The Light, the Dark and the Ugly

by Bryan Cohen

  Ted took his eyes away from sightseeing. "It's like nothing I've ever seen before."

  The General nodded. "My predecessor wanted this to be a structure unparalleled on all other worlds. He succeeded, though I hear that skyscraper in Dubai is pretty impressive."

  The General came to a stop at the edge of the walkway. He motioned for Ted to look over the side. While a part of Ted didn't want to trust the dark soul leader so close to the edge of the tallest tower he'd ever seen, Ted figured the General wouldn't bring him all this way just to push him off a building. He glanced down.

  Ted's jaw hit the floor. "There are so many of them."

  Far below his feet, Ted watched as tens of thousands soldiers sparred with each other. In one section, the dark souls worked on hand-to-hand combat. In another, they shot at targets using energy blasters. In the far section, Ted made out a training arena for Lychos and Draconfolk.

  They'd destroy us all in a week.

  Ted looked up to the General, doing his best to look calm and unimpressed. "Quite an army you've got there, General."

  The General grinned. "Enough with the formalities. Please, call me William."

  Chapter 17

  Kit Kable leaned back onto his stool during his town hall-style debate with President Blake. The room seemed pretty unimpressive to him with its green carpet and 70s sense of style. Terry told him it looked better on TV, so he tried to ignore the feeling that he was in high school again. The audience was filled with bright-eyed college kids and downtrodden adults who’d play well enough on camera. He looked around and thought just how puny and insignificant the entire room was compared to him. He’d been chosen to protect the world, and now he was in the process of saving it from itself. The plight of some bankrupt bean farmer from Tennessee didn’t mean much in his grand scheme of things.

  Kable set his smile at neutral as the President stood to answer the latest question. Though Ted Finley’s name hadn’t come up yet, Kable could read the living soul’s name on the edge of the next speaker’s lips. A college-aged girl with more piercings than hair took the microphone. He held back a sigh as he thought about Sandra and watched the counter-culture twenty-something intently.

  She held the mic up to her mouth. “President Blake. Two weeks ago, you declared war on the other world and put distance between your administration and superhero Ted Finley.” She paused to gather herself. “Do you think he’s gone missing because of you?”

  Kable considered restraint, but he figured now was as good a time to go for the jugular as any. He beamed a thought right into the girl’s mind.

  She held the mic tight as her eyes welled up with tears. “Because it’s pretty obvious to me that we need him now more than ever.”

  The girl nearly dropped the mic as she handed it back. Kable knew she’d be scolded for going off script, but now it was out there and her emotion hung thick in the air. Blake remained composed on camera, though Kable loved imagining the standing President squirming behind closed doors.

  Kable had flown into a rage when Blake made his impromptu announcement about the administration’s policy on Ted. When the hero disappeared, however, Kable never anticipated the blame to land squarely on the White House. Between learning about the double life Sandra was leading and the hero’s vacation, Blake’s numbers dipped to toilet levels. If Kable rode this one out for the next couple of weeks, he’d be the one sitting atop the U.S. throne.

  Blake nodded a few times and showed a face of resolve. “We always need heroes. From the firefighters pulling us from harm to the policemen patrolling our streets.” He let a smile slip through. “The system works because we trust our protectors. When we lose that trust, the relationship simply doesn’t work.” Blake took two meaningful steps toward the crowd. “The actions of Erica LaPlante and her associates have called our trust of Ted Finley into question.” He turned back and gestured toward Kable. “These fugitives from justice attacked my opponent. While we may not see eye-to-eye on the issues, I’d protect Kit’s life with my own any day of the week.”

  As soon as he finished, the crowd’s applause burst out like an open soda that'd been shaken one too many times. Kable detected the slightest hint of a wink in Blake’s expression.

  Well done. You didn’t become the top dog by accident.

  Kable stood and gave a few eyebrow raises in Blake’s direction. “For your benefit, Mr. President, I’ll try not to get in any more trouble.”

  The audience chortled, and Kable got a thumbs-up from his campaign manager Terry far behind the cameras. As Blake returned to his stool, another average citizen took the mic. He had a hipster look about him with his bushy beard being the most notable feature about him.

  His voice had a higher pitch than Kable expected as he spoke into the mic. “Senator Kable, while we’re on the subject of Ted, I’d like to ask you about the Free Ted Movement.”

  Terry had first sent word about the campaign as Kable healed from his gunshot wounds in the hospital. In the same way that Go Home Alien had been a massive social media trend, #FreeTed became a global sensation. The movement began right after Blake’s declaration, but it kicked into high gear in the days following the rally. Even a collection of A-list celebrities had lent their voices to the cause, though Kable assumed that had more to do with the in-development Ted origin story blockbuster movie than it did with his criminal accusations.

  The man and his beard continued. “Millions of people have shared their support to exonerate Ted and Erica. If you become President, how will you address the members of this group?”

  Kable felt the pride of preparation go through him. He could’ve easily used his powers to steer all the questions to his strengths, but there was something he liked about studying his potential answers on the fly. For obvious reasons, this was a subject he’d thought about long and hard.

