Episode 12

'''Episode 12: A Great Sin to Go Home- Athame’'''

Hours have passed into a day and Athame’ wakes up suddenly next to sleeping baby in a straw made crib and Rynth passed out in a chair next to the baby. Patel is unconscious a few feet away on a medical cot as Vaqui cleans up the infirmary in silence.

Vaqui: You’re awake… been out almost a day… how do you feel?

Athame’: (Groaning) Sore…a little weak…

Vaqui: Well you did just give birth…so a little discomfort is normal.

Athame’: Wait did you say almost a day? What happen? Last thing I remember was holding the baby and…and…

Vaqui: And what?

Athame’: Nothing…I blacked out and now…he’s here and I’m here too… (saying as she leans over to pick up her son)

Vaqui: Careful…. Go slowly. You really don’t remember do you? (Athame’ nods)

Athame’: What happened?

Vaqui: You suffered a massive heart attack after we extracted the child….and…

Athame’: What? Tell me.

Vaqui: You died… and were technically dead for a few minutes. I did everything I could….had help but it wasn’t easy and the fact you’re actually alive now…. (Continues to sweep) Nothing short of a miracle.

Athame’: I died… and…the baby is he…?

Vaqui: Perfectly healthy? Yes. Strong heart, lungs… (saying as she caresses the babies head softly) a little warm but that’s normal for a drake… we burn hot.

Athame’: Thank you… for this…being there… saving us… everything…

Vaqui: We are family in a way…. So I would expect you’d do similar. (Saying as she continues to clean)

Athame’: Did I do all this?

Vaqui: You did actually…but it was expected, I’m handling it though…

Athame’: Everyone else…?

Vaqui: Is fine. Rynth’s been at your side the entire time. Whitley…she is gone sends you her best wishes…and this (saying as she gives Athame’ a pendant with her the Twilight Clan’s family Crest) and said welcome to our clan. She also said when he is ready to seek her out if you need… Your friend…Patel is it? Well he’s resilient for a human… Look you should get some rest.

Patel wakes up.

Patel: What…? (stumbling as he gets out of bed) Athame’! Athame’! You ok?! (saying as he runs to her bed side stumbling slowly)

Vaqui: Easy friend… if you’re going to recover you will need your rest as well.

Patel locks eyes with Athame’ and holds her hands. Vaqui takes notice and leaves the room, cleaning on her way, but waking Rynth to join her on the way out. Rynth nods with a smiles and joins Vaqui.

Vaqui: Will give you two a moment.

Patel: You’re ok. (Saying with a smile)

Athame’: Yea. Look I know we didn’t get to finish our talk…

Patel: Yea…

Athame’: I know you said you followed my aura signature here but I can’t help but wonder…who sent you? And why?

Patel: Your Parents. They thought the drow kidnapped you so sent a search party to find you.

Athame’: And they picked you?

Patel: No… I volunteered. And the team needed a field medic so it just worked out.

Athame’: Team?

Patel: There were 5 of us…. I guess… I’m the only one left.

Athame’: I’m sorry to drag you in to this. But why would you do this? Risk your life? It’s dangerous out here...

Patel: Yes I know (chuckles) and I see that now…but would do it again in a heartbeat. (saying as he grabs both of Athame’s hands and looks deep into her with compassion) I care for you…a great deal. A lot more than I should since we met.

Athame’ falls into a day dream staring blankly at nothing.

Patel: Athame’! Athame’!

Snapping out of her stare.

Athame’: I’m sorry (smiling) I guess I’m more tired than I thought. Can you get me some water please?

As Patel hands her a cup he pours their hands touch again eyes meet frozen it seems as Patel snaps out of it like a day dream.

Patel: So a baby? Any Ideas who the father is? Is he around?

Athame’: No… I mean yes I know who the father is but no he’s not around.

Patel: Not a normal birth here… I take it he is special? The father that is…

Athame’: He… was (saying as Vaqui walks back into the room)

Vaqui: Sorry to interrupt. Just have to take some vitals of the baby boy…blood from the mother for testing.

