Crow: The Outcast (Crow Series, Book 3)

By Michael J. Vanecek

She was his muse when he didn’t believe in her. She became his bride, bonded for life. Now, because of what he is, she is exiled, sentenced to inevitable oblivion.

Steven Crow has finally accepted his new reality, and his new friends and family. He has embraced the love of his life as his new center. He finally has a path now. A purpose.

However, there are forces conspiring to expose his true nature and rip apart his future by any means possible. Thousands of worlds want him dead. An old adversary joins a new enemy to make that happen.

He's on the run yet again. His purpose in life now has become trying to exonerate his wife, and staying alive long enough to do that.

And yet, is there any truth in what he is accused of?

He has not contaminated his wife with a demon child destined to bring about the end of their civilization.

Or has he?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Michael J. Vanecek
• Release date: Oct 7, 2022
• ISBN: 9780996083348

Michael J. Vanecek

Michael J. Vanecek grew up in a household of avid readers. He would often find himself lost in his growing library, and when not reading, he would frequently draw what he saw in his head from what he read.To compliment his reading obsession, he has an avid imagination and sometimes distracting tendency to daydream, much to the consternation of his teachers and parents.His childhood circle of friends mirrored his tendencies and provided a developmental springboard for his creative tendencies, including art, videography and creating sophisticated realities and stories.He is an avid student of life and is enthusiastically enthralled by all things from science to art. This is reflected in the stories that he writes.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Steven! This is a dream! Asherah screamed, ducking a flying chunk of floor. She beheld the ongoing destruction they were in the midst of with stunned bewilderment. The building they were in was being decimated at an alarming rate of attrition. But Steven’s nonchalant attitude about it disturbed her even more.

The exterior street-facing wall of the apartment complex was missing entirely and energy weapons were chipping away at what was left, showering them with rubble and dust. Another explosion made her flinch, and she looked at Steven, terrified. Would this unfettered violence send him over the edge again? Would he experience another incident that could kill millions?

Steven grabbed her arm and slung her up onto the second story of the apartment as another blast showered him with concrete shrapnel. He ducked and rolled, avoiding the worst of the high-speed debris as he jumped up to join her. She grabbed his shirt and shook him. Dream! This is a dream! Wake up now!

Steven looked at her quizzically, then pushed her head down quickly as a large sliver of metal beam flew by, embedding in the far wall of the apartment. Asherah batted his hand away from her head, looking at him in growing exasperation. He looked down at the assailants. They’re getting faster. I think they have more Keratians with them. He sighed. Yay. Just love my vampire dudes. They’re my favorite. He glanced at Asherah. That was sarcasm, by the way.

Asherah looked down at them. Chasers? You’re dreaming about Chasers? Steven, that was over a week ago!

Steven looked at her, frowning. We need to get to a better spot.

No. You need to wake, Asherah was interrupted when Steven bodily lifted her and jumped across an alley onto the balcony of a neighboring apartment complex.

I really don’t have much of an advantage here in the city. Steven crouched as he balanced on the rail of the balcony and looked down the road, squinting.

You don’t have… You just need to wake up! Asherah screamed at him. She winced when the brick siding of the apartment complex started blowing out from the continuing onslaught.

Not now, Asherah. Stay low, Steven said as he ran on top of the rail and jumped over a gap to the next balcony. Asherah threw her hands up in frustration and followed him. He jumped up and grabbed the balcony rail overhead, effortlessly pulling himself up to the next level. Sighing, Asherah followed suit, then cringed when part of the railing was blown away.

Why are you doing this? Asherah asked as Steven stopped briefly to pull her up onto the surviving rail.

To get away from the bad guys. Steven looked at her as if she should have known that. Watch out! He pushed her to the side as a nearly invisible energy beam cut the air between them and showered the both of them with another cloud of brick dust. Steven looked at her, shaking his head. You really need to pay better attention, Asherah. He tapped his temple. Lohet calls it situational awareness.

Asherah yelped when he grabbed her around the waist and jumped off the balcony rail onto the trailer of a moving truck. Steven! They both teetered briefly, and she gripped his arm as he slammed his fingers through the steel top of the trailer to anchor them.

Steven winked at her as he held her low. If we can just get to the forest, we’ll be safe.

Just wake up! Asherah yelled, flinching as part of the roof of the truck peeled off explosively.

Steven looked up and sighed. They had to bring a gunship.

Steven, this isn’t real, Asherah said, panicking as Steven yanked her off the truck just as it fragmented around them. Please! This isn’t the Cooperative! They’re not hunting you anymore. It’s better. It’s going to be our home! Syagria is our home!

We’ll be okay, Asherah, Steven said, landing deftly and taking a few quick steps to bring them to a graceful stop. Just need to duck down into the subway where the gunship can’t follow.

Underground? Asherah squeaked again as he pulled her rapidly down the steps. Steven, bad things happen whenever you go underground!

You worry too much, Asherah, Steven said, laughing as he looked down the subway tunnel. Tighter quarters might give me an edge. I can move faster than most of them, and they have fewer vantage points.

You can just wake up, too, Asherah said sarcastically, prying Steven’s fingers from her arm.

We’ll be okay, Asherah. I’ll take care of you. Steven grinned at her.

You’re enjoying this, aren’t you? Tell me this. If this is real, why don’t you just gate us away? Asherah asked, angrily putting her hands on her hips.

Steven looked at her blankly.

You know, gate? Just take us to Endard or Syagria.

Steven reached up and moved the hair away from her furry forehead and turned her face from side to the side.

What? She angrily slapped his hand away.

Just checking to make sure you don’t have a head wound, Steven said. He looked past her then suddenly Asherah found herself sprawling onto the floor behind him.

She looked around as she tried to scramble to her feet and saw a blur. A pair of blurs. She scowled and closed her eyes, trying to relax. Her heartbeat seemed to plummet as everything around her appeared to slow down immensely. She opened her eyes and flinched. A piece of rubble that had been falling off of the ceiling seemed to hang in the air in front of her face, plummeting at a snail’s pace. She blinked hard, then opened her eyes again and saw them as she peered around the falling rubble. Steven and his assailant were no longer blurs. Dust and rubble seemed to hang frozen in the air around them as they engaged in impossibly high-speed combat.

Steven! She got to her feet, overcompensated, and bounced off the ceiling, dislodging more rubble that seemed to freeze in mid-fall.

