The Descending Darkness

by Michael Chulsky

  “Nor would a lot of people, Tereya,” Ethan said. “Shadow has saved not only just our lives but the lives of countless others. He’s always done a good job.”

  “I can’t add anything to what they’ve said already,” Ryan said. “But I’ve known you longer than most of them, and I know that you have always watched out for me.”

  Shadow didn’t know what to say at first, feeling so overwhelmed with emotion at their strong belief in him. He could only reward their compliments with a smile and tried to let the gratitude he felt show on his face. “Thank you, guys. Truly. It means a lot to hear you say it.” He hit a button on his communicator and the screen lit up. “Now I think it’s time we take a little field trip, and find Kay.”

  Isaac looked up, and his face was filled with apprehension. “When we find her…what are you going to do?”

  Shadow shrugged. “Don’t worry, Isaac. I have no intention of attacking her on sight. I just want an explanation for her behavior over the last few weeks and to see if she’s hiding anything.”

  “As long as you promise not to hurt her….”

  “Kay was somebody I swore to protect, so hurting her is not the first thing on my mind.”

  “Speak for yourself,” Ellie muttered under her breath.

  “What was that, Ellie?” Shadow asked, throwing her a curt glance. His enhanced hearing allowed him to hear what she said, but he pretended otherwise.

  “Nothing, just talking to myself.”

  Shadow looked at her for a moment and wondered if he should say something, but decided to let the comment go. There would be time to talk later. “All right, let’s get ready to leave. Ellie and Ethan, I need you two to get everyone ready while I go take care of something.”

  Ellie stood stationary until Ethan nodded and walked off, before pulling Shadow to the side. “What do you have to take care of?”

  “I want to check on Cameryn. He walked off after the whole altercation with Isaac. I want to make sure he’s all right.”

  “Oh, all right then.”

  Shadow didn’t know why, but he felt something was off in her demeanor. He grabbed her arm before she could walk away. “Ellie…is everything alright?”

  Ellie hesitated for a split-second, before giving him a nod. “Yeah, I’m alright…I’m just thinking about the situation with Kay. But don’t worry about me – I’ll be fine.”

  Shadow moved his hand up her arm and let it rest on her shoulder. “Don’t tell me not to worry about you. I will always worry about you, Ellie.”

  Ellie’s pale face flushed, and she seemed to have trouble meeting his gaze. “I appreciate that, but right now, you should worry about Cameryn. He probably needs you.” She patted his hand on her shoulder and gave him a reassuring smile before walking away.

  Shadow watched her go with a bemused expression on his face. As much as he was worried that she wasn’t okay and was only telling him she was for his benefit, he had to admit she was right: he was needed elsewhere. He went to the left hall and knocked on Cameryn’s door.

  “Who is it?”

  “It’s Shadow.”

  “Oh…uh, one second….”

  Shadow could hear the sound of papers being scrunched up and scuffling from inside. He smirked, figuring out that Cameryn was probably cleaning up a bit before allowing him to enter.

  “Okay, come in!”

  Shadow turned the handle and pushed the door open. Taking his first steps into the room, he realized that he hadn’t ever really looked inside Cameryn’s room, not since he had moved in and decorated. Far from the bare white that he had known before, the walls were now painted sky blue, the trimming a sharp turquoise. On the walls were pictures from different bands and singers. “Wow, Cameryn.” It wasn’t eloquent, but it was the only thing that came to mind.

  “You don’t like the room?” Cameryn asked. He was holding a ball in his hand and was tossing it up into the air, over and over again, absent-mindedly. “I mean, I hope you like it and don’t think it’s, like, dorky or something.”

  Shadow shook his head. “No, the room is nice.”

  “Thanks.”

  Shadow couldn’t describe it, but he felt awkward just standing in the room watching Cameryn playing catch with himself. He wanted to talk to him about what happened with Isaac, but didn’t know how to bring it up tactfully.

  “What’s up?” Cameryn asked finally. “You’ve just been standing there for the past five minutes. Is something wrong?”

