by Jamie Ott
Chapter 6
Manlo gave the security men a fictitious story about chasing robbers through the house. He told them several men came upon them all as they watched television in the living room; Manlo and the boys fought them off. The security guard looked like he hardly believed him, but he still wanted to file a police report. Manlo convinced him, and the others, it wasn’t necessary, and urged them to leave.
They all sat in the living room without saying much.
“I don’t get it,” said Truth, “How’d that thing get in here? Dad, you always told us that those things couldn’t hurt us.”
“I’m sorry, Truth. I don’t know how he came here tonight.”
“It was me. I think I brought him over.”
“Why in the world would you do that?” asked Bordra.
“No, I don’t mean that I conjured him to come here; that would be the last thing I’d want. He came on his own, but I think I made him visible. When he picked me up, I thought we need to see him to fight him. I blinked and then he was visible. I think this means we are in serious trouble, now. He is visible in our world. What if he cannot go back to the red lands? Did I bring him over, completely, in some way? Althenio warned me about the danger of a demon on Earth.”
When no one answered right away, Jacko ran out of the room and up the stairs. Althenio appeared, out of air, at the top of the landing. Jacko ran straight into him, bounced off his marble-like chest, and almost tumbled back down the stairs. Althenio reached out his arm and pulled Jacko onto the floor, saving him.
“You are not going anywhere, Jacko. You can’t conquer the demon on your own. You’re going to need my help, and I’m going to need yours.”
“The longer I stay here, the more danger you’ll all be in. I’ll go to Althenio. You need to stay here and protect your house and family.”
“I can see that you are a terrible listener, and my patience is getting short, so I will give you this one warning,” Jacko watched Manlo’s face turn from white to red like a mood ring, as he spoke. “If you try to leave without me, I will bind you so that you can’t even move an arm.” Manlo paused a second to let the thought sink in.
“I appreciate your concern, but my children can handle themselves, I assure you. However, if the demon should come back, their chance for survival lies with the gods. A demon is stronger than 50 men put together. Once one gets the scent of its prey, it will not stop coming because it is a matter of honor to that species; hunting is an animal instinct for them. Telling them never to bother us again would be like saying to a lion, never stalk again, and that is why the demons are nicknamed hunters.
Also, an issue you fail to realize is that the less pure of blood you are, the less welcomed you will be, by many, in heaven. Though most, of them, are half breeds, themselves, they are extremely proud and prejudiced. Your chances are only good, if you are with me, for, although I’m not much purer than you, I am old, have some respect amongst those in heaven; some will know of me through reputation, and I’m a good friend to Althenio.
Now Althenio cannot be with you every step of the way, so I insist you let me come and guide you; helping you helps me and my family,” he paused again.
“I’ll need you to use your power to project the both us, in physical form, to heaven. I can project, like you, but only small distances because I only grew into that ability about 150 years ago. Here, on Earth, we don’t get to practice our abilities to full extent, so our talents become latent or weak. That is why, for example, you’ve only just come into your powers. If you hadn’t had your little accident in Reno, it is likely you never would have known your true abilities, and being a conjurer is a very special thing.”
“What is so special about it?”
“For starters, there is an ancient tale about a conjurer who, nearly 100,000 years ago, when the demons ruled the Earth in the arch eon, and the Earth’s plates were crusted with fresh lava, an old conjurer born out of the chaos of the oldest gods - from another universe that no longer exists -, changed the Earth from the demon reigned hell into what it is now. That is what it means to be a conjurer; you have only to focus on what you want to make it physical; you can make things appear out of thin air, or you can change the appearance of things as you will.
For example, your sleep projections were different than one who astral projects. You see, an astral projectionist is a person who can control their spirit, separately, from their body. In your case, you are not an astral projectionist, despite that that was what was what happened. The truth is you sent your spirit to heaven using your will, and that is what conjuring is - pure power of will.”
“So what do you need me to do?”
“I will need you to get both of us into heaven and back, using your power. Do you understand everything I’ve said tonight?”
“Yes, but how am I going to do it? With Dog, it was by accident.”
“I will coach you, downstairs.”
“If I can use pure power of will, or whatever, why can’t I just send the demon back?”
At this question, Manlo looked dead serious and dead mean.
