Maris

By Chance Welch

Maris Fletcher, a teenage girl just making it in High school like everyone else, never much for jumping into conflicts that clearly didn't involve her... but during one cold night at a party when one of her friends are killed by a horrifying monster, Maris is exposed to a world like no other. Discovering powers of her own, exploring realms she had never thought existed, meeting creatures like Angels, Demons, Reapers, Titans, Magi, and Colossus that are on the verge of total war with one another. She must become the student to Teller, the Angel of Time, and come to terms with what she really is or face total destruction from the fiend known as The One who strides on Chaos.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Sep 18, 2015
• ISBN: 9781329560772

Book preview

Maris

MARIS

The Awakened Increments

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

MARIS

Copyright © 2015 Chance Welch

Cover Art by Chance Welch

Edited by Anne-Marie Rutella

[e-mail]

This book is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Any reproduction or other unauthorized use of the material or artwork herein is prohibited without express written permission of the author.

ISBN: 978-1-329-56077-2

First eBook Edition: September 2015

Manufactured in the United States of America

Contents

Prologue

The Unconscious Life of Maris Fletcher

Bitter Night

Slaughter Party

The Blue Saber: Part 1

Aftermath

The Crimson-Clad Seeker

Unwell

Lord of the Stardust

Well

The Main Street Station

Time Skip

The One Who Strides on Chaos

I am Maris

A Meeting with Teeth

I am Maria

The Grim

A Bond

The Unexpected

Jack’s Words

The White Queen

The Blue Saber: Part 2

The Tones

Our War Begins

Our War Begins part 2

Dragon over Richmond

Our War Begins part 3

An End to Loose Ends

I Love You

Epilogue

The Awakened Increment

Prologue

In a far outreached wing of the palace, a small Angel played with his toys. He was no more than a couple years old. His hair was jet-black. His name was Teller. In his youth, his parents loved to dress him in petticoats. Though they never really paid attention to him, their desire for their family to always hold a regal appearance was strong. So most of the time, young Teller played by himself. And they, The King and Queen of the Heavens, attended meetings and went on with their reign. When the boy turned ten, he was introduced to his older sister, and she took care of him. Her name was Andromeda. She was a caring big sister, and always spent what time she could with him. And in time the two became inseparable. Her hair was long and flowing white…when they were seen together, many called them the Yin/Yang Angel.

One day, his sister brought him to the main chambers of the king and ueen to see the trial of their parents and the other races. Young Teller had never seen all of his relatives together in one place. He remembered Andromeda telling him of the twelve great Angels that ruled over a certain power in the heavens—also, they aided the king and the queen. Along with that, Teller noticed the different creatures in the room.

The Reapers were ruled by a man of the Soulless Manor, as the Grim Reaper. Lars Soulless was bald and wore all black. A serious expression showed on his face as it did on all the faces in the huge chamber. The Titans were ruled by a woman called Ca’June. She had rough-looking teal skin and stood in front of several others with the same skin pigment. Their hair was either silver or gold. Teller had learned that they were the greatest in hand-to-hand combat. They were also the second tallest race besides the Colossus, who had constructed the very chamber the meeting was being held in so they could all fit inside. They were ancient, the eldest of the races. They looked like stone Vikings. The head of them was, of course, the largest being in the room. His name was Palmorthous. The giant’s face was shrouded in a big gray beard. A giant ax was strapped on his back. On the opposite side stood a group of human-looking figures. They wore all purple. Teller read that they were the majestic Shades, or Magi—a group of beings that could alter their very physical beings and become energy if need be. The leader was another woman, named Soly Malco, who had a scar on her eye and on her lip. The hair of the scar-faced leader, as the rest of her race, was a flurry of flowing energy. The last race was none other than the opposite force of Teller’s own race. The Demons. They all wore black, and looked exactly like humans. The leader was a tall slender man with long slicked-back black hair. A short beard on his face. Teller knew who he was—his father had cursed this Demon’s name many times. Malice, the Lord of the Inferno.

Young Teller looked around the room and, still basking in his curiosity, held tightly to Andromeda’s dress. Beside her was the Grim Reaper’s son, Roland Soulless. He was about the same age as her, and he knelt down to speak to Teller. Andromeda smiled and knelt down as well.

