Obi-Wan found thinking like an immortal to be exhausting. For
the last few weeks his father had been giving him extensive
training in utilizing and expanding his mystic senses.
They lay togther in bed among satin sheets. Mood music played
in the background from wall panel speakers. Multicolored
lighting lent mood and eroticism.
Obi-Wan propped across the broad chest, sipping wine from a
huge goblet.
"I need a break, father. Being an immortal is exhausting work."
Qui-Gon sprawled carelessly underneath him. "You are doing
well. I see no reason why we can't lay off a few sessions for
awhile."
Obi-Wan poured wine over the muscled torso, watching it river
across strong hips. He sampled a coated nipple.
"Mmnpf. Your flavor works good with wine."
Qui-Gon twitched up. "Ugh. Enough. Now what were we talking
about?"
Obi-Wan licked wine off his stomach. "How well I was doing."
Qui-Gon purred softly, enjoying the tongue that taunted him.
"Yessss. Very well. Perhaps it's time we went on another
visit."
Obi-Wan stopped licking. He perked up, eyes ablaze. "Where?!"
Qui-Gon propped to a sitting position. "The nexus of reality. I
want you to see the Fates."
Obi-Wan sidled alongside, playing with his fathers' hair. "Is
it a long trip?"
A muscled arm gripped him close. "From the mortal sphere, it is
extremely distant. The weird sisters are pretty much recluse."
"What are their names?"
"Urkuna, Debliss, and Avarix."
Obi-Wan stroked the soft goatee. Green eyes darkened.
"But...considering your history with them do you think it's
wise to go there?"
Qui-Gon yawned elaborately, fangs gleaming. "Probably not. What
of it? They dare not turn me aside."
"Dragon" Obi-Wan said succintly. "All fear your approach,
father. You are the harbinger of ill portent."
"Ah. You reach out with your senses again. Good."
"I break your wake. Beings turn aside for me."
Qui-Gon eyed him with pride. "And?"
"They will not meet my eyes, for I am hel itself."
Qui-Gon smiled slightly. He embraced his son as they curled
together. Smooth satin shifted as they moved.
"Sleep, my Ssarpati. Later we will visit the Fates."
Obi-Wan nuzzled, pulling his fathers' hair around his back.
"I'm so excited" he said drowsily.
In the deepest recesses of Hel, two mighty beings held secret
conclave. They viewed the mystic flames.
"I am not pleased with this turn."
"It was not your decision this time."
"You had no right!!"
"No? Who else, then? Speak not to me of rights!"
"My plans could be ruined!"
"You knew of this at the beginning. Wait and see what occurs!"
"So be it. I have little choice now."
"True. Events are set in motion and none may change the
course."
Heaven. The realm of the guardians.
"It's a marvel my queen. Truly, a wondrous day!"
"Aye, loyal Brein. My son recovers at a remarkable rate."
"Shall I make the announcement?"
"Soon, Brein. I would have my son at full strength ere he meets
his kith and kin."
"Ah, our good Lord approaches, my Queen."
The goddess of light turned, smiling. Alfaa entered, regal and
tall. The light reflected from his essence. He returned the
smile.
"My beautous Omaiga. How fares our son?"
The goddess waved at the bed. "See for thyself. His body grows
stronger even as his spirit renews itself."
The proud parents viewed their son upon the thronebed. Even in
repose, the power in the recovering form was evident. The body
was muscled and vigorous, jet black curls to the broad
shoulders.
Alfaa and Omaiga seated themselves and waited. For they could
sense their son would soon speak.
The angel Brein stood at a respectful distance. "Shall I be
needed here any longer, lords?"
Omaiga smiled. "Go about, see the mood among the circles.
Methinks there will soon be a celebration!"
Brein clapped her hands together. "Well said, o Queen! I go!"
in a flash of light she was gone.
Omaiga watched her son with enormous grey eyes. A train of red
curls fell down her back, framing full lips and elegant neck.
"Beloved, he moves!"
Alfaa clasped her hand. "He struggles so to speak. Hold!"
"Mother...father...am I...whole again?" the prone figure
stumbled the words.
Alfaa swept his son up, crushing him in an embrace. Tears
stained his deep blue eyes.
"Beloved Eblu'aranhe, you are returned to us. Hope never
failed."
"I am ashamed" the deep voice was muffled against his father.
"For it was my disgrace to have married the hel queen. I knew
not!!"
Alfaa kissed him. Omaiga embraced them both.
"Immortality does not preclude mistakes" she said gently. "And
such deceptions can snare any. A bitter lesson to be certain
but true nonetheless."
Eblu'aranhe pulled back a bit. He smiled, brilliant teeth in
contrast to his bronzed complexion.
"It's good to be back. Flitting across the force is a bland
existence."
Alfaa tilted his head in amusement, golden hair catching the
light.
"So you had no interest in being a ghost?"
Eblu'aranhe laughed. "Hardly. It's very overrated-"
The air split, a shearing sound. Another bright goddess stood
in their midst. She was lovely, with near transparent blue eyes
and reddish blonde hair. Impossible ringlets tumbled everywhere
around her curves.
Eblu'aranhe leaped up. "Alphaie!"
"Brother!" she ran to him, squeezing tight. They kissed
frantically.
"Oh, you are handsome as ever. Let the women beware!"
Alfaa and Omaiga beamed. Their children were their pride.
Alphaie stood back, reviewing him critically. "No thanks to the
hel witch. Something must be done."
Eblu'aranhe considered. "Excellent suggestion. By the way, what
are you doing away from the gateway of souls? Our flock needs
you."
Alphaie grinned. "Can't I take a break? Besides, I weary of my
tigress form at times."
Alfaa. "Children, this is a glorious day. First we will
celebrate, then contemplate our next move."
Eblu'aranhe considered. "Debts will be paid."
Obi-Wan could barely contain himself. The prospect of meeting
more immortals had his blood racing.
"Let's go, father! I weary of waiting."
"To the basement, Obi-Wan. Our mystic circle."
Obi-Wan all but bounded past Qui-Gon, who smiled mutely.
"So anxious. But I can guarantee your reception won't be met
with enthusiasm."
"It hardly matters, father. As you said, they can't turn us
aside!"
Soon they were suspended lotus position above the mystic
circle. Wind swept wildly about the basement.
Obi-Wan closed his eyes. "Wind and way, destiny hold
sway..."
"Dragon fire and Serpent spire-"
"be swept far from here..."
"realms known and mortal sphere!"
In a crash of thunder, they were gone.
Eblu'aranhe meditated in his private chambers.
A shame I may never live down. However, I can repair the
imbalance of debt. Llane shall pay dearly for her
presumptions.
"My son I sense vengeance in your heart" Omaiga entered
silently.
The powerful god stood tall. He approached her, blue eyes
ablaze.
"Unseemly I know. But even a god has limits. Her insolence
will be rewarded."
Omaiga considered. She was a statue of a goddess, beautiful and
imposing.
"What is your plan?"
"Is father about? We need a family meeting, for I would review
this with everyone."
"Methinks he visits the seventh circle. Come with me along the
rainbow trail. I would hear more of your thoughts in the
meantime."
They appeared in the midst of a bleak landscape. Craggy and
cracked purple soil with sullen, slow moving rivers. Drab and
bare blue trees, huge and knarled. The air was full of red and
purple mists. Orange stars illuminated the skies in the
distance.
"Weird" Obi-Wan stared.
"True enough" Qui-Gon agreed. The wind picked up, billowing
their capes in the breeze.
"How will we find them?"
"When they desire it. Meanwhile, let's walk a bit."
The Darklords stalked through the mists. Obi-Wan looked around.
Large flying bats screeched at their presence. Small creatures
hopped and skittered about. Roars in the distance.
"It seems to be well occupied, yet everything is isolated."
"Such is the way of the sisters. All things past, present and
future reside here."
In stupefication Obi-Wan saw a lumbering dinosaur. The
lizardesque creature rolled to a riverbank for a drink.
"Incredible."
Qui-Gon peered through the red and purple soup. "Look
that way."
A biped with a huge head walked their way. It was roughly
humanoid with tiny hands and feet. The eyes were bulbous and
red. The strange being wore a silver jumpsuit.
Obi-Wan moved alongside his father. "Whoever he is, he seems
totally out of place."
"He's an astronaut from a small world" Qui-Gon stated.
"Astronauts and dinosaurs?!"
"It is as I told you. Beings from all timelines reside here,
making an endless circle."
The odd one waved at them. He slowed as he approached.
"Greetings, strangers. What brings you to the land of the
fates?" the voice was piping and high.
Obi-Wan would have guessed him no taller than five feet.
"We've come to see the weird sisters" Qui-Gon told him. "Who
are you?"
"I am Gvoon, from the planet Quaxxiz. I was exploring about the
universe in my small craft when an electromagnetic storm struck
the hull of my ship. I thought perhaps I had landed in a
wormhole effect, but instead wound up in this strange realm. I
met three women who described themselves to me as the fates.
They wouldn't release me. I used up my weapons in an attempt to
escape."
Obi-Wan stepped forward. "How long have you been here?"
A sigh. "I'm almost afraid to know. My ship has long since
decayed from age. A beryllium hull, mind you! I don't think I'd
want to go back now. All my family would be dead, and I
couldn't bear that."
"Understandable" Qui-Gon looked around again.
"Beware their strange power" Gvoon told them. "Since you have
the misfortune of finding your way here."
"Be not concerned. We came of our own free will."
The red orbs glazed at that. "What madness is that? Why would
you want to come to this bizarre realm of the unliving?"
"My son would see it."
Gvoon stared, assessing the situation and their appearance for
the first time. "Gentlebeings, I will be on my way. No offense,
but I think it best if I avoided your company."
Obi-Wan smiled a little, enjoying his discomfort. "Why? What do
you see?" his eyes glowed.
The small being backed away. "Too much. I may come from a
technological world, but I have sense enough to know when other
forces are at work. Farewell!"
He bolted into the wild colored mists.
Obi-Wan laughed. "Ha! Did you see the look on his face?!"
Qui-Gon gave a toothy grin. "Oh. I almost got the impression we
made him...nervous?"
Obi-Wan snickered. "Why do the fates conceal themselves?
Perhaps they fear our might."
"I doubt that. But they know we are here."
"Hmm" Obi-Wan had a thought. He walked over to a small
outcropping of rock and shouted into the night.
"Ho, weird sisters. Are you afraid?"
Silence, save for swirling shades of color across the
landscape. More roars in the distance from various creatures
combined with the whine of engines.
"You are old and weak. Perhaps it is well that you hide.
For I, Ssarpati would pluck you up and swallow you whole.
Useless hags! I may as well make a meal of thee.
Qui-Gon looked up. "Well, that should do it" he muttered
to himself.
A bolt of blue lighting sheared in front of Obi-Wan, knocking
him off his feet.
The Fates had arrived. And they were not pleased.
Arrogant brat. You think to come here and insult the sisters
of destiny?
Obi-Wan regained his feet, straightening himself. "I have no
use for subtlety here."
Qui-Gon stepped forward then. "Hail, great Fates. We meet
again!"
The three dark goddesses regarded them. They were deep blue in
color with orange hair and gold eyes. One sister was quite
lean, the other voluptuous, the third plump. All three were
clad in olive colored robes and horned headdress.
The lean one, Avarix spoke first. Bah. You dare return here,
Quogan Ssaurian? Begone!
Qui-Gon smiled sharply. "I think not. Am I not free to
roam?"
The second sister Debliss spoke then. Perhaps tis time for
thy roaming to end. You are not welcome here!
"I get a lot of that. Can't I take my son out for a
walk?"
The third sister, Urkuna. Beware, dragon. Thy tail may be
pulled yet!
"SssssSSS!" "I go where I will. I have not come for
debate or conflict. But should it come my way..."
To emphasize his point, he blasted a nearby hill.
Avarix gestured, repairing the damage.
Desist in these power ploys, Quogan. Leave, and befoul our
realm no more!
Obi-Wan looked about. "Your realm looks pretty bleak already.
How can my father possibly foul it?"
The stout one, Urkuna replied. Insolence and ignorance often
go hand in hand, Oban. Thee are but new to thy godhood.
Methinks a few hard knocks are in order.
Obi-Wan moved toward her. "We'll see, witch. Perhaps I am not
so inexperienced as you believe."
At that, the three sisters laughed.
Urkuna took a stance, egging him on. Come on then, sucker.
Bring it!
"Obi-Wan, beware!" Qui-Gon warned him.
Avarix and Debliss cackled again. "OOohh, the baby snake wants
to fight, eh?"
Obi-Wan flared in anger. "Laugh at this!!" he lunged.
"Get him, sister!"
Obi-Wan attempted to strike, but hit nothing. Frustrated, he
spun. The thickset goddess grabbed his hand.
A gift of the Fates, Ssarpati!
In horror, Obi-Wan stared at his hand, withering to extreme old
age.
"NO!!"
His body was next, hollowing out under his darklord garb. He
fell to his knees, strength sapped. His hair went white. Urkana
cackled again, while her sisters cheered her efforts.
Qui-Gon crackled with dark fire, enraged. He moved at the
sisters.
"Release him Urkana. Or I will burn you down where you
stand."
Avarix and Debliss snarled. The lean Avarix responded first.
You dare not strike her, Quogan. For if fate leaves and he
is in such a state, so will he remain!
Qui-Gon roared, fangs bared. "Liar!! We will find
out" he grabbed Urkana from behind, choking her.
"I will burn away fate and tear down destiny itself! I
did it once, I will do it again!!"
She shrieked. Sisters, to me!! The dragon-
Just like that they were gone. Obi-Wan lay miserably on the
cracked earth. He covered his face with bony hands.
Qui-Gon settled alongside him. "Ssshhh, child."
"Don't look at me!!"
Qui-Gon pulled the hands away. Obi-Wan was crying with the face
of an old man.
"Look what...they've done to me, father. Please...don't look.
Just leave me here."
"I will never leave you anywhere, Obi-Wan."
"Go! I won't return with you like this!"
Qui-Gon looked at him, fury in his eyes.
"And you will not!" He suddenly burst into tears. His bizarre
change of mood stopped Obi-Wan in mid-thought. Old eyes stared
in disbelief as his father sobbed uncontrollably. Obi-Wan
momentarily forgot his pain, stroking the wet cheek with bony
fingers. Wetness rolled over his hand as Qui-Gon turned his
face into his palm.
And then something happened.
He felt warm, tingly. A strange sensation raced up his arm from
his hand, spreading a glow across his chest and down to his
legs. Obi-Wan blinked.
What??
