Mane of Redemption

by Aaron D Brinker

  She nodded. “They’re still scared, but I talked with them and told them that people tend to go through difficult times when they’re adults. They told me they want to stay little for the rest of their lives.” She sobbed for a brief moment trying to get the words out. Jude gave her a second to cry without saying a word.

  “Tell you what, I’ll start walking up and down the streets after I get off work to help find him. I can’t guarantee that I can make him come home and change, but if I find him it will hopefully, to an extent, set your mind at ease.”

  She nodded and stood. “Thank you so much. You really have been a good friend to us over the years. Thank you again for all you’ve done for us.”

  They hugged again. “No ‘thank you’ needed Jess.” She walked out of the office and left his door standing open. Jude shut down his computer and turned out the office light on his way out.

  *

  Jude stood on the roof of a tall building, he rested one foot on the wall separating the roof from the drop to the street, and had his arms crossed on his knee. He listened and smelled for any hint of Adam. He heard the slowing flutter of giant wings followed by the soft thud of sandals touching the roof. His nose smelled the scent of feathers, leather, and metal. Jude kept looking at the people below. Michael’s voice filled his ears, “Any sign yet?”

  “None. I’ve been searching for days.” Michael walked over and stood beside Jude, who then looked at him and grinned. Michael had on his armor. “You decide to go traditional tonight?”

  Michael looked down at his chest plate. “No, just a precaution.”

  “Were you able to find out anything since our last discussion?”

  “I was informed of plenty.”

  Jude looked at Michael and raised his arms paw pads facing up. “And?”

  “You will be the one to confront Adam. Undoubtedly, I’m sure you have figured out that is the initial task for which you were chosen.”

  Jude looked down towards the street again and nodded his head. “Yeah. That much was clear as soon as I saw Lucius vanish. Am I going to need to face him as well?”

  “No. Adam will be your only foe.”

  Jude’s brow furrowed and his head and eyes drooped. “Is there any chance for Adam to change?”

  “I wasn’t informed of that information, but it could be a possibility, if he repents and is truly remorseful of his decisions and actions.”

  Jude let out a growling sigh. “Seems easy enough. Is there a chance that I will have to kill him?”

  “There is always a chance of that when Lucius is involved.”

  “I really hope I can get through to him. Jess is beside herself.”

  Michael nodded. “We know. We’ve heard her prayers and watched her through it. She has never walked alone. Someone is always with her.”

  Jude nodded. “I know.” His nostrils flared, the sides of his upper lips lifted, and his tongue stuck out. Usually referred to as “stinky face” to those who work around big cats, it assisted him in drawing in the scents around him and enhancing his senses even more. Finally, he caught Adam’s scent. “Found him. He’s in an alley five blocks from here.” He quieted and listened. “He isn’t alone.”

  Michael turned with a distant glare. “No he’s not. You travel the rooftops to get to him. I’ll take to the sky.” With that, Jude nodded. Michael took flight and traveled 50 feet above the rooftops. Bounding from rooftop to rooftop, Jude sprinted the distance to reach Adams location.

  *

  Adam cowered in the back corner of a dark alley. Since his conversation with Lucius outside of the café, He had refused to make the choice. His options were not only restricted to a longtime friendship and his family, but also the lives of innocent people. If he decided to continue on his current path, he would be able to keep Jess and his children around. Adam had fled for the past week, trying to hide from Lucius and having to make such a weighted decision. In every alley Adam had taken solace in over the past week, he had always watched their openings, dreading to see Lucius’ silhouette creeping towards him.

  Lucius spoke from the shadows. “What do you think you’ve been doing? You can’t hide from me. You have never had the ability.”

  “I’ve done my best,” His voice was shaky. “…and it’s worked up until now. Hasn’t it?” He blankly stared at the lights of the nearby street.

