by Albert Long
CHAPTER FOUR: SOUL CATCHING
“What is it that makes them resist fate,” Orin asked. “Over the centuries, there have always been those who refuse to let go of their former existences—those who’s spirit felt some motivation for redemption, revenge, or a god-like interventionist role,” Jordin replied. “These four are different,” Clause added. “When they die, only one out of every million is embodied with gifts that transform them from Odinary spirits to Demi-geists, ones that have powers and can take actions to resist us. I’ve defeated many of them in my time, but I admit, these four are among the most unique I’ve known. They have powers that even they do not yet comprehend. One of them may even be a Tarron. Sometimes, I wonder if the Supreme One’s will is for them to do his bidding and we are in a futile pursuit,” Orin replied. “We do the work that we are commanded to do,” Jordin said. “They do the work that they think they are to do. I know of no mandate from the Supreme One to give them a reprieve from the fate of every soul that must present for final judgment. The way I see it, we have to seal their fate, no matter the resistance. Simply going out after them and giving chase and battle will not work, it seems. They have eluded us for several years now. We must lay a trap for them,” Clause lamented. “We have put things into motion that will bring closure to this. All we have to do is let them go about their bidding until they deliver themselves to us,” he added. The three Soulcatchers laughed deeply and eerily.
“I will go to the one they know as Yokim and give further instructions,” Orin said. “They have three of the false ones in their possession. The other six are positioned. When the sun rises over the earth a fourth time from this point, all nine of the false ones will be in place, and the one called, “Mimi” will predictably “sense” them. The one known as Matthew will make contact. The strongest—the one who wields electricity—will be unable to restrain his temper and thirst for vengeance. He will lead the bald one, Jericho, to deliver the false ones. We will remove them from the others and take them to Pretonia, where they will await judgment. The others are too weak to fend us off without those two. Then, my brothers, we will have our victory and move on to other business that requires our attention,” Orin said. “What of the ones called “Gung” and “Rick”,” Clause asked. “They have been judged. In exchange for lesser punishment by the Supreme One, they will help us to carry out our plans. Afterwards, we will send them to Hades—the third level, instead of the seventh,” Jordin said with a huge laugh. The other Soulcatchers joined him. “It’s just a matter of time before the “Shadow Guardians,” as they call themselves will be no more. “What of the noble work that they do,” Clause asked. “Is it not good that they come to the aid of children and end their suffering?” Jordin clasped his hands and turned his back to the others. “That is not for them to decide. The Supreme One has a plan. He has Angels on the planet charged with doing what is to be done. These four are the proverbial flies in the ointment, good as their intentions may be,” Jordin roared, his eyes glowing red and his long silver hair flowing in the breeze around him.
CHAPTER FIVE: THE PEOPLE YOU MEET
Matt, Jericho, Mimi, and Miguel sat in a tree near the stitchery, waiting for some movement from Yokim, Rick, or Gung. Hours passed without any sign. “What are we waiting for,” Miguel asked. “We should be in there busting heads and torturing them for information.” “No,” Jericho said. If we do that, we might never find the children they’ve taken or prevent the others they plan to take from being captured. If we take these three guys out, there’s still the one called Reddick out there, and we may never find him. He’ll find a market for his services, and what good will we have done,” he asked. “Jericho is right,” Mimi said. Matt nodded. “For now, we stick close to these clowns and wait for our opportunity. We may only get one chance to do some good here,” Matt said. Miguel floated down to the ground and paced around the tree.
“I’ve got an idea,” Jericho announced. “Matt, you can assume any human form you want, right,” he asked. “Well, yes,” Matt said. “We know that this Reddick guy is picking up teenage runaways over on 18th Street. Can you imagine what an advantage we would have if we had someone on the inside of his group of child captives,” he asked. “You’re suggesting that Matt morph into a teenage girl, find a way to get picked up by Reddick, and help us break this thing up from the inside,” Mimi asked with a bit of humor in her voice. “Exactly,” Jericho said. “Or, Matt can just lead us to Reddick and let me do my thing to find out what we want to know,” Miguel roared up at the group, his fist blazing blue sparks. “What do you think, Matt,” asked Jericho. “I’ve never been much on cross-dressing, but you know me, I’ll do anything in my power to help the team and to protect a child. Count me in,” Matt said. “What would you suggest, Mimi,” Matt asked. “I’d say we need someone who looks about sixteen, has an out-of-state accent, dresses slightly out of the Ordinary for this part of the country, and hangs around corners where drugs are sold,” Mimi replied. “I can hook that up,” Matt said, “but if I ever, for all eternity, hear any jokes from any of you about this….” “It’s in the interest of busting up a child slavery ring,” Matt. “There will be no jokes. This is serious,” Mimi said. “Okay. I’ll do it,” Matt said.
