––––––––
We’ve managed to make it halfway across the city without being attacked. Though I’m not feeling all that safe to begin with. I don’t know why, but I can’t shake the feeling that someone’s following us. I’ve looked back to make sure but all I have confirmed is that I’m either being paranoid or I can’t see who’s back there.
Mason seems calm the entire journey until we make it to a park across from an old warehouse that’s been converted into an apartment complex for the middle class, then he begins to appear a bit edgy. Even though it’s probably around two in the morning, he keeps a low profile, sticking to the shadows as much as possible.
When we stumble upon a brick path, he slows down, but his gaze is looking ahead at the building where I’m assuming this Pholos guy lives. With the katana strapped to my back, I’m confident I’ll be able to protect myself but truth be told, I have no idea what I’m walking into. Nothing about this night has been ordinary, and the more time passes the weirder it gets.
Continuing by a set of trees, I glance up at the weeping willow to my right and stop dead in my tracks. Inexplicably, I begin to have a strong sense of déjà vu, which makes no sense. I don’t know why but this moment in time strikes me as familiar, as if I’ve done this before.
“Mason, wait.” I scan the park, looking for any markings that make sense to me but I see nothing significant. “You said before that when you first saw me you had a feeling you knew me, right?”
He turns to look at me. “Yes, why?”
“I...” My head starts spinning. The darkness encasing us begins to transform and suddenly I’m surrounded by a lush of iridescence all around. Tall trees filled with green leaves tower above me. The sky, which was dark and filled with stars just seconds ago, is now blue, the occasional white, fluffy cloud calmly floating by. “What...? What’s going on?” I glance in front of me at Mason, but am startled by what I see when my gaze falls upon him.
Mason is still standing where I last saw him, but his short black hair is now long, flowing all the way down to his broad shoulders. The scar on his face is missing. His clothes, having been modern and in style moments ago, are now outdated and almost regal, reminiscent of the Viking era.
“Mason?”
“What is it? What’s wrong?” Appearing a bit confused, he takes a few steps toward me. “Daya, are you okay?” It’s the same man, I see, but at the same time it’s a different side of him. One I knew ages ago. The realization startles me. Ages ago? I knew Mason, but how? When?
“Look!” I point to the sky. “How is it this bright and sunny when it was dark two seconds ago?”
“You’re not making any sense. It is dark.” He takes my hand in his, but by doing so he catapults me deeper into this world only I can see.
He stands tall as he always has, but this Mason is different. A warrior. The title comes easy, naturally. I’m not sure how long ago I knew this man, but it’s obvious by the lack of modernization that many years have gone by since the last time I stood face to face with him.
“I love you, Daya.” His head shakes in agitation. Somehow I know he’s nervous, haunted by the possibility of permanent separation. “They can try to tear us apart, but they can’t force me to forget you.” He holds my hands in his in a desperate attempt to comfort us both.
I’m momentarily caught in a time warp, where my mind shifts erratically from the past to the present and vice versa.
“But don’t you see? They can make you forget me.” Tears slide down my cheeks. “And they will.” I love him. It dawns on me fast and hard. I love Mason. Loved the warrior before me. This man of power was my one true love. The only man I ever coveted. However, in allowing myself to love him, I committed the ultimate sin by falling for the human I was sent to earth to guard and protect. “They know about us. It won’t be long before we are punished, but I’m not afraid for myself. I worry about you. I can live a life of solitude and servitude if I have to, but I can’t go on if something happens to you.”
The memory is scrambled. I’m not entirely sure what I’m seeing, but I know that someone went to great lengths to erase Mason out of my life. To delete me out of his.
“Daya, come with me,” he insists, drawing me near. “Let’s go together.” His arms pin me to his chest. He’s warm, comforting, kind in a way he’s not used to being with others. I’ve brought out the best of the King. King? How do I know he’s a king? Or was? I’m stretched thin between the past and the present right now and confusion settles in.
“There is no place where they will not be able to find us, Mason. It will be worse if we hide,” I insist.
My heart breaks with the realization that I’m going to send him away, staying behind myself to pay the price for our crimes. In a last ditch effort to engrain the memory of our forbidden love so I won’t ever forget how deeply we cared for one another, I pull back so that I can press my lips against his.
It’s a kiss goodbye. I know this, but he does not. He’s unaware of what I’m about to do. Trying not to raise his suspicions, I pour my heart and soul into our kiss. I declare my undying love without the use of words. His arms circle my midsection, anchoring me in place as he showers me with the same devotion.
It’s brief, this contact between us, but it serves my purpose well, reminding us both that our love was a powerful connection that caused us to break all the rules and go against our superiors.
A noise up in the trees brings me back to the present. Stepping back, I hold Mason’s surprised gaze. I grasp instantly that not only was I kissing him in the past, but in the present, too. Acting on the memory of long-ago, at some point I’d reached out and pressed my lips to his at this point in time.
