by C. M. Fenn
“Please continue,” Sam says to me.
“Well,” I take a deep breath and continue, “when the Greater Shade saw me, it immediately came toward me. It lifted me off the ground without touching me.” I cringe, remembering its icy, invisible fingers around my throat and the sound of its disgusting laughter.
“What are you thinking about now? It could be important,” Harmony insists.
I continue uncomfortably, “I could feel its hand on my throat, squeezing. But it still wasn’t physically touching me.” I reflexively touch my throat and feel tender, bruised flesh under my hand. “And it was making a noise, like it was choking almost. But I knew it was laughing.”
“WHAT?” The word comes from more than a few startled Walkers.
“Did you say it made a sound?” Sam asks.
“Yes.” I nod. “It was definitely laughing at me.”
The room erupts into chatter. Some voices sound anxious, some doubtful. Sam holds up a hand and everyone quiets down.
“Angel, what do you think?” Sam asks Harmony. “Is it possible?”
“For a Greater Shade to vocalize? I’m not sure. I suppose so. Addy says it happened and I believe her, so it must be possible.”
“But how? We’ve never heard one before!” Timothy says, sounding confused. “And the records don’t say anything about the Shades communicating vocally.”
“Angel?” Ben asks. “Could the Shades be evolving?” The room is dead silent at the thought of this. I’m a little surprised by how many of the Walkers are asking Angel the hard questions. Even Sam seems to defer to her on issues concerning Shades.
“I can’t tell you ‘no’ for certain. This is Chaos after all, and here we learn to expect the unexpected. I certainly hope that evolution is not the explanation.”
“Great,” Says Simone bitterly. “Before you know it, they’ll be speaking to us!”
This immediately reminds me of the demonic voice of the Greater Shade as it spoke in my mind. I tentatively raise my hand.
“Yes, Adelaide, you want to share something?” Sam asks me.
I nod in affirmation. I’m reluctant to share, however. What happened between the Shade and me feels strangely personal. Ember senses my anxiety and puts an encouraging hand on mine.
“Something happened while the Greater Shade had me,” I say hesitantly. Everyone stares at me and waits me for me to finish. I take a deep breath. “The Shade actually did speak to me.”
Stunned silence.
“In my head, I mean. Um, I mean I heard it in my head. Its voice. It spoke to me, in my mind,” I stammer, hoping everyone believes me.
“That Greater Shade … are you saying it communicated with you telepathically?” Kira asks me.
“I guess. I mean,” I look at Harmony, “it was similar in a way to what you did earlier. Only, your voice in my head was soft. Its voice was harsh and actually physically painful. It gave me a screaming migraine.”
Silence. Everyone looks to be processing this information. “This has never happened before?” I ask the room.
“No,” Sam says. “Greater Shades have never made any effort to communicate with us.”
“What did it say to you?” Doc asks.
Again, everyone is quiet as they wait anxiously for my response, and again I feel reluctant to share.
“Nothing earth-shattering really. It just said, ‘I see you. You are weak.’” The next phrase seems to stick in my throat. “‘You are nothing,’” I murmur quietly, feeling as though somehow uttering those words makes them true.
Ember looks at Sam. “What is this, Boss?”
Sam seems deep in thought for a moment. “I think it means that we have a very dangerous Greater Shade loose in Chaos. We’ve gotten a little sidetracked with this, and I need to finish my report in order to better inform those who weren’t there.” Everyone turns forward again and gives Sam their full attention.
“After the flying Shade took Adelaide, our attention was on Mel, who had fallen from her bike. Timothy, Lang, and I went in search of Adelaide as the others tended to Mel. When the three of us found Adelaide, she was indeed in the grip of the Greater Shade. When we began to attack, it released its hold on her. It then, at least to my perception, took a possessive stance in front of Adelaide.”
“I agree,” says Timothy.
Lang adds, “I definitely got the feeling that it had targeted her and didn’t want to give her up.”
Some of the Walkers turn and look at me as if trying to discern why it chose me.
“The most interesting part came next, though, didn’t it, Boss?” Timothy points out.
