Shadow Guardians @page { margin-bottom: 5.000000pt; margin-top: 5.000000pt; } � � � Albert J. Long III, M.P.A. � � � � � � � � � � � � THE SHADOW GUARDIANS � A BOOK By � Albert Long � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � © Copyright 2009, Albert J. Long III � � CHAPTER ONE: A DAY IN DEATH � � � A little girl with black hair and brown eyes�"not more than six years old�"sits in the dark in her bedroom. She waits. She waits for him. He arrives. He always does. She remembered what her friend Mandy told her to say the next time he came, and she whispers into the shadows, �śOut of the dark, they come to fight. Suffer no more, this child tonight. Hear my cries. Come this way. Harm a child, and You will pay.” A flash of blue electricity sparked and lit the room. The linens smoldered from the charge. The man quickly leaped from the bed, leaving the young girl sobbing and scrambling to put her gown back on. He put his pants on hurriedly, his long black hair covering his face as he bent over. �śWho’s there,” the man asked with a bit of fear in his voice. There was no answer. A blue bolt of electricity shot into him, and as he writhed on the floor, he made out the forms of three children�"two boys and a girl. None of them appeared older than thirteen years. They all were clothed in white with white shoes and had a white glow outlining their forms. One boy was Hispanic, about six feet tall, with short cropped black hair. The other boy had pale, milky skin, stood about six feet two inches, and had long blonde hair. The girl was short, about five feet two inches, with shoulder-length blonde hair. �śGo to your Mother’s room,” Matt, the milky-skinned boy, instructed the sobbing child. The child ran from the room. �śWho are you,” the man asked. �śI’m sorry. I was drinking, and things got out of hand” he said. �śYou are the worst of creation”, Miguel, the Hispanic boy, yelled, clinching his fist until blue sparks formed. �śNo,” screamed the man. �śNot that again. No”! �śThis time, you’ve been warned. Next time you die,” Matt said softly. �śA child is to be loved and protected, not made to suffer,” the girl said. �śDon’t make us come back,” Miguel, the boy who had stunned him with the blue stream of electricity, said sternly, his fist still glowing blue. The man lay on the floor wiggling in pain. �śI’ll change,” he said. �śI won’t ever touch her again.” �śLiar,” Miguel yelled. He clenched his fist and blue sparks formed. �śMiguel, no” screamed Mimi. �śYou’ll kill him,” she added. �śNext time,” Miguel said. The three children stared down at him for a moment and then disappeared into the darkness. �śHe will do it again,” Matt said. �śI hope he does,” Miguel replied, clenching his fist until a blue flame of electricity sparked. �śWe made our point,” Mimi whispered. �śThere’s a little boy just a few miles from here, locked in a cage. He’s in a lot of pain, and he’s alone and scared. That’s where we are headed,” she said. Miguel’s eyes glowed blue. �śLet’s move,” Matt said. In unison, they lifted from the ground and glided through the air towards their destination, a two-story, brick house on the other side of the city, in one of the poorest neighborhoods. �śAfter we take care of the boy, I want to go back to look in on my Mother,” Matt said. �śI was thinking the same thing about my sister,” Mimi replied. �śMight as well go see how my family is doing these days,” Miguel said. �śDo you think the Soulcatchers might be waiting for us if we go back there,” Mimi asked. �śWe haven’t heard a peep out of them for weeks,” Miguel said. �śThey’re up to something,” Matt chimed in. �śWe better make our visit brief and uneventful,” Matt finished. They all nodded in agreement. Miguel entered the basement through an open window. He scanned the room. He held his fists out in front of him, blue light emanating. A filthy couch and a black-and-white television were in the middle of the room, with empty bowls and soda cans strewn about. There was no sign of the boy they had come to rescue. �śCome on in,” Miguel whispered to the others, waving to them. Mimi and Matt swooped into the room. �śI know he’s here,” Mimi said. My intuition has never been wrong before. �śWe trust your gift, Mimi,” Miguel