Darkness and Light: New Light

By Kyle Hoy

Its been thousands of cycles since the sphere of light drove the darkness from Terra. Auron and his remaining Omans understood they could no longer interfere with the natural progression of human life, so they created a structure concealed within the clouds to watch over and protect the life upon their planet. In time, Auron believed the humans could become more powerful than the Omans but knew the darkness would stop at nothing to return Terra to its original desolate state.

This is the third installment for the Darkness and Light series. Any new readers who have not read the first two installments may begin reading on chapter 27 where you will be immediately introduced to Addicus Walker.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Sep 13, 2017
• ISBN: 9781546207634

Kyle Hoy

I have always had a story in my head that I've always wanted to share with the world. As I began, I wrote down all my ideas and listed each idea in chronological order. Over the years, I have probably forgotten some of the storyline, but I am very happy how it has evolved. I truly believe anyone can write as long as they are passionate and stay focused on their piece. In late 2013, I was going through a rough patch in my life, and I made it my 2014 New Year's resolution to write a book. Originally, it was a way to relieve the daily stress, but I later realized this could be a way to reach others and help them escape any stresses in their life even for a few minutes or hours. I am originally from Lincoln, Nebraska, and moved to Omaha, Nebraska, for almost three years, and in 2013, I found myself moving to North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, as I took a career advancement. I will soon be releasing a series of books, and I am really excited to get my work out there and captivate the world.

Book preview

Prologue

Thousands of cycles had passed since the Darkness was driven from Terra after the Light placed the platform with the light sphere upon it in place, which created the atmosphere. With Terra finally free from the grip of the Darkness, Auron and his nine remaining Omans began the arduous task of creating a structure concealed within the clouds where they would reside. They placed each section of the structure at the center of the peak of the mountain, and the Light set the sections in place piece by piece.

Auron and his Omans watched over the humans but from a great distance, for they could no longer interfere with the progression of their natural evolution. From which, the humans flourished and Auron foresaw that the humans would soon inherit Terra as the superior beings.

Chapter 1

Auron and his Omans finished the final piece of the structure they had begun building thousands of cycles ago out of the tough skin metal. They named this structure concealed within the clouds Argus. The Light guided the Omans to create this final platform called the Temple of the All-Seeing Eye. This temple would house a crucial tool they could use to gaze upon Terra. If there were any signs of the Darkness or Hollowed Minions on the surface, the Omans would come to aid the humans. The Omans carefully set the disk in place, and its weight gave off a deep vibration that shook the floor. The Omans were relieved to finally complete Auron’s vision they had started so long ago.

They placed the final section at the center of the peak of the mountain and the power of the Light reached out from the core of Terra and lit up the Temple of the All-Seeing Eye. They each stepped onto the platform, and through the power of the Light it gradually ascended.

As the platform ascended, they looked over the horizon; Terra’s surface had experienced countless changes since the Light had ignited the core. Their ship was still inoperable because they focused solely on Argus after each vowed to follow Auron’s vision in creating Argus.

Garathorn bent over and placed his hands upon his knees. Gregor gave out a laugh and sarcastically said, Don’t tell me the mighty Garathorn can be so easily defeated by heights.

Merek smirked, for he knew Garathorn needed to be humbled every now and again.

Relix wrapped her arms around Garathorn and whispered, Just breathe slowly.

Garathorn looked into his lightmate’s eyes and felt his mind ease. He stood tall, slugged Gregor in the shoulder, and replied, I am invincible. You think an inadequate foe could defeat me? He turned from Gregor and a queasy expression appeared upon his face, for he still did not feel comfortable in his current state.

Sure, you’re invincible alright, replied Gregor. He nudged Garathorn forward closer to the edge of the platform, and Garathorn gave out a short, high-pitched yelp and jumped back. Just as I thought.

Merek turned to them and said, That is enough you two. Garathorn and Gregor quickly silenced; Merek turned to Auron, who showed no sign of emotion upon his face, and wondered what his king was thinking.

