Ember Dark Destiny (Book Four)

By C.K. Mullinax

The darkness watches from deep in the shadows...
A mysterious fate - lies hidden - up-ahead...
Something sinister is veiled and lurking...
Awaiting an arrival...
It's inevitable and now, it will finally be revealed!
There's really no way to escape...destiny...
The mysterious epic fantasy It Begins...the Series continues in the 4th thrilling installment. Brave the next shrouded adventure...

• Language: English
• Publisher: C.K. Mullinax
• Release date: Aug 25, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476137049

C.K. Mullinax

C.K. Mullinax is an accomplished fantasy fiction writer and published author of the epic adventure, six book It Begins...the Series. She is also the author of the epic fantasy adventures in the much anticipated ...the Double Fated Series. All of Cindy's novels are thrilling, suspense-filled treks into the shadowed, unknown.Cindy currently attends East Carolina University where she is studying to earn her second Master's degree in Adult Education. She also holds a Masters in Applied Arts & Sciences from UNCG, a BA in Sociology, a BS in Criminal Justice, an AA in Art, and an AS in Criminal Justice. The author lives in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina with her best friend and husband, Jason. She spent the summer of 2010 writing Ember Rising Light - the debut book in her spine-tingling epic fantasy fiction adventure It Begins...the Series. The fantasies continue to evolve.“Thank you for bravely venturing with me...”-C.K. Mullinax

Book preview

Part 1

"The wicked Shadows are easy to spot and even easier to follow…

So, always beware of the shrouded darkness…"

Chapter One

The demon had been crouching near the shadows of the stage. It had evidently been here all along, observing me. It had repulsively molten skin that oozed yellow from what appeared to be some type of infection. The dark apparition was at least ten feet tall. Leaning in my direction, it ominously towered over me.

We stared at each other, curiously.

Turns out, it actually had four eyes. Located in random placements, they each worked independently. When I first saw the demon, only one was visible. It didn’t seem to have a nose or ears, either. I’m sure the being must have them, somewhere – it’s breathing, after all. I managed to stop myself right before I insanely asked it to turn around, so I could get a better look at it.

The dark being had six, very thin appendages – maybe, legs? Each one appeared to have a knife at the end, instead of feet. The knives dug into the decayed ground when the demon shifted its weight. I wonder how such fragile legs can hold up so much demon…

We were locked in a bizarre death-stare. This stare down reminded me of the day I first saw Brylie in the cafeteria. Unlike that little challenge where I could walk away, I somehow understood that I couldn’t run from this one. It is also definitely going to turn nuclear.

I spent about five nanoseconds mentally kicking myself for not questioning my husband about how to ‘chat up’ a demon. Jaysen is part angelic, so he must know something about how the dark side operates. We had discussed wildlife, but he never mentioned a demon to me.

I have no idea what language this thing speaks or what it wants with me. I wouldn’t have to wonder about those things for very long. The demon was prepared to give me a clear demonstration.

I raise the battle cry and only half of your soul responds to my directive? Where did you misplace the other part of your worthless spirit, breeder? the demon asked me, inquisitively.

The dark creature was speaking in angelic dialect and somehow, I could understand everything it said. The fact that I just suddenly knew a foreign language, in its entirety, didn’t strike me as odd or unusual. What did disturb me was the demon sounded perfectly human and completely normal. Demons are required to sound ghostly and maniacal, at all times – I’m sure. About that time, my mind went sailing even further into fatigued madness. I refuse to allow this demon to speak and sound like a typical, inquisitive human being.

You can’t speak to me like that because that’s not how it’s supposed to happen! I’m also absolutely certain that where any part of my spirit resides is none of your business. I demand you state why you so rudely interrupted my nap, I shouted back my order in angelic dialect.

The demon had said something about a battle. That alone should have frightened me, at least, a little. I have no idea how to fight it, but I didn’t feel like I was in any type of real life-threatening danger. So, instead of apprehension, I was experiencing irrational anger. How dare this dark creature wake me up from a perfectly good nap to ask stupid, nosy questions about my spirit???

"My primary objective, which I shall realize fully, is to vanquish your soul, of course. Then, I shall dispose of your body once I have taken my pleasure from it. However, since I was the first to engage in this encounter, you are obligated to respond to my initial inquiry. My issued challenge was posed for your spirit as a whole, not a fraction or a portion. I have never witnessed the rescendence of only half of a soul in reply to a battle engagement. Therefore, I demand your compliance with your forthcoming answer, per the authority invested in our current advancement…" the demon stated in a perplexed, but deadly tone.

"I have no idea where you get off thinkin’ you’re in any position to demand anything from me. Let me sort this out for you before you break something inside your useless mind. I’m not a girl you wanna toy with and I’ll be very happy to provide you with a demonstration.

You could try to vanquish my soul, but demon, you’re not gonna find any success in that ridiculous adventure. I also absolutely refuse you, any and all permission to ever touch my body, even if it’s long since dead. But, in the interest of shutting you up and because you’re infuriating me – I’ll respond to your silly soul searching question. The other half of my spirit is currently at the dry cleaners, I stated the last two lines in English without thinking much about it.

The demon didn’t get my sarcasm – and that is so annoying – but the dark creature did become furious. Although inexplicable, it ranted and raved in angelic dialect because I switched languages. I couldn’t understand some of the shouting, because the devil just seemed to be screaming nonsense. Impatiently waiting for a chance to speak, my head was already pounding from all his yelling.

