Celestial Torrent

CELESTIAL TORRENT

Mr Meanor & Miss Ellaneous

By

Benjamin Foresman

with Caroline M Schloss

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2013 By Benjamin Foresman and Caroline M Schloss

All Rights Reserved.

ISBN 9780990796510

Table of Contents:

Prologue

Act I Invitations and the uninvited

Act II Photographic grey

Act III Dice by proxy

Act IV Intentions preemptive

Act V Silver tongue observance

Act VI Burden

Act VII Of celestial torrent

Act VIII Aligned in motion

Act IX Reminisce

Act X The rumble

Act XI Hunter beccomes hunted

Act XII Driver or driven

Act XIII Last breath before the plunge

Act XIV Trumpets

Act XV Shattered shells

Act XVI Collection of insanity

Act XVII Celestial tales

Prologue

Only the damned… only the damned could enter or leave this place, the very boundaries keeping these poor souls in for eternity. Gates flaming, pit ridden disgusting abyss laid waste to my senses, the airless space maddening with time and toll. Echoing screams endlessly reverberating; depression that could crush charcoaled windpipes surround me. No air, no light, not even the warmth of the cruelest smirk. Just pure hell, yes, pure hell!

Piss scented air racks the nostrils, cockroaches crawling and tickling the tongue. Even their legs and tentacles leave trails of vomit, casting out taste buds and any foes given the right to rest. There is nothing else here; the pitch black forbids any rights to the damned. Even in the dark, corpse less soul’s stench and reek of feces covered decaying beasts. Welcome to hell. Welcome to my home.

I’m not sure how I quickly went from a high position in the hierarchy to a lower one just as quickly in this place. This disgusting abyss made your eyes water with sticky tears ready to disappear with the searing warmth. Now, stripped of my pride, I lay in a chamber, knees bent; my hands bound to the darkness here. Even bound now, my senses perceived the stake, the shackles and the infinite black around me, leaving my fatigued soul to perpetuate. The gashing, splinter torn stack held my face, hands and mind exhausted, torn by this hell. It was then I heard an approach… suddenly my home became even less.

The approaching pace on the black floor behind me consumed my senses. They were taking their time, whoever it was. My ashed heart lunged into my neck and throat. I yanked my bonded hands back against the wood, attempting to get a look or glimpse of my tormenter. The chains wouldn’t break the post. Hell allowed the noise for fear or anguish as the noise pierced me, I threw my cut face over my shoulder. Still I saw only blackness, a nightmarish place without existence populating my eyes. The raging temperature had my soul sweating, as I sat on the gouging floor. Again and again the footsteps pounded, with screams accompanying them. My fear finally set in. Insanity struck suddenly, tears soon welling had they not dried from the dreaded desert and acid filled air. My soul’s heart stopped, my body vessels arching as my scream nearly filled the vacuum. I could hear them right behind me now.

The physical laws burned into my mind with the same speed and force as the talon littered boot that slammed into my back. My hands were kept above me, my silence forced as I was unable to drop my arms past the spike on the post that held my chains up. I bent over at the waist on my knees, the cold floor a welcome to my desperation. I could hear the screams of mortal souls falling as I fought to relax my body, my own sound near escaping at the pain I managed to feel in this unearthly, putrefied and pathetic place of my existence.

The executioner’s foot had found home into my spine, the maniacal laughter haunting my ears as the sweat of fear showed its ugly head. As decisive as it was quick, a hand reached beside my bent body, closing its claws around the base of one wing granted to me when I first arrived into this hell. Fire blazed and my breath stopped with closed eyes as I prepared myself against unimaginable pain. It burst through me, my yelp and tears both hitting the floor with no effect. As the clawed hand pulled, ripping my left wing out of my shoulder, my eye caught a glimpse of the bloody red wing and the newly red stump from where it used to be one with the back of my shoulder. I screamed loudly as the blood fell from the tip and graced my back. I could speculate what gaping wound would have to heal from this punishment.

My chained hands still held high by that bastard of a nail, I couldn’t even slip them past it to give my limbs a rest. So there I knelt, doubled over as my torso rode my thighs and knees. The sweat and blood ran down my shoulder and over my back, setting an example for the tear that dropped from my eye. It didn’t even touch the black floor before evaporating.

