Against the Fallen

by Devin Lee Carlson

  She shook her head. Tears streamed down her face. My own cheeks became wet. “I destroyed millions of Malakhim because I thought I lost you and...” I paused, her name caught in my throat. “Zoeree.” A whimper squeezed through my teeth sandwiched by a malicious smile. Her lack of compassion tore my heart in half. She had no idea of the torment I’d bear after the atrocities released on the Malakhim. Forever branded the destroyer.

  “I wasn’t thinking of you at the time. I feared for Zoeree’s life. The Malakhim raided our townhouse and threatened to destroy us. Then, as if by magic, every Malakhim in the townhouse exploded one after the other. Their bodies ripped through the air leaving a powdery dust. I thought we were next, so, I took matters into my own hands.”

  Her selfishness refueled my fury. “My doing. I dusted every Malakhim within a thousand-mile radius. Your silent treatment cost me—blackened my soul.”

  “Easy Brian,” Sabree said. “She didn’t know what else to do.”

  “Easy?” I snapped, stabbing a finger at his chest. “You’re the one whose panicky outbursts betrayed a different story. Your pitiful pleas to kill them egged me on! Zoeree would have been a victim of my wrath if Loree had not been summoned. My niece would be dust. That’s why our ability to connect to each other is so important.” My gaze shot daggers at my sister. “Our connection too.”

  Frustrated beyond reason, I kicked the foot of the bed, knocking it against the wall. “You should’ve warned me that you escaped through the portal while my guts were being ripped out. But no, you couldn’t bother.” On a roll, I spun on Sabree. “One day Zoeree may try to reach out to you, but there will be no bars. Why? Because you’re out of everyone’s network.” My eyes glistened as opposing emotions blinded them. So many Malakhim destroyed on false pretenses. However, reassuring, I had managed to save humankind.

  An evil thought consumed me, the urge to dish out paybacks in the forefront. So why not share. My fingers eased around the baby, and when Sabree released his hold, I cradled her in my arms. No need to expose my niece. “Would you like to experience the mass murder firsthand?” I ignored their shaking heads, smiled savagely, and linked my mind to theirs. Emotional anguish and visuals of the portal trip blasted them. The marvel of the condensed universes and colorful gaseous seas rewound as shared memories filled their minds.

  “My God!” Sabree uttered. “It’s been so long—” The vista combined with the emotional impact of the widespread destruction nearly knocked him off his feet. His fingers dug into my arm. Too much to grasp all at once, his eyes welled, and he wheezed for breath.

  Ariane plopped down on the recliner, screaming for me to stop. She panicked when the baby’s cries filled the room.

  “Don’t worry,” I said with the babe cradled in my arms, “I spared Zoeree. She’s most likely empathic to her mother’s grief.” My gaze bore into Sabree. “Seeing as your mind is closed to all.” I did not have to remind Sabree that only I, alone, could detect his physical and mental status.

  Stunned, unable to utter a word, Ariane and Sabree trembled uncontrollably. After a moment, she ran over to comfort her daughter. “Sorry… I’m so sorry.”

  Sabree pushed away from us and roared a guttural cry, scaring the newborn. “So, this is my fault?” He wrapped his arms around his torso as he paced the room. His head shook in denial when he pointed at me. “How dare you put this on me.” He coughed on a curse. “Grief overwhelmed me. You know that.”

  “You’re right. Forgive me. So sickened by the carnage, I took it out on you.” The bile rising in my throat made me bark a rowdy laugh. “I have become my deepest, darkest fear. I am the Dark One who devoured millions of souls.” I shoved him aside. “Enjoy your family. I refuse to stay and pretend everything’s fine with the world.” I leapt full throttle into JLS speed before either one blinked.

  34

  THREE SHEETS TO THE WIND

  W here could a troubled soul seek solace without worrying about a mister or flier intruding on my retreat? A frigid place with a bird’s eye view came to mind—K2. Second to Mt. Everest in popularity, it was less crowded. Inside the townhouse, I sped full throttle into cold weather gear and stuffed the prized opal, WG moonstone, and four others deep inside the zippered pocket. I searched the lab for some Colton tabs, finding one that had landed on the floor. Picking it up, I tossed the tablet into my mouth and chewed. One should get me there; however, how would I find my way back? Why stress about it? So, this is what my life had amounted to: a flask of malt whisky, a handful of stones or rather archangel tears, and one already consumed Colton tablet.

