Ch 19: Homecoming

In need of a place to rest, Scott suggests their one possible refuge: Grey's hometown of Aerennis. With Grey's heart wracked with guilt after losing control, will his return restore his spirit?

            Tuesday May 22, 520NA. Having spent one night in the airship after landing in the Alcedon Forest, the group set out for Aerennis, and as they passed through the forest, Amy found herself a new friend. Lifting the squirrel-sized frogpole up next to Scott’s face as they walked out of the woods towards Aerennis, Amy said, “Isn’t he cute?!” Busy carrying one end of the makeshift stretcher they had crafted from bed sheets to transport Grey to town, he glanced over at the frogpole as it gazed at him with its soulful yet bulbous eyes and croaked. Halfheartedly, Scott replied, “Uh, yeah Amy he’s adorable…” Carrying the other end of the stretcher, Alexander said, “Amy, we’re all overjoyed you found yourself a new pet, but please try not to distract Scott. He is, after all, somewhat busy at the moment.” Sticking her tongue out at Alexander, she placed her frogpole on her shoulder, where he stuck himself to her red t-shirt and sat there happily. Schmitt laughed and said, “I like the lil fella too. He’s real friendly, and he’s got a nice complexion going on with that light-green skin of his. Goes good with those cute yellow eyes.” Seeming displeased by the acquisition of the frogpole, Serius replied, “He may be friendly now, but he is only a baby… Frogpoles are monsters after all, and while they are not man-eaters, they can become very territorial. It seems to have imprinted on you, believing you’re its mother, but I do not see the attraction in keeping such a creature as a pet…” Schmitt suddenly pointed at the frogpole and exclaimed, “Oh look, he’s waggin his lil tail! He must really be happy up there on your shoulder Amy! Serius come on now, how can you not see the appeal of this cute lil thing?” Serius let out a sigh as they continued onward to Aerennis.

            Entering the village’s south gate, Amy walked along the stone pathway. The village was all so strangely familiar, she could tell it hadn’t changed very much. At the same time it was so different from Celestis or Abnoct, so rural and calm. Aerennis was known for the farms and ranches that were one of the world’s biggest source of produce and livestock, but the village itself had always been Amy’s favorite part. For while it was known for farms and ranches, it was also known for the beautiful flowers that grew around the city, as well as within it in yards, window box planters, upon the branches of trees or on vines stretching across buildings, they even crept up through the edges of the stone lined streets. The houses and buildings, while obviously sturdy and practical, were so different from the modern and sleek structures of Celestis that had always made their old apartment building stick out like a sore thumb. Small wooden fences wrapped around the yards of houses that had one, many looking old and in need of repairs. There were few hover cars in this village, and instead everyone walked from place to place, or if needed rode in horse drawn wagons or carriages. They were getting quite a few stares from the villagers they passed as they walked north up the path towards the square. Walking into the square, Amy could see the many stalls set up to display the products for sale, vendors calling out to the passing townspeople to advertise their vegetables, fruits, meats, bouquets of Aerennis’ many varieties of flowers, and other goods.

