Colorfully Grey

My eyes fluttered on when I peered out my bedroom window to see the pale lavender moon setting on the horizon revealing a beating white sun. I noticed that the lenses covering my eyes had an ultraviolet-colored tint to them. I knew it meant I would have to add an arsenic powder to clean out my system. It was healthy but the feeling I got as I ate them was a grating sensation that tended to give me indigestion. I took a deep breath—my neck cooling from the air and worked up the energy to get out of bed. I looked at the disheveled and cracked in just the right places stone that made up my bed. Thank goodness I made it home from the bar last night, having the moon put you to sleep outside of your bed always gives you a crick in the crystal when you wake up. 

I went down the pure rock stairs of my mountain apartment home. Crystal structures jutting from the walls in asymmetrical patterns lined the ceiling in the newest style. Why lining the ceiling with what looked like body parts never made sense to me, but being a member of the High Dorrin Court led to a fairly regular occurrence of young guests asking for governmental favors that I was nowhere powerful enough to give, so I would live with because they always brought amazing food.

Today’s dish? A left-over platter of gneiss rock that was layered to near-perfect conditions, with a basalt salt, and igneous glaze heated to perfection over the fire. I put the arsenic powder on top of the whole thing, ruining it. I broke off a crystal tine from my arm to use as a utensil. Some Dorrins bought diamond utensils, which was incredibly stupid. Why use something that was so much weaker than your own skin? I pressed my other crystal and craggy Grey hand and all my fingers into the four holes in my chest, twisted, and opened the cavity revealing an opening for the food. Using my broken-off tine I began to fork the bits into my chest, and by Moonlife it was amazing.

Afterward, I went outside to see several other Dorrins walking out of their mountain homes into the halls of the mountainside city of Dorrinia.  Being a representative with no mate allowed me some incredibly lovely perks of getting an outer walled apartment that gave me a stunning view of the waning of the great moon whenever I awoke. I noticed my neighbor, Quinn walking disheveled with many cracks in his dull ruddy blue exterior towards his home.  I waved and gave Quinn a motion to come closer to me.

He saw my beckoning and approached with a crystal hand held out to me. I clasped it and we began to share our thoughts. 

“Didn’t make it home before moonrise?” I thought to him as his grip stiffened. I could hear his mate in the back of his mind scolding him for not making it home. 

“I can’t believe you didn’t make it back before moonrise again! Do you know what is out there Quinn, moonst...” Quinn blocked his mate's thoughts so that I could not hear them. 

“I love my mate to death Jemsin, but I seem to be getting increasingly jealous of you greys as time goes on.” Quinn’s eyes fluttered as they thought the slur, grey, “Eh sorry Jemsin, my thoughts got crossed between you and the mate. I didn’t mean to offend.” 

I rose my hand to stop him from tripping over more thoughts and asked “Hey, it's hard for anyone not to think correctly when ‘uncolored individual over 75’ is supposed to be the correct term. Sometimes I wish people would stop worrying about offending me and just call me old rock Grey.” I flickered my eyes and shrugged my shoulders showing that I meant it as a joke. Quinn did not reciprocate, clearly still worried I was offended by the slur, so I asked “How’s work at the quarry?” to change the subject.

Quinn seemed thankful that I did because they thought the typical response, “Good! We just found a cash of quarts behind the limestone today. Good eating for the mountain this month. I actually got a raise for being the Shaper that found it! That’s actually why I was late, but ya know, Opala has just been worried about me ever since those Dorrins went missing. I told them it was just some young ones cliff hoping a tad too high for their crystal, but they keep talking about those moonstalkers conspiracy theories and how they will...” Quinn continued to blather on this train of thought like Quinn tended to do so they wouldn’t have to confront their mate in Opala’s angered state. Unfortunately, that last thought sunk through so Quinn heard what I was thinking. Quinn stopped the conversation and gave me a flicker of the eyes and a shrug and we unclasped our arms disconnecting from each other's thoughts. I swore I could still hear Opala's thoughts telling him to get his diamond ass inside. Oh, what it must be like to have a mate that can share thoughts at any distance. Thank Moonlife I was still unmated. A Grey.  

