by R M Gauthier
“Why your wings, Caleb?” Fallen inquires.
Caleb glances at him with an unreadable expression.
“To be the example,” Caleb simply answers.
Fallen’s eyebrow’s scrunch together as confusion takes over his features.
Caleb huffs, “Isn’t being separated from the ones you love enough of a reason?” he counters, his expression completely innocent. “I want to be a family again.”
“But don’t you realize that will never happen now?” Fallen probes.
“My sacrifice will bring the family together again. I’m good with that,” Caleb offers.
“A family you’ll no longer be a part of,” Fallen replies.
“That’s not true,” Caleb persists. “When everyone is reunited, they’ll bring us back. Right, Mazereth?”
Mazereth glares at Fallen and crosses his arms over his chest.
“You wouldn’t understand,” he snaps. “I mean, you did leave your twin in that place.”
Fallen doesn’t take the bait, he knows exactly what Mazereth is after and he refuses to give into his childish games. He refuses to react.
“You still haven’t explained why you cut off your wings. It doesn’t make sense. You say you want the family to be together again. Yet, you’ll no longer be a part of that family,” Fallen informs, his voice soft and curious. “Why would you sacrifice yourselves this way?”
“Because in the end, it’ll be like none of this existed,” Caleb interjects.
“Yes, but why remove your wings? Why not go along with Azrael’s plan and keep your wings. What was the significance of removing them?” Fallen questions.
The two former angels stand quietly for a moment.
“He needed part of—”
“Caleb?” Mazereth interjects with a fierce arrogance.
“What Caleb? He needed part of what?” Fallen urges him. “It doesn’t matter now, right. Your plan is working. We’re trapped here with no way to stop, Azrael. So, what do you have to lose by telling me?”
Mazereth glares at Caleb before turning his attention to Fallen.
“Let’s just say, that parts of us were needed to complete the process,” Mazereth responds.
“So, what happens if the plan doesn’t work? What’s your contingency plan?” Fallen inquires.
The former angels stare at him blank faced.
“Surely, you have a backup plan. You’re warriors for crying out loud. You were trained to always have alternative plans,” Fallen says, completely bewildered by their lack of reasonable thought.
If he weren’t stuck in this bubble, about to be part of another angel war and working hard to fix this entire mess, he would have felt sympathy for these two. However, as it stands, he can’t believe they went along with such a preposterous plan in the first place.
“We don’t need a back-up plan. We won’t fail,” Caleb retorts.
A loud rumble moves the earth under Fallen’s feet. He takes a step back and his gaze falling to the ground below his feet. After a moment, he glances at Nevaeh. He watches her struggle to keep her balance as the earth shakes and shifts under her feet. His gaze climbs to the top of the invisible barrier just as a horrendous ripping sound echoes throughout the enclosure. The top of the barrier tears in two creating an X shape as the tear hits the sides. After a momentary pause, the entire structure tumbles to the ground unceremoniously.
A stillness spreads among the mythical creature’s and the clearing goes silent, not even a bird chirp can be heard. Everyone glances around wildly, wondering what happened.
The angel army glance at each other bewildered and it’s obvious they have no clue themselves.
Caleb and Mazereth gaze at each other for a moment before a smile breaks out over Mazereth’s features.
“It is done,” he comments.
“If that were true, we wouldn’t be here,” Fallen corrects.
Mazereth glares at Fallen, then glances at Caleb. Confusion is written all over his face as his mind turns over the new information, and Fallen’s statement. The truth is, Fallen’s correct. If their plan went off without a hitch, none of them would be here. He knows something must have gone wrong.
But what?
And, what does that mean for him?
“Mazereth?” Caleb utters, confusion evident in his manner. “What’s happening?”
Caleb holds his hand out in front of himself and watches as it disappears and reappears rapidly. The phenomenon travels up his arm rapidly. He extends his other arm and watches both hands and arms flicker in and out of existence. An expression of terror clouds his features as the entity moves over his shoulders and down the rest of his body.
“What’s happening, Mazereth?” Caleb solicits, panic stricken.
When Mazereth doesn’t answer, Caleb glances at him and notices his body flickering in and out of existence.
“Mazereth?” Caleb screams, then he disappears for the final time.
Fallen turns his attention to Mazereth.
“Be safe, brother,” he offers just as Mazereth disappears, too.
“What happened?” Nevaeh questions.
“Aaron came through,” Fallen simply states.
He shimmers out of the space, and Nevaeh is quick to follow.
Dominick, who is standing off to the side, watches the pair leave. Once they disappear, he turns his attention to Leo.
Leo is bent at the waist facing the forest, his body vibrating violently as he struggles to remain in control. The desire to sink his teeth into one of these creatures is overwhelming, the smell so intoxicating.
“You okay?” Dominick probes.
Leo takes a deep breath, smelling the misty air of the forest, the intoxicating aroma a tad weaker now that the two angels are gone. He spins around giving Dominick a pleading glance.
“Want to get out of here?” Dominick questions.
Leo simply shakes his head.
“Climb on,” Dominick offers, then turns around and jerks his thumb over his shoulder toward his back.
