Volucris_Emmergence Read online

  “Just this once and you’re doing the clearing, remember this place has to be spotless before Lordes gets here.”

  Benji sat up suddenly a bit brighter at the thought of Ethan cooking his breakfast for him. “No worries, the place will be cleaner than a decontaminated lab when I’m finished.” Mo smiled, she was relieved to see the boy she first met yesterday was firmly back in place.

  Ethan cooked some more pancakes for Benji and placed them in front of him. Benji grabbed the maple syrup and smothered the pancakes adding more bacon as he went. Mo and Ethan watched in horror as Benji devoured this mountain of food in less than a couple of minutes.

  “Hungry?” Ethan asked.

  “Yeah, just a bit. Tthat was some run last night. I can’t wait to get my wings and fly through the sky, they are really breaking through now, hard lumps coming straight out of my back it’s awesome!”

  “Would you like some more cream for your back, does it itch much?” Mo asked

  “Like you wouldn’t believe, yeah, that would be great.”

  Mo went inside and fetched her Grandmother’s cream from her bag. Sshe went back out to Benji who already had his top off. He wasn’t as well defined as Ethan but she could see the muscles starting to grow, he was also very pale, almost a ghost compared to Ethan.

  He turned his back to Mo as she approached and at first the sight of the 2 protruding lumps shocked her, they looked abnormal, like deformities of the body. They were pointed as they broke the skin, like a triangle, the skin around it was inflamed and looked sore. Mo was not squeamish and quickly shook off her initial shock. She unscrewed the top of the cream and dipped her fingers in, she then spread it over Benji’s sprouting wings. , Tthey felt hard like bone as if you were rubbing your elbow, but they were incredibly smooth and as she got a closer look she could see they were covered in miniscule feathers that were wet and shiny like a chick that had just come out of its’ egg. Ethan had started to busy himself clearing away they camp. Hhe seemed uncomfortable with what Mo was doing, although Mo did not at all, it seemed the most natural thing, like putting sun cream on a friend. Once finished, Mo asked Benji if he would do the same for her. Sshe was wearing a vest under her hoody so it wasn’t embarrassing at all and the need to get rid of the itch, it was so intense. Benji gently applied the cream to her back, she could feel his hands running over the small bumps that had appeared there, it felt great.

  Benji stopped and looked to the sky. “He is here.”

  “Who?”

  “Who do you think, your father.”

  Both Mo and Ethan looked up but they could not see anything. Benji quickly finished applying the cream to Mo and moved away. Iit seemed he didn’t think it the best idea to be caught with his hands on the clan leader’s daughter. Mo thought he must be mistaken but just as the thought crossed her mind, a large shadow covered the camp and there was a golden light reflected off all of their faces. Lordes had arrived.

  Chapter 15

  Lordes walked slowly towards them, he looked even more magnificent in the sunlight. , Mo could see why he was a clan leader. Hhe was tall, muscular and his wings were imposing, he walked with a grace and importance that had been lacking when he was at her home;, he was clearly more comfortable in these surroundings., Mo noticed he was wearing a similar outfit now to Ethan, it was a dark tanned animal hide.

  “I see you have all been getting acquainted.” Lordes spoke in his deep and powerful voice.

  Mo wasn’t sure if he was referring to Benji putting cream on her back or the little camp they had set up for themselves, whatever it was he made them all feel like they had been doing something wrong, which Mo thought was ridiculous as they hadn’t. All three stood in a line waiting for Lordes to speak, Mo was surprised at the effect he had on all of them and she wasn’t sure she liked it.

  “Moria, I don’t have long, I’m sure you have questions, come let us walk together.”

  “You can call me Mo, I prefer it.”

  “Yes, but your mother and I named you Moria and I would prefer to use your full name as we intended.”

  Mo shrugged her shoulders, she did not want one of the first conversations she had with her father to turn into an argument.

  Lordes turned to Ethan, “you should pack up, you will need to move on when we return.”

  Ethan nodded and he gently elbowed Benji, they both started to clear up the camp. Mo walked with her father away from the camp and into the desert. Tthey found a tree with a rock under it, Lordes settled himself upon this and looked at Mo.

  “You really look like your mother, same hair and eyes, you are a wonder.”

  Mo looked at her hands that were clasped in front of her, slightly embarrassed by her father’s words, she was not entirely sure how to react. An awkward silence fell between them.

  “Have Ethan and Benji explained things to you a little more?” Lordes asked tentatively.

  “Yes, they have been very kind. Why did you leave her?” The words left her mouth before she had chance to stop them, she supposed this is what she really wanted to know.

  Lordes bristled but took a deep breath and tried to explain.

  “Your mother, Moria, it was the hardest decision I have ever made, it was the last thing I wanted to do but I, we had no choice. After you were born and we realised that the Doctor had given us up there was so little time., Wwe made sure you were safe with Rebecca and I tried to get your mother up, but she was still in so much pain. We both knew there would be no moving her. , Sshe told me she would not have the strength to fly and I knew I could not carry her., Sshe told me to leave, she begged me, she did not want us both taken. So, I left, the last time I saw her she was alive and putting on the bravest smile I have ever seen.”

