Earth Blend Read online

  EARTH BLEND

  by

  Lori Pescatore

  Smashwords Edition

  Copyright 2011 Lori Pescatore

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  First Edition

  Author’s Note

  This book is a Young Adult/Science Fiction/ Fantasy/ Romance Novel.

  It contains sexual situations, mild violence & language and is intended for a mature young adult.

  All characters are fictious. Some locations are based on actual locale.

  Preface

  The ground shook with intensity as the Mother Tree set about her task. Life itself was in peril; everything must be created to perfection. The root system was already in place. The Mother Tree stood tall and majestic, feeding back to the Earth all that she had borrowed. The first of Earth’s children was about to be born.

  Although it had been under development for centuries, the skin of her children had only recently been decided. Once humans began their habitation and proliferations on the planet, the tree knew her children would need to blend in to be beneficial in their aid. Studying the humans had led her to create the children in their image. Thusly, the first Earthling was born.

  Consisting of the very minerals of the Earth itself and infused with the Mother Tree’s essence, the first son was born. The Mother’s branches shook with joy as the first Earthling stood and faced her. Taking a moment to examine himself, the son then placed his hands on his Mother’s trunk. Lightning streaked across the sky and thunder boomed as the wisdom of the Tree flowed into him, empowering the son with his purpose. His given name was Suron. His task: to protect the Earth and rule his fellow Earthlings.

  1. Suron’s Story

  Overseeing and coordinating the actions of his siblings required a great deal of his time. As each Earthling was created, the knowledge was passed onto them through the Mother Tree. The history of the Earth and the reason for their creation was shared with each of them. The Earth was one of many planets that had become caretakers of beings in need. It watched as its inhabitants evolved to become the creatures they are today. Its generosity became lost in the generations that followed. The humans that now called Earth their home had damaged the planet with toxins, putting its very existence in peril. Suron knew there were a few humans who realized the danger of their actions. That is why he allowed certain Earthlings to blend into the human race. The blends were to oversee the humans in their environment and be ready to assist in aiding the Earth as the need arose. Many of the Earthlings chose to remain close to the Mother Tree and her roots, preferring not to assimilate into the realm of humans. Suron himself felt more at ease amongst the trees, only interacting with humans when necessary. When word reached Earth of another planet needing assistance for its inhabitants, Suron assigned Percone as a liaison for the new creatures. He communicated to his brother in thought.

  Suron: Percone.

  Percone: What?

  Suron sighed inwardly at the attitude Percone displayed. He knew his brother was bored, and his boredom often led him to trouble. In assigning him this task, Suron hoped to give guidance and purpose to the precocious Earthling.

  Suron: I need you to oversee the arrival of inhabitants from a sister planet.

  Percone: Are you serious? Why are we allowing more vile and hateful

  creatures to live here? We have enough problems with the ones already here.

  Suron: These creatures need our help.

  Percone: So? Let them go leech off of some other planet.

  Suron: Earth is a caretaker and we are to do its bidding.

  Need I remind you of why we were created?

  Suron was beginning to lose his patience with his brother. If their thoughts were spoken aloud, the anger ringing through them would have been evident.

  Percone: I know why we were created and it was not to allow these creatures

  to inhabit our home and bleed it of its very life force.

  Suron: Keep in mind, brother, that if not for the dangers the Earth is sometimes

  placed in, we would not be needed.

  Percone understood the point Suron was trying to make but he was still not happy about the situation.

  Percone: Why must I go? Can’t you get someone else to do it? What about Eli?

  Percone gestured to another brethren standing nearby. He sneered at Eli. There was no brotherly love between the two. Percone felt Eli was favored by Suron. Eli constantly complained to Suron about the little tricks Percone liked to play on unsuspecting humans.

  Suron: Eli has asked to take a place amongst the humans.

  Percone: Really? Good. Let him suffer along with their kind.

  Percone made sure to broadcast his last thought so that Eli could hear.

  Eli: It can be no more painful than having to deal with the likes of you

  on a daily basis.

  Percone moved quickly, placing himself in front of Eli.

  Percone: Or maybe you need to get away from the pain of losing her to me.

  Eli: You tricked her. She would not have chosen you willingly.

  Percone smirked as the ground began to shake around them.

  Suron: This behavior stops now! I will not allow further escalation of your bickering.

  Suron’s voice resonated within the two Earthlings

  Suron: I will not tolerate this. Eli, please wait for me elsewhere. I will discuss your assimilation shortly. Percone, We need to finish our discussion.

  Eli nodded slightly to Suron and escaped into the trees. Percone stared after his brother, his dark thoughts chasing after. He knew Eli had disabled the thought transfers between them, but that did not stop him from spewing his vile thoughts.

  Percone: Someday, brother, you will make a mistake. Suron will hand down a just punishment against you and I will be there to laugh in your face.

  Percone returned to face Suron.

