Happy Valentine’s Day... courtship on another Earth, Serial Flash ~ Sylva and Zeke's story ~ Options

[Serena Shay]

"Claralyn?" Serena quietly called to the kneeling woman. She worried that something had happened to her inside the void. "Are you okay? Can I-I do anything for you?

[RenegadeHeart]

“S... Ser... Serena.” Claralyn sought to ease the worry creasing the sweet woman’s face. “I’m okay.” Straightening, she involuntarily shuddered. “We’re safe here for a while. Then... then, we need to leave the caves. There is, is too much danger.” Claralyn paused. “From many different groups... and...”

Part 609 ~

Sylva stroked her hand over the satiny sheet several times, wanting to believe she had returned to her body, yet almost not daring to believe. Still... she wiggled a big toe... then cautiously rubbed her foot back and forth. Gradually, she moved her entire body, writhing ever so slowly until she worked up enough nerve to really look around. Twisting onto her back, she stared up at the ceiling and blinked successively. What was happening to Zeke? What was happening in the Center? Probably not good questions to ask if she wanted to stay in her body. “Zeke,” she whispered.

Zeke stealthily moved beside his dad. They hunted a small contingent of the invading army that had broken off from the main group. Both of them assumed Coon and Snake were the targets. The six-team squad had not only evaded the light-ray weapons, but now made a beeline for that section of the Center. Not owning a dang clue how it would play out if the team did attempt to grab Coon and Snake, or assassinate them, they kept their options wide open. What did sit right well with Zeke – the image he’d gotten of Sylva on their bed. Safe.

[Serena Shay]

"Croff?"
"Yes...how did you..." The haggard woman gasped.
"Know? The name is exploding from your mind to mine." Serena did her best to sooth the lovely woman while at the same time she tested out her new and unused powers to tap into Clara's thoughts. She only hoped she didn't hurt her. "What happened out there, Claralyn?"

[RenegadeHeart]

Claralyn gasped in breaths while she gathered her thoughts. For both their sakes, she had to figure out what had happened. “I... I used my ability to disable Croff while he was drunk. Then.. I ran to the hidden room, the one I used when, when I contacted Silas... and a door suddenly appeared. Was that your doing, Serena?”

Part 610 ~

Sylva psi-felt Snake reach out to her mind. Did she dare mentally speak with him? Who knew if the Secret Circle invaders had gotten to him? Various scenarios flashed through her head. None of them good. ‘What do you want?’ she finally asked. Clutching the sheets, as if her fingers had become talons, Sylva waited. And prayed. She’d about given up on a response when she heard, ‘Now is the time. Me and Coon can leap through that portal with you and Zeke. It’s a straight shot...’ Suddenly, Sylva heard nothing. Her mind blanked. Their psi-channel had been switched to off.

Zeke peered around the column fast, then stepped back next to his dad. “Yep,” he whispered, “two of the soldiers are trying to blow the door.” Zeke considered their attack strategy. That particular team wore garments or were protected in some force-field newfangled way. Hell, he had no righteous idea if their weapons would work to take them out. “I say we blast their hides and find out,” his dad murmured. “Blast and evade,” Zeke answered, then stepped out from behind the column. Their weapons on full kill, they aimed and fired. And didn’t stop as they kept walking forward.

[Serena Shay]

"I think, well, I'm pretty sure it was something I did that created the door," Serena shuffled a bit before admitting the truth to an obviously high level psychic. "Only, I don't know what I did."
"How long have you been able to transmute matter?"
Serena blushed. Her lack of knowledge about her new gift was embarrssing. "Trans-what?"
"To reshape matter, my dear, how long have you been able to create doorways out of nowhere?"
"Oh, um, not long. Maybe a day or two. Is that a problem?"

[RenegadeHeart]

Despite everything, Claralyn chuckled. Feeling a bit lighter inside, she drew in a long breath, then smiled. “No, it’s not a problem.” Pausing, she continued, “Of course, it’s better not to create a door at the wrong time and wrong place. However, I think your instincts are good.”
At Serena’s hesitation, Claralyn added, “You arrived here, in the tunnels, by one of your doors, didn’t you?”
Serena gave an uncertain nod. “But, I’m not sure how to make one to get back.”

Part 611 ~

Sylva knew that if she’d felt unnerved before, she did now. Pushing herself upwards, she kept listening for contact. It’s not that she had any idea what she could do about Snake or anything at all. Instinctively, Sylva gazed around the subtly lit room for weapons. Her eye landed on the glint of pistols, a pair of them mounted near the bedroom door. Rising, she grabbed up her robe and padded toward them. Of course, she had no idea if they were loaded. Though, on this Earth it was likely they were. Damn! Talk about living the adventure, she thought.

