Prometheus' Orb (Legends of the Dark Creatures Book 1)

Fourteen days till the Solstice...

This was a dream.

Yes...

Richard could tell...

He was underwater. But... he couldn’t have been. His curse would never allow him. It had been quite some time since he dreamt of being back home; in the ocean. Richard had almost forgotten this feeling. Cold, gentle waters caressing his skin, his body transformed... able to breathe and talk under the magnificent depths. His eyes... able to catch even the smallest amount of light, making Richard see the brilliant and majestic creatures that roamed these dark waters.

Richard smiled as he moved his tail. Yes... true freedom... it was only a dream but Richard felt it and, in his own way, enjoy it.

“But this isn’t real,” he said to himself. He would wake up soon but he still... he wanted to enjoy for much longer.

“You always were exceptional at clinging to fantasy.”

Richard’s heart jumped. That voice... Richard turned to his right. He suddenly found himself standing on the cliff... the cliff where he fought... Richard’s eyes widened. It was dark and all Richard could see was a silhouette but still, there was no mistaking it; it was Ethan. He sat at the edge of the cliff, his head facing the night sky.

“Atlan, Fertia, Ti, Seilt...”

Ethan was counting in an ancient language. Richard looked up and realized that there were only fourteen stars in the sky.

“Soon Richard... Soon...” Ethan said.

Darkness began to close in on him and eventually, everything went black.

Richard opened his eyes. The loud crackling sound of lightning and thunder echoed throughout the woods. Even louder was the rain that fell on the roof of his villa.

He got up from the couch.

I must have dozed off he thought. Richard remembered the dream. Ethan... Perhaps that was Richard’s mind’s way of reminding him that only fourteen days remained until the solstice. The solstice was the only celestial event that would give Sebastian the necessary power to activate the Orb. He looked outside through the rather large glass windows. It was pouring so heavily that Richard could barely see a thing.

Everything had been quiet since the funeral. For the past ten days, Richard, Sara, and even Claudia had been helping Ashley get stronger by helping her gain control of her powers. A smile formed across Richard’s face. Ashley was a natural. She had already mastered in a few days techniques that usually took months or even years.

There were no sightings or incidences involving Sebastian or Jacob in the past ten days as well. Richard wondered if the two were working together.

Wouldn’t be a surprise he thought.

The other problem they hadn’t managed to solve was Luke’s father. From what Richard gathered, Jacob was hell-bent on revenge... revenge against everyone who mistreated and ridiculed his sister Stacy. Richard felt bad. Ashley had told him all these things but he neglected to tell her anything about himself. She also kept her word and never even bothered to ask.

Perhaps it wouldn’t hurt if she knew Richard thought.

Regarding, Luke’s father, Claudia, and Sara thought it best to leave things the way they are. The man was already locked up in an asylum and according to Sara, the Hunters already knew that Jacob was the one who attacked the woman and Mr. Anderson to crash the car into the school that day. The Hunters had agreed that the asylum was the safest place for Mr. Anderson. It took a lot of convincing but eventually, Ashley also agreed. She already knew that Adrian, her boyfriend, was a Hunter but she couldn’t tell him or the rest of her friends about what she was. Richard could tell that she hated lying to Adrian and her friends but this was the reality of things; Sebastian was out there and involving more people... they would eventually end up like Alex. Ashley understood this.

Richard heard a knock at the door.

He wasn’t expecting anyone today. The weather wasn’t ideal for going out which is why he strictly told her not to...

Wait... it was Ashley. Richard was able to sense her aura; warm, vibrant, determined, and something else... something hidden within her.

Richard walked to the door.

“Hi, Richard!” Ashley shouted.

“You know I can hear the birds a mile away from here right?” Richard replied with a smile.

“Really... I know of long-sightedness but I never realized it applied to your sense of hearing as well 'cause I have been knocking for the past five minutes.”

Ashley’s clothes and hair were drenched and she was breathing hard. She must have run all the way here.

