Syndrome of Mortality

by Eden R. Souther

  There were lots of memories in those buildings. Michelle remembered the first time she beat up a bully on her own. And, the first time she kissed a boy. And the first time she kissed a girl. Every Friday, the cafeteria would serve cheese sticks, and they were the best. Of course, they had options for the monstery tykes, but Michelle had never tried the blood—so she couldn’t say anything about its quality.

  The cheese sticks? Superb.

  “And that's where young Michelle tried to escape learning stuff,” she said proudly and puffed up her chest. “Spoilers… it didn’t work. I learned things then went off to college.”

  “Well, I guess that’s not much of a spoiler.” Ravin chuckled. “It’s hard not to learn at least one thing.” He could see the flickering of good memories in her mind as they cycled through. No wonder she loved it so much here.

  “I learned several.” She nodded and pointed. “Down that way is the mall. We can go there sometime. It’s not as cool as Seaneal’s, but it’s still fun.” She turned left onto the next road and kept driving on. There were diners and little antique shops scattered about. One shop called Jungleoo had been one of her favorite places to shop as a kid.

  They had all sorts of realistic plush animals. She’d gotten herself a whale and a polar bear with her allowance once, but ended up giving them to Lian. It was fine. They ended up being two of Lian’s favorite toys ever. Maybe she’d stop in before they turned her into an immortal. That would be nice.

  “That’s the market over there.” She pointed. “We have a lot of farmers in town who bring in their crops. Each pays a little bit to set up a stall. I guess it's like a twenty-four-seven Farmers Market. Mom only shops there.”

  With every little building they passed along their drive, Michelle shared a tidbit of information, some memory of growing up. Though it had been some time since she had been here, it was all fresh in her mind. It was like nothing had changed.

  Once they got to the square, she found a parking spot. The crowd was dying down after the lunchtime rush. That was a relief. Michelle didn’t want to fight through a horde of people to show off the little slice of small-town.

  She got out of the transport and looked around. Everything was just how she remembered. “Come on, I want to show you the park.” She turned to him and offered her hand.

  Ravin laid his hand on hers. “I’d love to,” He brought her hand close and pressed a kiss to the back. “Lead the way.”

  “Cheeseball.” Michelle smiled then pulled him across the street to the little park nestled in under a canopy of trees. There were swings and jungle gyms. A spinny-thing and some teeter-totters rested not far away. There was a big straight slide and a curlicue slide.

  It was already a hot enough day where there weren’t many kids out: they were either at Talon’s Creek, or the nearby swimming pool. A few little ones enjoyed the swings or the teeter-totters. Michelle smiled as she watched the tiny things at play. If she was going to live into eternity with her new options, maybe that meant she’d get to have kids herself. She had always written it off as impossible but…

  She tilted her head up and looked at Ravin. Maybe one day.

  “Lian and I used to rule this place,” she declared. “Well, technically Lian did. She was the princess. I was her dragon. And the dragon kid. He was better at it than I was. He cheated though, so it doesn't count.”

  “You used to be friends with a dragon?” Ravin asked, with an eyebrow raised. It was almost ironic, given how they’d met.

  She nodded. “Yeah, I know right? Michelle plus friends. What a wild idea.” She gave him a wink. “He was a pretty cool guy. Went off to Nippon, though. He’s going to a dragon college.” The two of them had dated for a couple weeks. Happily, they broke it off before things got weird.

  There were some other people with whom she wished she would have done that with. Some of her relationships had not been great. At least she was happy now. That was all that mattered.

  “That’s cool.” He could see why her parents had settled here. This truly was an amazing place. It wouldn’t be a bad town to settle down in… if someone wanted to settle down. The schools seemed good enough, but the atmosphere just felt homey.

  It was almost as if someone had plucked it from the timeline and set it aside. It captured a rustic charm that was almost nonexistent thanks to technology. With the mountains in view at all times, it looked just like a postcard.

