I had wandered down into town and was walking towards the sandwich shop when I felt the same presence as on the beach. I stopped in my tracks and scanned the sidewalk. I did my best to look as normal as possible, even though my excitement level was building tenfold. My hands began to get clammy, and I felt like my vision was going in and out. It was like I was having a massive head rush, but I hadn’t moved. There was an empty bench that was covered in leftover rain droplets, and I didn’t care. I sat down immediately feeling the wetness penetrate through my jeans doing nothing to bring me out of my fog. I continued to scan the streets and sidewalk looking for someone who I knew was impossible to find. The electricity began zipping through my veins. I knew he was close. I didn’t know where. There were city workers placing hanging baskets on the light posts and street signs, a supposed welcoming sign of spring. All that did for me was remind me that Athen still wasn’t with me, and the winter season has almost already exited.
My cell phone began to vibrate. It was Arie. I couldn’t answer it. I didn’t want to lose this trace to Athen. As distant as it might be, I didn’t want to lose it. A couple minutes passed by, and I received a text from Arie. She was wondering where I went. Apparently my idea of only being gone 15 minutes turned into 45, and they had made it home already.
I didn’t want them to worry needlessly so I texted back where I was. I knew they were going to come get me. I wasn’t ready to leave. I had no choice though. I had to also stay focused on figuring out the Legion’s modus operandi. Their master plan was to have us all distracted, and it certainly had worked better than I’d like to admit.
It was off to the first beach where the latest attack had occurred. I’d be on my best behavior and give my full attention to the task at hand. And on that, Cyril and Arie pulled up to the sidewalk waiting for our day’s adventures. I climbed into the back of the Jeep and shut the door as I head Matilda’s bark chasing after us. I was sure of it. Turning my head to peer out the back window, I saw nothing of familiarity. There was no dog in sight.
“Let’s get going. I want to show you the place where I was practicing. I think there is a definite connection.” I said, trying my best to get back into the reality of my life rather than the wishful imagery I kept tricking myself into believing as a possibility.
We were about to our destination, and I felt my nerves come to the surface a little. I wasn’t exactly sure why since I was arriving this time with Cyril and Arie, and before, I managed to fight and win against the demons I ran into last by myself.
The day was fabulous for a drive. We had finally had some sun for a few hours so lots of things had started to dry out, which was kind of nice, especially for our little hike. I’ve done it in the rain but not slipping and sliding along the trails will certainly make a quicker trip for us all, and I really liked the idea of getting in and out of the area. The events were far too creepy.
The parking lot was far more filled than when I had been there by myself. Good weather brings out the people in droves, especially in the Northwest. It was such a treat to get sunshine in the Northwest, particularly in the spring.
The very beginnings of the wildflower season was starting to make its introduction, and it was a beautiful sight to be able to see the delicate, white flowers peaking out from under the logs, and the pink florets guiding us along the trails.
We began making our way down to the beach, and I truly did feel safer in the company of my family. The sea air was full of the salty dampness that I had come to expect being so near the ocean. Feeling the moist air coat my lungs made me appreciate the moment that much more. Laughter from the families, who were already searching out the greatest finds in the tide pools, brought me such happiness. Not having Athen by my side as we made this trek, made my heart quiver but knowing that we might be able to figure out the demons’ next move or prevent an attack on any innocent victim made my day feel a lot more important.
The scene was beautiful with the rays of the sun dancing off the ocean, creating a clarity in the tide pools as the sea life did its best to make the tourists happy. I did my best to stay away from the slippery rocks, and I think Cyril and Arie were appreciative since they didn’t feel like doing any rescues on their inept in-law.
We climbed up the trail that was now a lot less rough than when I was there last time after a rain. The long sea grass bowed, leading the way as we climbed further and further up the hill, leaving the families to play down by the ocean. As I began scanning our destination as a predator, I realized this would be an ideal spot for the next so-called cougar attack. When we reached the top near the forest that I last practiced at, I studied the landscape understanding completely now why the demons would have chosen this for their possible next stomping grounds, slash attack grounds.
“Wow, guys. I don’t know why I didn’t think about it sooner. This place gets just enough foot traffic to ensure a victim, but it’s far enough from the beach and main groups to get away with it.”
“I think we may have found the next attack site. What about you, Arie? Think we stumbled upon it?” Cyril asked squeezing her neck muscles.
“Yeah, I’d say so. I’m getting a really horrible feeling to match the geography.”
“I agree. It’s like the longer we stand here the worse it gets. I don’t know how I didn’t pick up on it before.” I said, shaking my head.
“They may not have decided on this place yet. It may have been a recent development.” Cyril said, walking over to where I jumped from tree limb to tree limb during my private practice session.
“Is this where you took those guys out?” He asked, kneeling down touching his fingers to the dirt.
“Yep, that’s the spot. Why?” I wondered how he could find the exact spot out of the entire field we were standing in.