You are not permitted to change warfare tactics once inside the Fatality Stadium, the demon wound down and finally said something I could comprehend.

What happened to all’s fair in war, buddy boy or buddy girl – well, not that I can tell from here, at least…

Tell me your full given name. I command you to state it, immediately, the demon responded without addressing my question.

Names hold tremendous power in the angelic realms. So, it was a standard question to ask. Although I shouldn’t have been stunned, the request still made me come unhinged. Something snapped inside me when the demon demanded my name. I was consumed by rage. Suddenly, I turned into a homicidal, devil-killing maniac. Gone to a new level of wrath, my mind refused to give me access to what was making me incensed.

My spirit light lifted in response and was fueled by my unspent fury. It streaked across the Fatality Stadium in a bloody red bolt of lightning. The demon was caught by surprise and it took a direct hit. The dark creature went sailing and crashed against an invisible wall. Thundering into it with a loud and painful crash, its body was repelled. The demon smacked into the ground, hard.

"You wretched, no good, despicable breeder – you are not allowed to engage with the first strike at the present time! It violates the rules of engagement and therefore, it is expressly forbidden…"

Well, you can whine to your friggin’ horn-headed, fork-tailed boss later because I’m not listenin’. You obviously chose the wrong breeder to pick on and selected the wrong freakin’ side to fight on today. I make my own bloody rules and I’m not scared to use them, I raved like a lunatic.

I realized humorously that I was slipping into ‘psychotic-Ember-speak’. Slang terms can’t be translated. That meant my last outburst was a mixture of angelic dialect and English.

This battle engagement will be called back to order, posthaste. Speak your name – I demand your compliance! the devil exclaimed while lifting a black storm channel.

The swelling cloud was made of stinking, wet sand. If the dark creature hurled that channeled beach at me, it would stick. I tripped out when I realized this…

No freakin’ way is that nasty smelling sand gonna touch this clean spirit. I don’t see a shower anywhere in this disgusting place. I’ll burn this sucker to the ground… I warned, but the demon evidently, didn’t believe me.

No worries…I will lick you clean… it hissed the words and winked at me before unleashing the storm.

I channeled a flaming tunnel around my spirit called blazing vortex. It looked like I was standing inside the eye of a fiery twister. The disgusting sand slammed into the inferno and was consumed in the vortex. Lifting the unreal storm high over my head, I rocketed the combined channels defiantly at my opposition.

The disgusting fire/sand storm riddled the demon. Desperately attempting to withdraw its own channeled sand from the mixture, the demon was helpless against the assault. My spirit light had wrapped around the fiery tornado, so I was the only one that could withdraw it. I danced around like a lunatic and tried to remember why I got so ticked off in the first place.

Just asking for my name shouldn’t have made me so angry…but, it did.

Finally, I remembered to channel the squeeze. Then, I watched in fascination as the demon’s own sand storm ripped into its flesh. The devil writhed and shouted demands in angelic dialect. I responded in English and demanded that it speak my language or else – not that I knew what the ‘or else’ was…

I didn’t actually have the foggiest notion what I was going to do with this captured demon. So, my threat was pretty much wasted air.

The demon refused to speak English and continued its tirade about the rules in angelic dialect. His outright refusal further infuriated me and I went ballistic. Shivering from consuming frustration, I pressed the engulfing vortex into its flesh, even harder.

Oh my heavens, I never woulda guessed there was such a thing as unsophisticated demons. You woke me up and yanked me here to play, pal. What’s this universe comin’ to anyway? I flatly refuse to battle unsophisticated devils anymore. Do you hear me? I yelled in English into the dark abyss.

I honestly have no clue who I’m ordering around. The Creator won’t be hanging out in this evil place, for sure. Not even my prisoner responded to me.

By my order and authority dark creature, I command you to issue me your full name at once, I bellowed in angelic dialect.

The demon complied and told me its name. I was stunned for a split second because I didn’t think it would follow my instructions. I listened as the dark creature stated its name in grand and glorious detail. Two minutes later, it finally stopped talking. Its name was so long and complicated that I couldn’t remember it all – curses.

Holy Creator, help me please, that’s way too much, even for something as gimonsterous as you. What do your devil friends call you? I demanded.

The demon instantly stopped shrieking in agony when I mentioned the Creator. The dark spirit became frozen in mortal fear, even as my channels continued to assault it.

I am called Set of Darkened Crest…

Well, Set of Darkened Crest, how dare you disturb my sleep for all this nonsense??? I demand you tell me who you answer to at once. I’m gonna pay that demon-boss a visit when I’m finished here, I informed him, like a true psychotic.

Although I had no idea how I would accomplish that feat, I was currently over the edge. So the details weren’t all that important.

Set was clearly petrified, but refused to offer the name of who sent it. The demon vowed to accept a thousand tortures, and then, the pit of eternal damnation before it would ever reveal the information.

Outraged that this dark spirit would refuse to obey my command, I finally reached my limit. The time for chatting, yelling and threatening is over. I withdrew the sand storm long enough to deliver a powerful Vaydem channel called deliverance by division.

The demon split in half as the channel removed its black spiritual wickedness from its rotting flesh encasement. My spirit light trapped the blackened essence that used to be a part of Set. In a display of force, it lit up the Stadium like the noon sky and the evil essence could not escape its grasp.

