War of Shadows: Lucius Xavier, #2

By Jennifer Aitken

Lucius Xavier's epic adventure continues in this richly imagined sequel. It will whisk you through the fabric of the Universe, drop you into worlds unknown and plunge you into the battle to end all battles.

 

While Lucius struggles to become apart of an elite dimensional civilization, the shadow is spreading.

 

Tartarus, an all-powerful dimensional being, has been building strength for millennia in the shadow realm but he is done biding his time. He has his sights set on Lucius, who could not be less prepared for the battle ahead.

 

But he is not alone. His band of allies travel with him through the dimensions to wage war on the shadow and save Earth from certain destruction.

 

Lucius must harness all the Universal powers available to him in order to meet Tartarus face to face and fulfill his prophecy and secure his place with the dimensional beings.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jennifer Aitken
• Release date: Nov 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9781738061020

Book preview

BY

Jennifer Aitken

Shadow Storm

War of Shadows

War of Shadows

BY

Jennifer Aitken

For my Sister. My best friend and biggest fan

Chapter 1

Voices. Thousands of voices echoed in the open space around me. Their pitch was high, their words urgent, and their tone angry. The darkness of this portal was unlike the first. It contained a presence, an invisible entity, and although I could not distinguish its voice from the mania around me, I knew it was speaking to me.

We traveled to Atlantis from Gaia using Tess' private portal. The complete darkness inside made me feel claustrophobic as if it was closing in on me. Instinctively, I mentally reached out to Maru, hoping she, too, was experiencing the constriction of the portal. No response. The only indication I had of her presence was her hand in mine. When I opened my mouth to speak, I felt the words leave my mouth but didn’t hear a sound. The darkness enveloped me so utterly that my words could not escape its girth. Trying not to panic, I knew Maru was still with me. I was not alone.

Oh, but you are alone, Lucius Xavier, bearer of the prophecy. You are very alone. This singular voice emerged from the chaos of the surrounding noise. The dozens of other voices ceased, and the darkness sat heavily on my chest, but my struggle to breathe was not my most immediate priority. Who found me in this portal.... what did they want? Squeezing Maru’s hand was the only way I could communicate with her. I hoped she was still present with me and I wasn't under the influence of any entity attempting to control our travel.

My eyes darted wildly from one corner to the next, seeing nothing but absolute black—no shimmer or pop of light to illuminate the Universe. Perhaps the darkness Maru spoke of had traveled further than she thought, and this was what I was experiencing—darkness with a voice and a purpose come to suffocate me. My eyes burned with the strain of trying to see through darkness thick as sludge, to no avail. Panicking now, my heart raced a thousand miles an hour, horrified by my lack of control over my situation. Maru was in charge of our travel to Atlantis, and she was unreachable. What should I do? At this very moment, while I contemplated my options and how to regain control over my fate, two red glowing dots floated to the forefront of my vision. Spaced close enough together, it was easy to extrapolate. They were eyes. This heavy darkness had eyes. My body stiffened at the sight, realizing there was more to this darkness than what met the eye. The tiny hairs stood tall on the back of my neck while the red dots burned holes straight through me. A guttural cackle interrupted my state of frozen fear. The dots remained steady, but the voice had more than a hint of humor in it when it once again boomed in my ears.

I can sense myself in you, Lucius...the Alvanata allowed you to spend too much time on Earth, boy, and now I have a claw embedded in your soul. Can you feel it? The voice took a lengthy pause to enhance my terror and confusion. Your prophecy is changing by the minute, Lucius. There will be no escape from me this time; I am no longer playing games. The darkness let out a deep sigh, the air around me swirling in response. It entwined us, connected us. I bent from the weight of this heavy entity. We sped through the Universe. I was helpless. I did not know whether Maru and I were still on track to Atlantis or if Maru was even still with me. A snap decision became necessary. I had to do something to escape the burning red dots and the guttural voice so close it vibrated my body.