“What...?” The question dies as comprehension sets in. He knows. He saw the same thing I did. He’s now aware I hadn’t momentarily lost my mind. “That’s not possible.”
My feet move on their own volition, taking several steps away from him. “A lot of unlikely things have come to pass tonight. Don’t you think?” And I can make sense of none of it. I’m still confused as to what exactly is going on.
“But...I would have remembered you. I should have. I don’t...get it.” Frustration accompanies each word. I can read indecision in his expression. “I couldn’t have forgotten something so important.” But even I can see that he did. He didn’t remember me anymore than I did him.
“It looks like we have a past neither of us remembers. Someone tried very hard to make us forget, but why?”
A branch snaps above us, focusing our attention to the fact that we’re not alone.
“Daya.”
I’m standing next to him before he can request it of me. “Up in the trees.” I unsheathe the katana, spreading my legs apart as I take on a defensive stance. With bow and arrow in hand, Mason flanks my backside, his eyes alert to any movements in the trees above our heads.
“There.” I point to a massive shadow scrambling from one tree to another. “Is that a Nightcrawler?”
“Can’t be. Nightcrawlers don’t have wings.” And this thing, whatever it is, has two massive, leathery wings big enough to block our view of the black sky above. “Wait. I don’t believe this.” He marches forward, his head tilted back, eyes on the giant shadow looming over us. “Pholos?”
“Who?”
The branch where the winged creature is perched on snaps. The thing takes flight, shooting up into the sky like a torpedo. It flies straight for a very brief amount of time, its large wings folded back as it ascends. Then it rotates in midair, changing course, now targeting us as it begins an unnaturally fast descent.
All I see are those bat-like wings swooping toward us. It’s getting closer with each second, as we stand staring in awe at such a magnificent looking, yet horrifying creature.
“Mason.” I yell and wield the katana in front of me, fully prepared for combat. “What is he doing?”
“I don’t know.” Mason gets ready as the creature advances at speeds incapable by any living being on earth, except this isn’t your ordinary brute. This is something more. Could very well be dangerous and I have the ugly feeling I’m about to find out.
“Take a step back,” he orders.
I stand in next to him, eyes on the target. The wings flap with unexpected power, lifting debris as it grows progressively closer to us. A cloud of dust filled with bits and pieces of leaves and small twigs shoots by us as the pressure created by the flapping wings increases. I fight to breathe, but it’s hard to do while keeping the tiny particles out of my mouth and nose. Somehow I manage to stay focused on the task ahead. This is do or die. The creature shows no signs of stopping and we seem to be what it’s aiming for.
It beats its wings with more determination as it approaches. However, just as it comes down low enough to reach us with those gargoyle-like feet, it veers to my right and speeds past me. I whirl around in disbelief, not really sure what the hell just happened, when I see the long haired, dark gray beast land on a Nightcrawler right behind us.
Pandemonium. Two colossal creatures battle for survival. The grayish winged creature clearly has the upper hand. It barely leaves the Nightcrawler with enough time to defend itself before two hands equipped with long claws rip into the shadowy figure as if it is made of paper.
“What the hell is going on?” I ask, but there’s no time for a response from Mason as another Nightcrawler makes itself known to my right. “We were being followed this whole time.”
“Watch it.” Mason warns as the Nightcrawler charges in my direction with the speed of a racecar. I roll to my left just in time to avoid its massive girth from crashing into me. I jump to my feet immediately and spin to my right, keeping the katana in front of me as I face what could be the very messenger of death.
This brute has no discernible features. All I see is a massive shadow with glowing red eyes and smoke exiting a pair of holes where its nostrils should be, but it is enough to send a shiver down my spine. It may lack a physical body but it is no less intimidating than any other otherworldly creature.
The Nightcrawler turns its full attention on me as another of its comrades joins the fun and decides to become a problem for Mason. It’s a one on one match now. Three against three. I don’t know where this Pholos demon stands but as long as gives me some space I can focus on the hound dog in front of me.
The Nightcrawler races toward me a second time, but I’m ready. I wait, anticipating its every move. I know it’s going to charge like a rabid predator, tearing into my flesh the second it makes contact with my body, but I’m not about to give him the satisfaction. I’d rather die by my own hand first.
It sprints determinately forward, but at the last possible second I step to the side, slashing through the creature’s shadowy figure. It screeches in agony and takes a swipe with one oversized paw as it turns to face me once more, but I protect my head by brandishing the sword in front of me. The Nightcrawler’s paw is sliced clean off by the katana. Howling in anger, it backs off as smoke and an acrid odor begins to emanate from the wound. Now having sustained yet another injury, I decide to end it once in for all before it remembers what it came here to do.
