My landing was bumpy thanks to the atmospheric change that let us know when we crossed over. The four of us landed on a rooftop, not gracefully. I heard a roar and the sound of running which instantly made me tense. Carmen, Adam, Liz, and I were surrounded by the Reciliux. They were cheering our names. I was lifted off my feet and carried by several warriors. “Hurray for the Chosen Angels!” screamed an unknown voice. “Saviors of peace!” screamed another. “Make way, make way,” other voices in the crowd cheered. I saw smiling faces all around me. I had never felt so appreciated. Our fan club carried us all the way to the underground base of the Reciliux. Two men set me on my feet then bowed before me. It was awkward, being revered. In my mind, I was just a sixteen year old high school student trying to do the right thing, but to these people I was an angel. “It is wonderful to see you all back alive,” said Master Tio. “And, Illusionist,” she said with surprise. “Welcome back.” “Um have I met her?” Liz whispered in my ear. I shook my head but told her to just go with it. Everyone here knew who we were. Maybe not our real names, but they knew we were the chosen ones. “Tio, Illusionist has no memory of what has happened in the past few months. We need to get her caught up,” Carmen told her.
Tio created a path through the crowd that surrounded us. Some bowed, some saluted, while others fist pumped the air in enthusiasm. I decided to focus on the moment, and for the moment everyone was alive, so I was happy. Tio lead us all to the conference room where the two guys that I didn’t know and Dane were waiting for us. “I am really confused,” said Liz. “I got this one,” I told Carmen, “You two figure out what are next move is, ok?” I lead Liz to a room across the hall where I could update her in private. We didn’t want the Reciliux knowing our identities. She sat on a table and crossed her arms at me. It must be like waking up from a dream. I can’t imagine how confused and frightening suddenly being in a situation like this must be. Now how to do this gently? Ugh I’ve never been good at breaking things easy to people. I am much better with blunt. “Ok, you have been brain washed for the past two months. About a month ago, you faked your own death, so that is why everyone is so happy to see you. That voice you heard in the palace on the other side of the portal was Fugin, the God of Wind.” “The crack head who wants to destroy the world?” asked Liz. “Yup, do you remember Fu?” I asked. Judging from her expression she knew who I was talking about. “Fu? He’s the crack head?” asked Liz. I nodded, “He is too powerful for us to handle, which is why Carmen set up that whole tournament deal. I don’t know if she really wants to do it, or if it was a way to buy time for a better plan.” I told her. Liz shook her head, “That’s what I get for falling for a pretty face. How did he brain wash me?” asked Liz. “Well, I really don’t know how that works I’m just glad he let you go. Unfortunately, if we piss him off he says he can get you back and will force you to kill us,” I shuddered at what might have happened if I hadn’t found Liz in time. “I would never hurt you guys!” Liz jumped off the table from her sitting position in outrage. “Brain washed or not. It is just not possible,” said Liz. I wasn’t too sure about that, but I let it go.
“You all caught up now?” I asked her. “I was brainwashed, Fugin is the bad guy who we have no clue how to beat, but if we don’t the world will go to hell. Am I forgetting anything?” she asked. “Nope sounds about right,” I told her. “Alright let’s go see what the new plan is then,” said Liz. So we went back to the conference room which appeared to have entered silence. Liz and I met eyes, confirming confusion. “Plan? Anyone?” I spoke first. “Yes, but you are not going to like it,” said Carmen. “We are going to use a human and have that tournament with Fugin. The human we are using is Cicero,” Adam told me. “Are you crazy? He won’t stand a chance! He’ll die! This was your idea wasn’t it, Komodo? You never liked Cicero so now you want to send him to his grave? Are you kidding me? We can’t really do this tournament; any normal human wouldn’t even be able to see what was going on because of the glamour.” I was ranting like a mad woman. “Goldenflame, I agree with Komodo Dragon. Cicero is our best bet, with his glasses he can see past glamour, and we will fight hard enough that he won’t even have to lift a finger. He is just for show we won’t let him die, ok?” Carmen reassured me. Suddenly I felt bad for yelling at Adam. I looked at him, but he wouldn’t look at me it made my heart hurt. Why did I feel this way? I wanted to apologize, but I would do it when we were alone and weren’t in the middle of a meeting. Liz sighed, “Who is Cicero?” she asked. She hated feeling out of the loop. “He is the Reciliux chef,” answered Tio. All I wanted was for him to meet my gaze and let me know that I was forgiven