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Paradise Found? Paul's Part of the story
By
Christine Criss and Trynia Merin
Disclaimer: KISS is their own entity, and this is a work of fiction based on
real people. Dark Horse comics
publishes and owns the latest rights to the KISS series, and this story
contains ideas developed by them.
Marvel Comics first published the KISS comic. Any characters not mentioned as created by them are additions of
the author. This is fan fiction and is
for fun only, meaning no harm to the franchise.
For the better part of two days they had been traveling, in what was definitely not a straight line. They had a valley to cross, and another hill to climb, to where they said the Hidden City was. Along the way, Paul had ceased to think of himself by this name, and started to refer to himself in mind and thought as Star Child. Mentor was ever at his side, while the girls, though they caught glimpses of him and smiled, were off limits. If he would even venture ten feet in their direction, the ring of boys surrounded them, and the men glared.
They were camped for the night, in the portable shelters of rounded bars and woven fabric, who seemed far more advanced than their native spears and wooden armor could produce. Mentor saw Paul sitting by a fire separate from the fire where the girls were sitting, with only one or two older men, and the boys among them. The rest of the men were clustered about this fire, and Star Child was nibbling on the game they had caught the day before.
"You have learned our ways well, of respecting the green," said Mentor in appreciation. Star Child had been patient so far, for all his education had yet consisted of was how to hunt, how to leave no trace of his footsteps in the forest, and how to move silently. The basic categories of words, and how to shield his mind from others. That in and of itself was gold. By Mentor's approach, he knew it was time for another lesson. But not one more word of the City had been spoken. Star Child wondered if this was some initiation ceremony to prove that he was worthy to enter.
"I know. But is it forbidden for me to talk about… where we're going?"
"No, but you did not ask," said Mentor.
"I thought it was forbidden, because you were supposed to teach me what I needed to know," Star child said, blinking at the amused look in Mentor's face.
"You show great respect for not asking more than you are told. That is good. And you have earned at least the right to know why…" Mentor said.
"I didn't show you this before," Star Child said. "I hoped you wouldn't take it the wrong way… but the one who sent me here…"
"You were sent?" overheard Fire starter. "By whom?"
"Silence," Mentor barked. "This is not for your ears. Keep to your own private thoughts…"
"Fire starter, you know the rules," said High One. "The Goddess will know and see all, and she will see fit whatever is to be done. It is not for US to judge men, but for her likenesses."
"Fine." Said Fire starter, and he ignored Star Child.
"Forgive him, he's not one to easily trust…" said Mentor.
"And most aren't?" Star Child nodded. "I bet this place must be a carefully guarded secret… because of civilization possibly ruining the land…"
"That and more. WE must know your heart is pure, and your motives are not selfish. I sense you are in great pain…"
"You taught me how to block out my thoughts. In all my training I have never known such control…" Star Child said. "May I ask if the City is where you learned this?"
"The first question. First, the answer is yes, and no…" said the Mentor. His eyes widened when Star Child showed him the codex, and he chuckled.
"You don't seem surprised…"
"No. I knew you had that on your person all the time. You were afraid you'd offend us. That is also respectful. But now, we must test your true motives."
"I thought you said…"
"Your thoughts are not hidden to me," said Mentor. "You are not the only one who has come in search of control. For the control you seek is only possible through the Goddess and those that serve her…"
"May I ask why there are no women above the age of 11?"
"They are with the Goddess, of course," said Mentor. What this meant Paul didn't know, but he stopped his conclusions till he had more evidence.
"Does this happen when they turn 11?" asked Star Child. "Do the women… serve the goddess, and is that why they don't live with you?"
"Yes." He said. "It is part of the bargain made long ago. We may live and hunt on their lands. But we must protect the secret at all costs. And we must let the images of the Goddess dwell in the light of her wisdom."
"You mentioned a High One… of the Goddess… is she the leader or Queen?"
"She is the high one, and the Queen of the hidden city. She and the Goddess decide who stays and who goes."
"Have there been other men… like me who have come and joined you?" Paul asked.
