Soul Decisions

by Casey Harvell

  No one has ever zapped me before—I’ve always been the one. Only He does it so smoothly, I barely realize I’m in Abyssus until the smell hits my nose.

  Abyssus is a very large place. Massive really. I’ve ventured through many different parts of it in the past, but I know I’ve barely grazed its surface.

  Whatever part of it I’m now in is new to me. Before me stands a massive castle-like dwelling. It’s dark and hard. It’s meant to intimidate.

  Only there’s one problem. I’m not scared. In fact, they should fear me. They know what I’m capable of, after all.

  For these reasons, I march right up to the front gate. A mini demon-like creature acts as the gatekeeper. He sees me and jumps. “You’re not allowed.” He states plainly in a nasally voice.

  I cock my head to the side. “I don’t care. You have something that’s mine in there.”

  “You dare enter and there will be hell to pay.” He smiles at his own lame joke.

  I use my abilities to open the massive gate. The look of surprise wipes the grotesque smile off the creature’s face.

  “You can’t do that!” He screams and immediately yells out something I don’t understand.

  Two steps through the gate and I suddenly understand. He wasn’t cursing me—he was calling for backup. Two deplorable beasts come barreling into the courtyard. They look a cross between a wolf and a tiger, only they’re not soft and furry looking. Abyssus has taken their fur—and most of their skin. Their eyes are beady endless black pools. Their jaws snap wildly with overgrown yellowing teeth.

  The demon-creature looks so proud of himself. It’s that reason that makes me wait until the beasts are inches away from me before I suspend them high overhead. They writher and whine, but can’t break free.

  “You.” The demon creature looks fearful now. “I know who you are—”

  I cut him off, suspending him next to the beasts, but taking his ability to move and speak from him also. I take a moment and feel for Jocelyn. Her energy is dim, but it’s here.

  This enrages me. Her and her family is innocent. They have no right to bring them to this place.

  I storm in and down the hallway. Every entity that crosses my path drops from the cognitive slap I give them. It’s not fatal, but it’ll keep them down for a while and give them a nasty headache upon awakening.

  Now that I have Jocelyn’s location pin-pointed, I search for Antonio and the children’s energy. They’re also dim—and all in separate locations—but there. Antonio is closest, so I start there.

  The round stone door to where he’s being kept swings open with ease for me. I hear him whimper and it breaks my heart.

  “Antonio?” I say softly. “It’s time to go, my friend.” I approach slowly and begin to remove his shackles.

  “Lettie?” He looks as if he doesn’t believe I’m really here. “What are you doing here?” Confusion crosses his face as his restraints fall free on their own. “How?”

  “I’ll explain later.” I assure him. “Now we have to save the others.”

  This breathes new life into him and he springs into action. “Let’s go.”

  I decide to go to the closest energy next. I grab Antonio’s hand. “Hold on. This is going to feel weird.”

  I zap us into Adrian’s chamber. He has no chains, but he curls up in the corner of the dark space and trembles.

  “Adrian?” Antonio rushes to him and scoops him into his arms.

  “Daddy?” Is all Adrian manages before he begins to sob.

  It’s almost too much for me to handle, my temper swells—and with it my abilities beg to be let loose. It’s difficult, but I manage to focus on the task at hand.

  “Hold him tight, Antonio.” I say as I grab his hand. “Adrian, don’t look, okay?”

  Through sniffles I see him nod into Antonio’s chest. Antonio clutches his son as I zap us to the next closest energy.

  Jocelyn’s chains are much more pronounced than Antonio’s were, but they also suspend her from the ceiling in an uncomfortable looking manner. All four of her limbs are anchored and her only support. Antonio lets out a noise of pure agony upon seeing his wife. Adrian struggles to look, but Antonio holds his head firmly in place.

  I act quickly. First I suspend Jocelyn to take the pressure off her body. Next I release her chains and gently lower her to the floor.

  “Jocelyn?” I nudge her softly as I speak.

  “Lettie?” She barely whispers.

