Chapter 16: Open wounds&Red-letters

My heart cannot be, without you under the star sea,
I want you and just you, my open wound.


Joan Lin watched her daughter carry the last of her suitcases out the door of her childhood bedroom. She didn't know what it was, but something about Hay Lin's sudden resolve gave her funny feelings. Yes, she was aware that her daughter had wanted to move out for the longest time, but she couldn't wrap her mind around why she had so firmly decided on it now, right before her so favorite western holiday season.

Yes, Joan had the intelligence of an average woman with secondary education, who had come to the states at the age of 15, but her instincts were strong. And her instincts right now were telling her that something had happened in her daughter's life, and it wasn't necessarily a happy occasion.

She knew Chen refused to come out of the kitchen to see Hay Lin out, unable to cope with the fact that she was a fully-grown young lady. Her mother-in-law was also nowhere to be seen, which Joan found a tad odd, but didn't have time to think about. She had to follow her only child and see her leave their family nest. It was a bittersweet moment. But that funny feeling refused to leave her and when the mother saw the car parked in front of their restaurant, she had to speak up:

"Hay Lin? I thought you were moving in with Eric?"

Martin looked over at his girlfriend, but Irma didn't lose time. While Hay Lin remained completely motionless, she took the initiative to sweet-talk the older woman, or much rather just outtalk her:

"Yeaaah, Mrs. Lin, Hay Lin is coming to live with us for a while, it's a long story, really, we shouldn't go in circles, trying to wrap our minds around it. Especially you! Gosh darn it, it would take you forever to understand the situation. Not that I'm saying that you're a half-wit or something. You're totally the brain in your marriage, but you couldn't make it to the observatory the other day and hence you couldn't have known- "

"Thank God for that."- Martin murmured under his nose, as he put Hay Lin's luggage in the truck.

Irma turned around to shoot a poisonous glare at him before going on:

"...but due to the whole entire Astrofest hullabaloo, it just wouldn't be convenient for anyone if Hay Lin moved in. Right now, I mean. She'll spend some time with us, then she'll gladly be accepted in the Lyndons' family home!"

The light snow was falling above the city. The low afternoon sun was hidden behind thick clouds and Hay Lin wished that what her friend was lying about would actually someday happen; three days had passed already though. Eric was still taking his time after the iceberg of bad-timed revelations, turns of events and unpleasantness in general, that had come between them, had threatened to destroy their relationship for good. Three days weren't that much time, but her heart was in pain the entire time, making the air guardian feel each and every minute spent away from the man she loved, like eternity.

"Alright then."- Joan spoke, though, by her expression, Irma didn't exactly believe she was buying it. "Hay Lin, my sweet child. Bye. Go on your way and remember that wherever life takes you, you'll always be welcome here with us. In our first home. Love you, sweetie."

Her mother's hug almost had her emotions overpower her again, but somehow the young woman managed to bid her goodbyes without bursting into tears. Hay Lin got in Martin's car and they soon drove off the familiar street, heading for the man's apartment nearby. A living space that he and Irma shared.

'43, Linden Street', on which Martin's apartment building was located, the first residence he had bought for himself with his own money a few years back, wasn't that far away from the Silver Dragon, yet her friends had come to pick her up with the car in accordance with the transportation of her suitcases, and Hay Lin was grateful for it. She really appreciated all their support and love, yet that wouldn't make her feel better. Not before her relations with Eric were mended.

"Thanks, guys."- she said quietly from the back seat. "Thanks for having a mess like me live with you for a while."

"Ahh, don't mention it. What are friends for?"- Martin smiled at her in the back-view mirror.

"Don't get any sillier, Hay-Hay."- Irma exclaimed. "We're gonna get you on your feet, you'll see. Very soon everything will be as it was, even better than that! Very soon your beau will make you the happiest woman in Heatherfield, which you deserve to be! This is just a temporary down in your rollercoaster adventure of a life. Listen to your aunt Irma."

Hay Lin fought to smile back, albeit faintly. Yes, she appreciated all her friends' efforts, but she didn't believe they were worth it. Her heart was lamenting.