            Suddenly a vendor called out, “Well I’ll be! Scott is that you?!” Scott turned in the direction of the voice, and as he laid his eyes upon a thin, brown haired, brown eyed man who looked in his early forties who was waving and beaming at him, he exclaimed “Hey! It’s Bert, my old neighbor!” Pulling Alexander somewhat in his eagerness, Scott moved over to Bert’s stall, the others following after him as he said, “Hey! Bert, how’ve you been?” Bert laughed and said, “Well it looks like I been doin better than you, Mr. Thunderfury Energist! You get outta a year long coma and now you show up looking all roughed up! The Special Forces been working you hard, eh?” It was true. Scott uniform, along with Alexander, Serius, and Grey’s clothes as well, were stained with dirt and blood from their recent battle. Bert, looking over at Grey for the first time, went on to say, “Hey, just what’s up with him? He ain’t dead is he? Say, that kid…” Sudden realization dawning on his face, he continued, “By the stars, isn’t that the Greyson boy?!” Worried that someone would overhear and turn this into a scene, Alexander quickly said, “Yes Bert, but please keep your voice down. We need to get him somewhere to rest, so we’re on our way up to the town hall to see the Governor.” Now staring at Alexander, Bert said, “Hey, yet another familiar face! You know something Alexander, one of these days you gotta show me this fountain of youth you got hidden away somewheres, you look the same as the day I met you! Well at least what I can see, though in this sunlight I can understand the shades. Still, why you always wear that heavy coat and that cape and all? Ain’t you hot in th-” Interrupting him with an annoyed tone, Serius said, “Alexander we should really get going before we attract a crowd…” Alexander nodded, saying, “Sorry Bert, but we really are in a hurry. We’ll have to catch up later.” As they turned to leave though, Bert said, “Hey hold up, why don’t I just come with you? You can use my wagon to carry him, and I’m pretty sure the young lady could ride as well. Come to think of it, haven’t I seen you somewhere as well missy?” A little surprised to be recognized, Amy realized she had met him once, but before she could say anything Alexander said, “Like I said we’re in a hurry. We would appreciate a ride for our sick friend though if you have the time.” Quickly getting up, Bert said, “Sure, sure, lemme go get the wagon.” Suddenly, Amy’s frogpole let out a loud “Ribbit!” Schmitt laughed as Bert turned back to look at it saying, “That a frogpole? This day just keeps gettin weirder…”

            “Please make yourselves comfortable. The Governor will be in to see you shortly.” the secretary said as she opened the door to a meeting room. Scott, Alexander, Serius, Schmitt, and Bert entered and sat themselves comfortably in the brown, cushioned chairs around the long rectangular glass table in the middle of the room. Amy had remained outside at the wagon with Grey. It was not long before the door opened and through it came an old, gray haired woman with green eyes like Scott’s. The old woman smiled warmly at them all and said, “Well, well, greetings everyone. I am Tabatha Matthews, Governor of Aerennis. Although I can see there are some here who already know who I am. Scott, you look like a mess, but I’m glad to see you. I was wondering when you’d come back and visit the village. The moment you woke up from that coma, it was straight back to the Special Forces.” Scott ran a hand through his hair and laughed nervously, saying, “Sorry Grandma… I’ve been a little busy since I woke up.” Tabatha took a seat at the table, saying, “Yes I know, you’ve been looking for the Greyson boy. I take it you’ve been helping him Alexander? It’s been three years since you since you simply disappeared without a word after the funeral. How have you been?” Alexander removed his shades and said, “Oh I’ve been quite busy as well, though it looks like you’ve been the busiest out of all of us. Scott didn’t tell us you were the new governor. Congratulations.” Smiling, Tabatha said, “Thank you, I was quite surprised that they followed Jonathan’s recommendation that I be made Governor should anything happen to him and his family. I am an energist myself after all, but I suppose The Guild cares less and less these days about what goes on in Sanctuaries, so long as they’re still receiving a steady stream of recruits for the Special Forces. The nearby watch post that also serves as a training ground for their new recruits, run by Lieutenant Colonel William Sterling, hasn’t sent a patrol to check on us in over a month now. Anyways, I’ve been doing my best to live up to Jonathan’s example.” Leaning back in the chair and folding her hands in her lap, Tabatha continued, “So, who are our other guests here? Besides Bert of course…” Serius was first to introduce himself, starting to say, “Serius Decus Ma-” Quickly Alexander laughed loudly, glaring at Serius and quickly saying, “He’s Serius Thompson.” Serius narrowed his eyes and simply stared off into space. A bit confused, Tabatha simply said, “It’s a pleasure, Serius.” Then Schmitt introduced himself with a big grin, saying, “Schmitt Barton, at your service ma’am.” Smiling back, Tabatha said, “Also a pleasure, Schmitt.” Scratching his head, Scott thought to himself, “I always thought Schmitt was his last name. Go figure…”