“One of my special talents, I guess we could say.”
“Really? You can scope out battle places?” I asked laughing.
“Kinda,” Cyril said, unable to resist, “I can figure out when battles have occurred, when recent enough, and I can see how they ended.”
“That’s an odd skill.” I said genuinely perplexed, unable to see how useful that could be.
“You’re one to talk.” He shook his head, throwing a pebble at my feet.
“I’m sure I’ll figure out the significance of that at some point.”
A noise grabbed our attention coming from the direction of the woods, and Cyril slowly backed up towards where Arie and I were standing.
“Guess we aren’t alone.” Arie whispered.
Feeling the same sensation wash over me like many times before, I realized we were in the presence of the dark demons. We very well may have stumbled upon something yet again.
The figures began to emerge from the dark wooded area and sure enough they were demons. Two of them were the same from my last encounter. The two I took care of were obviously easily replaced. They had been up to something suspicious for sure. Their eyes meeting ours, I looked them over realizing they didn’t actually seem to have any intent to try to attack us, which seemed odd.
Before I knew it, I had walked past Cyril to confront the strangers.
“What’s your intent here?” I asked staring at the male, whose eyes were just as dead as the others, but his teeth looked less threatening.
“I’m sure you read the newspaper.” He replied wryly.
“Why don’t you tell Azazel, that this is child’s play. If it is us he wants, why not come after us. Why target such easy human prey?” I was searching them for answers. Foolish in my thinking that they would actually be able to reveal some sort of nuance that I’d catch as if they were close to us or a mortal in their gestures.
“In fact, I’d love the chance to tell him that myself.” I was beginning to wish that I had kept my mouth shut, fear beginning to invade my thoughts.
Cyril took a step forward, standing next to me.
“Do you honestly think that we’ll continue to allow this?” He asked, nudging himself closer t
o the group of demons. Arie stood next to me as well, her body stiffening in place as Cyril provoked the demons.
“You haven’t done anything yet.” Replied one of the demons.
“That time has changed.” Cyril’s body now slightly hovering over the ground.
I started laughing from deep within.
“My suggestion is that one of you run off to Azazel and invite him to a discussion with me. I’d love to be able to hash some things out.” I said, grinning widely, excited by my confidence. “In the meantime, whoever wants to stay around for a match that I can assure you’ll not win, feel free.”
My body shot towards the demon closest to Cyril. A young minion like that was my best shot for victory. My leg was stuck straight out as I stretched my entire body in an attempt to knock the minion to the ground. Cyril began to take out the one that appeared to be the leader, the one who escaped last time. The ball of my foot landed directly in the chest of my target.
“Make sure you leave one capable of telling Azazel of our message.” Arie said giggling.
We were obviously making our threat viable enough as two of the demons fled back into the woods. My only hope was that my message really would reach Azazel. He was the key. It was time to escalate the situation, get the ball rolling. Looking over at Cyril and Arie, I wasn’t sure they agreed.
Chapter 19
It was dead silent. I wasn’t really sure where I had wandered off to in this city. The sun had set, leaving only the shadows of trees and lamp posts to frighten me enough to think about turning around and going back home. Doing my best to hop over the puddles that the latest rainfall had brought, my mind wandered to Athen. Things felt so pointless without him. My mind, body, and soul ached for him. I wanted to be touched by him, or glance at his smirk, or stare into his eyes - anything to remind myself that he truly existed. That the last few months were not a dream turned nightmare. It was foolish to think that my wandering would lead me to him somehow, but it was the closest thing I had to hope. Doing every move wrong in the book, from running into him at the library, to going out of my way to see him at the hospital, put me in this position.
When he was first taken away from us, I swore to myself that I wouldn’t fall into the traps that Athen fell into. I was going to follow the rules. I was going to get him back quickly and without issue. That was the plan, and I truly believed it. The pull I felt to him, however, was indescribable. It was like a drug. A little was good at first, but then I needed a little more…and after that, a little more. My first little Athen fix at the library satisfied me for a little while but not long enough. It was if the thought of losing him forever couldn’t override the immediate need to be in his presence. It was uncontrollable. I now fully understood how he messed up enough to keep me away for 50 some years because at this rate, it seemed like I was on track to do the same.
The one emotion that has taken me completely by surprise, however, was the anger - the madness that crept in when I least expected it. Anger at Athen for not being able to fight the demons off, anger at myself for not warning Athen, anger at Cyril and Arie for not controlling me better. For instance, why am I trekking the streets of Victoria hoping to run into him? Maybe they gave up on me playing by the rules.