Steven ducked the bone sword and fired out an elbow to the chin of the Keratian Chaser. It met with a sickening thud, spinning the assailant around as he pushed the attack.

The Keratian absorbed the energy and continued the spin, reengaging Steven with the bone sword and nearly impaling him as Steven parried yet again. Steven blocked another continuation of attacks in rapid succession, finding himself backpedaling. He heard an oncoming train and reached out to catch Asherah as she fell. He kicked the Keratian in the chest and pushed off into the tunnel in a single move.

Asherah screamed as he balled up around her and suddenly there was a slow-motion explosion of glass and sheet metal as the train impacted them. Steven reached out and grabbed the handrails, ripping them off one at a time as the train sped past them. The end of the first carriage met them precipitously and Steven planted his feet solidly on either side of the door, grunting as he absorbed their abrupt change in velocity.

After a brief moment, time seemed to catch up with them like a gust, and Steven fell off the wall to his knees. Oh, I don’t think I want to try that again. You okay? He checked Asherah.

She grabbed and slapped his hands away, crying furiously. Just wake up already!

I guess you’re fine. Steven nodded as he stood up. He was about to say something when the roof of the carriage peeled off without warning. Huge, metallic, insect-like arms invaded the carriage, ripping out chairs as they reached for the two of them. They both looked up and saw what looked like an alien crab flying overhead. Steven pushed Asherah out of the way of a grasping claw as a tentacle snaked out and yanked him up into the air.

Asherah jumped up, screaming. Then she stopped mid-scream and looked around. It was dark and quiet. Blinking, she looked down at Steven who lay on their sleeping mat, looking back up at her. Really? You’re dreaming about Chasers?

Hey, it was your dream, Steven said defensively. He pulled Asherah back down. And I mean, wow! That was intense!

Asherah stared at him, dumbfounded. My dream?

Steven nodded, grinning. You know, I get enough of that training with Lohet and his goon squad. The least you could do is dream of some tropical paradise or something and give me a break. He gave her a fake pout, trying hard not to smile and ruin it.

That was mine? Asherah touched Steven’s face as if to make sure he was really there. I was trying to wake you up.

Steven shrugged. I kinda went with it. It was fun.

You could have woken me up, you jerk! Asherah yelled, then covered her mouth as she looked around her. The rest of the occupants of the room were busy trying to pretend to be asleep and she wasn’t helping. She looked back at Steven, who was grinning widely at her. Oh, no. You don’t get off that easy. You have to sleep sometime! Asherah whisper-yelled at him, pinching his chest.

Steven yelped, grabbing her hand. Asherah sighed and lay back down. What am I doing having a dream like that? It’s better now. Syagria has accepted us. Accepted you. We’re going home.

You did just go through a bit of trauma yourself, Steven said, soberly. You’re still trying to process it, I think.

I dreamed about Chasers. Chasers! You were the one that had to fight the Chasers. Not me. I was just in some concrete cell. Asherah sighed.

Yeah, absorbing my pain and stress. Steven looked at her sideways. You endured as much from them as I did.

Asherah wiped her eyes and rolled over. Steven looked over her shoulder. Hey, that’s ancient history. What, almost a couple of weeks ago even. That’s like a lifetime if we were gnats.

It’s been over a month, Steven. And all you’ve seen of us is how we hate you. My home. Our home. And all they wanted to do was kill you. Asherah sniffed. She shrugged. Now I’m even dreaming of them trying to hurt you.

Well, the guys stationed here have been pretty nice to me. Sort of. That has to count for something.

Asherah rolled on her back and looked at him. All I wanted was to share my home with you. My world. My universe. To show you how wonderful, she stopped and wiped her eyes again, struggling for a moment to maintain her composure. We’re really not like that. Not like Terra.

They’re scared of me, Steven said soberly. I’m sure it’s great for you because you’re one of them.

It’s not me anymore. It’s us. We’re bonded. We’re one. Asherah wiped her eyes. I wanted to show you how perfect home was. I just want things to be normal.

Normal? Steven tried not to laugh, barely repressing a giggle. An alien wants things to be normal?

Stop it. We get to have normal, too. Asherah grinned sadly, wiping her furry cheeks. She looked at him as he wiped her cheeks too. Syagria blessing our bond is, you’d know just how important that is to me, how big it is, if you’d just look.

I do. Really, Steven said defensively. Their intimate, Elvish mental bond. Steven still felt like he was invading her privacy by looking at her thoughts and memories.

We’ll be part of Syagria. Home. Asherah smiled sadly. I’m so sorry you’ve seen nothing but bad from us. But I promise you, Asherah stopped, lost in his eyes as she tried to vocalize her deepest desires.

I believe you. Steven smiled. I know it’s not all bad. I can’t wait to see Syagria. Again.

He glanced over at the entrance of their room. Lohet was standing quietly in the doorway. The moonlight streaming in through the bedroom window glinted eerily off his white skin and glassy, white hair. Steven shook his head and pointed at Asherah. I’ve already had my practice in there. Chasers. Golems. Combat. I’m taking a day off.

Lohet grinned slightly then walked back to the living room where Sirel was no doubt still sitting on the ceiling, working on their mission. Steven craned his head, watching him leave. I’m serious! I’m taking the day off! He looked at Asherah. Think he believes me?

He’d better. We’re going to Syagria soon and I don’t want you injured and exhausted, Asherah said, snuggling up against Steven, purring.

Steven grinned and lay back down as he caressed her furry shoulder. Great. Now I’m going to have the bad dreams. I’m getting married to an Elf. He squirmed as she pinched him again.

~ ~ ~

It has broken its waiver more than once, Orin grumbled as he addressed the cluster of Elvin elders. It trespassed on Syagria. It exhibited a dangerous incident and nearly destroyed Terra. It has had unlawful contact with the Sadari, confirming everything I have said. And yet, you persist in this foolishness?

He healed Senin.

Yes, the Faeries have their world back. And it could as easily destroy their home all over again. It is not stable! Orin snapped at the Elf who spoke up. He recognized Enra. You were against it at one time, Enra. You saw the threat.

And I was convinced otherwise, Enra said coolly.

This deviant is clearly a product of the Sadari. They have been in extensive contact with it. They constantly woo it and herd it to their will. Orin stood up and paced around the tree house common room. The Elves remained sitting or reclining on the woven floor.

