Topic: Calyx: A serial novel of the Federation

[CaptJosh]

For a time I was going to characterize this somewhat like the Anime show Blood, but Acasja just doesn't quite fit the role of Sayia, and there's nobody I'd really put in the role of Haji, either. I'm going to have to go with this being a Star Trek setting fairy tale too. It is, however, as compelling as Blood, which made me keep watching even without any clear idea what was going on at first. A great deal of WTF factor with the added thought of, "I gotta figure out what's going on." I'm still not quite sure, even though I know more now than when I started reading the story.

[Czar Mohab]

Well, another wonderful addition to this epic. Great job! Glad to see that my hunch was correct, and that there was still a surprise to it, too.

Don't know why, but thinking of the enlarged Geoffery made me remember this haunting image:


There is another one that kind of plays with the anime theme, but I can't post it here (contains a bad word, I know we're all adults, but its against the rules, ya know?) so I'll PM anyone interested the link.

When you do get this put on pdf, could you include the interludes?

Czar "Thanks for the great read" Mohab

[Andromeda]

I wanted to have this ready before Christmas, but didn't make it.  I'm just posting today.  I promise to catch up on my reading and commenting as soon as we get bak home.  

CHAPTER 11:  Possession

"Acasja Tilfe shall be mine!" Iblis Acton reiterated.  "This is the will of Last Judgment and my will must be obeyed."  He stroked his sister's chin.  "Angela, will you help me as you always have?  Will you do it for me?"

"Yes Iblis.  I'll do my best."  She took the hand in hers, brought it up to her lips, and kissed it.  "Just tell me what you need."

Acasja lay asleep in bed, enjoying a pleasant dream that featured sex and the figure of Aion that had come down from the castle for her.  Her two hallmates stood outside the door to her bedroom.  Tommy Applebaum raised his hand to rap on the door.  "Do I have to go in there and pry her out of bed?"  Angela interposed herself between him and the door.  He pleaded with her, “Let me do it.  I know just how to wake Lady Acasja up."  

"But it's my job to get that sleepyhead out of bed," she explained.  "Besides, don't you have morning assembly to prepare for, Brigade Captain Applebaum?  Leave the rest to me.  I'm her consort after all."

Even pleasant dreams eventually come to an end and Acasja stretched as she awakened.  She opened her eyes to see the clock beside her bed.  It was over an hour since she was supposed to wake up.  The alarm was turned off.  She bounced out of bed and hurried into her uniform, wondering why no one had awakened her when she hadn't gotten up.  After only a few minutes, she entered the common area of the suite.  No one was there.  Cursing that she was totally late now, Acasja quickly left the suite and bounded down the stairs.  

At the doorway, she jerked to a stop.  "There you are.  Good morning."  It was Iblis Acton.  He was leaning against the door of a red convertible Hovercar.  

"Mr. Acton," she greeted him politely.

"Angela asked me to come over and give you a ride," he said, "so here I am – at your service.  Hop in."  She could hear the bell ring, signalling the half-hour.  "You're going to be late.  Come on.  Hurry up."

Acasja hopped in to the open-topped vehicle as directed.  He walked around and slid over the door on the opposite side and started to drive.  The ride was smooth and Acasja stood up into the breeze to enjoy the wind in her face.  The engine roared loudly as the car flew across campus.  One of Acasja’s instructors was coming in just as late as she was.  Hearing the noise, he looked up.  "Midshipman Tilfe out for a joyride?"

The vehicle barely slowed as it passed him.  "Keep up the good work, all right?" Iblis called out to him.

"Of course," Acasja heard him reply and then they were beyond hearing him.

"Hey!  Weren't you going to take me to class?"

"Aw, let's go for a drive.  The instructors can’t complain - not as long as I'm with you.  I'm the acting commandant for Starfleet Academy now.  That means I am the rules."  Acasja looked at him in wonder and sat down.  He's a strange one.  What is it about him?

He didn't stop until they reached Golden Gate Park.  "Wow! Look at that!" she exclaimed.  The rising sun cast billions of bright shards into the foaming swell of the waters and her eyes were dazzled by their dance.   Acasja had forgotten, almost, what normal looked like.

"Nice view isn't it?" he said, his eyes following her gaze.  "Half an hour by car and you're in another world.  Starfleet Academy - it's like a beautiful prison, isn't it?  The students bound by insignificant rules, yet swathed in comfort: a cage fit for a king.  It's easy to forget the real world, the one that waits just beyond the prison gates."

"My gosh," Acasja said, surprised.  She looked at him now instead of the view.  "I didn't know a rebel heads our academy."

He laughed.  "Takes a rebel to spot a rebel, eh?"  He made a point of looking at her pants.  "You're the one who flouts the standards of dress; who chooses to be herself, not merely what others expect."  The seabirds were crying above them and he looked toward the sound.  "We're birds of a feather, you and I... both of us longing to take flight."

He walked along the rocks down to the waterside and she followed him.  "That's the same thing Tommy Applebaum was saying the other day."

"Ah, yes. Midshipman Captain Applebaum, you mean?  I hear he's gone to live in Cochrane Hall.  He seems to like you quite a bit.  In fact, he's become so enamoured with you that he would ignore academy rules.”  He sounded angry and his words were clipped.  “He has good taste; I'll say that for him."

He kept startling her.  He gave her a tight-lipped smile.  She walked past him over the last few, damp rocks.  "It's slick.  Don't slip," he warned.  "Here, I'll take your hand."

"The rocks aren't that slippery.  I'll be fine." Why am I blushing all of a sudden?  “Oh!” Her attention distracted from where she was setting her feet, Acasja slipped and fell sideways into the water of the bay.

"Watch out!" he called, and quickly grabbed her from behind and lifted her up and out of the water.  "Are you all right?"  He sat her on one of the drier rocks above him.

"It's okay.  I'm fine."

"You look soaked to me.  Let's take off those wet boots."  Without waiting for her permission he reached up to pull one off.

"You don't need to do that.  I'm fine, really I am."  He didn't reply but removed both boots, then her socks, pulling them off slowly and giving them a shake so that water sprayed down from them.  His hands moved up from her feet along her legs, pushing the damp pants up above her knees.  Then the retreated back down and rolled under her heels.  She sighed and closed her eyes, leaning back on the rock for support.  What the heck am I doing here?  He looked down at her face, but did not allow his own feelings to show in his expression.

The day passed until the sun began to sink below the skyline.  He picked up her long-dry boots and socks.  "Come on, let's head back."

Acasja lay in bed with Geoffrey asleep beside her.  She gently petted his fur as she related her experience.  "...so that was my day, Angela.  Your brother is an amazing person.  He makes me feel like I still have so far to go.  When I look at him I'm right back to being a little kid again.  I guess it's because he's so grown up."
Angela stared at her face.  "Are you in love with my brother, Lady Acasja?"

She sat up quickly and brushed the marmoset's fur in the wrong direction.  It squealed at her and jumped to the floor.  "Wh… Wha… What are you talking about?" she stammered.  "I just think I'd like to be that kind of person, that's all!  Besides, he has a fiancée.  It's not like he's up for grabs."

Geoffrey crawled up Angela's leg and into her hands.  "Yes, but she's not here.  She's been home ill and..."

"No, no!  That's not what I meant at all," Acasja interrupted loudly.  

"What did you mean?" Angela asked quietly.

Acasja realized she had never told Angela about what had happened when she was a child.  "I know who I love.  Since the day we met, my heart has been his.  My Prince Charming, Aion."  Angela relented and Acasja let herself slide back into the place she had been earlier.

Angela waited until she was asleep and then left to visit her brother in the observatory.  The telescope standing in shadow reminded her of a diapered baby with bows in her hair looking up, seeking the night sky.  "Ah my dear sweet Angela," Iblis greeted her.  She came to stand before him and he pulled her into the chair with him.  "Don't fret so.  That worried look of yours, it doesn't become you.  Nothing real can be threatened.  You are the one who's most dear to me, Angela."

"Oh Iblis."  She buried her head in his chest.  "I'll do anything you ask of me.  Let me prove to you how strong a love can be."

He stroked her hair, slowly loosening the ties that kept it up.  Her long tresses cascaded over his face and shoulders.  "Soon, Angela, soon your body will have to be put to good use to at last obtain the power Aion.  Acasja will have to do the same.  The final victor and the consort will consummate their engagement and move on to the next ritual."

"What if she doesn't want to?"

He laughed.  "It's all right."  A finger touched a control and part of the roof slid away to reveal the stars of Capricorn above.  "One more push and it's done.  Acasja will be mine, all mine!  She will do whatever I say without questioning my will.”  He clenched his fist and raised it toward the stars.  “The day is at hand!  With Acasja in my thrall, the power Aion will be within my grasp."

Saturday came and Acasja spent most of the day in study.  It wasn't until evening neared that she began to worry about Angela.  She wore a black wife beater with an image of the marmoset imprinted on it.  "Geoffrey, you don't know where Angela is, do you?" she asked the creature.  Patting it on the head, she added, "It's almost time for dinner."  It squeaked at her.  "I can't think of anyplace else Angela would be.  She must be with Iblis."  A tank top and shorts weren't appropriate for the Commandant's residence so she put on her uniform and went out.

