Chapter 40
/ Archangel? /
Ztar's mental voice startled Warren. Their group and the other wedding guests had waited anxiously over a tona for news after the royal couple abruptly disappeared.
/ Yes? /
/ Jharda and I would very much appreciate it if you joined us in the infirmary. /
Warren felt joy and marvel in the man's thoughts. / Ettwanae…the others? /
/ Just you, Sukja, Atichi, and Gtar-Cro. /
Ettwanae and company were looking at him inquisitively.
"I've been summoned below. You four stay here – I'll be back." He left quickly before anyone could react.
As he reached the steps to the lower level of the palace, he spied Sukja and Atichi already at the stair base waiting. Gtar-Cro was quickly approaching. At Warren's questioning look, Gtar-Cro explained as they headed downstairs.
"He has summoned the child's vauntus."
"But I'm not a vauntu," Warren pointed out.
Gtar-Cro gave him a quick dart of eyes. "Apparently, Ztar and Jharda believe otherwise."
"I declined the offer quite clearly – I'm just too far away to be an effective mentor."
As they hit the last step, the always-serious general released the first, full-blown laugh Warren had heard from the man. It was deep and hearty – befitting the large Turzent.
"You may have declined, but once our Emperor has selected someone for an assignment, it is exceedingly difficult to extricate yourself."
Warren huffed. The General was right. "Sukja, what's your take on why I'm here?"
The Ozjaerian smiled one of those 'knowing' grins. Was everyone in on what Warren wasn't?
"The best way to find out is for us to proceed to the infirmary." Sukja took Atichi's hand and led the way.
What greeted the foursome was like a Norman Rockwell painting – proud, attentive father hovering over his beaming wife who cradled their sleeping newborn in loving arms as she sat in bed.
Sukja and Atichi stopped just past the doorway and bowed slightly, something Warren couldn't remember seeing Sukja do before in all the years he'd known the imperial aide. Following their lead, Gtar-Cro and Warren did likewise.
"Emperor and Empress, I offer my congratulations on the birth of our future monarch. May the gods be with your child for all its days."
"Thank you, General, for that blessing," Jharda accepted, and Ztar gave a single nod of thanks.
Curiosity was burning and assuming formalities were dispensed, Warren jumped in. "Is that future ruler an emperor or empress?"
Ztar chuckled as Jharda gave him 'I told you so' look. "Empress."
Warren asked the next logical question. "Does this future empress have a name?" Sukja cocked an eyebrow and Gtar-Cro looked a tad pained. Warren raised spread hands questioningly. "Did I say something wrong?"
"Emperor, perhaps an explanation of the vauntu ceremony would be helpful," Sukja suggested.
Warren huffed. "Don't get me wrong…I'm honored to be one of the first to see the baby, but if this is a summoning of the vauntus, why am I here?"
The couple exchanged an expression that guaranteed telepathic communication was transpiring. Moments later, Jharda turned to face them, all smiles.
"My husband points out that since this was my inspiration, it is for me to explain." The baby made a sudden sound, and all attention jumped there. Eyes remaining closed, the imperial daughter resettled quickly into deep slumber. The Empress returned her gaze to Warren. "When you declined as vauntu, we fully understood your decision and realized you spoke wisely. Someone so far away would find it challenging to provide regular guidance. The comnet is a wonderful thing, but it does not replace physical presence. Regardless, we were disappointed until Atichi agreed to be the soul vauntu." Jharda flashed a tender eye to the woman. "Thank you, friend Atichi – you will be the perfect soul guide."
Atichi dipped her head. "I will do all I can to honor your trust, friend Jharda."
"That I know without doubt." Empress Jharda recast focus to Warren. "But we were left wondering if there was a more formal role for you aside from what Ztar said you termed 'like an uncle who isn't a blood relative.' Then I remembered a possibility – something that goes far back in our traditions. Research was required, and what I learned turned out to be the perfect answer…if you will accept the title, that is." She turned and lifted her face. "I will leave the final honors to you, my Emperor."
Warren's famed curiosity burned white hot as Ztar smiled warmly in his direction.
"The title is Zjauru, and the literal translation from an old Turzent language is 'my friend in curiosity.' I think it fits you!" The smirk traveled all the way to the dark eyes, sending them twinkling with amusement.
Warren had to chuckle. "My reputation for asking questions?"