He has confounded the Sadari, Orin. Have you not seen the Archives? He is not what they expected, Enra said, shifting as he followed Orin’s pacing. This is the same Sadari that could not make a mistake.

Of course they can make mistakes, Orin grumbled. They have planned for those mistakes and every other contingency.

The golem Rachel failed to fix her mistake, Orin. She could not fix Steven.

Only because Aliya has no idea that the deviant is bonded. Orin grimaced in disgust. How any Elf could bond with such a creature was beyond him. Even your own experts did not figure that the bond was crucial until it was nearly too late. It took a Terran to expose the importance of that. Orin shook his head.

That is a problem?

It illuminates just how ill-prepared we are with this deviant, Orin said. He looked around. We are guessing, my friends. Reaching in the dark. And we are stumbling in that same darkness. Orin sat down again, his black robe flowing out from him like vaporous liquid. The safety of the Cooperative is at the mercy of our ignorance.

Guildmaster, never in all of our Archived history has a life-mate bond between Elves not been celebrated. It simply has not happened. And it’s not going to start now, Enra said firmly.

It is not an Elf. It is a deviant, Orin stated. Most of the Cooperative sees this. Why be the one world out of thousands to not see this?

Two. Senin. Enra crossed his arms.

The Faeries are so giddy over getting their world back they’re not seeing straight. You’re so giddy at being able to get into the mind of a deviant, you’re not seeing straight. Trust those who are not so biased, Enra. For us, the safety of the Cooperative is paramount and the solution is clear.

You’re making it seem like the deviant, Steven, that he bought their affection? Enra grumbled, scowling.

How can you see it any other way? Before Senin, no Faerie saw Steven any other way than as a deviant in need of being terminated, Orin stated, holding his hands out.

Sirel…

Struggled with her issues regarding it. Even she conceded the wisdom of terminating it. Orin looked around at them.

And now she no longer struggles. Is her experience any less valid than yours?

Orin scowled. The deviant’s power is intoxicating. He looked around at them. Its seduction is clearly manifest here, and even among the Faeries.

Are you ignoring the person himself?

Perish the thought, Orin said sarcastically. To the contrary, its unassuming nature is part of that seduction. You see innocence. I see deception, either by design or by purpose.

He is not deceiving us. We have four Elves bonded to him and many more observing his every thought, Enra said.

The mold has been cast by the Sadari, Enra. Orin sighed, shaking his head. The deviant likely has no idea of its part in this deception.

Your obsession with the Sadari dates back to the War, Orin. As you accuse us of bias, so could we accuse you. Enra stood up. He has proven himself many times over. I wish you would see this.

I see the death it could bring by the hands of the Sadari. And the first step to that inevitable future is getting it accepted by us with open arms. Orin stood up too, scowling. Do not underestimate them as we did three thousand years ago, Enra. Time might have dulled the memory of generations since, but I was there and so were many of my peers.

We have seen him resist the Sadari, Orin. You are assuming he is a fool. If you just knew him the way we know him.

And be polluted by its influence? Orin looked at Enra, aghast.

Is that what you think of us? That we’re stepping into this blindly? Enra asked. We are in a position to know his very thoughts and motivations. For us, there is no question.

Orin shook his head and turned away from the gathering. The Council will regain unanimity, Enra, and that will mean the deviant’s termination.

Or it will mean his acceptance, Enra said resolutely.

Orin glanced back at him over his shoulder, then vanished.

Chapter 2

I think she’s beginning to wig out, Steven said quietly as Lorei made herself comfortable on the large boulder where they had been training. His aunt glanced at him, then looked at Moringa, confused.

Moringa shrugged. I know what it means, but I have no clue about the wig. The colorful Selkie smiled innocently at Steven, who rolled his eyes and looked at Lorei. She was absentmindedly preening her fur. He should have fur too. But he just looked like anyone else from Earth. More than once he had heard the term ‘bald Elf’ from his bond-mates. He shook his head, trying not to get distracted.

Really? You’re in my head. You know what I’m saying.

Steven, wig?

She’s obsessing over this Blessing. Like everything has to be perfect. The stress is… Steven sighed and looked at Moringa. You know. Right?

I know she wants you to see a better side of the Cooperative than what you have, Moringa said solemnly. She enveloped his hand in her own multihued, petite hands, and Steven couldn’t help but stare at the webbing between her fingers. Moringa smiled, following his gaze and sensing his distractibility. She bent slightly to catch his eyes. Your troubles have distressed her greatly.

See? What she said. Steven nodded at Moringa as he looked at his teacher.

Lorei scratched at her furry arm for a thoughtful moment, then smoothed the fur. She has been on edge. But then, she was also a captive, too. Trauma can leave a lasting imprint.

Steven slumped. I don’t want her stressing out just because of me. He looked around at the terrain. It was actually similar to Earth. Terra. I wish she was here.

You’re bonded to her. She’s wherever you are, Lorei stated matter-of-factly.

Yeah. Well, it’s not the same. Steven fidgeted. He was bonded with his aunt too. She knew his thoughts often before he did. But it seemed perfectly natural to him, a fact that perplexed him more than the actual loss of privacy.

When the Cooperative understands and accepts better the benefits of your relationship, she may come train with us. Until then, this has to be kept secret. No one can know that she has inherited Gatekeeper abilities from you, except for our core team.

What if they find out? Steven glanced at Moringa. As a Selkie, she was a broadcaster. Everything she experienced could be broadcast to anyone able to receive. Her purpose had been to record the training of the Cooperative’s pet deviant to convince them he wasn’t going to go on a murderous rampage and destroy their planets. Steven blinked and looked down, feeling ashamed of that requirement. He was hardly a killer.

Orin would use that against us. We must change his mind about you, Steven, Lorei said. You are not the monster that the Cooperative was expecting.

Steven looked up at her. Of course she was following his thoughts. She was a bond-mate to him after all. Not as central as Asherah, though. Familial. Like Asherah’s mother and father. He chewed his cheek and nodded. The Cooperative members were afraid of him, and yet they were the exotic ones. Not him. He was actually in the presence of his biological aunt and yet she was an ancient Elf who appeared not much older than young Asherah. He was just some geeky kid from a rural town in Washington.

Steven sighed and looked down. So, what torment do you have for me today? Lorei had been a challenging instructor in the ways of gatekeeping. Even more so since Steven had proven naturally adept.