  “And you know nothing of what happened to her?”

  “No, nothing, it was covered up, I looked, I even looked for the doctor that helped deliver you but he had disappeared, I have no idea which agency he called whether police or FBI or even CIA, I don’t know. “

  “What do you think may have happened?”

  “Honestly, I don’t know, they may have killed her there and then, she was very weak and in a lot of pain, she may have died from that, they may have taken her to experiment on her. We have not revealed ourselves to the human world for centuries, it has never worked, we have never been understood. Sometimes Volucris have revealed themselves for their own gains, humans have thought us superior, and that has bought those who exposed themselves power and wealth. It never lasted, not for long, soon questions would be asked or the Volucris in question would not behave in the expected manner and soon be made out to be some kind of demon that must be destroyed. So, when they found Iliana, your mother, that was the first time we had been revealed to the modern world. I really do not know what they would have done, but whatever it was it I doubt it would have been good.”

  Mo could see the pain etched on Lordes face, he clearly questioned his decision to leave.

  “Do you miss her?”

  “Every day, a part of me died that day. Which is why I am so glad that you are back in my life and you look so much like her, I feel that a part of her is back with me.”

  Mo felt warm glow inside at his words, she was pleased that she reminded him of her mother. There was a small part of her that was cautious of his sincerity though, after her Grandmother’s words before she left. She did not want to question him now, not directly, she felt happy and loved and without her Grandmother that was exactly what she needed at the moment. She then realised she had not even asked about her Grandmother.

  “How was Grandma, before you left?”

  Lordes, sighed, he was getting frustrated at these types of questions, he wanted to tell her about the Volucris, her training, her diet, what was most important.

  “She was fine, upset of course.”

  “Was she picked up ok?”

  “Yes.”

  Mo felt angered at his short answers, she could tell that these were not the questions he wanted.


  “Have you spoken to her since she left? I have tried to contact her but my holo has no reception. I would like to speak to her.”

  “Moria she is fine, I have not spoken to her but the people she is with are very capable she will be fine, you need to concentrate on yourself and your training.”

  “I just want to speak with her.”

  “And that would be fine but I can’t control the reception here, maybe as you move you will get better reception. Let’s talk about your diet.”

  “I know about the diet, that I have to drink blood.” Mo snapped back a little more forcefully than she wanted to. , Sshe was upset at Lordes lack of concern for her Grandmother and his lack of understanding that she needed to talk to her, to let her know she was ok.

  “Ok, and do you know why you need to drink it?”

  “Yes, Benji and Ethan have explained everything.”

  Lordes could see he was not going to get much further with her, maybe he was the wrong person to instruct her, he thought that she may accept more from Ethan. He was happy with that situation, Ethan was an exemplary Volucris, he understood what it meant and how to behave. Lordes was more worried about Benji, he was a nice boy but took things too lightly for his liking. , Moria needed to understand the seriousness of the situation, what the possibilities may be that the Volucris were facing.

  “I will instruct Ethan on your diet and training, he will know what is best. I know this is a lot for you Moria but please, this time in your development is crucial. I only want what is best for you to make sure your wings develop to their highest potential.”

  “I understand.” Mo responded with a little shrug of her shoulders, this conversation had not gone as Mo had hoped, it was very strained and she felt that they both wanted different things out of it. She did not want to disappoint him though so instead she reassured him.

  “I will listen to Ethan, don’t worry, and I have already tried the blood it’s ok.” She smiled at Lordes and he returned her smile, he knew there was so much more he wanted her to understand but now was not the time.

  “Ok, well you must be on the move again, you still have a long and possibly dangerous journey ahead.”

  “You are not coming with us?”

  “I will always be close by but I have other things I need to attend to, Ethan will watch over you.”

  Mo was not sure if she felt pleased or disappointed that he would not be with her for the journey.

  “How long before we get wherever we are going, and what will it be like when we get there?”

  “You will be there in a few days., Yyou are going to Ety, it is a Volucris sanctuary, an island deep in the middle of the ocean, somewhere we have always been safe, it is a place we call home, I am sure you will love it as I do.”

  Mo smiled again as another uncomfortable silence fell between them. , Lordes seemed to just stare at her which she wasn’t keen on, she felt like she was being scrutinized.

  “Ok, it looks like the others are ready to leave. , I will talk with Ethan, please listen to him, I know he can seem unfriendly but I could not think of anyone more qualified to help you in your training.”

  Mo nodded as Lordes walked away, she was still unsure of this man, not least how intimidating he was and that was not just because he had big golden wings.

  Chapter 16

  Mo helped Benji clear up the last few items of the camp, he gave her a sympathetic look but clearly did not want to ask her how things went with Lordes still there. Benji then helped Ethan with his bag to cover his wings once more. Mo realised it must be incredibly uncomfortable to squeeze his wings into the bag, he had to really bring them close into his body, maybe this was another reason Lordes was not so keen to stay with them. Once ready Lordes addressed them all.