  Suron: I will not tolerate this animosity between the two of you.

  We are bound together by creation and duty.

  Percone: Will you give this same speech to Eli?

  Suron: I do not favor him over you, Percone.

  Percone did not believe Suron’s words but was already growing tired of the conversation. He gave a dismissive wave of his hand.

  Percone: So, what is the situation with the new arrivals?

  Suron: Their planet is under siege. They wish to seek refuge and attempt

  to rebuild a new life for themselves.

  Percone: Are they aware of the genetic makeup of the majority of humans that call our

  planet their home?

  Suron: Yes. It is my understanding that they have the means to blend into any creature.

  Percone: So, what role do I need to play in all of this?

  Suron: The creatures arriving need to be educated in the ways of the humans

  so they can properly meld into their society.

  Percone: I still do not understand why you feel I should be the one to assist them.

  I do not care for humans. Are you punishing me?

  Suron believed assigning Percone this task would help build up his tolerance for humans. He decided not to share that thought with his brother.

  Suron: It is not your place to question. Just do as I ask.

  Percone: Don’t you mean ‘do as you order’?

  Suron scowled at him and then grabbed Percone’s hands. He showed him a
mental picture of where he was to rendezvous with the visitors. After sending the information, Suron turned to leave.

  Suron: I expect an update when our sun is at its highest point.

  Percone did not reply. He simply leapt into the trees and disappeared. Suron sighed heavily then pushed onward with other tasks. He could only hope that Percone would do as asked. He found Eli talking with one of the sisters.

  Suron: Crysa, please excuse Eli and myself. We have something to discuss.

  Crysa nodded towards Suron before embracing Eli.

  Crysa: Good luck, Eli. Please keep in touch.

  Eli: I shall.

  Crysa left the two brothers alone.

  Eli: How did things go with Percone?

  Suron: As expected. Now, are you sure this is something you feel you have to do?

  Eli had thought long and hard about his decision to live amongst the humans. He knew there were many that strived to be Earth-friendly. He had taken an interest in their health care and longed to be a part of it. He planned on attending one of their learning facilities to become a certified doctor of medicine. He knew his inability to age would require him to change locations every so often, but he was looking forward to the experience.

  Eli: Yes, Suron, I have thought about this at great length. I am ready.

  Suron: Very well, my friend. I give you my permission. You are

  aware of the protocol?

  Eli: Yes. I will check in every thirty days to report my location

  and update you through our Mother’s roots. I will also be available

  at a moment’s notice to protect our home.

  Suron: You will be missed.

  Eli: Not by all.

  Eli bowed slightly and leapt once more into the trees. He set about to begin his life with the humans. The sound of someone crying caught Surons attention.

  Suron: Your sadness is caused by allowing human emotions to cloud your mind.

  Crysa: There are times when I am unable to control them… like now.

  Suron approached Crysa and placed a hand on her shoulder.

  Suron: Why not accompany him?

  Crysa: He did not ask ,and I sensed his need to be on his own. Besides, he

  would be upset every time Percone summoned me.

  Suron tried not to involve himself in the affairs of his brothers and sisters unless it threatened the Planet’s well being. He knew very little about the situation between Percone, Eli and Crysa. He preferred to keep it that way.

  Suron: Come. We have other things to focus on. I need assitance with

  a brother’s return to the Earth.

  Crysa: Juni. Why was he so careless?

  Suron: Juni was naive. We were all taught about the dangers of the human’s

  nuclear waste. His intentions were in the right place, but he did not heed the warnings.

  Suron was saddened over the loss of his brother. Juni knew that anything toxic to the Earth was also toxic to all Earthlings. Instead of consulting Suron, Juni had tried to handle a situation on his own and had paid with his life. Suron and Crysa proceeded to the site of Juni’s passing. Other Earthlings had gathered as well. Because of the nature of his death, Juni’s body was to be burned. He was too contaminated to be returned to the Earth in his Earthling form. Suron’s words could be heard in the minds of Earthlings across the planet. All paused in their daily routine to listen.

  Suron: Our people have suffered a great loss. Juni gave his life to help

  protect the Earth. Let this be a reminder to all that we must work together

  in doing our life’s work. No Earthling is more important than another.

  The purpose for which we were created must stay at the forefront of all

  that we do.

  Suron called upon the storm clouds that had gathered. A single lightning bolt struck the wood piled around Juni’s body. The wind was like fuel, fanning the flames, consuming the Earthling.

  Suron: Rest in peace, brother.

  As the flames began to die out, most of the Earthlings gathered had already dispersed. Suron alone stayed to ensure all the parts had been incinerated. He beckoned the rain to extinguish the remaining embers. His thoughts returned to Percone. He hoped his brother had listened to the words spoken.

