"Come now, Fire Eye, where's your fight?" His smiled died as a tear pierced her lava eye. His gut turned. He had been hoping she would break and surrender, but not this. He rose up from her, letting his hand stroke her body.
Jackknifing off the floor, she struggled to get away from him, but it was useless; she didn't have the strength. This wasn't the way it was supposed to be. But it was too late now. He could feel the fear choking her, and for the first time, he got no satisfaction from it. He went to her and held her, even though she tried to push him away. She quivered like they all did. Even the strongest crumbed before him.
"This was not how it was supposed to be, you know," he sighed. "I actually liked you. You, more than most, showed spine and such honesty. This truth you command is a poison to me. It intoxicated me." He breathed in her scent. "Refreshing and clean, just like you. I like it. I wanted you. I finally found another who can overcome the darkness and fear."
She struggled to get away, weeping. She strained, but he held her close.
"I want you now as well, but only because of the fear, and it would only be sex, nothing satisfying. You could have had me, but now you die." She had made him feel for the first time he could remember. But it did not matter. The truth was that this world did not deserve her and her gift. He wanted to punish everyone because of what he had gone through. And now he wanted to punish everyone for her and her pain--the pain and memories that undoubtedly had caused her to succumb wholly to the fear. He needed her to himself. "The Oracle is already dying, so she is no threat, but I will have to kill the others, you know."
Her breath quickened. "Please …"
The begging. No, please, no begging. Not from you. She stopped struggling and wheezed.
"All eighteen of them, starting with the eldest and ending with your twin. I will make sure he suffers the most. And Granger will suffer alongside him. He never should have touched you." Because you are mine. "I suppose I will have to kill the remnant as well," he sighed, "I cannot let you have any more fear. I will take it all away from you. Then you will be perfect."
"No." She strained her throat saying the word as she held her chest, trying to breathe. She dug her nails into her shirt as if pain was in her chest. The fear was affecting her heart. It wouldn't be long now.
"You won't survive this." He smiled, pressing his covered lips into the clammy skin of her cheek. "I admire your strength." If only he had it. He laid her aside, and she struggled for air, and pain streaked across her face. He stood and walked from the room, looking back at her. He smiled as he saw her jerk one last time in pain. When he saw her lying motionless, he was satisfied that she would no longer suffer in this life. He loved the look of death; it was so quiet and peaceful. The Oracle was right: it was a gift. His most treasured gift.
It's done, he thought before going out into the hallway.
"Who are you, and why are you here?"
He turned to face the woman who matched the starchy female voice.
"Marissa Ivanski. A pleasure." He bowed. "Sorry I can't stay, but maybe we'll talk another day, Madam Pillar." He laughed.
"You know me, Moon," she hissed as her energy lashed out at him. He shielded himself with his own.
"Tsk, such a naughty Pillar." He stepped back, knowing he wouldn't be able to shield from her much longer. Her strength was twice his own.
"Where is she?" the woman snapped.
"Who, the Oracle? Not my duty. I'm the nasty assassin." He smiled, backing up.
She narrowed her eyes. She would try to strike again. He compressed his own energy and transferred it to his legs before dashing away.
Where? She projected her thoughts. I will have her.
Have her? She was mine to have. But she's dead now. See for yourself. He smiled to himself. As for the Oracle, you will receive all the answers in time, like everyone else, but you should be more worried about Augustus Granger. That should keep her busy for awhile.
()()()
Marissa looked down at the lifeless body. One of the threats to their plans was dead; the other was hiding. Where are you, Bethea? She narrowed her eyes, trying to see the old woman, but the Oracle had placed a limit on her powers and those of every Pillar. They could still command a great amount of energy; however, there were now more limits. She might have been dying, but that woman was still far too powerful.
Her phone rang right on time. She flipped it open and began to talk. "The woman is dead. She can't bring back the void. But Bethea got away," she explained.
"No matter. She'll be dead soon. But we need to destroy Granger as well as Devil's Trill. If Granger meets him, we won't be able to do anything. I fear that there could be more problems. Daiki had a confrontation with Jamali. Daiki's dead."
"He's..." She wanted to kill that bastard Jamali.
"Loc and Ishtar have disappeared. I think they are on the move. Why, I don't know, but be careful." Jamali, Loc, and Ishtar were the only Pillars that opposed them. But only Jamali and Loc posed a threat. Yet three against seven … six … might prove to be in their favor. "Now that the vanguard is dead, you should have no problem taking River."
"You just get rid of Granger. The Structure will never be at its former glory if he is allowed to live."
There was mocking laughter on the phone. "Obviously," he said before hanging up.
Marissa checked the woman's pulse. Her body was losing its warmth and her energy was nil. She was definitely dead. If others weren't on their way, she would have buried the body herself. Turning to leave, she had a flash of a vision: a black, eerie darkness filled her mind. It wasn't the void, but something else, something darker and far more sinister. She left quickly knowing the destruction of the Structure had not yet been completely avoided.
()()()
Atlanta, Georgia
The next morning, Sebastian called and confirmed that it was done. Fire Eye was dead.
One threat eliminated. One to go.
Granger.