“That’s got to be the silliest thing I’ve ever heard of a ghost doing,” a voice shouted from the grocery store next to the stitchery. They all turned to look at an elderly man with a broom sweeping the front walkway to the store. Miguel quickly darted towards the man. “If you can see us, you must be evil. You’re obviously not a ghost,” Miguel said. “Son, I don’t mean you any trouble, and no, I’m not dead either,” the man said. “Mimi, come over here,” Miguel yelled. Mimi floated from the tree over to where Miguel had the man cornered. Mimi touched the man’s arm. “He’s human, Miguel,” she said. He’s not evil either—has a very pure heart,” she added. “How can you see us,” Miguel asked. “I thought…” The man interrupted Miguel. “You don’t know as much as you think you do, boy,” the elderly man said. “Who are you,” Mimi asked. “Name’s Ed Fozzley,” the man said. “I work here at the store as a clean-up man. Used to teach over at the elementary some time ago; was an undertaker for a few years after that. Retired and spend my days doing this, reading, fishing, and listening to the world.” By now, Jericho and Matt had gathered around the old man.
“Mr. Fozzley,” this is Miguel Menendez, Matthew Broadus, Jericho,” Mimi paused. “Thomas,” Jericho said. “And, I’m Miranda Morgan,” Mimi said. Mr. Fozzley bowed before the children. “I live upstairs above the store; been there ever since my sweet wife, Magda, died ten years ago. It was about that time that I got familiar with the spirit world. Like I said, I used to be an undertaker. I know death intimately,” Fozzley said. “I don’t mean to butt in your business, but them fellas you’re spying on are a mean bunch. You might think twice about what you’re planning.” “We can deal with them,” Miguel said. “You’re about the most stubborn ghost I ever come across, son,” Fozzley said. “How much do you know about them,” Matt asked. “Ain’t safe to talk about it around here,” Fozzley said. “How about we go up to my place and talk. I’ve got plenty of pineapple juice and sugar water,” he added.
The children looked at Fozzley with a degree of amazement. “Let me lock up the store, and we can go up,” he said. “I don’t like this,” Miguel whispered to Mimi. “He’s just an innocent old man. I feel safe,” Mimi replied. “I’ll reserve judgment,” Miguel snorted back at her. Fozzley locked up the store and beckoned the children to follow him up the back stairway to his apartment. The place was dark, lit by only candles. “Saves on electricity,” said Fozzley. The aroma of formaldehyde and garlic pervaded the room. A crucifix hung on every wall along with pictures of Fozzley and the woman who was apparently his, “Magda”. “Take a seat,” Fozzley said. Miguel sat on the floor. Jericho and Mimi took the couch. Matt stood against the wall, and Fozzley plopped into the recliner.
“First time I’ve seen ghosts in the last two
years,” Fozzley said. “How is it that you can see us,” Mimi asked. “Why are you so comfortable around us,” Matt interjected. “Most people fear ghosts.” “I suspect it’s because death has always been a part of my life. When I was a little boy, my father killed himself. Several years later, my brother died in a car crash. After that, my wife delivered three still-born babies on three occasions. After she died, I took up the trade as an undertaker. That’s when ghosts started appearing to me, talking to me, trying to get me to do things for them. Some things, I did. Others, I refused. I know the wrath of an unappeased ghost for sure,” Fozzley said, lifting his shirt to show scars that looked like someone dug their finger nails deep into his flesh and pealed it away. “From what I overheard from you today, it doesn’t take much to know that you all died in horrific ways and came back with the plan to prevent it from happening to other children. You don’t have to tell me your stories. I can pretty much guess,” Fozzley said. “So, what do you know about the men who run the stitchery,” Matt asked. “Like I said,” Fozzley replied, “they’re not to be messed with”. Miguel’s eyes turned electric blue. “Calm down, fella,” Fozzley said. “I’m gonna tell you what I know”. “They brought the stitchery about seven years ago. Make children’s clothes and sell them abroad. Use the cheapest labor they can find, usually children who work for little of nothing—most of the time by force, some even chained to the sewing machines,” Fozzley said sternly. “And you never tried to help them,” Miguel asked angrily. “I’m just an old man trying to hang on to this life,” Fozzley said. “Men like that ain’t to be messed with. “Maybe humans can’t stop them, but I bet we can,” Miguel said, slapping hands with Jericho. “You might have a shot,” Fozzley said. “Like I said, I’m an old man. I tire easily. I’m going to go rest my bones. You’re welcome to anything you want to eat or drink, and there are two bedrooms in the back if you need a place for the night. We can talk more tomorrow, if you think on it and still want to go through with your plan,” Fozzley said. “Good night.” Fozzley walked to his bedroom, went inside, and eased the door shut behind him. The children remained in the front room.
