End of Daze 2012

By "Ron ""Kwiet Storm""" Smith

The year is 2012 when Solar, the bringer of light, addresses the world again at the second annual End of Daze conference. The mission of the conference is to prepare the masses for the transitioning of the December 21, 2012 shift in consciousness, also known as the Great Mayan Prophecy. The prophecy stems from a galactic alignment that occurs once every 26,000 years.

During the time of the conference, Solar and his best friend, Robyn, are stalked by several shape shifting feline hybrids. The lead hybrid has a plan to steal Solars light before the deadline of December 21st. A mysterious shaman hypnotist helps Solar fight off the hybrids and reveals a civilization in Hollow Earth that may hold the key to mankinds survival.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jul 29, 2010
• ISBN: 9781450238243

"Ron ""Kwiet Storm""" Smith

Ron “Kwiet Storm” Smith is a successful therapeutic mental health counselor who has published four novels including his current novel End of Daze 2012. His first novel End of Daze was released in 2006. His second novel Dream Weaver the Indigo was released in 2007. Smith’s third novel Loving Deeds for the Children: A Man Called Hawk was released in 2008. Smith’s interests include physical fitness, reading, volunteer coaching and spending time with his family.

Book preview

Chapter One

Trick or Treat

Solar drove east on the interstate from the Fourth Dimension suburb on through downtown Chicago. He was on his way to Northwestern Hospital. The new consciousness guru of the young millennium was listening via satellite to an instrumental track entitled, Green Onions, by Booker T and the MG’s. It was just a couple of days before Halloween and the second annual internationally televised End of Daze conference. The skies were clear, the sun was bright and global warming had the temperatures soaring into the high eighties. The city was going through major reconstruction after being shook up badly by the New Madrid earthquake of 2010. The earthquake ripped through five states in the midwest and caused significant damage to several cities, including Chicago.

A taxicab pulled up next to Solar at a stoplight downtown. He looked through the window of the taxi. The driver was staring directly at him. Solar smiled and nodded at the driver. The driver peeled away the wrapper of a burger from a well known burger establishment before stuffing it into his mouth. He nodded in return before turning away and focusing ahead. Solar shifted his gaze to the back seat of the cab. Two passengers wearing black hooded sweatshirts were conversing. They ended their conversation and simultaneously faced Solar. Their faces were painted orange with black jack-o-lantern designs around the eyes and lips. The one closest to the window held up a black sheet of paper with fluorescent orange letters that spelled out trick or treat. Solar looked away and chuckled.

The driver pulled up until the rear window of the cab was adjacent to Solar’s window. From his peripheral he could see the two orange faces staring at him. One of them was still holding up the sign while the other waved to get his attention. Solar looked over at them. In unison both characters pointed to the trick sign followed by the treat sign. Solar shrugged his shoulders and pointed to the treat sign. The two characters immediately began kissing.

The freaks used to come out at night, but I see they’re out in the daytime as well, he thought to himself as he shook his head and looked away. From his peripheral he could see the orange faced characters seeking his attention again. Solar chuckled to himself before giving them the attention they so desired. Both characters pointed at the word trick.

Why not, Solar said throwing up his hands. The two characters looked at one another and smiled. The back window of the taxi lowered. One of the creepy characters raised a nickel plated weapon and pointed it at the window of the Merkaba. Solar’s eyes grew wide. The character squeezed the trigger. Solar threw up his hands to shield his face as he turned his head. Nothing occurred. He looked over his shoulder at the back window of the cab. Hanging from the gun was a fluorescent orange sign that read BANG in black letters.

The two characters overdramatically laughed at Solar. He shot them a scowl and muttered for them to get a life. The smiles on their faces melted away like hot wax from a candle before turning into frowns. One of the characters’ bottom lip began to quiver in a theatrical fashion. The other put its arm around its companion for comfort.

The traffic light changed from red to green. Before Solar drove away the character doing the consoling drew a weapon with an attached silencer and opened fire. Bullets bounced off the bulletproof window of the Merkaba sending sparks flying in different directions. Solar flinched as his heart pounded heavily. The taxi squealed its tires and took off.

Solar took a second to gather himself before mashing on the accelerator and maneuvering around the vehicles in front of him as the track, Green Onions continued to play. The taxi swerved from lane to lane. Traffic up ahead was congested. The cab slowed down as if it was going to come to a complete stop. It sped up and crashed violently into a row of parked cars up ahead. The two characters in the back seat of the cab opened the doors and fled on rollerblades.