with the roll of his eyes or the slight twitch of his eyebrow that only I always managed to notice. I didn’t get my wish though. Adam and I spent the rest of the meeting in isolated silence. A knock at the door interrupted the discussion. “Enter,” commanded Tio. Entering the room were two escorts and Cicero. The two escorts bowed and left the room leaving Cicero standing there looking nervous. Cicero was a little bit shorter than Adam with a larger torso. He had short curly brown hair and thick black glasses given to him by the Reciliux. He no longer had on an apron but black slacks and a grey sweater. Cicero spotted me which seemed to have settled his nerves a bit. “Cicero we need your help,” announced Tio. “I’ll do anything in my power, ma’am,” answered Cicero. “I’m glad to hear it. We need you to go on a very dangerous mission to represent the humans of Earth. There is a very good chance you could die on this mission. Are you still willing to help?” asked Tio. I noticed Cicero’s eyes dart to me, “What do I have to do?” he asked her. “Basically, you are a mascot. We will be doing all the fighting,” answered Liz. “Who are you?” wondered Cicero. “I am the Illusionist, fourth member of the Chosen Angels,” replied Liz proudly. Cicero looked shocked which is understandable since we told him she was dead. “It’s a pleasure,” Cicero bowed his head. “Illusionist is right. If all goes as planned you will not have to fight. We have struck a deal with Fugin. We five against seven of his allies we still need to find two more fighters and when we win, we will have saved Earth,” Carmen told him. “Use me however you deem necessary,” said Cicero in his thick southern accent. “Meeting adjourned,” said Tio, and the room began to scatter. I took Liz by her shoulders and used her as a shield against Cicero. “Cowboy, Liz. Liz, cowboy,” now that the introductions were over, I left them standing together awkwardly and went in search of Adam. I looked both ways after entering the hallway, but I didn’t see him. On instinct, I chose left and started running. Where could he be? I stopped my running and thought for a minute. The roof! He could be there, right? At least that’s where I would go. So I ran to the roof dodging crowds of people in the corridors in the process I managed to knock several down in my rush. I thrust open the door to the roof of one of the city buildings that the Reciliux underground base was connected to. “Adam Francis Decker!” I screamed. “What?” Adam was at the edge of the roof it was still raining, so the mists around him made it look like he was sparkling. He turned around slowly his hair sticking to his face with such sad eyes behind his black mask that was part of his Komodo uniform. I joined him at the edge of the roof and was close enough that I could feel his warmth. Don’t make me say it, Adam; you know I’m not very good at this. He was going to make me say it. I groaned and took a deep breath clenching my fists. “I’m so…,” I started, but Adam interrupted. “I’m sorry,” he told me. I was shocked. What did he have to be sorry about? He took me in his arms and we just stood there. I let my armor fall off of me like dandelion seeds in a summer breeze. Wrapped in Adam’s embrace, I realized I didn’t need my armor because I was safe with him. We stood there isolated from the world. My helmet had disintegrated allowing my hair to run down my back turning wet from the rain. Staring into his eyes, I felt warm in the cold storm. I felt so safe yet completely helpless at the same time. We stood on that rooftop for what felt like hours. The battle that lay before us was forgotten, and we were all that mattered in the world. I nuzzled my head into his shoulder then jerked myself back. What was I doing!? This was Adam, my best friend…that’s all we were. I couldn’t let myself believe there was more, even if maybe…just maybe…I wanted more. Adam felt me jerk back but didn’t let go. Adam was scared. I looked up at him and placed a hand on his cheek. “I will never leave you, I promise.” I willed him to hear my silent scream and the importance of these words. I needed him to believe in me. “No matter what,” I told him. “It’s ok to be scared, Adam. In fact, I was relieved to know I wasn’t the only one. I could care less about the world. I just want to make sure my friends and family are safe,” It may be selfish, but that’s how I feel. Adam was different. He cares about the whole world, and is scared that he might fail in protecting it.
The city below us was not in ruins, but remnants of the battle could be seen everywhere. Dead bodies had been removed and fires put out but rubble and blood lay strewn through the streets. To the left of us was a pin set up for demons that had been taken prisoner. “Meet me back here tomorrow night, just before the portal reopens,” said Adam. “Sure,” I told him. I escaped his arms and jumped into the air landing on my staff. I gave Adam a wave and flew off. I was going home.