I remembered Maru telling me to imagine Gaia, to picture it clearly in order to engage in dimensional travel from the hidden city of Alexa. I followed her advice once again. Although I was not on the threshold of a dimensional portal and was not a dimensional being yet —I had to try. Closing my eyes, I imagined Tess, the mysterious oracle from Gaia, her mountain cave home and all the beauty Gaia offered outside her layer. But my mind couldn’t release the image of those red eyes. Red glowing spheres burned on the canvas of my mind. Or this unknown darkness was within, just as it was without. The idea that this strange darkness, this undoubtedly dark being, might be inside my mind put a fear in me I never knew existed. The strength of this fear could either throw my concentration altogether or shift my focus into overdrive. I strived for the latter. Without knowing the purpose of this voice, where it would take me, or what it wanted with me, I had to assume the worst. It was time to fight for my life.

My mind’s eye opened wide, and I pictured clearly the glowing golden form of Tess. I imagined the beautiful lake at the base of the mountain. Multi-colored birds soared in the blue sky, reflecting on the lake and green grass. These images were fleeting, but I clung to them like a man hanging from the edge of a building, using all my mental strength to bring us back. I concentrated.

There is nowhere in this Universe left for you to hide, boy. I’m everywhere. The voice bellowed, but to my surprise, the words seemed to come from far away. Is it working? I didn’t dare break my concentration by opening my eyes, but a bead of confidence bloomed after hearing that voice—distant and angry. Still gripping Maru, I had a stronger sense of her now, but even she wasn’t enough to break through my focus. I was getting us out of this portal and back to Earth before the darkness’ strength grew beyond my amateur capabilities. Completely ensconced in my memories of Gaia, it startled me when my body began to tremble, and my grip on Maru’s hand loosened from a persistent jostling. Even from behind my closed eyelids, I saw golden light flashing left, right, and center. The force carrying our bodies through the blank spaces of the Universe faltered, and I momentarily imagined being dropped into the shadow—never to be found again. The force beneath us strengthened and weakened repeatedly, ebbing and flowing, and then it all came to a halt. No more movement, no more voices, no more darkness, and not even Maru’s hand in mine. Only golden light.

Lucius? Lucius, can you hear me? Something went seriously wrong...how did we end up back here? Maru’s voice cut through my trance-like concentration, and I exhaled just as deeply as the darkness had, now sensing a strange connection to that wicked shadow. I abruptly woke up and scanned our surroundings, worried that a monster might have accompanied us.

Lucius, snap out of it. She had me by the shoulders now, shaking me back to reality.       How did this happen? She asked. The confusion and fear on her face was an unfamiliar experience and one I did not care for one bit.

You don’t know? I asked in return, confused that somehow the dark entity had cut Maru off and blocked her from its visit, proving it was there only for me, as its threats implied. I ran through the entire experience, from my initial concern of the absolute darkness to the revelation it was more than just darkness. It was alive. Not knowing what else to say or which question to ask first, I slowed my breath and looked for Tess. The golden light had faded considerably since opening my eyes, but we were, in fact, inside the mountain where we had left only a short time before.

There is no such thing as time once you enter a portal, Lucius. On Earth, only a minute or two have passed since we opened that wrought-iron gate. Maru clearly wanted me to believe this explanation was just for me, but it was plain she was trying to work through what happened herself. She paced while her thoughts struggled to make sense of our strange and near-deadly experience. I observed her closely and saw a gaunt woman who looked like she’d been to hell and back. Her hair stood on end at all angles, mascara smeared under her eyes, clothes crumpled and askew. My attention now on myself, I essentially saw the same result, plus one frightening detail that caught my breath in my throat. I looked like I had barely escaped a fire with my ripped shirt and random burn marks. But it was what I found on my skin that frightened me the most.

Maru? Are you seeing this? Maru continued to pace inside the mountain, deep in thought.

Maru! I yelled. I stood with my shirt open, exposing two burn marks on my heart. Quickly covering the ground between us, Maru was by my side before my next breath. She lightly placed her hand over the burns across my heart, my shock not enough to block the pain. My skin raged with heat, a rake of hot, fiery teeth ripping through my flesh. A slight glow omitted from under her palm, and my skin heated as if her hand were a hot burner. Flinching, she removed her palm, and yet another expression of confusion and frustration crossed her face.

I’m not going to lie, Maru. I don’t enjoy seeing you confused. What is going on here? What are these marks, and who uttered those threats to me in the portal? Lowing the timbre of my voice, I wanted to be delicate. Evidently, Maru was concerned, and my pointing out her failure would not help our situation. She looked thoughtful and gestured towards a small wooden table and chairs off in the right corner of the mountain cathedral. Together, we sat, with only the golden light of Tess’ presence to illuminate the inner sanctum of the mountain.

