Fly: A PORTAL Chronicles Novel (The PORTAL Chronicles)

by Melissa Aden

  “Dio is the Creator, miraculously bringing life where there was none before.”

  “So, you know a lot about Dio,” I deduced.

  “Yes.” Mom smiled sweetly, seeming warmed by the thought. “There is so much I’d love to tell you about him and his ways, but for the sake of time, I must get to the point.” I nodded and she began. “First off, you should know that I never wanted to leave you. It was never my intention — nor Dio’s — for us to be separated the way that we were.”

  “Victory said you died to save me.” My heart dropped at the thought.

  Mom stopped. Facing me, she caressed my cheek. “Listen carefully to what I’m about to say because it’s very important. New life never comes without sacrifice. It is a constant in Dio’s kingdom, but I took this rule into my own hands — a grave mistake.” She took my hands in hers. “When Dio first gave me the prophecy about you, I had such peace that everything would be okay, but as time went by, I grew weary of running from Divaldo’s operatives and obsessed about when they’d find us next. By the time we were found at the grocery store that day, I’d stopped relying on Dio and allowing him to fill me with his peace and power as before, causing me to panic and react in a way that harmed all parties involved. Out of practice with consulting Dio, I took matters into my own hands.

  “I placed you out front of the store reasoning that I could lead the men away before fighting them off on my own. Keeping you safe was part of what Dio had called me to, but I had become focused on my task instead of focusing on my Creator, thus putting me totally out of focus — an error I didn’t grasp the ramifications of until it was too late.”

  “So it’s true,” I gasped in shock. “You led the men out back and Dio just stood by and let them kill you. He used you. You were his pawn.”

  “No, babe. Dio is the Creator, only bringing forth new life and restoration — never death or despair. I followed my will instead of Dio’s, disconnecting me from his supernatural wisdom and power and preventing him from helping or protecting me. He waited by my side expectantly, hoping I’d recant my mistake so he could help, but even after realizing he was there, I stubbornly refused. I insisted on my own way and paid dearly for it.”

  I swam in the depth of what she’d divulged, unable to fully soak it all in. “So, you’re not mad at Dio?”

  “No. Why would I be?”

  “He let you die when you needed him most. Bad choices or not, he could have saved you if he really wanted to, really loved you.”

  “Though, that’s the beauty of Dio, Sophie. He’s just and always follows through on his promises. When he gave us the gift of choice, he promised to honor it and has done so ever since, no matter how hard it is for him to do so. My rebellion prevented him from helping me, and even though he knew he could stop the injustice happening to me with the mere blink of an eye, he followed through on his side of the bargain, allowing me a choice as well as the consequences of the decision I made. And it wasn’t easy for him. Watching me get cut down because of my refusal to follow his way broke his heart, cutting him deeply, too.”

  “Why are you telling me this? I don’t understand,” I said, crying again.

  “You will once you meet him,” Mom assured me. “He is gracious and loving and remained by my side until the end.” Tears also welled in her eyes. “I was so foolish, Sophie. It wasn’t until I was dying that I finally apologized to Dio for rejecting his plan, allowing him to come to me once again. And even though my rebellion hurt him, he readily forgave me, comforting me with the knowing that he’d turn this tragedy around for good.” She paused a moment to gain her composure. “As I was gasping my final breaths, he promised me he’d watch over you and Dad, leading you in the way you should go, giving you hope and a great future. As I learned the hard way, he never breaks a promise, so I closed my eyes on this world with peace that everything — including you and Dad — would be okay.”

  “It’s still not fair,” I whispered, tears streaming down my cheeks.

  “We don’t always understand Dio’s ways—”

  “Because they are unfathomable,” I finished her sentence, recalling what Everett and I had recently discussed.

  “Yes,” Mom nodded. “But his ways are always best.” She smiled, her radiant beam drying my tears. “You are wise beyond your years. Much smarter than your stubborn mother. I know this is awful to hear, but I’m telling you so my mistakes won’t be repeated. I’m here to prepare you for things to come and to equip you for the journey ahead.” Grabbing my hand, we walked again. “I’m sorry, but you probably won’t like the rest of what I have to say either.”

