by Susan Reid
This was getting serious.
Both of us faced each other now; vocally silent yet with serious expressions and in deep thought regarding this new revelation to signify that we both were thinking the same thing.
“What else have you heard about these dark warriors? Have you seen any of them there?” I then asked.
“No.” Rahab answered.
I sighed. The very one gift that Elohim made sure to give all humans of free will would be the one thing that allowed them to turn on him as well.
Since a divine chosen still had the privilege of choice and if they opted for darkness…they were worthy adversaries for the ones who chose light.
“This is worse than I thought my friend.” I said.
“I know but I will still stand against him with you and the others no matter what until the end of my existence.” Rahab assured.
I smiled and nodded at his loyalty.
“Do you have any idea where he might be training or housing them?” I then asked.
He apparently had them hidden in secret very well. No wonder he didn’t mind me taking the ones…the few that had more than likely refused to choose darkness I assumed. Then that only meant he must have a hell of a lot of dark divine ones to sacrifice all the ones that he allowed me to take so easily.
Rahab shook his head.
“None at all but I can ask around within our legion.” He replied.
“Be very discreet about it. I’m sure Ry, and Nay won’t hesitate to help and back you up but do not mention her to them.” I replied.
Rahab nodded.
I thought for a moment, and I had a sudden not so good revelation.
Morning Star would not risk Elohim’s intervention or wrath in knowing this. The mortal realm was his to run and if those dark divines weren’t being housed and trained here…there was only one other place he was holding them. He would eventually allow them to wreak havoc or wait to battle against the divine chosen of light when the time of the end came.
“He’s got them hidden somewhere in the mortal realm among regular humans already. Think about it, how else could he deliver the money, power and all the short-lived luxuries he's promised them without giving them a place to exercise it where it counts for now?” I then said.
That was why Drakael and probably a whole mass of other angels were being assigned into the mortal realm— to find and destroy them. Drakael knew this. There was no reason why he couldn’t tell me though.
Rahab’s eyes grew round and glowed more intensely.
“It’s possible then that he may be using them to seek out these divine chosen too; that’s how he’s been able to take so many so easily before their deaths. How could their side not realize this?” Rahab concluded.
“The time of reckoning and bloodshed will come, and all beings will have to be ready when it comes down to it or Earth becomes Morning Stars, and though he may be limited for a while, he won’t stop here. When is this concert?” I told Rahab and then asked turning away to glance off into the distance towards the Dark lands.
“That is all I know, there was no mention of a date or anything else specific at least that I overheard. He was very careful to keep all that a secret.” He continued to report.
“I’m willing to bet where he will have many of his newly created dark warriors then, as a test phase. Care to take a bet on that friend?” I finally asked with a chuckle.
“Where?” Rahab asked, sincerely clueless.
I looked at him for a moment with a wry expression,
“A mysterious new concert and musicians with the powers to summon Baal?" I then said with a raised brow.
“Oh right! Of course,” Rahab finally nodded.
Rahab was Rahab, and I would never change him for anything.
“I want you to steer clear of his domain for a while. There is also the matter of some secret rogue group that’s been hunting her as well. I’m going to try to find out who is leading them and for what purpose, though I think I already may know why.” I told him.
His nodded but his face hardened, and he appeared disturbed by that news, “Hunting her too? But why her of all the other chosen do you think?” Rahab asked with surprise.
I thought for a moment wanting to understand and know that myself, “I’m not sure yet, but she’s a unique one.” I finally answered.
Rahab nodded in comprehension now as he stared at me questioningly but in surprise as if he were trying to understand it too. “I want you, Ry and Atiro to lead that search for information. I’m sure Ry will love a good fight but tell them not to act right away if they do discover anything until we’ve all met and devised a plan. We’ll designate a place and time to meet and discuss what we’ve found.” I told him.
Rahab gave a quick curt nod, “My lord…” he then blurted out vocally, which broke his telepathic connection. I sighed heavily this time, but I didn’t protest; it was pointless with him anyway.
“Yes Rahab?” I maintained telepathically with pursed lips.
“Sorry. Do you plan to return to the mortal world again soon? I didn’t mean to overhear your conversation with him.” Rahab returned to our mental conversation with a sneer when referring to Drakael.
I nodded.
He looked expectantly at me, “Could I come and join you. I know the rules. I promise I won’t do anything to draw attention. There is far too much going on and many others involved now, I’d rather you not go it alone my friend.” He then said telepathically again upon realizing it wouldn’t be wise to speak aloud just yet.
“Rahab, you don’t have to ask my permission; you’re free to go anytime you please. I’m not going to interfere or keep Drakael and all the other angels from doing their assigned jobs, and I don’t want any of you to either. If she is in danger; I’ll handle it myself but keep in mind that Drakael, the angels; this rogue legion and spies for Morning Star won’t be far behind and there are going to be countless others, both human and non at this concert too so be extremely cautious.” I told him.
He grinned big. I had apparently made his day. Rahab loved the mortal world. “When do we pass through and which portal are we using?” He then asked.