Lorei smirked at him for a brief moment then shook her head. Today we have an experience I want you to witness. An Awakening.

Steven cocked his head, looking back up at her.

Lorei laughed at his expression and shook her head. You know what I’m talking about, right?

I, uh, sort of? Steven shrugged. A new Gatekeeper?

Yes. A latent has committed herself. She’ll be arriving soon. I will perform the Awakening.

A latent. Sounds almost as bad as a deviant, Steven said, frowning.

Not at all. We have many latent Gatekeepers. They don’t always opt for the Awakening. It is a fundamentally life-changing event. Lorei squinted at him. And you are not a normal deviant.

A deviant deviant. Steven scowled as he kicked at a patch of moss on the rock. He hated being different. Being feared.

I’m sorry, Steven. We simply have no other way to classify you. You’re just not… She hesitated.

Not a zombie eyed, soul sucking, Gatekeeper consuming, world burning monstrosity? Steven smirked.

Lorei frowned at him. You’ve seen the damage they can do. You healed Senin after all.

Steven pulled his legs up and put his chin on his knees. It wasn’t like it was a big thing. He regretted saying that the instant it came from his mouth.

You healed a molten planet. One that another deviant had destroyed. The Faeries have their home back. Lorei leaned forward. It is a huge thing.

So, this Awakening? Steven looked up. He didn’t like to talk about the deeper implications of what he had done. He knew it was of paramount importance. The Faeries were now treating him like he was some sort of god. That didn’t sit well with him. Did I go through that?

Lorei regarded him critically for an uncomfortable moment then leaned back. For the longest time, we thought deviants were born already Awakened. She sighed. Being able to study you has been educational.

That’s me. An educational lab rat. Steven smirked.

We’ve never been able to get into the mind of a deviant before. Lorei persisted. You’re the first.

So, when was I Awakened? Steven crossed his arms.

Lorei looked thoughtful. You woke yourself up. Later than normal deviants. We now think they would get their Awakening when they consumed the life of their Gatekeeper mother at birth. She pursed her lips. If I had to guess, it was when you found the meadow. When your nightmares crashed into reality.

Steven raised an eyebrow thoughtfully. That was when I dreamt up, when I met, Asherah. He had actually seen her. Met her. But he had thought he was imagining her as he visualized his drawing. She was a young, furry Elf after all.

Lorei opened her mouth to respond, then closed it and looked around. She’s ready. She looked at Steven. For us, it’s a little more drawn out than your Awakening. It can take hours for me to Awaken her. If it even takes. She must go through a metamorphosis.

Steven nodded, unsure what to expect. Moringa looped his arm as he jumped off the boulder behind Lorei. He looked at the lovely, exotic, vividly-hued young woman walking beside him. Asherah’s best friend. And now, his best friend’s girlfriend. Funny how life worked sometimes. Moringa grinned at him sheepishly and Steven remembered that she was touching him. Selkies do not form bonds like Elves do, but they can still read thoughts and experiences through touch. He tried not to grimace as he looked at Lorei who had picked up her pace. When is...

A small group of Elves appeared before them and Lorei embraced one of them. A young Elvish woman who looked remarkably like Asherah. Steven fidgeted while they shared Elvish greetings. They typically placed a hand on the other’s cheek and shared a valuable memory.

Steven looked at Moringa, grinning. I guess she’s here. Moringa elbowed him, making Steven yelp. He looked back at the group and fidgeted again. They were all staring at him. Sorry. She did it. He nodded at Moringa.

This is Isiris, Lorei said, glancing at the others then at the young Elf whom she had first greeted. No one else said anything. She’s from the Fahele district.

Same as Asherah. Steven nodded.

And me. Lorei smiled, looking at Isiris. The young Elf remained transfixed, staring at Steven with her mouth open. She’s been in training for some time now. It is time to take her training another step and Awaken her.

Steven nodded, uncomfortable with the lingering stare. Training?

All prospective Gatekeepers receive basic Chaser training. Like you.

Oh. Um, if I’m a distraction, I can leave. Steven half turned and glanced nervously at Moringa. The continuing stares were starting to bother him.

Lorei cocked her head as she regarded Isiris. Are you going to greet Steven?

Isiris flinched as if coming out of a trance and she looked down, sheepish. Steven could tell she was blushing madly under her fur. I’m sorry. I’m just… She looked back up at Steven and seemed to lose her train of thought.

Never saw a deviant before? Steven tried to joke. But it didn’t sound genuine.

Isiris shook her head madly. No. But I’ve wanted to meet you so much. You saved Senin. I’ve been through all the Archives and talked to Lorei and Tor’eng and Penipe, and then there’s Enra and Enos’rel and I met Tessa and Ryan and, Isiris stopped suddenly and took a sharp breath, realizing that she was rambling. She lowered her gaze, embarrassed.

You’re not scared? Steven raised an eyebrow.

Not at all. I mean, I’m terrified. But not, Isiris stammered. It’s just, you really healed Senin, She half whispered. You’re like, I’m, you’re, it’s just… Isiris trailed off. She gulped and looked down, subdued. No. I’m not scared.

Sweet! That’s a first. Steven grinned, amused by the Elf that was apparently enthralled with him. Them? He nodded at the others.

Isiris looked back at them then at Steven.

She would not stop talking about you, one of the others said. The rest nodded, still gaping at him. Lorei repressed a grin.

Mom! Isiris glared at her, scratching her arm nervously. She looked at Steven. Oh, I forgot. You’re an Elf. You just don’t look like an Elf. But I can tell. You smell like an Elf and, Isiris grimaced and closed her mouth. Shaking her head, she stepped forward and hesitantly touched Steven’s cheek in the traditional Elvish greeting.

Steven opened his mouth but forgot what he was going to say when he saw the vast rows of terraces where crops were grown in the Fahele district on Syagria. He knew from her memories that her parents worked them and she helped. Your parents must know my parents, Steven said quietly. I mean, my Terran parents. They’ve talked about… Jonah has fig trees growing there now. And coffee. Steven licked his lips. He glanced at Lorei. Here’s something from me.

Steven put his hand on her cheek and remembered when he first met Asherah. It was then that he consciously acknowledged what was obvious now. The fact that he unwittingly ended up sitting in a meadow on Endard watching a young Elf dancing amongst the flowers. He didn’t mean to go there. It just happened. The old snag in his Terran meadow had a doppelganger on Endard. A massive, living tree that towered over everything in the alien meadow.

