by Lola StVil
Thrust. Thrust. Milk.
“AAAAAAADEN!” she yells.
We grip each other tightly as the biggest Outer Arc orgasm we’ve ever known crashes down on us. It shatters the car window, expands beyond us, and one by one, shatters every car window in the parking lot. The blast sets off dozens of car alarms all at once.
My wife and I look over at each other, surrounded by glass and chaos. She’s thinking the same thing I am.
This was so worth it…
“We are so irresponsible,” Pryor says with a big smile as she peels a piece of broken glass off her bare flesh.
“No, we’re not,” I reply as I help her put her bra back on. I then reach for my shirt and put it on. My jeans, however, are outside the car.
“Aaden, what kind of beings stop to make love in the middle of saving the world?” she asks.
“Smart ones,” I reply. We look over at each other and burst out laughing. She’s right; it’s ludicrous to stop and do what we did. In fact, I’m guessing we broke some kind of rule, but again, so worth it.
“We have to be the worst saviors of mankind ever,” she replies.
“Yeah, I don’t think we’re getting a parade once this is all done.”
“Screw the parade. I want a vacation,” she declares.
“Really?”
“Yes. We kick evil’s ass, bring my best friend back to his old self, and then take a vacation.”
“Where are we going?” I ask.
“When I was little, right before I started my first training session, I was beyond scared. I had to lead a team of angels, all of whom were older than me, not to mention taller. I tried to put on a brave face and act like I had it all handled. Looking back, I’m sure my parents could tell I was in a panic. My legs wobbled, my voice shook, and when it was time to fly to class, I looked out the window, eyes wide in terror. So my dad took my hand and said, ‘Carrot, we’re gonna stop off somewhere before your training.’”
“I never knew that. Where did he take you?” I ask.
“He took me to see this huge waterfall in the Philippines called Summit Falls. It’s hidden and nearly impossible to find. When we got there, he took my hand and we walked onto the edge of the bank.
“The water was so pure, it was as if it sprang from the palm of Omnis’s hand. It cascaded off the side of the mountain like a graceful bird. The surface of the water reflected the sky perfectly. The flowers and plants were so vivid and so stunning; I still see them when I close my eyes.
“My dad said to look around and listen to the sound of the waterfall. I said I couldn’t really hear anything, just softly flowing water. Then we swam down to the deepest depths of the water, and the currents were overwhelming. When we got back to the surface, my dad spoke to me.
“‘Pryor, I know you’re smaller than the other kids on the team. But that doesn’t matter. This waterfall is small compared to the others. Other falls have raging waters that roar loudly, announcing their presence. But while the surface of Summit Falls is calm and peaceful, underneath it’s strong, powerful, and ferocious. It’s not what people see on the surface, it’s what is going on deep down that matters. And deep down, you are a force of nature.’
“My parents had the Green Mountains. It was their place as a couple. But when my dad needed to be alone and to reflect on his own, as a leader, he went there. And he shared that with me not as my dad, but as one leader to another. For him, Summit Falls embodied what a leader should have: quiet strength. And I could use a little of that,” she says.
“Then you got it, one trip to the magical waterfall,” I assure her.
“Perfect! Now we have a problem that’s almost as bad as facing the end of humanity,” she says grimly.
“What’s the problem?”
“How do I get out of this car without a shirt on?” she says as she eyes her shirt on the cement floor outside the car.
“Fate said it would be wise for me to enter the parking garage backwards and to come with extra clothing,” a familiar voice says from the entrance closest to us.
“Mom!” Pryor shouts as she ducks down to hide her nearly naked body.
“Hi, Carrot. Here,” she says as she hands Pryor a bag of clothes while still looking away.
I reach out the window and take the bag from Death. I even manage to get ahold of my jeans. I’m trying not to laugh, but this is just too crazy. Death waits patiently while we get dressed in the car before she approaches.
“Aaden, can you give us a moment?” my mother-in-law asks.
