CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
The Family Pet
They pushed the Hyas Transporter to the surface of Dramian. Tookar had managed to get the lift working once more by shape shifting into a bird and flying to where the rock dwellers had sabotaged the lever. With the obstruction removed, the lift worked again, making their job a lot easier.
The air outside on their cheeks was a welcome relief. Connor removed his handkerchief as Sheena approached him.
‘Do you know how strong you are?’
Connor shook his head.
‘You resisted my power, which isn’t an easy feat. Do you realise your powers are stronger than Definastine’s will ever be? It gladdens me to know the Starstone is safe with you. Definastine will have a battle trying to defeat you. Do you realise the true extent of your gift? If not you must learn to control your powers and use them wisely.’
‘He sure will,’ Kia grinned, walking towards them. ‘You’re a hero, Connor.’
‘I wish I could repay you, for saving my life and delivering me from the cruel grip of Definastine. Being so weak, Definastine eventually controlled me.’
Bromie approached the small party, preoccupied with something. ‘It’s time to go.’
Connor walked with Bromie to Kia’s spaceship. ‘How are you?’
Bromie pressed his lips. ‘Yes, I’m fine.’
‘I know something’s wrong.’
‘I’ll tell you later. Let’s say our goodbyes first.’
They joined the rest, to say their farewells.
‘How far away do you have to travel, Kia?’ inquired Obi.
‘Through several different galaxies. Don’t worry, I know the dimensional gateways to make it back safe. My ship has a map of them. My brother and parents will be anxious to hear from me. I can’t wait to see them again. Thanks for your help. My family owe you a great deal.’
‘Does it frighten you to travel alone?’ Connor asked.
‘No!’ she laughed, flicking back her head of 140ulti-coloured hair. ‘I’ve been space travelling throughout this universe my entire life. It’ll be fun to have Sheena as a companion to go home with me, the journey can be a little long and boring when you’re on your own.’
‘How old are you?’ asked Connor.
‘What a rude question to ask a young lady,’ Sheena interjected.
‘Oh, I didn’t mean to be rude!’ blurted Connor. They laughed.
‘If you must know, I’m several hundred years old according to your time but it’s still young on my planet,’ Kia laughed.
‘You’re having me on! Really?’
‘No!’ she answered. ‘It’s a joke. I’m much older.’
‘What?’ he gasped.
‘You’ve aged well,’ smirked Obi.
‘Why, thank you,’ she beamed. ‘Anyway, we must move on. We’re sitting ducks for Definastine if we delay any longer – you’d better leave too,’ Kia warned them. ‘Thank you. I won’t forget you.’
Kia hugged them, including Connor.
‘I’m going to miss you. I wished my brother could have met you. Don’t forget to carry the flower with you. Maybe it will save your life one day.’
When Kia touched her ship an entrance appeared. ‘No one can open it apart from me,’ she explained. ‘Bye, I’m going to miss you!’
She entered the oval, bullet-shaped spaceship and Sheena followed, waving.
‘Good luck!’ shouted Connor as the door sealed shut. With a quiet hum the silver spaceship rose from the surface of Dramian and revolved before zooming off into space. It didn’t have any spectacular lights as it blended with the night sky, disappearing from view.
‘Where did they go?’ Connor searched the skies.
‘Back home, my boy – back home.’ Tookar slapped him on his back. ‘Which is where we’re now heading.’
‘Come!’ Obi retrieved a pen-shaped object from his pocket. ‘This is a bridge device. It’ll connect us straightaway to the AAA.’
‘Why don’t we go through a portal doorway?’ questioned Connor.
‘Because they go to the segregation unit, to have their identities checked before going to hospital for a medical. When we use the bridge you’ll be coming back with me to my quarters at the AAA. You’ll be able to rest without people harassing you for your autograph.’
‘Oh, it won’t happen will it?’ worried Connor.
‘You wanna bet?’
He watched Obi twist the tip of the bridge where a blue doorway appeared in front of them. ‘Come on, let’s go!’
Connor held him back. ‘But what about Jeremy? Has anyone seen him?’
‘A person is found when they want to be.’ Obi shrugged.