Her fascination with that scene caused Steven to tarry a bit in their sharing of memories. It moved him that what was for him a time of simple innocence should captivate this Elf’s rapt attention. He was about to say something when he found his memory shifting to his own Awakening. Something he had been utterly unaware of at the time. But she found it. And focused on it. The minute he sat in the grass and broke out his colored pencils and started seeing Endard was where his entire life changed. He saw Endard instinctively. His Awakening was instantaneous.

The ground below their feet shifted abruptly and Isiris squeaked as she jumped back. Two other Elves in their entourage likewise cried out, both holding their heads. Steven looked at them, wide eyed. What?

Isiris also looked around but didn’t seem to see them. She reached out with both her hands, waving at the air in front of her. Steven took her hands and saw what she was seeing. Planets. Places. Her home. She saw it like he would. Come back before you get lost, Steven said quietly. Isiris blinked and looked at him, seeing him again.

She opened her mouth to speak but words escaped her. The other two promptly disappeared and Steven glanced at Lorei. What happened?

They were latents, too. Lorei looked at him strangely, then vanished as well.

Steven looked at the others, then at Isiris. Um, that wasn’t supposed to happen, was it?

Was that it? Is this it? I’m, I can see. I feel like I can touch. Isiris reached out her hand and Steven watched as she pulled back a pine bough from her home on Syagria. She squeaked again and dropped it, then gaped at Steven. They said it would take all day. That it might not happen. But, is this it?

Steven closed his eyes, looking at her. He could see her glowing outline and nodded. You’re just like Lorei. He glanced at the others, suddenly embarrassed that he had somehow taken a moment away from them. I guess you’re done?

Lorei arrived with the other two and they slumped to the ground, dumbfounded. She squinted at Steven. I was there, in your head. I saw what you did. But…

There was supposed to be more, wasn’t there? Steven nodded at the others. They all carried equipment he guessed was for some sort of solemn ceremony. I’m sorry, Lorei. He looked at Isiris. I’m really sorry.

For what? Isiris looked at him, blinking hard. He could tell she had been seeing other worlds again but was able to return her attention on her own this time.

Well, Steven gulped and looked at Lorei, I feel like I baptized you before the pastor arrived.

Baptized? She cocked her head.

Just something that, Steven sighed and shook his head, looking at Lorei. Am I in trouble?

Steven, she is Awake. So are they. They had not committed yet, but… She looked around, then back at Steven. You weren’t even trying.

Steven shook his head. I just showed her when I first met Asherah.

I saw that. We were just discussing that. Your own Awakening. Lorei looked down. That’s why they want you.

Steven licked his lips. He knew what she was thinking but didn’t want to say it. Not around the others. This is bad, isn’t it?

No. No! Isiris yelled angrily, taking a step back. This is good! You, you are amazing! She looked around then vanished. Steven was about to say something when she appeared, standing in front of him again. She held out a flower. The sweet Ne’re temore flower that Asherah used to give him. This is your flower. Her flower. I just went and got it. From Endard. Your meadow. How can that be bad?

But, you were supposed to have a ceremony or something? Steven looked at the others. I’m really sorry.

Isiris sighed and looked at her family. They were worried I wouldn’t Awaken. It doesn’t always happen. She looked back at Steven, her cheeks wet with tears. I was worried, too. Don’t you see it?

Steven shrugged and looked at Lorei. Am I in trouble?

Lorei pursed her lips. Things have gotten a little more complicated. But no one is angry with you. It is what it is.

Steven nodded and looked back at the parents. Maybe they can have their ceremony anyway?

It was supposed to help her, her mother said quietly. The others seemed to come out of a stunned trance and approached him. Steven flinched as they grabbed his arms and embraced him. He glanced at Lorei who had taken a step back to make room.

Okay, then. He squirmed under their attention.

You’re real, Isiris said. And you’re like… She stopped and looked down.

Like? Steven looked at her as the rest finally gave him a little room.

Her, Isiris whispered. The Younger.

She is a goddess. The legends mentioned that she could Awaken with but a touch, Lorei said as she leaned in.

Oh. Steven licked his lips. I’m hardly a legend. Certainly not a god. Just me.

Lorei looked at the other two who were now sitting on the ground. They looked lost. You didn’t even touch them.

I think I want to go home now, Steven said quietly. Are they going to be okay?

They were supposed to witness the Awakening. To help them decide. Lorei licked her lips. I think we’re past that now.

Isiris grabbed Steven’s chin and turned him around to face her. Don’t you dare apologize. Don’t you feel how happy I am?

Steven fidgeted. Her touch gave him access to her thoughts and emotions. She was giddy and terrified at the same time. Okay. It’s just, I keep doing things I’m not supposed to.

Like healing Senin?

Yeah. A whole planet. I kinda wanted to thank Sirel for helping me. Steven frowned.

Isiris grinned. The Faeries are not complaining.

Who’s complaining?

Steven turned around then flinched, pushing Isiris behind him. A Chaser stood inches from him and he recognized her voice through the armor. Miryam. She had recently tried to kill him. And nearly succeeded.

Lorei grabbed his arm. She’s just here to collect our new Gatekeepers.

Steven scowled at Miryam as she circled him warily. For what?

The Gatekeeper Guild will choose masters for them and they’ll be instructed much like I’ve been instructing you.

Steven glanced at Isiris who looked at him, perplexed. You didn’t see the part where this woman stabbed me through the chest?

Isiris looked down and shook her head.

Fear not, deviant. My weapon is stayed for the moment, Miryam said as her armored facemask retracted. Your Elves have seen to that.

Yeah. My Elves. Steven frowned as he stepped closer to Lorei.

Miryam looked at the family and friends, then at Isiris. It is time.

Isiris nodded, tentatively. She glanced at Steven and smiled sweetly at him. Thank you, Steven Crow.

You’re welcome? Steven found himself at a loss for words. Things were happening too fast for him. He was about to say something else when Miryam and the three new Gatekeepers abruptly vanished.

She wasn’t supposed to come until after the ceremony, Lorei said quietly. You were supposed to have been gone already.

And I was supposed to just watch and let you do what you do, Steven said, slumping. I hate messing things up.

