Against the Fallen

by Devin Lee Carlson

  Sabree directed his question at Brian, using telepathy. “Should I go inside the dome? Do you think it will let me?”

  “What can it hurt to try.”

  “Maybe me. How do I know it won’t disintegrate me?”

  Brian shrugged. “How the hell do I know? You’ve lived in this realm thousands of years before I ever came along. Touch it with a glove or something.”

  “Glove?” Sabree had nothing but the clothes on his back, ditching his pack somewhere between the falls and the cave in. He pulled out the hem of his shirt and held it toward the crystal. The fabric slid through the dome as if it were a sliver of nothingness. As it slipped into the crystal, a force pulled Sabree’s hand along with it. A crushing vacuum sucked his entire body inside. Sabree cried for help too late. Brian grabbed his shoulder, the force drawing him inside along with Sabree. They tumbled to the floor at the base of White Ghost.

  “My bad,” Brian said. “You should know better than to take my advice.”

  His body parts unharmed, Sabree rose, keeping ample distance from the being. “It doesn’t seem to mind the intrusion.”

  “Course not. We’re inside its prison.” Brian tried to exit the way he had entered and slammed into a solid wall. “We’re stuck.” He slapped his hands against the shield. “You try.”

  Sabree slipped through the crystal with ease, bowed to Brian from the outside, and revisited the suction process until back inside. He patted his chest. “No surprise. The Malakhim mystically transformed this island to imprison celestial beings, which may include your strange genetic makeup. Oh, no!” Sabree’s eyes grew wide as he glanced between the dome and Brian, his only way off the island. “If you’re stuck, I’m stuck. How do we get home?”

  A voice boomed. “Do I hear a question?”

  “No!” Sabree and Brian cried together. Brian punched his shoulder. “Okay, okay, take it easy.”

  “I’m sure JLS will still work. Watch.” Brian disappeared and reappeared outside the dome. He then reappeared next to Sabree. To avoid including the ghost, Brian resumed their conversation telepathically. “Ask your bloody question before anything else goes wrong. Our invitation to this party is long overextended.”

  “Which question should I ask?”

  “You only get one, so make it count.”

  “What about the obnoxious archangel? Who is he? What does he want? And then, what about Ariane? Maybe it can help us get her over her obsession with bugs.”

  Stomping his foot first, Brian balled his fists and paced a three-foot radius before he charged head-on with Sabree. “I thought we risked all to find out how to fix your stealth mode. Focus, Sabree, focus.”

  His gaze blurred as he stared at Brian’s worn-beyond-repair hiking boots. Sabree thought Brian would be pleased that he offered to help Ariane. Guilt must be working its magic on Brian’s psyche. “Okay, you win.”

  “No, this is about you winning. Ask your bloody question. And don’t say, ‘May I ask a question?’”

  Even telepathically, Sabree could imagine Brian’s whiny voice. Without intruding on the creature’s personal space, he faced White Ghost. “Ahem.” Sabree stole a glimpse at Brian and then stepped up. “I seek an answer to a question.”

  “You may ask one of me,” the White Ghost said as its stars twinkled to match its tone. “Only one.” The stars blinked like a strobe. “You, the one called Brian, may not ask.”

  “Aye right, no news there,” Brian muttered. “No one’s smart enough to help me.”

  “Brian! Don’t make it mad.”

  “Fear not,” the creature said, “such emotions are alien to the purest of beings.” The brightness of glittering stars collected closest to Sabree. “Ask.”

  “How can I correct my Fallen brethren from not being able to detect me because the on-off switch of my stealth mode gift is stuck on on and won’t shut off because Brian brought me back to life from death two weeks into the future?” Sabree hoped he asked that right, the question too convoluted. His eyes studied the way the twinkling stars dimmed and then brightened as though it found an answer. His breath caught in anticipation.

  “One question. Three solutions.”

  Sabree cringed when Brian muttered something about his lucky number. “Please, explain.”

  “The first solution, Brian must return you to the moment you died. Leave your ashes there.”

  “Not an option,” Brian growled. He slapped his hands as though to wash them free of the problem when Sabree hushed him.

  “Number two?” Sabree shuddered, dreading what the two solutions might warrant.

