by J L Lawrence
“Do you believe trust is absolute or that time can stand still? What about hate and anger? Can it be pushed aside and only the purest intentions remain? Will this world survive the loss of humanity?” Pausing for effect, she opened to their emotions. They wanted to believe, but fear ruled their minds. She had to break the barrier.
So, I’ll show them. “I believe in all people of every realm and that there is still enough good and light to defeat the darkest of evils. Many of the questions I asked of you may never be answered. But know this. The purity of love and friendship burns brighter than the sun, diminishing the darkness. A light in the distance of a pitch-black night. Hope finds a way.
“This inner light shines when all others have faded. It’s feeling the battle has been lost and fresh troops arrive to save the day. The first cry of a newborn baby beginning life’s journey. A star in the sky we follow to safety. The friends that lay down their life so you can live.”
In the background, she played her memories on the screen. They witnessed the journey and friendships. The victories and defeats. Friends gained. Friends lost. The last several months of her life played like a movie. The emotions imprinted on their hearts. She continued to speak softly as they followed her journey.
“If you can learn to trust beyond comprehension and believe in things you can’t always see, the light inside you will burn stronger than any flame. This ability will be your saving grace, when the road is too long and everything seems impossible. Open your heart and allow the potential of what you’re meant to be blossom inside. Fate allows us to make choices, and we carry the weight of those decisions. The wrong path will lead to sorrow or even death.”
Pausing again, she directed their attention to the screen. She showed them Gregory’s betrayal, Roxy’s heartbreak, and her rescue of Xander. Her own heart broke as she watched Gregory and Roxy’s bodies float through the portal. The sting hadn’t eased with time. Those wounds she’d carry forever, along with forgiveness.
Tears filled many of their eyes. She’d opened their hearts to feel the pain. They needed to know the story and the consequences. The ultimate sacrifice became a real possibility in many of their minds. Would they willingly trade their life for others?
“Be warned. Hate and fear can choke the life out of the strongest warriors or kindest of people. It chips away at the light within us. I believe love can conquer hate, but not obliterate it. Both must exist for choice to exist. This results in a battle for supremacy. Our battle is called the Rising.
“You will make your choice today. I can’t guarantee a victory. I can’t promise any of you will survive. I can guarantee pain and sorrow. This journey is not for the faint of heart. We have a chance to fight for humankind to survive, to dream, to live. Only the worthy and true of heart will join me. What will you choose?”
Extending her arms, she created a cloud of mist and changed her appearance. Gone was the ethereal being that had mesmerized them, and in her place stood a warrior. She let the sparks in her eyes fly and her hair became a long tight braid that highlighted her strong features. The soft white gown had been replaced by a solid black uniform and black military-style boots. Then she unleashed the full power of her tattoo. As it spread and gained color, the phoenix cried out and rustled its wings, wanting to break free.
The recruits gasped in surprise and fear. Many backed away. This time her voice sounded commanding and resonated in their minds. It carried so much power, they trembled and resisted the urge to cover their ears. She held them frozen in place and forced them to see all that she embodied.
A Mystic.
“You must choose whether you have the courage to join our fight. Can you answer the call of justice? Or will you return home in cowardice? Humans, through their carelessness and lack of decency, have opened the door to this war. Now, I ask you to swear your allegiance to me. Defend your very existence. Stand with me and fight!”
A soft blue light encased and swirled around her body. She lifted her hands, and a wall of blue flames extended the length of the area. Rowena stayed at the other end to contain it. Teri, Chris, and Randy were the first to stand and it brought hope to her own heart. Then each soldier followed to pledge their allegiance, knowing the consequences and the price that must be paid.
She transferred their clothing into solid black gear matching her own. It also happened to contain a shield to help survive the portal. Then she pointed to the flames. “You must take the leap of faith and cross the fire to complete the journey. It will be your judge and will determine if you are worthy enough for this honor. If it is your choice, cross now.”