  “I wanted to check on you. Because of what happened, you know?”

  “Oh, the whole situation with Isaac? I’m fine.”

  “Are you sure?”

  Cameryn nodded, not taking his eyes off of the ball. “Yup, never better.”

  Shadow got the same feeling he had gotten earlier with Ellie, that Cameryn was acting different than he usually did. He decided to try a different approach. “So…the team and I are going on a mission. Do you want to come along?” He waited for a response, but one didn’t come. Becoming slightly annoyed, he waved his hand, and black energy surrounded the ball, freezing it midair.

  Cameryn let out an annoyed huff of air. “Why did you do that?”

  “Because you’re ignoring me when I’m trying to talk to you. So I’ll ask again, is something wrong?”

  “Why do you keep asking me if something’s wrong? Can’t I just be annoyed for no reason?”

  “No, you can’t,” Shadow replied. “Nobody is just annoyed for the sake of being annoyed. So tell me what’s going on with you.”

  Cameryn sighed and drew it out, in a dramatic fashion. “I’m sure it has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that I was just punched in the face.”

  “So you aren’t fine about it,” Shadow replied, shaking his head. “You could have just told me that. But I’m sorry, okay? I promised you I wouldn’t ever let you get hurt again, and I’m doing my best to keep that promise…but I didn’t expect anyone here to hit you.”

  Cameryn’s expression softened and he looked guilty. “No, don’t blame yourself for that. It’s not your fault. I’m only mad that you got involved before I could return the favor.”

  Shadow raised an eyebrow. “You’re telling me that you’re mad I got involved because you didn’t get to hit him back?”

  “Yup.”

  “You don’t need to put on a tough act for me, Cameryn. You and I both know that you don’t like violence because of what you went through. I think what really bothers you is that you couldn’t hit Isaac back even though he hurt you first.”

  Cameryn looked away. “I guess you’re right. I hate it, but it’s true. I couldn’t hurt him because I’m not that person.”

  “Don’t hate it,” Shadow said. “Not being comfortable with violence is a good quality. You should be thankful you feel that way.”

  “I’m not thankful,” Cameryn replied, clenching his fists. “I’m worried that the others will think I’m weak because you had to protect me! You’re always protecting me. I don’t want them to think I’m this frail little weak puppy who can’t do anything for himself.”

  Shadow clicked his tongue reprehensively. “First of all, the others don’t think that way. Secondly, you know what I think? I think you’re pretty strong because you’ve gone through more in fifteen years than most people go through in their entire lives, and lived to tell the tale. So you’re far from frail and weak.”

  Cameryn suddenly became interested in his hands and didn’t respond. When he finally looked up, his eyes were shining. “Thank you.”

  “Don’t mention it,” Shadow replied with a dismissive wave of the hand. He picked up on the strangled, choked-up sound in Cameryn’s voice and knew the boy was on the verge of tears, but he thought it was best to not draw attention to it. Instead, he decided to ask his question again. “So now that we’re past that, are you sure you don’t want to come on the mission with us?”

  “You’re actually asking me to go on a mission with you guys?” Cameryn asked, incredulously. “Are
you feeling okay?”

  Shadow smirked. “I just figured you’d like to do something besides sit in your room all day. You haven’t really left the place since we brought you here.”

  “I know...I just…I haven’t felt like going out. I can’t explain it….”

  “Why not give it a try?”

  Cameryn sighed, looking down. “I’m not ready to face the world yet. It’s too soon. After everything I’ve been through, I don’t know if I’ll ever be okay again.”

  Shadow felt a strong surge of emotion and closed the gap between them, pulling him into a hug. “Of course you’ll be okay again. It’ll just take time. But you’ll get there. I promise.”

  “I hope so.”

  “I know so. And if you want to stay here, it’s perfectly okay. No pressure from me, or anybody else. I just hope in the future–” Shadow stopped short, interrupted by a loud beeping coming from his pocket. He pulled out his communicator, and flashed an apologetic smile at Cameryn.