Again, it happened again. The breathtaking moment of unparallel pain coursed my time keep, making seconds and minutes; seemingly hours. Hellspawn ripped the second wing out, sending shivers through me when I felt the threads of skin holding them together; another gash, another stump. It racked me, both wings now missing as I lay slain from the tormentor’s talons. Blood flowed freely down my sweating back, hot, flaming hot. Red, it reminded me of what true pain felt like. I sat alone now, the darkness comforting as my wounds remained open. For a minute, I got to breathe: alone and to my self, my soul concentrating on just one moment of tranquility. Too bad it didn’t work… I needed the peace and whimpered from the lack of it.

In a split second, I was released from my shackles. There was no relief or breath in between. Before I knew what was happening, I began to float. My spiritual self flew through the molten air, the stench of sulfur more prominent with each passing shriek. The haunting echo filled my ears. Lucifer himself! It’s hot! As I passed deeper into the descending darkness the heat increased, searing me and driving the temperature to that of an inferno of insanity. I burned as the lashes continued across my back, my tears boiling on my cheek with each strike. Still I moved closer and closer, screams and impending madness approaching with each inch of decent.

As slow as the adventure or agonized labyrinth was, I suddenly reached my apparent destination. As I dropped to my knees, my arms were gripped by two faceless horrors, figures with fiery wings and breath that added to the putrefied smell. They dragged me forward without a word between us as my mind prepared for what was ahead. I tried to take myself away as the floor added a third degree of heat. The walls, nothing but a dark abyss, housed the screams of tortured prisoners. I tried to concentrate on the breath that scraped my lungs with venomous shards of glass; each breath made me nauseous every time with the smell of decaying burnt flesh and filled my head. I must’ve tried to swallow too, for the taste of vomit and urine stuck to the back of my throat. I tried not to concentrate on the horrors that filled my head, men being decapitated and tortured, others being brutally beaten and ravaged. I tried to block out the screams of the raped women behind the walls as my captors dragged my frail soul on, the madness thickening as they shoved me onward.

I landed on my hands and knees, my mind exploded, spiraling out of context and bringing with it a new meaning to hell. My soul convulsed and my thoughts splintered. My world as I knew it shattered in horror, sending more screams and fire into my being. I twitched as I fell to the floor now, wishing I hadn’t the moment I combusted. I felt nothing but fire and felt nothing but pain. I heard nothing but whelps and screams and could think of nothing other than how pathetic I was. I was being kicked, beaten, clubbed and bitten all at the same time, my own wails matching the ones I heard earlier. I yelled and pleaded for the pain and madness to stop… to no avail.

Lucifer himself spoke to me, his scratching voice thick with hate and malice. I recognized it instantly, for my soul did not take kindly to such automated abuse that came with being in such close contact with him.

Mare Darconyx, tactican and lineage of Draecolous the Greater The voice laughed and shook me, jamming my eyes closed and attacking my mind again. You are favored to return to the realm of man and gather souls for our armies. Your failure in this duty will not be so lightly tolerated again, but your success will pay homage to your master, Draecolous.

What? I was leaving?!

Get out from my sight you man seed salted testicle! Leave! Instantly the floor opened. Through the gap I fell, leaving the heat, the screams and my hell-home behind.

I can remember feeling so grateful, that the only thing I could do was fall in total silence. My world around me changed. It was black as I fell head first, tiny white dots scattered everywhere in my eyes. The white specs filled the darkened space as I felt myself being dragged down, and I think I can recall thinking they looked nearly perfect. They didn’t burn, or scream.

It was deathly quiet as I stared below. My new inhabitance was swiftly approaching me, this tremendous blue sphere coming closer every second. It was graced with several white blankets, covering the dirty looking spots and the deep blue gaps. I noticed it was spinning slowly as I fell toward it and compared to the place I just left… it looked magnificent.

I fell from where the fallen fall to, my soul leaving home and entering this new world. As I got closer, my speed increased. I felt myself getting hotter and hotter. Damn the heat… I thought I was done with it. I fell through layer upon layer bringing the harsh ground closer every second. The white fluff below me was unavoidable as I was speeding down, and the moment I passed through the soft material, I felt the flames around me dampened. I liked this place already.

The dark solid landing place was directly below me now, approaching faster than I would have liked. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the pain that was soon to accompany my impact. I didn’t fully notice that the air tasted so sweet, or the fact that it was quiet without constant howling of poor souls… the only thing I concentrated on, was the fact that I wasn’t back there any more.

