THE ASCENDED: Gehenna

By Kim M Hounsell-Bachelor

It has been a lifetime since they left with Evon, a lifetime he has remained locked within his form.

It is for Evon that Caelum, Vaxton, Bedelia, and Dacklan I have returned to Initium.

To find Neith.

To find answers.

To give something back to the one who always gave more than he had.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kim Hounsell-Bachelor
• Release date: Feb 16, 2024
• ISBN: 9780648603931

Book preview

1

The Return

am sorry you had to do it alone, vita mea. He is a fine young man; I would have given almost anything to be there for every skinned knee, a kiss is pressed to my temple, when he found his heart."

With an inaudible sigh, I bury my face into his neck, cherishing the touch of his skin against my cheek. I am long past blaming him for leaving. He was only fulfilling his obligations. My dreams weren’t the sole sacrifice made on that fateful day.

But drinking in the scene before me, I cannot spare the attention to tell him, unwilling to tear my eyes away for even a moment. As I lean against his broad chest, I cannot resist running my hands along the strong, muscular arms wrapped around my waist, hoping he can sense the unspoken message in my touch.

Elio is balancing auburn-haired Ava on his shoulders, his hands curled around the bottom of her legs as he hikes across the field to where Kiata and Dion are examining something on the ground. As Kiata straightens, Elio leans down to inspect the mud brown cone shaped mushroom she presents in her hands. There’s more silver in Elio’s hair than when I saw him last, and Kiata is thinner, her cheeks hollowed, her eyes bruised with fatigue. But she smiles when Ava tackles Dion onto the ground, straddling her brother’s chest as she tries to stuff a stalk of dry grass into his resisting mouth. Twice her size, Dion could flip her off his body with ease, but he plays along, crying out in mock rage.

They are healthy and happy. The family unit is holding strong. Despite their weary appearance, they have remained a united force.

It was important I was here today to see this. I needed to ensure I did not break them when I took Elijah away.

I often wondered when I returned to my form if their souls would become clearer. If I would find a connection. But they are still new to me, all glowing with the sunny yellow haze marking them as natives of Aer. Although it’s unusual for souls from the same area to be placed together, they could be a family on their native plane. Perhaps that gave them an advantage in helping them cope with the loss.

Before retreating to the vehicle, I take a few more precious moments to soak them in. It hurts to acknowledge I may never see them again; they were such an important part of Rayn’s life. Even after emerging from that form, their impact is still imprinted on my soul. Just as all my families have. Just as I hope they will continue to do.

Vaxton is lounging submerged in the shadows facing the clearing, his arms crossed across his chest, his shoulder propped against the gnarled trunk of a tree. His eyes glisten silver as they meet mine. I was not alone in my need to see them, and I sweep my hand down his arm as I move past.

Caelum gives us both a wide berth, his huge stride overtaking mine. As he steps ahead of me, my mouth tightens as I catch sight of his sculpted back. Not that it’s an unpleasant view. The dark fabric of his shirt does very little to hide the bulging ripples of muscle that strap his shoulders and ribs. But I can only view them in all their glory from the blatant lack of wings.

He did not let his go without a fight.

Only fleetingly returning to my form, still used to my human body, losing mine to return to Initium was not a sacrifice worth going to the mat for. Caelum felt differently.

Despite being significantly shorter, Bedelia fearlessly confronted him, steadfastly holding her position, unwavering in her belief the same rules held. Wings are not discreet, and if Caelum wished to be included, if he wanted to come to Initium in his form, he would do so without his beautiful raven hued wings. Caelum, never one to be swayed by titles, particularly when held by a younger sibling, adamantly refused to yield. It was only through Dacklan’s quick intervention the newly appointed Altiorem Mentem and Custos Mortis did not end up at each others throats, one sarcastic comment and sneer away from resorting to a full-blown brawl.

Since then, their interactions have been minimal and brief.

Caelum ignores Bedelia’s glare as he climbs into the drivers’ seat. Parked next to ours, Bedelia and Dacklan occupy the second vehicle. From my vantage point in the passenger seat, I lean over Caelum to flash a grin while waving and calling out to her, earning an exasperated sigh from Caelum as she reciprocates my enthusiastic greeting.

