by J L Lawrence
“Good grief. Your mental barriers are ridiculous in that shield. For a second, I thought I might have to pester Angie. I know what happened and I’m sorry.” Roxy knew they were in the last stages of planning, so she must have something important. She couldn’t take any more drama right now.
“What’s up? Why were you trying to connect?”
“I’ve been keeping an eye on the Hell Realm. I found out about Micah about the same time you did. You should know he told Braxus about the humans, but not about us. Not sure if it’s because he didn’t think you’d do it, or they’d think he lied about things. Or maybe that’s when the girl interrupted him. Either way, Braxus is shifting his battle plan. He’s putting some of his best assassins on the front lines to wipe out the humans. This changes your plans, a lot. I’m going to do a little more spying. Check back with me later. Sorry, Kate. I really am.”
Of course. Kate couldn’t even feign surprise anymore. Nothing ever went as planned. Why even bother to train? She quickly sent the information to Xander and Angie. “Time to create a new battle plan.”
“We march in a matter of hours, Kate.” The alarm in Angie’s voice mirrored her own. “How do we come up with a plan in that amount of time?”
“We go to plan B and shift a few things around.” Xander stiffened but didn’t comment. He didn’t want anything to pull more of her energy, but she couldn’t allow all the humans to be slaughtered. Even if she did, the rest of the plan would fall apart. They had no choice.
“Kate.” Zane’s deep voice in her mind brought some reassurance. “I’ve been looking at the Ghost Realm. I think if you open the portal and I create a mirror image, we can join them. It will decrease the amount of energy required from you and allow me to maintain it a little longer, so you can move onto your target. Sorry, I’ve been a little quiet lately, but you can count on us.”
“I never doubted it. You’ve had a lot to handle and accept. Work out the details and send them to me. I’ll pass it on to Roxy. Thanks for always having my back.” She wouldn’t have made it this far without their help. They’d have a greater impact on this battle than they realized.
“You did the right thing with Micah. His mind has been scattered since Xander became the Guardian instead of him. He couldn’t accept it and began to only see the negative visions. It finally pushed him over the edge, although I never imagined he’d go that far. I also agree with you about adding the Ghost Realm. It’s a calculated risk, but worth it. We’ll send you all the light we can when the time comes. You’ll never be alone, Mystic. I give you my word.”
The loyalty surrounding her gave her the strength to move forward and embrace a new dimension to the plan. “Thanks, Zane. When this is over, we’ll find the path to your freedom. I promise. The next time around, I expect you to be fighting by my side.”
“I know you will, and it’d be an honor to stand beside you. Or maybe just a little in front.” He cut out before she could respond. His presence had given her the boost of confidence she needed to convince the Council of her new battle strategies.
* * *
It didn’t take long for more chaos to ensue. Tristan and Marcus were concerned about last minute changes and the confusion it would create. Kate countered that at least they might live. After several frustrating moments and much debate, a new plan to incorporate the additional realm had been approved by a unanimous vote.
“Right before the humans cross over, Zane and I will ready the portal for the Ghost Realm. The moment the soldiers cross, Roxy and the others will flood the assassin demons. That should buy enough time for the humans to bypass the demons and face the second wave of minions. Since they are entering at the same time, it’s possible a few warriors will be caught in the crossfire. There’s no avoiding that without showing our hand. We need them to be a complete surprise for this to work.” Tristan liked the idea but Rowena and Marcus were more hesitant. They feared if the humans fell too early, or something happened with the Ghost Realm, that the whole plan could collapse.
They weren’t wrong with the possibilities, but Kate tried to alleviate their fears. By adding in the Ghost Realm, they were actually making fewer changes. They didn’t have to redirect any of the other warriors. “Other than that, we follow our original plan.”