Richard chuckled.

“Come in,” he said. “And I thought we didn’t have a training session.”

“I don’t need a training session to visit a friend,” Ashley replied cheerfully.

Friend

It had been so long since anyone called him that.

Richard suddenly found himself feeling quite conscious of what he wore. He was in a white T-shirt, long and loose grey slacks and he was barefooted.

Presentable at least he thought.

“Since you’re here we might as well make the most of this time,” Richard said.

Ashley stood still, took in a deep breath, and gracefully crossed her arms near her chest. She then stretched out her hands sideways and Richard watched as the water clinging to her clothes and hair slowly left her body and formed two small round balls in the air.

Ashley dropped her hands and the water fell, making a wet splashing sound on the floor.

“So what do you have in mind sensei,” Ashley said proudly.

“How about mopping the floor first?”

“What?” Ashley replied, with a confused face.

“Just kidding,” Richard said. “There is something I want to show you.”

Richard had hardly taken a step when a blue light followed by electric crackling appeared in the middle of the room.

“She is a rather feisty one Richard,” Shira said, looking at Ashley who was already in a defensive stance.

“Ashley it’s okay,” Richard said. “This is Shira. She is an Arzyrian from the realm Arzyria.”

“R-Realm?” Ashley asked.

“I see Richard hasn’t been teaching his apprentice everything,” Shira stated. She walked to Ashley. Ashley was as frozen as an icicle and looked like she might melt any second. No one would have blamed her for being frightened. Azyrians were an acquired taste for Richard as well... they were significantly taller than humans, and had blue skin and glowing white eyes. But they were also one of the most peaceful and caring creatures out there. They involved themselves in protecting even other realms like Earth.

When Shira was close to Ashley she studied her curiously.

“Hmm, bit out of shape but I can make it work,” Shira finally said.

“M-Make what work?” Ashley asked.

“I have decided to take you as my student,” Shira declared and that was how Ashley became one of the very few humans to ever study under the guidance of an Arzyrian.

“Okay...”

“Okay? Clearly, you don’t understand what an honor it is to be chosen as my student little one, and as your master, I think this would be the perfect opportunity to teach you some manners.”

Shira grabbed Ashley by her hand, walked to Richard, and held his shoulder.

“Um... what is going on?” Ashley asked.

Shira smiled. Richard knew what that smile meant.

“Ashley, brace yourself,” he said.

Like all the times Shira teleported, it happened in a blink of an eye. An electric feeling coursed through his body and a bright light filled his eyes.

When Richard opened his eyes, he was greeted by a beautiful sight. It was a large pasture of long purple grass. The was a huge mountain in front of them and a river spiraled around it, flowing from the bottom to the top. The sky was bright orange with blue clouds floating in the air. Large creatures that resembled birds flew in the sky. They had four large blue-featured wings and fiery red eyes. They were called Goillers if memory served Richard well. In the distance, Richard saw some Ditons hopping on the grass. Ditons were creatures with fairly transparent bodies, large snouts and ears, and very long legs and hands that they used to jump as high as a tall tree. Everything they stepped on or touched would immediately change color and right now, the grass underneath their feet was glowing blue.

Indeed, it was a beautiful sight but even more beautiful was Ashley. Her body turned around as she stared in awe at what lay before her. She wore a black tracksuit and black sneakers.

“Allow me to personally welcome you to Arzyria Ashley,” Shira said.

“Are we really in a different realm?” Ashley asked, her face lit up in awe.

Richard simply nodded.

“Now then...”

Shira pulled out a sword from her back.

“Let’s see what the prince has taught you so far,” she said.

“Wait... Prince...”

Ashley was even more confused.

Richard’s hand was behind his head... embarrassed.

“I see you two still have a lot to discuss,” Shira commented.

She then disappeared.

“Where did she go?” Ashley asked, walking towards Richard.

They stood near the river that flowed to the mountain.