  I nodded, bracing myself.

  “You’re going to have to allow Dio to work in you and through you. You don’t have the power to fulfill all that Dio will ask you to do, meaning you’ll need help. It will be hard for you as, like me, you’re stubborn and prefer doing things on your own, but don’t let this hinder you from surrendering to Dio and his will. Trust that he only does what’s best for you.”

  “You sound like Everett,” I said under my breath.

  “That’s because Everett is familiar with Dio and his truths.”

  “Wait!” I looked up, surprised. “You know Everett?”

  “Yes, since he was a baby. I visited Victory when I could and we often exchanged pictures. Now, I get my updates from Dio. According to him, Everett is an amazing young man destined for greatness.”

  “He’s already great,” I said, the thought of him warming me.

  “He makes you happy,” Mom stated. I nodded. “He makes me happy, too, because his intentions are pure and he truly cares for you. It’s not a coincidence when people like him are put in your life, Sophie. He’s a gift from the Creator. Cherish him… and don’t be too hard on him, okay?”

  I laughed lightly. “Going forward, I’ll try not to be.”

  “I’m not talking about the future. I mean now.”

  Confused, I noticed Mom looking out into the distance. Following her gaze, I spotted him. Unlike with Mom, I immediately knew it was Everett.

  “Go,” she whispered. “I’m right behind you.”

  Joy bubbled up within me at the mere sight of him, swelling as I grew closer to where he stood. “Everett!” I ran so fast I almost knocked him over.

  “Sophie?” He turned just in time to catch me in his arms, surprise on his face.

  I wrapped my arms around his neck, laughing gleefully. “We’ve finally done it!”

  He hugged me tightly before pulling away with a frown. “Done what?”

  “We’ve moonlighted in each other’s dreams, but we’re finally interacting in one.”

  His face fell then, perplexity coloring his handsome features. “But this isn’t… ” He gasped. “No! It can’t be.” He dropped to his knees, his face frozen in a silent cry. Wrapping his arms around his body, he rocked.

  “Everett?” I asked startled. “What’s wrong?”

  “This,” he whispered, his brimming eyes wandering the surrounding landscape. “This place. I’ve failed you.” He rambled, “You were so white and your skin so hot. I should have known. I was scared for you, but I had no idea it was serious until it was too late. And now we’re in the same place, which can only mean… ” He stopped, his shoulders shaking as he openly wept into his hands.

  I stood there dumbfounded, uncomfortable watching Everett cry but not knowing what to say or do to remedy the situation. “It can only mean what?”

  Looking to me, Everett stood and held out his shirt for me to see the unsightly blood stains covering it. How had I not noticed them before? I felt sick.

  “Hagen,” he said, his head bent in shame. “They must have gotten to you, too. Or maybe you were dead before they found you.”

  “Dead!?! Everett, what are you talking about?”

  “We’re dead, Sophie,” he wailed. “Divaldo won. Hagen murdered us. And it’s my fault. I failed. What will happen to PORTAL now? Or to us?”

  A soft gasp came from behind me. M
om stood there, tears in her eyes as she watched Everett self-destruct. She passed by me, placing a hand on his shoulder.

  “Condemnation and fear are not yours to bear. Why do you insist on carrying such heavy things?” she asked him.

  Everett stared at her, pensive. “Who are you?”

  “Clara. Sophie’s mother,” she answered softly.

  “I was right,” he shook his head. “We’re dead!”

  “But not permanently,” Mom said. “Like Dio has revitalized this forest, so will he do with you, breaking Death’s claim and breathing new life. You have grown up with the truth, yet still, you don’t believe. As your mom has told you, Dio is truth and Dio is love. Why do you doubt this is true? Why do you doubt his intentions for you — and even the intentions of others, like Sophie — come from love? You are not unlovable. You are worth loving.” He opened his mouth, yet nothing came forth but more tears. It seemed Mom was reading some deep-seeded truth from his heart. “And your connection with Sophie and being able to share dreams with her is not a coincidence.”

  “You know about the dreams?” Everett asked, intrigued.

