NOVEL WEB Issue 36: Ill Wind Marshalling
Issue 11: Ill Wind Marshalling
It looks like Thoth has feelers out everywhere. He’s actively working with elements from the Hidden House. I would suggest some Omegas look into the matter. I am required to stay within certain sectors for the safety of all.—Q’vera, Personal Observations to the Throne of the Multiverse.
It took a while but I finally found a proper Ley Line Breach point. Now all I have to do is corrupt it, ever so gently. Like one sour note among the vast symphony but it will grow. If I am to have my army. It must grow!—Thoth
I see why her mother fears. But my power must have a proper vessel. Only Eliza has the potential to house the vast power of Life. I had to deaden her tactile functions. Otherwise, the pain of molding her body would have been horrendous. Her brother was also made into a proper host for my counterpart. They will be the final line against the Ulitmate Darkness.—White
I could feel the sickness but wasn’t able to purge it. Because I wasn’t physically ready to bear the Power of the White Defender. But that wasn’t the biggest threat I saw on display that day. What I saw was far worse. Now I know why Apple had me switch that item that day. The day Thoth thought he stole “forbidden” tech. The day those disks nearly tore my heart in two. –Sleeping in Starlight, a memoir of the 22nd Century.
New Ashbury, Historic South District
Library of Antiquity (Texas)
November 15th, 2103
This place brought back memories.
That black slip of a marker. The one written with a language I still couldn’t recognize. It was still hidden within me. It was just Doc and myself. Everyone else was called away on some sort of errand so I decided to finally take her up on that offer for a date. The fact that it was housing an event she was keenly interested in also helped. As we entered the foyer, a familiar glint caught my eye. That silver sailing ship. She noticed where my eyes were wandering. She wrapped a hand around my arm and guided me over, “I have to admit, that did catch my interest the first time we were here. Especially since I know more about structure and foundation now.”
I nodded absently.
My eyes locked on the figurines working on the deck of the ship.
I could have sworn I saw them move.
Lorain ran a finger alongside the glass case it was housed in. Her lips parted with a hint of surprise. She whispered, “Something is living in there. I can feel it.” With my hearing, it was like she was talking at a normal level. White’s mindvoice curled around my skull.
Interesting that it found itself here of all places.
I wanted to ask her more but she withdrew deeper into my mind. Giving Doc and I some privacy. I got the feeling she was discussing things with my brother and her counterpart. So I left them to it. Doc’s green eyes pinned me to the floor. She smiled suddenly, “I see what you are doing Cornfed.” She poked me on the forehead. “Stop overthinking it and have fun! You do remember fun right?” She poked me in the stomach. I watched this of course. The surgeries were still ongoing. But I was starting to get more feeling in my back. Even near my ribs.
She wrapped her arm around my waist and we traveled around the open-air gardens. I paused and leaned over the railing. Bringing in the scents around me. Not being as obvious as Cooper would though. A faint hint of vanilla. Doc was wearing it. With a smattering of spices. I blurted out, “What is that fragrance?” Her smile widened. She replied, “If you behave you might find out!”
I thought back to some pointers Samatha, my half-sister gave me before I came out here. Her face had been open and kind but I knew she was masking her puzzlement until I got to the question. That had gotten her jaw to drop. She smothered her giggle behind a napkin. Finally stating, “If Lorain wearing makeup or perfume, make sure to comment on it, she’s probably going for subtle but please notice. This is extra important since you have extrasensory abilities.”
I was about to take notes but Sam stopped me. “No. Put that down. Here’s the simple rule. Be yourself. That’s it.”
Lorain tapped me on the forehead once more. “I have to be honest.” Her tone held a sour note. I held my breath. She continued onwards. “Your father also has his eyes on this place. There’s something he wants me to plant here. I will need your help hiding it.” I grinned. Straightened and saluted. “Yes ma’am!” She punched me on the shoulder.
