by S E Brower
“Well, I don’t have that luxury. Time is running out for me.” Wounded, she studied the floor. Still not raising her chin to face him, she let him know her disappointment.
“You promised. You promised you would believe me. I thought I could trust you.”
Her words made him feel guilty. “You know I’m always on your side.”
She slumped back into the chair. “That’s not what I meant,” she folded her arms, “and you know it.”
“I believe you. I believe, you believe this happened,” he told her.
She shook her head. “That’s not good enough. I need you to just believe it, period. Look at me,” she leaned towards him, “do I look like I’m making this up?”
“I’ve known you all your life, no you don’t look like you’re making it up,” he paused, “doesn’t mean it happened. It’s a lot to ask, Jess.”
“You gotta have faith, Travis,” she shot back, followed by a long awkward silence between them. While she understood his refusal to accept such bizarre circumstances, it discouraged her. After a while, he tried again.
“Okay, let’s say I believe you. Now, put yourself in my place. What would you be saying?”
But she was through trying to convince him. Snatching her purse off the floor, she stood up. “I would ask what I could do to help you.” Flipping the strap of her bag up onto her shoulder, she turned to leave.
Defeated, he bowed his head. “Wait, you’re right,” he felt bad, “don’t leave, Jess. What can I do to help?”
But he hurt her, and she decided it was time to go. Travis jumped up from his chair. Opening the mini fridge on the floor, he snatched a bottle of water, swinging around his desk in time to grab Jessie by her arm, before she could exit the office.
“Come on, Jess,” he coaxed, “come back, have a seat, calm down, and we’ll discuss this. Okay? Here,” he handed her the water. She stopped, and for a few seconds contemplated leaving anyway, that or throwing the water in his face. She stayed, grabbing the cold bottle out of his hand, glaring at him, as she dropped back into the chair. He leaned on the side of his desk. “See, it’s all good. We can talk about it,” he reasoned with her. But she was still glaring at him.
“Fine, but you need to keep an open mind.” Crossing her legs, purse on her lap, she opened the water, taking a big swallow.
“I want to help you, Jess. You know I do. I just don’t know what to say. You kind a blind-sided me. You must admit, it’s a wild tale.”
Just as he spoke, Jessie sensed Drummondax was soon to arrive in the office. Saying nothing to Travis, she watched as he materialized behind her brother. Travis didn’t notice. She looked past him at Drummondax who nodded, “He is not aware of my presence. He cannot hear me.”
“I know,” her answer was directed at the Angel, not Travis.
“Well, at least we agree on that,” Travis laughed, “okay,” he began again, “so, tell me why your Angel’s boss wants you dead?”
Meanwhile, Drummondax asked Jessie, “How will he react?”
“I have no idea,” she answered. Again, she was still talking to Drummondax.
“Well, having no reason you know of could help you, I guess,” Travis told her, folding his arms. “Maybe you’re mistaken. I don’t think you’re in any in danger. Jess, are you even listening?”
“What?” she frowned at him, “yes, yes I am.”
“Good, coz you’re pretty distracted.”
Jessie shot an impatient stare to the unseen presence behind him. “Do something already!” she blurted out loud.
“As you wish,” Drummondax told her.
“I’m trying Jess,” Travis answered, when the strangest feeling overcame him, creeping up from behind. He raised his hand touching the back of his neck, the hairs on his arms stood up. His body tensed, his pulse raced, and he had the oddest look on his face.
Jessie watched with a satisfied smirk. “Wait for it,” she thought. Then, Travis became aware. He didn’t turn around to look at Drummondax. Instead, he looked straight at her.
“He’s standing right behind me, isn’t he?”
She grinned, her eyebrows rising, “What do YOU think?”
Travis turned his head ever so slightly, stealing a peek from out of the corner of his eye. When he got a glimpse, he startled, jumping back losing his balance, his hand landing on the intercom button of his phone.
“Holy shit!” the words shot out.
Arista’s voice followed. “Um… is everything all right in there?”
