Shadow of a Doubt

by Hunter Blain

  “Taylor!” I yelled into his face. “Focus!”

  His eyes locked on mine again and he nodded once.

  “Get me to a door. We have to get back to Midworld. It’s not safe here anymore.”

  To accentuate my point, an ominous dark globe started to slowly eclipse the Fae sun.

  “Um, buddy?” I said, turning to look at Taylor whose eyes were glued to the star that was now fully evident through the bare branches of the dying tree. “I’m willing to bet that we wanna be outta here by the time that Death Star blots out the sun.”

  “Agreed,” Taylor said urgently, standing up on unsure legs. He grabbed my shoulder for stability before saying, “Come, there’s a doorway close.”

  With me as his crutch, Taylor began wistfully walking down the street and away from the castle, which was now completely made of black stone.

  “What’s happening?” I asked Taylor.

  “Oberon has embraced the darkness,” Taylor uttered sorrowfully. “But how? He was supposed to be in Mab’s prison.”

  A thought crossed my mind, making me cringe. As we came to one of the skyscrapers, I stopped and asked Taylor, “Hypothetically: what if he had the gladius of an angel?”

  Taylor whirled to look at me, eyes blazing. “What do you mean?” he demanded as he grabbed my shoulders in a death grip and shook me once.

  “I kinda maybe killed an angel, got superhigh off his blood, and lost the body. Oberon had his weapon and armor—minus a gauntlet I still have back at my place.”

  Taylor squeezed harder, making me yelp, before taking in a deep breath through his teeth and saying, “We will discuss this later. For now, we must get out of Faerie.”

  “Why?” I asked, fearing I already knew the answer.

  “Because he has freed the Shadow Court. Darkness will consume everything…and everyone.” At the last part, Taylor spoke barely above a whisper. My heart broke at what I had done.

  “Consequences I can’t avoid…” I said, trailing off in thought. The Archangel Gabriel’s words ricocheted around my skull.

  Ignoring my state, Taylor pulled us inside the building and ran to a metal security desk. I was taken aback at how everything on the inside was modern; tile, metal, glass, even the furniture looked familiar.

  Taylor pulled a key from a chain around his neck and stuck it into a slot. A plastic cover lifted up, revealing a red glowing button. Taylor slammed his fist down on it, and an alarm that was near deafening bleated outside. My hands shot to cover my ears before they had the chance to start bleeding from the sheer decibels of the alarm. In the corner of my vision, I noticed the front doors lifting up, creating a massive entrance through which citizens began spilling in. They formed several lines and began filing in front of a large half-circle structure that was behind the security desk. It was made of vines interlacing around one another, with sigils etched into them. As I watched, the air in the center of the wooden structure began to shimmer.

  “Remember your glamours!” Taylor yelled over the din of mumblings and the alarm. At his command, each creature morphed into a human as their concealment spells were cast. It was impressive to see everyone in Faerie being able to do that with ease.

  Once completed, the Fae walked in unison into the portal to Midworld. They reminded me of a synchronistic army as they paraded. Left foot, right foot, left, right.

  Taylor manned his post, ensuring his fellow Faerians all made it to safety. My respect for him instantly grew at that moment. I stood by his side, awaiting further instructions.

  Screams of terror and agony pierced the air. Even muffled by the alarm, it made my hairs stand on end. The line continued as if nothing had happened, though some heads did swivel nervously toward the back by those who were closest to the screams. I looked out the open entrance and saw what had caused the cries. Darkness had swallowed the street, the sun almost consumed. Black figures stood on the street, their purple eyes and sharklike teeth the only things I could distinguish in the shadows. They each carried crude weapons and were attacking the Fae that attempted to make it into the building. Elves manifested sleek swords, bows and arrows, and golden armor. Dwarves summoned giant hammers and axes with metallic armor. Trolls pulled spears out of thin air and threw them with grace and skill as they moved behind the armor-plated melee creatures.

