by A. D. Smith
Emotions override the thought process. Memories of my brother submerge my consciousness. And just like that, everything we’ve been taught goes down the drain. Teamwork, discernment—I couldn’t locate Glo by just thinking of her location. The pain moves back in, taking up its usual residence. Thought it had been evicted, but looks like I was wrong. It consumes me to the point I barely notice Zeek trying to get my attention. His face appears mad, but it takes a moment to recognize his words.
“Snap out of it, Tre!” I finally make out.
“It can’t end like this!” I say, the tears running uncontrollably.
“C’mon man, do your thing!” he shouts, still holding Gloria’s head in his lap.
And then I remember. My Gift! The one thing I didn’t learn, but was given to me. Quickly, I fall to my knees, placing my hands around Gloria’s face. Nothing. I try her chest, but nothing seems to happen.
“Again!” yells Zeek.
I take his spot in the man-made crater of obliterated concrete, close my eyes and focus as best I know how. When I reopen them, nothing’s changed. Glo’s gone.
“NO!!!”
And so the collection is complete. The one thing that was given, fails me. Gloria is gone, just like my brother. Once again, guess I was too late. But I won’t mourn. I won’t doubt. I won’t ask why me. At least not now. “I’ll stay here with Glo,” I whisper to Zeek. “You go after Bale.” Zeek’s slowness to answer denotes his contemplation. “Now!” I scream. There’s no time for that. “Do YOUR thing!”
“I’m going!” he yells back.
My eyes drop to Gloria, but a swaying large object in my peripheral commands my attention.
“What about him?” Zeek asks.
The him in question is probably the vicious fiend who did this to Gloria. Amnon. The giant walks back and forth some forty yards away and now spots us as well. Just as good. “I got him,” I assure Zeek. “You know what to do.”
“Send him to Hell,” Zeek says before running off.
I make sure Gloria’s body is situated and comfortable before standing and rubbing the white dust from my shirt. I look for the giant once more. Once relocated, my eyes never leave Amnon’s face as I walk straight for my narrow-eyed enemy.
“I missed ride,” says the gruff-voiced giant.
“Did you do this to her?” I ask boldly.
“I destroy friend,” he grins.
The way he talks, it’s strange. Simplistic, like a child. But something oddly familiar. We now stand six feet apart, his natural shadow eating my light. A huge man indeed, but I wouldn’t care with or without my powers. Far as I know, they could already be gone. But the man—the demon that killed my friend stands before me and I will do all within my power to make him pay.
“You want same?” he asks.
I want to answer but find myself gasping for air as I recall the origin of this disturbed voice. The voice that speaks in disjointed syllables.
“You killed my friend,” I sob. “And you killed my brother!”
The giant looks confused. “My brother!” I remind him. “Martin Turner! T-Mart!”
The latter name rings a bell. His face lightens, reminiscing on his conquest.
“I kill brother,” he cackles.
My body is overcome with grief and hatred at the same time. To know I’ve fought the man that took my brother’s life only to retreat and leave him alive starts to weaken me, but I quickly turn the guilt into fuel. Everything in me wants to rush in head-first. It would take several blows from the huge beast-like man before I even felt anything. My body is charged with loathsomeness. But before I can rush the animal, a calmness surfaces. At the same time, a cool breeze tickles past my face. For some reason, thoughts of my childhood come to mind. Words I thought I’d forgotten reemerge. I turn my back on the giant as I recite passages long disregarded.
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I didn’t want to leave Tre, nor Gloria for that matter, but I know nothing I could’ve said would change his mind. And I can’t blame him. Bale’s men went too far and someone has to pay. Running through the garage, it takes a moment to remember where I parked my bike, but the image finally visualizes in my head. If I can’t remember where I left my chopper, how can I possibly see where Bale has gone? On the other hand, what’s the alternative?
