The Time Voyager's Obsession

Old Scars - I

“What is this place?” Hana asked, blinking rapidly. She had never seen such a sight in her twenty-four years of life. The ground beneath her feet seemed to change its structure as she walked, shifting beneath her weight. She scuffed it with her toe, the fine black grains giving way to her slippered foot. The pounding surf brought her gaze to the vast expanse of ocean, its waters stretching out as far as the eye could see. Hana had heard of such mysteries before, hidden away within the recesses of the Eastern Borough’s archives. She had never thought to see them in her lifetime.

Astra Glacies boasted no seas, its toxic atmosphere too thin to support life on the planet’s surface. The picture before her told another tale. Though her lungs still ached from her neglected injury, the air was breathable. Lush vegetation surrounded the sandy beach, the likes of which would have been impossible to grow on her home planet. Though the strange world was beautiful and its rich bounty could surely support life, Hana had not heard or seen any signs of it. The only sound that stirred the unsettling calm was that of the swelling and crashing waves.

“It is a place between, a resting point for weary travelers,” The stranger replied, his arm still supporting her by the waist as they made their way down the alien shoreline.

“We are the only ones here?” Hana asked, leaning into him more than she would have liked.

The man nodded in affirmation. “Here, yes. Out there is another story,” he said darkly, gazing out to sea.

“What’s out there?” Hana asked curiously, the turquoise waters suddenly teeming with danger.

“Nothing evolved enough to leave the water’s edge. Do not stray too close,” the stranger warned.

Hana nodded, heeding his words. “Why is there no settlement here?” She pressed him further, taking in their surroundings. “This planet is beautiful.”

“It has a vicious monsoon cycle. Most of the planet is covered by water. Every three years the rains fall without ceasing. Hurricanes devour what land there is and then the cycle repeats itself. That is why the growth here is so young and green. It is suitable for short periods of rest, nothing more,” he explained as they limped along.

Hana had no idea where they were heading, but her additional weight did not seem to be slowing the stranger down any. The man, who called himself Var, walked at a steady pace, his hard gaze scanning the dense vegetation for danger. What danger there could be on an unoccupied strip of beach, Hana could not say. Her side hurt so badly that she was trembling, but she did not want to appear weak before her stoic savior.

“Where are you taking me?” Hana asked, earning a disapproving frown from her guide.

“You are in pain, that is why you talk so much. I am taking you somewhere more sheltered so that I may see to your injuries without interruption,” he said, resuming his forward stare.

“Well don’t stop on my account,” Hana snapped, the stranger’s tone causing insult to injury. He stopped walking suddenly, positioning her so that she faced him.

“You’re shaking,” he eyed her sternly. “Your rib is broken and will take time to heal. I do not know how long we will find ourselves alone here. Voyagers are solitary creatures, we do not play well with others. It would be… unfortunate to meet another of our kind in this place.”

“Our kind?” Hana asked, searching the man’s face in confusion. “I’m a human. What are you?”

The Voyager sighed in exasperation, continuing on in his determined march, Hana in tow. “Come, there’s no time. You follow one question with another. I cannot answer them all today or in the next decade, for that matter. There are others you will need to seek, places you will need to go. Today we go forward. No more questions, Hana.”

She scowled up at him, temper flaring. “Maybe I wouldn’t have so many questions if you weren’t speaking in riddles! I don’t know you! I don’t know anything about you, not even your real name! My entire life has been uprooted within a few short days. I’ve been imprisoned, tortured, and nearly assaulted! I watched a man die before my very eyes! Why should I trust you? Why should I go anywhere with you?”

He spun on her, bracing her by the shoulders. The stormy seas of his eyes met that of her own hazel with a depth she could scarcely comprehend. “My name is Tiberius Var. I know what you have been through. I know everything about you. In time, I will give you your answers. The only thing I need you to know about me now, is that I am your ticket off this beach. Linger here and you die, it’s that simple. In three months the monsoons begin. If you manage to survive that long, this planet will tear you to pieces. You don’t need to trust me Hana. You need only wish to live.” Gathering her within his embrace once more, they continued down the beach in tense silence.