            “So, is there some important business you have with me today, or is this simply a social visit?” asked Tabatha, glancing between them all. The room was silent for a moment, then Scott quietly said to Alexander, “Uh you gonna explain things to her?” With a mischievous grin, Alexander quietly replied, “She’s your grandmother. This one is all yours.” A frustrated look on his face, Scott turned back to Tabatha, saying, “Well you see, remember how I was looking for Matt?” Nodding gravely, Tabatha said, “Yes. I was completely shocked when you revealed he had been Altera Veritas’ Black Knight when you awakened from your coma. To think that kind boy joined up with the very monsters that took Jonathan and Samantha from us…” With a nervous laugh, Scott quickly continued, “Well as it turns out, he wasn’t willingly a part of Altera Veritas. It’s a rather long story, but a week ago I met Matt again, and now I’ve joined up with him to fight against them!” Eyes wide, Tabatha stared at him in disbelief. Seeing he was serious, she said, “I see… That sounds like an incredible story, you’ll have to tell me more. Although if you’re working together with him, a man deemed a criminal, has he been cleared of his charges? Or… did you leave the Special Forces?” Letting out a sigh, Scott said, “Yeah… I’m afraid my career as a member of the Special Forces is over. But still, I believe it’s really for the best, because I believe more in Matt and what he’s doing than I do in the cause of the Special Forces. Whatever this does to my work towards equality for energists, I’ll just have to work harder once this is all over.” Closing her eyes with a smile, Tabatha laughed quietly and said, “I understand. So then I assume your visit here is with the intention to hide out here for a while?” Scott nodded and said, “Mostly. We’ve had a pretty rough battle recently, and we needed somewhere to rest.” Crossing her arms, Tabatha said in a sarcastic tone, “Honestly, I’ve only been governor three years and you’re going to tarnish my record with harboring criminals.” With an apologetic look, Scott said, “Sorry Grandma…” Laughing, Tabatha cheerily said, “Oh don’t worry about it at all dear! There is one thing I’d like to know however. I see quite the group here, but I don’t see Matt with you. Just where is he? I do hope he was not hurt or anything in your recent battle.” Before Scott could say anything, Bert blurted out, “I’m afraid he looks like a real mess, Governor! He’s out in my cart with the young lady who was with them.” A worried look fell over Tabatha’s face as she said, “Oh dear, someone should have told me sooner! I’ll call the town doctor and get him to a room immediately.”

            In a guest room of the Governor’s residence, Grey lay in bed as a doctor examined him. Alexander, Amy, and Scott waited outside the room, while Schmitt and Serius were out in town buying lunch for everyone. The Governor’s residence was quite spacious. It was actually the home Scott grew up in. The Greyson family had their manor before it was burned down in the events three years ago, so they had let Tabatha and him stay at the residence for a meager rent that had gone towards improving the town. Furnished with antique looking furniture, the hall they waited in on the second floor had white wallpaper and a stained wooden floor, as did much of the house. It had many guestrooms, and Tabatha had offered to let them stay there for a while. Finally the doctor came out, looking slightly puzzled. Before he could say anything to them though, Alexander quickly said, “Doctor, before you say anything there’s something I need to discuss with you.” Walking back into the room with the doctor, Amy and Scott moved to follow, but Alexander quickly added, “Alone.” Alexander shut the door before they could argue, and both somewhat frustrated, Scott and Amy returned to waiting. As they at last came back out, Alexander said innocently, “Thank you, doctor.” Looking more confused and a little unnerved, the doctor said, “Don’t mention it…” Walking off without saying anything to either Scott or Amy, the doctor made his exit as Scott called after him, “Wha…?! Hey, wait, hold on a second! How’s he doing?!” The doctor didn’t seem to hear him. Turning to Alexander, Amy and Scott both said, “What was that about?!” Alexander, looking rather unconcerned, simply said, “Oh nothing.” Narrowing her eyes as she stared at him, Amy said, “Ok, now I know you’re hiding something!” Alexander adjusted his shades and said, “It’s nothing you need to concern yourselves with. As for how he’s doing, the doctor said there was nothing he can really do. Grey simply needs to rest for a while. You two look after him, I’m going to have a word with Tabatha.” As he walked away, Scott muttered, “Well that wasn’t suspicious at all…” Nodding, Amy crossed her arms and said, “He’s definitely up to something.” Amy’s frogpole croaked in agreement.