A dark funnel opened on the ground and foul smelling smoke rose from the narrow passage. The flesh half of the demon was sucked inside and disappeared. My spirit light streaked toward the opening on my command. It was going to release the captured dark soul, so it could follow its body. The demon’s spirit had no plans to exit, though. It struggled to remain here and the funnel closed without taking the other half of Set.

I channeled the blending once again, to keep it captive. I tried to figure out how to reopen the funnel. The nasty black/fiery sand storm swarmed around Set’s spirit once again.

My semi-rational mind resumed functioning and I had no idea what to do next. The funnel refused to come back and I didn’t see any other openings. Set’s dark spiritual essence obviously couldn’t speak and it’s not like the demon’s spirit would tell me how to destroy it anyway.

Standing here forever holding a nasty demon-spirit prisoner wasn’t an option, even if I was thoroughly rested. Apparently, my spirit doesn’t have a pocket because I didn’t have my cell phone with me. I couldn’t feel my link to Tray, anymore and how could he find me, anyway? He has never had to fight a demon – at least, to my knowledge. I was stuck in this stupid demonic situation.

When I couldn’t figure out what to do, I became extremely frustrated. I stomped around and shouted angrily in Vaydem. Although it was a waste of energy, I needed to vent my emotions. Somehow, I managed to pull myself back together and a crazy thought occurred to me. It might be my saving grace if I can figure out how to do it…

It took concerted effort, but I finally managed to open a communication tether to Willow. I had a Vaydem channel locked around her called an infinion ring. It holds a permanent, albeit weak, link to me while it’s in effect. It’s not designed to act as a tether, but miraculously I transformed it into one so I could talk to her.

"Hi, I need to speak with Fallon. Can you figure out some way to get her to come to you? I’ll bring her to me once she’s there. I’m not in a place where I can just do it myself, or I would…" I asked her calmly through the communication tether.

"Is everything okay, sweetie? You sound sorta funny…" she worriedly replied.

"Perfectly – no worries, at all – it’s something like a girl thing. I’d rather not have to talk to Tray or Jaysen about it, if you know what I mean. I’d appreciate your help. I’m kinda on a time crunch…" I stated.

Willow knew I couldn’t just walk up and chat with Fallon at school. I managed to keep my voice even. She would easily discover something’s wrong, if I had asked her to call Tray or Jaysen for me. But, asking to speak with her best friend won’t arouse her suspicions.

Fallon is most likely in class, but I’m hoping she can reach her anyway. Willow and I chatted casually through the infinion ring/communication tether while we waited. A few minutes later Fallon trans-versed to Sunridge.

Through yet another miracle, I manipulated the energy stream from Willow’s infinion ring, again. I transformed it from a communication tether into a transportation tunnel. I assume this is a chaining shift. Both of those transformations were astounding because channels can’t be converted into anything that I know of. How I changed one into a communication tether and a chaining shift is anyone’s guess. I never even knew chaining shifts existed until last weekend. It’s amazing what I can do when I’m desperate for some sleep.

I would be very careful not to speak Fallon’s name out loud when she arrives. I might not know anything about this Stadium or demon fighting, but I did know how powerful speaking a name could be. After all, I am spiritually married because the Creator offered me Jaysen’s full name.

Fallon stepped through the opening of my created chaining shift and looked around perplexed. Once she discovered what was happening, her eyes became wide with fear. I motioned for her to be quiet as I transformed the chaining shift back into a communication tether to thank Willow.

After that was done, I immediately started rambling insanely to Fallon in Vaydem. She looked at me like I had turned into a pod person from outer space because she couldn’t understand a single word that I was saying. She doesn’t know the Vaydem language – duh, Ember.

"Sorry ‘bout that. As you can see, I split ol’ Set of some Demonic Crest place, in half. Well, that’s been kinda shortened. He/she has some sorta infinitely extended name that couldn’t even be written across the entire United States, because it’s not big enough to hold it. When I split this demon his/her body went sailing somewhere that I don’t know, but its filthy spirit refused to follow.

"Flippin’ unsophisticated demons that don’t know plain English shouldn’t come around disturbin’ girls who are minding their own business and peacefully zoning. I refuse to battle another Set, or any other demon, unless it speaks my language. I made myself perfectly clear on that matter, although I don’t know who I made it clear to, exactly. Oh yeah, this moronic demon flatly refused to gimme the name of the horn-headed boss that sent it. That was an epic mistake, along with all the other ones it committed. I drew the line, demonstrated my points and split this sucker for the trouble.

Set here, started yelling a blue streak, and said I wasn’t fighting the right way. That’s preposterous – don’t you agree? Sleep disturbing, nasty sand tossing, unsophisticated dark creatures shouldn’t be allowed to make up any rules, because they certainly don’t follow them. So I figured if the demon can disturb my nap, insult me by calling me a breeder" and waste my time with nosy questions then, I can use my own rules and do what I wanna do, when I wanna do it. I established those truths for this he/she creature.

I’m sure this has been the single most ridiculous event that’s ever occurred in this demon’s life. Now, it’s split in two and a true believer. Too bad it can’t tell its little demon buddies that it’s not wise to disturb napping females. Ah well, nothing I can do about that now – is there, my dear nameless friend and sister? I shouted nonsense in psychotic-Ember-speak.