Chapter 3

He had captured a golem three thousand years ago and encased it in a block of condensing rock vapor. Over the millennia, he and a partner drilled its data banks trying to extract data on the enemy’s plans. It had been largely futile. Golems were exceedingly sophisticated. However, when the deviant from Terra entered the scene, and the gate opened, things changed. He was able to connect the golem to its network to bring in fresh information. Sadly, that information included an updated self-destruct code. The golem did not survive. His partner perished. He nearly died too.

However, Orin was able to capture a sliver of video of the last thing the golem said before it detonated. He sat in his office, playing the recording on a loop. He stood and walked around the video, pausing it and examining the golem from different angles as it mocked him. Something about its expression irked him. Sighing, he stopped in front of it and activated the loop again, crossing his arms as he watched.

You can’t stop it, Orin, the golem said, smiling broadly. The savior is here. He will reshape the universe and the Sadari will be free at last.

That was it. That was all he was able to salvage before the golem destroyed his lab and centuries of data and effort. Orin closed the video and returned his computer to a pouch under his cloak. He needed a fresh perspective. He needed the company of his confidant. Closing his eyes, he saw Larisa was on duty maintaining a gate. In an instant, he was on her platform on Toros.

They have approved it. The deviant is going to Syagria, Orin said as he walked past Larisa’s post. It was awkward for him to return home, but he needed to see her personally. Larisa opened her eyes from her meditations and passed off the Gatekeeping duties to another Keratian Gatekeeper as she smoothly stood. Even with the high gravity of Toros, she was still graceful. Orin took her hand as they walked out of the meditation chamber onto the living bridges that crisscrossed the interior of the Toros Temple.

After a moment of thought, Larisa nodded. I know, Guildmaster. She glanced at Orin. Syagria is walking a very dangerous path with this deviant.

Orin shook his head angrily. How can they be so blind? Have they forgotten Rholling so easily? Senin? The two most dangerous enemies of the Cooperative are rolled up in that one deviant monstrosity.

They are drunk on the prestige of having their own deviant pet. They refuse to see the Sadari connection or that it is still a deviant. Larisa scowled. She walked to the edge of the bridge and jumped off. Orin followed. They landed on another bridge with a solid thud several dozen feet below and continued their walk.

It has executed an Awakening. Orin glanced at Larisa. Three. It was instantaneous, Larisa. And the deviant only touched one.

Larisa nodded, looking down. That has never been done before.

The Sadari have been experimenting on Terra with latents. We know what they intend with it now. Orin scowled. They want to wake their latents all at once.

The Terrans would not survive an Awakening. Larisa looked sharply at Orin. Their genetics are too primitive.

We’ve seen some of the modifications the Sadari have infected Terrans with, Orin said thoughtfully.

It’s still not enough. Most will die.

And the rest? Our latents can already produce deviants without Awakening. Terrans seem to have escaped that curse but surely Awakened Terran Gatekeepers could produce deviants if they mate. Especially since they have been contaminated by the Sadari. Orin shook his head angrily. An army, Larissa. That is what they are building. He scowled. Worse if they are sentient, like Steven.

Larissa walked in silence for a long moment. We are barely withstanding the few deviants we chase now, and they have no sentience. She looked at Orin, her eyes wide as the threat sunk in. We would be overrun. We would lose all our Gatekeepers.

The Cooperative will not be ready. Not so long as some are courting their pet deviant. They must be made to see, Orin said shortly. It’s no longer suitable to terminate it outright. They must see their error.

How can we do that? They’re tripping over themselves to gain its grace. Larissa said, looking at Orin.

Show them the deviant that it is, Orin said, nodding. We’ve seen it break before. We know it is still vulnerable.

But it never went too far. The deviant always seems to bounce back.

Orin looked at Larisa as he considered their options. There are some things it might not so easily bounce back from. Did you see the Archive about its catastrophic nightmare?

Yes. It was defending Asherah.

And nearly destroyed the Terran system, defending Asherah. Orin grinned wickedly.

Larisa looked at Orin curiously as she held out her arms. A black mist enveloped her and coalesced into a cloak that she wrapped around her white shoulders. Orin did likewise and picked at his fresh robe as he contemplated his next move. He looked out across the landscape of Toros.

This is where things are going to get muddy for us, Larisa. The sacrifice will be nothing short of cataclysmic, Orin said quietly. He looked at her. I do not require your participation.

Larisa shook her head. You do. You are Orin, Savior of Legracia. She hooked her arm under his. I’m a nobody.

You’ll always be someone special to me, Larisa, Orin said. I fear my reputation might not be good enough.

Then we will journey together, Larisa said, resolute.

Orin nodded. He looked out through a gap in the wall of the Temple again, soaking in the Toros vista that stretched out before them. Herds of Rodan grazed on the prairie that surrounded the Temple, and Orin admired the bucolic scene. I don’t come here enough. He looked at her. But…

I know. It’s painful. On the other hand, I find it nearly impossible to leave this place, Larisa said. It’s like they’re still here.

Orin sighed. He looked at her. We need to visit the rock.

I’ve already taken the extra mesh there, Larisa said.

That’s not what I meant. But we’ll need that too. All too soon, the deviant will be among us. We need to confront that likely reality quickly if the Cooperative is to survive this.

Larisa looked at him, perplexed. The armory there hasn’t been used in three thousand years.

Sadari technology does not age or fail, Orin said, looking back out over the landscape. He could see his old family tree in the distance. It was a massive conical tree that towered into the sky over the prairie. He had been reticent to return there since the fateful day so long ago. Perhaps defeating the Sadari once and for all and sealing the gate to the Forbidden Planet forever would be the therapy he needed to finally face the death of his family. It is time for me to personally go to the Forbidden Planet and collect our asset.

~ ~ ~

Lohet paced, walking around the kitchen table. Lorei sat cross-legged on the table, looking down at her hands. Steven and Asherah sat on the back of the couch, likewise subdued. Orin knows?

Everyone knows, Lorei said quietly, glancing at Moringa. It was broadcast.

Lohet almost winced. He briefly glared at Steven. His mistakes are proving a severe complication.

It’s not like I did it on purpose! Steven bristled. Asherah squeezed his hand, and he sighed, looking down. Isiris was happy about it.

She is unaware of the implications. Lohet squinted at Steven. We suspected you had a connection with the Terran latents here. Otherwise, your parents would have been sufficient. Any Gatekeeper can perform an Awakening. But only one at a time. And it takes hours if it actually works. You...