  Antonio rushes over to us. “Mi Amor,” he says in Spanish.

  “Antonio, I’ll get Emily. You three wait outside. I’ll get you there and I shouldn’t be long.”

  Antonio nods. “Adrian, don’t look again.”

  In the blink of an eye they’re safely outside. There are a few factors to my choice to split us up. One, Jocelyn needs medical attention. Two, I just want them out of this place.

  Three? There’s another energy with Emily.

  One I recognize all too well.

  “Lettie.” Elias says with an unreadable tone.

  I glance over to the corner and see poor little Emily. She’s filthy and has one foot shackled to the wall with a massive chain.

  “Father.” I say sarcastically.

  “They’ve tainted you against me.” He says.

  “You tainted yourself.” I scoff. “How dare you take my friends?”

  “I needed to see you.”

  Something about the way he says this undoes my last shred of patience.

  Elias is a powerful being, but he’s no match for me. Never before have I wanted to destroy something so badly—to seek vengeance. I know doing so will open me to a darkness I have no desire for.

  No, I can’t destroy him...but I certainly can show him the same hospitality he’s shown to the people I love.

  “Lettie?” Elias’s voice loses its confidence. “Lettie, don’t.”

  Too late, asshole. Before he even knows what hits him, Elias finds himself in Jocelyn’s cell, suspended by her chains. That’s not enough, though. I wrap them around him tightly and add the chains from Antonio’s cell as well. I feel with my mind for the most obscure place in this horrible dwelling. A pit in the basement catches my attention. I drop Elias securely inside it.

  I don’t care if he ever gets out.

  I turn my attention to Emily. Her shackle falls off and she jumps at the noise. “Emily, baby? Let’s go get Mommy and Daddy, okay?”

  “Aunt Lettie?” She seems to finally recognize me and runs into my outstretched arms.

  By the time she looks up at me, we’re already outside with her family.

  “Lettie, how do we get out of here?” Antonio asks. He’s obviously realized we’re a long, long way from home.

  “I’ll handle that.” I assure him. “Everyone hold onto each other and close your eyes.”

  Seconds later we’re in their living room. I look around at my dear friends and guilt almost overwhelms me.

  I can’t take back what’s happened to them, but I can make them forget it.

  “Lettie—thank you.” Antonio says. The look in his eyes tells me he knows this is his last chance to say it.

  “Don’t thank me,” I say. “This was my fault.”

  I don’t give that a chance to sink in. It’s easy for me to reach in and exchange their memories. I wipe clean all the remnants of Abyssus. Instead they went for a hike and got lost.

  I manage to get them (and their car) to a remote hiking location. I pretend to have just found them. I call for medical attention.

  The ambulances and police arrive quickly. Nobody questions the story I’ve created. I follow them to the hospital. Soon after we arrive Gabe rushes in.

  He takes one look at me and frowns. “Let’s get you home.”

  It’s downright exhausting. Gabe’s not very happy with me, but there’s not too much that I can do about it. It’s not like I was going to leave them there for Pete’s sake. He pouts a little here and there, but ultimately gives up. He knows it was the right th
ing to do, even if he doesn’t like that I had to be the one to do it.

  It seems that there are more and more instances of that these days. More times I have to decide what’s right and when to act. It’s Gabe’s natural instinct to protect me and our child that I carry. Only he forgets just how powerful I truly am.

  The catch here? Maybe a small part of me doesn’t want to be powerful. Maybe I want to be normal. To have a regular life, without the influence of good and evil and all the rest. Maybe I want to marry Gabe and have a baby and live happily ever after.

  So why do those thoughts make me feel so damn guilty?

  It’s been a rough day and these pregnancy hormones seem to make me a little wacky. Gabe picks up on it right away. “Want to go watch a movie in bed?” He asks.

  That used to be code for let’s go do it, but lately doing it turns into a nap. I yawn and nod. This baby production thing sure does take a lot out of a girl.

