The Creation: Chaos Rising

by Art Gulley Jr.

  Mayhem cocked a questioning eyebrow. "Is that it? I was hoping for something a bit more challenging."

  Iblis regarded the disappointed woman through calculating eyes. "Your wish might come true. Gabriel has been given the Task of Protection."

  An excited flush darkened the Desomor's Caucasian features. "Now that's more like. I've been waiting for another chance to lock heads with that noble simpleton."

  Silas released a contemptuous snort. "I think we can all agree that ‘locking heads' isn't the only thing you want to do with him."

  Mayhem turned cold eyes on the Morphling. "Meaning?"

  "Meaning that your peculiar obsession with that Celemor has been an issue on more than one occasion," Silas bit out. "I would expect someone of your pedigree to show a bit more professionalism."

  Mayhem's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Listen, you shape-stealing maggot…"

  "Silas does have a point," Iblis interrupted what promised to be a potent verbal blast. "Gabriel does have a way of driving you to distraction. For the moment, I need your surveillance to be discreet. Do you think you can manage that?"

  Mayhem turned smoldering eyes on Iblis. "You needn't worry yourself, my Lord." She leaned forward and brushed an imaginary speck of lint from his immaculately pressed, white oxford." I'll shadow her every move, and neither Gabriel nor the bitch will know I'm there."

  She gave Silas a final scowl then vanished.

  "I will never understand why you put up with that woman's irreverence."

  "The same reason I put up with your egocentricities," Iblis told the disgruntled Morphling. "You're both so entertaining."

  Silas cleared his throat. "Yes well, entertainment notwithstanding, I'm still not sure assigning that volatile nymph to monitor the Harbinger was the sensible thing to do."

  Iblis gave his minion a reassuring smile. "Worry not, my friend. Volatile or not, Mayhem is well versed in the art of discretion."

  Silas strongly disagreed but made no further comment. The Desolate One's peculiar fondness for Mayhem was nearly as great as hers was for Gabriel. The Morphling just hoped that it would not prove as equally distracting.

  Chapter 10

  Dichotomy's eyes widened with alarm at the latest whisperings gleaned from the Chatter.

  The peculiar being had kept a close watch on Gabriel, and was thus far pleased by the way things were developing. Gabriel was not one to allow others to get close to him. Dichotomy hoped the grim Celemor's uncharacteristic attraction to the Harbinger was a sign that the emotional wounds left by the passing of his wife and daughter were finally healing. If that were the case, now was definitely not the time for the beleaguered Celemor to contend with any undo stress from Hell's minions.

  "Iblis's interest in the Harbinger must be great indeed if he's called upon Mayhem to discover her purpose," Dichotomy's male persona reasoned. "For both their sakes, I feel we should become a more active participant in this Reclamation."

  "Agreed," a light alto responded as the feminine half assumed dominance. "The Desomor's penchant for living up to her namesake, as well as her twisted infatuation for Gabriel, could quickly complicate the matter. If that happens, our friend will have need of our strength."

  "In that case let us prepare ourselves for the transition to Mortalia," the male decreed.

  A nimbus of pure energy surrounded Dichotomy's amalgamated body, restructuring it into that of a young, Mortal male of middle-eastern Earth descent.

  "Many centuries have passed since we last wore this form," the blended being said, flexing muscular arms when the transformation was complete. "Let us hope it's up to the Task!"

  Chapter 11

  A current-model, black Dodge Ram pickup truck rolled to a stop in front of Saint Christopher's Church. The two, smartly dressed men riding in the front seat quietly got out. They did a quick survey of the surrounding area then made their way to the sanctuary's main entrance, where the taller of the two rang the doorbell.

  Several moments passed then the door swung partially open revealing a smiling Tyree. "Good, morning Gentleman," he greeted pleasantly while giving his visitors the once over. One was tall and lean, his sandy brown hair cropped short against his head. Large brown eyes set in an oval face were tinged with an affable curiosity. The other was a few inches shorter, his powerful frame and thick neck putting the Minister in mind of a wrestler. Unlike his companion his eyes were dark and brooding, his blunt features drawn into a pensive frown. "May I help you?"