Athame’ Testing? Everything is ok you said…

Vaqui: It is but I’m trying to be sure it is (saying after she examines the baby) have you thought of a name yet? (saying as she places the sleeping baby in a straw bassinet and begins to draw blood from Athame’ to which this time actually punctures her skin)

Athame’: You know in the all the commotion, I never thought of one.

VaquiL Well, you can never go wrong naming him after his father or someone close? But seeing as who his father was and the possible threats to his father’s name, I’d go the other way…. Just a thought. I will leave you be. I have got what I needed. Patel, you should rest, you’re not fully healed yet. (saying as she leaves the room)

Patel: She’s right… I’ll go… let you two sleep.

Athame’: No! Stay please…stay a while (she says as she looks into his eyes and grabs his hands as he sits down)

The two talk until Patel falls asleep and Athame’ cradles and rocks the baby as he starts to cry. She never goes to sleep but instead pays full attention to the baby. Vaqui comes hours later, as Athame’ is nursing.

Vaqui: (whispering) Oh, sorry, didn’t mean to disturb you…didn’t know you were nursing…just wanted to share some news with you.

Athame’: It’s okay, come in.

Vaqui: Is he sleep?

Athame’: Not yet... but he’s getting there (saying as she continues to nurse) So what’s the news?

Vaqui: All your blood work came back normal…

Athame’: So I’m back to being me? No more drake heighten physiology?

Vaqui: Didn’t say that. The elixirs administered to you changed you on a genetic and molecular level. So the physiology…. Is…permanent I’m afraid. What I mean by normal is there’s no infections. No viral entities or life threatening illnesses or diseases to you or him. The protective skin that drake mothers develop has thinned to normal density of a drake. I don’t know if that means you will have our allergy to natural metals though because you are only part drake now….but let’s be safe than sorry. Try not to get stabbed fatally with any form of metal… so copper…silver….gold…anything metal.

Athame’: …no pure earthly metal… got it.

Vaqui: So… thought of a name yet?

Athame’: (Looking at Vaqui calmly) Seven…. Seven-Dae Starfire.

Vaqui: Stayed away from the clan name, why is that?

Athame’: Something you said. Brandis has many enemies….the Twilight name itself does…I’ve to do all I can to protect my son. He will know of his father…his clan…his family…but only when he is old enough to understand.

Vaqui: (Nods) I will leave you to your rest, please get some. Let me know of any changes occur out of the ordinary or if anything you may need.

As Vaqui walks away she is stopped by Athame’.

Athame’: Now that you mention it there was something. (Vaqui turns around and comes back) Earlier when Patel and I touched I saw something… wasn’t a vision more like seeing a feeling or seeing his hopes….is that strange? Do drakes do that?

Vaqui: Some Drakes do experience latent and additional abilities outside of the tradition capabilities of a drake. Rare but it does happen. You said the baby’s father was gifted?

Athame’: Sort of…I suppose… I don’t know.

Vaqui: If so then it could be a trait passed from him or from you and maybe your son as well. Or it could be a side effect of the combined Drake and Atlantean DNA…not sure. We will monitor it over the extent of your recovery and continuation of your training… now…please rest. (saying as she leaves)

As the baby falls asleep, Athame’ stops nursing him looks at Patel asleep. She puts the baby down into his basinet and lays down to fall asleep herself. As weeks pass she recovers fully from her birthing the baby and starts her training under Vaqui again. Rynth assist while slowly taking leader ship, unknowingly, with her people; while Patel assist in taking care of Seven-Dae. Athame’ spends weeks harnessing every aspect of her magic and physical abilities as a drake getting stronger. Several months fly by unnoticed. She and Patel have grown closer as well, more noticeable to everyone in the Red Leaf; creating their own little surrogate family for Seven-Dae it appears to most. Athame’ completes her training and test from Vaqui and faces one last thing from her teacher and healer. She walks into a cavern with Vaqui one day, alone. It’s dark, with very little lighting coming in from gems and glowing stone, and it is misty. Water drips from above creating some mud as they pass through.

Athame’: What is this place?

Vaqui: It is a secret. It is why I asked you to come alone…where is the child?

Athame’: With Rynth and Patel.