There was no sun in the sky to track how much time had lapsed as they walked, only three distant moons and a blanket of night reflected in the sea below. Bioluminescent algae floated on the water’s surface, each wave rippling with life. If Hana’s body had not been consumed with pain, she would have found it all breathtaking. Instead she grit her teeth and trudged along, trying not to scream. The trembling was beyond her control now, and Hana required more and more support from Tiberius. Finally, perceiving her anguish, he lifted Hana into his arms, cradling her like a child. Too weak to complain, she rested her head against his broad chest, wondering if her will to live was enough to sustain her.

They left the shore to enter into the jungle of vegetation. Despite its cycle of destruction, the island had found a way to adapt. The inner forest was composed of a canopy scarcely taller than Tiberius, with ferns and understory plants growing in abundance. Most of the trees were too young to yield a crop, but some of the more vigorous palms produced an orange oval-shaped fruit. Hana’s stomach rumbled, a welcome distraction from the pain in her side. She still had not eaten since leaving the Eastern Borough, and her hunger was making itself known. Tiberius looked down at her with a frown, as though she had interrupted him from some important thought. He lifted up a hand as they passed beneath one of the weighted fronds, handing Hana a fruit from the palm. She held it under her nose, relishing in its sweet smell before taking a tentative bite. It’s tender skin gave way to a yellow pulp that tasted like tangy custard. Hana closed her eyes, relishing in the first thing to fill her empty stomach in days. She ate it down to the pit greedily.

“Thank you,” she muttered begrudgingly, feeling strangely awkward.

“You’re welcome,” Tiberius replied as they emerged into a clearing. Soft moss covered the forest floor, a makeshift shelter cut from tender green wood positioned to one side. In front of it, a fire pit was lined with foraged stone, its center black with ash.

“You’ve been here recently,” Hana observed as her rescuer set her down on a soft spot of green.

“Yes, preparing,” he conceded, his back to her as he entered into the structure. Hana had more questions, but she kept them to herself as she adjusted her weight from her injured side with a wince. Tiberius emerged from the hut carrying clay bowls filled with various pastes and ointments.

“Drink this, all of it,” he instructed, handing her a vessel filled to the brim with a strong smelling liquid. Hana wrinkled her nose at it but obeyed, draining the tincture with a gag. She looked up at him warily, afraid to ask what she had just swallowed.

“Fermented juice of the diospyros tree. The tannins make it bitter, but it will dull your senses and help you sleep,” Tiberius answered her questioning eyes. Hana could only nod. The stuff was potent and her head was already abuzz with the effects of the strong alcohol. Exhaustion fell upon her, the adrenaline that had driven her since her trauma slowly draining away.

“I’m going to take a look at your ribs now,” Tiberius said, leaning her back gently. Hana closed her eyes, bracing for pain. He brought up her shirt, revealing the swelling and deep bruising beneath. “Try to relax,” he soothed, gently manipulating her tender flesh. Hana moaned but did not resist, her vision beginning to warp and blur.

“Good, I don’t believe your lung has been punctured. You have a fracture, but the break is not bad,” her rescuer assured her. “This salve will help reduce the swelling. It has a numbing effect that should help dull your pain. Try to lay on your injured side as much as possible, and cough or take deep breaths every hour. It will help deter the onset of pneumonia. You need rest and time to heal. We will stay here as long as possible,” Tiberius told her with the wisdom of a physician.

“That sounds nice,” Hana murmured softly, the pain in her rib cage fading as the warm embrace of alcohol filled her chest. She thought of the ocean beyond, the light of the heavens reflected within its vast expanse.

“Does it?” Tiberius asked with an uncharacteristic smile. With small circular motions he smoothed the salve over her battered side. A pleasant cooling sensation spread over her skin and Hana sighed, closing her eyes with relief. She adjusted slightly as her shirt was eased back over the wound.

“Thank you for coming like you promised,” Hana whispered, the words coming out slow and heavy with sleep.

