Far Pangaea 90: Devil Tree

"Why have you wasted time here in Eden then? Why not give chase and battle your Father. You too have an apple. Your body can grow to the sizes needed to defeat him. Is it fear I sense upon you?" She dares to add.

"I fear nothing but the Man outside in the Garden. God will set things right."

"I don't think God is in his right mind. He appears to be joined somehow mentally with our friend Jack Ramse. Jack is elsewhere on Pangaea. Their minds switching bodies for short periods. We await his next transference."

"Quite curious. This Jack must be mighty indeed. Now that you call out his name even I can sense his presence. How strange."

"Presence? How is that possible?"

"It is almost as if we share a connection. Like the one I have with my children."

"Do you have the power to contact Jack?"

"Perhaps if I knew of his location I might."

"Ruby told me he was on some island hundreds of miles from here on an inland sea."

"I did indeed feel something amiss when God created the storm earlier that came and went. Should this Jack return to God's mind bring him to me. I will decipher what is needed to locate him."

"Osiris? I want to trust you but your motives have been less than noble."

"Understood. Your misgivings do not fall upon deaf ears Khon-Sabbath Black. Know this...if this planet perishes so will I. Reason enough to join your cause. I seek only God's approval."

"I believe you seek more than that but in this situation we MUST join together. Can you get us to this Mountain? By Us I mean all of my friends. Even those on the Ganthorian ships out in the desert."

"As I said, let me know of Jack Ramses's arrival. That I might track him and ally ourselves with him. Together we shall stop my Father Atum and end his thirst for power."

"What of your thirst for power? In beating Atum will we then contend with battling you from claiming whatever this dark matter mountain offers?"

"Tempting indeed. However I fear the moons will beat us to that power. Dimensions are merging Sabbath Black. Thus the multiple moons that anchor all worlds. This world in particular."

"Confusing to say the least."

"In your era the theory of multiple Earths had yet to be formed. By the period your ally Ruby Goddard inhabited the hypothesis had arisen. As your friend James is a Reflection of God. The Earth's are Reflections of God's deeds."

"You know of James?"

"I know of him yes. Minds are open to me. Your friends Elle and Malcolm. Cameron and Horus. Even the Hybrid woman. All allowed me in without their knowledge of my intrusion. Strange that none mentioned Jack Ramse."

"That is odd. He was well liked. Certainly missed."

"I must ponder this. It appears someone has blocked him from my notice. I would consider this impossible yet on this primal world even my powers are imperfect. The apple has increased my potential yet it would seem not nearly enough."

"If Khonsu will have me I will once again share my body. If only until we defeat Atum and save our world."

"Honorable Sabbath Black. I fear my wife has consoled her children into remaining in their tombs."

Sabbath Black closes her eyes and channels what she felt when Khonsu had inhabited her once before. Her thoughts reaching out, "Khonsu? If you can hear me please allow me to be your temporary vessel. I need...require your assistance. Your ability to call upon the moons above. I know you must have the power to help us save this world. God created you as well correct? To be the child of Osiris and Nut. I know deep in my own soul split between myself and my sister Lillian that you are noble indeed. Guide me as I may guide my friends."

Nothing happens. Time and again she pleads her case. Osiris squinting his eyes at her actions. Hearing her thoughts. He discovered a respect that he had not noticed before now. Perhaps he did not need to force his children upon others. All he needed was to let others reach out to his children. Sensing a flare of sensitivity Osiris turns his gaze to see a flickering orb of light approach from the inner tombs. Without a smile of victory Osiris sits up straight on his throne. The bulb of energy glides silently toward Sabbath Black and hovers over her.

"Khonsu?" Osiris whispers as the orb drifts directly in front of her Father's eyes. As if acknowledging his reasons Khonsu swiftly increases his souls glow and hurls herself into Sabbath's body. A reactive shock makes her shriek then pull her thoughts together. Eyes opening she finds a newfound brightness to her gaze.

"Leave this one alone Father. I do this for her...NOT YOU." A voice reveals through Sabbath's lips.

"As you wish. It is good to see you alive once more."

"I am not alive. I merely share in Sabbath Black's vision. Once her mission is complete I will return to my resting place."

"Understood. If only your siblings and Mother would join us."

"I am sufficient. We have precious few hours to end this worlds plight. If we do not succeed...what would it matter if a reunion was agreed upon. Goodbye Father, I will join Sabbath outside your influence." Fading deeper inside her Sabbath Black is allowed to become herself once more. Feeling the soul merge with her own the Brit smiles. Even Gaea senses the change from Eden. It troubled her.