Vaqui: You two have gotten close I notice.

Athame: Well he’s good to me and good for Seven.

Vaqui: That he is.

Athame’: So where are we going?

Vaqui: You shall know soon enough… you can see alright I take it?

Athame’: Yes… it’s as if my eyes adjust to the dark by themselves…. Didn’t have to focus my Atlantean or drake sight…was just instinct.

Vaqui: You have grown stronger in these last few months… Whitley said far more than any young drake in her time…and that’s saying something.

Athame’: Because I have had such a great teacher.

Vaqui: You’ve always had the strength inside you Athame’, I just helped you focus it….wield it… now it’s time you wield an extension of it for yourself… (saying as she claps loudly and lights the caverns torches scattered throughout)

The two have arrived at a large opening like cavern filled with endless sight of treasures, gold, jewels, silver, rubies and gems. As well as a large vast amount of weapons and armor of all kinds scattered about.

Athame’: What… what is this place again?

Vaqui: Our ancestors, mine and now yours, called this place “Marde en’ I’ immortals” translated from Elfish to English- Hall of the Immortals. Every powerful piece of armor, relic or weapon forged in history is here. Some by elves, goblins, dwarves, wizards and even drakes. As one who is part drake…this is your inheritance.

Athame’: How’d you find this place?

Vaqui: Years ago….but I’m not sure if it was accidental or fate. You see the only way to find the Hall is to be shown where it is…it’s been lost for centuries. Very few know of its existence. Whitley told me of it once when I was a kid… even she has never seen it. Nor have any of my Elvin people.

Athame’: Have you shown anyone else?

Vaqui: You’re the first. You see… only the eldest in the clans are shown by a sequence of visions…but they never venture to it…it kind of just finds them when they aren’t looking. Like it did me.

Athame’: I’m not sure I follow.

Vaqui: When I arrived at the Red Leaf…I felt out of place. I was the only drake-elf hybrid so naturally I felt alone. I would dream being in a dark place over and over then one day…I found my self here and I recalled the stories from Whitley growing up. Then I suddenly didn’t feel so alone. As drakes, Athame’, we are connected to the past, present and future… this place… is all that and more.

Athame’: But why show me? I mean you haven’t even shown Whitley or your people…

Vaqui: You are my people… and first in your clan name… Starfire remember? Thousands of years of strength and spirit lies within these walls…these weapons…the magic…the energy flows… through us…

Everything grows silent as Athame’ picks up jewels to look close. But suddenly she dodges a spear that misses her head by inches, thrown by Vaqui, who follows up with a punch strong enough to tremble the wall behind Athame’ as she hits it, missing Athame’ again; who dodges. Vaqui retrieves the spear and begins a full assault on Athame’ who defends herself with graceful like movements of flipping and dodging like maneuvers. Athame’makes attempts to disarm Vaqui but she counters the attempts with a series of punches and kicks hard enough to knock Athame’ out, but they do not. Athame’ then sees they are not sparring and this attack is serious. She begins to counter with her own assault on Vaqui who outwits and matches each move so well she lands a counter punch to Athame’s face, sending her crashing to a mound of gold and treasure several feet away. In that instant Athame’ sees a rod, about ten inches, sticking out the mound that was not there seconds before. She stands, pulls the rod out of the mound to reveal a long bo staff like weapon buried in it. Black and silver in color, lined with green emeralds with carved runes and symbols across it. With Vaqui charging toward Athame’ the fight continues. Each seems to match the other in skill at this point countering and throwing attacks of various martial arts styles and along with their weapons clashing. Vaqui soon resorts to magic and weapon based styles with her martial arts. Athame’ counters and throws her own attacks. She gets in close and eventually disarms Vaqui of her spear as it flies upward and away from her. Athame’ then throws her weapon into the air, counter attacks Vaqui and comes in hard and fast, finishing with several fast punches to her chest and stomach pushing her backwards, a jumping knee to the jaw follows, and she meets her with a foot sweep as Vaqui falls to the ground. Athame’ catches her staff as it falls back to her hands and holds it to Vaqui’s face in an attack stance.

