“Hello, Lucius. It has been quite a wait for us to finally meet.”
I was silent and just stared.
“Nothing to say, after all this time?”
I broke my short silence and blurted, “Your heroic puppet is here.”
There was sympathy in Lira’s yellow eyes and a dash of guilt. “Lucius, you are not a puppet of anyone.”
I scoffed at her reply. “Really?! I was meant to be your vessel until you grew a conscience.”
“It is true that you were meant for me, but I have tried to give you a normal life.”
“Normal – you call this normal?”
“Before your venture into Eve, you were happy,” said Lira
“My life was never normal after Dante had taken my parent's lives.”
There was a short stutter in the Celestial’s voice. “I – I’m sorry for what has happened to you, Lucius. I hid you in the timeline so that Dante could not find you.”
“Well - he found me.”
“That is my fault, I couldn’t hide you for long. The darkness in your heart is too strong to keep from darkness itself. Dante has always been drawn to you.”
“The crow told me I was tainted after my parents died.”
“No, you have always had a shadow inside, because – you are a vessel for Light and Dark.”
“What do you mean?”
“This war cannot go on any longer. Before time, I have tried to end my brother or at least imprison him, with the help from various sources.”
“Sources, like Thea’s father?”
“Yes. He was part of a failed plan.”
“And Thea who became one of your pawns.”
“She became part of something much bigger. A complicated plan that would ensure your arrival at this very moment. ley-lines, false prophecies, medieval daughters, a priest, a crow, and a druid; all this to make sure that me, you, and my brother are in one place.”
“You’ve manipulated everyone...”
“Where there is Light, there is always Darkness. One cannot exist without the other and so, this struggle will go on for an eternity - do you think you are the first to be created for this purpose? There have been many who have come to this point and failed, but you are the strongest, Lucius. I have watched you grow, and I believe that you are capable of anything.”
I couldn’t believe what was coming from this apparent celestial of good.
“Tell me, in your sequence of events, did you involve my grandfather? Did you take him, so that I followed?”
“Yes...”
“Then how can I trust you?”
“You must set aside your hatred for me and think of the possibilities. Worlds can collaborate in blissful harmony; a balance that all creatures need. You have a choice.”
“Do I?”
“Everyone has a choice.”
“Will I be in control of myself? Will I exist?”
“You will become the world’s guardian; the Celestial.”
“Then I shall put aside our differences and act on what is right, for everybody’s sake. But remember Lira, I don’t do this for you.”
She replied, “I understand.”
“How do I end this?”
“Namir will take you to my brother's resting place, where he feeds off my power. To finish his resurrection Dante’s spirit will have to pass into your heart, and both will become one. This is where it’ll become difficult. You must resist his temptation of absolution and tame him within you.”
Easier said than done, I thought
“So, I must become his vessel after all.”
“You will act as our prison and become our vessel; the balance between Light and Darkness. To do this, me and Dante will pass into your heart. I’ll be awaiting my fate at the close.”
“What about my friends? They need help.”
“I still have some influence left. William has managed to stabilise the Maylok door and is now on his way to help Thea.”
“You can see this?” I questioned. “Is she okay?”
Lira’s yellow eyes turned blue, “I can see her - she is fighting Zahar as we speak.”
I asked if Lira could reach Thea, but alas, the Celestial of light was waning.
“Time has run out; the mage has returned.”
Namir walked through the shadows like an apparition and stood beside me. “I hope your brief discussion was fruitful, but it is time we went on our way. Come, Lucius.”
His bony hands clutched under my arm and hoisted me up. The effects of his magic had nearly worn off. I wobbled slightly, but my legs could move. As I looked back, Lira had returned to her cloud form. Her eyes watched in the haze, as I was led down a set of stone stairs. The walls encompassed gothic torches that swayed as we passed by. I could see a door on the basement level. The humidity had changed and felt like we were walking towards a furnace.
Heavy breathing resonated from the room below. It sounded like a sleeping bear.
Namir escorted me into a medieval basement and I looked upon the source of the noise.
The hairs on my neck stood up at attention on hearing the voice that chilled me to the bone when true darkness was close. Another sphere occupied the open space. A physical being comfortably slept inside. It was monstrous and hairy; horns protruded from its head; spikes formed on the spine; it had large elven ears and appeared ancient. Its dark colour made it hard to distinguish the creature’s facial features, but as we came close, the beast's intense red eye’s opened and dilatated.
Its mouth smiled like a Cheshire cat, displaying the fangs of a wild animal.
“Master,” called Namir. “I have brought you, what no other could. Your followers have failed, but I have triumphed. Your resurrection shall be completed. The boy awaits you, master.”
The Darkness spoke: “Well done Namir. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed and shall be rewarded.”
“I shall have revenge on the Priest,” said Namir.
The beast then glared at me, “Lucius Domhill. Haven’t you grown.”
Chapter Fifteen - The Beast
Dante had certainly changed since we last fought. His appearance in the past was more goat-like and lean; he’d resembled the fallen angel out of the ancient texts. This reincarnation of the Celestial's true form was more frightening to the naked eye. I couldn’t show my body tremble and had to keep face. Whatever was ahead, Lira’s words had stuck with me. I had to be the entity’s vessel and fight him within my heart.