The clapping of footsteps began getting louder behind me. It was an urgent pace and that of a woman’s. My pace began to quicken unexpectedly, not wanting to see who might actually be behind me. The level of fear that was always brewing right at the surface made me lengthen my stride even more. There was a coffee shop at the end of the street that looked pretty busy, right where I needed to be. I jetted up the sidewalk towards the safe haven, only to look behind me and see Lilith, the serpent. She nodded at me, with her large grin and kept walking right past the coffee shop. I felt the breath that I had been holding in slowly escape as I climbed up the stairs to the Starbucks. Feeling the defeat of not finding Athen but running directly into her made my stomach turn to knots. I couldn’t believe she was back so quickly. I thought our victory against her would have bought us more time before she began interfering again. Fighting her in the hospital had given me a little too much confidence and seeing that she was alive and well, still roaming the streets of Victoria, only made the urgency that much more to find Athen again, before she did.
The wooden door swung open with a woman dressed in khakis and a thin, red sweater draping her shoulders, holding her pot of gold, with a man following right behind her. They were both laughing as if there wasn’t a care in the world, their world.
“Thanks.” I was able to utter to the couple as he held the door open for me. I went up to the counter, ordering an Island Oat bar and a Cinnamon Dulce latte. Not wanting to admit defeat and call Cyril and Arie for a ride back to the house, I thought about all my options. My drink was called, which I grabbed quickly and stepped back from the counter, only to have déjà vu flood over me. I scanned the entire coffee shop, realizing that everyone was in their place, exactly like my dream. The only two missing were Lilith and Athen.
My head started spinning, and I was lightheaded. I did my best to steady myself using one of the overstuffed, velvet chairs they had near the fireplace. The tiny sweat droplets began to form at my hairline. I was a mess. I never expected for this dream to become a reality, especially after my hospital encounter. Sure that I had disrupted destiny enough I never let myself see otherwise. Lilith’s defeat should have sent her far away, yet she was back quicker than I ever imagined.
With every swing of the front door bringing in more customers, my gut twisted into a tighter knot making me cringe with pain. Seeing Lilith outside on the sidewalk now made sense. We had scared her off but not enough. She was back, but was she back with Athen or was she ever truly with Athen? I grabbed my phone out of my coat and texted Arie. I needed them now. As my dream played out directly in front of me, I went on the other side of the chair where I could position myself for the door to swing open and reveal the greatest disappointment of my life. I was placing my coffee on the table when I felt the blast of air ripple through me. It was him.
Seeing Athen, gorgeous as ever made my heart begin to swell. The pain from not being able to run over to him and jump in his arms, made the tears begin to form, and I didn’t know what else to do besides stare. Then it hit me, Lilith was nowhere to be found. In my dream she was waiting for him at the counter, and he only had eyes for her, ignored me completely. She wasn’t in here, but this was my dream. Maybe the hospital disrupted things enough. The theme park ride of emotions that were inching their way through my body made me so nervous, I knocked over my latte.
The laughter bounced off the walls like I had heard so many times before. Athen’s beautiful voice reaching every part of my body as I prayed for us to magically reunite in this very moment. Nothing prepared me for being this close to him. His smile was beyond welcoming, and I knew it was directed at me. The baristas came running over with towels to sop up the beige-colored liquid as best they could. But I felt like I wasn’t even in the scene that was playing out. All I could do was watch Athen hoping for some sort of recognition. He ordered his drink and came to stand near me while he waited. Why he wasn’t running out the door after seeing me, I didn’t know. I’m sure he would have had to recognize me from the hospital. These two realities were playing a cruel joke on me, and I was willing to surrender anything to be with him again. I was completely stuck. I didn’t know whether to play into the old act, or ignore him, or what. My entire body began getting so warm, I didn’t know if I’d be able to act even a little civilized being so close to him.
“Hey, miss. What was your order? This one’s on the house.”
“Um, the barista’s talking to you.” Athen’s lips were moving. He was talking directly to me.
“Huh? Oh, sorry. You don’t have to do that. I’m so sorry.”
“Well, we will just look at your cup if you don’t tell us.” The barista was such a friendly guy.
“Cinnamon Dulce then.” I said, trying to play as if
I was somewhat human.
“That’s totally embarrassing.” I said under my breath, more to me than anyone.
“I’ve a feeling there’s been worse moments for ya.” Athen said, winking at me as he grabbed his drink on the counter. It was like before with him. My heart knew the familiarity before my mind did. I only hoped that he recognized that we were tethered to one another somehow, if not tonight - soon.
“Quite possibly.” I said trying to keep up the charade.
“You know,” He said, “Have I seen you around before?”
Totally puzzled now, I didn’t know what to say or do. I wanted to touch him, maybe only a little, like an accident - possibly trip into him or place my hand on his back - anything, to quench the urge that was literally growing stronger by the second.
I grabbed my bag quickly before I did something I’d regret. Darting to the counter to get my newly refreshed drink, I forced myself to barely look at him. The pull was too great. I had to escape.
“It’s a small town.” I said flashing a smile, doing my best to make it outside to wait for Arie.
Legions Page 11