  Mom nodded. “Dio created you for each other. He orchestrated your paths to cross as they have for you are soul mates.”

  Everett smiled but continued to cry, though seemingly more out of joy and relief now than sadness and defeat.

  “Your deep connection with each other allows you to share dreams,” Mom continued. “Everett, you could see into Sophie’s dreams first as she immediately sensed this connection and opened up to you from the beginning. You, however, weren’t as forthcoming, but once you finally surrendered to trusting her, it opened connection for her to see into your dreams as well.”

  “Amazing,” Everett whispered.

  “Yes. Your bond is quite unique. It is a gift from Dio, not something given because you deserve it but simply because he loves you so,” Mom said, looking at each of us. “Though, Divaldo knows you both are meant for big things, and that you are stronger together than apart, explaining why he has assigned Fear to unceasingly haunt you. But now it is time for you to walk in your destiny, to come into who you are meant to be, and this can’t be accomplished until Fear is defeated.”

  “Are you saying Fear is a demon?” I asked in shock.

  “Yes, not just an idea or a feeling, but an actual spirit sent to do Divaldo’s bidding.”

  “And we have to defeat it?” Everett asked.

  “Yes,” Mom answered. “He will challenge you soon. If you defeat him, you will experience great breakthrough.”

  “And if we fail?” Everett asked.

  “Don’t let Fear rule you, Everett,” Mom said. “Has the Creator ever set you up to fail, ever brought you to a challenge he has not yet prepared you to overcome? You are ready. Everything you have experienced up to this point has prepared you for the battle ahead.” She sighed. “Don’t let the condition of your heart or mind keep you from the authority or dominion Dio wants you to have.”

  We heard a loud rumbling then. My heart fell as I realized we’d been near the train tracks this entire time, where my dream usually ended.

  Seeming to read me, Mom hugged me close. “Don’t be sad. We’ll meet again.”

  “But I still have so many questions,” I whimpered into her shoulder.

  “Just follow Dio’s leading and you’ll be fine. Don’t make the mistake I made. Never lose sight of the path he sets before you, and things will go well with you.”

  Mom’s words resonated and I was suddenly aware of the connection from her story to Divaldo and Benson’s. I sensed Dio communicating a direly important truth, calling me to learn from the disastrous consequences of their mistake so that it didn’t trip me up, also causing me to stumble and fall: I must trust Dio wholeheartedly, never leaning on my own power or understanding, and use the will he had given me to make a conscious decision to follow him no matter what.

  The train whirred by us, pulling me from my epiphany. Arriving all too quickly, it stopped — something it had never done before.

  Everett approached, eyeing it warily. “I take it we’re supposed to get on.”

  “Yes,” Mom said, releasing me to give Everett a hug.

  “Thank you. Your guidance means more than you know.”

  “You’re most welcome, Everett. Give your mom a big hug for me. And take care of my girl, okay?” She winked.

  “I will. I promise,” he solemnly answered, kissing my forehead before climbing aboard.

  I turned to follow him, but Mom grabbed my hand. Looking into her eyes, I broke.

  “Don’t cry, baby. Everything is going to be okay,” she soothed, hugging me again. She rubbed my back like she used to when I was little, causing an unexplainable calm to spread through me, quieting my tears. “I’ll trade you one last truth for a smile,” she said with a funny look that made me laugh. “How is the forest different?” she asked, turning me to face it.

  “It’s never looked more beautiful or alive,” I marveled.

  “Precisely. This forest, which you’ve ran through night after night, is your soul. Dio has breathed new life through you, explaining why the forest now thrives. Each time you return in your dreams, Dio gives insight into the state of your life. Dio will bring you back here when you need guidance.” Bending down, she fingered a pretty plant at our feet. “When this happens, remain alert of the state of the forest, for just as this vine needs water and sunlight to thrive, so you need Dio and his direction. Without it, you — and this forest — will surely wither away.”

  I trembled then as the giant of my dream came into view, his monstrous silhouette moving along the horizon in the distance. I cowered into Mom for comfort.

  “Fear not, for that is only what Fear wants. To intimidate you. To shake you. To distract you. Anything to prevent you from achieving your destiny.”