Solar brought the Merkaba to a screeching halt before jumping out and giving chase. He looked inside the cab as he ran by. The driver was unconscious face down with half a burger hanging from his mouth. His forehead rested on the horn as the crimson river of life trickled down the back of his neck. As the jack-o-lantern characters rollerbladed away they relinquished themselves of their sweatshirts. Underneath the sweatshirts, they wore full black spandex bodysuits. Solar ran fast and hard. One of the characters looked over its shoulder taking notice of Solar gaining ground. While rollerblading past a vendor, the character reached back and pulled the vendor’s cart down into Solar’s path. Items from the cart spilled over and blanketed the sidewalk. Solar hurdled as many of the items as possible. Eventually he tripped and wiped out. Looking up from the concrete he watched as the couple in spandex rollerbladed off into the distance and around a corner. Out of frustration he slapped his hand on the concrete before picking himself up.

•••••••

When Solar returned to the Merkaba many onlookers were standing around conversing and pointing at the taxi. The front door of the cab was open and the driver was gone. A series of questions plagued Solar’s thought process. Who were the pumpkin heads and why were they trying to take him out. Before getting into the Merkaba he took notice of an orange envelope on the windshield. He cautiously removed it before opening it. Inside was a black sheet of paper with orange lettering. Trick or treat— feel the Indian summer heat— your life is about to become one big repeat. Solar looked up and studied the crowd of people. He could feel the presence of darkness amongst the onlookers. Somewhere in the crowd was the person who put the envelope on his windshield. Sirens sounded in the distance. He got into the Merkaba and ignited the engine before driving around the parked cab and fleeing the scene.

•••••••

Solar entered Northwestern hospital and headed for the pediatric unit where Sirius worked. Along the way he stopped by the gift shop and purchased a bouquet of flowers. He and Sirius were getting a divorce. For months after moving to the Fourth Dimension their marital issues returned and worsened. They sought out counseling, but the process was unsuccessful. Things had become unbearable. Today was the day they were to sign the papers over a nice lunch.

As he made his way to her workstation, Solar thought about everything that previously played out with the jack-o-lantern characters. The riddle on the paper had him mind boggled. What heat was he about to feel and what was the repeat? The first thing that came to mind was the assault he suffered a few years back when he was knocked unconscious and left for dead. His thoughts shifted as he recalled what took place over a year ago at Nuemann Phater’s compound. He wondered if that was the possible repeat.

Solar shook off the thoughts when he arrived at the nurse’s station. He hid the flowers behind his back. A nurse wearing reading glasses and talking on the phone smiled as she hung up the phone. Solar greeted her with a bear hug. She immediately asked if the flowers were for her. Solar shook his head yes before handing her the flowers. The head nurse that everyone knew around the hospital as Aunt Helen helped deliver both of Solar’s children. Every time he visited the hospital he brought her a bouquet of flowers.

I can’t wait to see this handsome face on television this weekend, she said squeezing Solar’s face before smelling the flowers.

See, now you got me blushing in front of all your co-workers, Solar said kissing her on the cheek before making his way to Sirius’ office. Aunt Helen smiled and waved him off as she showed off her flowers to the younger nurses.

Solar overheard voices conversing and chuckling in a low tone as he approached the door. One of the voices belonged to Sirius and the other was that of a man. From the reflection in the glass door, Solar caught a visual of Sirius’ back. Her angle blocked him from seeing the man who was sitting on her desk. Sirius reached out and grabbed the man’s hand. Solar continued to watch suspiciously through the glass.

The man stood and wrapped his arms around her. Solar’s eyes grew wide when he discovered the identity of the man. It was Dr. Julian Hamilton. The way he embraced Sirius caused Solar’s emotions to flare up. It wasn’t a friendly embrace. It was a fox invading the hen house type of embrace. Solar took in a deep breath and exhaled. He did his best to calm his emotions before stepping into the room.

When he walked in, Julian didn’t notice him right away. He was too busy nestling up to Sirius and whispering sweet nothings into her ear. When he looked up, Solar was staring him square in the eye. Julian nervously stepped out of the hug. Sirius followed his eyes as she looked over her shoulder smiling. The smile quickly faded when her eyes rested on her husband.

What are you doing here? You were supposed to meet me at the café, she said as her voice cracked.

I thought I’d surprise you, he said reading her eyes as he fought to extinguish the towering inferno within. Julian stood in the background thinking of a way to smooth things over. He attempted to speak. Solar held up his hand silently demanding him to not even bother. There was no need for an explanation. He always knew there was something between the two of them, but he denied it just to spare his own feelings and to keep the peace.

Julian and I were—

Busy, Solar said finishing the sentence for her.

Hey Solar, look I just want to—

I think I just heard your name being paged overhead, Doc. It’s probably best that you go and get that, Solar said in a cool, but stern tone as he continued to look Sirius in the eye.

Right, Julian said lowering his head before wisely stepping out of the room. An uncomfortable silence filled the atmosphere. Sirius looked away and sighed deeply as she blinked uncontrollably. It was something she did when she was nervous or felt extremely guilty. Solar had a lot he wanted to say, but he knew if he spoke at that moment his emotions would get the best of him. He took in a deep breath and waited a few before speaking.

