by T. R. Hamby
For listening to me. I didn’t realize….how much I needed to tell.
Barry smiled. “I hope it helped.”
It did.
He shuffled his feet. “Can I see you?”
Them was gentle. I would have to come down….and I can’t do that yet. We have to be careful.
“Right.”
I have to go….and Gabriel is outside. Good night, Barry.
“Night.”
And in walked Gabriel, looking curious. “I’m not interrupting?”
Barry shook his head, feeding an apple to Priscilla. “She’s gone.”
Gabriel approached, stroked Elvis’ dark mane.
He studied him. “She told you.”
Barry rolled his eyes at Gabriel’s shrewdness. “Yes.”
Gabriel nodded. “And you can’t tell me.”
Barry gave him a sheepish look. “No.”
Gabriel was thoughtful. He took an apple and fed it to Elvis, and finally heaved a sigh. “Okay. I trust you.”
Barry smiled. “You sure?”
“’Course I’m sure,” he replied.
He said it almost gently, with his dark eyes glittering in the harsh light of the stables.
He frowned worriedly. “Is it….hard to know?”
Barry thought, patting Priscilla’s neck. “I don’t know….it’s….quite sad.”
“I know you care about her.”
Barry felt a surge of guilt, but before he could reply Gabriel took his hand. “It’s all right. I trust her too.”
Barry looked at their hands clasped together. He suddenly felt a horrible wave of grief, of loss, so strong that his chest grew tight.
“Something’s changed now,” he said hoarsely, “between us. I’m not sure she knows yet.”
“What? What’s changed?”
Gabriel looked worried, and he took Barry’s arm, looking into his eyes.
“I think I’m feeling what she’s feeling,” Barry explained. “Our connection’s stronger….the power she’s given me has grown….does that make sense?”
“Not exactly. You’re scaring me.”
Barry felt guilty again. “Sorry.”
Gabriel looked pained, and brushed at his cheek. “I can’t lose you.”
“You won’t,” Barry said firmly. “I won’t let it happen. I won’t leave you. Not for her, not for anyone.”
Gabriel heaved a sigh, and nodded. “All right, love. All right.”
Then he smirked. “I’m past you now. In the game. Level 21.”
Barry was horrified. “You shithead.”
“Come in then. You have five levels to get through.”
So they returned to the house, leaving the offended horses behind. Everyone looked at them curiously as they entered, and Barry knew they were wondering what he and Them had spoken about.
But all he wanted to worry about now was the video game--something normal, for once. They would need it--tomorrow “normal” would be thrown right out the window.
His new connection with Them was immediately obvious.
He had come in from hunting to find dinner being served in the kitchen. He sat beside Gabriel, giving him a kiss, and accepted a cup of tea from Nora. Everyone was together, including Roone, who was in conversation with Andreas and Gilla.
Barry couldn’t help but smile. Right now, they were as normal as they could get, and it felt good.
Then he felt it. A cautious Presence, gently filling the room.
Them.
I can feel you, she whispered.
Barry glanced at Andreas, who was still chatting with Gilla. Did he not hear?
No, he can’t, Them said, and Barry started.
You can hear my thoughts now?
Yes, she replied, and you can hear mine.
Shit.
He felt her anxiety as distinctly as he would his own. I don’t know how dangerous this could be. I’m so sorry, Barry.
But Barry was firm. Don’t be. You didn’t expect it. And this could be useful.
Maybe.
I wonder what else we can do now.
“You all right?” Gabriel asked, and Barry looked around.
Everyone was staring, concerned, and he supposed they had been watching him stare blankly upwards for a while now.
He felt himself turn red. “Um….Them’s here.”
“She is?” Andreas asked, surprised. “I didn’t hear.”
“She….was only talking to me,” Barry said sheepishly. “She can hear my thoughts now.”
There was a silence.
Then Mel sighed. “What exactly did you two talk about yesterday?”