“I want you to listen to me very carefully. You had better heed every word, or you will suffer the wrath of gods,” and his white porcelain cheeks flared blood red once more. “You cannot change the world; you cannot interfere with the will of other beings; you cannot break natural law, and if you do, the gods will strike you down. Heed my words, Jacko. Heed my words.”
When they reentered the front room, all the kids stared at them as Manlo said.
“Jacko and I are going on a journey,”
“Awww..., NO! I want to go! Why can’t we go?” they complained and whined.
“You know why, so don’t ask,” said Manlo.
“What about me?” shouted Anle.
“No, I need you and the boys to protect the young ones.”
“We are not children! Jacko’s younger than all of us! It’s not fair!” yelled Forsi.
“Technically not, but those creatures are deadly, strong, and clever. The more of you there are, the better you’ll be able to defend yourselves, if one should come back while we are gone. Look,” said Manlo at disparaging glares, “I’ve made up mind.”
“Now, Anle is in charge. Everything is to continue as normal. Time moves differently, up there, so if we are not back in two weeks, then use this,” Manlo produced a fluorescent pink vial, which he handed to Anle.
“What is it?” asked Forsi.
“Transport,” said Brain, “molecular power boost in a vial.”
“We will try to touch base with you every day, or rather every few hours up there. Jacko will send thoughts to you from us in a telekinetic way, as he can project that far but I cannot. Time may get the better of us, so if you don’t hear from us for three or more days in a row, Machine, Bouncy, and Grill are to take that. Just a little bit will take you three to Althenio’s house, but the rest of you,” Manlo commanded, “you need to stay here and protect the younger ones. If the demon comes back, do whatever it takes. I’ll clean up any subsequent mess, so don’t worry about exposure. Now, you remember all I taught you about emergency protection. Anle, set out all the protection crystals; Sissy, pray to the Gaia, the Earth goddess for protection; Alica, pull out the protection pendants and no one leave the house without one; everyone, be sure to cloak yourselves when you are out and, especially, when you are alone.”
“Wait!” said Sissy. “What about the hounds?”
“Don’t bother,” said Brain who was poking his head through the curtained glass door, “they’re gone; busted out.”
They were all quieted for a moment as Manlo went out back to make sure they were gone.
Manlo reentered the room a moment later and continued, “Jacko, now you’ll project us to the countryside of heaven.”
“Wait,” said Sissy. “What if the demon does come back, and we do have to fight?”
“Then, fight. Do not worry about exposure,” Manlo r
epeated himself. “Do not be afraid, for they will not kill you; at least, not right away.”
“Oh that makes us feel better,” said Bouncy, sarcastically.
Manlo shot him a whither look and said, “We will clean up any mess when we return.” Manlo, then, grabbed Jacko’s hand and said, “Let us go now.”
“I don’t know what to do.”
“You are going to project us to the heaven of the gods; the very spot where you first met Althenio is a good point to focus on.”
“But I can’t because I don’t know how. You said I was astral projecting in my sleep, which was purely accidental.”
“Yes, but I said you were able to project because you’re a conjurer which is pure will magic. Trust me, Jacko, when you blinked on the road and found yourself in the red lands, you used your power to take you there, accidentally. Now you know you have the strength to do it. You have only to focus on what you want; just close your eyes and think.”
Jacko closed his eyes, as Manlo suggested, and focused on the image of Manlo and himself standing on the constant gravel road of heaven. After a moment, Jacko opened his eyes and saw the room with the kids, but it was hazy. Again, he closed his eyes and stood, for what seemed like minutes, and continued to imagine them looking down at the road as it made footprints ahead of their steps, leading them to where they wanted to go. When he reopened his eyes, he saw the beach where he met Althenio, but it was hazily and fused with the front room of Manlo’s house and kids, as though they were in two places at once. Manlo must have seen it too because he said, softly, “Concentrate; you’re almost there.” Jacko closed his eyes once more and when he opened them the third time, they were standing on the beach. He couldn’t believe it; it was all real. Indeed, he was a conjurer.
“Very good, Jacko,” said Manlo and he began to walk along a path that seemed to know where they wanted to go. The road formed ahead of them just the way it did for Jacko before.
“How did you get here before?”
“My father brought me back in the early 1800s. I lived in his heavenly spot for a century before returning to Earth. I wanted to raise a family. Families don’t exist here. It is purely a place to rest. Creation does not happen here.”