“I’ll create a small, inconspicuous one for us, so I can quickly close it after we enter. I don’t want to waste time. You can wait for me here though. I’ll need to speak to Edanai first and then Morning Star and when I return we’ll go.” I told him as I stepped off the ledge and descended nimbly below to the lower ledge that led to the disguised opening of my dwelling.
I didn’t want to mention the request I had been given to Rahab, let alone anyone else in my legion, including Edanai being what it entailed. The quicker I finished this task of releasing those two divines, the sooner I could meet with Star— before this event, and the possibility of any other dark fallen from getting to her at all before her death. It wasn't long since my last visit to Morning Star’s domain, so I had to think of a more clever reason other than simply wanting more women this time. Even he wouldn’t buy that from me so easily.
VI: Starling:
The smell of burgers, sautéing onions, bread, briskly brewed coffee, espresso and fresh baking cinnamon rolls instantly hit my nose making my stomach growl once we stepped inside of the quaint café.
Joel did well in choosing a breakfast spot; I’d never been here before.
The waitress led us to a corner booth next to window overlooking the main street downtown across from a busy music store that I wanted to check out afterwards to kill some time.
The drive and being in Joel’s company alone was enough to ease my nerves and make me forget about the incident from earlier until he asked me how it went. Except for being assaulted by a shadow, I plainly told him I got an A on my paper and that Professor Phillips has been simply concerned about my lack of attention lately. That seemed enough to satisfy him, so he didn’t press though I was grateful for his concern.
Once we settled into the booth, I wriggled out of my hoodie jacket and brushed an ornery stray
curl back towards my pony tail. I should have taken a moment to freshen up after what had happened, and I felt bad for not having done it even though I knew Joel didn’t care what I looked like. “A friend recommended this place. I thought of you when I saw how big their coffee mugs were. They even cook mini sausage patties right into their huge pancakes, then literally drown it with hot syrup just like you like them.” Joel gestured with his hands before he opened his menu. My eyes beamed and I grinned big at the mention of that, “Seriously? Oh yeah baby,” I nodded with enthusiasm and smile as I flipped open and began to scan my menu for said pancakes.
“For an island girl, you sure eat like you’re from the country sometimes. I’ve never seen anyone eat pancakes like that and manage to stay at about a hundred pounds.” Joel joked and chuckled.
I looked at him contrarily and laughed, “One hundred and fifteen actually and um… I haven’t seen any island since I was six. I think a whole lot of people must like sausage pancakes too sir, there are three stars next to it on the menu here.” I replied tapping the picture in the menu to point out and giving Joel a wry smirk.
“Ah, I stand corrected but you’ll always be an exotic Caribbean girl to me so order anything you want. I knew you’d like it here.” Joel smiled.
“Aww, you know me best. This is my new favorite spot.” I told him after perusing all the affordable entrée’s on the menu.
He shrugged humbly with a smirk.
Though I tried not to dwell on what happened in Professor Phillips office, I couldn’t help but think of other possibilities. It had me wondering and thinking of how easily that shadow had been able to possess him and how effortlessly it could take over and possess anyone else around me…like my friends, especially in order to get at me. Was everyone just as vulnerable and open to be taken over? Did religious beliefs keep them safe? What were Joel’s beliefs? What would I do if that ever happened to him? I couldn’t see myself doing anything to hurt him, even if I needed to defend myself but would I have a choice? Could I be possessed just as easily?
Those thoughts gave me chills, and a feeling of anxiety sat heavily like a lead ball in my chest. I eyed him while he scanned his menu, and he was oblivious to my scrutiny of his facial expressions and eyes. When his eyes flicked up to mine, I quickly glanced down at my menu again, not wanting to explain why I was staring at and studying him with suspicious caution.
“Have you seen those flyers around campus, that concert coming up this weekend?” He then asked.
“No, I hadn’t really looked. What kind of music is it, rock?”
He shook his head, “Not all of it but mostly. It’s a few local groups and lot of new bands; I think. You can’t beat five bucks with student ID though. I’m surprised China hasn’t mentioned it to you because I’m sure she’s gonna go.” He replied.
I raised a brow, “Five bucks huh? Not bad but not really my genre of music and I know China is going, but she hasn’t said anything to me about it yet. Speaking of, I wanna stop by that music store across the street before we leave unless you have somewhere to be afterwards.” I said.
“Yeah me neither, but hey it’s a place to go and unwind, and you could definitely use that, we both could. We can check it out I’m free for the day— whatever you wanna do.” He said.
“So, are you going?” I then asked.
He shrugged a shoulder, “Sure, why not. I think you’d have a good time too even if you don’t listen to rock.” He then said.
“Are you asking me to go with you? Like on a date or something on the sly?” I then teased with a smile.
He grinned, “What we’re not on one now?” He asked innocently.
I shook my head stifling a smile.
“You know you look so different without your glasses.” I then commented as the waitress returned putting glasses two of ice water down in front each of us.
I ordered the sausage pancakes with strawberries and a gargantuan chocolate caramel latte and Joel ordered the starving student platter of steak and eggs.
“Is that a good thing?” Joel asked playfully, picking up the conversation where we left off once she had left.