But as I focus on a point on the wall before me, something does happen. I feel my Gift manifest. An image of Jason Bale flashes before my eyes. Now a car—no wait—a limousine. I jump on my bike, barreling out of the parking garage. The structure itself has suffered extensive damage at the hands of the dueling factions. As since millennia ago, one good, one evil. Although the outcome has already been decided, the war continues. This is the way.
At least this is what I’ve been told. So much has happened, I’m not sure what I believe. I fly down the highway like a bat out of Hell, or rather … Heaven. My Gift of Seeing leads me to the interstate bridge. As I ride, my mind traces back to before any of this started …
And that’s what keeps me riding. Angel. Christina. Angelina for the courage of her convictions no matter what I or anyone else thought, and little Christina for fighting through death and coming back to me. I owe them my best. So I ride.
Memories accelerate my new chopper through the thickening traffic. After a few short minutes, I pull close to a white limo. Is this the one? My question is answered in a flash as black vapor shoots from the limo’s rear-window. The Shadow separates into streams of mist as it attempts to attach itself to the plethora of vehicles traveling on the highway. I can tell which attempts are successful as some of the drivers’ countenances immediately change. The Persuaded motorists attempt to run me off the highway as I weave between lanes at 80mph. Somehow, I maneuver through the increasingly dangerous freeway. Must be the Gift. Trying their best to flatten me, Perusaded drivers crash with one another. Cars barrel through the air like missiles before plummeting to the ground like fallen satellites. The slightest sway of my body saves me from dire consequences. I never lose sight of the limo as I swiftly approach. Out of nowhere, the lengthened vehicle fishtails in the middle of the highway, burning rubber as it comes to a rolling stop. I hit the brakes just as my chopper collides with the limousine. The collision sends me head first, soaring through the air. As I fly, images of the accident, flash by. I can see Angel. Man, she’s beautiful. That smile. It’s the reason I fell in love with her. What I wouldn’t give to see her again. Maybe that time is now. Nearing the end of my descent, Angel draws close. Her mouth opens to speak. I stop breathing not to miss any of what she has to say. My wife utters one word.
“Live …”
I smile at the simple declaration. And after what seems like an eternity with an Angel, I fall to the ground, landing on my feet. As I rise, cars swerve to avoid me. Leaving six-inch deep impressions in the asphalt, I step forward. Bale waits for me in the middle of the highway.
“You are beginning to cost me too much!” he shouts.
“Glad to be of service!”
“So what if you have prolonged my plan. Your attempts are brief at most. I’ll be back on track in no time. But you? You will die.” Bale looks around as people step out of their cars, watching the unfolding melee. “A man such as myself has the right to defend himself when being attacked by a crazed fan.”
“You know what … Enough of the rhetoric.”
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“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil. For thou art with me. Thou rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.” The words come so easily. Scriptures my father taught us when we children. Today, they prepare me for battle. “Thou anointest my head with oil. My cup runneth over.”
My back still turned, I can hear the man-beast’s intense breathing. But nothing worries me now. Nothing else can be done to me. If it is my destiny to die, then so be it. If I am to live, then God
will be with me.
“I kill friend! I kill brother!” yells my adversary. Though incendiary, the words only bring more passages to mind.
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that worketh in us.” Reenergized, I face my opponent. Huge hands clenched into fists sway at his sides. The Shadow flares around his torso adding to his massive dimensions. But no matter. I’m ready. “I can do all things though Christ which strengtheneth me.”
“And I KILL YOU!”
Amnon charges for me. I take off as well, spearing the giant to the ground as we meet. The concrete floor rumbles underneath. On top, I head-butt the massive man, but with ease he throws me ten feet with one arm. I land squarely on my toes, running straight back for more. The giant lunges for my head, however I duck and land a crippling hook to his rib cage. Firmly aggravated, he returns the favor, catching me with an uppercut that sends me straight into the air. Pain crowds my senses as I feel the gash in my face open. But by the time I hit the ground, it’s closed. Jumping to my feet, I meet the charging brute with a roundhouse kick to the chest. It sends him through two concrete beams before his body rams into an innocent car. Smoke and debris billows around me, impeding my vision.