The Temple of the All-Seeing Eye came to rest and interlocked perfectly with the other platforms. As the final piece settled in place, each of their omas powered up automatically and projected towards the center of the disk. The disk filled with a clear liquid and the Protector appeared before them. This is the Purity; a living substance that can be controlled by each of you through the power of your oma. While in use, the Purity will present the user a window anywhere upon Terra’s surface. It will also automatically detect any movements from the Darkness or Hollowed Minions. The Protector descended into the Purity and their omas became still.

The massive doors to the temple opened and they each gazed upon Argus for the first time. They created the most beautiful structure the Omans had ever built which reminded them of Sonos. Auron turned to his nine Omans and said, This could not have been possible without each of you; I am forever in your debt. He saluted them and each returned the honor.

They explored each section together; everything about Argus was magnificent: the floors, the walls, and their Omanian symbols struck directly into the tough skin metal. They had created a structure that housed the Diamond Motion Sphere and a large open area for training; everything on Argus was perfectly in its place.

They celebrated their first evening on Argus with a huge feast. For the first time in thousands of cycles, they wouldn’t have to melt and forge the tough skin the next light. They called this celebration the First Argus Light to commemorate the completion of their hard work. Osheida made a feast that none of them would ever forget; much of the feast was a hybrid of their original Omanian cuisine because they had run out of many of their supplies long ago. The kavarian root thrived from the moisture and the nutrients within the soil on Terra, which made it evolve in its own way. The kavarian root no longer burrowed deep within the soil; rather, it protruded out of the ground and stretched toward the light given off by Sonos.

As they gathered to enjoy the feast, a dark sky revealed itself and the light from Sonos reflected upon Luna. This gave them all peace of mind because they knew Sonos and the Omans upon it were safe. If the Darkness were to ever extinguish the heart of Sonos, Terra would soon follow, for it could not survive by itself. All the Omans missed their home but understood they could not return to Sonos until they ensured the future of their people.

Auron raised his goblet of fire ale in the air and said, We remember all of our fallen brothers and sisters who sacrificed their own light for our future. They each poured a small amount of fire ale from their goblets to honor the fallen.

Auron turned to Osheida and said, Give thanks to Osheida, for she has prepared the finest of feasts for us. Many gave out a cheer. I want to personally thank each of you for having the courage and bravery to follow your king into the unknown. I declare each of you is now given the title of protector of Terra.

That evening, they each took a vow never to interfere with the natural ways of life; every living creature needed to find its own path. If one creature thrived over another and the other became extinct, it was because it was the Light’s plan.

In the thousands of cycles, it took the Omans to complete Argus, they witnessed the humans flourish who developed multiple languages based off the Omanian language. The humans also created unbreakable bonds with their families like the bonds of the Omans. Over time, the humans explored every corner of Terra and developed different civilizations on each of the seven great pieces of land mass. The Omans also noticed changes in the humans; they adapted to their climate to better sustain life and protect themselves from predators. This evolution was like that of the Tilleons but happened at a more gradual rate of change over time. The longer they stayed in certain areas, the stronger the next generations became.

Other creatures besides the humans also began to flourish; the forgotten beasts of the Darkness, called the Fang, became important partners with the humans. The humans bred the Fang, and with each generation, the Fang grew smaller because they were no longer ridden, nor were they in constant battle. The Fang assisted the humans in hunting and alerted them when predators lurked in the shadows. The Fang became known as man’s best friend because they had a relationship in which they both needed each other and would do anything to keep each other safe. The Omans also hatched the two female griffin eggs they brought with them for their return to Terra. The female griffins were name Fallon and Priesha.

The Hollowed Minions left behind and forgotten by the Darkness surfaced from the darkest depths of Terra with the objective of ruling over all living creatures. The Omans came to defend the humans and were victorious. The Hollowed Minions’ numbers were few, and their rotten flesh was weak, as though the Darkness had abandoned them. Many humans witnessed the power of the Omans through these battles, and some began to praise and worship them as beings of a higher power. The humans started to record these interactions through paintings and carvings on walls, which eventually evolved into rare documentations. Auron feared the Omans’ presence could interfere with the humans’ progression and believed the Omans had to keep their existence hidden from the life upon Terra.

