Rocks was free from the bed now. He hugged Ziona first feeling relieved that he was alive and with her again. Remington stood back holding Felix while Rocks and Ziona soaked in relief.
“I didn't think I would ever see you again!” She sobbed into his chest. He was quiet and held her for a long moment before slipping out of the bed and turning to look at Remington. Ziona quickly approached to take Felix back from Remington who looked very apprehensive as the child was passed off to Rocks to hold for the first time.
“Look Felix, this is your Daddy!” She said as she helped Rocks hold him correctly. He was immediately emotional and held Felix against his chest very delicately as he poured with tears. Remington watched him feeling jealous now as if it were actually his child and he didn't want anyone else to hold him.
“Let's go to our bedroom Rocks.” Ziona took his hand and pulled him towards the exit. She grabbed the diaper bag and car seat and they left the room without another word. Remington stood there for a minute feeling crushed before deciding to leave. He ended up in the communal bedroom crawling into the covers and sunk into depression. He laid in bed for quite a while before the others showed up. Ephraim was the first to notice his sullen mood.
“What's wrong Rem?” Ephraim asked as he sat down near him on the bed.
“It's nothing.” Remington sighed.
“You are in need of emotional support, true or false?” Lux asked as he stood near the bed looking concerned.
“I just need to stay here for a while.” Remington sighed unhappily.
“Why?” Ephraim asked.
“He is feeling rejected now that Rocks is back.” Vezaias said, now crawling over to Remington and sitting down then patting his head as if he were a dog. Remington scoffed and rolled to his stomach and buried himself into the blankets more.
“Rejected how?” Ephraim asked in concern.
“Well, I'm sure Ziona won't need my help with Felix as much now that Rocks is back.” Remington sighed.
“Aww Rem…” Ephraim said in consolation.
“Human babies are nothing but smug little freeloaders anyway Remington.” Lux said seriously.
“Lux babies cannot care for themselves yet. Don't be so negative.” Vezaias chuckled.
“Ugh, whatever. That infant has only been here a few days and it's already causing problems. First Remington has been completely wrapped up in spending time taking care of it, and it's not even his infant. Now this baby has got him all depressed and unhappy. Imagine how many problems it will cause when it grows up.” Lux scoffed.
“Shut up Lux! He is just a baby! Felix is just an innocent little miracle that is getting caught up in all of these adult problems! He doesn't deserve to be caught in the middle of all this bullshit!” Remington sat up and snapped at Lux. It got quiet and tense. Lux only looked irritated.
“I need a cigarette.” Lux said finally then he left quickly. Ephraim sighed and elected to follow him and make sure he was alright. Remington settled back into the bed and sunk even deeper into depression.
“Rem, I can tell you have a lot going on inside because of this. Do you want to talk about it?” Vezaias said after a long moment of silence.
“It's a lot. I haven't even processed it all yet.” Remington said.
“You can talk yourself through it out loud.” Vezaias offered. Remington sighed and tried to collect his thoughts.
“It's just….” He paused. “I know this Rocks isn't really my brother……but he is still kind of like my brother. Ziona told Felix that I was his Uncle. That made me think about so many things and all of them are painful.” Remington said solemnly. “Like, my real brother and Ziona from reality, they could’ve had this baby too, but they never will.” Remington choked on this thought and began to cry. Vezaias pulled Remington into his arms to comfort him. “Then I thought about how shitty my parents were. Or yours or anyone who has a shitty parent. How could any parent reject a child? My father treated me like shit. So did yours. When I look at Felix it is just unfathomable how anyone could treat their own child like shit. It just makes me so angry, but I have nowhere to direct that anger. My father is dead. So who should I be angry at? I started to direct that anger towards Rocks and then Lux, but neither of them have even done anything wrong. So I don't know what to do. Now I feel protective of Felix, I never want anyone to hurt him the way that I was hurt as a child. Then Ziona put Felix into Rocks arms and wanted to go be alone as a family or whatever and of course I can't intrude on that, but now I'm angry, worried, and frustrated, and I really miss Felix. He's just so adorable. I just need to let go of all of these feelings because he isn't even my kid.” Remington fell silent.