How long? he asked closing his eyes and rubbing the center of his forehead.

I don’t want to do this here.

Why not, it seems you don’t mind doing him here, he said slightly elevating his voice.

Can you please keep your voice down? Sirius said looking towards the door. Solar took in another deep breath and slowly exhaled before looking away.

Let’s go and get this over with, he said in a disgusted tone as he turned to leave.

I can’t now. I have work to do. We’re going to have to do this some other time.

No we’re going to do this now. Julian can wait. Either we go or I make a scene. Sirius scoffed as she snatched up her purse and stormed out of the office past Solar.

•••••••

The couple sat in a booth at a small café where they first shared lunch. They sat next to a window with a view of the outside world. Sirius sat silently reading a menu. Solar stared out the window thinking about all the warning signs that passed him by over the past several months. He tried his best to remain calm, but the thought of Sirius and Julian hugged up in her office fueled his emotions. His mind immediately took him to other places. He thought back to a little over a year ago when Julian brought his daughter over to babysit his children. It was the way he looked at Sirius and the way they conversed. Everything was right there before his very eyes.

He returned from his memories museum and asked Sirius how long she’d been seeing Julian. She refused to answer as she continued studying the menu. Solar reached over and snatched the menu from her before closing it and tossing it aside.

You at least owe me that much, he said. Sirius stared at him wide eyed. Solar never acted that way toward her. Even when he was upset or frustrated in the past he was always level headed and gentle. Now he carried on like a roaring lion with a thorn in its paw.

Were you seeing him the night of my party last year when he brought his daughter over to babysit?

Sirius hesitated before eventually answering yes in a very low tone. Solar shook his head and looked away.

How long has it been? he asked again. Sirius confessed that she’d been seeing Julian off and on since the birth of their second child. Immediately Solar felt sickened. It was Julian that delivered their youngest child into the world. He felt his stomach flip flop a dozen or more times. Solar looked down at the table with a million and one thoughts torpedoing through his mind. Sirius reached over and touched his hand. Although his hand was numb like the rest of his body, he felt her coldness and pulled away.

She spoke, but nothing she said made sense. It all sounded like gibberish to him. She attempted to touch him again, but he removed his hand from the table. As he looked across the table her physical beauty dissolved. Her attractiveness melted away and was replaced with a distorted view of ugliness. Silence became the couple’s theme. The waiter arrived to take their order. Sirius smiled fictitiously and gave her order. The waiter then focused his attention on Solar.

Sir, may I take your order? he asked. Solar held up a hand declining him. His appetite was long gone. The waiter nodded and walked away. Solar returned his gaze to Sirius. She dropped the fake smile and stared out the window at the colorful autumn leaves that fell freely from the trees and blew away with a gust of wind.

I don’t know how I let this happen. I didn’t mean to hurt you, Sirius said apologetically. Solar stared at her. He used his clairvoyant skills to read Sirius like a great novel. Everything about her read fictitious. He sighed deeply and closed his eyes. Images of her and Julian played continuously in his third eye. He saw them making passionate love. The kind of love she refused him for months. The more he tried to shake the visions the more intensely they developed.

Sirius revealed more information. She told Solar since going back to work after the time off when they moved to the Fourth Dimension, she began to see more of Julian. They both worked long shifts that eventually turned into longer shifts. They became extremely close, closer than before. Sirius continued to justify how her relationship with Julian spawned.

You love him? Solar asked interrupting. Sirius paused for quite awhile. Solar shook his head in disappointment.

Yes, but not the way I once loved you, she eventually replied. Solar held up his hand as if he didn’t want to hear anymore. Sirius pushed his hand aside and continued speaking. She told him how Julian listens to her and recites things back to her the way he once did. She said he makes her laugh and compliments the work she does. She also told him Julian appreciates her for being her and nothing more. As painful as it was to hear Sirius confess her feelings about Julian, Solar listened.

Once she finished speaking he knew there was no reconciling or going back. It was time to move forward. Solar reached into the inner pocket of his jacket and removed the divorce papers before voluntarily signing them. While he was signing the papers a song by Simply Red entitled I’ll Keep Holding On played faintly from the café radio.

A lonely teardrop dripped from the duct of Solar’s eye. He wiped away the tear with his thumb and pressed the moist thumb down on the fresh signature before folding the paper and putting it back into the envelope. He then slid the envelope across the table to Sirius before tapping the table.

Signed…sealed… and delivered, he said looking her square in the eye. Sirius tried to fight back the emotional tears of guilt that were welling up inside.

•••••••

The couple walked back to the hospital in silence. As humble as he appeared, Solar was a complete mess inside. He couldn’t even bring himself to look at Sirius. The sight of her made him sick to the stomach. The entire time they were going through their ordeal, he was led to believe that he was the source of their problems. He felt played and betrayed. She’d been gaming and flipping the script on him like an academy award winning actress.

