by Jared Stone
* * *
Friday, October 3rd
It was very late at night – actually, already Friday morning – and Lucian was still sitting in front of his laptop in the library. Schuntz had assigned another ten page paper for that weekend, this time on the tenets of Buddhism and their influence on society and humanity as a whole. Lucian was getting very tired of writing all these papers and experiencing the accompanying stress. He regretted considerably ever deciding to stay in the class. Schuntz’s recent appraisal of the boy’s work did nothing to assuage his performance anxiety; if anything, the professor’s heightened expectations put even greater pressure on him to craft something of superior quality. Even though the paper was assigned earlier in the week, Lucian had an uncanny ability to justify his own procrastination. As Lucian racked his brain for creative methods of describing the indescribable, he pored over countless volumes of practically ancient tomes and forgotten manuscripts.
For Lucian, there was a certain feel to libraries. The penetrating silence and musty smell of old books made it seem as if, though the world outside those walls had moved on into the future, the library had somehow remained an aged reminder of earlier times. Despite the frustration of having too much work to do in too little time, Lucian still enjoyed the atmosphere of the library and the chance to escape the chaos of the outside world. He had gone there often since starting school a month ago, and he had begun to familiarize himself with both the books and library staff, who were always pleased to see him.
On this night, the building was uncharacteristically empty. Because it had been Thursday when Lucian started his work, many students either had no class the next day or preferred to go out and party instead of completing assignments. Lucian was never really much of a partier, which made socializing more difficult but also generally earned him great grades. In addition to this tendency to excel academically, he was particularly motivated to finish this essay before going to bed, as he was planning on traveling back home that weekend after turning it in. He hadn’t had the opportunity to spend any time at home since school started, because his professors had continually bombarded him with papers, tests, and general assignments that simply required more time and effort than Lucian possessed in any given 24 hour period. His parents, especially his mother, were very anxious to see him, however, and Lucian had never intended to go almost a month without visiting them again.
Lucian’s section of the library contained no one but him, and he wondered if he was actually the only person in the building at all. His imagination began to get the better of him, and he glanced through the gaps in the books on the racks around him with the eerie sensation that he was being watched by some unseen presence. Feeling a chill creep over him, Lucian packed up his things and decided to finish writing the last few pages in the sanctuary of his own dorm room.
Lucian headed down the rows and rows of books on shelves, hearing and seeing no one. He suddenly thought of the Labyrinth of ancient mythology and chuckled silently to himself as he imagined a giant minotaur in the middle of these rows of books, wearing half-moon glasses pushed down to the tip of his nose and carrying a stack of library books. Lucian wore this grin as he entered the stairwell, descended the three floors to the ground level, and walked through the main set of double doors at the front of the library.
As he passed through the exit, a cold blast of wind hit him, abrasively reminding him that it was Fall and that he could no longer leave the library late at night without first donning extra layers. Shivering, Lucian ruffled through his bag and pulled out his jacket, which he quickly slid on and zippered up tightly around himself. Slinging his bag back over his shoulder, he began to move forward but stopped when he heard what sounded like a faint whimper. Looking around, Lucian listened closely through the whistling wind and heard the strange noise yet again coming from the side of the library to his left.
Fearing that some human or animal might be hurt, Lucian made his way around the corner of the library and into an unlit portion of the building’s exterior. This small section was bordered on one side by the library and enclosed on the two other sides by rows of thick pines. These trees were not very tall or established, but they were tightly packed enough to form a border wall around the area, creating a dark alcove beside the building. If Lucian remembered correctly, a light from above normally lit this recess at night, but it seemed that tonight the light was not working.
As his eyes adjusted to the darkness, Lucian could make out two figures. One appeared to be the head librarian, whom he had met on several occasions: a short, pudgy little fellow, probably in his sixties, with glasses and a bad comb-over. He was always very cordial, if a little uptight, and Lucian would regularly be greeted by him when he entered the library during the day. The small man was shoved up against the wall by someone much taller and thinner, with short black hair and a long black overcoat that reached the ground and covered up the majority of the body which wore it. The taller figure had his face down in front of the elderly gentleman and was speaking in a hushed, yet threatening, tone.
“I know you know where it is, so tell me and make this easier on yourself,” the tall dark figure hissed.
“I promise you, sir, I do not know what you are talking about…,” squeaked the little man, cowering against the wall. “Iiifff…, if you come back during the day, I…, I can look in the system….”
“Well, then, I see you need a little motivation…,” said the dark one, grabbing the librarian by the throat and lifting him up off the ground with one arm. The man grabbed at his assailant’s wrist as he rose up in the air, kicking his stubby legs around in panic.
“Stop that! Put him down!” cried Lucian before even thinking about it. He took a step forward but caught himself as he did so, suddenly realizing his intrepid stupidity. However, it was too late. The tall figure turned his head in Lucian’s direction and stared at him, a quick flash of silver in his eyes.
“What is this?” said the dark stranger calmly. “It is rare for someone to sneak up on me…. I must be out of practice. Either way, child, this is far beyond anything you are prepared to handle. Head home and spare yourself. I am feeling unusually charitable this morning.”