He pressed the button again, not taking his eyes off the Angel. “Yeah,” he spoke slowly, “sorry about that.”
“Are you okay? You sound funny.”
“Everything’s fine, Arista. No calls, please.”
“No problem.” The office silent once more.
Still not taking his eyes off Drummondax, he took another step back. At this point, they could have knocked him over with a feather.
Travis stood beside Jessie with many thoughts running through his mind. Thoughts like, this can’t be happening, and this Angel couldn’t have been Mom’s dog. It was just too far-fetched. His mind spun out of control with the absurdity of it all.
Travis startled again, when Drummondax spoke. Although the melodic voice held a serene and tranquil quality, what he said astonished him more.
“Travis John, Angels have always been, and will always be, and yes, I was THAT Dax, your beloved mother’s dog.”
Travis realized the Angel heard his thoughts, which was unnerving. However, unafraid he walked right up to Drummondax, looking into those steely blue eyes. “Hmm, you put a new spin on the adage of someone resembling their dog. Yup, you ARE, or were Dax,” he turned to Jessie, “either this is the best April Fools prank ever, OR there’s an Angel in my office!” His eyes were wide with amazement.
“Cool, huh?” she laughed, not able to resist the opportunity to call him out, “still think I’m crazy?”
He frowned, “You’re not still MAD, are you?” Smiling at yet another pun.
“You’re ridiculous.”
“Maybe, but I’m your brother, you gotta love me. Jess, why didn’t you just bring him with you? You could’ve saved us both tons of trouble,” he asked, truly annoyed.
“Seriously, Travis? It doesn’t work that way. I don’t own him. He doesn’t appear on demand. Besides…” she snickered slightly with a wicked grin, “the look on your face made it worth the aggravation.”
“Why didn’t you come sooner?”
“I didn’t want to worry you and Dad, too much happening.”
“Maybe if you had, I’d believe you.”
“Right, well you didn’t believe me, you rat,” she smacked him.
Drummondax ignored the sibling exchange, instead turning his attention to Jessie.
“We have much to discuss, Jessica. We must devise a plan.”
“Dax, I tried to bring Travis up to speed, but I don’t know if I made him understand.”
“Jessica, may I?” Drummondax looked down at her, and she understood the question. She nodded, and he extended his right hand.
“Travis,” Jessie spoke fast, he will put his hand on your forehead, and you will see his memories, just as I have.”
Before Travis could answer it was over. He stepped back, shocked by what he witnessed.
“So, let me get this straight,” he talked a mile a minute, in a typical Travis style re-cap. “Grieving daughter has revelation at mother’s deathbed because of the visit from said Guardian Angel, who messed up her mom’s life, and according to him, (pointing at Dax), there was no divine plan for you, (points at Jessie), because there was to be only one kid. You were number two, impatient as usual, not waiting your turn and jumping in line.”
“Hey!” Jessie protested, but he kept on talking.
“But you, (pointing at Dax, once more), think she’s a Rogue Soul, and now the head honcho, um… The Author wants her G O N E, gone. How am I doing?”
Jessie heaved a sigh, “
That about covers it.”
Travis looked at the floor deep in thought, scratching his shoulder above a tattoo on his arm.
“You know, there is something gnawing at me that this mere mortal is having a hard time understanding.”
“What’s that?” Jessie asked.
“I just don’t understand why the head of the Guardian Library wants to put an end to a screwed-up Rogue Soul, who doesn’t have a clue. What the Hell is a Rogue Soul? Do you even know?”
“Language!” Jessie frowned at him, tilting her head towards Drummondax. Travis ignored the reprimand.
“Well, it’s true. It doesn’t pertain to Mom. She’s no longer instrumental, so it doesn’t make sense.”
“You are correct, Travis John,” Drummondax interrupted adding, “I see you wear a Dragon Warrior tattoo.”
“You know your tattoos,” Travis was surprised.
“I know only this tattoo.”