  “Brian must enter the time vortex, retrieve the celestial rectifier and activate it to correct your existence. There are consequences though. Third, ask Archangel Athorsis for help.”

  “Who?” Sabree asked, glancing at Brian.

  The White Ghost answered, “The Lighted One who fathered Brian.”

  “Bollocks!” Brian hollered as he shoved Sabree aside, away from the creature. “Athorsis? You’re daft, if you think that monster will help us. And bully for us, we got you to answer two questions.”

  The White Ghost appeared content, unruffled by Brian’s insolence. The mass of twinkling stars brightened toward him. “Take me with you.”

  “Can you?” Sabree asked Brian.

  “Even if I could, why should I? This creature’s no use to me.” Brian glared at Sabree and mouthed, “Are you serious?” His hand supported his chin, the starry reflection captured in his darting eyes. “How does one escape with a shitload of stars? Hah, there’s my question to you, Mr. White Ghost. Feel free to not answer if you prefer to stay imprisoned forever.”

  The creature’s stars brightened, blinding its audience. As soon as Sabree could see again, the stars swirled together to form a cyclone until all, but one star, fashioned the cluster. The lone star zig-zagged in the air as if to show off. It plunged into a small glistening stone showcased on a nearby pedestal. The moonstone vibrated and then flipped through the air into Brian’s palm. A faint voice spoke from his grasp. “I’ll be your beacon stone until you deem me a nuisance, hidden from those who imprisoned me.”

  Brian and Sabree exchanged glances. “That was easy. Guess it knows you are the Stone Collector,” Sabree said in a deep ominous voice. “I think it likes you. Maybe someday, it will let you ask a question.”

  “Don’t hold your breath,” the stone said.

  Brian laughed as he placed the gemstone back on top of the dais. “Stay here then.” He yelped when it flew upward, flipped overhead, and nose-dived into his pocket. “Guess it showed me who’s boss. Come on Sabree, let’s go.”

  “The Malakhim might have something to say about your theft.”

  “Hell, add it to the list.” He grabbed Sabree and pulled him close. A smug grin lit Brian’s face. “I’ve paid my dues. All I ask is that you keep this private venture from the rest of the clan, especially Ariane. I’m going to do you one last favor, and JLS you to the nearest Kerguelen Island. From there, you can mist the rest of the way home. Better than hauling your ass thousands of miles. Not enough Colton tablets in the world.”

  “Amen to that.” Sabree squeezed his ride tight and held his breath.

  26

  BLOOD, FROSTING, AND TEARS

  A fter we returned from the Azores, and once the initial welcoming and joy over my rescue faded, the clan’s mood switched from agreeable to downright unpleasant. My sister’s mood rivaled the rest. What set her over the edge was the abrupt way Sabree and I disappeared for two days without an explanation. Where we went or what trouble we caused was no one else’s business.

  Upon our return, I asked her about my son, eager to see him. I kept pleading with her to contact Jesse. Bugged her at breakfast and then a few hours later.

  “Why are you asking for my permission?” Ariane cocked her head for me to follow her into the lab. “Aren’t you the man—the top dog?”

  “Not by choice.” I responded without a care. Never thought of myself a
s any of those titles. “All you have to do is get ahold of Jesse. Ask him if my son is safe. Maybe have him text me a picture.”

  “I did promise to do so, but not until we figure out how to defend ourselves against the pending Malakhim attack.” She pulled a chair out and sat at the island.

  “Not even a picture, Sis?” She refused to meet me halfway, so I leaned on the back of the stool instead. “Of course, something more perilous or critical always befalls us, demanding our attention.” When she pulled out two cans of frosting, I sat down. We no longer devoured sweets for strength because of the daily dose of Colton Tabs, but spooned frosting into our mouths for the sheer pleasure. “For once, it would be nice to sign off from duties and take care of my own needs.” A heavy sign unmasked my frustration. “I’ll wait. But not forever.”

  “I want to see my mother.”

  Good one, Sis. An excellent tactician, she wasted little time in distracting my thoughts away from my son. I stabbed the spoon into the can of frosting. “We’ll visit Julia today.”

  A smile lifted her spirits only to be replaced by a scowl. She bit her lower lip. “You’d do this for me before I call Jesse?”