My crazy rant session would end up being very ironic. I was partially angry because the demon refused to speak my language. However, I spoke in angelic dialect, English, Vaydem and a blend of all three. Fallon had listened to my entire outburst in speechless wonder. Once I finally stopped shouting, I had to cover my ears. It turns out that my words were echoing insanely around the Stadium, bouncing off the shadowy, unseen walls. I didn’t realize how loud it was when it had been just me and ole Set, alone.

My channels were still holding strong and Set’s spirit was trapped, accordingly. Trying to get control of myself, I really need Fallon’s help. Although the stench was nauseating, I took a deep breath before I spoke again.

"I would sincerely appreciate your assistance, my dear sister. I have no idea what to do with a captured half of a demon. It interrupted my nap for this nonsense. Guess you’ve figured out how aggravated that made me. Demons shouldn’t bother exhausted females. We could’ve done this stupid sucker twenty five minutes later. I would’ve been happy to fight it – fair and square if it would’ve just waited.

The dark creature’s refusal made me even more annoyed. Its disruption was unacceptable to me and I didn’t get any rest because of it. So I don’t care if its spirit goes to its body, or somewhere else, as long as it goes away from me. I desperately need some sleep before I fall over, I begged Fallon to help me through my exhausted psychosis.

My sister issued some type of battle engagement order that I didn’t understand. Then, she opened a dark tunnel on the celestial ceiling. The demon’s spirit was finally being sucked inside it. I waved goodbye to Set as I watched its dark essence disappear. The tunnel closed with a clang. Then, Fallon hugged me and started to cry.

Returning her embrace, I thanked her for the assistance. She continued to hold me like I was going to vanish if she didn’t. After assuring her everything was fine, she was still upset. I tried to decipher her reaction. Although I sounded psychotic, I had been in complete control of the situation when she arrived. I only needed her help with transportation.

Wait, she must be upset because I had another mental meltdown…

Oh Fallon, I’m so sorry I said all those crazy things. When I get irritated, I have my own language that I use to vent. I’d offer to teach you how to interpret, but you’d need a padded room, afterwards, I offered, jokingly.

My Lady, you were just engaged by a Shadow Fall demon in a battle to the death! Do you not realize this? Fallon asked, anxiously.

Well, if Set wanted to pick that kinda fight with me, then he/she should’ve waited like I requested. There’s almost no chance of Ember-survival on my best days, just ask Tray. There’s even less chance though, when I’m aggravated and exhausted.

I need to get some sleep before I get myself killed…

Chapter Two

Fallon trans-versed behind my veil from some unknown place. I did not realize she had even left school grounds. It is customary for her to alert me if she intends on making a departure. Therefore, her unexpected and abrupt arrival annoyed me. By this time, I had been up too long and urgently needed to get some rest. I did, somehow, manage to keep my tongue from betraying my anger. That restraint turned out to be a blessing.

Did you not see Lady Ember’s spirit being summoned by demonic challenge? Fallon asked, excitedly.

Repeat that! I commanded in a severe tone.

I understood the words she was speaking perfectly. I could also see Ember’s body still leaning over, with her head resting on the table. Tray was sitting directly across from her, but he was in no way panicked. I decided that I must have simply misunderstood my sister.

Your wife’s spirit, well part of her spirit, was summoned to the Fatality Stadium at some point. She called me there to assist her. Can you believe it?

That is absolutely impossible – I feel certain that Tray would have reacted immediately if he witnessed Ember’s spirit being called away from her body. This cannot possibly have happened without his knowledge, I replied into her madness.

I certainly knew it was possible for Ember’s spirit to be summoned without any visible evidence to her slumbering body. However, I was in shock and my mind refused to accept that it could happen.

Fallon must have understood that I was in the process of having a mental breakdown. Otherwise, she would have been panicked. The spiritual release from the body, upon demonic challenge, is taught on Day One of Ava’shay Battle Training. She continued sharing her tale without addressing my nonsense.

"I have never witnessed anything quite so unbelievable! She spoke in THREE different languages in my presence. She also channeled something in – I suppose we could call it ‘retaliation’. She used the demon’s own blacken desert plague channel against it. Then, your wife exorcised the demon’s spirit from its fleshly casing, although I did not think that was possible. True lineaged Shadow Fall do not have a spirit to separate from anything. However, Ember did manage to find one and she split a pure lineaged Shadow Fall demon in half – regardless of this impossibility.

Next, she told me she sent it’s body" to an unknown location, but the spirit refused to follow. Lady Ember had no idea how to vanquish it. She was irritated with both the demon and the situation. She was holding it captured in some type of imprisonment channel that I have never seen.

"It is clear that Ember has some type of spiritual link or communication tether, permanently wrapped around Willow. This is even more astounding. Your wife – I suppose we could say converted that unknown communication link into a chaining shift. She, then, used it to draw me to her location. I fully realize it is impossible to transform a communication tether into a chaining shift, but that is precisely what she accomplished.

I was stunned into mutative silence as she offered some type of explanation for what I was witnessing. Then, she regained her composure enough to request that I send the demon’s spirit" away, quickly. So, I reacted without thinking and did as she commanded. I cast the demonic spirit into the dark abyss and sealed it.

"At no time was the challenge issued to me by the demon. I will point out that a Shadow Fall spirit evidently has no ability to speak, or it was rendered silent due to the unreal circumstances surrounding it. The challenge to battle was only posed directly to Lady Ember. Therefore, my options for disposal were severely limited.

