Earth Blend

EARTH BLEND

BOOK TWO

BLEND SERIES

LORI PESCATORE

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission.

All Characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

SMASHWORDS EDITION

Blend Series Edition Copyright© 2009-2015 Lori Pescatore

Blend Series Edition Editor- Leanore Elliott

Formatting & Book Design

By

Wicked Muse Productions LLC

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

Are you serious? Why are we allowing more vile and hateful creatures to live here? We have enough problems with the ones already here.

These creatures need our help.

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

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 piped in again, 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.

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

Eli has asked to take a place amongst the humans.

Really? Good. Let him suffer along with their kind. Percone made sure to broadcast his last thought so Eli could hear.

It can be no more painful than having to deal with the likes of you on a daily basis. Eli responded.

Percone moved quickly, placing himself in front of Eli. Or maybe you need to get away from the pain of losing her to me.

You tricked her. She would not have chosen you willingly!

Percone smirked as the ground began to shake around them.

This behavior stops now! Suron’s voice resonated within the two Earthlings. I will not allow further escalation of your bickering. 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 him. He knew Eli had disabled the thought transfers between them, but that did not stop him from spewing his vile thoughts. 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.

I will not tolerate this animosity between the two of you. Suron stated. We are bound together by creation and duty.

Percone replied, Will you give this same speech to Eli?

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. So, what is the situation with the new arrivals?

Their planet is under siege. They wish to seek refuge and attempt to rebuild a new life for themselves.

Are they aware of the genetic makeup of the majority of humans that call our planet their home?

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

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

Suron was aggravated as he replied, The creatures arriving need to be educated in the ways of the humans so they can properly meld into their society.

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

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

Crysa nodded towards Suron before embracing Eli. Good luck, Eli. Please keep in touch.

Eli nodded back. I shall.

Crysa left the two brothers alone.

How did things go with Percone? Eli asked.

Suron answered, 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 who strived to be Earth-friendly. He’d 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. Yes, Suron, I have thought about this at great length. I am ready.

Very well, my friend. I give you my permission. You are aware of the protocol?

Yes. Eli replied. 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.

You will be missed.

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 Suron’s attention. Your sadness is caused by allowing human emotions to cloud your mind.

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

Suron approached Crysa and placed a hand on her shoulder. Why not accompany him?

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. Come. We have other things to focus on. I need assistance with a brother’s return to the Earth.

Juni? Why was he so careless?

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 spoke to all of them, Our people have suffered a great loss…

Suron’s words could be heard in the minds of Earthlings across the planet. All paused in their daily routine to listen.

…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.

…Rest in peace, brother. Suron finished with the rites.

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.

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

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

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

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.

You were informed of the rules of the planet? Percone responded.

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

Percone nodded. Very well, come with me. I’ll show you some of the revolting humans. By the