You must be Teller, right? Roland smiled.

Yeah, that’s me! Teller smiled.

He is seeing this for the first time. Can’t say I’ve seen anything like this either. Andromeda spoke to Roland, as she glanced back at the meeting.

Me either, all of the leaders in one place. I can understand a clan meeting but this is about a different thing…it’s about something known as the First— Roland was interrupted by a shout behind the in the middle of the chamber.

This is ridiculous! We formed into clans over a hundred thousand years ago! Soly snapped. It doesn’t matter anymore, we are going to fight again at some point.

Teller’s father scratched his forehead in frustration.

"Listen…we can figure this out, we are sensible beings, correct? We were chosen by the clans to lead us all into a new future…after his defeat of course."

Teller cocked his head.

His defeat? Who are you talking about, Father?

We all understood what was coming when we decided to take this route. We must come to terms that true peace may never be in reach. Palmorthous’s ancient voice rumbled through the meeting chamber.

Why would we even need it? I am certain, in time, the races will split into more factions again. We shouldn’t establish anything permanent yet. Malice spoke up.

Malice, we can’t just let our people fight each other.

I agreed, White King. Ca’June chimed in. We need a joined treaty for now. A set of rules for all.

What is the point? Our clans will surely break these rules. Palmorthous chuckled.

Teller’s father thought for a moment.

What about the child?

The girl?

The other leaders talked over a matter that Teller couldn’t hear for his sister tugged him away to another room with her and Roland. Teller saw his big brother, Superious, behind their father with a look of rage on his face. He was no doubt mad that Andromeda had brought Teller here. The three walked down huge corridors of white shining stone. Roland was discussing his fiancée, LeEtta, with Andromeda, who nodded with smiles and approval. Teller noticed that they were good friends. He couldn’t figure out why the Divine Races couldn’t get along with each other.

Andromeda! A voice boomed through the corridor. Teller heard it coming from the dining room.

The three entered.

There sitting in the seat of the king, was their older brother, Superious. He looked very youthful and handsome with his slender white face and white hair like Andromeda’s. A stern look took hold of his beauty.

"Sister…children weren’t allowed there in that meeting. You know better!" He barked.

I’m…I’m sorry, Superious. I just thought Teller should see all of that. It is important for the future, isn’t it?

Superious appeared before the female Angel and struck her in the face. She collapsed on the floor, whimpering in pain.

Silence! An Angelic child is not to hear such foul business between the clans. Who knows what could dwell and grow in his mind one day? The elder brother turned.

I was appointed the Lord of Intellect for my great abilities. I will be damned if my own family will make a mockery of our kind.

Teller felt tears swell in his eyes. He didn’t like seeing his elder brother hit Andromeda. He had seen it in the past as well. The young Angel felt Roland behind him tense up with anger. The young Teller tugged on Roland not to do anything.

I-I know…I’m sorry… Andromeda apologized.

Yes, well, I don’t care. You will be doing a lot of labor in the palace now. You are a wretched fool who doesn’t deserve the blood of royalty. Always playing around. One day when I become king, you will be dealt with properly. He threatened his little sister then walked out of the dining hall. As soon as the Lord of Intellect left the room, Teller ran to his big sister. She hugged him tightly.

Oh Teller… I’m sorry you had to see that. Superious isn’t always like that. He is just very stressed with his new responsibilities. She ensured him.

But…what about you? Sister shouldn’t have to be hurt… You are good…

Andromeda smiled, and hugged him.

***

Many years came to pass for all of those beings of that faithful day. Some were dealt with, some were changed. Time stops for no one. Teller had a great understanding of the concept of time and was later appointed as the Lord of Time—an Angel that could travel through the plains of time. He was appointed by his older sister, Andromeda, who was declared the Queen of the Heavens. Teller never let the words of all those elders that day leave him. He wanted to find a way to unite them all. So he uncovered all the information he could on the matter, and time passed by. Finally after another hundred thousand years, Teller had discovered things that might help him. A powerful being from long ago had come to aid his parents and the other clans that day. It was known as the Nephilim. The being that was a product of Angels and Demons. A creature so powerful that it used spells to create the rules that his parents’ generation wanted to set in place. No one could break them. But although these rules were written, the conflict did not end and his sister was swallowed by the wars. She had changed very much since his younger days and wanted nothing to do with his research, and the other races. So she cast Teller out of the Heavens. The girl that had taken care of him for so long had betrayed him.