Once again, her former FBI team was the first to cross, proving their absolute trust in her. Then, several began walking through the blue crackling flames. Only a handful were found unworthy and motivated by the wrong things. She wiped their memories and returned them to their homes. Overall, they’d chosen correctly. She had created an amazing human army.
She stood back and watched the remaining few cross over. Xander stepped forward and enfolded her in his arms. She’d done the right thing. She could feel the affirmation deep inside. These men and women would fight till the end, and many would die excruciating deaths. Still, they’d crossed. When the time came, she wouldn’t forget and would honor them. Assuming she lived, of course.
Dropping the flames, they flashed into the Meadows. The humans had been healed and taken to their rooms. Tomorrow they’d start a whole new level of training and meet people they’d have to see to believe. What a mess this could be.
“But for tonight, my Mystic, we’ll rest and enjoy each other’s company.” Xander kissed the side of her neck and moved up until he met her lips. Then he pulled her into the bedroom.
“Always with an ulterior motive. You’re lucky I happen to agree with your logic, Guardian.” She turned out the lights and transported them to bed. Why waste time when it was in such short supply?
* * *
Kate stood on barren ground that reminded her of a ghost town. Mostly large rocks surrounded her, and there were springs with steam rising into the air.
Nikki had shown her how to enter the Dream Realm, but she still had a few kinks to work out since she appeared to be barefoot in this place. She stuck her little toe into one of the springs, barely skimming the surface. No heat. How strange. Would it be the same when she entered the Victory grounds?
She tried to avoid coming here too often because it only caused more anxiety. Yet, she couldn’t stay away. It called to her. Nikki had wanted her to have a safer way to visit.
The land seemed to go on for miles, until it hit a row of trees resembling the rain forest. They were growing out of what appeared to be swamps. None of this made any sense. It always reminded her of the Fountain Paint Rocks that she’d visited when she stayed at a guest ranch in Montana, mixed with the Louisiana Bayou. A strange combination.
Her dream began to alter, so she decided to see who had invaded her space. She squinted, and in the distance an outline of a person appeared. Gearing up for a fight, she stretched her muscles and looked around for the best defensive position. She observed her surroundings once more, memorizing the terrain in case she needed to escape.
She braced for the attack as the figure approached. She couldn’t help a small gasp that escaped when he came into view. He was extremely handsome with long, rich chocolate brown hair tied at the nape of his neck, and he had strong facial features. His physique reminded her of a body builder. Dressed in khaki’s and a long white flowing shirt, he could’ve been a model for Tommy Bahamas. He didn’t seem threatening at all. But she knew who really existed behind the mask.
She stared into his black soulless eyes, and had no doubt she faced the infamous Braxus for the first time. Shit, this didn’t bode well for her staying alive goal.
Squaring her shoulders again, she prepared for his attack.
Wait a minute…this is my world, and I can end the scene any time. He has a message, that’s all.
Should she hea
r him out?
Why not?
Smiling, he looked into her eyes, “Relax, my young friend, I am not here to fight you today but to make an offer to save you from horrific pain.”
She raised an eyebrow and tilted her head back. “No offense, but I don’t tend to trust demons, since all of them have been trying to kill me lately. I especially don’t trust you, since you’re the one sending them out to kill me!” Crossing her arms and glaring at him, he took the warning to back off.
Kate forced herself to stay calm under his scrutiny and maintained eye contact. It would’ve been easier if he’d come in his real form. Ugly demons were easier to hate than human lookalikes. But she’d manage. He wouldn’t outsmart her in her own dream.
His eyes were haunted and empty, although she did see a slight flare light up in them as he perused her appearance. She had to keep control. For a few moments, they simply stared at each other, sizing up their opponent.
Enough was enough. “So, what is this offer you mentioned? I’ve got places to be.”
“Interested in a way out already? I like that.” He licked his lips and smiled.
