Masked Intentions: Balancing Reality

By Allysina Shinestone

A person can wear many masks. They can alter their appearance using magic or simply change their perspective based on their surroundings. Clairisa Vinson is going to experience the challenge of uncovering the truth hidden under these masks.

 

New supernatural encounters and self-guided research has placed Clairisa into learning about the ancient energy called The Balance. As her curiosity grows, so does the demand from beings of darkness for obtaining her abilities for themselves. William assures her that she will be protected from those dark entities with him as a powerful Slayer.

 

However, when the one who promises her protection suddenly becomes one who she should be protected from... What is Clairisa to do?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Broken Keys Publishing
• Release date: Jul 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9781988253619

Allysina Shinestone

Allysina Shinestone is a Canadian author. Gifted with a creative imagination, she takes personal experiences and weaves them into her stories. Author of the coming of age, paranormal fantasy series, Balancing Reality, whose female protagonist experiences the struggles of high school while coping with a bombardment of supernatural events. Balancing her two realities comes with its own unique set of challenges. Readers will recognize the local landmarks and hot-spots from Ontario, Canada.

Book preview

Chapter 1

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When one is in this realm of ignited trees and lifeless landscape, it would depend on the being’s inner strength to survive any length of time spent amidst the crackling fires. This realm was created for those who had dared to defile The Ruler of Darkness – Lucifer. The ground grew nothing but dead trees and withered plants, which soon caught fire due to the bright exposure to the three sun’s light and their excruciating temperature. It felt like the world was cursed by everlasting heat. The gravity within this realm would instantly char a mortal into a pile of useless grounded bone inside its bubbling skin. No water or any other form of substance could be found here. No matter which being or creature was sent there, the realm would seemingly accommodate those who are meant to suffer. The realm would do its master’s bidding. The Master had sent many beings here and the realm, true to its reputation, took care of those beings. One of them, however, survived his time within this demented realm.

The Master sat, waiting for the exact time that the Endroph would appear from its home of lava. Looking down at the contents of the essence and abilities gathered so far of the survivor, The Master found it infuriating that the job was taking him so long to accomplish. During his imprisonment, Marcus McFaul had traversed through the areas of this realm, which meant that each location had to be searched carefully for remains of his essence.

McFaul surprised The Master by surviving as long as he did within the realm. The Master expected to see him as a shriveled ball of energy. His body would have been destroyed while the realm continued to drain him of his power. However, when he came to release him, McFaul was lying on a burning tree, screaming for his death. It seemed that after centuries, the being was still filled with grief from the loss of his lover. He longed to be free from his chains of despair, and The Master suspected this is what kept McFaul alive for as long as it had.

McFaul was once one of his strongest warriors, dependable and ruthless against enemies. During the Great Battle of the three realms, McFaul saw through the ruse of the battle and protected the powerful orb that held The Balance’s energy from those wanting it for themselves. That was why when the First Form was slain. The Master looked towards McFaul to become the next Form for The Balance to inhabit.

Selecting McFaul as the next Form took a bit of convincing of his Brother, as the strong wrath within the demonic being was one that the First Form never had. His Brother pointed out that they didn’t know what was needed to contain the energy’s strong power - if anything, the First Form was a happy accident. However, the time came when they placed the energy into McFaul’s body, mind, and spirit. The white linoleum walls and floors of his Brother’s operating room splattered in crimson as McFaul’s body had accepted the energy, but his spirit didn’t. The fight between McFaul and The Balance caused his body to slice open and shoot intense beams of Lighten energy out in all directions. The rays dimmed, and his body was unresponsive. With McFaul in the weakened state, The Master provided his own energy into him that fused with The Balance’s power and created the ability now known as boundless.

The warrior now could go against orders from any being. The Master thought that having a being who couldn’t be captured or put under other’s influence would help protect the essence of The Balance. When he started going against The Master and his Brother’s orders, only then did they both realize that he was too powerful. This forced them to act quickly. Trying to capture a being that could break away from every form of spell or mind control proved difficult to the bothers until they finally had him. The Master’s Brother reached within McFaul and extracted The Balance’s essence. They declared McFaul a failure to become the new Form.

