1 Death is Not the End
Chapter 2
1.1 Time now to spread your wings
To take to flight
The life endeavor
Aim for the burning sun
You're trapped inside
But you can still be free
If time will set you free
But it's a long, long way to go
Grey's face. it was so real. I felt so close, so close to the breakthrough in my research. There he was, his face was as clear as a bell. But then I woke up. The image was gone. I'd stopped recording my dreams after Grey's death, since I really had no reason to after I was cured.
I rose from my bed, somehow feeling empty and depressed, even though I felt refreshed and happy at the same time.
Remembering what had happened the day before, I decided to visit with Dr. Sid, since he seemed so interested in what I was doing. I knocked softly on his door, and he called, "come in."
"Dr. Sid. how long have you been awake?"
"Only a couple of hours. I'm simply figuring out the plan for getting you into Gaia. You've done enough already. Now that I actually know what you are intending to do, I want to help you to the best of my ability."
His words were thoughtful, and I was glad he was helping, so I couldn't contain a warm smile. "I appreciate that Doctor. thank you."
He nodded, and showed me what he was working on. "You see, after only three months of stagnant activity around the area where we found the 8th spirit, the entrance to Gaia should still be open. With luck, you should be able to get in through there."
I let out a shuddering sigh. "I hope this works."
"Me too. But if we could get through the Phantoms, I think we can succeed here too."
"So. when do you want to leave?"
He stood up; only a few inches taller than me, looked me straight in the eye and said, "Whenever you're ready. This is your mission, Aki. You are in charge."
God would that have made me happy before Grey's death. I'd never heard those words come out of Dr. Sid's mouth before. Now the words seemed vacant and meaningless. Suddenly I realized that I would never really be content until Grey was safe in my arms once again.
"Hm. Let me go get my research and then we can leave."
"Very well. I'll get the ship ready to go."
"Oh shoot. Dammit! We can't leave yet. I need to speak with the Council first. You remember. when they told me to update them before I carried through with anything. Would you like to come with me?" I said before I walked out. My answer came from his footsteps behind me.
"So you're telling me that you want to leave now Dr. Ross?"
"Yes sir."
"What about the details you said you had to work out?"
"They have been worked out. thanks to Dr. Sid," I explained, looking back at him in acknowledgement.
The councilman sighed. "Okay, Doctor. I give permission for you to go. Do your best, and bring our loved ones back to us."
With that said, the door to his headquarters closed, with his promise to inform the others about our change of plans as well.
"Okay, let's go."
The Black Boa, my precious ship, hadn't been damaged much in our fight with the Phantoms, but it had had a few repairs after Grey and I had snapped off of it in our little ground mobile. Another memory of the love I was waiting to see.
"Dr. Sid. if I don't make it out of this place. thank you for everything."
He looked over at me, a sympathetic look showing in his eyes. "You'll make it out Aki," he promised, and then added a little softer, "but. you're welcome."
As the Phantom Crater came into view, I said to him, "This place brings back a lot of memories."
"It certainly does."
"Good and bad ones," I replied, knowing that Dr. Sid knew what I was talking about.
We started to land, and the familiar heartbeat I'd heard for so long while I was infected with the alien beat faster. A small jolt told me we'd landed on the dark crater, and Dr. Sid parked the ship.
"Well. are you ready?"
"As I'll ever be."
I unbuckled my seatbelt and so did Dr. Sid. Sliding open the ship door, I drew in a shaky breath and hopped down onto the rocky ground. Dr. Sid followed, and I couldn't help but notice a look of longing on his face.
"What is it?"
He crossed his arms and shook his head. "Nothing. I was just thinking. there's no family for me to look forward to seeing again."
My brows furrowed. "What do you mean? You never had any family?"
"Oh, I had family. To make a long story short, I'm not entirely sure any of them went to heaven."
My heart ached for my friend and teacher. Right then I promised myself that after I found Grey and his crew, I would look for Dr. Sid's family as well.
"Well. this is it," I said, not meeting eyes with him.
"I almost don't want to say good-bye, Aki. But. you go and get our families back. Theirs, and yours. You are my family, so you bring yourself back too okay?"
"Okay. G-goodbye Dr. Sid."
"Goodbye Aki. And good luck."
I tried to move, but my feet wouldn't budge. I took a deep breath, and tried again. This time I didn't falter. I moved quietly, knowing that each step I took could be my last on Earth.
At last, I reached the place where Grey had made the ultimate sacrifice to save my life, Gaia.
My heart beat anxiously, but I felt frightened at the same time. Failure felt close, success far away. But I was willing to risk failure to get Grey back.
"Here we go," I whispered to myself.
Because of the extensive research I'd done on the Phantoms, I knew how they acted. I made a call for one of them, and to my delight one came quickly.
