Forever Madigail

By J. Andrew Neal

Evil secretly lurks in two worlds as sinister shadows seek revenge. Past decisions have consequences as Savor beckons young Madigail to atone for her actions. The fate of humanity depends on this girl and her friends as their darkest fears lead to a chasm of eternal pain and misery.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jun 25, 2020
• ISBN: 9781716963070

Book preview

Neal

Copyright © 2020 J. Andrew Neal.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted by any

means—whether auditory, graphic, mechanical, or electronic—without written permission

of the author, except in the case of brief excerpts used in critical articles and reviews.

Unauthorized reproduction of any part of this work is illegal and is punishable by law.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue

in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

ISBN: 978-1-71696-317-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-71696-307-0 (e)

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in

this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views

expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the

views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Cover design by David Malcolm

Lulu Publishing Services rev. date: 05/14/2020

43834.png

1

43836.png

T he young girl looked up at the heavens, the sky a freshly painted canvas with patchy clouds. It was truly a stunning sight, the various hues of purple, black, lavender and light blue shades carefully brushed on both sky and the earth. Three circles burning bright were proof positive that she had crossed over into a wretched world. The teen was on a massive hill looking down at the spectacle on full display. A slight breeze provided some comfort to Madigail as she moved towards the bedlam, those gentle wisps of hair now fluttering in the wind as she continued to march into madness.

The girl looked around and realized her biggest fear was indeed true. She was alone. The teen cautiously turned her head for a quick peek. Thankfully nothing had been following her. She was surprised she had made it this far. That hill seemed more like a small mountain as she made her way towards the bottom. She breathed deeply as she hid behind a tree. The girl could hear screaming. Truthfully, it was more like audible torture. Multiple bombastic cries from beyond. She had to get a closer look.

Flashes of light were popping up in a large field of long grass as strange shapes soared into the night. Again, the sounds of pain were almost too much to handle. Madigail put her hands over her ears and looked away from the mayhem, yet something still made her watch. She had to see it with her own eyes. After all, this show was being staged just for her. What could they possibly do for an encore?

Within this field were trees of all different shapes and sizes, each one with a life of its own. The branches were bare and quite bizarre upon view; many of them looking like spiderwebs across that mysterious purple backdrop. The performance in this meadow was action packed, but she couldn’t take her gaze away from those fantastic trees. The finger-like branches seemed to be growing the longer she stared, maybe even motioning her to take a closer look as they swayed ever so gently in perfect harmony with the flashing lights.

The inquisitive girl made her way as close to the field as she possibly could before the pasture enveloped her. Thoughts of giant hands pulling her into the grassy hellscape crossed her mind. Something was happening out of sight causing these wails. Moans. It was human. Then it was animal. Maybe even something not of this world. What was she thinking? This was Savor. It was evil. That much was for sure.

The things flying into the sky were now in clear view. At least the ones fifty yards away. Maybe she was too close? They would surely see her. No. It seemed they were focused on flight. They had a purpose. Where had she seen them before?

Suddenly a furious boom of thunder. A crash so loud her insides literally moved. She put her hands on her body to make sure it was still intact. It was so impactful; she thought her innards may have spewed out near this grassy field. Luckily, she was safe, her body very much alive and free to roam, if not for even a few minutes more.

Something was hovering above this field of death. This figure was glowing in gold and splendor, its large wings sparkling with a soft peaceful light. This being was anything but serene, at least to these creatures that were ascending around it.

This visitor was flying around and grabbing these shapes, catching them in mid-flight. As it clutched these ghouls, it seemingly snapped them in two, their lives disappearing as fast as they had appeared. It was a curious spectacle that she witnessed. The being would fly fast, then in slow motion, necks breaking, bodies limp, vigilant and violent.

Madigail lost track of time. She could have watched this for hours. Maybe minutes. She knew it was more than seconds. Regardless of the reality, she was in a trance. Her stare was broken when one of the bodies was thrown her direction. The projectile hit the girl and knocked her onto her backside.

The teenager got up and ran her hand across her face. As she stared down into her palm, she could see there was no signs of injury. At least this blood was not from her. The blow had been sudden, and no doubt hurt. The body lay in front of her. She stared down at its unholy remains. The majestic performer that caused this death had left this body intact. He wanted Madigail to see this one.