"Some have come, but not ALL have passed the test. Not all are allowed to go to the City. A few of us stay there, to help tend the needs of those who are made in her image…"
"The women?" asked Paul.
"That is your word for it. But it is not the way of things. We are different from THEM. They are Images. People. We are the hymhyrr, and they are Hyrr. They hold life, and we plant the seed…" said Mentor. "That is the Agreement we made long ago."
"So… you have no women who live with you," said Paul. "Do they rule you?"
"Yes, but we rule our own affairs outside the City. As long as it pleases the High One, the Queen of the City, we are at peace. Some of us that please them are worthy to be servants. They remain. Every so often, there is an Exchange."
"But they never leave the city?"
"No. We are their eyes and ears. They must serve the Goddess. And we show their children the way of the world, and those of us who dwelled in the city bring those that they have grown for our people, and we bring them those that we have shown the way of the Green…"
"So, the daughters are raised here till they are about to be women… and your sons… are these dwellers your wives… your mates?"
"We are their Seeders, their sources. And those that guard the Secret. But we are not worthy to live there, unless they wish us to serve them directly." Said Mentor.
"Have you lived in the city?"
"When I was your age, I lived there, and pleased the High One. When she went to live with the Goddess, the High One that was her child said it was time for me to be outside to teach the hymhyrr. And now it is time for you to learn."
"So… you said I might be pleasing… can they possibly teach me as they have taught you to shield my thoughts?" Paul asked.
"Your form is pleasing to those we guard. And they have even now seen you. They wish you to come into the City and dwell, Star child. For they know you are coming, and they must know you are worthy…" said Mentor.
"And they spoke in your mind?" Paul asked.
"Yes. Now the time for questions is done. You must rest, and tomorrow we will go into the city. But only when they are ready, and if the High One has decided," said the high one as he interrupted them. "It is time for rest."
The men rose and filed into the huts, and Paul was urged to go with them. Similarly the girls were lead into a separate hut, and the fires were put out. A few of the boys stood watch, and he knew they would protect lest any animals venture close. Yet how could they hide an entire city from the world for so long? He felt no mental traces from anyone, and while it had been refreshing, it was downright eerie now. What he'd desired for so long was silence from thoughts, and now that it was his for the taking, he realized that old saying was true. Be careful what you wish for…
But a city ruled by women might be the best place. For they had different priorities. He chuckled as he lay his head down on the sleeping roll provided for him. It was soft and supple, made of a fiber like silk and soft as down. Amazons? It was true, he laughed slowly. They did exist. Not only in the river that bore their name, but also in the ancient Greek world. Just how they had come HERE he didn't know, but it seemed if they did indeed possessed lost knowledge there was little they could not do. Including hiding their cities for so many years from prying eyes.
***
He heard the noise of excitement, and felt the psychic push to wake him. A voice sounded in his head; "It is time for the Agreement to be renewed. Rise and see who will be selected…"
He sat bold upright, in his bedroll and saw the other men getting dressed. Quickly he took the garment they had suggested he wear, a simple kilt that wrapped around and hitched at the hip, and the sandals that were set there. All the men were renewing their white paint, and preparing themselves as if they were going into battle, or getting ready for some ritual.
"They will be here soon. Are the initiates ready?" asked Mentor as he poked his head into the hut.
"Star Child, are you ready to meet them?" asked Mountaineer.
"Er yes," he said, guessing from the excitement that many of his questions would soon be answered. All the men were whispering and laughing, in a jovial mood. Star Child followed them out, and they stood in the campsite, with the girls arrayed in their white tunics. What stopped them all was the sound of someone commuting through the undergrowth.
"Be silent," came the mental command, and Star child saw all the men lay down their spears. They dropped to their knees and put their heads to the ground. Only the girls, which there were about ten, stood up, prodding each other and whispering in excitement. The ring of boys surrounding them was dispersed, and Star Child lifted his gaze for a split second.
"Keep your head DOWN, outsider, lest you anger them!" hissed Fire starter, pulling him flat on his face. Star Child coughed as he tasted dirt, and shook Fire starter’s arm off, as he was prostrate, on his hands and knees with his eyes closed.