It was just three of them, Steven said quietly, looking at his fingers.

Unintentionally. Your power is beyond comprehension, Steven. It is entirely possible, if motivated, that you could Awaken all the latents on Terra at once.

Most would die, Lohet, Lorei said, glancing at Steven.

I’ve seen the modifications, Lorei. You have my reports. The Sadari have been busy these past thousand years.

Three thousand years if Aliya’s golems had anything to do with it, Sirel said.

Lohet looked up at the diminutive Faerie, who remained perched on the ceiling. How far have they come? Can they succeed?

Sirel looked at Lohet glumly. Since when have they failed?

Terra is quickly becoming unsafe for the dev... for the boy, Migalo said gruffly. Lohet glanced at the furry Camdyn.

He has a waiver on Syagria, but Orin will press this. He is not accepted by the Cooperative yet.

But, I saved Senin! Doesn’t that count for anything? Steven protested, standing up this time. Just what do I have to do to prove I’m not a monster?

You nearly destroyed Terra, Steven, Lohet said carefully.

I was sick. You guys fixed that. Steven glowered at the Keratian. He sighed and sat back down. I’ve not had an… He stopped. I’ve actually been sleeping at night now. No more nightmares. Asherah is having more trouble than I am now.

Be that as it may, there is still cause for concern in the Cooperative. But it is not completely hopeless. You have won the Faeries over. I find that significant, since they had every reason to hate you. Lohet sat down on the table next to Lorei. Sally handed him a mug of Rodan blood. Lohet regarded Steven’s adoptive mother solemnly for a moment, then returned his attention to Steven. His student threw his arms up, dejected.

Great. So, I just have what, Senin and Syagria on my side?

And Endard, Moringa said timidly, waving a colorful hand.

Steven glanced at her and looked down, chagrined. Sorry. Endard too. It just seems that, no matter what I do, people still… He stopped and scratched the back of his head. I have three planets that don’t hate me. Out of what? A thousand? More?

It is enough! Asherah stood up angrily. She glared at Lohet and Steven. Syagria is a core planet. The others will accept you too.

Asherah, Steven started, but she squinted her eyes angrily at him and he looked away.

Asherah returned her attention to Lohet, who remained silent as he regarded her with aloofness. She shook her head and sat back down, exasperated. Then stood up again. You are acting as if Steven is just going to go Wake them all up.

The Sadari…

Have no power over Steven! Asherah grabbed Steven’s shoulder. Aliya has had him how many times? Even in her ships? And nothing!

She never does anything without a reason. The Sadari plan things centuries ahead.

And Steven surprised her, Asherah interrupted again. She was furious, and Steven grimaced as Lohet cocked his head at her.

It doesn’t matter that he can do this, that he is able to… She stopped, shuddering with frustration. He is not a killer! Asherah put her arm around Steven’s shoulder. He’s had good reason to kill many times, and he didn’t.

They could find a way to motivate him, Asherah.

He would rather, rather, Asherah stopped again, wiping her eyes and sitting down next to Steven. You should know more than anyone what he is willing to do to avoid hurting others.

Lohet looked down, unable to respond. The two of them nearly died together to prevent a global catastrophe.

I didn’t mean to, Steven said quietly. But I know now. He sighed and looked down. Lisa’s a latent. I couldn’t bear to kill my best friend’s sister. He glanced at Moringa, who smiled fleetingly at him.

You know. Do you really? Lohet leveled a cold-eyed glare at him. Lorei showed me. The trigger was not identifiable.

I’m not going to do it again! Steven stood up, nearly knocking Asherah over. He shook his head angrily. I’ll find out what did it. It’s not going to happen. No one dies because of me, Lohet. No one.

I admire your determination, Steven. But determination might not be enough. Lohet stood up and looked at Lorei. We must settle this. If he is going to gain acceptance in the Cooperative.

Once again I’m a monster. Steven sat back down, sullen.

Not remotely. You’re just...

What am I supposed to do? Hide? Find a hole somewhere and bury myself? Steven sniffed. Maybe build a hut on the Elder’s planet and be a hermit?

A hermit? Lohet looked at him quizzically.

You know. Fella who lives all by himself, and talks to a volleyball. Steven waved a hand impatiently. You’ve been here for what, twenty years?

Our focus has not been on hermits, Steven, Lohet said patiently. Isolating you from Terra would not be an unacceptable option, however.

Steven sighed. Well, I’m supposed to go to Syagria, anyway. If they’ll still have me.

They will! Asherah looked at him sharply. I’ve, we’re getting Blessed. And it’s going to be perfect.

Steven nodded, sheepish. Syagria had agreed to bless their bond. In essence, the two of them would be viewed as a single entity and accepted as such into Syagrian society. I’m sorry, Asherah. I just, it seems, I’m always doing something to screw things up.

Isiris didn’t think so, Asherah said, softer this time. Her parents and friends, they didn’t think so either.

Steven looked at her and smiled wistfully. They are very forgiving people. He frowned. Or they’re still scared of me.

There is no doubt a measure of trepidation even on Syagria. Lohet nodded as he put his hand on Steven’s shoulder. It felt to him as if a bronze statue had grabbed him.

Steven looked down at the white hand and sighed. That really bothers me, Lohet. I mean, they’re, he shrugged, aliens. Ancient. Special. I’m just me. A nobody. And they’re afraid of me?

We’ve been over this already. Lohet squeezed Steven’s shoulder, then let go.

Steven looked at him and furrowed his eyebrows as he pointed at his temple. Knowing that here does not change it here. He pointed at his heart. He looked around the room. I mean, I’m surrounded by all you guys. You are just. He sighed. How can I even compare?

By saving Senin, Sirel said sweetly.

Steven looked up at the Faerie. She looked all of a budding young girl, even though she was so ancient no one knew how old she was. Another special alien, who deigned to grace an unimportant and common Steven with her time and companionship. He licked his lips and looked down. I don’t really know how I do that. Did it. He played with his fingers. I moved some energy around. That’s all.

That’s all? Sirel shook her head. A dead planet now lives, thanks to you.

Yeah, but it wasn’t like, it was like I just pushed a button and let something else do all the work. Steven grimaced, wincing as electric sparks filled the room. When he opened his eyes, Sirel was floating in front of him, eye to eye.

Do not belittle your act of compassion, young Steven. No matter how easy you think it was. Sirel touched the tip of his nose and his hair stood up on end as static electricity cracked among his follicles.