Leonida flipped her hair and smiled mischievously, having felt a pair of violet-gray eyes on herself. The shapeshifter had just returned in their hideaway, taking the hood of his brown cloak down. Their eyes met for a second and he could instantly feel the spark of hatred ignite in his stomach. Who did this bimbo think she was, lounging around, acting like the future Queen of the United Dimensions? He was going to dispose of her long before the power was to come to his master's hands...

"Report, shifter."- the princess ordered as she crossed her feet on a tabouret in front of her seat. "What's it like out in Meridian today?"

Cedric frowned:

"Where's the Prince?"

"Don't dodge the question now."- the honey-haired woman suddenly stood up with a sly smirk. "Phobos is out and about, minding his own business. He said he had something to attend to and that you must report to me if he's still out by the time you return- "

"What?!'- Cedric interrupted her angrily. "Take no offense, but are you dense?! How could you let Prince Phobos wander out alone, when you know all too well, that it's too dangerous for him to be out of this hideout! "

"He's not my slave, he's my King. I can't order him what to do! He can take care of himself."- Leonida clenched her teeth. "Now report."

"You have your way with acts, Princess Leonida, I'll give you that."- the man hissed hatefully. "But you know what I think? I think that you're indifferent to the prince's fate now that you have what you wanted from him! I already did report, in case you didn't hear me! The rebels and the castle guards are jaunting through the entire realm! I swear if something is to happen to Phobos, I'll-"

"Devour him whole again and steal his power?"- Leonida cut him off offhandedly. "I know you two had your word back in the Hidden Mansion, but before that, you weren't at all interested in joining him. So, don't act all so loyal, Lord Cedric. You're the one who deserves to be treated like a suspect when it comes to our plans. "- her eyes shone dangerously. "And I plan on treating you like that from now on."

Cedric felt a cold shiver run down his spine. No, he wasn't going to blow up his cover and fall for that darned woman's tricks. He just had to endure her for another week or so. Then she was going to be out of the picture...

Upon returning victorious from the Gardens of Myrna, assured that she is carrying a female fetus, Leonida had remained suspiciously quiet. And while his Liege was in transports of delight, the dethroned princess was too collected for Cedric's liking. He knew he had to keep an eye on her and avoid getting into direct conflicts. But how could Phobos believe that this girl loved him for real, was beyond him. Her love was as inauthentic as his brotherly affection for Elyon. If not even more. She was such a two-timing snake in the grass, and for him to make that conclusion really meant something. But regardless, Cedric couldn't read her motives out completely.

The wedding shall be the end of your game, he thought, pinning his eyes on her. The end of your game will be the last day of my concerns.

The tall man turned his back on her and headed for his tiny room in the hideout they shared. He could feel the princess's smug glance burning the back of his head. Tension was in the air, but one serious question remained- where had the Prince gone to all by himself?


The Scarlet Citadel, Arkhanta

"Excuse me, Prince Phillip, but I fail to understand your proposal."- the well-built, dark blue-haired man in royal robes said, firmly setting his mug down on the massive table.

When Ari of Arkantha accepted the unknown prince from a far-flung realm, he had never expected to receive such an odd proposal. Or such disturbing news. But life had often surprised him in the least favorable ways, thus the ruler wasn't in a hurry to write all that he had just heard off.

The man in front of him claimed to be some distant aspirant to the Coronian throne, who had never had the chance to come to rule. Coronia was a realm Ari barely knew of, but its people definitely weren't hedging their bets.

"It's quite delicate, yes, your Majesty, but it's the only way for Arkantha to survive the upcoming changes. Once Meridian and Coronia unite under one ruling hand, they'll be the dominant force in this galaxy corridor. Meridian is already a nodal point, what do you think is to happen once it recruits all these other worlds around itself? Your kingdom will wither and will be robbed of all the mystic power and riches it possesses."

"Meridian is currently quarantined."- Ari objected with a cocked eyebrow. "Besides, this... United Dimensions' idea. Who's even considering it? It sounds like something to be born from a deranged person's brain!"

Prince Phillip smiled somewhat aberrantly.

