A Deal Part IV: In the Heat of the Fire Caves

Posted on Fri Oct 25th, 2024 @ 5:31pm by Lieutenant Fang Lee

741 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Stars Around the Well
Location: Fire Plains | Vulcan
Timeline: --- Several Years Ago --- (Fang's Final Academy Year)

ON:

"Now, then. First thing is first. Your friend still needs to recover but he can only fully do that if you take him to the mineral baths here on Vulcan. There is a spring called the Spring of Life. It is in a deep cave not far from here. Maybe a day's journey. He will be able to walk but ... not very well. When we are done take him there. He must amerce in the water for three days. Speak to no one. Stay in the caves, you will not want for food or water it is all there. Once you are done he will sleep for two more and then wake as if nothing happened. He'll have no memory of this but you will of course."

Fang gave a nod. "How can I... pay you."

"As I said I owed you a favour. And also not many people will worship the God of the Life, Death, and Rebirth on Capella. Even in other Cultures. You know the humans feared me when they once knew me as Hades, always preferred that persona. I am not a bad person."

"I know that. Balance. Life and death, rebirth, it's all a cycle."

"Exactly. I just help maintain it. Now then. To business."

Fang gave a nod. "Okay."

They talked for what felt like years but was only hours. When they were done Fang stood. "I should get him to the other caves. What do I call you?"

He smiled. "We are on Vulcan so Shariel will do. I am presenting as their concept of me anyway." He smiled. "Red eyeshadow and all."

Fang laughed a little. "Yeah. Well I will remember what you said."

"Good!" Shariel Stood. "Now then, I like you Fang. I like Zai and your story fascinates me and I can't wait to watch it unfold. To show you my fondness I will leave you with something." Open your hand."

Fang did as he asked and there in the middle of his palm a cold metal object appeared.

"What is this?"

"My personal symbol. It represents acceptance of life and its darker aspects. It is the circle of life and death and a reminder that you must persevere no matter how rough the waters. It is a symbol of change and transformation and a call to find the strength to overcome obstacles."

Put the necklace on. It will feel cold for a while while it adapts to you. It will call to you when dark transformative times approach. Until then do not take it off you until the coldness of the metal turns warm." Shariel paused. "Do you understand?"

Fang gave a nod. "Yes."

"Good. We shall meet again. Remember I can hear your conversations."

"Is that it?"

Shariel, who had been walking away, stopped and turned. "You want more?"

"Well aren't you going to tell me to like, build a shrine or temple in your honour...something?"

Shariel threw his head back and laughed. "Fascinating, utterly fascinating." He sighed. "Fine, build a shrine to the aspect of me you connect with most. When you talk to it I will hear you. Does that work?"

Fang gave a nod. "Okay..." He watched the man walk away as the mist rose.

"Shariel wait! Zai will be alright?"

"Yes. But he will go through much. It's his penance his transformation. Be there for him but not always to help him. Also you will know when you and I shall meet again by Zai. When that which is Raven black turns a silver white you and I shall converse that very night."

"Oh my Gods...a Rhyme. Please don't ... "

Shariel Smiled. "Good luck Lee Fang, Ainar of Capella. Until we meet again. Listen to the stillness of your soul. Live well and live happy."

Fang watched as the mist seemed to swallow him.

He looked at Zai and then hurriedly bundled him up and lifted him onto his back. It was time to go. Day had dawned.

****

Fang snapped back to reality and realized his feet had taken him to a fortune tellers den on Q planet. He checked the time and realized that he still had plenty before he'd meet the CO's brother and the Doctor. It couldn't hurt, what's the worst that could happen.

He sighed. "Into the belly of the beast I guess." With a final deep breath he entered the shop and called out. "Hello? Anyone here?"

....

OFF:

 

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