“That tattoo,” Jessie chimed in, “caused a dust up with Mom when he got it. She dropped him to his knees, imagine that. She told him not to get it, but he did anyway. He thought he was hiding it from her, but she knew. Mom always knew. When he came in that night, she smacked his arm, and asked him, ‘What’s new’? It put him on the floor like someone kicked him in the bal…, um… sorry,” she looked at Dax, still grinning at the memory.
“Yeah, okay. Have your fun at my expense,” Travis interjected.
“I guess we’re not so different, are we?” Jessie teased, “you couldn’t wait either.”
“Yeah, and you couldn’t wait to rat me out to an Angel.”
Drummondax gave them both a dubious look. “Yes, I recall,” he said.
“Oh, right,” Travis shook his head, “guess you were there.”
“Where have you seen this tattoo?” Travis’ curiosity piqued.
“I have seen it only once before, on the arm of your Guardian, Travis John.”
“Does this Guardian have a name?”
“Yes,” he added, deciding they could, in fact, use some extra help. “His name is Jordondey,” then, he spoke to the invisible entity, “we are in need of your aid, my brother.” The office interior illuminated with a soft glow, forming into the celestial being that was Jordondey.
“Whoa,” Jessie whispered under her breath.
“Holy shit!” the ever more colorful Travis, exclaimed. The only Angel Jessie ever met was Dax. Impressive as he was, Jordondey was intimidating, and a sight to behold. Even Travis backed up a step, and Jordondey was his Guardian.
His wings dark, and expansive, took up a good portion of the office where he stood. He seemed much older than Dax, but still looked muscular, and strong. His attire appealing to every D&D fantasy Travis ever imagined, plus he bore the same dragon warrior tattoo. Travis couldn’t contain his excitement.
“Damn. Now that’s what I call a Guardian Angel.”
Jordondey said nothing, nodding his acknowledgement, as they stood staring at one another. It was Drummondax who broke the silence.
“We must find more information pertaining to Rogue Souls. There is much to be learned, I am certain.”
Jordondey spoke, his voice low, “This is not the protocol, my brother,” he said, with a disapproving look, followed by a slight grin, “consider me at your disposal. I know only that which I have told you already, but I will help you, my brother, if I am able.”
“Okay guys,” Jessie said, “does anyone have any idea what we should do now? Where on Earth would you find someone who knows about Rogue Souls? It’s not like you can search for it on the internet.” Travis folded his arms staring at her. “Trust me, Travis, I already did that,” she sighed, “come on guys, my life is on the line.”
Eager to help, Travis became suddenly animated, “Yeah, I think I’ve got something. There was a spiritual medium down near University City. We did a segment on her a while back. Her name is Celeste. Go figure,” he couldn’t stop the smirk. “Apparently, she could not only communicate with spirits, and has knowledge of celestial activity, she is also a clairvoyant. Maybe she would know something about Rogue Souls. We could see if she can help.”
Jessie agreed, feeling hopeful for a change. “It’s a start. I don’t want to just sit here, waiting for a miracle,” she told them.
Drummondax, agitated by this suggestion shook his head. “No! You know not what a dangerous path you tread. Do not pursue this woman. There are dangers of which you are unaware.”
“Well,” Jessie leaned back in her chair, “I have to do something, Dax. This is my life we are talking about.”
Travis defended his idea. “Look, we need information, right? It’s a place to start. I say we go see Celeste. Who knows, we might find out something important. We’ll be careful.”
Jessie swiveled her chair around to look at Dax. “Do you have a better idea?”
He nodded, “I must go back to the Guardian Library, to seek more information.”
She sprang to her feet. “No. You can’t. If The Author catches you there, he will kill you, or cast you out. Either way, no, you can’t go back.”
“Jessica, I must. It is the only place I will find answers.”
She protested again, when ‘the stir’ in the heavens hit them both at once. Jessie gasped looking up at him, afraid. “What is that? I feel so awful, and it is happening all the time now.”
“There is a stir, and imperative that I leave,” he placed his hand on her shoulder to soothe her.