The back door swings open, and Vaxton enters the car without making a sound, settling into the area behind me. He has been withdrawn since we returned to Ascension. Upon returning, the soul often needs time to settle and readjust. Time neither of us was granted.

The moment Vaxton and I recovered from having our souls reunited with our forms, we were on our way back here, returned to the world we had just left behind. Back to where it all went wrong.

Evon has still not awoken.

He lays in stasis, peaceful and serene, looking almost as if he has just laid down to sleep. His long golden hair arranged over his broad shoulders is soft and shining, his tanned skin warm to the touch. But his chest never rises, and the shade of the patterns that swirl around his body are faded to a pale ghostly blue. He lives, but he is not alive.

Somehow, when he depleted his power when healing Atreus, he unfused his soul from his form. His soul is there, residing inside, but like oil on water, soul and form will not mesh back together. Caelum tried after he rose to Custos Mortis, but there was no response, and with Evon’s soul unfused it was considered too risky to push any further.

It takes a pair of Altiorem Mentem working in union to merge a soul. With another Altiorem Mentem Bedelia could try, but Evon’s vulnerability poses a risky situation. Altiorem Mentem appear to each other as they do to anyone else, veiled and undefined, their identities guarded even to the others of their order. The only telltale sign is the silver star in their left iris, something only those close to them are able to identify. Neith is the sole Altiorem Mentem known to Bedelia. Which is fortunate, as she has implicit trust in Neith.

However, in keeping with the old saying of one step forward and two steps back, Neith has been missing since before they descended to Initium. By all reports, she was residing in her stratum. However, after a few inquiries, it became apparent her absence was not in line with the account freely told.

When Caelum returned, he brought with him the suspicion that Neith was Atreus’ mother, Kara. Despite the fact as Altiorem Mentem Neith’s soul was fused with her form and living on Initium as a human shouldn’t have been possible, neither her soul nor form have been collected or returned to Metra.

While I tended growing things, while I watched sunrises fill the sky with colour and life, while I watched my own hues leech and fade from my hair and body, they searched for answers, for hope.

Neith’s whereabouts were unknown in her own stratum or any other plane. Solaris’ soul was also nowhere to be found. Only one logical connection linked Neith and Solaris.

Alectrona.

When Bedelia took over Alectrona’s reign of Aetherius, she quickly pieced together it was not uncommon for Alectrona to be missing for vast periods of time. Contrary to expectations, her rule was anything but peaceful and serene. Thus, for her citizens, the lengthy absences were more of a blessing than a concern. But no reports have come forward of her or Argail’s presence in any of the planes of Discere. In fact, it was a rare sight to catch a glimpse of either of them.

If Bedelia had not reported their extermination, if she hadn’t been willing to undergo mind flaying to prove the truth, their absence would have gone unnoticed, a void that no one would have thought to question.

It seemed more than plausible given their only sightings had been on Initium, Alectrona had set up a lair for herself and Argail on the plane. The possibility of them being connected to the Milites Mortis was also conceivable. Another issue left unresolved due to the interference of the pair.

When Bedelia conceded for the Altiorem Mentem to search her mind, to see for themselves the betrayal of Alectrona and Argail, she also alerted them to my potential newfound powers. It was a sacrifice they all agreed needed to be made. The easiest compromise, as it was a development that could not be concealed forever.

Eternals have protection against their minds being open to others, and the punishment for invading and searching without invite is swift and severe. As I knew from experience, the lesser forms from the learning planes are not granted the same protection. Bedelia only gave them permission to see that event. The information regarding Isfrid, the suspicions we had, remained unspoken.

She only offered a smidgeon, but that alone was enough to ensure it was challenging day for the Altiorem Mentem.

First came the confirmation the instability within their order had become common knowledge.

One Altiorem Mentem, one of their incorruptible members, an eternal who had passed all the tests and ascended to become a Higher Mind, had become so ripe with immorality that they had fallen from above, rotten and decayed.

Second was the issue of Argail.