Slowly now, he felt stronger. He flexed his hand, staring in
amazement. It changed, filling out and growing more vigorous.
Skin smoothed out. Dumbstruck, he glanced down at his body. It
rapidly swelled to its original size and vitality. Touching his
face, he felt the smooth firmness return. His braid was no
longer white, but reddish brown. In awe he stared at his father
in wonderment, shaking his head slightly.
"Thank you" he said quietly.
A gentle smile greeted him. "Better?"
Having no words to express his gratitude, Obi-Wan kissed his
fathers' face wildly before giving him a bear hug.
Soft laugh. "So, my wa'bee. Have you found your visit to be
entertaining?"
Obi-Wan sat back, studying him with intense green eyes. "What
did you do?"
Qui-Gon pulled him to his feet. "When next we visit hel, you
must read the library and do research on the properties of
dragon tears."
Obi-Wan gawked. "You mean...you cried like that on purpose?!"
Qui-Gon nuzzled him. "Yes, but it wasn't difficult. I couldn't
bear to see you in such a state."
Obi-Wan looked at him in admiration. "Oh. It seems as though
I'm constantly learning new things about you."
Qui-Gon pecked his nose. "You will learn new things about
yourself as well. Come, let's head for home now." He had no
sooner spoken when a gargantuan slug appeared out of nowhere.
It was nearly a hundred feet tall with a glistening, gelatinous
body bluish green in color. The thing hissed and bellowed moist
air.
Obi-Wan stood in a defensive posture. "What the frack?!"
The grotesque creature tilted eyestalks at them, red orbs at
each end. It lumbered forward leaving a huge slime trail.
Qui-Gon curled his lip."Sssss. Gross!"
Obi-Wan took to the air. "A fight! Good."
Qui-Gon stood his ground, snarling and spitting at the thing.
"HO, ugly ones. Your trick failed and now you will
pay!!"
Obi-Wan flew above the thing, wondering at Qui-Gons' words.
"Why do you address it as plural-"
He soon got his answer. The slug bellowed in three voices
simultaneously. The weird sisters.
Thou art mad as ever, Quogan. Thy very conception was an
abomination, and now is compounded by thy own son. Begone or be
consumed. You are warned!
Qui-Gon sizzled with power, angry now. "Tiresome hags! We
were about to take our leave peaceably. Now we will do so by
force!!" he blasted them with a bolt of blue power.
The huge slug shrieked in agony, flailing in pain. Obi-Wan
doubled the assault, blasting from above. He aimed for the
head. A stubby tail knocked him from the sky. Stunned, he
landed in a nearby river.
Tis'you who will pay!! the fates thundered,
lurching forward. They swallowed Qui-Gon as he flew to attack.
Obi-Wan flew out of the river like a shot, blazing with
helfire. "Release him or suffer. NOW!!"
The giant slug rocked with laughter. Hardly. We feast on
dragon for eternity. You are next! the slug careened in his
direction, maw open wide. Obi-Wan flew away from it.
What to use against them? he thought furiously. Across
the mists he saw a dim castle. Of course! The story of how
father tied them in the webs of destiny. They must be
there! he was off like a shot. The fates gleaned his
strategy.
Come back here!! they screeched as he flew away.
Obi-Wan shouted back at them, taunting. "Catch me if you can,
ugly! Too fat, too slow!"
Shaking with rage the slug flopped after him, gouging the
landscape beneath gross tonnage.
Obi-Wan approached the castle, circling it.
Where are they? Ah, what have we here! Flying lower, he
approached a nearby wood comprised of black foilage. Among the
branches were an endless tangle of clear strands. The forest
itself stretched across the horizon. Obi-Wan snatched up some
of the heaviest threads on the upper shoots. They grew and
lengthened in his hands as he soared high in the air again.
The fates approached, ponderous in their slug form. Obi-Wan
taunted them further, flying in circles.
"Ho, weird sisters. You can catch me if you release that form.
But you can't, else the dragon would be free!!"
The giant slug swiped at the air behind him. Whelp!! Return
those threads!
Laughing, Obi-Wan flew faster and faster, a blur of motion. He
tied the threads into a lasso. The slug lumbered forward again,
snapping at him with an ugly, stubbed head. Abruptly the
creature heaved and stopped, its gelatin like body quivering in
distress. Obi-Wan took advantage of the pause, flying like an
arrow to the head and hurling the lasso around it. He flew
outward again rapidly, pulling the mystic cords taught. The
slug flopped in frustration, hissing moist air.
"What, methinks you don't look so well, weird sisters.
Something you ate?" he pulled even harder.
The fates heaved again, desperately trying to free themselves
from the lasso which tightened unbearably. For uncounted
minutes the titanic struggle continued. The fates had clearly
had enough.
Release us, Oban Ssarpati. Release us or remain trapped here
forever!
Obi-Wan continued to fly in circles about the blunt head,
overlapping the lasso even more.
"Then I will gag you for eternity, then. How strong is your
neck?!"
Skreaaaaghhh!!! the slug shrieked in pain, flopping
wildly. Obi-Wan would not release the noose however. Using his
immortal strength he yanked the gargantuan creature to the
ground. It collapsed with the force of an earthquake, shaking
the land for miles around.
"Well, sisters?!" he shouted at them. "What is it to be? Do we
continue this struggle, or-"
The great slug writhed miserably now, swelling to bloated
porportions. The gelatinous body began to split in several
places.
What? This isn't my doing...
KRAKOOOOMMM!!!
Hurricane force hurtled Obi-Wan high in the sky. Chunks of slug
sprayed everywhere. His vision spun wildly as he tumbled to
earth. Dizzily, he scrambled to his feet.
What the frick happened?!
Too wobbly to fly he stumbled across the landscape to the point
of impact. An amazing sight filled him with joy and amusement.
Qui-Gon stood above the tattered sisters who were sprawled on
the ground. He laughed wildly as his monster braid swayed in
the breeze.
"Ha ha. Did I give thee a bellyache?"
Obi-Wan came up, grinning. His father looked in his direction.
"Oh, I see you made it back. I was detained for a bit."
Obi-Wan chuckled, watching the fates clutch their stomachs. "So
I see."
Qui-Gon hugged him. "I am proud of you-"
"There is no reason for pride, Quogan" Debliss hissed. Her face
was contorted in pain. "Now begone. Leave our realm or stay
forever. And rest assured, our power can confound thee for
eternity!"
Obi-Wan stalked forward. "You dare threaten-"
The Fates stood, defiant in their posture. "Do not make another
mistake. The touch of age was but one gift we had for thee.
There are many others."
Qui-Gon stepped forward. "Obi-Wan. Come."
"But-"
"We have achieved our purpose. There is no reason to remain."
Obi-Wan glowered at the Fates. "No, I guess not. But know this,
weird ones. I may also bestow some gifts one day."
Urkuna nodded. "You will, in a game of revenge. The cycle goes
on. Leave us now, for calamity follows your wake."
"We shall" Qui-Gon told them. "Please remember that dragon
makes a poor feast. A foolish and possibly fatal error."
"We marked thee well, Ssaurian" Debliss pointed. "And Llane was
warned. But the mad goddess did beget one madder still. We may
yet tie thee with the ropes of destiny."
"See that you yourself aren't tied."
Avarix cackled, hair sparking. "A fair standoff, dragon. One
that would do thy sire proud."
Obi-Wan caught that. "Wait, what do you mean there?"
Debliss snorted. "The eggling has but cracked the shell. But
the source is still the same."
Perplexed at her answer, Obi-Wan watched as the weird sisters
faded rapidly and disappeared.
He turned. Qui-Gon was already walking off into the mist.
"Hey!" he ran to catch up.
Qui-Gon didn't turn as he approached. "Obi-Wan, I sense another
here. A presence I haven't felt since..."
"What is it?" Obi-Wan looked around in the swirling gloom.
His father abruptly stopped. "If I told you I'd doubt my
senses."
"Someone you haven't seen in awhile?"
"Since childhood. No. Infancy."
The regal features frowned in concentration. "Maybe I'm
imagining things" he resumed walking.
"Father, why did the fates make those strange comments?"
"It is their way. They see all that has and will occur."
Obi-Wan thought that over. "Perhaps I should have asked them
what they meant about my revenge. And your sire."
Qui-Gon stopped again. "Maybe."
"The eggling reference was me I know, but what is this
'source'?"
"Our lineage" Qui-Gon supplied.
Obi-Wan turned his father around. "They weren't just referring
to grandmother."
Qui-Gon was distant. "No"
"You said you sensed someone just now. Do you think that ties
in with what they said?"
Blue eyes blazed. "Force, it is possible."
"Your father?" Obi-Wan wondered.
A stare into the deep twilight. "I don't know for certain.
Come, enough speculation. Let's go home."
A hooded figure observed them retreating into the mists.
Reaching out with his senses he touched their souls, felt their
blood. The fates were unaware of his little visit. He witnessed
the entire battle.
Smiling, he had his answers now. He was free. Silent as
shadow, the figure disappeared.
The two darklings reappeared in their living room.
Obi-Wan stretched. "An interesting experience, father. But it
raised as many questions as answers."
"With the fates that is a common problem. They have a
propensity for riddles."
Obi-Wan stroked the goatee. "I want thee. We have not made love
in a bit, and I am starved."
Qui-Gon nuzzled. "Hmm. Not a bad idea" he nipped the golden
neck.
Obi-Wan arched, sighed. Sliding down he kissed the exposed
chest in the front. Tongue teased along the edges of fabric,
working the nipples free. He lapped between bulging pecs.
Qui-Gon gasped. "That tongue..." his stomach clenched.
/It isn't done yet./ Obi-Wan kissed over a tightening groin. He
lapped over a poking navel, suckling it.
"Obi-Wan!!" Qui-Gon grabbed his head with both hands. Fangs
tore away the fabric at the crotch.
"Well, well" Obi-Wan teased. "How'd you get all that...in
there?"
"Wench. Hurry!"
Looking up through his lashes, Obi-Wan pinched the heavy sacs
while sucking on the velvet head. Then he pinched the cockhead
while suckling the sacs. Back and forth. Qui-Gon jerked, thick
thighs quivering.
"SSsssSSS!! Ghods!" his head fell back. Lengthening
nails slipped through the spiky hair.
Obi-Wan tugged him to the floor. Qui-Gon all but collapsed on
his back, groaning. His cape billowed out undeneath him. A
heavy cock bobbed in the air.
It had been awhile since they did it on the living room floor.
No matter, the carpet was plush and soft. Big hands gripped
Obi-Wan, rolling him on his side. A sweltering kiss held him as
those same hands roamed and squeezed his flesh. Obi-Wan gasped
as his groin was grabbed.
"Ought to...file sexual harassment charges!"
Blazing blue eyes were lit with lust. "Oh? I'd best give
you reason then" he pulled muscled legs open, ripping
away material.
Obi-Wan glowed. "You've ruined my nice outfit" he
panted.
"Get a new one. I plan to make a bigger mess" he
lapped between silky thighs, stretching out full length on the
floor. Coiling tongue teased the warm opening.
Obi-Wan slinked into the plush carpet. "Oh, that's good!" his
braid was plastered across his nipples.
"A sweeter treat I have" Qui-Gon sweated. His musk was strong
now. The damp mane was loose and tangled everywhere.
Obi-Wans' legs flew up. "Give it to me, already!"
he clawed at the broad shoulders, tearing the cape away.
"RARRGH!" Qui-Gon plowed inside him then. But instead of
hammering away, he moved sinuously.
Obi-Wan heaved, sweat popping out over his forehead. Plump
nipples poked, tender and needy. Qui-Gon pulled them as he
pushed further and further, slinky sliding his hips.
Qui-Gon licked his lips, eyes slitted. "Yessssss. Feel my
gentle trick."
"Aaah."
Obi-Wan felt strange. The cock filling him seemed to have no
end. It moved, wiggling and teasing further up inside him.
Never had he felt this full, near to bursting. He arched off
the bed, bucking his lover. Strong hands raked the broad
shoulders.
"SssSSSSS!! Yesss!"
Qui-Gon watched him, eyes dark with heat. "Look at yourself" he
commanded.
Obi-Wan thought his guts would burst from delight. The cock was
everywhere inside, still moving. He cried out, staring in
stunned amazement even as the pleasure overwhelmed his senses.
He felt a sudden tightness in his belly. Suddenly the thick
cock head pushed up through his navel, poking out just a
little.
"FORCE!!" he nearly screamed, shocked and delighted. He
stroked the soft bulge.
Qui-Gon roared again, out of control now. Strong hips jerked as
he bounced, head thrown back. Obi-Wan shrieked as a geyser of
cum flew from his belly even as he splattered Qui-Gon.
Qui-Gon fell forward over him in a tight embrace. Obi-Wan
continued to spasm with such force it nearly hurt.
They lay heaving and wet on the rug, bodies glued together with
sticky heat.
Obi-Wan blinked, vision dotted with red. "Ah, uh...ghods..." he
could feel Qui-Gon retreating inside him. But he didn't let go.
The lion head looked him over lovingly, kissing his face. The
goatee brushed his throat. A stab.
Obi-Wan nearly passed out again as Qui-Gon sipped his blood. He
couldn't think, laying limply on the carpet. His guts were achy
and sore.
Speech wouldn't come. /Never...knew you could do that./
//We have forever to explore all possibilites, sweet one.//
Emerald eyes glowed softly. Obi-Wan took up a big hand, biting
into the wrist. He suckled hungrily.
"SSsssss" Qui-Gon sighed in bliss, rolling on his back. He
pulled Obi-Wan on top.
They slept, content.
Obi-Wan woke first, shivering a little he stretched to a
sitting position. He was very sore.
Taking the remnants of their capes he pulled one across
Qui-Gon. He draped the other over his shoulders.
"Father, wake up."
The big body didn't move at first. Obi-Wan tagged the back of
his head.
"Up. I have a question."
Half asleep, Qui-Gon gave a toothy snarl. "Who hit me?"
"I did. There's something I need to know."
Blue eyes blazed to awareness. Qui-Gon eased up, pulling the
cape around himself. He yawned, looking out the window.
"It's dusk."
"I see. What I was wondering is...where did you learn that
trick?"
Qui-Gon twitched a smile. "Did you enjoy it?"
Obi-Wan was dreamy. "Are you kidding? It was wonderful!"
Leaning over, Qui-Gon pecked his cheek. "I'm glad. I've wanted
to do that for a long time."
Obi-Wan cuddled up. "Oh really?"
"Mmm."
"You still haven't told me where you learned that."
"From an expert. But I was very young at the time. My body
wasn't developed enough at the time to fully feel the
pleasure."
