Welcome to the next section of my story. I've been having fun with the new chapters, and I hope you all will enjoy it too! As always feel free to drop me a line, for suggestions, comments, requests....or if you just need someone to talk to! :)
The One Chapter 9
By Leo
How is it that life can be so cruel? I have never lived an exactly happy life, but I really thought things were getting better for me. I had found Marco, and I was really happy being with him. I still hadn't found a cure for Luna's sickness, but her health seems to be fine right now. I guess I just assumed I had suffered enough. My days of being alone were over. That's what I thought anyway...
It started off as a normal day. Marco and I were both enjoying a comfortable Saturday afternoon. Relaxing in the back yard, taking a dip in the pool. It couldn't have been more romantic, splashing around and cuddling with the man I love. We were like two kids in a candy store. He had so much life in him that evening. His laugh was so powerful, and it seemed to carry across the void. His eyes were like a fire burning bright, and I could get lost in them for hours. I'm sure I'd be happy just to stare into them, and try to figure out what it is that makes him so beautiful. But he'd always interrupt my thoughts with the sweetest kiss. I loved the way his lips felt against mine. How I loved just being like this with him. I was in heaven!
Then fate opened the floodgate. The next events of my life are all a bit cloudy, and I am still not sure how I got here. But I will tell you the pieces of the story that I do remember.
Biapeds flooded my back yard. There were at least 30 of them. I quickly started a protection spell, but I wasn't fast enough. They grabbed Marco and me. They took us into there spacecraft and soon we were hurdling into space. I had no idea where we were going. As far as I know the location of the Biapeds home planet was still a mystery. But I assumed we were going there. What did they want with me? Was it because I killed that small band of Biapeds a few months back?
That all seemed like so long ago. Since that day so many things had happened. I took Marco on the worst vacation of our life, he asked me to marry him, and I almost lost him. Also after that Marco graduated from college. I was so proud of him! I was there screaming for him when he received his degree. He just seemed to beam with pride. And I felt the same way. My wonderful boyfriend, no fiancee, was so beautiful. He was good looking, but that wasn't what made him beautiful to me. It was the energy that seemed to radiate from his heart. He seemed to be a shinning star that beamed energy into my very soul.
We had finally got around to setting a date for our wedding. We were to be married on May 16th. We both thought that date just seemed to have some magical meaning. We had planed it out too. Mom was going to walk me down the aisle to a beautiful song called "My Only Love". My cousin James was to be my best man, and Luna my bridesmaid. Marco had picked his friend Brian for his best man. I was so happy that it was all working out. I couldn't wait. We were going to have the wedding here on earth, on the beach were we got together. Though we were going to be clothed this time. After that we were to go on a honeymoon on Mars. It was going to be wonderful! I couldn't wait.
Soon after that we were planing on moving to the moon. I had bought a nice place there. It was a wonderful house. Not a big fancy mansion, but it was still big. It had 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. I also had the most beautiful kitchen and dinning room. The kitchen had white and black tiles in a checker format. There was a big bar in the middle where you could prepare the meals. And a nice set of stoves was there, one for me and one for Luna. The dinning room was a sight to behold. It had a large wooden table that set 6 people easily. Above the table hanging from the ceiling was a spectacular chandelier. On one of the walls was a china cabinet. I was planing on putting the family china there. Mom had agreed to give them to us as a wedding gift. I was so pleased with the house. I really liked the master bedroom's bathroom. It had a huge tub. I could just imagine Marco and I bathing in it. I could wash his back, and massage his whole body. Then after a while, I would make love to him right there in the tub. It would be really cheesy, but really romantic. It's all those cheesy moments that made life worth while after all!
All my hopes and dreams were interrupted now! I was going somewhere, and I didn't know where. And I was getting there fast! I couldn't see Marco. I was strapped against the wall of the ship. I couldn't turn my head, so he could be right beside me and I wouldn't know. I was gagged so I couldn't call out for him. How I prayed he was all right. If they harm him, I'll kill them all! I swear it!
I knew we were going so fast. It felt like I was going to melt into the wall. The pressure was so intense. I was just praying the ship would stop soon, and that somehow I could find a way out. I couldn't exactly do a spell with my hands bound, and my mouth gagged. Sigh...what I wouldn't give for a bit of help.
Then when I thought I could stand the pressure no more, the ship stopped. I saw someone I never expected to see untie me. It was Kelvin! What the hell was he doing here? Was he here to help me? I hoped so!