“I can’t say.”
Everyone, excepting Gabriel, looked impatient.
“Barry, this could be very important,” Nora said.
“It is important. I made her a promise, and I’m not breaking it.”
“Is this about her being Reina?” Michael asked darkly. “She gave you more information?”
“Or she isn’t Reina after all,” Mel said shrewdly, “and she told you who she really is.”
Barry felt a sharp sense of fear, and he knew Them was scared.
“Again, I can’t say,” he replied firmly. “You’ll have to trust me.”
They looked mutinous.
“She told you, but she won’t tell me,” Andreas said, and there was a hint of sadness in his voice.
You have to trust me, Them said, and Barry knew she was speaking now. Please.
Andreas heaved a sighed. “All right.”
He’s jealous, Barry thought, amazed that anyone could be jealous of him.
He loves me too, she explained. He’s actually seen me, touched me.
“So,” Mel said, sighing again, “she can hear your thoughts now. Why?”
Have you guessed? She asked, and Barry nodded.
“What she told me….strengthened our….our bond, I s’pose,” he said slowly.
He frowned, hesitant, then added, “I think it strengthened the power she gave me. She….opened herself up to me.”
More fear. Oh no, she said, I didn’t think about that.
“Just by talking?” Nora asked, bewildered.
He shrugged. “She gave me life….and now….I know her better….better than anyone….”
You’re the only person I’ve told, Them whispered. I’ve given you another piece of myself. A big piece.
Barry, with permission, repeated what she had said. Everyone looked almost disturbed.
“But that could mean….” Andreas said slowly, “….that you could do some of the things I can.”
And he looked upwards. “Can he?”
I don’t know.
“There’s only one way to find out. Here, Barry; follow me.”
Barry wasn’t sure he wanted to; he could still tell that Andreas was jealous. But he and the rest got up from the table and followed Andreas out the back door and into the cold.
He walked a ways, turned, and kicked at the snow, until a patch of damp earth, and one little stone, were visible.
Barry felt a hint of amusement coming from Them, and heard a chuckle. He wants you to Create.
“What?” he cried, looking wildly at Andreas. “Don’t make me do that.”
“It’s all right,” Andreas said, squatting down. “You’re not planning on killing it. See--look over there.”
He nodded his head, and everyone turned. Nearby were the beginnings of a tree--only five inches tall. It wasn’t a pine tree, either, suitable for this snowy weather. It looked to be an oak tree, with bright green leaves budding from tiny branches.
“I Created that just a couple weeks ago,” he said fondly. “Look how much life there is in it.”
It’s not like a tree of this world, Them said. It’s my power, not Father’s. The tree will be strong, and grow quickly. It’ll be beautiful.
“But what if I decide to kill mine?” Barry asked worriedly. “Stomp on it; tear it up? I can’t risk that. I don’t want to kill my Creation. I don�
�t want to be like him.”
But his fingers were twitching, and he could feel a strange sort of tingling in them, an ache. A longing.
But no, he couldn’t. He wouldn’t. He couldn’t handle that responsibility.
“Why would you kill a tree?” Mel was asking. “Do you have something against them?”
“Not funny, Mel,” Nora said, elbowing him in the ribs. “This is a big decision.”
“We could bring it inside,” Gilla offered. “Put it in a pot.”
“He’s not doing it,” Gabriel said firmly. “Leave him be.”
“But we really should know what he can do--”
“--we can guess--”
“--it doesn’t matter, it’s enough that--”
Barry felt a sudden flash of anger, and he stretched out his hand. The stone that lay on the earth wiggled, and then zoomed straight into his palm.
There was a pause.
Barry felt several things at once: the cold, smooth stone in his palm. An overwhelming amazement coming from Them. Disbelief coming from his own mind.
And, finally, some slight exhaustion.
“Oh my god,” Nora breathed, and she rushed over. “Can you--like--levitate it?”