I continued down the hall looking out the mountain side seeing the blasting of our white sun surrounded by the billions of stars in the cosmos, wondering just how many like us were out there, how many thoughts couldn’t project across the vastness of space to be listened to by other beings. I then peered down the mountainside to see the vibrant purple landscape abundant with another billion lifeforms made by crystalized cells of ice and diamond. I put my head out the window and took a deep breath from the holes in my neck in the hopes to smell the beautiful scene. It was in vain of course, being fifteen stories high on the mountain meant all I could smell was the salt and oxygen in the air. It isn’t too curious that we evolved to smell the things that keep us alive, but sometimes I wished I had the time to venture to the lush forest below. Maybe when I found a mate we would take a trip there to celebra... A tiny movent in the leaves caught my vision, interrupting my thought. A ruffling at the top of a tree, and a head popped out of a white and purple-leafed tree and stared at me with blue and black-centered eyes. A moonstalker. The only thing “allegedly”, that didn’t sleep when the moon rose.  You could see them on occasion, but seeing one with its beading eyes, baggy liquid-filled exterior, covered by a thin layer of something I wouldn’t know what, and long fine tendrils that came out of its head unsettled me.  It opened an orifice on its face, disgusting and started moving it with a rapidness I had not thought possible. I thought the rest of its body would start to move as fast, but it stayed completely still until it took one arm and slammed it against its chest at me. They were harmless thankfully. Not only were their bodies weaker than rusted iron, but they were barely half as tall as a typical Dorrin. It seemed to scuttle down the tree and run off to freedom. I did envy the creature for having that ability. 

I stared for about a minute longer to see if the creature would appear again but realized that I needed to get to the high court before our meeting was adjourned. The halls leading to the court continued to get more and more congested as I bumped into passerbys thinking thoughts of “I have to get to work,” “the government is full of Mind-Smiths,” and a frantic Dorrin thinking,  “that construction is going to require at least six shapers all of different color, its absurd!” I also could hear the thoughts of Dorrin projectors throwing their thoughts to anyone that was within their sphere of influence. They were preaching volumes like: “The end to the moon is nye!” and “We will have our destruction for taking our jurisdiction over the life the moon has given us!” The typical, crazy Dorrin on-the-street projector trying to create a doomsday religion. There was even a Puce-colored Dorrin, though how in the world this Dorrin found a mate is beyond me, that was saying the moonstalkers were kidnapping our young and turning them into basalt breakfast biscuits. Okay, that one was a little funny. They always grew in numbers on a day of an important vote and were especially egregious on days that the Spectrum Gias was to appear, so the fact that today was both, made for an exhausting walk to the work. 

I walked up to the door surrounded by two shapers and showed them the crag pattern of my hand as I slipped it into the four-fingered keyhole on the door and turned the key, then the shapers together did the same on their own keyholes and used their abilities to turn the solid rock door into a semi-viscus state which allowed for safe passage into the court. As I went through the door it felt as if I was being pushed through a shower of sand and could already hear the overlapping projecting of thoughts in the next room. I went in, and so began the circus. 

I looked around the court to find my seat. Thankfully there were only two greys on the entire court, Rumtin and myself, which was set to the farthest left from looking at the stage. The room was a stadium with a large semicircle stone platform and a crystal dais plagued with the Seven-Pointed star,in its center surrounded by 150 seats that rose on several platforms allowing the people in the back the highest seats while those near the stage were the lowest. It reminded me of a large lecture hall I had used during my schooling, but with a much grander feel. Each ability had its own section with elaborate stone carved images above the seats so everyone knew which guild they belonged to. The Grey's symbol was a blank slab of stone with no marking whatsoever as if we didn’t quite yet exist. Thankfully the court was kind enough to give us a Projector Dorrin so our thoughts could be heard, although most likely ignored when needed. 

“Hello fellow representative Jemsin,” Fels, our projector said to me as I approached, I clasped Fel’s arm to be able to speak with them as I noticed Rumtin’s seat still vacant. “Hello, projector Fels. How are you doing on this wonderfully wacky day, and have you seen Rumtin?” Fel’s eyes lit in surprise. “What’s going on?” I asked concerned for my friend. 

