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~ Planet Earth ~

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Firelight danced around Markerer's spaceship as it fell from a terrifying height. The pilot side was intact until it nose-dived and hit the ground at incredible speed. A sickening crunch sounded as the ship struck a glacier, the metal whining as it collapsed in the country of Greenland.

Redek stared at the screen, his hazel eyes locked on the sight of Markerer's crashed ship. A pity it didn't land in the ocean. No doubt he teleported, but where? Redek thought, angrily slamming his fist on the console. He lowered his ship's speed and prepared for a quiet landing.

Shouldn't be hard to find a lone man and an infant in this icy wasteland, Redek thought as he stepped out of the ship, shivering in the freezing cold weather. He wrapped a blanket around himself, teleporting around the glaciers and icebergs, but Markerer and Iressa were nowhere in sight.

Frustration settled amid the anger, irritating Redek. A teleporter was unable to teleport to a specific location unless they could picture it in their mind, or if they saw the location previously. This indicated that Markerer had previously been to planet Earth, that this wasn't his first rodeo.

I wonder why he chose planet Earth of all places. I'm going to have to hide my Iredescent identity, so humans won't ask stupid nonsensical questions if they see my wings and sparkly skin.

Humans. I wonder what they're like. All Redek knew was that humans looked like Iredescents, but they didn't sparkle and they didn't have wings or fins.

First, I'm going to have to leave this place. It's too cold, and Markerer and Iressa aren't here, Redek decided, using his teleportation ability to teleport Markerer's crashed ship in the ocean to sink it. He quickly teleported back to his own ship, intending to find a warmer climate.

Staying in invisible mode to keep hidden, the ship lifted and silently flew around the globe, avoiding the occasional airplane or flock of birds.

Redek kept a lookout for any invisible jump portals, but there were none. Whenever a person teleported, they left an invisible jump portal that stayed open for a few minutes before disappearing. Teleporters could easily see another teleporter's jump portal, including their own. But most people needed special purple sunglasses to detect the invisible jump portals. The same technology embedded in the purple sunglasses could detect invisible ships and spacecraft.

After hours of traveling, Redek decided to land his ship in the Sahara. The desert was remote, the perfect place to hide an alien spaceship.

Redek stepped out into the afternoon sunset heat, his boots sinking into the sand. He discarded the blanket and gripped the firi, putting on the purple sunglasses. He dematerialized his wings, but he didn't hide his skin shimmer, allowing his skin to sparkle brightly in the hot sunlight.

Redek pressed a function on his holographic dark orange comect, watching as his ship submerged underneath the burning hot sand. A smirk emerged in satisfaction before he turned and began the long trek.

It didn't take long before Redek wished he had a hat, a sombrero, an umbrella, or some sort of shade. He loved sunshine and heat, but the Sahara desert was like walking into an oven. He felt as though his entire skin was on fire, penetrated by intense warmth.

Redek ran a hand through his longish red hair that flickered orange in the sunset. Time for me to steal a form, Redek thought, noticing a city ahead of him. Who shall be the lucky human?

The 'lucky human' turned out to be Ahmed Haseem, a luxury hovercar dealer in Abu Dhabi.

Ahmed had tanned skin, short black hair, a thin body, and he wore jewelry. The perfect disguise, Redek thought, satisfied with his choice. Now to permanize the form.

Shapeshifters were able to shapeshift into any person's form, albeit temporarily. To keep a form, a shapeshifter needed some of the person's blood in their system, so they could permanently use the person's form. Redek would need to permanently keep a human person's form if he intended to stay on planet Earth for some time.

Of course, Redek did not show any mercy nor consent.

Redek disguised himself as a janitor and followed Ahmed to his penthouse, forcefully pushing the unsuspecting man into his own home shortly after exiting the elevator.

Before the man even had time to scream or yell, Redek shoved a knife into Ahmed, killing him instantly. He dried the knife with the man's clothes and used the same knife to make a cut on his own hand, slicing his palm. The dead man's blood dripped into his open cut. His blood infused in his system, allowing Redek to successfully steal his form.

