by J. J. Egosi
“Oh, no. It’s the biggest creature I’ve ever seen!” said Michael.
“That’s right. Now, go my beast. Attack him with your Transylvanian howling!” Ursula commanded. The beast howled at the emerging full moon as what remained of the day slipped into the night. The titan’s unyielding stomp created shockwaves across the battlefield that nearly broke the land below them once again.
Blocking his ears, Michael could no longer concentrate on his fighting. “What a roar on that beast!”
The damaging sounds of Lycanthrope battered Julianna and Isabella too as they pushed against their ears in defense. Alexa looked up with glistening eyes. A grin formed across her face.
Ursula called off the beast’s howl and smiled. Calming down, Michael took his hands down from his ears and looked back at her. He breathed heavily as his eyes shook from the intensity of the werewolf’s unbridled rage.
“Why did you stop?”
Ursula looked at him with a callous glare. “That’s the power of this titan. It came from an age when powerful undead creatures known as vampires ruled the world. Then one day, they waged war with another powerful undead race known as the werewolves. Both seeking absolute control of the dimension, they fought until there was only one victor. That victor was the vampires.”
“Why are you telling me this?” Michael asked
“Because this titan is a reminder of its ancestors’ defeat by the hands of their enemy, forced to live the rest of its days as nothing more than a servant to one’s bidding. In this case, mine.”
“That may all be well and true, but I’ll still find a way to defeat it!” Michael confidently said as he gazed up at the snarling beast.
“Fat chance. This creature comes from a whole other world. One I doubt you can remember,” said Ursula.
Michael smiled. “I don’t need to. You said it, yourself. The vampires could defeat the werewolves,” he said.
“What’s your point?” Ursula asked, confused and annoyed.
“My point is; if they can be destroyed once, then they can be destroyed again!” said Michael.
Ursula looked at him and snickered. “How arrogant. Do you realize how much stronger a titan is, compared to a simple pack of werewolves? You’ll die for those words, just like the other disgusting hounds. Lycanthrope, attack with your spine crushing claw!”
The largest hand Michael had ever seen—a paw large enough to take out an entire building—came straight for him and met him.
Michael pointed his scepter towards the beast’s hand, harvesting electricity from the stormy skies like a lightning rod.
The electricity reached the tip of his scepter, only fading into the darkness upon arrival. “What’s happening?”
“I guess the howl from my beast was so loud, your scepter didn’t hear you call out to it!” said Ursula, smiling. Maybe try something else. That is if you can. And fast.”
Michael watched the gaping paw break through the atmosphere, reaching toward him with a blackened pulse surrounding it. Trembling with fear, he gritted his teeth and attempted to evade its traps with flight, only to find that his wings were just as unresponsive.
“My wings, they won’t work!”
He evaded the assault just in time. His inability to fly didn’t make an ounce of sense to him.
“I suppose you’re not the archangel of legend you once were. Once you’re in range of its howling attack, it renders your flight capabilities worthless and will be for the rest of our battle. Oh, well,” said Ursula.
Michael’s widened gaze wasn’t going anywhere as the titan came straight for him.
“We have to do something,” Isabella screamed.
“You recall the rules Alexa made. No one is to interfere,” Julianna replied.
“But”—
“If we were to step in, that would give Alexa the excuse to do the same. And with two more titans in their possession we can’t afford to take that risk,” Julianna explained.
The reality set in for Isabella as she stared at the undying smirk across Alexa’s face.
“In that case, Michael will have to brace the attack,” Isabella said.
Julianna nodded as they both watched the descent of the titan’s hand with anxiety swelling.
“Great work, Ursula. You’ve made me proud today.” A proudly smiling Alexa said.
The titan’s hand crashed like an earthquake. Michael screamed in pain when he took the full force of the devastation. Julianna and Isabella shrieked with terror. The fear locked them in place.
The fist slowly rose from the ground, leaving its ruins behind. Michael laid there, unconscious and swept away by his self-doubt, phasing out the cries from his friends, as they ran to his aid.
My powers. They failed me.
The attack transported Michael to the darkest part of his mind, once again. He gazed around, questioning what had just occurred.
Was I not good enough? Was it my destiny to lose? And who is that Ursula woman to Alexa? What does she want out of her?
Suddenly, his eyes burst open to the sight of Isabella and Julianna tending to him.
“Impossible! No one’s ever survived an attack from that titan,” said Ursula.
“You fool. He’s not just anyone. He’s the archangel!” said Alexa.
“You’re right. My mistake.” Ursula tightened her fists. “My titan will just have to attack harder.”
“I’m so glad you’re alright.” Isabella helped him to his feet, gripping him in her arms. “I was so worried about you!”
“Likewise, my sweet Michael,” Julianna said, doing the same.
“I appreciate your concern. Thank you.” With their help, Michael returned to his feet and fixed a stern gaze at Ursula.
“I don’t know what’s going on between you two, but it ends today. Titan or not, you’re both finished!” Michael declared.
Ursula and Alexa responded with a stunned look. “Finished? Surely, you jest!” Alexa shouted. “You can’t fly and your scepter doesn’t even work anymore. The only one here who’s finished is you!”