The rushing air quickened and whipped around me, my bright flames contrasting against the darkened sky. It was then that I noticed something on my face…something cold and soft. It shocked me really, this mysterious substance, and as I opened my eyes to investigate, it stunned me to learn I was falling amongst thousands of tiny white particles. They fell as I did, and I was grateful I had made such quick allies. At least SOMETHING knew what it was like.

I shut my eyes again against the piercing air, bracing for the stab of solid particles. It was any second now, and I was stupid enough to open my eyes again just in time to see the flames around me illuminating the textured land.

***

Vell’s eyes opened out of reflex. The angel sat straight up in her bed, or rather, cloud. The cool sheets slid from her torso, revealing alabaster complexion and a decorated white robe. Her small and almost developed wings barely touched the cloud as she sat with her back straight, stretching two ivory wings. Instantly she was hit with morphine as the dream faded, the feeling of love and tranquility returning so fast it made her smile. The warmth of the air, the sound of laughter and of happiness… it was almost too much. The air rested in her mouth, bearing with it the taste of milk and honey as her sense of sound perceived the constant chorus of guardians. Peace returned to her mind as she sat on the cloud, closing her eyes as the blanket of safety washed over her.

Perfection.

She couldn’t stop smiling as she sat there, wondering when the happiness would end. Ha, NEVER! That was the beauty of it. Paradise flooded her vision as her bare feet slid off the soft fluff. She looked around for a change of scenery, but the constant source of white light was the only thing her eyes could image. It was perfection at its best, a place not even polluted by the hand of man. Where her feet had touched a solid, invisible white barrier, several flowers had already begun to grow. Beautiful and stunning, the white rose petals glistened with sugar and love as her eyes drank it in; a perfect flower, a perfect place…Heaven.

She removed herself from the cloud, pausing to listen to the hymn of her companions. Constant praise to God was sung here, constant love and adoration flowed like a river into an ocean. Things just got better, only better. Vell daydreamed as she walked knowing today was a special day for her. She had a mission. But alas! Her surprise was replaced with a warm smile as another of her kind descended from the sanctum above. The angel flew straight at her with precision, clearly older and more experienced with the use of his wings than she would ever be. Aezith… she loved him.

Aezith wasn’t much taller than her as he grinned and landed beside her. His white robes nearly blinded her as they billowed, his soft face, his kind eyes. His aura never ceased to amaze Vell. She fell victim to the overwhelming love he brought. Quickly she tackled him, pulling him so tightly against her that if he didn’t beg for the sweet air, she might’ve not let go. Good morning Aezith! She said bubbly, beaming with a bright smile when he returned the soft glow of his own.

Good morning Vell. He simply replied, already stepping forward a bit to walk slowly beside her. Several butterflies followed their footsteps, flowers blooming in front of them as the birds above sang for them. Aezith simply could not let go of his smile as he planted one foot ahead of the other. He grinned as his light sandals became illuminated…just as he wanted them to be. This place awed him continuously. Without warning and much to Vells surprise, he shot into the air, flapping his enormous wings with an expertise that Vell only dreamed of. Higher and higher he flew into the bright light, calling behind him to her. She acknowledged this with several beats of her own, letting her wings carry her into the stunning light. She flew quickly, anxious to catch up with the older Aezith. It wasn’t a competition to him, but to her? It was a near constant game she played.

Aezith chuckled to himself and watched her zoom past him, laughing again when he saw her stall a bit. She needed work, but her form was good. She’d need that extra space between them anyway, knowing he would catch up based on his pace alone.

Flying was exhilarating for Vell, even extraordinary. It was one of the greatest gifts to the angels…the ability of flight. She flapped and flapped, cutting the inviting air into pieces as she sliced through the light. Then she tilted upward, spiraling just as she had seen her older brother do when he climbed for altitude. She sped up, pushing to beat Aezith to the inner sanctum. There it was!

Aezith was there when she turned back around. Why had she even looked back? She had seen an empty space there, looked behind her for Aezith, only to look back and see him in her landing space. He roared with laughter as she touched down gracefully, still laughing even when she seemed upset.

You actually thought you could beat me. You actually thought that! Chuckling to himself again, he bent over at the waist…just to add insult to her loss.