“Does it ever get dark here?”
“Depends on whose corner of heaven you go to.”
“So, heaven reflects what the gods want it to be?”
“Yes.”
They followed the path in silence for a few moments.
“Can I ask you a question?”
“Why did your mother and I split up?”
“Yes,”
“I don’t know. I woke up one day and she was gone. I suppose she had been unhappy for a while.”
“So, she just left? Her kids and all?”
“Yes, except Sissy. She was the youngest and still needed nursing.”
They started to descend down a path and they saw, a few yards away, Althenio standing in front of his house.
“Hello, friend,” said Manlo.
“Welcome, this way,” Althenio extended his arm.
Jacko smiled broadly at Althenio because he was remembering the delicious food he’d served last time. It made him so happy, and more than anything, he wanted to eat, again. What made him even happier was getting his wish. Upon walking in the door, Jacko’s eyes bugged out at the table with loads of heavenly food on it.
“Please, sit.”
Jacko and Manlo sat as Althenio left the room for a moment. When he returned, he said “Please, help your selves.” Jacko started with the huge plate of the crispiest, juiciest, fried chicken he’d ever had, and then moved onto enormous slabs of pizza and watermelon sized burgers.
“Dear lord, Jacko,” Manlo exclaimed. “You might want to slow down, there.”
Jacko put down the ruler sized French fry and tried to remain calm.
Manlo was unfazed by the food, and merely helped himself to beef stew and wine. However, Jacko was starting to feel the floating sensation he’d felt before.
“So,” he began after a few bites, “You know why we are here?” asked Manlo.
“Yes, I’ve been peaking.”
“Peaking?”
“Yes, I have periodically checked in on Jacko here. I knew he attracted a demon and was on his way to your home. Naturally, I was concerned about the situation. Just a few minutes ago, I tried to check in again. When I saw your children gearing up, I guessed that it must’ve been the hunter that was after Jacko. ”
“How’d you know we’d come here?”
“Are we not friends?”
“The demon is now in our territory.”
“What?”
Jacko’s jaw froze up in the middle of an ice cream. He felt ashamed and looked down at his lap.
“How?” asked Althenio.
“It was my fault.”
“Do not be ashamed, Jacko, we all make mistakes; even the gods.”
“What do we do now?” swallowed Jacko.
“The gods, no doubt, already have an idea of what’s going on. They will congregate in two Earth days’ time. I will go to them and explain, and then we wait.”
“Wait for what?” asked Jacko.
“We wait for them to convene with their dark counterparts. Once they do that, they should bring the demon back from Earth and make him stop coming after you.”
“But you said that once a demon gets a scent, it’s for life. Doesn’t that mean they won’t stop coming after me, no matter what?”
“Yes, generally, that is exactly what it means, as it is a matter of honor for them; but if the dark gods will it, the demon must obey.”
“Do you think we have a good chance of convincing them?” asked Manlo.
“I don’t see why not,” said Althenio thoughtfully.
The next few hours or, according to Manlo’s time keeping, the next two days were very interesting for Jacko. Heaven was a lot of fun! Never in his life, could he remember ever being totally encouraged to run wild with his imagination, and the best part was how yielding heaven was. If he wanted an army fort to play shoot ‘em up with, he got it; if he wanted to be a UFC prize fighter, he could suddenly do kung fu; if he wanted to try out motorcycles or leather jackets, all he had to do was picture what they looked like.
After playing awhile, Althenio returned from his convene with the gods. Briefly, he filled in Manlo on the details, and then insisted on walking Jacko to the fountain of youth.
“There’s really a fountain of youth?”
“Yes, but it is not what you humans have made it out to be, a source to give drinkers eternal life. Rather, it is a place of many things; of hopes and dreams; of innocence; and a place of re birth. The fountain is the continual renewal that keeps your planet alive. It gives life to everything that lives while preserving the heavens.”
“So the Fountain of Youth is a place. Why are you taking me?”
“I’m taking you because I’m curious to see something.”
“See what?”
“You’ll understand when we get there.”
They walked on for several hours. Jacko wondered why they didn’t just project themselves there.
“Because,” Althenio said, “something truly great is never fully appreciated without the obstacle to get to it.”
“You think walking is an obstacle?”