“Please, don’t go, Dax. You know what will happen if you are caught,” she pleaded.
“Jessica, you know in your heart, the power in this choice.”
She worried The Author would cast him out, but also understood Drummondax was right. He returned his focus to Travis. “I ask you once more, Travis John, to reconsider this plan.”
Travis said nothing in return. Instead, he only stared back folding his arms in front of him, taking the fight stance ingrained in him through years of training. Ignoring him, Drummondax walked towards Jordondey and paused, “Watch over them,” he said in passing.
Jordondey issued a quick acknowledgement, as Drummondax walked on, vanishing into the wall. As soon as he left, Jordondey eyed Travis. His defiant stance showed he had no intention of leaving well enough alone. The Guardian nodded approval to his charge, the corners of his mouth curling upwards as he took one step back, disappearing.
Travis looked at his sister in amazement. “Man, I wish I could do that. Just poof, I’m outta here,” he smiled at the thought.
“So, are we going, or aren’t we?”
“Oh, we are going, don’t forget your bag.”
She turned around scooping it up off the chair, before tossing the water bottle inside, and headed towards the door.
“Just a sec,” he said running back around his desk, “let me pull up her address,” with a quick tap, tap, tap on his keyboard, “… and got it.”
Grabbing his keys out of a large super hero mug on his desk, along with his I.D. badge, he followed her.
“Whoa, wait a sec,” not telling her what he was doing, he turned around giving his chair a shove with his knee, to access a drawer. He shuffled through several business cards inside, while Jessie let out an impatient sigh. He found what he was searching for.
“That’s it,” he held up a small card for quick inspection to be sure, giving it a quick rap with his fingers. He slipped it into the back pocket of his jeans.
“All set. Let’s go,” he smiled at her, while closing the office door behind them. He knew where to find Celeste yet didn’t know where this journey would take them.
Chapter 12
Her Guardian
Armed with the new information he received earlier from Jessie, Drummondax enlisted the help of Aalonray. Returning to the Guardian Library was a risky proposition, but one he deemed worthy of taking. Sneaking into the main lobby just as before, he waited.
Suddenly, Aalonray appeared behind him.
“You!” her voice a loud whisper
, “what are you doing here, again?”
“I seek your aid, Aalonray. There is more to the Rogue Souls. Please, I need to know.” Ignoring him, she was about to walk away, when he grabbed her arm.
“Let go of me,” she demanded, spinning around to face him.
“Faith’s daughter, Jessica is a Rogue Soul,” his words were sharp, but he let loose his grip, “she has powers.”
“I know!” she said and walked away again. This time, he ran after her.
“Aalonray, what do you mean, you know?”
“I know Jessica is a Rogue Soul,” she said, continuing to walk.
“If you knew, why did you not tell me?”
She stopped short as her voice rose. “I did not…” then, realizing she was speaking too loudly, began again in a whisper, “I did not know, until after you left the Library.”
“You banished me the minute I asked about the Rogue Souls, how do you know about Jessica?”
“When you asked to see Faith’s book, you told me her daughter’s life was in danger.” Aalonray took a glance around the Library, “We must leave. It is not safe here, come.” He followed her down a long corridor, and into a large room filled with antiquities.
“What is this place?”
“This is the Relic Room,” Aalonray looked up at him, “you must understand, when mankind grew beyond the immediate descendants of Adam and Eve, The Father sent Angel Guardians to watch over them.”
“Yes, of course.”
“As humanity expanded, humans were progressed into positions of Guardianship. In time, the Guardians decided to keep an accounting of their charges, and the Guardian Library was born.
One of the ‘Ancients’ was given the task of over-seeing the Library. This Ancient is known as ‘The Author’. I believe you have met.” To which Drummondax only nodded.
Aalonray continued, “The Librarian position was available at the time of my progression. I was given a choice, and I chose to be here. The Relic room was created to house mankind’s gifts from The Father, and all holy items with historical significance for humanity are brought here, to be protected from evil,” with a wave of her hand, she closed the door behind them.