The arms were gangly like spider legs. The smell was foul, stomach flu and rotting flesh all in one. The mouth was open still stirring as it tried to breath, simply an involuntary move that just added to the horror. Long white hair sprayed across the ground as one mustard eye looked at Madigail, the other eye bashed completely shut.

Madigail, do you recognize that handsome fellow? Surely you do!

The girl looked towards that purple masterpiece on display for her to see, the sky almost illuminating a radiant glow. The figure was perched high in a tree in that gothic forest, a dark silhouette with folded hands, his head staring up into the heavens. Slowly he turned his head. He was now looking right at Madigail. How could she possibly hear what he was saying? It was like the being was right next to her. As she blinked, then he suddenly appeared. His foot crushed the skull of the fallen adversary that laid by her feet.

Well hello there, Madigail. What are you doing here?

I have no idea what I’m doing here. I have no idea what is even happening. Who are you?

Madigail looked at the man who stood before her. He appeared adolescent with his boyish face, but his physique was more akin to that of a superhero. He was easily seven feet tall, this shirtless figure with a body seemingly carved out of granite. Specks of green blood were spattered across his comic book chest. His pants and shoes seemed as one, shiny white with flecks of gold. This tanned entity looked like he should be in movies. The breeze scattered his brown locks of hair across his back. As she continued to stare, those blue eyes seemed to burn right through her soul.

My name is Carson Centauri. I am here on Savor for a reason.

Madigail couldn’t believe she had missed the golden light around his head. The wings were folded atop his back. She knew exactly who this Carson Centauri was. He was an angel.

How do you know my name? she asked.

The angel laughed. "Oh Madigail, don’t be so humble. Every living and unliving thing in Savor know your name. Besides. You know exactly what you did."

The girl shook her head and shrugged her shoulders. She wasn’t playing coy. She was just confused.

"Well I have been to Savor before. A couple of times actually. Maybe more? But I guess I didn’t know I mattered that much here. I just wanted my family and friends to be okay."

The large figure crossed both arms, his muscles looking like the peaks of a mighty mountain range. A big smile formed across his face as he looked at the girl. His wings unfolded and began to flap gently in the nighttime breeze.

You killed Merk Drear. That has changed everything here.

Well I’m sorry if I screwed things up! What was I supposed to do? Let him kill my entire family?

The angel nodded his head. His smile now seemed menacing to Madigail.

You were supposed to be the sacrifice to Savor. It would have solved everything. Now there will be so much death. You can ask Lord Gabriel. He will tell you.

Merk Drear was evil! I did Savor a favor. Yes, I just made a rhyme. And I don’t care!

Carson Centauri looked down at the girl in disgust. He knew of her power. She could summon an army to her side within minutes to challenge him if she made that choice. At this point he didn’t care about such a thought. He was there for a reason. She was going to hear his story.

Those things that were flying around. This creature right here on the ground. They are going to get kids right now. Lots of them. And guess what?

An uncomfortable silence. Seems like it lasted twenty seconds.

You want me to answer? she asked. I know what happens. They come to Savor and fight for their souls. But now they don’t have to! Drear is dead! Thanks to me!

The being laughed again. He put his hands to his side. This was the look her dad gave her when he was about to deliver a life lesson.

No, Madigail. At least before these unhappy kids had a chance. Now these Creepy Flyers are taking these kids straight to Hell! Yes. You heard me right. Hell. Hades. Whatever you want to call it. Satan. The Devil. You ever heard of him?

Well that’s impossible. No way. I don’t believe you, Madigail said. I was here for a reason. I ended all the evil in this world.

The angel shook his head. Part of him wanted to battle this girl right here and right now. She was arrogant. She had no idea how many people she was hurting. Eternal damnation is more than hurting, right? She really had no clue.

Does it look like you ended all the evil in this world? Look around. This place is despicable. Darkness everywhere as far as the eyes can see. You think Savor was bad before? Wait until you see it now.

The world was spinning for Madigail. She thought it was over. How killing Drear could have caused this place to spiral out of control was beyond any cognitive reasoning. Gabriel had made it seem like she was almost a prophet, handpicked to choose her team to battle Drear. Now she was being told something altogether different?

She felt like this angel was pushing her buttons. Her competitive spirit started to kick into overdrive. After all, she was Madigail the Sasqualoma slayer. She was a legend in this world. She didn’t need to listen to this man talk down to her.

