by T. R. Hamby
And he would use it today, a beautiful November day. A little warmer than usual, and sunny. Orange and scarlet leaves littered the pavement. Women’s boots clicked as they walked. The smell of pumpkin and cinnamon filled the air.
Nora looked gorgeous, as always. She was dressed in jeans and a pink jacket. A knitted beanie was jammed over her curls, which spilled over her scarf. Her friend Gilla walked beside her, also radiant, though Roone didn’t pay much attention to her.
They signed animatedly, grinning and giggling, turning into this shop and that. They would emerge holding bags, and Nora checked a paper list.
Roone watched patiently. He kept his hand in his coat pocket, grasping the syringe that contained the medication needed to incapacitate her. It would take time, but eventually it would knock her out, which he needed in order for things to go smoothly.
He hoped his plan would come together. He needed it to come together.
They were getting closer, close enough to feel his Presence. They looked around, frowning, before catching sight of him, standing outside one of the shops they often visited.
Gilla looked intrigued, reserved. Nora looked almost resigned, and Roone felt a pang. He didn’t want her to look at him like that. He wanted her to be happy when she saw him.
She handed her bags to Gilla, and then made her way over.
“Hi,” she sighed, managing a small smile. “What are you doing here?”
Roone hesitated. He had to act now, before it was too late. But he couldn’t resist just talking to her, for a quick moment.
“I wanted to make sure you were all right,” he said. “I know I fucked up….again.”
She studied him. “Roone--I think we should leave each other alone,” she said firmly. “It’s not good for either of us, this….talking.”
And she turned to go.
Time seemed to slow as she turned away. The crowd of people brushed past them, oblivious, as he reached out and seized her arm. Down the way, Gilla began to run, her eyes wide. Nora turned her head, her expression fiery.
He yanked her against him and tipped backward.
Traveling went faster than expected. They landed hard on the floor of his house. Roone tightened his hold on Nora as she began to struggle, shrieking. She was strong, stronger than a human, and was thrashing so hard Roone knew she would be out of his arms any second.
He didn’t want to do it. He didn’t want to hurt her. But he had to.
He focused, feeling the familiar prickling sensation under his skin, and Nora screamed, convulsing as an overwhelming pain surged through her. He ceased, and she lay still, her chest heaving as she tried to get her breath back. Her arms and legs twitched as she tried to move.
Roone swore, tried to hold his tears back. He had hurt her. His beautiful Nora. She looked at him shocked, terrified, and he felt horrible guilt.
But it had to be done. She would forgive him--once she understood.
He took the syringe from his pocket.
Nora’s eyes widened, and she tried desperately to move again. “No--no, please,” she whispered, her vocal chords temporarily stunned as well.
Roone tried to ignore her. Her jacket was in the way; he unzipped it and gently withdrew her arm.
“Stop--”
He buried the needle in her arm, and she let out a whimper. He avoided her eyes, unable to bear seeing her in pain. He injected the medication, and threw the syringe in the trash.
Then he scooped her up in his arms. He had intended to fly them; he had thought that would be easier on her than Traveling. But he changed his mind--Gilla had witnessed the kidnapping.
They had to go now.
He had taken great pains to make the house comfortable. It was old and creaky, with drafts and leaky plumbing. But it was beautiful, and quaint, and a sort of place Roone thought she would love.
He carried Nora to the basement. She was starting to wriggle, but hadn’t quite regained her motor function yet. Roone knew she would be asleep by the time she did.
He had remodeled the basement himself, and thought he had done a good job. He had bought her a keyboard, a dollhouse. There was a large bureau, a bookshelf. The bathroom was unfinished, unfortunately, but the shower had been tiled, and there was a tub as well.
He pulled the covers back and settled her in the bed. He took off her boots and tucked the blanket around her. All the while she scowled at him, her face beet red with anger. Her limbs twitched as she continued to try to move again.
God, that spirit. He loved it.
She hissed at him, and Roone looked away, ashamed again. He had to remind himself that it was for her own good. She would understand in time, and then they would be together. It would be okay.
He waited until she fell asleep. He brushed at her curls, feeling their softness. His eyes raked over her. She had been wearing a gray sweater under her jacket, and he stared at her chest, rising and falling as she breathed. He wanted to touch her again, to explore her body once more, but he firmly resisted. He wasn’t going to assault her. He would never do that to her.
Roone got up, and closed the door carefully behind him. He didn’t bother locking it--she was clearly strong enough to blast the door off its hinges. And he would know if she tried to run anyway. Her Presence was strong.
He went up to the second floor. There were three bedrooms. There was the master. It was small, but comfortable. Most of his things were in there, and soon hers would be, too. When she was ready.
He was considering turning the second bedroom into a music room. He would get a piano, and as much sheet music as she liked. When they were ready they would make friends, and invite them over to hear her sing. He knew she liked to perform.
And then the third bedroom. This one was full of possibilities, but there was one he liked the most. Maybe, one day, they would have a baby, and raise it in this little room. They would probably have to adopt--he was sure they couldn’t reproduce. But that would be easy enough; he certainly had enough money to afford an adoption. He was sure Nora would want a child eventually--maybe even right away. His heart soared at the thought.