Zeke aimed his gaze like he did his blasting weapons. A smoky residue billowed off the soldiers who had ignored their attack at first. Now, they appeared to weaken while frantically working to blow open the electro-magnetically sealed door. Two of them spun around to answer their fire. Shooting as one, Zeke and Nevada overpowered them and watched them slump to the floor. To Zeke’s eye, it looked as though the other four operated like automatons, impervious to what occurred around them. Whatever explosive elements they used began to unseal the door. Tiny neon blue cracks formed. Zeke advanced faster.

[RenegadeHeart]

Part 612 ~

Sylva shrank back as she heard a weird sizzle coming from the seam of the door. Jumping into action, she grabbed both pistols, then stepped back while taking aim. Her heart pounded uncontrollably. Still, her hands remained steady enough. “Go, away! I’ll shoot,” she hollered. Steeling herself, she waited. Blood pounded in her ears. The door slightly shimmered, and appeared to become wavy. Another portal? A way to destroy the door? She took another step back. Intuitively knowing Zeke confronted his own dangerous situation, and with the Center under attack, Sylva figured she was on her own. “Meet your Maker.”

Zeke ranged his weapon up and down the soldiers’ bodies, firing. His father did the same. Finally, the four collapsed to the floor, failing in their mission. When the door swung open mere seconds later, Zeke dead-aimed. Coon peered outside. “Ya got ‘em. Deader than dead.” Taking care, he moved outside. “Time we was rescuing my kin. Nevada, you and me. We’ll get the drop on the evil sidewinders. Zeke, couple of those black devils is trying to get yer bride. Snake’s been messing with their robotic minds.” Zeke whirled faster than a full-blown cyclone, and raced toward his Sylva.

[Serena Shay]

"Tell me, Serena," Claralyn asked. "How were you feeling when the portal opened from home to here?"
Serena let her mind slide back to the moments before she found herself in the foreign passageway. She and Tanner had just argued about what, her future, their future?
"I was feeling lost and upset. I wanted to take back the words I'd uttered to anger Tanner, only, I couldn't find him."

[RenegadeHeart]

Claralyn considered what Serena had explained for several moments. “As a child, Serena, did you ever find yourself in different places and you didn’t quite remember how you got there? Especially when you felt upset?”
Watching the young woman’s eyes and expression closely, Claralyn waited. Her own inner voice reminded her they had to find a way to safely leave the tunnels. Already she psi-felt Croff forcing the other women to mind-search out her location.

Part 613 ~

Sylva took a split second to make certain it wasn’t Zeke emerging through the door, then she pulled both triggers. And kept firing as she slowly moved backwards. She felt her stomach clench in sheer terror, yet determination gripped her. Stopped in his tracks the Darth Vader like soldier seemed about to topple over. Behind him, another soldier aimed what looked like a giant funnel at her. Shooting one of her guns at his shielded face, she stood her ground. Glad both pistols kept firing, Sylva felt her skin begin to burn. “No!” she screamed. And tried to shoot faster.

Zeke sighted the fully charged ray rifle the moment he saw the robotic soldier stepping through his room’s door. Blasting, he moved forward at a fast pace. With satisfaction, he watched the thing crumple to the ground. He ran, his heart trapped in his throat. She had to be okay his woman. Some part of him knew his Sylva remained alive. Still, the moment he caught a glimpse of the other Secret Circle soldier listing, then falling over, he aimed and added his fire. “Zeke!” he heard his bride shout, near hysteria. “Darlin’ mine,” he called out. “I’m comin’ in.”

[Serena Shay]

Find herself elsewhere when she was upset as a child? Serena wished. Her childhood had been nothing but upset and long hours toiling on her knees, scrubbing floors. At least until she'd become legal and was expected to do other things on her knees.
"Enough," she mumbled to herself. "No, Claralyn, this didn't start until I found myself in this world."

[RenegadeHeart]

“My question has upset you.” Claralyn gently clasped Serena’s hand. “I’m sorry, dear. Perhaps, you gained something in this world, something new and vital...” Her own sudden memory ended her words. Claralyn recalled that her psi abilities had become much more enhanced after her arrival on this Earth. Why?

Part 614 ~

Sylva flung herself into Zeke’s arms the moment his gunslinger-like scan of their room ended – once their door re-sealed itself. But not before she’d set the two pistols on the table near the door. She had no desire to accidently shoot him. “Sylva, oh God, my darlin’ woman. You feel whole. You feel right good in my arms.” Her cowboy hadn’t relinquished his strange-looking rifle. Still, he held her tight against him, cherishing her. Sylva could feel his desire not to ever let her go again. “The Center?” she managed after long moments where they simply embraced each other close.