  It’s been a while since I’ve dreamt like this. I recall the beginning when I’d thought that’s all they were, lucid dreams. Now I know that they’re so very much more—glimpses into the future, decisions that await my assistance. Even now they intimidate me. He assures me that I’ll know what to do, but that’s hardly ever the case. Nine times out of ten I fly blindly. I definitely don’t have all the answers.

  The brusque movements around me no longer startle me. The scenes rushing by don’t cause the vertigo it once did. Instead I pay close attention, because I know everything here is relevant and useful.

  At first it’s desolate. For a moment I think I may be in Abyssus, but quickly realize it’s not. This is earth and it’s not pretty. I stand in a city center—well, what’s left of it. I smell smoke from smoldering fires that continue to burn and feel the ground tremble as pieces of skyscrapers pummel them from heights unknown.

  The most disturbing part is the lack of humanity. Not in a figurative sense, but in actuality. There’s no one. No people. Anywhere.

  I reach out with my abilities through the dream to feel for someone—anyone—but they’re all gone. Lost.

  What in the hell went on here?

  As the scene begins to blur I settle in to see what’s next in hope that I find some explanation, some way to stop it.

  Before my dream’s able to transcend into the next vision, I feel it slip as I awaken.

  I sit up in bed as a sheen of cold sweat covers me. I need more answers. I need to know how to stop this... but first, I really need to pee.

  Gabe rolls over, “You okay, babe?”

  “Yeah, just have to go to the bathroom. Go back to sleep, baby.” No need to call in the cavalry until I know what’s going on. Random cryptic statements about the world ending is sure to generate a bunch of questions to which I currently have no answer. No need to freak Gabe out any more than he already is about the future.

  I make some tea and as the pot warms I debate whether or not I should seek counsel. If so, from who? My mom and Maddy are hard at work with that damn guide. A trip to Aether for more Yoda talk doesn’t seem all that appealing, either.

  I catch the teapot just as it begins to hiss and settle into my favorite spot in the living room.

  If only I had more information to go on. Sure, I guess I’ve saved the world a time or two before, but I had way more to go on than this. The last time I saved our world, it’d been laid out before me—very specifically—what I had to do. Now all I get is the knowledge that all life will cease to exist if I don’t stop it.

  You know—no pressure or anything...

  I lift up my shirt and stare at my belly in the mirror. It doesn’t look any different yet and I wonder when it will begin to change. When it will protrude, announcing to the world my pregnancy status. Only a few weeks in, I assume I still have some time yet.

  Gabe’s at work. Even Shay works today. I’m all caught up on my photography business, but it’s too nice out (and my anxiety is too maxed out) to stay cooped up all day.

  I grab my camera and take a walk. With no destination in mind and no real set focal point to photograph, I freestyle. I just let life take the reins and lead me.

  My feet move towards the water. I still find peace here. It doesn’t take long before the ground below my feet becomes sandier and softer. Soon the pavement is gone altogether. I slip off my flip flops to walk barefoot. Down by the surf the water tickles my toes with every ebb and rise of the ocean waves.

  My eye trails around me through the camera lens, capturing moments here and there that I find visually interesting. My mind, however, roams to other matters. I think better when I stay busy, so I begin to pick apart the future by focusing on the past.

  Things I know for certain...my father is evil, yet a high ranking angel. My mother is pure, yet stuck in hell. My sister wasn’t my sister and is now in another dimension. And someone close and dear to me sacrificed themselves to bring her there...

  The war among the non-humans may be over, but the wars here aren’t. The war here is only just beginning—the real one anyway. Everything is about to change for these people...they just don’t know it yet.

  A mighty power’s words float through me. Be myself. I don’t know any way else to be.

  In some ways all of this seems like an ancient political debate that I’ve been thrown into the middle of, powers that battle for dominating control of the population. I sigh.

  The warm water makes it to my ankles and I take a few steps back away from the breakers. I fiercely wonder why everyone seems to think I have all the answers.

  Because I have no idea what the hell I’m doing.

  Suddenly something furry and wet rams into my legs and almost knocks me over. Luckily my camera is on a neck strap and doesn’t crash into the wet sand and water below me. Before I can straighten myself, a man runs up to me.