"Thank you Khonsu." She rises and walks away. Osiris granting her exit. The Osirian God would brood a bit longer. Alone.

Circe Island.

"Let's get moving people." Jack Ramse allowed his platoon of Angels to fly them up alongside the Hordakian Technorides. The Commander S'Lopp having used his given power ring to return lost warriors to their normal bodies he was prepared to honor Jack Ramses secret pact. He wanted nothing more than to rid his people of being under the influence of Lucas Dorsey. Entering the Hordakian Warship left everyone feeling strange. Were they trapping themselves for Jack's cause? All wanted to do their part even if their minds were tortured by past events. Bianca TeLeone feared becoming the great beast again. Especially in the sky. Addison Rogers worried that Hell might follow her friends on her behalf. The blind seer Wretch stuck close to Lowball to keep him from misbehaving or making a third fatal wish that could end their mission before fulfillment. Detroit sensing her Father and Grandfather out there left her stressed. Iota? She took a nap inside Jack's shirt pocket. The others stuck to themselves. Jack holding Circe by hand the entire time made certain that she would not betray them.

"I know you don't want to go along Circe but unfortunately I'm not giving you a choice. This is payback for all the nasty things you did to these Angels and me. It's time to redeem yourself. Trevor said you were a good person once. Let's bring her back to the surface."

"This is suicide Jack. Dorsey will not fall for my act."

"You know Dorsey that well?"

She pouts, "Well, no. I've only heard tales from the Hordakians and when he discovered that alien Princess on our island. Luckily we hid from the man. I found the rings with Trevor and I used them to mask us from him. Quite accidently. I had no idea of their power at the time."

"How did he get on the island? Track the Princess for that matter."

"He flew in as if levitating. I think he was using some advanced technology. He was alone at that time. He also wore some kind of crown upon his head. All I know is my rings protected me from him. Once he located the Princess he flew them both away. She definitely fought hard not to go."

"Alright. We can piece more together later. Get your illusion going before Dorsey really does show up. Tuskorog? Tell S'Lopp we're ready to go stealth. Let's get this bird in flight."

A quick placing of the illusion ring upon Circe's hand the scenery changed right before everyone's eyes. Only they knew the truth. In her illusion Angels were bound in chains and isolated in a cargo hold. Hordakian guards standing over them. Jack's friends Bianca, Wretch, Addison, Synu, and Lowball in his normal body lay as holographic corpses. Jack himself in shackles on his knees with Guard's poising electro staffs at him. Circe herself posed as a Guard.

"Sufficient?" Circe asks Jack who really stood beside her.

"Nice work. Let's hope it's convincing. Everyone stay in character." He calls out. As he walks about his real group he pulls the Angel Faith to his side, "Faith?"

"I am now Godshadow."

"Exactly. I have a special mission for you. With your ring I know you manipulate shadows. Is that over long distances?"

"It is. I can sense its power well."

"Great. As an Angel you can locate God in Pangaea correct?"

"More so now that I connect with the ring. He can be elusive even to we his Guard."

"Pinpoint him. I need you to go to him. My...mate is with him. Her name is Ruby Goddard. Yeah I know God and Goddard. Lil too close for comfort. Anyway I need you to inform Ruby as to our mission and our coordinates. If there is any way possible that she can reach us there to do so." He then ponders his curse knowing that he could never get too close to her again. With a sigh he finishes, "Tell her to have James figure out a way to Dorsey's mountain. If I don't succeed we need back up."

"As you wish Jack Ramse." In the blink of an eye her body compacts itself into a thin shadow and vanishes. Her Angel body still an illusion before him.

"You have a mate?" Circe fidgets.

"Not really. More a very good friend. I'm still married. Even though my wife is...in the future. Well, maybe not after Wretch had a vision of her here in Pangaea."

"I see. I could be your..." Jack clamps a hand over her mouth.

"Not gonna happen. Do your job Circe. After this is all over you can go your own way. Do your own thing. If that means going back to Trevor so be it."

"We left poor Trevor behind."

"He didn't want any part of this. It's his decision to stay on the island. I believe you've toyed with that man enough."

She pouts suddenly, "You are right. He is better off without me."

"There is a good woman hiding under that mask of greed Circe. Olga wasn't it?"

"Yes. I will honor your wishes. I do understand that if we do not succeed we will die anyway. Is there really any other option than to fight to survive?"