Barry frowned, and opened his palm. He had to concentrate, but slowly the stone rose, just a few inches, and spun, tilted, as if it was a planet on its axis.
Andreas had drawn closer too. “That’s what I can do,” he said. “Or--a little of what I can do.”
This is so much more than I expected, Them whispered. I don’t know….I don’t know if it’s good or bad. I’ve never given someone so much power.
“You didn’t do it on purpose,” Barry replied, forgetting he didn’t have to speak for her to hear him now.
He watched the stone slowly spin. He was almost overwhelmed with awe. He certainly hadn’t expected this either. All he had wanted from Them was the truth--to be her confidante, in a way. Now he had this power--not unlike Andreas’--and he didn’t know how to feel.
His hand shook, and he dropped the stone to the ground.
I don’t think it’s too much power, Them said soothingly. You don’t have to worry about losing control like Andreas does. You don’t have to worry about hurting anyone.
She was speaking aloud, and Andreas said, “You should still train, though. You need to know what’s going on in there, what the extent of your power is.”
Barry nodded.
It’s overwhelming, Them said.
He shrugged, though he agreed. “Could be worse for me,” he replied, looking at Andreas. “But….I get it now.”
A shadow crossed Andreas’ face. “Well….maybe we could duel,” he said, managing a smirk.
No--no you may not, Them said hurriedly, and Barry and Andreas laughed.
“There’s something else,” Nora said, and everyone turned to her hesitantly.
She looked worried. “Maybe this power will grow. The closer you two get….”
Barry felt a little sick at the thought. “Yeah. That sounds right.”
He could tell Them was worried too. It’ll never be like Andreas’ power, she said soothingly. That much I know. That power takes thousands of years to develop. Maybe I’ll give you more, but it’ll still just be a piece. Something small.
Barry nodded. “I won’t Create, though,” he said firmly. “I won’t risk it.”
“It’s your choice,” Gabriel said.
“You’ll be fine,” Mel said quietly. “You’re strong; you’ve always been strong. Smart. You won’t let it consume you. Neither of you will.”
Barry felt a rush of gratitude. Mel had no idea how much those words meant. And around him, Barry sensed Them’s relief.
It was getting dark, so they all went inside. Barry’s arm was weak, and he guessed the effort of levitating that stone had tired him out. He couldn't imagine lifting a whole person like Andreas had.
I have to go, Them said gently, as they all sat down at the table again.
“More Valkyrie business?” Andreas asked wryly.
A chuckle. Yes; they’re packing. I have to help.
“What do Valkyries pack?” Barry asked.
You’re silly.
“It’s a good question,” Mel said, a curious look on his face. “We don’t know anything about Valkyries.”
“They’re not any different from the rest of her Creation,” Andreas said. “No wings or anything. They’re just highly skilled. Trained over many years.”
They’re packing their clothes, Them explained. Weapons, equipment. Armor. I told them they could stay in the field by the stables; I hope that was all right….
Barry relayed her words, and Mel, to his surprise, smiled. “Yes. That’s fine.”
Andreas will introduce you tomorrow. He knows most of them.
“Excellent,” Andreas said, grinning. “I already know who you’re sending, then.”
“Care to share?” Roone said.
So Andreas spent the rest of the dinner telling them all the amazing things about the ten Valkyries coming down to visit them. They listened, asked questions, marveled.
It was all so much to take in, and Barry found himself exhausted. But he was relieved--for the first time in a long time, they were talking about good things. Even Barry’s new power was--hopefully--a good sign.
Maybe, with some training, they could defeat God after all.
Roone
Roone couldn’t sleep that night, and in the morning he was so nervous he felt sick.
“When?” he asked, picking at his breakfast.
“After some training,” Andreas reminded him, “and probably after the Valkyries come.”
He nodded. His vision in his left eye wasn’t blurry anymore, just….absent. Roone wondered how much it would affect his fighting.