Chapter 2

The first couple of cycles on Argus went by slowly because the more time the Omans spent concealed in the clouds, the more they felt an empty void fester inside them. They didn’t understand what they needed to do to fill this void, but each time they descended to the surface to protect the life upon Terra, the void lessened. Auron could see the emptiness within his Omans’ eyes and gathered all of them in the Temple of the All-Seeing Eye.

Argus is our home, but over time, we have grown desperate and empty. If we do not address this empty feeling, it will turn into despair, and the Darkness could use this to enter our bodies.

Akina replied, I believe it is because we are at too great a distance from the core and suspended closer to the darkness of space. The continuous movement of Argus revolving around Terra is something our bodies are not accustomed to; we need to find a way to be closer to Terra to expel this emptiness.

Gregor said, I miss the feeling of the soft, moist soil; walking on the tough skin platforms is too flat and hard. I think we should transport some of the surface to Argus and create our own area to remind us of what we helped the Light create. When I take a deep breath on Argus, the air is dry and stale. I miss the moisture in the air. When I took a deep breath, it invigorated my internal light. I miss the bodies of water where we shared many lights of relaxation; while in the water, it was as though our bodies were transported to a new world of silence and weightlessness.

Garathorn looked over and gave Gregor a quick nod in agreement.

Atmo said, I have researched the behavioral cycles of water since the atmosphere was created and concluded Terra naturally cleans and recycles it. I believe I could build a machine that would capture the moisture within the air and funnel it into a large pool of water on Argus. From this pool, it could feed any plant life we transport from the surface. It could also help conceal our presence, because it could change the water from a liquid state and freeze it in a gaseous state, which would create denser cloud coverage around Argus. The additional coverage would make it nearly impossible for the gaze of the Darkness to locate our position. Once the water becomes dirty, we will process it through a filtration system to be cleaned and have it rain down upon the surface.

Gregor asked, You’d do that for me?

A humble smile formed on the right side of Atmo’s cheek and answered, This is not just for you but for all of us and what we need on Argus to truly make it our home. You will have to do a lot of the heavy lifting, but we can create this machine together.

A bright smile appeared on Gregor’s face, and he nodded in agreement. The two had grown close over the cycles, creating a brotherhood similar to the relationship Atmo had shared with his lost brother, Atlos.

Relix expressed her concerns. I miss the humans and interacting with them, but I know we cannot allow them on Argus because the air is too thin to sustain their lives. The Omans had a tough time with the high altitude at first, but their bodies quickly adapted to their surroundings through the power of their oma. I believe we should be closer to the humans and interact with them.

Auron, with a look of separation on his face, replied, I too feel the same emptiness and yearn to be closer to the humans, but we cannot interfere with the natural ways of life. We must continue to watch over the humans from afar until the time is right.

Merek asked, What if we were to create a connection with a particular human bloodline? The Omans looked at each other with curiosity. I believe we can create a bond with the humans through the power of our oma. The Light will guide us to the individual who is worthy enough for each of our internal lights. The human bloodline will become our direct link to Terra and will be passed on from generation to generation. This bond will allow us to keep in contact with the humans and continue our understanding of human evolution and ways of living.

Auron replied, My wisest friend, I believe your words are true, and the void within each of us will be filled by this direct link with the humans. We will descend to the surface and allow our internal lights to guide each of us to the human bloodline that is the purest. When you have located the direct link, power up your oma, and I believe a worthy human will be drawn in by the light as your internal light will be drawn to him or her. The humans will be both curious and confused, but allow the human to enter your oma, and this will create an unbreakable bond.

Garathorn asked, What do you propose as the best way to locate our direct link with the purest humans? If we go by foot, it could take many cycles, not to mention the great bodies of water that separate the different land masses.

Afena answered, The griffins will assist us. We will mount Oryun and surge our oma through him. Our internal light will guide him to the purest of the human bloodline.

The humans were still relatively primitive beings; a human ambassador within multiple civilizations linked to an Oman would strengthen their civilizations. Each human ambassador would be fully aware of the Omans’ existence but would keep this knowledge from others. Through this link, the human ambassador would also gain a heightened understanding of everything and would be naturally sought out by countless others.

