Epilogue

three days later

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'I can't believe that we're on the same ship!'

Sean bent over the railing so far, that it seemed he might fly or... rather fall down.

Sean, be careful…

'Professor?!' he gulped.

Sorry to startle you. See you at dinner.

Alex turned head in his direction.

'I honestly don't give a damn if we lose you or not, but don't upset him. Clear?'

'I never… What's come into you? Are you in the bad mood again?'

'I'm not. I'm thinking. There are so many facts that just don't match. What about our powers – what the hell is this… Is it temporary? Is it permanent? You know, I've forgotten almost everything about our journey – as if ages have passed… That's unnatural.'

'We can ask professor and his friend. What's so funny?'

Alex chuckled at the word 'friend'.

And more than that – this Lehnsherr fellow gave him the creeps.

'Nothing. Absolutely nothing!'

'…thought he would kill me when I went to give professor his diary.'

'What a loss that would have been!' smirked Alex. 'Next time, when you do something as silly as approach the person – who was tortured and nearly murdered – from behind, you'll think twice. Are you blind? You must have seen how he acts around us all. Be sure to open your eyes once in a while and really look around. You are…You'll see a lot of interesting things.'

'Oh,' Sean fumbled with his sleeve. 'Oh my god… The professor is still…'

Well, he's really thick – mused Alex somewhat darkly. Thick but so carefree…

'Stop interrupting me. I've not finished!'

'Don't scold the boy, teacher,' murmured Emma leaning against his back.

Sean suddenly developed the previously unknown ability to evaporate in the air.

I like this strict and reprimanding tone of yours. Who would have thought…

'Is this an offer?'

Who knows…

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Charles was exhausted, tired and sleepy for three days. He did it. He created a stable mental connection between Erik and himself, but the attempt left him out of energy. Now Charles was occupying a soft bed in his cabin, without any desire to leave it in the immediate future. Well, he still needs to come to dinner.

Erik was sitting in the posh armchair beside the bed reading a book. Charles offered Darwin and it was a good advice. Erik dutifully turned page after page, betraying no signs of boredom. He noticed Charles' mental probing and smiled. It works wonderful – they are able to act in perfect synch due to the link. Charles had to spend a certain amount of time on the astral plane – it really existed, imagine his wonder. The experience was useful if only exhausting. But now Charles remembers.

Erik...

He called without opening his eyes.

When Erik focused on him, he went on.

You won't like it, I guess, but I need to show you...

He calmed Erik's worry with a light and he hoped warm touch.

I remember now. Remember how I was captured by keepers, how they tried to feed them my blood. I died then, Erik. For real.

Mattress dipped when Erik sat beside him.

They brought me back for a reason. Emma and I we have their blessing. Telepathy, I assume. In our blood there is the key to the secrets of the universes – the endless evolution.

He tried to share the images with Erik.

Fire which was so much more. Cycles of life and death. In perpetuity… a motion.

Resembles the image of the mythical Phoenix, burning and resurrecting in never ending cycle. This is only a small fragment of the whole picture. As it goes, this force is not alone in the world – it has an opponent… if we use the earth terminology here… someone, whose purpose is to end the cycle, to absorb the energy. To devour worlds. And, yes, you're right, my friend. Our world is next…

Charles rolled on his back and added, looking into grey serious eyes:

'They give me another chance for a reason, Erik. I can see it now – lots of minds sparkling in the darkness – people like you and me. We are no longer alone. The Lost City fell, and with it fell the barrier that was only slowing down natural process. Armando didn't even come close to the Lost City and yet he also can do wonderful things. And many others…'

'Hmm, I can see what you want to say,' Erik's amused voice and mischievous flash in his eyes unsettled Charles a bit.

'I believe that knowing that we know, we need to help those people.'

He paused expectantly.

'Of course. Because somebody has to,' nodded Erik, faking seriousness and laughing inside.

'Erik!'

'I won't talk you out of it anyway. So, the only option I've got is to lead the parade. And thank you for the book – Darwin was right.'

Only Erik can spice the grave situation up with cynicism.

World is in danger.

'So, we shall guide new species?'

'That's not quite what I have in mind!'

Erik pressed Charles to the bed and said in a low implying voice:

'I know you well, professor. You'd like to help the majority of young troubled idiots to get enlightened. Prove me wrong. But, you know, my methods are more dynamic and… practical.'

'Can't deny…' Charles' foolish heart was beating faster and faster, 'May I suggest that we combine two approaches.'

We can try.

Erik's lips are his supernatural power. Erik is a unique and beautiful being. Charles still couldn't believe his luck.

Before surrendering to Erik's mercy, he decided that the final word should rest with him.

My friend, this is only the beginning.

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If you've read this far my gratitude will be endless.

Again, thank you for reading and especially for those who had time to drop a comment. You guys are the best of the best.

Anyway, this story is pretty chlishedand I know where I tried and failed to create some plot devices... Don't be mad.

Have a nice part of the day!

Lot's of love!