“What a nice old man,” Mimi said. “He’s had some life, I bet,” Matt replied. “I don’t trust him,” Miguel snapped. Jericho scratched his bald head and said nothing. “So, what’s the plan,” Matt asked. “Let’s stay the night, think about things, talk this out, and re-visit the subject with Fozzley in the morning,” Jericho said. “Sounds good to me,” Mimi replied with a yawn. “Yeah, I’m down for that,” Matt said. Miguel was silent.
“The more I think about this, the more I’m worried that something doesn’t add up,” Mimi said. “What do you mean,” Jericho asked. “Well, you and Miguel just happened to listen in on a conversation at random, and it just happened to be about some men involved in child slavery. When I tried to read the one named, “Rick’s” emotions, I got nothing. It was like he didn’t exist—just darkness,” Mimi said. “All of this happened on the heels of us escaping Orin and Jordin,” she added. “I think it might be a trap. It’s just too good to be true. What are the chances that the men we spied on would even discuss something so dastardly outside where they might be overheard,” Mimi finished. “You’ve got good points,” Jericho said. “I agree,” Matt added. “Maybe we need to slow down a little and let things develop,” Mimi replied. “Did you forget why we came together,” Miguel asked. “Even at the risk of there being a trap, we have to investigate this now. We can’t wait. What if there really are children being abused? Every second counts. I think we should go ahead with our plan. Let’s find this Reddick guy, get to wherever they’re keeping the kids, free them, and deal with Reddick, Rick, Yokim, and Gung the old fashioned Biblical way—an eye for an eye,” Miguel said in a harsh tone. “You’ve been out-voted on this one, Mig,” Jericho said. “The team wants to take this cautiously. We’re going to wait and see how this plays out—not take a risk on getting caught-up in a trap. That would be the real travesty. If this is a trap and we get caught by the Soulcatchers, then we won’t be around in the future to help all the countless other children who need us. I agree with Mimi. This doesn’t feel right,” Jericho finished. Miguel stormed out of the apartment and went outside. “Miguel, come back,” Matt yelled. Matt started to go after Miguel, but Jericho put his hand on Matt’s shoulder and pulled him back. “Let him go,” Mimi said. “He just needs some time to blow off some steam and think. Eventually, he’ll come around.” “I hope so,” Matt said. The three of them gathered at the only window in the room, facing the street, and watched Miguel below. He was shooting electricity into the air and pacing furiously.
CHAPTER SIX: RENEGADE
The sound of Fozzley’s voice awakened Mimi. “You three must have really needed a re-charge. Death force must have been drained by that run-in with the Soulcatchers,” Fozzley said. Mimi looked around from the couch where she was laying. Jericho and Matt were on the floor, curled up asleep. “Where’s the bull-headed one,” Fozzley asked. “Miguel,” Mimi replied. “Miguel didn’t come back last night,” she said with shock in her voice, as she arose and hovered above Jericho and Matt. “Get up you two,” she said. “We have to look for Miguel”. Matt yawned, arose, dusted himself off, and nudged Jericho. “No school today, Mama,” he said. “Not your Mother, man,” Matt said. “Get up. Your death forces should be fully charged by now.” Jericho opened one eye and looked at Matt and Mimi. “We have to find, Miguel,” Matt said. “He’s out there somewhere alone,” Mimi added. “He shouldn’t be so pig-headed,” Jericho replied. “He’s one of us, and if any of us falls, we all fall together,” Mimi said. “Now, let’s go”. Fozzley didn’t say anything. He had gone to the kitchen and come back with three glasses of pineapple juice. The children each took a glass and gulped the energy-giving juice down. “Let’s go,” Matt said, opening the door to the apartment. Jericho stepped outside first, and Matt followed. “I caught that comment about us battling the Soulcatchers, Mr. Fozzley,” Mimi said, when they were alone. “I see,” Fozzley said. “We never mentioned that to you. How could you know,” she asked. “Best to run along with your friends and save Miguel,” Fozzley said. “We can talk about me some other time,” he said. Mimi stared at him for a moment, then touched his arm. She felt a sense of goodness in Fozzley’s spirit, but couldn’t penetrate into his thoughts or feelings. “I’ve been around ghosts for a long time,” Fozzley said. “Anything you learn about me will be because I tell you about it, not because you try to use your powers on me,” he said. “You be sure to come back here and get me, if you need some help getting your friend back,” Fozzley said. Mimi hugged him and then walked outside to join the others.