Those are the marks of Tartarus, Lucius. I believe he was the darkness surrounding you, blocking me from your consciousness. I have no memory of the events you described, but these marks undoubtedly verify your story.

Wait—are you saying you didn’t believe me until you saw these burns? I asked, stunned that my precious Maru would ever doubt my word.

It’s not you or your word I doubted, Lucius. You must understand this has never happened to me in the history of my long, long life. Tartarus’ strength has grown far beyond what we of the Alvanata once thought. Things have become dire, Lucius. Again, her mind drifted off. After catching herself, she added, Good for you for having the strength and presence of mind to bring us back. Tartarus cannot exist in Gaia. He can’t follow us here, even if he wants to. At least that defense still stands. A slight but hesitant smile crossed her face, forced for my benefit.

He said there was nowhere in the Universe for me to hide. That he was done playing games... Trailing off, I tried to recapture his voice and words to reexamine the meaning behind it all.

There’s no need to analyze Lucius. I assume he also mentioned the prophecy? She asked, already knowing the answer.

Yes, yes, he did. Pausing, I waited, expecting Maru to explain further when the sudden appearance of Tess interrupted our deliberation. A genuine smile of distress lightened Maru’s tired features at the sight of her friend. The golden light within the mountain cave increased tenfold with her appearance. We watched her approach from the far corner of the cavern, from the portal Maru and I attempted to use only moments ago. Tess glided above the uneven cave floor. She approached us with a grace I had never witnessed in another human being. I had to remind myself that Tess was not a human being but something else altogether. So why shouldn’t she float? Now, by our side, Tess, too, appeared troubled.

Did you see this coming, Tess? I had to ask before she even began. She was an oracle, after all. Shouldn’t she have known this would happen?

Tatarus’ strength is great, Lucius, and he has dwelled in the shadow realm for many years, harnessing its powers in a way we did not predict. Although she spoke to me, Tess’ eyes burned into Maru’s as the two stared fiercely at each other. I glanced back and forth from one to the other. Their apparent fear was allowing something frightening to grow inside me. These two beings were supposed to be all-knowing, all-wise, and devoid of fear. Yet they were terrified of Tartarus, this dark monster whose only goal was to find me.

Is there more to this story you two would like to share? I asked after witnessing Tess and Maru exchange intense glances, nearly forgetting my presence. She assumed a seated position while floating beside her worn and dented table. She gradually shifted her gaze from Maru to me. Instantly, I was jolted by the powerful intensity of her vast gaze. Her golden eyes sparkle, almost hypnotizing me. Every aspect of her human image sparkled gold, but the seriousness of her expression transformed her beauty into something closer to frightening.

It’s time to discuss the prophecy, Lucius. Your prophecy. Tess said, her voice unfamiliar to me, no longer light but deep with the weight of her worry. There is more to your prophecy than what the Kai-Tangata believe. You are much more than a source of immortality. I expect that, at the very least, you have learned we all possess that power. Smiling slyly at me, Tess’ comment stings a little. But I had been a slow learner. It’s not about how fast you learn, Lucius. It’s about how much you retain and what you do with that information. She placed her golden hand on mine, a surge of positive energy surging through my veins, a smile bursting onto my face in response. "A shift is coming in the Universe, Lucius. Tartarus has infected Earth to its breaking point, and its demise is imminent. The Alvanata are moving in to protect the planet, but Tartarus’ strength is far beyond what we imagined. In truth, he has been hiding in the universal shadow for millennia, and not until your battle with the Kai-Tangata has he surfaced. You have forced him to show his hand unintentionally, perhaps. Despite that, we now have more information to help us with our mission.

It has always been the Alvanata’s mission to protect planets and dimensions that cannot protect themselves. There are dangers in this Universe they know nothing about, but this time is different. You make it different, Lucius. Pausing here, Tess glances towards Maru, looking for help, I expect. Her reluctance to continue on her own was worrisome.