  Sparroville almost seemed like the kind of place where no one really lived. It was too good to be true. He’d thought the same about Seneal for a while. If Michelle chose to be a demon, he would have to keep her away, at least until she could control herself. Then, maybe they could stay here. It was a lightning-fast commute back to Seneal, so the location of his job wouldn’t matter. He almost couldn’t believe that he was trying to plan a life, but he couldn’t help it. Michelle had a future now, and he would help her celebrate that as best he could… if that was a possibility.

  “So hey, where’s the frozen yogurt?” He winked. “I could go for some right about now.”

  A spark flickered in Michelle’s eye and she squeezed his hand. “Right this way. I’ll show you.” She lead him across the way to where the small store was tucked in between a craft shop and an antique weapon dealer.

  She pulled him into Lorenzo’s and waved at the man behind the counter. He was a Winter Elf with kind blue eyes and long silver hair that was pulled into a ponytail at the base of his skull. As he saw his customers, a genuine smile appeared on his face.

  Lorenzo greeted them warmly. “Welcome. I’d ask if you’ve been here before, but I recognize little Michelle.”

  “Hey Lorenzo.” Michelle waved. “I’m home for a bit, so I figured I’d show Ravin here all the best places Sparroville has to offer.”

  “It is a pleasure to meet you, Ravin.” The elf dipped his head politely.

  Ravin returned the gesture. “The pleasure is mine.” He smiled. “I hear you have an amazing product. I would be honored to try it.” He eyed the display case full of dozens of different flavors. Oh, he would have to mix and match as many as he could. They would have to pull him out by his ears.

  “Our special for the day is Honeybee,” Lorenzo explained. “We use local honey from the Surin family. They came from Summer and have the most amazing honey I have ever tasted.”

  “Ooo.” Michelle glanced over. “I’m going to have to get that.” She skipped away and began to make her own cup.

  Ravin bit his lip. “I have to try that one first.” He joined her and filled his first cup. This would be delicious. He found a seat and took his first bite. “Woooah, Michelle, you’ve got to try it.” He sighed in delight. Oh, this would be a delicious day.

  In her own cup, Michelle had gotten the honey froyo with a few scoops of peanut butter candy along with some shavings of white chocolate bark. She paid for both of their snacks and sat by him and took a bite.

  The flavor was rich and sweet. There was a definite depth to it that made her mouth feel alive. “Lorenzo, ten out of ten, man. You never disappoint.”

  The older gentleman chuckled. “It is my pleasure. I’m glad you like it.”

  Ravin finished his first cup then rushed back to get more. He mixed various berry flavors with a touch of the honey, and balls of fruit juice. When he’d paid for his second treat, he joined Michelle again. “I want to live here,” he sighed, as the taste of fresh fruit danced over his palate. It was heavenly. “This is the greatest.” His tail flicked in joy.

  “Here as in Sparroville, or here as in Lorenzo’s? I ask because you might have to ask him about that,” Michelle teased.

  “Well, if we went with Sparroville, then I could come every day.” Ravin shoved a few more bites into his mouth. “I’d be a great return customer.” He put an arm around Michelle.

  Michelle leaned on him and felt her cheeks warming despite the cool treat. “I wouldn’t mind living here when I’m older.” There was a thought. Older. She was going to get to get older.
It was a strange and foreign concept. By the moment, Ravin was making it harder for her to choose the Angel path.

  They could have a life here in Sparroville. If they did, her parents could come visit and they could have barbeques. During the summers they could go to Talon’s Creek and jump off waterfalls together. Some days they could go up to Blackbird Mountain and explore the hiking paths.

  As much as she loved Seneal, the saying ‘there’s no place like home’ did hold its merits. She had almost forgotten how much she loved it here.

  “I wouldn’t mind it either,” Ravin agreed. “Really, this would be a great place.” He looked outside at the brilliant blue skies and the distant mountains. They could settle here, and it would be utterly perfect. Still, he didn’t know if her being a demon was the best choice. There were so many issues with his species. Plus, he couldn’t let her inflict pain on others. Not in a million years.