Miguel darted through the city, chasing the car being driven by Gung, Yokim, and Rick. He had been on their tail for the past hour. He listened to them joke and talk about sports and about women and, of course, about the stitchery and the need for new workers to make clothes. They bragged about the money they had made and shared stories of past dealings with the child workers who made them rich. Miguel was focused and enraged. The men were going to meet Reddick. He had phoned Rick to say that he had found six more children to work at the stitchery and had them at the quarters where the other three had been taken. Miguel intended to free the children from their shackles and then free Rick, Reddick, Yokim, and Gung from their lives.
“If I were a hot-tempered, egotistical, stubborn, one-man-wrecking crew with power beyond belief and a vengeful spirit, where would I go,” Jericho asked rhetorically. “Can you sense anything, Mimi,” Matt asked. “Yes. I can send residual traces of his signature, and the singed tree branches, grass, and power-lines are obvious calling cards,” she said. “Let’s get going,” Matt said. The team hovered in the air, Mimi taking the lead, following the traces of Miguel’s path. “Looks like the path is leading to the harbor,” Mimi said after a short while. They continued flying in that direction. “Don’t forget to keep a look out for Soulcatchers,” Jericho reminded everyone. “Like we need to
be reminded of that,” Matt snorted. “There, ahead, see it,” Mimi asked. “It’s the car that the one named, “Rick” was driving yesterday. “What’s left of it,” Jericho said. “Miguel must be wielding his powers on a whole new level that even I’ve never seen,” Matt said. “It looks like it’s been on the surface of the sun,” he added. “At least we’re on the right path,” Jericho said. “We have to find him.” “Maybe it’s not him we have to worry about saving,” Matt laughed. “Glad he’s on our side.” “According to what I’m picking up, there was more than one car here. Whoever was in that car that Miguel destroyed lived and apparently got into another car. I still sense his trail ahead of us,” Mimi said.
CHAPTER SEVEN: DISCOVERIES
Yokim and Gung, and Rick lay on the floor, motionless. The electric charge had immobilized them. Reddick was presently trying to siphon air through his narrower-than-usual windpipe which was being constricted by Miguel’s hand, as he lifted him the air by his right hand. “Where are the kids you’re holding,” Miguel asked with disgust in his voice. “Forget you, man. I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Reddick said. “Not what I was looking for; try again,” Miguel said, thrusting a charge of electricity into Reddick’s gut with his left hand. Reddick fell to the ground, limp. “It’s very simple gentlemen. You are evil, and you have imprisoned children for the purpose of child slavery—labor to make garments at your factory. I am good. I am here to liberate the children. I care not what happens to you; my goal is the welfare of the children. One way or another, I will free them. Whether your deaths are consequences of the steps to their freedom is up to you. Now, who’s ready for more,” he asked, lifting Yokim from the ground and leaning him against a wall. Miguel drew back his fist and charged it with electricity, then punched in Yokim’s direction, just missing his head and exploding the wall into shards, as Yokim leaned to his left. Unfortunately for him, the next punch didn’t miss Yokim. His skin melted from his face and blisters appeared around his eyes. His brown skin was now a dark purple. “I’ll show you the kids,” Yokim said. “No, don’t,” Rick screamed. Miguel formed a blade of electricity with his left hand and pushed it into Rick’s neck, killing him instantly. He repeated the same on Gung and Reddick. “Best be going before the Soulcatchers get here,” Miguel said, leading Yokim to his car. “Drive,” Miguel commanded him. Yokim put the car in gear and drove towards the harbor. Miguel drank a bottle of pineapple juice that he had brought from Fozzley’s house. He was exhausted, but he knew the worst lay ahead of him.