“What are you drinking?” Adam asked Dane who was leaning against a stone wall in the conference room. Dane took another swig of his drink and handed it to Adam, “Liquid courage,” he answered. Adam took a sip; it was instantly followed by coughing. “Its whiskey,” said Liz, “I can tell by the smell.”
“You are not old enough to drink. How do you know what it smells like?” Adam looked at her still trying to get the burn of the alcohol from his throat. Liz shrugged, “I once lived with a family of alcoholics. They made me mix drinks for them and stuff.” Liz didn’t talk about her past much she always said the future was all that mattered. “Knowing how to mix drinks is always a good skill,” said Dane. “Was that a compliment, mutt?” asked Liz. Dane grinned, wanting to show his fangs, and took another drink. “No,” he replied.
My family’s apartment lay just on the outskirts of Pleasantville, so they hadn’t been evacuated. It didn’t take long for me to fly there. I landed silently on the roof then climbed in through the bathroom window. I lived in a three bedroom apartment with my five brothers, dad, and dad’s girlfriend. I actually have seven brothers but two were already on their own. The twins age nine, Zach and Damian, shared a room. Al and Joey, the youngest of us at ages six and four, shared a room. On the rare occasion that I was actually home, I stayed in the room with Al and Joey. When they couldn’t sleep I would tell them bed time stories. Brody, who is fourteen, slept on the couch but shared a closet with the twins. Brody and I tended to butt heads a lot. The place is always crowded and noisy which is why I enjoy my isolation so Much.
Carmen stood outside of a spa in Tahiti where she knew her mother would be. Carmen had returned to wearing civilian clothes. The Reciliux had done a good job of transporting everyone wherever they wanted to go before the upcoming tournament arrived. It was around 7:00pm in New Jersey which made it approximately 1:00pm in Tahiti, figured Carmen. Carmen walked into the spa and normally would not have had to say a word. With her dark brown straight hair and thick glasses, it was obvious she was the daughter of a Jockolva, but in Tahiti she fit right in. The official language of Tahiti was French, but the locals spoke Reo Tahiti. In perfect French, Carmen asked the woman at the front desk where to find her mother. “Où puis-je trouver Mme Jockolva?” A short dark skinned woman with dark hair offered to show her around the spa. “Merci,” replied Carmen. She was led to a woman wrapped in foil with cucumbers over her eyes. Carmen plucked a cucumber from one of her eye lids and crunched on it, “Hello, mother.” “You’ve interrupted my Zen cycle,” replied Mrs. Jockolva. “What are you doing here? You know you are not allowed to borrow the jet on weekdays,” she reproached. “I just wanted to see you,” said Carmen, taking a seat beside Her.
“Adam!” squealed his younger brother Logan. Adam had the biggest smile on his face. The Reciliux was able to teleport him to Texas to see the only family he had left. Leaving Logan was the hardest thing Adam had ever done, but it was for the best. He threw Logan into the air up and down. “How’s my little buddy? Have you been good for Aunt Peggy?” crooned Adam. Peg wasn’t actually their aunt, but an old friend of their family that Adam entrusted Logan too. Adam chased Logan through the front yard of the little house while Logan screamed in delight.
“Read ‘em and weep, cowboy! Royal
flush!” declared Liz. “How do I know you’re not cheating,” grumbled Cicero. “And my name isn’t cowboy, it is Cicero.” The two were playing poker in the conference room of the Reciliux underground base using sugary sweets as cash. Liz scooped up a bunch of candy towards her as her prize. Liz, being an orphan, saw no point in wasting resources to be sent to some random place on the planet when she could be kicking butt at poker. The rest of the table was filled with soldiers who groaned in defeat. “Oh, don’t be such sore losers,” she told them with a twizzler clenched between her teeth.
My dad sure knew how to talk my ears off, but he avoided looking at me at all costs. For the longest time I wondered if I had done something wrong, but in recent years I learned it was because I looked just like my mother, so he couldn’t stand the sight of me. The apartment was rowdy as usual so I didn’t know what to do. Should I leave everyone and everything just like it is or should I tell them how much I love them and what was going on? After dinner the boys lay around the TV entranced by some babble about people eating bugs to survive while dad remained in the kitchen to clean. I sat at the counter waiting for something to come to mind. I watched him scrub away at the counter tops.