Why don’t you put a shirt on. Unless your modeling for those book covers my mom reads, this look is played out, C.C., Madigail said.

Her mind was racing. ‘Did she really just call him C.C.?’ Yes. Yes, she did.

The being smiled at her. He seemed to like this banter. Who knew angels would like trash talking so much? What a time to be alive.

Would you like me to be in my heavenly robes? He wiped the blood off his chest and flung it towards Madigail, the green goo splattering against her shoes. I dress for the occasion. Sorry if I offended you.

Why are you even here? Why didn’t I see you before in Savor? Doesn’t seem possible.

The girl kicked both shoes against the ground, the dirt and blood combo mixing, the final look worse than before. She stared back at the angel and for the first time, she actually felt anger.

I wasn’t here before. Thanks to you, he called me. The heavenly being paused. From there.

Madigail watched as Carson Centauri pointed towards the sky; pin drops of light scattered across the atmosphere. ‘Centauri.’ She nodded her head. It made sense. He came from a star.

Who called you? Lord Earl Gabriel?

God.

The girl’s heart was racing. She felt faint. This couldn’t be happening. Because of her, God had intervened. This was his story though. She didn’t have to believe it.

God called you, huh? I really don’t think that happened.

At that point she literally thought his next move would be ‘Well why don’t you ask him yourself.’ Part of her kind of wanted to hear that. The other part wanted to turn and run the opposite direction.

Madigail, as we are talking, those things are flying. Everywhere. Time is wasting. Do you really want to hear this? Right here and right now?

She nodded. She had to know more.

Gabriel should have told you the truth. He is to blame for this as much as you are. Maybe more.

Lord Gabriel is a great man. He is a hero. Do not talk badly about him.

Lord Gabriel wanted to be free from Merk Drear. He didn’t see the big picture. He only saw his personal gain.

He had nothing to gain. He just wanted to make Savor a better place, that’s all. He wanted to end the madness!

Gabriel’s role was to bring souls to Savor. For Merk Drear. They were to be judged. You went through this. You should know this, Madigail. Why are you acting like this is breaking news?

Madigail remembered her first visit to Castle Dear. Gabriel was held captive. She hadn’t thought much more about it. I mean, she and her friends almost died that day. So many other things to ponder.

So, what is Savor? Like some sort of Purgatory? Like a place in between Heaven and Hell?

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner!

Why was Drear the one to judge souls? I thought that was God’s job.

She knew that came out wrong. Near blasphemous. She was losing her mind at this point. So much to comprehend. So much she had done wrong.

It’s really quite simple. The kids that come here are unhappy. Sure. They have that in common. But they also have little or no Faith. The judgment is really on them. They get Ranselm Valdaskara, they save their soul. Instant trip to Heaven when their time on Earth is done.

But that never really worked out for anybody, did it? Well. Except for my friends and me. We won. We broke the game, I guess.

You did more than break the game.

So, was I supposed to just give up and give my soul to this place? Was that my destiny? Is that what God wanted me to do?

You have to ask him that question.

***

Wake up Madigail. You are having a bad dream. I could hear you down the hall yelling in your sleep.

Madigail opened her eyes. She suddenly remembered where she had seen those ghouls. What had he called them? Creepy Flyers? It was in a dream. One had hovered right over her bed. She could almost see it pushing through her canopy.

Madigail. Are you okay? Do you know where you are?

Yes, mom. I’m sorry. I just had a nightmare.

The girl rubbed her eyes and stretched her legs, one foot popping out from beneath the covers. Two of her five pillows spilled out onto the floor. Her mom looked at her sleepy teenager with a worried expression on her face.

Come out and eat breakfast, dearest daughter of mine. This is your last day of until you go back to school. Let’s make it a great one!

The weary girl smiled as she ran her hand through her bed head. It was indeed another night of restless sleep. Maybe breakfast would do her some good. And besides, her mom was right. This was her last day. Funny how her mom made it sound like it was her last day on Earth. Maybe she knew something Madigail didn’t know. She sighed just a little at that thought.

Sounds great mom. I will be out in a few minutes.

Her mom left the room and Madigail sat up in bed, both feet hitting the floor at the same time. She yawned once again. This was ridiculous. She knew she couldn’t keep this up. Especially with school looming on the horizon.