  A seed of hope was planted in my chest as the defending Fae formed a line in front of the entrance, protecting their brothers and sisters who were fleeing through the portal. Hammers crushed featureless bodies as arrows pierced chests, swords removed heads, and spears found new homes in torsos. The shadow monsters displayed no fear as they chaotically charged forward to their own slaughter.

  The seed of hope blossomed into a smile on my face as I shook my fists in front of me in excitement that we could win this.

  The sun was consumed then. The light faded, with only the office lights offering illumination just outside the building. The line of Fae defenders, who stood just outside the reach of the lights, inched closer to one another nervously as their heads searched back and forth, seeking their attackers. A black goblin-looking creature leaped through the air and was met with a troll spear that soared right through him. The featureless goblin with purple eyes and gleaming, jagged teeth landed on an elf and began tearing it to shreds with his clawed hands and fanged teeth. The elves and dwarves on the front line turned to attack the shadow beast, but only succeeded in stabbing and smashing their fallen companion. The elf’s blue blood was slung over the line as his friends lifted their weapons to continue their attack of the shadow monster. My smile dropped to a frown and my heart tightened as I realized the weapons of the Seelie Court had no effect on the Shadow Court now that the sun had been swallowed.

  The lights in the building flickered a few times before fading out, as if the power had been cut to the building. Only a red flashing light above the portal provided any illumination now.

  “John, we must go, NOW!” Taylor screamed at me as he grabbed my coat and hauled me to the doorway. The alarm had died, leaving a painful ringing in my ears.

  I turned my head and watched as more of the line was yanked into the darkness, where their screams pierced my ears—forever staining my mind and haunting my dreams.

  The last of the citizens made their way through the portal as Taylor turned to the remaining defenders and yelled, “Destroy the gate!”

  Without hesitation, the defenders turned and ran toward the portal. Just before Taylor and I went through, I saw the few remaining brave soldiers lifting their weapons as they swarmed the living vines of the half circle, ready to sacrifice themselves to close the portal forever. Behind them, a wave of featureless bodies surged in, filling the office building like a powerful tidal wave.

  5

  We exited deep inside a dark cavern. My strength rushed back through my veins like a trail of gunpowder being ignited. I closed my eyes, clenched my fists, and moaned as raw power enveloped my entire body.

  A loud pop reverberated through the cavern as the portal was permanently shut. I opened my eyes in surprise at the sound and saw Taylor lower his head in reverence.

  “They gave their lives so that we may live,” he said as a tear rolled down his bruising cheek.

  “They didn’t even hesitate, man,” I responded in awe. I wanted to yell and jump at having my strength back, but now wasn’t the time. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for those who had sacrificed themselves.

  “It is the greatest of honors for them to give up their immortality for their brothers and sisters.” Taylor turned to the Fae refugees, speaking loud and clear for all to hear. The cavern gave his voice a bravado that seemed fitting for the occasion. “Let them be remembered for the heroes they were. May they find peace in the Veil.”

  “Peace in the Veil,” the crowd echoed in unison.

  “What are you going to do now?” I asked Taylor.

  “There are contingencies in place.” I watched the events unfold once again in the theater of my mind, confuse
d at how the footage seemed to be from a faulty VHS tape rather than my usual crystal-clear clarity. As I watched in rapture, I focused on how the last defenders destroyed the portal rather than simply walking through and saving themselves. The door was right there! The absolute discipline was beyond impressive. I wouldn’t be able to convince myself I would have done the same thing in their place.

  I turned to PS and said, Put that shit on YouTube and watch the world’s armies shit their collective pants with envy. Am I righ—DUDE! You’re back! I cried out, having forgotten for the briefest of moments how I had lost him. I gripped PS in a bear hug and squeezed him tight. Thought I lost you, bro! PS returned the embrace and shuddered, relief evident. Were you with me while I was in Faerie? We broke our embrace, but I kept my hands on his shoulders for fear that he would be taken away from me again; PS shook his head in answer. So, it was a blink from the burning house to now? He nodded. Well, let me catch you up, brother. Still in the theater, I played the events scene by scene. They were fuzzy with missing frames. I could only assume it was from the fact my mind had been human at the time; but they were clear enough to get the picture.

