Rebirth Read online

  If I am one of these so-called immortals, then what new rules of life will I need to follow? How big will my mistakes and wrong decisions be? Will it hurt those around me, or something on a larger universal scale? How much damage can my actions cause once I master the power of Rebirth? When I make one wrong choice, one selfish unrighteous choice, how would it affect everything? Who would pay the ultimate price, me, people around me, or the world? Will that horrible choice take me down, or just leave me all alone in my dread?

  “So?” Kyle sighed as he broke the silence. “Are you going to explain things or leave me hanging? Or are we waiting on someone?”

  “Just trying to think of a way I can contact my brother.” He continued staring up at the monument in front of them. “I don’t really have any answers for you, but I am hoping he will have some for the both of us. Then again, I was hoping to find him here for some reason. Otherwise, I have no way of contacting him.”

  “Dude, that sucks...” Kyle leaned on his knees as he stared down at the marble floors. “Really deep stuff then, huh? You really think you have a chance of finding your brother here? What makes you think he would come?”

  “I don’t know. Somewhere deep inside of me, I can’t help but feel if I wait here, he’ll show up. All I got from him last time was that I was supposedly an immortal and that I should be remembering my former self.” Hotan shot Kyle a grim look as he spoke. “He went on about elements, like I am Rebirth and that there were powers involved. I didn’t really take it all in to be honest. It just didn’t seem logical, but the man at the diner, Geliah. He made me aware that this may not be as farfetched as I was conceiving it to be…” My stomach and nerves are still churning at the thought of Geliah.

  “Immortal? Are you serious?” They both paused as the sound of footsteps clacked on the floor behind them.

  “I figured you would return once the information had time to soak in. You are back sooner than I expected. Does this mean you are ready to hear more?” Talib stood in the aisle way, once more sporting the white business suit and dark tie. “I see you have brought Kyle along with you.”

  “Yea. Kyle, this is Talib, my older brother, apparently.” Hotan was relieved to see that his instincts had been correct. “He’s the one that I got all this crazy information from.”

  “No shit.” Kyle blinked, “You’re an ass for leaving Hotan hanging like that, man.”

  “No, it was more like easing me into the story and forcing me to mull it over in my head. We forgot to discuss one minor detail; the tattoo.” Hotan glared into Talib’s eyes, feeling annoyed that he had failed to bring this topic up in their first meeting. “You knew I would come back when I was ready to accept what little you gave me as some sort of truth, right?”

  “Precisely.” Talib cleared his throat. “And yes, the marking across your back is part of it. My question to you is: Are you ready to hear more?”

  “Please. Will it be a problem with Kyle here?” Hotan shot a glance back at Kyle.

  “There is nothing wrong with him being here, he is one of us, whether he is fully aware of it or not.” Hotan felt his heart skip a beat at Talib’s reply. “As you suspected, we all bare markings, much like tattoos across our backs. It signifies that we are immortals and symbolizes what we are. For instance, Kyle bares the image of a phoenix because he is the element of fire.”

  “So how many immortals are there?” Furrowing his brow, Hotan waited for the answer. What were the odds of Kyle being one of, well, us? That now meant it was me, Kyle, Talib, and Geliah who were labeled as immortals.

  “There are twenty. That is all that I am aware of over the centuries I have walked this earth. I know each face and the element along with its marking. Though we have lived a long time, the state in which they are awakening has weakened them drastically. It is not known what triggered this in the last 400 years or so.” Crossing his arms, Talib lectured on, “As far as our Origin story, I will have to save that for later. For now, we must focus on attempting to regain your memories or at least the ability to control your element, Hotan. Of all the elements, yours can be the most dangerous. Rebirth involves affecting Life and Death itself, as your marking implies. That is why you bare a wing of life on the right side and the wing of death on-”

  “You’re wrong.” Hotan’s abruptness caught Talib off guard. “The wings are the same on both sides.” This is starting to not sound good at all.

  “Show me.” Talib furrowed his brow as he came closer to Hotan as he pulled his shirt up. He stared at his back for several moments. The growing concern on his face made Hotan anxious. Why is he this worked up? Is it possible he made a mistake? “You are right… it is not the same.”

