Trent Maddox: Heavenly Father a God Complex Situation

By Justin Thurmond

In the absence of the Almighty, Balifer, an angel of corruption, has taken hold of the throne of God. With his newfound abilities and unlimited power, he sets out on a devious plan, one that will shake the entire foundation of the world. Seemingly unstoppable, Balifer goes unchecked until a defiant Michael, the archangel of the heavens, brings the young Trent Maddox into the fold. Trent, accompanied by his family, must now fight against a fraudulent god before he sets in motion a widespread war between heaven and hell.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 15, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483665139

Justin Thurmond

Justin was born and raised in the small town of Prince George, Virginia. After graduating from John Tyler Community College in 2006 with an associate’s degree, he moved to Harrisonburg, Virginia, to study screenwriting at James Madison University. In 2008 he received his bachelor’s degree from JMU in media arts and design, with a concentration in cinema studies, as well as minoring in creative writing. It was during his time at college that he studied the techniques of storytelling while writing film reviews and related articles for JMU’s student newspaper, the Breeze. Justin continues to do what he loves as he has written numerous poems, countless short stories, and several full-length screenplays and novels.

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Copyright © 2013 by Justin Thurmond.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2013912133

ISBN:      Hardcover      978-1-4836-6512-2

                Softcover        978-1-4836-6511-5

                Ebook             978-1-4836-6513-9

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Rev. date: 07/10/2013

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris LLC

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

128687

CONTENTS

Part 1:   Birth

Prologue 1

Chapter 1   Marooned

Chapter 2   Homecoming

Chapter 3   Search And Destroy

Chapter 4   Missing Persons

Chapter 5   Sibling Rivalry

Chapter 6   On The Run

Chapter 7   The Devil Is In The Details

Chapter 8   Reunion

Chapter 9   Time To Go

Chapter 10   A Mother’s Love

Chapter 11   Ambush

Part 2:   Death

Prologue 2

Chapter 12   Wrong Place At The Wrong Time

Chapter 13   Tryouts

Chapter 14   Tender, Loving Care

Chapter 15   Committed

Chapter 16   Sand Trap

Chapter 17   An Origin Story

Chapter 18   A Shore Thing

Chapter 19   Rude Awakening

Part 3:   Rebirth

Prologue 3

Chapter 20   Heaven-Sent

Chapter 21   House Arrest

Chapter 22   Loud And Clear

Chapter 23   The Time Has Come

Chapter 24   North And South

Chapter 25   Lost At Sea

Chapter 26   Watching Over Us

Chapter 27   Brother’s Keeper

Chapter 28   Driving Mrs. Maddox

Chapter 29   Worldwide

Chapter 30   A Family Affair

Chapter 31   The Problem Child

Chapter 32   The Aftermath

Chapter 33   History Repeated

Epilogue

In memory of my Grandmother, Novella T. Chavis

PART 1

BIRTH

PROLOGUE 1

A bsolute blackness consumes all as a piercing cold temperature clings heavily onto everything in sight. A calm, peaceful stillness permeates within the infinite dark space of existence. Moments continue to pass in time, lasting for what appears to be an eternity, when suddenly a speeding shard of light races across the dense, murky backdrop, leaving a pulsating echo through the seemingly vacant sky.

The traveling beam of light eventually slows its rapid pace to an almost staggering halt. It slowly lingers, occupying the same lonesome space for an extended period. A series of wind gusts begin to pick up surrounding the light, creating thick clusters of neighboring particles. The clusters begin to take the form of elegantly crafted cumulus clouds. The energetic light moves atop the newly created clouds and begins to take shape of a walking man. Legs become clearly defined as they stroll across the top of the cottony floor below. The man’s indistinguishable body finally bears a solid form.

The appearance of the mysterious person resembles an elderly man with thinning hair and a thick gray beard that reaches halfway to his chest. Below a pair of matted, bushy eyebrows, his eyes are wilted as his face displays an immense degree of fatigue. The only clothing that graces the man’s body is a thick, shimmering white robe.