Bringing up a map of the Victory Grounds, she highlighted the different areas. “Zane will assist with the portal. So Roxy and her army will take the first wave. Then he and his brothers will assist with sun pockets and some of their new traps. The humans and two sets of warriors led by Joseph and Lucia and Cian and Drake will take out the minions that will swarm and cause distraction. Daria and Selena are in the Meadows providing what information they can and working with the remaining soldiers. On a positive note, Cian discovered a way to seal the realm if I fail. They won’t be able to leave, but evil can’t enter.”
That didn’t bring as much comfort as she’d hoped. So, she continued. “The third section will contain some of their better-trained warriors and assassins. We will send several groups to hold down this phase. Jeff and Jane will take the one to the left while Illianna and Marco will go to the right. Those that survive the previous section will push forward and join them in the fight. Tristan, Ace, and his men, along with several of our top warriors, have volunteered to take the center surrounding our core group so we can reach phase four.”
Rowena took over. “In this phase, we are almost to the grand finale. Kate’s sole focus will be to reach center stage. Braxus will place his best wizards here to slow her down and zap as much energy as they can. Marcus, Camilla, Nikki, and I will take a few others and neutralize this threat. No matter what happens, Xander, Xavier, and Angie must make sure that Kate reaches the final area. Once this happens, everything else sort of freezes. Most demons and soldiers will watch the final battle. If she wins, the demons will fight like hell to escape into the Human Realm. We must be ready to clean up the mess.”
“And if I don’t win?” Kate decided she might as well ask, since everyone was thinking it.
“There’s no precedent for that, so we won’t speculate. Just win and all will work out.” Rowena smirked.
No pressure there. Rowena sent Tristan to inform all the soldiers of the slight changes and prepare the humans for their entrance. He nodded and patted her shoulder on the way out. Marcus followed, giving her a brief hug. Then he went to find the wizards that would be fighting during the last phase.
Placing an arm around her shoulders, Rowena squeezed. “This is a horrible burden that shouldn’t have fallen on you. You’ve paid for so many sins of the past. I wish I could lighten your load, but it’s not for me to do. However, I’ll do all I can to hasten your journey to the final battle. The anxiety inside won’t go away no matter how hard you push. Ready your mind. Believe that you possess all the power needed to win. Then do what you do best, defy the rules of nature and blaze your own course.” Her musical laugh filled the air. “I have faith you’ll find the way. But it’ll be of your own making. Never forget that.”
She left Kate to her own thoughts. The fire crackling caught her attention. She sat down on the sofa opposite the warmth. She’d gently nudged Xander to follow Xavier and the others. Once Xander had gone with them to finish mapping out battle strategies, she felt more at ease. He’d been obsessing the last few hours, driving her crazy. Xavier told him he needed to get focused and become the Guardian. Then, he felt guilty. He needed to work, and it gave her space.
Angie came and sat beside her. “Mind if I join you? You look a little lonely.”
“I’d love some company. I’ve been lost in thought long enough.”
Nikki walked over. “Me too? Or would the two of you like some space? I don’t want to intrude.”
Kate pulled Nikki down beside them. “Don’t be ridiculous. Of course, you’re welcome any time. You never need to ask. Either of you.” She leaned back and each laid their head on her shoulders.
The quiet peaceful atmosphere surrounded them for a while. Angie
shifted and leaned forward a little. “Nikki, what will it be like tomorrow?”
Nikki hesitated as if afraid to answer. “Crazy, confusing. Once it begins, there’s no way to keep track of what’s happening. You keep moving forward and you focus on staying alive. Stay in your group no matter what happens or who falls. The main thing to accept is that you can’t save them all. Death is a necessary reality, and you must let the fear go. Otherwise, you second-guess yourself and it will lead to you being killed. Keep your focus on the mission and survive. Embrace the chaos.”
“How can you do this again after living through it once?”
A small smile crossed her face. “Because I believe in the future and the fate of the realms. I know there’s a higher calling, and I’m a part of that. My baby brothers will be in the battle, so I wouldn’t be anywhere else. I could’ve chosen to stay in the Meadows, but didn’t. Neither did you, Angie. Why?”
