The Last Rogue Soul

by S E Brower

  “Yes, The Author will have been alerted when the ‘Ring’ breaks through the confines of this building, and into the Guardian Library. We have not determined how long we will have once we arrive, which is why we will enlist the help of Aalonray. She will lead us to the safety of the Relic Room, where we will find Isaac’s Lariat. It is there, we will plan our next course of action.

  Accomplishing the ‘Ring of Solidarity’ begins and ends with The Father, for he is the Holy Trinity. We shall require a group of three celestial beings to complete the trinity, to transport the one non-celestial being or human, in the center of the ‘Ring’.” Drummondax looked at Travis as he spoke, “we shall do this by clasping hands, creating an unbroken circle.”

  “And then, what do we do, Dax?” Jessie asked, as she watched Garret’s blue mist dart around the office in excitement.

  “Then, we pray,” he answered, “the circle must remain unbroken until we have reached our destination. Do you understand?”

  “I do,” she said, “but there’s a problem. There are only two celestials here, not three.”

  “Hey!” Garret protested, “what am I? Don’t I count?” Jordondey’s eyes followed Garret’s spirit, until it hovered directly in front of him.

  “You may ascend, Spirit, of your own accord,” Jordondey advised.

  “Yes,” Drummondax agreed, “Garret, you may return to the Library any time you wish. But take heed, your appearance there will put you in much the same peril, as we will probably be. Also, you are a spirit only, and have no means to connect the circle.”

  “Then, we still have a problem,” Jessie’s voice was showing frustration, “like I said, there are only two celestials.” Drummondax faced her.

  “Dear Jessica, you are a Rogue Soul, and possess special abilities. You can be of help to celestial beings in situations such as this. Look within. You know what to do, for you are one of us. This is the reason you were to be born. This is your destiny.”

  She stared back at him wide eyed, knowing he spoke the truth, yet a sliver of doubt remained. A tiny shiver ran up her spine, as the weight of this responsibility sunk in. She had a choice. But she was discovering free will, while a blessing, was also a curse. She feared not so much for herself, but for all of mankind. What if she failed? She bit her lip, looking over at her brother, sad to involve him, thankful he was by her side.

  “So, I’m guessing I’m the odd man out here,” Travis had been standing there with his arms folded, listening, “you say I’m a Dragon Warrior, that has to count for something right?”

  “Yes, Travis John,” Jordondey nodded, “possessing not, the abilities of a Rogue Soul, makes you no less important.”

  Drummondax moved to the office window, peering out at the city below. “Enough,” he said, his back to them, “we must move without delay. I fear the regression of human history will soon become irreversible.”

  Jordondey shook his head in disagreement, “Travis John requires more time for preparation, my brother.”

  Drummondax turned to them, growing impatient, knowing their window of opportunity was closing, “We are out of time.”

  “We have time for ‘Transference’,” Jordondey suggested, eliciting an anxious look from Drummondax. A look which gave Jessie cause for concern.

  “What does that mean? Is it like influence?” she wanted to know.

  “No, Jessica,” Drummondax told her, “influence is a simple telepathic suggestion into one’s consciousness, from a celestial being, to facilitate certain paths of action. Guardians will sometimes use influence, to help guide their charge, or protect them from danger. Influence is a suggestion only, free will dictates. While there may be adverse consequences of not heeding the ‘Influence’, there is no risk to the participants. ‘Transference’ is a different matter.”

  Drummondax, not wanting to discuss it further, was about to say something to Jordondey when Travis spoke up.

  “Different how?” he wanted to know.

  “Transference is a connection linking the donor to the recipient, passing all knowledge and abilities,” Drummondax answered.

  “So, it’s kind of like downloading a computer program,” Travis added, showing he understood.

  “In simple terms,” Drummondax said, “it is a soul to soul connection, using a tremendous amount of energy, however–” Jordondey nudged his arm before he finished speaking.

  “However,” Jordondey interrupted, “you are an old soul of an ancient order. It is fitting.”