The Turzent nodded. "That and your latest adventure – you are a seeker of things, Archangel… meaning, explanation, answers, and more."
Jharda broke in. "Old texts describe the role of Zjauru as a friend that a child can look to for adventure and fun without expectations of learning and proper behavior, but with the understanding that those come hand-in-hand with the experiences the child and Zjauru spend together exploring life."
Sukja looked perplexed. "I don't recall ever reading about such a role."
"Zjaurues fell out of favor generations ago only because it was felt between Vauntus and the comnet, children no longer required the fourth mentor. Personally, I feel something was lost with the end of that tradition – a child needs an adult they can simply call friend."
"But your child can have all kinds of friends – ones far closer to Sat'rey than I will be."
Jharda cocked an eyebrow. "We have been unclear. A Zjauru relationship is a friendship with purpose – to guide the child in seeking the joy and magic in life without it feeling like lessons. The relationship is far more casual. Where Vauntus are instructors, Zjaurues are…" She looked to Ztar as if for help with just the right word.
"Playfellows."
Warren considered for a moment. It was an odd concept, but it made some sense. Kids often needed a big brother or big sister where parental and mentor expectations were on the sidelines.
"So with the empress-to-be, we would just hang out and have a good time."
Ztar tilted a hand in agreement. "While teaching through example how to take in the wonders of life through curious exploring and asking questions, neither of which you should find difficult." Again, the smirk.
Warren let a quick roll of eyes communicate his pseudo annoyance. "Fine. But I won't be here – Ettwanae and I are settling on Earth."
"Comnet and visits," the new parents countered in unison.
Looking to Gtar-Cro, Sukja, and Atichi, he found no encouragement for an escape from the latest snare to get him involved in the child's upbringing. 'Why fight it?' he asked himself. He wanted Ztar and company to remain part of his life.
"Very well, I accept. Just hope I live up to expectations." The round of chuckles and flip remarks about his gift for questions left him good-naturedly stung.
The Empress soothingly stroked the sleeping child's brow as she stirred, then looked to Warren. "Thank you, Archangel. Our daughter will be blessed with the very best of Vauntus and Zjauru."
At Jharda's words, smug satisfaction filled Gtar-Cro's face as he turned to Warren. The expression clearly said, 'I told you so.' Warren chose to ignore it and instead shot a look between Jharda and Ztar.
"Surprisingly, I still have one question." All manner of feigned dismay was exchanged around the room, which Warren also disregarded. "Can we finally know her name?"
Atichi's hand came to rest on Warren's arm. "Dear friend, that is why we were summoned. As the child's guides, we are to be the first to hear it."
"Then let's hear it already!" he retorted lightheartedly.
Ztar laughed. "By all means, let the presentment begin. Ztar repositioned himself and slid hands beneath the child's head as Jharda moved hers under the infant's body. Together, they raised the child up. With Sukja's nonverbal directions, Gtar-Cro and Warren moved to one side of the bed, while Atichi and Sukja stood on the other.
"Our chosen Vauntus and Zjauru, unto you we offer our daughter. Her mind, body, soul, and friendship we place into your wisdom. Guide her, teach her, train her to become all she is destined to be. Into your love, we entrust Ztajha."
Following the lead of the others, Warren raised arms out across the bed. Jharda and Ztar transferred the baby onto the four pairs of stretched hands. Sukja then carefully moved one hand to the Ztajha's forehead.
"Her mind I pledge to expand," he vowed, and moved his hand back beneath the child.
Atichi was next, and gently laid a palm across Ztajha's chest. "Her soul I pledge to nourish."
Gtar-Cro followed suit, laying a hand upon the child's abdomen. "Her body I pledge to strengthen."
Instructions appeared in Warren's mind. Placing a palm against the infant soles, he repeated the words Ztar had given him. "Her wonder and seeking I pledge to befriend."
The foursome then returned Ztajha to her parents. Together, Ztar and Jharda cradled their child and spoke in unison. "Our love and protection we pledge unto you, Ztajha of the House of Ztar and Jharda."
"May the Gods look favorably upon your House and all within," Gtar-Cro added.
It was soon apparent the ceremony was over as Atichi and Jharda quickly began ooing and cooing over the amazingly still sleeping infant. The men pulled back from the infirmary bed.
"Take it from your daughter's name is a blend of yours and Jharda's names?"