The elderly-looking man firmly stands upon his puffy surface, peering out into the vast nothingness that surrounds him. He slowly reaches out his right arm with his palm open. A petite circular blue-tinted pellet inhabits the center of his hand, rotating continuously. The pellet picks up speed and rises up from the old man’s grasp. It moves through the air as it continues to spin at an unimaginable rate. He watches the floating capsule as it hovers around him aimlessly. The elderly man’s weathered lips gradually press together as he blows in the pellet’s direction. The draft from his mouth pushes the small gyrating object to soar away. It travels swiftly through the desolate region and out of sight.

Finally, the elderly man boldly states as he gently closes his eyes. I have found a home.

A ferocious, deafening sound is unleashed as the wayfaring pellet explodes, expanding outward. The elderly man watches from his perch as an enormous planet of pure water now appears in his view. He smiles as the momentous creation glimmers in his eye.

I shall name it in your honor, dear sister. I will call it Earth.

The elderly man raises his left hand out similar as he did before as an immensely bright yellow pellet now rotates furiously just above his palm.

And I will make you proud, the old man says just before blowing the capsule from his grip.

The pellet speeds off into the blackness and vanishes as its counterpart did before it. Another giant blast erupts, creating a colossal sphere of blinding light and warmth. The elderly man embraces the light as it shines profoundly onto his tired face.

It begins, he silently whispers to himself.

CHAPTER 1

MAROONED

T hick waves crash hard onto the shore of a small isolated island. The crystal-clear water violently washes over the grainy, mushy sand as it pours in every few seconds like clockwork. The entire location is illuminated from all sides with seemingly no detectable light source present. It appears to be a place of pure relaxation as well as inaccessibility. It could rival the idea of paradise in any argumentative mind.

Slowly, something foreign approaches the island. It is carried by the constant barrage of perfectly crafted waves that seem to be drawn to the island like a moth to the flame. It reaches the outer rim of the island’s base and rolls onto the shore. The aggressive wave brutally pushes the object further up the shore, like a weightless rag doll. The surf soon retreats into the great body of water from which it shortly breaks free, leaving the new specimen alone, sprawled out on the wet sand.

The new arrival is in the shape of a man, and he lies motionless atop the soppy beach. His identity is hidden as the damp soil below has masked his face by encasing it in its mush. The body is very thin, and the skin is wrinkled, spotted in some areas. The one-piece attire that drapes across his body is torn and nearly parting from his frame. His condition does not appear to be at its best.

The island’s greenery casually waves back and forth as the wind gusts past every tree and around every leaf. The local vegetation is in a constant state of therapeutic motion. A faint sound suddenly echoes from within the heart of the island.

The sand crumbles underneath as a foot steps out from within the impeccably green-shaded flora. Footsteps continue down the shore until they stop just short of the washed-up male. The feet of an unveiled source slowly circle the marooned being before a pair of arms reaches down and pulls the body upward from the ground, freeing his face from the mud encasement. Chunks of gathered sand fall from the trampled skin of the man’s face. As more and more damp soil drips free from his face, his identity slowly comes into focus.

He has the weathered face of an old man with matted eyebrows and a long beard.

Oh no, the voice of the rescuer says. Not you, it can’t be you.

The eyes of the marooned old man begin to open as he fights to stand up on his own. His body struggles to find strength but eventually falls weak. The old man’s eyes close back shut as his body breaks free from the other’s hold and crashes down into the clammy ground below.

Come on, I got you, the rescuer voices while picking the old man’s body up once again.

The marooned rescuer manages to carry the old man up from the shore. They head toward the greenery and eventually disappear into its thick emerald sheltering.

It’s time you come too, a familiar voice says aloud. I’ve grown tired of conversations with myself.

The old man moans in pain as his eyes slowly open halfway. His vision is slightly blurred, but he notices another man who appears to be sitting down in front of him.

It was a rough trip, I know. However, once you get acclimated, it’s really quite nice here.

Where am I? the old man asks.

Good question, I have no idea, the other man replies. I was actually going to ask you the same.

The old man looks around at his surroundings as his vision finally begins to clear. He notices the tall draping trees that hover over his head as the light shines through like green-tinted stained glass. His eyes then peer downward, locking onto a man sitting on a giant rock just a few yards away. He recognizes the man’s braided brown hair and finely groomed eyebrows. His attire is also in shambles.