  “I’m so sorry!” He says with a slight Irish accent. “She just gets so excited, you see.”

  I watch the small springer run in circles around us and have to laugh. “No harm, no foul.” I assure him.

  “Thanks,” He holds out a hand, “Name’s Jack.”

  “Lettie,” I reply and give him a shake. Our hands touch and I instantly know that Jack’s a good guy.

  “Pleased to make your acquaintance, fair Lettie. I see you like to take photos?” He motions to the camera.

  “Photographer by trade.” I confirm.

  “That’s a fine career there.” Jack says. “Shooting anything particular today?”

  “Nah, more of a photographic freestyle.”

  He grins. “I like the sound of that. I suppose a pretty thing like you is spoken for.” His eyes slip down to my left hand.

  “Yes, I’m engaged...and pregnant.”

  “Holy hell, sorry again about the dog. Are you sure you’re okay?”

  I laugh. “Yes, I’m sure. Are you new to town, Jack?”

  “Aye. Not to the U.S., but to Florida. Trying to get my bearings yet.”

  I slip out a card from my camera case. “If you ever need anything, give me a call. I’ve been here a while. If nothing else, I can introduce you to some cool people.”

  The springer barks impatiently. “Thank you, fair Lettie—and sorry again. I do believe I’ll be in touch.”

  I smile and wave as Jack and his dog make their way from whence I came. As I watch them fade into the landscape, something tells me I just made a new friend.

  Between morning sickness and lack of sleep from worrisome thoughts, I’m in a pretty shitty mood. Gabe leaves to go out of town for a few days, so he manages to miss a great deal of the shit show, but poor Shay doesn’t make out so lucky.

  “Lettie,” Shay tries again. “You realize that you’re being unreasonable.” He points out.

  “Maybe.” I half-admit. “You can say what you want, but my mind’s made up.”

  Shay’s jaw sets. “Fine. Have it your way.”

  If a girl wants a taco bar at her wedding then who’s her BFF to stop her? Tacky or not, I love tacos. In fact, I kind
of want some now...

  “You know,” Shay says looking around. “This place isn’t half-bad. It has potential.”

  I roll my eyes. “It’s temporary.”

  “But nice.”

  I grumble incoherently.

  “What?” Shay asks.

  “Look around, Shay. This isn’t even our real home and our real stuff. Or did you forget how it all went ka-boom? It’s depressing to be here.” I confess.

  “When does Gabe come back?” Shay asks.

  “A few days, possibly more. He’ll let me know when he does.”

  “Why don’t you come take a staycation on the beach with me and Maxwell?” Shay offers. “Granted the mojitos are out—don’t ask, Maxwell’s been on a kick lately—but the sun and surf will do you good. Plus you’ll have the best company.” Shay winks.

  I consider it. “I don’t want to bug you guys.”

  “You never could.” Shay insists.

  “Okay.” I relent. It does sound better than hanging here alone.

  “C’mon, grab your shit. I’ll help.” Shay already is halfway up the steps. I almost laugh, but follow instead. The beach sounds like just what the doctor ordered.

  Soon after I sit in the warm sun on Shay’s back patio, the sand gleaming nearby as the sounds and smells of the ocean assail my senses into peace. I feel better than I felt in days as I soak in the vitamin-D. My relaxation hits its peak as my phone pings. I expect it to be Gabe, so it surprises me to see a number not only unfamiliar, but not programmed into my contacts. It intrigues me as I slide the text message open.

  It takes the image files a moment to load and me another moment to figure out what the picture is. When I do it sends chills through my blood and a wave of nausea passes through me. Not baby sickness, no, something much worse.

  “Lettie, I got you some juice.” Shay says as he walks over. I can’t respond to him. I’m too busy focusing on not being sick. “Lettie, what’s wrong? What is it?”

  My mouth opens and closes like a fish out of water, but no sound emits. Finally I hand Shay the phone so he can see for himself.

  His face falls as he studies it. “There must be some mistake.” Shay says.