I had no fear of it of course, since Phantoms no longer took people's spirits, but as it started to check me out and sniff me, I was worried I'd be rejected.
Something quite unexpected happened then. The unknown alien put itself inside me. Even though my stomach twisted itself into countless knots as the process wore on, I had to show no fear. I could feel it squirming inside me, looking at my soul, and my heart. It felt almost like a fish, even though I'd never had one in me. But the jellylike feeling and wriggling gave me that connection.
At last, it flew out again. The inspection was complete. I waited for refection or exception. It stared at me for a few seconds, and called. I almost cried out in joy. I knew what that call meant. I was being taken with them. I kept myself calm, as difficult as it was to contain my excitement. I followed the beast, and prepared myself for what was to come.
Swirling colors of blue surrounded me as the Phantom led me through Gaia. It'd been silent for the most part, so I decided to cut the tour short.
"Excuse me," I said in their language. "Could you take me to where the people stay please?"
Of course, this is just paraphrasing. I couldn't begin to explain how a Phantom's language works. The only thing I could possibly say it that it uses calls like dolphins or whales.
Without answering, the creature soared up, taking me with it while I held on for dear life. But I had no fear; I was about to see the love I'd lost so long before.
A bright light stung my eyes, and I held up a hand to shield it. I couldn't see for a few seconds, and then it died down to where I could see if I squinted.
My heart leapt to my throat. There it was. This was the place I'd been waiting to see for so long. In their language of course, I asked if I could be on my own to explore. I was given permission, and I felt like skipping into Gaia.
The first people I saw were none that I knew. They were whole though, which surprise me. I had expected only spirits, since that was what the Phantoms always stole. But I guess after I was cured, they restored the features to the humans. That was my best guess.
"Excuse me?" I asked a few people, but none answered. It was like they didn't even hear me. Finally, I'd had enough of their ignoring me.
"Does anyone know where Grey Edwards is!?" I shouted, and all eyes looked toward me. I flushed a bit, now that everyone was looking at me.
"Dr. Ross?"
That voice. I knew that voice. And as he came out of the gaping crowd, I felt relieved to see a familiar face.
"Ryan!"
"When did you get here ma'm? I thought you hadn't died yet."
I shook my head. "I haven't."
Ryan looked confused, and I didn't expect any less. "You remember that I was infected right? With the Phantom?"
"Yes."
"There are a lot of details in between, but I was able to pass as a Phantom thanks to that. I'm glad to see you Ryan," I smiled, and he did too.
"Me too. You lookin' for the Captain?"
As much as I still would've liked to talk to Ryan, Grey was at the top of my list.
"Yes, yes, do you know where he is?"
Ryan nodded his head and said, "Follow me. He's not far."
Oh, how my heart pounded as I followed the burly, dark-skinned man through the mounds of people, who, to my astonishment, stayed out of our way.
Ryan stopped me and told me to wait where I was, and I obeyed reluctantly. He went ahead of me, and I saw him talking with the one I wanted to see more than anyone else in the world. It was then that I heard his voice, his sweet voice coming out of the crowd.
"Aki. Aki is here!?"
Ryan said something inaudible to me then, and I figured it was something like "yes sir, right over there," because after that, a wave of relief and love washed over me as Grey rushed to where I was standing. I tried to stay put, but to no avail. I ran to meet him, and as I tried to hug him and touch his body, I sailed right through it. Surprise and shock replaced the happiness I'd felt just seconds before.
"Grey." I breathed, and he looked at me in sympathy as I trembled with longing.
"Aki. I-I wish I could touch you. but it's impossible. All I am is a spirit. I have no flesh. You know that."
A tear rolled down my cheek as I realized what I should've already known. I wouldn't be able to touch him until I got him and the others out of Gaia.
For a moment we just stared at each other, drinking in each other's appearances. My heart sunk. I'd traveled all this way, only to not be able to touch the one I wanted most.
"How did you get here?" he asked me, and I suddenly found my voice.
"It's a long story Grey, are you sure you want to hear it?"
He nodded, and I began telling what I had felt when he left me. I must've sounded weak and close to tears, because the look in his eyes was filled with love I'd never seen before. Even as a spirit, Grey was still in love with me just as he was before. And I was just as in love with him as well.
"I regret every day here the fact that I left you. Knowing that I'd never be able to touch you again, or have a life with you on Earth. But. I know it's been harder for you. I could see you from here. You never could."
"But. that's why I came here."
"What do you mean?"
"I've." I started, and then, realizing that anyone would be able to hear, I moved in closer and spoke softer. "I've come to get you back on Earth."
Grey looked at me oddly, and I added, "That is, if you want to."
"I don't understand Aki. how is that possible?"
"Come with me. I'll tell you."