“How do you like my machine?” said Dante.
The sphere was the exact replica to Lira’s prison; golden inscriptions of the Gaelic language mysteriously spread across the glass. I’d noticed the source of Dante’s revival being sapped through the ceiling. It was a veil of the clouded substance; the same particles that embodied Lira.
Still, I was silent.
The beast floated inside his capsule. “These spheres were forged by Umber and his little inquisitive minions. They were an impressive race.”
“Until you committed mass genocide.”
“He speaks!” mocked Dante. “I only needed one druid, as you will probably know by now. Suppose my tales would’ve been shared. I am what some call, an opportunist.”
“I know of your evil acts to find me and finish your little squabble with a sibling who is equally to blame for everything. In my eyes, you are both masters of manipulation.”
“Come now Lucius, why so glum? Today, you will become a god! The King of all vessels!”
“I’ve heard Celestials cannot truly die; I would like to put this to the test.”
“Such fire! Such passion! This is why you are a perfect vessel for Darkness. The power and sheer potential of our unity can take any world we’d like. After so many failed attempts to disrupt my sister's plan, the one Celestial will finally rule. What say you, Lucius Domhill? Join me! This is why you were created!”
“I have no words left for you, filth. I know of your complicated past; what you have done to me and more. I’m here, fo
r one thing, Dante, and that is to end you!”
“As you said, boy, there are no words, expect actions now. And I’ve waited so long for this moment.”
“Take your chance, Demon.”
Dante smiled, as the glass cracked around him. The sphere burst into tiny fragments and the beast stepped forth; Namir dropped to one knee.
I could smell a stale aroma from Dante’s matted fur. His warm breath was visible to the naked eye. His mouth burned with fire.
The beast finally came for me and I stood defiant. My fear was raw, but I couldn’t let it define me. A calm mind, driven by adrenaline is a good preparation for what was to come.
The entity leapt at my chest and reduced in size.
I watched his hair drag into my heart and disappear, like some small gremlin. My anxiety intensified and the walls that surrounded my sanity collapsed. My heartbeat thumped hard and fast.
Is this it!? Am I going to die!?
My shadow changed shape. I had horns growing from out of my head! And they curved at the tips, like a true fiend. Darkness shrouded my vision and I was gone for a second until I chased a thumping noise close by...
*
My feet clattered against the fine oak floor and I fell into a familiar chair. I was in a homely dining room that was decorated for Christmas. Smells of roast turkey and Mrs Turnside’s famous onion gravy came from the kitchen below the floorboards.
I was home and in time for the holidays again. I presumed the World War must have ended because I was refreshed and well-rested. I wore a nice penguin suit and looked ready for the night’s activities. The troubles of the past had washed away.
Grandpa Egbert entered the room dressed in a nice penguin suit too. “Looking sharp my boy! A proper gentleman!” he said, proudly. “Thea will be happy to see you suited and booted.”
His expression changed suddenly, like someone upstairs had flipped a switch and Grandpa became very serious. “But haven’t you forgotten something?”
I didn’t know what he meant. “Forget what?”
Egbert looked puzzled at my reaction and repeated, “Forget what? What are you talking about Lucius?”
“But you just said –
“Thea!” interrupted Egbert, as he announced Arn Siegfried’s daughter.
“Evening Lord Domhill,” bowed Thea.
“Evening Miss Siegfried,” replied Grandpa. He nudged me and said, “You just going to stand there and stare? Say something!”
I’d never seen Thea in a dress before and she was beautiful. Her cheeks blushed as our eyes met and she brushed back the strand of hair that had escaped her elegant bob. She twirled on the spot and showed off her white lace dress.
“Magnificent,” I said.
“You look rather dashing yourself,” replied Thea.
“Look at the two of you,” grinned Egbert, but again, his facial expression turned serious. “But haven’t you forgotten something?”
I thought it was strange and was about to reply until a deep voice came from the doorway. Sammy, my dog, was stood upright and wore a suit like my own. He was balancing champagne glasses on a silver platter and kept it skilfully still. “Your guests have arrived sir.”
“My father should be here too!” said Thea. “Come and meet him.”
Her father? I thought. My brain itched at her words, but nothing came to mind. I was nervous to meet her father. Egbert gave me a thumbs up before we left the room for the hallway.
“Papa!” shouted Thea, excitedly.
A rather lean and mean man stood in the doorway dressed in an old military uniform. He had a sword down his side that didn’t look like military dress code. It was long and straight; the hilt and handle reminded me of a cross.
I stepped forward and saw him in the light. Arn Siegfried was ginger, and he sported a large beard and his hair came down to his neck.
“Hello poppet,” said Arn. “And who is this?”
“Father, this is my fiancée. Lucius.”
Fiancée? But I don’t remember asking her, I thought.
Arn sized me up, then shook my hand. I tried to tense my muscles so that my hand was more solid and sturdy.