“Yes, I’d say so. As the three of us attacked, the Greater Shade managed to deflect all of our bullets AND neutralize Lang’s telekinesis at the same time. He was untouchable.”
“This is bad,” Ben says quietly.
“Very,” Ember agrees.
Sam goes on, “It gets worse. Mikhail came and retrieved Adelaide through shadow travel. The instant she was gone, the Greater Shade went berserk. It took everything we had to escape with our lives. In all of my experience here in Chaos, I have never come up against a more difficult opponent. Even the junior nukes had no effect.” When he says this, I immediately picture the grenade-like weapons strapped across his chest. That must have been the source of the explosions I had heard, and the cause of the column of smoke.
“So let me get this straight,” says Crank, holding up his hands. “We are dealing with an incredibly powerful Greater Shade, unlike anything we’ve experienced before, who has a strong enough mind to communicate telepathically, has an unholy fixation on our own dear Addy, AND he is completely indestructible? Did I cover everything?”
“Unfortunately not. I think tonight’s events speak of another troubling aspect of this Shade,” Harmony says.
“I think you’re right, Angel. Go ahead and explain it if you like,” Sam encourages her.
“Well, the strange behavior of the Lesser Shades and how they ambushed you seems to suggest that it was all orchestrated by this Greater Shade,” she explains.
“So he’s controlling them? With the power of his mind?” asks Kira.
“I can’t be sure how he’s doing it. We are all agreed that the Lesser Shades are too ignorant to organize something of this complexity on their own. So that only leaves the influence of the Greater Shade. Whether he gets them to do it by mind control or simple fear of him, I can’t know. But either way, it speaks volumes about the strength of his abilities.”
The room is quiet again as everyone considers the implications. I shiver involuntarily as I think of an army of Lesser Shades and, at the helm, the Greater Shade who seems bent on my destruction.
“Why her?” I turn to see Simone sneering at me. “I mean, she doesn’t even have her ability yet.”
The faces of my friends turn contemplative as they look me over. Again, I feel insecure as I’m examined. What was it about me? I’m the least special person here.
Angel gets up and walks to me. “Addy, when the Greater Shade touched your mind, it’s possible he left an imprint behind. Do you mind if I delve into the shallows of your consciousness? It’s not very invasive. I’ll only access your thoughts concerning the Shade. Anything he left behind may help me better understand him.”
“Sure, Angel, whatever I can do to help.” I only just met her, but I trust her entirely.
“I need you to think of the Greater Shade while I do this. It will help me in my search.” She walks closer to me and places her little hands on the sides of my head, right over my temples, the way Sam did the night before.
I’m looking into her eyes, thinking how beautiful she is when she giggles and says, “Not me silly! Think of the Shade. It may be difficult, but try to imagine it. Think of how it made you feel when he confronted you, when he touched your mind.”
I close my eyes to better picture it. I feel that familiar tickle on my mind that I now recognize as Angel’s ability. Once I pull up an image of the Shade,
it’s as if Angel is scrolling through my thoughts at will. My consciousness travels through each of my senses and how they reacted to the Shade.
I feel fear so intense I begin to shake, then that fades and I can hear its strangled laughter. It’s as if it’s right in the room with me. As the sound fades, I can see the Shade so clearly my stomach turns again at the sight of its bubbling, sludge-like flesh. Then my attention is on its dark face. As I study the shifting shadows, I’m able to catch glimpses at the horror underneath. Again, I’m reminded of the demon in my dream from the night before. The Tori-Shade.
Angel inhales sharply and removes her hands from my head. When I open my eyes, I see that many of the Walkers have gathered around the two of us. I wonder how much time has passed. I look at Angel and she is wearing a look of complete surprise.
“Angel? Did you learn anything?” Sam inquires.
Angel looks bothered and impatient. “Yes and no,” she says with her little hands on her waist. “I learned that the Greater Shade has definitely targeted Addy here.” She turns to face the others. “And that he is as strong as we suspected, and more. His mind is so strong, in fact, he was able to project his consciousness outside of Chaos and into Earth Realm.”
“No way!” Kira shouts. “That’s crazy!”