"And where are you going?"  It was Tommy.  Somehow he always appeared when she was alone.

"Not very far."

"How far?"

"You don't have to follow me."

"But I'm your faithful servant, Midshipman Tilfe."

"Go on!  Leave me alone."

He grabbed her arm and turned her around.  "Don't forget, Midshipman, that you're in a position of great importance.  Let me guard you, protect you."

"L-let me go." He was right, but... "I don't like to be forced. Don't worry, I'll be right back." He relaxed his grip and released her. His head drooped sadly. "I'm glad you're such a gentleman, Captain."

"Well I, I'm not glad at all."

The door was unlocked when Acasja arrived and it opened easily to her touch.  "It's me, Midshipman Tilfe," she called out. "Have you seen Midshipman Oteri around here?"  There was no answer and she crept in.  

She made her way up to the observatory.  Iblis Acton was sitting alone on top of the housing of the telescope.  He looks so lonely.  He turned and smiled.  "That’s funny. I was just thinking about you.  Right now as a matter of fact."

"About me? Just now?" she asked, her heart suddenly pounding.  "I mean, uh, why?"

He reached a hand down.  "Come on up.  You'll see."  He pointed to the open skylight.  "That lone twinkle up there?  It's Venus.  Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight.  When it's the first to appear at dusk it's called the evening star, brightest in the heavens.  When it's the last to shine into dawn, they call it the morning star.  Brilliant Venus - sometimes first, sometimes last.”

“it is bright and pretty,” Acasja whispered.

“My name, Iblis, is taken from that star.  I was born at dawn with Venus there to greet me."

Acasja was barely aware they were touching.  "Wow, that's awfully romantic, named for a star."

"I guess." He shrugged.  "You know, the morning star is also called Lucifer."

"Lucifer?"

"The one who used to be an angel but chose the path of the devil, was cast down from the heavens."

She turned to look at him, but his eyes were on the sky.  Iblis, the devil, Lucifer?  An image of him came to her.  He sat perched on a star, one hand raised skyward and the other pointed down.  His chest was bare and two serpents twined about it, holding a tomato between their heads.  Beautiful white wings sprouted from his back, but the shadows of two ominous horns protruded from his head above his ears.  

She dispelled the image.  "Don't you like your name?" she said, accusingly.

"It's just a name, Acasja."

"Then why do you say it so sadly?  I think it's a really cool name."

He looked at her, smiled and put his fingers on his forehead and shook it.  He was laughing.  “I really do! I like it.  A lot.  Ha ha ha.  I guess that's why I love you."  He moved one of the fingers and glanced at her surprised expression.  She couldn't speak.  "The brightest and most beautiful of all stars.  It isn't just called Lucifer, remember.  They named it Venus after the goddess of love and beauty."

He faced her, put his arms on either side of her and leaned over her.  "The evening star, the star that rises first, leading all the pantheon of the night sky... that's why I thought of you.  You outshine them all.  The strongest, the most dazzling."  His words cast a spell and she could see herself in a loose gown, her hair crowned in stars and trailing out into an impossible distance behind her.  A corsage of roses was about her wrist and a golden boa draped from her arms down to the Earth below.

"M-me?  Like a goddess?"  Her gaze was drawn to his eyes, so close and intent on her.

"That's why I want you," he said and came even closer, "to be mine."

She scrabbled backwards.  It was happening too fast.  Suddenly there was nothing below her.  "W-wait... I'm falling... Iblis...Whoa!"  She reached up and caught him and wrapped her arms around his neck.  His arms had somehow caught her just above the waist.  Her legs and hips, precariously balanced on the supports were all that kept her from falling.

He laughed.  "Hold still or you'll lose your balance."

"Are you just trying to tease me?"  His nose touched hers.  "...trying to tease..."

"Shh.  Don't move. Stay still for me.  Yes.  Like that.  Stay very, very still.  My shining star.  My Venus."  He kissed her.

[Andromeda]

(chapter 11 ctd)

That night Acasja's dreams were even more erotic than the night before.  I kissed him kept passing through her mind. Something disturbed her sleep. She rolled over and opened her eyes. Is... is this a dream?  Who's there?  A dark woman appeared beside the bed, with a mane of wild black hair draped about her. It sparkled in the moonlight.  She's so pretty, like a doll.  Like Angela, she looks a little like...  Huh?  It's wet.  My cheek is wet. Are you crying?  Poor thing.  But don't worry.  I'll save you.   The spectre draped itself on Acasja’s stiff body and lay there gleaming and sobbing in her arms.

Acasja startled awake.  The sun was shining and Angela's bed was already empty and made.  I must have had one heck of a weird dream.  She got up and made her way to the bathroom where her tired face  with its bedraggled hair greeted her.  Angela popped in through the open door.  "Good morning to you, Lady Acasja," she said cheerfully.  "And how are we today?  Sleep well?"

Acasja mumbled out "M-morning" and shook her head so that her hair formed a wall between her and Angela.  Why am I blushing? she silently asked the face in the mirror.

She made it out to breakfast to join Tommy and Angela.  Angela watched her in silence while Tommy sat stiffly, his eyes straight ahead.  Acasja sighed and began to add sugar to her coffee.  That... that was no dream.  I was with Iblis and... and we... we kissed. "Um, that was six.  Lady Acasja, you use six cubes of sugar in your coffee?"

Acasja blushed and quickly picked the cup up.  "I-I like my morning coffee kind of sweet."

"Oh.  Is that so?" Angela asked, her tone saying she knew otherwise.  Tommy glared at her and cracked his knuckles loudly. 

My shining star... my Venus.  Acasja put her hand to her temple and rubbed.  She was walking to class, Tommy trailing along behind her and to the left.  I've been out of it ever since...   "Hey Acasja, nice day, huh?  What are you up to?"  Two of the girls in her fan club stopped to talk to her. What's wrong with me?  She walked on by them without noticing.

It didn't feel like this when Tommy or Mickey kissed me.  "Acasja!"

His greeting unanswered, Mickey Zoppi stopped Tommy.  "What's got her so spaced out today?  Not that I mind, it's kinda cute in a way."

"I know what you mean," he replied. “She's been awfully weird lately."  They watched her disappear down a path.

"I was told she played hooky," Julie Tyler came up unnoticed behind them, startling them both.  "Our little Acasja went out on a drive with Commandant Acton yesterday."

"She did what?" Tommy asked.

"Where there's smoke there's fire, heh." Julie said, laughing at his reaction. 

Tommy looked back at the empty space left by Acasja's departure.  On a drive with Iblis Acton?  Troubled, he hurried after her.

Acasja found her friends arguing loudly around the lunch table.  She leaned against a nearby wall and did not join them.  "So, we were talking about which of the four guys we would go out with."  "Yes, yes!  And?"  "Guys my age are obnoxious, not my type at all.  Young ones are nicer."  "Nah, for me I like them at least three years older.  Traditional and athletic, straight-laced but handsome,” Wanda said last.

"I… I wouldn't mind someone much older,” Acasja said quietly.  “I'd like someone who's grown up."  The others stopped speaking to look at her. 

"Acasja?"  "Aww, Acasja.  Please don't you start talking like any other girl."  "What's the matter?  Do you feel sick?"

The questions poured at her so she turned and walked away.  "Never mind."  I know it's not like me, but I... I've never felt this way before.  She found herself at a windowed wall and forced to cease walking or turn, stopped and looked out.  Iblis's hovercar! 

She ran out of the mess hall and down toward the parked vehicle.  "The commandant is in a meeting.  You can't see him."  The voice brought her to a sudden stop.  She turned to look to see who had said it.

"Tommy?  But, but how did you know?"  His brows furrowed and he latched forcefully onto her arm.  “Tommy?” Despite her struggles, he dragged her to the Starship Seal's meeting room.  "What are you…?  Why did you bring me here?"

"It's for your own good.  Miss Tilfe, tell me the truth.  Did Commandant Acton do something to you?"

She tried to look away, but her face blushed crimson before she could do it.  "Do something to me?"  Pulling away from him, she hid embarrassment behind anger.  "How can you ask me that?  My personal life is none of your business, Tommy."

He grabbed her again and forced her to look at him.  "Open your eyes Miss Tilfe.  You have to see.  Please just open your eyes."

She struggled, couldn't pull free this time.  "Let me go!  This isn't like you."

"No it's not.  And I don't care."

"You don't?"  She stopped fighting him and looked up at his face.  He was closer than she had expected.  There was nothing in his expression but concern.

"I'm fully aware that you'll hate me for this, but..." He pulled her to him and kissed her, hard.

She punched him in the stomach as soon as she recovered from the shock.  He released her with an oof.  "Tommy! What the hell?  Thomas Applebaum, what's this about?  You told me you'd always protect me and now this!"

He was still looking at her and nowhere else.  "Protect you.  Yes, that's what I'm trying to do.  To save you from harm, from shame, and to keep my solemn vow to guard you against Last Judgment: against Iblis Acton."