“Like I promised?” Tiberius asked curiously, his voice distant.

“Mhm,” Hana muttered, “No more questions.” Her lips stirred with a sleepy smile, her mind slipping into a deep and restive slumber.

***

Hana awoke to the pattering of rain on palm fronds above her head. Despite the dreary weather, she could see light illuminating the shelter’s makeshift roof, the midnight sky of her dreams banished by the day. The aching had returned to her side, and a weary moan came from her throat as she tried to sit up.

“Lay back, you need to rest,” Tiberius voiced from behind her. “I can give you more fermented fruit to help with the pain.”

“No,” Hana declined, staring up at the roof of the hut, “I want to stay awake for awhile.”

“Very well,” Tiberius grumbled, crouching by her side with the bowl of ointment and another dish filled with water. “I’m going to replace your poultice. Its properties are only effective for a few hours. Practice your breathing exercises. When you feel discomfort, slowly release it through your nose.” Hana obeyed, breathing out through the tension as Tiberius gently smoothed away the old salve with a wet cloth.

“Good, very good,” he praised her as he worked, “Practicing mindfulness will help you, going forward.”

“If you don’t want me to ask you questions, stop creating them,” Hana scolded, surprised when a deep rumble shook his chest. It took her a moment to realize that it was laughter, a reaction she had yet to elicit from the stoic man. Then again, Mala Fide had been no laughing matter.

“I was referring to your healing process,” he said with a wry grin. Hana smiled back shyly, examining him for the first time since their meeting. Somehow the man’s scar only seemed to amplify his ruggedly handsome face, dark brows framing the smoky blue of his eyes. He was at least six feet tall, something she could not remember noticing in his counterpart. His brown hair came down past his shoulders, and the beginnings of a beard lined his defined jaw. Hana looked away, heat rising to her cheeks. She felt drawn to the man, in the same way she had felt drawn towards her Var.

“Do you feel feverish? Your face is flushed,” he moved to lay a concerned hand on her brow. Involuntarily she winced away from his touch, as surprised by the movement as Tiberius himself. He retracted his hand. “I’m sorry I should not have-”

“No, I’m sorry,” Hana blurted out, cutting him off. “Old scars and all that,” her eyes flicked to his face, mortified by her choice of wording. “I-I mean-” Another low rumble came from his chest and she relaxed slightly.

“I think I’ll take that drink now,” Hana said sheepishly, rubbing roughly at the soreness behind her eyes. When he did not answer she looked up to see the man observing her intently. Hana scanned around with her eyes, unsure if he was looking at her or only lost in thought. “I did not mean to offend you,” she began to apologize again.

“No,” he returned gruffly, rising from her side, “It’s only that you remind me of someone. I’m going to find us some food. You won’t be able to heal on a single kousa melon. I won’t be gone long. Don’t leave the camp.” Without a backward glance, he stalked away. Hana watched his retreating figure until the dense foliage had swallowed him whole.

She moaned, covering her face with her hands, only partly from embarrassment. In his hurry to leave, the man had never reapplied her salve, and her ribcage was throbbing with pain. Hana was not sure how much longer she could live with such misery. She shook her head, banishing away her doubt. She was acting weak, and Jen and Tibor Dari had raised her to be strong. She struggled to lift herself from the makeshift mattress beneath her. Her memory of the night was blurry, but Hana was certain she had not been in the hut when she had drifted off. Tiberius must have carried her to bed. There was something evocative about the thought, but Hana forced it from her mind. The rain had ceased to fall outside the shelter, the light of the planet’s star peeking out from behind the clouds. She limped around the camp, exploring its perimeter in an attempt to distract herself.

She stopped, catching a sudden movement through the palms. Squinting through the brush, she could make out the glimmer of water, a light breeze rippling across its smooth surface tantalizingly. Hanna made her way through the underbrush, pushing past leafy branches until she had neared the pool’s edge. The shallow lagoon appeared to be separated from the larger body of water by a sandy shoal, its turquoise tinted waters presenting a clear view to the bottom. Hana glanced over her shoulder, looking around to see if Tiberius was near. She could hear nothing, the forest eerily calm, devoid of all signs of life. Stripping down to her undergarments as quickly as she could manage, Hana entered the soothing water.