  “I have spoken with Ethan and he has agreed to instruct you both with your initial training until you reach Ety, once there you will be trained with others your age as per the Volucris custom. You still have a long journey ahead of you and in places you will come close to the human population, this may become dangerous., Ethan is very skilled and will make sure you are as safe as possible. However, to do this you must listen to him, he is in charge. I will always be close by but may not always be able to help.”

  Mo was not sure she liked the idea of Ethan being in charge of her and Benji., Oonce again she felt like her father was treating her like a child, but then again, she was only 16.

  “Have things become very dangerous?” Mo asked.

  “Moria, this world has changed more than you know, Rebecca has protected you from most of it, but it has become a very dangerous place as I am sure Benji will agree.”

  Benji nodded in agreement.

  “Those who are not sick or dying are trying to survive and for some, where there is no power structure, they want that power and will do whatever it takes to gain that it. The man or woman who before was just a security guard or office worker could now be in a position of great authority, particularly if they are the one with the weapon and willing to use it. We have already witnessed neighbours killing neighbours over the smallest of things. Money is of no use, the rich and powerful too are starting to be affected, the people who hold power now are those with food, water or weapons.”

  “So, the army then?”

  “No too many have succumbed to the virus, it is the ordinary men, those who are not afflicted. It is very complicated Moria and I hope that you will not encounter the misery that is swallowing this world, but I fear that will almost be impossible on this journey. Listen to Ethan, stay in the RV when necessary, it will protect you, as will I when I can.”

  Mo guessed the RV had the same protection as her old car which was reassuring. She did not take Lordes warning lightly, the memory of her recent trip to the beach was still very fresh in her mind,. tThe desperation of the young girl and determination of those trying to capture her. She wondered if she had been a young Volucris and what had happened to her.

  “Are you looking for other young Volucris?” Mo asked her father.

  “Yes, we are trying to gather as many as we can before they are taken to be tested on, that is how we found Benji. We will then bring them to Ety to train them. It is what I have always done for many years, trying to protect those before their wings are cut away.”

  “Are you alone?”

  “No there are other Volucris around who are helping me, I will not be too far away though, Moria do not worry, if you need me I will be there.”

  Mo wasn’t particularly worried she thought Ethan could handle himself pretty well and she had already got herself out of trouble. Lordes got up, he had finished what he needed to say. He walked over to Mo, she wasn’t sure what to say to him, how to say goodbye should she hug him? Or kiss him on the cheek? She felt a little lost. Lordes answered the question by placing a hand on her shoulder.

  “Goodbye, Moria, be careful and listen to Ethan.”

  Mo nodded in reply still feeling awkward, Lordes turned and nodded to Ethan. He then began to run building up speed and in one final movement his wings beat and he was lifted into the air, the three companions stood staring in his wake.

  Chapter 17

  Benji broke the silence, “Well he is one serious guy! I guess you must take after your mother Mo, or do you have a dark serious side too?”

  Mo smiled, Benji had relieved the tension they had all been feeling. Mo wondered if it had been the situation that had caused such tension or was it Lordes himself?

  “Right let’s get moving.” Ethan brought Mo out of her thought process, they all climbed into the RV. Ethan was moving awkwardly, clearly unhappy that his wings were now covered up. “You take the wheel Benji, I want to take Mo through her diet.” Benji pouted at Mo, disappointed that they wouldn’t be able to catch up on what she had spoken to Lordes about. The pout was so exaggerated. Mo chuckled, she could see a small smile creep across Ethan’s face too, she guessed no one was completely immune to Benji’s infectious humour even happy bollocks.

&nb
sp; Benji started up the RV and headed back towards the road, they were heading south but Mo was still not sure exactly where, she settled down at the table with Ethan.

  “I know we are going to a place called Ety but where exactly is that?” Mo was starting to feel a little more confident around Ethan., Hhe was still pretty moody and she found him hard to read but since their quiet breakfast together she felt he wasn’t too bad.

  “Ety is an island, it’s about 50 miles off the south coast, we have to get to the closest point to it from land which is central Mexico.”

  “Mexico, wow that is quite far, I guess about a week on the road then.”

  “If we don’t hit any trouble and we need to avoid quite a few areas for safety so it may take a little longer.”

  “What will we do for food? I mean I know this truck is big but it can’t hold that much.”

  “We have enough on board to last us at least 4 days then we have a rendezvous with some other Volucris, they will keep us stocked up.”

  “Would it not just be quicker to fly? Benji said you and Lordes carried him when you first rescued him.”

  “Yes, it would be quicker and easier, if we could fly we would be there in a couple of days, but we cannot carry you for that long. Volucris are strong, unnaturally so compared to humans, but to carry another over such a long journey would be too much. As it is we will have to carry you to the island, there is no -way a non-flying person could reach the island, that is why it is such a safe haven for the Volucris.”

  Benji piped up from the front of the vehicle, “Well we may be ok for food but fuel is looking like a problem, I think we will need to stop in the next hour.”

  Ethan took out his holo, he flicked it open and selected a map option, instantly a three-dimensional map appeared over the holo with a little dot bleeping along the road which was the RV. Mo could see there really was not much around at all, they were taking a very rural route to their destination. Ethan began to sweep down the map until he hit upon a small settling on the same route.