  Once we went through the portal, I shut off the projector, looked at PS, and said, What do you think about that? PS crossed his arms, lowered his head, and shook it from side to side, indicating that nothing good would come of this. I hear you, man. They got out because of me. I killed the stupid angel, and that king guy somehow got the gladius and armor. Something crossed my mind like a bolt of lightning. But not all of it! The gauntlet! I don’t know why, but that gauntlet is the key. Can you feel it too? PS nodded once in agreement, looking from the ground to me with hope in his eyes. Dude…I started, feeling the emotions come on strong, it’s good to have you back. I-I think I’ve taken you for granted all these centuries, and I’m sorry. I’m not me without you.

  PS smiled at me. Then his skin started changing from a dark tone to a lighter one and said, Nor am I, without you.

  Did-did you just talk? I stammered in disbelief.

  I did. You have come to accept me as a part of you rather than a disease that must be compartmentalized. With that self-realization comes a new chapter in your existence.

  Neat! I said enthusiastically. It’s like I leveled up or something!

  I have only one thing to say, my friend.

  What’s that, dude?

  WHAT THE FUCK TOOK YOU SO LONG?! PS screamed at me while waving his hands in the air.

  I…don’t…know? I responded lamely as my voice went up in pitch. Then a puzzle piece fell into place. Dude, I barely accept myself for who and what I am. How the hell did you expect me to consider you—the very personification of my vampirism—as a part of me?

  Fair enough, he said, visibly relaxing. I noticed his eyes had gone from a constant red to a deep purple. They weren’t as light as mine in color, but they were a heck of a lot closer than they had been before.

  By the way, what would you prefer to be called? I’m sure PS isn’t ideal for you.

  How right you are. PS was lazy and lacking in imagination. It really showed how you truly felt about me. I think people put more effort in naming a pet rock than what you gave me. I felt ashamed at how right he was. Call me Baleius.

  Baleius, huh? What is that, like a demon name?

  I do believe myself to be of demonic origin, though I don’t remember anything before merging with your soul. I just like the name.

  Sounds like a World of Warcraft character, I joked, then realized what he had said. A demon had merged with my soul? I had always thought as much, but it was unsettling to have it confirmed. It’s one thing to think and another to know. Why do you look more like me now? I mean, if you’re a demon or something, why are you so damn good looking?

  PS…I mean, Baleius, looked down at his hands, turning them over in midair. I was about to interject when he began poking at his super ripped abs and said, I don’t exactly know. This is all new to me as well. My mind was a prisoner before. Only the most primitive part of me was allowed through. Now I am freed. You will have no more control problems from me, John.

  Good to hear. Funny, one of the primary reasons I kept you at bay was for that very fact.

  The irony is not lost on me. But here we are. Now I will be able to assist more thoroughly. Here is the first of many recommendations to come: how to fly.

  I know how to fly, I said a little more aggressively than intended. It just takes a lot of energy to condense the air molecules under my feet while simultaneously spreading out those above my head to create lift.

  Would you like me to continue? Or are you not done interrupting me? Baleius asked with a playful smile that told me he knew something I didn’t.

  But of course, my good sir, I replied in a fancy British voice.

  Wings, he said simply. His smile remained as if he knew I wouldn’t catch on immediately.

  O…kay? Yeah, man, that’d be great if I had wings. Though they might make me a tad conspicuous. As I finished, I brought up my thumb and index finger and smooshed them together while squinting my eyes.

  Bloodwings, Baleius clarified with a smile that was now beaming to the point of blinding.

  Blood…wings…I said to myself while letting my gaze go unfocused and dropping my hand. Lilith damn it! That’s so obvious! I turned to him with a fake smile and said, Well, I mean, if you wanna do it the easy way…or whatever. I turned away in a casual, inconspicuous pivot while mouthing “Fuck!”

  Taylor is looking at you, by the by, Baleius informed me.

  Oh shit! I said as I pulled out of my mind and regained control behind my eyes.