McFaul was the first failure they had in the long line of creations and projects. Placing the newly created unbound being into a sleeping chamber, he was soon joined by others – all declared as failures. It was essential to hide them, as those against The Master and his Brother’s rule was still alive and plotting. The idea of their enemies having an army of failed creations would be detrimental to the realms’ ways. When the chamber was broken into, those entrapped in deep sleep were set free and left, all but McFaul. He kept low and out of trouble.

Until he met her. The Master said with sadness. Recalling the strong mortal woman that Marcus fell in love with many years ago. The Master chuckled lightly, He was always around - protecting it.

The essence in The Master’s hands glowed a bit, taking his mind off of past mistakes. He grimaced, I need to gather the rest. He needs to be stronger - for her. Grief hit him again as thoughts of the actual threat came to him. That brat! He growled as images of his scheming son crossed his mind.

If only he had noticed the signs, recognized that the threats his son made were to become true. If, if, if, if... The Master shook his head. Is that all that can come out of this? That damn word, ‘if’? His eyes burned with anger as his son yelled out about him being the next Form. Draegan had gone mad with the concept of what The Balance’s energy could bring to a demon; however, he didn’t understand the risks of having that much course through one’s body.

The actions he took towards his son were necessary. With help from Knox and his Brother, The Master sealed his son into a realm no one could access, and that his son couldn’t leave. He still didn’t know how the cultists from Toronto had gotten the Blood Diamonds and had gained contact with his son. However, with the worshipers gone, his son would have to find a new method to gain power. The Master’s thoughts moved to Clairisa, as she was in the process of awakening herself.

Draegan would certainly attempt to obtain her. The Master said gravely. Recalling his son’s laughter as he fled the warehouse, The Master couldn’t hold back his anger for the situation that Clairisa had found herself in. The plans, the protection, and the worrying wouldn’t have to happen so soon and to Clairisa - if he only... He closed his tired eyes, thinking of her. She’s so young... Too young. Did I make another mistake?

He recalled the day he had crossed her lifeless body. Her natural energy had brought him interest as she lay on the operating table with rushing doctors and nurses trying to save her life. He figured that she had the gift of supernatural sight before her near-death experience, and this could have gotten his attention. However, as there were many dying within that hospital, in that town, in that whole country – she was the one he focused on. She had been so confused, scared, and not wanting to die as many mortals fought for survival. Even when the Angelus came to take her, The Master had already made up his mind about her. Not only had he been searching for another Form, but he had been looking for one to go against the threat that his son had presented. He didn’t think that this small, human child would become the regulator for his mistakes.

The lava field bubbled as the Endroph appeared in its towering form. The creature, much like the realm it inhabits, changed its shape relating to those sentenced to rot here. The one it took resembled the scent and appearance of melting flesh, with long sharp teeth and three dark yellow eyes. The form bent forward in a strange but recognizable bow.

My Lord, if I had known you were awaiting me to surface... It said in a thick slurpy tone as bits of flesh fell into the lava pool around it.

You frequent many splinters of this realm, and surfacing in a particular one is more or less a guessing game. The Master said as he stood from the fire chair he had formed while re-entering this realm to wait for this being. He had only this last part of essence to collect from the Endroph when he was alerted by his Fallen Warrior, Christov, that Clairisa was in the hands of his son. He had quickly shifted to the location and was determined to keep his son from influencing or attaching to her. Unfortunately, due to his son’s residual weakened state, had been able to cowardly escaped, and the threat of his unknown plans had grown again. You are a busy creature, so I’ll get straight to the point. The Master said as he floated to meet the Endroph’s height.

The essence that you and your kind have successfully extricated from a being that I had sent here over a millennia ago – I have been gathering it.

I had suspicions that those under me had been gathering the essence to overthrow my seat. I’m relieved to find that it is you who was behind this, my Lord. The Endroph said with a gurgling chuckle.

Indeed. The Master said impatiently. The remainder of the essence from McFaul resides with you.

And you want it? The Endroph asked, confused.

I need the full essence.

To fill my curiosity, my Lord, why do you need all of it? I assume that you are planning to give it back to the runt, but does he really need it all?