“You don’t know sir? I figured you would have, being that you were so close. I honestly thought it was you when I first found out.” I saw Fels look to the Smiths guild as I turned around and saw a Vibrant jet-black Dorrin in the center of the group being congratulated on gaining... a mate. “I’m sorry sir. I didn’t know either.” Fels’s thoughts went through me as I heard a loud booming thought from the center dais. A vibrant Jade Dorrin, whose name was ridiculously his own color. stood at the center projecting booming thoughts for us all to be called to order and to take their seats. Beside the Dorrin stood another that was a crystalline amber Dorrin. The Spectrum Gias. 

“I call this meeting to order and begin the roll. Guardians?” The Jade Dorrin looks to the rightmost group of individuals, a stone carving of a crystalline shield enveloped in a circle above them. A projector standing near the guardians, for the guardians themselves could not project thoughts that great of a distance, was clasped to one of the guardians so that they could project their own thoughts. 

“I, Roca first representative of the guardians, through the projector Botan am confirming that all Guardians are present and have negated all connection to Dorrin, including mates outside of court for this session. All Dorrin in this room may now think clearly without the possibility of their thoughts leaving this room until this session has concluded.” 

“Thank you first-representative Roca. Earth-Shapers?” The Jade Dorrin looks to the second set of court members a carved circle with multiple shapes surrounding the outside of the pattern making their symbol. 

“I, Glaaz, 1st representative of the earth-shapers through projector, Rito, am confirming that all earth-shapers are present and have made it so all entrances to the court are sealed so no one may leave or enter until the conclusion of the session.” Great, a contest to see who could brag the most.  

“Thank you Glaaz, Mind-Smiths?” A symbol with a circle with several visualized spikes going through it hangs above them.

“I, Rumtin, newly mated and last representative of the mind-smiths, through projector Sahar, am confirming that all mind-smiths are present and have made sure that no misrepresentation of this council has gone unpunished.” 

“Thank you Rumtin and congratulations.” Jade then continued through the Telekeys and the Emotives, with both groups bragging about what they have done to save Dorrin society. “And of course, I Jade, 1st representative of the projectors have accounted for all projectors and we have allowed this meeting to commence so that communication between all fields may be discussed welcomely. I call this session in order so that we may begin our first vote on the creation and...” Jade is stopped by the Dorrin standing beside them. The Spectrum Gias. 

“I believe that we have forgotten a group.” As the Gias pointed at the lone Grey, me. 

“Ah yes, the gre... I mean uncolored over 75?” 

I clasped onto Fels, who tightened their grip in support. Everyone in the room stared at me with distaste, aside from Rumtin, who was staring at me with pity, which was even worse. 

“I, Jemsin, 1st representative of the Uncolored over 75, through the projector Fels am present.” That was it, no bragging for me, for there was apparently nothing a Grey could do. 

“Thank you Jemsin. Now let us bring out the first and only issue of this emergency council to order.” Jade projected to the other representatives. It wasn’t really an emergency meeting, however, considering it took over 5 moons to happen. It was really more of an inconvenience meeting. 

Jade continued, “We have come today to vote on whether or not to enforce a curfew for all Dorrins due to the recent disappearance of three Dorrins on the lower levels of Dorrinia. We will hear from both sides of the argument after the initial statements have been said. Giving the initial statement for a curfew will be 14th representative, Karoon of the Telekeys. Projector Silla, are you aware that the punishment for projecting thoughts in a false or incorrect nature to this council will result in the penalty of death?” 

Silla looked undaunted by the command, having to do these dozens of times in the past, and projected an answer of “Yes.” 

“And with those punishments as recourse to falsifying thoughts known are you still willing to project for us today?” 

“Yes.” She projected to all representatives.  

  “Karoon, you may begin when you are able.” 

Karoon took a deep breath through his neck and then clasp their arms with Silla. Karoon then began to use his own abilities to levitate himself and Silla above the audience so that they could be seen clearly. Karoon then began. 