However Lord Master, that is not stated to excuse my actions. I apologize for not questioning the Shadow Fall, as per our primary directive. I was so awestruck when I arrived inside the Fatality Stadium, that I was apparently, incapable of performing my commission, Fallon offered and looked confused.

"I cannot accept your apology, as there is nothing to forgive. I would have been rendered more than useless, if I would have received that call to assist her. That entire story is wholly unprecedented and beyond astonishing.

"Why didn’t Ember call me to help her? Why not call Tray, even though he has no demonic battle experience and would have no real way to assist her? He seems the logical choice. Why would she call Willow? How did she convert and open a chaining shift through a communication tether or spiritual link? That type of conversion is absolutely impossible. Why did she choose to open that one in particular? If she has the unbelievable skill to transform communication tethers into chaining shifts for transporting purposes then, she should’ve opened one to me or Tray or even, Rave Jansen. Why choose Willow, of all people, to use that skill on??? Surely, she didn’t want to bring her to the Fatality Stadium to fight a demon or send it somewhere else. She is pregnant with a baby…" I continued to riddle my sister with useless, frantic and insane questions.

Fallon has no way to answer any of them, but she is my only venting option, currently. My mind fought through the insanity, as my sister repeated the same information about how Ember had summoned her. Most, if not all, of what she revealed is completely impossible. Next, I tried to convince her that the Shadow Fall demon must have played a trick on her mind, but she refused to accept it. I was headed up the panic scale, with no end in sight.

Respectively, Fallon had calmed down by the time she repeated the story for the third time. Although she was still amazed, she was no longer frantic. I could not seem to get her alarmed to a sufficient degree. At that point, I decided that I would need to speak with Tray about this matter. He will share in my panic driven meltdown, even if I can’t get my sister to join me.

I sent him an urgent text message and coded it life or death. He jumped up from the table and tried to rouse my napping wife. She smacked at his hand in an effort to get him to leave her alone. Eventually, she complied and drowsily stood up.

He grabbed her backpack as she told everyone goodbye. Ember leaned against Tray until they stepped outside into the breezeway. She had no energy left, obviously and fell over once the cafeteria doors closed behind them. Tray carried her to his Chevy. I knew he would drive the speed limit with her in the truck. This was necessary, but highly annoying. I need to teach him how to use a chaining shift…today.

I stood veiled in the parking lot with Fallon. I had her repeat everything to me, once again. I had no idea what I hoped to glean from hearing her telling it, but I paced feverishly as she calmly recounted the facts.

Looking at my watch, I realized Tray should be pulling into the Jansens’ driveway. Fallon agreed to watch over our residents for the remainder of the day. I thanked her, quickly before I shifted to Sunridge.

Ember was already inside the house by the time I arrived. Tray was preparing to jump in his truck to come meet me. I unveiled without thinking or providing him with any warning.

Don’t do that without sending me a text, first! I could’ve had a stroke, ya’ know, Tray shouted, shoving me backwards.

Ember’s spirit was summoned to the Stadium without our awareness during lunch session today! I exclaimed insanely, ignoring his push.

I had planned to explain, in detail, what had happened. But, it didn’t work out that way. Tray had no idea what my words even meant, yet he went careening into all out panic mode. I have no recollections of what we said to each other in those next few minutes. Somehow though, it made me feel better to have my brother share in my psychosis.

Fallon had repeatedly described what had happened before I left school to meet with Tray. She had also tried to assure me that …Lady Ember had the situation under control by the time I arrived. That had to be either demonic related insanity or a complete understatement of the facts designed to keep me sane – she must have been hallucinating.

Only one language is allowed in the Fatality Stadium. Spiritual links and/or communication tethers cannot be transformed into chaining shifts. Lastly, my wife would have no idea how to battle a demon – much less survive it. She has never been engaged by a Shadow Fall in her existence. Just like Tray, she had no knowledge of the standards and warfare tactics of spiritual battles.

Although I could not get my sister panicked enough for my liking, my brother was fulfilling my psychotic need to have someone fall apart with me. I still could not wrap my mind around what had happened during lunch. Calming down somewhat, I needed to explain the situation to Tray – as best I could, at least. He was alarmed, but sadly, he has no idea what we are panicking about.

I regained enough composure to explain what I meant by my statement. Then, I attempted to recount what Fallon had reported to me. This only increased his panic. I did not fare any better during our exchange. As each word passed from my lips, I felt my mind cracking, further. We desperately need Ember to fill in all the blanks, now. However, she direly needs to sleep because we had been awake all weekend.

My exhaustion was also apparent, but I could not envision ever being able to sleep again. Tray and I attempted to think of a solution. We are missing critical details, so it will be impossible to accomplish. We both eventually, went inside to guard my wife until she woke up, although staring at her while she sleeps is useless. It was the only thing we could come up with, in order to maintain our sanity.

Honey, you’re freaking me out. You’re gonna freak Ember out, too when she wakes up and sees you both staring at her like that. She’s perfectly safe in bed, so come into the living room with me, Willow told Tray.

The debate was getting ready to be offered, but Willow refused to let him stay any longer. Tray did not want to alarm or upset his wife, so he had to comply. He glanced at me before he left the bedroom. I gave him the I will alert you the instant she wakes up look. He nodded in understanding and smiled at me.