“It’s true,” Mel says. “I’ve been suspecting it for the last ten minutes or so, but now I’m sure.”
Ben turns to Mel. “Mel?”
She looks up and finds Crank. “Do you remember, Crank? Addy’s first night here, in Minor Calm. She mentioned a demon in her dream.” They both look at me.
“Oh yeah, that’s right!” Says Crank excitedly. “You said you dreamed of a demon with a shadow face before the fall—which means you hadn’t entered Chaos yet!” He starts bouncing in place as he puts the pieces together.
“And most importantly,” says Angel, “the demon in her dream was trying to stop Addy from answering the call to Chaos.” She looks at me. “That Greater Shade was bent on stopping you from coming here at all. The frustrating thing about it is that I don’t have the time right now to properly evaluate you for your potential ability. I have a feeling that when we find out what it is you can do, we may have a better idea of why this Shade is targeting you.”
Oh great, no pressure or anything.
“Well then,” Ember says, smiling at me, “our course of action is to make sure Addy gets evaluated and trained ASAP, right? I mean, if this super-strong Shade is afraid of Addy, then it makes sense that it’s because she’ll be able to take it down.”
I groan inwardly. I know Ember means well, but she’s only making me feel worse. Now suddenly, it’s up to ME to stop the Greater Shade? I’m paralyzed with fear in its presence, but I’m supposed to vanquish it somehow? I’m starting to feel lightheaded and queasy. I wonder briefly, if I throw up here, will I wake up ‘top-side’ covered in sick?
Sam must have been able to read the fear on my face. “Whatever happens, Adelaide, you won’t have to face anything alone. We don’t work that way here.”
“That’s right, mate!” Mel grins at me and rubs her hands together eagerly. “I’ve got a score to settle with that brute, and if he thinks he’s getting a one-on-one fight, he’s got another thing comin’!”
“That’s for sure!” Timothy shouts. “I had to abandon my bike because of him! That can’t go unanswered!”
We all laugh and it’s relieving to feel the mood lighten a little.
Once again, Sam is the voice of reason as he brings us all back to the pressing issue. “What we need to discuss now is how do we continue to protect Earth Realm with the threat of a possible ambush every time we go out into Chaos?”
Everyone is silent as they search for possible solutions.
“I don’t really think there is anything we can do,” says Simone resolutely. “It’s too dangerous.”
“Not so.”
I turn, along with the rest of the room, at the sound of the Russian behind me. This is the first time Mikhail has spoken throughout the whole meeting.
“Oh really?” Simone snaps. “And what-”
Sam cuts her off with an upraised hand. “Go ahead, Mikhail. What are your thoughts?”
Mikhail’s arms are crossed over his chest defensively. He looks around at everyone. When his eyes land on mine, I smile encouragingly at him. When he finally does talk, he keeps his eyes on me, as if talking to me is easier for him than addressing the whole room.
“We are Realmwalkers. This is what we do. We fight.” I nod my head in agreement. I like his attitude—and his voice, quiet but assertive. “When it gets hard, we don’t give up. We are warriors. They may have the numbers but we are smart, right? They lose element of surprise now. They can’t catch us that way again.” When he finishes, he lowers his eyes down to the table.
Everyone slowly turns back to Sam. I see a lot of raised eyebrows, a few sheepish looks, and an eye roll from Simone.
“What Mikhail said may be difficult to hear, but I agree with him. This IS what we are for. We weren’t summoned to Chaos to stay hidden away in the Calms. I can’t force any of you to do your duty, but I’m telling you now, I won’t give up.” Sam looks around the room, making eye contact with everyone.
After a short silence, Timothy stands up. “I’m with you, Boss.” Sam acknowledges him with a small nod.
Harmony jumps up. “Me too, Boss!” She smiles encouragingly around the room, and it’s like the sun melting away the layer of ice around our hearts. The rest of the Realmwalkers stand nearly as one to show Sam their support.
He smiles proudly back at us. “This will be hard. I’m sure of it. But we’ll get through it together, like we always do.”
“That’s right, Boss!” Ember shouts next to me. Everyone follows suit and expresses their support with cheers.