The four of them disappeared, unaware someone had been observing them – a figure slouched in the shadow of the stronghold walls, watching and listening to every word as he rubbed his palms excitedly. He muttered something before throwing a heap of dust onto the ground where a temporary portal appeared taking him directly to Definastine’s castle.
Back at the AAA establishment, Connor entered a blue portal door into a chasm of blackness, where he balanced along a blue path leading towards a purple door. When he approached the purple light he passed through it and found himself in a strange room. ‘Obi, what happens if you step off the path?’
‘I don’t know, it’s hasn’t happened to anyone I know. This is my apartment, so please make yourself at home, Connor.’
The room looked comfortable and full of surprises. It appeared Obi had a remote control for everything. Connor slumped on the leather sofa, emotionally exhausted. A massive five-foot television screen appeared as the walls parted opposite where Connor reclined on the sofa, tucking his legs beneath him to get comfortable. Others were talking near him, but their voices sounded far away as if they were in the next room. Connor closed his eyes briefly, not wanting to sleep in case he missed something.
Tookar left next. ‘Thanks for the rescue. Keep an eye on Connor for me. I’ll be back in the morning. I’m off to check on Sparkie now. He was in a right state when I last saw him.’
‘Give Sparkie our regards and don’t forget to take a rest too,’ said Bromie.
A door slid open and closed again. It was the last thing he remembered before falling asleep and missing anything else that might have happened.
Several hours later, Connor woke to the mumble of a television, though much quieter than he remembered it from last night. Someone had draped a blanket on his body and placed a pillow under his head, as he lay sprawled on the sofa.
He stretched, groaned, and gave a yawn. Bromie had slept on another chair and opened one eye when Connor stirred.
‘So, the hero has decided to join us,’ he grinned, stretching.
‘What’s the time?’ Connor’s stomach rumbled.
‘It’s ten o’clock on Saturday morning. Are you hungry?’
‘Yes, starving. Where’s Obi?’
‘He’s upset his sword had broken, so he’s gone to get another one made. He’ll be back later.’
Connor rose from the chair when Bromie did. ‘You were going to tell me why you were upset yesterday. Is it a good time to talk?’
Bromie smiled. ‘Sure. It concerns you.’ He passed him a shrouded letter from his pocket.
‘Who’s it from?’
‘Read it.’ Bromie placed a parcel on the living room table.
Connor flinched. ‘It moved!’
‘Yes, I know but read the letter first.’
While Bromie headed to the kitchen, Connor was cross-legged on the sofa, holding the letter curiously. He opened the envelope and held the blue tinted letter. As he held it the jumbled message unscrambled into readable words. Although he’d received a shrouded letter before it still astounded him.
The letter read:
Dear Connor,
Lidena passed on this letter and gift we wanted you to have. Be brave Connor. We’re so sorry we’re not with you now, but times are hard and unpredictable. Your father and I have been sent o
n an urgent mission to save a planet at war with Definastine. We’ve been requested to help them, so we’ve taken the best fighters to defend their planet. We love you so much.
We’re thrilled the lost children are free at last to heal and return home. Well done son, do your best and don’t be afraid. The Starstone will give you strength.
We’ll meet again and that’s a promise,
Loving you forever
Mum and Dad
P.S. We have sent you another family member. His name is Hank and although he tends to talk too much, he’s loyal to his owners. Try not to upset him as he came become invisible and sulk (and don’t leave him alone with food, he will eat you out of house and home in a couple of hours).
‘Was this why you were upset?’ asked Connor.
‘Yes, because I know how much you’ve wanted to see your parents.’
‘It’s okay, ‘said Connor surprisingly calm. ‘I’ve waited a long time to meet them. I can wait a bit longer.
Bromie cheered in an instant. ‘Really? Well, that’s good.’
‘Do you know what’s inside the parcel?’
‘I’ve a good idea. Most people have one in this place.’
‘Do they?’ quizzed Connor. ‘It’s a family pet which talks and becomes invisible.’
‘It will appreciate being released. It must be hungry. While you do, I’ll go and rustle something for you both to eat.’