"What?"  She couldn't believe what she heard.

"Please just open your eyes.  Iblis Acton… he is Last Judgment."

Iblis is Last Judgment?  The letters she had received for years passed before her sight. Images of Angela standing, watching as she fought, sutena flowers, and Iblis's handsome face.  The duels, the letters, it was all his doing?  "No, that can't be true.  You're lying, right Tommy?"

"I wish it was a lie, but it's the truth.  I know what it's like.  I thought he was amazing at first... did what he told me... let him use me.  He acts as if he cares, but we're all just tools to an end."  Iblis's hand caressed her cheek, 'My Venus,' he called her.  He embraced her on the telescope, kissed her.  She kissed back.  "All of us, do you understand?" Tommy was still trying to convince her.  "No one is exempt, nothing is sacred."  Then that too? It wasn't because he loved me?

"Even poor Angela Oteri, who'd do anything for him, anything at all."  That shook her.  Angela...  "He'll use her up and spit her out just like he has the rest of us."  His own sister who loves him so much?   "Angela's an empty puppet... hearing only what Iblis wants her to hear."  My dream last night, was that really Angela and not a dream?

"She was like a tiny doll, but her tears... her tears were oh so real.  She’s not an empty puppet!  She was crying out - asking me for help!"  Acasja shouted at him, finally making him stop.  She was crying.  There was a tear on his cheek too. 

"I'll leave it to you to decide.  Are my words the truth or fantasy?  Will you follow Last Judgment or your heart?  It's in your hands Tilfe Acasja," he said and left her.
 
The window was in front of her and she could see trees, the world beneath her was a small thing that she stood over.  She looked blankly at it, without seeing, until movement caught her eye.  The red hovercar with Iblis and Angela in the two seats stopped in front of the building.  He looked up and their eyes met.

He was standing beside it and Angela was still seated when she ran out of the building.  "Acasja, I know that look.  You have something you would like to ask me, don't you?"  He offered her a seat.  "Hop in.  Come on, I'll tell you what you want to know."  She just stood and stared, unable to decide.

"Angela," he said, without taking his eyes off of Acasja, "be a good girl and switch places with Acasja for me."

"All right."

"Angela!"  Acasja ran to her side.  She put her hand on Angela’s wrist. "Don't go.  This is an order.  Stay with me."

"But how can I?"

Acasja took Angela's hands in hers.  "It's okay.  I'll protect you from him."

"Angela!" he raised his voice and she jerked.  The blank smile reappeared on her face and she opened the door and stepped out of the car. 

Acasja couldn't look away from Angela as Iblis held his hand out to her and led her into the seat beside him.  The door closed and the hovercar sped away, leaving Angela behind alone.  "Angela!" she wailed helplessly.

Suddenly she realized how fast the hovercar was moving and sat down.  "Where are we going?"

"That's your big question?"

"No! Tell me..." she said vehemently.  "Tell me the truth.  Are you 'Last Judgment'?"

He grinned maniacally. "Yes I am.  Now what else?"

Despite the answer, she wasn't prepared for it.  As if it was an ordinary conversation, she asked "Is Angela your real sister?"

"Yes."

"Then why?  Why make her become the consort?  That's awful!  And it was on your order wasn't it?"

His eyes were on the route ahead, his voice calm.  "Is it so awful?  Or is it the highest honour of all?  Only the chosen can do it... the rare... the few... Angela is happy to do it for me.  She's told me so time after time.  She'd tell you too - if you'd listen."

"More of your lies!" she accused him and he laughed at her.  "You're always lying, aren't you? Even to me.  You led me on with your honeyed words and you were laughing at me the whole time.  You, you're just evil, aren't you?"

"There are things only evil can do," he said calmly.

"So you admit you’re..."

He cut her off.  "I admit I need you Acasja, more than you'll ever know."

"Need me all you want, but I'm not falling for it," she denied him.  I'm no one's tool!"

"But I love you."  Time stopped.  "And I will make you mine.  I get what I want.  That's what it means to be Last Judgment." 

Plasteel doors appeared in front of the hovercar.  Acasja screamed and covered her eyes but the car sailed on toward them.  "We're going to hit the doors to the dueller’s field!” 

Somehow they didn't hit the doors and the hovercar flew onward.  She did not open her eyes until it came to a stop amidst the stones of the field.  "It's all fine," he said.  "Don't you fear.  After all, it's another world beyond the door."  The dazzling lights of the castle above surrounded them.

She touched her cheek, pinched herself.  "I thought I was going to die."

"You did?”

"I really did," she said wealky.  He kissed her, held her in his arms until her fears were gone.

"Look up," he commanded.  "The castle in the sky: does it take your breath away?"

"Yes," she said , her breath taken away.  He kissed her again.

"You want to go there, don't you?  Need to go there."

"Yes, I do.  That's where Aion waits for me."  He kissed her a third time.

"Then I will help you.  I will tell you how to get there.  You and Angela hold the keys.  A simple ritual and together you will open the door." 

"Okay." A last tear fell from her eye as she looked upward.

He pulled her into himself until she was surrounded in his comfort.  "Good girl... good girl..." he said soothingly.  New tears began to pour from her eyes and soak his shirt.  He held her, stroking her hair gently and repeating those same words until the tears were all gone.

After several quiet minutes, he said "You and Angela will open the castle in the sky." He put his hands around her waist and lifted her skyward in his arms.  She rested her hands on his shoulders and sat on the edge of the hovercar's hood.
 
"What do we do?"

"What a bride and a groom always do."  He reached beneath her, tugged, and her pants slid down off her legs.

"A bride and a groom?"

"The next step after an engagement is the marriage.  It's only natural.  It will be fine.  Don't you fear."  His eyes were closed as he lowered her onto him.

[Andromeda]

Kadh:  Husband #1 wasn't into SF so I never saw the first Battlestar Galactica.  So, I didn't get the name Iblis from there.  Iblis, Angela, Aion - the triangle at the center of the story are all named as they are for a reason. Iblis, an arabic demon; Angela, from angel + a; and Aion, from the Greek word for a long period of time/eternity.  It's also a root of the word angel. It all goes with your faerytale idea.  Myth is indeed more like it.  Some of it's kind of revealed in this chapter.  Acasja just came to me.  I was just going to name her Calyx at the start.  I may do that in a rewrite.

Josh: I've seen a few episodes of Blood+, but not enough to really understand it.  I had to google it to know what it was about.  There's certainly a lot of WTF in this story.  It's getting more clear and more mythical at the same time though.

Mohab: which hunch this time?  I do the Geoffrey bit for people who want this to be anime.  No, really I do it when I can't think of what to do next.  I'll pass on the other image.  His two stories will be on the pdf.

Ronjar: Thanks!  Iblis finally gets a speaking part more than just as a bit now.  He's very wordy!

Some story notes: 

I finally reached the much anticpated sex scene.

The mythical qualities of the story are coming to the fore now.  They'll stay there to the end, but then it will be grounded in the epilogue. 

I really wanted to write more about Iblis's hovercar but it didn't add any to the story, so most of it got cut.  Without adding the story text back in, here it is:  It's a Candy Apple Red 2052 Corvette StarBolt Convertible Hovercar.  Originally ran on petroleum.  The loud engine noises are artificially reproduced.  In 2061, newer cleaner fuels made the older models unusable without the conversion.  The ultimate Chick magnet and it worked its magic on Acasja.

I just noticed how much of the story is carried by conversation.

[Governor Ronjar]

Old cars can be chick magnets...but only for chicks who have brains.

Obviously, Lady A qualifies.

--guv!

[Andromeda]

  I've got a corvette.  It's a relatively new one, so it's not a classic.  I'd wanted one for a long time before I broke down and bought it.  I'll post the next chapter later today.

[Governor Ronjar]

'Vettes are great. I have had a '68 Olds with a 350 Rocket under the hood. She was beyong my cash-flow capacity to keep in reair. The parts are too hard to find.

Now I have an '80 El Camino. Named Sanchez. Not by any means a chick magnet, but definitely cool, especially with his custom mods.

'nuff about rigs, on to story!

--guv!!

[Andromeda]

Chapter 12:  Bride

Acasja stood in the rain outside of Cochrane Hall.  She looked up at the lighted windows of her suite but could not bring herself to go in.  Someone came toward her from out of the darkness.  It was Tommy, holding a small umbrella over his head. 

"I saw you from the window, so I came down to get you," he said, and offered to share the umbrella.  "Come in from the rain."

I can't look him in the eye.  Her cheeks were damp from more than rainwater.  "Miss Tilfe, what's wrong?"

"I, I can't do it.  I just can't fight Last Judgment anymore.  I, I'm sorry Tommy."  She bent so far down avoiding looking at him that she almost seemed to be bowing to him.

"What are you talking about?  Tell me!"

She closed her eyes.  "I still love him.  I'm in love with Iblis Acton."

"Miss Tilfe, you can't be serious.  You have to believe me - he's..."

"I know! He is Last Judgment.  He told me so.  He's bad.  He's rotten to the core, but I can't help it.  Slap me, Tommy.  Please... please slap me out of it."  She flung herself, sobbing, onto him.  “I’m such a fool.”   The heavy rain began to fall on her back again.  Something clicked against the hard ground.   "Y-your umbrella."

