The 2nd Realm Book One (The 2nd Realm Trilogy 1)

by Montoya, RoChe

  The other eight board members give a nod to the lady council that they are ready to hear the case. Charlotte, Jake and Nick take a seat on the pew before the body of elders. Brian makes his way to the seat at the head of the oval table as the questions begin.

  "Please tell us what happened," says Phoenix.

  "I've been watching my old home where my wife still lives," begins Brian. "I've noticed the past few days that there's been a stalker hanging outside her window."

  "It's a difficult thing to watch our loved ones fall into the hands of danger," says Hazel the saintly sorcerous"

  "Please continue," Angelica says with a kind tone.

  "Normally I just go and watch, kind of keep an eye on my girl as you all know; but tonight was different. This time the crazy pervert came inside like a snake as he crawled in through the window." All look on with interest, hanging on to every word that confesses through the grief-stricken man. "My beautiful wife, whom I adore with all my heart, and mind you, I'd never want to hurt, is settled in for the evening," begins the poor soul whose life has been ripped apart.

  The lovely elf, Gandriel, swallows as she gets a lump in her throat from sadness because of the heartbreaking tale of Brian.

  "I just wanted to sit there and look upon her beauty as she slept," he begins to say, "but when I saw the masked man enter through the window, I guess my emotions got the best of me."

  All in attendance eyes get a little watery as the mournful spirit continues to elaborate on the dreadful night that ended in the disintegration of poor innocent Emily. They all know that they must live by the code to never intervene because it could be catastrophic.

  Brian continues to tell the difficult story, "The masked man was making his way to Emily's bed as she peacefully was dreaming. He took out a rape kit and was about to do something my heart couldn't take. She's only twenty-nine and didn't deserve what he was about to inflict upon her; nobody does," Brian says with conviction.

  Buck, the majestic stag gazes intently at the poor soul's eyes and confirms what Brian has said to be relevant," I understand where you are coming from young man," he says with wisdom beyond Brian's age.

  The down-trodden spirit continues, "I saw Emily start to wake up as an intruder jarred the window open to sly fully sneak in. I could see the look on my panic stricken wife and there was nothing I could do to stop my feeling of desperation; I came crashing into the realm I know I have no business being in; many things were being thrown about the room to the point of not only scaring off the intruder, but also terrifying my poor wife. I stood in front of her after the masked man left, and she was so filled with love that she ran to me, embracing me with a tight grip of appreciation."

  Angelica's wings shiver at the thought of what he is about to say while Zenon the alien hangs on to every word Brian utters, knowing the worst is yet to come.

  The former agent hangs his head and regretfully pronounces, "My embrace killed the love of my life and I must pay for my ignorance."

  Charlotte looks over at Jake, her bright hazel eyes pooling with water as she tries to hold back the tears. He gently kisses her forehead, and then takes her hand, showing her that he feels the pain this poor man has suffered as well. Nick sees the emotion that has come over the couple, and that they empathize with Brian. Even though the incident was of tragic nature, the by the book mentor still believes the love-struck man must pay for what he did.

  The council has now retreated to an inner chamber to discuss the verdict; they are not gone for long when the group of nine enters the room. Charlotte is on the edge of her seat not knowing what the outcome will be. She knows what she would do and that's give leniency.

  Sir Edwardo Victoria stands up to deliver the ruling, styled in true steampunk fashion. He removes his sorcerer hat with the cogs around the brim and says, "We all know you to be an upright man with only good intent in your heart and you have also shown your dedication to The Order. With that being said; we have come to a unanimous decision to not impose the sentence of death by The Sword of Black Ash; but rather, life in prison."

  On hearing the verdict, Brian states to council, "I would have accepted death for the unforgivable act I committed, but I appreciate your leniency."

  Sir Edwardo motions to a hybrid falcon guard and says, "Larry, please take the prisoner away, and then the two make their way to Omega Cell.