  After a final glimpse of the townhouse, never to return, I squeezed my eyes shut and envisioned K2’s summit from a recent movie. I appeared on the peak and tucked in tight when buffeting gusts and frozen air blasted me in the face. Out of habit, I sucked in a breath, but none came, the oxygen thin.

  The afternoon sun sank to the west, cresting over nearby mountaintops. Rays of tangerine orange and golden yellows danced across the cooler gradients of lapis and snowdrift white. Thin wispy clouds sparkled like strings of fairy lights as the ice crystals reflected the sun.

  At 28,251 feet, I twirled in place one baby step at a time to admire the 360-degree view of miles and miles of snowcapped mountains. Atop K2, I alighted on its isolated peak to suffer remorse in silence. While here, why not review my misdeeds—my life. Where to begin?

  To create the list in my mind—a long one—my backside plunked down on the packed snow. If nothing else, the sunset would be worth the wait. Perhaps I should celebrate with a toast first, or two, nope three. The Scotsman in me, forever present, pulled out the flask of malt whisky and raised it skyward. “Salute, Duncan, for instilling within us, empathy for humankind.”

  I drank a hearty swig in his honor. Ariane and I, if not already, could still evolve into monstrous creatures. Me more than her. Thanks to Duncan, our love for humanity kept us grounded. I bottomed up another swig. The liquor warmed my gut even in subzero-degree temperature.

  First on the list, Athorsis created and then used me to gain power. Me lopping off Turian’s head granted the archangel a brief disability until it found another vessel. Loree’s bodyguard. Did she know? Why not. It made sense. And what about Athorsis? Did the archangel know how much power he had bequeathed on me?

  The archangel realm sparked even more questions. What if other Lighted Ones found out about the archangel gone sour? What kind of battle brewed in the heavens? Apparently, no place, not even Heaven, could free itself of power mongers and greed. I saluted to the gender-neutral archangel next. “Here’s a toss to you, Athorsis.” I sipped a wee swallow in his behalf and spit it out. I refused to call Athorsis, Pop, the title reserved for Duncan only. Wariness from contending with those beyond the heavens now made sense.

  The list grew, making some logical semblance. I gulped the rest of the whisky and propped the empty flask on the peak. A peaceful warmth flowed through my veins. The booze most likely. My gaze mesmerized, I lounged against a stone cushion as the sun set, not quite reaching its splendorous finale.

  Minutes later, high-altitude iciness chilled my braincells. My mountain garb suited Mt. Whitney not the Karakorum range. So, this is what putting someone on ice felt like. “Aye, three sheets to the wind, lad,” I toasted myself. My mouth opened wide in a yawn. Between the liquor, thin air, and bone-chilling frost, I grew tired, ready for a long nap. Instead, the list came to mind, begging for additions. Beat to the bone, I ignored the calling.

  Tomorrow, after a long, hot shower and two days sleep in my own bed, I vowed to find Eric, offer my condolences, and seek out Jesse to see my son. Funny how quickly Eric disappeared after Jesse escaped the Azores with my son. I wanted him in my care but had agreed to keep the lad out of harm’s way until we won the battle. Well, damn it, I won the bloody battle. The whole effing shebang.

  My eyes drifted shut as I imagined what I’d say to my son. Too bad I forgot to send a text before the battle to ask Jesse to name him, Azrian. The
Az from Azumi’s name to honor her sacrifice. Then my body jolted. Could my half-human son travel the portal without realizing it? I should be a part of his life ASAP. He would need my guidance or else suffer as I did, barely escaping insanity.

  My life now had purpose: shove the damage done to the Malakhim to the back of my mind and JLS home at once. My eyes squeezed shut to envision the Navajo ranch Jesse inherited from his grandfather. Search his place first. My eyes still closed, the arid scenery and the warm gentle breeze rolling across the brush teased me. Instead, an icy wind stung my face. Fearing the worst, I opened my eyes, stuck on top of K2 with no rescue in sight. I choked on a whimper and leaned back until the sun set.