  “The Free Ted Movement demonstrates what’s so great about democracy.” He took a pointed step toward the bearded man. “When someone comes up with a cause, the people can choose to support it.” Kable straightened his spine. “As President, I’ll make sure Ted and his team get their fair day in court. I’ll help their case reach the Supreme Court if necessary.” He pumped his fist. “Our government will not stand pat if these heroes have been wrongfully accused!”

  The town hall attendees stood and clapped at that one, though they really weren’t supposed to do that until the end. Kable only had to mentally prod three stragglers in the back to make it a full standing ovation.

  Two hours later, Kable sat in his dressing room with Terry. Like the meeting room, his quarters seemed to have been constructed in another age when people were smaller and comfort wasn't a top priority. The campaign manager was going over the itinerary for the next day or two, and Kable was smiling and nodding as he flipped through his phone messages. When Terry stopped speaking, Kable took his eyes off the screen and glanced up.

  “Something wrong?”

  Terry scratched at his neck. “Senator, I have to get something off my chest.”

  Kable didn’t recognize the look on his friend’s face. There was anguish in it. And fear.

  Kable gave Terry a puzzled glance. “Of course. You know you can tell me anything.”

  Terry let out more breath than Kable knew a pair of lungs could hold. “I know we haven’t talked about it, but I actually remember the day of the rally. Sandra. The gun. The plan. I remember it all.”

  Kable sighed. Terry had been one of the few people in this world he could count on.

  “I see.” Kable considered how discretely he could dispose of Terry’s body. “That really is a shame.”

  Terry raised his voice. “I don’t think you understand. I want to help.”

  All thoughts of murder leapt out of Kable’s head. He flashed Terry a smile. “Terry. You sly dog.”

  Terry didn’t meet Kable's gaze, but he did begin fishing through his briefcase. “When I signed up for this gig, I said I’d help you using whatever means necessary.” He pulled out
a sealed manila envelope. The campaign manager’s hand shook slightly as he passed it over. “And I meant it.”

  Kable grabbed the packet and opened it up. What he saw inside made him happier than any answer he’d given during the debate. He let out a deep breath. “It really is a pleasure working with you. You turn problems into solutions.”

  Kable took one last look at the envelope’s contents. It was a series of satellite pictures. Each one took a different view of a country farm in the middle of nowhere.

  Terry’s demeanor remained stoic. “Our sources say that they’ll all be back within the next 12 hours. Would you like me to handle it?”

  Kable placed the photos back inside the envelope. “Actually, why don’t we do this together?” He felt joy tickle his insides. “After all, we do make one heck of a team.”

  Chapter 18

  Erica’s original name was Cora. She was human through and through. At least, until the light souls chose her to become the living soul. Her protector, a recently-deceased family friend named James, suggested that she run away from her life and forget everything she’d known. Those first few lessons of flying and fighting made her consider it. There was so much joy in taking to the sky. Freedom had never been an option for her, but that's what it felt like when she soared through the clouds. The idea that she could help people throughout the world highlighted just how dull her life would be otherwise. There was only one problem.

  William wasn’t the most handsome and he didn’t have the greatest handle of the English language, despite being a native speaker. But she was his. They’d been betrothed for months, and she’d only become a living soul three weeks before the wedding date. Though she was torn, and the new James told her she was making a huge mistake, Cora decided to go through with the wedding.

  It was held in her family's church, a stone building that seemed to take religious tradition to a whole new level. Cora hadn’t detected anything different in William’s eyes when she walked to the altar. He looked as dopey and loving as ever. Maybe even more so. Her heart felt larger than normal, as if she could actually have it all: family, duty and love. Shortly before they were to exchange rings, William removed a concealed blade from his pocket. Cora almost didn’t see it in time, as he aimed to slice her neck. She blocked the knife with her arms at the last moment. Their friends and family gasped as the blood streamed down onto her dress. Instinct took over, and she kicked William hard in the chest. He slammed into the wall before he fled with the bloody knife in hand. When the adrenaline and endorphins had calmed for a moment, the panic hit her. She’d learned enough to know that William was dead, and that he’d been taken over by the enemy. Everything inside her crumbled, and she fought to keep the tears from mixing with the blood on her dress.

  She passed by her parents at a full sprint, unaware that this would be the last time she’d see them. Cora pulled herself loose of the most restraining parts of her garb and pushed the front doors of the church open with her powers. She saw William on a distant rooftop and flew into the air after him. She landed a few buildings away and pursued by foot. They ran across the tops of several houses and merchant stores. She gained a bit of ground on him with every rooftop leap.

  He’s dead. My William is dead.

  The tears in her eyes converted to anger. She vowed to kill him and run away from this place. Nobody would ever hurt the ones she loved again.

  As she passed by the smithery, Cora floated a blade into the air. She gripped the hilt and screamed at William.

  “Enough!” Her voice carried well on a quiet evening with little in the way of wind. “I won’t tire, and I won’t stop until you’re dead.” William turned and she glared at the bloody knife in his hands. “So you may as well face me.”

  William grinned in a way that was completely unfamiliar to her. He looked confident and soulless. More fear than she imagined possible spread through her. She’d put everyone she’d known at risk to be with this man. Could she possibly put a sword in his gut?

