CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
“As you may or may not be aware,” Robert began, “the Realm of the Dead has multiple layers. These layers are based on varying beliefs of what is held in the afterlife. With me so far?”
We all nodded.
“Good. Unfortunately, each layer is home to a considerable evil. For where there is a good belief, so there is an evil one. It’s the balance of nature. These evil beliefs are kept prisoner on each layer.” Robert looked to me. “You, Sharon already know this, as the only being whom I could speak to physically that knows exactly what you are, is said prisoner.”
“Can’t you speak with the All Seeing One?” I asked.
Robert laughed. “Oh goodness no. The All Seeing One isn’t a physical being. I guess if you had a faith you might refer to it as a God of sorts. It sees all that happens throughout the entire Realm of the Dead, which includes every layer. So as you can imagine, it is extremely busy at all times.”
“So nobody has ever seen the All Seeing One?” Myra piped up.
Robert turned his gaze upon her. “Oh yes, but only those that have succumbed to the powers they have been gifted and done wrong. This is why you must all be very careful with your abilities in the living realm. It is easy to get too caught up in it, the power can manifest itself within you and become its own life force, as it were. You must be in control at all times. Think of your powers as a parasite.”
“I’m confused though,” I spoke. “If the All Seeing One isn’t a physical form, how did it write that NDA?” Alex laughed.
“That’s a good question!” he replied.
Robert stared at me a moment with a confused look upon his face. “Er, you know, no one has ever asked me that, and to be honest, I’m not entirely sure how the All Seeing One does what it does. I mean if it focuses on you for doing something terrible, you are summoned to it, so I assume it manifests itself into a form we can understand. I think if you gazed upon it now it would probably scramble your minds and send you crazy.”
Although the question wasn’t really answered to our satisfaction, it did kind of make sense. After all, a being that could be everywhere and nowhere at once, must have some mighty powers, and writing a letter seemed pretty insignificant after all.
“So what is this all about then?” Myra spoke. “We still don’t know why we are summoned here.”
Robert cleared his throat. “Ah yes, the war.”
“WAR?” Alex and Myra repeated at the same time. I sat silent, waiting.
“Ah, I think I got ahead of myself.” Robert scratched his head. “Oh yes, the prisoners in some of the realms have escaped and are now rampaging across our realm looking for a way out.”
“How is this a war though?” I asked. “Surely it’s just a hunt down and recapture?”
Robert looked solemn. “Alas, I wish it were that easy. Some of the prisoners have crossed over into the other realms and are now fighting one another. Also one prisoner that we know of has escaped into the living realm and is now causing mischief.”
Alex raised his hand, and Robert urged him to speak. “How did these prisoners escape in the first place? It seems a bit strange that they all escaped at roughly the same time.”
Both myself and Myra nodded in unison.
“Good question Alex. As you know, the Realm of the Dead is home to a vast range of beings that hold various abilities. Now some people have been made Wardens. These people are able to cross realms and act as Guardians, Protectors as it were to our realms. They are extremely powerful but cannot leave here and visit the living realm. However there is one other being that can commune with the other realms. They are known here as the T’char. They cannot cross realms, but can communicate with one another. I believe this is how the coordination of prisoner escapes was dealt with.”
“Do you believe it was these T’char that helped the prisoners escape?” I asked.
“Investigations are still on going as to who released them. I would personally believe if they were coordinating such a thing, that they would be the most likely suspects, but who knows. The prisoners held in each realm, have high influential powers. Any who visit them can be forced to do anything against their own will.”
“But surely they would have been guarded?” Myra asked concerned.
“We have a few beings that have trained their Shielding technique to the highest possible range, so these people take turns in keeping watch. However a Shield is not full proof, it is only as strong as the person wielding it, and only works whilst conscious.”
“So if they get tired, or are knocked out by someone, then they are susceptible to the prisoners’ whim?” Alex spoke.
Robert nodded. “We believe this has been a clever attack, made by the prisoners themselves, who somehow have managed to get hold of someone then use them to spread the word of a rebellion, a war.”
“Would those who are taken over by the prisoners know that they have been?” I asked.
Robert shook his head. “We don’t believe so. Though there have been some cases where the persons involved were already willing to cooperate with the prisoners and so they work in tandem. However most people, are used, and no matter how much they fight, once they are under a prisoner’s ability, escape is usually impossible until the prisoner lets you go.”
I spoke again. “So do we know which prisoner is currently running amok in the living realm, and which ones are still fighting here?”
Robert nodded again. “Yes, we are aware of which prisoner is in the living realm. Luckily for us, he is not as dangerous as the one in this realm, who is still imprisoned. The one in question is named Loki.”
“Loki!?” I exclaimed. “You don’t mean the God Loki?”
Robert laughed. “Actually yes, that is the one in the same if you believe such a thing. Loki has been around for as long as anyone can remember. If you don’t know your Norse Mythology, Loki was the God of Mischief. However, this Loki is no longer that same God. He has been imprisoned for so long I believe his image of himself is now to cause as much suffering as possible because of it. He seeks revenge for being locked away.”