  “I should’ve taken you to see her months ago.” My gaze reached beyond my sister, beyond the kitchen wall. The trip to see our mom could reinforce the conflict between our clan and the Malakhim. As usual, I acted on impulse, full barrel, half-cocked, guns and roses, without giving a second thought about the whip-ass we might face. Both hands slapped the tabletop. “Enough. Grab some tablets and let’s do this.”

  “Do what? See Mom? This minute?” A smile brightened her face until a rap made her jump.

  I raised a finger to my lips. It had to be Sabree, the only one who minded his manners by knocking first. “Uh, oh. Trouble.” My voice raised, I said, “Come in, Sabree.”

  Ariane shoved her can of frosting at me to capture my attention. “Don’t tell him. He doesn’t need to know.”

  “Too late. Mister Ears heard us.”

  “Listening in on us? How dare he.” Ariane called out again, her voice an octave higher. “The door’s unlocked.”

  Sabree entered, his posture stiff. The dusky shade of his turquoise eyes expressed angst. “Promise me you’ll bring mother and daughter home safe.”

  We exchanged glances. “What’d I tell you. Mr. Ears,” I said to her telepathically. The tablets in hand, I crossed my heart. “I promise.”

  3 3 3

  Spiraling, hurtling through a narrow tunnel void of light except at the end, Ariane embraced her brother, her fingers digging into his leather jacket as they sailed through months gone by. The last time Brian visited Julia’s world, he told her that he traveled via the portal. On this trip, he explained they had to travel back to the day after he met Julia and Turian the first time. Consequently, their mother should not fear him, and with any luck, she shouldn’t fear her either. Ariane hoped her brother was right.

  “Ouch!” Knees buckled from the sudden impact—touchdown. Her fingers tightened their grip on Brian who landed with ease, obviously familiar with the ins and outs of time travel. “Are we here? Is this the right place?” She dusted herself off while waiting for his reply. Silence made her look his way. His gaze was affixed on the small wind-worn bungalow.

  “We’re here,” Brian uttered. “The last time I paid a visit, I found her body in the backyard.”

  A loud bang made him skip backward and step on her toes. She clutched his shoulders. The clatter came from the door slamming against the porch bench.

  “Brian?” a woman asked peering outside, her eyes searching beyond the darkness.

  Her brother reached for Ariane’s hand and led her to the bungalow. They stepped out of the shadows into the porch light. “Aye, Mum—Julia, it’s me. I brought my twin sister along to meet you. Is this a bad time?”

  “Never a bad time,” she said, waving them onto the porch. “I’d love to meet her.”

  Sister and brother paused after each step until they reached the porch. Ariane followed her cautious sibling up the stairs. The wood beneath her feet creaked.

  While Brian introduced her, she stared at her mother with unblinking eyes as if she gazed into a mirror but saw herself with blonde hair and blue eyes. Okay, proof enough, the genes they shared with their mother stood out. They inherited Turian’s dark hair, but where did the amber eyes come from? An emptiness akin to a surge of dread rumbled through her innards, warning her to think of something else—anything else.

  “Julia, this is my twin sister, Ariane. Older by minutes, we’ve been told.” After a lingering hug, he stepped aside and backed down the steps. “You two ladies chat while I keep watch.” Brian blew her a kiss and walked into the darkness near the garden.

  Without her wingman, meeting her mother for the first time, Ariane could barely pilot her composure. “Nice to meet you,” she said. What else could she say? Her brother had left her alone before she could grasp the concept of seeing her mother for the first time. All of this happened much too fast to process. The woman’s glowing smile reached her eyes. Ariane melted. “Brian told me a lot about you. I begged him to bring me here.”

  “Let’s go inside. I can make some tea, and if you’re anything like your brother, you will love my sweet cakes. They’re as pink as your cheeks.” Julia stepped aside so Ariane could enter first.