"Keep it."  He pushed her away from him and turned his back on her.  "I can't live as your servant anymore, or as your friend. If you choose to do what Iblis says, then you're on your own." 

She stumbled after him, hardly able to see.  She could barely manage the stairs of Cochrane Hall.  Leaving a trail of soggy footprints behind her, she fumbled her way into the suite and her bathroom.  She stripped herself of her uniform and turned on the steaming hot shower.  She crawled in and collapsed in a tearful heap on the floor.

Eventually she came out, feeling no cleaner.  She dried herself by rote and went and sat on the edge of her bed.  Angela was waiting in the doorway.  "Ah, Lady Acasja.  There you are.  Captain Applebaum has gone.  He packed his things and left without even a word."

Acasja didn't have the energy to move.  "I... I'm so ashamed of myself, Angela.  I'm head over heels in love with Iblis.  I can't help it.  I suppose Tommy got fed up."

Slow footsteps padded across the bedroom and Angela came and sat beside her.  She rested a sympathetic hand on Acasja's thigh.  "I guess deep inside, you're just like any other girl."  She lifted her hand away, suddenly cheery.  "You are a cute young thing after all.  Why fight it?  You'll be happier once you stop trying to become what you're not: a Prince."  She stood up, picked up her marmoset, and started to leave the bedroom.

Numbly, Acasja said, "Angela, your brother, he... he said we're to perform a 'consummation ceremony'."

The girl looked back at her, smiled through sealed lips.  "Then we will.  I just do whatever my brother tells me to do.  I'd give up my life if that's what he wanted."

Acasja didn’t even look up.  "You'd even go that far?  Don't you have your own will?"

"It's not about will, Lady Acasja," Angela explained.  "It's about all he's done for me through the ages.  You wouldn't understand and it's better that way.  I want only one thing: for you to be happy, that is my will."  Acasja looked at her hands.  There was a sound, the door clicking as it closed.  Angela was gone. 

Acasja dressed the next day as though it were any other.  The suite was empty when she left her room.  She went down the stairs and out into the campus.  The sun was shining on the buildings.  Everything seemed normal.  Angela awaited her at the bottom of the stairs leading to their first classroom.  She waved enthusiastically as Acasja approached.

"Well, today's the day," she said and Acasja gave her a playful salute.  "Does it scare you, this ritual of Iblis's?"  She led Acasja away from the building and toward the street.

"Sure.  A bit.  I've never done a consummation ceremony before, but if it works and I go to the castle, if I'm finally able to see Aion, my Prince Charming, my Captain, then everything... everything... will have been worth it.  It's like a dream come true.  So why am I shaking?"

Tommy Applebaum, surrounded by a small cadre of students, stood in their path.  His expression was grim.  Suddenly, there was a roar from above and Iblis's hovercar dropped between them.  "Ah my girls, ready and willing.  Hop in, you two."

He gallantly stepped out and lilted Acasja into the rear seat.  "Upsy daisy!" 

"Whoa!" she exclaimed.

"Good of you, Applebaum, to see us on our way," Iblis waved dismissively at the Midshipman Captain.

As the hovercar drove off, Acasja turned in her seat, called out to him.  “Tommy, don't worry about me.  I'll be okay.  I will."

"Miss Tilfe, what are you...?"  He started to yell back at her but the car took her out of hearing range before he finished.

Iblis drove to the duelling field and the three of them stepped onto the stones.  This is my dream.  To see the castle in the sky - as the final victor!

"Let us begin," Angela said.   She wore a white gown with a train that trailed behind her on the stones.  A golden crown was on her forehead.  She held two roses in her spread hands: one red and one white.  "Noble rose of the castle, the power of Aion that sleeps within me, answer to your master and show yourself now!"

"This is the consummation ceremony?" Acasja asked in confusion.  It seemed like the beginning of the fights.

"Just let go," Iblis whispered.  "Play your part and soon you will see." 

She took the sword that was in Angela's hands and lifted it toward the castle.  "The power to change the universe," she finished the now familiar phrase and looked upward. 

Her eyes were drawn back down as Angela said.  "Now, Lady Acasja, now, it is time."  She stood next to Acasja and raised her hands to join Acasja's around the hilt of the sword. 

Acasja could feel the warmth of her against her hips.  Angela reached toward her, slid a hand behind her neck.  "Angela, are we...?"

"Yes."

"Let the consummation ceremony begin," Iblis ordered.  "You and Angela hold the keys and together you will open the door."

“Angela,” Acasja breathed.

"Open your heart, Lady Acasja.  Let it beat as one with me..." 

She repeated after Angela.  "Noble rose of the castle..."

"Noble rose of the castle..."

"Sword Infinite rest within me..."

"Sword infinite rest within me..."

"I give to you a bride..."

"I give to you a bride..."

"To be your sheath!"

"To be your...?"  Acasja stopped and looked at her friend.  "Angela, why... why are you crying?'  Angela didn't answer and closed the last inch between them.  Her lips touched Acasja's tenderly.  She released the hilt of the blade and her hands moved down to Acasja’s breasts. 

Angela, why... do I feel so weak?  I can't... even keep my hand up.   It fell away from the sword, and the blade remained aloft motionless.  I feel faint.  I… mmm... .ah!   She felt as if she were floating.

Iblis grasped the motionless sword.  "The engagement has ended.  Let the marriage begin.  Ah, to grasp you in my hand... to hold you.... at long last."

Tommy brooded in his room.  So it's 'love' is it?  A schoolgirl crush and, all of us, the fate of the Earth hangs in the balance.  Iblis is Last Judgment.  Would she really perform the consummation ceremony just for him?  Foolish girl, if you let that happen it will be too late to turn back.

Acasja lay floating.   She could barely hear Angela say, "The small rose within me; I give it up for you.  The rose that takes flight from Last Judgment; I give it up for you."  The smell of Sutena Roses and Angela's voice... I hear it from far away.  What's this I feel?  Is it pain? Or heat?  As if something was piercing me.  What's going on?

Iblis cried out and fell to his knees.  Thunder rumbled and lightning flashed from the castle.  The sky exploded and the midday sun was hidden behind dark clouds. 

Kevin Simon, changing into his kendo gear, heard it.  "Wh... what was that?"

Julie Tyler, watching over others fence, saw it.  "A flash of light - above the dueller's field."

Mickey Zoppi, practicing at the piano, sensed it.  "The air... feels weird."

Tommy Applebaum ran to his window.  "Dear Tilfe."

Acasja finally had the strength to open her eyes.  Someone was calling her name.   "Can you sit up for me?"  ...Hot... like I'm burning up inside...

"Iblis?   What, what happened to me?"

"It's over.  The consummation ceremony is complete.  Everything is as it should be."  He pulled her to her feet. 

"Oh!" She could see again.  "Wh... why Iblis, are you dressed like that?" 

He stood before her in the dress uniform of a four-star Admiral of Starfleet.  "Don't you like it? I do."  He gestured broadly to show her the stars on his collar and the board on his sleeve.  "You should take a look at yourself."

She looked down.  A white, full skirt hid her feet.  She was wearing the gown she had seen on Angela only moments ago.  "When did I?" she began.  "But this isn't mine.  It's a bridal gown.    But this belongs to Angela, not me.  Why am I wearing Angela's...?"

"No, Dear Tilfe!  That dress!” Tommy shouted from the top of the stairs.  He trailed slightly behind Kevin; and the other ring wearers followed closely behind them.

"It is done," Iblis said.  "Acasja Tilfe has become my bride."

"But wasn't Miss Tilfe the final victor?" Tommy asked.  "The one who can wield the sword Infinite."

Iblis laughed.  "Please.  That was all a fairy-tale, a fantasy of power to goad you on.  My ambitious little Starship Seal club members, you never stood a chance.  The sword?  Always meant for me.  And the final victor was ever intended to become my bride." 

He pushed hard on Acasja's forehead, his fingers touching the golden tiara in her hair, and forced her to bend backwards.  His other hand supported her waist to keep her from falling.  "Ah, what are you..." It, it hurts!  "What are you doing to me?"

"Just say the words, Acasja.  Say them in your mind."

The power of Aion….  "The power of Aion that sleeps within me, answer to your master and show yourself now."  I know why I never saw the sword appear.  It's ripping out of my heart.

He took the blade by the hilt and finished the phrase with the words she had usually said.  "The power to change the universe."  He held it up for them all to see and laughed in triumph.  "The castle in the sky awaits me and there I shall finally take the power of Aion - for myself.

I... I'm his bride?  Like Angela was mine?  I… I can't move.  Wh… What's to become of me?
Iblis raised the sword over his head as he held her up.  Light surrounded them and shot upward.  The clouds split and the sky shrieked.  The castle began to move.  Still he grasped her about the waist and held the shining sword aloft.

The others were suddenly released and began to move.  "The castle is spinning!" Mickey shouted.  Tommy ran toward her.  "Acasja!"

"My dear Starship Seal Members," Iblis gloated, "it's time you got out of my way." 

