by J. C. Fiske
“This is so crazy! But how come I don’t know what you’re thinking?” Gisbo asked.
“Because I am merely a guide, that little whisper inside who tells you what you could be, what you are meant to be. That is why I am here, as encouragement, and because you saved my life, I am forever dedicated to yours,” Fao said.
“Wow, this is such a head trip. My brain’s not made for such stretching,” Gisbo said.
“You say that a lot, but we both know you are wrong, Gisbo. When it comes to pure, open-minded imagination, as you can see by looking around you, you just might be a genius. You can’t hide your true self from me here because, well, I represent your true self,” Fao said.
“So, I’m really supposed to be a wolf?” Gisbo said. Fao sighed and shook her head.
“Well, maybe your genius has yet to awaken. No, I am merely a personification your physical brain can handle. This is as close as we can become while your soul is still tied down to the physical realm. The day you die is the day we finally merge into one, and travel to your soul’s true home.”
“Which is?” Gisbo asked.
“Your brain cannot comprehend it; you are limited without me,” Fao said.
“I don’t know how to fathom all this,” Gisbo said.
“You don’t have to. It is my job. You, just like everyone on Thera, has a purpose to serve in the physical realm which affects the unseen spiritual realm, and yours is of the utmost importance.”
“How do you know so much? And if you’re a part of me, how come you’re so smart when I’m probably legally retarded?” Gisbo said. Fao laughed again.
“There you go insulting yourself again! We both know it isn’t true. There is greatness lying within you. Unfortunately, it’s overcrowded with your own insecurities, rage, big breasts, and other things we need to clear through first.”
“Got to admit, big boobs are all the rage up here,” Gisbo said, pointing to his head. Fao ignored him and continued.
“When I am tied to the physical realm, I am quite limited, too. Hence why I need your guidance there to survive. We are one, Gisbo, a team. I need as much guidance out there as you need in here. Don’t shut me out. I love you, Gisbo, more than anything in the world, and I want to see the life that I AM intended for you come to fruition. When your life starts to become hazy and lost, I will lead you through,” Fao said as she trotted over to Gisbo and nuzzled his leg. Gisbo sat down and stared his wolf in the eyes.
“I had no idea you were so special, Fao. I love you, too,” Gisbo said.
“I will warn you, though, about something,” Fao said.
“About what?”
“The other voices,” Fao said.
“Other?” Gisbo asked.
“Yes, them, out in the woods, waiting for you even now. This pasture has expanded some since I came here. It used to be quite small. A lot of dark places in your heart still need clearing before you can reach beyond. And in those dark places, the dark things hide themselves,” Fao said. Gisbo looked into the darkness and swore he saw little white glints and red eyes flash devilishly.
“While you are tied to the physical realm, a mirror realm is set against it. Every action, like a reflection, affects both sides. You cannot see the other side of the mirror while facing it. . . all you will see is yourself staring back at you, all alone . . . That is where the lie begins. Just past that mirror, a war is going on I hope you won’t ever witness. But what might be even worse is to forget it is there. I hope you never do, but I can see it, and it is violent and horrible to behold,” Fao said.
“Are you talking about the Seraphs and the Maras? All that talk from Perry?” Gisbo said. Fao nodded.
“Yes. The mirror is only one way. You cannot see them, but they can see you. They shout lies at you, constantly, to take you off the path. You musn’t listen. They will force others to intercept you, to bring you pain. They will use the elements against you, they will tempt you, they will hunt you without remorse. Anything to steer you clear from your purpose. Their best weapon is you.
“When something wrong happens, you look to that mirror and all you see staring back is you. You must accept responsibility for your actions, but you cannot blame yourself. You cannot! Once you accept that false self in the mirror, the Maras will have you, and they will be able to reach me through you. They will do all they can, and they can see everyone’s paths. They will force others to intercept yours, to bring you pain. They will use the elements against you, they will tempt you, they will hunt you without remorse. Anything to steer you clear from your purpose.”
Gisbo looked away from his wolf in silence.