Good Richard thought.

Shira appeared right above Ashley and her sword was aimed at her. Ashley’s reflexes kicked in and she controlled some water out of the river, molded it into the shape of a lasso and caught Shira by the leg. Shira teleported again and this time appeared behind Ashley. Ashley dodged the attack and countered with a sidekick. Shira blocked and held Ashley’s leg. Ashley controlled the water to form the shape of a sword made of ice. She used her Ice Sword to block Shira’s. Even Shira was surprised when Ashley’s Ice Sword managed to remain intact even after suffering a blow from Arshetia... Shira’s enchanted weapon.

Ashley pulled her leg away from Shira’s grip.

“Not bad Ashley,” Shira said. Her sword glowed and transformed into a bow and a silver quiver appeared on her back.

“Awesome,” Ashley exclaimed.

Shira pulled out three arrows from her quiver, aimed her bow at Ashley, and fired. Ashley didn’t need to use her water abilities. She dashed in the direction of the arrows at incredible speed, caught two arrows in mid-air, and dodged the other.

She then charged at Shira.

Ashley shouldn’t have held those arrows, Richard thought.

A blinding light emanated from the arrows in Ashley’s hands. Richard saw the arrows transform into ropes that bound Ashley’s hands and legs.

Ashley fell to the ground.

Both Richard and Shira walked to Ashley.

“Not everything is as it seems Ashley,” Shira said. “Remember that. My Arshetia is a weapon that bears many others.”

Ashley tried to struggle out of the ropes.

“It is no use,” Richard said. “Those ropes are made from Silyth... it’s light yet almost impossible to break.”

“Can I get up now,” Ashley frowned.

Shira raised her hand and the ropes, the arrows, and the bow transformed back into a sword.

"Tolae...”

Ashley and Richard saw a young Arzyrian boy running towards them. Tolae... it translated to mother.

“This is Rona, my son,” Shira said, lifting the small boy in her arms.

“He looks just like his mother,” Ashley stated.

“And thank Arza for that,” Shira replied.

Arza was one of the Arzyrian gods Richard remembered.

Rona whispered something in his mother’s ears.

Richard had never fully learned Arzyrian but he could understand a few words.

“No Rona,” Richard replied.

“What’s going on?” Ashley asked with a smile on her face.

“Nothing,” Richard answered.

“Then why is your face turning red,” Shira asked.

“Stop imagining things,” Richard replied, crossing his arms.

Everyone burst into laughter. It was beautiful indeed Richard thought. The scenery, everyone around him... Richard truly wished the moment would last forever.

Ashley, Richard, and Rona played together for almost an hour.

“I have known Richard for fifty years and I have never seen him laugh like that,” Shira said to Ashley.

“Wait! F-Fifty years... How old are you two?”

“I am hundred and thirty-five in earth years but about a third of that in Arzyrian years,” Shira said. “Richard is well... more complicated.”

“So time moves slower here?” Ashley asked.

“You catch on fast,” Shira replied. “Let me take this young one to his father... I’ll be back shortly.”

Shira and Rona teleported and disappeared.

Richard and Ashley were alone now. They tried their best not to stare at each other.

“I guess you have a multitude of questions,” Richard finally stated.

“Me, Nah... Not at all... I mean it's not like I just found out you’re a prince and you’re over fifty years old... Are you a Vampire like Claudia...?”

“No I am not a Vampire,” Richard said.

“Then what...”

Shira appeared.

“Alright time to get back home,” she said.

Richard and Ashley sighed.

“Was I interrupting something?”

“Not at all,” Ashley replied and stood next to Richard.

Shira held both Richard and Ashley by their hands. Richard closed his eyes and when he opened them he and Ashley were standing in the middle of Richard’s living room. Shira had already gone and once again it was just him and Ashley.

“That was the best ever!” Ashley exclaimed. “I can’t wait to tell Leah.”

