The Life of Seeon - 11. Epilogue

Epilogue

Seeon stood before the window watching as the gardeners slowly pruned away the dead branches and prepared the ground for the spring planting. He knew that Mika could have done it in moments with his power. His husband was a life-bringer, his power was that of the earth. He brought life to the plants and flowers. With a wave of his hand he brought things to full bloom. It was why there were so many different flowers at their wedding. Mika had created them for his husband-to-be when he was preparing for the ceremony.

Seeon was no longer so afraid of everything that happened. He had been free to wander the city, see the sights on his own. He knew daily he could find Mika working to complete his studies so he could become a member of the space group.

It had taken a while for Mika to coax Seeon back out and finally get him to the space center. He had shown him the rockets they were building to go to space. He was taken aback by the huge size of the ships and the hundreds of people he could see working on them. This was technology that Seeon hadn’t even begun to think of. He knew his brother would want to be a part of this or do this on his own. He doubted the people of his former home were ready for such knowledge.

Afternoons were spent with Oma. Oma taught him how food was prepared using the food dispenser, how to order clothing for himself and Mika, and where the castle library was. She also monitored him closely, waiting to see what powers he possessed. It all came to a head one day rather unexpectedly.

***

“ How are you today? Any more headaches?” Oma asked as she sat down in the new apartment Mika and Seeon had been given.

“No, I am good, sister.”

Oma smiled. “You do know you can call me Oma. Everyone does.”

Seeon blushed. He still had a hard time calling people by their first names. Mika was about the only one he had managed to comfortably call by name.

“I really like how you are decorating the apartment. Mika has no sense of color or comfort. He always leaves the rooms as they come, boring.”

“I am slowly trying to make it more comfortable for him. I know he likes blue and green. They are peaceful colors.”

“You really are a good match for Mika.” Oma smiled. “So, what are your plans for the rest of the day?”

“I’m having lunch with Tsal and Pelo. Tsal hopes this outing will help to quiet the baby.”

Oma laughed. “Tsal hopes her baby will keep anyone from noticing she hasn’t lost a bit of her baby weight yet. In the meantime, she enjoys attention and good food. Pelo will make sure there are plenty of both while you eat with them.”

Seeon blushed. “I do not wish to burden them.”

“You aren’t a burden. We are all enjoying getting to know you. Will Mika be joining you?”

“He will try, but he has many duties right now at the space station.” Seeon looked down and sighed.

“Well, since I have no plans, I will walk you to the park. Besides, then I can yell at Tsal for not inviting me and Oli. She knows Oli can out eat her. I swear I married a medical miracle. The man can eat for hours and not gain a bit of weight. It drives me nuts.”

Seeon stared open mouthed at his sister-in-law.

Oma laughed. “Seeon, you really need to get used to us. May the Gods help you if you catch mother and father in a playful mood. You might never survive.”

“If you say so sis … I mean Oma.”

The two began to get dressed and Seeon paused only to add the pin from Queen Nixa to his jacket before they headed out the door.

The two walked slowly toward the People’s Park. Seeon had grown to love the park and witness the many activities that occurred within its confines. It didn’t take long to find Tsal and Pelo on a large blanket, their young infant crawling between them. Oma hurried over to her young nephew and scooped him up into her arms.

“Oma? What are you doing here?” Tsal asked as she stared at her sister-in-law.

“I came with Seeon. Why didn’t you invite me?” She hugged and kissed Piato’s nose.

“Well we … run!”

Seeon turned to see what had frightened Tsal. He spotted a flying chariot that was out of control. It had flipped over, its driver held in place by a gravitation belt, and it was making its way directly at his family. He spotted Mika racing toward his family, hands outstretched and thin vines beginning to form before them. Seeon’s heart nearly stopped. Instinctually, he reached his hands out and suddenly felt a pull from deep within himself. A moment later rocks exploded before the royal family creating a solid wall that was both thick and wide. It barely came into being before the chariot slammed into it, throwing the driver free. A moment later Seeon collapsed onto the ground.

