“Patty? I figured you had someone in mind. I did not think it was her.” Vincent opened the door wider and motioned for them to join him in his office. Once inside he patted her on the back. “Congratulations. I know you’ll do wonderfully.”
“Really?” Patty didn’t sound so sure.
Vincent smiled.
Patty’s eyes widened. “Oh my. I’ve got work to do. I need to start hiring my team and getting to know the warehouse workers.” She handed the folder to Vincent. “All your updates are in there.” She hurried out the door, her shoes making tapping sounds as she hurried to work.
“Find me a new assistant too, please,” Vincent called out. “Well.” Vincent turned to Stephen. “What’s next?”
Stephen pulled his wallet out and found the picture of him and Bernard. “I’ve got to find him now.”
“You two look close in the photo.”
“Oh, we were. That was a great day. We were in Metropolis, the home of Superman.”
“Yeah, I recognize that museum there, in the background. It had the Bat Boat and all kinds of Hollywood props.”
“What do you mean had? They closed?”
“Yeah, it was some time ago. I go there every year for the Superman parade.” Vincent smiled.
So did Stephen. They shared a love for all things Superman.
Vincent grabbed the photo. “You know, it is strange that he left this photo.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, that Brandon guy told you that Bernard had taken all his belongings, right? Why did he not take this? Still stranger is why did he leave this behind knowing you are after him?”
Stephen snatched the photo out of his hand. “I’ve got to go.” He hurried out the office, leaving Vincent standing in the doorway. “I’m taking the company truck,” Stephen called out.
He ran down the stairs and straight to the truck, and then headed to Metropolis, Illinois. He felt Bernard had left the photo on purpose wanting Stephen to find him. Perhaps Bernard had been forced to attack Vincent, but really wanted Stephen’s help. Or, maybe Bernard meant to set a trap. Either way, Stephen understood that he needed to go.
The truck started beeping. It needed gas. Stephen pulled into a gas station to fill up. He Googled Metropolis on his phone for directions. Three hours. I don’t remember it being that far. He went inside, grabbed a snack and a drink, giving him time to think. Would he just show up? How far was he willing to go? He considered calling Alistair for a moment.
No, this is a family problem. I need to take care of this myself.
Stephen set his phone back to Google Maps. It notified him of construction along the way. The trip would take longer than he thought. He got back into the truck and headed for the home of Superman to find his Fallen brother.
****
Stephen arrived in Metropolis later that same afternoon, construction traffic causing standstills for part of the trip. Under normal circumstances, the expected three-hour trip would have been tough enough. With construction, plus the weight of the trip’s purpose and all the emotions that accompanied it, the five-hour drive taxed Stephen in every way.
The hot sun, as pretty as the day was, did little to help his mood. The last five hours had tormented him. He thought about a strategy for facing Bernard, as well as a potential puppet master. He worried about trying to find some way to save his oldest friend. On top of that, he felt rumblings in his stomach.
Metropolis didn’t have much of anything of interest except Superman. He parked his truck in the square, where the fifteen-foot-tall bronze statue of Superman stood in all his blue, red, and yellow splendor. Somehow it brought a smile to his face. A family stood at the base of the statue while someone took their picture. Each family member wore a different Superman T-shirt.
On the corner across the street stood the Superman Museum. Stephen remembered enjoying walking around inside the small building with Bernard. The Americana Hollywood Museum wasn’t far from there. Still, he needed to eat and rest a moment.
Stephen walked into a small shop on the square to grab a bite. He sat in a booth near the back of the shop and looked over the menu.
“Hey, hon. Can I get you something to drink?”
Stephen looked up to see a young woman waiting for a reply.
“Yeah, sure. I’ll take a water.”
“Okay. Are you ready to order? Or do you need a minute?”
“I’m ready.” Stephen put the menu away. “I’ll have a chicken sandwich.”
“You want mayo on that?”
“No, thank you.” Stephen was quick to reply.
“How about fries?”
“That sounds good. Thanks.”
The woman scribbled in a pad and walked away.
Stephen pulled the photo from his wallet. He felt somewhat nervous and somewhat relieved that this fight might finally come to an end. He needed closure for Waltz. And he really wanted to be able to help Vincent find his father. Vincent had been a good friend and understanding of all that had taken place.
The waitress placed the cup of water on the table.
“Your food will be out in a minute.”
“Thanks.” Stephen went back to looking at the picture.
“Hey, that boy there in the photo”—she pointed at Bernard—“that’s not Bernard, is it?”
Stephen turned his attention to the woman. “Do you know him?”
“Well, yes and no. He comes in here sometimes. He’s friendly enough but doesn’t talk much. I think he carries that same picture. The other kid, that’s you?”
“Yeah, we grew up together.”
“I always wondered who that cute little guy was.” The woman smiled at Stephen.
Without meaning to, he glimpsed her thoughts. She thought he was even cuter now. Stephen fidgeted in his seat. He could feel her looking him over.
“Do you happen to know where he lives?” Stephen inquired.