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With Bale in plain view, I run straight for him. The arrogant idol stands motionless until the very last second. Out of nowhere, he catches me by the throat with one hand, lifting me in the air. His Shadow hovers and shifts in the ever changing wind. I attempt to loosen his grip but this guy is strong.
“You think you and your friends can stop me?!” he shouts, still holding me with one hand. “Do you know how many of your kind I’ve destroyed?!” Not waiting for an answer, Bale throws me thirty feet, at least. I land on the hard asphalt pavement. Man that hurt.
Resting on all fours, I hear footsteps approaching. “See that’s it,” he says. “You’ve already got the hang of it. Now call me lord, and I’ll consider giving you a position at my side.” Still on my knees, I spit blood from my mouth.
“I’m still new to the whole lord thing, so I think I’ll pass.”
Bale circles me. “The Other does nothing but take. He took your wife. He nearly took your daughter. But I gave her back to you.”
“What?” I look up to gauge his expression.
“You heard me,” Bale says without pause. “Those were my doctors, Zeek! Think about it!”
And I do. I think about Dr. Amali and the black haze I now know to be the Shadow. Could it be true?
“Through my power they resurrected your daughter! Now join me and help me show the world another way!”
Making my way to my feet, I try to make sense out of all of this. I’m not sure what to believe. He couldn’t have possibly saved Christina. Could he? “No. You lie. You’re a liar, Bale!”
Bale stretches out his hand. “I gave life back to your daughter. And I can give life back to your wife. Your Angel.”
The torment starts all over again. “Stop it!” I yell. How could he possibly bring back Angel? Much as I don’t want to admit it, my wife is dead. But at the same time, I’ve seen things in the last few weeks that have challenged everything I ever believed. But this guy is a manipulator, a murderer. He does possess power but could it be used for that purpose? Was it used for Christina?
An exhilarating fragrance flutters past my nose as I internally debate these questions. It makes me want to find out more. Almost persuading me to take the next step.
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When the smoke clears, my Persuaded foe is nowhere to be found. Damage to vehicles and the garage itself is easily traceable, though no sign of the not-easily-hid, Amnon. Surely he hasn’t retreated. He must be here somewhere.
SHHRRIEEEEK!!!
Sparks fly everywhere as a car on its side speeds straight towards me. Immediately I run, not taking time to ask questions. Glancing back, I see a large bald head peering from behind the speeding wreckage. Amnon is pushing the car like a football sled. His Shadow widens itself to the length of the car. The calculated haze almost looks as if it’s helping push the vehicle! I’ve never seen anything like it, but now’s not the time to marvel as I evade being mowed down like grass. War-cries bellow from the supernaturally charged giant as he moves the car almost effortlessly.
Running straight for a steel enforced wall, I have to make a choice. Even if I allow myself to be pulverized by the car-projectile, it would take a few moments to completely heal. And there’s no telling what Amnon could do to me in that time. Not sure what my limits are, but the Prophetess’ team didn’t make it, so obviously we have some. No, that won’t work. It’s time to end this.
Just as the wall and car are ready to make a TNT sandwich, I run up the wall and flip outwards. Amnon heaves the car straight into the concrete barrier. He musters up every bit of muscle to make sure I don’t survive the deafening crash. The monster is so busy with the final thrust, he never sees me flip over his head.
“I kill you,” laughs the illiterate ogre. He takes a few seconds catching his breath before turning.
“And the violent take it by force!”
WHHHAAACKKK!!!
I too use every active muscle in connecting a kick to the giant’s chest. Amnon soars backwards into his own creation, the car-sled. His mammoth body collides fiercely with the upright vehicle, further denting the ill-fated chassis. Before he’s able to shake it off, I calmly approach. No sign of the Shadow now. Or his renowned power. But I can feel a supernatural strength overtake me as I lift the enormous demon enclosed in flesh over my head. With all my faculties fully intact, I make a declaration.