Arthur looked over at Elliot, who was standing silently at the door. He was unusually quiet. He seemed a bit disappointed. But maybe it was his imagination.
"Is everything okay, Elliot?"
"Yes, sir," he answered, brightening instantly. "Just thinking."
"About?"
"Your next move. We'll have to be careful. Granger won't be an easy target."
"Agreed. We will have to plan this one with extreme accuracy."
"I put our guest in the suite, as you requested. She is being very cooperative." Elliot frowned. He was apprehensive about having the woman in Flame custody.
"She's old and dying. She probably doesn't have the strength or power to put up any struggle. Besides, we are not going to treat her like a captive. She is our guest. No harm should come to her here. Maybe she knows that."
"Maybe."
"If she needs anything, short of a phone, I'll make sure Ernie gets it for her."
Elliot nodded. "If she is who you say she is, she won't need a phone." There was knowledge in his eyes. Something in the other man's gaze seemed to confirm Arthur's suspicions.
"What do you think?" Arthur wanted any information he could get.
"The way she looked at me when she was brought in …" He shook his head, as if to block it out. "I guess I'm just worried. I should go and let you get ready for your meeting with the House Heads."
Arthur smiled. Yes, it was time to discuss his future. "Oh, Elliot. I want to thank you again."
"No need, Arthur. Call me once the meeting is over, and let me know how things work out." Elliot looked very confident. If he was not at all concerned, then the position was as good as his.
He sat in his office for a few moments, glowing in his little victory. But it was not over. It was just beginning. But what drew his mind was the woman. He had to see her face to face.
Getting up from his desk, he went to his private elevator. He took it up to the penthouse section of his building. Stepping off the elevator, he went to one of the condos that had previously
been vacant. Opening the door, he walked in to see the hustle and bustle of his staff preparing the condominium for his new guest. He walked over to the large windows at the far end, where an old woman sat in a folding chair, looking out over the Atlanta skyline. Without any physical help, another folding chair slid up beside him across the floor, passing him and stopping right beside her.
Arthur smiled when the woman, without even turning around, waved for him to join her.
"How are you this fine day, Mr. Clifton?" She smiled a warm smile at him as he sat in the chair.
"Fine, and how are you?" He was taken aback by her greeting. He had not expected such acceptance.
"Well, I am getting better, now that I have a better living arrangement. My own attendant. A view to die for. My daughter would be so jealous right now," she chuckled.
"If there is anything you need …"
"A pack of cigarettes and some matches." The old woman closed her eyes. "And I would like some extra blankets. My old bones get a little cold."
That was all? She didn't want a phone?
"Why would I ask for something I know you wouldn't give me?" she said softly, "That would be counterproductive, now, wouldn't it? Plus Elliot is right. If I am who you think I am, I wouldn't need a phone, would I?" She smiled before yawning.
Arthur was impressed. Thoroughly.
"And are you the Oracle?" Arthur felt the answer without even hearing the words.
"I am Bethea. Birth mother of two. Mama to eighteen. Humble guide to over eight million. Does that help you, baby?"
Arthur was in awe. He was truly sitting beside …
"I'm sorry, but it's been a long day, and I would really like a nap. And you have a meeting to go to." Her eyes twinkled with knowledge, "I have much to tell you, but we can talk afterward. How would you like that?"
()()()
23
Sanctuary, Rocky Mountains, US-Canada Border
Ellis stood with his seventeen siblings and their extended families as they all gathered around the small plot that was his sister's grave. Holding Miko's hand, he felt like any minute, someone would break the cruel tension with some truth that involved Ollie being alive. She had been through so damn much. She had suffered all her life, and now she was …
She's not suffering anymore, Ellis. Granger had told him that when Ellis found out the news. It was Geo who had found the body. He had never seen his big brother cry, ever. But it took Geo ten minutes to pull himself together enough to say the dreaded words.
Though Granger was right, it still hurt like hell. Hell didn't even house the pain that was coursing through his body. He wanted Ollie back. He wanted his twin, the other half of him, back so bad that if he could give his own life, he would. He would sell his soul.
Tears ran down his tired face, but he didn't even try to wipe them away. Looking across the gravesite, he saw several men and women in traditional black walking up late to the memorial. The tallest one, almost his height, was his cousin George. This was his birth mother's family, and many of them were taking a chance by coming here. At least seven of them were Moon. Some of the others, which he knew but did not know their House, were probably Moon as well.
Ellis frowned. Mama should be here. Why hadn't Moon found her yet? They walked up, and George stood beside Granger, quietly looking over at Ellis with pain in his eyes. Neither had spoken since the day Ollie went on a killing spree. But then Ellis hadn't spoken to anyone since finding out Ollie was dead, except Granger and Geo.
()()()
"How can you be so calm? You had feelings for her, didn't you?" Ellis had yelled at Granger, wanting him to hurt as much as he did. Ellis was every bit sorrow and rage.
Granger had stood up from the airplane seat. As he left the cabin, going outside the jet, he had beckoned Ellis to follow. Once out in the open air, Granger had looked up at the sky, pointing to a large cloud overhead.
