Chereads / Grounded One / Chapter 25 - Chapter 23

Chapter 25 - Chapter 23

Ashlin watched out fogged glass as night turned to day, restless eyes gaze at the sky as sleep refused a lost soul. She woke her son; feeding and changing him before carrying the newborn onto the back- porch of their hut. He slept peacefully as cool morning wind brushed exposed skin yet his mother's warmth was the only comfort he needed. Aslin giggled as Lyca seem to snuggle his face closer to her.

"Careful love, you'll block your nose" she cooed moving the blanket from his nose.

When she held her son, there wasn't any sadness in her heart, no anxiety in her mind instead Ashliin felt a peace she's never known. They spent the morning enjoying each other's company; the hunters had returned after noon immediately heading to Ashlin's home upon hearing the news. Unfortunately, they had left mere hours before Ashlin gave birth as such, they were unable to give their blessings to the baby.

In the Underworld

Layton, Lucan and Cleus have been researching anciet texts trying to find a way, they can locate Ashlin but it seemed to be a furitless labor. The trio searched numerous ancient scrolls and books from the first king's library. Layton sighed in fustration unable to read any longer while Cleus and Layton continued on, with steel focus. Cleus missed Ashlin dearly, she didn't care about race, sides or stature..... all she really cared about was someone's heart and mind. Everyday was a fun adventure; one he longed for, once more. It had been years since he was truly happy or felt alive, she gave him a second chance at being normal.... in a way.

Flashback

"Cleus! Over here!" her midnight hair danced in the wind as she waved the white hair boy over.

"What is it?" She opened her hand to reveal her palm covered in gold pearls, "So, this is what you've been doing?" He smiled fixing her wild hair.

"Here, these are yours" she tried to place them in his hand but he pulled away, "What's wrong? You don't want them?" Her smile dropped.

"Why give such beautiful things to a hand that will surely turn it to ash?" She looked up at him smiling once more.

"That's why you don't want them?" She grabbed his hand placing the pearls in them, "Don't worry, I infused it with my power" true to her words nothing happened to the pearls.

Cleus smiled toying with them before embracing Ashlin in a bear hug, "Thank you" he held her close.

It had been decades, no centuries since Cleus was capable of touching earthly, as well as, Heavenly things yet now..... because of her, it wasn't simply a wish anymore. Ashlin had brought light to a life dreading eternal darkness; Cleus had become swallowed by his duties no knowing the difference between a job and his own personality..... yet since he met Ashlin there has been nothing but joy and excitement in a pure bleak life.

End of flashback

The trio spent months combing through the ancient library, months turned into yearsand Cleus fustration grew to an unbearable level. He slam the book shut before standing, Lucan and Layton looked at him in shock. Anger engulfed his features, seeing no use in sitting and reading; they should be out there, looking for Ash.

"Where are you going?" Layton called to his friend's retreating form.

"To find her, I don't care where she is, I'm going to find her. I'll search every inch of the mortsl realm" he left without looking back.

Cleus true to his words searched the mortal realm, every city, desert, ruins, villages and forests. He searched endlessly and caused quiet the stir amongst himans, thus causing God to take action; for death was never meant to freely wonder the Earth amongst mortals. Two archangels were sent to relay God's words to Death but, upon meeting him, they were unable to complete their task.

"Get out of my way" Cleus voice held a bone- chilling, murdrous arua to it, " If you aren't helping me find her....." his eyes were a tormented black, "Leave me be"

Upin gazing into his eyes they were unable to move, every centimeter of their bodies felt crushed by an invisible weight causing them to release heart- wrenching screams. Cleus looked up to the sky an offered a sinister smile before continuing his search. God sighed observing the events unfold, he knew all Cleus struggles and obstacles he has faced; you can call it sympathy or pity but God could no longer watch this tragic tale.

Cleus was a mere monster as desire ate him alive while wondered both day and night. His body moved mechanically, his desire to find Ashlin had been the energy pushing him, if he were to stopped now she may be forever out of reach. What happened next may seemed like a miracle to most yet it was a sick joke or ironic fate as the Northern star blazed with the brightness of a mini sun. Through day and night it's light never dimmed leading Cleus to where his soul desires. He srumbled along the way when knees finnally felt eighteen months of constant usage. His myscles buckled under the pressure, giving out under him. Cleus struggled to stand with each movement, a striking pain shot through his body. He created a portal to abandon land resting there.

Cleus stayed in an isolated cave until his energy had replenished. He was greatful seeing the Northern star still lingering in the sky. He ventured far from civilization and into nature's untouched by society's hands. Cleus made his way through dangerous terrain and rocky cliffsides to an Amazonian forest forgotten by time and the modern world. There were towering temples covered in vines yet it held an appearance of being wel- kept. Many stone formations were littered throughout the forest, most held ancient markings of a lost language. Cleus admired his surroundings but his attention never left the star; a few miles into untouched greenery it stopped moving causing joy and adrenaline to take control.