  “Cora, my love.” William’s voice cut deeper than any blade ever could. “Can’t our first fight come after the bedding?”

  Cora’s heart broke as William came running toward her at top speed. He easily kicked away her half-hearted swing of the sword and tripped her. Her back slammed hard on the roof. William aimed his knife at her chest, but she rolled away before he could strike. As she stood up, William kicked the sword from her hands. The blade scattered away. Cora attempted to use her powers to bring it back to her hand, but William’s gaze blocked her abilities.

  “You’re too weak.” William turned the knife in his hand. “After you die, I think the first person I kill will be your mother. She’ll make a great addition to the cause.”

  Cora grew hot with rage. She ran at William, ducking at just the right moment to avoid his blade. She hit him twice in the arm, and his knife fell to the ground. William blocked her next punch and grabbed at the arm wound where his blade had sliced her on the altar. His squeeze caused more blood to spill out, and the pain and wooziness threatened to slow her down. She railed against her discomfort with every last ounce of strength, kicking her former fiancé square in the leg. When he fell to one knee, she elbowed him in the side of the face, causing him to release his grip. Now his hands and her arms were stained with red. Cora planted her feet to run back to the sword, but William was up in a hurry. He pulled the back of her clothes and cinched his arms around her neck before she could turn back toward the weapon. Cora clutched at her throat as she struggled for air. His grip was too tight, and without her powers, there was no way to make him release it.

  “It was a losing battle, anyway.” William’s tone was practically jovial. “Soon enough, the dark souls will take everything. It’s simply our right.”

  Cora swallowed as best she could and watched the stars form in front of her eyes. Darkness flickered in and out as she crouched as low as she could.

  The words she uttered came out in a croak. “How about your right to die?”

  Cora slammed her skull into William’s chin. While he didn’t release his grasp, it did cause him to briefly divert his eyes. It was more than enough time for Cora. With a single, powerful motion, she sent the blade shooting through the air behind them. It completely pierced William's back and cut into her own body. Despite the sight of a sword's blade sticking through her chest, the impact was so quick that she hardly felt the pain. The sword had gone through both of their hearts. Her fiancé’s screams and a few flickers of blue light were the last things she remembered in her final moments as a human.

  When her eyes opened, she was bewildered to see the bright light of the sky above. Cora felt at her chest, but it was free of the self-inflicted wound. She looked in every direction, but William was nowhere to be seen either. Cora assumed she’d landed herself in heaven. Or hell.

  Both guesses were wrong. The steps she’d taken to kill William had been successful, but they’d had an effect on both worlds she couldn’t have anticipated. The mixing of dark soul and living soul blood had changed everything. Cora was no longer mortal. Henceforth, a part of her would be eternal, and her life would never be her own again.

  “You okay?”

  Erica leapt out of her head and back into the present. Redican was staring at her as the truck they’d borrowed kicked up pebbles along the dirt path.

  “I said your name a few times. I wasn’t sure if you were awake or…."

  Erica raised her eyebrows. “You can’t get rid of me that easily.”

  Nobody can.

  Redican smirked. “I’d never dream of it. I just wanted to let you know we were almost back.”

  Erica nodded and looked back out the window. It was unlikely that Ted would end up like her, but the rules that governed all the realms were fluid. Her death had proven that. She just hoped that she’d be able to get to Ted in time before he encountered something that was just as irreversible.

  Chapter 19

  Ted stared into the eyes of the General, or Wil
liam as he wanted to be called. If there were differences between them, then they must have all been on the inside. His appearance aside, there were many questions he wanted to ask.

  William looked down to the thousands of training troops. "Could you imagine all of them on Earth?" The General frowned. "It'd be a slaughter."

  Ted's stomach twisted. "It sounds like that isn't what you want."

  William took his eyes off the training and walked back toward the throne room. "It's a last-ditch option, Ted. This is what your protector and the light souls have driven us to."

  Ted fumed a bit at hearing him talk of Erica that way, but there was something that held him back. The raiders in the village had been light souls, and they would've killed him if it weren't for Natalie. He'd been called a weapon and a pawn in this war. What if those terms had been accurate?

  Ted followed closely beside the General. "The first dark soul I met killed my friend Sandra. He tried to kill me, too."

  Their feet slapped against the stone as William nodded with contrition. "I'm sorry to hear that. Please don't blame us for everything we've done. We're like caged animals at this point, and we're fighting for our own survival." He sighed. "Just look at the conditions of that village you came from."

  Ted knew that he and Natalie might have died in the middle of the desert without Razellia. While the whole trial thing was touch and go, Ted had a sneaking suspicion that the village would've been on their side after deflecting the light soul raid. The people in the village seemed to have nothing but each other, and yet the light souls attacked them.

  Ted licked at his chapped lips. "It's not what I expected, that's for sure. But it doesn't justify murder."

  William raised his eyebrows. "Nothing ever does. Though it seems to happen quite frequently… on both sides."

  Ted let his eyes drift to the floor. While he could chalk all of his kills up to self-defense, it didn't mean his hands were free of blood.