That’s right... Ashley’s adopted sister, Leah. Out of everyone, Leah was the only other person Ashley had decided not to keep in the dark.

“Look Richard,” Ashley said. “It's almost dark outside... We only spent about an hour in Arzyria.”

“Time variations like this are common between realms,” Richard said. “An hour in Arzyria is about three here on Earth.”

“Looks like the rains have stopped too,” Ashley added, her fingers playing with the ring Richard had given her.

Suppression Rings... whenever a merman or mermaid in human form came in contact with water, their bodies would automatically respond and transform into their mer-forms. But this was only limited to water directly from natural bodies and rainwater. Processed tap or bottled water never had this effect on them. The same was true concerning Richard’s curse. Whether from the ocean, sea, or rain, such water would burn his skin but he was able to drink and even swim in processed water. It was one of the mysteries that no one really had the answer to. Merfolk who came on land wore Suppression Rings to prevent their bodies from transforming by accident.

“I guess I will be going now,” Ashley said.

“It was fun,” Richard replied.

Ashley walked to the door but stopped when she had only opened it halfway.

“Is something wrong?” Richard asked.

“Um... well...”

Ashley shook her head and looked straight at Richard.

“Wanna join us for dinner today?” she finally asked.

It was a simple request but Richard found himself speechless. Dinner, inside a house, invited, people... He couldn’t even remember the last time entered a home.

His mouth slowly opened and the words finally came out, “Um... Sure... I will just go change.”

“Yes... Oh did I say that out loud,” Ashley said, giggling a little. She opened the door and was about to leave when Richard stopped her.

“Wait... I don’t exactly know where you live,” he said.

“Well... Consider that a test master prince Richard,” Ashley replied and she dashed away with incredible speed. It was faint but Richard heard her say, “Seven PM.”

“What have I gotten myself into?” Richard said to himself. He smiled as he walked up the stairs to his room.

**

Richard’s heart was beating vigorously against his chest. He was wearing a black T-shirt, blue leather jeans, and black boots. He had managed to find out where Ashley lived. He didn’t even have to use his powers to track her aura. Ashley was well-known in the town and he was able to find her place after asking only a few people.

He raised his hands and gently knocked on the door. He heard footsteps approaching but they weren’t Ashley’s. From the aura that came near him Richard could tell that it was a child. The aura was quite strong and filled with so much joy and love. This must have been...

“Hi Richy,” a little girl exclaimed as she opened the door.

Richy?

“You must be Leah,” Richard said. “Ashley’s told me all about you.”

Leah gestured her hand and Richard had to bend down to her so that she could speak in his ears.

“I am rooting for you okay? Don’t lose hope,” she said.

“What do you mean?” Richard whispered back.

“I can hear you two you know.”

It was Ashley. She wore an exotic blue dress and high-heeled shoes.

“Ashy... He is much taller than you said he was,” Leah said.

“And why are we keeping our guests out in the cold? Come in Richard.”

It was Ashley’s mother who spoke this time. Richard could see where she got her beauty. Ashley resembled her mother in so many ways. They both had brown eyes and hair and perfectly curved faces. Their skin tone was also the same... fair and smooth.

Richard had already been invited in so he took a step forward and entered the house. He needed that invitation. Actually, all dark creatures did. Without it, dark creatures couldn’t enter places where living people dwelt. This was also only limited to homes and other private places. Dark creatures could enter public places like schools, shops, and churches unless the buildings were magically protected.

Dinner was lovely Richard thought. He had already taken in some blood before coming so he was able to enjoy this meal to the fullest. His teeth sunk into the perfectly cooked steak and Richard couldn’t help but relish the crispy taste. He pierced a boiled potato with his fork and wow... just amazing. He had already finished the amazing spicy soup that was prepared for him but felt a bit embarrassed to ask for more.

“This is the best meal I have had in years,” Richard said, unable to hide his delight... and appetite.

“Why thank you... you can have as much as want Richard,” Ashley’s mother said.