Pryor looks at me as if to say, “Don’t you dare agree to go.” But it’s time the two of them work things out, so I reply, “Yeah, sure,” as I start to walk away.
I look back at my wife. I’m sure this is the last time I am going to have sex with her because she is going to kill me for forcing her and her mom to talk alone. I walk through the double doors, fully intending to go back into the penthouse, but I hear no sound coming from Pry or her mother. Worried, I turn back and look through the glass, hoping they will get past their issues and really work things out.
“So…did you and Aaden kill all these cars?” Emmy asks awkwardly.
“Yeah, guess the humans will be upset,” Pryor says, equally uncomfortable.
“So will your uncle Jay. These are top-of-the-line cars. I can hear him crying now,” she jokes.
“What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be helping Time hold up the barrier?” Pry asks.
“Yes, but Fate is filling in. Malakaro hasn’t broken through yet, but with every passing moment, he gets closer. I didn’t think he’d be this strong.”
“No, you didn’t think…” Pry looks away.
“Wow, you must be livid with me—you’re tapping your finger against your leg. You always did that when you were angry. The faster you tapped, the more upset you were. And judging by how fast your index finger is going…you really don’t like me right now.
“The last time I saw you that upset was when you were five and I wouldn’t let you throw a human out the window to see if you could catch them in time. You tapped your little finger, poked out your bottom lip, and scrunched your little face. You were so cute. I can hear you now.
“‘Mom, I have to know if I’m fast enough to catch a human.’ Your father and I asked you what would happen if you weren’t fast enough yet and the human died. You shook your head impatiently, placed your hands on your hips, and said, ‘Duh, Mom, Omnis would bring them back so I could try again,’” Emmy says, smiling to herself.
“I don’t remember that,” Pry mumbles.
“I know…”
“Did you come to tell me something?” Pry asks.
“Yes, I did. I came here on official business—mostly.”
“Fine, what is it?” Pryor asks as she shifts her weight and forces herself to sound official.
“Barbara told us what was happening with Ever. As you know, Fate doesn’t know everything. He was just as surprised as we were that Ever’s hatred had driven her this far. I know Barbara regrets holding anything back from you, Pry.”
“It seems to be the theme of the day,” Pry replies under her breath.
Emmy decides to let her daughter’s comment go and continues, “I know you’re going after Ever. And since you’re here, I’m guessing you’re checking with Dylan about the Whirlwind.”
“How did you know about that?”
“Dylan is a top-of-the-line tracker. He’s also brilliant when it comes to angel history. The council chose him to be lead historian because he has an unending hunger for knowledge. Normally we like to keep angels like him out of battle, but in this case…”
“You think we should take Dylan with us?” Pryor asks.
“If he’s willing to go. There are creatures out there that your team hasn’t heard about, and it would be wise to have a guide.”
“Great, so there are monsters that you and the council didn’t tell us about. That’s just perfect, Mom.”
“Every day there are new inventions
made by the Paras. Good continues to advance. Did you think that advancement was an ability only given to angels? The demon world has advanced too. They have new creatures, new weapons, and new ways to inflict pain. That’s why you should take Dylan with you. He will be able to sort out what kind of evil lies ahead,” Emmy reasons.
“I don’t think Swoop is going to like him coming along.”
“Miku told me about that. Swoop is afraid she’ll hurt him by being in his life,” Death replies.
“So Swoop and her mom talk. Must be nice,” Pryor replies pointedly.
“Carrot, you and I talk. We have a good relationship.”
“That’s what I thought too. Then I find out…” Pryor bows her head in disappointment.
“I know you’re hurt that I didn’t tell you I was the Maker. I was wrong. I am so sorry that I caused you any sadness. But that doesn’t mean our whole relationship is gone. You’re my daughter, the love of my life.”
“I don’t…what am I supposed to say, Mom? How do I wrap my head around the fact that I am the reason this is all happening? Yes, you saved me and that was on you, but I’m the one who got sick, it’s all my fault.”
“You were a baby. How could it be your fault?”