He waved the tip of the blade towards them.  Light flashed from the castle and pressed them all to the ground.  "Damn it!"  "Feel it?  There's something like a force field."  "And my ring!  My Potemkin ring.  It's gone!  But I just had it on my finger!"  "You're not the only one."  "Hey, mine too."

Iblis laughed again.  He lifted his hand from under Acasja's waist, supporting her in the crook of his elbow, and caught the rings in his fist, where they vanished.  "You won't need them now.  These rings were just the bait; party favours I handed out in order to find Acasja Tilfe.  They've done their job quite nicely.

"Starfleet Academy and the duels, even the consort: all a mere party game – hide and seek with rose-coloured blindfolds.  Acasja Tilfe was guest of honour because she was the only one who personally received the ring from Aion.  Not like you people at all."

He reached down, caressed her cheek.  "She is the one and only truly chosen by Aion.  A star.  A beauty.  A miracle.  And she shines just for me.   Acasja is the key that will allow me to take back the power of Aion.  She alone can open the door to the castle in which he has locked himself."

Locked himself?   Acasja found strength to speak.  "So he's in there?  He's locked away?  All alone?"

"That's the only truth.  A dying prince alone in his castle.  Aion, the power that waits." He's dying?  "He sees not.  He thinks not.  He feels not.  But still he lives on, his body but an eternal heartbeat in a life no better than death."

Iblis pointed across the field.  "You see.  He's just like that."

"That?" Acasja echoed.  She twisted her head and watched as a glass coffin fell from the castle and landed, undamaged, on the stones.  She ran over and looked.

Angela, more beautiful than she had ever been, lay encased in the box.  A golden crown perched on her head.  She was dressed in deepest royal red and her hands were posed locked over her head. "Angela!" Acasja called out vainly.  Tears welled in her eyes and started to fall on the glass.

"Her day is done.  Angela existed as the scabbard to protect the sword of Aion,” Iblis said.  “Her value was in leading you here.  Her role as my bride is ready for a new player.  From here on out, Acasja, you shall be my bride.  I think you'll fill the role far better than Angela ever did."

Acasja closed her eyes and forced the tears to stop ...far better than Angela ever did... 
"Bastard!" Kevin shouted.  "You can still call yourself her brother?  How could you do this to her?  Angela was even willing to die for you.  Let her go.  At least give her back to us.  Please."  Angela!

Iblis smirked.  "I'm glad you cared so much for my sister, but it's done."  Acasja leaped at him.  She knocked the sword loose from the hand that held it and raced after the blade as it skittered across the stones.  Her hand closed around it.  She lifted it and turned to face him.

“Acasja!” Unconcerned, he held out his hand.  "Give me the sword."

"Never!" she cried.  "Didn't you love your own flesh and blood?"

"Angela was fully aware of what was to come."

"You're lying!  How could you?  You're horrible!"

"Angela offered me everything and I took it.   Just as she wished.  You know that's what she wanted." 

Acasja thought back over all the time she had known Angela.  Her words came back to Acasja.  The sad face as she said, 'I'd give up my life if that's what my brother wanted.'    The empty smile as she said, 'I am the consort.  I belong to the victor of the duel.'   The real smile as she introduced her marmoset, 'Lady Acasja, this is my friend Geoffrey.' Her troubled look as she said, 'I'll try to make friends for myself from now on.'  The regal smile as she asked, 'Please... always be my friend.'   Angela.  Angela. The doll-faced angel that cried over her bed one night.  Angela. Repeating the vow that parted them forever. 'A bride to be your sheath.'  Angela as they held each other.  'Acasja.'  Angela taking her hand.

It was a real hand.  Iblis took the sword from her motionless hand.  "Acasja, you are my bride.  A sword does not become you, not anymore.  There is no princess you have to protect.  Come with me to the world inside the castle in the sky as my bride."  He leaned over her.  "Hand in hand, we shall rule the night."  He caressed her cheek, her chin, her throat.  "The Prince of Dawn, the Princess of the Evening Star."  He touched his lips to hers, parted them with his tongue.

She bit his lip.  "Goodbye," she told him, smiling, free of him.

He shrugged, grinned, and wiped the blood off his lip with his sleeve.  "It will be sad to go by myself, even if it means I'll no longer have to share the power to change the universe."  He lifted the sword.  A beam of light blazed from it to the castle.  When if faded, he was gone.

Acasja fell to her knees before the glass coffin that held Angela.  Behind her the others were finally able to move.  "Unh, my head hurts." "Damn, we must have passed out." "Are you alright?" "That bastard Iblis went to the castle.  He has the power of Aion by now.  It's all over."

Ignoring his own pain, Tommy crawled towards Acasja.  "Miss Tilfe?"

Acasja pounded futilely on the glass.  "Angela, I'm sorry.  It's all my fault.  I... I promised to protect you.  I'd been deluded by Iblis and now I've done something irreparable."

"That's right," Kevin accused her.  "It's all your fault Acasja."

"What do you mean?" Mickey asked, coming to her defence.  "It's not her fault.  This is all because Last Judgment wanted the power of Aion, isn't it?"

Julie looked at the coffin, turned away in tears.  "How can you blame her, Kevin?  He's the one who used his sister as the scabbard to the sword Infinite.  He thinks women are fools to be used."

"No."  Tommy stood up.  "We were all fools."

"Tommy?" Julie said, looking at him.

"The Commandant used us because we were young and ignorant.  Just like he used the Princess and Miss Tilfe.  Not as women, but as pawns."

Acasja ignored him.  She gave up her futile pounding and then began to rip off her bridal gown.  "Damn him!" she cried, flinging the tiara to the ground.  "How could I have been so stupid?  This isn't what I wanted.  It's your dress.  I didn't mean to take it away from you.  Angela! I'm so sorry."

"Stop!" Tommy shouted, grabbing her from behind and holding her steady.  "Miss Tilfe, you're bleeding."

"Let me go," she said in protest.

"Your Starship Seal ring.  It's bathed in blood."

"I don't care! I don't want it anymore."  She tore it off of her finger.  "Take it!  I don't deserve to wear it."  She threw it away.

"Miss Tilfe!"  Too late, Tommy grabbed at it and his hand closed on empty air.  The ring clattered and bounced on the stones.

[Andromeda]

As promised, Chapter 12 today.

Just posted chapter 12 wherein a great many of the secrets are revealed.  Many, but not all.   And some, not completely.  This chapter and the next are entirely in the 'mythical realm' and couldn't be anywhere else.  My take on Tommy's explanation of how Iblis used everyone.  He may have used everyone as pawns, but he picked their vulnerabilities to prey on.  A woman's response to the situations Acasja was in would certainly be different from a man's. 

Iblis, the bad guy who just keeps on going.  Acasja's lost twice now.  Hope she's learned from it.  I am very tempted to post the rest of this.

On the plus side, I've figured out which ending to use.

[Andromeda]

Aww, no comments?  I know it's trolling for them, but still.  Please comment even to say you hate it and I'm the worst writer ever.

[Governor Ronjar]

Sorry to be a bit late. Just got thru reading this chapter.

It is very much in the realm of myth, as you said. This instalment seems the least Trek and it's probably best that it does. It's like the fabric of 'reality' has all but totally disolved around these characters now.

And the result for me is a very Anime feel, even more so than previous chapters. It reminds me of some of the Anime soft-porn that used a large dose of fantasy to tell its sordid tale. Don't take that as an insult, though. Yours is first rate compared to my example.

Keep it coming. I'd like to see Iblis skewered on the end of a sabre.

--guv!!

[kadh2000]

Good stuff.  Yeah, reality certainly seems to no longer exist for these people.  I don't think Trek ever stepped so far away from its core in an episode.  At least not without Q being involved and that had established people to ground it.  I can see the anime thing because of the flowers and swords.  At least it's a good story with good characters and dialog.  Although one can see some interesting sexual undertones throughout. 

Iblis reminds me of the, how should I put it, seduction of youth by the trappings of adulthood: they know everything, have cool clothes, get the big house, have nice toys,  have the best car... heck the only car (nice touch there).  Tommy and Kiyos remind me of the guys who fall for girls but don't know how to express it to them in a way that makes the girl understand.  Both turn iinto followers: sort of like Stilgar from friend to follower in Dune.  Angela I can see as the veil between youth and adulthood. A symbol really.  Completely incomprehensible.  You expect to be able to cross that veil and suddenly know everything.  Once you finally do, you realize adults don't have as much as you thought they did.  All the goodies come with a cost.  Acasja is crossing the line finally to adulthood.  She's learned some lessons, paid some, and is close to crossing that veil.  Ie saving Angela.  Extremely symbolic.  Can I call this allegory?

If you want this to be a Trek story you need to seriously ground it in Trek when they escape the castle.  Don't ruin the story to do that though.  If it can't happen, don't force it.  It's a good story.   As I've said before the Trek stuff can be edited out if it doesn't work.  Okay, more than I intended but II couldn't stop myself once I got started.

[Andromeda]

It's like the fabric of 'reality' has all but totally disolved around these characters now.