As a result, the old Angel fought his way through the realms, met with the other clansmen, and trained. He gained better understandings with all the races. One day, he visited an odd place. A realm known as Earth. A place where humans, the lesser race, dwelled. Teller enjoyed it. They were very simple creatures in the beginning. So he stayed there. But never did his research stop. He had come to a conclusion that there was a being on Earth just like the one at that meeting so long ago…a baby. Who was cast down many years ago, who slept dormant for a very long time. He couldn’t find her anywhere. So the old one waited. He knew that at some point, this creature would show herself…

Maris.

Chapter 1

The Unconscious Life of Maris Fletcher

It was a brisk, cold September morning in Virginia. Fall had come, cooling the hot skins of the hard workers in Petersburg and Richmond, as well as the summer kids playing in the rivers and springs. The leaves began to chromatically change to red, orange, and yellow. It held a peaceful bliss to those who observe it. Maris Fletcher, a young brunette with icy blue pools for eyes, walked through the chilly yet comfortable forest of colors. She delighted in its calmness and the stirring of the cool winds flowing through the mass of oak trees, surrounding her. She wore a fitting black jacket, the height of today's fashion company printed on the chest, blue bleached jeans covered her legs with a skintight hug. She also had on a pair of blue hiking boots. Although they were stained with dirt and mud, the tops still remained a shiny azure. Through all the silence, she heard the sound of her pocket vibrating intensely. She reached inside and pulled out a white device with an orange cover: her cell phone. It stopped vibrating as quickly as it started. She looked at it, read a text message she had gotten, it read, Hey you coming on Saturday? She replied with a Yes! and quickly slid it back into her pocket. But this was a pattern, and she knew that, and she knew what was about to happen...

Leaves swirled around the trees and formed a female's silhouette far enough away to the point that Maris could not make out her features. It faced away from her, and she knew that. But it was that pattern, that same pattern every time. The silhouette turned and only two blaring eyes of pure white light could be seen. It probed the forest as if looking for Maris. She turned to run from the light. It was part of the pattern, after all, the same sequence of events. She could hear whispers in her ears, too low to be understood. She could see her shadow as she ran. The light was so thick behind her that everything else began to turn to ash and flew into her path. The ash thickened around her, while the light remained behind her, growing as the silhouette came for her. The whispers multiplied, but Maris kept on running...never stopping...she couldn't. That thing would get her. It was the same terror each time, but it was renewed and never grew old. The ash clouded her view, and she threw her arms out to sway the thick haze from in front of her. Then she collided with that tree...it was there every time.

Nothing but darkness remained.

Maris jumped up terror-stricken in bed, her forehead glazed with a cold sweat and her body shook violently. She screamed and shook her head to rid herself of the night terror. Samuel Fletcher, her father, rushed in and embraced her.

Maris! Maris, calm down!

He shook her a bit then embraced her again and brushed her hair from her face. He rocked her back and forth. By this time Len Fletcher, her mother, had heard the commotion and came to the room. She grabbed on and began to hug Maris as well. They soothed her and ensured her that she was safe.

With a few moments she came to a calm, stable state.

I'm so sorry, it was that dream...in the woods. I had it again. Maris said with grim bitterness.

It’s alright, Connie. Her father ensured.

Connie is what everyone called her. She hated her real name. It reminded her of her past, that her parents were not her real parents. They had found her in a field, no older than five, covered with a white blanket. The name Maris was printed on it. They woke her and asked her where she came from, or what she was doing in the middle of a field, but she had no idea who she was or about her past. So Samuel and Len assumed that the printed name was her name and called her that. When Maris was told about it, she decided to call herself Connie, so she wouldn't have to be reminded of it.