  Drummondax fired an anxious look in his direction, “We waste time deliberating. The choice is yours, my brother.”

  Jordondey turned towards Travis, “and yours, Travis John.”

  Travis raised his arms exasperated, “I’ve already told you, I’m in. Let’s do this thing.”

  Jordondey stood before him, his face void of all expression.

  “Stand firm, Travis John.” Travis shifted his feet apart into a fight stance, bracing himself. Jordondey, bowing his head, placed his large left hand on Travis’ shoulder, his right hand over his own heart, beginning the Transference.

  Jessie backed up not knowing what to expect. Overcome with negative thoughts and premonitions about this process, she knew it would be difficult for Travis. She feared for him, trying not to show her concern. But he knew her well, and recognizing her fear, reassured her with a smile and a quick wink. Forever her protector and hero, she was grateful he was with her.

  Travis stood there for the longest while thinking the ‘Transference’ wasn’t working. He felt no different.

  “Maybe they’re wrong about me,” he thought. When a surge of power rushed through him in pulses, rendering all his body rigid. Several minutes passed. The pitch escalated, causing his arms to extend out from his sides, his hands opening wide. He had no control of any of it. His head tilted towards the ceiling, eyes rolling back with nothing but white showing.

  Jessie watched in horror, as Travis convulsed like they had electrocuted him. “Stop, you’re killing him!” she shouted. The office lights flickered and browned out. Again, he convulsed as she watched, tears began streaming down her face. She wanted to run to him, but Drummondax held up a hand to stop her. She didn’t like it, but she obeyed.

  In one final brutal convulsion, the lights of the office dimmed, followed by a bright flash and popping sound, bursting the bulbs above them. A startled Jessie jumped back, as bits of broken glass fell before her littering the carpet with glistening shards.

  “Stop!” she screamed again, but Drummondax raised his hand once more, to silence her, as Jordondey stepped back, breaking the connection. Staggering, he dropped to one knee.

  Jessie watched Travis standing motionless, waiting for some reaction telling her he was all right.

  He let out a resounding, “Whoa!” and she breathed a sigh of relief. Travis could not contain the exhilaration, “It’s like an adrenaline rush,” The look on his face, euphoric.

  “This elation you feel, shall pass,” Drummondax told him, “but your confidence will increase, tenfold. Your Guardian has given much more than you know. In time, you will understand the great responsibility that comes with a millennium of knowledge and skill.”

  Travis’ whole demeanor seemed to change. Looking at Jordondey, he nodded with great respect, addressing his Guardian.

  “Holy Dragon Warrior, whose eyes have witnessed evil, and whose sword has vanquished it, this warrior you have blessed and guarded will not disappoint you.”

  “I know your heart, Travis John,” Jordondey’s words sincere, “I am certain you shall not.”

  Drummondax looked to each of them one by one, Jessie included, recognizing what they witnessed, and the task before them. Jessie made a note of Jordondey’s weakened state, and worried for his well-being, and theirs. Things just got very real.

  “We shall begin,” Drummondax told them. Garret’s sparkling blue mist took refuge within the newly minted Dragon Warrior. Without further instruction, Travis drew ‘Intercession’ onc
e more. This time, there was no smile. Holding the hilt with both hands, the gleaming blade pointed towards the ground, he formed the shape of a cross. Closing his eyes, bowing his head, he lightly touched the point of the Holy Dragon Sword to the floor.

  The other three gathered round him, two Angels and a Rogue Soul. Jessie stood in front of her brother.

  “Ready?” she asked.

  “Ready,” he answered, “let’s do this.” Jessie watched the two Guardians, as they clasped their hands together, each reaching out for hers. In honor of the Trinity, they constructed a ‘Ring of Solidarity’ between them.

  Jessie took their hands closing her eyes, thinking, “I could use that Lariat right about now,” concerned she wasn’t strong enough to hold on.

  The power of the ‘Ring’ was instantaneous, surging energy through them. She could hear a crackling in her ears, her skin crawling, with a peculiar buzzing sensation and her hair was lifting with static electricity.