“Yes. Think of how relieved you’ll be when we get there.” Jacko didn’t know if he was joking, or what. “You will be delighted and appreciate the fountain if we walk there. Besides, is not heaven beautiful?”
They walked on through the winding path of trees. Jacko noticed they all had the strange convection-like auras that he’d noticed before. Some of the trees even had a sparkle and shine to them. Heaven seemed like mock make-up of the Earth. Kindly, Althenio reminded him that heaven was a state of mind, not a place. Jacko then felt he wasn’t sure that he like these telepathic people and was getting sick of having his mind read, at which point, Althenio fell silent for the rest of their wal
k.
When Jacko realized he might of have heard that thought too, he felt sorry but didn’t say anything. Instead, he continued to follow Althenio up a few steps of stone onto a path, and down into a rocky area. The air seemed to become fuzzy, kind of like a marine layer, except silvery white. There were little droplets in the air that sparkled and gleamed. Jacko took an interest in the hand sized little fluffy clouds of mist from which light emanated from their centers.
Jacko reached out his hand and tried to touch one of the little clouds; instead it enveloped his hand like air. He heard little echoes whisper in his mind, and he felt like something warm was breathing on his skin.
“What are these little puffs? I can hear them whispering to me.”
“The droplets are souls being sent to earthen babies, while the mists are the dead souls of those returning to the fountain for rebirth.”
“What happens if a soul does not want to be reborn?”
“They find a spot in heaven, of course.”
“Where do you think my mother is? Do you think she was reborn?”
“I, honestly, do not know, Jacko. I’m sorry.”
They walked on top of rocks that were laid out in a perfect path. After many stone steps, they walked into the middle of a large, misty lake. The silvery mist surrounded them, most copiously, and it was almost scary how thick it seemed to be. The Fountain’s lake was humungous and intimidating in its hazy beauty. Jacko looked around and saw what could have been hundreds of thousands of souls; some inter-lapped with other mists and droplets while other souls were completely separate.
“The ones that interlap are sometimes soul mates and, sometimes, family and friends comforting each other.”
“What do they see in this state? All this silvery mist?”
“They see what they want to see, for heaven is yielding, but this is a human’s true form. The body is what the protogenoi - the first, the primitive and most ancient gods of the universe - gave the Titans to challenge them, and the Titans gave it to the Olympians, and they gave it to the human souls. ”
They walked in silence for a while, but then Althenio said, “Come this way.”
He followed Althenio through to another path of rocks, and walked up a few stone steps that led them through two enormous rock carvings; there was one each side of them. The carving on their right side was female, and had a huge bust; the carving on their left was male, and had a huge phallus.
“What are these?” stopped Jacko. “They look familiar to me.”
“I can see that they should look familiar to you. These were the true oracles at Delphi, until the Romans ordered their demise. Pylo and Pyla are, in fact, gods more ancient than the elders. I have heard it said that when they were active, there was another form of life on earth.”
“What do you mean by ‘another form of life on earth?’”
“I mean there was a race of people that were not human.”
“What were they? What did they look like? Aliens?”
“I do not know; it’s just what I’ve heard. I have seen hieroglyphs that depict them as similar to humans, except taller, and stronger with supernatural abilities. Our legend says the gods ruled on earth at that time. But, the race despised their authority, and when they wouldn’t return to heaven, they rose up against them. However, they were only successful in turning them to stone and binding them for eternity, not killing them as they wished. After which, many humans, and even gods, used them for their own means; usually predictions. When emperor Theodosius ordered them to be obliterated, the elder gods brought them here. They have been here ever since without ever speaking as they continue to harden through the millenniums; it is what happens to gods who tire of, in a sense, living.”
“Oh, yes, I remember now. My mother used to tell me stories about the gods of Delphi.”
“Your mother used to tell you a lot of stories. Many were about your own heritage, but you would not listen.”
“Yes, well, many kids would find this ancient stuff totally boring. Besides, if I knew it was about our cultural heritage, maybe I would’ve been more interested,” said Jacko as he examined the oracles beautiful, shiny shale-like bodies.
After a moment, they continued through the oracles and walked into an area of an enormous waterfall, which, Jacko presumed, was the “fountain.”
The waterfall was the most amazing, majestic sight he had ever seen. Tons of silvery liquid poured, crashing, downward from an invisible source in the sky.