Vaqui: Well done. (saying with a grin)

Athame’: What…what was this? (saying as she catches her breath)

Vaqui: Your final test. A test of all you have learned and endured physically and mentally. Utilizing your skills to defeat a stronger opponent. But at the same time finding your extension of will and using it as so. (saying as she points to the staff after standing)

Athame’: I… what do you mean? I just grabbed this to defend myself.

Vaqui: No, YOU called for it… your will wielded it like an extension of you… listen and tell me do you hear its song?

Athame’using her new enhanced drake hearing looks at her staff in hand and hears a low pitched hum.

Athame’: What is that? It’s…beautiful… soft hum.

Vaqui: A hum of a drake weapon…if you are still in disbelief… look at the inscription along the weapon.

Athame’: (Looking closely at the drake writing on the side of the staff) Long Tail?

Vaqui: It’s in the language of dragons….the tongue of the drake… the hum… it’s manifestation when you needed a weapon… Long Tail is now synced with you.

Athame’: I can read Drake?

Vaqui: And speak it….for the last few minutes you have been doing just that.

Athame’: But how,,,, I never learned it…I mean I tried but…

Vaqui: Does that matter now? You are just as much drake as you are Atlantean now. Long Tail is yours. It is capable of crushing stones and controlling wind around it. It is a formidable weapon. I trust you will use it well (saying as the staff compacts to the size of a six inch rod in Athame’s hand) Come…this is cause for a drink.

Saying as she flies up to the caverns opening in the roof, Athame’ looks at her new weapon, places it in her belt band and follows in flight.

The two soon arrive at the Red Leaf minutes later. As they enter they are greeted with a surprise by all the Elvin people. Music, Dancing and celebration commences soon after.

Athame’: What’s this? (saying with a smile)

Vaqui: A celebration of all you have accomplished here! Don’t get many in this world and time so…ENJOY! (saying as she leaves Athame’)

Athame’ sees Rynth standing with her son in her arms and Patel next to them. She walks up to them and gives them each a hug, and holds her son.

Athame’: Hey my little guy (saying with a big smile) How has he been?

Rynth: He is well Lady Starfire…a definite pleasure to be around.

Athame’: We are family… told you… you don’t have to call me Lady Starfire.

Rynth: Yes my lady…Apologies… Athame’.

Athame’ turns to give Patel a hug and kiss on the cheek.

Patel: I see it went well, you didn’t have that when you woke up this morning (saying as he points to Long Tail on her belt band)

Rynth: The human Patel is correct. It is a new featured asset among you that you were without this early day. Tell us of it?

Athame’: Enough of that later, I promise. Come on, let’s have some fun!

Athame’ dances with Rynth, Patel and her son as well as with several Elves for a while before she stops to take a breather. She walks to get a drink of water and is soon joined by Patel.

Patel: Having fun?

Athame’: Yea, I actually am…it’s been a long while. (saying with a smile) Not exactly sure when the last time was.

Patel: Me neither. So your final trial is done. You’ve become strong as you desired and…you’re happy.

Athame’: Yea… not sure how either…I never thought I could be again.

Patel: So with that being said…I was wondering if… I mean when do you think we can all go back home?

Athame’: We are home Patel. I like it here. With you, Rynth, Seven… Vaqui…the Elvin people…this is more home to me than I thought it could be.

Patel: I get that but don’t you think it’s time our son met his real family? Your parents? Mine? I mean I know they’d love to. Hell they probably think we are dead…it’s been a long time…would be a nice surprise for everyone I think…

Athame’ walks off to get food and becomes obviously anxious, a feeling Vaqui not only sees from a distance but feels as she and Patel continue to debate.

Athame’: Can we talk about this later? I’m enjoying myself and you’re kind of killing it for me.

Patel: I’m sorry. Didn’t know our son meeting his grandparents and us going home was a sore subject… (saying as she continues to anxiously eat her food) Listen! Not trying to upset you but we don’t belong here. You…me…Seven….we are Atlantean! We should be with our own people. (Athame’ starts to walk away) Look I thought we agreed we would come here for the birth and so you could train to get stronger….not stay! (Vaqui soon walks over as Athame’ turns to Patel with frustration) Our son deserves…

Athame’: My son! Ok? Mine! If you want to go then go this is…

Vaqui: Sorry for the interruption…but is everything ok?