  Oden now stands up and says, "Jake and Charlotte, I want to assign you to watch over Mandolyn Rogers, the archaeologist that has the key."

  Hazel the magnificent witch continues to add, "The enemy has made her a target and we must not let them harm her or get the key."

  "We understand, Your Honor," Jake replies and off the couple soars.

  Brian has now made his way to his new home; a cell where the worst of beings go. The falcon hands him over to the two prison guards, Anubis, and a super hero with cape and mask named Kenny. The two loyal sentinels notice how Brian does not fit the profile of those that are spending the rest of their existence here at Omega Cell.

  Kenny looks over at Brian and says with compassion, "Just keep to yourself, otherwise they'll get the best of you."

  As the guard is giving him advice, a voice is heard singing an eerie jingle through the halls, "I smell fresh meat and the inviting scent of fear, please my precious, keep it coming near."

  The new life for Brian begins with time to relive the horrible event and to be tormented with belittling remarks coming from the adjacent cells. There is no way to turn off the maddening noise in his head of their wicked chants. He can't stop thinking of his beautiful Emily turning to black ash and being forced into the unknown Void. He thinks to himself that this is worse than death for him. He sits with his head in his hands, cupping his ears to drown out the never ending sounds. The evil criminals look on with delight as they enjoy the sight of watching a good man crumble.

  Chapter 12

  Incompatible Allies

  Meanwhile at the meeting place in Sutton Hoo, Mack has begun to rally forces. Already gathered together are Vlad the Impaler and Hitler, along with Pearl and her dark elves. More of the realms most vicious criminals and deviants are coming together to hear what Mack has to say. Never has there been a meeting like this, so the leaders of these factions are interested in what he may have to present to them. A dark elf doesn't like how one of Hitler's spirits is looking at her and begins to attack, that's all it takes and they are at each other's throats. The dark elf slams her fist into the face of the Waffin trooper, so the German soldier tries to save face and fight back. The two throw punches and the female elf even kicks him while he is down. One kick and he grabs her legs and knocks her to the ground, while all of his comrades look and cheer him on. As the dark elf is on the ground, the soldier stands over her as if it were the end. Pearl grabs the back of the rival spirit's neck and easily lifts him off of her elf; she then throws him down on the ground like the worm she thinks Hitler and all his people are. "You better put your slime balls in order Dolfy, or next time I'll come after you," she threatens the smug dictator.

  "Your threats don't scare me, fräulein," Adolf says to her.

  Even some of the lone dark spirits have come to hear what Mack has to say. Quill has left his usual hang out of a bar, where he and the spirit of Gina Baker sit and look on, coveting all the drinking and debauchery that happens on a daily basis. However, Gina, the former wife of Agent of Light, Nick, has no interest in any of it. Quill walks over to Hitler and says, "You gonna let her talk to you like that, or you gonna show her who you are?" Of course Quill is doing what he loves to do: start fights.

  "I'm not here for the feeble bickering," he tells the porcupine man, "There has been a truce called, so I'm here to listen to what Mack has to say." Adolf then turns to Quill and with a hardened look says, "But rest assure, as soon as this truce is over, I go for her and you."

  "What? Why me?" says Quill now showing a bit of a yellow spine when the thought of Hitler and his army coming for him enters his mind. "Ha-ha! Wel
l let's just see what Mack has to say." Looks like this time Quill's mouth got him into trouble with someone not so much of a jokester as he was hoping, he starts to put some distance between himself and the German overlord.

  Mack makes his way before the masses, his messengers; a murder of crows, return with hordes of ogres; evil sorcerers; the group of dark tree men; and the infamous Shape Shifting Clan from Down Under. Normally these factions are enemies but for this important event they come together as incompatible allies. The massive ogres tower over the dark elves, and yet the two are not warring with each other. All are now in attendance and the rally has begun. Brutal soars in with his impressively majestic wingspan and takes his honored title as Mack's right hand man, standing beside him as he begins his speech. The once noisy chatter from the distinguished guests has now become chillingly silent.