“Put him down,” Lucian said again, taking another step forward. “You’re hurting him. He said he doesn’t know anything.”
The figure paused briefly. “Hmmm, perhaps you are right…,” he mused after a moment. He then turned to the writhing librarian in his hand. “It appears I no longer have any use for you.”
With this, the tall one unclenched his fist and the librarian fell to the ground in a crumpled heap. Lucian stared at the body, waiting for him to get up and run, but there was nothing.
“What did you do to him!?” cried Lucian, moving forward again only slightly.
“He is dead now,” said the dark stranger matter-of-factly, looking down at the lifeless form on the ground. He then turned his gaze back to Lucian. “And I would be more worried for myself at the moment, if I were you….”
At this, the man enshrouded in darkness turned fully toward Lucian and started to slowly advance, his silvery eyes and something golden on his chest reflecting what little light barely crept through the surrounding trees. This stranger seemed familiar to Lucian somehow, but, in the darkness, Lucian could neither tell from where or how. The terrified boy began backing up, feeling as though his legs were about to give way beneath him. With a quick flick of the wrist, it appeared that the approaching figure hurled something at Lucian, but all Lucian could see in the darkness was the big black outline of something flying at him. As he threw up his arms to shield his face, a brilliant flash of white light burst out in front of him, and he was knocked to the ground with such force that it felt as though he had been hit by a car. Lucian landed flat on his back, gasping for breath as he tried to regain the air that had been knocked out of him. His arms lay to his sides, tingling all over and completely paralyzed.
“Hm?” said the dark figure, pausing and eyeing the heav
ing boy on the ground. “What was that? How do you still live? You are much more durable than I had expected…. How curious.” He took a few more steps toward Lucian. “No matter, I know what will work….”
Lucian, still on his back and trying to sit up, saw the figure standing over him. This is it…, he thought. I’m going to die here…. He slumped his head back down on the earth. Thoughts raced through Lucian’s brain; thoughts of his parents, whom he would not see again; thoughts of his few friends from high school, who would wonder whatever happened to him; and, strangely enough, thoughts that he had not yet finished his paper for tomorrow’s deadline. It is truly strange what things might be brought up to one’s consciousness so close to death.
As these concerns whipped through his mind, out from the darkness to Lucian’s right leapt another person, who crashed into the dark one and sent him skidding backwards through the grass. Lucian could barely see the new man standing there through the tears of desperation that had welled up in his eyes. He could vaguely discern that the unknown entrant was a young male with a short beard, jeans, and a jacket. This man walked over and stood in front of Lucian, shielding him from his attacker, who had already regained his composure and stood tall once again.
“Well, what a surprise!” exclaimed the dark one in a tone bordering on intrigue and rage. “To think I would find you here, of all places, Argus! Do you really have nothing better to do than putz around this pathetic excuse for a civilization?”
“I’m touched you still recognize my energy! Must mean I’m pretty memorable for you,” commented Argus, looking back at Lucian briefly before turning to once again face his opponent. “And it seems my being here is very lucky indeed. Apparently, we’re karmically bound somehow, you and I. How lucky for us….”
“Indeed…,” responded the hostile stranger dryly. “Unfortunately, you have come between me and some business to which I must attend.” He glanced down at Lucian menacingly.
“No, I think you’re done here, Zagan,” said Argus forcefully. “The relic you’re looking for has already been moved, and no one here even knows about it. And, if you’re planning on hurting this boy, you’ll have to go through me first.”
“Big words for someone I have already defeated once before,” said Zagan, scowling at Argus.
“Yeah, but that was a long time ago, and I’ve advanced quite a bit since then,” responded Argus confidently. “Besides, you and I both know that you’re too weak to put up a good fight so soon after your return.”
After a pause, Argus added, “And where on Earth did you get that outfit?! You definitely need some help adapting to the times!”
“The fashion of this century is so drab,” commented Zagan with clear contempt. “I spent forever finding something acceptable. I do, however, love these ‘malls’ that are scattered everywhere. The people there are so empty of joy and purpose, blindly consuming more and more in the fruitless pursuit of happiness. The absence of life absolutely thrills me!” He let out a sadistic chuckle.
“Well, I suggest that you leave now, before any of the others arrive,” Argus insisted forcefully. “You know I rarely travel alone.”
“Indeed,” responded Zagan. “I do imagine we will see each other again soon. But, until then….” He glanced down at Lucian once more. “Do stay out of my way.”
With this, Zagan turned and faded into the darkness of the shadows. Argus looked down with concern.
“Are you ok, Lucian?” he asked.
“I… think…,” whispered the boy, finally able to speak and astonished that the stranger already knew his name.
“Good,” said Argus. “Then let me take you back to your dorm. I’m sure you have a lot of questions, and we’ve got quite a bit to discuss.”
Lucian looked back at the crumpled heap of a man against the wall of the library. His mind suddenly felt very jumbled, and things were starting to lose their clarity. “But….”
“It’s too late for him…,” Argus stated with regret in his voice. “And it’s best that you don’t become involved. Someone will find him tomorrow and call the police. For now, I need to get you to safety.”