Patel: Yea…we are okay (saying as he walks away leaving the party eventually)

Athame’: Thank you….I was uh…feeling a little pushed up against the wall there. Figures…first celebration I have and a verbal fight brews (chuckling nervously)

Vaqui: Walk with me.

The two leave the party after Athame’ ask Rynth to take Seven to her place because he was sleeping.

Athame’: Sorry…didn’t want to pull you away from the party… it was a lovely gesture though…thank you.

Vaqui: My pleasure. So you and Patel seemed to be at each other’s throats there….quite the opposite of what I have seen these last few months. Seven’s almost one right?

Athame’: Yea…getting big…where does the time go?

Vaqui: Time is a funny thing…but I’m curious and excuse me for prying but what was that debate about between you two…Patel and you I mean? Something about going home?

Athame’: For the last few months or so, Patel’s been asking me when we are going back to Atlantis. I didn’t have the heart to tell him we aren’t so I kept avoiding the subject or telling him after training was complete.

Vaqui: You know avoiding subjects only makes matters worse?

Athame’: I know…I know… I was wrong. But I’m done training I…I don’t know what to do now.

Vaqui: I see… and (saying as she stops walking) when did Patel become Seven’s Father?

Athame’: (Nervously) I’m not sure what you mean?

Vaqui: Do not insult me with lies…we promised remember? A Drakes ears are highly susceptible to sound…if you do not recall. I know he could feel, because he has been in the child’s life for almost a year, as the surrogate father…but I sense he actually seems to believe he is the biological father…why?

Athame: (sitting down on the close by bench) Was something you said a while ago. About how I should be careful of what I name Seven. How his father has enemies and his father’s family as well. I wanted nothing more than to keep Seven safe and protect him and Patel was right there. The first time was an accident…it knocked him out cold. Not sure if it was the power surges from the birth or what but after that…with the training I kind of just became good at it… better and better. By the time I realized what I was doing was wrong on so many levels I stopped….but the damage was done….he was not only convinced but believed he is Seven’s biological father.

Vaqui: (sitting next to her) You wiped and changed his memory…

Athame’: (crying on Vaqui’s shoulder as Vaqui puts her arm around her in comfort) It was too late…then we got closer and closer and it was like we were a little family… you…Patel…Rynth… Seven…I didn’t want it to go away… I just wanted to stay here and be happy with everything I have.

Vaqui: So you just kept pushing Patel’s thoughts…

Athame’ nods yes.

Vaqui hold hers in silence. Calms her down to stop crying and looks at her.

Vaqui: What you did was wrong…but put in the same position I would have done it too. All you have seen…been through and endured inside and out. No one would understand that better than I. (hugging her) You’re my sister…and I love you, Seven as well… you know that? (Looking her in the eye)

Athame: I do.

Vaqui: But you can’t stay here…. (saying as shock grows across Athame’s face)

Athame’: I don’t understand… why? You… you said you understood!

Vaqui: And I do…but look at those elves down there (saying as they look out over the party from a distance) The women…children….fathers…mothers…. What’s the one duty all drakes follow?

Athame’: Protect life….

Vaqui: And as their protector I must stand by my people. I understand what you did and why…truly I do. But you…are a danger to those people down there.

Athame’: No! I would never…

Vaqui: And what if you did? Say you met one of our enemies or worse one the enemies of the Twilight clan and they discovered what you are and what you can do? All they would need is to push enough and get you to control their minds and thoughts…Light elves…. Dark elves…. Last of us here at the Red Leaf…think about it. It could destroy us…

Athame: (calming down and takes a deep breath) You’re right…I…I don’t want to put you all in danger…I have to…I have to leave.

Vaqui walks over to her and kisses her forehead and gives her a hug.

Vaqui: We are sisters….Family… I will always be there for you and Seven… (hugs her again) I will give you a couple days to get your affairs in order (she says as she walks away leaving Athame’ who wipes away her tears sighing.)