“How have you been sweetie? Did you enjoy dinner?” he smiled but didn’t look up. “It was great dad,” I told him, when honestly I hadn’t ate. There hadn’t been enough for all of us as there rarely was. “Dad, I’m going out soon and I’m not sure when I’ll be back,” I told him. “All right honey just be careful out there,” answered my dad. I sighed, “Before I go, I want you to look at me.” “Oh I have to get the kitchen clean maybe another time, ok sweetie?” he replied. I stood up, pulled his face up and forced him to look at me, “I love you, dad.” His eyes grew wide and started to swell with tears as he took in the sight of me. He placed a hand on my cheek, “You’ve grown so much,” he smiled. Oh crap, I don’t do tears. I smiled back, “Yeah dad,” then ran out the door as quick as I could.
Carmen’s mom was in the middle of one of her lectures, but Carmen didn’t mind. She wasn’t paying the least bit of attention to her mother, but was perfectly content to just sit with her. Carmen stood to leave her time there was almost up. Then Carmen’s mother did something out of the ordinary…she stopped lecturing. “I know it’s a school night, but you are welcome to join me if you like,” said her mother. Carmen just smiled, “I can’t, mother, maybe next time,” replied Carmen. She was about to leave but paused. She turned around and hugged her mother. Carmen’s mother shifted in her foil wrap and resumed her stuffy high class attitude as Carmen exited the spa.
“You know Adam there is more than enough room here for the both of you,” said Peg. “You could live here with me and your brother just go to school and not worry about a thing,” she told him. “I may take you up on that if I ever finish some business I have in New Jersey,” said Adam. Logan was taking a nap after being chased all day by Adam the little guy was tuckered out. “Let him do whatever he wants tonight Peg, just for tonight,” said Adam. “And thank you so much for everything you have done for him,” Adam gave her a strong hug good bye. There is no way I could ever thank her, he thought to Himself.
By now, half the Reciliux had given up trying to play cards with Liz. “Oh come on, best two out of three?” she urged. “Give it up they obviously know when you’ve got them beat,” I told Liz as I pulled up a chair. “You know you want to share some of that candy right?” Added Adam. “What do you want candy for when we have ourselves a personal chef,” said Carmen entering the room. “Looks like the gang is all here,” noted Cicero. I lay my head on the table listening to the sound of Liz play with bubbles she had created with her illusions. Pop…pop…pop…one by one each bubble she created would disappear just as quickly for her amusement. All here, I thought to myself…what was that feeling then? Nagging at the back of my mind; like I was forgetting something. “I’m going for a walk,” said Adam as he left the room. “We are heading back into the portal in a few hours” Carmen called after him. Adam simply waved her off.
Adam made it to the roof and out of habit began to survey the area for signs of trouble. To his right, were Reciliux soldiers setting up below where the portal was to appear. Master Tio thought it would be a good idea to have soldiers ready for battle in case Fugin tried to pull a fast one on us. To his left was the pen of battle prisoners and farther down was left over rubble that has yet to be cleared away. Adam would wait on the roof for Emma to show up. He wasn’t quite sure what he wanted to say to her yet. The palms of his hands were drenched in a nervous sweat.
“I’m going to go stretch,” I told everyone as I stood up. In the hallway I ran into a sentry soldier. The soldier saluted, “Goldenflame, sir, ma’am I have a message for you from Komodo Dragon.” I stared him down. These Reciliux soldiers sure were scared of me, “Shoot,” I told him. “Komodo Dragon wishes for you to meet him on the roof of the left wing rather than the right as previously planned,” said the soldier. I nodded, “Thanks,” then walked off. There was a roof exit near here I could just fly across to the left wing. Above me was a latch so I jumped to the ceiling and flew through it. My guess is I was now above ground and that the staircase that the latch led to would take me to one of the cities skyscrapers. I ignored the stairs and flew upward on my staff. The city was still empty from the evacuation, so I didn’t need to worry about bumping into any civilians. I was now on the tenth floor of whatever building this was that the underground base just happened to lead to. “Found you,” I spoke out loud when I saw a sign that said Roof Access. I flung the door open eager for the sky. The cold air was welcoming but once I made my helmet appear I could no longer feel it. I was supposed to meet Adam across the street from where I stood. I wonder what he wants to talk to me about. With this in mind I shot off the roof in a blur of speed and soared into the sky. Straight ahead was the right wing where I was to meet Adam. Below me there appeared to be some sort of commotion in the prison pens. It came out of nowhere, a fireball the size of my head. Traveling at the speed of light it crashed into my chest, shattering my armor. I cried out as fire scorched my skin. Falling from the sky, I could hear Carmen calling out to me in the distance.