  “What does that mean?” Kyle cut in, the uneasiness in the room growing. “You knew mine, did you forget his? Were you mistaken, Talib?”

  “I would never forget something about my own brother.” Talib turned away from them, gaining a private moment in order to think. “It still has both wings, but they are overlapping on both sides. Perhaps this is why you cannot recall anything about your former self. Life and Death intertwined with each other…”

  His voice trailed off and they stood in silence. Hotan shifted nervously, the tension in Talib’s back was clear even through his business coat.

  Something isn’t right… this guy doesn’t seem like the type to not know a crucial detail like this. Whatever is going wrong with me is without a doubt my fault somehow. Or at least the old Hotan’s fault, whoever and where ever he is. Am I a different person and he gave me his powers? Or am I truly his reincarnate that’s just forgotten who I am?

  “This is definitely the source of the problem.” Talib’s voice jerked Hotan from his thoughts as he turned to face him and Kyle. “What it means, I have no idea. I will need some time to research this. I have never seen anyone have a change in their element’s mark before. I am confident that you are slowly becoming immortal and sense the dormancy of Rebirth in you. Normally immortality is instant upon the first use of your powers, but with you, it is a small trickle. Just be careful. Your powers are fading into existence and it may pick up speed at any moment. You are the embodiment of life and death, and if you are not aware that your abilities are there, you can seriously harm someone. This cathedral was restored in a matter of minutes with your powers but shortly after, reverted back to a state of dormancy.”

  “So, does that mean we’re not humans? A different race or something else?” Kyle was now crossing his arms. “We’re not humans, right?”

  “We are humans, or at least started that way.” Talib cracked a slight smile, his cold expression broken for the first time. “We each have become our elements, and like them, immortal and never-ending. In order to keep natural order, all aspects of the element are within our reach.”

  “So that’s how it happened…” Rubbing the side of his face, Hotan thought aloud. “That’s why I got so sick.” That’s why the church seems reborn and that’s why Geliah was provoking fear so easily. He is fear itself in human form.

  “What made you sick at the restaurant?” Talib’s smile faded as Kyle questioned Hotan. “I’ve never seen you so sick. Never ever have you been sick before.”

  “The guy in the trench coat.” Hotan took a deep breath feeling uneasy as he recalled Geliah’s devilish smirk. “Geliah was there in the restaurant.”

  Hotan took note of Talib’s uncomfortable shift. “Geliah?”

  “All I know is that I’m safe, for now. He seems content with torturing me from a distance and making me miserable.” Huffing, Hotan sat down, his thoughts spinning into a hurricane of concerns and theories. “He’s the element of Fear and he’s very strong, inhumanly strong.”

  “This damn thing on my back is going to get my ass killed. At least we’re in it together, right? Watch each other’s backs?” Kyle gave him a halfhearted smirk, failing at his attempt to break the tension.

  “Yea.” Taking a deep breath, Hotan liked the thought of not being entirely alone in the si
tuation. “What are your thoughts on Geliah, Talib?”

  “He will become a problem, but for the time being, avoid him.” He turned from them once more as he started for the door. “I will find you again if anything new happens. If something urgent comes up, get in contact with Jacob.”

  “So Jacob is one of us.” Talib froze for a moment at Hotan’s statement. “I was starting to get suspicious.”

  “Yes, he is one of us.” Talib started for the door again, “See you when I find out more.”

  “I hope so.” As the doors closed, it felt as if his only hope for answers left him. Looking back at Kyle, Hotan managed a reassuring smile. “At least I’m not alone, right? I suppose we should call it a day.”

  “Cool with me, see you around, man.” Kyle gave him a quick hug. “Watch yourself. Stay safe and call me when you find out more.”

  Chapter Seven

  “Hotan!” He jerked from unlocking his apartment door. “Hey! Hotan!”

  “Eh?” Looking down the hall, he could see Annie walking up with another letter in her hand. “Hey Annie! Another note? This is getting ridiculous.”