Hours pass and Patel wakes in Athame’s bed to see her tinkering with a mirror magically.

Patel: What are you doing?

Athame’: Shh… (she tells him as she chants)

Soon the mirror forms a picture and familiar face appears on the opposite side.

Lament: Hello? Who…Athame?! Is that you?!

Athame’: Hey Lament… How are you?

Lamet: How am I? How are you? We’ve been looking for you for a while thought you were….doesn’t matter…so much has happen since you left. Months ago when we got that rescue evac from the floating islands we thought it was you…

Patel: Lament? As in Lament Nightmare of Sevenfold Labs? (saying as he sits next to Athame’ holding Seven)

Athame’: You know her?

Patel: Not personally I mean most of our medical tech comes…

Lament: Oh my…who’s that?

Athame’: This is Patel and this is….our son Seven.

Lament: You had a baby?! Aw he looks just like you…Guess that explain why you’ve been gone for…

Athame’: How is everyone? My brother…parents? Saga? Jack? Zero?

Lament: Um… a lot has happened since you left

Athame’: Then you can tell me about it when I come home.

Lament: Really? You’re coming back? When?!

Athame’: In about a day or so…Lament I was wondering is there some where we can stay I mean…

Lament: Say no more…we have plenty of room at my place until we find you all a nice family home. Just get back soon…We have a lot to talk about. How are you getting back anyway? Do you need me to send a skiff?

Athame’: No I will take care of it…and Lament…don’t tell my family…I want them to be surprised.

Lament: You got it. (saying with a smile as the mirror fades to a regular reflection)

Patel: Going home huh? So why’d you change you mind?

Athame’: Just thought of what you said. You..me…Seven…we’re Atlanteans…we need to be with our people Seven is almost one and what better time for the baby to meet our parents?

Patel: What did Vaqui say to you? (saying with a smile)

Athame; She just helped me see you are right. I’ve to protect and do what is best for us…our family…our people.

Patel and Athame’ kiss. A day passes and most of the Elves are there to see Athame’, Seven and Patel off as they say their goodbyes; even Rynth.

Athame’: Are you sure you won’t come with us, I mean you are Seven’s guard mom?

Patel: Honey we have to go…I’m sure Lament is waiting.

Athame’: In a minute…

Rynth: As I do wish to be there for you both I must decline. I must learn to do as you are and have done and embrace who I am. I have come to terms with my title among my people and though it is complex… I believe the path of knowledge of how to be queen among them will be a great one. (saying as she smiles at Trysta who winks at her, Mozamoe purs and she pets him)

Athame’: (smiling) You’ve protected us and kept your word….your debt is clear in this life and next….but do not be a stranger. You know where we are and how to find us.

The two hug and bow to each other.

Athame’: Not sure how I can or know how to say thank you for all you’ve done for me…

Vaqui: You just did. Remember, all I have taught you and all you’ve learned. (The two hug) I love you, my sister. Please take good care of yourself and him….and know you’ll always have a place here regardless of the history left behind. (The two hug again and kiss each other’s forehead and then touch foreheads together in the embrace)

Athame’ turns to everyone else and waves goodbye as she opens a portal using a chant in Drake. On the other side you can see Lament and her daughter, waiting. Patel and she wave one final good bye to all the elves and leave through the portal as it closes behind them. Upon entering she’s met with a warm hug by Lament.

Lament: Welcome home sweetie!

Athame’: Who’s this?

Saga: Saga…

Athame’: Wow, you’ve gotten so big! Last time I saw you were just a baby! Have I really been gone that long?

Lament: Told you, a lot has changed. Baby why don’t you show Uncle Patel and Cousin Seven to their room, let mommy and Aunt Athy talk?

Saga: Yes mommy. (saying as she takes Patel’s hand and leaves with Patel holding her hand and the baby in his other arm)

Athame’: What’s wrong? I know I haven’t asked yet but Where’s…where’s Thew?

Lament: Like I said…a lot has changed.

She says as she takes Athame’ to a large window to see another floating city like Atlantis and two more being constructed just pass all the buildings in the daylight sky.