"Oh, the veil is just a façade established by Kandrakar. Kandrakar doesn't want you or any of the other realms in Meridian's districts to know of their plans. They're handing mystical contracts only to those of interest to them. As I already told you, I'm trying to gather as many allies as I can, simply to provide them with contracts. The Union is inevitable, King Ari, it's much better for you and all the other worlds in Metamoor's range to be a legal part of it, instead of being enslaved by Kandrakar and their pawns later on, wouldn't you agree? As for the crazy idea of the Union itself, I wouldn't be surprised. After all, the Mage of Meridian is a very dangerous woman whose ideas of politics have always been quite bizarre. Ever since she attempted to conquer the entire Universe the first time-"

"I beg your pardon?"- Ari exclaimed.

Phillip smiled. I knew I'd eventually catch your attention, Ari of Arkantha.

"Really? Did you not know that, your Majesty? I feel terrible for you. Obviously, Kandrakar still likes to keep things from you. Even when it's one absolute right to be aware of their neighbors' stances, especially when, in the future, they might concern them too- "

"Phillip, please! Essentially!"- the king was starting to lose his temper, but luckily 'Philipp' knew just the way to keep him in his clutches. He reached and pulled a dark violet book out of his axil, tossing it on the table in front of the other man.

Ari took it and gazed down at it, nonplused.

"Mother of the Rebellion."- Ari read the title with confusion. "Prince Philip, you're a man of many contributions, aren't you?"

"Just read this and you shall know better your Majesty."- the mysterious prince replied simply. "I give it to you, because I believe you do deserve to be informed of what kind of people dwell in Meridian and just how accurate all that I've told you so far, is."

What a delight that this material was put together by that fool, Raythor, all ready and waiting for me to use it in my plans, the prince pondered with a discrete smile as he watched the Arkanthan go through the violet papers. Had he known this little book would be so helpful to me, he'd surely have chopped both his hands off.

"The guardians of Kandrakar would never allow any of this, Philip."- Ari insisted. "All this which you speak of; this woman, Nerissa, she- "

"You said it yourself, Ari."- Philip interrupted him, annoyed, yet still patient. An entire realm knew that patience had never been one of his strengths. "The guardians of Kandrakar... They are, after all, devoted to the Heart of Infinity. Kandrakar, the Mage, Queen Elyon and the Coronian royals are all in coalition. The guardians are but mere pawns for them, they'd never turn back to their duties in the name of Arkantha's welfare. The stakes are much too high for them to have an opinion of their own, starting with the little curious detail which lies in one of them's relationship with the ostensible Mage's son. Yes indeed, your Majesty, shocking information isn't it? Corruption and nepotism remain rampant, regardless of the party in power- "

"This is where you're wrong."- Ari stood up from his place, his face flushing with anger. Who the hell did this man think he was to come to his kingdom and poison him with such bizarre assumptions? "The guardians did help me and my son Maqi on their own, even if against their superiors on Kandrakar. I surmise that you didn't know that, because if you did, you wouldn't be here in front of me, convincing me otherwise."- Ari's eyes appeared victorious when they met the other man's cold green stare. There was something deeper hidden in these eyes of his...and Ari was now sure, it was not that mere altruism he had initially come with. "Thus, Prince Philip, I'd like to have a word with the guardians, who also happen to be my old friends, before I even consider your proposal."

"Exonerate this question, but you do realize that if you actually mention any of this to the guardians, the entire proposal will instantly become pointless, do you not?"- the prince said icily. "If they get to know about my little noble initiative, the guardians' superiors will do all it takes to seize me and put and end to both me and my act of selflessness! All the realms that I've managed to save from enslaving so far, will also suffer under your mistake."

Ari gave him a look which made his blood boil. He tightened his fist, feeling his inner anger on its way to exploding...

"Then bring me proof, more solid than this book here, which looks more like a fascinating drama novel, if anything- "

"Proof? You require proof?"- the prince barked.

"Well, naturally, man! You don't expect me to entrust my entire kingdom and it's people to a union-contract that I know not enough of?"

"No. No, I don't."- Philip retorted bitterly, before raising his hand in an instant. "Here's your proof, you thickheaded farmer with a crown!"

Philip's eyes shone with a hypnotizing white light that couldn't go by unnoticed by Ari or his senses. Before he knew it, the blue-haired man found himself under the strong dark influence of the cruel prince's essence, without even realizing it:

"Sign the mystic contract, Ari. Sign it or die."- the menacing whisper escaped Philips's lips as the green glamour ring went around his body, giving him his one and only true form.