Vell looked playfully furious as she laughed, not being able to even raise a hand against his kind, aged face. The creases and wrinkles showed he was well beyond her in years, but still a friend of hers at heart. She loved Aezith… even when he picked on her.

Another voice spoke, and her laughter died instantly to put on the veil of seriousness.

That is enough Aezith. Vell knows better.

Orion had slipped down from above, smirking instead of smiling. Anything besides a happy face was unheard of here. He looked older than Vell, but most definitely younger than Aezith. Muscular and built, his robes fit him well, after all, he was one of ‘The Guardians’ or Heavens elite warrior class. He smiled a rough smile, stepping to land beside Vell for one moment. His rough voice was that of a protective older brother and his serious look had come from his recent acceptance into The Guardians.

Are you ready for today sister? He spoke quickly, stepping past them both without so much as a greeting…that was Orion for you.

Aezith just chuckled and beamed at Vell, having her return the stifled giggle before she could answer. Aezith couldn’t help but play a court jester role, making a funny face behind Orion to mock the silly monotone seriousness he always carried with him. Vell laughed out loud again, giving a single hiccup when she saw Orion spin around.

His eyes appeared to be full of rage, but such a feeling was impossible in this place. He merely looked at the both and turned back, mumbling something to himself as he walked.

Suddenly and without the warning, Vell covered her eyes with her hands. She shielded her eyes with her arms; the beaming and bright light was next to blinding. A booming voice spoke to accompany it as she reeled back from the force, and it chuckled to fill Heaven with warmth and smiles.

Young Vell, … the booming voice recognized and spoke quickly. With love, it soothed her as she dropped her arms. It was unexpected really… that tremendously bright light, but soon she discovered all she had to do was close her eyes… this made things simple. The voice continued and she listened, not trusting her mind to record all of this mentally. She didn’t know that it was impossible to forget the word of The Supreme.

We need you in the human realm… Heavens armies need numbers. It spoke again, bringing with it the same love that it had before. Go with your friend Mira. There is something waiting down there for you.

With that, it was over. So quick and rushed it seemed, that she didn’t even have time for formal measures. Her mission was clear as Aezith laid his hand on her back, and the Supreme’s message played over and over in her mind as she walked with them. Tranquility flowed like rain here, dropping from everywhere and being anywhere at once. It was Orion who startled her out of her thoughts.

Vell, stay out of trouble. I do not want you becoming like a human. That is the only reason Mira is going with you. He spoke quickly, stopping to turn and face her.

That’s the only reason you know of. Vell thought, that is what Mira told you. I asked her to accompany me.

Aezith caught her in one of his warm hugs, wrapping his arms around her again as she realized this was where she would say goodbye. She pulled Aezith tighter, set back when he broke the embrace so that Orion could hug her as well. Vell kissed her brothers cheek and stepped back knowing this was when she would leave.

Goodbye Aezith! Take care Brother! She waved again, simply closing her eyes.

It all happened so fast… well… several things anyway. Vell was sent to Earth. That was new… but Mira would be coming, so it wouldn’t be so bad. Vell missed Heaven the moment she said goodbye to it, but Orion had rushed her out of there in an effort to get her home faster. Vell was sweet, young and naive, but she loved to have a good time. She was a jokester, a laugher, a lover… a lot of things about her were

already strangely human. Orion hated it, for he feared she would become the very thing they needed. Weak minded souls for a war not of themselves. She was naive, yes, but she was strong willed and good natured. Beautiful and kind, sweet and lovely, Vell warped to the human world with one thought, arriving instantly as she used the little time she had to get her thoughts straight.

The human realm continued to surprise her! With a silly grin and a smile like warmed sand, she looked about her and finally to the sky above. The forces here were surely a work of home! As tiny white flecks littered her eyes, she also noticed the soft ground below her bare feet was covered in this white fluff. Amazing. Vell absorbed every inch of the beauty, thanking her Lord God for creating such a wondrous place for the humans.

The dark plated path to the right approached as she stepped toward it, the soft white dust giving way to her near weightless steps. The force of air moved through her hair, parting it this way and that as she closed her eyes. As she continued to walk however, her alabaster wings finally got the stretch they needed. Vell flexed her small wings for a second, pausing to kneel on the black, flat, rocky path. The moving air round her picked up, catching her wings a bit as it blew past her. Looking ahead now, the intended place of her mission was not that far off.