Obi-Wan lifted an eyebrow. "Did you do that later?"
"Shortly before I was made an infant again. It was my...going
away present, you might say."
"From who?"
"I won't tell you. I'm entitled to my secrets."
"Not from me you aren't. I'll figure it out eventually, you
know."
Qui-Gon sprawled on the floor again, wrapping his cape about
himself.
"No doubt" he was still sleepy. "You will have your own secrets
in time. It makes an immortal so much more interesting."
Obi-Wan plopped over him, curling up under the other cape. His
eyes began to close.
"Someday I'll return the favor, love."
The celestial garden, outside the tenth circle.
Alfaa and Omaiga anxiously awaited the return of their son.
Alphaie approached her parents.
"Mother, father. Has Eblu'Aranhe returned?"
Alfaa looked off into space. "No, but I do sense his return is
near."
Omaiga embraced her daughter. "And I suspect with good news."
The goddess considered. Her train of red blonde ringlets
shifted in the gentle breeze.
"Do we dare hope?" her near translucent eyes flashed. "If he
has enough evidence to clear his name-"
A column of orange flame burst in their midst before she could
finish. A handsome god stepped from it, striding with purpose.
His silvery blue armor gleamed in counterpoint to deep blue
eyes.
"Hail, my family. Please be seated and I will relay the news."
Alfaa couldn't contain a smile as he sat. "Your confidence
belies positive results."
"Indeed, father. And my soul sings with the truth."
Omaiga was intense. "You saw the darkspawn?"
Eblu'Aranhe smiled widely. "Yea, my would be son and grandson
entertained the Fates at the nexus of reality."
"Oh, do tell" Alphaie seated herself alongside the
others on a marble bench.
Eblu'Aranhe paced about slowly as he spoke. "I believe Quogan
showed his son the nexus in order to expand his immortal
experience. Needless to say the Fates weren't happy."
Alphaie snorted. "I can imagine how they were received. The mad
dragon once tried to bind the fates and make us trophies."
Eblu'Aranhe clenched his fist. "Unfortuneately dear sister I
was shredded into the force by my loving wife at the
time. No doubt she thinks me a curse among my own kind."
Omaiga was terse. "Bah. Good riddance to filth. But what of the
worms' litter she spawned?"
"He...neither of them are mine! I sensed it, felt it. There is
nothing of me in them, and I couldn't be more pleased."
Alfaa nodded grimly. "We suspected all along the hel witch
lied."
"She thought to pass that abomination off as mine!"
"The black she dog. I should trim her tail" Alphaie spat. "What
then is your plan, dear brother?"
"I will expose her for the fraud she is, Alphaie. Providence
was not overturned!"
Omaiga's brilliant grey eyes were hard with anger. "Indeed.
Llane presumes too much. Since when does the stallion beget
dragon! The creature knows our kind are incompatible to
reproduce!"
Alfaa laughed. "She will hang with it, for her vile practices
are known to us. The plan, my son?"
"After so many years of being shall we say, passive? The
idea of a confrontation appeals to me greatly. I mean for all
of hel to know the truth. Let them suffer a crisis of
confidence!"
Alphaie perked up. "Interesting. Weakness in a ruler is
disastrous, whether real or perceived."
"True enough. We'll see how the lords of treachery respond when
they find a so called victory stolen away. For well do I know
Llane thought to demoralize the Guardians by marrying me. It
was her private joke, but now the tables will be turned."
Alfaa crackled with power. "Well met, my son. Her deception and
subsequent attack on you fills me with rage."
Eblu'Aranhe smiled gently. "I also think a tender husband and
wife reunion is in order. Perhaps during an infernal council
session."
Alphaie laughed. "Oh, it will be a bitter day in hel! For all
these years since your demise we've had to live down the shame
of taint. No more!"
"No more, my sister. Llane had us feel shame through deception.
That time is done. Now let her reap the benefits on the other
side."
"You are but recently recovered, my son. It is not wise nor
prudent venturing to hel alone" Omaiga reminded him.
Eblu'Aranhe sat next to her. "I will be cautious, for treachery
is their method. A high profile is what's needed now. Therefore
I plan to be seen along the gateway of souls."
"I will be there of course. The great worm ever casts his eye
to the north upon me" Alphaie stated.
"Then we'll give him a sight to behold. I plan to force his
hand as well, for his part in this farce angers me most."
Omaiga smiled in triumph. "We are vindicated, at last. How
then, to trap the wolf in her own lair?"
Eblu'Aranhe smiled. "With a fire and light show."
The sixth circle in hel.
Skumm sat upon his throneseat, staring into the mystic bier.
Something was amiss. A servant entered his private chamber.
"Lord Skumm? I see the flame entertains you" the demon noted.
The Rhinolike hel lord nodded. "Aye. Something is not
right. There is a strange disturbance along the gateway of
souls and I would know why."
The demon approached the flame, beady orange eyes squinting. "A
view comes into focus...there, milord!!" he hopped excitedly,
scaly wings flapping.
"Be silent, Skeezer. How can I concentrate with all that
noise?" Skumm looked intently into the fire.
"It can't be!!"
But it was. A no longer deceased guardian strode about the
gateway along the northern fringes.
"What madness is this. Stoke the flame, Skeezer!"
"At once" the green demon poked an iron about the bier. It
blazed even more brightly.
The Darklords' eyes grew wide.
"But he was...destroyed! How now does he go about the gateway?"
"Is that not our Queens' dear departed husband?" Skeezer asked.
"Not so departed it seems. Blast the Guardians! They've stolen
a march on us this day. This requires an emergency meeting of
the Council!"
Litthsyss was never easily impressed. Coiling about the
southern gateway, he stared across the void.
I can scarce believe this. Is it possible?
The huge serpent arched his great head to the north.
Damn.
Extending himself a bit he peered out into the universe.
Grim smile. So it would seem dear Eblu'Aranhe is returned.
Good. I welcome a finish to this chapter.
Litthsyss turned, retreating to Limbo.
Muckluck paced in the waiting chamber of the Queen. This was
bad, very bad. The Council was in uproar...
He turned at a presence. Llane strode his way, infernal eyes
blazing.
"So, Muckluck. Thee wishes to tell me of an emergency meeting?"
"Aye, my Queen. A strange and amazing portent has blazed a
trail across existence."
Llane sat upon her dias. "I have been away in another dimension
for a bit. What of this portent? Is it ruinous to the realm?"
The demon lords' eyes glittered unpleasantly. "Perhaps. And for
thee, as well."
Llane curled a lip. "You dare? Beware, Pestilence, ere I toss
you to the Grim Guardians."
"I would make a poor meal. And I doubt they could hold me long.
But this portent is of great significance in the balance."
Llanes' eyes narrowed. "Oh? Does it involve my children?"
Muckluck clicked his fangs, multicolored hair sparking with
smoke. "Indirectly. But know you this, o Queen.
Eblu'Aranhe...is returned!!"
Llane stood abruptly. "What?!" her eyes were wild.
"It's true. All across hel has this sight been viewed. He
struts about the northern gateway, supreme in his power."
Llane hissed in disbelief. "A trick...an illusion!! He is
destroyed. I rent him in pieces myself!"
"Not enough pieces. For strong and whole he walks the gate. See
for thyself, in the mystic fires."
Snarling, Llane snapped her fingers. From the air itself
appeared a great rotating stone. It spun in a rapid vortex,
emitting fire. Soon it was engulfed in flame.
Llane gestured. "Let time and distance be one. Show
gateway on the northern run!"
The stone exploded into a column of fire. A broad expanse came
into view. The gateway.
"What? Where is Litthsyss? He is gone from the southern side!"
"Aye. But look to the north, Queen!"
For the first time in her immortal existence, Llane had no
words. The god she thought destroyed was in full view,
brilliant with the light. He walked the north gate, resplendant
and fine.
The dark goddess was dumbstruck. He is as I remembered...but
how?
"My Queen, there must be an emergency Council session."
Stunned, Llane gestured, dissipating the flame.
"Yes" her reply was mechanical. "But something else is required
here as well. Muckluck, return to Urus. Bring my children
here."
The demon lord eyed her suspiciously. "Wherefore, Llane? Is
there something else the Council should know ere we meet?"
She glowered at him, blue eyes flecked with red. "Begone. Bring
them to me."
"So bet it, my Queen. But a gentle reminder...treachery is its
own reward."
Llane blasted the floor at him, but the demon lord was already
gone.
Eblu'Aranhe spoke with his sister at the northern gate. She was
in her tigress form.
"So, my brother. Have you put on enough of a show?"
He stroked her fur, laughing. "A success. No doubt, hel is in
uproar now. And the great worm has left his post!"
Alphaie roared with mirth. "Aye, he did coil wildly and then
disappear. No doubt your appearance bothered his liver!"
"I'll bother more than that before I'm done. I suspect Llane
will be embroiled in politics among her inner Circle soon."
Alphaie looked down the garden path at hopeful faces. "More
souls for me to greet, dear brother. We can discuss this later,
at the castle."
"I must return to my own ring, dear Alphaie. Buraliis has done
an excellent job in my absence, and I would thank him."
"Go to, then. We will observe the view crystal at dinner. I
would see what your little stroll has wrought!"
Elbu'Aranhe walked past her. "Indeed. It should prove quite
entertaining."
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon were engaged in their favorite pastime,
making love. Two muscled and glistening forms wrapped around
each other in a red marble jacuzzi.
"Mmm."
"Oh, that's good."
"More."
"I'm all the way in now. Stop wiggling!"
"I can't help it."
Sloppy kisses. They sank lower and lower into the perfumed
water. Obi-wan lapped at his father's thick neck, suckling
noisily under the jawline.
Qui-Gon groaned in bliss. "Oh! Watch those hands" his
impossible mane trailed in the water.
Obi-Wan looked through his lashes, glistening and wet. "You
watch them. I'm getting busy."
A bolt of fire split the air. Muckluck appeared, his face cast
in shadow.
"SsssssSSS!!" the lovers spun at the intrusion.
Obi-Wan glared. "Well, if it isn't our favorite errand boy!"
"Your ignorance continues. Muckluck does what he will."
"Except when Llane commands" Obi-Wan snickered.
"What are you about here, Pestilence?!" Qui-Gon demanded.
"Begone. We require privacy!"
"All in due time, o King. And despite the brat's taunting, my
visit is of great import. Thy Queen is in trouble."
Qui-Gon nearly stood up in the water. "Explain!"
Obi-Wan attempted to hold him. "He's exaggerating, send him
away-"
"Release me, Obi-Wan. I would hear this" Qui-Gon broke free and
climbed out of the water. Reaching the rack he tied a towel
around himself.
Obi-Wan was sullen, still immersed. "Thanks for nothing
Muckluck."
"'Tis no time for idle pleasures. I tell you-"
"What's the calamity? Grandmother can clearly protect herself."
Muckluck laughed weirdly. "Not against the past."
Curious, Obi-Wan climbed out also, slipping on a robe. "What
are you talking about?"
The demon lord took a pause. "You must both be aware of this.
Eblu'Aranhe was seen along the northern gateway of souls."
"But wasn't he torn into the force? I don't understand!"
"He was, but he is recovered now. All of hel has witnessed it.
He struts about the gateway while the guardians laugh at us!"
Qui-Gon paced, his mind racing. "This is...amazing. But how can
this be? Surely, mother was unaware of his revival!"
"She found out herself but recently. Her reaction was similar
to yours."
"I would imagine" Obi-Wan was subdued. "But what's going on in
hel?"
Multicolored hair sparked and popped. "The purpose of my visit.
It is wild in the lower realm. The Inner Circle demands an
immediate session. And now both gateway guardians have
disappeared!"
Qui-Gon frowned in disbelief. Obi-Wan tugged his arm, green
eyes flashing.
"Father, what in frack is going on?!"
Qui-Gon shook his head numbly. "I don't know..."
"Do you think Eblu'Aranhe will seek revenge? Or will the
Guardians declare war?"
"Guardians...are not motivated by revenge. But they repay debts
done against them."
Obi-Wan shook him. "What's the difference!"
Qui-Gon answered numbly. "Once the debt is paid, they discount
it. For such is their nature."
"Pompous jellyfish" Muckluck snorted. "They don't even know how
to hold a good grudge. But time is of the essence."
"We will go" Qui-Gon formed his hel lord garb about himself.
"Muckluck, where is the Queen now?"
"I left her at the castle, in her private meeting chamber. But
the Lord of Limbo has disappeared."
Obi-Wan made a gesture, forming his costume as well. "We must
quell the uproar and find out the truth behind the Guardians'
reappearance."
Qui-Gon nodded grimly. "To the realm, then."
Everything was all wrong. There were no guards anywhere along
the jagged pathway leading to the castle, or aerial sentries
either.
Obi-Wan looked about the dim skies. "No demons at all."
"No" Qui-Gon replied. "The entire realm is silent. Muckluck,
what occurs with this?"
"It's worrisome, lords" the fox faced demon admitted. "Let's go
inside and see."
They stormed through the massive doors. The first thing they
noticed was a lack of activity.
"The courtiers are all gone" Qui-Gon stated.
Muckluck pulled his chin. "Hmm. We must go to the sphere of
power."
"Sphere of power?" Obi-Wan asked, looking about the quiet
castle.
The Queen's private cove of sorcery. It is there she works her
greatest magicks."
"But what about the Council?" Obi-Wan wanted to know.
Muckluck moved down the velvet covered corridors. "We'll know
more when we go to the sphere of power."
They moved silently through the castle. "Obi-Wan, I don't sense
mother" Qui-Gon whispered.
His son shook his head. "Nor do I. This doesn't feel good."
The sphere of power was basically a black granite ampitheatre.
Large bowls containing various potions were aligned in rows. A
huge fur carpet covered the floor. Llane was nowhere to be
seen.
Obi-Wan walked along the rows of bowls, krinkling his nose at
the various liquids.
Muckluck moved to the central pit. He gestured grandiosely.
"I'll activate the mystic flame. That will tell us more."
Soon the demon lord was engulfed in grey mist which expanded
outward. Sparks flew everywhere as a whirlwind filled the room.
The tempest itself sparked in fire, coalescing into a ball of
flame.
"Pestilence commands the fire. Show me hel's situation
most dire."
The Darklords watched as the flame expanded into a wide sheet,
giving panoramic views of the realm. The upper circles appeared
empty.
Qui-Gon stared at the flames. "What happened to the souls?"
Muckluck frowned. "This cannot be. Show us lower hel,
now!" he commanded. The fire flared again.