A family. He had always wanted one. His parents had abandoned him long ago, and he had never had any siblings. The other children had laughed at him, ostracized him, because of his horrid Talent.
But now he had the chance for a family--someone to love, and someone to love him.
He went back downstairs. Nora would be out for a few hours. He got his tablet, checked on the footage from the cameras set up in his house.
Nothing yet. Good.
He was sure they would come eventually, though. After all, everyone knew how good Melkira and Michael were at hunting people down.
No one had escaped them yet.
Barry
Mel was absolutely beside himself.
Barry had never seen him like this. He paced, hyperventilating, and sat down on the couch, moaning.
“….he’s going to kill her….”
“No he’s not,” Michael said firmly, kneeling before him and grasping his shoulder.
“She’s going to die….I’m going to lose her too….fuck, I can’t breathe….”
“Yes you can,” Michael said. “You can’t do this now; Nora needs you. Breathe.”
Gilla was crying, and Barry held her, though she was taller than him. Gabriel simply stood there, too stunned to speak.
It took a long time, but eventually Mel calmed.
Michael looked around at Barry. His face was ashen, and Barry knew he was trying to keep it together too.
“Can you get him a drink?” he asked, and Barry let go of Gilla, who had calmed too.
“No,” Mel sighed, running a hand through his hair, “I’m fine. I need to think.”
“At least some water,” Barry said, and Mel shrugged.
Barry went into the kitchen and grabbed a glass from the cabinet.
Will he be all right?
He jumped, and nearly dropped the glass. The voice had been inside his he
ad, and--although it had scared the shit out of him--was very gentle, light and feminine.
He couldn’t help but look around, even though he knew he was the only one in the room.
“Hello?” he whispered, flabbergasted.
Hello, the voice replied sheepishly. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. I’ve never done this before.
“Um….sorry, but--who are you?”
He kept his voice low. He didn’t need anyone hearing him talking to the air.
There was a pause, a hesitation. Then, I’m Them.
Barry was quiet for a long moment. He could hear murmurs coming from the living room, but no one came to get him. He assumed everyone was too shocked to notice his long absence.
He hesitated. “Really?” he asked weakly.
Really, They replied. I’m sorry I didn’t speak to you before….I thought your mum would be better.
It was strange hearing the word “mum” coming from Them. Their accent was difficult to place, rather like Mel and Michael’s.
“Is she all right?” he asked worriedly.
Oh yes, yes, They replied soothingly. Very much.
“All right….good. So….sorry, but….what do you want with me?”
Another hesitation. Then, I want to help. I’ve been watching. I just heard that Nora was kidnapped. Mel is….so upset.
Barry took this in. “You really want to help?”
Yes, They replied, almost pleadingly. I think I can do it.
He frowned. He was completely out of his element, talking to a strange Being that wasn’t even supposed to Exist.
“You don’t sound very much like a god,” he said weakly. “Or a goddess--um--I’m not sure which you prefer.”
They sounded more like a goddess, with that feminine voice, but he didn’t want to go around insulting a divine Being’s gender identity.
You can call me Them, They said. But I don’t mind being called “she.” That’s what they call me in my Realm.
“Right,” Barry said.
I’m sorry, she said. I’ve never done this before.
“Well….there’s a first time for everything,” he replied, managing a small joke.
There was a laugh, and he grinned. “You’re much nicer than God.”
Her voice turned bitter. I certainly hope so, she whispered.
“Not a fan, eh? I don’t blame you.”
It’s a very long story, she said.
“Barry,” Gabriel called. “What are you doing?”
“That’s my boyfriend,” Barry said--probably unnecessarily. “I have to go.”
I’ll come with you. I need you to speak for me--if that’s all right, she added quickly.
Barry hesitated. He was sure this wasn’t going to go over well, especially with Mel, who had just had his girlfriend kidnapped.
But he nodded, and, leaving the glass on the counter, returned to the living room.
Everyone stared at him as he entered.
“What were you doing? We could hear you whispering in there,” Gabriel asked, coming to his side.
Shit. Damn those thin walls.
Barry ran a hand through his hair, taking a deep breath. “Everyone should sit down.”
The temperature changed. Mel was angry, very angry, the color of his eyes darkening.
But Barry, who expected to feel that horrible wave of dread, now only felt a little anxious. Had he finally become Immune? Mel hadn’t been angry around him that often.
I think I’m shielding you, Them said uncertainly. I’ve never done that either. I’m trying, though.
Barry cleared his throat. “Doing great,” he told her under his breath, before everyone questioned his sanity.
They still frowned collectively, but waited as he and Gabriel sat down. They stared, and Barry took a deep breath. Better get it over with.
“Nobody panic,” he said, “but….Them is talking to me.”
There was a pause.
Then Mel jumped to his feet, and Barry’s anxiety grew worse.
“For Christ’s sake,” he growled, his eyes black and glittering.
Gilla clapped her hands so loud that everyone jumped.
She stared daggers at Mel, and signed firmly, Sit down.