            Walking through the town hall doors again, Alexander made his way to the secretary’s desk and said, “Excuse me, I requested a private meeting with the Governor before we left earlier. Is she available right now?” With a hospitable smile, the secretary said, “Yes, I believe she’s waiting for you in her office. This way.” Leading him through the building to the Governor’s office, Alexander opened the door and stepped into the room where Tabatha sat waiting for him behind her desk. Seeing him enter, she said, “Hello Alexander, please have a seat.” Closing the door behind him, Alexander pulled up a seat and sat down in front of the Governor’s desk. Looking across the desk at Tabatha, Alexander said, “Forgive me, I know you must be busy enough without having to fit these unexpected meetings into your schedule. I will try to be brief.” Laughing nonchalantly, Tabatha simply said, “Oh please Alexander, don’t worry about it! I always have time for old friends.” Fooling with the large hole in his coat from when Grey had wounded him with the Nameless One’s scythe, the wound itself mostly healed thanks to his healing abilities, Alexander said, “I don’t suppose there’s a tailor in town that could do something with this? Ah well, I’ll do something about that later. Getting back on topic, I have something important I need to talk to you about.” With a shrewd smile, Tabatha said, “It wouldn’t have anything to do with ensuring your friends don’t find out about the Greyson boy’s body, would it Gabriel the Immortal?” Keeping his composure, Alexander said, “I see, so you know… How much else do you know? I do hope Samantha didn’t spread this around.” Shaking her head, Tabatha replied, “To my knowledge, I’m the only one she told. I think she felt that in case a situation arose where you, Jonathan, and herself were no longer there to guide him, she should have someone she could trust who knew the truth and was able to support him in fulfilling his destiny. While I myself could set him on the right path, it was probably her intention that I have my grandson help him with the rest. Don’t worry though, I haven’t told him yet.” 

Smiling to himself, Alexander said, “Yes, that sounds like Samantha. Always planning ahead. Well then, this saves me quite a bit of explaining. You see, although I feel it would most likely not have a great impact on how they feel about him, I still worry it’s just not the right time for the others to learn that Matt, or Grey as he calls himself now, is actually half-human. Especially considering not even he himself is aware of it.” Tabatha leaned back in her chair and quietly said, “Yes, it will be a far greater deal to him than to anyone when the truth is revealed. Until he’s been able to accept it himself, it should be on a need to know basis only. However Alexander…” She shot him a serious look and continued, “When do you plan on telling him?” With a sigh, Alexander replied, “I plan on taking them all to train their abilities after Grey recovers, and while there’s still some things I could teach him, I think it would benefit Grey greatly to learn from Mythra. Requesting her aid is no simple matter, but I have a feeling she’ll cooperate if it’s Grey. However, I’m quite certain it would be useless to ask her to keep her mouth shut about this matter, so I will have to tell him before we see her.” Chuckling, Tabatha said, “Samantha mentioned you always seemed frustrated when you talked about that woman.” Laughing halfheartedly, Alexander said, “Yes, Mythra is quite the handful. Her expertise could actually be more useful in treating Grey’s condition than any other doctor’s, but I honestly don’t dare take him anywhere near her while he’s unable to defend himself from her advances… Anyway, I think I had best go, the others are no doubt having lunch and wondering where I am by now. I appreciate your time Tabatha.” Smiling at Alexander as he rose to leave, Tabatha said, “It’s been my pleasure, I hope you all enjoy your stay in Aerennis.” Hearing this, Amy, who had followed after Alexander and snuck in to eavesdrop on their conversation, quickly made a break for the exit.