"I'm glad you could make it to our party Nova. What cat got your tongue? Hmm...If I remove your gag will you behave?" He asked. He didn't wait for a response though.
"What are you doing here Kelvin? Are you working with these monsters? Where's Marco?" I was so angry.
"Marco will be fine. As long as you behave yourself!" He ordered.
"What do you want of me?" I asked.
"You'll see soon enough dear." He took me by the hand and led me forward.
I hated the feel of his hand in mine, but I had little choice. Any wrong move now could get Marco and me both killed. I had to think of something quick. Now was a time when I really needed a transport spell or something. But there was no such thing! Sigh...My darling Marco where are you?
"Here put this suit on. Otherwise you won't last for long out there." He said.
"Where are we?" I asked.
"The planet Jupiter." He told me.
"What? How did we get this far from Earth?" I was shocked.
"Well, in the ship, duh! Don't be so dense." He said.
"But a trip like this would take at least a day in all the space travel units I've heard of." I said.
"Yes, but you forget the Biapeds are a bit advanced. And you wouldn't know the extent of their technology since they aren't exactly the most social fellows." He was really enjoying himself.
"So why are you working for them?" I asked. How could he turn his back on his own race?
"I'm not working for them, they are working for me. I needed an army to win this war, and now I have one." He stated.
"War? Is that what your schemes are coming to? I thought you were only mouthing off about that hair brain scheme to take over." I said.
"No I was very serious and my plan is working out quite well so far." He said.
"Wait I won the witches duel, and you promised you wouldn't hurt me in your scheme!" I was looking for an out.
"Yes, and no harm will come to you. But I didn't say anything about your boyfriend. So if you want little Mikey to make it. You better just do what your told." He said.
"Damn you! His name is Marco by the way! How can you say you love me, and then cause me so much pain?" I asked.
"Don't you see I'm doing this for you! When I rule the world, I'll make you the happiest man in the world. You'll see!" He probably really believed it too. He had obviously gone off the deep end. I was in serious trouble.
With both of us dressed in some kind of space suit or something, we excited the ship. I looked around through the gassy atmosphere. It all seemed to have a slight orange glow to it. I never expected to come to Jupiter and for the life of me I didn't know why I was here now. What did Kelvin want from me? And what was the Biapeds angle in this? They didn't need Kelvin's help to start a war!
We walked for quite some time before we came to a huge cave. We entered the cave, and it was so dark. I was frightened by what was going on. Was he leading me to my doom? Should I try to escape? I tried to do a light spell, but the second I started it my body shocked with pain.
"No, no! You can't use your magic! I made sure of that. Try it again and you might not survive the next blast. Each time you try it, it'll get stronger." He was smarter than I thought.
He led me on deeper and deeper into the cave. I realized that we were going down a slope as well. I hate going down hill; it always made my bad ankle want to give out on me. I was afraid I might fall down anytime. And since I could not see, that wouldn't be a good thing. Thankfully we made it to a more lit part of the cave. There were torch shaped lights on the ceiling.
"Why don't they light the whole place up?" I asked.
"They don't like the light too much, and besides it makes it harder for anyone to find them. Let's just say you should be glad I'm here to lead you. Other wise you would have not made it. This whole cave is filled with traps." I wasn't sure if he was just trying to scare me or not, but considering the Biapeds flare for evil, I was sure he was telling the truth. They had to protect themselves. I'm sure they had many enemies.
'What now?' I thought to myself. But to my surprise Kelvin pushed a button on the wall and an elevator of sorts appeared. I could have sworn it wasn't there before! I was starting to wonder if the Biapeds technology was not part magic. After all, this stuff was all too weird.
After boarding the elevator we rode down for what seemed like the longest time. We were in there at least 30 minutes. We must have been at least mile under the surface I thought to myself. Where in hell are we going? Hell, that's probably where we were going. Kelvin was Satan and the Biapeds were his demons! Where was my dear Marco? Was he even alive anymore? I prayed he was safe, but I knew he wasn't, with these things around.
What could I do to save him? I was pretty much under their control too. Maybe I could take the suit off. After all we were so far under ground, maybe the atmosphere wasn't as dangerous. But then it hit me...oxygen. I wouldn't have any to breathe probably. I guess I'd watch Kelvin and see what he did.