Auron said, It is imperative we make our presence known only to the humans who will become our direct links. After we have created our bonds with the humans, you will spend an entire light with them and learn all you can from each of their civilizations. Each of us will then visit the human bloodline for one light with each cycle that passes.

Merek said, Auron, with your permission, I request to take the first flight in search for the human bloodline worthy of my bond.

Auron rested his hand on Merek’s shoulder and replied, You proposed this idea, and you should be the first to find your human bloodline. Record all of your findings, and when you return, report back to me immediately so we can inform the others of your experience.

Merek bowed out of respect to his king and responded, I will succeed, and through this direct link, this empty void will be satisfied within each of us. He turned to his lightmate, Osheida, and their eyes met. He felt her concern for his safety but knew she would support his decision.

Auron addressed Gregor’s concern and ordered Atmo, Begin the commission of the machine to gather the moisture in the air. The rest of us will begin the process of transporting a great amount of Terra’s surface to the open area upon Argus. For now, we must all retire to our living quarters, for when the light of Sonos rises, we have a lot of work ahead of us.

The Omans dispersed to their quarters, excited for their new task. They couldn’t wait until Argus truly felt like home and the empty void was filled completely. Auron knew the emptiness was a weakness that could lead to the Darkness finding a way to infiltrate their bodies, consume them, and turn them against the Light.

As Garathorn and Relix entered their chambers, Relix voiced her concerns. I am weak, my lightmate.

Garathorn embraced Relix and asked, Why would you speak such a lie? He gazed into Relix’s eyes and saw a dark abyss with them.

Tears escaped each of Relix’s eyes and replied, I believe the emptiness within me is greater than anyone else’s. I do not know if interacting with the humans one light every cycle is enough to fill the empty void within me. I need continuous interaction with the humans; I delivered countless newborn humans into this world on the first mission to Terra, and it was the only time I have ever felt whole. I do not know if a singular direct link with a human bloodline is enough. I feel I am destined to play a bigger part in the development of the humans.

Garathorn wrapped his arms around Relix to embrace his lightmate. You have played a key part in the evolution of the humans, and I can feel your emptiness within you through our lightmate bond. I will do anything to alleviate this void within you. I would follow you to the end of time, but Argus is our new home, and we cannot separate ourselves from the others. We are much stronger in numbers and cannot interfere with the path the humans must take.

Relix said, You were my escape during all the cycles when we constructed Argus. No matter how exhausted I was from the tedious work, your love carried me through it. I do not plan to leave the others, nor would I position my lightmate to make a choice between me and the others. Through our lightmate bond, I know you would always support me, even if it was the wrong choice.

Garathorn had a confused look on his face. What is this you speak of?

Relix paused and then replied, Our bond has become impenetrable, but I believe it could cloud your judgment and lead you to make foolish decisions. In this weakened state of judgment, I would never ask you to leave Argus, because I know you would choose to follow me, and it is not the best decision for us.

Garathorn traditionally joked at times like this, but asked in a serious tone, What do you wish of me, my lightmate?

I want and need human interaction. I want to nurture all life on Terra—but here on Argus.

Garathorn shook his head. But from your research, Argus cannot sustain human life, because the air is too thin.

Relix smiled. I want to create new life. I have continued my research on the human anatomy, and I believe the time has come for us to create new light.

What is this new light you speak of? asked Garathorn.

Relix’s face lit up at his question. I believe the time has come when I can create new Omans. I have run many tests on human and Omanian genetics, and our genetic makeups are close enough to take the next step. We came here to ensure the future of our people through the humans, and they have flourished on Terra, just as we did on Sonos. The humans evolved faster than the Oman people did when we were still considered primitive beings. The humans are fertile and we must use them to ensure the future of our people.

Garathorn grew worried. I understand how much you care for the humans and all life on Terra, but before you move forward with anything, you must get a second opinion from Atmo. If his test results support your evidence, then you will inform Auron, and he will decide if we should move forward.

