Ascending Shadow

by Church K Calvert

  The figure knelt down next to me and removed his hood.

  “Caleb?” I asked, bewildered.

  “I thought I told you to take the night off,” he said, not looking at me, but attempting to put pressure on the wound, “This is not good.”

  “I’m going to die,” I said.

  “You’re not going to die,” he said with hesitation. He condensed his stick and placed it in a bag, then reached down and picked me up, “Come on. I need to get you help.”

  “Don’t take me to the hospital to die,” I said, as I began to lose consciousness, “I hate hospitals.”

  Chapter Nine

  Not Alone

  When I awoke, I found myself in a small room. It was simple, a plain twin-size bed in the corner where I slept, a dresser, and a window, that was all. I was covered by a blue comforter. I lifted it slowly to check out the damage. I was wearing different clothes than I had worn the night before, a black t-shirt that appeared a size too big and gray sweatpants. I pulled up my shirt to survey the wound. There was nothing there, to my relief. Everything as it had been before, not even a scar. I sighed in relief. I was grateful to be alive- and thanks to Caleb, of all people.

  I got up from the bed and walked toward the window. I could hear voices in the distance, down hallways, and outside. I opened the blinds to the window and noticed I was on the second floor of a house. As I gazed out the window, I saw two people, a girl and Caleb, working in a garden, pulling food. The sun was not very high in the sky; I guessed it to be around nine or ten in the morning. I looked around to see if any of my belongings were in the room but there was nothing. No clothes, no weapons, no phone. The idea of Caro’s betrayal came rushing into my mind. I closed the blinds and turned to exit the room and leave.

  “You’re up early.”

  I glanced up to see Law standing in my doorway.

  “Where’s my stuff?” I replied.

  “We were unable to salvage your clothing and your phone and weapon have both been disposed of.”

  “You destroyed my phone?” I asked, baffled.

  “Yes.”

  “Why the hell would you do that?”

  “Franklin is tracking you on that phone and has clearly turned on you. If you kept it, it would be a homing beacon for him to find you. Is that what you want?”

  “Oh no,” I said, understanding his rationale, “Thanks.”

  “I’m here to help,” he said.

  “I find it hard to believe what you say.”

  “Well, perhaps you will find it easier for me to show you.”

  “I would not mind that. However, I really have to be going.”

  “Where do you have to be?”

  “I want to go home. You know, to my house. Get my stuff together. Track down Caro and fucking kill that bitch, then I’m going to take the damn vacation I wanted.”

  “Danielle, you cannot go home.”

  “Why not? You going to try to keep me here?”

  “Why must everything that comes out of your mouth sound so defensive? I am trying to help you.”

  “You’re my enemy. I don’t trust you.”

  “I’m your enemy? Ha ha,” Law responded with a laugh, “Why am I your enemy?”

  “Because you’re Franklin’s enemy. I’m not even supposed to be talking to you.”

  “You don’t get it, Danielle. Franklin turned on you. He called the cops on you. He set you up. He ordered Caro to take you out after you delivered the drive and if, for some reason, you survived, he intended for you to rot in prison for carrying out his orders.”

  “Well, probably because he thought I was working with you!” I exclaimed, “Probably because you had Caleb following me around everywhere. He probably thought I was some kind of nark.”

  “Listen to me,” Law said, crossing his arms and standing up straight, “You can’t try to blame me or anyone else for what you got yourself into. You want to leave? Be my guest,” Law said, motioning for the exit, “I am telling you I am willing to offer you refuge. You can have a place to stay, food, and whatever basic needs a person has, but you play by my rules. Rule number one, you are not going to disrespect me in my house. You are not going to disrespect anyone else.”

  I was intimidated by Law’s frustration with me. It wasn’t like mouthing off to my dad or anyone else. I learned right then Law was the type of person that when they talked, you just kept your mouth shut and listened.

  “Now, I’m going downstairs. We’re making breakfast. You’re welcome to join us and you’re welcome to leave. It’s your choice. However, I’d prefer if you stayed and at least stuck around for a bit to see what we have going on here.”

  I hesitated with my words, “I’ll be down in a minute.”

  “Okay,” Law said with a nod and exited the room.

  After twenty or so minutes of sitting in contemplation, I made my way down the stairs. I heard a clamor across the house, in what I assumed to be the kitchen. I walked toward the noise. The house was quite big but nothing extravagant. It appeared to have all the essentials and not much more. It was, in a way, like a frat house. Lots of rooms and open spaces for community living. As I came upon the dining room, I saw a big table with seven or so people gathered around it, just beginning to eat their breakfast. They had food laid out on the table, lots of fruits, toast, pancakes, and bacon. My stomach growled at this temptation. As I stood in the entrance, everyone glanced over at me. Caleb, who had his back to me, turned around and produced a welcoming smile.

  “Danielle!” he said, then smacked himself in the forehead, “Sorry, sorry, Dani! Come sit down.”

  He pulled out the chair next to him. I quickly took my seat and avoided eye contact with the rest of the group. Caleb reached over and grabbed my plate and began piling food on it.

  “Pancakes?” he asked.