“Rem, I really don't have any experience with babies either, but I do know that Felix is a byproduct of a moment in time that two individuals chose to share together. In my case it was a lonely alcoholic sociopathic business man, who decided to pay for a temporary escape from a woman who he didn't realize was a psychopathic drug whore. That is why Ava and I are who we are today. In your case it was a toxic masculine drunken homophobic asshole, that forced submission from a young overly dramatic people pleasing enabler. That's why your life is what it is.” Vezaias explained. He paused and looked at Remington who looked emotional. “But in Felix’s case, his father is a strong willed virtuous protector who fell in love with a fiery assertive passionate woman. Sure Rocks may have some social anxiety, and Ziona might be a total bitch at times, but they love each other, and they will both love Felix the way a parent should love their child. That's what Rocks was trying to tell me, that he and Ziona are going to do a damn good job raising that kid. I know you still want to be included, but if you get all resentful over this, Rock and Ziona will do whatever they can to cut that negativity out of Felix's life which is a boundary that I wouldn't blame them at all for setting.” Vezaias said seriously. Remington pondered this for the rest of the night and all he knew for certain was that it was true that he couldn't let his issues keep him from trying to be a good uncle.
“He is going to wake up trying to defend against the moment he was killed. You must realize it will be a very overwhelming moment before he realizes he is safe again.” Zexich explained. Khallie only nodded. Zexich removed the sedation and waited for Skyler to wake. It seemed to take a while but then suddenly Skyler jolted awake screaming then thrashing about as if to try to protect himself.
“Skyler! You are safe! Everything is alright!” Zexich yelled, hoping to gain his attention to calm him.
“Skyler!” Khallie yelled frantically as Skyler's panic was frightening. Skyler opened his eyes and was silent for a moment.
“Where am I?!” He yelled.
“You are in a holding room here at the base. You have been through a terrible situation, I know, but I need you to calm down and listen to me.” Zexich spoke calmly.
“Release me now Zex!” Skyler shouted as he struggled, now bending the railings with the force of his struggle.
“I cannot! First I need you to…” Zexich began.
“If you really were Zex you would not have me restrained like this! I can't trust this! Now that I know that Vezaias is alive!” Skyler forced himself into a sitting position then with a firm kick he snapped the bed rail completely off of the bed freeing one of his arms. Zexich quickly pulled Khallie out of the room through a portal. Skyler was on his feet now but still attached to the bed rail by one arm. He quickly tried to summon his crystal blade but it did not come to him. He was then desperate to free himself and with one forceful flip he landed jerking the bed off the floor then smashing it upside down which broke the other railing. He was now free while still attached to the broken pieces of the bedrails by the chains that bound him. He took them in hand as weapons now and readied himself. A portal opened which he anticipated, then lunged for whoever stepped out. Remington quickly summoned his crystal blade and dodged. He couldn't move fast enough as Skyler swung the railings back and forth like nunchucks then bashed him into the ground. Lux arrived next shooting at Skyler with his pistols who quickly dodged then flipped and swung the bedrail like a baseball bat then swatted the shot towards Remington who was only just recovering from the first attack. Lux surged like a sparkler and jumped at Skyler who quickly used the plastic railings as a shield then he kicked the railings that hit Lux and knocked him away. Skyler then swung his chained hand into a cartwheel, snatching Remington and using the railing to choke him. Lux recovered in a panic as Skyler threatened to kill Remington.
“If you don't back off I will kill him!” Skyler threatened. Lux dropped his pistols and let them disappear.
“Easy now. Don't hurt him.” Lux said as he held up his hands as if to signal his surrender. Skyler pulled back on the chain choking Remington more who clawed at the restraint that was cutting off his airway.
“He doesn't have much time left! Back the fuck off!” Skyler yelled.
“Heh, you say that but… I think you are a bit over confident.” Lux said amusingly, still remaining docile. Suddenly Skyler loosened his grip and released Remington who fell to the floor gasping and sputtering for air. Lux quickly pulled him away. Skyler was not in control of his body anymore.