            Quickly turning down the street and heading straight back to the governor’s residence, Amy thought to herself, “So Grey is… half-human…?” Slowing to a stop before the walkway up to the front door, Amy thought, “I guess some people might find that a big deal.” Then she smiled to herself as she thought, “Not me though. Just like an energist is a person, a half-human is still a person as well! My feelings won’t change. The only problem is…” Looking up at the governor’s residence, as though she were looking through it to where Grey no doubt was resting, she thought, “How will Grey feel about it?” Suddenly the front door burst open and Scott rushed out. He came to a sudden halt though as he noticed her, and quickly he said, “There you are! Where did you run off to all of a sudden?” Laughing nervously, Amy hesitantly replied, “Uh, n-nowhere in particular. I just needed some air…” Then as she wondered what he’d been doing rushing out of the house like he did, Amy added, “Did something happen while I was gone?” Scott simply sighed and said, “He woke up, but…”

            Opening the door to Grey’s room, Amy stepped inside and laid eyes on Grey laying there awake in bed with a blank look in his eyes. As Scott filed in behind her, they both walked over to his bedside. Putting on her best smile, Amy said, “You’re awake! How’re you feeling?” Unable to meet her gaze, Grey just said, “I’m sorry…” Her smile faltering, Amy sighed and said, “So you remember everything that happened now?” Nodding, Grey blankly replied, “Yeah…” Clenching his teeth a moment, Scott desperately said, “C’mon, enough of this! You weren’t yourself! Altera Veritas are the ones who are responsible for what happened!” Shaking his head slightly, Grey said, “I remember it all now. I wanted the pain to stop. I wanted to forget. And I gave in to him, just like before…” As Grey lay there still staring at the ceiling, Amy started to say, “But Grey…” Suddenly they all heard the doorbell ring, and Scott hurried out of the room and into the hall. Reaching the front door, Scott opened it to see Bert standing on the doorstep, and said, “Hey Bert. Sorry, but it’s kinda a bad time if you came for a visit…” Looking somewhat anxious, Bert replied, “Naw, I was just hopin I could talk to the Governor ‘bout somethin. Her secretary says she’s not at the town hall right now, so I was thinkin she might be here.” Shaking his head, Scott said, “Not that I know of. Want me to give her a message if I see her?” Scratching his head in frustration, Bert said, “Naw, naw, that’s alright… I’d probably be askin too much anyhow…” Concerned by his apparent distress, Scott said, “Bert, if there’s something wrong, Grandma and I are both here to help.” Hesitating a moment, Bert shook his head and said, “I dunno that there’s anything you could do bout this Scott. My son Jeffrey, he’s real sick ya see… I gave them the money fer a doctor, but now the problem is the doctor says he needs a real strong medicine, one that’ll cost a lot to order from outta town. With him outta commission he can’t work the farm and support his family, and even though me and my wife are helping out, we’re barely makin ends meet…” Just as Scott was about to reply, he heard Amy shouting, “Grey, stop already! You need to get back in bed!” Turning around, Scott saw Grey staggering slowly out the door, holding tight to the doorframe while Amy struggled to pull him back by the arm. Moving to stop him, Scott said, “Hey! Where do you think you’re going in that state?!” Looking past Scott, Grey called out to Bert, saying, “How much? How much is it to get the medicine?” Blinking in surprise, Bert said, “Ah, heard that did ya? Don’t you worry ‘bout it Matt, you need yer money fer yer own doctor I’d imagine.” Pulling away from Amy, Grey moved into the hall, leaning on the wall as he said, “The people of Aerennis… My Mom and Dad devoted their lives to them! They would never turn their backs on someone in need, and I-” Suddenly Grey stumbled, and Scott barely managed to catch him as he fell forward. Quickly hurrying over to help get Grey back up on his feet, Amy said, “But Grey, do you even have any money to donate?” Then Scott started to say, “Well actually…” Suddenly Alexander’s voice said, “He does.”