Two Altiorem Mentem are required to fuse a soul. To then elevate it to the status of silver, the combined efforts of three Altiorem Mentem are required. Each Altiorem Mentem is granted the allowance to appoint rulers for the planes in their Stratum. These overseers act as a second-in-command. To allow them to act on behalf of their Altiorem Mentem, the chosen are elevated to silver, granting them the ability to transverse the strata. To ascend to the Altiorem Mentem of a stratum requires the support of the rulers of that stratum and the backing of four Altiorem Mentem. The silver hue of Argail’s soul hinted  at least two more Altiorem Mentem members aligned with the game Alectrona was orchestrating.

The next problem was the re-emergence of a power they believed to have been eliminated.

As a fledgling Anima Devorans, and still in a human form on Initium, I would have been a lower-level problem. Problematic, but not a risk until I returned to my eternal form and my soul became fused. Not a threat until it could be verified my power had crossed to my soul, rather than remaining with my human body. But regardless of the outcome to me, the power is proof there’s still one out there, an unchecked Custos Veritatis, a Guardian of the truth capable of exposing the charlatans in their midst.

Then came the lovely and formidable Bedelia. With the infusion of Argail’s power, she had been vaulted far above her previous capabilities, placing her foot on the first stair required to become one of the seven.

With a clear understanding of the opportunity, she appealed to the rulers of Aetherius, seeking their backing. In a whirlwind of events, Bedelia found herself in charge of Alectrona’s stratum. It was a path she had never considered for herself. However, sometimes to fight the beast, you must be the one who ventures into its lair.

The instant Vaxton and I had sunk back into our eternal forms, Bedelia proposed her plan to her assembled colleges. The plan to send the Custos Mortis and Custos Vitae, with the support of a team of eternals chosen by her, back to Initium to locate Neith.

There is no hope the Altiorem Mentem would wish to see my soul fused, unlocking full access to my potential newly received gift. They would have at least suspected Bedelia’s intention to join with Neith to see it done. Bedelia knew they would hesitate over this risk, but clarified if they voted against my return to Initium, she would forward my request to ascend to Custos Veritatis.

Historically, we have been led to believe all Keepers are selected by the Altiorem Mentem.

Bedelia’s new position came with access to a lot of long forgotten and buried knowledge. The most helpful piece so far regarding the allowance to petition to become a keeper. Obviously, the Altiorem Mentem would never agree to my request, but the petition would require the assembly of the full seven. Even in my newborn state, as an Anima Devorans it would be easy to identify those who were corrupted.

Bedelia was granted the permission to utilise the services of the Custos Vitae and Custos Mortis. Ridiculous, as either Evon or Caelum could fry every one of those snobby bastards on the spot if they so choose.

That is, if Evon was conscious and breathing.

But with her sharp eye on the end goal, Bedelia wove our greatest pain, our deepest fears, into the grand plan.

Evon’s form was healed in Metra. To the extent of all other’s knowledge, he awoke and continued on his way. When Bedelia took the appointment of Aetherius, she was required to turn over the rulers appointed by Alectrona to the Altiorem Mentem to determine their involvement with the Milites Mortis. They all failed to return.

Bedelia didn’t lose much sleep over it. The outcome went in her favour and the replacements were already clear and selected. Evon’s condition, his unconscious status, needed to be kept discreet. The status of Custos Vitae had to be guarded.

No other Eternal’s can enter Aetherius without Bedelia’s permission. With their new sparkling silver souls, Tallulah and Michaela assisted Bedelia in moving Evon’s form to Aetherius. They agreed to stay back to rule in Bedelia’s absence, and to make sure his form remained safe while the other members of the team searched for Neith. ‘Sending’ Evon to Initium brought extra time with the other Altiorem Mentem.

Our entry to Initium was close to New Hopeton. Bedelia and Caelum could have entered wherever they chose, but we are still limited to the more conventional access points. On the chance there would be a return journey required, Vaxton and Dacklan had stashed the vehicles we used for our search for Atreus close by the area used for the first arrival. Given the equipment required for the journey, it was deemed practical to enter through the same position.

We skirted New Hopeton, but did not go too close. Atreus and I left the town over forty years ago, and since then, almost all the eternals have returned to Ascension. From our vantage point above the valley we could just make out the multi-hued trees from the orchard, the sunlight glinting off the vast greenhouse Vaxton had planned but never saw completed.

It has been a lifetime since they left with Evon, a lifetime he has remained locked within his form.