Quickly Vell dashed, spreading her wings as she took a single leap through the white speckled air. The air caught beneath her, her robes billowing now as she flapped her graceful wings into the night.

Her wings hummed with the force of nature around her, letting her ascend into the sky above. As she moved her eyes gradually drifted toward the structures below and almost upon her. As exhilarating as her flight was, Vell knew it would not last long. Still, she darted through the air light as a bird on the wind, her wings carrying her closer and closer to the target ahead.

Vell descended; grateful the white dust seemed to slow with her as her feet touched the ground. A quaint shack place was right in front of her, small windows lit by light on the inside. The outside walls of this human place were lined with mortar and brick, standing a little shorter than its surrounding counterparts. The angel’s eyes never left the lit window as silhouettes passed in front of it, her steps carrying her under the roof that extended to cover the door. The ivory mush was atop here too, dripping over the edge and onto the ground as Vell stood by the front entrance. However, it was too late for her too avoid the swinging wooden door or the figure that was brought with it! And he then looked right at her!

Silly humans… Vell smiled.

***

Jasper could have sworn he saw a ghost! It was right there! He was so sure!

‘Oh well’… he shrugged it off with a laugh. Jasper smirked to himself as he stepped from under the roof. The alcohol had been good to him. So good, that it caused his minds to play tricks on him. Ghost… HA!

The snow fell into Jaspers hair as he walked, his long brown coat swayed with the light bit of wind. His boots crunched as he stepped off the side walk, the snow covered road gladly accepting his heavy boots. They imprinted as he trudged through the frozen marsh, pulling his boots out and planting them back into the cold blanket with each step. He reached the other side however, boots soaked, the train of his coat wet as well; ‘Damn it’, all for a silly drink with his friends.

As he sloshed on, his boots still dripping from the mush, he began to think of what was waiting for him when he got home. A wife soon to be upset. That was all that awaited him. His lover didn’t like it when he drank, but then again, Jasper didn’t like it when she gave him shit about it either. He laughed part defensively as he kicked out at frosty fire hydrant. He regretted it nearly instantly as he came to the corner of the road, the broken stop light still unfixed and remaining the same depressing color. He looked both ways before crossing the snow bank, wishing he had not kicked the red and white devil resulting in the numbness of his toes. It burned with frost bite as he marched up to the sidewalk.

The snow had not let up as he marched through winter’s tyranny, a church standing to his right, making him snort. His footsteps didn’t slow or speed up, as he passed it. Jasper laughed and instantly felt terrible for scoffing. He used to be a church going man. That was a long time ago. This particular church that he had passed had not been active in a while, although pastors still walked the pews and welcomed all into God's house. Jasper didn’t know however, that God was listening to his thoughts as he trucked home, almost dreading the look on his wife’s face with a grimace.

God heard all things…including the prayers of a young child in that very church.

***

Closed eyes adorned a child. Lovely skin, brilliant white hair surrounded her soul as the vessel. Her body frail, her muscles toneless, she knelt in a long skirt in prayer. The pews held her soft knees; the plush carpet in between the rows was comfortable to her. The wooden seats were used by others as well and the long worn upholstery had long since been replaced. Even the stained glass windows echoed the desertedness, for no one had been here in months. Shame really… to see such a lovely Cathedral go to waste. Even the alter had collected dust, the large candles and tabernacle cloth joining the aged look. As big as it was quiet and desolate, the church housed the girl for the moment as she prayed. The child of age eight, maybe five at heart, worshipped and thanked, whispering with noiseless lips. Amen.

Dazed now, she wasn’t sure if the word was spoken for her, heard by many as it was. Her guardian at the entrance of this place was not the only one who knew she was praying. God heard all prayers… even her guardian angel knew she was praying. Maybe that was who said it!

On cue, her guardian was summoned to speak as he stood against the open doors of the church. They were large, old, wooden and worn, but he looked like a celestial messenger leaning against the fortress gates. A rough looking face and older in age, Joeseph still hadn’t seen his fair share of fun. He stood and waited patiently, before he was so compelled to call her, Alicia’s name breaking the commanding silence when it reached her ears. He didn’t even know why he called her like he had. She stood and crossed herself: Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Her innocent eyes lit up naturally, flying to Joeseph with outstretched arms. Her gleaming smile met with the guardian’s warm embrace, a tight hug as she flew into him speedily. She was scooped right up!