“You have one chance to listen to your new reality or you will be killed again.” Skyler's voice spoke uncontrollably. Vezaias now stepped into the room looking rather impressed.
“Someone certainly woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.” Vezaias chuckled. “Was he a bit too much for you guys?”
“He used the bedrails as weapons. Then he took a hostage.” Lux rolled his eyes. Vezaias looked even more amused.
“You see why I avoided letting Zexich recreate him? He is super dangerous. No talents, no weapon, and while restrained and locked in a room, and he still managed to nearly kill someone.” Vezaias chuckled. He turned to look at Skyler now. “Good thing Eph got a hold of him.”
“It was difficult to catch him until he took Rem as a hostage because he stopped moving so fast.” Skyler spoke uncontrollably.
If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
“I expected nothing less from you Skyler. Now you have to listen to me because you have no choice. You have been dead for over five months. After I killed you I planned out an insurrection and took the base for my own. I killed nearly everyone here. The girls escaped, and I let Zex live because I needed his help. Everyone else though, I killed them all one at a time. I have since secured the base for my own. Now you have one chance to cease hostility and submit to me and gain the opportunity to live and watch your kid being born, or I will kill you again. It's your choice. Obviously it doesn't seem like we can trust you so I'm not going to put much effort into convincing you. I have absolutely no problem with feeding you to the demon again.” Vezaias paused to let this sink in. “Eph give him a chance to speak.”
“If you did all of that then why am I here?!” Skyler shouted angrily.
“Because I'm a nice guy.” Vezaias mused.
“Pfff, ha!” Lux scoffed. Vezaias chuckled.
“Really it's because I promised your girlfriend that I'd give you an opportunity to join my team…”
“You can take that opportunity and shove it up your ass!” Skyler snapped. Vezaias only looked more amused.
“Well if that's your answer then I suppose that it's feeding time.” Vezaias said wickedly. “Rem, secure him so Eph can vacate.” Remington snatched Skyler as soon as Ephraim removed himself. Skyler was now able to struggle but he could not free himself.
“Skyler, let me introduce you to Solaris.” Vezaias said then suddenly wings sprouted outward as Vezaias shifted into demon form. Skyler looked angry to cover up how terrified he was.
“Look how bright it is today with such a delicious offering! Let's see how fast you can run.” Solaris motioned for Remington to release Skyler. As soon as he was free his flight response took over and he turned to run and dodge the demon narrowly slipping by then bounding off the wall to jump over him. Solaris anticipated this and with one flap of his wings jumped into the way snatching Skyler in mid air then landing gracefully with his meal in hand. Skyler panicked and began to kick and punch which even with all his strength did not seem to faze Solaris in the slightest. Solaris readied his first bite, when suddenly there was a knock at the door.
“Who would interrupt my meal?” He turned to look at Remington who acknowledged the cue and answered the door.
“I do not mean to interrupt but it seems as though Khallie has gone into labor due to all the stress she is under today. I must take her quickly to the infirmary.” Zexich said with urgency.
“Do as you need, and let me get back to my meal.” Solaris said seriously. The door shut and Solaris was ready to feed again.
“Wait!!!! I will surrender!!! Let me be there for Khallie!!! Stop please!!!!” Skyler screamed as Solaris pulled him in for a bite. Skyler kicked, pushing as hard as he could to keep Solaris’s sharp fangs away. Remington jolted and ran up and jerked on Solaris to stop him.
“He has surrendered! Let him go!” Remington begged.
“He is dangerous, and he did not accept the initial offer.” Solaris said in irritation.
“Zay, tell him to let Skyler live!!! Please Zay!!!” Remington begged. Solaris lowered Skyler to his feet but kept a good grip on him. Soon he faded away and Vezaias emerged.
“Don't make me regret this, Skyler. If any of us find you the least bit threatening, you're dead.” Vezaias said seriously. Skyler could only nod frantically.
“Take his restraints off.” He let go of Skyler. Remington quickly unlocked the restraints, freeing him from the broken bedrails.
“Rem, Eph, take him to the infirmary.” And with that Vezaias left with Lux close behind him.
“Skyler, this is Ephraim.” Remington told him.