“Even now, I feel them out there, plotting, whispering things in the darkness. I know you have seen people who go through life and everything seems to work for them. Money comes easily, success comes easily, life in general is easy. Why do you think that is?” Fao asked. Gisbo immediately thought of the people of Oak County.
“I . . . don’t know,” Gisbo finally said.
“Allow me to put it differently. If you were the enemy, who would you attack?” Fao asked. Gisbo didn’t even need to think.
“The ones that provide a threat,” Gisbo said.
“Exactly! The enemy doesn’t fear complacent people because, honestly, what can they do? In many ways, they help the enemy with their indifference, so what does the enemy do? They reward them a life of superficiality, luxury, anything to take their minds off the unseen webs of work, and instead focus all their attacks on those who would do them harm. Do you understand?” Fao asked. Gisbo nodded.
“I never thought of it that way . . . Fao, am I a threat?” Gisbo asked.
“You, Gisbo, may be their biggest threat of all. You have one thing on your side, however, preventing all out war against you. Your ignorance. I don’t say that as a bad thing. Those who know the path you need to take have hidden it from you for good reason. As soon as you know the purpose of the Man-Phoenix, they will stop at nothing to claim you.”
“But not only bad things happen to threats. Many good things have happened in my life lately, as well. I’m happier than I’ve ever been!” Gisbo said.
“And I hope you may always keep that mental state, but I know it won’t be the case. That is why I am here. Do you trust me?” Fao asked. Gisbo turned to look at his wolf.
“How could I not trust you?” Gisbo said.
“As long as you trust me, that is a start, but you must understand that, even behind me, behind those mirrors and the battle, there lies another voice, even quieter, yet more powerful than mine,” Fao said. Gisbo rolled his eyes.
“Why do you doubt him?” Fao asked. Gisbo shrugged.
“I don’t know,” Gisbo said.
“But you believe he’s there?” Fao asked.
“I used to not think so, but too many things have happened in my life lately to disprove it,” Gisbo said.
“You believe he’s there, but you don’t trust him. You don’t have faith?” Fao asked.
“In a way, I guess. I have seen too many things to believe he is an all-powerful, all-controlling being with an eternal love. I’m not stupid. I know that the Phoenix, or IAM or whatever, has his agenda too, whatever that may be,” Gisbo said.
“At least now you understand he does exist. That is an important first step. The barrier that IAM himself conceived still blocks him from direct contact with us, but through me and through the Phoenix, he can still provide help, voices of encouragement, gifts to win the final battle. We will win, Gisbo. We must, and you are going to be a major asset,” Fao said. Gisbo rose to his feet.
“You mean to tell me, that me, me, remember, Gisbo Falcon, knucklebrain extraodinaire, dumbass extreme, is going to help tip the scale?” Gisbo asked.
“Only you can decide that,” Fao said.
“Yada, yada. Then this is something else I can’t get my head around. What the hell was IAM thinking to trust ME as the replacement for Vadid?! Vadid couldn’t even set things right himself and he was the best! He
knew all this, too, didn’t he?” Gisbo asked.
“I am not Vadid, therefore I do not know Vadid’s path or if he reached his purpose, but what I do see is his path is not yet finished. He still has a part to play,” Fao said. Gisbo’s eyes went big upon hearing this.
“His path isn’t finished? You’re serious?! You mean that, that Vadid is still alive?” Gisbo asked. Fao shook her head.
“He is neither living, nor is he dead. That is all I know. Now back to you. You must train and train hard. Do not listen to the voices invading your thoughts. Don’t ever believe everything you think, that is where they get you,” Fao said.
“I understand, I think.”
“Now, I think we both agree Heaven’s Shelter is the ideal place for me to reside, yes?” Fao asked.
“Funny, I thought the same thing,” Gisbo said.
“I know you did,” Fao said with an oddly human smile for a wolf.
“Good! So that’s it, then?” Gisbo said. Fao nodded.
“That’s it, my boy. Just open your eyes and I’ll be sent away. Just know that you can summon me back whenever you desire. A piece of me always resides in you. I can always find my way back for that reason,” Fao said.