Kate squared her shoulders, and her stomach heaved. “Don’t get your hopes up, or any other part of your anatomy for that matter. I just like all the cards on the table and no surprises. Speak your piece and let’s get this touchy-feely meeting over with.”
He nodded, signaling appreciation for her directness “If you back down from the fight, I will leave all your family and close friends alive—and you as well—and you will all be spared from the…how should I say…demon reign.”
“Once again, I don’t trust you. No offense, but you are my mortal enemy. And if I defeat you, we’re all fine anyway, plus millions of other humans. Odds aren’t in your favor, bud.” Kate glared, constantly waiting for a trap or an attack.
“True, but if you lose, I gain control. And, well, humans won’t fare well. We see them as cattle ripe for the slaughter, and we intend to eat our fill. We’ll keep the rest for later. However, should you accept my proposal, I’ll throw in a private island where no demons are allowed. You can live out your eternal life in total peace.”
He must be joking. Interesting that he didn’t know they’d already secured their families. She’d play along a bit longer, then give him something to think about. Nikki had taught her many things about this realm.
“A private island where I would live in peace while the rest of the world suffers doesn’t sound that great. You know nothing about me at all if you think I would accept those terms. Did you not do your research?”
He followed along and didn’t challenge her. “This is our final battleground should you choose to follow through with your destiny. Lovely isn’t it? Now imagine it covered in blood with all of those that sacrificed their life for you. Now back to the subject. Is saving your family and friends not enough for you? Ensuring their happiness and life with no cost to you personally? Isn’t your family worth that much? By the way, I did more research than you think.”
His oily smile and sick stench became tiresome. Still, she needed to know if he had anything of value. “They mean that much and more, which is why I will do the right thing and make them proud. They taught me sacrifice for the greater good. Something you will never understand.”
“The right thing, my child, is to save them and give them a long happy life.”
Time to end this charade. He didn’t appear to offer anything of value and she grew tired of his whiny voice. “Nice try, Braxus. I commend you on your efforts. But don’t despair. We will meet here again very soon, and I will seal the Hell Realm once again as my predecessors have before me. And I won’t forget about you. I’ll kill you and send you to Hell permanently for an eternity of fun-filled torture. I’m sure Lucian has some pretty kickass ideas.” She let the tattoo spread in warning.
Braxus nodded slowly. Sneering, he looked back at Kate, his more natural persona shining through. “Be careful what you wish for, my pet. I won’t be an easy kill and have no intention of going to Hell alone, should you actually win the battle. Ask Cassius if you don’t believe me. Oh yeah, you can’t. He’s dead! And you’ll join him soon enough.”
She laughed as condescendingly as she could muster. “Don’t worry. I intend to send several of your friends with you to keep you company for all eternity.” Pooling her energy, she shot a blast at Braxus to disrupt the dream and his projection. Once the shirt had blood stains, she felt a little better. He tried to return the favor but couldn’t access his powers here.
“How did you learn how to use these powers in the Dream Realm?” he stuttered, then sneered. “Bitch, I’ll see you again real soon. I’ll feast on your entrails and bathe in your blood.”
“Not likely, asshole. If you think I’m something now, wait and see what I become when I’m the Mystic with the full power of the light. I’m coming for you!” With another blast, she obliterated him from the dream.
Xander had become restless and searched her mind. She needed to fill him in before he had a heart attack. She wouldn’t return to this place until the final battle.
“Knock, knock.”
“Go away, Nikki.” Xander grunted and turned back over. “We’re sleeping.” Her Dream Realm visit had caused him a lot of unrest. Wait till he found out the rest of it.
Kate sighed and poked him in the side. “What is it, Nikki?”
“Storm informed me that Zane is ready. He’s prepared the information and thinks he can get you started in the right direction. He’s requested the Council’s presence as well. Rowena agreed. We’ll only have an hour at most before some will have to return. It’s especially hard for Tristan. Gliders can’t exist in the Shadows. It will be painful.”