Somehow, I had forgotten that all the females in our lives seem to make most of the decisions for us. They know how to effectively manipulate us and have their strategies planned well in advance. Willow obviously saw my state of complete exhaustion. She would gently force me to lie down in bed beside my wife. She used a most evident pretense to achieve this objective – I would have recognized it, if I had been alert at the time.

Ember will search for you in bed. She’ll probably wake up if you’re not there to hold her… Willow offered.

I should have realized this was a ploy of epic proportions, because I would be helpless to stay awake once I was reclining. However, I was too exhausted to see it coming.

I fell asleep before my head touched the pillow...

Chapter Three

"How could you force Jaysen to lie down in bed, honey? I needed him to stay awake and watch Ember for me. It’s semi-urgent to us, but nothing at all for you to worry about…" I told my wife calmly as my mind screamed.

He was about to drop over, Tray – surely, you could see it. He’s not some robot that you can program. Like everyone else on this planet, he needs sleep. If you’ll just tell me what’s going on, maybe I can help. I’m not a china doll, and you don’t have to treat me like one… Willow told me stubbornly with her arms crossed.

There’s no way I’m gonna upset or scare my pregnant wife…

It’s just a little lunchtime drama that Jaysen and I need to speak to her about. She kinda fell out on us though, and we can’t get her to wake up enough to explain any of it. You realize how panicked we get over her, most days… I offered.

Mentally crossing my fingers, I offered her the cryptic explanation. I hope my wife will assume that this is one of those silly things I freak out about, and not the gimonsterously INSANE red alarm, the sky is falling for sure, things.

I do know that, but I also know you’re hedging on me. This is gonna be the world’s longest and most frustrating pregnancy if you feel you can’t even talk to me anymore. I’ll work myself into an all out stress attack, if you keep everything hidden from me. Whatever I might imagine is usually worse than the truth. Please, talk to me…

I promise to talk to you after I get her explanation. I don’t have all the facts, and you know how I overreact to the slightest little thing. I need you to be chilled out until we know what we need to panic about. You keep me calm, honey. And, you’re right – I can’t expect Jaysen to stay awake, indefinitely. If I asked him to stay awake until things calm down with Ember, then he’d be six feet under by Friday, because that’s never gonna happen anyway. I’ll just sit and relax with you until they both wake up again. Then, our daughter can explain if something happened…

I tried to act casual as I waited impatiently for them to wake up. I wasn’t fooling anyone though. Rave finally came inside and asked me to go to the garage with him. He told my wife that he needed my help with something. She kissed me before I walked outside. I promptly fell over into mass hysteria once she couldn’t hear me. I quickly, and psychotically, explained to him what we thought had occurred today.

He confirmed what I said to Willow. I need to wait until Ember explains what happened before I fall over into full blown hysteria.

In order to realize that objective, Rave changed the subject to our new house – that will somehow, be built by tomorrow night at 8:00 p.m.! Willow had chosen a house plan based on my comfort level. All the bedroom doorways were situated strategically, so I could see them from the master bedroom. The house would be equipped with a full security system. It featured audio and video surveillance of all the rooms and the perimeter outside the house. Between the security system and Rave’s protective channels, my family should be safe. Willow calls it the Tray’s-flippin’-gotta-rest-sometimes-too floor plan.

The house will have seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms. It seemed insane as far as size goes. Willow explained the necessity of having additional rooms for times when Jaxon and Gayle might stay with us. Then, she tactfully added the additional rooms are for the other people that might require them. I knew how to fill in that blank, but I couldn’t consider all the other people possibilities in our future without sinking into total madness. I did the best I could – I smiled, nodded my head and avoided opening my mouth. I can’t risk eating those shoes again…at least, not while she’s pregnant.

Jaysen finally woke up around six that evening and was still in a state of panic. I had basically decided, by that point, that Rave was right. There’s no way to figure out a strategy until we know what happened. My partner in panic wouldn’t cooperate with my new ‘we’ve just gotta wait for it’ plan. He went right back inside to watch Ember sleep. Maybe, he believes he can wake her up through the force of his staring.

Jaysen reported that she didn’t move a single inch until 10:54 pm. Then, she only rolled over. I sat out in the den until almost midnight and managed to somehow, keep myself together. Then, I thought about something horrible. She might sleep until tomorrow morning. Although I tried to stop myself from sailing right back over the brink, I was helpless to stop it. If the Shadow Fall can summon her from the crowded cafeteria under my nose when she’s napping, then they can certainly call her from her own bedroom while she’s sleeping.

That horrific thought consumed me as terror ripped through every fiber of my being. Jumping to my feet, I ran into her bedroom. The bright, overhead light illuminated the room as I flipped it on. Through some miracle of the Creator, I managed to keep my voice down, although I was being driven by panic. Except for Rave, everyone in the house was asleep.

Ember, wake up, now! I demanded in a loud enough tone for her to hear it clearly.

Jaysen was sitting on the dresser, watching her. I had forgotten he was even in here. I’m sure I frightened a few good years out of his life by my actions.

What’s wrong, Tray? Ember responded worriedly.

She sat straight up in bed, looking dazed and scared. Jaysen finally realized that I was near the brink of psychosis. He quickly channeled something around us because I could feel it. I didn’t waste time asking him what it was. I would just force myself to keep my voice down, in case Celeste could still hear us.