“Definitely, not that you aren’t as adorable in them.” I then added.
He chuckled, “Thanks, likewise. I mean that fact that you’re the only girl that I know, who can still manage to look beautiful with an untamed pony tail and lack of sleep—is quite a natural talent.” He then commented.
I eyed him and playfully frowned, “Untamed?” I replied smoothing my palm against my temples and hair line to push back any stray hairs that may have been sticking out. He smiled and winked.
“Hey heads up, China wants to set up happy hour for us tonight.” I warned him.
He chuckled, “I figured as much, but I’m not gonna give you guys too much access to get wasted or anything, and as long as there is a designated driver in y’all’s group—I’ll see what I can do. A little cocktail for you might do you some good ‘cause you look like you’ve really needed some serious sleep lately, no offense.” He smiled. I sighed. The mention of the word sleep began to take its toll on me, and suddenly I could only envision my bed and pillow calling out to me in my mind.
“None taken but it’s easier said than done though. China already scolded me about all that. The thing is, the hospice called, needing me to come in early today, and I wasn’t even thinking about it before I told her yes I’d be there so I won’t get the chance to go with them tonight anyway.” I told him.
“Just tell her you’ll take a rain check then. How’s that going anyway?” He then asked. “Again…easier said than done especially when it comes to China, but I’ll consider that approach.” I sighed and leaned back in the booth chair, feeling truly relaxed more so than I had ever been in a long time, “The volunteering is great. I actually find being there therapeutic, does that sound weird?” I replied and then asked.
He shook his head no, “No; it sounds selfless and noble and if that relaxes you then I’m all for it.” He said.
“It does,” I affirmed with a smile.
“Well, the guys planned some road trip next weekend, but I’m not sure if I’m gonna go,” He then said.
Joel roomed with three other guys at his apartment. He was an architectural engineering major, and he definitely had the brains for it. I think that was the main part of him that attracted me initially. He was good-looking and smart, and his sense of humor and compassion were additional major pluses for him. He worked part-time as a waiter at his Aunt's sushi bar and steakhouse, Zen to Five. It was one of mine and China’s favorite eateries since we never had to show ID’s for Sake.
Joel was a hard-worker and would be the perfect guy for any girl, but I had way too many issues that wouldn’t be fair to dump on a guy like him and make him deal with. Besides, he had plenty of interested females after him all the time, though I often wondered why he didn’t seem exclusive or just picked one of them. I knew he wasn’t waiting for me; we made that clear already…I hoped.
“Why not? You just gave me a speech about R and R, and it sounds like a good weekend.” I then said.
He shook his head, “Nah; I got way too much to do. I’m already behind on two papers, and my aunt needs me to work all week at the restaurant. There’s several big parties booked on Saturday alone.” He then said.
“Oh, well I can understand that. I’ve got a lot to do too.” I replied. That was bull, past a few papers— I truthfully had nothing exciting or important to do.
“We should make a point to get together one night and see a movie or something then. I think we’re the last two people on campus who don’t seem to have enough sense to get out and enjoy ourselves once in a while.” He then commented.
I laughed, “Are you saying I’m a bore with no life?” I asked.
“Yes.” He chuckled.
I playfully kicked him under the table.
He dodged me and laughed, holding his palms up in surrender, “I am too.” He pleaded.
“Okay, s
o what, like next Saturday night?” I then asked.
He thought for a moment.
“How about this Sunday instead? I’ll be working all next weekend. I’ll even order take out or something.” He offered.
“Sunday? On a school night?” I jokingly eyed him.
He laughed, “Girl please, quit acting like you have to check your calendar. How late you plan on staying over?” He waggled a brow and grinned mischievously.
I laughed and feigned being insulted, “Actually I do and it all depends.” I began.
He looked at me questioningly with a smirk, “On what?” He asked.
I smiled, “A grilled steak bento box from your aunt’s restaurant, and you have a date.” I then said.
Though a flit of disappointment briefly flashed across his eyes he smiled in agreement, “It’s on then.” He said.
“And I get to pick the movie.” I then pointed.
He laughed, “Little control freak. I forget sometimes, damn. Okay, well since I already know you aren’t into sappy chick flicks, fair enough.” He winked.
I shook my head with a half-smile.
Breakfast was good, both the company and the food. I picked up two new CD’s that we listened to on the way back to the University— Adele and old-school Sade.
Iron gray clouds began to loom, in the distance, coming in from the south and were highlighted by bluish veins of lightning every few minutes. The cool wind was picking up, and the smell of damp earth lingered in the air.
I hated random thunderstorms, especially being out in it but this was the fall for you. It was going on one forty eight, and I had just enough time to try to catch a quick hour-long nap before heading out to the hospice at three thirty. The crash was coming, and it was going to hit hard; I could feel it. The closer I got to my apartment and imagined my comfy bed, the more it began to weigh heavily on me physically.
China was busy in the kitchen preparing her tuna casserole lunch when I walked in, and as always, her infamous scented candles had been lit, masking our apartment in a sea mist aroma that actually made the entire room smell like the beach at sunset.