Chapter 2
1.1 Time now to spread your wings
To take to flight
The life endeavor
Aim for the burning sun
You're trapped inside
But you can still be free
If time will set you free
But it's a long, long way to go
Grey's face. it was so real. I felt so close, so close to the breakthrough in my research. There he was, his face was as clear as a bell. But then I woke up. The image was gone. I'd stopped recording my dreams after Grey's death, since I really had no reason to after I was cured.
I rose from my bed, somehow feeling empty and depressed, even though I felt refreshed and happy at the same time.
Remembering what had happened the day before, I decided to visit with Dr. Sid, since he seemed so interested in what I was doing. I knocked softly on his door, and he called, "come in."
"Dr. Sid. how long have you been awake?"
"Only a couple of hours. I'm simply figuring out the plan for getting you into Gaia. You've done enough already. Now that I actually know what you are intending to do, I want to help you to the best of my ability."
His words were thoughtful, and I was glad he was helping, so I couldn't contain a warm smile. "I appreciate that Doctor. thank you."
He nodded, and showed me what he was working on. "You see, after only three months of stagnant activity around the area where we found the 8th spirit, the entrance to Gaia should still be open. With luck, you should be able to get in through there."
I let out a shuddering sigh. "I hope this works."
"Me too. But if we could get through the Phantoms, I think we can succeed here too."
"So. when do you want to leave?"
He stood up; only a few inches taller than me, looked me straight in the eye and said, "Whenever you're ready. This is your mission, Aki. You are in charge."
God would that have made me happy before Grey's death. I'd never heard those words come out of Dr. Sid's mouth before. Now the words seemed vacant and meaningless. Suddenly I realized that I would never really be content until Grey was safe in my arms once again.
"Hm. Let me go get my research and then we can leave."
"Very well. I'll get the ship ready to go."
"Oh shoot. Dammit! We can't leave yet. I need to speak with the Council first. You remember. when they told me to update them before I carried through with anything. Would you like to come with me?" I said before I walked out. My answer came from his footsteps behind me.
"So you're telling me that you want to leave now Dr. Ross?"
"Yes sir."
"What about the details you said you had to work out?"
"They have been worked out. thanks to Dr. Sid," I explained, looking back at him in acknowledgement.
The councilman sighed. "Okay, Doctor. I give permission for you to go. Do your best, and bring our loved ones back to us."
With that said, the door to his headquarters closed, with his promise to inform the others about our change of plans as well.
"Okay, let's go."
The Black Boa, my precious ship, hadn't been damaged much in our fight with the Phantoms, but it had had a few repairs after Grey and I had snapped off of it in our little ground mobile. Another memory of the love I was waiting to see.
"Dr. Sid. if I don't make it out of this place. thank you for everything."
He looked over at me, a sympathetic look showing in his eyes. "You'll make it out Aki," he promised, and then added a little softer, "but. you're welcome."
As the Phantom Crater came into view, I said to him, "This place brings back a lot of memories."
"It certainly does."
"Good and bad ones," I replied, knowing that Dr. Sid knew what I was talking about.
We started to land, and the familiar heartbeat I'd heard for so long while I was infected with the alien beat faster. A small jolt told me we'd landed on the dark crater, and Dr. Sid parked the ship.
"Well. are you ready?"
"As I'll ever be."
I unbuckled my seatbelt and so did Dr. Sid. Sliding open the ship door, I drew in a shaky breath and hopped down onto the rocky ground. Dr. Sid followed, and I couldn't help but notice a look of longing on his face.
"What is it?"
He crossed his arms and shook his head. "Nothing. I was just thinking. there's no family for me to look forward to seeing again."
My brows furrowed. "What do you mean? You never had any family?"
"Oh, I had family. To make a long story short, I'm not entirely sure any of them went to heaven."
My heart ached for my friend and teacher. Right then I promised myself that after I found Grey and his crew, I would look for Dr. Sid's family as well.
"Well. this is it," I said, not meeting eyes with him.
"I almost don't want to say good-bye, Aki. But. you go and get our families back. Theirs, and yours. You are my family, so you bring yourself back too okay?"
"Okay. G-goodbye Dr. Sid."
"Goodbye Aki. And good luck."
I tried to move, but my feet wouldn't budge. I took a deep breath, and tried again. This time I didn't falter. I moved quietly, knowing that each step I took could be my last on Earth.
At last, I reached the place where Grey had made the ultimate sacrifice to save my life, Gaia.
My heart beat anxiously, but I felt frightened at the same time. Failure felt close, success far away. But I was willing to risk failure to get Grey back.
"Here we go," I whispered to myself.
Because of the extensive research I'd done on the Phantoms, I knew how they acted. I made a call for one of them, and to my delight one came quickly.