"Good girl. What good is having a power ring if we're too dead to use them? Dorsey has a plan. If even he fails all is lost. We defeat him and find a way to turn the events out there in our favor. Nothing else should matter at this moment in time. No life no future."

"Giving me the chills Jack."

"Going against my better judgment Olga." He pulls her into a tight hug and rubs her back beneath her dress. It relaxed her. If only he could witness her eyes. Mischief was still hiding.

The Hordakian Warship travelled fast. Nearing a situation they were unprepared for the ship halts and hovers. In the distance walked a massive stone like giant. Even Jack joining S'Lopp at the bridge looked on in awe. Their eyes not noticing a pair of wings flying near the Giant's torso due to darkness. Horus was on his tail in the shadows. Literally! Yet far too low to be seen. Another flash of light speeding past them made the group wince against the glare.

"Unexpected." S'Lopp shivers.

"Fly around it. Get back on course. Nothing stops us from reaching Dorsey." Jack ignored the light. It was another set of lights that caught his attention.

As if on cue a burst of radiance appears next to them. Dorsey's hologram stood regal in his crown and garb. He appeared ready for some festivity. To his eyes the illusion was flawless.

"About time you started back S'Lope."

"S'Lopp." He rolled his eyes, "We took awhile in defeating your enemies. We however succeeded. Your foe Jack Ramse is in chains. The Angels are captive as well. Jack Ramse's associates deceased as ordered."

"Good man S'Lope. As soon as you arrive I need you to lead a garrison to Eden. Procure my Best Man."

"Best Man?" S'Lopp looked confused.

"There's a very old man there in Eden. As you know I'm getting married tomorrow. I feel as if he should be here and witness my nuptials. Best Man is a Groom's right hand. He can be mine as I should have been his. Now where's Jackie?" The hologram looks about. S'Lopp steps aside to show a monitor revealing all of his captured illusions.

Dorsey smiled, "Now that's a beautiful sight. Remind me to promote you after tomorrow ends."

"Yes Sir Dorsey. One last thing?"

"Hurry it up I have a blood sacrifice waiting."

"There is a giant walking across the tundra toward Celestial City. Are you aware?"

"Yea the oracles keep panicking over it. I'm sending some fighters out to blow him up. You just fly past and get Jackie here. I wanna meet him face to face before I gut him like a...well...pig." He realizes the Hordakians resembled pigs and grins, "No offense S'Lope."

"None taken. As if I could be offended and not lose my life."

"Right. You're still my best Commander. Don't sweat it. Now hurry the hell up."

Hologram fading S'Lopp orders his pilots to evade the giant moving west of it by ten miles then resuming northeasterly. Jack patted the Commander on the shoulder. The Leader trembled at his grip.

"We will save your people S'Lopp. I promise you."

A stare went a long way.

Back at the Ganthorian Ship X'Orr.

"Ohhhhh that feels incredible you little minx. Swallow every inch of that cock. Turn blue for me Baby." Orin/James lay back as Sophia Ridge gags herself on his beastly girth. She was lost in her enjoyment. So much so that even if Orin did reveal himself to her it would have gone flying by her.

As they frolicked a door eases open to the cabin and closes silently. Moving without his knowledge Greta Winston peered into the Gravity Crib that should have contained the baby Orin Ridge. Not only was the male Nanny K'Vyn not around neither was the baby. Had he taken the baby for a walk? Grossed by Sophia's gagging Greta felt compelled to just put a bullet into the elder James and end her torture. Trouble is Sophia would turn on her and she would herself be dead. Sophia was not to be made an enemy. Her Tyrant Tears were fierce and deadly. Besides that...it was still James...Orin was only inhabiting the body. A swift departure just as Orin cums into Sophia's mouth loudly hid her escape. Once outside she went from room to room until finally opting to look at of all things an alien storage closet. Within she finds K'Vyn frozen in body and mind. Alive but drooling. The baby in his arms staring off into space yet breathing. Brain functions lost.

"Not good." Greta hisses, "Gotta go tell Elle."

Exiting she literally runs into the Ganthorian Leader Harpea. Swallowing she turns visible. Shocked but with a stern look Harpea chooses her words, "Are you hiding from someone?"

"Not exactly. Well kinda. Can't explain but yer welcome to join me on a stroll." She swiftly grabs Harpea by the arm and drags her out of the X'Orr and back into the X'Hal. In their speedy walk Harpea grew aggravated.

"What is the meaning of this?"

