Illuminant Noctem (On Hold)

Illuminant Noctem Ch. 5

Jackson-

Tracing the paths that I used to once walk along so freely, I ordered away the crowds of people, and approached my mother alone. I stepped through the tree gates, and walked up the spiraling stairs made out of branches. Little glass lanterns holding fluorescent fungus cast a blue glow as I made my way into the darkness.

As soon as my foot reached the canopy, I was engulfed in my mother’s flowery fragrance and warmth.

“Jackson! How I missed you! I--” I pushed her off me and sent her a glare, but it melted when I saw that she had been crying.“Son, you are angry with me?”

“Mom, how could you not tell me, or let any one else tell me that dad died! I would have come back immediately, and given up my mission!” She hugged me again and started sobbing. “Mom, it’s okay, all right? I forgive you. Honestly.”

“Jackson, it’s not that. I’m just, so happy--” She started sobbing again. Okay, happy people don’t sob.

“Mom, what is it?” She squeezed me tighter to her, and I wrapped my arms around her small frame before she pulled away and looked at me for a few minutes.

“Son, I thought you were dead. They, they told me they found your body along with your father.” Huh? Oh, wow, that was a long time ago.

“Mom, well, it’s hard to explain. Uhm, I did die, but that was over 90 years ago! I died before dad did, I guess, because he was by my side as I took my last breaths. But once Elijah came, I explained to him how I was trying to bring Amelia back, and he brought me back...to life. But as a human until I found her. So I’ve spent the last 90 years trying to find her, and I finally did!”

“You, you spoke to Eli?” She started sobbing all over again. “H-how is he?” I hugged her, and leaned my head on top of hers.

“He’s good mom, he really is. He misses you though, and he said you were the best mom ever.” She hugged me tighter at that.

“But he still won’t come home, will he?” She pulled back and I caught the hope in her eyes, wishing to see her other son again.

“Actually, mom, he said he would come back for the summer solstice....but he would be bringing her along.” I heard mom sigh.

“I guess it’s better having him home, even if he does have to bring that thing with him.” She hugged me one last time, but it was a happy hug. “Why did it take you so long to come home?”

“I was told that I was banished from the kingdom because I allowed Amelia to leave.”

“Oh, Jackson, you were never banished. Amelia left on her own free will, and you know it would have been a wasted battle to keep her here.” She looked at me and smiled like she had something up her sleeve.

“Come on, mom, spit it out.” She looked taken back.

“Spit what out? There is nothing in my mouth.” I smiled. Right, only humans say things like that.

“Sorry, I meant just tell me what you know. Have you had another vision?” She scoffed at me.

“Jackson, I am afraid that you are becoming to human for your own good. You will be returning for good I see, but no worries, it will be sooner than you think. You see, we shall have a surprise visitor with the morning sun.” And with that she left, her long layered gowns swaying after her. I watched my kingdom moving around below me, and mulled over what she had told me.

Amelia-

After walking for a few more minutes, Lincoln stopped under the shade of many trees. I looked up, and saw a whole network of paths leading into houses in the trees, a town off the ground!