  "Former enemies and respected allies, today we stand as one people with a single mission," Mack addresses the masses of dark spirits, "It has been brought to my attention that the box containing the final piece of key to the pleasures of the flesh has been found." The statement sends a chill of excitement through Pearl's sexy form.

  Mack goes on to inform the crowd of how Brutal has seen the treasured box but it is now in the hands of an archaeologist. He also tells of how he sent his trusty servant, the Minotaur, to wait for a chance when the young woman opens the latched cover, and then he will be able to retrieve it. As he is speaking, the Minotaur swoops in with urgent news. He informs Mack of what went down when he was close to getting a chance to grab the key. Mack becomes enraged and now with evil madness in his voice, he hypes up the crowd even more.

  "I have just been notified that the young woman has been keeping company with The Order of Light. She knows this is more than just an artifact and she is keeping it in her possession." He raises his voice even louder to get the crowd riled up and says, "It is with urgency that we get the other two keys before the Order does. It's to Atlantis and Pompeii that we must go!"

  After the speech, Mack mingles amongst the groups to set up a strategy. He has decided to send the Shape Shifting Clan from Down Under to be in the front line taking the lead. This will throw off The Order of Light with the shifters ever changing form. They hope that with their large army, they can overpower the light and obtain the pieces of key. They're so close to achieving the ultimate prize that they've been patiently waiting for. Mack tells the Clan from Down Under that he wants half of them to go with Brutal to Vesuvius, while the other half will go to Atlantis with Elsa the Malevolent. In life she was known as, The Death House Landlady, a woman that would kill men, and she had been doing it for years. She went by the name Dorothea Puente and would lure men into her home under the guise of a boarding house. When the out of luck men would come to stay at her home, they'd sign over their social security checks to her. She'd kill them if they didn't, bury them in the backyard of her downtown Sacramento home and forge the name, continuing to cash the dead men's checks. She'd gotten away with it for a long time, all the way up to her elderly age, but her evil spirit is as young as the energy was when she made that first kill. She still keeps that greed and selfishness in her heart.

  Mack has every bit of confidence that this twisted woman will do all she can to achieve their goal, and even take out a number of agents out in the process. When Brutal makes his assault on Pompeii, Mack the Ripper knows his student of darkness will cut through any in his way to reach the chamber where the second portion lies. The evil killer knows that The Order of Light is sure to be there, that is why there will be a full invasion force to assure victory.

  Mack now lays his eyes upon the captivating queen of the dark elves, Pearl. He makes his way to her as she stands in the front center of her clan of followers.

  He devilishly walks around her with his fingers gently gliding around her neck and then sweeps in before her and says, "I hear you've been frequenting the funeral scene, my dear."

  Pearl gives Mack an alluring look of seduction and replies, "Darling, you know how I like the sight of a stiff one."

  Chapter 13

  Seductress at the Cemetery

  The emotional day has come to lay Scott's body to rest. The family made arrangements to have his service held at one of the largest churches in the city in order to fit the large masses of people, coming to pay their last respects. There are those that have travelled a great distance to honor their college schoolmate and good friend. Scott was known to all as the jokester, always there to lift your spirits with his positive outlook and funny tales that would leave a person laughing in stitches.

  The pews are all filled, and there are those who have to stand in the back because there are no more seats available. Scott's girl, Darla, is stationed in the first row, next to his parents. The ceremony has come to an end and people are encouraged to come up and say some final words if they feel inclined. Many have begun to do so, reminiscing on old times and future plans as they take a turn giving respect to their good friend.

  Scott's father comes up to the podium to speak. "Today I mourn the loss of not only my son but also my best friend."