Then rested her head there. Well almost. She was short enough that it was more like my chest. I didn’t mind. The closer she was to my heart the better. She gave off residual healing waves. It filled my chest with warmth. Actual warmth outside of resting inside a star. I even said this out loud. A burst of happiness hit my brain.
We sat on a bench. An artificial waterfall soothed my inner ear. I tuned everything out besides her and her heartbeat.
*****
The Curator replaced the Silver Serpent Clipper with a replica. He had sensed the interest of the Slumbering One. Along with her host. He wrapped it carefully. Knowing just where to send it. This place wouldn’t need it anyway. He etched an additional Muthra symbol for “Safeguard” within. It filled his soul with relief. His long vigil was coming to an end. The last time it had captured the attention of someone it was known as Pandora’s Box.
His ancient craggy face was unusual for Earth. Even with its current stages of prolong. Still, he greeted all with joy. Many responded in kind without quite knowing why. He waited until the package was loaded on the lift.
Destination: Jupiter Rising.
He used the Lady’s credentials so the VI would understand. It would still go through proper channels. He turned on his heel and walked outside. The sun was bright in the sky. He could feel the slight tremor below the street. Thoth would throw the Leyline out of time with its brothers and sisters. He wouldn’t have the ability to stop it. Star and her father would. Along with Sir Avalon. Many of Earth’s magical entities could already sense the shift. Even now Ra called out. In the form of an American Bald Eagle. The former demi still had a sense of humor the Curator appreciated.
He whistled as he walked. His cane clicking on the pavement.
Far below the surface, the wellspring of Earth’s Cosmic leyline shifted, reaching the All-Seeing Eye. Every demi powered by magic froze then cried out in pain as their powers shifted. In some cases, some fell from the sky. Only to be caught by Terran Alliance drones. Or to be plucked from danger by their teammates. Within the Library of Antiquity Eliza Murphy’s face paled.
*****
Doc noticed the expression on my face. She lifted her eyes skyward. An eagle dove into the building through the open roof paneling feeding into the garden. It perched on my head then hopped onto the bench. No one else seemed to take notice. Its voice echoed within our minds. I knew because Lorain’s other hand moved to grip my shirt.
The Mad King strikes. Follow! For the Wall and Ra Endures!
The bird shifted. Forming into a man nearly as tall as me. His skin was etched with symbols and tattoos. Silver armor with a golden staff resting across his back. His eyes gleamed crimson. He pointed. We followed. Our footsteps echoed as we descended into the dark below the Museum.
He waved and suddenly our civilian clothing was gone. In its place were our usual demi suits.
I gingerly hoisted Lorain into my arms. She buried her head into my neck as I sprinted faster than she could ever move. I could feel her suit and nanites compensating for the speed and g forces. Ra remained ahead. Opening vortexes as we transversed across plains I had no name or description for. At one point I felt an arm link with mine. Judgement was next to me. Along with Sir Avalon. This was big then. Even Dr. Zanzibar was present. They all kept up with Ra.
The expanse before me appeared endless. A splash of water made me look downward. Stars, Planets, every combination imaginable stared back at me. Voices raised with abject terror cascaded against me. Thoth laughed. “Welcome. I don’t remember inviting you troublesome pests!” A bald man beside him quavered. He was in a regular black suit. Blue shirt with brown loafers. His hands were balled up. Fire wreathed both palms. It was almost as if he was praying.
He was repeating, “My will is done. Nothing peers away. All of us under its sway. We are not alone.”
The water raged.
Defend us.
Defend LIFE. IT COMES!
Shapes rose around us. Black and filled with rage. Claws dripping with ichor struck out. I ducked, shielding Doc with my body as a creature swiped at me. It screamed and dissipated as Dr. Zanzibar chanted. Sir Avalon and my father maneuvered in towards Thoth. Coming at him from both sides. I stood. Nodded to Lorain and I put on a burst of speed to hit him from the front. I breathed in something ice cold. The Layline was talking to White. Thoth’s face was strained but triumphant. “BEGONE PESTS!” Suddenly everyone was gone and I was face to face with an endless horror. It growled all around me.