“My fellow representatives. So far we have had 3 unaccounted disappearances in the lower city. The perpetrators of these crimes seem to have one Modus Operandi. Unmated, young, and old have been the target of these attacks. It also appears that these crimes are all being perpetrated and evidence shows can only be perpetrated during moon hours.  Take our first abduction. Tolkein, Child of Rey and Catana. Age: 26. Tolkein was out playing in the rock Garden just before moonrise, when their parents went inside their first-floor home. They miscalculated and the moon rose before they could grab their child. When they awoke after moonset. Their child was gone with clear markings of a Dorrin being dragged into the forest.  Take our second victim, Pox, parentage unknown, a chaste Monk of the Moon from Terrenia, Age: 187. Monks of the moon are known to prefer to sleep in direct moonlight, thus Pox, did so and had many times before at the base of our city. The eatery, Reckshi Rocs, confirmed that they saw the monk leave the city minutes before moonrise, and the monk never returned. Now our third and final victim.” Karoon seemed to wait a long while, Silla his projector spoke up to explain, 

“My apologies representatives, Karoon is experiencing much sorrow and needs a minute longer to continue.” We all waited for a moment in our own thoughts, shocked by what we were hearing. Karoon then turned to Silla and nodded, ready to continue. 

“Our third victim. Dy.. Dystra. Child of Yildan and... Karoon.” Eyes brightened in surprise at the mention of Karoon’s own child’s name. “Age: 7. Abducted four moons ago. My mate and I took a vacation to the forest to see the beauty of life. We brought our children. They lay next to us as we slept. Taken. Right from underneath my own arms.” Karoon stopped for a moment to breathe. His eyes bright as the white hot sun, passion and hatred pouring from him. “The only thing that these victims all have in common is that they have gone missing during moon hours near or in the forest and are Grey in color. With this limited information, I believe that we must assume the worst possible case, and that is that moonstalkers have been kidnapping our residence during moon hours. Thus, we must initiate a curfew for 1 hour prior to the moonrise so that all Dorrians are in their homes and safe while they sleep, and none will have to go through the trauma that my mate and I have had to go through on these four agonizing days. Please, as a father to three other young Dorrins, I beg that you do this for the safety of our people. Please.”  

Karoon lowered them both back down near their seats using his telekinesis ability. I, and it appeared the majority of other representatives were shocked by the reveal. Only Karoon, Silla, and the Spectrum Gias appeared to stand resolute. The only obvious solution was to protect our people with a curfew. However, a rebuttal needed to be spoken even if it appeared that everyone had already made up their minds.

Jade, still standing on the stage next to the dais began to project. “Thank you... Karoon. To rebuttal, we have a special inclusion for today's meeting, the Spectrum Gias.” 

The Spectrum Gias waited for Jade to leave the podium. The Gias's crystal exterior shined a radiant Amber in the sunlight coming from the glass window that made up the ceiling of the room. The Gias peered around the room at every individual before they began to speak. As they passed over me I felt the tendrils of mind smithing, followed by an overwhelming calmness and feeling of trust as they altered my emotions. This was normal of course. Being the only one of us in our society to have all six mental abilities allowed only the Gias the ability to single-handledly combine them in a variety of ways. The Gias did this for our betterment, for the Moonlight themselves gave the Gias this ability. Then... the Spectrum Gias projected their thoughts. 

"We haven't had any reason to fear the Moonstalkers. They are a weak people. Let us enjoy our time and live in revelry."

That was it. I mean. What more needed to be said? The Spectrum Gias was clearly right in all ways. What was the reason we even thought to have a curfew? Didn't three Dorrins disa... well no. That's right they were found this morning. Yeah, that's right. I shook my head trying to clear the fog I was in with no avail when Jade stood up, also seeming in a daze, to call the vote. 

"Those, uhh, in favor of the Curfew, raise your left hand." Not a single Dorrin did. Not even Karoon. They were fidgeting, their eyes flickering and heads still bobbing from the powerful speech.

"Those not in favor?" All Dorrins, except Karoon, raised their left hands in acceptance. Another perfect vote for our perfect society. "Thus, the vote is closed and a curfew will not be initiated. We will have a vote in three moons' time to vote on the new tariffs on the importation of goods from Forridina. Thank you all for your service, and thank you Spectrum Gias for attending and speaking such a wonderful speech. Dismissed"

The Dorrins in the chamber all began to rise and move to the exits being opened by Shapers. I decided to wait for most to clear out before I left. It was difficult for a Grey with no abilities to shuffle around several vibrant Dorrins that pretended they didn't exist. 