  "Father Griffin?" the taller man asked. Tyree responded with an affirmative nod. "I'm Brother Quinlan and this is Brother Sanders," he indicated his stocky companion. "We've been sent by Cardinal Dresden to investigate the Prophetic Manifestation you recently reported."

  Tyree's face brightened at the news. "Yes, of course." He opened the door wider. "The Cardinal told me that a Seeker team would be arriving soon. Please come in."

  The Seekers stepped into the foyer. "You have a lovely parish, Father," Sanders' noted in a heavy voice that matched his dark demeanor.

  "Thank you, Brother Sanders." Tyree secured the door then led them down the main hallway to his office. "I'll pass your compliment on to our preservation committee. They take great pride in Saint Christopher's classic architectural style, and work hard to maintain it; ah here we are."

  He ushered the Seekers inside then gently closed the door, directing them to have a seat in one of the chairs sitting in front of his desk. "Would either of you care for some coffee?" He pointed to the small pot resting on a service cart under the office's one window. "It's some of Trader Joe's finest?"

  Both men accepted, and Tyree poured them each a cup. He replaced the pot on the cart then settled his lean frame into his chair after straitening the folds of his sweatshirt. Unlike so many of his contemporaries, Tyree rarely dressed in the traditional suits and collar often associated with his profession. He felt such attire erected unnecessary walls of formality between himself and the members of the church and surrounding community that often called upon him for advice and guidance. "Now then, where would you like to begin?"

  "Cardinal Tullis already briefed us on the nature of the Manifestation," Quinlan said, after taking a cautious sip of his coffee. "What we need from you is some personal information on Miss Delcielo so we can have a better understanding of the type of person we're dealing it."

  Tyree chuckled. "Not a problem." He then gave the Seekers a brief but concise description of Nina, both on a personal and professional level.

  "Miss Delcielo appears to be an extremely motivated woman," Quinlan remarked when Tyree had finished, taking another sip of his coffee.

  "Indeed she does," Sanders agreed, enjoying a more generous swallow of his. "And you say she's steadfast in her rejection of the spiritual world?"

  "Of the religious world," Tyree corrected. "Nina believes in God, but not in established religions. She feels they're just a subtle form of governmental control."

  A regretful sigh escaped Quinlan's lips. "To some degree she's right. In many cultures the religious infrastructure is the driving force of oppression. That type of exploitation is one of the main reasons the world is in such spiritual disrepair."

  Tyree responded with a snort. "It's definitely the cause of Nina's disillusionment. I've been trying for years to convince her that the Catholic Diocese isn't the oppressive regime she's making it out to be. So far I've had no luck. That woman can be downright stubborn when she wants to be."

  Sanders focused sharply on the minister's face. "The two of you are close?"

  "Very. We grew up together."

  Sanders' eyes narrowed slightly. "I see." He set his cup down on one of the coasters Tyree had laid out on the front of his desk then focused on the Minister's face. "And has there ever been a time when the two of you were, how shall we say; more than friends?"

  "What type of question is that?" Tyree demanded, rising angrily from his seat.

  "Please do not take offense, Father," Quinlan calmly interjected. "When pro
ving the legitimacy of a suspected Manifestation, we also have to determine the reliability of the source. In order to do that, we have to account for any personal bias that could possibly cloud the claimant's judgment; such as an emotional or sexual bond with the subject."

  Tyree's aggravation abated. "I guess I can understand that." He eased back into his chair then leveled cool eyes on Sanders. "And in answer to your question: Yes. Nina and I were romantically involved for a number of years, however that aspect of our relationship ended once I received the Lord's calling."

  Sanders nodded, unperturbed the minister's lingering hostility. "Based on your continued friendship I take it the dissolution of your romance was an amicable one."

  Tyree held the man's eyes for another moment, taking note of the thin scar bisecting his left eyebrow which gave the Seeker a menacing countenance. "To be honest with you, things between us were a bit…tense for a while, but once Nina understood where my heart truly lay she supported my decision to join the priesthood."