Without waiting for the Lucian’s consent, Argus grabbed him by the arm, pulled him up onto his feet, and began walking, towing the reluctant boy along behind him.
4 - Enlightenment
Friday, October 3rd
Lucian’s mind was blank on the way back to his dorm room. As Argus pulled him along by the arm, Lucian’s shaking legs were barely able to keep up. The two of them moved across the campus grounds with Lucian stumbling and swaying with each step. When they reached the entrance to the dorm, some freshmen were just opening the door on their return from a raucous night in the city. Throwing Lucian’s arm up around his shoulders and pulling the boy in close, Argus squeezed by the crowd that filled up the doorway, saying, “Sorry, bit too much to drink!” The gaggle of freshmen looked at the two as they passed and began to laugh and cheer on their seem-ingly inebriated classmate.
Once inside, Argus stopped beside the stairs leading up to the second floor. Leaning the boy’s back up against the wall and looking into his eyes, Argus said, “Hey, Lucian.” At the sound of his name being spoken, Lucian’s pupils snapped back and returned their focus onto Argus’ serious face. “Lucian, I need to know your room number.” Lucian tried really hard to concentrate on what was being said, but it seemed that his mind was too cloudy. He squinted his eyes and tried to cut through the veil between him and the incomprehensible sounds.
“Lucian, your room,” said Argus more adamantly.
Lucian clumsily reached in his pocket and pulled out his key. He then held it up in front of his face so that it dangled on its ring between Argus and him. “Good enough,” said Argus, smiling, as he took the key and examined the number written on it. “Come on.”
As Lucian stared off absently ahead of him, his strong companion hoisted him up the stairs and into the second floor hallway. Once at the top, Argus wrapped his arm around Lucian’s waist and guided him down the hall to his room. Inserting the key, Argus turned his wrist and pushed in vain against the door. Leaning back and examining it, he turned again and began to push.
“Jiggle…,” said Lucian vaguely.
Argus looked at Lucian and cracked a smile. Shift-ing his hand back and forth and jiggling the key, the doorknob finally permitted their entrance, allowing Argus, who still supported Lucian, to help the boy sit down on his bed.
“Just take a little time to rest and collect yourself,” Argus instructed softly as he closed the door and came to place his hand upon Lucian’s shoulder. “You’ve had quite the night! I know how rough it can be when you sustain a direct blast like that.”
Lucian sat on his bed, elbows resting on his knees with his hands out in front of him. He was slightly hunched over and stared down at the floorboards beneath him. Argus grabbed a wooden chair from the desk next to the boy’s bed, swung it out with one arm, and sat down on it facing Lucian. The two remained in silence for what seemed like forever; Lucian simply staring at the floor and Argus simply staring at Lucian.
After some time, Lucian glanced up at his mystery guardian. Until this point, he hadn’t been able to see Argus very well; but, now that his mind had begun to quiet and they sat in a lighted room, he could successfully examine all the features of the man before him. Argus was about thirty-five years old, with dark brown hair that was cut fairly short but was still long enough to be disheveled. He was a handsome man, with deep brown eyes and a strong jawline that was covered with thick stubble. He was wearing a brown leather jacket with a black t-shirt underneath. The t-shirt was tight enough for Lucian to surmise that Argus was probably quite muscular, though the jacket covered his arms and shoulders. His legs were covered by jeans that were ripped at the knees; not in the way that was intended for fashion, but rather seeming to be the result of time and abuse. He sat in a position almost identical to Lucian’s, with his arms resting on his knees and his hands clasped together before him.
His head was tilted to the side slightly as he watched Lucian with concern. Around his neck, a silver chain hung down and looped through a white crystal pendant which hung over his black shirt.
As he met Lucian’s gaze, Argus cracked a smile and said, “Welcome back.”
“What the Hell…?” was all Lucian could think to say in response. Although his mind was back in the present moment, he still hadn’t quite been able to sort through all the pieces of what had just occurred.
The boy’s question elicited a relieved chuckle from Argus. “Yeah, you could say that,” he said as he sat up from his crouched position and leaned back in his chair. Lucian remained slouched over, leaning on his legs and looking up at Argus.
“I mean…, what just happened?” asked Lucian as he once again averted his eyes down to the floor.
“You just had a run-in with something really nasty,” Argus responded bluntly. “You’re very lucky I was around, as that could’ve ended a lot worse.”
“How did you know my name? And where I live?” Lucian said as he suddenly realized that the strange man had known all of this without ever asking.
“I know a lot of stuff about you,” Argus responded. “And I can explain all of that to you at some point. Right now, just be happy I knew enough to be there to help you tonight.”
“Who was he?” asked Lucian. He once again ceased examining the floor for answers and instead looked back at the man in front of him.
“That was Zagan,” said Argus, pulling one foot up and placing it on his opposite knee. “A demon who’s been locked away for a long time. He seems to have escaped somehow and found a new host.”
Lucian stared at Argus in total disbelief. To Lucian, demons weren’t something that really existed; they were creatures in movies and fables and fabrications by priests to frighten children into obedience. They weren’t something that could literally attack you after you finished your homework.