“A firm handshake. Can always tell what kind of man you are by the gentleman code.”
“It’s nice to finally meet you, Sir,” I replied.
“And you, Knight of Light.”
Again, a flash occurred at the back of my mind. I could have sworn Thea’s father appeared as a corpse; his face was pale, and his skull was prominent. The ginger hair had faded to a thin white and his eyes appeared possessed. It happened for a second before he returned to normal and strangely, I didn’t think anything of it.
“Thank you,” said Arn.
“For what? Sir.”
“For keeping her safe, but Lucius, you must remember.”
Remember.
Another memory broke free from my heart. I was inside a carriage, huddled against a warm body. I felt the fair woman’s lungs rise and fall, as I snuggled against her. I was a young child and a happy one. She stroked my hair as the ocean flew by the carriage window. On the opposite seat, a man with the Domhill nose analysed notes within a journal. He wore the same oval spectacles as Grandpa and a long navy coat. Their features became slightly blurred before my mind re-entered the hall because that was all I ever remembered.
Sammy announced the start of ‘the Roan Hall Annual Ball’ and waved everyone into the next room. We followed the crowd towards the soft joyful music and watched the people of Fairfax farm dance.
Kara and Idle swayed away with Sedgwick and Prya in hand. The Egyptian girl of the future appeared free and content. The Gnome’s beard was full of golden beads and Sedge’s height was tricky for Kara; her heels gave Sedgwick an extra height to contend with. Mr Turnside tapped his foot, whilst his wife prepped the table with food. Little French boy Aly sat under the table with the puppies; they’d managed to steal some bread and shared it amongst them. Mrs Turnside occasionally stopped and watched the revelries for a few seconds before prepping more appetisers.
Thea pulled me away from the festivities and we headed to the secret garden. She raced down the short hill and touched the garden door with a triumphant smile. Hamish came out of his doghouse to see what the ruckus was. I passed our guard dog and patted him on the head: “Good boy.”
Déjà vu, I thought.
Thea turned the handle and we stepped into Grandpa’s unusual exotic garden. The moonlight entranced the wild and the night insects were visible. We sat on a bench, under my favourite plant; a Gunnera. The huge green leaves engulfed half the garden, a perfect summer spot too.
Thea sat close and rested her head on my shoulder. Her hair smelt like strawberries.
“We could stay like this forever,” said Thea.
“I’d like that,” I replied.
Thea’s voice quivered, “But...”
“But, what?”
She looked into my eyes to say, “You must remember, Lucius. Unlock the memory that you have hidden for all these years. Let the Darkness consume your heart and become one...”
A flash caused me to fall to the ground. I was succumbing to the pain of a tragedy that left me a lonely child.
“See! – see!” she yelled.
*
My head rested on my mother’s shoulder and I was disturbed by a bump in the road. My father looked up and smiled, before returning to his work.
The carriage had gained a considerable increase in speed. A red drop of liquid landed on my nose from above. It seeped in through the lining of our carriage. I rubbed it off and showed my mother. My parents looked shocked and my father rushed to peer out of the carriage window.
He came back to utter words of meaning, but I was too scared to listen. He clambered out of the window before we hit a fence and churned up a grass verge. Before I knew it, I was miraculously pulled from out of the carriage door and away from my mother’s comfort. Magic clutched my shoulders and I watched my parent's faces disappear over a cliff
edge with a stranger who held the reins. The coach drivers’ blood was smeared over his shadowed face; his eyes wide with fear and guilt.
I blacked out and found myself alone in a field; cold and disorientated. A ghostly figure watched from afar, journal in hand. I heard my Grandpa’s comforting voice beyond a line of trees. It had been a three-day search until I was found with no explanation as to why I was there and how I survived.
*
I was back in the garden. My chest felt heavy and the pain migrated to my head.
Thea was stood in front of me; her appearance gradually changing as fire engulfed the secret garden. The walls collapsed and crumbled to dust. A red mist of smoke blazed over the small hill. My house crashed and burned with my loved ones inside; their screams screeched through my ears. It was like an orchestra of sirens.
“Do you see now, Lucius.”
Dante stood before me on a pile of ash. We were surrounded by fire once more, but not the blue flame that could singe his skin. His brown fur danced in the flames, as his black eyes looked upon me. Shadows began to formulate over our surroundings; the Demon had begun his meal.
“Do you feel the darkness within your heart?”
There was a change. The conflict of raw emotions had always been there, but the strength and pull from my enemy caused me to sway sides.
“Damn you!” I shouted. “What did you do!? What did you do!?”
“I didn’t touch them, boy!”
I gasped and shouted, “You lie fiend!”
“For once in my existence, this is a crime I did not commit.”
“But you came for me! You’ve always known how my parents died!”
“I sensed it within your soul. I looked past flesh and bone to see your forgotten memory that lay dormant. A memory that acted as a catalyst towards unlocking the darkness within you.” I could smell sulphur from the beast’s breath, as he explained. “I have only known of your existence when we met in Eve’s cathedral and even then, I was too weak to sense the darkness within your heart. Why else would I leave you be?”
Celestial's World Page 8