The teen leaned across the bed and grabbed her phone from the nightstand. She unplugged it with one smooth motion, knowing darn well her father would lecture her on how she just did that.

‘Daughter, use two hands. You are going to break the connector-thing,’ he would say. She knew her family oh so well. She was happy she still was able to enjoy their parental ways.

She looked down at her phone. The wallpaper was a picture of her and Aaron. A nice photo they took in Bloomington near the campus. They had been posing near a limestone wall. Some kind of stone, anyway. Who knows? All she knew for sure was she really liked this young man (and he liked her too).

She was surprised he hadn’t texted her last night. Her last text was ‘I cannot wait to see you at the homecoming game.’ No response. Surely his phone ran out of juice. Wouldn’t he have just plugged it in and texted her back? She was being silly. Aaron was one of the good guys.

She put her phone down and her mind changed gears once again. She could smell the bacon cooking in the next room. Dad was no doubt out there too looking at the sports page. Maybe talking politics. Mom would just agree and laugh now and then. She wasn’t one to rock the boat. Her daughter was made from the same mold. Well. Before Savor that is.

Savor had changed everything in the life of Madigail James. The worst part is she had nobody to share this with. The events were traumatizing. Sure, there was a happy ending. Both parents survived. Brazil was put back in order like nothing happened. Madigail had a slight limp, but such is life. It was almost like nothing ever happened. Except it just wasn’t that easy.

Madigail finally stood up and walked towards the mirror. Wow. ‘What a hot mess,’ she thought. She barely noticed the figure that stood in the corner of her room. The one that was there for a second, then gone. White pale eyes staring at her out of darkness. She had gotten so use to the hallucinations, she just laughed them off anymore.

Go to Hell, Drear, she muttered to herself. She didn’t care if her parents heard her. They probably thought she was wacky anyway. This crazy girl who turned into a giant cat and ate an evil dude. Sure. That makes total sense.

Madigail, breakfast is ready. Better get out here before your dad eats it all.

She’s right, kid. These pancakes are the bomb. First come, first serve.

I’ll be right out, she answered.

A quick bathroom break and she was out at the table. Funny how she didn’t see him looking back at her in the bathroom mirror? It was always the bedroom mirror. She would close her eyes and he would be gone. But he was always there. Hopefully just in her mind. She was optimistic at least.

The first to greet her was her beloved dog Jasper. He ran up to her like always, as if he was seeing her for the first time. She knelt and gave him some love with gentle kiss on his head. Soon he scurried back over near her dad, hoping for a morsel or scrap that may find its way to the floor.

Well now, there’s my beautiful daughter, Martin said. Heard you had another rough night of sleep. Sorry to hear that, honey.

Thanks, dad, for thinking I’m beautiful. She played it up by brushing her hands against her face like a fashion model. Yep, I’m having a hard time sawing logs.

Honey we can talk about it again if that helps you. We are always here for you.

‘Always there for her.’ She knew her parents meant well with all their intentions. Somehow Madigail knew life just wasn’t quite like that.

Mom. Dad. I appreciate that. You know I do. She poured syrup on her pancakes (that her mom already had stacked on a plate, three high to be exact). I just don’t know if talking about it is going to help.

Madigail your accident in the woods was terrible, Carla said.

Which one? Madigail laughed.

No doubt those woods seem to have your number, Martin replied.

I just have lots on my mind. That’s all. Now that school is coming, it just has me worried, I guess.

Her parents looked at each other and then back at their loving daughter. Madigail was half-way through her pancakes and had easily chomped three pieces of bacon. They had heard the story before about her Grandparents, Nathan, and of course her sister, Baby James.

Madigail, I have no idea how you were able to speak about your trip to Heaven. The people you saw. I mean, I honestly have no words to describe what happened to you.

I wasn’t in Heaven, mom. I was in Prasze Lamoriah. It is somehow tied into Pale Hill at Hiker’s Woods. I am not sure how, though.

Madigail went back to her breakfast. She might as well have been talking about something she saw on TV last night. Nothing seemed to phase her.

Daughter, your imagination…

Dad! It’s not my imagination! You and mom were gonna die! He was right here in our kitchen!

Young lady, you will not talk to your father that way!

Carla, it’s okay. You may need to talk to someone, Madigail. There appears to be so much going on in your head. Probably still an effect from your fall. Sweetheart, you were really hurt from that accident.

Honey, what do you mean we were going to die? Who was in our kitchen?