From the fifth circle on, hel was impossibly jammed. Souls
stacked over each other, endless billions upon billions.
Covering the land of every region, they were all insensate and
dim grey in color.
"What's wrong with them?" Obi-Wan pointed. "They aren't moving.
It's almost as if they're asleep."
Muckluck nodded. "Aye, Prince. In times of emergency is the
power of hel gathered from the souls themselves. Resources are
pulled from the upper circles in case of attack."
"But why? What is grandmother girding for. The Guardians
haven't declared war!"
"This isn't good" Qui-Gon murmured. "Look, the Walk of Bones is
gone from the ninth circle!"
"Nay, o King. Look further. They patrol!"
"Incredible" Obi-Wan whispered at the awesome sight. Endless
skeletal warriors stalked about in the deep gloom, hollow
sockets aflame with grim purpose. They held various weapons
while walking over the dormant souls beneath.
Qui-Gon had a thought. "What of the Grim Guardians?! Are
they still within the hel deep?"
The scene shifted. Deepest hel. The leviathans lumbered along
the black plain, knashing their teeth in anticipation. They sat
at the foot of the Mountain of Misery, great sentinels under
midnight skies.
Qui-Gon waved at the flame. "Show more. The
Elementals."
Hel's other armies were assembling across the tenth circle,
under lightning crashed skies. Seas of stone, river and fire
demons patiently sat. The S'dera were there, coiling their ends
in rage. Gargoyles of every texture and color joined their
brethren in the lower districts.
"It's an all out escalation!" Obi-Wan concluded. "But we've got
to stop this before it's too late."
"It's no good unless we find the Queen" Qui-Gon stated,
anxious. He frowned. "Wait. What occurs in Limbo?"
Muckluck pointed at the developing scene in the fire. "As I
told you, Lord Litthsyss has disappeared. See, the gate is
unoccupied now."
Thousands of wicked souls crammed the gateway, pushing and
shoving. They could neither escape nor advance. Panic ensued as
zombies encircled them. Hundreds of fights broke out.
"This is insane" Qui-Gon stammered. "Where is
everybody?!"
"Father, we still don't know where the Council is!" Obi-Wan
reminded him.
Qui-Gon rubbed his eyes. "This day started out so well. Now we
may have a celestial war on our hands."
"The burden of rulership, m'Lord" Muckluck told him. "And the
Queens' status may be...questionable at this point."
"What are you implying?" Qui-Gon moved at him.
Muckluck backed up. "No offense. Merely that a great secret is
behind this escalation."
"I don't follow you. Stop speaking in riddles!"
Muckluck sighed. "Eblu'Aranhe was supposedly destroyed. We in
hel believed it a sign of superiority. For if one of our own
kind could slay a guardian, others would follow and darkness
rule. There were long term plans for an all out assault on the
firmament. But Llane has shown a weakness with this failure.
The Council is not pleased with this development."
Qui-Gon gripped his throat. "I am not one for politics, but
know this. Should you move against her you will deal with me.
Understood?" he clicked his fangs.
Obi-Wan came up also, eyes ablaze. "Myself, as well. Beware
what you say. But what is the great secret?"
Muckluck coughed in Qui-Gons' iron grip. "Gghkk. If mighty
Quogan would release his humble servant..."
Qui-Gon let him go. Muckluck rubbed his neck.
"It concerns thee. For Llane did profess to embarrass
and shame the Guardians by mating with one and producing
child."
"That's no secret" Qui-Gon told him. "All know of my
parentage."
"All know what all have been told." Muckluck emphasized.
"And despite your threats, Llane will be undone if other
factors come into play."
Qui-Gon looked at Obi-Wan, confused. "Meaning?"
The demon laughed wildly now. "Ha ha...don't you know? After
all, only guardians beget guardians!"
"What has that to do with me!!" Qui-Gon thundered. "I'm no
guardian. Again you speak in riddles."
"A riddle with a truth. And the Council has always questioned,
even when thy dam bore thee home. She visited another first,
presenting you to him."
"Can you ever give a straight answer?!" Obi-Wan demanded.
"You're clearly implying that my father is at the center of
this..."
"There are wheels within wheels, stripling. The return of
Eblu'Aranhe may indeed clear up cloudy issues. Have you met him
yet?"
"No" Qui-Gon said shortly, pacing. "And I'm not certain I want
to."
"Why not? Isn't he your father?"
Obi-Wans' eyes narrowed. "You're trying really hard to tell us
something."
"He attempted to destroy me" Qui-Gon snapped. "What possible
reason would he have even to acknowledge me?"
"Why indeed" Muckluck was serene all of a sudden.
The Guardians were laughing under the vault of heaven.
Joyous celebration continued. The golden gardens were packed as
Lightlords partied, danced and ate.
Alfaa and Omaiga were toasted and congratulated. Eblu'Aranhe
was embraced and rejoiced.
"Youngling, we knew Llane could no more bear your child than a
thornbush" Wat'duaizz of the third circle stated, beard
sparkling.
"My thanks elder" Elbu'Aranhe sipped his wine. "Soon we will
gather and observe the mystic pool at gardens' end. I
understand there is much consternation at my reappearance in
the lower realms."
Another elder, Qoon, laughed. His pale green hair was braided
tightly and complemented by mint green robes. "To say the
least. One of my servants informed me that Llane girds for war.
I personally find her antics hilarious."
Deep blue eyes shone. "War? Aye, but the war will be within her
own realm. This will be my anniversary gift to her!"
Laughter echoed about the garden. As always, it would be a
bright day.
The situation in hel was considerably more dark.
"I've suffered your riddles and threats once" Qui-Gon told
Muckluck. "But not a second time. Now where is the Council?"
"Do but observe the flame, mighty one."
Still another scene developed. At the apex of a grim mountain,
atop thrones etched from the peak itself convened the Infernal
Council. Their expressions were grim.
"But where is the Queen?!" Qui-Gon was getting
frustrated.
"She is nowhere to be found" Muckluck replied.
Obi-Wan had an idea, mind racing. "Father, we're getting
nowhere like this. We've got to search the realm, top to
bottom."
Qui-Gon thought that over, pacing again. "We'll need help.
Obi-Wan, go to Limbo and see if uncle is there. We need
answers."
Obi-Wan nodded, braid spinning in excitement. "What are you
going to do?"
"I'm going to that Council session. They may know where Llane
is and why she hasn't appeared anywhere."
Muckluck pulled his chin. "They meet on skull mountain, in the
eighth circle. I too must attend, for my presence is long
overdue."
Qui-Gon shook him. "Then you do know something."
Muckluck began to dissolve. "I know no more than you.
Farewell."
"Muckluck!!" Qui-Gon held smoke in his hands.
"Forget him, father. We have bigger fish to fry."
Qui-Gon looked about the chamber. "True. But something about
all this still bothers me."
"What?"
"Remember when we visited the fates, and I told you someone
else was there besides us?"
Emerald eyes sparked. "A presence you hadn't felt since
infancy. Wait, you don't think it was...Eblu'Aranhe?!"
Qui-Gon nodded, examining the bowls filled with liquid. "I'm
convinced now it was him."
"But why? What would he be there for? He didn't make his
presence known."
"He had no intention of being seen. I think he wanted to
observe."
"Us? Strange that a father would not greet his son at least,
despite their differences" Obi-Wan was offended.
"It wasn't his intent. Observation implies evaluation."
Obi-Wan considered. "The question is, what was he evaluating?
Your place in the universal heirarchy?"
"Or his. Muckluck mentioned a secret. I would know it, Obi-Wan.
And I begin to wonder about a past suspicion of mine."
"You're getting as bad as Muckluck, father. And we're presuming
too much here. We don't even know for certain that the guardian
was there."
Qui-Gon was distant. "Maybe. Sometimes I wonder if I am
mad, for nothing is as it feels. But enough of this. To Limbo
with you."
"I go" Obi-Wan disappeared in a flash of fire.
Qui-Gon mulled his own thoughts. "I too have a party to
attend."
He vanished as well.
Obi-Wan appeared at the split in the helbridge. He looked about
in the dusk. Total silence.
It's like the whole realm is abandoned.
Brilliant green eyes stared at gateways' end. He heard a
commotion some distance away. The new entries were still
fighting and shoving, surrounded by zombies.
I've no time for that.
He took an eastward turn, up towards Limbo. The mists thickened
and swirled about.
"Somebody somewhere has to have answers to all this."
Obi-Wan strode with casual arrogance into Limbo proper. The
familiar flat plane greeted him along with the icy rain. He
clutched his cape tightly. The perpetual downpour was one
aspect of Limbo he didn't miss. He walked further.
I have no sense of direction. How to find uncle?
Sensing something, he turned. Suddenly a herd of furred
creatures raced his way. They were shaggy and bearlike in
appearance, with curved hooks for teeth.
"Get him, RArrrghhh!"
"Tear him in pieces."
They were on him too quickly. He flew above as they pressed in.
"I won't waste time with you, foul creatures. Begone. Go
shuffle back into the mists!"
"None speak thus to the wurelin demons. We'll have your tender
flesh for lunch!"
Obi-Wan smiled in the rain, hovering over them. "I'm in a
gracious mood today. And you clearly are too stupid to
recognize your lord. Leave and I won't fry you."
They snuffed at him. "He smells royal" concluded one with
bluish fur.
Another whiffed her nose. "Note the fragrance? Reminiscent of
the master."
"That's enough" Obi-Wan was annoyed. "Go smell something else."
"Excuse us, o Prince" a red furred demon bellowed. "Our
eyesight is poor, and we did not recognize thee in the mist."
A pale brown one chimed in. "And now you are close enough to
discern, Oban. We go to our duties now. Farewell."
They were gone in a blink. Once again Obi-Wan stared at barren
plain.
He floated down, sopped with water. Uncle was right. Limbo
is weird.
He sloshed forward in no particular direction.
Skull mountain was disturbed by a bolt of mystic force. The
Darklords shrunk in apprehension as Qui-Gon appeared from a
column of flame.
"Greetings, esteemed Council. Do you plot this
day?"
Freek waved her hairy hands. "You mistake what you see, lord of
Hel. We do but prepare in case of war."
"Wherefore war, Freek? Have the Guardians made a formal
declaration?"
Stoankold turned his ample nose up. "Should we wait for that?
For with Eblu'Aranhe back in the fold, their arrogance will
know no bounds. We're not fool enough to imagine they won't
repay the debt for his attempted destruction. Then there is the
matter of the Queen."
"Where is she?"
"We don't know" Frenzee replied, shaking his antlers. "Odd,
because as we prepared for war she distanced herself. Methinks
she has other things on her mind now."
Qui-Gon made a gesture, creating a throne of jagged rock.
Seating himself in the center he addressed the Council.
"Speak. I have heard roundabout talk of secrets" he glared at
Muckluck. "What other concern could Llane have save for the
kingdom?"
"On the surface, nothing" the rhinolike Skumm replied. "But
there is a deception that threatens to break her rule here, and
she knows this. 'Tis why she has retreated, for she has now
lost face with us."
"SsssssSSS. I told Muckluck, and now I tell you all: don't
think about usurping the throne. For there will be myself and
my son to deal with."
"Hmm. A worthy threat, King Quogan" Dumm'azz stooped over in
his seat. "But don't you think we're getting ahead of ourselves
here? Has anyone claimed to desire the throne?"
"I know you. Don't think to insult my intelligence. What
Darklord would not covet the most prestigious crown? A crown
that I am ascendant to."
Phunk pointed at him, his piglike snout flopping. "Ha! Now you
stake thy claim. Prior to now, you wanted to live on the mortal
plane. Thou art as confused as ever."
Blue eyes bored into him. "There is no confusion on my part. I
cannot and will not discount my life as a mortal. But that is
irrelevant. Something is at the root of this chaos, and I would
know what!"
"Chaos is appropriate" D'Generit chittered. "Or at least
suspected. Llanes' strength is now questioned. Our dear Queen
pretended to have slain a Guardian after wedding and bedding
him. She overreached herself."
"See that you don't do the same. And what was the reference to
chaos supposed to mean?"
The monkey faced Darklord stretched her ugly lips. "It's not
my secret."
Qui-Gon hurled a bolt at her, burning a gaping hole in the
ground. She dived behind her throneseat.
"That was unecessary!!" she chittered again.
Qui-Gon shook his fist. "Next time I won't miss. I am done with
riddles and double sided phrases. What secret holds the Queen
hostage against her throne?"
The Darklords eyed one another.
Qui-Gon raised his hand again. "Who wants to be first?"
"Wait" Pis'doff held out a thick hand. His tongue kept sticking
to his tusks. "The secret concerns you."
Qui-Gon lifted an eyebrow. "Me? I'm no secret. What nonsense is
this."
Pis'doff folded his legs, smug. "You are as confused as Phunk
stated. When you were first brought to hel, the Queen made a
formal declaration of her triumph over the guardian and
presented you to us as his son. Naturally, it was a day of
celebration throughout the realm, for an event of mystic import
had occured."
Qui-Gon was very still. "Go on."
"We were of the belief that with Llanes' accomplishment, hel
would eventually have the upper hand. But there were those who
ever questioned her claims."
Cerulean eyes burned with intensity. Qui-Gon leaned forward.
"And the suspicion?"
Pis'doff went silent. "Pacts agreed to at the time prevent me
from saying..."
"Break them! I would know."
"Only those who created the pact can break it. You know this,
Quogan."
Qui-Gon slammed his fist. "Am I to be denied by policy?!"
"There is a way" Freek spoke up. "Either the Queen or the other
party involved is free to speak on this, breaking the trust."
"Other party? Are you trying to tell me-"
"Know this, mighty one" Skumm rumbled, shaking his heavy head
low. "We did witness the guardian follow thee and thy son to
the nexus."
Qui-Gon sat back, eyes widening. "So he was there! I did
suspect."
"This information may be of use, or not. He observed you in an
unobtrusive manner at a discreet distance. But his reaction was
most peculiar."
"What. Did he do something?"
"He just...smiled and disappeared."
Limbo had a way of lulling its inhabitants into complacency.
Obi-Wan found it difficult to maintain his concentration. He
had long since stopped flying in the downpour.
He was cold, wet and discouraged. The spiky hair was rakish
with water.
Blast. I could be walking in circles for all I know. Where
are you, uncle?
He felt draggy, sleepy.
Too long...since I last fed.
Weakly he fell to his knees. Can't go on any further.
He collapsed on the flat plain, prone under icy sheets of rain
and wind. A silent figure approached, reaching out for him.