  “That’s Fear?” I asked, flabbergasted. It was freeing to finally identify the giant, to size him up.

  “Time and again, you’ve allowed him to scare you away, each time forfeiting a little more territory of your soul. But it’s time to overcome this giant, Sophie. It’s time to walk in your destiny and take back what’s rightfully yours. Overcome him or he’ll overcome you. Until you do, you’ll never truly spread your wings and fly.”

  Finally seeing the giant for what he was infuriated me. He was merely a bully, and I was sick of letting him push me around, steal from me, and torture me by tearing off my wings and preventing me from flying. All this time, I’d had the power to stop him. Realizing this amplified my determination to defeat him now.

  “Thank you for this revelation. I’ll take back what was stolen from me,” I swore.

  Placing her hands on my shoulders, Mom stared into my eyes. “I’m so proud of you. You’ll be great.”

  I’d fantasized about what I’d say if I ever saw Mom again, yet none of it mattered now. I could only hold her and tell her I loved her, and I somehow knew that was enough. “I love you, Mommy,” I said, relishing one last hug.

  “I love you… so much,” she said, squeezing me tight. “Tell Daddy I love him, too. You’ll be seeing him soon.”

  I nodded and Mom kissed both of my cheeks before helping me onto the train. Onboard, I opened a window, reaching for her hand. The train slowly rolled. Mom walked beside it as we gained speed, holding my hand until she couldn’t keep up anymore. As she released me, I realized I held an ornate gold key.

  “What’s the key for?” I yelled out the window.

  “You’ll see,” Mom laughed, waving wildly. “Live life to the fullest, Sophie. Hold nothing back. Live, my sweet darling. Live!” The word echoed in my ears, growing in volume. “Live, live, live!”

  The train approached a tunnel of great light. Reaching it, the phrase circled in my mind.

  Live! I must live. Live! I must live.

  I MUST LIVE!

  Chapter 50

  The Battle

  Ba-boom! Ba-boom! Ba-boom!

  My heart beat loud
ly in my ears, meaning only one thing.

  I’m alive!

  My eyes popped open and cold surged through my body. It was snowing, the flakes lodging on my lashes and melting on my face. I cautiously rolled onto my belly, metal groaning under my movement. Where was I? Taking in my surroundings, I realized I was suspended in air.

  Everett hid me on an awning?

  It seemed silly but must have been a divinely inspired stroke of genius as I hadn’t been found. I peeked over the edge. Two men, one normal size and the other hulking, stood over Everett’s body, their backs to me.

  “What do we do with him?” the hulking one asked.

  “Leave him. The hordes are on their way. They’ll take care of him,” said the other with a wicked laugh.

  I instantly recognized Hagen’s voice. “The hordes” he spoke of didn’t sound friendly. I needed to get to Everett. But how?

  Dio, I trust you. Help me. Lead me, I silently prayed. I will follow you.

  The hulking man perked up just then. “Did you hear that?”

  “Hear what?” Hagen asked.

  “Damn them. They’re coming. I’d know that sound anywhere.”

  “What are you talking about?” Hagen asked, irritated. “I don’t hear anything.”

  “Angels,” the large man growled. “We need to get out of here. Now. Move!”

  Hagen and the man ran, disappearing in the distance.

  Taking advantage, I quickly dismounted from the awning, then running to Everett’s side. He was bloody and unconscious.

  No, this can’t be. He was with me. He got on the train like I did.

  I knelt beside him. “Everett?” I gently stroked his cheek, blood coming off on my hand. I brushed the accumulating snow off his body. “Everett, it’s me. Wake up,” I begged. I pulled his limp head into my lap as panic welled up within me. “Everett!” I yelled, cradling his face. I felt for a heartbeat. Nothing. “No! Dio, please. You said we were a team. This can’t be happening. He can’t die.” I began to cry.

  “Sophie?” I heard his sweet voice.

  “Everett!” I kissed his face again and again until his eyes fluttered open. “Everett, I’m here. I’m right here,” I said, my tears mixing with the melted snow on his face, washing the blood away in thick rivulets.