Lucius, you are the son of Ameretat. He is the greatest of us all, apart from Leto, of course. Although your Mother was not Atlantean, she descended from the original Easter Island inhabitants, Atlantean blood coursing through her without her knowledge. Tess declared your prophecy long before you were born and before your parents found each other. The aspect you have not heard regarding this tale is your father's death. The war between Tartarus and the Alvanata will kill him, Lucius, and you will take his place among the stars with Ouriana, myself, and Tess to guide you. Together, we will become the next Alvanata. Maru’s joy from this information cut deep. I thought she was loyal to my father. I thought she loved my father. How can she be happy to hear of his death?

"Lucius, Ameretat is ready for this day. The arrival of this conflict not only means the revival of planet Earth but also your ascension to your rightful place in the Universe. His dream was always for you to be dimensional among your people. But the very prophecy that will elevate you also made you a target for the Kai-Tangata. Desperate to understand something far beyond their database of knowledge.

As you can see, there is a lot for you to learn, and unfortunately, our time is short. If Tartarus can find you in the portal, there is nowhere for you to hide."

Maru, stop! Tess suddenly screamed, her voice echoing through the mountain cavern, startling us both.

Before I could inquire what was happening, Maru raised her hand, motioning for me to remain quiet. Tess stared into the distance, seeing something Maru and I didn’t...so we waited. Unable to stand it any longer, I got up and paced. Back and forth, I walked the length and width of Tess’ home, taking in all I’d missed the first time and since our recent arrival. A thick casing of vines covered the walls, the same bright green as the lush vegetation outside the mountain.       Yellow flowers speckled the vines, pulsating with Tess’ golden glow. The aura surrounding each bloom created a spectacular light show in the shadows of the mountain’s sharp edges.

When I glanced back towards Tess, I watched Maru still waiting silently while Tess glared ahead at a scene invisible to us but apparently one that was distressing to her. So, I continued my mindless pacing. I glanced from here to there but never really took in my surroundings. My mind was so preoccupied with Tartarus, the prophecy, Tess, and Atlantis. I was reeling with confusion and conflict. The Lucius that existed a few months ago would’ve never in a million years believed the circumstances I now found myself in. But it all appeared to be as real as anything I ever knew, perhaps even more so. The idea of this prophecy cycled through my brain, everything that used to be me disputing its authenticity, and yet, in my heart, it all felt true and somehow right.

Lucius... A whisper, or maybe even just a whistle of the wind, spoke to me from behind a dark corner of the mountain edge. The vines didn’t grow around this corner, and the flowers were not there to light my way. It was utter darkness—even out of reach of Tess’ golden light. With a few tentative steps, Tess and Maru were out of sight. When I turned the corner, I was absorbed by the shadow and instinctively froze when my eyes adjusted to the darkness. A ghostly form of Terrence floated a few feet from the ground, glowing like Tess. The only thought in my head was that Maru said I would see Terrence again. My shock abated, so I tried to move and take a single step closer, but my feet were congealed to the mountain floor. I was immobile. Frantic, I couldn’t take my eyes off Terrence, afraid he might disappear if I blinked, but I stumbled into a trap and knew I had to free my feet before my foolish mistake cost me my life.

I tried my best to move my legs by swaying back and forth. I thought gravity might help me, but my feet didn’t budge. To look at them, they appeared to be on top of the rock floor, but I felt knee-deep in cement. No human effort could release this trap. I looked back up to see Terrence in an effort to soothe my panic. A shot of pure fear stabbed me in the heart instead. Terrence was gone, and I was immobilized, face-to-face with Tartarus’ minion, Nefario. His single, yellow eye penetrated me with viciousness and more than a hint of amusement. How easily I fell into his trap. Not the actions of Lucius of the Alvanata. A mixture of remorse, embarrassment, and fear flooded every cell of my body. My deepest instinct was to call for Maru, yet the words wouldn’t come. I wanted to hear from Nefario what he and Tartarus wanted with me.

Nefario, what an unexpected pleasure, I said in the most casual tone possible. After yet another blunder, it was a battle to get each word out with confidence and strength. Nefario didn’t glow or float. He appeared to be just as real as me, battered from our incursion in Alexa not so long ago.