“Nah. I think he comes and goes. He stopped in here yesterday morning for a bite. So, I think he’s back in town. If you tell me where you’re staying and give me your number, I’ll pass it along when I see him.”
Stephen peeked inside her mind again. She wanted his information, but for other reasons.
“You know, he’s already told me where to meet up with him. I’ll just wait until then.”
She shrugged. “Okay. If you change your mind—”
“I know where to find you,” he finished.
She winked at him and walked back to the kitchen. At least he’d discovered he was in the right place. He sat there waiting on his food. He listened for thoughts as people went by. Nothing appeared to be out of the ordinary. Many of the people who walked by were locals, going about their daily schedules. Occasionally, a Fort Massac tourist or Superman enthusiast would wander by, their thoughts filled with excitement.
“Here you go. Can I get you anything else?” The waitress continued smiling at him in a way that made him fidget some more.
“No, I’m good, thank you. But here you go.” He handed the woman a twenty. “You’ve been kind. Keep the change.”
“Thanks, hon.”
Stephen couldn’t help but think it was a good thing that Patty wasn’t on this trip. Otherwise, he’d have to pull her off the woman. The mental imagery made him chuckle. He shoveled down his food and left.
He made his way down the street, toward the museum pictured in the photo. He walked up to the green painted rock out front, which was advertised as Kryptonite. He held up the photo one last time. He stood in the same spot they had stood together about fifteen years prior.
He looked around. No one appeared to be watching. He took hold of the fence and hopped over it. Jumping the fence had been easier than expected. Walking to the door, however, seemed to take forever. His heart raced. The door wasn’t locked. Stephen took a deep breath and entered.
Memorabilia from various movies lay covered in dust, but not all. Some items appeared to have been moved. The only light came from the wind
ows behind him. The air smelled stale and made his throat itch.
“Bernard?” he called out in raspy voice. Clearing his throat, he tried again. “Bernard? I’m here.” He heard movement near the back of the building. “I want to talk. We’re brothers. We can work this out. Just talk to me.”
Moving slowly toward the back, his eyes began adjusting to the dim light. Movie props abounded. He passed a life-size Lara Croft, Rhett, Scarlett, and even Jack Sparrow, until he could go no further.
“Dang it. Where are you?”
“I’m here.”
Steven whirled around to see a large dark figure standing next to a Mr. Spock replica, between him and the door. “Bernard. What’s going on? Where have you been?”
Bernard said nothing. Stephen tried to read him, but there was resistance. He could have forced the issue, but didn’t want a confrontation if it was avoidable. “So, did you want me to come here to fight or what?”
“I didn’t want you here.” There was a sadness in Bernard’s voice.
“Then why am I here?”
Bernard said nothing.
Stephen knew he had made a mistake. Something about the situation wasn’t right. Reaching out with his mind revealed that they were not alone. Someone else hid nearby. In searching deep, Bernard’s thoughts revealed sorrow.
I never intended for this. I’m sorry, Stephen.
“Bernard, this doesn’t have to happen. We can leave now and fix this.”
“Do not be mistaken,” a man’s voice said from the darkest corner. “Bernard is devoted to the cause. He understands what is at stake.”
Stephen looked, but there was no one around. Then, he looked at Bernard, not yet ready to believe Bernard had willingly chosen to be Fallen.
“Really? What’s at stake, then?” Stephen asked.
“All of it,” the voice replied. “Victory is within our grasp. And, as fate would have it, you are the key.”
“How can I be the key? I barely know anything.” Stephen continued looking around. The voice now seemed to come from all directions.
“Yet, you have power beyond anything we have ever experienced.”
“Show yourself. Let’s have this conversation face to face.” He began searching for the man’s thoughts. Locking onto his thoughts proved difficult.
“You want to meet me? Let me show you who I really am.”
Light began to fade from the room. Slowly and methodically, darkness filled every corner from the back of the building to the front, until all light had been snuffed out. Stephen felt alone and suffocated. Trying to escape only proved how desperate the situation was as he ran into object after object. Things crashed and collided with every move.
He tried to find the mind causing all the trouble. Where are you? Why can’t I see? He continued looking for a way in.
“There is nothing to see—no light, no hope.”
Stephen searched harder. Let me in. The harder he pushed, the harder he was pushed back.
“This can all stop, Stephen. It can all end. What have the Mighty done to help you?” the voice taunted.
Stephen felt around, finding something sturdy to brace himself against. “Alistair helped me. He’s one of the Mighty.”
“How has he helped? You still haven’t found the answers you seek. He sees the future but was conveniently absent when Vincent was attacked. The Mighty should have found you sooner. Waltz should have told you about your gift sooner. He had suspicions before the gift fully manifested.”
“You’re trying to twist everything,” Stephen yelled.
“I’m trying to show you who the Mighty really are. We could have ended you long ago. Instead, we’ve watched you. We’ve followed you since New Orleans to see if you are worthy to join us.”
“Join you?” Stephen snickered. “Is being crazy a requirement for the Fallen or just exclusive to you?”
“If you don’t join us, there remains only one option. Die.”