"I've never been that good with diplomatic case studies, anyway."- Phobos grinned as the other man obeyed his hypnotizing demand, putting his name on his mystic contract and agreeing on his terms for good. "And there's the entire nation of Meridian to testify to that."

Yes, the prince had hypnotized people before, including the rebel leader Caleb himself, but it was always welcome when the victims had no magic abilities whatsoever; it always made it so much easier. Like Ari for example, who he had previously known, has no royal origin or mystic force, having become king only thanks to the banshee he had captured and released years ago.

Phobos stood up from his stool hauntingly with his trademark smirk tattooed on his lips.

"That is what happens when a peasant decides to play the role of a king, Ari."- the prince mused, as he watched the other man pass out upon signing the paper, falling face-flat on the table. "And I still tried to get your word properly, didn't I. But you wanted your proof. Guess that is why they say that peasants will never learn to value royal people's acts of kindness. And that, my comically incapable friend, was the proof."- Phobos pulled the contract from under the unconscious man's face and rolled it up, contently putting it in his robes. That made three realms subordinate to his will.

Excellent, the monarch cheered mentally. By the time Elyon's wedding comes, many more will have fallen, trapped with my mystic contracts, having no other choice but to obey me and be part of my United Dimensions.

A sudden creek coming from outside the conference room made Phobos prick up his ears. That was disturbing, Ari had ordered his guards dismissed, blinded by his peasanty arrogance...That could only mean that whoever was standing in front of the doors, had to be stopped before they could alert the guardians.

The doors slammed open at the command of his swing and the girl that had stood outside them fell, having lost balance because of the sudden movement. She looked up with fear written all over her face, as her voice trembled:

"No, p-please, I didn't mean to! Please-"

"What do we have here?"- the handsome, yet diabolical man with long fair hair was unfamiliar to the fallen brunette, yet she could tell he meant no good. She could tell that even back when she had heard strange noises coming from the conference room and had approached the door, clearly distinguishing the sounds of a terrifying voice and force...

Now all she could do was crawl back slowly, as her terror grew with each and every small step Phobos took towards her.

"What's your name, my dear?"- he asked her calmly, the sinister smile never leaving his captivating features.

"A-asa."- the brunette stammered, as she tried to hide her face with her thick frizzy hair, panic-stricken and as white as a sheet. "P-please...I mean no bad...let me go, I swear, I'll never tell anyone- "

Phobos found that rather amusing:

"Oh, Asa, too bad your parents never taught you how bad eavesdropping actually is. Do you expect me to believe that you'll keep my secret when it's your dear king that is in question? I think not. You're coming with me."- he declared in a terrifyingly smooth voice. "You're going to be my little source of fresh life force from now on."

Asa's eyes widened when the teletransportation spell devoured her, but it was too late. Not even a last whimper would've been heard, as she and the prince both vanished in a heavy, swift second, leaving Ari to lie on the table, waiting to be awakened again, completely oblivious to what had last taken place in the Scarlet Citadel.


Evening time in Heatherfield

Halinor Clarkson pushed her shopping cart around the aisles of a supermarket she had recently discovered, back in Heatherfield, her home town, which she had been staying in, for the last three days. Ever since her 'illnesses' had been completely cured during the summer, returning to the city she loved was a pleasure again.

And now that Kadma was busy with affairs linked to their foundation "Rising Star", the ex-guardian had chosen to visit her friends back in Heatherfield for a tad longer. She was staying in Cassidy's old house, which the young mother-to-be had now of course left, moving in with Peter, even if she visited her mother on the daily.

Emily just refused to move in with her daughter and her boyfriend, no matter how many times they pleaded her to. Cassidy was quite concerned to leave her mother, who was by now in advanced age, all by herself, but since the elderly woman could still care of herself for the most part and refused to move out of her home, as to 'give the youngsters peace and space', the former water guardian couldn't really do anything.

Emily cherished Halinor's temporary company and so did Halinor. There were just so many memories and warm feelings that made her feel Emily as if she was her own mother, let alone the fact that the woman was a walking inspiration, who was pushing a hundred!