At its deepest point, the pool only reached her waist, and she had to drop down to her knees in order to submerge her shoulders. It felt glorious to finally wash away the irritating strands of her cropped hair. She dunked her head beneath the water’s surface, massaging her fingers in deep motions across her scalp. Even the small gesture of self care felt like a tremendous luxury. As the water stilled, Hana gazed at her reflection, seeing her shaved head for the first time. She hardly recognized herself, the short wet waves lying sleek against her head. Frowning down at her image, she splashed a hand across it, blurring herself from view. There was no use in mourning the past. Life had taught her that hard lesson long ago. Hana looked to the pile of her clothes lying at the water’s edge. She hated the thought of slipping back into the scratchy garments, but she had nothing else to wear. Tiberius would probably be back soon, and Hana was sure that her mercurial companion would be angry if he found her missing from camp.

As though summoned by her thoughts, he was there before her, his arms laden with fruit and foraged roots. He dropped his burden at the sight of her, expression turning from irritation to that of horror. Hana sunk down to her shoulders, hiding her exposed body from the man who was still a stranger to her.

“What are you doing? Get out of the water!” He cried, racing towards her.

“Okay, okay. I was just washing off. I-” Her words were cut off by a scream as something bit deep into the meaty flesh of her thigh. The first bite was followed by another, and another, the clear waters swirling with murky tendrils of her blood.

“Tahlia! Tahlia!” Tiberius screamed as her legs collapsed beneath her. Something bit into the bruised meat of her rib cage and she screamed, water flooding into her open mouth as she went under. I’m drowning, she thought desperately, her limbs flailing out blindly. I’m drowning in waist deep water. With that last thought, her mind went blank with fear. Suddenly, strong arms circled around her chest, hauling her out from the water’s deathly grip. Hana choked and sputtered as Tiberius crashed through the jungle, only stopping when he had delivered her back to the safety of camp.

“Wha-what happened? What happened to me?” Hana cried, shaking violently.

“Hold still and whatever you do, don’t look down,” Tiberius ordered, his voice sharp with fear. Turning from her he began to stoke the fire, scratching at two pieces of flint until the brush ignited. Working quickly, he pulled a blade from its sheath at his side, placing the point within the flames. Hana looked down, screaming at the sight of thick wormlike creatures wriggling deep within her flesh.

“All hells, woman! Do you never listen? I told you not to look!” Tiberius cried, placing the red-hot blade on one of the squirming creatures. Its skin seared beneath the hot metal, serrated jaws releasing the skin held within their grasp.

“What are they?” Hana shrieked, kicking out her legs. “Get them off me! Get them off of me!”

“That’s what I’m doing!” Tiberius growled. “Now stay still dammit!” One by one he burned the leeches away, waiting for their jaws to open before tossing them into the waiting flames.

“What did I tell you?” He demanded when he had finished disposing of the parasites. He must have removed twenty of more from her body, but Hana had closed her eyes after the first two. Tiberius rubbed salve into her gaping wounds, jaw tight, eyes ablaze with fury. “What was the one thing I asked of you?” he snarled. “Stay out of the water! I leave camp for five minutes, only to find you bathing in it! All hells, what were you thinking, Tahlia?”

“I’m not Tahlia,” Hana whispered, her eyes blurry with tears. Tiberius paused in his rant, chest heaving with exertion. “Var called me the same, my Var. Who is she? Who is Tahlia?” she asked, on the verge of weeping. Tiberius stared at the ground, swallowing hard. Several moments passed before he spoke.

“She was my Queen,” he croaked, his voice thick with emotion. “I loved her, and she died because of my negligence. Every night I close my eyes and she’s there, pleading with me to save her.” Tiberius looked up to meet Hana’s horrified gaze, his own haunted by grief. “And when I wake up, I see you, the woman who wears her face.”