“The source of the fall is the returning souls, gods as well as other beings.”
“More beings?” Jacko said sounding more sarcastic then he meant.
“Yes! Why does that surprise you?” Althenio was starting to sound irritated. “Humans are not the only life forms out there, although it is, currently, the most popular.”
“Why is humanity popular? I think it sucks.”
“One thing that humanity has over all other worlds, and their creations, is freedom to choose. To be human is to think as well as feel which is preferable than being hardwired or predisposed, say like the demons. They predisposed to hunt and fight.”
“I don’t understand. What’s wrong with that?”
“Oh, Jacko,” he exhaled loudly.
“Sorry. I guess I’m just one big dummy.”
“You are not dumb, and that is what is frustrating. Not thinking things through is a symptom of laziness. Is it really hard to imagine why predisposition isn’t desirable?” he asked. Jacko supposed it wasn’t. “You act impulsively, just like the night you ran away from home. Just like the night you wandered into the red lands. If you do not think things through, Jacko, you will do your own self in, before long.”
“Whatever,” Jacko remained defiant.
For some reason, this made Althenio laugh heartily.
“What’s so funny?”
“You just reminded me of what it’s like to have children; so stubborn, and hard to enlighten. Once upon a time, I had many children. You, also, made me remember myself when I was young, it is why I love the young; they remind me of things and feelings I haven’t had for milleniums. Over the years, we gods go numb, it is our fate. We grow wise, but lose heart.”
“How many children did you have?”
“Oh, too many to count, really.”
“What happened to them?”
“I’m not sure. I think most were reborn, which means they are someone else’s children, now.”
“Doesn’t that make you sad?”
“No. It is the natural order of things.”
“What did you mean when you said this is a place of hopes and dreams?”
Althenio put out his arms, stopping Jacko in his path; he turned around and sat down on a jagged rock that was near the edge of the silvery lake. He motioned that Jacko should do the same.
“Remember the story of Narcissus?”
“Yes,” thought Jacko, back to when his mother told him a bed time story.
“Let me refresh your memory. This was the water he gazed into, only, he didn’t necessarily fall in love with his reflection,” said Althenio. “The real story is a woman of the heavens fell in love with his mortal beauty. Now, it was so long ago that no one is certain of her godly status, but we do know that she brought him to heaven, as he wished to see it,” Althenio paused briefly. “During his stay, she tried to make him love her by doing what every person in Narcissus’ life had done for him, which was giving him everything he wanted, and more.
When the goddess realized the error in her attempts to make him love her, she decided to teach him a lesson. She wanted him to know what it felt like to be heartbroken, like all those he had denied love, and brought him to look into the fountain’s lake. Her desire was, not so much to punish him, as history sometimes implies, but to help him be compassionate. She figured there had to be a soul somewhere in time, or heaven, that would hold Narcissus affection, for it was said that there is someone for everyone in the world.
The plan of
the goddess backfired, for there was not a soul in the fountain that would hold Narcissus affection. What did appear was his ideal mate, himself. This depressed Narcissus because he knew he would never know what it meant to love another.”
“I thought you said this was a place of hopes and dreams?”
“It is. He discovered what he, unknowingly, hoped for; someone exactly like himself. The problem is that sometimes our truths are not as we expect. The truth was, Narcissus didn’t care for anyone, nor could he ever. It was easier for him to pretend to always be dissatisfied.”
“What really happened to Narcissus after his discovery?”
“Narcissus was a pathetic excuse of a man. Having never known denial of pleasure, he was unable to deal with the idea of an eternity without loving someone. Narcissus, then, turned to his goddess for comfort, however, she was bitter herself. Plus, she knew that he was only using her for his own comfort.
The goddess confronted Narcissus’ by pointing out that he had hurt her, and so many others before her. In consideration of his ill regard toward her, and other poor souls, she would not comfort him.
Narcissus considered the pain he had caused so many, and felt regret. The idea that he was responsible for many others feeling what he felt at the time, made him decide he didn’t have a right to live.”
“So he recycled his soul?”
“No. He obliterated himself by walking a million miles into the sun. Narcissus is no more, at least, as far as we gods know.”
“Who was the Goddess?”
