Hearts Of Darkness

*WHERE ARE WE?*

CHAPTER 4

Tarn was told to escort Soleil to earth, but as they both crossed the portal leading to earth, the portal closed behind them, and tarn got stuck with Soleil on earth. Soleil and Tarn found themselves in a strange, unfamiliar place. They could see the ocean in the distance, and a strange city spread out before them. The air was warm and humid, and the sun was blazing overhead. Everything was foreign and unknown, and they didn't know what to expect. Soleil felt a knot of fear in her stomach, but she tried to put on a brave face for Tarn. Where are we? she asked no one in particular.

As they continued walking through the strange city, trying to figure out where they were, she began to see familiar sights - a street sign with a familiar name, a*****e that sold items from their own world. And then, they rounded a corner and saw a sign that read "Welcome to Boston." Soleil's eyes widened in recognition. We're in my hometown, she said. And as they continued to explore, she began to recognize more and more of the landmarks. It was like they had traveled through time and space, and somehow ended up back where they started.

When they reached Soleil's house, they went inside and she showed Tarn to the bathroom. You can wash up and change your clothes in here, she said. There are towels and soap, and I'll find you some clothes that will fit. Tarn thanked her, and she left him to his own devices. As he washed up, he couldn't help but feel grateful for Soleil's kindness. He had never met anyone like her before, and he felt lucky to have her as his guide in this strange new world.

As Soleil returned with the clothes, she was met with a sight she never expected. Tarn was standing in the middle of the room, his long dark hair falling over his shoulders, his face and body bare to the world. He was lean and muscular, and his eyes were like twin pools of silver. For a moment, Soleil forgot to breathe. He was the most beautiful person she had ever seen. Then she remembered herself, and quickly averted her gaze. I'm so sorry, she said, her face turning red.

It's all right, Tarn said, his voice calm and reassuring. I understand that I must look strange to you. And I appreciate your help. He took the clothes from her, and began to dress. As he did so, Soleil noticed something strange - there were markings on his skin, like tattoos, but they seemed to move and shift as he moved. They were patterns of darkness and color, swirling and changing, and they seemed to reflect the world around them. It was like he was made of living light.Soleil couldn't take her eyes off of Tarn, and he seemed to sense her curiosity. These markings, he said, his eyes meeting hers, are a part of who I am. They are a part of my people, and they are what allow us to travel through the portals. Soleil was stunned. You can travel through the portals? she asked. Not just me, Tarn said. All of my people can. But it is a gift that must be earned, and not all are worthy. He looked at her, his eyes searching hers.

You are a special person, Soleil, Tarn said. I can feel it in my heart. You have a light within you that is unlike anything I have ever seen. And I know that your destiny is greater than you can imagine. Soleil felt her heart skip a beat. She had never thought of herself as special, or as someone with a great destiny. But something about Tarn's words resonated with her, and she felt herself believing him. What do you mean? she asked, her voice trembling.