"You're a smart man, Ellis. A genius. But still you are limited. That's one of the many differences between you and me. I may not hold the same knowledge as you, but…" His words had trailed off. "Yes, I fell in love with your crazy sister. But no matter how much I felt for her, it won't bring her back. She understood better than anyone the need for death. Just like the rain must fall and go back to the sky to repeat again, energy must do the same. It must cycle. It hurts to watch someone die, but it's natural. Even Pillars die, ultimately. You and I … it is all unavoidable.
"Look at the sky, Ellis," Granger had told him, when Ellis had looked down at the ground. "Look at it and think of her as the sister you knew and then think of the greatness she may one day become beyond this life. Be grateful that you were allowed to know her, hug her, and laugh with her. Be grateful she loved you like no one else could. And be happy that she is no longer suffering. That should make you happiest of all." Smiling, Granger had looked at Ellis. "She's not suffering anymore, Ellis."
()()()
Ellis looked over at his little brother Bones, who had been affected so much by what had happened. Though Bones never mentioned what happened, he had been acting so differently. For the last two days, since Ollie's death, Bones had been eating every hour on the hour, never needing to be told. Ric said he believed that Bones didn't want to waste the energy that Ollie had given him to keep him alive. But food wasn't the only thing Bones was consuming. He read and studied far more than he used to. It was getting harder and harder to pry him from his "research," as he called it. The little guy barely played with Miko anymore. So instead she studied with him.
What really astonished him was the rate at which Bones studied. He could read a book in an hour and repeat, word for word, what it said. His mother was beginning to worry, so she had asked Ellis and Ric to investigate. They spoke to Bones to see if he felt guilty about what happened to Ollie, but the answer they got was beyond anything they had expected.
Why should I feel guilty? Ollie made her choice, as she always has. We all know she would have done it whether I wanted her to or not. He had smiled at them with a brilliant, cheeky grin. I love Ollie, because she opened my eyes. There is so much in this world I want to see and learn before I die.
I feel no pain. But I know you all do. Which is good, because the depth of your pain reflects the depth of the love you had for her. Love and pain are connected. Where one ends, the other begins.
As the holy man presided over the memorial, Ellis looked up at the sky. Ollie, I miss you. The tears never stopped as he smiled seeing her beautiful, carefree face and wild, curly hair. He felt someone grab his other free hand. Looking down at Bones looking up at him with so much respect and knowledge, it was like looking at another person. Though he didn't have Ollie's eyes or her wild ways, Ellis felt as if Ollie was right next to him. It had to be the energy Bones had been given. But it had been two days since that transfer happened. Would the young boy still have Ollie's energy within him?
After the memorial, as they lowered the casket into the ground, the siblings and their family headed for the cars. But Ellis stayed. He didn't want to leave her just yet. I can't breathe, brutha. Ollie was right: he was pathetic. His life, his purpose, had centered on protecting her, and he had failed. He had failed her twice, and yet she never saw it that way. Maybe she was right; maybe, just maybe, there was more for him out there, but he couldn't see it. His guilt over allowing her to be taken and destroyed was …
It meant nothing now. There was no way to make amends. All he could hope was that she had found peace, because he never would.
"Cousin, yer've to let go," George said, coming to stand beside him. Ellis glanced over at the man before looking back down at the casket. "I know you 'urt, but you must move forward. She'd kick yer bloody ass if you didn'."
Ellis laughed, knowing she would.
"If you wanna make 'er 'appy, do what she would've wanted you to do, for once." George nudged Ellis.
His cousin was right. Ollie wouldn't want him moping over her. She was always encouraging him to get on with his life.
"So what do you think I should do?" Ellis asked, looking at him.
"Well, 'ere is somethin' we need you to do that only you can." George sighed, looking at Ellis with stern, green eyes. His angelic face seemed to harden. Moon business.
"I'm on vacation." Ellis balled up his fists, gripping them so hard that his stubby nails began to bite into his skin. Was George really going to talk business at his sister's funeral?
"I know 'is isn' the time." George's voice quieted. "But 'ere is somethin that Ollie dinna finish."
"Damn you, George." Ellis turned to leave, but George cut in front of him.
"Listen, an' listen carefully," George said low and threateningly. "I'm no' about to tell you what yer've to do. In fact, yer've more say in yer duties 'an I do. Though I 'ave taken over Ollie's position, there's one thin' she 'ad that I don'. An' the only other person 'at can get it is …"
Ellis laughed bitterly. Ellis and Ollie were the only ones who could find the old geezer. Devil's Trill kept his location a secret from almost everyone except the twins. Now Ellis was the only one who could find him.
"You know I won't give you that information." Ellis looked at him.
"I know. 'at's why I need you to deliver to 'im." George sighed, sounding defeated.
"What?"
"No what. Who." He looked up at Granger, who was getting into his limo.
So Granger was the next Oracle. Ellis looked at George, who nodded, confirming it.
"Fine, but I need a few days."
"Take all the time you need. It isn' yer job to protect 'im. 'at belongs to us." George looked back over his shoulder. "'Ow's the lil one?" he asked curiously. Ellis followed his eyes to where Bones was getting into the car with his mother.
Children of Sun (Oracle's Legacy) Page 32