  As the sun slipped behind a sister mountain, the sky darkened to cobalt blue until blackness overlaid the heavens with a brilliant carpet of stars. Although not by choice, the celestial event proved worthy although I had witnessed visuals far more amazing in the portal. To my eyes, Earth’s beauty surpassed the vast universes. Too bad I couldn’t toast the night sky.

  “Adios, K2.” I closed my eyes to envision the townhouse and expected the desert warmth to thaw my bones; however, a fierce icy wind picked up instead. My energy and flask drained, any attempt at speeding home via JLS flopped in a tailspin. I’d portal jump first thing tomorrow morning to get home. Loree would just have to deal. Disappointed but not defeated, I leaned over on my side and curled into a ball. Millions of stars reflected off my irises until my eyes drifted shut.

  3 3 3

  Months had passed since the Malakhim attack—since the day Brian left without saying good-bye. A day did not go by when Ariane blamed herself for losing contact with her brother. If given a second chance, she vowed to strengthen their bond, even if he disapproved of her methods. Her fault, her recklessness for not taking him seriously. Thinking him mad had widened the distance between them.

  Because of her insecurity, her selfishness, she entered the portal without letting anyone know. Her brother had paid the price. But at how enormous a cost. Did he go into hiding to recoup? To contemplate? Or did he take a suicidal plunge into the blood sea. She shuddered at losing him forever. No more contemplation. From this moment on, she vowed to find Brian and bring him home.

  Before she left, Ariane brought Zoeree and Azrian to Sabree’s office. The Caderen had assigned him secondary in command until Brian returned. Both children followed her in a toddler’s clumsy march. Taller, and older by a year, Azrian grabbed his cousin’s hand and led her to Sabree’s desk. “Uncle Sabree? Can you watch us while Auntie Ariane looks for my Pop? I so very much want to meet him.”

  Sabree pushed away from the desk. “What?” He leaned over and swung Zoeree into his arms. He glared at Ariane. “What are you up to now? Earth’s a big place. The portal universes are limitless and time travel, endless. Brian could be anywhere. My blood-tie with him has withered. I fear I’ll never see him again.”

  “Seriously? Enough with the bromance already. I’m the one who’s missing my better half, my twin. I can’t stand not knowing where he is or if he’s suffering. Three months have gone by. He needs us. We need him.” She managed to contain her emotions, letting frustration alone seep through the cracks.

  “Can’t we send Euriel or Gibyss instead? Neither one does much of anything.”

  “Because you don’t delegate, Sabree.” She leaned over to help Azrian with a leg up onto the desk. He sat on the edge near the laptop. His fingers tapped it just like his father’s nervous habit. Ariane folded her arms over her chest. “I can detect Brian better than anyone. We’re the same.”

  Louder than expected, Sabree scoffed. “You’re worlds apart. I won’t allow it. You’re a parent—for two in Brian’s absence. You’re also the clan’s only guardian if the Malakhim should retaliate.” Sabree slapped his laptop shut, startling Azrian. “Damn it, Brian, where are you?”

  “Right behind you.”

  Everyone spun around to greet the voice. Ariane reacted first and ran over to wrap her arms around Brian in a bear hug. She pulled him away to study the face she missed so much. He appeared rested, amber eyes shimmering with the reflection of a peaceful summit sunset. Clean shaven, his hair pulled back into a short tail, and somewhat gaunt, she embraced him again, whispering, “I’m so sorry,” in his ear. She would thank Sabree later for giving her this precious moment. She knew he chomped at the bit, eager to shower Brian with questions and a hug of his own.

  As predicted, Sabree finally interrupted the tender scene. “Where have you been? It’s been months.”

  Brian eyed the two toddlers. “Three. Silly me for perching my ass on the summit of K2 without packing any Colton tabs to get me home. I tried to make sense of my life with a list. When the damned thing got too long, I tried to leave, but couldn’t move after a flask full of whisky, sub-zero climate, and zapped energy. I waited until morning to use the portal but fell asleep for almost three months.”

  Typical. Her brother forgot the tablets but not the booze. “What woke you?” Ariane asked. Had he noticed his son yet or did he think it was someone else’s child? She would let him in on the surprise after he explained his sudden return. Her curiosity bubbled at the brim, spilling to the floor.