Excited, Connor wanted to know what his parents had given him. He clutched the parcel and jolted when something stirred inside it. He wanted to drop it but curiosity made him hold on to it.
He tore the wrapping.
‘Ahhh!’ screamed Connor.
‘Ahhh!’ screamed a large hairball.
On his lap was a ginger and white striped, unrecognisable ball of fluff. Its mouth opened wide revealing four rows of thin razor sharp teeth. Its eyes widened in shock and surprise mirroring Connor’s expression, or vice versa. They remained rigid in the same position screaming their heads off.
‘What’s happened,’ Bromie rushed back into the room.
‘There’s a – there’s a – thing on my legs,’ Connor stuttered.
‘A thing!’ said the thing enraged. ‘I’m not a thing! I’m a frump called Hank.’
‘It talks!’ Connor exclaimed.
‘So do you!’ it squawked back at him. ‘I’ve no time for this lark. Are you Connor?’
Connor nodded.
‘I’m your entrusted guardian.’ Hank lifted his head in the air. ‘I’m to guard you. Your parents sent me to stop you getting into trouble.’
‘Well I’m in plenty of that.’ He rubbed his forehead. ‘Trouble has a way of following me.’
‘Connor hasn’t met a frump before,’ said Bromie, ‘so you’d better explain yourself.’ He left them alone to continue with the food preparations.
‘Your parents saved me from a nasty situation a few years ago. I was rescued from another galaxy. My owner enjoyed playing football with me!’ Hank informed him sadly.
‘But it isn’t a bad thing. Boys at my school enjoy playing football with their dads,’ Connor butted in.
‘It is when you become the football. My owner had six legs and frequently enjoyed kicking me from one foot to another.’
Connor gasped. ‘You poor thing.’
‘I’m not a thing,’ Hank reminded him.
‘Oh yeah… sorry.’
Connor loved his present. Hank’s eyes were the size of two marbles, with small brown pupils. His mouth had temporarily disappeared beneath his fur, a huge contrast to the previous piranha imitation. Since Hank had calmed, he resembled a guinea pig, being the same size and as cuddly. Without warning Hank plonked his bottom down and folded his arms.
‘Don’t think about it cowboy!’ growled Hank.
‘Don’t think about what?’ asked Connor, confused.
‘Don’t think about eating me!’
‘I’m not!’ Connor insisted.
‘Your stomach is rumbling and you won’t stop staring at me,’ snapped Hank.
‘I’m amazed!’
‘Oh, talking about food – I love it. Is any going spare?’ Hank grew excited.
Holding a tray full of peanut butter sandwiches, crisps and fruit, Bromie placed it on the table. As Hank dived in, Bromie held his small tail so he dangled in the air, kicking his legs.
‘What happened to table manners?’
‘When you’re as hungry as me, you’d forget too! Don’t forget I’ve been stuck in a box for an entire night!’ groaned Hank. ‘Now let me go!’
‘Only if you sit and don’t move,’ ordered Bromie. ‘I’ll bring the food to you.’
Muttering, Hank sat reluctantly in the chair and waited impatiently for a full plate of food. When it arrived, he ate it in seconds, including the plate. Bromie shook his head.
‘You’d come in useful at school dinner times. I haven’t been often but I hate the food they give us, it’s rubbery and cold but I bet you’d gobble it, including the squashy green peas they insist on piling on every plate.’
Excited at the prospect of going to school, Hank jumped from his chair and on to Connor’s lap, pinching a crisp on his way. He climbed onto to Connor’s shoulder and curled up, falling asleep as cute as a little teddy bear. A short time later, Tookar and Sparkie joined them. Bromie offered them some peanuts.
‘His pride has taken a fall but he’s okay,’ Tookar informed them.
‘I’ll have you know there’s nothing wrong with me that a wholesome pie couldn’t fix. I regret not saying goodbye to Kia.’
‘You weren’t up to saying goodbyes though, were you,’ Tookar smiled. ‘If I’d known a pie would have woken you, I’d have fed you one immediately.’
‘Blah!’ Sparkie grumbled.