“Argh!” Pain shot through Stephen’s head as though his brain were being torn apart. “Stop it,” he cried out.
“The pain only stops if you join us.”
“Then kill me and get it over with.”
“No. You will die slowly.” The voice sounded pleased.
The pain continued to grow. Stephen had never experienced anything like it. It spread throughout his extremities, sending him falling to the floor in agony. His arms and legs began to draw up. His fingers became disjointed. Every muscle in his body pulled tighter and tighter. Tendons and ligaments popped as they continued to draw more taut.
“You already know what it means to be Fallen. Tommy, Chuck, Rebound, they’re all your doing. Accept being Fallen and the pain stops. The rush of adrenaline, the high you get from using your power, can remain all the time. Deny it and you will die a most horrific death.”
“Please, Bernard. Help me.” Stephen called out to him. No answer. “I can’t do this.” Small tearing sounds preceded shocks of pain throughout his body. “Argh!” His heart began to ache. He struggled with the thought of death. The pleasure he got from using his ability tempted him. Bernie had often hinted that the Mighty were not always right. Stephen had to make a decision. He knew he wouldn’t be able to stand the pain much longer. Still, he didn’t want to die. It was all he could do to utter what he knew would be his last words.
“Lord, Jesus, help me. I-I am Fallen.” Stephen gasped for air as the pain increased. “Take my life and let me die.”
The pain began to dissipate, and light crept back into the room. Stephen felt strength return to his limbs, gaining control of his muscles once again. He worked his way to one knee and steadied himself before rising to his feet.
“What are you doing? How are you doing this?” the voice yelled.
Stephen looked around, confused as to what was happening. He wasn’t doing anything.
Light continued to grow bright and fill the room. At first it seemed to have no source. Shadows and dark spaces ceased to exist. Before him, the bright image of a man became defined. Stephen dared not look at his face. Instead, he threw himself to the ground in awe. His entire being understood that he was in the presence of holiness, and he responded the only way he could—in reverence and adoration. In front of Stephen stood a man dressed in a flowing white robe.
“I’m not worthy,” Stephen called out.
“Do not bow to me. I’m a servant, like you.” The sound of the man’s voice pierced to Stephen’s very soul. “But, He is worthy enough for you. Stand, Stephen.”
Stephen raised himself and saw the man pointing to the source of the light. He saw the image of God and his Son seated on thrones.
“What happened. Am I dead?”
The man smiled. “No. You put your life in God’s hands. The Father and Son answer all who call on them.”
“Is this a dream?” Stephen still wasn’t sure what to make of it.
“More like a vision. This is happening outside of time. When we are done, you will be returned to the same time you left.”
“Will I die?”
“Only if you choose not to act.”
Stephen paused for a moment before continuing. “Who are you?”
“I am Areli, an angel of sight.”
“You say I need to act, but what can I do? I don’t fully understand my power yet.”
“Stephen, in your weakness, He is strong. God has strength that will be enough and take care of you when you are unable to.”
“What do I do or say?”
“Don’t worry about that. When the time comes, you will know the answers.”
“So, that’s it?”
“No. You are here for a different reason.” Areli pointed again—only, this time to another vision. “Look over there. What do you see?”
“It looks like there are two armies. One appears to be made up of demons and evil creatures. The other looks like an army of God.”
“Yes. The release of these armies means a final chance for man to choose. There will be de
vastation like never before. Only a third of mankind will survive. The atrocities will be great.”
Stephen turned away. He didn’t want to see more. The thought of two-thirds of humanity dying made him sick to his stomach.
Areli pointed again. “Now what do you see?”
Stephen turned his head back to look again. “I see two more armies. One is dressed like the Mighty; the other appears to be Fallen.”
“The Fallen seek to conquer the world, so they think. In truth, they seek only to destroy all goodness, such as hope, faith, and love. They are responsible for so much that is wrong in the world. They’ll take anything and turn it toward evil. When they make it so that man cannot turn back, the evil army will be released, setting the tribulation into motion. The world has been so close before. Many times the Fallen have risen to almost complete power over man. The Mighty has always fought them back. Now they are stronger than ever. New challenges are rising among them. Their strength and numbers are greater than the Mighty know. You are essential to fighting them, to giving man more time.”
Stephen thought for a moment before asking, “That’s why you helped me?”
“No. I helped you because you made a choice. You chose to serve Christ, giving him your life, not knowing where that would lead you. That choice has allowed you to be Mighty. You expected death but gained life. You waited late in the game to do so. Still, you did it. I’m showing you all this so you will understand your role.”
“What do I need to do to fight them?”
“It’s simple: do good. Love man and do not withhold compassion or justice from anyone. Follow the Way wherever it leads you.” Areli walked away. Light began to fade. Bernard came into view again.
“What do I do about this?” Stephen motioned toward Bernard.
“You will know. God’s instructions are written upon your heart.”
“What if I mess up?”
“There is no if. You will. But that’s okay. He forgives you.” Areli faded out of view. The room returned to darkness.
Chronicles of Stephen BoxSet Page 23