  She held her eyes closed. The force mounting, coursing through the three round and round, she willed herself to focus. As she did, their arms rose to shoulder height, increasing the flow of the current, making the crackling become deafening. She struggled to hold on, fear slithering in, more fear, than she’d ever faced in her life. Yet, curiosity outweighed the fear and she opened her eyes.

  What she saw, reminded her of a tornado. The circular rush was pulling everything from the desktop. Papers, paperclips, pens, and even the super hero mug, were all flying behind them. Tiny shards of broken lights, lifted off the carpet into the fray, sparkling as they spun. It was dizzying to watch.

  Drummondax and Jordondey seemed focused and trance-like. Their bodies glowing, with wings outstretched behind them. Travis was in a calm state of suspension. His head bowed, he seemed almost relaxed and for that, Jessie was grateful.

  The two Angels lifted their arms up straight, forcing Jessie to follow, concentrating all their internal energy skyward. When she looked up, she realized the office ceiling had faded into obscurity, revealing stars in the distance. Just as in Celeste’s parlor, it seemed as if the realms of Heaven and Earth once again collided.

  The pulsations rushing through her body made her feel as if she were about to explode, when a lightning bolt flashed above them. She struggled to stay centered, as together the three guided the current sparking above them, snapping and crackling, forming a vacuum.

  Holding on with all her might, knowing she was nearing the capacity of her strength, the power generated by the ‘Ring’, forged a void in the fabric of space, exposing a gateway. However, this gateway was closed. When Jessie realized it, her determination wavered.

  “I can’t do this,” she thought in a panic, “what am I doing? I don’t know what I’m doing?” Her instinct was to break the circle and run.

  Drummondax sensed her fear. If she lost her faith and let go, it would break the ‘Ring’, preventing them from opening the gateway to the Library. He couldn’t read her thoughts, but she could hear his.

  “Jessica,” his voice inside her head commanding her attention. “Our faith,” he said, and her lips silently mouthed the words. “Jessica,” again he spoke her name, “our faith opens the gateway, prayer will guide us.” His voice calmed her enough to bolster her resolve. With her confidence returning, the power within the ‘Ring’ intensified, causing a rush of cool air around them. Drummondax began the prayer.

  “Father, we beseech you, strengthen and protect us.”

  Jordondey continued, “Defend us in battle, bless us with your favor.”

  Jessie pleaded, “Surround us with your love, abate my fear.” It was then, a beam of light broke through the ‘Ring’. The Angels watched, as it gently kissed Jessie’s forehead calming her. When it disappeared, she understood her purpose and was no longer afraid.

  There was a subtle shift in the power of the ‘Ring’. All sound ceased, the surrounding winds subsided. They stared at each other, uncertain what would happen next. Startled, they found themselves weightless, being lifted, with a still relaxed Travis in tow.

  Together, they ascended through a shaft of the brightest light, too bright for Jessie to see anything. She realized there was once again something solid beneath her feet, and an unexplained peacefulness surrounding her.

  As her eyes adjusted to the light, the outline of a form appeared. When her sight returned, she let out a sigh of relief, for she was looking into the face of a beautiful Angel with violet eyes and long golden hair.

  Chapter 16

  Lessons, Loss & Longing

  Drummondax wasn’t the only one in search of something. The Author, with the help of some of Lucifer’s more devious pets, happened upon some very interesting information, used to further Lucifer’s agenda. He sent word to Lucifer, agreeing to meet in the Library to discuss their tactics, when The Father summoned him.

  Aalonray was about to file the new ‘Books of Lives’ added from the previous day, when The Author approached.

  “The Father has summoned me,” he sniffed.

  “Oh, my,” she replied, one eyebrow rising. It was a rare occurrence, and at such short notice.

  “When might you be returning?” her curiosity piqued.

  “The Father has not disclosed the reason for this meeting. I imagine I shall be away for quite some time.”

  “I see, is there anything I should tend while you are away?” He didn’t answer, giving her a look of disdain. He found her tedious, and with that he disappeared.