“Hello Skyler. I have heard a lot about you.” Ephraim said meekly. Skyler didn't reply, he only stood looking frustrated.
“Skyler…..I'm really sorry about everything. I told Zay that you didn't deserve to die and…
“And you let him kill me anyway?” Skyler interjected. Remington cringed a bit and nodded.
“I couldn't stop him.” Remington said seriously.
“Whatever, I really don't have anything to say to you right now. Can you just take me to the infirmary?” Skyler pressed.
“Here is your phone. It has some restrictions.” Remington sighed as he handed him the phone and turned to unlock the door. He and Ephraim lead Skyler to the infirmary where he rushed in to be there to support Khallie. She was in the bed with Zexich nearby helping her through a contraction.
“Skyler, thank goodness you are here!” Zexich exclaimed as Skyler hurried over to Khallie.
“I was nearly dead again. I'm sorry that I was gone for so long.” Skyler said as he filled with emotion. He took Khallie's hand. She was thankful to have him by her side as she progressed in her labor. Zexich did his best to explain what was happening and what to expect to happen next. It was just over 18 hours before Khallie was ready to have the baby.
“It seems she is dilated to ten.” Zexich said. “We are going to need you to start pushing Khallie. Remember what I told you earlier about breathing. She was already exhausted as the laboring went well into the night until morning. Skyler did his best to help her breath and focus as she pushed while dealing with how overwhelmed he was himself. He continued to encourage her as the baby's head was fully crowned.
“One more big push Khallie!” Zexich said as he intercepted the infant. She screamed. Soon Zexich was toweling off the baby and suctioning out its mouth and nose.
“You did such a great job, Khall.” Skyler praised her. Khallie tried to smile, but she was worried because she had yet to hear a baby crying. Zexich seemed to be very focused on the infant without any indication of what was happening.
“Zex? What's going on? Where is my baby?” Khallie asked worriedly.
“He has yet to take a breath, but do not worry, I am going to fix that.” Zexich said as he worked harder to gain a response from the baby.
“Zex is he okay??” Khallie was anxious now.
“Please stay calm Khallie.” He pressed.
“But he's not crying or anything!” Khallie was trying to sit up now but Skyler pulled her to keep her in bed. Just as she began to panic the baby wailed loudly and began to cry. Khallie was immediately relieved. Soon Zexich was laying the baby on Khallie's bare chest.
“Congratulations. A beautiful but very lucky baby boy.” Zexich said looking satisfied but also exhausted. He still had to help finish the process by removing the placenta. Khallie was in tears now and marveling at the bundle of joy as he began to calm his wails now that he was laying on his mother's chest.
“Sky, do you want to hold him?” Khallie asked.
“Of course but….” Skyler paused. “I'm feeling a little funny.” He said as he watched Zexich cleaning up the bloody mess left behind after the placenta was removed.
“Skyler, perhaps you should sit down.” Zexich said but as soon as he said this Skyler began to sway in place, then just as he tried to sit he toppled over unconscious.
“Oh dear.” Zexich got up quickly to help him.
Skyler was much better after some smelling salts and a few minutes to collect himself. He spent the rest of the day caring for Khallie after she gave birth and of course taking care of his new baby. It was exhausting and he was very nervous about taking care of a baby because he never got the chance to learn about postnatal and infancy care because he died. He did manage to learn quickly as Zexich was there to help guide him through the process of how to feed the baby and change his diaper. Khallie was also there to help after she got a decent amount of rest after the long 21 hour labor she endured. Skyler let her sleep while making sure the baby was alright until the early hours of the next morning when Khallie woke to find Skyler holding their baby who had fallen back asleep after drinking a bottle.
“How is he?” Khallie asked.
“Sleepy.” Skyler said softly.
“Aww. What are we going to name him?” She asked.
“I haven't even thought about it.” Skyler said. “Do you have any ideas?”
“I really like ‘Dash’ and for a middle name I thought about the name ‘Ish?zri’ if you put it together ‘Dash Ish?zri’ means ‘fast protector and helper’. Skyler pondered the name and the meaning for a moment.