said. Just walk around and see if you can sense him here”. Matt found a light switch and turned it on. They could hear footsteps from above. �śI can see light coming from that crack in the wood on the floor,” Matt said. �śStand back,” Miguel warned. He aimed his right hand at the floor and exploded the wood into splinters and dust. They could hear someone coughing down below. �śIt’s better that he sees a human,” Mimi said, looking at Matt. �śI agree,” Miguel said. Matt closed his eyes and morphed into a tall, blonde teen in a tee-shirt and jeans. Mimi and Miguel stood in the shadows, attempting not to be seen. �śHere, take my hand,” Matt said to the quivering child, pulling him up from the hole. Matt looked at the boy for a moment, his hair matted, his ribs showing through his dingy shirt filled with holes, and the sack he was using for pants covered in feces and insects. �śI’m Matt,” he said to the boy. The boy didn’t say anything. �śIt’s okay. You’re safe,” Matt said. �śThe boy nodded and clenched Matt, sobbing quietly. �śWhere are they,” he asked the boy. �śIt’s just my paw,” the boy said. �śMaw hasn’t come down here in a long time�"don’t know where she is.” Matt glanced toward Mimi and Miguel. He could see Miguel’s eyes turning the darkest blue he had seen in the years they had known each other. Mimi pointed upward. Matt made a motion, and Mimi and Miguel quickly moved through to the stairs and made their way up. Matt hoisted the boy out the window of the basement and followed him outside. �śLet’s wait here for a minute,” Matt said. �śDon’t make me go back,” the boy cried. �śYou won’t ever be going back in there. I promise,” Matt said. Miguel couldn’t remember a recent time when his powers flowed so easily and so destructively from his body. �śYou’re going to kill him. He can’t take much more,” Mimi pleaded. �śHe deserves death,” Miguel said, spinning the bald, fat, bearded man in the air and slamming him onto a glass table. �śPlease. Let me live. I know it looks bad, but I love that boy,” the man pleaded. �śHe’s lying,” Mimi said. �śI feel hatred, resentment, and fear,” she added. �śMimi, you go outside with Matt. The boy can’t see you; he’s good. Only the ones who are evil us can see. You don’t want to be here for the rest of this.” Mimi gave Matt a stern look and the fat man one of disgust mixed with pity. She left the house through the front door and went around to find Matt and the boy. Screams and bolts of electricity filled the air. From outside, Matt, the boy, and Mimi could see blue lights streaking through the room. Then, there was silence. �śWhat’s happening to my paw,” the boy asked. �śJustice,” Matt said. �śJustice”. Matt walked with the boy to a fire station. Mimi and Miguel followed, unbeknownst to the boy, who could not see them. �śIt’s freaky that only other spirits, the Soulcatchers, humans with impure hearts, and some humans with the gift to mingle in the spirit world can see us,” Miguel said. �śA blessing and a curse,” Mimi replied. They made the long walk, and Matt�"still using his gift to change to human form�"spoke to the Captain on duty. The Captain made a couple of phone calls and led the boy to the firehouse kitchen. Matt watched and waived to the boy. He was safe now and would have a new home soon. �śI’ll stop by and check on you soon,” Matt yelled to the boy. The boy said nothing, but a smile grew across his face. Matt walked outside, changed back to his ghostly form and joined his team mates. Together they whisked through the air, headed to their hometown, where it all began. � CHAPTER TWO: GHOSTS OF THE PAST � �śHey, you up there, help me please,” a voice came from below. �śLook there,” Miguel said, pointing to an African American teen below, lying in a field of tall grass. �śJordin is around. I’ve been running from him, and I’m so tired, I had to stop here and rest,” the boy said. �śHe’s one of us,” Mimi said. �śI can sense it,” she added. Mimi, Miguel, and Matt swooped down and hovered over the boy. �śName’s Jericho”, the boy said. �śI’m Mimi. This is Miguel, and that’s Matt,” Mimi said. �śPleased to meet you, especially under the circumstances,” Jericho said. �śNot to be rude or anything,” Miguel said, �śbut if Jordin is around