"Welcome to the center of Jupiter. It's not much, but its home." He laughed.
"How did we make to the center so fast?" I was still blown away by this technology as Kelvin had put it.
"Stop worrying so much about how, just be glad you're here. You are only like the second or third human to see it." He said.
"I guess you were the first?" I asked.
"Why yes!" He stated.
"And the other is Marco I suppose?" I asked.
"Maybe, don't ask too many questions. You wouldn't want to anger me." He stated.
"Gee your so romantic Kelvin. Where will you take me on our second date?" I was getting tired of his mightier than god attitude.
"Hmmm...Maybe I'll take you to my bed. If you're a good boy." He laughed his evil laugh.
"No thanks, I've been there before." I stated.
"And you loved it, if I remember correctly." He smirked.
"I did love you once Kelvin, but that was before you changed." I stated.
Kelvin let it drop at that. He never was much for bringing up the past, unless it served his purpose. I wished now I hadn't of slept with him. Maybe if I had not slept with him, he wouldn't have fell for me. Maybe I wouldn't be here today! But much like him, I couldn't change the past either. I just hoped I still had a future to look forward to.
We had been walking a while when we made it to some sort of a door. We entered and there was some sort of a throne room type set up. It was quite elaborate. It was dimly lit like the rest of the place, but what I could see was amazing. There was a dark carpet that seemed to sparkle in the dim light like gold. The closer we got to the throne the brighter it shined it looked to be covered in jewels. Mostly diamonds I believe. I was afraid to look to closely at the Biaped setting in the throne. He was larger than the rest of the Biapeds. If the others were some how related to black bears, this guy was a grizzly bear. He was huge! I quaked in fear. If I had use of my magic, I might stand a chance. But like this I was helpless. He would surely rip me to shreds.
"Welcome Nova." The creature stated. "My name is King Xenon the third. I am the ancestor of the great Xenon who helped to create our kingdom. He was the one that found this place for us to hide. If we wouldn't have came here, we would have died out long ago. Our enemies were closing in fast, but we discovered if we hid under ground, they couldn't find us. After living underground for a few years, we found that we could no longer go to the surface. It was just too bright for us. So we remained here for 1000's of years. Then one day the sun disappeared! And then we could return to the surface. But trust me, your artificial sun is enough to still bother us. So we still come back here. Besides its safer here."
I wasn't expecting a history lesson, but I had to admit it was quite interesting to find out why the Biapeds hadn't always been around. Also I wondered if maybe they might have had something to do with the sun's mysterious disappearance.
"So what's with all the mystery? Why did you bring me here Xenon?" I asked.
"Simple question, simple answer. I have use for you. I wish for you to do me a favor. I'm not asking too much. So I'm sure you'll be happy to help." He grinned his evil Biaped grin. It sent chills down my spine.
"What do you want me to do?" I asked. Knowing it must be some evil task.
"You'll find out in time, be patient young one. I'm nearly 500 years old, and have been waiting for you quite some time. Surely you can wait a bit longer to find out why." He stated.
"Majesty would you like me to take Nova to his room?" Asked another Biaped.
"No, Dango I wish to speak to him a bit longer. Then you can take him to his quarters." He ordered.
"Yes, your will be done." Dango answered.
I'm not sure what was going on, but I didn't like it. And that one Biaped that was lurking close to Dango was very fierce looking. He had a set of armor on, showing clearly that he was a soldier of some type. But his armor was also coated in diamonds; he was obviously of some importance.
"Xsar get Nova a drink." Dango ordered his servant.
"Yes master." He answered.
I suppose Xsar wasn't that important after all, if was ordered around so easily by the king's lackey? How in the world was I supposed to drink in this suit anyway? Oh well, I guess I'd find out soon enough.
I looked around and noticed Kelvin wasn't wearing his suit anymore. I assumed that meant I could take my suit off too. So I went to undo it, but when I did I heard Kelvin speak.
"That's not a good idea Nova. Sure you can breath down here, because of the artificial environment they have, but your suit is set to cause quite a bit of pain if you try it." He stated.
"Well, how am I supposed to function with it? I can't drink or eat, and what if I need to use the bathroom?" I was trying to find some excuse to get out of the suit.
"Don't worry, soon enough you'll be out. I'm just waiting for the magic collar to arrive. Here it is." Kelvin stated.