  "Then you're very fortunate to have such an understanding friend. To often people of faith are ridiculed for their decision to lead a life of purity while the morally corrupt are glorified for living a life of sinful excess."

  Tyree wondered at the curious undertone in the Seeker's voice. "I totally agree. I also feel that Nina was given her abilities to counter that imbalance."

  The eyes of both Seekers widened with surprise. "What made you come to that conclusion?" Quinlan asked.

  Tyree favored them with a solemn expression while opening his arms wide. "Take a good look around gentleman. Our world's in chaos, and not just spiritually. A good portion of society has fallen out of touch with God's grace, and as a result lost its way. I believe the Lord has chosen Nina to be a living example of His Divine might; to show everyone, through her abilities, that He still exists."

  Sanders considered the Minister's statement. "Your theory does have merit, Father. The world is definitely in need of a spiritual jumpstart, but do you truly believe the Lord would choose a woman such as Miss Delcielo to be his messenger? By your own admission, she's not exactly a poster-child for Christianity."

  "No but she is one for moral responsibility. Someone like Nina would be more apt to make an impact on today's jaded society."

  Sanders cocked a skeptical eyebrow. "And why would that be?"

  "Because she's not a religious person," Tyree answered smugly.

  The Seekers regarded him in silence for a moment then a slight smile creased Quinlan's full lips. "The words of a Prophet not laced with traditional, religious rhetoric would hold more weight in today's liberal society."

  Tyree returned his smile. "Exactly; add to that the coincidence of her name, and I'd say Nina fits the bill perfectly."

  Quinlan threw him a puzzled look. "What's her name got to do with anything?"

  A mischievous smile tugged at Tyree's lips. "What, you guys didn't learn Spanish in Seeker school?"

  "Of course we did, but I still don't see what…Oh!" Quinlan jerked in surprise. "My God!" He turned excited to Sanders. "The spelling and pronunciation threw me off but he's right. Nina del Cielo…"

  "Or ‘Child of Heaven'," Sanders finished his partners sentence. "I'll admit it does lend credence to your theory, but before Miss Delcielo can truly live up to such a mantle she needs to be convinced of her dubious position herself. And based on your description of her religious antipathy," he pointed an accusing finger at Tyree. "That may prove difficult."

  Tyree regarded the Seekers through cunning eyes. "That depends on who's doing the proving. Can you think of a better way for the Lord to convince someone of his power than by making that person a living conduit for it?"

  Quinlan looked at Sanders. "He does have a point."

  "Perhaps," Sanders allowed. "But I think I'll reserve judgment until after we've met Miss Delcielo."

  "I can take you to her right now, if you like," Tyree offered. "There's a big rally this Friday at the new Recreation Center she's opening on East Lafayette. If I know Nina, she's there badgering the workers to make sure everything's ready."

  "Thank you, Father, but I think it would be best if we made the initial contact on our own," Sanders politely told the Minister. "That way we can observe Miss Delcielo in a more natural state."

  "Suit your self, but I have to warn you: Nina can be a bit brusque with strangers; especially when she's preoccupied."

  "Oh I think we can come up with something that'll secure both her attention and cooperation."

  Tyree gave Quinlan's smiling face a questioning look. "And what might that be?"

  Quinlan's smiled deepened. "A grant from the Helping Hands Organization."

  Tyree jerked in surprise then burst out laughing. "Yeah that would do it! And if I'm not mistaking, she really did apply for one of their grants."

  "You're not," said Quinlan. "We have her application with us."

  The smile on Tyree's face disappeared. "You do? How did you manage that? Some kind of Vatican leverage with Double H's funding board?"

  "Not exactly," Quinlan chuckled. "We actually are the Funding Board; or rather the Elders are."

  The look of confusion on Tyree's face intensified. "What?"

  "The Double H was founded by the original Elders to provide a plausible front for the Presbyterii's investigative efforts," Quinlan explained.

  Tyree was stunned. "But…I don't understand. Helping Hands is a driving force in the philanthropic community. In fact, they've been a staunch supporter to dozens of Metro Detroit charities. If the organization is just a front, where does all that money come from?"