Careful not to get caught off guard by the screaming banshee, I go in for the kill. In one hurried move, I stab the figure in front of me, burying the katana as deep as it will go. The Nightcrawler rises to its full height and throws its massive head back, screeching and howling as it disintegrates into specks of black ash, carried away by a light breeze.
The katana falls to the ground a moment later. I pick it up, grateful to be in possession of the magically infused sword otherwise there’s no way I would have ever managed to kill a Nightcrawler. The magic it was blessed with must be powerful, which makes me wonder again about who gave them to Mason. For what purpose?
With this in mind, I turn to where I last spotted him, but I’m caught by complete surprise when a grayish hand suddenly grabs hold of my neck, its fingers tightening around my throat as a pair of emerald eyes stare down at me with a mixture of curiosity and anger.
This up close I can see the being’s features a little more clearly. I find his facial characteristics outrageously handsome. He looks nothing like I expected him to. Though the color of his skin resembles a two week old corpse, his features are subtle and even beautiful. High cheekbones, full lips, nose straight and almost feminine in its appearance. His long hair falls straight down to a pair of broad shoulders. I can’t see more below the base of the neck, but I can already tell he boasts a muscled chest.
Since when are demons this good-looking?
Demons, I know from first-hand experience, are foul, evil, ugly creatures with no souls, but this winged brute holding my life, literally, in the palm of his hands, appears to be different. Something about him beckons a deeper inspection. Had he not been determined to end my existence, I might have taken the time to get to know what makes him so contrastive.
“Let go of me,” I croak out, suddenly desperate to be let free. I seriously doubt he has any intention of doing that but I don’t want to die. Not without finding out what led Mason to me or why.
“Why should I?”
“Let. Go. Of. Me,” I demand a second time. Oddly enough, his fingers slack and he releases me. I backtrack, clutching the katana to me in case I have to use it. I can’t win a battle with this creature, but if it comes down to it I’ll protect myself. All I truly need is one good hit with the sword and he will, hopefully, be on the expressway to the Underworld.
Disregarding me as if I’m not even present, Pholos turns to address Mason. “You defy orders and fail to collect her soul? Why is that you risked your life and hers by bringing her here?” Pholo’s teeth are as white as snow, and with the exception of a pair of unusually long fangs they are no different from my own.
“Pholos.” Mason steps forward, arrow aimed at his master’s heart. “You sent me to collect her soul purposely knowing I couldn’t do it.”
The leathery wings fold back behind Pholos as he turns slightly to his left, his emerald eyes on Mason. “What rights have you to accuse me of this?”
I keep an eye out for what I assume will be a nasty battle. Mason may be well armed against the goliath of a demon, but Pholos is no easy opponent.
“It makes sense now, I realize.” Mason doesn’t change posture. He will shoot if Pholos moves either way. The determination is there for me to see. “You gave the order and expected the delivery within a day. When I failed to come back with Daya’s soul within that timeframe, you didn’t question me about it, but gave me more errands to run for you.”
Pholos throws his shoulders back, his gaze intently assessing Mason as if trying to figure out what’s on his mind. “Do you know what her soul means to you?”
“What is freedom if I don’t know what I’m really giving up?” Mason tosses back.
A soft, unamused chortle escapes Pholo’s full lips. “Soul Broker, you should not worry about anything but gaining your freedom.”
“I saw it,” Mason quickly interrupts. “What is she to me?”
Dropping his arms to the sides, Pholos takes a moment to glance in my direction. “Are you giving up freedom for her?”
“Answer me,” Mason shouts, his hold on the bow and arrow never wavering.
“Worry about the now.” Pointing to Mason with one long, thin finger he adds, “Worry about your present. You have betrayed your master and therefore you should pay with your life. We can remedy this show of defiance, of course.” A fleeting glance at me and I know what he’s about to ask of Mason. “Give her to me and I’ll let you live.”
My heart races. Mason came here for answers and now he faces death. Or worse. If he runs with luck Pholos will spare him. Being a Soul Broker might be overwhelming, but at least he will continue to exist. This is Mason’s last chance to do what’s right for him, because I know the proposal is not one Pholos will offer him a second time.
“Fuck you! I have never nor would I ever consider you my master.”
The gentle hue of Pholo’s eyes darken as he glares at his pupil. “So be it.” The winged beast takes a step forward before I block his path.
“No. You want me and here I am. Mason completed his job.” I toss the katana to the ground. “Take me.” I may not get the answers I came here to seek but at least one of us will be spared tonight.
This curious creature does nothing at my request. He doesn’t move. Doesn’t say a word, but merely stares as if he can’t make sense of what I have just said.
It’s funny. Now all I can think of is how unafraid I am of dying. I always thought that when the time came for me to exit this world I’d be more upset, but a refreshing calmness takes over. I’m completely neutral, not really caring one way or another. Why is that? Is there something wrong with me?