Leo’s eyebrows raise to his hairline as he glances at Dominick’s back judging the seriousness of his offer. Apparently, its valid because Dominick bends his knees slightly, then calls out over his shoulder.
“Come on. It’ll be quicker,” he offers.
Leo hesitant before stepping behind Dominick, his gaze travels from the ground to the top of his head. He pauses as he steps closer not sure he can really do this.
Dominick glances over his shoulder and is pleasantly surprised to see Leo checking him out.
“Go ahead,” he encourages, his voice deep and husky. “I don’t bite.”
Leo’s head snaps up and he glares at Dominick, but the frown slips from his lips when he sees the other man smirking at him. Leo laughs, then jumps onto Dominick’s back.
“Hang on tight,” Dominick commands.
Leo presses himself against Dominick’s back, wrapping his arms around the other man and does as directed, holding on tight.
Dominick takes a leap into the air his entire frame shakes and snaps. Huge brown wings pop out on either side and instantly begin flapping. Dominick’s body transforms, growing enormous with a huge head and scales.
For a moment, Leo tenses witnessing Dominick’s transformation from a man to a dragon, but his anxiety is quickly dashed, by the beauty of the creature. He clings tightly to the scaly body as Dominick gains height taking to the sky. Given their backgrounds, Leo knows this hasn’t got a shot in hell of working out. However, in this moment, he’s grasping at anything enjoyable because there hasn’t been much peace in his life since his transformation. This will make his top ten list of favorite things for sure.
He glances back toward the earth and spots the other creatures scattering through the forest. The clearing quickly empties. This entire experience has been eye opening for Leo and he knows his life will never be the same again.
40
Aaron stands perfectly still as he watches Azrael run full speed straight tow
ard him. He doesn’t even flinch when Azrael is a foot away. He does close his eyes however, so he misses the moment Azrael smashes into the invisible barrier separating them. He also misses Azrael quickly scrambling to his feet, fisting his hands and banging them against the glass like structure.
“What have you done?” Azrael hollers at Aaron.
Aaron opens his eyes and stares at Azrael but doesn’t provide any answers.
Suddenly, Nevaeh and Fallen shimmer in, standing on either side of Aaron.
Azrael steps back a shocked expression on his features.
“Good job, Aaron,” Nevaeh praises.
“Yeah, nicely done.” Fallen raises an arm and drops it over Aaron’s shoulder.
Aaron peers up at Fallen, pride shining brightly in his eyes.
“What have you done, brother?” Azrael yells.
“We put you back where you belong,” Fallen replies, with a shoulder shrug. “It’s apparent you need more time.”
“How could you?” Azrael implores. “You’re my brother.”
“Yes. I am. But really, Azrael, did you believe you could get away with this?” Fallen inquires.
“I just wanted to go home,” Azrael pleads.
“You’re not ready,” he informs.
“And who gave you the power to decide that?” Azrael solicits, defiantly.
“It wasn’t my decision,” he says, point blank.
Suddenly, the air around Azrael begins swirling, the wind kicks up and a dark cloud encompasses the space inside the structure. Particles and debris fly around as the entire mass implodes in on itself and Paradise falls away to ground. In its place is a dull, greyish version of a mountain range.
Azrael spins around and scans the landscape in horror. He falls to his knees.
“No! No! No!” He screams, while covering his face with his hands.
The imaginary structure between Aaron and Azrael disintegrates. Azrael and the dull mountain scenery evaporate. The landscape returns to the desolate desert, the air hot and heavy as the sun shines brightly.
Fallen closes his eyes and drops his head, pain etched in his features.
Nevaeh raises her arm and pats him on the back. In a brave moment, she throws caution to the wind, steps in front of him, wraps her arms around his waist and squeezes herself to his chest.
His response is immediate as he throws his arms around her embracing her back. They remain in a hug for a moment before she sneaks a peek at him.
“Are you okay?” she whispers.
“I will be,” he responds, he raises his hand and caresses her cheek.
“I know this is hard for you,” she whispers, her eyes meet his. “But just know, you did the right thing.”
“I know,” he replies.
He runs his hand over the top of her head, down to the back of her neck, which he grasps to hold her still. He leans down, places his mouth over hers and she responds in kind. The kiss quickly turns heated as tongues tangle, hands roam cautiously close to indecent and the two lose themselves in the moment.
Fallen pulls back, breaks the kiss, his face full of disappointment as he stares at Nevaeh.
“We have to go,” he whispers.
“I know,” she sighs, her gaze seeking Aaron.
Aaron stands a few feet away, staring at the place where Paradise once stood. He’s missed the angel’s private moment, while he was attempting to wrap his mind around all that happened.
“Are you okay?” Nevaeh probes him.
With his back to them, Aaron remains still and quiet for a few more minutes, staring at the desert terrain in front of him.
Finally, he whirls around and faces them.
“I’m okay,” Aaron responds. “Was that really Paradise?”
“It was,” Fallen responds.
“Not the actual place, of course.” Nevaeh is quick to correct.
“Of course,” Aaron repeats, then twists around and scans the space again.
“Are you ready to go home?” Nevaeh questions.