  Aalonray smiled to herself with satisfaction. His easy dismissal conveyed no suspicion towards her. Books in hand, she continued towards the ‘S’ Section, talking to herself, as she went.

  “Why, oh why is it always the ‘S’ section? I long to just once, have a book belonging over in ‘X’ or maybe even ‘Z’, but no, it’s always S.”

  Hearing a great crackling noise coming from the main lobby, she stopped short, and hurried towards the sound. Alarmed by a thick fog, churning in a violent expanse, large enough to fill the great lobby of the Library, she stood watching, her mouth agape.

  Deafening cracks and pops erupting from the swirling fog, followed by quick bursts, illuminating the entire Library, filled her with fear. The air was electric, making even the feathers of her wings tingle. Never having encountered such a thing, she approached not knowing what to expect.

  There was a rift in the atmosphere, causing a blinding white light, accompanied by a loud boom. Aalonray gasped, shielding her eyes. When she looked again, the swirling fog dissipated, revealing the outline of four figures, unrecognizable. Moving closer, she came to realize one of those figures was Jordondey.

  Dumbfounded, she dropped the books where she stood, rushing to meet him. Striding towards him, a warm smile on her face, her heart was racing. Her arms outstretched to embrace him, but her joy turned to sadness, when she moved closer. “I see ‘Transference’ in both, your eyes and your soul.” It was not what she would have wished to say to him after all this time.

  He nodded in affirmation. Looking away, she fought back tears stinging her eyes. Tears she refused to cry, so long ago. She understood the ‘Transference’ had stripped him of his strength, and it would take him from her, just as she had found him once again. It was almost inconceivable.

  Taking a deep breath, regaining her composure, she looked back up at him. He reached behind his head, where ‘Intercession’ once resided, producing instead, a perfect red rose, handing it to her. Aalonray’s cheeks warmed to a bright shade of pink.

  “Please tell me you did not steal this,” she frowned in mock admonishment.

  “As you wish… I did not steal this,” he whispered.

  “Father forgive him,” she glanced upwards, grinning as he winked at her. It was only then she noticed the lines of time, a millennium really, etched in the face she knew so long ago. Jordondey thinking, she had not changed a bit. She looked towards Travis.

  “Travis John, my charge,” he told her, and she politely acknowledged him when an exci
ted Garret joyfully emerged upon seeing her again.

  “Aalonray!” he exclaimed.

  It surprised her to see him. “Garret, oh Garret,” her eyes lit up when she saw his shimmering blue mist. “I’m glad you found your way,” as he darted all around her. “Were you also able to find Evan?”

  “No, I couldn’t find him. Hell was just like you said it would be, even worse, and when I saw an out, I took it.”

  “I’m so sorry, Garret,” she hung her head.

  “Don’t feel bad, Aalonray. It was worth taking the chance. If I had it to do over again, I would. I’ll just have to find another way to get Evan back.”

  It was during this exchange, Jessie regained her bearings. The shock of entering a different realm wore off, her eyes adjusting to the light. Aalonray was her first vision, and even more beautiful than Jessie imagined.

  “Aalonray?” Jessie asked, her voice trailing upwards.

  “Yes,” Aalonray smiled back at her, “Jessica, I presume. Worry not, you have nothing to fear, for now.” Leaving Jessie, Aalonray quickly turned her attention to Drummondax.

  “Explain this please,” her tone hushed, and less than cordial.

  “I have once again, met with your disapproval.”

  “My approval is not what matters. What is your intention, dragging humans into the Library?” As soon as the words left her lips, understanding crossed her face, her eyes opening wide. “Excuse me, how did you… did you form a ‘Ring of Solidarity’?”

  “It was the only way,” Drummondax nodded.

  “I see,” she said, “I’m impressed you could carry it through.”

  “It wasn’t me, it was all of us, together.”

  “So, it would seem,” Aalonray glanced towards the other three. her demeanor softening.

  “Also,” he continued, “you need to know, The Father activated Jessica into service while we were in the circle.”

  “Are you certain?” she frowned, sounding unconvinced.