  His body rose through an unseen power that Adam felt enveloping him. It lifted him into the air, and his feet dangled a foot off of the pavement. His struggle to fight it proved useless, as he floated over to where Lucius stood. When he stopped, Lucius stepped from the shadows with his right hand lifted. “I’ve given you this week, and I’ve enjoyed watching you squirm and live in fear. You will obey me.” His breath smelled sulfuric, and burned Adam’s eyes. “What do you think will happen to Jessica and your precious little ones if you abandon your duty?” Lucius began to curl his middle finger into his palm. As he did, an invisible strand tightened around Adams neck cutting off his air supply. He straightened his finger back out and Adam began sputtering and coughing. “Did you think I would allow them to just walk away? If that’s what you think, you have underestimated me. I will make them suffer in the worst way imaginable, and you will be helpless to do anything about it. I will not be merciful to them, but you will survive after watching their demise and suffer the pain of that loss slowly.”

  He lowered his hand and released his puppet. Adam’s hand went to his throat and started massaging it. “I understand. You conned me into this by not telling me what it would cost, or what I would have to do.”

  Lucius grinned with pointed teeth. “That’s exactly right. There is no way to back out and no way of putting things right.”

  “You’re spineless, conniving, manipulative, and deceiving.”

  Lucius roared a growling laugh that reverberated in Adam’s ears. “You’re just now figuring that out. I’ve been that way for millennia.”

  A movement from above drew Adam’s attention. A form bound down into the alley from the rooftop. It seemed half lion and half man, and jumped from wall to wall until it had reached the ground. A familiar voice said, “Don’t do this Adam. There is still a chance for you to change.”

  Adam looked confused, “Jude? You’re the person I was meant to fight?”

  Jude walked forward and stopped in the glow of a nearby window. “That’s yet to be seen. If you choose to change, there won’t be any need for a fight. If you choose to side with him,” He motioned with an arm to Lucius. “…then, yes.”

  Adam’s mind started spinning. He thought of what kind of torture and punishment Lucius had in store for him to witness. He couldn’t bare anything happening to Jess or the kids, let alone it happening in front of his eyes and knowing he could have prevented it. Lucius’ snarling voice bellowed from beside Adam. “This is what they send to face us? A cute little lion cub. You’re just a pathetic little cub! What makes you think you can defeat us?”

  Another voice floated down from the rooftop with its owner. “Who said he’d be fighting the both of you?” The being landed softly on the pavement. Adam was speechless as he looked upon an angel with massive wings. “You are to stay out of this. This is their fight alone, and any interference from you will mean interference from me.” Lucius took a step forward, Michael held up his hand, and Lucius stopped. Michael didn’t move as he said, “Jude, do what you need to do.”

  Adam lunged towards Jude. Instantly transforming, and using his forward momentum, he coiled his body around Jude and flung him into the building across the street from the alley. He slithered out into the street after him.

  Michael turned, walked towards the edge of the alley, Lucius followed, and the two stopped side by side. “How long are we going to do this Michael? How many times are we going to use pawns to do our dirty work?”

  “You use pawns. Ours are soldiers lessening the workload of the Angels.”

  Lucius laughed, “So, we’ve been ordered to stay out of this fight?”
/>
  Michael looked at Lucius. “I’ve been ordered. You’ve been commanded.”

  Lucius winced. “I have always hated that word. It makes me sound like a dog taking orders from a master.”

  “With what you pulled, you’re lucky to be roaming around tempting the free will of humanity.”

  Lucius nodded. “Fair enough.”

  Jude stood and brushed the dust from his fur. He slowly stepped out into the street, as Adam slithered into the street and stopped 20 feet in front of him. The sounds of squealing tires, crashing cars, screams, and rapid footfalls echoed from building walls. “Where did you run off to this past week?”

  Adam hissed. Spit misted from his mouth as he snapped, “What concern is it of yours?”

  Jude didn’t have time to react as Adam lunged. Adam’s fangs sank deep into Jude’s arm, the puncture wounds wept black, and Adam coiled around Jude’s body. “Because you are loved. Jess came to my office yesterday crying.” Adam squeezed tighter. “I promised her I would look for you every day after work.” An overwhelming depression and doubt swept over Jude. He shook his head. “What’s happening to me?”