 It reminds me of some of the Anime soft-porn that used a large dose of fantasy to tell its sordid tale.

I'd like to see Iblis skewered on the end of a sabre.

--guv!!

It has. The only place that exists for them now is the castle.  Where they go back to depends on what happens there.
Eww.  Glad you added the caveat.  I know what you mean about those anime.  I remember reading one at some point.
Heh.  That means I've done a good job with him.  I could go all princess bride on you now...

I don't think Trek ever stepped so far away from its core in an episode.  At least not without Q being involved... Although one can see some interesting sexual undertones throughout. 

Iblis reminds me of...
... Extremely symbolic.  Can I call this allegory?

If you want this to be a Trek story you need to seriously ground it in Trek when they escape the castle.  Don't ruin the story to do that though. 

I considered using Q as the explanation in the epilog but I think that would ruin it worse than anything else I can do.  Unless I stay with the extremely surreal ending version.
2nd para:  Okay, I didn't expect a dissertation.  Intereesting analysis.  I have no other comment than that.  I didn't intend to make an allegory.  It was supposed to be a typical 'coming of age' story about Acasja.  That her goal is freeing Angela just sort of happened over the course of the tale.
I won't. 

Regarding the ending: I'm very much considering La'ra's idea of subtracting four from everyone's age and moving it to a preperatory school for SFA.  Call it a place where people from the fringes, new planets, or those from Earth who need to bone up first, would go to get those extra tools they'd need to enter the Academy.  It's probably the best idea.  I think I'll still set the school on Earth. 
Ronjar, Kadh: thanks for being such vocal fans.  It really matters to have comments, even a simple "good read".  Self expression for its own sake is why I have a blog.  If only I could remember my password.

[Andromeda]

CHAPTER 13: APOCALYPSE

As the ring bounced toward the edge of the field, a hand reached down to grasp it.  Tommy released her and Acasja looked up.  "Can it be... Aion?"  The angelic figure looked at her and she ran to him.  She tried to reach up to him, to embrace him.  "Is that you, Aion?"

He reached down towards her.  Their hands touched and he slipped the ring back on her finger.  "Aion?"  He took her in his arms, turned her, guided her, and together they pushed through the glass of Angela's coffin.  It cracked and shattered.  The shards spun in the air and coalesced into the shape of a sword.  He took the glass blade and set it in Acasja's hand and faded away, floating back toward the castle.

"Angela!" shouted Kevin, but then hesitated.  "Is she...?"

The girl lay on the stones, motionless and not breathing.  Then her chest rose and her eyes opened.  She pushed down with her hands and sat up.  "L-Lady Acasja..."

Acasja stared down at her and smiled.  Her bridal gown was completely missing and she was again wearing her Academy uniform.  She slowly lowered the glass sword that was in her left hand and dropped to her knees in front of Angela.

"How did I…?" Angela asked her.  "Am I alive?"

For a moment all they could do was look at each other.  Acasja couldn't answer her questions so she wrapped herself around Angela.  "Angela, oh my sweet Angela.  I'm sorry.  I called myself your friend, but I didn't even try to understand you.  Your pain... your love... I didn't see."

Angela's eyes fell on Acasja's sword.  "What... what's this?"

Acasja showed her the glass weapon.  "Aion saved us.  And he gave me a sword of my own."

"Aion?  So you saw him."  The expression in Angela's eyes was unreadable.

"Iblis went up to the castle in the sky," Acasja explained.

Angela lowered her head.  "As he planned all along.  My brother's only desire is to kill Aion.  In that moment, as Aion dies, his power can be taken... forever."

"I won't let him do it," Acasja vowed.  "Will you lead us to the castle in the sky?"

They stood around her: Mickey, Julie, Kevin, Tommy, and Acasja.  She looked only at Acasja, her face thoughtful.  Then she lowered her head again and pursed her lips.  "Yes."

"Let's go, Lady Acasja, it's time."  She turned and walked to the very edge of the stone field.  She reached for Acasja's sword.  Acasja didn't think twice in giving it to her.  Angela raised it toward the castle and a flash of light came from the blade.  Thunder rumbled and lightning crowned the towers of the castle.  "The castle in the sky!  It’s coming down to us!"  Mickey shouted.

It settled smoothly onto the field, the tumbled and broken stones meshing perfectly with those of the castle.  "The Castle, come to Earth once more," Angela pronounced.  "It might be best if everyone but Lady Acasja were to stay here outside the gates... just to be safe."  The Starship Seal stood over two massive gates, the grated iron doors opened towards them. 

"We don't know what could happen," Kevin declared. "We came this far.  We're not backing out now."

"I have to go in," Julie said, "I want to see what's inside."

"Me too," echoed Mickey.

"We're in this to the end," Tommy confirmed.  "I vowed to follow Miss Tilfe - and I'm going all the way."

Tommy... Acasja looked back to him, but Angela took her arm in hers and pulled her toward the gates.  "Then let's head inside, Lady Acasja."

"Yes, it's time," Acasja agreed.  Time to find out the answers to all the mysteries.

Beyond the gates lay a great hall.  Pillared columns supported a high roof.  A second story also looked out onto the hall from above them.  In the centre of the hall, two statues dominated the room.  A man sat in a high seat, looking down, deep in thought.  A woman leaned on a low pedestal, watching him.  Acasja stared back at her with interest as they passed through the far doorway.  "You used to live here, in this castle, didn't you, Angela?"
“Why do you think so?”

"You fit right in, like you belong somehow.  You look so regal here."  Angela smiled at her.  She seemed to float through the hallway.  More than noble... like a goddess... divine.

They passed a small doll the size of a marmoset, standing in a place of honour in one of the alcoves.  It was golden and shining.  Kevin startled as he looked at it.  "This place is disturbing,” he said.  “Not decrepit, but not lived in either.  Like a mausoleum... or a museum, and even then it's... it's not human!  There's a coldness, a perfection, like a palace for the gods!" 

Ahead two men's statues stood as the guardians over an archway that was carved to look like climbing roses.  They leaned toward each other at the top of the arch and each had his arm about the other's shoulder and they stared one another in the eye.  Kevin couldn't stand it any longer.  He caught up with Angela before she passed beneath the arch and grabbed her wrist.  "Angie!  Let's go back.  Back to our world.  Please Angie.  It's because I love you that..."

His voice stopped suddenly and he hung in the air, imprisoned in glass.  His eyes were closed.  "Kevin?" Julie said, her voice trembling slightly.

"The name of this prison is Assumption," Angela declared flatly.  "It's his flaw.  It holds him back."

She turned to Acasja, explained.  "The power Aion works through me, lets me do such things. It will only get stronger as we travel deeper into his castle."

Julie's sword slid quietly from its sheath.  Acasja noticed, turned to her.  "Julie, your sword, but why?"

"Don't you see?"  Julie said hysterically.  "I knew Angela was weird, but she's a witch!"  She thrust the epee at Angela.  Angela raised her hands defensively and thrust back at the air. 

Julie, eyes wide open in shock, hung in her glass cell.  "The name of this prison is Obstinacy."  Angela said, and looked up at her.  "They aren't dead.  They are just asleep.  Sound asleep."  Julie's eyes closed.

Mickey quietly inched forward to stand beside Acasja.  "Acasja, let's get out of here.  We have to make a run for it.” 

“Mickey?”

“While I'm distracting her, Acasja, save yourself. Quick!"  He froze where he was. 

"The name of this prison is Immaturity," Angela said.  She caressed it gently with her right hand.  "Don't worry.  These solid coffins will protect them well.  For now."

Acasja frowned nervously.  The princess, she’s not her usual self!

"And last, but not least," Tommy said, standing beside her.  "What is the name of my prison?  You can tell me."

"You're not trying to run away," Angela said, still looking at Mickey.  "So you don't need one.  But we must hurry.  Aion is at the top of the castle.  We have to catch up to my brother."

They reached the central hall.  A wide domed ceiling gleamed far above them.  A grand staircase circled its way upward against the walls of the round room.  Angela began to glide gracefully up it.  Acasja followed her and Tommy brought up the rear.  "Angela," asked Acasja, "Who is Aion?  Who is he to you?  You can use his power and you know a lot about him.  Angela, please tell me.  Who are you?"

She stopped her ascent and turned back to face Acasja.  A faint smile brightened her face and she was limned in light as Acasja looked up at her.  "Lady Acasja, you remind me of the Aion I once knew and loved.

"My fate was to die.  From the day Aion chose to save me from that fate, he has been saddled with the duties and powers of a "Prince".  He was noble, beautiful.  I loved him and I respected him deeply.  For he was everything the ideal prince should be."  Acasja had a vision of the two, still as graven statues.  Angela on the ground reaching up to him and Aion pulling her up to him; clasping her hand to his heart.

"There was a second young man who loved us both: my brother.  He grew up with Aion."  The men over the archway.  "With each passing day, Aion became stronger and soon my brother was unable to contain his jealousy towards Aion, towards his great power.  At last there came a day when my brother could stand it no longer.  He overthrew Aion."  Two winged angels filled Acasja's vision.  They held each other in friendship, but the one with serpents on his chest threw the other down and stood over him.