“All right, everyone, that’s enough for now. Unless there is anything pressing left to discuss, I think we should let Doc make her rounds. This is one beat up, ragtag bunch of Walkers, and frankly, I’m tired of looking at your sorry faces,” Sam jokes.
We all laugh as Doc gets up. “Sorry Boss, I can heal any injury, but I can’t do a thing about their faces.” This earns another laugh as she starts her examination on the nearest injured Walker. Everyone starts to mingle and talk in small groups.
Ember looks at her watch again. “We don’t have much time left. Let’s see if we can get Doc to fix you up so we can get you in a bed before you wake up top-side.”
We get up and make our way to where Doc is healing a very red and swollen ankle on Lang’s right leg. Ember and I watch as the swelling reduces gradually until it is gone completely and his skin is its natural bronze color.
“That really is incredible,” I say to Doc. She waves the praise away with a hand and motions for me to take Lang’s now-vacated chair in front of her.
“Now, let’s have a look at you,” Doc says, very professionally. I watch her in awe as she slowly moves her hands around my body, finding injuries and miraculously healing them. When she heals my torn-up knees from the previous night, I see there aren’t any scars there. Only smooth, pink, new skin. This makes me wonder why she, of all people, is covered in scars. Can she not heal herself?
“Scars or no scars?” she asks. At first, I’m embarrassed and think she means the scars on her face and arms that I’ve been staring at. Then I realize she’s holding my hands and indicating my ruined palms. I remember the day before, feeling Sam’s scars on his palms. I remember him and Ember telling me that the scars are a rite of passage and something that all the Walkers have in common. I want to be a part of that.
“Scars please,” I say decisively. Doc smiles in approval. I’m given the most relief after she heals my throat. I hadn’t realized how bad it felt until all my other hurts were healed and it was the only one left to focus on. I couldn’t even swallow without wanting to cry out in pain. It was nearly unbearable. As soon as Doc is finished with me, I jump up and throw my arms around her.
&nbs
p; “You are wonderful! Thank you so much!”
She pats my shoulder affectionately. “You’re very welcome, dear.”
Doc gets up and moves along as I see Sam approaching from the front of the room. When he gets to Ember and me, he gently takes my chin and moves my head to the left and right, examining my neck.
“Much better.” He smiles. “You were looking pretty gruesome to be honest. I’m glad you’re healed now.”
“She’s a tough one, isn’t she? I didn’t hear her complain once!” Ember says proudly.
“Me neither, and to be honest, I’ve seen grown men cry for less,” Sam states. He seems proud of me too, which makes all the injuries worth bearing.
“I’m not tough or anything,” I explain. “I’m just so easily distracted it was simple to forget I was even hurt.” Ember laughs as she puts her arm across my shoulder, and I notice Mikhail slip quietly out of the room. I feel sad for him.
“Hey,” I lower my voice and move a little closer to Ember and Sam. They both lean in conspiratorially. “Is Mikhail really shy? How come he’s so quiet?”
Sam and Ember look at each other. Again, it’s like a silent conversation passes between them. Sam addresses me. “Ember and I will fill you in on a lot once we are top-side. We’ll tell you all about the other Walkers, where they’re from, what they’re personalities are like. Stuff like that.”
I take this as the only answer I’m going to get right now. “And speaking of going top-side, we should probably get you settled in a room. The sun will be up soon, and you’re still untrained when it comes to waking up on command.”
I’m surprised to hear how late it is already. I’m usually up early on the weekends.
“I’ll find her a place, Boss. Why don’t you get things wound up here and we’ll meet you up top when you’re finished.”
“Sounds good. See you two soon.”
I follow Ember out of the conference room, saying good-bye to Walkers as I go. Some give me high fives, others hugs. Outside the conference room, we walk through an area that looks to be a huge game room. I see two pool tables and an air hockey table. Arcade games line the walls. A huge flat-screen TV hangs from a wall, and under it I see every type of major game console. Stacks and stacks of games and movies fill the entertainment center under the TV and everywhere are soft and plush-looking sofas and chairs.