After all the confusion everyone exited her room and she looked at the clock: 4:30. With a groan, she got up and got ready for her day. She looked through her closet and dresser to see her clothes needed washing. The sleepy teen loaded up her clothes hamper and began to heave it downstairs. She made it halfway down when she lost her footing and crashed down the stairs, every step. Shirts, jeans, bras, thongs, and skirts, all of different kinds, flew all over the place. Connie hit the floor with a hard thud. She groaned in pain. A few moments of extra sleep passed, and then she lifted her aching body up, grabbed all of her clothes, and headed to the laundry room.

As the morning progressed and 6:20 came around, she was dressed and ready for school. It was the second week of school, and she was already tired of it. A new school had been built and her parents decided to send her there. She had spent her freshman year at Bird High School then her tenth grade year at Thomas Dale. This year she had to go to this new school. Hope High School. She wasn't happy about it at first, but then many of her friends began showing up there and in at least a week, the school reached its max capacity of four thousand attending students. It was a big school as well, so it would avoid the issue of being overcrowded. Oftentimes she wanted to skip or sleep at school, but then she would get grilled by her parents, and she decided that that wasn't worth it. So she kept on going, just barely making it by in school. With that Connie walked out the door, got in her car and drove off to the 7-Eleven.

***

The morning moved forward to 6:50, and Maris was walking up to the school with coffee. She drank it every morning to keep from falling asleep. She wore her black hoodie, a yellow shirt underneath, skintight jeans, so tight in fact that it showed off her rear. She was proud of herself—after all, she was very lean and fit. Every step she clicked with her high-heeled boots. They went up to her calf muscle and straps kept them tight against her legs. The cold air of fall brushed against her cheeks, making them as red as the tip of her nose. She hated it though. The red never made her face look good, even when she put on more makeup then she usually did. She walked into the large building, her backpack slung over her shoulder, coffee in hand. Other students piled in as well and soon it became crowded and loud. Maris stayed quiet for the most part, drinking her coffee while people rushed on by her.

Hey! Connie!

Connie turned to see who was calling her. No one was there.

Connie! Connie, over here! Finally she saw pale arms waving in the air about seven lines of students away, red curly hair bounced around with the arms.

Nikki, she thought.

The arms came closer until finally a short petite teenaged girl came through the crowd. Like Maris, Nikki Langston was very beautiful. She held a great figure, and her skin was much lighter then Connie's skin. Freckles dotted her nose and cheek bones.

Oh! Hey Nikki! Connie smiled as she hugged her little redheaded friend.

The girls walked through the crowded halls to an open area where many of her friends were. Nikki was her best friend though, their arms locked as they went into the inner circle of teens. With little time, everyone noticed their company, and began to hug them. One was Maria Samson, a tall thin girl with dark hair, the tips a brilliant red. She wore all black. Even the thick makeup on her face was pitch-black. She hugged them both, but refused to hug any other person. She regarded others with only a sigh of acknowledgment. Maria was the Gothic rebel of the gang, though she lacked kindness and manners, they all loved her. Nikki grabbed on to Maria, and walked her over to the lockers for a personal conversation.

Most likely about the guy Maria was apparently sleeping with, Connie thought.

Another of Maris's friends, Ben, walked up to her. He simply flicked her in the head. She shook her head and blinked quickly.

Damn it, Ben! Stop that!

Why? Your expression is funny as hell though, gurrrrrrrellll! he said with a sarcastic smirk.

She couldn't help but smile at this.

Okay, Benny, that's fine. I'll tag you back, don't you worry.

Ben laughed for a moment. Then he turned around and trotted off to his class, his shaggy brown hair shaking as he went on.

Maris shook her head with comical confusion. She turned around and walked up to two other friends. They were twins, Mick and Carmen. Mick tossed her hair around with dissatisfaction. Carmen laughed at her as she played with it.

Connie's mouth dropped open.

It had been cut short...and cut wrong for that matter! Connie rushed over and opened her mouth as to talk... Mick beat her to it though. She explained that Carmen had broken up with Mick's barber, and as a result, she cut up the poor girl's hair. Connie could see the tears beginning to fill in Micky's eyes.

She hugged the short-haired teen. Aww, Mick it is okay. It will regrow.

Though she