Ztar nodded, with a quick glance back toward his wife and child. "Yes, Archangel, it is an old tradition. We decided to continue the practice as another way to strengthen imperial customs that had eroded over time."
"You always have been somewhat of a traditionalist."
"I believe in holding onto traditions when they make sense. We need anchors to our past or we may find ourselves weakened and directionless."
Gtar-Cro slapped Ztar across the back of a shoulder. "Well said."
Sukja looked up at the monarch. "Emperor, you have wedding guests who wait anxiously for news."
Ztar's eyes widened as if he'd forgotten completely that it was their wedding day. "By the Gods, you are right! Come, my friends. Let us tell the Empire that this day they also welcome a new princess."
And that was exactly what they did. A double celebration ensued.
###
Weeks After the Wedding Ceremony
Phai watched as workers constructed her new tranquility garden. It was not lavish or expansive, but of simple design and intimate. After the Eilu had discovered her home on Jjei in the Systems Commonwealth, it was not safe to return. Winning the battle did not secure safety. The enemy remained and would do what it could between now and Norzra'tir's next attempt to secure victory…even if that battle was thousands of mortal years away.
So much good had come from victory, though, that the Shozen Elder was determined to no longer dwell on troubles. She edged toward the area of garden that was complete – the vertical reflecting pool. Gazing deeply into the watery image of herself and the garden in the making, Phai took in a deep breath and slowly released it. Would she ever know true peace? Would her lithe frame ever be without bone-deep tension? Perhaps she should pass the torch and mentor her successor. Perhaps for a while she would allow herself to just do nothing.
"Our goddess says to heal within, friend Phai."
She had been so deep in thought that Taer's approach had gone unnoticed. Phai cast a warm smile over her shoulder to the towering woman who had become dear to her. Friendship was a luxury the women were relearning.
"Your meditations were productive?"
Indigo lips spread into a warm smile. "Indeed. With each session, my connection to Ozshi'wanae strengthens. The others are experiencing similar success."
With a tilt of head, Phai felt happiness for the Triune…and envy. What would it be like to have such a strong link with their goddess?
"She is pleased with you, Phai. Never doubt that," the much taller woman continued. A hand outstretched toward her. "Come, she wishes me to work with you. We believe your mind powerful enough with training."
Phai was suddenly almost fearful of what was to come. Was she mentally prepared for what Taer offered? Only one way to know.
With a determined grip, she took the hand of her people's future.
###
Light years away, ships met – two Eshaar'ne and one Etagllot. A small, but priceless parcel was exchanged, concluding the brief rendezvous.
As the amulet settled against T'Qilla's chest, mother and daughter admired its intricate beauty as Bae noted that once again, she and T'Qilla were complete.
The Elder of Elders had kept her promise.
"If only father were here," the daughter whispered sadly as she fingered her own amulet.
A mother's tender touch fell on Ettwanae's shoulder. "He watches from the Light, Ettwanae. He is with us."
###
One Month Later
She was radiant. Cliché, but the perfect descriptor, Warren believed. Jean had found a softly golden, flowing, almost ethereal shin-length dress of simple design that enhanced Ettwanae's natural beauty. It was a perfect early autumn day…the cloudless sky was a rich azure; a hint of coolness crisped the air, while the sun softly warmed. Gentle breezes occasionally caught and lifted Ettwanae's golden locks and swirled delicate fabric.
The setting was the large, informal back gardens of Warren's Centerpoint estate with Charles presiding and Volu acting as backdrop. Hank, Bobby, Jean, and Scott were in attendance, as were Gatebi and Flint, with Ztar and Jharda, Sukja and Atichi, and Moit'de, Ab, Gragne, and others joining via holo-comm.
As they exchanged nuptials, only Ettwanae existed for Warren – she filled his vision and his awareness; his every breath. He barely heard the words Charles spoke that were a blend of traditional Christian vows and phrases Volu had offered to honor Ettwanae's heritage, which did not have a marriage ceremony in its customs. Ettwanae had said soulbinding was her people's "marriage ceremony;" hence in her eyes, they were already wed, but she happily went along with his desire for an Earth-style wedding because she loved him.
And he loved her enough to ensure all the requirements were met and exceeded for a legal marriage, despite her non-Human status. He'd not allow anyone to challenge her rights to all that was his.