What happened during lunch today? You gotta tell us everything, right now… I asked urgently and tried unsuccessfully to remain calm.

I don’t really remember… she offered sleepily.

I fought the urgent need to grab her and run away.

My beloved, you were summoned by a Shadow Fall demon into the Fatality Stadium for battle. Do you not remember any details of your encounter? Jaysen questioned her gently.

"Yeah, I remember, it’s Set of Dark Moon or something. That demon really ticked me off, sweetheart. FYI, demonic entities are extraordinarily rude and idiotic. Set interrupted my nap and I didn’t get a single minute to rest. Can’t say I didn’t warn him that I was highly irritated about bein’ disturbed. Well, he didn’t seem to care, but he should’ve. You realize, I would’ve been happy to battle him, fair and square, if he’d just been willing to wait and let me sleep ten minutes. I guess he didn’t understand my psychotic-Ember-terms though. That was annoying too. When I’m that exhausted, I can’t do anything to explain myself better.

"So, I decided that I shouldn’t have to do what the idiotic demon wants to do because he obviously wasn’t gonna let me finish my nap. Oh yeah and he asked me to speak my name and I went entirely off the rails.

"Then, I became hysterical when Set channeled this nasty sand in my direction. I can’t tolerate being dirty. I lost control of my temper and sent the nasty sand back to its source, along with something to make it stick to him. Of course, I couldn’t just stand there hurling channels in anger, indefinitely – I was too exhausted, anyway. So, I just captured him until I could figure out my next move. It seemed kinda pointless to channel a big, huge battle when I could just imprison him.

Somehow, I managed to split him in two, but his spirit didn’t go with his skin – it stayed behind with me. I had no idea what to do with a demon-spirit after I caught it. Oh, you both realize that I’m just guessing that Set was a him". I couldn’t ask it to twirl around, so I could see it better. I suppose it could’ve been a female, but frankly, I don’t know how to tell them apart.

That reminds me, I think I need some ‘chattin’ up a demon’ instructions because Set bellowed that I wasn’t doing it right. I didn’t realize that a stupid devil would have social battle standards to follow. That seemed ridiculous, so I told him …all’s fair in war and he’s the one that started it". Stupid demon didn’t even know English and he sounded perfectly normal while he was talking. There should be some kinda demonic social battle rule about demon’s having to talk in evil-speak to give the rest of us some verbal clue. I could definitely tell he was a devil, because he was positively filthy…

Oh my holy heaven help me, I need a shower! Move, please… Ember explained in her language.

She shoved the covers off instantly. Then, she bolted for the shower to cleanse the demon filth from her skin. Jaysen and I didn’t try to stop her. We only stared at each other like two identical, confused morons. Ember clearly doesn’t realize how serious that demonic situation was.

By the time we recovered our voices, we were way too late. She had already stepped into the shower. That outfit will end up in the garbage. She keeps fresh clothes in every bathroom she might use. That means I have no excuse to wake up Celeste. Neither one of us could follow her into the bathroom, either. Although I would have yelled through the door, it wouldn’t do much good. Ember’s focus is on getting cleansed from the demon filth. Plus, my pregnant wife would wake up the instant she heard me bellowing. So, we nervously paced and waited for almost two hours.

Sure enough, Ember was carrying a trash bag at an arm’s length away when she emerged – like it contained something contagious. I disposed of it, quickly. Then, I rushed back into the bedroom where she was currently brushing her hair.

"Ember, I don’t think you understand just how much danger you were in. I can’t have you going into Stadiums, stomping around and pitching fits on a demon. I’m not ready for the grave yet!" I exclaimed at a semi-moderate level.

My beloved, we need your detailed account of what transpired, please. We must assess what happened to you, so we can prevent future occurrences. Tray is correct – an engagement with a Shadow Fall demon is very dangerous. We could both see you when it happened, but we did not witness anything unusual. I am certain you can understand why we are in a state of panic… Jaysen explained it calmly and in terms Ember could understand. I’m still trying to figure out why he needs my help to handle her…

She casually recounted the event like she does an Ember-intrigue, although her story was an honest assessment. I was terrified – invisible attackers…that only take her spirit and not her body!

I understand that you were engaged in battle by Set and summoned to the Fatality Stadium. The demon spoke the challenge first and in angelic dialect. Are those correct statements? Jaysen asked Ember.

Yes, the demon interrupted my nap, took me to that stupid dark Stadium, spoke first and asked where the other half of my being was… Ember explained.

And, you did not feel compelled to answer the question? Jaysen inquired.

I stood silently and listened with rapt attention. That was the only thing I could do because I had no idea what to even ask her. I have never battled a demon before, but that is definitely going to change – fast.

Not compelled, no – I did eventually answer Set because I wanted it to shut up and stop annoying me. Well, my answer was a sarcastic lie, but I wasn’t forced to reply or anything.

You spoke in English, angelic dialect and Vaydem during the encounter. You also never felt like you were in any real danger – during the entire challenge? Jaysen asked her, for the fourth time.

Although he sounds perfectly calm, I can read my brother. Something is very wrong…

Yes, I spoke all three languages and the situation ‘felt’ like it was under my control from the beginning. I can’t explain how I knew that. Set didn’t have any power over me, but I don’t know why… Ember replied, perplexed.