“Will everything return to normal?” Aaron inquires, still with his back to the angel’s.
Nevaeh’s gaze flickers to Fallen, searching for an answer.
“Your life will return to normal, Aaron,” he advises.
The angel’s watch patiently as Aaron absorbs the moment. Finally, he turns around to face them, a determined expression on his features.
“What happened to the mythical creatures?” he inquires, as he walks over, stopping in front of them.
“They dispersed,” Nevaeh answers. “Peacefully,” she adds.
Aaron nods his head up and down—slowly, processing Nevaeh’s answer.
“And my mother,” he whispers, his gaze meeting hers.
“She’s fine, Aaron,” Fallen replies.
Aaron runs a hand through his hair, as looks around for the last time. Then, his gaze meets Fallen’s. “Take me home. Please,” he pleads.
The angels smile at Aaron, then together they step forward, simultaneously coming to a halt in front of him. Nevaeh places her hand on Aaron’s right arm, Fallen reaches out to Aaron’s left one. The three shimmer, out of the space, leaving the desert empty once again.
41
Aaron rolls over, his eyes spring open and shift around the room with wildly. He’s trying to figure out what time it is or day for that matter. Yesterday’s activities are a blur. There was a show, that much he remembers. What’s unclear to him is leaving the theater, returning home, or turning in for the night.
Aaron sits up, swings his legs over the side of the bed and scrubs a hand over his face. He’s completely rested, a feeling that has escaped him for some time now. He must have crashed hard last night considering his loss of memory. His gaze catches the poster of Houdini on the other side his room. He climbs out of bed, wanders across the room, and comes to a halt in front of the image. He stares at it for a long moment trying to remember last night, but it’s eluding him.
He gives up and walks to his bedroom door, swings it open and steps into the hallway. He glances up the stairs listening for a moment and discovers the house is quiet. He returns to his room and glances at the digital clock on the nightstand beside his bed. It reads 7:00 in red glowing light. It’s a little early for him to be up, especially the morning after a show, but there’s no returning to sleep, he couldn’t even if he tried. Instead, he begins his day by getting dressed.
He makes his way up the stairs, the smell of coffee wafting through the air pulling him toward the kitchen. After he wanders in, he spots his mother at the stove and a smile overcomes him. He’s not certain why, but he’s happy to see her.
“Morning,” he greets.
“Hey sweetie. You’re up early,” she notes in a cheerful demeanor.
“Yeah,” he responds, then moves to the table and eases into a chair. “It was a restful sleep.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” she says, then turns back to the stove. “Breakfast?”
“Sure. That sounds great,” he replies, as he reaches over and grabs the newspaper from the edge of the table.
He unfolds it, spreads it over the table in front of him and glances over the headlines.
His mom places a mug of coffee beside him, then returns to preparing breakfast.
Aaron mumbles a ‘thanks,’ then flips the newspaper to the next page.
“Are you ready for your appointment with Dr. Swanson?” she inquires.
Aaron’s head pops up and he glances at his mother’s back. Dr. Swanson’s name rings a bell but for the life of him, Aaron can’t remember. He stares at his mother for a moment longer before turning his attention back to the paper.
“I suppose,” he mumbles.
“Well, I think it’ll be good for you,” she comments, as she glances at him over her shoulder. Her expression is wary, but there’s a smidge of hopefulness in her eyes.
He frowns but shrugs his shoulder at her observation. It’s not as if he hasn’t been to see Dr. Swanson before, at least he thinks he’s
been, but he can’t quite remember. He thinks about that for a moment, then decides he has been. He remembers the man, but not what they’ve discussed.
He thinks a moment longer and remembers waking up in the hospital, his mother sitting beside him, her eyes full of tears that spill over onto her cheeks. His memories are blurry after that and it makes him wonder how long it’s been since the incident. He knows his last show before the incident was on Aug eighth and he quickly glances to the top of the newspaper staring at the date in the corner. It reads Aug fifteenth, stunning Aaron.
His mind tosses that information around trying to figure what it all means. He’s certain it’s been longer and that he’s met Dr. Swanson before, but he has no recollection of when or where. He sits quietly lost in thought long enough for his mother to drop his breakfast plate in front of him.
He glances up at her as she brushes the bangs off his forehead, then she leans down giving him a peek where her finger traced.
“You okay?” she prods, concern laced in her pitch.
He looks confused for a moment before he schools his features.
“Yeah ma, I’m good.”
“Well, eat up. You have to go soon,” she says, as she ruffles his hair then goes back to the stove to prepare her own plate.
Aaron picks up his fork and begins eating, his mind a thousand miles away still trying to recall the last week, but unsuccessful.
His mother sits down with her plate and begins eating. Her gaze shifts from her plate to Aaron, her concern for him evident on her features.
After finishing their meal, his mother picks up their dishes and places them in the sink.
Aaron returns his attention to the newspaper, but the words are just blur of black and white. He can’t concentrate on anything except the mystery of his failing memory. He knows there’s something he should remember, something huge, but he hasn’t got a clue.
He brushes the feeling off as he rises from the chair and announces his departure.