here, I don’t wanna be. Let’s start moving. You can come with us, Jericho. Mimi will give you a boost of energy to help you along”. Miguel nodded to Mimi, and she reached out and touched Jericho. A rush of cold energy filled his body. �śThat’s some gift,” Jericho said. �śThank you.” �śLet’s get outta here,” Matt said. Jericho lifted himself into the air, and the four of them flew. �śWhere are we headed,” Jericho asked. �śWe came here to check in on our families,” Mimi said. �śWe’re about a mile away from Matt’s family’s house”. �śSo, what’s your story,” Jericho asked Mimi. �śYou’re awfully talkative and inquisitive,” Miguel said with a frown. �śIt’s okay,” Mimi said. �ś�śIt’s been two years since I died,” Mimi lamented. �śTwo and a half for Miguel, and three for Matt,” she added. �śI think about it every day. It was a warm summer day. Molly and I were outside playing in the sandbox. She had built an igloo out of sand, and I went in the house to get my dolls, so they could sleep in it. My Mother and my father were fighting. He was drunk, and Mom was trying to stop him from driving to the store. He stumbled past me, Mom following him, as I walked to my room. I looked around for my dolls and couldn’t find them, so I opened the window to yell outside to Molly to see if she had moved them. When I looked outside, I saw my Mom on the ground, my father kicking her over and over. She was curled up, holding her stomach. I could sense Molly’s fright and anger, and I knew she was going to try to stop him. I bolted out of the room and out of the house. When I got outside, he had Molly by the throat with his left hand, lifting her from the ground. She was turning blue. He punched her in the face with his other hand a couple of times, and blood was coming from her nose, running onto her yellow dress. She saw me, and we looked into each other’s eyes. I could feel her pain, literally. We were twins, and we shared everything. I picked up a shovel that Molly and I had been using to dig in our sandbox, and I hit him in the knee with it as hard as I could. He screamed in agony and dropped Molly. I tried to run. He limped after me and tripped me with his foot. I fell, and he sat on me and punched me until I was dizzy. He got off, and I tried to crawl away. I was on my stomach. I heard Molly yell, �śdon’t hit her,” and I felt the worse pain in the back of my neck. Warm blood gushed down my neck and onto my chest. I passed out. I don’t remember anything after that. After my funeral, I heard people talking about the beating my body took. I often wonder what things would be like if I had lived that day. Molly had a really bad time dealing with what happened. We were the closest twin sisters ever,” she said. �śYou tried to stop him from beating her, and he took your life instead,” Miguel said. �śYou’re a hero. You saved your sister,” Matt added. �śAt least your death was for a purpose,” Miguel said. �śWhen I was running toward my brother, hanging from that tree that our step-father had tied him to for wetting the bed, the rain was blinding me. The storm was bad. What are the chances someone would get struck by lightning, trying to save his brother from strangling to death? We both died that day. He went with the Soulcatchers to Heaven. Me�"I had business to finish here on earth and refused to leave”. Miguel’s hands glowed with blue electricity, as did his eyes. �śI seldom talk about it,” Matt said. �śYou know my story. My Mother’s boyfriend used to beat us every day, after having his bottles of gin. He blamed us for him having to work two construction jobs, and he hated his ex-wife for leaving the state with his daughter. His way of coping was to let me and Mama have it every night. Everyone at school knew, even the teachers. Nobody tried to help. I was ashamed�"a fourteen year old boy who couldn’t defend himself or his Mother. One night while everyone was asleep, I snuck into the kitchen and drank the last of the gin he had left laying around. It made me woozy. I found Mama’s bottle of Xanax, and I took all of them. When I awoke, a soul catcher was holding my hand. I jerked away and ran from him. I went back to the house, and I appeared before Mama’s boyfriend. I haunted him every day until he lost