  He goes on to tell of the good times that had together and that from the moment he was born, he was always a joy to be around with a smile on his face. He tells of their last fishing trip, and how Scott pulled him out of the rushing water that was taking him under. Even though his suit ripped on a jagged rock allowing the freezing water to seep in; his son still kept positive and smiled. The father starts to grin a little when he tells of the time the two of them took a creature design class and created an alien from head to toe. Everyone is in tears as the stories of how the young man is missed continue to be told.

  Charlotte and Jake are standing in the aisle next to the pew that Mandolyn and Paul are at. The archaeologist is trying not to pay them any mind and is thinking of going up to the podium to say some kind words about her student and friend. She is quickly distracted by a group of demons lurking about, and then notices a beautiful seductive woman with an evil, controlling look; even the demons take notice of this dark elf. She is full of confidence as she strolls into the church with a band of followers. She motions for them to stop and stand silently as she approaches the casket. The beautiful siren peers into the velvet lined coffer and gives a chilling evil smile.

  "She's beautiful," says Mandolyn in an undertone and then asks, "Who is she?"

  "Did you say something?" asks Paul.

  Mandolyn brushes it off saying that she was just thinking out loud. Jake begins to tell her that the lovely looking dark elf goes by the name, Pearl. She lived during the gold rush and made her living as a high paid call girl. She was very popular among the men that struck it rich and she demanded top dollar for her services. She would get her price with her power of persuasion. She had left the comfort of the small town to try her luck in the bustling gold town where riches were to be had. Since her family didn't know of her whereabouts, they had presumed her dead years earlier. Since she had no one, she never had a proper service and burial. She comes here to get her fix of what she never got and brings her army of followers to join her. Mandolyn continues to gaze at the spiritual beings in amazement as the service finally draws near to its end.

  People are exiting the packed house of worship as they make their way to the cemetery where Scott is laid to rest. The long procession line of cars meander the curvy country road leading to his final resting place in the hills. Mandolyn and Paul are in the middle of the long trail of automobiles. Seated in the backseat of their compact car are Charlotte and Jake. Mandolyn is trying not to be distracted by their presence or that of the flying dark elves, vampires and now trailing behind are a group of zombies. Paul is going on about how lovely the funeral was with all the wonderful stories told of the life of Scott. She tries to look as if she is paying attention, but she doesn't pick up on every word he says. He sees that she seems distracted and thinks it's because of the sad situation.

  They pull up to where the headstone is located on the
top of a grassy knoll. There is a canopy set up with some folding chairs under it for the elderly or disabled. A large collage of pictures is on a poster board seated upon a wooden easel. In the background lays the casket beside the deep hole of removed earth that will soon be replaced with Scott's lifeless body. The minister has now stepped up to say a prayer before the coffer is put in its final resting place. When he is in the middle of the Our Father prayer, Pearl saunters up in all her glory and leadership, commanding her horde to stand still and just watch. With a look of superiority and assertion, she walks right through the unknowing preacher. He stops in the middle of the well-known prayer to clear his throat as if something got lodged in his larynx. The attendees think he may have a touch of the common cold or a bad case of allergies, never seeing the dark elf walk through the revered man of faith.

  The man of cloth finally finishes his speech. The casket is getting ready to be lowered into its grave; covered over with hard packed dirt; and with time, the grass will soon grow and the thought of this solemn moment will be just a memory. Darla stands up and makes her way to the casket to lay a red rose upon it. Pearl is standing behind the minister, laughing inside her twisted mind. After the last of the dirt is tossed over the casket, she gives a devious smirk and says, "I like that."

  The demons and the zombies that have come to also enjoy the beautiful service and the passing of life shudder and shrink back in fear at the commanding presence of Pearl. Mandolyn just wants this moment to end and the sight of this dark elves' evil ways are making her sick to her stomach. She thinks to herself, Why me? Why am only I seeing this? She's comforted by Paul when he takes her hand and looks into her troubled eyes. He knows this is taking a toll on his lovely fiancé. The crowd is starting to disperse as the service has come to its end. Attendees have begun to give their well wishes to the immediate family and make their way to their means of transportation to go about their daily lives.