  “Am I blushing?” she asked Brian telepathically. Hearing only silence, Ariane stole a glimpse at him and noticed how he faced the horizon. She bowed her head with a slight tilt as she stepped inside. Homey warmth filled her with ease. A strawberry sweetness tickled her nose. Her taste buds tingled. She inhaled deeply to savor a taste of the cakes baking in the oven. Instead, her breath drew in a needle-sharp heat that prickled her spine. Her nerves sensed danger. This HGTV layout, Julia’s home, wreaked of cliché. Cozy, small, and warmly inviting. The odor of herb tea and sweet cakes enticed her to sit and relax. No wonder Brian was on edge, standing guard outside.

  Ariane played along for now. “Smells yummy. Do you mind if I bring Brian some cakes?”

  Julia returned from the kitchen with a plateful and handed it to her. “Give him these while I brew lemongrass tea.”

  Strange, Ariane thought she already heard a pot boiling. With plate in hand, she resisted the temptation to nibble. No time to waste, Ariane ran outside into the garden. Perched on a wooden fence, her brother waved her over. “Brought you some goodies.”

  “Look, you wanted to meet her, so get back inside.” He pushed off the fence and landed on his feet.

  “Why can’t you play nice?” The plate flipped out of her hands and plopped frosting first onto the ground at his feet. His sneaker ground the cakes into the dirt. “What’s your problem? I brought these, so I could warn you.” Ariane did not wait for his apology. “Julia, the house, the tea, and cakes come off as too perfect. Something’s wrong.”

  Brian laughed until he noticed the mush at his feet. “What a waste.”

  “Get serious!” she cried, too upset to speak telepathically. She kicked the plate aside.

  “Hush. You’ll scare Julia.” He grabbed her by the shoulders and met her gaze. “Don’t worry, the house has always been this way. Turian’s coming. No idea how he knows we’re here. Get inside and make the most of it. We’ll have to leave soon.” He shoved her toward the house. “I’ll take care of the uninvited guest.”

  Back inside, Ariane continued to play along without revealing news of Turian’s anticipated visit. She engaged her emotion-blocking shield while she sat at the kitchen table. Unlike her brother, she preferred to get to the point, truth above deceit. “Did Turian tell you we were coming?”

  Julia dropped the cubes of sugar balanced on her spoon. They bounced across the table like dice.

  Ariane expected to see snake eyes.

  “Am I that obvious? Turian warned me earlier tonight. He seemed upset—worried.”

  “Worried? We mean you no harm. I only wanted to meet you.”

  If eyes, the
windows to one’s soul, conveyed all, then Julia’s blue orbs expressed sheer terror. Her knuckles turned white from squeezing the edge of the plate. Ariane slid her hand across the table to grasp Julia’s arm. She hoped the touch would ease her fear. “Did he tell you that we are your children?”

  “His, not mine!” Julia tried to push away. She knocked over her chair, but Ariane held fast, squeezing her hand.

  “You are our mother. I came here to meet you and to make sure you knew the truth. You deserve to know. Turian used you, which is why I’m sure he kept you in the dark.” She softened her grasp when Julia sat down and began to weep.

  “I noticed the likeness,” she said, speaking between sniffles.

  “Mom…” Ariane choked on the lump in her throat. Julia squeezed her hand in return. Little time to spare, Ariane disclosed their past three years, what she remembered of them. Describing her brother’s antics to their mother took more time than she anticipated. Science and technology didn’t exist in the same way on this Earth. She finished her tale by showing off her baby bump. “Sabree is the father. He’s a sweetheart.”

  3 3 3

  Still outside, I climbed onto the perch and watched an army of ants have a field day with the sweet cakes. A violent shudder coursed through my body. Never thought of ants in the same way. Not since Ariane and her ant farm attacked me.

  Ozone wafted in the breeze that was calm a minute ago. The sharp odor prickled my nose. I sat straight and inhaled a deeper breath. A slight ripple of space warned me of the intruder. I leapt off the fence and sidestepped to avoid landing on the plate of cakes. A second ripple shot across the darkness. Too late, meddlesome father had arrived to disrupt our visit. “Jealous bastard,” I growled. “Bring it on.”

  “Not jealous. Angry. Pissed off as you might say.” Turian leapt over the fence with ease. “So, you finally realize the truth. That you must destroy me.”

  No longer did I fear this man. I marched up to him until a foot separated us, close enough to feel his hot breath on my face. “Aye, though I’m not sure why except to save our asses from the likes of you.”