The Master’s eyes lit up with flames as he loudly proclaimed, Explanations do not need to be given! He glared at the creature. I’m not here to provoke your curious nature, Endroph. Now, relinquish his essence, or your underlings will fight for your seat. The Master watched the blinking yellow eyes of the creature as the threat made it realize that he was serious. What will it be? He coaxed.

The Endroph growled as he reached towards the rocky black shore of the lava lake. Digging its appendage into the dry, cracked ground, the melting flesh flowed down into the clawed-out ground. Within this hole, the melting flesh formed around the impression of a lying body. The Master watched as the skin of McFaul appeared, plump as if preserved under the cracking black ground’s soil.

There. The creature spat.

The Master lowered himself next to the wide hole. Holding out the essence he previously gathered, the plump form of McFaul shivered slightly before it started to shrink and decay. The light and dust around the body floated lightly to meet with the gathered essence in The Master’s palm. Closing his hand to secure the energy once this gathering was complete, The Master turned and walked towards the burning trees within the area and vanished into a shift.

Exiting the shift, The Master stood in the curio shop that his informant, Knox, had created. The items around the store vibrated as he entered. The small silver bell above the door rang continuously – yet the actual bell didn’t move.

Knox’s form appeared in the doorway behind the counter. The Master noticed that he was out of breath but trying to hide this from him.

You caught me by surprise, Sir. Knox said, brushing his hair back into its gelled state.

The barrier you placed around the store to keep out my son needs to be stronger. The Master said simply. He walked to the counter as the items nearest him relaxed from their vibrating state while new items started to shake. The musk of that woman you were with is rather strong. The Master commented.

Knox wiped his hand over his body to erase the smell of the woman he was busy having intercourse with. His face turning a slight red colour of embarrassment. Have you come for the item you were looking for? Knox asked.

I have.

It’s right here. Knox said as he presented the box, lifting the lid to display the metal flask inside. To your qualifications.

Good. The Master took the flask, placed the bottle of gathered essence onto the counter, opened it, and poured it into the flask. Pocketing the filled flask in his long red leather jacket, he said to Knox. I want to thank you for alerting Christov about Clairisa.

Knox nodded and asked in a concerned tone, Is she alright?

The Master grinned. She is resting. However, the threat is greater now.

He lost all his worshipers, Sir. Does this still pose a concern?

He has found a way to interfere outside of the realm that we banished him to. The Master said, hiding the worried look. With his worshipers gone, this gives us time, but with his mind games, he could influence more quickly.

Knox nodded his head as a strong vibration suddenly sent a few items on the shelves to the floor, shattering. The two looked around the store for a moment until The Master suddenly shifted from the curio store to his ruling realm. A Fallen Warrior was just contacting him within his mind about the commotion.

No need for that, Dairif. I’m here! The Master walked urgently through the wreck of one of his war rooms in his realm’s outer fortifications. The foundation and structure of the building were blown from the inside.

Ma—Sir! Dairif said as he approached, coughing from the command to refer to his ruler as Sir. The attack came from inside the war room. Many files were either destroyed or magically erased. He followed alongside The Master, relaying all that had occurred. The Master touched a few of the magically erased documents, hoping for a trace to this magical power. However, nothing stood out to him. We have Fallen searching to find the shift’s course.

An inside job. The Master growled as he threw away the files in his hand. He didn’t need this type of activity to occur now. If the Fallen have collected anyone at the ends of the shifts, send them directly to me. Endroph will be feasting tonight. The Master shook his head and started to turn, exiting the destroyed room when Dairif stopped him.

Sir, there was also this. Dairif said as he turned the corner and indicated a room that remained intact.

The smell of both demonic and human blood reached The Master as he stepped into the room his Fallen Warrior indicated. His eyes instinctively landed on the dripping red message on the wall between two impaled corpses. One was a demonic being, while the other was a young human female that resembled Clairisa. Nearing the female, The Master used his fingers to close her open eyelids. The Master lowered his hand to hide it from Dairif, as he noticed his hand shaking in anger. Stepping away from the corpse, his eyes scanned the demonic language that covered the wall. The magic of the letters intentionally changed the particular meanings of words around. They brought back memories of his son sending him messages when the brat was younger. Coded messages he would call them. The Master’s body shook, unable to hide his anger as his nails pierced his palm when they tightened into fiery fists.