Obi-Wan awoke in plush surroundings. He lay atop a pewter
framed bed covered with silver satin pillows and black fur. The
walls were covered with ornate scenes of war. Blue velvet
curtains gave privacy to a high ceiling. He blinked, felt
himself. His darklord costume was gone, replaced by a warm
robe. A sound.
"You are awake, o Prince. I have nourishment."
Obi-Wan struggled up. Another wurelin demon stood patiently
with a gleaming bowl of burnished gold. The bearlike features
curled in a smile.
"I have blood. Thee are weak" the wurelin approached, handing
out the bowl.
Obi-Wan took it, gulping greedily. Soon the bowl was drained.
"My thanks. And your name?"
"Boo'boo, Lord Oban. The Master will visit you shortly, but I
was sent to attend your needs."
Obi-Wan noted he said master and not mistress. Not
grandmother, then.
"Excellent, Boo'boo. That will be all" he waved a gesture of
dismissal.
The bear demon bowed low, green fur gleaming. He took a quick
exit.
Obi-Wan lay back again, tucking the fur blankets about himself.
He stared at the ceiling.
A true fresco, painted into the surface depicted more scenes of
conflict. But this scene captured his attention, for it held
the symbolic representation of primal beings at war. Emblazoned
flame and darkness on one side, glorious light and paradise on
the other. And then his breath caught.
A vicious serpent and savage three headed wolf. A mighty stag
and fearsome eagle. And surrounding each side, symbols of the
other principle powers. Obi-Wan could determine the respective
lords of each pantheon of circles.
He blinked. And then the scene shifted.
A fierce dragon now appeared as did another serpent, more
refined but poisonous. A bright tigress and wild stallion
opposed them.
Obi-Wan sat up abruptly, mouth agape. Madness! Paintings
can't change.
"Generations" a familiar voice stated.
Obi-Wan stared. It was Litthsyss. The handsome elder god
watched him serenely, gray green eyes flashing. As always, the
red blond waves caught every reflection of light. He wore an
understated black velvet robe.
Obi-Wan attempted to get out of bed, but his legs wouldn't
cooperate.
"Uncle! I've got to talk to you-"
In an impossibly swift motion, Litthsyss was at his bedside.
"Be still" he made a gesture. Obi-Wan couldn't move, strain as
he might.
"What?"
Litthsyss pressed him down gently. "Your strength is not
sufficient, Obi-Wan."
"Maybe not, but..." emerald eyes widened.
"You notice something different."
Obi-Wan traced the full lips. "You shaved your moustache."
"Aye. It was but an experiment."
Hands stroked the fine face. "You're handsome anyway, but you
look even younger without it."
Obi-Wan gazed in wonderment. "In fact...you kind of look like
me."
A hand ruffled the spiky hair. "So you say. Now what is this
emergency that sends you stumbling through Limbo?"
"What's going on? Why has everyone disappeared, and where's
grandmother?"
Litthsyss sighed. "Llane has retreated to the isle of
meditation. Hel prepares for possible war at her perceived
weakness."
Obi-Wan knew that was the key point. "This weakness has turned
the realm upside down, uncle. What is it?"
Litthsyss looked off. "Sssss. Correction. It was a
miscalculation, for she truly thought the Guardian destroyed."
"Father and I attempted to get answers and received little
except double talk and mention of secrets from Muckluck."
Granite eyes were keen. "Where is he now?"
"He speaks with the Council in the eighth circle on Skull
mountain."
Litthsyss sat in grim silence. "They think to usurp the throne.
And well do I know the Guardian planned this dissension among
the ranks of Hel."
Obi-Wan propped himself up, amazed. "How do you know all this?"
"I witnessed Eblu'Aranhe strutting along the northern gateway
when all the nonsense started. I've been around far too long to
be deceived by such ploys."
"Muckluck made veiled threats against grandmother. But surely
she's powerful enough to ward off any insurrection."
"One on one they cannot challenge her. But even Llane would be
hard pressed to hold off the machinations of them all. And
should the Grim Guardians change allegiance the outcome would
be in doubt."
Obi-Wan touched his face. "Well, we have our own grim
guardian."
Litthsyss laughed softly. "Ha. Even I would not be enthusiastic
about tangling with the original titans."
"Can we count on your help?"
"Perhaps. Perhaps not."
Obi-Wan felt his temper flare. "You disloyal...I came to you
for help! You're no better than the rest of them. They would
topple grandmother from her throne!"
"SSSSS" Litthsyss pulled Obi-Wan close by the collar of his
robe.
"Because of blood and affection I have made allowances for thy
youth and zeal. But prince though you may be, Chaos yields to
none."
Obi-Wan stared, seeing Litthsyss in a different light for the
first time.
"You...remind me of father just now" subdued.
The cold eyes narrowed. "How so?"
"He grabbed Muckluck much the same way when grandmother was
threatened" Obi-Wan looked down. "I'm sorry. So much has
occured at once, and I'm a little stressed out."
Litthsyss released him, gray green eyes burning with intensity.
"Youngling, I have a realm to rule as well. Such a burden
precludes immediate personal concerns."
Emerald eyes were pleading. "But Limbo isn't in any danger."
"For now. But my realm is ever linked to hers. Should one
topple, both shall fall."
"oh" Obi-Wan murmured. He leaned forward in defiance. "Then
we'll save both realms!"
Litthsyss sat back, considering. "I may be able to help
indirectly, but it must be done with care. Any interference on
my part...will break pacts made long ago."
"No more mysteries. Does this pact have anything to do with
grandmothers' secret?"
Litthsyss clicked his fangs. "What do you know of it?"
Obi-Wan cracked a pointed smile. "Only that it involves father.
And a deception."
Litthsyss said nothing.
"Is this a conspiracy of silence or what! I already know they
plot against her because she wasn't able to slay a guardian,
but that's only part of the story."
"Your father will gain his answers from the Council."
"Oh? They'll run him around like you're running me. Why are
Darklords so suspicious and paranoid?!"
"The nature of the beast. What do you expect from the masters
of treachery?"
Obi-Wan had enough. Time for the gauntlet to be thrown. "We
suspect the Guardian followed us to the nexus. He quietly
watched and then left without making contact. I think it odd a
father would retreat in such a manner."
"Obi-Wan..."
"A real father!"
"Enough!"
"No. My father confides in me that he doubts his own senses,
that despite what he feels he is told contradictions. But do
his instincts lie?"
Litthsyss gave a strange smirk. "Your tongue is poisonous,
little Ssarpati. True to your heritage."
"Call me what you like. Grandmother thought to bear a child by
Guardian. But she didn't, did she?"
Litthsyss glowered, moving to stand. "You need more rest. Later
we will speak more on this matter."
"Let the pact be broken. After all, you and grandmother made
it!" Obi-Wan challenged, stopping his motion.
"I'm not deceived, and I don't need to be around the Guardian
to know. You all but admitted it outside of helgate. And
my instincts are not confused by lies or deceptions,
grandfather!!"
"You...I merely stated it was a possibility."
"I felt it since I met you, but kept silence because I was new
to godhood."
"You are confused. I am your uncle, and you cannot feel the
difference. We are related anyway."
Obi-Wan held the fine face. His voice was soft, now. "I
remembered you saying you had rights as well. Why would you
mention it if it weren't true?"
Litthsyss eyed him evenly. "And if I were to tell you that it
was merely a suspicion of mine?"
"Then I'd call you a liar. This is what they would break Llane
with, the fact that she didn't conceive with a guardian."
Litthsyss stared at him so long he wondered if his words were
heard. The elder god sighed again, stroking across the smooth
forehead.
"There are lies and there are suspicions."
"I don't accept that. I sense you as I sense father."
Litthsyss kissed him.
Obi-Wan persisted. "I know you phrased it cleverly so no pact
would be violated. But in my soul and blood I feel the truth."
Litthsyss nuzzled him, nipping along the smooth neck
affectionately. Obi-Wan closed his eyes in bliss.
"What am I to do with thee" Litthsyss murmured against soft
skin.
Obi-Wan shook himself free of the pleasure a moment. "Tell me
the truth. Please? Not the official story you gave at the
gate."
Litthsyss took his hands. "No pact can be broken ere the truth
is discovered. So be it. For a time Llane and I were lovers,
but the fates advised against it. We dismissed their meddling
advice and persisted. A serious disagreement developed when she
decided to marry the Guardian."
Obi-Wan held his head. "This is getting stranger by the
moment."
"Your persistent belief in your instincts will serve you well
someday. Know you this, Obi-Wan. Each kind begets its own. Her
plans for a cross marriage were doomed from the start, yet the
mad hel Queen thought to go against Providence, who proclaims
that light and dark cannot intermingle."
"So such unions would be sterile?"
"If they ever were to occur. Hers was the first and most likely
last. When she was with child, I knew. But because of a
wretched pact I agreed upon, I could but watch in silence as
she passed your father off to Elbu'Aranhe. Perhaps in
retrospect some of his rage was due to uncertainty regarding
his parentage. The Fates said any offspring we engendered would
merge our characteristics, to the possible ruination of
reality. It nearly came to pass when your father bound the
Fates."
"The dragon" Obi-Wan said under his breath.
"Aye, for Eblu'Aranhe is a stallion in spirit form. Such cannot
beget dragon."
Obi-Wan rolled his eyes. "Sometimes the most obvious clues
escape me."
Litthsyss held him tightly. "No so obvious with hel on the
brink of war. But the Guardians don't desire war."
"What?!!"
"A good trick, worthy of a son of light. But none deceive the
serpent."
Obi-Wan stared hard at his elder. "After all this uproar and
the armies of hel at the ready...how can you say that?"
"They've achieved their revenge, although they pretend not to
ascribe to such motivations. Carefully has this unfolded. No
doubt Eblu'Aranhe has been recovering for some time, but he was
too dissipated to sense. With his recovery the guardians
realized Quogan is not of their blood. Clearly Eblu'Aranhe was
still uncertian, despite the dictates of Providence. He
followed you to see if you were family."
Emerald eyes were wide in comprehension. "So when he sensed we
weren't his, he left. That's why he observed us without
interfering!"
Litthsyss nodded. "What the fates have writ large, all are
aware of. The guardians reacted so strongly when thee and thy
father crashed their gates because most fear the dragon. His
destiny is destruction and they perceived it as a portent to
apocalypse."
"Ironically, it was just a blunder that appeared more
significant than it really was."
"True. But a chain reaction was set in motion. Angels dared
walk our borders to ensure ancient pacts of peace between our
kind."
"I thought heaven and hel were permanently sealed off by the
fates?"
"True. However, dimensional loops allow access to those with
the knowledge. They cannot pierce our mystic barriers, nor we
theirs. But interdimensional corridors run parallel to both
realms. Properly used, enemies can spy."
"No wonder paranoia went off the charts. Grandfather, we must
act."
"Wrong, my wa'bee. You must act. For I sense the end to
this drama is near."
"But-"
"Your father needs no protection, least of all from me. But
methinks he desires you at his side."
"Will you tell him? You might be surprised at the difference. I
know how I felt once I knew my true father."
Granite eyes flashed in appreciation. "I will consider it."
Qui-Gon paced as the circle of Darklords watched him.
"The Queen clearly is the key to this mystery. But until she
reappears..."
Phunk blew through his pig snout. It flipped up. "If she
reappears. Should that be the case...I think it is time we
decided who next should rule Hel."
"Beware" Qui-Gon warned again. His eyes glowed.
"I agree" Freek crossed her goat legs. "We can't afford to
wait."
Qui-Gon went over to her. "You will wait as long as I say-"
And longer than that, my son.
An earsplitting boom shook the ground. An angry goddess burst
upon them, crackling with power. Fearsome she was in bright red
body armor and black cape. Her headdress resembled a horned
wolf.
Blue eyes were lit. "Dogs. Steal my throne if you
dare."
Qui-Gon stood at her side. "Mother, you are
well?"
"Aye, my son. I had much rediscovery recently."
That is not concluded, o Queen Skumm thundered.
Starting with the deception of thy Council.
"Stupid rhino. You refer to the guardian? I know he lives, for
is he not truly immortal?"
Frenzee shook his antlers in a threatening gesture. "And did
you not proclaim to have done the unthinkable, slay a lord of
light?"
Llane paused. "An error from which hel shall recover."
Stoankold glared at her. "I think not. The guardians do laugh
at us now, and we have lost face."
The dark goddess snarled. "They laugh at nothing, for I laid
years of suffering at their feet."
Kookk crashed the ground with her scaly tail. She eyed Qui-Gon.
"Oh? Shall we break the pact and speak our minds?" Her wild
eyes spun in every direction.
"Treachery" Qui-Gon gestured, forming spiked dragon armor about
himself in shades of purple and deep blue.
"Break them at your peril!" Llane warned. "For once sworn to
your Queen..."
"Sworn no more. And the Guardian knows the truth!!" Muckluck
bellowed, hair sparking with fire.
In Limbo, Obi-Wan and Litthsyss witnessed the scene in the
mystic flames.
"I must go, grandfather. The Council moves to attack."
Granite eyes flashed. "I suspected it would come to this"
Litthsyss gestured.
"Begone, my firebrand!"
Obi-Wan disappeared in a clap of thunder. Litthsyss retreated
to his armory.
"Chaos did beget, and chaos shall finish."
The Council pressed in.
"I think it's time for a change" Kookk moved forward.
Frenzee screeched a wailing, irritating sound. "Now is OUR
time!! Attack, ye Darklords!!"
The infernal circle advanced.
"Fools!!" Llane spat. Spheres of power formed around her hands.
Qui-Gon stood tall, forming a black blade in his hand. "Come,
then. One at a time or all together."
THOOM!!
Obi-Wan appeared between them. The demon lords hesitated,
startled..
"How now! What is this?!" Phunk pointed. "Stand aside,
stripling. We take the throne!"
Obi-Wan assessed the situation quickly. "Like hel" he crackled
with green flame.
Dumm'azz held out long arms. "We have the edge here. Now lets-"
He never finished. Llane blasted him, sending the hel lord
flying.
Pis'doff lunged. "Rush them!!" he bellowed.
KABOOM!!
"Now what?!" Qui-Gon shouted as they prepared to fight. White
flame exploded between them all.
"Bah! A poor trick. It won't save you!!" Freek yelled. "And
now, my brethren-"
HOLD, YE DARKSPAWN. I WOULD HAVE AUDIENCE!
"What the frack?!" Obi-Wan shielded his eyes. He lowered his
flame axe. They all stood back from the blinding column of
fire.
"I know that voice!" Llane shouted in disbelief.
Qui-Gon was numb. "I heard it but once."