I had no fear of it of course, since Phantoms no longer took people's spirits, but as it started to check me out and sniff me, I was worried I'd be rejected.
Something quite unexpected happened then. The unknown alien put itself inside me. Even though my stomach twisted itself into countless knots as the process wore on, I had to show no fear. I could feel it squirming inside me, looking at my soul, and my heart. It felt almost like a fish, even though I'd never had one in me. But the jellylike feeling and wriggling gave me that connection.
At last, it flew out again. The inspection was complete. I waited for refection or exception. It stared at me for a few seconds, and called. I almost cried out in joy. I knew what that call meant. I was being taken with them. I kept myself calm, as difficult as it was to contain my excitement. I followed the beast, and prepared myself for what was to come.
Swirling colors of blue surrounded me as the Phantom led me through Gaia. It'd been silent for the most part, so I decided to cut the tour short.
"Excuse me," I said in their language. "Could you take me to where the people stay please?"
Of course, this is just paraphrasing. I couldn't begin to explain how a Phantom's language works. The only thing I could possibly say it that it uses calls like dolphins or whales.
Without answering, the creature soared up, taking me with it while I held on for dear life. But I had no fear; I was about to see the love I'd lost so long before.
A bright light stung my eyes, and I held up a hand to shield it. I couldn't see for a few seconds, and then it died down to where I could see if I squinted.
My heart leapt to my throat. There it was. This was the place I'd been waiting to see for so long. In their language of course, I asked if I could be on my own to explore. I was given permission, and I felt like skipping into Gaia.
The first people I saw were none that I knew. They were whole though, which surprise me. I had expected only spirits, since that was what the Phantoms always stole. But I guess after I was cured, they restored the features to the humans. That was my best guess.
"Excuse me?" I asked a few people, but none answered. It was like they didn't even hear me. Finally, I'd had enough of their ignoring me.
"Does anyone know where Grey Edwards is!?" I shouted, and all eyes looked toward me. I flushed a bit, now that everyone was looking at me.
"Dr. Ross?"
That voice. I knew that voice. And as he came out of the gaping crowd, I felt relieved to see a familiar face.
"Ryan!"
"When did you get here ma'm? I thought you hadn't died yet."
I shook my head. "I haven't."
Ryan looked confused, and I didn't expect any less. "You remember that I was infected right? With the Phantom?"
"Yes."
"There are a lot of details in between, but I was able to pass as a Phantom thanks to that. I'm glad to see you Ryan," I smiled, and he did too.
"Me too. You lookin' for the Captain?"
As much as I still would've liked to talk to Ryan, Grey was at the top of my list.
"Yes, yes, do you know where he is?"
Ryan nodded his head and said, "Follow me. He's not far."
Oh, how my heart pounded as I followed the burly, dark-skinned man through the mounds of people, who, to my astonishment, stayed out of our way.
Ryan stopped me and told me to wait where I was, and I obeyed reluctantly. He went ahead of me, and I saw him talking with the one I wanted to see more than anyone else in the world. It was then that I heard his voice, his sweet voice coming out of the crowd.
"Aki. Aki is here!?"
Ryan said something inaudible to me then, and I figured it was something like "yes sir, right over there," because after that, a wave of relief and love washed over me as Grey rushed to where I was standing. I tried to stay put, but to no avail. I ran to meet him, and as I tried to hug him and touch his body, I sailed right through it. Surprise and shock replaced the happiness I'd felt just seconds before.
"Grey." I breathed, and he looked at me in sympathy as I trembled with longing.
"Aki. I-I wish I could touch you. but it's impossible. All I am is a spirit. I have no flesh. You know that."
A tear rolled down my cheek as I realized what I should've already known. I wouldn't be able to touch him until I got him and the others out of Gaia.
For a moment we just stared at each other, drinking in each other's appearances. My heart sunk. I'd traveled all this way, only to not be able to touch the one I wanted most.
"How did you get here?" he asked me, and I suddenly found my voice.
"It's a long story Grey, are you sure you want to hear it?"
He nodded, and I began telling what I had felt when he left me. I must've sounded weak and close to tears, because the look in his eyes was filled with love I'd never seen before. Even as a spirit, Grey was still in love with me just as he was before. And I was just as in love with him as well.
"I regret every day here the fact that I left you. Knowing that I'd never be able to touch you again, or have a life with you on Earth. But. I know it's been harder for you. I could see you from here. You never could."
"But. that's why I came here."
"What do you mean?"
"I've." I started, and then, realizing that anyone would be able to hear, I moved in closer and spoke softer. "I've come to get you back on Earth."
Grey looked at me oddly, and I added, "That is, if you want to."
"I don't understand Aki. how is that possible?"
"Come with me. I'll tell you."