Relix pushed Garathorn away and became upset. You do not trust my research? You question my intelligence? I am just as brilliant, if not more brilliant than, Atmo. I do not need another to double-check my findings. I can do it on my own.

Garathorn desperately replied, But you do not have to carry this burden alone. How can you say I don’t trust you? I trust you completely and unquestioningly, but your brilliant mind should understand that your results need to be supported before we put the lives of the humans or ourselves in danger.

Relix put her head down and sighed. Your words are true. I would never do anything to put the humans or any of us in danger. I only want to ensure the future of our people, and I will do everything in my power to carry out these orders.

Garathorn cracked a small smile. Your mind is brilliant, and I am sure your results are true. Allow Atmo access to your research so he may verify your results.

Relix couldn’t help but smile back. I promise I will not move forward with any further tests until Atmo supports my findings.

The two lightmates embraced one another and entered their bed chambers to be one with each other.

Chapter 3

The light from Sonos broke through the dark sky, and the Omans gathered in the open area. Afena kept Oryun company because she knew he had to leave his watch over her to assist Merek in locating the human bloodline worthy of his internal light. She whispered, Watch over Merek, and keep him safe. Fly straight and true, and allow his light to guide you as my light has done countless times before. Oryun looked into Afena’s sapphire eyes, and they could communicate with each other without words. They had never spent time apart since the moment he had hatched from his egg and immediately formed an unbreakable bond with her.

Auron told Merek, Clear your mind, and pass your oma through Oryun; allow your internal light to guide him to the purest of humans.

Merek nodded and presented the Omanian salute.

Osheida and Merek embraced and kissed one another; this was strange to the others because Merek had always been private and rarely showed emotions to anyone. Garathorn said, If you need to, you can always postpone your trip for what—a couple moments? The others laughed, and Osheida cracked a slight smile at his comment. Merek turned to Garathorn and glared which quickly wiped the smile off his face.

Osheida said, Return to me quickly, my lightmate. She turned to Oryun and said, Keep a close eye on him, and return him to me safely. Oryun proudly stood tall and puffed out his feathery chest at the honor bestowed upon him.

Merek mounted Oryun and said, Thank you, Auron, for giving me this opportunity to find my direct link. He took a hold of Oryun’s reins and said, Let’s get going. He carried his akinium blades on his back, along with a few supplies mounted to Oryun. Oryun gave out a mighty griffin call that echoed through the sky, and he extended his fantastic wings. He took one last look at Afena and sprinted from her position onto the open area. The massive wings powerfully flapped, and the two of them took to flight. This was the first time Merek had ridden a griffin, and a feeling of exhilaration overcame him. He tried to fight his emotions but couldn’t; a huge grin formed on his face, and he gave out a yell which was heard by all.

Oryun wanted to show off his agility while in flight, and Merek felt an odd feeling come over him. Merek gripped the reins with both hands and clutched his legs tightly. Oryun went straight into a nosedive; Merek’s powerful legs gave way, and his body soon became parallel to Oryun, with just his grip around the reins connecting them. Oryun gave out a piercing cry, and somehow, Merek felt the words Let go in his mind. He released his grip on the reins, and they were free-falling side by side toward the surface. They broke through the clouds, and the surface approached quickly; Oryun positioned his back toward Merek, and they again became one. Oryun gradually pulled up and banked hard right into a barrel roll. Oryun tested Merek’s limits, but the adrenaline flowing through his body gave him additional strength. Merek yelled at the top of his lungs; he’d never felt so free from everything while in flight, and he knew that he had to have a griffin for himself after this incredible experience.

Merek wrapped a blindfold around his head to clear his mind, and powered up his oma. Light originating from his internal light surged through Oryun. They formed a bond between them, and a translucent path appeared before Oryun. Merek sensed Osheida’s presence with him always through their lightmate bond, and he felt her eyes gaze upon him as she tracked him through the Purity in the Temple of the All-Seeing Eye.

On Argus, Atmo, Relix, and Gregor made blueprints for a machine to capture the moisture within the air. Garathorn approached the three, and Atmo asked, Aren’t you supposed to be with the others, transporting some of the surface to the open area?