Brilliant and bold, Eblu'Aranhe stalked from white flames.
Black curls flowed to his shoulders, navy blue eyes keen. His
silver armor gleamed.
"Greetings, sweet wife. It's been a long time, no?"
There was a beat of stunned silence. Obi-Wan found his voice.
"You aren't amusing, guardian. Leave us to our own affairs."
Eblu'Aranhe regarded him. "This is my affair, Ssarpati.
But someone else holds my attention" he turned to Qui-Gon.
Qui-Gon stared, reaching out with his senses. His eyes glowed.
Eblu'Aranhe returned the stare. Power flowed between them. It
was an examination.
"NO. Desist, I command it!" Llane shouted, leaping between the
two.
"Ha. Now does the hel queen herself fear the truth" Skumm
noted. "Now will our suspicions become confirmed."
The Guardian smiled. "Suspicion, Darklord? Truth! You've been
played for fools."
Qui-Gon stood back. He had his answer now.
"Guardian, stand fast. Don't think to instigate more strife."
"Ha! Now we know" Muckluck shrieked in glee. "Thee has lied,
Queen. Your marriage to the guardian was barren! Providence
holds."
"Stand back, all of you!" Llane shouted. "Eblu'Aranhe, leave!
What do you hope to accomplish. The past is buried!"
"Oh? Strange words for a tender reunion. But I am satisfied
seeing you lose face and credibility. It cannot be recaptured."
"Guardian, you press your luck" Obi-Wan reminded him.
"Agreed" Freek stated. "We'll take it from here. What happens
next is none of your concern."
The darklings closed on the Lightlord. In this they were united
in purpose.
"A gang attack? Typical scum."
Llane stepped forward hurling a bolt of mystic force.
Elbu'Aranhe countered. Their power deflected, careening across
the mountain top and shattering the western face.
"That it, woman? I don't fear you or your hysterics. Whatever
you do I can counter!"
"Then you are still a fool" Llane snarled,
shifting. A black wolf leaped at the Guardians' throat.
Skumm grinned. "This is entertaining. Let them battle first,
then we do cleanup."
"Not without a head" Obi-Wan lifted his flame axe high.
"My so called 'father'" Qui-Gon spat. "He attempted to destroy
me!"
"Patience, dragon" Obi-Wan whispered. Qui-Gon stared at him.
//What do you know?//
/Everything. This isn't over./
D'Generit chittered loudly. "Oh, I do love watching a
good fight!"
"I'll put up five pieces of gold" Muckluck laughed.
"Fifteen!" Skumm.
"Twenty!" Kookk.
Stoankold laughed. "The Queen struggles!"
The Guardian grabbed Llane by the scruff and heaved her over
the mountain top.
"Farewell, dear wife. I do repay thy past affection."
Qui-Gon burst into flame, words lost now. He strode towards the
guardian, dark blade raised.
"If the wolf tore thee in pieces can the dragon do less?"
The Lightlord spun, barely avoiding the thrust as the blade
sliced the air.
In heaven, the Guardians cringed.
The Darklords cackled with glee at Llanes' predicament. Angry
now, Obi-Wan turned and hurled his mystic axe. It sliced
through their ranks, cleaving Kookk across her legs. Muckluck
was clipped in the head. Stoankold lost the tip of his nose,
shrieking. Phunk and Pis'doff dived for cover, and D'Generit
leaped in the air to avoid losing her feet. Frenzee had an
antler cracked off. Freek got off relatively unharmed with
singed hair. Skumm had a gaping wound in his thick skin, while
the gangly Dumm'azz had a knee slashed. The axe arced in the
air and returned to Obi-Wans' hand. He spun to help his
father...
And couldn't move. His motion was stopped along with everyone
else. Even the Guardian was motionless in his position at the
edge of the mountain top.
Qui-Gon stood with his arms held high in mid swing. "What
madness is this?!" he shouted in frustration.
The Darklords were locked in various positions. "Treachery!!"
Dumm'azz screamed.
"Some black trick by the Queen" Pisdoff snuffed.
"Eblu'Aranhe is mine. Let none interfere."
"Show yourself!" the Light Lord challenged.
"You need not look far, Guardian!"
Obi-Wan gawked in disbelief. I don't believe this...
The skies cracked open. Jagged lighting flared in a deafening
roar, as the landscape lost all color to black and white.
The immortals squinted in the wild and stark contrast. Another
peal in the atmosphere. A flaming comet of blue fire struck the
ground, the only color evident now.
Nor did it return, save for the dark figure within. Litthsyss.
Obi-Wan looked at him. What??
Qui-Gon himself was speechless, eyes wide in disbelief.
The mighty darklord strode at the Guardian, granite eyes ablaze
with helfire. Power sizzled from his imposing form, creating a
nimbus of orange energy that emitted from his dark blue cape.
The gold green body armor gleamed against black shoulder and
leg shields. A huge headpiece of coiled serpents lay about his
head.
Outside of his own father Obi-Wan doubted any single being
could look more intimidating.
Litthsyss gave a fanged smile. "We meet again. You were a
fool to come here."
"I fear thee not, Chaos. The dragon knows the truth."
Litthsyss glanced briefly at Qui-Gon. "Good. I am done with
pacts" he shouted at the skies.
"Let all know across eternity then, that Litthsyss be
father to Quogan. So be it!"
Another deafening wrack shook the mountain at his
pronouncement. The Darklords winced.
"What! The Queen will pay!" Dumm'azz piped up.
Litthsyss turned. "Suitable punishment is already
arranged for you. Be silent."
The demon lord had his mouth stopped.
Obi-Wan watched his father. Qui-Gon never took his eyes off
Litthsyss.
Armor clad hands gripped the throat of the Guardian. "You
come to the heart of hel after inspiring paranoia and
treachery. The hypocrasy of your kind never ceases to amaze me.
Your appetite for vengeance was such that you would come here
alone?! Fool. Your power holds no sway here."
"I am as supreme in my power as you are in yours, worm"
Eblu'Aranhe snapped. "Release me or the war you feared will
come to pass."
"Nag from heaven, there will be no war. I send thee home.
Give sweet greetings to your father for me."
Grabbing the Guardian by the collar of his armor, Litthsyss
spun faster and faster until he created a vortex. He heaved
Eblu'Aranhe, hurling him like a shotput across the ether and
out of hel, a streaking white trail of fire.
Color returned to the grim landscape. The immortals found their
motion had returned.
Obi-Wan nearly fell over from his awkward position. Qui-Gon
himself had overbalanced, almost toppling.
The Darklords felt their wounds. They appeared quite contrite
now.
"Hail, great Chaos. We salute your victory" Skumm gave him a
high sign.
"And ours" Frenzee piped in.
"Yes, truly a momentous day in the annals of hel" Freek rushed
to say.
"It will be written and recorded thus" Stoankold added.
"You bunch of phonies!" Obi-Wan shouted at them.
Qui-Gon approached, giving him a bear hug. "I sense my sons'
subtle influence in this outcome."
Obi-Wan glowed. "Who, me?"
"There will be no conflict" Muckluck limped.
Litthsyss laughed coldly. "You think to get off so easily?" he
snapped his fingers.
The mountain itself shook with the force of an earthquake.
Rolling motion moved their way. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan glanced
over the mountain edge.
The Grim Guardians were coming.
The Darklords sensed it. Phunk raced over to Litthsyss. "Hold,
mighty one. Reconsider. The Grim ones need not be involved."
"Oh?" Litthsyss examined his long nails idly.
"Surely you aren't going to hold a little...misunderstanding
against us" D'Generit reasoned.
"They rationalize anything, don't they?" Obi-Wan asked his
father.
"It's always been their way. But it hardly matters now. See,
they come!"
The towering titans rolled to the base of the mountain.
How may we be of service, o Chaos? Ssaurik thundered,
his lizardlike body shifting in motion.
Litthsyss shouted down at them. "Take out the trash.
Entertain them. You know what to do."
Korpidann reached up with her huge claws, grabbing the
Darklords. They howled in protest as she retreated down the
mountain face with them in tow. Orengu lifted to the skies,
nearly blotting them out with her wingspan. Zyklos led, waving
his humungous club and pointing the way. Taurbuss brought up
the rear as once again they faded into the deep gloom.
Obi-Wan approached Litthsyss. "Are they all needed,
grandfather?"
The snake god nodded. "Aye, for the Darklords cannot be
underestimated, despite the Grim ones size."
Qui-Gon looked about. "We must find the Queen."
"She is here."
They all turned. Llane climbed over the other edge of the
mountain peak. She was bedraggled and bruised.
"Llane" Litthsyss went to her, embracing.
She leaned into him. "Well tossed, brother. I am weary, for the
events of the past few days have taken a toll."
He kissed her across her face. She nuzzled him. "They know,
Llane. Everything."
The hel queen looked her son and grandson over. "And do you
pass judgement?"
Qui-Gon shook his head. "No, because you never denied me. I
feel as if a burden has been released from my soul, and..." he
choked, looking at Litthsyss.
The voice was gentle. "Come, my wa'bee" he held his arms out.
Qui-Gon embraced him tightly. For the first time in years, he
cried.
Litthsyss soothed him, stroking the monstrous braid. "Shush. So
many times I wanted to claim thee and be done with it, but my
word was my bond. The plan against the Guardians would be
ruined."
Obi-Wan found his own face suspiciously wet. Llane walked over
to him. Her blue eyes glowed as she touched his cheek.
"You are not surprised. Methinks my saucy grandson helped
create this scene."
Obi-Wan laughed. "Well, maybe just a little. But-" he stopped,
looking at his father with concern.
Qui-Gon had completely collapsed, heaving against Litthsyss.
They sat on the ground as Litthsyss murmured in his ear gently.
"Father!" Obi-Wan moved towards him. Llane pulled him back.
"No, Obi-Wan. They both need this. And it provides closure for
me, as well."
He hooked her arm. "Grandmother, your wounds need attending."
"I'll lean on the mighty Ssarpati in the meantime" her eyes
teased over high cheekbones.
A week had passed. The first family of hel finished a hearty
meal of soul. They drank wine in the parlor while playing
poker.
"I must thank you all for helping to return the circles to
normal" Llane stated, sipping from a goblet. "It would have
taken a month for me otherwise."
"No charge" Obi-Wan said brightly. He had a good hand.
"A welcome change of pace, Llane" Litthsyss replied. "It was
refreshing to move souls instead of toss them."
Llane laughed. "Perhaps we can swap. It would certainly shock
the guardians."
"Not to breach a sore subject mother" Qui-Gon wondered, "but
what of your marriage to the Guardian?"
"Anulled in celestial court by his family long ago. I saw no
reason to contest it. Once Eblu'Aranhe betrayed me I no longer
loved him."
"How long will the Inner Circle be punished?"
"Amazing what a few days with the Grim ones will do for your
perspective. I'll have them fished out by next week."
Obi-Wan giggled. "I can see why the fates want them in the hel
deep. Just looking at them makes you want to quit!"
"They are demoralizing" Litthsyss smiled, shuffling the
deck.
Llane remembered something. "The Walk of Bones! I forgot to
repair it. The skeletal warriors will be everywhere."
Qui-Gon smiled at his son. "A project for Obi-Wan."
Sandy red eyebrows lifted at him.
In deepest hel they went. Obi-Wan saw the familiar rough
terrain and soupy deep atmosphere. Skulls were still littered
everywhere but the bridge was gone. In place of the passageway
was a gigantic yawning chasm that encompassed the lowest pit.
They turned at a sound.
A helcat bounded their way, large tufted ears up and alert. The
keen golden eyes were in stark contrast to a brilliant orange
pelt. The tail was forked.
Obi-Wan pointed. "A helcat! Here?"
"Hold, Obi-Wan. He would tell us something."
The great beast padded close. "Greetings, lords. Xasu brings
news."
"It must be of import, for you are out of the eighth circle"
Qui-Gon replied.
The cat nodded. "Aye. Word about is that you seek the stray
skeletal warriors? Nearly in every circle save the first they
run. We helcats have been chasing them for days."
Obi-Wan was curious. "Xasu, can they be gathered in such a
manner?"
The cat laughed, tucking his tail neatly as he sat. "Surely you
jest, prince. The skeletal ones are far too numerous to be
contained in such a fashion. They make up so much ground the
minute you herd one group, another breaks free."
"Where are they most numerous?" Qui-Gon asked.
"Difficult to say for certain, o King. Look, Verba has caught
one now!"
They watched as another helcat cantered nearby carrying a bone
warrior in its jaws. The creature shouted as they went along.
"Let go of me, you overgrown housecat! And take it easy with
those teeth. Not so tight! I'm delicate-"
The warrior continued to complain as he was taken from sight.
Obi-Wan laughed. "I get the subtle impression he doesn't want
to go back."
Xasu grinned. "It's like this in every circle, Prince. They
fuss and carp the entire time. No matter. But a humble
suggestion. Perhaps a spell of containment would gather them
all in one location. Then you could reform the Walk of Bones."
Qui-Gon stroked the long ears. "Well said, Xasu. When the next
coronation of a courtier is due, I want you at the castle. You
have my personal invitation."
The cat purred and rubbed against him. "My gratitude, lord
Quogan."
Qui-Gon patted his back. "Away with you. Back to the eighth
circle."
"I go!" The helcat bounded off like a shot. Obi-Wan watched in
appreciation the grace and power of the lithe form.
"They are beautiful and intelligent" Qui-Gon stated. "The
helcats have a unique perspective on things. You should talk to
them sometimes."
Obi-Wan continued to watch the retreating form now nearly out
of sight. "I think I will. I kind of like Xasu."
Qui-Gon observed the bottomless canyon. He kicked a skull
aside. "Now I want you cast a spell."
Obi-Wan stared at him. "But...I don't know how. I mean, what am
I supposed to do?"
"Fly above the canyon. I'll tell you no more" Qui-Gon sat down
on a rock.
"Thanks for nothing, father" Obi-Wan glared. He took to the
air.
"Just think" Qui-Gon shouted after him.
Obi-Wan floated high. He looked down into endless nothingness
and dark. The surrounding canyon walls faded into it.
Now what?
Perplexed, he looked about. No clues anywhere.
Father said think.
He closed his eyes. Nothing.
Maybe I'm thinking too hard.
//Focus on the task at hand.//
/How?/
//Focus and call forth your power.//
Obi-Wan closed his eyes again. He assumed a lotus position. It
wasn't necessary, but he felt more comfortable.
Bone warriors. Assemble. Reform. Come.
Red lighting laced the skies around him, crashing into the
canyon below.
Obi-Wan felt something, holding his arms out wide. Deep within
his mind a memory surfaced. He spoke it.