Lucius, I am to bear you a message from the mighty Tartarus. The cyclops said with a growl that caused my stomach to clench and goosebumps to bloom on my arms. I was, without question, dealing with an evil entity—a being that months ago would’ve been nothing more than a myth to this average New Yorker. But as Nefario stalked towards me, walking awkwardly, as if his legs were not meant for walking at all, I saw him more clearly, and a whisper of pity erupted inside me. This tiny creature appeared tattered, worn, and beaten down. He wore rags for clothes, torn and frayed at the edges, covered in years’ worth of grime, dirt, and, likely, even blood. His hair hung heavy and limp down his back, black as night and shiny with its collection of filth. But these exterior observations were not what invoked pity for this evil being. It was what I saw in his eye. Nefario’s focus on me was absolute, but there was a sadness there that could not be ignored. How he came to be in the service of Tartarus, I did not know, but it was immediately clear to me that his life was no better than my own, perhaps much, much worse.

Now, face to face, we stood observing each other. With no way to flee, I portrayed a look of strength and confidence, and the tighter I clung to this image, the more real it became.

"Tartarus will not let you fulfill the prophecy, Lucius. He wants to see this Earth crumble in on itself. He wants to sit by and watch while they kill each other meaninglessly, while they use deathly gases and explosives to destroy the only planet they know. And when they scramble for survival in the end, with nowhere to go, their defeat eating them alive, he will be there. He’s waited centuries and centuries for this day, and he will not let a mere human with a prophecy attached to his name destroy all he’s worked for." Nefario spoke evenly, but again, his yellow eye bore into me, causing me to look away more than once. I debated how to respond, how to show Nefario that I was more than just a story told to dimensional beings, that I was a force to be reckoned with. Voices behind me distracted me—Tess and Maru.

Blinded by a golden light, I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to protect my retinas from the all-consuming glow of Tess. A loud snap cleared the mountain cavern of Nefario without another sound, and the light touch of Tess released me from my invisible prison. Falling to the limestone floor, I gathered myself. Stumbling into yet another trap didn’t build my confidence, but this time, I learned something. There was more to Nefario than the loyal servant facade. He was weak. He might be more of a prisoner than a servant.

Lucius, are you okay? Maru asked, not wanting to break my concentration. I pulled my eyes from where Nefario stood seconds ago and saw Tess and Maru staring at me, looking not so much concerned as suspicious. I physically shook all thoughts of Nefario from my head and gathered myself up from the floor to look them both in the eye.

So what did I miss? What was happening back there, Tess? I asked as if I had done nothing more than grab some fresh air in my absence. Tess watched me carefully. I awaited her reply, shifting back and forth on my feet—nothing. Before my eyes, Tess’ shimmering golden form swirled up towards the mountaintop and vanished into a thousand golden particles.

Lucius, we need to regroup. Right now. Maru said, grabbing my elbow and guiding me back to our wooden table.

What’s happened? I mean, besides Nefario trapping me back there. I said, surprising even myself with my nonchalance. Maru glanced at me with that same look of suspicion. A coldness grew in my veins. I know I screwed up again, but he only relayed a message to me. Why are you looking at me like I just made a deal with the devil?

We needed to get this out into the open. Maru’s narrowed eyes looked up at me, and her brow was creased, making her appear more troubled than I had ever seen. Left to stand alone, she continued to our table and sat in the wooden chairs that creaked and cracked in response to her weight.

Lucius, I am going to be harsh with you now simply because there is no more time for gentle words and subtle nudges. We must be very careful now. Tartarus’ darkness has infected the actual fabric of time and space. The fact that Nefario reached you here proves that things have escalated far more quickly than any of us of the Alvanata realized. Somehow, Tartarus blinded us and kept us in the dark while he slithered and weaved through the shadow of the Universe, spreading his darkness. The moment of your prophecy is upon us, and you couldn’t be more unprepared. Maru spoke firmly while her gaze remained in the far corner of the mountain where Tess had been staring before I sauntered off alone.

What did Tess see, Maru?

Leto is coming, Maru said, almost below my ability to hear. Not taking my eyes off her, I wavered between seeing relief in her eyes and fear.

I thought Leto was on our side? I blurted out, now as comfortable with Maru as if she were my mother.