“I know it logically, but in my heart…I just wish you hadn’t done it.”
“You wish I let you die? Is that really the outcome you wish?” Death asks.
“No, it’s not, but…it would have meant one death as opposed to thousands.”
“Losing your baby is a pain far worse than anything else in this world. I hope that kind of pain never touches you. Now, I know you are upset that I didn’t tell you, but I will not stand here and have you scold me for saving you. I know a few angels who are glad I did. Your father, your team, not to mention your husband,” Death snaps.
Pryor looks at her with wide eyes and a troubled expression. Death lowers her tone and speaks with great sincerity.
“How could you get married and not tell me?” Emmy says in a pained whisper.
Okay, so it’s official: we are the worst offspring in the history of the world.
“Mom…we didn’t get married to cause problems. We just wanted to be together.”
“That’s what I wanted for the two of you. That’s what we all wanted. And after years of false starts and misfortune, we deserved to see it happen. You robbed us of that. Rage and I will get past it. That’s what parents do, get past things even if they hurt like hell.”
When Pryor and I go back inside the penthouse, Dylan agrees to go with us. As expected, Swoop does not take kindly to that idea.
“No! He’s in academia. His power is to appear and disappear at will. He’ll be useless in battle,” Swoop says.
Ouch.
As soon as the words leave Swoop’s mouth, I can tell she regrets it. But it’s too late. We can almost feel Swoop’s words slicing into Dylan’s ego and working their way into his pride. Swoop’s statement was more than just embarrassing for the historian; it really hurt.
“Nice to know you think so highly of me,” Dylan says in a tight voice.
“I do—I didn’t mean…”
“Kiana, I know what you meant. You don’t think I’m strong enough to help your team. In fact, you don’t think I’m strong enough to handle anything; that’s why you left without saying good-bye the last time, right?”
“No, it’s not that,” she assures him.
“Yeah, whatever. It’s fine. I don’t need to go,” Dylan replies, turning his back towards Swoop as he attends to his books.
Diana nudges Swoop forward and signals for her to say something to the historian.
“I didn’t mean that the way it sounded,” Swoop says.
“It sounded like you think I’m useless,” Dylan says, frustrated.
“No, you’re very useful. And that’s why I’d like to keep you out of harm’s way. You help me see the world in a logical way. You have a million facts and statistics that make me feel like maybe nothing is random, like there’s a point to all this. And after losing Key, I need that anchor. I don’t want to lose you on a mission. I’ve lost so much already,” Swoop admits.
“Kiana, I get what you’re saying, but I want to do my part and help keep you safe,” Dylan replies.
“I can protect myself,” Swoop reminds him.
“Okay, then what about the humans? And your friend Randall?” he asks.
“Hey, I know you want to help, but you can’t be with us in battle. East, say something,” Swoop pushes.
“My girl wanted to go too, and I told her she couldn’t. It’s really not safe,” East adds.
“Melody is human. I’m an angel. And just because I spend the majority of my time in study doesn’t mean I can’t help. But if you don’t want me to go, Kiana, then okay.”
“Thank you. It would just be better if you stayed here where it’s safe. Any luck on finding Ever?” Swoop asks, relieved.
“Yes. She’s in an abandoned cemetery in New Orleans, commonly referred to as ‘Cracked Soul’ Cemetery,” Dylan says.
“Great, we’ll go get her,” Swoop replies.
“You have no idea what’s waiting for you there. I have a layout of the cemetery, and thanks to meticulous record keeping, I have lots of information on the creatures you will find there.”
“What creatures?” Diana asks.
“For one thing, Fawns have been spotted in that area,” he says.
“Fawn?” East replies.
“A Fawn is a creature that is over fourteen feet tall and has a curved back. Its skin is slick gray and spreads thinly across its skeletal frame. Their eye sockets are sunken pools of yellowish pus. The creature’s bare skull is exposed and elongated like that of a horse; there are massive spiked horns protruding from its head. The entire lower half of the creature’s face consists of jagged fangs, eager to tear into its prey.”