"Since time's dawn first came to hel, souls deep cast in
this well. Those evil and dark with hearts of stone, thus cast
their lot as walk of bone!!"
The skies split and heaved with thundrous crack. Hurricane like
gale swept the region.
And then they came.
Through rifts in the sky flew untold skeletons, hollow sockets
aflame. They rained in countless number, swirling amidst the
gale.
Obi-Wan opened glowing eyes. His cape and braid whipped about
wildly in the tempest. A gesture at the canyon below.
By the billions and billions skeltons swirled, fused and fixed
into position as the passageway reformed, growing and swelling
in size.
And from the nearby mountain ledge, Qui-Gon beamed with pride.
A final crash of rolling thunder, it was done. The Walk of
Bones had returned.
Obi-Wan stared at his hands, wondering at his handiwork. He
looked down a mile. The cavernous chasm was now crossed by a
bone bridge that faded into infinity.
I did that?!
//You did. Come alight by me, I am proud.//
Gazing once more at the newly reformed bridge, he rejoined his
father.
Qui-Gon all but pulled him from the air as he flew near.
Wild kisses over his eyes. "I knew you could do it, Obi-Wan. An
excellent spell."
His son was flushed. "But I don't understand how I knew
what to do. It was strange...I was seeing things in my mind."
"Like what?"
"Brief, fleeting images...like in fast forward. Ancient times,
I think. Hel was a lot emptier, and the terrain was not as
divided. There were a lot of dinosaur like creatures. The
skeletal warriors were just a pile, like a small mountain."
Qui-Gon kissed his cheek. "Those memories are from your primal
mind, which you have inherited from your lineage. And you are
correct, Obi-Wan. Those images are of hel at the beginning. The
very first souls to come here were merely a loose pile of
bones."
"But how did the bridge come about?"
"In antiquity hel had one uniform terrain. There were constant
power struggles among the Darklords that resulted in wars."
Obi-Wan grinned. "Bet I know who came out on top."
His father laughed. "Of course. Anyway, once rulership had been
decided, the Darklords divided the terrain into their own
region or 'circle'."
"So the Lords put their own mystic 'touch' on each domain."
Obi-Wan concluded.
"An interesting point of view, my Obi. Each circle reflects the
personality of the ruler."
"And the Walk of Bones?"
"Llane decided they would make an imposing hel army. The souls
were bound within their bones and the bridge was formed. Of
course, it wasn't nearly the spectacle then as it is now. In
the beginning it had only one row."
Obi-Wan looked about the craggy landscape. "What about all the
loose bones and skulls lying about?"
"Foolish souls that thought to escape hel. They lie broken as
an example to the others."
"Can these speak? I notice their eyes don't glow at all."
"Touch a skull."
Obi-Wan picked up one. The eye sockets immediately burned with
flame.
"Oh Prince, I am so glad you came to my rescue. It was
terrible, terrible!"
Obi-Wan spoke to the thing. "Oh? And what's your story?"
"Well, I was stuck in that dreadful bridge. But I managed to
escape."
"What's your name?"
"Brick Ublestein. I was a captain on a ship."
"A starship?"
"What's a starship? I sailed the great seas."
Obi-Wan considered the time frame. "Where are you from
originally?"
"East side New Garrick, on Selaris. Nice little planet to live
on."
Obi-Wan palmed the skull. "So why are you over here all
broken?"
"I shouldn't even be here. They courtmartialed me, can you
believe it?! Said I abandoned the ship and left my crew to
die."
Impressions flooded Obi-Wans' mind as he felt the sins of the
soul.
"Uh huh, sure."
"It's true!" the hollow sockets flared with fire. "I was hung
by my peers, so they say. Should I be grateful for that? A rope
is a rope. They all kill!"
"An injustice, naturally" Qui-Gon stated.
"Oh yes. And there was that shipment of medical supplies for
the children. If it weren't for me, they would still be sick!"
"Really."
"I worked my men hard to get that delivery across the sea in
time to stop the epidemic-"
"Unlike this epidemic of lies" Obi-Wan snorted.
The skull blazed again. "No lies, Prince. It was all a mistake.
The ship struck aground, and I sent my crew inland to save
them. Meanwhile I stayed aboard. You know, the Captain goes
down with his ship and all..."
Obi-Wan rolled his eyes. "Are you done? We're about to get hit
by flying bull. Shall I recite the truth?"
Sheets of flame erupted from the skull.
"I thought so. If you are so pure and noble, why do you lie
broken in deep hel? Don't you think so colossal a blunder would
be noticed?"
The soul started up again. "I agree there. It's clearly
politics that landed me in this mess. You see, I was once
friends with the judges' wife. He thought we were having an
affair. All lies, of course. Anyway, his cousin was baliff-"
"Enough" Obi-Wan held the bony jaws shut. "Here's the truth.
You were transporting contraband and were discovered by the
law. You shot down your own men in cold blood so there would be
no split. To compound the crime you dumped their bodies in the
ocean. You injured yourself and told the authorities the crew
attacked and left."
Bony jaws clacked."No no no..."
"There was one problem with your story. You didn't have time to
put the contraband somewhere safe. And a crewman survived and
testified against you for a lighter sentence. Paybacks
are...hel, aren't they?"
The skull nearly leaped from his hand. "That no good scuzzbag,
Leedo!! I should've sliced his guts when I had the chance. If
it weren't for that weasel, I might still be alive! My alibi
would've stuck too, and I could get out in seven years and
still be a rich man!"
Obi-Wan lifted an eyebrow. "You are dead, and a damned soul in
hel. Where's your money?"
The mad soul attempted to bite him.
"Such temper" Qui-Gon mocked. "Perhaps a vacation would do you
good."
The skull turned in his direction and snapped again.
"I know of a good place" the hel king continued, pointing at
the black abyss. "Down there I understand it's very warm. A
lively neighborhood, too. Public activities are for everyone.
Soothe yourself in the boiling lava lakes or chat with the pit
vipers. Enjoy the cool, damp comfort of bitter earth as the
dark dogs bury you. Make friends with the poison toads as they
lay eggs and croak obscene lyrics."
The skull flew from Obi-Wans' hand, insane and frenzied.
Qui-Gon caught it in midair.
"Goodbye" he said simply, hurling the skull into the bleak
gloom. It shrieked as it became a pinpoint and disappeared.
"You can't do this to meeeeeeeeeeee....."
Obi-Wan peered into the deep. "Sucker."
Qui-Gon returned to the castle awhile later where Llane greeted
him in wolf form.
He kneeled next to her, stroking her fur. "Hel is fully
restored, mother."
She licked him. True. And I saw my grandson reconstruct the
bridge. I've never been more proud, for it was his first major
spell. Where is he, by the way?
"At the gateway. He speaks with father. I'd better catch up."
Llane padded around him slowly, sniffing. He pushed her nose
away.
"Enough of that, mother."
Her nose crinkled in a smile. Change shape. I thought
perhaps we could play a bit in my lair.
Qui-Gon ruffled her tail in affection. "Hopeless!"
Bold as ever, Llane rooted her nose in his crotch. Her tail
thumped.
Aye, change!"
Qui-Gon rolled her over. "Not today, witch. Behave!"
The black she wolf lay on her back, tongue lolled out. Oh
well. I tried!
Qui-Gon laughed, rubbing her stomach.
Obi-Wan spoke with Litthsyss at the Gateway. The elder god sat
atop his throne.
"Now aren't you glad you told father?" emerald eyes teased.
Litthsyss smiled. "Indeed. Perhaps you are wiser than us all."
Obi-Wan grinned. "I don't know about that. But I do know
it makes a difference having the truth acknowledged. Sometimes
knowing isn't enough."
"Agreed. When his instincts led him true, I led him astray. I
do regret it."
Obi-Wan took his hands. "I don't think he cares. And your
declaration meant more to him than he knows."
Litthsyss moved forward, nuzzling him. He purred softly as he
spoke. "I suffered the indignity of having my son raised by
others and falsely given to a guardian. It filled me with
rage."
Obi-Wan closed his eyes as the soft lips brushed his neck.
"I...ah..."
A stab. "None will ever lay claim falsely again."
"Oh" Obi-Wan said weakly as Litthsyss sipped his blood. He felt
the dizzy rush of the sharing.
"Grandfather" he whispered, shivering with heat. He clutched
the strong back.
//I wanted to kiss thee in Limbo.//
/I...feel so out of control. Can't focus.../
//I am Chaos. All levels of existence I disrupt.//
"Including...the mental and spiritual" Obi-Wan gasped with
pleasure.
"Of course" Litthsyss murmured against his throat. Obi-Wan
leaned into him as he pulled up.
"Your blood is as sweet as that tender body" Litthsyss looked
into his eyes.
Obi-Wan couldn't think of a thing to say. His mind was in
turmoil, heat racing to his groin.
Litthsyss slowly turned and sat upon his throne again.
"Methinks I forget myself" granite green eyes lowered gently on
Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan panted, trying to regain his composure. "I have a
question."
"Again? Now what."
"Something in Limbo made me weak. That's why I collapsed. But
what caused that to happen?"
"The perpetual rain in Limbo is no ordinary water. It has
special mystic properties that sap the will and drain the body.
The strength of the lost souls becomes the strength of the
realm."
"I wasn't exhausted like that the first time I visited!"
"You weren't exposed long enough. In the future you will know
to shield yourself."
"Oh."
"Any other questions?"
"No. Just a comment. It was nice seeing you and father together
like that."
"It was real. There's a difference."
"At first I had the impression you just wanted to jump his
bones."
"With a body like that? Of course I do!" Litthsyss curled his
tongue out.
"You're a pervert. Not to mention a freak."
"Naturally. So is he. So are you."
Obi-Wan shook his head. "We're a family of lunatics."
"I sensed his fatigue and wanted to hold him in his sleep."
"Was that your only intent when you squeezed between us in
bed?"
Litthsyss was smug. "Not necessarily. But his primary need at
the time was rest. When he was a wolfling I held him in much
the same manner."
Obi-Wan had a mental picture of that. "It must have been
gratifying."
"It was. Perhaps I should sing thee to sleep. The spell cast to
repair the bone bridge has fatigued you."
"I don't feel tired."
"Your strength is depleted, I say" he shifted to serpent form.
"Come here."
"What?"
"Sssssit over there, in the moss. I will ssssing."
Obi-Wan shrugged but complied. He sat crosslegged in a large
patch of moss.
Litthsyss curled around him, his sinuous body making a pallet.
"Now lie back among my coils."
Obi-Wan did so. The scales reflected every color, as usual. He
stared at the sparkling skin. Litthsyss tickled the silky neck
with his forked tongue.
Obi-Wan wiggled at the sensations. "You didn't tell me you
could sing."
"You didn't ask. Silence."
Obi-Wan sat impatiently. Litthsyss bobbed and weaved gently,
making a strange singsong in his throat. Obi-Wan eased down
further into the large coils. They were warm and soft.
"This isn't going to work. I'm fine!"
Litthsyss ignored him, puffing and swelling as he sang. Obi-Wan
began to drift off. The song was eerie and melodious, dancing
in his mind and weaving through his soul.
"I tell you, I'm not...tired" eyelids drooped as he plopped
down into the coils. He didn't see the smiling figure of his
father approaching.
Qui-Gon walked to the mouth of the Gate. Obi-Wan lay asleep
inside a mound of coils. Litthsyss continued to sing quietly.
The serpentine head turned at his approach.
"Ho, father. Now this is an amusing sight. My son, asleep
inside your coils!"
"He looks so very small like this" Litthsyss curled his tail.
"It is reminiscent of another I held so long ago. One that I
longed to call my own."
Qui-Gon was silent a moment. "I remember. But it's rectified
now and I am content."
"I am still thy father first, above all. Come here!"
Qui-Gon blinked. "What?!" disbelief.
"Come. You need rest also."
"Father I'm too old to sing to sleep!"
The serpentine head lay atop Obi-Wan. "This one said the same
thing."
Qui-Gon grinned. Obi-Wan looked very young in his pose of
complete trust. He had curled in tightly.
"I'm still too old."
"I think not" swift as lighting, Litthsyss whipped his tail out
between Qui-Gons' legs. He bounced his son.
Qui-Gon laughed despite himself. "That's a dirty trick,
father!"
"There are tricks and then there are tricks" he coiled his
remaining length around his son, pulling him in. Obi-Wan never
stirred.
"He is out" Qui-Gon noticed, wrapped up completely. "Let
me go, father! This is ridiculous. I don't need rest."
Litthsyss began his song again. //I disagree.//
Qui-Gon attempted to struggle, but found his limbs suddenly
heavy. His eyes began to close as Litthsyss sang in his ear. He
fell forward.
Seconds later he was out as well, alongside Obi-Wan in a nest
of coils.
"Children!" Litthsyss said to himself, laughing.
Qui-Gon woke first. He could barely move. Obi-Wan had tucked
under his chin.
//I almost hate to wake him.//
//Then don't.//
Qui-Gon turned his face slightly. Litthsyss had coiled his head
behind their backs.
"I wondered what happened to the talking end" Qui-Gon teased.
Litthsyss yawned. "Still here" he tickled along the muscular
torso with forked tongue.
Qui-Gon closed his eyes, belly clenching from the delightful
sensations. Blissfully he fell back into the sinuous form.
"When my soul was liberated I felt whole. When you declared me
across eternity I felt complete."
"It is so. For I too feel a burden lifted. Your wise son did
say it first."
"What did I say?" Obi-Wan blinked. He was snug against Qui-Gon.
"Only that immortals can be foolish" Litthsyss answered.
"Grandfather, I have another question."
Litthsyss sighed. "Does this ever end?"
"I've often wondered myself" Qui-Gon looked at his son. "The
more questions he asks, the more he has."
Obi-Wan pulled the sinuous head around. "It isn't that bad.
That fresco in your ceiling...the painting? Why did it move and
change?"
"Oh, the Script of days? It merely shows the heirarchy
of the primal powers."
Obi-Wan shook his head. "I saw the symbols of the other lords
as well on both sides."
"The principle powers also" Litthsyss supplied.
"I saw you and grandmother first with your guardian
counterparts. Then I saw myself and father. Our images were
more refined."
"Llane and I are primeval beings, and our symbology is
simpler."
"Oh."
"Now are you finished with questions, my firebrand? I would
sing again."
"Oh no you don't!" Qui-Gon clamped his head under an armpit.
"We'll be sleeping forever fooling with you."
"MUUmmphf. Nob fair."
Obi-Wan laughed. "How long are you going to do that, father?"