  “What’s going on?” Cameryn asked.

  “I forgot, you’re not used to them. One of the team is trying to get in touch with me.” Shadow hit a button on the side of the device and spoke into the speaker: “What’s up?”

  “Shadow, it’s Ellie. We’re all ready to go! Where are you?”

  “I’ll be there soon,” Shadow replied, and shut the device off. He turned his attention back to Cameryn. “I have to go. Are you sure you’ll be okay?”

  “Yeah,” Cameryn replied with a nod. “Just…promise me you’ll be okay. If anything ever happened to you, I’d….” He trailed off, and the expression on his face said everything.

  “I promise,” Shadow said. He went over to the door and froze, his hand on the handle. He turned and looked once more at Cameryn before leaving the room.

  Shadow arrived at the flight bay not too long after. He boarded the jet and was happy to see that everyone was already there and ready to leave. “Alright, I’m here.”

  “What took you so long?” Ryan demanded, placing his hands onto his hips in mock-outrage. “We’ve been worried sick about you!”

  “Shut up, Ryan.”

  Ellie looked up from the magazine she was reading. “Hey, Shadow, is everything alright?”

  “Yeah,” Shadow replied, taking out his communicator and looking at the screen.

  “Are you sure?”

  “I’m fine, I swear.” Shadow looked up and saw the others watching him intently as if he were a bomb ready to explode. In moments like this, he knew it was important to keep his emotions in check because he was the leader, and the others would respond accordingly. So he had to keep his cool and not allow the stress he was feeling to be exposed. “Really, guys, I’m fine. I’m just getting Kay’s coordinates from the communicator.”

  “Alright, if you say so,” Ellie replied, and returned her focus to the magazine.

  Shadow walked down the aisle and into the pilot’s room. He directed his attention to the panel ahead of him. The jet utilized a pseudo-autopilot technology where one could input the coordinates of their destination and the vessel would take you there – the only ability needed was take-off and landing. But if you were capable of those two things and had coordinates, you could travel wherever you wanted. Luckily, he was more than capable.

  He hit a series of buttons on the jet’s panel, bringing up a map display. He then pressed the small red locator button on his communicator, bringing up a map on its tiny screen. “Locate Kay,” he whispered into the tiny speaker. At his words, a tiny yellow dot appeared on the secondary map display – their location – and then a bright red one a short distance away – Kay’s location. He hit the button again and the coordinates popped up. He inputted the coordinates into the jet’s computer, and the launch sequence began. “Ready or not, Kay, here we come.”

  “Where are we?” Ellie asked, looking around as they disembarked. “It doesn’t look like anywhere I’ve been before.”

  “We’re in Lunera,” Shadow said, fighting to keep his tone neutral. It was hard, given the history he had with the place. The mere mention of its name made his blood boil, but he reminded himself that he had to control his temper if he wanted their mission to be successful.

  Ellie’s eyes narrowed on Shadow for a moment before she gave a shrug. “Alright, so this is where you brought us…an abandoned town.”

  “Mhm.”

  “It’s completely deserted,” Ethan said, gesturing to the town. “I’m guessing the result of a demon attack, judging by the damage.”

  Shadow nodded. “That’s probable.” He held his communicator out and rotated in place. As he turned to the east, it beeped a few times and then went silent. “It’s telling me she’s in this direction. Let’s go.” He led the way into the town. They passed a cracked stone fountain in the center of the town and through a narrow path in-between two burned buildings. When they came to an abandoned store, the communicator beeped once more. “She’s in there.”

  “What’s the plan?” Faith asked.

  “Simple,” Shadow said. “You, Ellie, and Niki will head around back to make sure nobody slips out without our knowledge.”

  “Aye, aye, Captain,” Niki replied with a salute. Faith and Ellie nodded in agreement.

  Shadow waited for the three to get into position before addressing the others. “Okay, now… Ryan, you’re coming in with me. Crystal and Ethan will follow and watch our backs.” He pointed to Tristan, Tereya, and Isaac. “And you three will wait out here and guard the front in case someone slips past us somehow or something.”