            Walking up the steps onto the porch with Tabatha, Alexander added, “Quite a bit in fact.” Turning to see them coming up, Bert moved out of their way as he said, “Oh Tabatha! So ya went on a walk with Alexander?” Nodding, Tabatha said, “My apologies Bert. I didn’t think I’d be missed, so I decided to take Alexander back on the scenic route.” Laughing nervously, Bert said, “Naw, no problem, no problem at all.” Looking over at Grey, Tabatha said, “So we meet again at last. My how you’ve grown…” Supported by Amy and Scott, Grey walked to the door and said, “Tabatha, this may seem like a strange question, but was my family’s estate all transferred over to the city when my parents died?” Shaking her head, Tabatha said, “No. Legally that’s what should have happened, considering it was stated as such in Jonathan’s will. However, before the funeral, Alexander told me that you were still alive. When I was made Governor, I managed to use a loophole to freeze Jonathan’s assets, with the hopes that someday I could turn them over to you.” Looking over at his grandmother in disbelief, Scott exclaimed, “You knew?! You knew Matt was alive this entire time and you didn’t even tell me?!” Tabatha showed an apologetic smile as she said, “The funeral had already been carried out and everyone believed him to be dead. I myself had nothing but Alexander’s word on the matter. I figured it was simply best not to chance raising any false hopes…” As Scott took this in, Alexander looked curiously at Grey and said, “From what I overheard, you want to donate your assets to Bert for some reason?” Surprised, Bert quickly stammered, “N-now wait up a minute! I can’t be takin that kinda money from the son o’ Jonathan! It just wouldn’t sit right at all with me, not with what he must be goin through!” With a determined expression, Grey said, “Thank you Bert, but it’s alright. After all I’ve done, I don’t deserve it anyways…” Heaving a sigh, Alexander walked over to stand before Grey, crossing his arms as he sternly said, “If you think I’m going to let you give away everything Jonathan and Samantha left you to fuel your little game of self-punishment, think again.” Glaring at him, Grey said, “It’s my money, I can do whatever I want with it!” Then Grey’s gaze shifted to Tabatha again as she said, “I’m more than willing to provide the financial support Bert needs as long as it is returned to the city once you are put back in charge of your assets. However I feel there is something I must say to you Matthew Greyson…” Surprised by her slightly irritated tone, Grey said, “Tabatha?” Walking up to Grey as well, Tabatha said, “This stubborn side of yours is not anything new to me. However, I know that neither Jonathan nor Samantha would ever forgive me if I did not scold you in their place.” Tabatha’s voice was stern as she continued, “You’re an adult now Matthew, and while you are responsible for your actions, you are also only a mortal like the rest of us. To lose yourself in a moment of weakness is something that each of us must experience in our lives. It is not a sin.” Grey felt himself welling up as Tabatha smiled warmly and said, “You are a strong person, raised by strong parents. This world needs you. I can’t imagine what you’ve endured these past three years, but I hope that someday you can come to accept your past for what it is, and move on as you carry it together with your hopes and dreams for the future…”

Reviews

[Ryan Henderson]

Lol okay, I liked this chapter! Starting from the very first paragraph when Amy found the frogpole and decided to keep it as a pet, I was sort of like "Awe!" And I also liked when Amy asked Serius if the fogpole was cute. Serius's answer and how he acts towards the lil thing reminds me of myself lol.

I also liked this chapter because of the great flow! I know I have mentioned this before, but the lack of spelling errors surprises me, for I find spelling mistakes even in published works! I commend you for taking the time to edit this and eliminate the spelling errors.

Also, the character, Tabatha, I was very quite surprised to see that name because I was actually planning on adding a girl named Tabatha into my own book, Alcingeria! I started brainstorming her character about a week ago, and I settled on the name three days ago, and then I saw that you have someone named Tabatha in your book, what a coincidence!

All of that aside, I love this chapter, as I love all of your other chapters. You are a truly talented writer and you deserve more views on this book. This book is original and it not only keeps my interest, but it leaves me wanting more! I also love the 'steampunk' thing you have going on. I also pictured the characters and scenery as anime in my head. A little weird, but that is just how I pictured it. Great work on this chapter, I will be reading more very soon. Keep writing!

`Ryan