The doorbell rang and they glanced towards the door. Bromie pressed a button and a picture of Marion, K and Deana standing outside the room, showed on the television set. He pressed another button for the doors to open wide.
‘Marion!’ Tookar embraced her with a reassuring hug.
‘My dear Tookar!’ She kissed his cheek.
Something began bleeping in Tookar’s pocket. ‘Excuse me, but I must take this call.’ He strode into another room.
Turning to Sparkie, Marion noticed his fragile state. ‘Sparkie, whatever has happened to you?’
‘It’s a long story, and before you say anything, I’ve officially retired. How are you?’
‘A lot better, thank you.’ She turned to Connor. ‘And how are you, dear?’
‘I’m okay, thanks.’
K’s hair was dishevelled. ‘It’s been a horrible night, until Sparkie informed us of Dad’s plan to rescue my brother Daven. I didn’t know I had a brother. It’s amazing – except we haven’t made contact with him. And none of the children brought back was Daven. So at the moment Dad and Daven are still missing. I tell you what, it’s made me realise not to take my friends for granted and not waste the precious time we have. I wish Dad and Daven could witness me asking this wonderful woman to marry me.’ He knelt on one knee and grasped hold of Deana’s hand. ‘Deana, will you please marry me?’
Deana pressed her lips as tears sprung to her eyes. ‘Yes, of course I’ll marry you!’
‘Yippee!’ K lifted and spun her round.
‘Urgh!’ grumbled Hank. ‘Can’t stand this mushy, lovey, dovey stuff!’
Ignoring Hank, Marion beamed and gave Deana a hug. ‘I’ll be glad to have you in the family. You and K are made for each other. You’ve been with us and supported us through our darkest day and now, as Jeremy would have wanted, you’ve lighted a candle in our lives.’
Tookar entered the room much happier. ‘I’ve received some news concerning Jeremy. One of our men came across him by accident on Dramian. Jeremy wanted to be taken prisoner by the atropertries and had disguised himself as a child. He was brought to Dramian through the portal. Once he’d made it to the other side, Jeremy transformed himself into a monster and killed t
he creatures. Since then, he has shape-shifted into an insect. Apparently he’d heard about a young boy with amazing abilities being kept alive, for Definastine’s entertainment. This boy is different from others as he’s able to turn into different forms.’
‘Daven!’ cried Marion.
‘It’s likely,’ grinned Tookar. ‘But as this child isn’t kept with the other children, Jeremy has gone after him. He passed on a message to you as well. He wanted to say sorry for the pain he put you through and wish to make it right by bringing Daven home earlier to ease your worry.’
‘He’ll find him,’ beamed Marion, her eyes misting. ‘My Jeremy will find Daven and we’ll be a happy family again one day.’
Happiness filled the room as Marion spoke to Connor. ‘Since your parents have been called away you’ll want somewhere else to live now. I was wondering… would you come and live with me? I’d love your company.’
‘Really? You want me? But I’m a liability now – what with the Starstone. Bad luck keeps following me – and I’ve got Hank too now!’
Marion chuckled. ‘Most people suffer from bad luck from time to time and this little frump will be too much of a problem. But I mean it, Connor. I’d love you to come back home with me.’
Connor hugged her. ‘I’d love to come and live with you. I would. I can’t believe you’re asking me.’
‘You’ll be doing me a favour too,’ she chuckled, nodding towards K and Deana. ‘Can’t imagine K wanting to live with me much longer, can you?’
Connor laughed and shook his head.
‘Besides, you’ll be able to keep me company while Jeremy is away. I hope nothing awful has happened to him. Do you like apple pies?’
‘Yes,’ smiled Connor.
‘Good, because I make the best ones in town.’
Marion smiled at her son. ‘I’m ready to go home, dear, will you take me back?’
‘But mum, you know we can’t go back home.’
‘Oh, I know. While you were getting a drink earlier with Deana, someone came and told me our new home is ready and waiting for us, somewhere in a place called Hampton.’
K looked surprise. ‘I didn’t realise anyone had told you. Are you okay about it?’