It is for Evon that Caelum, Vaxton, Bedelia, and Dacklan I have returned to Initium.

To find Neith.

To find answers.

To give something back to the one who always gave more than he had.

2

Apple Puree

ery little time has passed since Vaxton and I were here last, and Vaxton watches it all fly past with flat, unseeing eyes.

I twist back in my seat after watching my brother, pushing my unruly dark hair away from my face. It still surprises me a little whenever I observe my hands. Unused to the sight of taut tanned skin over smooth and straight fingers, devoid of the stain of age spots or the painful swell of twisted joints.

Caelum glances in my direction, and I grace him with a tight smile. Before we departed from Ascension, Vaxton disappeared for several days. Since he didn’t volunteer the information, I haven’t asked where he went. Given his continued pensive mood, though, there may be a point where I will need to press the matter. But that time is not right now. At this moment, we both need time to mourn our past lives. Despite my intuition telling me otherwise, I clutch to the hope it will pass in time.

As I reach down, I flick the little arrow button on the music player. After a burp of started and cut off music from several songs, I finally find the one I am looking for. Caelum’s fingers tap out the beat on the steering wheel, and he shoots me a sideways grin as the music builds. His instinctive glee in Atreus’ favourite song warms my heart.

Eager to cover as much distance as possible each day, we drive well into the night. Vaxton assumes control of the driver’s seat after enjoying one of the tuna wraps we prepared during our lunchtime stop. Due to our reluctance to approach New Hopeton for fresh food, we have been depending on the collection of canned meats and fruits stored in the vehicles, which have become mundane in a brief span of time. Bedelia and I were overjoyed to come across a container of flour and oil, enabling me to put my years of making fresh wrap bread each day to use. Tuna and sweetcorn wraps may not be something you will come across on the menu of a high-end eatery, but for a meal on the move, they hit the spot.

After settling into the back seat behind Vaxton, Caelum devours his wrap with several large bites, swallowing resonantly while downing a full flask of water. He detests tuna, but he does not utter a word, and I am conscious of his storm blue eyes watching me as he pulls the pillow up behind his head. It takes only a moment for his breath to settle into a steady, deep rhythm.

As I peel back the foil lid of an apple puree pot, the sweet aroma of apples fills the air. With a tilt of the container towards Vaxton, I lift my eyebrows in question, only to receive a firm headshake from him. I knew my chances were slim, but I thought it only proper to ask.

Familiar music fills the cabin, and I hum the song words I am unsure of as I devour the pot in seconds. Vaxton glances at me in amusement. Exhaustion always makes me ravenous with hunger. As we are going for minimum set up tonight, I will sleep in the back seat.

Vaxton’s tone is neutral, and when I scan his face, he is staring out into the inky night. Earlier, Caelum asked if I would object to sharing a swag with him to save the time and energy of setting up anything extra. Up to this point, I have always set up my own bed and slept in it alone. I had thought Vaxton was asleep when that conversation occurred.

Vaxton and Evon have always been close, while Caelum and Dacklan are more ‘let’s gang up together to torment Bedelia.’ They all get along, but when it comes to picking a team, the four of them just pair off together with a natural ease.

Is this brooding because of that?

The ultimatum from the Altiorem Mentem was almost a relief, as it freed me from the burden of making a choice. But when Caelum ascended to Custos Mortis in the hope to heal Evon, he gave up the opportunity to be reborn to the learning planes. Just as Evon did by accepting the title of Custos Vitae to find Caelum and me. Now I’m back to exactly the same position I was before. Two mates. One soul in two bodies. Destined to endure the suffering reflected in intense blue eyes.

Evon is ... I stop, unable to voice the words that clutch my heart. Evon may never wake up. The memory of those captivating glacial blue eyes may be all I ever have. And regardless of my emotions towards Evon, I still love Caelum, and Caelum deserves to be loved. Deserves to be chosen.

Vaxton glances at me in surprise. I am your brother, not your warden, Meira. I understand you are in an impossible position. It is not my place to pass judgement on you or those you choose to share your life with. Now he looks annoyed. Well, at least it’s a change from melancholy.