And so, Ahmed became the human identity for Redek.

He eagerly accepted his new Earth life, enjoying his new body, his new career as a luxury hovercar dealer, and the penthouse. He indulged in the party lifestyle, going clubbing, dancing, street racing, and sleeping with women, though he was careful not to get drunk, not wanting to accidentally reveal his true form while intoxicated.

By day, Redek worked or slept. By night, Redek partied as Ahmed or secretly searched for Markerer and Iressa. He figured Markerer would constantly be with the baby Iressa, so Redek kept a lookout, watchful for any sign of them.

From the few close encounters at the castle grounds prior to the murder of the Nyssi family, Redek knew that Markerer was able to teleport, but he didn't know he was able to shapeshift. Therefore, Redek assumed that Markerer kept the same appearance. His heart jumped every time he saw a blond man, his heart falling when none of them were Markerer.

Ironically, Markerer indeed kept the same appearance, choosing not to take a human person's form. He knew Redek would be searching for him, but Iressa's safety was his priority. The priority was secured, so Markerer was free to search for Redek, but he was unable to be found.

While away, Markerer kept tabs on Iressa via the meromyt, a tourmaline pink gemstone that was permanently tattooed on Iressa's body.

The meromyt was melted to a liquid and mixed with special glittered ink to bind it to the person's body via a tattoo. The special glittered ink was from planet Natvolo, a fairy planet.

After Markerer became involved, Nend requested the import of Natvolori ink. The Iredescent Ruler had the meromyt gemstone melted and tattooed on himself, his wife, his children, and Markerer, just days after Iressa's birth. The tattoo was the Iredescent Rose emblem: the outline of the Phoenix's flaming wings curled around a rose, as a symbol of the Phoenix's eternal protection over planet Iredescent.

The meromyt was tattooed to the right of the Iredescent birthmark, a birthmark all Iredescent people were naturally born with and kept forever regardless of what happened to them. The Iredesecnt birthmark was the only thing that would remain on their bodies, whether they were human or Iredescent.

The birthmark looked like a ribbon that curved at the top and bottom like a music note. It sparkled just like Iredescent skin shimmer. Each Iredescent person's birthmark looked the same but was a different color according to the individual person.

Markerer's birthmark was wine red while Iressa's was violet purple. After the Phoenix turned Iressa into a human, Iressa's birthmark was the only thing that remained of her Iredescent identity.

In addition to the meromyt tattoo, Markerer wore part of the meromyt gemstone as a necklace. He never took it off, even when he showered or slept. When people asked about it, he simply said it was a necklace his late wife used to wear and it meant a lot to him. In truth, Markerer never had a wife.

What was so important about the meromyt was the anti-location gemstone properties that prevented anyone from finding the person wearing it. Redek wouldn't be able to find Markerer nor Iressa because they had the meromyt tattooed on their bodies, the meromyt preventing Redek from finding them. But because Markerer and Iressa had the same meroymt gemstone tattooed on their bodies, they were able to find each other.

Markerer knew that if humans saw the meromyt tattoo on a newborn baby, they would certainly freak out and wonder why the child was born with a glittery tattoo and birthmark. Therefore, shortly after Markerer and the Nyssi family were tattooed with the meromyt gemstone, Markerer had the tattoo and birthmark covered up with sipriant, a semi-permanent aloe vera type of plant substance that blended with any skin tone and successfully covered up any skin blemishes, imperfections, scars, and tattoos. The sipriant naturally grew on planet Iredescent and planet Natvolo. Once applied, it lasted for a year before it began to slowly wear off.

Markerer already stored a surplus of the sipriant in his Brenna home prior to his second time on planet Earth. He thanked his own insight and preparedness, since he hadn't been able to pack anything when he escaped Redek with Iressa.

The meromyt and sipriant were secret knowledge known only by medical professionals, the royal family, and of course, the Phoenixes. But Nend trusted Markerer with the secret knowledge, since Markerer was already considered a part of the family.