Gabriel? the old man asks.

Yes, Father. It is I, the other man humbly replies.

What are you doing here? the old man asks with great concern.

Well, I’m not sure how to say this, Gabriel says, shrugging his shoulders. I believe I was… killed.

Killed?

Yes.

The old man lowers his head with a look of extreme disappointment. For a lengthy period he remains silent as he stares blankly at the island surface.

How did this happen? the old man asks, continuing to peer downward in shame.

A lot has occurred since…

The old man raises his eyes to Gabriel. They are red with fury as anger begins to fill within him.

Tell me everything that has happened, the old man sternly states.

I’m not sure you should hear—

Now, Gabriel. I want to know how you got here!

Gabriel hops off the rock and steps closer to the tired old man. He reaches out his hand toward his father.

I think we both have a little something we need to tell each other, Gabriel says, pulling the old man up from his sitting position. I would like to know how God got here as well.

Gabriel pulls God, his father, in for a warm hug. A short emotional embrace occurs among two former heavenly beings.

I think it’s safe to say we both have long stories to tell and nothing but time to do so, Gabriel says, ending their brief hug. Come, let’s take a walk. I feel it’s been forever since we’ve talked, just the two of us.

Trent%20Maddox%20Heavenly%20Father%20Interior.jpg

Jeremiah 10:12—He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.

CHAPTER 2

HOMECOMING

A    sharp pain settles in as the last remnants of air funnel out of Trent’s nose. His eyes wince as the struggle to stay alive is becoming too great to maintain. His face goes motionless as his valiant effort to cling onto life is not rewarded. Trent’s body functions soon shut down completely. Michael continues to soar upward with an incomparable fury, tightly carrying Trent’s stiff body. He skillfully weaves through the clouds, heading straight for the heavens above.

Trent opens his eyes as the blinding brightness of heaven shines all around him. He slowly sits up and looks around; realization of his whereabouts has set in.

Great, Trent sarcastically says to himself.

A gust of clouds rip apart as Michael speeds up through the feathery surface, holding Trent’s mortal body. He lands next to Trent and quickly places the identical body down. Trent makes a peculiar glance toward his once-decorated shell.

Is this what they mean by being beside oneself?

Our presence will soon be felt, Michael states, scoping out the nearby area. We need to devise a plan.

A plan? Trent asks. You just killed me!

Trent stands up and snarls in anger toward the archangel. Michael seems unaffected by the display of Trent’s irritating temper.

What is your problem, man? Trent lashes out.

I explained to you the situation. Heaven has been overtaken, Michael declares to the annoyed Trent. I brought you here to help me end it.

No, you abducted me and then suffocated me. I didn’t sign up for this field trip. You need to send me back.

There is no going back, Michael sternly remarks. The issue at hand is greater than anything you could have imagined. Heaven, your world’s precious paradise, is now in the control of the evil manipulative Balifer. He is the twin of the devil, and he will bring nothing but chaos to the heavens and, soon after that, your world as well.

And what am I supposed to do about that?

Like I said, we will end it. His reign must be short-lived if heaven is to survive at all.

You’re not understanding me, what am I physically supposed to do? How can I stop a corrupt god? I believe in my skills, but this is a little out of my league.

We will find a way, Michael says, holding his right arm out firmly.

Seconds later, another break in the surface occurs as Michael’s sword, the Demon Slayer, tunnels through. He quickly catches it and grips the handle confidently.

I barely had time to bask in my glory before you go and recruit me for another go-around. I’m tired, I’m not even sure I’ll be any good to you.

Physical attributes are no longer a risk. As you just said, I killed you. You’re a being of heaven now, your success will go as far as your will can take it. However, do not interpret that to mean that you are invincible.

But what about my wife? Trent asks with a teary-eyed look. What about my son? Will I ever get back to them?

I did not enjoy separating you from your family, but this urgent matter trumps all earthly pleasures. I cannot promise you what will happen if we succeed, but I can promise you what will transpire if what needs to be done is not.

Which is?