“We’ve come across similar creatures before in the Forest of Flesh and Bone,” I reply.
“I’m sorry to say but Fawns are one of a kind,” Dylan adds.
“And why is that?” Pryor asks.
“They are the physical embodiment of rage and wrath. Their claws are sloped down and curved so that it’s easier for them to gut their victims. The only way to kill them is to cut their head clean off. They are superior hunters. They don’t lose in a hunt. Ever,” Dylan warns.
“Okay, so we have to prepare for Fawns. Got it. Anything else?” Swoop says.
“A Wintuk. It’s a black, scaly, pixie-like creature about seven inches long with red bulging eyes, pointy ears, and translucent wings. It’s the mosquito of the demon world,” Dylan replies.
“Mosquitos don’t strike me as being dangerous,” Swoop says.
“Actually, they are the most dangerous insects in the humans’ world. They are responsible for spreading malaria, yellow fever, and the West Nile virus. All in all, they have killed millions of humans. It’s estimated that every thirty seconds, they take yet another victim,” Dylan adds.
“How do you know that?” Swoop says, beside herself.
“I read it somewhere,” he says shyly.
“I can’t remember the last book I read,” Swoop admits.
“That’s okay, you have other gifts,” he says, unable to take his eyes off hers.
“Like what?” she asks.
“Like that,” he says, signing towards the smile on her face.
“Hey, Beyoncé and Jay Z, I hate to interrupt this moment, but can you tell us more about the Wintuks before you two set out on your star-crossed lovers tour?” East asks.
“Oh yeah, sorry. The Wintuks have multiple tentacles in their throats that leap out when they open their mouths. It latches on to the nearest life form, sprays a chemical that liquefies bones, then sucks up the remains. They love it. That’s why they are always lurking in cemeteries. They have a thing about ‘bone’ juice.”
“Okay, did ‘Jay Z’ just say ‘bone’ juice?” East asks Swoop.
“Yup,” she replies.<
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“How do we kill them?” I ask.
“You squeeze them to death. But that’s also the best way for them to kill you. Because if they manage to put their tentacles on you, it’s juicing time,” Dylan replies.
“He has a way with words,” Diana mumbles to Swoop.
“Okay, got it. Anything else?” I ask.
“Yeah, please look out for Kiana,” he says sincerely.
“We will do our best,” East says.
Dylan smiles, but it’s easy to see he’s troubled. He looks like he’s about to say something but can’t quite get it out.
“Dylan, what is it?” Pryor pushes.
“Ever didn’t just pick this place at random. She picked a place where she knew she would have the advantage,” he replies.
“In what way?” I ask.
“Ever has spent years perfecting her powers and adding to them. She’s an assassin of the highest caliber. But my research shows that often in exchange for her services, Ever would receive mixtures to enhance her powers. If you go into that cemetery thinking you are facing a mere Quo, you and your team will not make it back alive.”
Pryor turns and looks at Swoop sadly. She doesn’t say a word, but judging from her expression, she is going to go against Swoop’s wishes and take Dylan with us. Swoop folds her arms across her chest and shakes her head angrily. Dylan goes up to Swoop and stands beside her.
“Kiana, I know we haven’t known each other long, but you have ownership of a very large portion of my heart. If it’s your wish that I stay behind, I will. I have found that it’s pointless to go against your heart. But I also know that in times like these, times where darkness threatens to eradicate everything and everyone we love, we have to find it in us to be brave.”
“You don’t know what these missions can be like. You don’t know what they can take from you,” Swoop pleads.
“I am no fool. I would never brave the darkness without any light. So if you allow me, I will go on the mission but stay next to you, my light.”
“You promise not to be brave or heroic? Or anything stupid like that?” Swoop demands.
“I vow to be an utter coward,” Dylan replies.
“Well…okay,” she mumbles. He gives her a quick kiss on the cheek, and she tries to downplay it, but she’s blushing.