To my surprise, I saw Rumtin walking towards me. They held out their hand to think with me. I clasped it. 

"Before I say anything else," Rumtin quickly thought to me, "I need to apologize to you for not telling you about finding a mate." Rumtin seemed to truly mean it too, or at least I thought they did. It was incredibly difficult to hide things from friends. 

"He was a Mind-Smith, now so it was difficult to hide thoughts or not have your thoughts manipulated." 

Rumtin let go in surprise and I quickly grabbed his arm reestablishing contact. 

"I can't believe I just thought that! I'm so sorry Rum..." 

"It's okay, really." Rumtin thought to me. "I still can't control a lot yet when it comes to smiting. Sometimes I listen to what I don't intend to. It's a lot easier to get past someone's barriers than you would think, but that isn't why I came over. I want you to come out to celebrate with me and a few others tonight. I've learned that there is an amazing new bar down on level one that a few other Smiths want to take me to. I would really love it if one of my best friends would join me?" 

"Isn't there something happening near the first floor? Aren't Dorrins getting hurt or something?" 

Rumtin gave me a quizzical look. "What? I don't think so. What made you think that?"

"I... I don't know." I thought, incredibly confused. I just felt like going to a lower floor seemed off? I wasn't quite sure. I pushed that thought back into my mind and thought to Rumtin. "That would be perfect. Oh yeah! Who the heck is your mate!?" I asked as if nothing had changed. 

A Telekey on duty lowered us to the bottom level on Dorrinia. We went to the bar and honestly, the rest of the night is a tad cragged. I had way too much to drink. 

"So wait", I thought clasped to Rumtin my thoughts moving at the pace of tectonic plates. "What's your mate's name again?" 

His mate, not with us thought to me through Rumtin. "It's DELLA!" Oh my goodness Rumtin, I wish I was with you now. This Jemsin is a real hoot. I wish I could have met you face to face Jemsin, you seem incredibly fun. I don't know why Rumtin asks like your a stick in the mud." Rumtin cut her off from being able to talk with me. 

"Whoops! You didn't hear that Jemsin." I, too drunk to care... didn't care! 

"So," I asked Rumtin, "What's it like to... ya know?" 

"Share your thoughts with someone all the time?" Rumtin replied, "It's so wierd. Like at the moment I keep forgetting that I'm sharing thoughts and thinking something stupid, and Della is right there telling me, 'I hear ya, you know?' But to be fair I hear Della make the same mistakes all day too, so I think it's just something you have to get used to. Being cut off from then in the council today was awful though. I never knew what it felt like to be cut off from a mate. It's like you have lost half of yourself, ya know." 

"Suuuuure don't!" I thought to him in an intoxicated slur that may have contained a picture of a Dorrin ballerina dancing. “How maaany mooons?” I asked forcing out the words like paste. 

“Till we were successful with the ritual? I know it sounds crazy, but only one!” I looked at Rumtin incredulously, it never, only took one night. “Hey, don’t believe me, but it's true. It only took one damn night to succeed. That’s why you never found out you know? Our first date was only 6 moons ago. We both never thought it would work. We gave each other a piece of each other's arm, and one sleep later... pesto, mated and got my color.” Rumtin gave me a look and thought, “Seriously! You would of been the first person I told.” 

I look into Rumtin’s eyes and surveyed their new onyx exterior. It really did look great on them. Rumtin really looked great too, even before they gained color. Shame. 

We called it a night way too close to moon rise, and Rumtin told me that they would help me to the Telekey elevator. I grabbed my molten slurry and kept my chest open so I could continue drinking. 