“I can’t wait for the Valkyries,” Nora gushed, and Roone felt his heart ache at the beautiful sight. “Badass women we get to fight with? It’s awesome!”
Mel was amused. “I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself,” he said, ducking his head and kissing her cheek.
Roone felt a stab of jealousy.
Mel didn’t deserve her. He didn’t pay her enough attention. He didn’t love her like Roone did. If she could only see….
Andreas kicked him under the table, and he shook himself. His heart sank, and he stared moodily at his eggs.
Right.
Suddenly everyone jumped. They could feel a mass of Presences coming from outside.
“They’re here,” Barry exclaimed, unnecessarily, and everyone hurried to the back door.
They spilled out into the snow, stopped, and stared. Standing before them, easing packs and bags off their shoulders, were ten women. They looked so ordinary that Roone was almost disappointed. This was who Them had sent?
But Andreas was thrilled.
“Finally,” he cried, striding toward them. “We’ve been waiting!”
“Andreas!” one of them cried, throwing her arms around his neck.
She was little, with large gray eyes and long dark hair.
Andreas laughed, spinning her around. “Hello, darling.”
“I missed you,” she said, in a faint English accent.
“You’re sweet,” he said fondly, kissing her cheek.
He turned to the group, grinning broadly. “This is Theresa,” he said proudly.
Ah. Andreas had spoken of Theresa last night. She was the Valkyrie who had helped Andreas Ascend to Them’s Realm.
She curtsied, and looked at them brightly. “I could guess who all of you are; Them told me so much about you. But I’ll let Andreas do the honors.”
Roone smiled. Andreas was right; she was sweet.
Andreas introduced the group, and Theresa introduced the Valkyries: Diana, their leader; Veronica, Sybil, Perdita….
Roone quickly lost track, and it was apparent he wasn’t the only one. They looked at each other blankly, all except for Andreas and Theresa.
“We should talk; go over everything,�
�� Diana said.
“The stables will fit all of us,” Mel said, and the group of eighteen made their way over.
“Oh, beautiful,” Theresa sighed, approaching the horses. “What are their names?”
“That’s Elvis, and that’s Priscilla,” Nora replied, smiling shyly.
“Elvis and Priscilla,” Theresa said, chirruping at them. “What interesting names.”
Andreas chuckled. “Theresa was born in 1860. I’m guessing she doesn’t know who Elvis was.”
“Well, who was he?” Theresa asked.
“A singer,” Mel replied, amused. “He died over a hundred years after you were born.”
“Oh, I see,” she said. “‘Rock’n’roll,’ yes?”
“Let’s get back to more important things,” Diana said, giving Theresa a look.
Theresa looked a little chagrined, and quietly resumed petting the horses.
Diana looked at them. “When, are we planning?”
“After a little training,” Andreas said. “Them wants me to work on my….new power.”
The Valkyries looked at each other warily. Theresa looked worried.
“Can we see?” she asked, and Diana shushed her.
“Might as well start now,” Mel said. “What do you think, Andreas?”
“I agree. Barry and I need to train right away.”
“Barry too,” Diana said, nodding. “I remember. Your newly acquired power.”
She looked intrigued, and Roone knew she was wondering what made him so special as to have such a strong connection with Them. Barry, to his credit, stared back defiantly, and she looked away.
Roone was confused, and a little offended on Barry and Theresa’s behalf. Diana was very stern.
But they had only just gotten acquainted. Everyone was tense, and everyone wanted to see Andreas’ power.
So they left the stables, and walked through the trees to the clearing.
“Andreas has told me all about the two of you,” Theresa said, linking arms with Gilla and Nora. “I feel as if I know you already.”
“He told us about you too,” Nora replied, still a little shy.
She was blushing, and Roone wished she would look at him like that.
Theresa caught his gaze and smiled. He looked away before Nora could notice him staring.
They arrived at the clearing. Andreas and Barry looked embarrassed as everyone stood around to watch.