Quicker than she had thought was necessary; Joeseph picked her up and held her against his soft shoulder. The velvet and warmth of his coat felt so nice and welcoming. she breathed and breathed, sighing even as she opened her eyes. The altar in the church behind Joeseph was SOOO pretty!! OOO! Through the doors she watched her haven shrink with each step he took.

And the snow too! OOO!! She cast her eyes up without second thought, loving the feeling of the soft white flakes on her forehead as Joeseph stepped quickly into the quiet road. The streetlights ruined the only tranquility, but the silence that remained in the air had brought the feeling back.

Another smile spread as her eyes drank in the scenery of the town from Joesephs shoulder. The night was stunning!

Her mind remained fixated at the beauty of the stars as Joeseph opened the door to the car. YAAY! He strapped her in effortlessly as he reached over her, smiling at her eyes due to the near empty proximity between them. Joeseph had already skipped over to the driver’s side of the white car, pausing to smile at her as he slipped his seat belt on. That same smile… Alicia sighed. He spoke softly as he started the auto, leaning forward with a chuckle as they sped off into the night. The metropolis flew by with speed as he talked to her.

Now, before you can even ask… his voice as light and joking accented by his snow ruffled hair.

OOO! Joeseph! Can we…

YES! He cut her off, leaning forward against the steering wheel again as he laughed out loud. Damn she was impatient.

Again Alicia’s face glowed, her face kept hidden as she turned her head to the window of the car door.

You said it landed in the cornfield right? Joeseph startled her out of imagination.

Yup! she responded excitedly, nearly jumping out of her seat as they turned down the long lonely road.

The smoke was still rising against the darkened sky; Alicia’s eyes following the column of black haze.

Joeseph simply checked his mirror for cops and tourists desperate to see what had fallen from the sky. The long road reflected back at him as he shut the car off, giving him the go ahead to open his door and help Alicia. As he turned the key out of the ignition, pumping the parking brake with a quick step, the sound of a door being shut resonated beside him. Looking first left then laughing as he looked right, he saw Alicia’s door open and the seat belt flapping. Young Alicia and her teddy bear were dashing off across the field. Hadn’t I strapped her in better? He chuckled again.

He pushed his door open from the inside; a cold stiff feeling almost stopped him from even touching the handle. It shocked him really, but he let his foot plant on the pavement below his car without caution to his feeling. The snow seemed disturbed by the slamming of his door as he climbed out. Joeseph loved it! For a minute he stood outside of his door, marveling at the snow and how light it really was. The silent scene caused the flakes to suddenly turn on Joeseph, their paths and destiny meant for his fuzzy hair in the night. Turning to avoid the arctic blast, yanking his coat tighter against his shoulders, his eyes began to distinguish between the bouncing form of Alicia and the surrounding darkness…Finally! A moment to himself! Between the kid and his literature work, Joeseph needed a moment to wind down but…damn she was fast.

Across the fields of farmers forgotten corn, young angel Alicia and her teddy sprinted for the smoke. The old stalks were crunched, and the snow now had impressions where her feet had been moments before. There it is! Her mind spoke.

Alicia had missed the crater by only a little bit. Quickly now, she turned right and ran. Her little legs even carried her extra wind! She still ran however… skirt or not!

Joeseph just happened to be watching. He would thank God before this night was over.

Alicia saw the crater. She pumped her legs, she was so close now! She could even see the deep bowl top and surrounding soil! Even her teddy was excited with a smile.

Joeseph had already tried to catch up. Seeing how she hadn’t screamed several decibels higher than necessary, he figured she wasn’t struck with glee at finding a comet or something. But I need to stick close! He hurried himself mentally. You never know when she’ll…

Alicia’s small, far off figure fell from running. It was like a sewing pins head to the dirt.

Gravity over took the child as she dropped, momentum playing when her porcelain cheeks hit the harsh corn stalks below her.

Joeseph was hit, wave after wave of punishment from within. He had failed his lifelong duty! Pain to her world was forbidden! Rage filled him, fueled by a sense of motherhood. It was because of this that he was aided by divine forces as well and he seemed to cross the field unusually quick now. God liked kindness.