I sighed. Great; a revengeful ex-God on the loose, and we have to stop him?
“So how do we stop such a being?” Alex asked. “What can we do?”
“Each of you has specific abilities as you already know. I need you three, to work as a team to track down and capture Loki. The other Daemon’s of the other realms will also be joining you, for the world is a big place, and he could be anywhere. As for the other escaped prisoners, those of us here with the means, will attempt to recapture them before they find a way to the living realm as well.”
“So where do we start, what would you suggest?” Alex spoke for us all.
Robert thought a moment. “Well you three are each from various parts of the world. It might be best you all go back to your own country and start investigating from there.”
“And how will we be able to stay in contact whilst on the living realm?” I added.
“Take these,” Robert handed us each a small, round, black device. “Put these in your ears. To communicate with each other, just touch them with your finger to turn them on and off.”
I took one and admired the small gadget. “Looks just like a Bluetooth device.” I said. Alex and Myra nodded in agreement. “Who would have thought, the Realm of the Dead had a need for gadgets?”
Alex chuckled. Myra fiddled with her device in her ear.
“So what happens when we locate Loki? How do we capture him?” Alex spoke up again.
Robert looked at us all one by one. “Unfortunately, this is unprecedented. We have no idea how you can capture him but capture him, you must! I am sure you will be able to figure out a way if you all combine your efforts. There is a building in London, England, home to Mi5, which is the meeting point for all Daemons’. I would suggest meeting there first, coordinate your efforts with the others, and then spread out and search. Loki will be bound to use his mischief some way to bring
himself to our attention, he likes an audience and won’t stay hidden forever.”
“What about our own personal tasks?” I asked quietly.
Robert focused his gaze upon my own. “Remember your own tasks, but be sure to make Loki your priority. For example if you are needed to help another Daemon and you are about to haunt someone, Loki comes first. Drop what you are doing and head straight to where you are needed.”
We all nodded, understanding. I was still torn though. I had to see Sam, I had to find my murderers. Why did this have to happen now!? I have so much to do!
“That is the way of things I am afraid, Sharon.” Robert had read my mind again. “Being a Daemon is a huge task to be given, yet those powers are not just for your use alone, you work for the Realm of the Dead now, and you have been called upon to serve. This is a price we all pay for having the gifts granted upon us. Many do not get them, and they can end up bitter and twisted after death so much because they have no form of release.”
“What happens to them?” Myra spoke.
Robert grimaced. “They become twisted, evil things. You might find them in the forests outside, they live underground in the darkness and they no longer appear human. Some things are best left alone.”
Finally Robert stood up. “So, I wish you all luck, remember you can return at any time if you require assistance here or knowledge. Knowledge is power, as they say, and in this case, they may be right! Sharon, can you stay a moment. Alex, Myra, we shall meet again soon.”
Alex and Myra left the room leaving me alone with Robert.
“Sharon, I have a request to ask of you. Some of the other teachers here may require your unusual abilities in a few days, so I ask that you return in three days’ time. Come alone and find this room once more. I will await you here, and then take you to the others.”
“What do they need from me?” I asked worried.
“No need to know right now, just focus on the task at hand. Loki is dangerous, so please be careful. I will see you in a few days.” I nodded and Robert snapped a finger and disappeared, leaving me alone. I headed out into the corridor to find Alex chatting with Myra.
“What was that about?” Alex asked me, curiosity written across his face. I waved him off.
“I have been asked to return in three days’ time. For what, I have no idea.”
“I’ll come with you then,” Alex suggested.
I shook my head. “I have to come back alone. Must be some big secret, but they won’t even tell me until I return.”
Myra squinted her eyes at me and scowled. “I don’t know you, and you give off a strange resonance to me. I don’t trust you, there is something wrong, but I don’t know what it is. I just ask you to stay well away from me.”
I stood there shocked at her outburst.
Alex was also shocked. “Myra! How can you say such a thing?”
I shook my head and placed a hand on Alex’s shoulder. “It’s ok Alex.” I looked at Myra, straight in the eye. “I admit, I am unsure what I am capable of yet, but whatever is within me, whatever I can do, I will not do anything to harm us all, you have my word.”
Myra shook her head quickly. “Your word does not count in this. I have strong senses, and you just smell wrong. I am sorry, but I cannot trust you.” She turned on a heel and headed down the corridor.
Looking to Alex, I asked him, “Do I smell wrong to you too?”
He shook his head. “No, but then I don’t have that ability. I sense nothing wrong in you, though there is something different there. Be it good or evil, I cannot tell. For me though Sharon, I go by my instincts, and I trust you. You seem to be a good lady, one of justice and you are not afraid to hand it out, however harsh it may seem to some. I would rather be in your good books than cast you as an enemy.”
I smiled. “I’m glad you believe that, Alex. At least I have someone I can trust here. Oh by the way. Have you come across some mirrors that show you faces that are not your own?”