Have I faced this fate before? For some reason it seems as if I have. It’s trying to tear through the haze that’s scrambled all my memories. But try as I might, I can’t single out the image that would have proven whether or not I’ve been in this same position before.
“You would rather be tossed in the pit with the lions than have him face my wrath?” Pholos lips curve up slightly. It’s astounding how attractive he is, though he more resembles a gargoyle than a demon. I’ve never seen a winged demon before and I’m beginning to think that maybe he’s something else. “How interesting. After all these years you both still put each other’s needs before duty.”
I’m confused. What does he mean by after all these years?
“Let her go, Pholos,” Mason commands, his aim still focused.
“What good will that do? The Underworld is in chaos because of this girl. Many others will come to collect what you have refused. If I let her go, she will never know a moment’s peace. Don’t you think I should spare her the suffering?”
“You touch her and you’re dead.” Mason makes it clear he means business.
“And he will rebel against the hand that granted him immortality, for the love of his beloved angel. How true have those words rung tonight. The prophecy has merit after all.”
I can’t help but gaze at Mason. His expression is a mask of confusion. Neither of us understand why, but after our shared memory something has changed. We have a past together. A past we can’t remember and somewhere, someone knows what it is. Someone knows what happened. Someone erased it from our memories, probably hoping we’d never regain it.
“You speak in riddles,” Mason accuses.
“Then let’s come to an accord, shall we?”
“I’m not making any deals with you. You’re a demon. A trickster by nature.”
“Ah, but this one is of convenience for you both.”
“Forget it.” Mason sneers.
Pholos locks his hands behind his back as he steps away from us, his eyes on the ground as he walks in the opposite direction. “I will give you both a week to figure out what has led you to be in this predicament. On Friday next, if you have not uncovered the secrets behind the prophecy, I will come to collect both your souls.”
I don’t trust him. Neither does Mason, but we have common ground now. We both want to find out who erased our memories and why.
“What do you have to gain from all of this?”
“In one week’s time, you will both know.” Pholos stops and turns his gaze to the black sky above. “Waste not a second, for ten minutes to midnight on Friday eve, I will collect my dues...whether you overcome your past or not.”
“This sounds like a bad end of a raw deal if you ask me,” I blurt, annoyed.
The winged creature doesn’t even bother looking at me when he says, “No, my dear. The raw end of a bad deal is what you have been forced to believe time after time again.”
I open my mouth to ask what he means, but he’s up in the air before I can even speak the first word in my question. He flies up high in the sky, disappearing within seconds, leaving me frustrated and angrier than ever. I shout at him to come back and explain, but I can no longer see his form so I doubt he has any intention of granting my wish.
“This cowardly bastard! How can he just leave like that?” I rant, unable to hold back the rage boiling up inside of me.
I’m brought back to reality when Mason touches my forearm. “He’s gone, Daya.”
I’m exhausted. It has been a long night and something tells me this is only the beginning. “Do you think he meant it?”
“Demon or not, he will keep his word.”
Experience tells me if Pholos is willing to keep his end of the bargain, then he has something big to gain. Demons don’t make deals unless they get something out of it, too. But then, considering there are other creatures hunting us, lasting a week might be a bit of stretch.
“I’m going home.” I bend over to pick up the katana, then offer it to him.
“Keep it,” he says, refusing the sword by presenting me with his back. “You’re going to need it.”
I shrug, not really ready to admit how this weapon will help me feel protected. It’s more powerful than anything I carry with me or have at home that’s for sure.
“What now?”
“Now?” He glances up to the sky as if he could see Pholos gliding above us. “Now we find out what Pholos meant about the prophecy, our past, and how it all ties in together.”
“We have no idea where to start,” I protest.
“We have one clue.” He turns his blue eyes on me.
“What clue?”
“Your guardian.”
“Guardian? What...?”
“The man that has taken care of you for the past five years. Or should I say the black winged angel?”
I toss an incredulous look his way. Fergus? An angel? “You’re insane.”
“Ah, that’s right. You can’t see his wings, but I can.”
“Are you seriously suggesting Fergus is a Fallen?”
“I’m not suggesting. He is a Fallen.
Why am I so ready to dismiss Mason’s claim after everything that’s happened tonight? So Fergus is a Fallen, what else is new?
“Fine. Let’s just say I’m curiously open-minded right now. As troubled as I am over all this, I need to get some shut eye. I can’t think straight while I’m exhausted.”
“Let’s go to my place.” He doesn’t suggest. He just orders.
“I’d like to crash in my own apartment, but thanks for the offer.”
He reaches for me, stopping my retreat by holding on to my forearm. “My tiny apartment might not be much to look at, but it’s protected against evil. You are better off resting there. Plus, I think we should stick together. You know, the whole safety in numbers thing. Together we are better than apart.”
I’m too tired to argue so I just give in. “Whatever you say. Let’s just get out of here.”