And so Markerer became Iressa's surrogate uncle, her guardian and sole protector. He kept a close watch on Iressa as she grew up with her human parents and human brother. Over time, he learned to think of her as Tessa, since she was no longer Iressa.

It wasn't until Tessa was seven years old when she finally met Markerer.

By then, Markerer had become Veren, his human identity. He had grown used to his new Earth life, used to hiding his skin shimmer and keeping his wings dematerialized. He began to enjoy human life, liking the beautiful nature, the peaceful countryside lifestyle, the hovercars, and the food.

Seven year old Tessa was playing outside with the neighborhood kids at a park. Markerer watched from afar, dressed in jeans and a maroon shirt. The sunlight stroked his short blond hair, trying to materialize the hidden skin shimmer on his light skin.

Lisel was sitting at a picnic table with fourteen year old Garrett, who was playing a handheld video game. Darz was at work. Tessa was on the swing sets before she decided to climb on top of a slide. The highest slide in the playground was supposed to be for older kids, since it would be a dangerous fall for younger children.

But it seemed like Tessa attracted danger, going towards it rather than away from it.

Worried she might fall from the slide, Marerker contemplated expanding his hidden wings, but that would expose him, and as would teleportation, so he anxiously ran up at the same time Tessa slipped and fell from the slide.

Tessa tumbled into Markerer's outstretched arms, his speedy arrival due to his super speed ability that all Iredescents possessed naturally, moving almost-instantaneously like vampires. Markerer held Tessa close, relieved that she wasn't injured. He softly stroked her hair, looking into her blue eyes.

Tessa looked up at Markerer, startled but unafraid. She felt some sort of familiarity towards him, but she couldn't grasp it, unsure who he was, but she sensed he was someone she could trust. She clung to Markerer, liking how his arms made her feel safe.

Hearing Tessa's startled cry when she fell from the side, Lisel fearfully ran over to see if she was ok. Markerer handed Tessa to Lisel, who held Tessa close, exclaiming, "My dear Tessa! You could've ended up in the hospital or with broken bones. No going up dangerous slides again!"

"No need to take her to the hospital. She's safe," Markerer confirmed, feeling much relieved.

"Thank you so much!" Lisel said gratefully, clearly not recognizing Markerer. "Are you not hurt? You seem in perfect condition."

Markerer glanced at his arms, which weren't affected by Tessa's fall. Iredescents had superhuman senses as well as a strong physical body that could withstand much more than human bodies could.

"I'm in good physical shape. I work out a lot," Markerer said, passing it off with a shrug. "I'm just glad your daughter is safe and uninjured."

"Thank goodness you were there," Lisel said gratefully, not wanting to think what could've happened had Tessa not fallen into Marker's protective arms. She decided to shake hands with Markerer, saying, "I'm Lisel Eclipse. My daughter is Tessa Eclipse, and my son over there is Garrett Eclipse."

"I'm Veren Ulspeth," said Markerer, politely shaking Lisel's hand.

Lisel studied Markerer for a moment, wanting to extend her thanks. Like Tessa, Lisel had the feeling she could trust Markerer. Perhaps it was his genuine care and the relieved look on his face, or the way he looked at Tessa as though she was close to him.

Lisel briefly remembered the doctor that requested to name her daughter Tessa. The way Markerer looked at Tessa reminded Lisel of the same look on the doctor's face when he said that she reminded him of someone dear to him. Even though they were supposedly strangers, Lisel sensed they weren't truly strangers.

Not wanting Markerer to leave, sensing his genuine care for her daughter, Lisel said to Markerer, "I'm making spaghetti dinner for the kids. I'd like for you to come."

Markerer was speechless, astonished by Lisel's unexpected invitation. He wanted to accept, but he didn't want to seem too eager, not wanting to project the wrong intention, though his actions proved no wrong intention at all.

Tessa pulled on his arm, saying, "Please? You saved my life."

That I did. Twice now, Markerer thought ponderingly. He looked at Tessa, knowing she wouldn't know the depth of those words until he would reveal it to her later. He studied the child whose life was indebted to him, the child whose life had become his dedicated mission to keep. Though Markerer never had a child of his own, he cared for Tessa as though she was his own child. He would give his own life for her if it ensured her safety.