Yes, ma’am. Steven gulped. He had seen Sirel angry before. Annoying her was not without substantial risk.

Sirel regarded him for a long, uncomfortable moment, then seemed to soften as her effervescence returned. She smiled sweetly, revealing her shark-like teeth, and slapped his cheek a couple of times. Steven cringed, expecting her to shock him again. But she just kissed his cheek. Steven wiped the little spot of blood and smiled wistfully. Faerie kisses almost always drew blood. She took his hand as she settled down on her feet and stood before him. Just be aware of this, young Steven. As exotic as you think we are, so are you to us.

Steven gulped and nodded. He glanced at Lohet then looked down. I won’t do it, Lohet. I haven’t. And Aliya has had me more than once. If she could have made me do it, don’t you think she would have?

Lohet frowned and returned to the table, looking at Lorei as he circled it. No one can possibly fathom what her actual plans are. He looked at Steven. She seems confident enough to leave you with us.

Because she couldn’t possibly contain me. Steven scowled.

She does not operate like that, Steven, Lorei said. I was on one of her ships, too. Remember? She slid off the table and padded gracefully over to him. Aliya is a master of manipulating entire environments. She doesn’t even have to influence you directly. She grabbed Asherah’s hand. All she has to do is set the ball rolling, and let the hill and gravity do the rest.

This ball isn’t going to cooperate, Lorei, Steven said. He stood up. You know I surprised her more than once. The almighty Sadari. I’m not going to play her game.

Regardless, we should limit Terran contact while you remain here, Lohet said. You want to leave anyway, don’t you?

Steven opened his mouth then closed it. Terra had worn out his patience thanks to the organizations that ruthlessly hunted him. He glanced at Asherah. Hiding her and their future furry children on Terra would be an unreasonable burden on them all. She had already been shot in the woods by a hunter. What if the next time was fatal? Yeah. No. But yeah. He scratched his arm. This is home. But, everything has changed. He looked at Asherah. What if they don’t like me? Or if I screw things up again?

Asherah grabbed his face and put her forehead against his. You are not screwing anything up. I’m going to show you the Cooperative that has been my home. Not the, the… She took in a breath and looked away.

The Chasers? That’s hardly your fault, Steven said, trying to comfort her.

They’re my people, trying to kill you. Asherah wiped her nose. That’s not the Cooperative I want you to experience. We’re better than that. She looked at him, her eyes flashing yellow as she got resolute. I’m not going to let that happen again.

Steven looked at Lohet. If I’m there, I’m not a threat to Terra.

That would be the logical assumption. Lohet nodded. He picked at his robe. Even if you’re limited to three worlds, it’s still two more than what you’ve had access to most of your life.

Steven sighed. Yeah. But I wasn’t able to see all of them like I do now. It all feels so small all of a sudden.

Perhaps some additional training will take your mind off it. Lohet grinned sadistically.

Steven looked at him and groaned. Not Migalo again.

Chapter 4

The shockwave was hardly noticeable on the blustery winter evening. Keratian physiology actually dampened the shockwave significantly. No one was expecting anything to sneak in through the gate from Endard, anyway. After all, it was the Cooperative. The greater number of sensors were pointed away from the homestead, trying to detect any Sadari craft trying to enter through the gate to Endard.

Therefore, it was easy for Orin to pass through. He reached his maximum speed and passed by the homestead in a blink, leaving only a furrow in the snow to mark his passing. It blended with other similar furrows that had disturbed the snow as supplies were brought in for the small contingent of aliens staying at the homestead.

As he passed by the quaint little town, he turned East towards the mountains and the Order base. He had an offer to make to a certain man who was obsessed with Steven. One that would benefit both of them. As he sped towards the base, he gated repeatedly, teleporting from micro-eddy to micro-eddy in the Fracture. It wasn’t perfect. The Sadari had true gating locked down hard on Terra. Only the deviant, Steven Crow, could freely gate there. But what little he was able to do did significantly boost his progress. He was in enemy-occupied territory on a mission crucial to the future of the Cooperative and success was of paramount importance.

Orin found the Order base easily. It was a spent galena mine comprised of hundreds of miles of tunnels that had been converted for the purpose of developing weapons that would hopefully be effective against the aliens. Orin smiled at their futile efforts. The thought of these primitive Terrans actually posing a threat to the Sadari was humorous in the saddest way.

He decelerated instantly, his robes whipping back and forth violently by the gust of wind that caught up with him. The vent was heavily armored and welded shut except for a heavy grid through which exhaust was steaming out, but it still provided easier access to the base than trying to rip through the thick door. Without hesitation, Orin gripped the edge and tore the lid away, tossing it to the side as he peered into the shaft. He jumped in feet first and dropped straight down, keeping himself centered in the vent shaft with his hands. He landed with a resounding thud at the bottom of the armored shaft. Surprise was no longer an option. Looking around, he found a hatch and pushed it off its heavy metal hinges. Without hesitation, he stepped into a hallway.

A rain of bullets found him and he raised an eyebrow at the dozen soldiers that had taken up a position against him. Shaking his head, he continued casually walking down the hall, ignoring the soldiers as they reloaded and continued to shoot him. He knew who he was looking for. A man who had been a very particular thorn in the deviant’s plans. He could sense that he was close. As he focused, he could almost see him even. The Sadari could not suppress the Fracture that far.

Gathering himself, he exploded forward down the long hall, leaving the stunned soldiers in his wake. This time he didn’t suppress the shock-wave. The explosive energy from his passing bounced off the stone walls, causing dust and chunks of stone to litter the floor in his wake. He wanted his prey to know he was on his way.

He found Laurence in the linear accelerator lab. As he nonchalantly walked in, Laurence immediately drew his weapon and emptied it at him, causing several of the other techs to duck as shattered bullets sent fragments every which way. Smirking, Orin walked up to the equipment and looked at it. They had identified many of the exotic particles that gating produced and were trying to learn more about them with the accelerator. He looked down the tunnel in both directions. The accelerator went on for miles either way.

Laurence picked up a large tool and hit him in the head with it. Without looking, Orin grabbed Laurence’s neck and slammed him down on the counter while he continued to leisurely examine their equipment. He had thought to subdue Laurence’s anxiety in the same way Keratians subdued the Rodan when they fed, but decided to let Laurence stew a bit in his growing anxiety.