As we walked out of the bar however I so a familiar face standing near the exit. Not of the bar mind you. But the exit, to the purple forest outside. It was Karoon. The Dorrin who made the speech for a curfew standing by the door. I told Rumtin to head on up to their mate so they can do some moon makin' and bid him congrats and farewell. Rumtin thanked me and went to a Telekey, “Last round up!” The Telekey said to me. They have to go to sleep at moonrise too. I waved them off, looks like I’d not be making it home tonight. I was to drunk to care and wanted to see what was up with Karoon. It seemed like the only ones still down here were me and Karoon. Not surprising, being so close to moonrise. I walked over to Karoon and touched his arm. 

"I know they are real! I know they are! I know they are! I know they are!" His thoughts were screaming. 

"Karoon!" I thought back trying to get through to him. They looked at me not realizing till then that I was even connected to them. 

"I know I had a child Jemsin! I know I did! But why can me or my mate not remember anything about them! I know I had a child! They were kidnapped by moonstalkers, I know! I know! I know! Remember one child, two child, three child fff.. four child! I had... have fffour children! Aroch,” I see a clear image of a sapphire Dorrin with their mate, “Beka,” I see a grey Dorrin at a graduation ceremony,  “Chimshi,” another Grey but smaller and being flown through the air by Karoon,  “and... D... Dy.. Dy..” I see a picture of a Dorrin, black blotches fill their face and feature as if inked has bled over the entire image. “What was my fourth child's name Jemsin?!"  I was shocked into sobriety, I tried to peel away and close my open chest, but they held on with a frantic death grip. "What! Was! It!? One... Two... Three... Ffffour... One two three four! 1234!"

"We have to go Jemsin before they are ripped away from me!" They clasped their arm to mine so tightly that my forearm began to break, and cracks appeared all the way up to my shoulder. With their other hand, they lifted us both into the air. My eyes brightened in shock. What was going on! What was Karoon doing? Karoon flung us through the window and deep into the forest shattering glass and brush and trees all the way. The last thing I saw was the glint of a lavender moon. 

***

My eyes flickered on in a room full of shiny grey and gold metal. I was on a table and there were strange circle-shaped lights above me that were definitely not moonlight powered. And I had the strangest feeling ever. I could feel something in my thoughts, prying and grabbing. Almost as if I was touching and sharing thoughts with a Dorrin, but this felt so different. I looked down at my scarlet hand and realized that my steel bed handle was entirely rusted while the rest of the room looked pristine and cleaned to perfection. I looked back down at my hand again. Scarlet, not Grey. What the fuck!?

I tried to jump out of my bed, but a giant metal clasp held me down to the table. I had been mated against my will! I didn’t even know who they were. How did they even mate with me? I looked at my chest cavity, now closed, and remembered that I had left it open the night before to easily drink, and didn’t think to close it before talking to Karoon. 

“What is that awful thing I kept hearing in my mind?” I thought. 

“It’s called music stonesforballs.” A crass high-pitched voice said in my head. “I know you never ‘heard’ anything before, so I guess I was trying to be generous and give you something nice to listen to when you woke up. It’s called ‘Seven Nation Army’ and it's a real oldie. A real good one too.” 

“Who are you and what have you done with me!” I quickly yelled back. I looked around spastically trying to break free from my bonds. The bonds were made of what seemed to be a solid lead and gold alloy and even though the steel handles of the bed were rusted, these were pristine. I struggled against them for a few thrashing minutes, but I could tell they wouldn’t budge so I gave up that music or whatever it was called still going through my head. Exhausted I asked in vain, “Please, I just want to go home.” 

A door to the room opened up and an almond moonstalker came into the room. Their left hand was covered in some type of wrap that was soaked in a red substance. It looked as if the second finger was missing. I then began to think, and I could hear them. 

“Oh, we will get you back home don’t you worry about that, but first you have to help us get back to our home.” 

Trying to act as casually as possible not wanting to anger the creature I asked, “And where might that be?” 

The creature pointed up and then projected an image of a blue and green planet in the sky over a lush green forest, and I realized that this green fauna was what this moonstalker saw instead of the lush purples that I did. The focus then went back to the planet that took over the sky, and I realized that this was the moon. I had never seen it before, of course, because we were all asleep during moon time. Except for moonstalkers that is. I was then interrupted in my thinking by the voice of the moonstalker in front of me. 

“It’s called Earth, crystal jerk.”