“Oh yes. There is a special hall that is full of them. Come, I will take you to them.”
“Thank you,” I replied as he led me back down the corridor to the entrance.
“Do you know what they are for?” he asked me. I shook my head in response. “They are the memory mirrors. They show you things, people that you need to recall. What are you needing to find?”
“My murderers.” I said flatly.
“Ah.” Alex replied, and in silence, he guided me back to the main tower, and took me up another flight of stairs. The hallway was wide here. On each wall, mirrors were lined up, some large, some small, other mirrors that appeared to float in the air in the middle of the room. There were a few other people here too gazing at the mirrors, searching their own memories.
“Here we go,” Alex gestured to a mirror. “Good luck and I will see you in the living realm. Try not to be too long, ok?” I smiled at him again and nodded my reply.
Alex headed off to the stairs once more and disappeared from my view. I looked about at the mirrors and headed towards the first one on the wall. I felt disappointment when all it did was show me myself. I edged over to the next. Again, just me.
As I made my way around the mirrors, one that was in the middle of the room started to shimmer as I drew closer. I focused on it and stood before the glass. It was misty, and no image of me or anything showed. Gazing at it, my head tilted slightly as something started to come into focus. It was dark, and looked like broken glass. The image shifted to show a dark alleyway. My eyes widened as I realised it was showing me my last moments on Earth. My brow furrowed as three men appeared out of nowhere and surrounded me, catching me off guard. The image I saw was like watching myself; I wasn’t seeing through my eyes, but from a little way above me. I watched as they dragged me to my house, punched me and shoved me indoors. The images shifted to the inside of my kitchen, and I could see what each man was doing around me. Scarface was pinning me to the desk, the bulky man behind me was pulling at my skirt and tights, and the last man had his back to me, facing the sink. I still couldn’t see him properly.
The image suddenly shifted, and the face of the man with a scar on his nose appeared. I knew him; Scarface. An image appeared next to him with a photograph of himself and the newspaper heading below.
Gary Oldham, 29
Another face appeared, this time of the larger man who had raped me first. His face was large, eyes too close together, a small goatee on his chin. I shuddered. Another newspaper clipping appeared alongside it.
Frederick Banner, 35
I waited as the mirror image started to merge into another face. This time of one I didn’t recognise. This must be the one who cut me with the broken bottle. His face was slim, high cheekbones, squinty eyes, and a thin mono-brow. Eww. The newspaper clipping came up beside it, this time with the name;
Ray Winner, 30
I continued to gaze at the mirror as the image swirled into a fine mist, then disappeared, leaving only my reflection. “Thank you.” I spoke to the mirror, and headed for the stairs. I had to leave and find these men before I was summoned to find Loki first. I ran as quickly as I could once reaching the outside, down the path to where my door waited. I plunged myself through.
I had hoped on reaching the other side I would be back in the prison, but no, I was back beside my old kitchen table. I guess this is my portal to come back. As I was here, I headed out the front door, not even bothering to see if anyone was home and headed across the street. I had to see Sam. I couldn’t believe I had left it this long. Poor Sam, I hope you are ok.
I reached her door and headed inside. The house was a mess, the rooms cluttered with paperwork, takeaway boxes and tissues. I scouted the house room by room. There was no one downstairs. I headed up, and tried the first bedroom. Well bedroom, was a long shot, it was a storage room. Boxes were piled high on top of each other, curtains closed. I headed to the next room, the master bedroom, the bed covers were strewn everywhere. I searched about the room and noticed something on
the bedside table. A glass of water was standing beside a small bottle of pills, a few of them scattered over the side. I felt suddenly panicky, and rushed into the bathroom. I had not prepared myself for this. Please no. My mind was racing.
The bathroom floor was wet, from bath water spilt over the edge, the shower curtain was drawn across it. Slowly I reached for the curtain and shakily pulled it to one side. The scream made me jump.
“Who’s there?” Sam cried, sloshing about in the water. Grabbing a towel off the side, she wrapped herself in it and climbed out. Drying herself down she donned a dressing gown, and stepped into the hallway listening. “Where are you!? Show yourself!” she shouted. She had no form of defence on her, and I was surprised by her outburst. I was just glad she hadn’t killed herself. If I had been an intruder though, what was she playing at? Did she want to die?
“Come on, you scum! Do your worst! Not like I have anything to live for any way!” Sam was ranting now, fuming. She searched both her bedrooms and then ran downstairs, expecting to find someone waiting for her.
She wanted to die? Why Sam, why? I despaired. I had to do something. This wasn’t the Sam I knew. Following her, I entered her living room.
I focused on my voice, and spoke. “Sam, please stop.” Sam stood still and looked about.
“Who’s there? Where are you?” she demanded.
“It’s me, Sam. It’s Sharon.”
Sam scowled. “Sharon’s dead you sick asshole! Show yourself!”
I sighed, and made my image appear before her. Sam just stared at me her eyes so wide, I thought she might faint. I watched as she fell backwards, almost in slow motion, and she did just that.
All Hope Lost Page 14