When they reached the hospital she told him she would be by the house later to finish packing her things. Solar refused to respond or look at her. Sirius touched his arm before returning inside the hospital. He stood on the sidewalk in a daze. His father had always told him that when one door closes, it always made room for another to open. Only this door didn’t close, it slammed shut in his face. He returned from his stupor and walked to his car.

When he reached the Merkaba, Solar observed his surroundings. A young woman listening to an Ipod while reading a newspaper peered over the paper at him. As he attempted to approach her she quickly walked away.

Hey! Solar called out. She picked up her pace and darted around a corner. Solar ran after her. When he rounded the corner she was gone. He reached down and picked up the newspaper the young woman left behind. He read the front cover. There was an article on the End of Daze conference. Solar’s name, photo and the key role he played in the last conference was on the front cover as well. A little note was attached to the newspaper. It read: CHASED ME ONCE, CHASED ME TWICE; THE THIRD TIME YOU CHASE ME MIGHT NOT BE SO NICE. Solar immediately thought about the jack-o-lantern characters as he snatched off the note and rolled up the newspaper. He returned to the Merkaba checking his surroundings before getting inside and driving away.

Chapter Two

Closet Emotions

Later that evening Solar, his children and Ms. Hernandez, the nanny, hung Halloween decorations and baked cookies. Moments later the front door opened and closed. Sirius walked into the living room. The children greeted her with a hug as they anxiously told her about their active day at school. Ms. Hernandez fictitiously smiled as she continued to hang the decorations. She and Sirius never saw eye to eye.

Solar excused Ms. Hernandez and told her she could leave for the evening. She refused to leave until the decorations were up and the children were in bed. After all it was a role she had become quite familiar with over the past several months. Solar thanked her, but informed her Sirius could put them to bed for a change. Sirius shot him a dirty look. Ms. Hernandez noticed the hostile glare. She politely chimed in and told Solar that she didn’t mind staying. Sirius stormed out of the room. Solar pursued her.

What’s your problem? You should be more than happy to tuck your children in, he said when he caught up to her on the other side of the house.

Don’t try to make me out to be the neglectful mother in front of my children and your hand picked nanny, Sirius said plopping down on the bed and kicking off her shoes before removing her earrings and slamming them down on the nightstand next to the bed.

I don’t have to try too hard. It seems you’ve been doing a pretty good job of that. Sirius shot him a wicked glare as she stood and stormed over to the walk-in closet. She snatched it open and disappeared inside.

I don’t know why I even bother, Solar said turning to leave.

And that’s exactly why we’re in the situation we’re in, because you didn’t bother, she said with the intent to hurt. Solar whirled around and stormed into the closet.

Don’t blame me for your issues. It was your indiscretions that landed us here, he said. Sirius approached him only wearing her undergarments. She pointed her finger while reading him her deepest emotions. To keep the children from hearing her Solar closed the closet door. He allowed Sirius to vent without interrupting. She yelled and cursed about everything that came to mind. She ventured back in time and brought up things that had nothing to do with what initially made her upset, which was in truth her own guilt.

In between her rotating topics, Solar chimed in and shared his current frustrations and disappointments about her and Julian’s affair. He rarely ever raised his voice or swore, but he yelled just as loudly as Sirius and cursed like a sailor to get his point across. She tried to interrupt him, but he talked over her. Startled by his demanding tone and assertive body language, Sirius grew quiet. Secretly she was turned on by his aggressive approach. The thought of her husband arguing with her about another man aroused her.

Her temperature was rising and she made sure it continued to rise by keeping the coals in the fire burning. When it seemed as if Solar was calming down, she would intentionally push another one of his buttons to keep him feeding into her frenzy of closet emotions. She turned up the heat by pointing her finger in his face. He lowered her hand. She raised it again this time making contact by touching the bridge of his nose. He swiped her hand away. She raised her hand swinging aggressively. Solar grabbed her wrist in mid air. She tried to jerk away, but he pulled her close.

She raised her other hand to strike him. He grabbed that hand and pulled her even closer until they were physically touching. Sirius snatched away and began pounding on his chest. Solar allowed her to physically vent. He eventually grabbed her wrists and lowered her arms down to her sides. Emotional tears of anger trickled freely from her ducts. She wrapped her arms around him and sobbed.

The aggressive approach from Sirius would have normally been draining to Solar, but for some reason he suddenly desired it. Perhaps it was the case of no longer being the number one man in her life. Maybe secretly he was trying to win his spot back. Whatever it was aroused him.

Fervently he kissed her hot cheeks and trembling lips. Her salty tears moistened his taste buds. Sirius drew her head back exposing her neck as she panted heavily. She attempted with very little effort to pull away. He assertively