DRAEGAN! His rage shook the very ground of the realm, letting the inhabitance know of his anger towards this treachery.

Chapter 2

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Clairisa Vinson took a bite of her sandwich while her friend Melanie brushed through her hair, trying different styles. Most of the time Clair didn’t mind when someone tried new hairstyles on her thick long hair. Today, the reason behind Melanie’s styling was to find a unique hairstyle for Clair’s date with Chris, happening that night. You have to have the three ‘S’s’ in a hairstyle for tonight, Melanie said proudly. The ‘Three S’s’ was a formula that Melanie’s mother created and sold to her clients at different hair salons. The three ‘S’s’ referred to; Simple, Sexy, and Sophisticated.

Okay... Simple, sexy but not sophisticated. Melanie frowned as she reached for the brush and released the twists she made in Clair’s hair.

Aren’t you getting a headache each time she brushes the creation out? Kyler asked as she winced against Melanie’s hard tugs of the brush.

No. Clair said simply. Though I’m hoping that I will still have hair to style with the way she’s going.

You want to make a good impression with Chris tonight, right? Melanie asked, leaning over Clair’s shoulder with a wicked grin. Then... Let me work.

I’m sure Chris would like whatever hairstyle she has. Kyler said, rolling her eyes to the whole fuss.

Which reminds me, Melanie asked as she ran her fingers through Clair’s hair, making her shiver. What are you going to be wearing tonight?

I was going to go through the closet after school. Clair said, blushing. She had been so focused on schoolwork and reading the new books from the library about magic and the occult that she didn’t have time to select an outfit for the date.

Will you have time? Melanie asked.

I should. Clair said with a shrug. It’s just dinner.

Don’t say that! Melanie gasped. This is your first date with a guy.

You make it sound like she is just coming out from a nunnery. Kyler said with a laugh. If Clair thinks it’s not a big deal, then it isn’t one.

That’s not what I mean. Clair said with a frown. It was true that this was her first date with a guy. Her mother was just as nagging as Melanie about the whole ordeal, while her father was anything but. First he wanted to know the location where Chris was going to pick her up as well as the time, but he suddenly changed his mind, telling her that he would drive her to the restaurant. Her poor dad just couldn’t make up his mind when it came to his daughter dating guys. Clair couldn’t blame him for his concern, though, as only a few days ago, she and William were kidnapped by Timmons and his men.

Why the long face? Kyler asked, confused.

Sorry? Clair asked, woken from her thoughts.

You were frowning just now.

Oh, just thinking about stuff...

Melanie sighed, You’re not thinking about that creep who kidnapped you and William last weekend, are you? She shook her head with disappointment. Clair, don’t think about that. The guy is dead! Focus on the date with Chris tonight.

Easier said than done. Clair whispered as Melanie played with her hair again.

Melanie has a point, Clair, Kyler said with an assuring smile. I don’t know much about boys, but what you went through was horrible. Chris knows this. Let him take your mind off of it tonight.

Heya, Ladies, William said as he approached them and sat close to Melanie and Clair. Practicing your hairstyles, Melanie?

Clair has a date tonight with Chris. Melanie sang.

Oh, that’s tonight? William said as he slowed his motion in sitting down. I didn’t know that.

We were just talking about what she should wear. Melanie said as she twisted the long strand of hair in her hand.

That’s a simple. William said, making the three girls turn to face him, waiting for his words. Nothing.

What!? Clair gasped and turned away from him with a blush on her face.

Why would you say that? Melanie shouted as she slapped his arm.

He’s eventually going to take her clothes off during the date. William said, shrugging his shoulders, unfazed at the reaction.

That wouldn’t happen. Kyler said, shaking her head.

Well, if it happens, don’t say I didn’t warn you.

The bell to end the lunch period rang. Melanie cursed under her breath about not having the time to finish the hairdo. Kyler started to pack her things while Melanie gathered her own lunch items. They stood and noticed that Clair wasn’t following them.

Clair, you coming? Kyler asked with a laugh.

The bell rang. Melanie added.

Our history class is canceled because the teacher is sick, and they couldn’t find a substitute. So, I brought my work out here. Clair said with a smile as she reached into her bag and pulled out her history notes to work on them and other assignments.