  “I couldn’t get a hold of you, but your sponsor stopped by again! He left like an hour ago.” She was blushing as she grinned to herself. “Sorry you missed him again.”

  “It’s ok, but thanks.” Taking the letter, he paused when he recalled how Geliah and Talib looked. They don’t really come by as the average person. “Hey, did you notice anything unusual about him? Besides the tattoo?”

  “No, he seems like every other guy, like I said the other night. Only thing is he’s got are these purple eyes, but a very sweet personality.” She blushed, looking away from him. “And I can’t really say much more, except that tattoo of a deer on his back is pretty hot. I’ve never seen that good of tribal work.”

  “His tattoo...” He furrowed his brow at her. He is definitely an immortal with a tribal buck tattoo.

  She shook her head. “I can handle myself, so stop worrying about me. Anyway, I know this is your first sponsor, but my love life has nothing to do with it. Strangers meet and get together all the time.”

  Hotan rolled his eyes at her and replied, “Just don’t get your heart broken over this guy.” Annie, it’s not always about you when I fade into my thoughts.

  “I won’t.” She started to walk away. “Don’t feel bad that you haven’t met him. I hope that you don’t mind that I might start dating him. He’s so dreamy!”

  Annie disappeared down the stairs as his thoughts started back up. Dating my so-called sponsor does seem rather fast, Annie. Who is this Jacob guy? What element does the stag represent?

  He finished unlocking his door, pondering a moment as he sat on his couch. Opening the letter, he continued, who in the hell is he? I can’t believe he’s dating Annie. What kind of element could he be? Is it possible he used his powers on Annie? Why is he delivering the letters in the first place, not just coming by, and saying hi? Why would Talib send someone else? It can’t be just because of the way he looks. Then again, there is no mistaking we may be related. I’m sure he has his reasons. For now, I should go with Jacob being my sponsor. Just go along with their plan.

  He unfolded the letter:

  Hotan,

  I know you are still shaken from your encounter with Geliah and the idea that Kyle is an immortal as well. Sorry I cannot deliver these letters in person. Jacob will pose as a sponsor for the time being until we can sort everything out. It will make things less suspicious, since I wish to be able to provide you with some help. Please do not see the financial support as a means of forcing you into anything. It will be a while before I am able to meet with you again. You can confide in Jacob, so feel free to ask him for any help you may need.

  My Apologies,

  Talib

  Leaning back, Hotan considered what he could possibly ask Jacob. Looking across his tiny living room at his entertainment center, the radio sounded like a chance to attempt to unwind. The idea of music was much more appealing. Laying the letter on the coffee table, he stepped over it to turn on the radio. He sat back down, looking over to his left at the large window. Between it and the couch was the doorway to his bedroom, which seemed abandoned lately. Listening to the ending of Chevelle’s The Red, the announcer came on with her signature enthusiasm:

  “Hi, this is your 6’o clock DJ, Becky! It’s a lovely Saturday evening and I have some awesome news for all the local bands! The Big Band will be held in a few months, a showdown of local rock bands! The top winner will receive a record deal from P & D Record company! So come down to the studio and grab an application!” She spoke clearly but it soon faded as his thoughts began to take him away again.

  I completely forgot about the Big Band competition, the biggest battle of the bands event of the year. Every year I look forward to it but it almost disgusts me it came up during all of this chaos. Maybe I should cancel the idea of competing. Trying to get the band ready for this and figure out this crazy shit about immortals and elements; it’s overwhelming. Then again, it would keep my mind off this crap that’s been dropped in my lap. Yea, that sounds like a great idea. Keep my mind on something else for a while when this gets tiring. I guess I should go sign us up for it then, sort of my way of guaranteeing an escape. At least I can reserve that much normalcy in my dwindling life.

  Stretching, he took off his shirt tossing it to the side. His bedroom was dark, but he kept it that way. There was no purpose having light in a room if he couldn’t see color. Flopping down on his messy futon mattress that lay on the floor, he looked up at a TOOL poster. The poster blocked off the only window in the room, helping his belief in complete bleakness for the colorblind. Most of the space in the small room was covered in books and piles of clothes. No carpet on the floor, just the hard concrete met his bare feet.