Lisel smiled, surprising Markerer when she placed a hand on his back and gently pushed him towards the hovervan, unaware of the man's importance in changing her own life. Markerer felt warmth surround him when Tessa held his hand, fixing her trusting blue eyes on him the same way she did when she was a baby.

So that was how Markerer found himself sitting at a kitchen table, eating spaghetti dinner with Tessa and her family. He was an alien in the human world, but the Eclipse family was unaware, treating him as though he was part of the family.

It wasn't long before Markerer actually became part of the family. Lisel and Tessa frequently invited him to the park and their home. Darz approved of Markerer, becoming good friends with him. The friendship strengthened to the point where Darz fully trusted Markerer, even if he was alone with his wife or children. Markerer was a protective presence for the Eclipse family, who felt very safe with him. Lisel even called him a 'guardian angel' several times, unaware of how close she was to the truth, that a winged Iredescent man was protecting the Eclipse family.

Markerer lived alone in his countryside home until the Eclipse family provided a room for him, allowing Markerer to live with them. This meant he could keep an even closer watch on Tessa with the Brenna home as a backup place. Grateful for their kindness, Markerer helped often by running errands, taking out the trash, washing the hovercars, and providing for the Eclipse family, happily sharing his income with them.

Tessa and Garrett referred to Markerer as 'Uncle Veren' even though he wasn't related to them by blood. Markerer continued to call Tessa 'Irie' as a personal nickname with a secret meaning to her hidden Iredescent origin.

Unaware of the danger of Redek, Tessa grew up with the loving Eclipse family and her beloved Uncle Veren. They spent much time watching anime, reading fashion magazines, playing chess, riding bikes, eating ice cream, going to the park, and other such activities.

Though he spent most of his waking hours at work or with the Eclipse family, Markerer rose very early in the morning in search of Redek. He reached out to Suduko, asking if there was a way they could find the pilot's stolen ship. Regrettably, it was a newer model without SIN; a ship identification number hadn't been assigned to the newer ship yet, before Redek stole it.

There was a time when Markerer chance encountered Redek when Tessa was ten years old. Markerer was alone, walking the streets of Seoul, South Korea, when he sensed someone watching him. He stopped and slowly turned to see an Arabic man in a white T-shirt and slim fit jeans. A string of white Apple earbuds dangled around his neck, connecting to an iPod in his jeans pocket.

It was Ahmed.

There was nothing much significant about his appearance, but Markerer caught the panicked look in his eyes and instantly knew this wasn't a pickpocketer or an ordinary thief; this person knew him.

Markerer's eyes narrowed as he evenly stared into the man's eyes, as if burning through his soul. To further burn him, Markerer briefly shapeshifted into Redek, just to see his reaction.

The astonished look in his shocked eyes confirmed what Markerer suspected. Without hesitation, Markerer lunged towards Redek, ready to take him out, but the other man ran, panicked to learn that Markerer had the exact same abilities, that he wasn't just a teleporter; he was also a shapeshifter.

Redek had the firi on him, like he always did whenever he was on the search for Markerer and Iressa, but all thoughts of the firi flew out of his mind, just like any other rational thought upon finally sighting Markerer for the first time since landing on planet Earth.

The men teleported throughout Korea, Japan, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, and New Zealand. Markerer steadily followed every jump portal Redek created whenever he teleported. Redek's excitement of finally finding Markerer was set fire with sheer terror and panic upon learning his secondary ability.

I had no idea he was able to shapeshift! This means he has the exact same abilities as me! I thought he only teleported, Redek thought fearfully as he tried to evade Markerer, who thought it was ironic for the enemy to try to evade him this time.

The chase ended when Redek teleported directly on Mount Yasur in Vanuatu, on Tanna Island. It was a very active volcano located on the coast of Sulphur Bay. He had remembered the place from a scenic postcard in a random gift shop. Redek was so focused on running from Markerer that he blundered, teleporting to one of the most dangerous places on the planet.