***

It was five days before Seeon awoke. When he did he found himself in a room he didn’t recognize and a machine beeping like mad somewhere.

“Oh thank the Gods. You’re finally awake.” Oma rushed in and over to Seeon’s side.

“Is everyone okay?” Seeon croaked.

“Try not to talk. I want to check you out. You will need something to drink. You’ve been unconscious for a few days now. Mika is ready to rip the door off so he can spend all his time with you.”

“Mika?”

“Relax. I’ll get your husband in a moment. Just let me finish my scans.”

Seeon sat back and tried to figure out what had happened. He had been unconscious and Mika was trying to get to him. Where were Tsal, Pelo, and the baby? Was Mika hurt? What about the driver?

“The scans show you are okay. I’m going to let Mika in, but if I see your blood pressure spike, or you get tired I’m throwing him out.”

Seeon nodded.

Mika came rushing in and froze by Seeon’s bedside. “You’re awake.”

Seeon nodded.

“Can you talk?”

“Yes. How are Tsal, Piato, and Pelo? Were they hurt? How is the driver? Were you hurt?”

Mika walked over and kissed Seeon. He hugged him gently and wept.

“Is someone hurt?” Seeon grew scared as he witnessed his husband crying.

“No, just happy you are okay.” Mika sat on the edge of the bed and looked at his husband.

“Of course he is okay, he is a Waza isn’t he!” Queen Nixa stood in the doorway of Seeon’s room. “I just came to check on the man who saved my whole family.”

Seeon looked at the Queen and then at Mika. “Saved the family?”

Queen Nixa walked into the room and smiled. “I hope you are okay. Oma let me know you were finally awake.”

“You could have given me a little time with my husband, Mom.”

Nixa walked over and slapped Mika’s shoulder. “I was worried about him too, Mika. Deal with it.”

Seeon blushed realizing both were there because of him.

“Did you know you were an earth mover?” Nixa stared at Seeon.

“Earth mover?” Seeon blinked and gazed at Nixa unsure what she meant.

“Mother, now isn’t the time. He has just woken up. I think this is something he needs to discuss with Oma.”

Nixa nodded and blushed. “You’re right, Mika. I do apologize, Seeon. Thank you for saving my children and grandchild.” She leaned forward and kissed Seeon’s forehead.

Seeon blushed and tried to hide as much as he could under the light blanket that was on his bed.

Mika noticed and didn’t want to see his husband upset. He leaned in and kissed Seeon’s cheek. “We’ll be back later to check on you, love. Oma will want to talk to you and explain everything. I’ll be right outside if you need me.”

Nixa and Mika left Seeon alone in the room. His thoughts were focused on what Nixa had called him, earth mover. What was an earth mover?

Oma returned a few moments later, ran a few scans, filled a large glass with ice water for Seeon, and then finally sat down alongside him.

“Seeon what do you remember from the day of the accident?”

“You came that morning to check on me. You went with me to the park. Tsal and her family were there.” Seeon paused and wrapped his arms around himself. “You went to play with the baby. I spotted Mika come running across the park toward you. There was … there was a chariot out of control. It was going to hit you and Mika. I remember seeing vines growing and then ….”

“And then?” Oma reached out and took Seeon’s hand.

“Rocks. I remember rocks and then nothing. What is wrong with me?”

Oma squeezed Seeon’s hand. “Nothing is wrong with you. Remember me saying you had powers? We were waiting to see when they might manifest. You were free of the drugs the Tolerans had you on, so we knew it would be just a matter of time ‘til you came into yours. What we didn’t know was what sort of power you had.”

“Your mother called me an earth mover.”

Oma nodded. “Your power is rare, just as is Mika’s. You literally can move the earth. You can pull rocks from deep within, move sand, redirect streams by raising or lowering the land around them. You had never used your power before, but seeing us in danger you instinctually used them, and very powerfully. Your body wasn’t ready for the strain you put on it. You saved us all, but knocked yourself out while your body dealt with the stress you had put on it.”