Alicia rose up laughing, unimaginable grace, as if she were suddenly pulled by puppet strings. Joeseph blinked the illusion away, laughing just as the child had. The relief was great as his feet rooted to the snow stricken crops.

Brrr she exclaimed and shivered, brushing away white flakes camouflaged in her locks. Guess I shouldn’t run so fast, huh Joeseph?

Her guardian merely smiled a weak smile, chuckling as he stepped toward her. He had already begun to thank the Lord for keeping her safe. Alicia met him half way, the poor unanimated teddy bear lacking a vote in the matter as he was strung along. The crater was still there, still beautiful and rare. She allowed herself to be scooped once again into Joesephs arms. The sensation of excitement hit fast as she could now see the bottom of the ominous crater. It was fear, anxiety and curiosity that held her gaze to the empty trench.

Joeseph held her and the stupid bear in his arms now, carrying the small child with weighted steps thinking, ‘She never leaves that bear at home.’ The nights wind did not disturb them as they followed the path through the field. Beams of illumination fell from the moon as well, lighting the path back home.

Alicia bounced in old Joesephs arms from the rough, snow laden plantation and reluctant as she was, she still swooned over the smell of the candles on his coat. He smelled like sanctuary… protection. The scent and warmth overrode the worry of not finding the star when she came back. Her last visual; the stars, were too elegant and bright for her eyes as she shut them against Joeseph.

***

How adorable… I spat mentally. It seemed oddly human of me really, to even attach such a… what’s the human thing… affect.

I looked on from above while floating downward… the humans had already almost reached their mechanical horse. The girl will play her role, I thought as I touched the solid land.

Suddenly and extremely short lived, I burst into what I understand now to be a laugh actually shutting my senses down for a moment. However quick, my recovery was faster. My grim form had begun to walk with the dead hellish seriousness that had engraved my translucent body.

I ACTUALLY LAUGHED! This was not hell! I could not help but linger on that thought for as long as I dared. I could sense the crops pass under my levitating vessel as the air disturbed the other growth across this barren land. The humans left imprints in the white icing and I followed them without thinking about it. My home above me looked a lot more inviting from a human’s perspective, but I knew the madness that waited for me behind the veil of spotted darkness. I had to let my eyes be drawn back in front of me… star gazing was deadly for us.

It hadn’t hit me yet, that the formations of the farmers work smoothed over into a dark path of rock. I was startled out of my thoughts as I made my way to the concentration of human lights ahead of me. If I wasn’t still in shock from forming habits, I might’ve noticed getting closer and closer to the cities tall, shadowy fortresses, but I didn’t.

They were upon me with an alarming speed, forcing me to look back at the long, black path. The white flakes contrasted the scene of loneliness, outlining the difference between white specs and black rock. A dull wind and silent night aided the grim light of things as I turned back to walk through the empty streets.

A few windows were lit in the tallest buildings, lighting up the path in front of me with the help of another light on the corner. I stood in its brightness overhead, looking around at my new home for awhile. The humans mechanical horses all stood silent on the paths side, out of the way for barreling horses and bad coaches. Alternate paths went in between those large chunks of material, leading back behind the shacks and into their own world. Yet I was gripped by a cry!

The cry of something startled me when I looked down. Something black ran out of the alternate paths, knocking a silver container over and spilling its contents into the middle of the path. Its four and what appeared to be furry legs, carried the little thing quickly, and I was disappointed I couldn’t have studied it more. Uneducated, silly life 

There I go again… making human judgments. I scolded myself mentally.

A few of the shacks were lit up, or houses, or bad people places, or homes… whatever they were. In one of the translucent pieces covering a sector of its boundary hung a few words in brightly colored lights. We’re open till dawn! it read. A few humans were all I could see out here on the corner, but I could still see two sets of humans through the darkened, transparent piece.

One of the females in the group had leaned over the surface in front of her toward her human friend, getting close enough so that she could do something. Before I could move anywhere, not liking the fact I was so interested in the pitiful humans, she put her face against his. Then something remarkable happened. Something that I knew would haunt me for the rest of my time here.

She began to talk with him in a low whisper. It must’ve been for secrecy from her other companions. They talked for an age as their mouths stayed together and moved in unison. She must have been telling his mouth a secret. Her eyes remained close, as to sharpen her sense of hearing.