  "I'm afraid we're not at liberty to say," Sanders cut in, glaring coldly at his partner. "But I can assure you the funds are allocated from a legitimate source."

  "Amazing," Tyree whispered in awe. "I never would've dreamed the Double H was anything but what it seemed."

  "Which is why we normally do not divulge its secrets," Sanders growled, shooting Quinlan another reproving look. "To often the Vatican is criticized for its financial assets."

  "Oh, your secret's safe with me," Tyree assured the aggravated Seeker. "In fact, your revelation is quite a relief."

  Quinlan's left eyebrow arched with interest. "And why is that?"

  Tyree grimaced. "Now I don't feel so bad about ratting Nina out to you guys."

  "You did nothing wrong by contacting us," Sanders firmly told the Minister. "If Miss Delcielo truly is the recipient of our Lord's favor she will have need of the Presbyterii's guidance; and possibly its protection."

  Tyree's eyes widened with concern. "Protection from whom?"

  "No one, at the moment, but that could change if word of her talents leaked out."

  "He's right," Quinlan chimed in. "Knowledge of the future is considered by many to be the ultimate power, and there are countless factions that would stop at nothing to possess it."

  A guilty look appeared on Tyree's face. "Nina expressed similar concerns when she first told me of her abilities, and I told her she was just being paranoid. I guess I was so caught up in the miracle of the Manifestation that I never stopped to consider the possible dangers."

  "Not to worry, Father," Quinlan reassured the troubled priest. "Should Miss Delcielo's abilities turn out to be all that you say, the Presbyterii will ensure that she has the support she needs. Now if you will excuse us." He and Sanders rose from their seats. "Miss Delcielo has an unscheduled appointment with the Double H."

  A pleased grin erased the Minister's worried frown as he got to his feet as well then escorted them back to the main entrance.

  "You'll keep me posted on your progress?" he called to the departing duo.

  "We most certainly will," Quinlan assured him as he and Sanders climbed into the truck. "Take care, Father."

  Tyree waved as they drove off then went back inside the church, the door closing behind him with a gentle thud.

  *

  "G.P.S puts the center close to downtown Detroit," Quinlan announced as he wov
e his way through the city's morning traffic. "This freeway should take us right there."

  "Sounds good," Sanders replied, settling him self as comfortably as he could into his seat. "So what did you think of the good reverend?"

  Quinlan smiled. "He's definitely a likable chap. Seems very dedicated to his calling as well."

  Sanders regarded his friend through disapproving eyes. "Is that why you were so candid with Presbyterii business,"

  "I guess you could say that. There's something very trustworthy about him; an almost child-like exuberance."

  "Yes, he does appear to be a very earnest person," Sander, grudgingly admitted. "He's also still very much in love with our subject."

  Quinlan chuckled. "Oh, without a doubt. I thought he was going to hit you with his crucifix when you questioned him about their relationship."

  "Yeah, the lad did get a might defensive. And that makes me question his objectivity in regards to our budding psychic. It'll be interesting to see if her abilities really are as impressive as our smitten friend claims."

  "We're about to find out." Quinlan nodded toward the street markers mounted on an approaching overpass. "Lafayette's coming up."

  Sander's braced himself as his partner abruptly switched lanes then exited the freeway. Having grown up in a rural town in Arkansas, the Seeker found the heavy traffic common to metropolises like Detroit unnerving and Quinlan's aggressive driving made the situation even worse.

  "I guess we're not in Kansas anymore, Toto," Quinlan muttered at the numerous dilapidated store fronts and vandalized structures that greeted them as they cruised slowly down the street.

  "Apparently not," Sanders agreed, also shocked at the radical difference between the idyllic neighborhood surrounding Saint Christopher's and this socially depressed area. "There's the Center coming up on the left." He pointed to a large, industrial building.

  "Nice place." Quinlan was immediately impressed by the Center's brightly refurbished exterior and gated parking lot. "It definitely brings a ray of light to this gloomy neighborhood."