“Because I’d never have peace if I didn’t fight beside my friends. I see your point.” Angie returned her head to Kate’s shoulder.
Kate stared into the fire, wondering if she’d ever feel this warmth again or have friends surrounding her. She’d find a way to kill Braxus, but it might take her life in return. So far, all of her tasks had demanded a high price. Would hers be death? She switched her focus to something happier to save her sanity. “If we all survive and get to have our dream futures, what do each of you want?”
“A chance at total love,” Nikki quickly said. “Storm and I have flirted on the edges but can’t grasp it. I’d like to find a way. And peace. I’d like to have the peace I’ve seen in so many others when they know their mission is complete and they can simply live.” Sheepishly, she added. “Children would be wonderful. I can see us rolling around in the meadow and teaching them how to communicate with nature or read the shadows of the unconscious mind. To share all we’ve learned in this life. Most of the time, this seems impossible. Tonight, I want to believe. What about you, Angie?”
Angie shifted forward and extended her hand toward the fire. “It’s hard for me to say, because I feel like I’ve found my dream. All my life, I wished for great adventure and an even greater love. I’ve been given both. I guess my greatest desire would be time to enjoy it. I would like to have children and to see the rest of Xavier’s shadows disappear. Mostly, I want to keep great friends like you in my life for however much remains.” A tear slid down her cheek. “Look at this. You’ve reduced me to tears.”
Hugging her, Kate took a deep breath. Her turn had come. “I want to save the realms and have a few years of total peace. I know I’ll always have responsibilities, but a short period of time to enjoy life, raise kids, travel the world would be amazing. I don’t think that’s possible for a Mystic, but a girl can dream. I also want to stay surrounded by friends that love me for who I am and not the power source I’ll become. I’d still like to spread goodness within the human world.” Her words drifted as she became lost in the world of her dreams. The world had so much potential if it could shake the grasp of evil.
Over the next hour, they talked about stories from the past and more desires for the future. They shared secrets and fears while laughing at some of the mistakes made along the way.
Nikki yawned and pointed at the clock. “It’s only a few hours away. We should get some rest before it all hits the fan. Sweet dreams.” She kissed them both on the head and squeezed them tightly. Then, she quickly exited the room.
Kate wondered if it was harder to know what would happen and face it again or go in blind? Maybe she’d live long enough to answer that question for herself.
Walking to the mantel, Angie motioned at the painting on the wall and remarked that it reminded her of their portrait taken with Julie when they’d been in college. “We’ve come a long way, huh?”
“Do you think she’d even believe us?”
“I think she’d be here with us. Maybe not in the fight, but here. She would’ve been so happy to see the lives we’ve created. Her life ended way too early because of senseless violence.”
It certainly had, but Kate wasn’t convinced that it had been random. “As much as I hate to say, I think her death had been predetermined by fate. When she died, it strengthened our bond and eventually led us to the FBI where we met Chris, Teri, Mike, and Randy. When Mike died, we became determined to track the serial killer no matter how far. The case led us to an alleyway where we met Xander and Gregory. When you step back and look at all the events shaping our lives, it brought us here to this moment surrounded by friends and family. Everyone had a purpose and piece of saving the world.”
Angie shrugged. “Maybe. Is that your way of telling me to be prepared for more death tomorrow? You and I both know the humans will take a heavy hit. Especially now. If they survive, what kind of life have we sentenced them to?”
Talk of all the human death saddened Kate’s heart, because Angie’s words were true. She pushed the emotions and inevitability of their fate aside. “I know. But for those that make it, I’ve come up with a plan. It helps those in need and paves the way for future generations of human warriors. I’ll fill you in after the battle. They’ll have a great and rewarding future if they’re willing.”
She met Angie’s eyes. “So will you. I can see the doubts you try to hide.”
“I still don’t think Xavier should sacrifice his immortality. At the same time, I understand and want that future he craves. Guess I should focus on living first. Are you ready for tomorrow, Kate? Have you thought about what to say to the warriors before we cross over?”