"You know the rest.  Aion sealed himself in the castle, along with his power, to keep it from my brother.  Because I loved Aion, part of his power came to rest within my bosom, along with the sword."

"It sounds just like a fairy tale," Acasja stammered. "A myth."

"Yes," Angela said and sighed.  "It's just a myth... from a time long since past.”  She closed her eyes.  “You don't need to understand.  You and I live in totally different worlds."

"No we don't!"  Acasja shouted and reached up and took Angela's hand.  Angela’s eyes jerked open and her mouth widened in surprise.  "You and I met and we're here now together.  We breathe the same air, look on the same things.  We fell in love with the same prince and we both care about Aion with all our heart.  We live in the same world and you...are... my... friend.  I want to understand you!"

The emptiness in Angela's expression finally disappeared forever.  "You're my friend.  No one’s ever said that, not in all these long years."  She reached out, touched Acasja's face. 

"Angela..." Acasja grabbed the hand, pulled it to her heart.  The dome above them shattered and the castle shook.  Glass and marble rained in a shower of debris and all three of them fell.

Acasja rolled away from Angela.  "Wh - what was that?  What just happened?"  A column broke and fell toward her.  A shadow moved suddenly between her and the falling stone.  It pushed her away.  "Tommy?"  Tommy protected me from the debris.  “Are you okay? Tommy? Can you get up?"  He was pinned beneath the stone, but he groaned.  He was alive. 

"Ah! No!" Angela cried out.  "Has he done it?  My brother, has he finally...?  Please no!"  She buried her face in her hands.

The building continued to shake and the rumbling grew louder.  Acasja pulled herself to Angela's side.  "Angela!  What's the matter?"

"Miss Tilfe!" Tommy shouted at her.  "Get yourself to the top of the castle!  It's starting to fall apart!"

"But what about you and Angela?"

"Hurry.  This could be because Iblis killed Aion!" he replied. 

“What?”

"Don't worry about me.  Just be quick."

"Tommy."  She embraced him.

He closed his eyes and his weight pressed against her.  "I'll be fine.  I... I want you there... to witness everything in our stead.  I... I have to know.  Please... just come back and tell us."

"Oh Tommy." 

He opened his eyes. "Go Acasja!" 

She lowered him gently to the ground.  "Okay."  She picked up her fallen sword and ran up the final circuit of the staircase. 

He breathed heavily, whispered after her.  "Miss Tilfe, I know you... know you'll stay strong.  No matter what happens, you'll pull through."

Acasja reached the top, saw a room filled with light and ran towards it. In a room full of mirrors that reflected the entire world, a man sat on top of a marble globe.  He was dressed as a captain in Starfleet.  His head was lowered on his knees and his arms were in front of it as if he were resting. 

"Aion, I made it," she said. "I made it in time…” …to see my prince.  She walked up to him.  You saved me when I was little and here you are.  “I've come to see you just as I promised I would."  He wanted me to live a strong and noble life.  "Oh, Aion, thank you."  His hand fell away from his knee and down towards her.  Then he fell from the high seat to land at her feet.  The sword Infinite was buried in his chest.  "Aion!" she cried, and ran to him, knelt and touched where the sword pierced him. He... he's dead?  “Aion!" 

The sword rose away from him, hovered in the air.  He began to glow and shrink and spin.  Light exploded from him and a column of it burst upward to engulf the sword.  Aion turned into a ring?   The ring clanked on the marble floor and rolled.  The sword, empty of power and life, dropped next to it.  Acasja fell to her knees and bent over the ring.  He’s gotten so small.  She reached to pick it up.  The ring flew into the air and fell into the waiting hands of Iblis Acton. 

"You were too late, just a moment too late."  He tossed the ring in the air and it settled on his finger.  "And a moment was all it took.  I finished off Aion myself.  And now, at long last, the power to change the universe is mine!"

White light filled the room, blinding her.  She raised her hand to shield her eyes.   Another hand touched hers, pulled it down.  His other rested on her shoulder.  "Don't be sad, Acasja.  There's no need to mourn, for your prince isn't dead.  I'm right here."  The being looked down at her and smiled gently.  "Aion is just a name, a name I used to be called."

[Andromeda]

Here we go, the final catastrophe is close at hand.  Aion turning into a ring was the hard part.  I don't think I captured what I wanted.  The ring is the symbolic representation of his power, not him.  You could say he faded away and left his power, his ring, behind.  This may be the most anime-like bit in the whole story.  Sorry.

Iblis just doesn't give up does he?  He really, really wants her.

sh*t!  I was editing chapter 14 and discovered about 1500 words were missing.  It may be a week or so before I post it since I have to rewrite them.

[Governor Ronjar]

Expectantly awaiting that 1,500...

--guv!

[kadh2000]

sometimes you've just got to say "more".  Sometimes, though you can add that I'm impressed by the sheer number of words written in telling this story in addition to its quality.

[Andromeda]

CHAPTER 14: DESTINY

Looking up at him, at his angelic face, for a moment his words, his touch confused her.  But there was nothing in his expression of the man she remembered.  "Y-you're trying to tell me that you're Aion... my prince?  The man who gave me courage to live?  A lie!  One more of your deceits!"

"He ignored her words, continued trying to convince her.  "You've made it all the way to the top.  I've been watching your progress through the castle.  From here, one can see everything in the world.” The marble floor became transparent and Acasja knelt down to touch it.  She could see the academy grounds below her; the students going unaware about their day.  “You people have a name for that.  You call it 'god,' don't you?" 

She looked up at him.  "Is that what you are?  Are you a race of gods?  This castle, your powers... is that how you have all this?" 

'I don't know what we're called.  Your kind have always been so fickle about such things.  These days I am called 'Last Judgment.'  For I am 'Aion' no longer.  You were there that fateful day…"

"I… I was?" surprised, she interrupted him.

"The day it all changed: the day you met Aion.  The story Angela told you was only part of the truth.” She remembered the statues, how alike they had seemed.  “Aion and I were once two halves of the same whole.  One body with two spirits... one mind with two hearts... An Aion of Dark and an Aion of Light.”

“Two halves of one whole?” she said faintly.

As if he did not hear her, he began to pace back and forth as he spoke and his words increased in power and volume.  "The duty of Aion, our duty, was to help mankind.  We were indeed called 'god' back then, and it brought us joy to bring aid to our people.  But man asked for more and Aion of Light gave it.  Thus he sealed our fate for we were equals no longer.  If man's whims had ruled us, we would have brought ourselves to ruin.  And so I rebelled against Aion of Light.  I took my own body and with it, I at last had my triumph.”

He looked at her and Acasja could see the aftermath of the battle in her mind.  The man with the snakes around him rose from the body of the other.  “From this day forth I shall renounce the name Aion,” he had said.  “I will be called Last Judgment.

“It is our fate,” Aion of Light gasped.  “One of us must fade.  I did not know my other self could hate me so.”  The man on the floor looked at his departing brother; fell through the floor and toward the world.   “Fade away?  Yes, for thus divided I would live no more. 

“But wait!  What's this?”  Acasja recognized herself in the vision.  She was sinking in deep water.  “A girl so young with eyes as lost as mine.  She lingers here upon the verge of death.  I will give it all to her: my heart, my courage, my dignity.”  He gathered her up, brought her to the surface and kissed her and she began to breathe again.   “It's all right.  You're not alone, never alone.  I gave you strength so you can live a strong and noble life.”  The vision ended and Acasja stared at her ring in wonder.

Last Judgment stood before her again.  "I thought I was done with Aion, that he'd fade away for good, but I didn't count on Angela.”  He waved his hand and Angela appeared, hanging in the air. 

“Angela!” she called out, but it was just another vision. 

Angela ran to the fallen Aion and knelt beside him.  “It was Angela who stepped in to save Aion as he was about to vanish forever."  Angela hugged Aion to herself.  “If I can just save him,” she said, “I don't care what happens to me.  So please, please let him stay.” 

"And so he did," Last Judgment said.  The image of Aion vanished, but Angela remained, silent and sad.  "Angela saved Aion and his power, sealed them both away here, in the castle.  She kept his sword in her bosom, one last token of her love.  But it was that token that sealed her fate -- that cursed her as the consort."

"Cursed her?" Acasja asked, not understanding.

"To the victor go the spoils!"  He said, looking at Angela.  The girl floated in the air again.  Her eyes were open but empty as she looked downward.  "The sword was mine and she had to obey me -- Last Judgment -- and bestow her services upon each of the victors in the duels, even you.  But Aion, her own love, was to remain in the castle, forever out of reach."

Acasja stood and walked to the hanging image of Angela.  "Poor Princess," she said.  Is that why you gave up all hope?  "Can you hear me?  Angela!  Princess!  Please."  Tears came into her eyes but Angela continued to stare at nothing. 

He continued on relentlessly telling the story.  "She loved us both: the dark and the light... as one.  But Aion of Light is gone.  Angela's beloved no longer exists.  Her prince can never return.  What shall become of her now?"