“This is for Glo!”
My body leaps straight in the air, still dead-lifting the colossal giant. Falling to one knee, the weary Amnon crashes down to the other. Backbreaker.
Cries once more emanate from the wounded fallen Angel. But these are cries of pain. With power still surging through my body, I stand, again lifting Amnon in the air. With his body dangling above, I make one more declaration.
“And this is for my brother. For what profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul!”
CRRRAAAAACCKKK!!!
Another backbreaker. The beast is now still. Tears silently fall from my eyes as I continue crushing my enemy’s spine. The weight I carry is lightened as the Goliath’s body dissolves into black, smoke-like haze. “It is finished.”
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The sweetness of the fragrance intensifies as thoughts of Angel consume me. I want her so bad. Worse than life itself. The thought of just seeing her again nearly persuades me—I’m being Persuaded!
Bale’s greatest talent is on display. The sweetness I smell is the stench of the Shadow as it wraps its lucid tentacles around me. No matter what my heart feels, something about this can’t be right.
“Join me,” smiles the convincing mogul.
“Not today!” I yell, lunging for Bale. We crash into an approaching sedan. I stun the surprised icon with an elbow to the face before returning the previous favor, throwing him nearly thirty feet onto the hood of a 1995 Taurus. Bale’s torso smashes through the window.
Police and news trucks arrive on the crammed highway. Most can’t get through for the spectators and parked cars. Ignoring the onlookers, I make my way for Bale. Blood flows from his mouth. “Wow, you bleed,” I say.
A deceptive grin emerges as he speaks. “Indeed I do, Son of Adam.”
“Looks like you’ve had enough for one day.”
“You think I would show my true power in front of all these people? My time has not come. They must worship me freely, my friend. Don’t worry. This is not over.”
“I’m ready whenever you are.”
Bale frowns as he spits more blood from his mouth. The taste seems foreign to him. Meanwhile, policeman and news crews make their way through the crowd towards Bale. “I’ll leave you to your
fans,” I say. “Looks like they got a few questions for ya. And I’m gonna make sure you get penned for Gloria’s death. If I can’t send you back to Hell, me and Tre’ll make sure you experience hell on Earth.”
Bale says nothing, only smiles.
“Mr. Bale, we’d like to talk to you!” shouts an approaching policeman.
“Bale, is it true you and your men had involvement with the murder of Dr. Harold Ambrose?” asks an insistent news team.
Guess that’s all he can do. Guess I’ve done all I can do as well. At least for now. The crowd hardly notices as I make my way through the press.
Chapter 26
I still don’t know how I got here. What did I do wrong? What could I have possibly done differently? I ask myself these questions as EMT zip a leathery black bag containing Gloria’s body. The quick glimpse of Gloria’s pale, lifeless face as the bag is zipped to the top, sickens me. I pleaded with Prophetess Anna, now on the scene, to do something, but she said there was nothing she could do. I asked her if I was doing something wrong, if there was another way to use my power, but all she could say was, “I am sorry, my child. I should not have allowed you to engage Bale.”
And now to know that Bale is still alive, even if he does get arrested, gives me no solace. Neither does destroying his chief Angel, Amnon. At least not to the point where it makes up for Gloria.
“I’m sorry folks, we’ve done all we could do,” says one of the paramedics.
“She gave her life for her beliefs,” says the Prophetess. “God be with you, my child.”
I turn my head as the paramedics place the body bag in an ambulance. I can’t believe this is happening again.
“Because of Gloria, the enemy’s attack has been thwarted,” says Anna, placing her arm around me. “She was a fine warrior.”
“Yeah Tre. Her plan worked,” says Zeek. “Bale will pretty much have to start all over.”