  He closed his eyes, allowing himself to relax, urging himself that he needed to rest. Sleep took over and he started to dream as the last of his senses became numb.

  Hotan was sitting at a table under an excruciatingly bright spotlight that made his eyes sting. Looking around, everything was in color. The yellowish color of the wood on the huge bookshelves encircled him there at the table. Several dark, eerie aisles spread out from where he was sitting. Some movement caught his attention to his right, the light above him hindering his ability to focus on anything beyond the table. His heart thudded against his chest as he recalled how the other dream always ended.

  Is this another version I haven’t experienced yet?

  “I need to tell you where to go to find answers. I am sorry I left you on this earth without the knowledge of my past.” Narrowing his eyes, a darkened figure stood just shy of the light. “This is my responsibility, and I cannot let you suffer for mistakes I have made.”

  Hotan watched as a copy of himself walked out with bright blue eyes. A thick red leather bound book slid across the table in front of him. Chills ran down his spine as he watched his doppelganger shift nervously, seeming anxious.

  Is this my former self? Why is he so nervous? Something doesn’t seem right, I have knots in my stomach and I can’t shake the feeling that…

  “You’re Hotan.” He paused a moment in astonishment, still baffled by the stranger who looked identical to him. “My former self, the person I am reincarnated after.”

  “Yes, I am the last of what remains of myself. You will never see me again, unless some sort of miracle happens. You are the rebirth of the element itself. I willingly ended my own life in order to create a new life. In doing so I was able to strengthen the powers of Rebirth.” Sighing he slid the book over to him, a heavy burden could be seen in his tired blue eyes. “I recommend for you to find this book. It’s called the ‘Book of Ancients’ and contains our history, where we came from, and what we became. There may be answers that can aid you as you come into your immortality. I no longer exist outside of this dream. The last of my soul will be swallowed by your own soul in order to complete the Rebirth and complete your transf
ormation in becoming immortal.

  In this book, there is written history of the individuals of our tribe and their elements. You may not know who they are, but this will give you knowledge that I was unable to carry over. It is crucial as their leader, and the main element, to know who is responsible for which elements.”

  “Then answer this for me; How come I can’t use the powers? Why do I not feel anything?” Hotan looked at him with a stern glare. He needed advice; moreover, he needed the guidance from the one person who held the answers. It had to be the man who held the abilities originally who knew what had happened and what was currently going to be happening. “I don’t understand that. Something tells me they still have not shown themselves to me. Is that your doing? Because you are still here spiritually, are you holding it back? Talib doesn’t even know what’s going on. Isn’t he your brother?”

  “Our powers are triggered by what we desire the most. I know my own desires, but yours are different. I am not you.” The old Hotan’s blue eyes faded off to some long ago time of pain. A look Hotan himself knew all too well after losing his mother so suddenly. “Your power surpasses my own in many ways. It works completely different and nothing I say can help you, or even Talib, in your own discovery of your abilities. I can only hope that you choose to do good with your powers.”

  “What I desire? I don’t desire anything, and I don’t think my current needs and wants are sufficient triggers. If they had been, I definitely would have noticed something by now. My life has barely started in comparison to an immortal. I have no experience in what true desire is. Not to mention Geliah threatening my life.”

  “Sometimes that desire is complex, and it may even scare you what it may actually be. It is a reflection of our deepest and darkest wants and not always something innocent per say. You have a stronger sense of life than I ever had, and I wish I could bestow you with all the memories I have acquired. There is so much I wish to share with you, but my time here is done.” He stood up, far too eager to leave as he nodded goodbye to Hotan. “This is good bye, child. I wish you good fortune and much bravery. I, on the other hand, am too heartbroken to be any use for you. My very being was weathered down and shattered years ago. My soul will fade further into your own and my self-awareness will no longer exist. From here on, I will not be able to protect you as I have done in the past. It all falls on you to figure out how to handle the new form Rebirth has become.”