For whatever reason, the human scene captivated me. The dream only lasted for a few seconds as I shifted under the light …it would not have lasted after my movement disturbed it. I suddenly saw a pair of lights barreling toward me! The machine merged into view as the light beams lowered onto the road. It got closer and closer in the distance still, but I seemed somehow threatened by it.

I remained frozen under the onslaught of light, white flakes when the beast roared and pulled up next to the path I stood on. A human stepped out from inside and the realization of my invisibility hit home. He moved right past me, without even a glance! He didn’t even scream at my hideousness!

What? I marveled and questioned a certain notion. Suddenly, and again oddly human of me, an impulse took over my judgment.

As impulsive and daring as I thought, I ignored the human man whom had ignored me and stepped out in front of the mechanical horse. I planted myself firmly in the white dusted path as I watched the human in the carriage.

It roared to life, lightning up in the front with a groan internally. The engines combustion overrode the drivers laugh at his friend and I could see his paws grip the reigns with determination that set me back for a second. Through the transparent glass I could look into the hypnotizing eyes of the human. I could look into his eyes and see the depth, the horror and the potential to be on our side…potential ally.

The carriage lurched forward, launching quickly with recklessness and without care. My entire idea was over in a fraction of a second. Too late! It passed right…

I stood, shock uncomfortable and unfamiliar as the damned thing took off down the darkened path…right… through me. I finished the mental thought of standing in front of the mechanical carriage. It didn’t even feel like it should have… a many pound metal thing charging through my body. I didn’t even feel it. The realization hit me with a grin right then and there as I comprehended the extent of my ability.

Again I walked the quiet paths, I kept my mind keen and my senses honed into sensing a soul. I needed those souls actually… there seemed to be a shortage where I came from.

Unconsciously, I started drifting toward a small building, the soft ground still passing underneath my limbs. As I approached, I noticed there was a small hole in the wall, much like the one at the shack I had been to earlier. I stopped again however, and watched two humans through the gap covered almost completely by some fabric.

I was grateful they couldn’t see me, or sense me for that matter, so I decided to creep a little closer to give them a listen. The communication was almost inaudible from where I stood, but my steps brought me closer to the scene and conversation. I actually decided to pay attention.

The female had her limbs on her hips for the second, gesturing as if it was primary communication between them. She was doing most of the talking in that room, and I could hear her shrieks at appropriate intervals over the sound of the snowy wind. The argument was one sided and her human mate, I could tell, did not like listening.

***

I cannot believe you were drinking again! I can’t believe it! the lady shouted in the living room. Her eyes filled to the brim, almost red with rage and tears. His arms crossed showed a defensive posture as he sat quietly. Jasper was in hot water and he knew it. Look! He raised his voice, standing to his feet. I don’t see the problem!

He sat back down, brushing his slack pants, stocky but happy. His button matched the snow outside and the walls behind Alewing. The white living room walls made him dizzy and the frequency from the television didn’t help matters. His eyes glanced at her back as she walked away. He was used to that scene, though not necessarily a good thing. But his beautiful wife simply leaned against the white kitchen doorway, smiling through the back glass doors even though she was upset. Jasper seized his chance, stepping cautiously as a cat, so not to be heard. He stepped up behind her, his footsteps silenced by the carpet surrounding them. Muffled movement disturbed Alewing’s thoughts as she sighed, her gaze still lingering on the snow that wouldn’t last. She had not expected him to hug her like that, but she melted in his arms when he wrapped them lightly around her waist. She could feel his sweet breath on her cheek as he whispered and such weapons were not fighting fair when it came to her being mad at him. That’s not fair when I’m supposed to be mad at you. Alewing fought back, closing her eyes against him as the kindness melted her. The drink is out. I swear. He grinned; taking advantage of her momentary weakness in order to get back into good graces. Come love, I’m tired. Jasper began to walk away from the kitchen and down a long dark corridor, nearly lightning it with his smile as he pulled her by the hand behind him. The carpet gave way to their steps as he opened the door, but he paused momentarily at the opening. Does that mean I am off the hook? He ventured as he stepped to block her path. Swiftly Alewing stood on her tip toes and kissed his lips lightly, coming back down and shoving him inside their bedroom. No. I’m sure I’ll punish you again sometime tonight. A chuckle could be heard as she closed it behind her.

The morning rays of light had already began to penetrate through the sharp cornered window, bringing with it