A few hours, and three pots of puree later, we pull off the road. Vaxton leaves the vehicle on, lights shining on a clearing to make it easier to set the swags up. It feels like torture setting up the enclosed tents in the damp night air, my limbs stiff and tired, every knock stinging my numb and chilly hands. In the theme of cutting down on as much work as possible, we only set up the base poles, shimming into the slack canvas tents. It’s a moonless night, and the clearing falls into pitch black moments after Vaxton moves back towards our vehicle. Caelum flicks the blankets over us, pulling me against his warm chest. Straight away, I am thankful I agreed to share this space with him tonight. Despite the butterflies that flit inside my stomach.

Vita mea, I have missed you so much, he murmurs as he slides his arm under my pillow, taking my outstretched hand and threading our fingers together. It feels as though an eternity has passed since I last had this type of contact. It has been such a long time since I have felt loved, experienced this kind of longing. My throat constricts, and I don’t trust my voice to respond. Instead, I close my burning eyes, running my fingers along the corded muscle of the arm around my waist, resting my hand over his own. With my back against his chest, I match my breathing to his own, drifting into the darkness of a dreamless sleep.

3

Asherah

e smiles at her small pale slender fingers entwined in his own calloused, tanned ones. Skin the colour of sea foam. Hair the crushing blue of the ocean. Each strand transparent when held to the light. Each striking feature marking her as an unmistakable resident of this plane.

His own father hailed from Firmus, relinquishing his native home to be with a female of Unda. Both he and his sister share their father’s physical traits, characterised by their darker skin and ebony hair. The lack of their native plane’s characteristics serving as a constant reminder they differed from those around them.

Unda is a plane ruled by water, with land being in short supply. His family is from one of the river settlements. The ocean was originally hers. They grew up together, chasing tiny leaf boats down bubbling streams, his sister and her older brother often accompanying them on their adventures. He couldn’t quite remember when Ash transformed into Asherah, but once the change happened, it felt as if it had always been that way.

Asherah tries to pull her fingers from his, squirming to roll out of their bed. He pulls her closer, pressing his lips to the shell of her ear. She laughs in protest, sparkling music washing over him. I will be late, she objects half-heartedly as he draws his hand over her curved waist, down her smooth legs. Then I had better make it worth working back for, he murmurs against her neck as he sweeps his hand slowly up her rounded thigh.

He is still thinking about the sensation of her lips on his skin when the youth approaches the square, stopping at the edge to stay out of harm’s reach. While sheathing his sword into the holder around his hip, he approaches the youngster, taking the folded crisp white piece of paper held out to him. The message is brief and to the point, and he slides it into his pocket as he strides through the narrow halls that surround the square. He has long awaited this moment, but it has arrived much earlier than expected.

It seems only seconds have passed before she is sitting across the small table from him, hair shining with a soft green tinge caused by the dust in the air, changing the effect of the light, her eyes adjusting to the same hue.

How long? she asks as she lifts the generous coffee cup to her full lips. This is their favourite place to meet, and he is hoping all the pleasant memories they have here will soothe her. Fourteen high tides, he tells her, watching her mouth tighten at the words, a deep line appearing between her green tinted brows.

This is the final test, Asherah. It is the ultimate goal I have strived for. She slams her cup down onto the table, white foam sloshing over the side of the coral-coloured mug. The final test before you are Ascended. The final test before you are no longer a resident of Unda. The final test before you leave me. He reaches across to grab her hand, but she pulls it out of his reach, crossing her arms across her chest.

This will be my third deferral of the opportunity. Apply to ascend, amica mea. Apply to stand with me in protection of our stratum. To assist those protecting the balance. With a flat stare, she locks eyes with him. My family is here. Unda is the only home I’ve ever known. I have no desire to leave. Our life is peaceful. It is not our responsibility to make it that way for the entire stratum!

He sighs. It’s a discussion they have had multiple times, always with the same result. Why are you so eager to leave me? What is so terrible about our life here? Her eyes are pleading as she reaches out to take his hands, smooth pale fingers caressing his bronzed, calloused palms.

There’s so much more to life than Unda, so many things to learn, to experience. But she is enough for him. Their life together here is enough for him.

Pax amica mea, he soothes, standing up from the seat to kneel in front of her, staring up into the face he loves more than anything else. "I will decline to