Garathorn replied, That can wait for now. Relix and I must speak to you privately.

They all looked at Gregor, who threw his massive arms up and asked in a sarcastic tone, What? Why can’t I be a part of this secret gathering? They shook their heads, and he muttered, Fine. Doesn’t bother me one bit. He stormed off, his curiosity consumed him.

Garathorn said, Relix discovered a breakthrough in her research with the human anatomy and believes the time has come to create new light. We want you to perform the same tests to support her findings. We need to know if our genetic makeup is able to bond with the humans to create new Omans.

Atmo was overwhelmed with excitement, and a bright smile appeared upon his face; he couldn’t believe Garathorn’s words. He knew Relix researched and gathered countless data from human genetics, but he hadn’t realized they were this close to creating new Omans. I would be honored to support your findings, Relix, but only if you give me your approval, because I know how important this is to you.

Relix smiled. You have earned my trust, and I believe my research has brought forth evidence to support my theory. Human and Oman genetics are similar enough to ensure the future of our people by using the reproductive cells found within the humans.

Atmo was shocked to hear that their genetic makeups were so similar and that they were possibly close enough to bond with each other to create new light.

You have to promise one thing, Relix said. I want this information to be kept between just the three of us because I do not want to get the hopes up of Auron or anyone else only to possibly disappoint them if the results do not line up. Will you adhere to this?

Gregor had wandered off but found he was still within hearing distance. He sprinted back and asked, Do you really think we are close to creating new Omans? The three looked at him and shook their heads. Sorry. I guess I didn’t create enough space between us. I blame the tough skin; it carried your voices along the surface with the winds.

Garathorn pointed at Gregor and said, This is exactly why we didn’t want to tell anyone else—because people will get their hopes up, and we do not want to disappoint them. My closest friend, can we trust you to keep this information to yourself?

Gregor respected Garathorn and Relix’s wishes and nodded, because he knew if Auron heard this information, it would consume his mind.

Relix smiled. Thank you, Gregor.

Atmo understood why they wanted to keep this information from the others, and he replied, I agree to keep this information from Auron, but if my king asks me a question, I will answer it completely and honestly.

Relix and Garathorn knew it was the only way and agreed to Atmo’s stipulation. Relix knew deep down that Auron would never ask Atmo about the human research, because he’d strictly given the research to her and ordered her to notify him if there was a breakthrough.

Atmo said, I will begin my research after the three of us have created the machine that will gather the moisture within the air.

Relix sharply replied, No, there isn’t any time to waste; our future depends on it. Gregor and I will create the machine.

We will? Gregor asked, and Relix glared at him, which sent a cold chill down his spine. I mean, the future of the Omans is more important than this machine.

Atmo said to Relix, I have your approval to work on the human research? I know Auron appointed you in charge of this crucial research, and I do not want to intrude on your work. He knew she already had given her approval once, but he wanted to make sure she had no hesitation in allowing him to run the same tests.

Relix smiled. We need to put our differences aside; you have proven yourself to this team, and it would be an honor for you to research the human genetics. We must work together from a scientific point of view and come to the same results for us to move forward with the next step.

Atmo presented Relix with the Omanian salute and said, I will start on the research immediately, and I will not tell anyone of the results besides you.

Relix and Garathorn saluted him and thanked him for agreeing to the terms.

Garathorn said, I must get back to the others to begin transporting the surface to the open area. He kissed Relix and ran to the platform where the others waited for him. The platform would descend to the surface to collect soil and various plant life.

Chapter 4

The next light, before the others began to collect more of the surface of Terra, Osheida asked Auron, May I check on Merek and Oryun’s progress? She wanted to closely monitor Merek’s journey to make sure he was safe and learn from his experience to find her direct link.

Auron smiled. You do not need my permission to use the Purity. Please put your mind at ease, and check on Merek to make sure he is safe. We will be waiting for you on the platform to carry out our duties.

Osheida smiled and bowed to Auron. Thank you, my king. She ran to the Temple of the All-Seeing Eye. She’d felt their lightmate bond grow stronger in his absence, because their bond