Halinor felt quite good on that particular day. She wanted to get a few things and prepare her famous Ossobuco*, which she had already done. Her initial shopping list, that was. She was actually all set to go and get to cooking, but Halinor wouldn't be Halinor if she didn't need to add something from herself. That was why, even though she had already picked up the lamb meat, and all the vegetables and spices which she had needed for her recipe, the mature blonde was still wandering around the supermarket, desperately working for polenta* to garnish her meal with.

But as her luck had it, it looked like she wasn't going to succeed anytime soon, hence she felt obligated to ask the woman she had spied in the other end of the relatively empty supermarket, for assistance:

"Excuse me. You-hoo! I'm sorry to bother you, miss, but I can't seem to find any frozen polenta. Do you mind giving me a hand?"

The skinny woman with short auburn hair turned back and glanced at the source of that voice, almost shocked.

"Oh, my gaawd, Courtney! Hold up, will ya? There's this delusional lady who mistook me for a part of the staff again."- she nickered into her smartphone. "Yeahh, like you get all the laughs and giggles on my behalf while traveling with your boyfriend! You have all the fun and I'm forced to stay here and supervise the lame supermarket!"- she then turned to the flabbergasted Halinor, scanning her, her punch-pink colored coat and light-blonde locks from head to toes. "Excuse me, lady, but can you not be outrageous? You're not from around here, are you? If you were, you would've known, that I'm Bess Grumper! Supervisor and co-owner of the supermarket, not a part of the staff!"

"Oh, my bad, I couldn't have known."- Halinor stuttered, taken aback by Bess's nasty reaction. "It's just that I didn't see anyone else around the aisles and hence I thought- "

"Now you're saying that our supermarket is ratchet or what?"- Bess squalled. " Our supermarkets are the best range in town!"

"No, I didn't mean to-"

"Go back to the countryside, auntie! Your lack of knowledge clearly shows you belong there!"

That was the last straw. Halinor was usually quite a friendly and kind person, especially towards strangers- after all, she had a proper upbringing. She had been raised during different times...But after everything she had been through in her life, she had learned how to stand up for herself. She wasn't going to have some brat belittle her like that in her own home city:

"It is pretty obvious who belongs to the countryside, miss Grumper."- she said coldly. "Only your place is not just some countryside, your place is in the cowshed, you surly girl!"

And so she huffed past the Grumper sister with her cart, not even bothering to turn back or listen to the younger woman's indignant screams.

That encounter made blonde want to leave this place and never again return. After all, there were plenty of other, better grocery stores and supermarkets around the city, anyway! The ex-guardian was just heading for the checkouts when she heard a strong male voice somewhere behind herself and felt interested enough to look back:

"The woman served it to you good, you really are incredibly rude and low-bred, Bess! That's why you drive all your father's customers away from your supermarkets!"

"Ah! Whatevs! I don't have time for any of this! Walk on your way, Mr. Lyndon and if you are not a fan of our supermarkets, then quit coming here all the time!"- Bess huffed and stormed away in a goose-like gait. "Geezers these days!"

"I don't come here because of your good quality products or a good attitude, I come because it's the nearest two-star market to me home!"- the man yelled sarcastically after her. "Some of us people are quite busy and need not waste their time, you wouldn't know, I'm sure of it!"

Halinor caught herself staring as the man turned his head in her direction and started pushing his own cart towards her.

He was burly, even if old, with gray hair and facial hair, and glasses with thick black frames.

"Wait up, madam."- he called after the ex-guardian, after she had attempted to continue on her way to the nearest checkout. "I couldn't help myself from overheating. Here, take this. It was the last package in the refrigerators."- and he put a package in her cart, once he had made it to her.

"Oh, polenta."- Halinor exclaimed and smiled at the man. Now that he was standing so close to her, there was something familiar to his face... "Thanks, sir, but I can't take it, you laid eyes and hands on it first. It's your luck."

"Oh, but I insist."- the man smiled back. "After you had to endure that rude Bess's demeanor, I feel obligated to compensate you with this very product you desired. I'm certain your cooking is as brilliant as your smile."

If she had been a few decades younger, she would have actually blushed at that line, but Halinor couldn't help gawking at the man, anyway. Oh, God. Was he actually flirting with her?!