Seeon was quiet. There were questions he wanted to ask, but he wasn’t sure he should. He took the glass of water and took a sip. He sat looking at Oma unsure what he should do. It was only when she looked at him and he was caught in again in the green of her eyes that he was able to ask the questions he wanted to.

“Sister, is Mika okay? He was crying when he came in.”

Oma smiled and patted Seeon’s hand. “He has been very worried about you. He is fine.”

“And Tsal and her family?”

“No one from the family was hurt. Your rock wall saved us all. The only one hurt was me, and that was me tripping over the blanket trying to get the baby out of the way.”

Seeon sighed and leaned back against the bed. He suddenly sat forward again, “What of the driver?”

“Mr. Mazi will be okay. The chariot malfunctioned, but luckily he was thrown free before it slammed into your wall. He broke his arm in the fall, however, he is relieved no one was hurt or killed. He has tried to see you to make sure you’re doing well.”

“I’m glad he is okay.”

Oma sat with Seeon and ran a few more scans. She turned when she heard a knock on the door.

“Mika, you can come in.”

Mika blushed and walked to the opposite side of the bed from where Oma sat. “How are you feeling?”

“Tired.” Seeon tried not to yawn in front of his family.

“There was a message from King Toleran. He said he was sorry he hadn’t been in touch with his sister, but at the least he could send you two servants to help in your work.”

Seeon looked at Mika and the color drained from him.

“Seeon, what is wrong? Mika, did you have to upset him?” Oma rushed to the wall and began pushing buttons.

“Mika, please don’t let him send anyone. As a Ma’Nee I’m to be second wife. I don’t get help.” Seeon began to tremble in the bed. “I don’t know what is happening, but I’m not to have servants. They would be above me.”

“Shh, love. You need not worry. I already told him my husband wants for nothing and we can handle anything you might need.” Mika leaned in and gently kissed Seeon’s cheek. “I just wanted you to know he offered you servants, not that we were accepting them. He seemed … put out, but couldn’t find a way to say much more.”

Oma returned to the bed and handed Seeon a drink. “Swallow that. Mika, out! Seeon will be here for a day or two at most. Then I am sending home to you. Keep him calm and don’t let anyone bully him.”

Mika smiled and kissed his sister’s cheek. “Yes Dr. Brat.”

“I’ll give you, brat.” She shook her head. “Just tell Pelo and Tsal he is awake. I don’t need my other brother trying to crash in here too. The poor man needs his rest.”

Seeon was left to recuperate although every member of Mika’s family slipped in to see him, the second Oma wasn’t around.

Once he was back to normal he began to take lessons on how to use his powers and how to protect his mind. These were done with Horeun Priest who had married them. The priest still wore the strange garment that covered his features whenever he arrived to work with Seeon.

“You are doing very well, Seeon. You finally are able to move rocks without wanting to fall over. Remember most of these actions are mental, but they affect your body physically. If you do any of the things we have practiced for a long period of time remember to eat and drink something. Otherwise, your body will deplete its strength and you will pass out as you did the first time.”

Seeon listened as he always did when working beside the priest, with rapt attention. The priest never yelled, complained, or did anything that upset Seeon. He encouraged him constantly and had even created the wedding bands Mika and he both wore. Now as he looked down at it, Seeon realized the design was of a vine wrapped around a rock. He stared open mouthed at the priest. “You knew.”

The priest sat silently for a moment. “Knew? What could I have known Seeon Toleran, youngest son who has been prince, priest, and Ma’Nee?”

Although Seeon couldn’t see anything of the priest’s face he could tell there was a huge smile on his face.

“How? I didn’t even know.” Seeon sat staring in awe at the priest.

“Let me tell you a story Seeon. Once upon a time four visitors from another part of the galaxy came to your world. They each had different skills and they went about teaching them to everyone they could find. When they taught their skills they explained to the people of your planet that these skills should be shared with everyone. One of the four fell in love with a man from the Toleran Empire, which at that time wasn’t much of an empire.” The priest paused and laughed. He took a deep breath and continued his tale. “He explained that the place he came from allowed many magnificent things to happen. Life could be extended and two people, no matter what sex, were able to be parents. He explained they could be Mahanee, or what translates to double parents of a sex. The ruler of the Toleran’s could not see how this was possible, but seized on the idea of double parents. Considering many men in the Toleran society had more than one wife, why not take a wife who was not a wife. He corrupted the Mahanee and created the Ma’Nee.”