“You’re wrong. As soon as I break this little partnership of yours, it’s all over,” said Michael.
“I beg your pardon?” Alexa replied.
Michael set his sights back at Ursula. “Ursula, why is it you stand by such a cruel woman. I want to know.”
“My decisions are none of your concern,” Ursula insisted.
“I’m aware of that. And I know I can’t force you to do anything you don’t want to do, but just hear me out. I grew up in a house where the highlight of my day was hiding from my masters, hoping to avoid my regular beatings, even if it meant two beatings the next day,” said Michael.
Ursula went into silent thought. “What’s your point, Michael?” she demanded. She tried but failed to hold back tears from trickling down her face.
“I’m saying you don’t have to live that abusive lifestyle. I escaped it and so can you. Now, the master I once hated is one of my closest friends.” Michael looked at Isabella and smiled. Taken by surprise, Isabella looked back and blushed.
“What are you trying to tell me?” Ursula said, now trembling in her voice. “That Alexa is abusive? That I didn’t deserve to be hit?”
Michael paused in disbelief. He remembered the bruises Hecate wore across her arm, wondering if Lucifer manipulated her to feel the same way.
“I’m telling you it’s not too late to stand up to your inner demons, Ursula. More importantly, I want you to take a stand against Alexa and show her you’re your own person who can make your own decisions in life,” said Michael.
“My own person?” Ursula wondered.
“Yes, if there’s anything I’ve learned from my past battles, it’s that the life you live is your own. No one can take that from you,” said Michael.
He recalled his encounter with Hecate and contemplated the way she left their world. The parallels were as similar to him as they were frightening.
“My own life.” Ursula pondered wi
th reluctance. The malice she held within melted.
Taking notice of her calming demeanor, Alexa gritted her teeth.
“Don’t listen to him. He’s full of shit. Do you want that imbecile as your master or would you rather stay with me? Just think of the life I’ve given you. He’ll never be able to do the same!”
“The only life you’ve given her is one of abuse and broken self-confidence,” said Michael.
Alexa responded, “You know nothing!”
“She clearly never wanted to fight me and is only doing this because you ordered her to,” he said with a ferocious look. He then focused his attention back on Ursula, doing his best to calm himself.
“You don’t have to be submissive to anyone. Don’t serve her and definitely don’t serve me. Just serve yourself from now on,” he said with a welcoming smile.
“Serve myself?” asked Ursula.
“Yes. Learn to respect yourself, Ursula. Otherwise, you’ll get stepped on by bullies like Alexa your entire life,” he said, looking over at a sneering Alexa.
“Respect myself?” Ursula said as if none of this ever occurred to her.
“Yes. You’re a kind person. I can sense that. Dig deep and you can find the will to embrace that kindness and leave that darkness behind,” he said with an assuring smile.
Alexa watched with a thundering scowl. With her jaws clenched, her breaths grew fierce. Julianna and Isabella held back tears, basking in the warmth of Michael’s interaction with Ursula.
“Michael truly is a compassionate spirit. Even going as far as aiding his adversary,” said Julianna.
“And for good reason,” Isabella added, “We’re after the same thing. When push comes to shove, we’d be better off colluding.”
Ursula looked around her. The gazes piercing through her from every direction trapped her. She took a deep breath to calm her frantic breathing.
“I can’t.”
“Yes, you can. You just have to try”—
“I can’t!” said Ursula, cutting Michael off, as a fit of panic came over her.
The ground beneath them crumbled away as the debris levitated. Ursula screamed in pain.
“Ursula, listen to me!” Michael pleaded.
“What’s happening to her?” Julianna asked with a frightened stare.
“This anger. I vaguely remember feeling this way during my battle with Hecate, but it was all so hazy.” Isabella desperately tried to recall it.
“You’ve done it now. I hope you’re happy!” said Alexa.
Ursula’s aura grew as she shattered the surrounding debris. She looked at Michael with blaring crimson eyes as the sclera around them blackened.
“You won’t brainwash me, Michael. I’m tired of listening to what others tell me. Whether it’s you or Alexa, I’m done.”
“But, that’s what I’ve been saying all along. Just be yourself. Not what someone wants you to be,” said Michael.
Those eyes. Is she also an etherial demon? Isabella thought.
“I was told for so many years that the me I was born as was not worth being,” Ursula said, shedding a tear.
“That’s terrible. No one should ever be denied who they are,” said Michael.
“But Alexa she gave me a chance,” Ursula argued.
“No, you gave her a chance and she failed you,” Michael refuted. “Ursula, I saw the real you before our battle. An unusual, yet very innocent and endearing woman who just wants to smile. That is the real you. Not this insecure and enraged mess.”
“How could you know that was the real me?” Ursula shouted. “You really think you know me?”
“I have a feeling about these things. I can’t say for sure, but I sense you’re a great girl with many nice qualities. I’m sure anyone would be happy to call you their friend,” said Michael.
“Me? A friend?” Ursula pondered, crying tears of joy.
“Yes, and if you’d like, I could be your friend.” Michael walked over to her and reached out his hand.