  “Yes, please.”

  Law entered the room and glanced over at me and nodded his head in acknowledgment. I gave a small wave. He sat himself down at the head of the table and began serving himself.

  “I love family breakfast,” Caleb said, dancing in his chair a bit.

  I grabbed a fork and shoved a slice of pancake into my mouth. It was delicious. Caleb glanced over at me with a smile.

  “Do you want to pray for the food with me?” he asked.

  “Do I have to?” I replied.

  “Oh, no, of course not. I’ll pray for everyone’s food,” he said, still smiling.

  “Okay,” I said and returned to my food.

  “Dear Lord, thank you for allowing us to get together to enjoy this amazing meal, thank you for our opportunity to know and support each other, and thank you for delivering Dani to us safely. I pray that you will continue to protect us and help us do your divine work. Please let all of us do our part and let the people we help accept our offering. Amen.”

  “Amen,” echoed the rest of the group, some already partaking in their meal.

  I surveyed the table, as I consumed my food. Law noticed my surveillance.

  “Why don’t we go around the table and introduce ourselves to Danielle,” Law said, motioning to the young man on his left.

  “I’m Chad. Former prostitute and an Intuitive,” said the man in a light voice. He was quite thin and his bones protruded from his shirt. However, he had perfect bone structure in his face and gorgeous blond hair that was styled as if he was preparing for a fashion show.

  “I’m Tanya. Former gang member and a Reader,” said the girl to the right of Chad. She had dark skin and thick curly hair. She was big and intimidating in appearance, but her demeanor came off quite pleasant and welcoming.

  The girl next to her followed, “I’m Rebecca. Former drug addict, borderline personality, and Truth Discerner.”

  Rebecca was short and had medium-length dark hair and tan skin. She had multiple piercings adorning her ears.

  “I’m David. Former drug dealer, ADD, and a human computer,” said the next guy. He
had dark red hair, cut close to his head. He was muscular and had a cleanly trimmed beard.

  It was my turn at this point. I realized I hadn’t paid much attention to the structure of their response but made an attempt. “I’m Dani a Dual Soul.”

  I glanced over at Caleb but someone interjected before he could begin, “The Dual Soul,” it was David, “There’s only one.”

  “Oh. . . I didn’t know,” I replied. This sent a wave of laughter through the group.

  “Well, you know me. I’m Caleb and I am a Believer,” Caleb said.

  “Of course you are,” I said, “What’s your diagnosis?”

  “I don’t have one,” Caleb said.

  “I’m Jude,” came the words of a young Hispanic male on the other side of Caleb, with a tattoo stretching up his neck line. “I used to smuggle items for various people. I’m bipolar and a parasite.”

  I scoffed louder than intended at his admission. This directed everyone’s attention to me.

  “You have something to say?” asked Rebecca.

  “I just didn’t realize anyone who was a parasite would be considered gifted,” I replied.

  “It’s okay. You don’t have to feel self-conscious about it, Dani,” said Caleb.

  “Okay. . .” I said, slightly confused.

  I thought about how understanding and tolerant these people were, to handle my prejudice and accept people like Jude, someone whose only purpose was to drain life from people. They would think I was an angel.

  “As you know, I’m Law. I established this community a few years ago. The purpose of being here is to not only grow as a person, but encourage the growth of others through community service. This is a safe place, where no one is bound to their past indiscretions. We help each other and support each other. You get a room and food. However, you are required to work. Work includes having a job and working on yourself as a person. The goal is to grow, to fine tune your gifts, to control them. We all contribute to the household. We clean, we cook, tend to the garden, complete any repairs needed, and we pay bills. We have limited time with technology and/or social media, but we do have a movie night once or twice a week as a family.”

  “So what is your gift?” I asked.

  “I am a Healer,” Law replied.

  “Yeah, Dani, I took you straight to him after the incident with Caro,” said Caleb.

  “Caro? You saw Caro?” asked Tanya.

  “Yeah, right before she shot a hole through my stomach. Wait till I see her again, I’m going to fuckin’ kill her,” I replied angrily, dropping my fork to my plate.

  Silence grew around the table.

  “We all have to understand, Dani is new here, so she’s not quite savvy to our culture and way of doing things,” Law said, cutting through the silence.

  “‘Way of doing things’?” I asked.

  “Danielle, we, as a group, have a long list of things we’ve done that we’re not proud of, a lot of things that we wish we could take back or undo. However, we cannot change those things. We can only change as people. Our goal is never to seek vengeance but to seek justice.”

  “What about Franklin? You said you’re going to take him down, if I remember correctly. Are you going to kill him or are you going to put him in timeout?”

  “Believe it or not, those are not the only two options,” Law replied, containing his composure, “You see, I’ve forgiven Franklin for what he has done to me. However, Franklin continues to hurt people. I will stop him and I will seek justice for the continued atrocities he inflicts on this world.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “I cannot share that with you,” Law replied and continued eating his meal.

  “Why not?” I asked.

  He wiped his mouth with his napkin and looked at me across the table, “Because I am still your enemy. In your mind, you still work for him.”