  “Woah, hold on a second!” Isaac exclaimed angrily. “You’re going in without me? That’s bullcrap!”

  “Isaac, calm down,” Ethan said, holding up his hands in a placating manner. “I’m sure Shadow has his reasons.”

  “I don’t care what his reasons are! Kay is my friend, and if she’s in there, I should go inside, too!”

  “This isn’t a debate,” Shadow replied coldly. “You have two options: either you do what I tell you to, like you agreed you would before you came, or you can be restrained and wait in the jet.”

  Isaac glared, mutinous, hands balled into fists. But after a few seconds, he calmed and let out a heavy breath. “Fine, I’ll wait out here with them.”

  “Good,” Shadow replied stiffly. He turned to the others. “Alright, you guys follow me.” With the others at his back, he went up to the front door and turned the handle. The door was locked. He sighed and cursed under his breath. “Of course it’s locked. Why wouldn’t it be?”

  “Now what do we do?” Crystal asked. “Do we have to go back?”

  Ryan scoffed. “Do you really think a locked door is going to stop us? Watch, and you may just learn something.”

  Shadow held his hand hovering just above the door’s lock. A black glow surrounded his fingers, and tiny wisps of black smoke trailed out of them and slowly into the lock. After a few seconds, the smoke faded and he lowered his hand. “There we go.” He turned the handle, and pushed the now-unlocked door open.

  Crystal stared with her mouth agape. “Wow.”

  Ryan did a voilà motion with his hand. “You see?”

  “Yes, he is impressive,” Ethan replied. “But let that not stop us from the mission at hand.”

  “Yes, let’s focus, please,” Shadow said. He stepped into the doorway and swept the room with his gaze, searching for any potential dangers. When he was satisfied, he beckoned them to come forward. “All right, proceed…slowly. Stay behind me and try not to make a sound. We don’t know what could be lurking in the darkness.”

  “Allow me,” Ethan whispered. He placed his hand over his heart, and a sphere of light slowly made its way from his chest. The sphere sank into the ground beneath their feet, illuminating the path directly in front and behind them.

  Ryan gave a mutter of appreciation. “Okay, Shadow your wispy things were pretty cool…but I think Ethan wins.”

  “Isn’t he just the best?” Crystal exclaimed, with a wide smil
e.

  “Lower your voice!” Shadow whisper-growled. “We don’t want to lose the element of surprise.”

  Ryan snickered. “Yeah, because glowing footsteps are the backbone of stealth.”

  Shadow ignored him. He continued into the room and down a long hallway. At the very end was a single door. “Hmm, the only door in the building. I’m going in. Ryan, you come with me. Crystal and Ethan, I need you to stay out here and make sure nobody enters in behind us.”

  “Leave it to us,” Crystal said.

  Ethan nodded. “We’ll let you know if anything suspicious occurs.”

  Shadow slowly stepped into the new room. With every step he took, the light from Ethan’s power increasingly filled the dark room, but didn’t manage to quell the sense of unease he felt. He came to stand in the center of the room, and the light from his feet almost fully illuminated it. To his disappointment, there was nothing. The room was empty except for a bunch of old boxes, broken machines, and piles of broken furniture. But not Kay. “This doesn’t make any sense…”

  “What doesn’t?” Ryan asked.

  “I don’t understand…the tracking device indicated that Kay was in this building, but I don’t see her anywhere.”

  “Maybe it made a mistake?”

  “Yeah, maybe,” Shadow muttered, but not like he believed what he was saying. There was no way the tracking device made a mistake. The person he purchased the technology from had never failed him before. He knew there was something else at play, but he just didn’t know what it was.

  Ryan shrugged. “So what do we do now?”

  “I guess we go back to the others….”

  “I’m sure they’ll be disappointed we didn’t find her, Isaac, especially. But that’s just how life goes sometimes.”

  Shadow opened his mouth to respond, but closed it when his senses picked up something. “Interesting….” he whispered to himself, kneeling down.