"Oh, please, I didn't in any way want to make such an impression."- the man said as if having read her facial expression. "I didn't mean to; how do the kids say it these days? To hit on you, you see, when I see a beautiful woman, I sometimes can't control the high-schooler in meself. The name is Zacharias Lyndon, while on the subject."- and he stretched a hand, which the ex-guardian almost didn't notice.

Instead, she shook her finger, suddenly having put up some old memories together.

"Zacharias Lyndon? Oh, my God! Have you by any chance ever been a student at Open Hill Central University? Dear, Zacharias, this will sound very zany if I'm mistaken, but I think you used to practice on giving out lectures in front of us, the first-year students!"

"Lord! That's remarkable, I did do that when I was there for my last year of bachelor's degree!"- Zacharias exclaimed, stupefied. "I gave lectures to the younger students almost every week, you mean to tell me that you were among these students? What is your name, If I may ask, madam?"

"Oh, I don't think you'll remember me."- Halinor waved her hand shyly. "I'm Halinor Clarkson, but...I'm the girl that left the University in her second year, actually, that's the slightly more memorable thing about me that I now recalled...If it brings up anything for you- "

"Halinor, of course! You're the girl who so aggressively, almost, demanded to be released and in the end left all the programs, despite having earned a full scholarship."- the ex-guardian felt her cheeks flush. If the pick-up line hadn't managed, this had made her blush visibly. "Why did you need to leave so suddenly, after all, Halinor?"

She looked down. Of course, she couldn't even think of telling him. How could she tell just anyone about the tragedy that had happened with C.H.Y.K.N all these years ago, even if that anyone was, in actuality, the dashing Zacharias Lyndon, who she had once found exceptionally cute. Thank God, now everything between her and her friends had been restored back to normal, after many years, and hence she didn't feel as terrible when remembering these black days. By now they were just a vivid nightmare from the past.

"Family problems."- she mumbled, realizing he was still expecting her answer.

Halinor met her former colleague and lector's eyes again and couldn't help return his smile. He was still quite charming for sure.

"Oh, what questions am I even asking you. It was 50 years ago. I often remind myself that we must live in the present!"- Zacharias boomed. "Halinor, it's not every day that I meet people I haven't seen in so many years. This might sound inappropriate again, but gosh darn it, what are you doing tonight? I'd like to catch up with you. In fact, my home is quite spacious and if you wish you could join me for dinner- "

Halinor smiled and shook her head, getting herself ready to politely decline his offer. After all, she had to cook dinner for Emily, she had already promised. Besides, it really did appear quite inappropriate to just meet Zacharias after so many years and decide to have dinner with him, in spite of the fact, that for some bedazzling reason, she felt like she knew him much more deeply than their time together had allowed them to get to know each other in reality. But when the ex-guardian reached to touch the man's hand in a friendly manner, a series of visions unfolded in front of her eyes.

So many scenes and pictures, transmitted through the energy of his body heat, made her head spin. She lost balance and Zacharias had to support her to prevent her from falling:

"Oh my, Halinor, are you alright?! What happened?"- his Scottish accent echoed in her ears, but Halinor managed to shake off the overwhelming feeling created by her powers and remain awake.

Yeah, this happened to her at times. Now that she was hooked to a Heart, even more than usual. At least now she had an idea of why she had had this strange feeling for the man, the entire time. Halinor licked her lips and thought feverishly. Of course, how hadn't she put two and two together earlier! At least for a part of the truth! God damn it, she had been to the observatory three days ago! Yet back then, the name Lyndon hadn't triggered the red lamp in her brain...Neither the observatory nor had she seen him there, anyway...

Halinor shook her head. She had to further investigate this.

"Maybe we have to leave this for another time...you're fatigue."

"I-I'm fine, Zacharias. Low blood pressure."- she managed to utter in the end. "I didn't mean to decline your offer, in fact, I must cook dinner for my friend's mother, but you can certainly join the two of us for dinner. I insist."


Trivia:
Ossobuco*- Ossobuco or osso buco is a specialty of Lombard cuisine of cross-cut veal shanks braised with vegetables, white wine and broth. It is often garnished with gremolata and traditionally served with either risotto alla milanese or polenta, depending on the regional variatio

polenta*- Polenta is a dish of boiled cornmeal that was historically made from other grains. It may be served as a hot porridge, or it may be allowed to cool and solidify into a loaf that can be baked, fried, or grilled.

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