Seeon sat quietly listening, unsure what he should say.

“The visitors also learned about the people of your world. They found many who were strong of mind and were able to do incredible things. They realized if the people trusted and bound together they could become stronger and do incredible things. Here, in this city, all the parts of the world come and work together. Finally, Seeon, you, a very strong Toleran, have come here and mated with another very strong male, Mikanos Waza of the Horeun Empire. With your joining the whole world is now one. It makes my old heart very happy, Seeon.”

Seeon stared at the priest. Unable to hold back his curiosity any longer he finally asked, “Who are you?”

The priest laughed long and hard. “Haven’t you figured it out, Seeon? Your people know me as Leman. I’m happy to meet you.”

Seeon stared as Leman removed his hood and a handsome face that was carved into many of the temples of his country was revealed.

“But, you’re ancient.” Seeon stared at Leman.

“I know. Don’t worry, Seeon. When you and Mika go into space you will learn so many things together. This is just the first of many small steps you will take.”

“Does Mika know?”

Leman laughed. “Mika suspects, but only Nixa and her consort know the truth for sure.”

Seeon blushed and stared at the table.

“Don’t be embarrassed Seeon. Life is one long lesson. It is only when you refuse to learn that you begin to die. Each day is a new challenge, a new opportunity. You and Mika are both curious individuals. You both naturally challenge each other. You will work well together. I’m happy to have seen and been a part of your union.”

“But I’m Ma’Nee.”

“No, you’re not Seeon. You are Mahanee. You are an equal to Mika and always will be. Together your gifts will bless the universe as will your child.”

Seeon looked at Leman unsure of exactly what he meant, but pleased that Mika would be a part of it.

Leman reached out and touched Seeon’s forehead. “Rest my child. For now know all is right with your world. When you are ready to absorb the truth, it will blossom within you and you shall remember this all. ‘Til then my blessing upon you.”

Seeon woke hours later when Mika found him asleep on the couch.

“I guess your lessons wore you out,” Mika joked as he leaned down and kissed Seeon’s cheek.

“It was a long day. How were your lessons at the station?”

Mika smiled. “Well, you are going to have to begin your lessons there now. We’ve been chosen to be part of the next flight crew.”

Seeon sat up and stared at Mika. “Are you sure I will be able to go? I’m not prepared for such a trip.”

Mika laughed as he swept Seeon into a hug. “Trust me, love. You will start your lessons and by summer we will both be ready. Mother is going to flip. I think she had hoped I would fail out. The space station and its crew are one of the few things she doesn’t have control over.” Mika smiled brightly.

“As long as I am not a problem.” Seeon looked worriedly at Mika

Mika hugged Seeon tightly. “Seeon if you couldn’t go on the trip, then I would not go. You are my husband and mean the world to me. Do you understand?”

“But this is your dream, Mika.” Seeon sounded worried.

“Dreams can change, love. I wouldn’t do this without you. Besides, the space station only does couples, remember? So, either we both go, or neither of us goes. I can’t do this without you.”

Seeon felt scared, but something inside him seemed to say he would make it.

Time proved that Mika and that voice from inside were right. Seeon passed all the tests he needed to pass. Seeon and Mika were picked for a terra-forming team, because people figured with Seeon’s ability to move the earth, and Mika’s ability to bring plants to life, chances of them creating a livable pocket on any planet might be successful.

Seeon’s life seemed to be ready for more changes. In his short lifetime he had been a prince, studied to become a priest, and become a Ma’Nee. He had married and become Mika’s husband and consort, and now he was preparing to take a trip to space. Life was not what he expected it to be, but Seeon was learning that the best parts of his life seemed to lie just around the next twist of his life and he was growing to enjoy that.