Carla, I mean…

Martin? I want to hear her story. It is important to her and I want to hear it.

Madigail finished the last piece of bacon and sopped up the last scrap of pancake in leftover syrup from her plate. She took the napkin and wiped the corners of her mouth. Her mom wanted the story. She would get a story.

Merk Drear was in our house. He was going to kill you and dad. All of us, actually. He was really evil. She paused. I’m just glad this little guy was outside. Probably would have killed him too. She playfully patted her dog’s head.

You said he was evil? Did he end up being a good guy?

No, I ate him. He ended up in my stomach, Madigail replied with a chuckle.

Her parents were in disbelief. They knew they should just listen. But this story was just so over the top. For heavens sakes, her daughter just told them she ate somebody!

Okay…well…how did that happen? Carla asked.

Lord Gabriel was thrown right through those doors right there. Shattered everywhere. Landed right there near Dad’s feet.

Who is Lord Gabriel again?

He was the person who called us to Savor. All of us.

The three little circles on your ankle, right?

If Carla was to be honest with herself, she hadn’t noticed them before. Looked like circular little scars. But Madigail had talked about them often. Just about Savor. Nothing specific. Carla had just gone along with the story.

Yes. Yes, that’s right, mom. These were the moons in Savor. They were very bright. We received this from a Vookapu Cave troll named Azimria.

Azimria?

Madigail knew her dad was just trying to interact with her story. Some may say he was even being condescending. That was not the case. She could tell by his tone and the way he looked at her he was just trying to connect with his crazy daughter.

Yes. We all got one. Myself. Christian. Marcus. Wayne. Max. Well Nathan didn’t get one. He ran off and was being a jackass.

Madigail!

Sorry mom. He was at the time, though. Turned out to be a great guy. I’m just sorry he passed away. I miss him.

That was your friend you saw in Pra…Prazzy…

Yeah dad, come on, keep up. She laughed. Prasze Lamoriah. Say it with me. I’m only kidding.

Prasze Lamoriah. Does it mean something? Martin asked.

I have no idea to be honest.

Back to the story, Madigail. How on earth did you eat somebody? Carla asked.

Lord Gabriel had a mask. Ranselm Valdaskara. The Helmet of Courage.

The guy who would be lying about right there? Martin James pointed near the living room on the edge of the kitchen.

Yep. One in the same. I put the helmet on, and I transformed into a giant tiger. Merk Drear turned into Tookas Chikara. Basically, an evil hound. We ran out of this house and fought.

Is that how you hurt your leg? Carla asked. She found herself almost believing this story.

Yes. He bit my leg. Nearly clean off. The pain was beyond words. I almost passed out.

You, or the tiger? Or you as the tiger?

Yeah, dad. Me as the tiger. Then I ate him. All of him, except for his metal legs.

Metal legs?

Yeah, not an important part of the story, Mom. Sorry. That is when I last saw Lord Gabriel, Therodiak and Gideonieux.

Who? What? Okay. I’m confused.

Dad, basically a large panther and a big ape. They came to Brazil from Savor to fight evil. Skeletons. Vampires. The whole scene was end-of-the-world kind of stuff.

Her parents just sat at the table with their mouths open. Literally. They had heard a story like nothing they could have imagined in their life. It was odd how Madigail was found in the woods in her robe. Was she a tiger that had transformed back into a girl? Surely not. That was ludicrous.

Honey, that is an amazing story. But how do we not have a broken door. How is Brazil not affected by all of this if they were attacked?

He looked back at his wife like he just cracked a code. She looked back still in awe of her daughter’s story.

As soon as I ate Drear, everything went back to normal.

What about your leg? Why didn’t it heal? Carla asked.

That is something I could never figure out. Maybe a little souvenir so I would never forget what happened that night. At least there isn’t a scar. Could be worse. Madigail laughed, even though she still felt that pain.

Madigail, your father and I want to believe you. We really do. You understand that, right?

Yes, mom, I do. I love you both. Just talking about this for the first time really helps. I have kept all of this in for so long.

Honey, even when you talked about this, you just talked about things you shared with us at the hospital. That and the three little scars, I mean moons on your ankle. What made you decide to share this with us today? Martin asked.

Madigail sat in silence for a few seconds. Seemed longer. She just stared down at the empty plate.

"I just can’t live like this anymore.