Both teleporters came to a halt, their shoes skidding on the smooth dark grey surface, as the ground started shaking and lava spewed, displaying a terrifying, but amazing, sight of an exploding volcano.

I definitely teleported to the wrong place, Redek thought at the same time Markerer thought, This man is insane for teleporting on an active volcano.

Before either man could teleport to a safe place, the violent tremors knocked them off balance, forcing them to fall from the sides of the volcano. Markerer briefly passed out when his head hit the rock, and Redek's body struck a tree, causing injury but not enough to knock him out.

When Markerer regained consciousness, Redek was already gone, and his jump portal had already vanished. Markerer immediately teleported himself to his Brenna home, painfully bandaging his wounds, unaware that Redek was doing the same in Ahmed's penthouse.

It was hard to keep the truth from the Eclipse family, who immediately noticed when Markerer was hurt or injured. He told them he was chasing a squirrel up a tree and he fell. Redek is somewhat like a squirrel, never consistent, always darting this way and that, never staying in the same place for long, Markerer thought.

Since then, Redek traveled around the world, stole several more forms, and created additional safe places for him to hide in case he encountered Markerer again. He mixed it up, going in random places and selecting the most random people to steal forms from.

He masqueraded as the luxury hovercar dealer named Ahmed Haseem, a voluptuous schoolteacher named Darlene Menscher, an old lady named Carlena Liriope, an Asian foreign exchange student named Cheng Tseng, a jazz singer named Jessam Smalt, a police officer named Pherenice Darety, and a gardener named Socha Fossette.

Markerer never stole forms, simply hiding his Iredescent skin shimmer and keeping his wings dematerialized.

Both shapeshifters continued to secretly search for each other, but they didn't encounter each other again until Tessa reached her nineteeth birthday.

While the Eclipse family was getting ready to go to the beach for Tessa's birthday, Markerer was in his room on his laptop, secretly messaging Suduko Tristanle, the Ruler of Iredescent.

Markerer's secure laptop was secretly imported from planet Iredescent; therefore, it always had Glitternet, the Iredescent Internet. The hot pink laptop was covered in stickers of hovercars, glam metal bands, memes, and other personal stickers.

The classic rock song "No One Like You" by Scorpions played in the background on Markerer's iPod hooked to a radio speaker, surrounded by an 80's part of the room. Markerer enjoyed music and had lots of discs, iPods, music players, and whatnot all bunched up and scattered on the desk across from his bed, which had burgundy red and gold bedcovers, the colors reminiscent of Markerer's burgundy red wings with gold-streaked feathers.

A stylish 90's black leather jacket with warm Sherpa lining hung on a rack in the open closet, next to flannel shirts, jean jackets, and tailored suits. The room was kinda dark with dim lights strewn around. Markerer, however, had perfect vision that never faltered.

Markerer contacted Suduko online, via a top secret Iredescent program called Ir. Markerer encoded and designed the program in the Iredescent language so that even if someone did hack into his laptop, they would never know what the program was and of its connection to planet Iredescent.

"Hello, brother. It's been, like, four days since I contacted you," Markerer whispered under his breath as he typed the words.

Haha, was the sarcastic reply from Suduko. I almost thought you forgot me.

Me? Forget you? A-b-s-o-l-u-t-e-l-y, Markerer typed back, chuckling at the impossibility of ever forgetting Suduko, the man who was like a brother to him. The two close friends often exchanged good-natured jokes, sarcasm, and lots of humor. The Ir program enabled them to type, see, and hear each other, while messaging.

He heard Suduko laugh. Any updates?

Still haven't found Redek yet, Markerer typed back, sighing sadly.

Suduko also sighed sadly. Blast. A pause, then he typed, Tessa is 19 today, isn't she?

Yes, she is, Markerer confirmed. The Eclipse family and I are going to the beach for her birthday.

She's growing up to be a fine young woman. Are there any guys she is interested in?

Not that I am aware of, no. She thinks guys don't notice her.

Oh, I'm sure they notice her. She is very beautiful, whether she is human or Iredescent.