  Adam raised his head a few feet higher and away from Jude. He wanted to take in the scene of Jude’s agony. “You like that? That’s the effect of my venom. It poisons the mind by creating feelings of doubt and depressing self-worth. I am willing to bet I could bite anyone on the street, release a miniscule amount of venom, and cause them to jump off of the nearest building. And, I’ve just injected about 50 times that amount into your system.”

  Jude’s mind swam in all the negative things he had done throughout his life. He instantly relived all the regret, heartache, depression, remorse, and pain from his entire existence. Adam watched as Jude’s eyes turned black. Jude was losing the struggle within himself. Adam could feel Jude’s body relaxing within the confines of his coiled body. The darkness spread close to his heart. I’ve lost. There is no hope left for me, or the world. Lucius and Adam have won.

  I know Michael said he couldn’t interfere, which means he must have enough faith that I can win this fight. Deep down inside of Jude a tiny spark ignited. It ripped through Adam’s venom as if it were gasoline. Golden light erupted from Jude’s body, and the heat emitted from his form reacted like white phosphorous on Adam’s scales. Adam screamed as he quickly uncoiled from around Jude and slithered away with his body still burning and steaming.

  The light died down, yet remained glowing in Jude’s teeth and claws. Adam screamed, “How are you fighting back against my venom? You should have been trying to do yourself in by now!”

  Jude responded, “The ones I fight for have always been more powerful than the side you’ve chosen. Why not change? You could be a great asset to the cause. You don’t have to serve in fear. You can go out and help by doing good.”

  “I can’t. Lucius threatened to hurt Jess and the kids. He also told me I would be forced to watch, and be powerless to help them.”

  “So, you’re siding with the devil and choosing darkness over light?”

  “Who said anything about the devil?”

  “Lucius is the devil. That’s why he chose you. He is using you as a pawn, and holding Jess and the kids’ wellbeing as ransom to get you to carry out his work.”

  Adam looked over to Lucius. “Is what he said true?”

  Lucius laughed. “It is. I have you right where I want you, and there is nothing you can do about it. If you turn on me, then Jess and the kids will die, and I promise it will be one of the most horrific deaths this world has seen.”

  Jude spoke again. “He’s lying Adam. He does not have the power to take a life.” Jude looked at Lucius. Lucius looked back with a level glare. “He is warping your mind where you’re most vulnerable. You still have the power to save yourself. Do you remember what I said to you the last time we spoke? If you are remorseful, you can still make things right. All you have to do is admit your wrongs and ask forgiveness. You can still be saved Adam.”

  “I remember, and that’s the main reason I was running for the last week. I hated changing into this form. Jess and the kids, I’ve failed them over the last few years. How can I face them like this, knowing I was willing to sell my soul?”

  The glow faded from Jude’s teeth and claws as he stepped forward towards Adam. “A day at a time. Live each day to make a difference. The man who attacked me and put me in the hospital has been redeemed and now works for the betterment of humanity rather than contributing to its destruction. Are you willing to change and join us? I don’t want to fight you.”

  “Nor I you. You’ve been a good friend to Jess and I for so many years, and you’re practically an Uncle to our kids.” Adam lowered his gaze to the ground. “I’ll join you. I don’t want to be the person I’ve been for the past few years. Whatever it takes to get my wife and kids back and to ensure their safety.”

  Jude nodded and walked over to Adam. He looked up at him and said, “Brace yourself. This will hurt.” Adam nodded, as Jude’s claws and teeth started glowing once more. As if clapping his hands together he spread his arms wide and plunged his claws into Adam’s body. They pierced his scales and met flesh. Jude stretched his jaw wide and sank his teeth into Adam. The pain, almost unbearable, caused him to writhe as all his body was seared clean of any transgressions. The pain was, strangely enough, emotionally healing. His blood boiled within his veins and then slowly began to cool.

  Jude removed his teeth and claws, and then stepped away from Adam. He watched as waves of golden light radiated from beneath Adam’s scales. The more time elapsed the less he writhed in agony. A few minutes later, he took a deep breath and opened his marble patterned eyes as he exhaled. Jude stepped up to his friend. “How do you feel?”