Then walked in a Biaped carrying some sort of a box. It wasn't very large, but my interest was peaked. Then Kelvin took the box from him, and opened it. From it he brought out a small round object. It looked to be some sort of an amulet on a golden chain. He pushed in a few buttons on my suit and then my helmet popped open. He placed it on my neck and gave me permission to take of the rest of the suit. I did so.
"With this amulet on, you won't be able to use your magic. I created it myself. It's quite handy. You can't take it off either. It won't budge. The only way it can come off is if another person with a magical influence removes it." He told me.
"I guess that means you then?" I asked.
"You catch on fast!" He laughed. Don't you just love jerks?
"Can I see Marco?" I asked.
"Sure you can. I'll take you to his room after your chat with his majesty." He answered.
"Yes I do have a few more things to ask you." The King finally started again.
"Ask away, doesn't look like I'm going anywhere." I responded coldly.
"It will serve you well to show me respect human." He shot back. "Now, lets me see, where to start?"
"I guess I'll start at the beginning." Xenon stated, answering his own question. "What was the condition of your birth?" He asked.
"I was born in a birthing center like everyone else." I stated.
"But were you a healthy young baby?" He asked.
"No sir, I was born dead." I told him.
"Yes, I see, and your early childhood you were perfectly healthy?" He asked again.
"No sir, I died again at age 5." I answered.
"That'll be fine then, no more questions for now." He told me.
Seeing I was dismissed I turned to look at Kelvin. He motioned for me to follow him. On the way down the hall we ran into Xsar. He gave me the drink. I'm not sure what it was, but it tasted like what I'd imagine horse piss to taste like. Come to think of it, I knew this taste. It was beer, and I detested the stuff. Not to be rude, I kept the drink all the same. When Xsar was out of sight I asked Kelvin a favor.
"Hey Kelvin could you do me a little favor?" I asked.
"Anything for my love." He lied. As if he'd let me go!
"Would you use a spell to turn this drink into something good, I detest beer." I answered.
"Sure. How's this?" He waved his hand over the cup and it started bubbling.
"Root beer, I'd guess." I tasted it. I was right.
"You are welcome." He stated.
Kelvin was leading me down the most dark and dreary cave yet. I couldn't see anything. I just hoped he wasn't leading me to my death or something. We walked for at least another 10 minutes. My legs were sore from all the walking we had done. It seems to be that much harder on your legs when you can't see where you are going. I was about ready to call it a day when Kelvin stopped pushed another button.
"This elevator will take you to bottom level. There you will go to the last door on the right. Knock 3 times and the door will open. Good luck!" He was trying to scare me. And I must say it was working.
"Why aren't you going with me?" I for once actually didn't want him to go.
"No, I want to give you love birds sometime alone." He answered.
I was really nervous now. Kelvin was being polite? This couldn't be good. What had they done to Marco? Was I going to find him dead, his head on a stick? I cringed at the thought. Surely he was OK. After all he was their main barging tool. Right? But then again, I had this amulet on my neck stopping my powers. Maybe that was all they needed to control me?
The ride down was so slow. I half expected to come back out on the surface of Jupiter. But I came out in another small tunnel. I couldn't see very well. It was about as dark as the rest of the lair. I was hoping to find Marco soon. I would cuddle him, and he would take away my fear. Even if for only a little while, I'd feel safe. I walked for a while till I came to the end of the tunnel. Well actually I'd say I ran into the end of the tunnel. I hadn't realized how fast I was going till I hit the wall. Ouch!
I picked myself off the ground, and turned to find the door. I finally located it after walking a small way back up the tunnel. I knocked three times as instructed. The door didn't budge at first, but then it started creaking open. It was really squeaky. It could use some oil in the worst way. After it was finally open I walked into the dark room. At first I couldn't see anything at all. After a while my eyes adjusted and I saw something leaning on the wall of the back of the cell. I knew it must be Marco. I went in closer.
"Marco?" I called out.
No answer! I was so scared. Was he all right? I prayed he was. I had to get closer. I crept slowly towards him. Afraid of what I might find. I tried calling out to him a few times but he never answered. When I got close enough I couldn't believe what I saw.
"Marco!!!! Nooooo!!!! What have they done to you?" I screamed.
To Be Continued.
Is Marco OK? How will Nova get out of this sticky situation? Are space suits and magic amulets fashionably correct in the year 3000? Keep reading!
You can reach me on AOL Instant message if you want...my nick is leoinbama