  “Sorry about that. Had a personal moment. So, where were we?” I said to a dubious Taylor.

  We walked through the cavern and to the mouth where sweet, sweet moonlight greeted us. I gazed at my beautiful moon, basking in its pale light.

  To those of you on Reddit asking: But-but Mr. Vampire, the light from the moon is just the reflection of the sun’s rays! Why come isn’t you being, um, deaded by it?

  I would answer this: Listen here, you blouse-wearing poodle walker. You drink water, right? Well, what would happen if I stuck a funnel down your mouth and emptied a fifty-gallon drum of said water into your body? I’ll tell you what would happen: I’d laugh maniacally while yelling to “hashtag this.” Oh, and you’d die. Get my drift? Everything in moderation.

  And—if I am to be completely honest on this—I think it also has something to do with the unfiltered natural sun cleansing the world of unnatural magic.

  Shifting my eyes from my gorgeous moon to the area around us, I sniffed, noticing an unfamiliar odor emanating from the desert around us. I glanced around and saw nothing but sand, a few shrubs, and mountains. Wherever that portal had taken us, it was definitely not Houston.

  “Where are we?” I asked while placing my hands on my hips.

  “Nevada.”

  “Always wanted to go to Vegas,” I said absently.

  “It’s only a few hours’ drive from here. We have safe houses set up all over. Las Vegas has always been a place where the Fae can feel at home.”

  “Freemont Street?” I asked in reference to the famous—and infamous—street performers.

  “Some. Most consider that below them, though. Cirque du Soleil is more to the liking of the Seelie Cou…” Taylor trailed off as his words sunk in. A single tear ran down his cheek as he looked up at the moon. I vaguely wondered if he saw the rock in space the same way I did.

  “Taylor,” I said sympathetically as I placed a hand on his shoulder, “the Seelie Court lives because of you. Look around.” I motioned to the surviving members who were making their way to a row of tour buses at the base of the mountain we were on. Tan-colored camouflaged tarps covered the row of buses, held in place by steel cords attached to concrete anchors. With rehearsed precision, Fae refugees unclasped the anchors, pulled the tarps off, and rolled them up while others formed even lines by the bus doors. Keys attached to chains around necks were
pulled free and inserted into the doors, opening them for the awaiting faeries. I noticed there were several buses that weren’t being utilized, and realized with a shudder why that was. I did my best to keep an optimistic facade for my friend in need.

  “I suppose you are right, of course,” Taylor relented from his self-punishment.

  “Taylor,” I said, my hand still on his shoulder, “they are looking to you now. You saved them, and you are the closest thing to a leader they have now.”

  “Tatiana…” Taylor exhaled with a trembling voice, more tears of sorrow brimming in his eyes as his bottom lip quivered. He fought to maintain his composure for his people, but was steadily losing the battle.

  “Hey, listen,” I commanded as I grabbed both his shoulders in a tight grip and turned him to face me squarely. “Now is not the time to wallow in self-pity; now is the time to lead. Your people need their leader more than ever before. We will get Tatiana back. You have my word.”

  That is a tall order indeed, buddy, Baleius whispered in my ear. How are we going to stop that which we cannot attack?

  We’ll figure it out later, hush, I whispered back before I apprehended what I was doing. Why am I whispering? I continued to whisper.

  Taylor looked up at me with red-rimmed eyes that were hardening with his resolve. “You’re right. We do what we must. Thank you, John. Your words are kind.” Taylor motioned to the buses while clearing his throat. “Would you care for a ride?”

  “As much as I would like to see Vegas, I’m afraid I have an impossible task ahead of me. The Shadow Court wants me dead. I couldn’t even kill one wittle kitty cat, and now they’re all free. How many of them are there, by the way?”

  Taylor stiffened at the mention of the cat before answering, “Countless, John, and that cat is one of the fiercest creatures in all of Faerie. Do not regard the shadow assassin lightly. I have heard tale after tale about that elusive feline. I don’t know how much of it is true, mind you.”