  “I really like the mountains,” he sighed. They would be a lot of fun to climb.

  Michelle leaned on the table and took the final bite of froyo. “I like this. Getting to talk like I’ll actually be a real adult one day.”

  “Of course you will,” Ravin encouraged. “It’s the greatest blessing…” Even if he couldn’t see her for a while, it was still a gift. Michelle would finally have her chance. He finished his second helping and leaned back. “It’s just around the corner.”

  “I know you aren’t going to like it but…” She sighed and sucked on her spoon. “I’m leaning more towards Demon. I haven’t decided yet or anything, but that’s where I’m at right now.” Part of her hoped that deep down he was at least a little bit happy to hear that. But, she wouldn’t ask.

  A small smile passed over his lips. “I had a feeling you would…” Instinctively, he wanted to stay close to her, even if it wasn't the best thing for her. But how could he really know what that was? It was her life, and her choice. Hadn’t that been what he’d said all along? “No matter what you pick, I’ll always support you.”

  Michelle laid her hand on his. “I’ll give it a few more days of thought. It’s weird thinking that by the end of the week, I might not be human anymore.”

  “That’s true.” Ravin leaned over and kissed her cheek. “But it’s for the best, I think.” He smiled at her. “You’ll like whichever side you choose, I’m sure of it.” Either way, she’d be badass.

  Once they were done, Michelle grabbed their trash and threw it into the Recycler. She waved at Lorenzo and they stepped out of the store. Things were finally looking up. There was hope for a happier life just around the corner. Sure, it would start out difficult, but it couldn’t be worse than suffering through Osteovitrum.

  As frustrated as she was the night before, things were clearing up and the sun was shining through the clouds. Her life was starting, and at the moment, side by side with Ravin, she couldn’t have been more happy. It was probably the best birthday of her life.

  Chapter 22

  After Lorenzo’s, Michelle and Ravin ventured into the art gallery. They window-shopped around and enjoyed the beautiful pieces. Hours went by like seconds on a clock. By the time twilight hit, Michelle’s feet were delightfully sore in the best sort of way.

  That only meant one thing: she was going to get a foot massage when she got home.

  Once there, she sat on the downstairs sectional with her feet balanced on the ottoman. Ravin sat on the ground and they chatted as he rubbed away the bittersweet aches.

  Things were really looking up. There was a light of hope burning bright inside of her chest, like she hadn’t felt for some time. The weight on her shoulders was being lifted, and finally she was able to let out a breath of fresh air.

  Once yawns rippled through the conversation, it was time to head to bed. After all, it had been a long and wonderful day. Hand in hand, Michelle and Ravin made their way towards the bedroom. On the way, she stopped to give her Mom and Dad a nice long hug.

  “Night, baby girl.” Collin smiled and kissed her forehead.

  Michelle tightened her grip. “Night, Dad.”

  Then, it was time for bed. Cargo shorts were shed and replaced with silky boxers. She had to admit that they felt good. With a hearty plop, Michelle found herself starfishing the majority of the bed. Her head sank into the plush pillow and sleep washed over her.

  She was only vaguely aware of Ravin gently nudging her over before the lights went out.

  How long she had been asleep, she didn’t know. But when sleep was snatched from her, what she was aware of was pain. Agony, matching only the dagger of death. Fire sliced through her lungs. Her eyes shot open, but she couldn’t make a sound. She couldn’t scream. She couldn't breathe. Panic ripped her apart and she wildly gripped at her boyfriend’s form.

  The word ‘help’ screamed out from her mind like a child’s terror.

  Michelle’s body recoiled and she gripped at her throat, as if the action would somehow ease the suffering.

  Ravin was up in a blink. “Michelle?” he breathed. Her pain hit him like a ton of bricks. It left him overwhelmed for the span of a heartbeat, then he jumped to his feet. “I’ll get your Mom.” The demon teleported himself outside of Marie’s room. He burst in without a second thought.

  “Marie!” he shouted as he sprinted to her side of the bed. He put a hand on her shoulder and shook the sleeping woman’s form. “Michelle needs your help!” Desperation flooded his voice.