As he listened to her "I do" and spoke his in return, it all seemed a dream…a beautiful, amazing, sing-from-the-mountaintop, never-believed-it'd-come-true dream. He, Warren Worthington the Third, multi-time loser in the relationship department, was getting married!
Happiness sunk to the depths of soul. He smiled like a deliriously happy drunk when Charles said, "You may kiss the bride."
And you bet he did! Dramatically dipping her low in a so-much-more-than-polite, public kiss – nothing like that for the woman who could nearly incinerate him in bed with passion. When he brought them upright again, he swept her up into his arms as she squealed and giggled.
"Time to carry my bride over the threshold!" he declared, mischief dancing in the crystalline-blue eyes. Powerful wings spread wide, he coiled into a crunch, and launched in a rush of white feathers and downdraft and designer fabrics.
Up in the azure firmament amongst the sun and wind and birds, he hovered and kissed his bride again. Finally, lips parted and they gazed blue eyes into blue. He saw eternity in those orbs.
"I love you," he whispered, but the words were inadequate for what he felt.
"Wythsearra myrlu, 'ne ura-mai," she returned, the tenderness in her voice bringing tears to him.
"Wythsearra myrlu, 'ne ura-mai."
"Forever."
"For always."
He captured her sweet lips again in his as she had captured his once love-shy heart. Warren Worthington, a.k.a. Angel come Archangel, had found heaven.
###
Nine Years Later
Warren was a happy man. Years ago, all the pains of the past had scuttled like cowardly shadows from the luminosity of her smile to eventual banishment. And she smiled most of the time. When she looked at him around a wing and winked coyly. When she woke in the morning and mussed his hair before kissing his lips and whispering "good morning, my soulbound." When he came home at night and she greeted him at the door, eager to share news of their days. And the special, motherly smile reserved for their two energetic children.
She was beautiful. Beautiful when running or flying after their youngest as he giggled and darted from her in tag-you're-it. Beautiful when kissing Warren. Beautiful when she fussed to ensure he looked just right for the 'big meeting' on any number of endless meeting days.
Days were full as he led Worthington Industries and his family. Weekdays sped by too quickly to be grasped firmly, but weekends were for family: retreats to the Colorado aerie, getaways to the Upstate New York cabin, or simply enjoying together time at the Centerpoint mansion.
Life was wonderful.
Since that momentous day on Atmos Prime, Warren had never felt better physically or mentally. Ta'uii had removed the nannites. Whether more psychological than physical, he believed their removal left him in better condition than at any point since his teen/early 20s prime. And he never again suffered a feral incident. Had the Sentinel done more than rid him of the nannites?
No answer. However, another mystery had perhaps been resolved...the delicate question of whether he was Human or Esha'Aru or mixed blood. Over time, he'd started remembering bits and pieces of something that took place within Etxan'Ir. It may have all been a figment of his mind under stress, but he recalled speaking to an immensely powerful entity. Ozshi'wanae? He couldn't say, but the answer came that physically he was of Earth, but his soul was Esha'Aru. While still puzzling as to how that could be possible, he decided it was a satisfactory explanation.
Turning attention outward once again, he watched from the doorway as Ettwanae helped their eldest finish homework. Tarell's face frowned in concentration. She looked so much like her mother…the same delicate features, richly golden curls, sparkling blue eyes…and the same delightful laugh and bright outlook. Tarell did have Warren's determination, though, and many of his more pragmatic sensibilities. Perfect blend of mother and father.
The Esha'Aru… a sad, happy story. After the Dark Coming was averted, Shozen Elders and the Nexus Sentinels joined forces to gather the survivors of the Eilu's campaign of genocide. Thirty-six eventually answered the summons, not counting Ettwanae. Thirty-seven steps from extinction in Trient'Ir. Frightening.
Warren had immediately jumped into the effort of giving Ettwanae's people a new life by petitioning Ztar on their behalf. The Emperor happily donated an uninhabited star system to the race, and then opened the imperial coffers for the colonists. Ailos was a Sat'reyan-like planet slated for Imperial colonization in the future, but Ztar had said he couldn't think of a more deserving species to occupy the system.
Combining his Earthly resources with Imperial aid, Warren shipped all manner of goods and building products required to establish a settlement and begin a new era in Esha'Aru civilization. The effort took the better part of a year and were some of the most rewarding months he'd ever spent. In fact, he'd felt compelled to do the work and wasn't certain he could have chosen otherwise. Something deep in his soul had been fed from that project. And the rewards continued. Latest count, there were nine additions to the Esha'Aru population. Seeing the youngsters grow and live the carefree lives children should brought him boundless satisfaction.