"Close your eyes. Till they bid you open them. Do not speak or move till spoken to," said Mentor.
"Who…" Paul got out but bit his tongue when Fire starter prodded him with an elbow.
He was aware of presence, and heard the sound of feet approaching. The sounds of laughter came from the girls alone, and he peered sideways to see metal clad boots standing around, and hear the harsh bark of a command from Mentor. There were no thoughts, but he could sense the temporary slip of emotions as all the men around him let down their guard, and then it snapped shut.
"We see you here, and rejoiced in your coming. Again you have fulfilled your bargain, and you may speak," said a woman's clear voice, and Paul felt something stirring inside of him. He heard ancient Greek, mingled with a bit of the native tongue, and it was staggering the power and clarity of the voice.
"WE come to renew our ancient pledge," spoke the voice of High One. "We greet you in Her name…"
"You are permitted to rise and see us now," said the voice in return. "We see that you have brought a new one into our midst…"
"Introduce yourself, Star Child," said High One.
Paul slowly rose and he saw the graceful figures encased in gleaming metal armor. It was silver, encasing their entire bodies, and he saw they were tall, strong and shapely. Only the flesh of their faces were visible in the helmets with long sloping crests, and the eyes were bright and held wisdom. They were visions of beauty, though he saw no skin, for the face of each woman held a grace and peace that defied the rugged landscape. Each held a spear or shield, or perhaps a long tapered scimitar, and he saw that the faces of the women had a variety of skin tones. Their leader seemed to be a rather tall woman with serene blue eyes, and she beheld Paul as he rose on his knees.
"Beautiful," he said softly. The eyes of the one he thought was leader met his, and she smiled. He had never seen such a beautiful face, nor eyes so clear blue.
"Despoena, do not stare, it is not becoming an Amazon," said the one who had spoken before.
"My apologies, sister," she said softly. "But this is Star Child?"
"I am," he said softly, unable to keep his eyes of the one called Despoena. She flushed slight pink and resumed her imperial pose. Each woman moved around to stand behind one of them men, and then each reached out a hand to them. Some of the men were not raised to their feet, but those that were followed the warrior that had chosen them, and led them to where the boys and girls were.
A cry of delight and a soft hushing was brought out. And then Paul saw something odd in the midst of the women. Several boys of age 11 were escorted out, each wearing Grecian style tunics, and made to stand in the place of the girls. He smiled, and realized what was happening.
"You have raised our daughters well," said the leader. He presumed she was Despoena's older sister, for she had the same features, and it stunned him that the High One himself came forward and stood with her.
"And you have brought our sons to us," said High one. The eyes of the two leaders met, and Paul saw desire and love for a second. Did this mean they were mates?
"And shall you chose any of my fine warriors to enter the city to serve you?" asked High One.
"Yes. The ones who have served us we will return later in the day. But this one called Star Child… he is an outsider," said the High One's consort.
"My lady Demitria," he said, as he put his hand over his heart. "He knows our ways. Does it please the goddess that he be permitted to enter the city? His powers are great."
"It pleases the High One of the city, the Queen," said Demitria. "And is the Star Child, Fire starter, Moon seer, River fall, and Rain Mist prepared to enter as our guests, and those that will serve us?"
"We are, Milady and High One to be," said the men named. Star child was poked to stand up, and he stood. Five warriors moved out, and he glanced at them with a questioning look.
"Chose your choice, and let us reunite our lost daughters with the Goddess. It is a privilege to serve. The rest will renew their pledges…" said Demitria. "And now, my chosen mate, you will accompany me for tribute…"
"Chosen mate?" Paul asked, and felt a wave of realization come over him. He had been selected. To enter. IT dawned on him that they regarded these men little more than servants, and he would argue normally, but the serenity of the faces assured him that he would come to no harm. Was he prepared to go where they were taking him? What all was entailed with this choosing.
"Hurry Despoena, and choose which one you like," said Demitria as she slid her arm into that of High One. Paul saw that all the women were pairing up with men around him, and he swallowed hard as the barriers were lowered, and a raw sexual energy came.