Not exactly. “Let’s go, troops.” She laughed, but felt a twinge of seriousness.
Angie narrowed her eyes. “Please, you used to give motivational speeches in your sleep. You’re asking the soldiers to give up their lives so you can defeat an ultimate evil. They’ll be more afraid than ever after the situation with Micah. Only you can inspire them to be stronger, faster, and savvier than the enemy. It’s your special gift, Kate.” She placed a hand on her shoulder.
“I don’t know what to say, Angie. I’m barely convincing myself that’s it going to be okay. I have so much guilt building inside for what I’m asking them to do.”
“So tell them the truth and inspire them to go into battle with their eyes open and hearts full of faith that good will win the day. Only you can give them that kind of hope.”
First, she needed to find her own faith, which had become more difficult as the final moments ticked away.
Xander strode in. “Excuse me, Angie, but I’m taking my beautiful wife to bed.” He scooped her up and flashed them into their bedroom. Angie had followed suit and joined Xavier. Their door closed down the hall.
“These last remaining hours are for us.” Xander didn’t say goodbye or focus on what would happen. Instead, he comforted her and gave her the strength to face her next task. He drifted to sleep locked in her tight embrace.
Once he fell asleep, she slipped away to take a final look at everything she was meant to save.
The full moon lit the night sky. Closing her mind against any interruption, she checked in on the world around her, but couldn’t let go of her anxious thoughts of the upcoming good-versus-evil ultimate showdown. She gripped the window sill tight, willing the fear and doubts away. It didn’t help. What if she let everyone down?
“Will you stop whining and get some sleep?” Roxy broke into her thoughts. So much for her blockades.
“I got through because you’re wearing yourself out with all this crap. You won’t win if you keep looking at this whole picture of saving everyone circling in your head. Let it go. Clear everything. There’s only one battle and one person that needs to live. You.”
“I’m tired and don’t feel like sparring with you, Roxy.”
“Get over it, Princess.”
“Why have you interrupted my peaceful reflections?” Who knew you could still be this annoyed by the dead?
She pictured Roxy’s glare and hands on her hips. It made her s
mile.
“I contacted you to give you a little advice. Tomorrow, Xander will block your ability to feel those who die during the battle. It’s his duty. Let him. Don’t fight it. If you lose sight of the goal, everyone dies, including you.”
“Thanks for the pep talk, Roxy. I can always count on you to liven the party.” She paused and decided to go with honesty. “What you say is true, and I promise to keep my focus.”
Even though she stayed silent a moment, Kate sensed the relief flowing through Roxy. “Stay safe, Mystic. Good luck. Now, get some sleep or I’m going to haunt your thoughts the rest of the night. I’ll see you on the other side.”
Kate hoped she meant the Nether Realm and not death. Forcing herself back to bed, she scooted next to Xander and listened to the sound of his heartbeat which helped steady her own. She drifted into a peaceful sleep.
Chapter 16
The early morning breeze tickled Kate’s nose. Darkness covered the sky, but soon would give way to the rising sun. She’d dressed for battle in tight black leather pants, a blue tunic cut low so everyone could see her symbol, and the forest green cape given to her by the faeries for luck. A sword rested on her hip, and a crossbow laid across her back. The weapons weren’t necessary to confront Braxus, but she would need to fight along the way.
Warriors marched in and stood at attention in their rows, anxiously awaiting her last words of wisdom. She couldn’t offer much comfort, but she could give them truth about the world they’d risked their lives to protect. Maybe she could give them peace that their sacrifice would bring others hope. In these last few moments, she had to wipe away fear and help find the determination to face the battle.
Her tattoo spread across her chest as she stepped on the raised platform in front of the crowd. She lifted her hand for silence. Guilt at what must be done plagued her heart. Taking a deep breath, she exhaled and pushed the nerves aside. No room for those today.