It's finally time for answers.
Seth angrily paced back and forth through his office. A tingling sensation caused him to stop and pull back his sleeve. The silver chair had looked so solid and heavy. But the metal, when molded on his arm became light and flexible like skin. Its soothing flow coursed through his body, as if trying to calm his mood. The blue stick wrapped around his right wrist was another matter, though. Heavy and cold, it radiated a different energy. He will be glad to get rid of that.
He collapsed in the chair and turned on his desk lamp. His coat gaped open as he sat, revealing his torn, dirty clothes. As memories flooded his thoughts, he leaned his head back.
I want this to be over.
Tucked under his belt, the Hydelea poked him in his side. With a deep sigh, he sat up and pulled it out. Vibrating in his hand, the device did not look dangerous. Not something for people to fight over or destroy a planet. Setting it on the table, he extended his right arm. The blue band slid from his wrist, down his hand, and reformed as a stick. Rolling sideways, it came to rest touching the green object.
I am so tired.
He closed his eyes and tried to forget everything, but his energized mind flowed with memories. Had it been less than six months since he received Mac's package? The quest had taken so much from him, but then Lizzy's face flashed through his mind. Yet, I've received so much more.
A slight whistle announced the figure’s arrival. Thirteen, the elusive traveler, was making his appearance. He flipped his hood back and Seth got a good look at his blue face. Dark, luminous eyes studied Seth's face.
When he started to say something, Seth's left eye glowed green as held his hand up to stop him. "So, what do I call you? Socar? Thirteen? Or Father?"
Matthew changed to his Earth form and sat in the chair across from him. His quiet gaze studied Seth's silver arm, moved up to his son's angry face, and stopped at the glistening green eye. "We're so much alike." His father's eye also turned a deep green.
Shocked at his parent's sudden transformation, Seth demanded, "And Mother? Does she know?"
"From the beginning."
"What about Anthony, my brother?"
"Only about me. I was new to Earth, unsure. His mother was an emotional experiment. Horrified at giving birth to a blue child with pointed ears, she threw him away. I rescued Tony and for the first eight years, he lived on Ucat. How did you discover about him?"
"Everyone's heartbeats pound in my ears, but not yours or his. Somehow when we're together, our hearts synchronize. Beat as one."
Matthew nodded in understanding. "I knew about the Traveler Legend from an early age, and that it would be my child. I assumed that Tony would complete the prophecy and gave him access to weapons, coats, and goggles here on Earth. Tick and Tock made sure he could defend himself. A woman raised him as her own. I dropped in occasionally to supervise. Later when Anthony was grown, I gave him the map for tracking the coins.
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“He was a year old when I met Maggie. She was--, Well you know your mother.
"You were normal at birth. When Mac appeared with Assor's items, I didn't want you involved. But, you changed. Your hearing became so powerful, your body strong. I went back and checked with my father. Oncar told me that his mother's side could hear a bug communicating. With that knowledge, everything became clear."
"Sound that could not be heard?" Seth asked.
The Hydelea, with a thin burst of energy, gave a small hum in response. Seth ran a finger down its length to calm the device.
"I went forward in time to be sure. That's how your actions were transferred onto the walls at Ucat."
"So, what's next? I would like to get rid of this thing."
With a heavy sigh, Matthew leaned back in his chair. "We take it back to Ucat and set it up. You can meet people that are anxious to see you in person. And, the Librarian--"
"You mean the Sentinel? I think I met him twice. Once in India as a priest, then in Egypt, both as frail, old men. My dreams and visions, showing me what to do, could have only come from him. What of Ibidimin?"
"In a cell on Anddus where I dropped him off. His people thought he died. Ibidimin was still transformed into the black monster when Anthony destroyed the device. His body reformed to his original shape, but his mind stayed trapped. He still thinks he's a large growling beast. Tries to bite everyone." His father stood and extended his hand, but Seth still held back.
"How did you enter my dream?"
"Not sure. It was a surprise for me as well. I haven't been able to do it since. Probably the Sentinel joined our minds for me to help you."
"You can read minds, also?"
"Yes, I inherited that from Oncar. The ability for changing shape comes from my mother. I can read Anthony's mind but not yours. Somehow you block me."
"Gertie or General Kenko?"
"She also inherited the changing ability of her mother. From Adac, she got his assassin skills."
Seth glared at his father. "I've been surrounded by deceit. Only Tick and Tock are as they appear, very dangerous people."
"If you knew about me from the beginning, your life would have been so different. This way you made normal, human decisions. I wanted to step in, guide you but was concerned about upsetting the future. Kenko, in my place, protected you. As Gertie, she updated me on your progress. But, you out-witted all of us."
Seth stood and reached for his father. The concern in his parent's eyes was real, and his shoulder felt solid as they hugged. A now familiar spark of power flowed between them. "I understand, it's just been a shock."
Stepping back, Matthew commented, "We need to pick up Anthony, and then go to Ucat and return the Hydelea."
"I want to see someone before we go."
"Ah yes, she will be an exceptional partner in your future adventures."
"Elizabeth." He breathed her name. "You know about her?"
His father smiled. "Yes, remember, I stepped forward in time."
"I need to talk with her, make sure she's alright. Let her know I'll return when all of this is finished."
"A Fatherly suggestion. Maybe before you go, change your clothing? Don't want to scare her."
Seth laughed at his comment. "I found that it takes a lot to do that."
"When you're ready, I'll pick up Anthony and take both of you to Ucat. Until then, check on your Lizzie."
Seth's eye glowed green. He tapped the flying man branded on his leg and disappeared.
****
From the next room, cabinet doors slammed open and closed as Seth changed clothes. Matthew stared at Seth's empty chair for a moment. He thought of Maggie, his wife. Without her, none of this what have happened. She needs to know that our son is alright.
Copying Seth's actions, he also vanished.