"Mentor…" he asked.
"Those of us will stay for the allotted week, while those of us still in the City will remain. And those five new named, and those that are selected will come… for those of us who wish to be seeded," said Demitria.
Fire starter smiled as a warrior woman came up behind him, and she pulled off her helmet, revealing long red gold hair. He saw her take a long gold bracelet from her armor and slide it onto his wrist. "Will you come willingly?" she asked.
"I do. What is the name of whom I serve?" he asked.
"Inferna," she said with a smile.
Another one, Moon seer, stood at the prompting of a caramel-skinned woman, who revealed long dark locks as she asked the same question. Her name was Mariah. And there was the same with the others, and he heard the names and saw the heads of hair revealed.
He felt someone move up to him, and saw the face of the woman he had smiled at. She whispered, "Star Child, will you come willingly?"
"I do," he said, not knowing what he was saying. "What is the name of whom I serve?"
"Despoena," she smiled. Paul smiled back, and reached to clasp her hand. He felt his body surge with some sexual hunger that he had not felt for ages, nor let himself feel. Despoena tenderly wrapped her lanyard around his wrist, and Paul followed her willingly. Mentor nodded, and Demitria nodded as well, arm in arm with High One. He saw that High One had a similar gold bracelet around his upper wrist, hidden, and it hit him. Was this some sort of marriage ceremony?
"What is going to happen?" he asked.
"Don't be afraid Star child, I'll treat you well," Despoena said softly as she took his hand. "I am glad that I was able to choose you…"
"I am new… I don't know…"
"You may tell him in the city, little sister," Demitria said firmly. "Now…"
"But… the others…" Paul asked.
"They stay behind. They have not seen one another for a year," said Despoena. "All will become clear, Star child."
"Does this mean that you and I must…" Paul asked. "Have sex together?"
"Only if you wish it to be so. But we must all know one another first. And my mother must like you if we are to be pair bonded… to create life anew."
"I didn't realize…" he got out, but a sharp look from Mentor silenced him. Those five new couples and a few of the ones that were already paired led the girls. He guessed they were the parents of the girls, and the new boys were taken and rejoiced upon. Those that had no children or a few were talking softly and speaking to one another, disappearing into the jungle. Despoena saw Paul's eyes, and knew he was uneasy as they moved into the ancient stone pathway.
"I am sorry, I do not wish you to be afraid," said Despoena as they walked along. "Do you not like me? Even now it is not too soon to decide…"
"I don't know you… if you wish me to…"
"You are to remain silent," said Demitria. "In the city, if they are worthy, then they may speak. But now you must embrace the silence of the knowing. And then the next step will be taken…"
"She means we have to be quiet," said Despoena as she blushed and she took Paul's hand. He stumbled a bit, and she steadied him. She handed him her helmet to carry, and he did so, with his free hand as they walked along. All the women who had chosen new men… he realized that they were shy and quiet like teens on a first date. The innocence was staggering.
"If another should chose you," said Despoena softly. "I may dispute the claim. But I wish that you and I…"
"Peace sister," said Demitria. "We approach the City."
Paul glanced at the plateau, and saw it shrouded in mist. There were spires that hid, looking ruined and such. A blurring came over his sight, and he staggered as a bright light burned into his head. Despointa's hand clasped his and she urged him not to fear. Then as if in a dream the reality blurred and Paul's eyes beheld the City that had been hidden. Waterfalls surged with mighty power from the elegant spires, which were a fusion of Greek and modern architecture. A pounding in his heart told him that there was symmetry and peace here, and the great silence.
"Beautiful…" he whispered.
He needed no prompting as Despoena led him by the hand, with the other Amazons, and their chosen servants into the path that led them up towards the city, and into its heart. He beheld the inhabitants that walked the streets, clad in their shimmering white robes or gleaming armor, and it hit him too that they were all women.
"Are we the only men here?" he whispered.
"There are but a few. To satisfy those who wish their needs…" said Demitria, who heard his question. "You must be open to those who will ask favors of you…"
"Damn," Paul whispered.