The end of the world!

Trent stands silently while peering into Michael’s heavenly-colored eyes. His facial expression shows annoyance, and yet he feels compliance as he reluctantly accepts the gravity of the situation.

Are you saying it’s just me and you then, us versus this Balifer guy?

If that’s not already dire enough, he has rallied the populace of heaven itself behind his cause. We are outnumbered by an inconceivable amount. A miracle will most likely be needed for our victory.

Well, that’s reassuring. However, I am used to the odds not being in my favor.

I came to you, Trent Maddox, because I know what you did on earth. He had faith in you. Therefore, I have faith in you.

Faith is nice and all, but sometimes it can be misguided.

Faith is never misguided, Michael returns with a hint of resentment.

I see him! a far-off voice yells aloud. Michael has returned!

Michael shifts his attention and sees a fellow angel pointing straight at him from a good distance away. He is alone, shouting in the duo’s direction.

I’ve found the traitor! I’ve found the archangel! the angel’s voice rings out again.

Is that good or bad? Trent asks Michael.

Bad. I was hoping our presence would go undetected for longer than this.

He’s just one guy, though, surely you can take him.

It’s just one now, but his voice will attract the others. We must flee, find a hiding spot.

Hurry, fast! the angel yells out louder. He’s getting away.

Then I suggest we get going, Trent says to Michael. You’ll have to lead the way.

Understood.

Michael takes off, sprinting in the opposite direction from the alarming angel, as Trent makes another quick look to his former body. His face is full of idolized regret.

I hate to leave a man behind, especially since it’s me.

Trent notices the angel quickly closing in on him. He says good-bye to his body before he takes off running after the fleeing archangel.

Get back here, you! Trent hears the angel’s voice yell out behind him.

Trent picks up the pace and races after Michael; they eventually escape from the trailing angel’s sight and vanish into the whiteness. They have disappeared, for now.

You can run, but you cannot hide from the eyes of God! the angel says with a cruel smirk plastered across his face.

Balifer sits peacefully upon his throne, alone, listening to the nothingness around. His head slightly moves back and forth as short bursts of soft hums come from within. He is in a state of relaxation, in a world all to himself.

Balifer’s moment of silence is soon broken as the large entry door to his inner chamber screeches open. An angel hurriedly walks in.

Balifer, my God, may I have a word? the angel begs for his lord’s attention.

Of course you may, Balifer says, opening his eyes. However, I already know the words that you are going to speak.

He has returned, just as you said he would. I saw him.

The famous archangel himself, Michael, has indeed come home. I have felt his presence among us.

He was not alone. I witnessed another by his side. I fear he will attempt to make trouble.

I felt that as well, and I would not worry about him or Michael for that matter. Heaven is a better place now, a more peaceful place. It now has a father that will never abandon it.

Should we just let them be?

He can no longer negatively influence our home. He simply must fall in line with everyone else now. He must learn to be one of us now. A badge of superiority hangs from his chest no more. Therefore, I believe the only peaceful action I can take is to let him come back home in harmony. When a proven threat is subdued, no further action is deemed necessary.

I understand, the angel says, backing up toward the entrance. I’m sorry to have disturbed you, my God.

Nonsense, you have done me proud. Heaven functions at its best when we all work together, Balifer states with a giant smile.

The angel exits the inner chamber, closing the large entry door behind him. Balifer’s smile soon turns downward as his face develops a look of disgust. Suddenly, from behind Balifer’s throne, an angel appears out of seemingly nowhere. He has long straight black hair with thick eyebrows. He also has pitch-black sideburns stretching down his slender face almost reaching his chin.

Camael? Balifer asks the dark-haired man.

Yes, my God.

I want you to find Michael and his little friend too.

What shall I do once I’ve found them, my God? Camael says, licking his darkened lips.

Bring them both to me, that is all that will be needed. No rush, for I soon will be gone for a time. I will deal with this minor issue once I have returned.

With pleasure, my God. Furthermore, my men have begun with our extraction undertaking, just as you have requested.

Excellent. Balifer smiles. It will be a crucial element to our plan, I am glad that I found you when I did.

Camael disappears just as quickly as