  “She works for Franklin!”

  “What is she doing here?”

  “She’ll get all of us killed!”

  I was shocked by the immediate domino reaction to Law’s statement.

  “Enough, enough. Calm down. Dani is currently our guest. She will, as everyone has, be given the opportunity to stay. She will be required to follow the guidelines, just like everyone, if she chooses to stay —”

  “You have to be kidd —” began Rebecca.

  “And!” Law said, speaking over her, “She will not be judged by her past, if she chooses to stay.”

  “Oh, don’t worry, everyone. I’m not staying,” I said through the sighs and scoffs.

  “I don’t even think she’s a Dual Soul,” spat Tanya.

  “What makes you say that?” asked Caleb.

  “It’s supposed to be almost unbearable for a Reader to be in the same room as a Dual Soul. I’ve done my research. I don’t hear or feel anything unusual.”

  “Well, that’s because Franklin fixed me!” I shot back, assuming the reverse baptism prevailed in its purpose.

  “Dani, how about you spend the day with Caleb? You two seem to get along well,” Law said, “Caleb can be your mentor and you can shadow his routine for the day.”

  “Uh, I really have other things I need to do today,” I said.

  “Like what?” asked Law.

  “I’m supposed to be going on vacation. I want to go shopping for clothes, visit a travel agent, pick out where I’m going to go,” I said.

  “That sounds expensive,” Law replied.

  “Well, yeah, it will be, but I’ve saved up like ten grand, so I’m not really worried about it,” I said.

  “From working for Franklin?” Law asked.

  “Yeah.”

  “Tell you what, if you have the money to go on vacation, by all means, do so. However, if you don’t, I encourage you to stay here a while.”

  “Okay, well, I do have the money, so I’ll just be going then . . .” I said, getting up from the table.

  “You might want to check your accounts before leaving,” Law replied, “You’re welcome to use our computer in the living room.”

  “Thanks, I’ll do that,” I said.

  I excused myself from the table, put my dishes in the sink, and made my way into the common area where the computer was. It was exceptionally old and turning it on and letting it load lasted a good ten minutes. I rolled my eyes as I waited impatiently. When it finally finished booting up, I jumped online to check my accounts. To my dismay, they were zeroed out completely. They didn’t leave one cent.

  “Mother Fucker! You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.” I said, looking closer at the screen as if the amount might change.

  “Not a thing left, I assume?” came Law’s voice from behind me.

  I got up from the desk and stormed to the front door. Law put a soft hand to my shoulder.

  “Please, Dani, just stay. One day. That’s all I’m asking.”

  I looked him up and down and knew his intentions were pure.

  “One day.”

  Chapter Ten

  The Cult Life

  “So, first thing in the morning I generally do some conditioning and some training,” Caleb said, opening a garage door.

  The inside of the garage was like a small boxing gym. There was a heavy bag, a speed bag, a wall of mirrors, weights, mats, and shelves of weapons. He had fighting sticks, nun chucks, knives, and swords.

  “Are you holding out on me, Caleb? Are you secretly a Samurai?” I asked.

  “Ha ha maybe,” he said, shooting me a stone-cold look, then continued laughing.

  “What did you use the other night?” I asked, surveying the weapons.

  “Ah, that, that’s my preferred tool,” he said, reaching up. He pulled a two-foot pole off the wall.

  He rotated it quickly in his hands, making both sides extend from each end so it was nearly a full length fighting stick.

  “Whoa, cool.”

  “Yeah, it’s pretty cool — and useful, until the other
person shows up with a gun, then I’m screwed.”

  “Caro had a gun you still helped me,” I said.

  “Carolina didn’t see me coming. I was lucky.”

  “Well thank you,” I said.

  “No problem. You would’ve done the same for me.”

  “I wish I could say I would, but I wouldn’t.”

  “You say that now, but that will change. If you stick around here long enough, you can become that person you wish to be.”

  I grabbed two shorter wooden sticks from the wall and spun them around, pretending like I knew what I was doing.

  “You want to spar?” Caleb asked with excitement in his voice.

  “You mean like fight with these things?” I asked.

  “Yeah, it will be fun.”

  “You do know that I heal instantaneously? What happens if I hurt you?” I asked.

  “Well, you can heal me, too, right?” he asked, grabbing two sticks and twirling them about in a much fancier fashion than I did.

  “I I don’t know.” I said.

  “Well, I’ll go slowly, it’s not about hurting the other person, it’s about practicing technique and form.”

  He kicked off his shoes and I followed his lead.

  “Just mirror me for now and we’ll work on contact later.”

  “Okay,” I said.

  Caleb began various poses and I mimicked his actions.

  “So, why do you want to leave here so bad?” Celeb asked.

  “This is just not my kind of place. I can’t really relate to any of these people. I don’t like rules. I don’t like people telling me what to do. I like drugs, I like hurting people, I like being bad.”

  “Well, we can all relate to that.”

  “I don’t want to live in the delusion that’s there’s good in this world.”

  “You don’t think there is?”

  “There is, I’m sure, but it will never outweigh the evil in this world and definitely not the evil in me.”