"But only if it is wished by she who selected you. There are others who have been here. Some of you may be shared…" said Demitria as she turned to the five men, when they were halfway up the path through the outskirts of the city.
"Share?" Paul asked. "You mean…"
Here he blushed, and realized that this would be the fantasy of every man. But that hungry look in the eyes of some of the women made him unsettled. Despoena moved closed and said, "No. He is afraid. Do not ask him to… right away…"
"It is our right Sister, that he should serve he whom requests him. Those who have not chosen to Mate, but chose pleasure. It is our way, and so it must be. But don't fear Star child. Not all of us have the urge at the same time. It is your desire to serve as many as you see, and you will learn to like it I trust…" said Demitria.
"What does she mean…?" Paul asked. "That I'll have to sleep with…"
"Peace," said Despoena. "Only when it is asked of you… but here you will know that there are many different ways to serve. And I will not let them harm you, I promise. You won't be forced to do anything you do not wish to give… for Eros is not given except in servitude and love."
"I only came… to know how to silence the voices," he confessed as they walked along the city streets.
"And you will learn…" said Despoena. "But you will teach me in return… and you will be well treated."
"I don't know if I like the sound of that… " Paul said softly.
"I will not be hard to please," she said shyly. "And I do not think I will share. If you do not wish it to be so… but it will be expected of you, as your duty. And I doubt that you'll find it an onerous task…"
"I don't know you…" he blushed.
"Isn't it the fantasy of every male, that chooses women that he shall be able to have the privilege of pleasing many partners? Unless you favor the company of your own gender, and it is permitted to seek that as well here."
"Um that's not an issue with me," Paul blushed. "Not that there's anything WRONG with that, my door doesn't swing that way, or both ways…"
"Just so you know that we are not bound by the same social codes in some realms," said Despoena.
"I've got a lot to learn, don't I?" Paul joked.
"There is nothing but time," said Despoena. "And think of all that you will learn. All of you will learn our knowledge. And we will learn from you. If you serve us well, you will be treated well. There is no punishment except to see this place and be asked to leave it… and most learn that they have earned the privilege of being here. Not all are chosen to live with us."
"There is much I don't understand," he shook his head.
"And you will I promise, Star Child… do not look at this as a prison term. You cannot leave, unless you're pledged to keep this place a secret…"
"I can't leave?" he asked. "It figures I guess…"
"Would you even want to?" she asked, glancing into his eyes.
"Is there no contact with the outside world at all to be had?" Paul asked. "I've got some loose ends…"
"You will be permitted such contact when we trust one another. But here, I have your items. It is permitted to keep those effects that will remind you of home, and the goodness of your roots that resemble truth and beauty. But be aware that all traces of technology that are unnecessary have been removed to be sealed away, to be studied by our scientists."
"Such as what, exactly?" Paul asked, biting his lip.
Despoina handed him the bag, and he felt how much lighter it had gotten. He opened the pack and saw that there were some precious few things that he'd feared would be forever lost. However there was no trace of anything that had been technological. Just his journal, photos of his family and friends, and the few books he'd chosen to bring with him. A sketchpad, paints, and markers were also there, and other items that were as precious as gold.
"You see," she said softly. "It would be cruel indeed to enter Paradise without those few items that will remind you of what you left behind, that define who you are."
"Thank you," Paul nodded. He exhaled the breath he didn't realize he'd been holding till then.
"You came here to escape. And here you will remain. I know and I have seen you. We all have. We see the world outside when we wish. And you are so tired, and so sad…"
"I am," he said softly, lost in her eyes.
"Then rest. Stay here, and serve, and be well treated…" she urged gently. "Let us learn from each other…"
"I see I have little choice," he laughed, accepting his fate. He knew that he could not leave. Until they learned why he was here, and that he would not betray the secret. He heard no thoughts, but a chiming of celestial tranquility, and the harmony of well balanced beautiful thoughts. All were veiled, and it was not totally silent, but it sang. To the eyes, ears, and all senses it was Beauty. The beauty he ached for.
He had found paradise at last. And could not leave. But this was what he wished for, and what he wanted.