Voices raised. Bloodcurdling screams.
Little light. You cannot win. I will eat you all. Down to the last drop.
With utter certainty, I knew. I was inside the Unity.
Its beastly nature coiled around me like a giant serpent. Its black tongue reaching.
White’s voice was like a knife cutting through despair.
It lies. Breakthrough. Let go. Fear not. I walk with you.
The Illusion shattered like millions of shards. Each reflecting the terror and despair. But it wasn’t my feelings. It was Thoth. He was drowning. With no way out. He screamed as I charged. Sir Avalon and my father had each arm in a firm grip. The mad king spitted on Sir Avalon. Thoth’s rising laughter turned brittle.
“Why waste time on me. Everything is a party you see. Tick tock.”
I dived into the Leyline itself. Bellowing, “How may I defend all life?” It answered. Showing where all the cloaked bombs were. Magical bombs. My father kicked Thoth in the stomach as the former Atlantian wheeled away. Knowing that we would choose to save the people. Sir Avalon and the rest joined me within the Leyline as it teleported us away from Thoth. It brushed my mind.
After. Bring the Anointed. It will change the corruption. Subvert the Mad One’s plans.
*****
We found all the bombs. Had to bring in more magical specialists to disarm them properly. It would have released a plague upon the city and everything 30 miles out. My father nudged me. We re-entered the building. The gems on his bracers glowed. Once more the Cosmic Line was before us. The echoes still replaying the battle. Turns out that Thoth hadn’t even been here. It had just been two soul dolls. Made by the bald man. Avalon had his team looking into it. I fell to my knees as Mr. Apple reached into my chest to withdraw that long ago artifact. My father was talking with people. In hushed tones. The language was unknown to me.
The black slip was in Mr. Apple’s hands. He placed it against the surface of the water.
White added her voice to its musical tones. My father and the other shimmering figures with him sighed in relief. Mr. Apple apologized to me as he re-inserted the black slip. I cracked a smile through gritted teeth. “Guess this will be the plan for all the Lines then?” He nodded.
Thoth knows of all of them. We will have to repeat this endeavor 4 more times.
White added, I deadened your sense of touch as your powers began to waken. To hide such relics you contain, your body must shield them properly. It hides these things from even magic. Please try to bear with this a while longer.
I thought back.
Magic.
The key to many things. Even Eddie's demi power could detect things beyond all known magic and technology. I smiled with a sad understanding. I was a walking talking black box of hidden items. My mind suddenly thought of Gulliver’s bag. I bit my lip. Covering my mouth as I giggled. Dad walked over, “Everything 5 by 5?” I nodded rapidly.
“Sorry, sir. I just had an odd thought. Actually, what kind of dessert should I order. I technically still have a date to finish.”
Mr. Apple reached out and hugged me. I couldn’t feel him but his emotions said everything. I returned it. No wonder he felt so upset all the time. It was something I never asked for but in the end, if it saved my home, family, and everyone else. I would bear it.
Judgement kept his face schooled and professional.
I could tell he was genuinely happy for me.
Eventually he replied, “Go with a classic. Apple Pie and ice cream.”
Captain’s Quarters
The Jupiter Rising
November 15th, 2103
Lorain set the silver sailing ship on the display above the bed. She swore she could hear waves coming from it but every time she pushed a finger against the glass, it remained inert. The small figurines on the deck were very detailed. They looked like sailors from the Accord Wars. But the ship was that of an 1800’s American Warship. What an odd combination. Still, she didn’t sense anything malicious from it. It was oddly soothing.
Eliza entered.
She had two plates with some very delicious aroma’s coming off them. Lorain squealed. “How did you know.” She nearly knocked Murphy over when grabbing a plate.
*****
I grinned. Dexter was currently in the VR rooms with dad. Catching up in a way I really wouldn’t understand but that was fine. Even fathers needed some downtime with their sons. Just as I had certain chats with mom. At least he could roam around the ship now that White was taking up some of the cloaking responsibility. Alongside Jupiter. I had a feeling that Gulliver and Apple were helping as well.