As Acasja watched, Angela's clothing began to turn to mist.  He kept on speaking, not letting up.  "Just like Aion, she's begun to fade away.  What is life without love?  For Angela it's just not worth it."

"Angela!  No!"  She ran to him.  "Please save her.  The power to change the universe: it's yours now.  Can't you do that?"

"Aion of Dark is Last Judgment," he said.  "Aion of Light is no more.  The prince she loved is gone - and with him her will to live.  Can you blame her?  Where would you be Acasja... without your prince?" 

Time wouldn't stop and wait for her to decide.  Angela continued to fade and Last Judgment stood waiting on her.  She struck him across the face and his eyes widened in surprise.  She wiped the tears from her eyes and raised her crystal sword.  "I've made up my mind!  I'll be the prince!  I'll beat you, Last Judgment!  I'll get the ring back and then I'll save my princess.  All I need is the power to change the universe."

“Yes,” he agreed.  “All you need.  And you will never get it.  How could you hope to defeat me?  You’re just a girl while I, I have even conquered Aion of Light.”

“Shut up, damn you,” she cursed, “I mean it.  For the first time, from the bottom of my heart, I want to duel.  No more games.  This time it’s for real.”
 
Unarmed, he approached her until he put his hands on her cheeks and bent down to kiss her.  “Alright,” he said, “but please understand this won’t be like before.  This time, sweet Acasja, you will die.”  As he stepped away from her he waved his hand and a white rose appeared over her breast.  A rose? “Are you ready to find out just how truly hard it is to be a prince?”

He lifted his hand and the sword Infinite appeared in it.  She aimed a cut at his head and their swords rang as they clashed.  Their feet danced as the world turned on the floor beneath them.  Her friends, in their prisons, hung in the space between.  She lunged, he parried and turned.  The strength of his riposte knocked her to her knees and the crystal sword flew out of her hands.

She gasped for breath and he stood over her.  “Give in.”

“I… I won’t”

His eyes glittered with malice.  “You will only suffer as long as this goes on.  Play the prince for years and still you could never save Angela.”

Angela!  The girls head had flopped over sideways.   Acasja staggered to her feet.  “I will save her.  I will be a prince.  I will.  No matter how much I have to suffer.”

A sharp pain in her chest brought her to her the ground again.  Ah, my rose.  Like a thorn, stuck in me.  The pain!  Worse and worse.   She grasped it with both hands and tried to wrench it off.  “Oh!”  She could not take it off.  From the stem, thorny tendrils grew and twisted around her.  The thorns pierced her uniform and her skin painfully and she cried out.

“The path of a prince is a thorny one,” he said.  “Even the most beautiful of flowers has its sharp painful side.”  He looked down at her, almost in pity.  “And so you suffer, become a prince.  What would it get you?  Every obsession must one day be relinquished.  Prince Aion of Light, the one you love: he could not even protect Angela much less save his precious humanity here on Earth.”

A tendril from the rose climbed up her face, covering her left eye, and wrapped itself once around her head.  She hurt so much the extra pain did not matter.  She picked her sword up and forced herself into a kneeling position.  “Isn’t it time you grew up?” he asked.  “This silly desire of yours brings only agony.  Come now Acasja, hand over your sword.”  He held out his empty palm.

“No!” she cried out.  “I will never give in to defeat.  I won’t become Last Judgment.  I won’t become like you.”  His eyes blade and his sword came down angrily.  She parried the blow but he forced her back until she toppled.  He pressed downward until he was lying on top of her.  His weight pushed the thorns deeper into her and she cried again in pain. He put his second hand on his blade and pushed.  Her sword was slowly forced toward her face.

“Then at this rate,” he answered her, “you’ll die.  Is that what you want?  To give your life for Angela?”

Acasja’s vision began to fade.  Through the thin slit of her one eye she could see Angela still hanging there.  How long you must have stood there all by yourself princess, just like that.  Just like… me.  If I hadn’t met my prince that day, I would have died.  Now here I am.   “Princess!” she forced herself to call out.  “I’m here for you.  Please wake up.  Please believe in me.”

Angela’s head rose and their eyes met.  She seemed surprised to find herself yet once more alive.  It was enough for Acasja to make another push and she threw Last Judgment off.  As she stated to rise, his blade smashed into hers and again knocked it from her grasp.  She caught herself before she fell all the way to the ground, but he was on her, straddling her, in an instant.  He put his blade against her throat.  “This isn’t a game.  When will you understand?  You must surrender or else you shall…”

"NO!" she shouted back louder.  "I swear. I will be the princess's prince!"  The light poured suddenly from his ring and he raised his hand to shield his eyes. The sword Infinite fell from his grasp and he staggered away from her. The light coalesced into a shape.  "Can it be?" Last Judgment asked in surprise.  "Aion?  But, but he's gone for good.  The power is mine!"

Acasja struggled to her feet.  The pain, and the exhaustion, and the vines were gone.  Her clothing was in tatters and she bled from the tiny cuts, but she stood and the white rose remained intact on her breast.
 
Acasja looked at Aion.  He's here, Aion, the one I came for.  I've gone through so much to see your face.  But it's not enough just to yearn for my prince. Aion smiled, blessing her. I must be the prince myself.  I must protect Princess Angela.

Last Judgment took Infinite back up.  This time he did not speak but looked at her with death in his eyes.  Aion spread his arms and spoke a last time before fading away.  "There will come a time when we will meet again and if you do not lose your noble heart, then one day you will save us."

Last Judgment came up behind her and Acasja thrust backwards without turning.  The blades slid along each other... passed... and they separated.  A bright arc of blood filled the air between them.  "Ahh!" Angela screamed.  "Lady Acasja!"

The edge of Acasja's glass blade was wreathed in blood.  The sword Infinite dripped blood from its tip onto the marble glass floor.  Last Judgment held his chest that was covered in blood, a look of shock on his face.  Acasja lifted a hand from her side.  It was wet with blood.  She couldn't hold the sword, dropped it, fell. 

Angela caught her.  "Princess," Acasja breathed as Angela hugged her to herself.

Last Judgment dropped the sword Infinite and fell to his knees.  "A, Angela, Angela, come here, help me.  I... I... Angela."  She looked at him without pity and did not move.

"L-let me go, Princess," Acasja whispered.  "I... I still have to fight.  The power to change the universe.  Iblis, he still has it.  I have to take back Aion's ring.  Without it I can never save you.  Just l-let me."

"Please!  Please no more!" Angela sobbed.  "You're just a girl.  This fight is too cruel for a mortal.  Besides, it... it doesn't matter.  I don't need a prince to save me."

Acasja stopped struggling and put her arms around Angela.  "You came back to us.  Thank you Princess.  You believed in me.  You woke up.  Thank you. You've made me... so happy.  Now... it's over.  I can finally end... as your Prince."

Angela held Acasja's head up so she could see her face.  "You can… end…?"  She pushed Acasja away so that she could see her face.  Acasja was smiling.

"Lady Acasja?  Acasja stepped away from her.  Angela tried to hold her, but Acasja slipped away from her until only their fingers touched and then nothing.  “My Lady!"  Acasja turned away and was transfigured.

Last Judgment, lying on his side, looked up to see the transformation.  "What?  T-tell me: is that her or is it Aion?"  Angela put her hand to her mouth and gasped. 

The figure of light stood above him.  Acasja, healed of all wounds, held the glass sword in her hand.  She was dressed as one of the ancient images in the castle.  Last Judgment grinned and reached for his sword.  "It's Aion, isn't it?"  She pushed his sword easily out of his hand. 

Angela watched in wonder as fire and feathers swirled around the duellists.  Great wings seemed to spread from their backs.  Acasja stood over Iblis in a reverse of the image of the battle from so long ago.  "Tell me!” he screamed.  “I must know.  Who are you?  Aion?"

She smiled softly at him.  "No, I'm Acasja.  My name means calyx, the cup that shields the young flower.  I will protect her even if it means I must destroy the man I loved… for Angela's sake."  She leaned over him, surrounded him in white feathery wings.  "A kiss and it's done.  You and Aion shall be as you once were... together... as one."  She wrapped her arms around him, leaned into him.

"No, Lady Acasja!" Angela called out.  "If you do that, you'll cease to exist.  Is that what you want?"  Acasja's eyes opened for just a second, winked at Angela, and closed again. Then her lips touched his.  She grew brighter and he faded until they were both gone.  There was an explosion of crystal. 

The glass floor shattered and the stones of the castle crumbled and fell.  Angela was with Tommy again on the stairs and they were falling together.  The others, protected in their prisons, dropped toward the Earth below.  "Angela.  Princess," Acasja's voice called softly.  She could not tell from where. A star fell from the sky and dropped into her palm.  She looked at her hand and she held a ring with the Seal of the Enterprise.  She closed her fist around it.

[Andromeda]

It was only a thousand words.  It took me a few hours to write them.  They're an edit behind everything else but I wanted to post this chapter on schedule.

Anyway, there you have it.  Chapter 14, the last chapter.  There's an epilogue, but that wait until the weekend.  When I finished writing this I was so sad.  I couldn't decide if it was because I was done and had finished such a long epic or if it was because of the ending.