“I like it. Sounds like a strong name.” He looked down at Dash. “Do you like it?” He asked the baby in his arms who only continued to snooze. “Well he doesn't have any objections.” Skyler said with a warm smile. Khallie giggled softly at him.
“Then Dash is his name. He is just so amazing, and he looks just like you Sky.” She said cheerily.
“You think so?” Skyler asked softly.
“Definitely.” She answered.
“Well I think he looks like you too.” He stood up carefully and handed Dash off carefully for Khallie to hold.
“Pardon me, I do not mean to interrupt but I will be leaving the infirmary for a short while to attend the morning meeting. Hopefully our leader has considered letting me be here to care for Khallie in light of her recent birthing experience and requirement for another day of medical care. I shall return soon.” Zexich explained politely after appearing in the room. Sigil approached behind him. Being that Skyler had not been informed of anyone who had been recreated, he was suddenly on his feet and sprinted towards Sigil throwing his arms around him and sobbing. Sigil hugged him back and allowed him to express himself to the fullest.
“There still a morning briefing?” Skyler asked after he was able to calm down.
“There is.” Zexich confirmed.
“Am I required to go to it?” Skyler asked.
“I do not know. Our leader usually gives out his orders personally, if not directly then he charges his trio of consorts to dish out his orders for him.” Zexich explained.
“I will go to the briefing to find out for myself. I do not know what exactly he expects of me now that I am alive again.” Skyler said solemnly.
“Very well, but a word of advice that may help you to navigate this new situation we are all a part of. I suggest you observe and learn to spot the difference between Vezaias, and the demon he now shares a body with. At first it may be a bit difficult to tell them apart, but a big indicator that you can listen for, Solaris the demon will announce his presence with a variation of the phrase ‘It is bright out.’ I tell you this because Solaris is much more dangerous than Vezaias alone, because he does not value human life at all and is only refraining from slaughtering everyone to feed on in order to accomplish his goal which he needs our help to achieve. He is probably the actual one who killed you, and not Vezaias himself.” Zexich explained.
“I'll keep that in mind, thanks Zex.” Skyler said as he considered this information.
“You are very welcome. I will see you there soon.” Zexich said then he and Sigil left via portal. Skyler turned to Khallie who lay in the hospital bed still holding Dash in her arms.
“I have to go. I need to go and see what is happening with this new hierarchy I've been thrown into. If you need me I have my device.” Skyler said seriously now. Khallie was immediately worried.
“Be careful.” She said emotionally.
“I will. I love you and Dash both very much. I will be back soon.” Skyler left the infirmary to go to the office. When he arrived there were already several people there waiting for the briefing to start. Skyler immediately singled out Rocks and charged at him at full speed. Rocks saw him and prepared himself for the impact nearly falling over from the force.
“I'm so happy to see you!!!” Skyler sobbed. Rocks was also just as emotional as he returned the hug.
“I'm so glad you're back Sky! How is Khallie? I heard she went into labor. Did she have her baby?” Rocks asked urgently for news.
“She did, yesterday. I haven't even slept yet.” Skyler said.
“Ziona had her baby while I was still dead.” Rocks said solemnly. Skyler looked hurt by this.
“Rocks I’m sorry. I couldn't stop what happened. I couldn't even warn anyone of the threat.” Skyler said looking crushed.
“It's okay Sky. We cannot dwell on that. I'm here now and that's all that matters.” Rocks said.
“Right.” Skyler agreed. Just then Lucius landed in the room with Ava following him. He realized that Skyler was alive and quickly came over to see him.
“Skyler, you're back.” He said. Skyler lunged for him which was unexpected but Lucius did humor Skyler with a hug.
“I just got here two days ago. I'm still trying too..” Before he could finish Demetri arrived and Skyler bolted for him and tackled him at full speed then began to sob as he hugged him.
“Skyler!” Demetri was crying too. “Thank goodness you're back!”
“I’m so sorry Dem! I shouldn't have gone! Maxwell was right!” Skyler sobbed.
“It doesn't matter anymore Sky. I'm just glad you are here again.” Demetri soothed him.
“What about Maxwell?” Skyler asked. Demetri only shook his head ‘no’ and wept softly along with Skyler.