  Marie was on her feet in a movement nearly too fast to see. She wasted no time. Adrenaline was better than any coffee. The moment she was on her feet, she barked, “Esriel!” and took off running to her daughter’s room.

  She didn’t look back to make sure Ravin was following. He was a demon, he could keep up. Marie’s steps were swift, almost inhumanly so. When she reached her room, Michelle was being hoisted into the arms of a large—6’9”—black male with red-tipped hawk wings.

  “The hospital,” Marie ordered and latched onto him. In a blink, they were gone.

  This had been one of Marie’s constant concerns. Since Michelle had been off her treatment so long, her body didn’t know how to deal with it. This was just one of the many problematic side-effects. Her body was rejecting the very thing keeping it alive.

  The moment they landed in Marie’s office, Esriel set Michelle down on the tilted bed. Wasting no time, Marie tore through the varied cabinets and cupboards. “Fuck. Shit. Damn. Hell. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck,” Marie swore loudly.

  “What is happening?” Loviel appeared in the room, his breath labored.

  Esriel regarded his brother. “Her body has entered shock.” He held his hands on Michelle’s writhing form and released bouts of healing energy into her. It wouldn’t fix the problem, but it would stabilize the intensity until the girl’s mother could obtain the remedy. “Hold her steady while I get an IV in.”

  Loviel nodded and did as he was told, keeping his partner still and safe. “It will be okay, Michelle.”

  At last, Marie found a vial. She tore a package containing a syringe open with her mouth and grabbed the slick plastic tube. In a fierce jab, she pierced it into the vial and extracted the liquid. Her careful eyes monitored its progress as she measured the perfect amount.

  Marie moved beside her daughter and pressed the medicine into the IV.

  “Esriel, we need to move her into a Care Pod. Go to the nurses’ station and tell them we have a Stat Response.” Marie looked up at the tall angel, then she turned to Loviel. “Ravin probably got deflected to the Lobby. They have wards set up against certain teleportation. Go find him and tell him that Michelle is okay.”

  She looked down at her baby girl, who was breathing more steadily as the serum ran through her veins. Michelle was beginning to settle into exhaustion, and her body wouldn’t be able to keep up.

  “Of course.” Loviel nodded, then in a flurry, he found himself in the waiting room just off the front entrance.

  Ravin raced up to the angel. “Are they in one of the rooms?” he asked in a breathless vo
ice. “Is she okay?” He could feel the anxiety burning in his veins. Why wasn’t Loviel with her? Not that he minded the idea of being with the angel as they waited. He rocked back and forth on his toes. Behind him, his tail thrashed around. The feeling of uselessness was overwhelming.

  Michelle had to make a decision fast. There was no more time to waste. He didn’t want to back down on his stance. She had to become an Angel. It was her best shot. Now all he had to do was to get her to see that. He hated that he was going to try to manipulate her after this horrible event.

  “Marie said they are going to move her into a Care Pod,” Loviel explained, though he didn’t know what it meant. “I was told to inform you that she is okay.” He could feel the rampant emotions coming off of his friend. They were similar to his own. Fear was at the forefront. The helplessness that he had just experienced was truly frightening.

  Loviel put his hand on Ravin’s shoulder. “It’s all going to work out. I trust both Marie and Brother Esriel. They have many years in medical training. If anyone is equipped to keep Michelle healthy, it is them.” Worry was evident in his heart, and Loviel knew his words were more to convince himself.

  Ravin’s eyes were distant as he asked, “Who is that Esriel guy anyway?” His body was rigid as he stood stock still.

  “Esriel is an Angel of the Shield. He is a medic and Marie’s partner,” Loviel explained. “You can trust him.”

  Just like that Ravin’s eyes focused. He looked up at Loviel. “So, wait, Angel partnerships run in their family, or whatever?” he asked. Though his spine was stiff, his shoulders relaxed, if only marginally. “She never mentioned her mom had an angel.” That seemed like something she would have shared.