“It still feels so crazy I can talk to you. Naforians must love their powers. But can Rolce know everything we just talked about?” Gisbo said. Fao shook her head.
“No, my mind becomes limited in the physical realm. One more thing before I leave,” Fao said.
“What is it?” Gisbo asked.
“Never forget how you felt in Oak County. Part of your purpose lies there,” Fao said. Gisbo cocked an eyebrow.
“What do you mean by that?” Gisbo asked.
“Don’t forget that feeling you had in the quiet times of the morning and just before slumber, the times when the business of the world stopped and you were alone. IAM attempts to speak to your heart then, to bring it alive and set it free. He resides in the beauty of the world, the sunrise, the autumn leaves, the still lake, the moon, the twinkling stars. Through these, you will hear his voice best. That is why we travel to the ocean shores at night.
“You are searching for something you can’t quite explain. You have found your purpose, Gisbo, your dream, your passion, but so many others . . . have not. Show them, show them what it means to live from a heart fully alive, to use reason when reason demands it, but to never deny the desire of their hearts. Don’t turn your back on the walking dead, those without hearts. Be an example and fight for them, set their hearts free! In the end, that’s all this battle is about. The hearts of men and woman everywhere. Can you do this for me? For you?” Gisbo smiled.
“That is something I don’t mind doing at all,” Gisbo said with a confident grin. Fao chuckled.
“Then goodbye for now, my boy!” Fao said, actually lifting a paw.
“Soon as I get to wherever it is I’m going, I’ll summon you back. Till then, girl, I’ll miss you,” Gisbo said.
“And I you. Set them free, Gisbo,” Fao said.
Gisbo opened his eyes and Fao exploded in a burst of red mist. Gisbo looked down excitedly, proud he had learned it so quickly.
“See, told you it would come natural. Off you go, Akila,” Falcon said as he shouted his tiger’s name and she disappeared in a red cloud.
“You have a nice talk with Fao?” Falcon mused.
“Did I ever! It was amazing!” Gisbo said.
“I’d listen to whatever she says; she knows you better than you do,” Falcon said. Gisbo nodded.
“I’ve never felt so sure of myself before, or such peace . . . it was incredible, but I can already feel it fading,” Gisbo said, frowning.
“That’s just how life is, I’m afraid, but spending time with your Boon offers a break from the chaos. It is a shame time doesn’t flow while you are present within your inner world. Probably because it would be so easy to waste away in a place like that,” Falcon said.
“That is a shame,” Gisbo said. Falcon smiled.
“Come on, let’s see how your skeeting skills have improved,” Falcon said. In a quick motion, he tossed his sword to the ground, ignited it in a flash, boarded it, and shot to the sky.
“Hey! Wait up! Geesh!” Gisbo said as he frantically tossed his own sword to the ground and did the same. Gisbo flew off into the night sky, smiling as he chased the fiery blotch circling figure eights, then forming the words, “Hurry it up!” in the sky. Gisbo laughed, and soon he was side by side with his father, flying over the desert, unable to wipe the smile off his face.
They flew until they reached the edge of the desert where the ocean met, and they kept flying onward. The ocean waves crashed below them, and they flew until they reached a small inlet of land that stretched from Flaria, across the water, in a giant curve. They landed at the very tip of this inlet where a small cave lay.
“Follow me,” Falcon said. They disengaged their essence and entered the cave, making their way toward the back, only to find a dead end.
“Where to now?” Gisbo asked.
“Just watch,” Falcon said. He ignited his essence and placed a hand on the back wall. Suddenly, reddish veins cracked out like a spiderweb. The veins rapidly began to spread out across the cave wall.
“Grab onto me, we’re goin’ for a ride,” Falcon said. Gisbo did as he was told.
“Here we go . . . ahem . . . The stories of history must be told of the land of Thera, a sight to behold!” Falcon said aloud. Everything went red with a loud WHOOSH and Gisbo felt like he’d been shot out of a cannon. Suddenly, they were in a totally different cave and Falcon continued the familiar poem, still touching the back of the cave wall.