She’d put on clothes and cleaned up her appearance while Nikki spoke. Then, she opened the door to allow her inside. Xander pulled the covers over his head, refusing to start the day. Denial had been his new best friend lately. Kate sent the blanket flying off the bed then turned to Nikki. “I’ll create a shield to protect Tristan. Rowena will help. If he still feels pain, he can return. It’s easy enough to share information.”
“Where is everyone on the Council?”
“Castle. Xavier and Angie are dealing with the humans, but Xavier will join us for the meeting. Angie has decided to stay with Jeff and Marco to establish a new training schedule. I think the Shadows are hard on her, too.” Nikki paused and squinted at her. “What has happened? There is something you haven’t told me. I smell the Dream Realm on you.”
Man, she’s good. Even being the Mystic, she couldn’t hide everything. Nikki excelled at interpreting every smell, emotion, and expression. Probably how she survived the last Rising. To save time, she transferred the dream with Braxus to them both, then sent it to Xavier and Angie before the worry or panic started.
Xander rushed out of the bed and had his arms around her in seconds. Gone was the lazy, relaxed man. Now she had awoken the Guardian. Good grief. “Calm down. He sent images to tempt me. He couldn’t access my mind. We have a shared connection on that battlefield, so he can send messages if I’m there, which I won’t be again. Luckily, Nikki showed me how to access powers in that realm and I gave him the equivalent of a black eye. Then, I really stung him with an energy blast. Thanks for that, by the way.” She hugged Nikki.
“My pleasure. Wish I could’ve been there. Next time you need adventure, let me know.”
“Will do. Braxus is worried. He fears the power that I might gain. We need to finish this quest.” They followed Nikki into the study.
“Kate, the sooner you can obliterate this asshole, the better we’ll all feel.” They exited the house, and she drew comfort from the sun warming her face. Everyone was counting on her to save the day, or eternity in this case.
“Let’s hope I can figure this out this crazy quest thing.” She tried to laugh it off, but inside, wanted to weep. She didn’t want any more challenges and wars. She wanted peace.
“I have no doubt, sister. N
o doubt whatsoever.” At least Nikki had total faith in her.
Once everyone had gathered, Xavier opened a portal. Kate enclosed Tristan in a shield. He grunted, but secretly appreciated it. She’d begun to bond with all the Council members. She’d even had a few cordial conversations with Micah. She began to see that a lot of his problem revolved around the constant death vision he had to endure. She couldn’t prevent the nagging in the back of her mind, wondering who she might lose in this battle.
Zane linked with Xavier to provide direct access to his home in order to reduce the strain. Walking into all the color of the castle—when they were surrounded by a world of gray—always came as a shock. His ancestors had protected their home. If only they’d known to guard the whole realm.
He ushered them to the massive table in one of the grand rooms off the main hallway. “Thank you for coming. I know it isn’t easy, but I couldn’t risk this information being overheard. I’ve already spoken with Kate, and no one will be able to speak about the specifics outside this realm.”
“What’s going on, Zane? This isn’t like you.” Marcus’ concern only increased her own apprehension of what would soon be revealed.
“I’m sorry, Marcus. But I know that certain pieces of information can create mass panic, and what I have to say is along those lines. Kate, I’d like to begin with you repeating the vision you received when I gave you the amulet.”
Why on earth? Never mind, she’d just do it.
“You will find me where it all began. A war was waged to save this land. Take heart, be brave, and rescue me. ’Tis death to all if I’m not freed. Mystic, the task passes to you. Until Shadow Warriors pledge anew. Come find me where the rocks stand tall. Find me, and you can save them all.”
“I’m afraid the clock is ticking…” Zane straightened his shoulders and took a deep breath. “So, I’m going to lay this out quickly.” In addition to the usual pain and guilt that dominated his presence, he had added overwhelming shame. Maybe she didn’t want to hear this after all.