"Until he promises not to sing again. Well?"
Litthsyss was still snuffled. "I probise."
Qui-Gon let him go, laughing. Litthsyss howled in hysteria.
"A coil across two well developed backsssides should do."
Obi-Wan attempted to stand. "Now wait a minute, I didn't
do anything..."
"Not yet!" a long tail swung out. They leaped from the
constricting form just in time, somersaulting in the air.
"Missed" Qui-Gon grinned.
"Have a care, dragon. I may pluck your pretty hide."
"Maybe I should tie your coils in a knot. Then would Chaos be
in chaos."
"Chaos would put you over his knee" Litthsyss shifted his form.
The elder god laughed again, hands on hips.
"He must have been a handful as a child" Obi-Wan teased.
Qui-Gon threw him a look.
"Not for me he wasn't" granite green eyes glinted. "Although I
did spend most of the time pulling stones from his throat. Your
father had a propensity for eating everything in sight as a
wolfling. Poison toads, fire scorpions, it didn't seem to
matter. Once he had a jawbone stuck in his teeth."
Obi-Wan cracked up. "Grandmother said the same thing!!"
Qui-Gon rolled his eyes. "Does everyone have to tell
that story?!"
They said their goodbyes. Litthsyss returned to his serpent
form again.
"SSSSSsssss. Do let me give thee an escort thisss time."
Qui-Gon frowned. "What are you talking about?"
"Thissssss" swift as lightning a scaly tail encircled them
both.
"Wait, grandfather!" Obi-Wan squirmed.
"Time to leave the nesssst" Litthsyss hissed. "Have a nice
trip."
And with that the mighty tail heaved them out into the
universe.
They sailed across the void of space. Momentum shot them across
galaxies in the blink of an eye. Minutes later they entered the
atmosphere of Urus and crashed into a lake.
The two darklings swam hard to the surface.
"Grandfather...has a weird sense of humor" Obi-Wan spluttered
as they bobbed at the top. The spiky hair was rakish.
Qui-Gons' braid came loose in the water. "I think we've been
had."
Obi-Wan watched the hair flow in the water. "You look like a
mermaid."
Qui-Gon dunked him.
They changed into 'mortal' clothes again, simple tech uniforms.
Inconspicuously they walked through the park in the waning
sunlight.
"It's nearly evening. What a beautiful sunset" Obi-Wan admired
the multicolored skies.
Qui-Gon looked into bright emerald eyes that contrasted with
the suns' dim glow. "And a lovely son" he held the fine face.
Obi-Wan blushed. He leaned forward, lips plump. Fingers combed
the train of hair down the broad back.
A warm mouth brushed his. Qui-Gon nuzzled, his voice heavy now
with lust.
"Come" he said deeply. Blue eyes bored into his lover.
Obi-Wan looked up through his lashes. In silence Qui-Gon pulled
him along a winding bike trail into the deeper wood. The sun
was nearly gone now. Birds could be heard in the treetops. When
they reached a heavy thicket full of fragrant flowers, Qui-Gon
stopped.
Obi-Wan reached out, unbuttoning his shirt. Strong hands
slipped underneath, squeezing and stroking the muscled torso
and pecs. Qui-Gon arched back, groaning.
"You are perfect, love" Obi-Wan whispered. He licked the
exposed chest, sliding down to his knees. Pointed tongue lapped
the navel, poking it..
Qui-Gon gasped, eyes pinched shut in pleasure.
"More."
"All you desire" hot eyes looked up as the wet
mouth worked lower. Obi-Wan continued to watch Qui-Gon as his
lips teased and taunted hot flesh. The pants were next. The
spiky head rubbed against a stiffening groin.
"SSSSssss!!" Pointed nails slipped through the silky hair. "You
drive me mad, Obi-Wan!"
Obi-Wan pulled and stroked himself as he sucked heavy material
over a mound of crotch. He lapped around the zipper, tasting
seeping salt.
Qui-Gon roared as strong hips jerked. "Wench! Hurry, before I
burst!"
"SSssssss."
Clawlike nails ripped pant legs from the thick thighs. Obi-Wan
fanged the zipper hook, tearing it open. He swallowed the
massive cock whole, slurping with gusto. The heavy legs heaved
and twitched as Qui-Gon strained to hold his orgasm. Obi-Wan
wrapped his arms around, gripping the muscled ass while his
lips pulled the cockhead. Qui-Gon quivered, sweat rolling down
his back. Weak with pleasure he fell to the ground.
Obi-Wan pounced, impatiently tearing his own shirt away and
throwing it in the grass. The shapely chest heaved with
moisture, tender nipples poking. Qui-Gon immediately reached up
and pinched them. Obi-Wan opened his legs wide as he straddled,
wiggling straining cocks together. The plump ass bounced across
trembling thighs.
They were both wet now. "Want it?!" Obi-Wan
hissed, tongue curling wantonly in the air. His own cock swayed
heavily over Qui-Gon, dripping clear beads.
Qui-Gon flushed, looking hot through his lashes. The big body
glazed with sweat as he pulled Obi-Wans' cock slowly, milking
the pre-cum and rubbing it over his belly.
"Ssssss" deep eyes were lidded. "You know I want it. Give
it to me!!"
Obi-Wan slinked his hips, grinding them close. He reached
between them, squeezing the heavy sacs. Qui-Gon bounced up,
hissing in pleasure.
"aaah. Sith!" leaking thickness oozed down.
Soft nips along the thick neck. Qui-Gon purred, fangs clenched
in delight. Obi-Wan slid back, torturously licking the big
legs. Qui-Gon twitched with every lap of the tongue. Smiling,
Obi-Wan licked his lips as he pulled heavy thighs wide open. He
kissed the velvet cock tip that bobbed at him. A thin stream
drained over his lower lip. Obi-Wan teased heavy balls with a
pointed nail, gently poking the soft opening underneath. The
hole clenched tightly over the tip of his finger.
"Are you ready for me?" Obi-Wan rasped in a low
voice. He was nearly gone himself. The golden cock began to
weep again.
Qui-Gon roared, throwing long legs high in the air. He grabbed
muscled shoulders and pulled Obi-Wan forward.
"SSSSssSS!!"
Wild eyes met in dark lust as Obi-Wan plowed inside. The tight
heat was wonderful, gripping and stroking his need. They
sweated and howled, rocking wildly in the grass. Legs and arms
wrapped in a tangle. Qui-Gons' train of hair was everywhere,
splayed across the thicket and clinging to their soaked bodies
as they bucked.
It was over too soon. Baying and shrieking they came,
animalistic roars sounding in the night. Obi-Wan fell forward,
his chest coated with cum that ran off his nipples. Muscled
arms pulled him in slowly.
"ssss."
They watched each other as they deep kissed, eyes open.
Blearily they nuzzled before succumbing to darkness.
Qui-Gon stared at the starlit sky. He was full with his lover,
and his cock was squashed between them.
He had never been happier.
Obi-Wan stirred. "Mmm." the spiky head rubbed his cheek.
"Oh. Good night. The stars are out. Turn and see."
Obi-Wan slowly rolled off, pulling out. He looked up.
"The constellations. Look, they form so many shapes! Some of
them almost look familiar."
"You've met some of them already."
Emerald eyes glowed in the moonlight over flush cheekbones.
"What?" he sat up abruptly.
"The guardians. Across the universe they left their mark in
antiquity. Now come here" Qui-Gon yanked him back down.
Obi-Wan curled into his arms as they lay on a patch of soft
moss. "This moonlight is very romantic."
The regal features were sculpted in dim moonglow. "It is. And I
love being in your arms like this, beloved" bright blue eyes
reflected eerily in the dark
Obi-Wan stroked the soft goatee, tracing along the fine
cheekbones. "You are beautiful, father. Strong."
Qui-Gon smiled gently. "My thanks."
Obi-Wan leaned across him, pulling hair away from his face.
Qui-Gon sat up slowly. Obi-Wan edged alongside, combing the
tangled mass with his fingers. It was full of grass and leaves.
"I should make you an idol" Obi-Wan teased. "Then I could
worship you..."
Qui-Gon nipped his ear. "You're impossible."
Jade eyes were hot under red lashes. "I'd get down on my
knees."
Qui-Gon eyed the glistening body hotly. His nose flared.
"Sssss. Have a care. I may pin you down" a big hand slid along
golden thighs.
Obi-Wan lay back, lifting a leg. "If you can" he sucked a
finger, teasing another across his nipples.
"Ssss!!"
He was held in a crushing embrace. The big body pressed him
hard into the grass. Qui-Gon kissed him wildly, hot tongue
snaking his mouth.
"Gllghpf."
Obi-Wan gasped, writhing in pleasure under the warm weight. The
blanket of hair cascaded over them both, making a curtain of
seclusion. Spicy scent and musk blended with fragrant blooms in
the deep thicket.
He couldn't move. The tongue pushed its way into his throat,
tickling. He was stiff again, cock painful with need.
"Mllgfph" /Can't...let me up/
"Mmm" strong hips pushed. //Can't take it?//
The tongue stroked the back of his tonsils, pressing and
teasing. Fire raced from his chest to his groin.
"Gkkkhk" /Going to...burst/ Obi-Wan was leaking again. Two
heavy cocks rubbed in sweet friction.
"Mnnnn" //Can I come with you?//
Obi-Wan bucked up, out of control. Orgasm ripped through him
suddenly as he clawed the broad back. His toes curled as
muscled thighs wrapped around his lover.
Qui-Gon came immediately, growling deep in his throat as thick
heat splattered between them. The pleasure was almost painful,
shredding their senses as they nearly blacked out.
"Ghods" Obi-Wan whispered when he could speak again. He traced
lazy circles on the wide back.
Qui-Gon purred. "You're fantastic, Obi-Wan."
"What a kiss, father" Obi-Wan sighed, content.
Qui-Gon made a gesture, creating a soft blanket. He wrapped it
around them both. Obi-Wan settled in the cocoon. They lay back
and looked at the stars again.
"We're going to be together for awhile" Obi-Wan said softly.
Qui-Gon rubbed cheeks. "Of course."
"We have no choice."
Pause. "What are you talking about?"
A small giggle. "We're too sticky to be apart."
Deep laugh. "Silly! I should've known better."
They were quiet awhile, enjoying the afterglow of loving.
"I have another question, father."
"Why am I not surprised?"
Obi-Wan stroked his lover under the blanket. "Did you know who
your father was all along? I mean, really?"
"I told you I wondered. But there were so many lies I didn't
know what to believe."
"And yet you still suspected it wasn't the Guardian. You even
said so at the castle."
Blue eyes glowed. "I suppose that's right. On some level it
never 'felt' true."
"I saw how you reacted when you found out the truth."
Deep eyes looked into his son. "It was more important to me
than I realized. Yet I always held out hope..."
"That grandfather was the one?"
"When he took me prowling as a cub I would ask constantly. It
was before I ignored my instincts and listened to falsehoods."
"I did neither."
"You must have been persuasive indeed to get Litthsyss to break
a timeless pact."
Obi-Wan shifted. "I think he wanted to do it for a long time,
really. But he just needed to hear someone else say it."
"And I'm grateful to you. My Ssarpati has a silken tongue" a
nuzzle. "In more ways than one."
Obi-Wan blushed. "I just wanted you to experience what I did."
Qui-Gon lifted an eyebrow. "How so?"
"Well, I know how I felt when I knew my true father. And
I saw the look on your face when grandfather did declare it. It
was very gratifying."
Qui-Gon gazed at the sky again. "I almost felt like I was
having an out of body experience. So many years of wondering,
not being certain...and then to have such affirmation. I felt
my heart swell as it did in my childhood."
Obi-Wan licked his throat. "I think Litthsyss enjoyed holding
us like that."
Qui-Gon smiled gently."You looked so small, curled up and
sleeping. And make no mistake Obi-Wan, father is fiercely
protective."
Emerald eyes went wide. "More so than grandmother?"
Qui-Gon grinned. "Mother is more possessive. There's a
difference."
"Oh."
Qui-Gon cuddled in close, smiling. "You know, whenever I was
uncertain or afraid I would go to him and he would sing me to
sleep. Father probably enjoyed it as much as I did."
Obi-Wan thought a minute. "Did he ever tell you things in your
sleep?"
"In dreams, I think" Qui-Gon was suddenly still. "I would wake
with a different perspective on my fears" a pause. "There was
always the feeling he was bound by a secret. And an immortals'
word is his bond. But I knew he was trying to tell me I was his
son. I knew it!!"
Obi-Wan soothed him, stroking the long mane. "Hey, easy. I
wasn't trying to upset you. It's over now, father."
Qui-Gon eased into his embrace. "Sorry. I guess...it's hard for
me to let go just yet."
Obi-Wan kissed him softly. "At least you had the benefit of
knowing him all along. And as you said yourself, no one denied
you."
Blue eyes glimmered in understanding. "For that I'm grateful. I
remember the look in his eyes when Llane presented me to him
for the first time. I was terrified, but he just held me and
kissed me."
Obi-Wan nestled in. "That's wonderful. Look, a comet blazes
across the sky!" he pointed. A shooting star trailed across the
void.
Qui-Gon nodded. "Lovely, isn't it? The universe is full of
amazing events and circumstances."
Obi-Wan stared at the fading stream of light. "Wait...something
else happens, father. Look!!" emerald eyes were wide.
In amazement they watched as a nearby constellation formed very
specific shapes. The stars themselves seemed to swirl into
patterns.
Qui-Gon was nearly speechless. "Obi-Wan, I've never seen the
like-"
As he spoke the star forms converged into four symbols. Two
were first, a three headed wolf and serpent that stretched to
infinity. Next came a dragon and coiled serpent. The four
figures rotated in harmony, making a brilliant display of light
and color. In awe the two lovers sat up, gazing at the
spectacle. The symbols merged and went nova before dissolving
into random star patterns. Stunned, Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon looked
at each other.
Obi-Wan found his voice. "Father, you don't think...someone did
that for us?"
Qui-Gon looked up at the skies, nodding. "Someone did. Thank
you, father" he burst into tears. Obi-Wan held him tightly as
he wracked with sobs. Soft lips kissed the wet cheeks.
The spiky head rubbed against Qui-Gon. "It's wonderful" his own
voice cracked with emotion. "He must have heard us. Didn't he
once say he sees everything?"
Qui-Gon pulled away slowly, smiling. "No doubt, my Obi" he
looked at his son with love, eyes sparkling like sapphires.
Obi-Wan smiled back, emerald eyes shining in the night. They
lay down in the soft grass once more, snug in their blanket.
Together they watched the field of stars.
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