  “Free! I feel renewed, and there is so much energy. I’m sorry I was such a pain over the past few years.”

  Jude placed his paw on top of Adam’s head between his eyes. “There is no need to apologize. All is forgiven.”

  Lucius walked forward furious. “You can’t turn your back on me! I will fulfill my promise. You’re wife and kids will suffer and you will watch!” He stopped in the middle of the street.

  Adam let out a bellowing hiss and then spoke. “You no longer have power over me. You lack the power to murder my wife and kids. The only power you have is what you are granted on your short little leash.”

  As Lucius grew quiet, Michael walked out and stood next to Adam and Jude. All the lights dimmed and went out. Adam and Jude heard Michael unsheathe his sword. “Stay vigilant. He is defying God’s command. Whatever happens, watch each other’s back and keep fighting.” The stench of rot and sulfur filled their nostrils. As the city lights blazed to life once again, they understood why. They were surrounded by countless demons of the underworld. Lucius’ laugh could be heard over the din of growls and snarls.

  Lucius’ growling voice roared his command, “Kill and devour them!”

  The mass surged forward, closing the circle around them. Michael moved forward to meet those nearest him. His movements were similar to that of a Spartan soldier. With incomprehensible strength, he slammed his shield into a group of Lucius’ underlings disorienting them. He then slashed and stabbed to debilitate the throng. Jude became a whirlwind of fur and glowing teeth and claws. His movements created a glowing ribbon dance through the mass of demons. The light started out golden, but after a couple minutes, the trails turned into streams of crimson and grey. Adam began biting and sweeping his tail, obliterating anything in its path.

  They were making decent progress keeping up with the torrential onslaught. After a few minutes, they realized that once an enemy degenerated from existence in a puff of smoldering embers, another would be spit out of the pavement. Michael, Adam, and Jude backed into the center of the circle and stared out at their enemies closing in on them.

  Jude said, “We can’t keep holding them off like this. More reappear every time another is wiped out.”

  Michael said, “Brace yourselves
. This will be very loud and will hurt tremendously. The disorientation will pass within a moment. Are you ready?

  Jude and Adam simultaneously shouted, “Do it!”

  Michael stepped forward and raised his shield and sword. He stretched his arms and slammed his blade broadside into the side of his shield. A sound wave rang out. The visible shock wave instantly wiped out all the demons surrounding them and blew out car windows and building windows nearby. No new demons rose from the pavement. Michael looked around to see Jude and Adam shaking their heads and then looking around in amazement once the fog had cleared. “Are you two okay?”

  Jude shook his head once more and looked at Adam who nodded. “Yeah, we’re okay. Why didn’t you do that from the start?”

  Michael laughed. “I don’t get to use these as often as I used to. I also figured you two could use the exercise and practice. It’s hard to say what kind of enemies you may confront in the future.”

  A guttural roar cut their conversation short. They looked to Lucius. He had once again transformed into his gargoyle form. “Michael! You were ordered not to interfere! You’ve ruined everything!”

  Michael faced Lucius. “I was ordered not to interfere within parameters. The fight was to be theirs and theirs alone. You were not to intercede in any way, shape, or form.” Lucius’ breathing grew deeper. Streams of smoke emanated from his nostrils with each exhale. “My orders were to assist in any instance where three or more were involved.”

  Lucius’ voice came in a growl, “For millennia you have foiled any plans I’ve structured. I’ve grown sick of your meddling. It’s time for us to end this.” The smoke flowing from Lucius’ nostrils turned to flame and ignited his entire form. He began stepping forward building speed with each stride. Lucius had gapped the distance by half, when a hand appeared around his throat and stopped him in his tracks.

  Jude and Adam looked on in amazement. The owner of the hand was cloaked in a hooded white robe. The entire bottom of the robe appeared saturated and dripping crimson onto the pavement. The arm contained a massive scar on the wrist. Lucius instantly reverted back into his human form. He sputtered and gasped his words. “You aren’t supposed to be meddling in these affairs. You tried to fight me thousands of years ago, and look where that got you. He couldn’t even look at you afterward. You have always lost to me.”