"I cannot explain these events to you either, because I am confounded by the situation. An assessment with my father is clearly required as he might have a viable explanation. Also my beloved, you have no need to learn how to chat up a demon. You are now shielded by a permanent channel called holy blending. This means I will be summoned to the Fatality Stadium with you should you get challenged to battle again. I will be the one to engage the demon and therefore, I will fight in your stead.

Now that you are aware of the protective shield that surrounds you, do you have questions for me? Jaysen asked.

I can’t think of anything I wanna know… she replied quietly.

Our jaws fell to the floor at the same time and we were helpless to stop our reaction. Ember Skyy doesn’t want to ask a single question? I’m starting to think that aliens have silently abducted her.

It appears you require additional rest, my beloved. Tray and I need to leave tonight, so we can meet with my father. Perhaps, you should turn in for the evening. I will absolutely be here in the morning to greet you, Jaysen offered and she agreed.

Although her bizarre behavior was unsettling, I decided to forgo my usual frantic inquiry. I urgently need Ava’shay battle training, because I’m going to learn how to fight a demon. I also didn’t want to alarm Ember by freaking out when she seemed content enough to let us handle it. That was uncharacteristic for her, but it would prove to be helpful to me. So I gratefully left well enough, alone.

I said goodnight to her and then, walked outside. Rave was still awake in his office. I didn’t trust myself to keep my voice down. So instead, I went to check on my wife, who was sleeping soundly. Then, I decided to hang out in the garage until Jaysen joined me.

Pacing furiously, I considered everything that had just happened. My brother’s calm demeanor didn’t fool me. He was over the edge, and I was right there beside him. Of course, he had the added stress of knowing precisely what to freak out about – unlike me, who was just blindly panicking…

It took a tremendous amount of restraint to walk outside without him. I desperately needed to find out what to panic about. I require his information to take the next steps. However, I also knew Jaysen needs to hold Ember and make sure she’s okay. Although it was difficult to do, I left them to say goodnight. He finally came outside thirty minutes later.

"We should meet with my father again as soon as he is available. The entire encounter Ember revealed is simply unheard of. Therefore, I have no explanation for any of it. As I pointed out, I have channeled holy blending to her. I wrapped it inside her spirit light so it’s permanent. I was only able to channel this particular combination after she’s visited the Fatality Stadium. If you had decided to move with her, then…well, I’m not…who knows if…I can’t…never mind, give me a second," Jaysen stated, frantically and fell silent.

I gripped the edge of the metal workbench in an effort to remain silent myself. I am deathly afraid of what I might yell or what I might do. I can’t afford to react while I’m stuck in the middle of this unknown horror.

"I apologize. It is completely useless to worry about ‘what if’s’ when we have a massive ‘what to do about this’ in front of us. If I inadvertently head back down that path, please feel free to slug me!

"As I was saying…should Ember be engaged by the Shadow Fall ever again, the other half of her spirit will join her. Basically, I will be challenged to the battle, simultaneously because the other half of her soul resides in me. I will respond to the engagement and vanquish the demon. My channel will prevent her from ever being called away without me.

"I realize that you wish to start your battle training, expeditiously. I also assume you currently require a physical fight to relieve your growing frustration. If you would be so inclined, we could use a chaining shift to enter the Ava’shay Proving Grounds. This is where you will receive your battle training. That should take care of both matters, sufficiently," Jaysen offered.

I wanted to get going, so I tabled my slew of questions for later. After checking on Willow and Ember one more time, I found Rave still doing paperwork in his office.

I’m going with Jaysen to the Proving Grounds and start a new training, hopefully tonight. I’ll tell you all about it during work tomorrow. I’ve gotta release some of this pent up frustration and terror. I’m afraid of what might happen if I don’t, I told my boss.

You go and don’t worry about them…I’ll keep watch. You’ll be in your home tomorrow, but for tonight, I give you my word that I’ll keep them safe. Go fight your inner demons, son. But hear me when I say this – I want you to be careful about how far you take it. Violence and anger have a very nasty recoil effect – keep that in mind, Rave warned me.

That’s what I call a terrific understatement. I’ll remember it – so, no worries… I promised and it was one I definitely intend to keep.

Chapter Four

My father was in strategic warfare conference with High Reigning General Ziah. He would meet with us after their session ended. I provided Tray with a brief overview of the things I understood in reference to Ember’s demonic encounter – those details were few because I was at a loss on most of it.

Tray and I spent an hour engaging in a battle to relieve our tension. It did very little to alleviate our stress, but at least, it occupied our minds.

I introduced Tray to the High Reigning General Ziah.

"It is a distinct pleasure to make your acquaintance, Select Status Initiate Pateman. I have been assigned as your personal trainer. No other Initiates will be in attendance throughout the duration of your sessions. Therefore, I will be your Master Challenger.

The Proving Grounds must be prepared for your initial engagement stages. Please excuse me. Commander, I will return posthaste… the High Reigning General declared and left us to ready the appropriate areas.

My father attentively listened as I explained what had transpired with my beloved. His stare intensified as I offered the unreal details of the demonic challenge she faced.

Like me, he was at a complete loss. Although he stated he would delve further into the matter, he had no explanation to provide. This event has never happened before.

General Ziah rejoined us and we had to drop the subject.

"The On Deck Preparation Sector has been readied. The Prowess Arena has been challenged and opened through divine conversion at S. S. Initiate Pateman’s behest. I am prepared to initiate the cadet’s training upon your word, High Chief