T'Qilla had become the leader of her people, impressing everyone with her wisdom and organizational skills. The Esha'Aru also chose T'Qilla as their official representative in Turzent Empire dealings – she proved up to the task. Ettwanae and he visited Ailos as often as they could, and while saying good-bye to her mother and the others was never easy, Ettwanae always preferred to return to Earth. Warren was eternally grateful for that sacrifice.
Suddenly, their son came running into the great room from another doorway.
"Mommy, mommy, look what I caught!" the boy shouted in the wonder-filled voice of a five-year-old, clutching something in small hands, with wings slightly flapping in his excitement.
He watched as Warren the Fourth carefully opened cupped hands while his mother peered to see the treasure inside.
"A butterfly!" Ettwanae exclaimed with shared delight.
Tarell rolled her eyes and snapped wings. Warren was becoming quite familiar with that expression as the eight-year-old going on 20-something judged the situation childish.
'Oh, you are your father's daughter, all right!' Love and pride warmed his chest. 'How far you've come, Worthington ol' boy. Husband. Father. Corporate mogul. Is it all you thought it would be?'
Hawk-sharp, crystalline-blue eyes shot his way. "Come see, Daddy. It's beautiful! I caught it all by myself!"
'All that and so much more!' he answered himself, a wide smile spreading across his face. He realized he did that a lot. 'So very much more.'
He suddenly remembered he was to comm Ztar and Jharda that day. Uncle Warren was to arrange a visit to Sat'rey to attend the upcoming Warrior Rites ceremony for the royal couple's daughter. They'd make a family vacation of it. Volu had actually posed that spin. The Eshaar'ne had presented it as 'good for the children to experience other cultures.' He had to agree.
Thoughts of travel led him to Flint and Gatebi – quite a surprising outcome there. The two had lived at the Centerpoint estate for a while after Ztar and Jharda's wedding. It wasn't long before they became restless and bored, but neither wanted to return to their old life. In a stroke of brilliance, Warren decided to purchase a starship and hire a crew for his friends. The short version of the story – Flint and Gatebi grew that into a successful freight transport company. Warren chuckled internally. Never in his wildest dreams could he have envisioned Flint as a businessman. Gatebi was definitely the brains of the operation, but Flint was the sales guru. Endless enthusiasm and boyish charm served him well. The partners paid Warren back for the ship in a surprising gesture and in an amazingly short timeframe. It was then that Warren decided to buy non-voting shares in the promising company, and the capital influx was used to buy a second ship. ReiDara Logistics currently boasted five interstellar freighters.
On a personal note, the two had never formalized their relationship, but close friends all knew Gatebi and Flint were far more than business partners. Another happy ending.
Warren pulled himself off the doorjamb and joined the three people whom he loved more than he believed possible to love.
"We'll admire it for a minute, Warren, but then we set it free. Winged creatures aren't meant to be captives."
His young son's eyes widened. "Yes, Daddy." The little head nodded up and down in firm agreement. "They should fly happy, right?"
A wash of fond memories of Moit'de came. The man remained a dear friend despite the vast interstellar distance, and they commed regularly. "Yes, son, wings are meant for free and happy flying."
After so many years of searching, he had found permanence, fulfillment, and soul-deep joy. Warren Worthington the Third was flying on happy wings – soaring high on the winds of contentment.
- The End -
###
In Marvel Comics, despite all his material wealth, Warren always seems to get short-changed in the personal happiness side of life. So how could I end this series with anything less than happily ever after? This ending is for you, Warren. May you fly happy wherever you roam in the fictional realm!
And to my real-world story followers, the heartfelt words 'thank you for reading' are inadequate, but all I have to offer. Hope this last journey was worth the trip! While I planted seeds for another novel (kukos to anyone who picked up on that), I have no plans to continue the series.
Eternal gratitude goes to my reviewers and especially to OutsideLookIn and Louisestarfly. Your steadfast loyalty and support mean more than even I as a writer can express. I hope to be returning the favor soon, my friends!
To everyone…may happiness be your companion wherever life leads.
Echo Dancer
"When you write from the soul, the pen moves itself."