patted the bed next to him. Finally, he would learn Prime's secrets; finally, he would be in control once more.
"The autonoid has uncovered the path to the Star Child. Even now, he organizes your monks for the march. They are going to the Maelstrom Mountains."
"The Dwarves of Golden Mines have the Star Child? What insanity is this? And why must Prime take my monks for this task of his?" Aero slammed his fist into his bed.
"I. I believe Prime fears the encounter with the Dwarves." Grem said timidly. "I overheard him talking to a robot about avoiding any contact with any non-human races."
Aero smiled, could this be Prime's weakness? However, what weakness was this, how could an all powerful autonoid fear non-humans?
"Did I do well Lord Aero?" Grem whispered.
"You did wonderfully Grem." Aero pulled the boy closer to him, running his hand over the boy's smooth baldhead. Grem wasn't worthy of Aero's affections, but this attention served its purpose. As he slid his hand between Grem's thin legs, Aero couldn't help but think of Prime. Though the little spy of his had gotten him important information, it still wasn't enough to destroy the mad autonoid. However, if Prime thought that he could leave the castle without him, he was wrong. Lord Aero would follow the autonoid to Maelstrom. Grem moaned with delight as Aero stroked his tiny erection, Aero smiled. He would have further use of this freakish child; it was obvious he could obtain more information from Prime. Aero tugged Grem into his lap, pushing the boy 's head back and gave him a firm kiss, forcing his tongue between Grem 's slim lips. Today was a good day.
Rain sprinkled down from the overcast sky in large drops. Ash frowned, the constant splat on top of his head and the bone shattering thunder had given him a headache.
"We really need to find some cover soon." Otto said scanning the area.
"God, I hope it's something other than a cave. I just couldn't handle another cave." Puck moaned.
"I don't think we'll find more demon summoning freaks." Dango laughed.
"What will we do.?" Ash screamed as lightening exploded above his head. "Wow. what will we do if we can't find shelter?"
"I don't think that will be a problem." Otto pointed to a peak ahead of them. "I see a structure there."
Another flash of lightening, followed instantly by the thunderous boom.
"I suggest we hurry." Otto lead the way, as the rain as if signaled by the lightening, began to pour down harder. They ran only when the terrain allowed and when it didn't they walked hunched over, hands over their heads for protection against the relentless rain.
Finally, Ash could see their destination. "What is that?"
"It appears to be an ancient Observation station or perhaps it was a home." Otto informed.
"I don't care what it is or was, let's get out of this rain!" Puck yelled above the constant thud of rain. They picked up their pace as they found the shattered remains of a concrete walkway. Ash looked up at the immense building with three towers, piercing up into the sky. Otto found the door and ripped it off the hinges easily.
"Come on, get inside." Otto yelled. The thunder and lightening was now steady, the bizarre strobe affect from the pure white light made Ash dizzy. Once inside Otto began opening doors, looking around as if he expected trouble. The corridor was drab, concrete walls, metal railing and white tiled floors, but Ash didn't care, he was out of the rain and that was all that mattered.
"Well this is an interesting place." Puck said shivering.
"Hey the hallway leads down. Maybe we could find a nice. warm. spot to sleep." Dango said giving Puck a wink.
"Let me go down first." Otto insisted. "Everyone just relax this won't take me long."
Ash stepped to edge of the stairs and watched the autonoid disappear into the darkness. He looked up at the ceiling and wondered about the strange block above his head, as if it was a sliding door, waiting to lock in who ever was downstairs. Ash didn't like the idea of Otto venturing around this place alone. The storm outside grew in power, the wind whistled through the corridor and even inside those thick concrete walls; the rain could be heard in its thoughtless assault. Dango hugged Puck close trying to keep the nude Eller warm. Ash hugged his chest, he wasn't upset with Otto losing his shirt, but he sure was longing for it now. There was nothing worse than wet shorts and boxers. Now that he was out of the rain, his clothes seemed wetter and slimy. Of course, it had been days since he had had a bath, poor Auntie Emma would have died if she knew that.
"What's taking him so long?" Ash said to himself, impatiently looking down the dark stairway. "Do you think we should." Suddenly there was a loud pop and the ceiling lights flickered to life. Otto appeared in the now lit stairway, with a large confident smile.
"I think our stay will be a little nicer now." He said motioning for Ash to join him downstairs. "Apparently our friends here also loved luxury."
"What do you mean?" Puck said almost knocking Ash down the stairs.
"There are several private chambers downstairs, all sealed and looking rather comfortable." Otto said, still grinning. Ash grabbed Otto's hand and followed the autonoid down into a much wider corridor. To the right, the corridor opened up into a lounge area, though the couches and tables had long since succumbed to time. It wasn't a comforting scene and Ash began to wonder exactly what Otto thought luxurious was. Past the lounge, Otto stopped at a door. He pressed a button on a panel and the door swooshed opened. Ash gasped loudly. The room was large, with shelves full of books and a table with forgot technology. However, what interested Ash the most was the huge bed.
"This is great!" Ash said as he jumped onto the soft bed.
"Not only that, but the water works also." Otto said.
"No way!" Ash ran to the other room and screamed. "It's a real bath!"
"Well let's leave these two to their room." Dango said, pulling Puck to the next door and closing their door.
Ash didn't even notice they were gone, he was so excited about the room, nothing else matter. It was like being back home and he loved it.
"I'm taking a bath!" Ash cheered and was out of his shorts and boxer in a quick swift jerk. Ash impatiently waited for the extra-large tub to fill with steaming hot water, thankfully there was a toilet to bide his time. He had missed sitting on a toilet, it fit his butt so comfortable, that he could have slept there. Finally, the tub was full, carefully testing the water with his toe, Ash slid into the tub with a loud sigh.