Too bad she doesn't see her own worth. She is a quiet loner. She has a hard time making friends. She told me that no one wants to be friends with her. She feels different from other people and even told me she feels like an alien in this world, which I find very ironic. Everyone seems to shun her for some reason. Tessa rarely goes out because there is usually no one to hang out with except me or her brother Garrett.

Hm, Suduko said thoughtfully. She works at the ice cream shop next to the Neon Rage nightclub, right?

Yeah, Markerer said edgily. He disapproved of Tessa's job location. It was the only job that hired her. He sometimes had to fend off wannabe rapists and drunken fighters whenever he picked her up from work. Tessa kept trying to find better jobs, but nobody wanted to hire her; they all chose to pursue other candidates.

One of the sadnesses that plague her life, Markerer thought, uploading a recent picture of Tessa to show Suduko.

Suduko smiled smugly. Told you she is very beautiful.

Indeed, her beauty brings delight to any part of the galaxy, Markerer agreed, smiling back.

Markerer received a recent picture of Suduko's sons, Tren and Teal. Handsome men, Markerer commented. He wanted Tessa to marry Tren someday.

Tren was a tall, muscular man with disheveled midnight blue hair and deep blue eyes. His wings were a stunning deep sapphire blue color. His skin shimmer was dark blue like the sleeveless shirts and tank tops that he usually wore with his black athletic pants.

Teal was three years younger than Tren. His short black hair was spiked up a little in the front and short in the back. His teal blue, almond-shaped eyes looked like they were made of pure glitter. There was a golden sheen in his eyes that indicated he was the only finned one in the Tristanle family.

Tren is almost always with his cousin Crimson, Suduko told Markerer. The two of them are very close, like brothers. Tren hardly spends much time with his actual brother.

I hope that someday Tessa will meet Tren. They would be a good couple, said Markerer.

Yes, they would be, Suduko agreed. Iredescent would be in good hands.

Iredescent is already in good hands, Suduko. You are an excellent kind Ruler and father.

I meant the future of Iredescent, you winglet.

Markerer's smile froze when he suddenly heard Tessa say, "Uncle Veren."

Tessa's slim frame was silhouetted as she stood in the doorway of Markerer's bedroom. The lights embraced her as she walked inside, illuminating the human girl.

Her long straight, layered jet black hair was placed neatly over her shoulders. Her light skin looked like bright moonlight even in the dimness of Markerer's room. The disco lights danced across her sparkly pink spaghetti top and royal purple shorts. Her twilight blue eyes were fixed on Markerer, the man she thought of as her Uncle Veren.

On Tessa's wrist was the moonstone bracelet that Markerer had given Tessa on her sixteenth birthday, revealing another similarity between Tessa and Markerer in that they both always wore some kind of jewelry they never took off. Markerer never took off his meromyt gemstone necklace, and Tessa never took off her moonstone bracelet.

Markerer had no time to hide the picture of Suduko's sons, shown clearly in full view on the laptop screen. Before Markerer could quickly close out of Ir, Tessa asked curiously, "Who are those guys?"

"My friend's sons. He uploaded a new pic," Markerer told Tessa honestly. It was the first time he was caught. He had been distracted by thoughts of a hopeful romance between Tren and Tessa. Now it seemed, those thoughts could eventally become reality.

Markerer allowed Tessa to look at the picture, watching her reaction closely. Perhaps she should see the picture, he thought, asking, "What do you think?"

"They're really handsome and glittery," Tessa said, pleasing Markerer when he caught admiration in her tone. "I really like that. You rarely see guys who like glitter, let alone put glitter all over themselves."

"Yeah, they sure love glitter. They both enjoy anime and often go to comic cons," Markerer lied, so Tessa wouldn't know of their true Iredescent identity. "This guy is four years older than you."

"That's nice," Tessa said politely, her shyness preventing her from properly expressing her feelings. She could already tell Tren was a quiet, solitary kind of guy just by looking at him. Teal looked like an outgoing kind of guy.

Markerer was glad to see that Tessa appeared interested. He allowed her to continue looking at the picture, hoping it would garner a promising result.