Mel stared at her, apparently shocked out of his anger. Barry’s anxiousness waned, and Mel lowered himself back onto the sofa.
He ran a hand through his already tousled hair, and looked at Barry expectantly.
Barry took a shaky breath. “So….she’s talking to me. She wants to help. With Nora.”
“She?” Michael said, frowning.
“Yeah. She.”
Michael sighed. “How?”
I can help find her, Them said quickly.
Barry relayed her answer.
Mel still looked pissed. “If she’s a goddess, why can’t she just tell us where Nora is? She knew that Ceres was in Abisko.”
He’s very angry, she said, and there was deep sadness in her voice.
Barry felt a pang. “Don’t worry. He doesn’t mean it.”
Mel looked ready to explode again, and Gilla clapped her hands at him.
Them sighed. I didn’t know that Angel was in Abisko. But she had told Nora she….
Her voice grew dark. That she liked to hunt humans in forests. That’s how I knew to give you your Talent, Barry. I thought it would….be useful, seeing from up high.
Barry relayed her answer.
Mel still didn’t seem ready to calm down. “So how can she help with Nora, then?”
There was a pause. Then, I’ve been….following you. Mel and Michael, she said carefully. It took a long time to develop the strength to be able to do it. Now I can see and hear you, wherever you are, and whoever you’re with.
She paused while Barry recited her words. Everyone listened raptly.
It’s like….a bubble, she continued. I can only stretch it so far. I can try with Nora….I’ve watched her a lot, since she’s been with you, so maybe I can find her.
Mel’s anger seemed to fade, and turn into curiosity, as he listened to Barry paraphrase her words. “Why has she been following Michael and I?”
There was a long pause. Barry held up a finger, waiting.
When nothing happened, Michael suggested, “Because we’re….us? The first creatures Created? Father’s little murderers?”
Another pause, then, Because they’re them.
Her voice was quiet, almost mysterious. Barry frowned, but she didn’t elaborate.
Mel sighed when he heard her answer. “We don’t have time for games,” he said impatiently. “We get enough of that from Father. How are we supposed to trust her?”
“How long has she been following us?” Michael asked, ignoring Mel. “Why show herself now?”
I’ve been following them for a long time, she said, again quietly. For many thousands of years. I didn’t know how to intervene before….like I said, my power has taken a long time to grow. I tried, but….it never worked.
And there was bitterness in her voice.
Barry relayed her answer, and then she said, But then the Angels came, and I knew I had to help. It took me a long time….I had a lot of trouble. But then it worked--I gave you, Barry--and Nora--the ability to fight, very well. I gave you more power than I thought I could. That’s when I knew I could help.
Barry was shocked. So that was why he and Nora had taken to sword and knife fighting so easily. It wasn’t natural talent; it was power gifted from a goddess.
And then I was able to send you back, Barry, she continued, almost in a rush, and now I’m able to shield you all from Father’s sight. Now you don’t have to worry about him finding out I’m working for you. If….you don’t want him to, she added nervously.
There was a silence as everyone took this in.
Barry was amazed at Them’s humility. “Working for you”….it wasn’t something he expected a goddess to say. She must have been very….young.
Mel and Michael were looking at each other, a sil
ent line of communication passing between them. Gilla was staring at Barry, hanging onto his every word. Gabriel was sitting calmly, a dark look on his face.
Michael looked at Barry. “Father knows about her Existence now,” he said calmly. “He wants us to spy on her, report to him.”
Yes, she replied, danger in her voice, I thought he would. That was another reason I was afraid to change things. I thought he would find me and destroy me. But now I don’t think he can find me unless I show myself….unless I come to Earth, maybe, or leave my Realm. And now I’m becoming stronger….maybe as strong as him one day.
Barry shivered. He wasn’t sure, despite the kindness she had shown him so far, if that was a good thing.
Michael hesitated, then said, “He’s afraid.”
“Don’t tell her that,” Mel breathed, but it was too late.
Another pause. Then, Good.
Her voice was a mixture of triumph and fury, pure fury, and Barry shivered again.
I hope he trembles, she hissed.
“Why should we trust her, then?” Mel asked, looking disturbed by her words. “She’s a rival of Father’s. Maybe she’s only helping for her own gain. She could turn on us if it suits her.”
“Father would do the same thing,” Michael reminded him.
“Then we’re alone,” Gabriel said calmly.
It was a sobering statement. They looked around at each other.
Them’s voice was low. Do you trust me? She whispered to Barry.
Barry hesitated. He was inclined to, after all she had done for him. But she was still a goddess, and the other god in Existence was tricky. What if she proved to be the same?
Gilla clapped her hands, and everyone turned to her. Maybe some proof, she signed firmly. Some sort of sign of her good faith.
There was a pause.
I think I can do that, Them said uncertainly. I have to find out how.
“Fine,” Mel growled, “and while she’s doing that, we can actually do something useful, like find out where Nora is.”
I’m sorry, Them whispered, and Barry could hear pain in her voice. I’m sorry.
“It’s all right,” Barry whispered back; he didn’t want Mel to hear.
Do you trust me? She asked again, and there was hope in her voice.