  “I fell asleep on top of a mountain packed in snow. Frozen, I couldn’t move, so I pondered on my life when I woke up here and there. No idea how much time passed. Guess I grasped the concept of taking the time to cool off to the extreme.” Brian chuckled at his own pun. He removed the opal from his pocket. “Spitfire saved the day. A few hearty climbers reached the summit and stuck their flag in the snow, poking me instead. The pain jump-started Spitfire as it vibrated in readiness. The rest of the story’s transparent. They dug me out and carried my body to the basecamp below the summit. Took me for dead and left me outside the tents covered in a space blanket. That night, I borrowed a few pints from each climber to fuel me for the portal jump home.”

  Sabree slapped his hands in a prayer’s gesture. “Thank you, Spitfire,” he said. “A lot has happened in your absence.”

  “I came right away.” Brian glanced at his clothes, tugging on the Tibetan wool sweater. “Well, I stopped first for a much-needed hot shower and clean clothes. Good thing, because someone else moved into our townhouses. I meant to give Eric my condolences, but that was three months ago. He can wait.” He took hold of his sister’s hand and whispered, “Does he hate me?”

  “Who?”

  “Sabree? Does he and the Caderen condemn or welcome me?”

  “Don’t be silly. Welcome, of course,” Sabree said joining them. “I’ve missed you. Why would you think otherwise?” Sabree finally hugged him.

  Ariane wiped a tear with her sleeve. She could see how tightly he embraced her brother. Even Spitfire released warning sparks.

  Sabree stepped back. “Better put that somewhere safe if you ever want to make love. To a woman, I mean.” His cheeks flushed.

  “More like never than ever?” Brian looked over his shoulder at Zoeree. “How she’s grown. I need to find Jesse. Any idea where he’s hiding?”

  Ariane glanced at Sabree and then at Azrian. Her mouth spread into a wide toothy grin before she answered. “He’s here. No one can miss his bronze complexion amongst all these albinos.” She giggled, enjoying the light in his eyes. The day he left, the amber orbs had dimmed the same way smog smothered a cityscape.

  “Here? You’re kidding?” Brian pointed at Azrian sitting on the desk, playing with a paperweight. “Is he …”

  “Your son, Brian.” Her heart swelled when he choked on a wheezing breath. He froze in place as if he had never left K2. She hoped that seeing his son alive would thaw him to the core.

  3 3 3

  Unable to move, I stared at the toddler whose black locks bounced with highlights of amber strands. Visions of Azumi’s silky hair shimmering in the moonlight filled me with melancholy. Seemed so long ago. Saucer-like terra cotta eyes stared back. Caucasian and Asian influences produced an exotic child. I turned to Ariane and shrugged. “W
hat do I do now?” I asked her telepathically.

  “Hug me, Pops.”

  The young voice inside my head made my mind spin, stunned that Azrian could mind speak. At his age, I could barely speak jibber jabber. I dropped to my knees and held out my arms, wiggling all ten fingers to entice him. “Come give Pop a hug, lad.” Overjoyed to finally be able to hold him, I cared less if my emotions got the best of me. A sob tacked onto my plea.

  Azrian leapt off the desk into my arms, hugging me so tight as if to never let go. Blinded by tear-filled eyes, I gazed up at Ariane and Sabree and spoke a silent thank you. Never had I hoped to find my son this soon. Full of renewed purpose, I vowed Azrian would never suffer the way I did—still did. “Who named you?”

  Thrilled about the reunion, Ariane spoke up. “Sabree said you mentioned the name when you found out Jesse rescued him.”

  I’d have to give Sabree credit. My friend listened for once. I set my hands on Azrian’s shoulders. “You and I need to make up for lost time. What do you like to do?”

  Feminine laughter filled the room. “Whatever you do, don’t take him mountain climbing.” Ariane supported her middle between giggles. We all laughed.

  “Wait, before you pull a Flash,” Sabree said. “Cayiel asked to hold a meeting when and if you returned. The Caderen are a patient lot but only to a degree.”

  “How corporate of him.”

  “He still lives in the dark ages.”

  My swollen eyes flashed Sabree a and you don’t look.

  “Anyway, it’s important. They’re dying to discuss our resurgence, the Colton tabs, and misplaced survivors. Remnants from other clans are still trickling in, seeking refuge. Unlike us, they fear another attack, unaware we have a secret weapon. And now, I dare say, you need to tell them about your retaliation.”