Zeke felt every inch of his Sylva’s sweet sexy body, where she pressed herself tighter than a bur against him. He inhaled her womanly scent as if this was his last chance to smell again. His sense of reality had taken a giant leap to the top of a mountain. His feelings, his emotions had been heightened to an intensity he’d never experienced before. The closest had been during his shamanic training while sitting alone in the sweat lodge. While walking the dream worlds as his mentor called them. “The Center,” he repeated, then leaned enough to press open contact.

[Serena Shay]

Serena held tight to Claralyn's hand, happy to have another soul join her in this cave, yet worried Tanner's mother would some how disappear. Yes, she was upset by the entire situation, but she knew that no matter how it had happened she was here to save her love.
""I apologize, ma'am. What's needed right now is focus not self pity...," Somewhere in the last few moments her new friend had gotten quiet, self-reserved. "Claralyn, have you remembered something? Is everything alright?"

[RenegadeHeart]

As images from Serena’s past flooded her mind, Claralyn almost jerked in reaction. But now was not the time to deal with those terrible traumas. No, as Serena had said, Claralyn needed to focus. They both did, if they were to escape.
“Yes, you’re right, Serena dear, we must use our energies and abilities to safely negotiate the caves... or, find another means soon. Croff, one of the evil men who kept me imprisoned, is using the other psi-readers to find us.” Claralyn drew in a breath and managed a smile. “To answer your other question, I remembered that when I arrived on this Earth my mental powers increased. But, I have no idea why.”

Part 615 ~

Sylva knew she probably clung too tight to her cowboy husband. Still, why not? She didn’t seem to be making a dent in his hard body as he spoke with someone in low tones. Some part of her desperately hoped they could return to their honeymoon... because she didn’t want to face what came next. Leaping through the Secret Circle’s portal, helping to rescue Coon and Snake’s kin... finding, retrieving the Bear-man’s box... hell, she was hardly dressed for it, wearing this lovely, but flimsy robe. And, what did she wear? Besides, she wasn’t letting Zeke out of her sight.

Zeke rubbed his Sylva’s little back using his free hand as he spoke with Charlie in the Center’s control room. After getting a complete picture of the current situation, he switched off. “Mostly under control, darlin’ mine.” She shivered as if she’d just stepped out into the middle of a fierce snowstorm. “We have to go through the portal.” Her tiny voice had him wincing. “Dad and Coon have gone through.” He felt her small nod. “What do I wear?” Zeke tenderly trapped her chin lifting her face to his gaze. “Let’s get you geared up like a real buckaroo.”

[Serena Shay]

Serena swallowed back her fear laced yelp and tried to focus on how to create another doorway and not on evil men who would love nothing more than forcing their will upon her.
"Claralyn, can you give me the down and dirty rendition of the best way to focus my powers on gaining our freedom...ie creating that darn void again?"

[RenegadeHeart]

Claralyn calmed her inner turmoil, shut her eyes and looked inward for long moments. Once a possible method surfaced, she opened her eyes. Gently squeezing Serena’s hand, she offered, “If you would be willing to let me enter your mind, there is a chance I could discover that answer.” Claralyn paused, and took in a large breath. “It will feel like an intrusion because I will be searching very deeply.”

Part 616 ~

Sylva glanced around the immense wardrobe room. Hugging herself because she’d begun trembling, she watched Zeke search through a section of clothing as if he was right at home. “Here we go, darlin.” Holding up the garments, similar to what he wore, he strode toward her. Sylva automatically slipped off the robe, and in minutes her husband had efficiently dressed her in the pants and shirt. The charcoal-colored, leather-like fabric seemed to absorb light and was so supple and lightweight it almost felt as if she wore nothing. “Step into these.” Kneeling before her, he quickly put her boots on.

Zeke had his belly-roilin’ misgivings about this dangerous turn in their lives. Yet, for a reason he didn’t fathom, he knew it was their path together. He and his Sylva. Lifting his gaze upwards, he checked her expression. Her drawn face concerned him mightily. But before he could he could say something to her, she quirked a brow and asked, “Buckaroo?” Giving her a grin, Zeke rose upwards while keeping his gaze locked on her. “What we call it here. Guess it must mean somethin’ different on your Earth.” She smiled half-heartedly. “Yeah, usually there’s fringe and buckskin. And pistols.”