“Thank you for having me, Mrs. Morgan.”

“Don’t be so formal... call me Rina,” she replied. “So Richard, Ashley tells me you are new to Salem.”

“Yes... I have been in Salem for almost a year now,” Richard replied. “My parents died a long time ago and I guess it’s safe to say I have been moving up and about ever since.”

“Foster homes?” Mrs. Morgan asked.

“Something like that,” Richard replied. “But now...”

Richard turned to Ashley.

“I think I may have finally found a home,” he said.

Ashley smiled at him.

“Mom, why don’t you tell him about your work?” Ashley said.

“Well...” began Ashley’s mother as she swallowed. “I am an archeologist.”

“Amazing work,” Richard replied. “Prehistoric or Historic archeology... I hear those are the most common in the States.”

“Someone’s been paying attention to their classes,” Mrs... Rina replied. “Mostly Prehistoric but I do dabble into Historic as well.”

“That’s admirable,” Richard complimented.

Dinner was almost done Richard thought regretfully. Leah was also a great host, telling Richard some very funny Ashy... Ashley stories. She was quite smart for someone her age. Psychology appeared to be something that really interested the young child.

It was quaint and fun but Richard had to confirm something as well. He looked at Ashley. There was a huge possibility that she would never want to talk to or see him depending on how this went. That risk frightened him but so did the alternative.

So much was at stake but Richard decided to do it. He closed his eyes and emitted an enormous amount of power. This was a different kind of power and it spread out of him in a sphere and hit everyone in the room. However, Ashley was the only one who seemed to be affected. She was wearing her Suppression Ring so she only dropped her glass of water and appeared to be a bit dizzy. Her mother seemed not to be affected at all.

“Are you alright Ashley,” her mother asked.

“Y-Yes,” Ashley replied, her hand on her forehead. She sent a deadly stare at Richard.

Richard finally had the answer to his question and it truly wasn’t the one he wanted.

Dinner was finally over and Richard and the rest stood on the veranda.

“Thank you so much for dinner Mrs. Morgan,” Richard said.

“Hey... Rina remember... In any case, be sure to stop by anytime,” Rina replied.

“I’ll see you off,” Ashley said. There was a bit of annoyance in her voice. It was to be expected Richard thought.

“Bye Richy,” Leah shouted as the door closed.

Richard and Ashley walked down the street until Ashley stopped.

“What was that Richard?” she asked.

“Ashley... The surge you felt. It is a high-level technique that only a few Merfolk can perform and it is called Reveal. It basically forces any creature nearby to reveal they’re true forms.”

“Then why did you... Wait you wanted to see if my mother was a Mermaid like me?”

“Well yes and I am sorry I did so without your permission,” Richard said apologetically.

Ashley’s eyes were filled with anger at first but they still looked as though they were trying to understand Richard.

“And judging by what I guess you realize that she is human,” Ashley stated in a stern voice.

“That’s the problem,” Richard replied. “I can think of only two reasons why it didn’t work on her. First is that she is not your biological mother...”

“What... I know she is the woman who gave birth to me.”

“And after just seeing you two... I know for a fact that she is,” Richard replied. “But then that only leaves one other possibility...”

“Which is?”

“You are a Half-Breed... Your mother may be human but your father must have been a Merman.”

Ashley’s eyes widened. She was obviously so caught up in her newfound abilities that she never once asked herself how she must have gotten them.

“Ashley...”

Richard walked to her and held her hands.

“Ashley you are the very first and only one of your kind. Dare I say it but your existence is nothing short of a miracle but with it comes many dangers.”

“What do you mean?” Ashley asked, her eyes turning red.

“Ashley... I have been alive for over fifty thousand years and never once have I come across anyone like you. You being Half-Breed... born of two worlds... this changes everything. Ashley, I will tell you everything about me... But first, you need to know about someone...”

“Who?”

“The one Sebastian is trying to awaken... Ethan.”

***

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