“We don’t openly name the gods and goddesses here out of fear and respect. I can tell you that it was said her guilt of being responsible for Narcissus’ demise sent her into the sun as well, but then it is said she resurfaced a few millennium later. Perhaps she was too old to die a natural death. Now no one is really sure what happened to her.”
“I would like to look into the fountain.”
“I knew you would. I, myself, am curious too, but I thought that I should warn you first. Through the story of Narcissus, do you understand that you might go away unhappy?”
“Yes, I understand.”
“Mostly, people come away satisfied, but there is always the chance that what you see could send you down the path of Narcissus. Are you sure you wish to take that chance?”
“Yes, I’m sure. I may be flawed, but I’m not cracked like that guy.”
“Then, look.”
Althenio extended his arm lake-ward. Jacko bent over and looked into the liquid, water-like substance. At first, he saw little silver tadpole looking creatures floating about with tales. Althenio explained they were the souls who chose to be reborn, waiting for their chance to return to Earth. Jacko was amazed at how small and fast they were. In the center of the tadpole looking creatures were bright white spinning lights; Althenio explained that it was their life force.
As Jacko leaned forward, he almost touched the liquid, but Althenio pulled him back. He warned him that there could be consequences to touching the liquid, like getting sucked in and being prematurely reborn himself. Jacko didn’t want that, so he sat back further and stretched his neck out and looked down.
After a few moments, the souls became less visible as a large spot on the water turned white. There were various images of Jacko as well as other people in his life that he had attachments to at one point or another. The montage of his life showed too many fast-paced images at once, making it confusing to watch. Eventually, the montage slowed down and the images became recognizable. He saw an image of himself, his parents and sister together on holiday, and he saw one of Jacko the day his mother and sister left home. The montage continued with images of him at school or playing with mates, and then Jacko running away from home.
For quite a few minutes, it was just like that, watching television. But finally, the images showed someone unrecognizable to Jacko: a tall man with dark hair and dark eyes. The man was thin and his eyes, expressive. Next to the man stood a woman and several children who looked up at him and smiled, then frowned, and left the image. As they left the image, the man’s eyes grew shadows, and his forehead etched in lines.
The man looked worried to Jacko. But, as soon as the circles darkened the eyes, was as soon as the circles began to fade. His eyes became bright once more as lines etched themselves deeper into his forehead and his hair turned white. The women and children returned, but stood at a distance, and the man smiled, and then the images stopped.
“That was weird,” said Jacko.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, who was that old guy? It didn’t show me my hopes and dreams.”
“Well, to be honest, I am a little disappointed, too.”
“But what did that mean?”
“It showed you what you desire and, even though you don’t know yourself, it knows you because you have been here before. I think what the image showed, is you want a normal life and family. The fountain indicated struggles you will endure, but in the end, you will die old and happy.”
“Oh,” said Jacko a little disappointed.
“Yes, it’s not at all exciting to a boy of your age. Come on,” he stood up.
Jacko followed Althenio back over the path, through the oracles, and down the steps. As they walked back into the middle of the misty lake, he turned back and saw the fountain disappear.
A few hours later, they arrived back at Althenio’s house. Manlo was not there, but they figured he must have gone for a walk. Jacko was starting to feel tired, so Althenio went to his room to pray, and Jacko went to lay down for a nap.
While Jacko lay in bed, it occurred to Jacko that Althenio wanted to see something in the fountain; he said he was curious. Oh, well. He would ask, when he woke, what he was hoping to see.
A few hours later, he rose and went downstairs. There was no sign of Althenio or Manlo. He sat on the chair and watched the fire burn. The color of the flames mesmerized him once more. Like everything else, in heaven, he could see the particles of flame, like little fluorescent orange colored puzzle pieces. They danced, flickered, and lapped upward at where there would, normally, have been a chimney flu.
Jacko was starting to feel a little dreary, as he sat there. His eyes started to droop; his head to lull. He jolted upward, not wanting to sleep anymore. Looking around, he felt scared; his heart pounded and his gut felt jittery. Something was wrong, but he didn’t know what.
Vocally, he shouted Manlo’s and Althenio’s name. When they didn’t answer, he tried to call them, telekinetically. Nothing happened. He put his hands together, the way he’d seen Althenio do it before, and prayed to heaven for their return, but he just didn’t feel like he was making a connection. He, then, tried to conjure Manlo and Althenio by focusing his will, but nothing happened.