The moment Carmen stepped outside she witnessed the horror of a fireball striking Emma. As she fell to the ground, her armor disappeared before she hit the concrete rooftop. “Crap she must be unconscious,” Carmen thought to herself. Her heart skipped a beat as the image of her friend falling from the sky reentered her mind. When Carmen finally reached Emma she found her hurt and unconscious. The skin on her chest was charred. The melted skin looked like raw hamburger meat. Her legs were broken and there was blood pooling from somewhere. “That’s a lot of blood, Lyn,” Carmen thought to Lynashia. Emma’s breathing was ragged and her body limp. “Lyn, tell me we can do something. I can’t do this, Lyn, take over,” Carmen urged, but Lynashia refused. “Wake up, wake up,” demanded Carmen. Illusionist had gone down to the prison pens to handle the outbreak, but where was Adam? I don’t know what to do! She thought to herself. Slowly Emma’s eyelids began to flutter open. Through blurred vision I was able to make out Carmen. “Carmen?” I questioned with a raspy voice. Carmen nodded and smiled at me, holding my hand. It hurt to breathe and I was so cold.
In the mists of battle, approximately one hundred yards from where Carmen and Emma lay, Adam fought war prisoners that had escaped their confinement. Adam had heard Carmen cry out to Emma, he watched her fall and land on a rooftop. He no longer saw demons before him, only obstacles. He lashed out violently in a blur of chaos. Slicing and hacking at everything in his path. It wasn’t long before he found himself standing at the base of his destination. What was Emma even doing over here? We were supposed to meet at the other building, he thought. Adam looked from side to side in search of a way up. Adam was in luck, for to his right was a fire escape. In the eyes of another it was nothing special, a simple fire escape just like any other with rusty bolts and clanging metal. To Adam, however, it was the like the stairway to heaven, seemingly endless with the nightmares of the unknown. Step by step he made his way to the top, mentally preparing himself for what was to come. The rain began to die down to a light mist that brushed against his skin along with a cool breeze that ruffled his hair. As he stepped onto the hard rooftop of the abandoned apartment his eyes met nothing. At first glance he was completely alone until a soft sound reached his ears. Reaching for his sword he turned slowly then let out a breath of relief. Standing in front of him was Carmen. Adam released his sword and rushed over to her. He grabbed hold of her shoulders looking up and down for any sign that she was hurt. Her head was bent towards the ground and her face held a faraway look in it. Adam tilted her chin upward to look into her eyes searching for the reasoning behind her behavior. He began shaking her shoulders desperately trying to pull her out of her trance. “Carmen! Carmen! Wake up,” suddenly Adam’s eyes grew wide as a realization came over him. Adam brushed Carmen to the side, lying behind her was Emma. In one fluid motion Adam was placing his sword against Emma. “Why isn’t it working,” Adam turned angrily to Carmen.
“The sword can’t heal the dead,” Carmen stated matter of fact. Time seemed to stand still. Rain drops hung in the air and the world was quiet. Adam held his breath, not wanting to make a sound. He was convinced that every sound he made, every breath he took would start time again. Emma was taking her last breaths. Gently he touched her, afraid that his very touch would cause her to disappear into thin air. Tears flowed freely now, he tried to speak but was at a loss for words. “It’s going to be ok, I’m here now,” Adam crooned. He cradled her in his arms as if she were a child.
I had gone in and out of consciousness several times and now saw that Adam held me in his arms. With what little strength I had left I stroked his cheek. I leaned into kiss him.
Slowly Emma leaned into Adam and as their lips were about to touch she sank into his arms, entering an eternal sleep. Adam held her in his gaze, forever a sleeping beauty lost to the world. Adam cried out in pain. His heart was tearing at him from within. He stood and tilted his head towards the clouds declaring vengeance upon the world. Adam fell to his knees as a pulse unlike his own coursed through him. He clutched his stomach and groaned. He screamed in pain. His eyes rolled to the back of his skull and took over a lizard like form. From his back sprang wings. In a matter of minutes, Carmen saw not her best friend Adam, but soon beheld a mighty red dragon. His boots exploded and revealed large claws so heavy it weighed down the building and broke the concrete roof. The dragon reared up and let out a mournful roar. One flap of its giant wings had him soaring through the sky.