Ursula walked up to him slowly, with each step echoing in her hesitant heart until it opened. She looked up into his eyes and broke down even more. She hugged him tightly.
“You have no idea how long I’ve waited for something like this. Something to mend my long-broken heart after so many years of torment.”
“Ursula, what are you doing?” Alexa trembled with outrage from the show of affection. “Think of what I’ve given you.”
“You should think of what you’ve taken away from her,” Michael refuted.
Cradling Ursula’s head in his chest, he looked down into her still blackened eyes and smiled. Ursula put her hand across his face and smiled.
“My friend.” She smiled then kissed him on the lips, evoking gasps and dropped jaws.
“Hey, get your whorish face off him!” Isabella shouted.
“That’s my husband!” Julianna demanded.
The two of them ran towards her and Michael, ready to peel her off his body with haste and aggravation.
Michael’s eyes widened from the touch of her lips. This isn’t what friends do. He was ready to push her away but held back when he saw her eyes return to normal. Her assertion surprised him, but he was content with the elated look in her eyes. He took a deep breath and allowed her all the time she needed in his embrace.
In reaction, the titan descended back into the earth. Ursula slowly pulled her lips away from his and stared at him with embarrassment.
“I’m sorry. Was that too forward?”
“Maybe a little,” he replied with a nervous laugh.
“A little?” Isabella pulled her away by the back of the collar and stared at her with dagger-eyes. “I don’t know what sort of shit hole you came from, but in this dimension, you don’t go around kissing your friends.”
“I’m sorry. Please don’t hurt me.” Ursula whimpered. “I don’t want to fight anymore.”
“After kissing my husband and attacking him with a titan, I’d say you have no other option,” Isabella stated.
“Yes, believe it or not, but those things bother most women,” Julianna added.
Her fingers inched towards her infinity bag, ready to pull out any blade eager enough to quench her contempt.
“Easy, you two. She said she’s sorry,” said Michael.
“Says the man clearly flirting with her,” Isabella replied.
“I admire your trusting heart, but you’re too kind for your own good,” Julianna stated.
“You might be right.” Michael nodded. “Still. It helped Ursula see the error of her ways. And for me, that was worth it.”
Julianna responded, “You have a point. Though, I still don’t care for having another potential rival for your heart in my life.”
“She could be useful, though. Another demon in our corner, along with a titan ring,” said Isabella.
“And chances are she knows something about the Legion of Morningstar since she’s been traveling with Alexa,” Michael added.
“Yeah, I do,” Ursula said. “Please let me join you guys.”
“Will you promise to keep your lips to yourself?” Isabella asked.
“No guarantees,” Ursula looked over at Michael with blushing cheeks.
“Well, you an audacious one,” Julianna replied.
“I can make up for it by cooking all your meals,” Ursula suggested.
Isabella smiled. “That doesn’t sound like a bad idea.”
“So, I can join you?” Ursula’s eyes widened with childlike joy.
“I suppose another ally could be useful. What do you say?” Julianna asked. “Would you care to leave that stuck up woman behind?”
“You’ll need to learn some basic manners too,” said Isabella.
“Yes.” Ursula smiled. “I’d love that.”
“Then, it looks like we have a new friend and a helping hand in taking the demon king,” said Michael.
Michael and his friends shared welcoming smiles with Ursula. Their moment of bliss nearly alienated Alexa’s p
resence.
Alexa watched with a thundering look on her face.
How dare she betray me?
The anguish built into a raging tempest as darkness consumed her surroundings. She was going to show them why crossing her was a lethal mistake.
“I won’t let you get away with this. When I’m finished, I’ll not only have your ring but your heads too.”
Chapter 4
Blind Leading The Blind
S
miles and laughter filled the atmosphere among Michael and his friends. Ursula’s eyes glowed with a joy she hadn’t felt in ages.
“Thank you again, Michael. Even though I was so cruel, you were still so kind to me.”
“It was my pleasure. So long as you don’t mind helping us out,” Michael said.
“Of course.” Ursula nodded.
“With you on our side, that makes two titans. The same as the demon king, himself.” Julianna smiled.
“Perhaps now, we’ll be evenly matched for when we meet.” Michael thought back to Lucifer’s statement and the ace he pulled. Certain she and her titan could help level the battlefield when the time came.
Their moment of celebration came to an abrupt end when Alexa marched over to Ursula. They all laid their unnerving eyes on her. She snatched Ursula from her grip on Michael and grabbed her by the front of her shirt.
“How dare you betray me like that? After everything I’ve done for you!”
“Hey, leave her alone,” Michael shouted. “She’s had more than enough of you.”
“Ridiculous. This feeble woman has no will of her own. She simply does what her master says. And the only master she answers to is me!” Alexa hurled Ursula onto the dirt on the ground.
Michael watched Ursula whimper before meeting Alexa’s contempt-filled eyes with unbridled outrage.
“How dare you? What the hell did that poor girl ever do to you?”
The anger inside Michael pushed him close to punching Alexa across the face, had it not been for Isabella and Julianna restraining him.
“Leave it alone, Michael. She isn’t worth our time,” said Isabella.