Indeed, Tessa felt drawn to Tren, feeling more than mere attractiveness. She couldn't look away from his eyes, feeling as though he was looking directly at her, exposing her secret desires, wishes, wants, hopes, and dreams. Tessa didn't know whether it was her imagination, but it seemed like a secret loneliness was hidden in the depths of Tren's eyes, mirroring Tessa's own secret loneliness.

"Would you like to see him sometime?" Markerer asked, hoping to encourage her.

"Yes," Tessa whispered, allowing the hope to wrap around her like a warm blanket for a few more moments, before Tessa forced herself to look away from the screen, diverting her attention to the Nouga candy bars next to Markerer's laptop. "May I have one?"

"Of course, my Irie! You can have as many as you want," Markerer said happily, looking forward to when he would tell Suduko about Tessa's positive reaction to the picture of Tren and Teal. He felt like shouting, "YES!" and jumping up and down in excitement, but he controlled himself, though the good feeling lingered, improving his mood even further.

Tessa brought him back to the present, saying, "We gotta head out soon. Dad and Mom are ready, and Garrett is already in the hovercar."

"Oh, that's right. The beach," said Markerer, standing up at the reminder.

The Eclipse family was going to the beach in Spain. It just so happened to be on Tessa's birthday because of the family work schedules. Garrett was in college working on a medical degree while Tessa worked at an ice cream shop. Markerer had no issues requesting time off, but Lisel and Darz had a harder time requesting time off because many coworkers also requested time off. But at last, they were able to enjoy a family vacation at the beach.

Markerer waited until Tessa looked away before he finally closed out of Ir. He completely turned off the laptop and placed it in its case. His clothes were already packed in a suitcase on the bed.

"Are all your stuff packed?" Markerer asked, picking up the suitcase.

"Ready since yesterday," Tessa told him, turning off the lights. "It's already in the hovercar. We're just waiting on you."

"My bad," Markerer murmured, biting into a Nouga candy bar. It was like a Snickers candy bar, but better. It tasted very much like an Unreal candy bar (Unreal is a real candy bar, by the way).

Tessa seized a handful of Nouga candy bars, grinning at Markerer as they left his room.

Markerer followed Tessa to the family hovercar. Upon seeing Markerer, Darz smiled and said, "About time, Ver. Took an eternity for you to get ready."

An inaccurate accusation, since teleporters were usually already prepared to disappear at a moment's notice. But Markerer hadn't teleported in over a year, so he became somewhat more accustomed to taking things at a more leisurely, human pace.

Darz took the suitcase from Markerer and put it in the trunk, which was crammed full of family belongings. Darz tossed the hovercar keys to Markerer, who hopped in the driver's seat. Tessa took the front passenger seat next to Markerer, while Darz, Lisel, and Garrett were in the back.

Feeling exceptionally pleased and happy today, Markerer turned on classic rock music and started flying the airborne silver and aqua vehicle that was the family hovercar. Sunlight chased the hovercar as it navigated through the air traffic, not surprising since it was summer and prime vacation season.

As the silver and aqua hovercar traveled from one side of the world, another hovercar traveled towards the same destination from another part of the world.

The hovercar was dark orange and light purple, mimicking the wings of the evil shapeshifter named Redek Falk. It was operated by Ahmed Haseem, the human identity that Redek used most often.

Neither shapeshifter was aware of the chance encounter that would occur upon arrival at a certain beach, starting a significant moment in their lives.

The moment that would set things in motion for the Iredescents and the humans connected with the human girl named Tessa Eclipse.

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Music:

"Private Eyes"
by Hall & Oates

"No One Like You"
by Scorpions

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✨ This is the Unreal candy bar. It is SOOOO GOOD and you can find them at the Publix store, or Amazon. And of course, the Snickers candy bar :) Just wait until you read about Crimson and his love for Kit Kat chocolate candy. It's a true love story LOL 🍫

✨ Suduko, Tren, and Crimson will show up in the next chapter! Sadly, the Kit Kats won't appear until a later chapter, but they will definitely appear!

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