"Could you explain something to me?" Otto said as he entered the room. Ash peeked open an eye and was surprised to see that the autonoid had also shed himself of his clothes and armor.
"Everyone rushes out of the rain, obviously hating getting wet. However, the first thing you do is take a bath. What is the difference?" Otto sat on the edge of the tub.
"Oh this is completely different from being out in the rain." Ash almost purred as he relaxed more into the tub, slipping down so that his chin touched the top of the water. "This relaxes my whole body. Not like that cold rain smacking me in the face."
Otto nodded his understanding. "So it's not the water that is the issue, but the comfort."
"Is there a towel around or something I could use to dry off with?" Ash asked. Otto stood and started opening cabinet doors.
"Here's a towel." Otto said holding out a large white towel.
"Something I don't understand.how has all this survived down here. I mean that furniture outside is nothing more than dust. but inside this room, everything is almost new." Ash reluctantly climbed out of the tub and took the towel from Otto.
"You noticed the door? These rooms are vacuumed sealed when they shut. In fact if the electricity were to go off again, I'm afraid you'd suffocate in about an hour."
"Oh that's nice." Ash said looking up at the light fixture. "So these rooms are special, why would they do that?"
"I believe this building is more than it seems. There are two levels below this one, also containing private chambers. Plus, a large galley and entertainment room." Otto followed Ash out of the bathroom. "This was probably a secure shelter for the government, if you noticed above the stairway; there was an emergency door in the ceiling. It would explain the nuclear power source."
"That's cool." Ash yawned, having lost all interest in what Otto was saying once he lay down on the bed. "Wouldn't it be nice to live here forever?"
"I guess it would." Otto said sitting down on the bed. "Are you hungry? I have some dried beef and fruit."
"No thanks. What. what do you think Puck and Dango are doing?" Ash asked rolling on his side to look at Otto. The autonoid seemed to think seriously upon the question before he answered.
"I would say there are several options to what activity they are engaged in; they could be eating, resting or perhaps bathing. Or perhaps." Otto seemed to blush. "Perhaps they are making love."
"They're kind of an odd couple don't you think. I mean Puck has always been very serious and Dango jokes constantly." Ash reached out and ran his fingers over Otto's arm. "Sometimes I think they will kill each other, but then all of a sudden, they're kissing. It's kind of confusing."
"I'm not an expert on love, but I believe it is more powerful than any magic. And no matter what your differences may be, love is stronger." Otto said putting his hand over Ash's hand.
"Do you." Ash swallowed hard. "Are you able to feel love?"
Otto grinned and looked deep into Ash's sparkling blue eyes. "I can experience love. In fact, I believe I'm experiencing it right now."
Ash blushed and giggled. "Stop teasing me."
"I'm not teasing Ash. I don't mean to embarrass you, but I love you. When you were kidnapped by the Fly Boys, I've never felt so helpless." Otto paused and lay down next to the boy. "I wasn't sure that I wanted to continue existing, if you weren't part of my life."
"Otto." Ash said wide-eyed. "I. I don't know what to say." Suddenly Ash was overly aware of his and Otto's lack of clothes.
"I've said too much haven't I." Otto quickly got out of the bed, turning away from Ash.
"No Otto, I'm. I'm glad you told me." Ash climbed out of bed. "You know when we first met, I thought of you as a computer with legs."
"Computer with legs." Otto said dejectedly. Ash stepped in front of the autonoid and grabbed his hand.
"That's not how I see you now Otto. I see this wonderful man, who makes me feel safe. Who I think I love too."
Otto sighed, and leaned down to kiss Ash on the forehead. "I didn't mean to make you nervous."
Ash blushed again, looking down at his feet. "I. I've just never had anyone love me before.." Ash threw up his hands. "I mean I know Puck loves me and I really love him too. I thought for awhile maybe we would connect in this way. but it's just friendship and nothing more." Ash clamped his mouth shut and held his breath. "I'm babbling aren't I?"
"Just a little." Otto said smiling. The autonoid sat down on the bed. "I can't believe that no one has gone after you before. I would figure that you had suitors every night."
"Oh sure there were girls." Ash joined Otto on the bed. "Tons and tons of girls, but who wants to date a girl? It kind of sucks being different, I always watched the other kids kissing or bragging about their girlfriends, it was hard sometimes." Ash fell back into the bed and stared up at the ceiling.
"Sucks being different? Why would you want to be like everyone else? It's the differences that make the world exciting. Rejoice in your divergence from the normal, I know I do."
Ash laughed, grabbed the autonoids arm. "Lay down with me."
Otto lay down on his side and gazed at the young boy. This was the gift bestowed upon him by Dango, the gift to see beauty, beyond the physical appearance. Though Ash was angelic in form, it wasn't what Otto had fallen in love with. It was the boy's inner soul, his voice, his laughter, it was that look in his eyes when sad or happy. Otto rested his hand on Ash's tender chest, feeling the gently rhythm of the boy's heart. Ash reached up and ran his hand over Otto's cheek, letting his fingers explore the man's smiling lips.
"I'm glad it started raining." Ash whispered.
"Me too." Otto whispered back.
Ash moved closer, letting his hands and lips investigate the autonoids muscular chest. Otto let his hand slip down to Ash's bare bottom. The curve of Ash's back was very seductive; Otto ran his fingers back and forth, never tiring of the soft arc ending in the boy's blossoming buttocks. Otto noticed that Ash had stopped moving.
"Is everything all right? Ash?" Otto looked down and grinned. Ash was sound asleep.
"Sleep tight, sweet prince." Otto hugged the boy tighter, this was love, laying together, holding Ash close. Love is said to be a complex emotion, indescribable and unexplainable. Love isn't complex, love is simple. Finding and keeping love is difficult. Otto looked down at Ash and sighed.