Oh, see you in drama then, Melanie said with a smile. Turning to William, she asked, Since you finally made it, William, would you walk with me to class?

I’m going to stay here with Clair. He said, laying on the grass, closing his eyes.

I see, Melanie said, turning to hide her prominent hurt expression. Clair watched, saddened, while Kyler rubbed Melanie’s back as they headed towards the school.

William, you should walk with Melanie, Clair said, looking towards her friends. She just wants to spend time with you.

I can spend time with her some other time. He said, sitting up and looking at her. I have to talk to you.

Okay, about what? Clair asked as she took out her pen and was copying notes down into her assignment. Only as she wrote down the first few words, her pen was snatched out of her hand. HEY!

Listen to me. He said urgently. This is important.

Clair blinked, surprised by his tone. Okay, I’m listening. She relaxed her body and looked at him expectantly.

Right, William said as he cleared his throat. Well, I have been feeling upset for the past while.

I’ve noticed, Clair replied.

Mostly it’s because I feel like I can’t protect those who I care about from bad things happening to them. Clair bit her lip, trying to not interrupt him from his thoughts. She wanted to ask what he meant by that, but William continued. But that’s going to change from now on.

It is? Clair asked, confused about the conversation.

Yes. See, it’s a bit of a shock. I’m still trying to understand the whole ordeal myself, but... Clair, you won’t need to worry about any more scary paranormal shit going on because I’ll be here to stop it.

That’s... Comforting. Clair said with a frown. Only she didn’t feel relieved to hear this from him, just more concerned. How do you plan on doing this?

Clair, what I’m about to tell you needs to stay a secret. Not just for my safety but for yours as well. William said as he took her hand in his. Stunned by the action, Clair removed her hand, looking from it to William, confused. Promise me! He demanded.

Okay, Clair said with surprise. I promise to keep it a secret.

Good. Okay. William took a deep breath in. Clair... I’m a Slayer.

Clair blinked her eyes a few times, wondering if she heard him correctly. Playing the words through her mind, again and again, she nodded to herself as she heard him, but the words didn’t seem to be sticking. She looked away, trying to think, when he interrupted her.

You can’t tell anyone about this.

I don’t think anyone would believe me. Clair said before she could stop herself. Covering her mouth, she frowned, I’m sorry, William, but that’s a bit hard to swallow.

What is?

That you’re a Slayer. Clair said simply. I mean, if a Slayer is the same thing, like what I’m thinking here? Athena – Night Bite – Slayer? She asked, looking for confirmation.

Yes, but different than Athena.

How?

How what?

How is it different than Athena? Clair asked.

It just is.

That’s not an answer. Clair said, shaking her head. Look, William. If you admire Athena and want to be like her, that’s fine. Hell, she’s a role model for me. But you don’t have to say that you’re a Slayer just to help others.

No, Clair, seriously. I am a Slayer. William said, grabbing her shoulders and shaking her slightly. I mean, it won’t be official until my 16th birthday, which is this weekend.

Oh, that’s right, I still need to go get your gift, Clair said, recalling the thing she needed to do for this coming weekend. Thanks for the reminder.

Clair seriously! I’m a Slayer! William shouted.

Clair broke her shoulders from his grip and scooted away from him, concerned. Calm down, William.

No. You need to listen to me.

I am listening to you.

So, do you believe me? He asked. Clair remained silent as she gathered up her things from the ground. Not wanting to ask for her pen back, she closed her bag and stood from the grass. You don’t, do you! He said, accusingly.

William, it’s just hard to believe.

And yet you being able to go through mirrors and casting spells is believable? William shouted. Clair looked around the area, hoping no one was around to hear him. Clair, I’m telling you this because I thought you would be the one to understand what I’m going through.

What exactly are you going through? Clair asked.

The news that I’m supposed to protect others from evil creatures, William said, standing. Putting his arms out wide, he added, Don’t you think that is worth me being a bit stressed?

Well, I guess, but...

All the shit I went through in Toronto and here?! It makes sense, Clair! He turned and paced back and forth. "See in Toronto, I stole those Blood Diamonds from the Mad Monks because I had this strong feeling