  2. Percone’s Story

  Percone did not pause to listen to Suron’s thoughts. He was not doing anything but waiting for the guest to arrive. He chuckled at the part of Suron’s speech about no one Earthling being more important than another. He knew his brother had his favorites, even though he claimed otherwise. His thoughts grew dark as he recalled a time when he had purposely led a human deep into the forest until the man had grown weary and confused. A wicked grin decorated his face as he recalled all the tricks he had used to keep searchers away from the lost human. He’d wanted to enjoy watching the man take his last breath, but Eli had interfered. Percone’s mood turned foul as he remembered how Eli and he had come to blows over the incident. They were both reprimanded by Suron for using the Earth’s forces to battle each other. Suron punished him especially hard when Eli told their brother what he had been up to. Suron had banned him from interacting with humans ever since. He missed playing with them. He, of course, did not always follow Suron’s rules.

  Percone’s memories were interrupted by a shimmering in an area to his left. The air appeared to ripple as electrified particles spread apart and condensed. A tall mass began to form in the space. The creature materialized. Percone was puzzled and fascinated at the sight before him. Never before had he seen a creature like this. It was tall and looming. The skin on its body was luminescent yet translucent. Ropey veins throughout its body appeared to glow with a pulsing light. Its head was oval and its face displayed two black eyes that gazed at Percone. The body of the creature consisted of a torso and four limbs resembling a human except for the bulbous silicone-like skin.

  Percone gestured to the creature to follow him to a nearby tree. He placed his hand against the tree. The creature lumbered over to Percone and placed one of its limbs on the tree as well. The light that pulsed through the creature seemed to accelerate. Percone heard its thoughts.

  Creature: Thank you for welcoming us to your planet.

  The tree had given the creature knowledge of all languages used on the planet. Percone could now communicate in thought with the creature.

  Percone: Yeah… sure. My brother has told me you wish to blend with the humans on the planet.

  Creature: Yes. We would like to create a residency on this planet and are prepared to blend ourselves with its inhabitants.

  Percone: If you only knew how vile and revolting these humans are… you might wish to reconsider.

  Creature: We do not have time to pick and choose. Our planet has been invaded by the Quintorons. They are using us for their own purposes; harnessing our unique abilities. Those who resist are slaughtered. We must procreate on other planets to rebuild our strength so we may one day reclaim our planet.

  Percone: You were informed of the rules of the planet?

  Creature: Yes. We will do everything in our power to help protect your Earth. We mean her no harm.

  Percone: Very well, come with me. I’ll show you some of the revolting humans. By the way… what name do you go by?

  Creature: We do not use names the way you do. We are defined by the section of our planet on which we reside. You may assign me a name if you wish. On other planets they refer to us as Flutaras.

  Percone: I’ll just address you as Flute.

  Flute: As you wish.

  Percone: Follow me, Flute.

  Percone and Flute walked through the forest until they came upon a small cabin. A woman was hanging clothes on a clothes line.

  Percone: Females like this one are the carriers of human offspring. I find them not as loathsome as the males. They are quite fun to play with. The male that resides with this female is not home at the moment. Would you like me to fetch her for you?

  Flute: Will she not be frig
htened by my form?

  Percone: I’ll take care of that.

  Percone disappeared into the forest as Flute continued to watch the female human. Percone reappeared at the edge of the woods closer to the female and began his approach. He was almost upon her before she even noticed him.

  Her first impression was one of surprise. The area was very secluded and not prone to passerby. Most females would find Percone attractive. He made quite an entrance with his tanned skin and silky sun-bleached hair which the soft breeze caused to dance gently about his head. It was his lack of attire that made the woman scream. Percone was one of many Earthlings who found comfort in their natural state. He quickly quieted her.

  “Shush… now, now, don’t be scared,” he cooed in her ear. His fingers lightly brushed her cheek. The woman instantly calmed down. “Come with me. I want you to meet someone.” The woman nodded and let Percone lead her. As they approached Flute, the woman began to shake. Percone once again touched the woman’s face and calmed her. “There is no need to be afraid,” he said. The woman’s shaking eased somewhat.

  Percone: This is the child bearer. She copulates with the male of the species and creates another.

  Flute approached the woman and placed one of his limbs on her forehead. He gathered information from her the same way he had from the tree. Flute’s body glowed brighter as it absorbed the new information. The woman’s legs gave way from under her and she collapsed to the ground. Percone smirked as the woman curled up in a fetal position.

  Flute: She already has another human growing inside of her.

  Percone: Is that good?

  Flute: Yes. I can blend one of our unborns with the human she is carrying.

  The woman began to crawl away. Percone placed a foot on her back and pushed her down. “Stay,” he commanded.

  Percone: What do we do next?

  Flute: I’m going to enter her and combine the genetics. It may not work. It could kill her.

  Percone: Worth a shot.

  Flute: Will you keep her positioned on her back for me?

  Percone: My pleasure.

  Percone pushed the woman onto her back. Her dirty, frightened, and tear stained face looked up at him.