‘Son I’ve been living with an alien-husband for thirty-six years, who went missing yesterday. It’s him I miss, not the bricks and mortar. I would have left the cottage years ago if I had my way. Anyway they’ve taken our belongings to our new home. I want to settled in now.’
‘It’s time to say goodbye,’ whispered Bromie. He took the ointment from his pocket and gave it to Connor. ‘Take this. It might come in handy one day. Perhaps I’ll see you soon – don’t forget me.’
Connor gratefully took the ointment and placed it in his pocket where he absentmindedly stroked the necklace Tookar had given to him from his parents. How strange to have forgotten until now. The communication device allowed him to make contact with his parents. He vowed to speak to them the moment he’d some space.
‘Thanks Bromie. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t shown when you did.’
‘It’s a pleasure.’ Bromie ruffled Connor’s hair. ‘Take care of yourself kiddo. You might as well arrive at your new home by using my bridge. I’ll dial the co-ordinates right away.’
‘How lovely of you, Bromie,’ smiled Marion. ‘After a hectic night, I could do with getting home quickly.’
‘Before we go, I’d like to visit my sister, Jenny,’ said Connor.
Deana choked. ‘Your sister Jenny? Jenny who?’
K laughed, while Hank squeaked loudly.
‘Who’s Jenny?’ Hank glanced at Deana and made a face.
‘He asked the consulting mirror about his sister,’ Tookar explained, smirking. ‘Tell them who you saw, Connor.’
‘It showed me a room, where Deana, K, Marion and Jenny were. When I saw Jenny’s blonde hair, I knew she was my sister. I have a photograph of her.’
Deana looked amused. ‘And the mirror showed you her?’
‘Yes. Well, not exactly.’ He remembered how he’d specifically asked the mirror to focus on Jenny without using the word ‘sister’.
‘Ask the mirror again, Connor. Ask it to show your sister’s face.’ Tookar requested.
Connor rolled the sleeve of his jumper, revealing the watch-sized mirror.
‘It’s beautiful,’ gasped Deana, examining it closely. Hank jumped on to Connor’s shoulder, his little claws digging gently into his skin.
‘Ouch!’ Connor glared at Hank. ‘Show me the face of my sister.’ He lifted his wrist, but since Deana stood so close to it, her reflection stared back. ‘You’re standing too close.’ He moved from her.
Deana giggled.
Her face peered at him from his wrist. He tapped it several times.
‘Please show me the face of my sister,’ he repeated, but again Deana’s face stared back at him. ‘It’s not working. Is it broken?’
Marion, standing furthest away stepped forward. ‘Someone put him out of his misery…please!’
As the words died on her lips, he glanced at Deana and then at the small image on the consulting mirror. Time had come to a standstill. Her face shape, her freckles, her eyes were undoubtedly the same as the photographs he’d seen of her in her younger days. It explained why the girl in the picture had been so familiar. He’d been foolish not to make the connection until now. For although her hair colour had changed, her face hadn’t changed much. Not to mention how relaxed he felt in her company when he’d first met her. He felt he’d known her his entire life and now he knew why. She was his sister.
His body tingled, filling with warmth. An unspoken truth had finally came to light. Deana had proven on more than one occasion she’d been prepared to sacrifice her life for him. She hadn’t been doing her job; but she’d been protecting him too. But it was more than that – she’d been keeping an eye on him, because she loved him.
They looked at one another and Connor welcomed her arms, holding him tighter than ever.
Kissing his head, Deana whispered, ‘You silly sausage. Fancy thinking Jenny was your sister. Don’t worry. I’ll be here for you…always.’
Safe and secure, Connor closed his eyes and smiled. The room came alive with cheering. Connor, grinning broadly, finally had hopes of a better life and this time with his sister. They would be no more demands from his aunt and uncle, no more demeaning tasks. Connor quickly buried the dangers he’d encountered yesterday, in the back of his mind. All thoughts of Definastine were temporarily filed away. But as Deana cuddled him affectionately, he couldn’t ignore the niggling doubts clawing away inside his body, constantly reminding him that dangerous times were far from over, for Definastine was still at large and wanted the Starstone. As long as Connor had it, his future was at risk.
End of book 1