“A place beyond your wildest dreams; And endless possibility is not as it seems,” Falcon said. There was another exhilarating woosh, and when the redness had left Gisbo’s eyes, he realized they were now standing in the middle of a luscious green rainforest. Falcon now had his hand on the base of a gigantic tree.
“Wait. Are we in Naforia?” Gisbo managed to ask aloud. Falcon ignored him and continued.
“Where people filled with morning light can turn darker than a moonless night,” Falcon continued. Their trip continued and they were now thrust back into another cave.
“What the?” Gisbo muttered.
“For power rests within their souls and ancient gifts will take their tolls,” Falcon said, and they were off once again. When the redness left Gisbo’s gaze this time, he felt a cold shiver creep across his body and saw he was in the snowy mountains of Soria. Below him, he saw a familiar snow-filled valley: the invisible resting place of Heaven’s Shelter.
“Home! Wait! Let’s go say hi!” Gisbo said. Again, Falcon ignored him and continued, placing his hand against the side of the snowy mountain itself.
“So strong and wise your heart must be to find what others refuse to see,” Falcon said. In another WHOOSH, they were back in a Flarian cave.
“Hardships a-many and battles long, so in cornered peril, just sing this song,” Falcon bellowed. This time, Gisbo found himself thrust onto the shore of a beautiful tropical island.
“Is this Aquaria?” Gisbo muttered to himself. Falcon placed his hand on a palm tree and finished the final line of the poem.
“Destiny calls, and win or lose, it’s not how you fight, but how you choose!” Falcon finished. With a final WHOOSH, Gisbo and Falcon were in what seemed to be a cavern, as if carved out purposefully into a long hallway. Torches adorned the walls in a neat line, and at the far side of the hallway lay a heavy door, laden with bronze handles and a tapestry of none other than Vadid the Valiant standing beside his Boon, a fierce white lion.
“Sorry, I was ignoring you. If I had messed up the poem at all, we would have been thrust back to the root of origin, and don’t feel bad if you puke. Teleporting takes a while to get used to,” Falcon said. Gisbo looked at him oddly.
“Really? I actually feel . . .” Gisbo didn’t have time to say the word “fine” before his last meal erupted from his mouth and on
to the sand as he fell, followed by two more upchucks. Breathing hard, Gisbo wiped his mouth with his sleeve.
“Cripes . . .” Gisbo said, rising to his shaky feet.
“Don’t worry about it. You alright?” Falcon asked.
“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine now, geesh,” Gisbo said.
“Funny how you always seem to puke upon arriving to any a new city. But yes, to answer your past questions, that was indeed Naforia and Soaria. Flarian transportations are all across the planet and all eventually lead right to here, the place where those Flarians stubborn enough to relocate from their home reside. The only place you’ll find a tougher bunch is, well, the Flarians in Heaven’s Shelter,” Falcon said with a laugh.
“But why’d we have to zoom around so many times?! That was ridiculous!” Gisbo said.
“A precaution. This place is a secret, and these Flarian transporters can only be used by a Flarian. Should another race place their hand on the items we used, nothing would happen. The poem is just another means of defense, and the third is being thrust across multiple points of origin to throw off anyone watching. When we reach the caves, they randomize, as well, with hundreds of different possibilities. For twenty years now, this has been a quite fool-proof system, and with so few Flarians around, even more secure,” Falcon said.
“I guess that makes sense. So if I want to get out of here, I have to say that poem all the way through?” Gisbo asked.
“Only if you want to get back to the original cave we walked into. You can stop at certain lines in the poem to travel to certain places if you wish, but don’t worry about it. You’re not going anywhere anytime soon. Now . . .” Falcon started, but he was interrupted by a latch opening on the giant doors before them.
The large doors were swept aside, and before them stood a man with thinning, salt-and-pepper hair, a strong jaw, and the same battle-hardened eyes as Falcon, except a darker shade of brown. He wore the traditional garb of a full-fledged Nazarite, with the same above and beyond markings, except, oddly enough, his suit was not blue, but red. The man held out his arms as he walked toward them with a smile that looked as if it showed up quite frequently.