Unsure of what to do next, Jacko sat back in the chair and tried to relax. Maybe they were communing?
Boy! It was chilly. Jacko rubbed his arms and moved closer to the fire.
He got bored as he waited and waited.
Jacko discovered that he could use his mind to make the flames dance and form the shapes of animals. Fascinated, he made them leap up and then disappear into the flames. Thinking of the pond he’d visited, he sent the fire upward in the shape of cats, cows, and even changed them to green goldfish.
After a while, he became more worried. He thought about Dog and wished he was with him. Jacko felt bad about taking him away from his family; he promised himself that he’d send him home as soon as he could.
A chill ran down Jacko’s spine. That was weird, he thought. He never felt cold in heaven. Something was definitely off. Why would Manlo and Althenio leave him alone for so long?
“WOOF!”
Jacko turned around and Dog was there! He was ecstatic to see him, but only for a moment. What he saw through the crack of the curtained window distracted him: it was dark outside. He walked up and pulled the curtain back, further. They sky was midnight blue. This scared Jacko, but depending on what cor
ner of heaven they were in, it could get dark there.
Of course, Dog didn’t waste any time jumping on him, knocking him violently to the ground and licking his face clean. Temporarily, Jacko forgot about the darkness. God, or no, Jacko was just plain Jacko to Dog. He, on the other hand, was completely different in heaven. Once again, he was the size of a small horse with the girth of a bull, which was exactly as he remembered him that day near the pond.
“Dog! Is that really you?”
“Yep, it’s me!”
“Wow! You can talk again!”
“Yeah! Woof! I can talk to you here!”
“How’d you get so big? Did you make yourself this way?”
“I don’t know, but I feel big, maybe that’s why I am big!”
“Did I bring you here? If so, I didn’t mean to. I need to send you back; it’s dangerous here.”
“I don’t want to go back! I don’t want to go back!” he repeated. “I like it here!”
Dog was just as hyper in heaven as he was on Earth.
Jacko tried to rise but Dog’s weight was too much. His long tongue slapped him about the face with each breath Dog took.
“Can you get off me? I can’t breathe.”
“Sorry.”
“How is everyone at home?” Jacko wiped his face on the curtain.
“They’re fine! Woof! Haha! Doubt they’ll notice I’m gone” and he ran around in a circle and jumped up and down. Jacko was scared, at first, thinking that Dog would ruin Althenio’s house, but the house expanded for Dog and then contracted, as he landed back down on the ground. Still, watching him jump, and the way house moved, made Jacko dizzy, and he ordered to him stop.
“Listen, Dog.”
“Yes?”
“I want to thank you for saving me from that demon the other day.”
“Of course! I wasn’t gonna let them take you! Haha!”
“What’s so funny?”
“I’m just so haaaappy!” and Dog made a large, face-distorting smile that made Jacko laugh, despite his worry.
“AH HA HAAAAAAA!!!!!” Dog laughed loud and excitedly, and he jumped on Jacko again, he fell off the chair, and they rolled around the floor play fighting. They played for hours in front of the fire, then, they sat back and relaxed as Jacko scratched him behind the ears.
Another few hours went by with Jacko’s head rested on Dog’s back, who gnawed on a foot long femur shaped bone of rawhide that Jacko conjured for him.
“I wonder where Althenio and Manlo are. They’ve been gone quite some time,” Jacko was starting to feel really concerned. He looked back out of the window. “Why is it dark, all of the sudden?” Jacko shivered. “And I’m cold but I don’t want to leave, in case they come back.”
Dog looked up at Jacko from his bone
“I’m gonna go upstairs and take a look.”
“Woof!”
Jacko stood up, stretched, yawned, and then went upstairs.
All was quiet as he walked up to the next floor. At the top, Jacko gasped. Before him was a long hallway that was not there before. There were hundreds and hundreds of doors that went on for who knew how long of a distance.
Jacko was immediately frightened and could not decide if he should turn around and go back downstairs, or try to knock on a door and find Althenio. Thinking back to what Manlo told Jacko the other night about how the Gods feel about impure breeds, and so on, Jacko decided it would be better to wait. For all he knew, Althenio’s house was a ruse to appease his human conscious. So he turned around, and walked back downstairs. Jacko knew meeting another supreme being might not be a wise risk to take.
Back in the Red Lands