Yes, he is, Lucius. What you don’t understand is that Leto has not ventured into this dimension since Earth was a barren planet, still developing into what you see today. His presence here will begin a war like we have never seen. Tartarus has always believed Earth to be his. All dimensions are at risk now, Lucius. It is no longer only Earth we need to save; the Universe itself is weakening. Leto is leaving the safety of the Alvanata to escort us to Atlantis. There, we can regroup properly with the safety of many dimensional beings to help me protect you. I can no longer do it alone. Her far-off gaze returned to me, and it became immediately apparent that she no longer had confidence in how this would all end. Frozen in processing mode, I tried to understand the immensity of what was unfolding around me. My mind still wanted to believe this was all a dream or a mental breakdown—always struggling against what was right before me. A dimensional war, evil beings infecting Earth, Leto, Tartarus, and the Alvanata. These foreign words and ideas floated through my mind on a loop, and my only choice was to hold on to them and pray my understanding grew before it was too late—for everyone. My plain old life before that ancient dagger found me, and I ran for my life on Easter Island flashed before my eyes. I used to dream of adventure, more than just a life of monotony. Yet here I was, too afraid to embrace the truth that was right before me. What I knew for sure was my previous life no longer existed—is that such a bad thing? I was a man floating through space and time, living in a fantastical world like those I read about in myths and folklore. Perhaps there was a reason I was always so drawn towards ancient civilizations, their tales, myths, and legends hypnotizing me.

Sensing Maru’s gaze on me, I came to a decision that would change the outcome of everything—that would change me forever. I am Lucius of the Alvanata, son of Ameretat.

Okay then. What do we need to prepare for his arrival? I asked Maru.

It was the only real starting place in such overwhelming chaos. Her smile warmed my heart. I knew she had been waiting for me to gain the confidence and strength she likely hoped I possessed when we first met. But I was too weak and confused to fulfill that wish until this moment.

Is Tess coming with us? I asked, remembering for the first time that Tess had disappeared when Nefario arrived.

Tess has already left to aid your father and Ouriana. They wish to cause trouble in the shadow of the Universe, to draw Tartarus’ eye from Gaia so we can travel without incident—hopefully. The golden light of Tess continued to linger in the mountain cavern, lighting the space for us as gracefully as if she were still present. Our only option now was to wait for the infamous Leto and let it all unravel like the fragile ball of wool it all appeared to be.

Do you think Tess has any provisions around here? I’m starving and could really use a shower before Leto gets here. I need to regroup and make a good impression.

Leto has known you your entire life, Lucius. Just because you don’t know him doesn’t mean he doesn’t know you. There is no need to impress anyone. That’s one of the many notions from your human life you’ll need to cast aside, and quickly. She stretched and seemed more relaxed now that all the cards were on the table. I suppose I could eat as well. Let’s see what Tess keeps around here. She used to always be prepared for visitors. I’m sure nothing has changed.

Side by side, we strolled through the cavern, still basking in the lingering golden glow of Tess. A tremendous weight I hadn’t acknowledged I’d been carrying lifted from my shoulders. Finally, admitting to myself that Lucius of New York City was dead and Lucius of the Alvanata was my future made me feel fifty pounds lighter.

I, too, am relieved you have accepted your future, Lucius. Together, we can get through this turmoil and monitor the Universe together.

Is that all that the Alvanata does, Maru? Is there some kind of home base where we sit and observe dimensions and planets? I ask, realizing I had never gotten much detail about my father and this Alvanata.

Unfortunately, these are details Leto and Ouriana hoped to reveal to you themselves. But to be a member of the Alvanata is much more than sitting around watching others. There will be marvelous adventures and exploration in your future. Smiling as if remembering her first days as a member of the Alvanata, she continued, The Universe is infinite, Lucius. What you’ll learn and discover is no different. If we can defeat Tartarus now, we can all go back to our carefree existence. However, a certain responsibility comes with being a member of the Alvanata.

Stopping here, Maru pondered her words. I was so engrossed in our conversation that I barely noticed we’d entered an entirely new wing of the mountain cavern.

Maru continued ahead while I stopped to linger and take in the fascinating strangeness of my new surroundings. This entire section of the cave was a giant geode. Standing in the center of the cavernous room, the glitter emanating from the walls dazzled me. Beautiful purples, silvers, and white glittered from the crystal shards protruding from the mountain walls. The sharp edges crept closer and closer to the center of the room, creating a breathtaking display. There were no vines or plant life to speak of.