"Elle needs to talk to ya."

"Concerning?"

Noticing their awkward walk in the shadows young James Ian Pryce tosses his final stick as Moe retrieves it in his teeth acting like a dog himself. Xander moped. Bogart took a leak on a cargo container. James shuffled off to follow them when he met Malcolm coming down the X'Hal's ramp. The women barging past Mal made him shrug. Mal darted down the ramp amid lights hooked up by the Ganthorians. In the darkness they lit up the compound pretty well. Between that and the moons above.

"What's going on?" Malcolm winced at the boy.

Another round of a big circular O led him to presume Greta and Elle had cooked something up. Malcolm quickly grabbed James by the arm and led him away. Further the better as they made their way out to the Technorides. Malcolm had a pack over his shoulder.

"Weapons against this Atum?" James glances.

"Something like that."

"What could possibly be in our arsenal to use against him that would even dent the guy? You."

"You're right. Not much could bring him down. Maybe not even me if I keep growing his size. I had a weird idea that's what made me head back down into the indoor Eden Briar came from. With her gone I ransacked the garden. No more apples but I did tear off some branches. What if I ate the tree itself? Bound to have the seeds hiding in there germinating right?"

"Maybe. Briar grew them once maybe she can do it again."

"That or a pitstop in Eden might get Gaea to grow them for me. I wonder what would happen if I ate like a dozen of those suckers?"

"Severe bowel movements?"

"Besides that."

"I'm afraid to think about the probabilities."

"Any better ideas?"

"Not at the moment." James looks toward the sky, "Whoa! Shooting star."

Mal joins his gaze, "Not a shooting star. The Prodigal son comes home."

"Cam?" James drops his jaw.

A sudden stop on the ground stood Cameron Scott with arms extended. His light armor fading instantaneously, "Daddy's home. Lots to report."

"Took you long enough. Thought you flew at the speed of light." Mal grimaced.

Xander racing up to Cameron led the pilot to crouch and pet his friend, "Good to see you too Buddy." Looking up at Malcolm and James he offers insight, "Found Atum. Dude is moving fast on foot. Also spotted a Hordakian ship that stopped to survey the situation. It flew off west of it. I'm guessing it didn't wanna lose in a confrontation. My other me Horus is doing what he said he would do. I guess being me is influential enough. I just worried that Osiris cat might have got him to switch sides. I know I'd never do that but my dark side might."

"Alright. I'm about ready to mount up on Silver there. I had another idea Cam. Any chance you can do to the bike like you did with the Charger?"

"Buddy I barely know how to control my own self."

"I believe in you Lightmare." James coughs up.

"Lightmare again, huh? Superhero stuff I swear. Yeah I can try and jumpstart the Hardly Davidson. Can't do any more than blow it up right?"

Mal nudges James behind him as he whistles to Xander to back away. The dog darts off to a safe distance where Bogart sat looking up at the moons.

"Anyone notice there's three moons now?" Bogg shudders.

Moe plops down beside them waving the fetching stick, "Moe count two. Moe only count to two."

"Of course you do. I see three. Must be my werewolf connection to the moon. I see what others don't."

A blinding flash leads everyone to cover their eyes even if looking away. In seconds the Hordakian Technoride lit up like Christmas. A skeletal structure of light bands surrounding the metal led Cam to yell loudly, "WOOHOO! I think I'm getting the hang of this."

"I knew you could do it." James grinned. Suddenly it dawned on him, "Brain fart Guys. Cam? We should try doing that to the Hilton. Maybe we can all fly over and help."

"You're thinking big Kid. So far I've only amped a car and a bike. You're talking the Astrodome there." Cam rubs his scalp.

"Just a thought."

"Not a horrible idea Cam." Mal puckered his lip.

"Don't you think the others would be safer out here? Besides the Ganthorians are probably smart enough to hotwire the Hilton."

"Right. Yeah, we need to make a stop in Eden. Had another thought I wanna run past Gaea and Ruby. She's out in Eden with...God."

"Say what?"

"A God Briar called Jack." James added.

"What's a Briar again?"

James chuckles, "Briar took over Madigan's body. She cut a deal with her."

"I'm gone a day and everything changes."

Bogart chooses to join them with Xander. Moe struts off into the darkness heading toward the X'Orr. Something felt right about the destination. In a primitive sort of way.

"Gotta ask you guys. Am I the only one seeing triplicate?" His sharp nails point skyward. Cam and Mal look up and see only two moons. James however drops his jaw.