I turned on some of the more popular holo-vids plaguing the entertainment waves. Doc smirked and changed it to the “Real Lives of Caped Defenders.” I groaned. “Really?” She kissed me on the cheek, “Come on. Just one episode. Then we should get back to the Museum. Your father still wants me to plant that device. More hush hush Project Osiris stuff.” I acquiesced because I knew at heart she loved those soap operas. Especially the ones where the duo in question was each a demi. Trying to protect each other while maintaining their normal civilian life.
Now that I took time to pause and genuinely reflect on everything her obvious signs were much more blatant to me now. I leaned back on the headrest. The soft waves of the sea calming my heart. I could almost hear the shouts of the men as they raised anchor. Augie, the corgi of the hour, jumped up into the bed as well. Wiggled between Lorain and me.
“Are you comfortable sir? May I get you a mint?” Augie barked with contentment and flipped upside down so his little legs were in the air. Each paw wiggling as he made himself a very nice bed across both our laps. Doc said, “He’s after our pie you know. Aren't you Augustus?”
Aggie barked with total agreement.
Lorain made a pillow of my shoulder.
Her tone was half-joking, “I say for date two, we go for lazer tag. Maybe only a Kaiju will show up for that one.”
*****
Lorain saw Eliza shake with great huffs of air as the laughter rang throughout the cabin. The doctor was pleased and eyed her captain’s waist with a critical eye. “Your belt told me a few things. I’ll still do all those surgeries and cloning setups but you wont have true sense of tactile function until she’s done with whatever process she needs.” She saw Eliza nod. “Its for a good cause Doc. Trust me.” Lorain did. Far more than anyone else in the Multiverse. But the reasons for something that powerful to be walking and talking in this universe gave the human woman a great deal of worry. White noticed this critical regard and stated, You will have what you want eventually good doctor. These things are needed. For your captain and my host to have better mental communication between myself and her mother.
Lanis frowned for a moment. Her reply was serious but laced with something that Eliza could only assume was aggravation, “Just as long as you keep that promise.” The belt was firm.
I understand quite well what I ask of Eliza Murphy. The terms of our agreement will be fulfilled Lorain Lanis of Earth.
*****
Cooper trotted in. His black triangular ears perked forward. <
I saluted, “Yes ma’am.”
What a day to be alive.
Lorain whooped and jumped onto my back, “FORWARD MARCH!”
The Cosmic Layline of Earth
New Ashbury (Texas)
November 16th
Sir Avalon peered into the infinite mirror space that made up the lay line. It spoke to him of many things. His heart ached for Eliza Murphy. To have such a burden. He knew the young woman didn’t have the whole picture but he also knew it would be cruel to overburden her any more than she already was. A silver coin spun. The Three chanted. The very same entities that had appeared to Di’axi so long ago. The Scholar in question was seated next to Sir Avalon. Both gazing outward. Searching along with the energies of the Inner Eye. Avalon turned to the Scholar. “Humanity wasn’t the first to know magic was it? Your people had some among them as well didn’t you?” He nodded. His lips pulled back. Barely above a whisper.
“The Traitor. The one who broke the First Turning.”
Sir Avalon listened.
The story reminded him of Icarus and the Sun.
Which got him along another path.
Thinking of his son. The one he wasn’t able to acknowledge openly as well. He and Thomas Murphy shared that in a strange way. In Avalon’s case, he voluntarily entered into a union that was more spiritual than physical but somehow Ritark had happened anyway. Much to his mother’s delight. Along with Avalon’s.
He too hoped to walk out into the open with his family.
First the defense of the Leylines. The Cabal wanted the one under Area 51.
The 5 lines of Earth.
Cosmic, Water, Fire, Iron, and Void.
He and Apple reached across the infinite. Moving threads to tie the magic demis together. Hopeful that those on the side of Evil would falter. Hoping to lay the foundation for the future.