[RenegadeHeart]

Part 617 ~

“Sylva.” Her cowboy swung her upwards. Encircling her waist tightly, he carried her as they gazed into each other’s eyes, their passion simmering. “Rations,” he explained as he set her down. “We both need ‘em.” Sylva couldn’t agree more and watched Zeke flip open a large container. Wrapped bars were inside. He grabbed a handful and shoved them in his side pocket. Before she knew it, he’d unwrapped one and held it out to her. “Raspberry,” he encouraged with a grin. Hungrier than she realized, Sylva took it, then gave it the nibbling taste test. “Yum.” She devoured four quickly.

Zeke watched his little wife eat one bar after another as he tucked away several himself. “What’s in these?” she asked, then licked her fingers. “Other than the obvious,” she added. “Not what’s in ‘em so much as how the nutrition is bio-enhanced to get into the cells quick. They’re also hydratin’.” His woman cocked her head a bit, eyeing him with more spunk. The color returned to her cheeks, too. “Hydrating is good. Before I forget, or something else Indiana Jones happens, I have a message from,” she paused, “the Caretakers.” Zeke lifted one brow high, then the other.

[Serena Shay]

Serena took a deep breath and looked this powerful psychic in the eye, trusting her to go gently and keep the pain to a minimum.
"Okay, Claralyn, let's try this."
A burning zing of pain shot through her eye and straight to the back of her head, bending her at the waist. A sudden intrusion for sure, but nothing she couldn't get through with some focus.

[RenegadeHeart]

Realizing Serena wasn’t accustomed to the strength of her mental powers, Claralyn pulled back quickly, then began a milder probe. She hoped the pain had lessened, but it was hard to know. Serena’s mind had been bent and twisted to such a degree by those who had obviously enslaved her that her search would take longer. Unless, by the stroke of the Divine... ah, yes, there it was, glistening like the Harvest Moon of her own youth.

Part 618 ~

Sylva figured Zeke had heard of the Caretakers by his expression, and the bright glint in his eyes. After a moment, she stepped into the silence. “They said ‘we will care for the dimensional shell. Their work is finished’.” His continued silence started to confuse her. “No, it’s fine, darlin’. You just caught me bein’ thrown from the bull.” Tenderly reaching out, he stroked her cheek with his fingertips, then smiled. “The Caretakers are considered to be our divine friends,” he rumbled gently. “We never speak about them unless it is to thank them or to pass along their messages.”

Zeke figured since the Caretakers had spoken to his Sylva this way, that her presence on his Earth had been more than a lightning-striking act of fate. But then, he already knew that down to his everlovin’ soul. No doubt, she belonged here. With him. His beloved wife. He debated about telling Ben and the others before headin’ into the portal. If he did, that would mean time lost, they couldn’t afford. “Come on, darlin’. That message will have to wait until we return.” Embracing her against his side, he moved them toward the ‘fast tube’ as it was called.

[Serena Shay]

Serena huffed a sigh of relief as Claralyn eased up on the mental probing, yet her nerves were getting the best of her. What might her lover's mother find snooping around in her head? Would she be disgusted? Would she try to convince Tanner that he could do better? Was this sudden panic directly related to the mental intrusion? Could Claralyn read her thoughts?
"Ah, how goes it in there?"

[RenegadeHeart]

Releasing her mind from Serena’s, Claralyn stumbled back as a blinding stab of pain struck behind her eyes. Claralyn felt Serena grab her and steady her. Barely, she heard Serena’s words of concern.
“Okay... I, I’m fine,“ Claralyn mumbled. With her sight returning, she straightened. “I think I’ve found the center of your power... for, for...” Another flash of pain caught Claralyn off guard. “For door-making,” she managed.

Part 619 ~

Sylva could hardly tell they moved at all inside the airy capsule. Only the rapid stream of the indicator light let her know they whizzed super fast to the portal. She did feel the slight sensation of stopping an instant before the panel slid open. Before ushering her out, Zeke glanced back and forth. Once, they stepped into the corridor, she heard the hum of the portal before seeing it. The chasm of whirling silver had her hesitating. “How are we getting back?” That question rushed past her lips before she realized it. Swooping her up, Zeke strode forward quickly.

Zeke answered before moving through. “Got it covered, darlin’ mine.” The portal’s whirl caught them, the energy dragging against their bodies at first. A whoosh carried them deeper and the next thing he knew his boots hit solid ground. Keeping Sylva in his arms, he met the battle-ready gazes of his dad, Coon and Snake. “All clear. This way,” Coon abruptly growled. Spinning on his heel, he rushed down a gleaming snake-winding corridor, soon breaking into a run. Lowering his Sylva, Zeke grasped her hand, brought his boom rifle forward and followed. His dad and Snake fell in behind them.