his touch with reality and had to be locked away in a mental ward. I’ve been running ever since, but at least I freed Mama,” Matt said, tears in his eyes. �śI was kidnapped by some men who didn’t like my skin color,” Jericho said. They hung me from a tree about two miles south of here. When the soul catcher came for me, I bolted. I was filled with rage, dying the way I did. I made a promise to hunt them down and get revenge. That was a year ago. I found where they used to live, but the family moved out of state. I don’t know where. I won’t rest until I find them. �śWe found each other and made a vow to use our deaths and our powers to save children in danger, who are abused, and who need someone to look out for them, like we did,” Miguel said. �śThat’s what we do�"at least while dodging Soulcatchers”. �śMimi’s house is just beyond that hill,” Matt said. �śYou want to go alone, or do you want us with you,” Miguel asked. Let’s stay together. There might be Soulcatchers around,” Mimi said. �śAgreed,” Matt, Miguel, and Jericho said in unison. First, they went to Mimi’s house. They entered through the back door, which was ajar. �śMy Mother always liked to keep a door open in the house�"said it helped circulate fresh oxygen inside,” Mimi said. �śMama, can I watch tv,” a girl’s voice echoed from upstairs. �śAfter you do your homework,” a woman replied. Mimi, Miguel, Jericho, and Matt glided into the room where the woman sat on the couch brushing a little girl’s hair. �śThat’s Tina, my older sister,” Mimi said with a grin. �śMama looks so good. I just need to see Molly, and I’m done here,” Mimi said. The three of them glided up the stairs. Molly was in her room watching television, her stack of homework lying on the side of the bed next to her. She laughed aloud as one of the cartoon characters hit the other with a pie. Mimi smiled a huge grin. �śI wish she knew I was here,” Mimi said. �śShe thinks about you every day,” Miguel said. �śYou saved her from him”. �śHe’s in hell now, and I’m glad the three of us saw to it,” Miguel added. �śYou ready to leave,” Matt asked. �śI’m feeling uneasy about Soulcatchers being around. They know we come back here,” he added. �śYeah, let’s go to your house,” Miguel said. �śYou never did tell us what your gift is,” Miguel said. �śI have the power to wield electricity. Matt can morph into any human form he chooses, and Mimi has the power to see inside people and feel their emotions and, of course, to charge the dead with energy like she did for you.” �śMy ability is to control humans by whispering what I want them to do, as long as it is for good and not for evil,” Jericho said. �śI always wanted to be a preacher when I was growing up�"help people take the right paths in life. I used to spend hours lecturing anyone who would listen about Heaven and about God and about making the right choices in life. I was called a prodigy. Every now and then, I can use it on animals too. �śThat’s an interesting gift,” Miguel snorted with a laugh. �śIf God decides to flood the earth again, you’d be the man to help load the ark,” he laughed. �śLay off, Mr. Static Cling,” Matt said. Miguel and Matt locked eyes. �śBoys,” Mimi shouted. Let’s focus. The four of them continued on their journey. Moments later, they arrived at Matt’s house. Matt looked around to see if anyone was nearby, then morphed into human form. He pulled a key from his pocket and unlocked the front door, then changed back to his ghostly form. The four of them entered the house. It was quiet, save for a television on in the front room. �śI don’t think they’re here,” Miguel said. They drifted room-by-room through the ranch-style house. Not a soul in sight. �śDon’t be disappointed, Matt,” Mimi said. �śI can feel them”. �śThem,” Matt asked. �śYes, your Mother and her boyfriend,” Mimi said. �śThey are in love, and it’s true love. She’s happy, Matt.” �śI wish I could see her,” Matt said. �śWe’ll come back another time,” Miguel replied. �śLet’s get to my house and then get out of this town before we run into Jordin,” Miguel said. �śYou think maybe we could stop by the farm, so I can look in on my old man,” Jericho asked. �śThat’s risky, since you’ve been chased by Jordin,” Miguel said. �śMiguel,” Mimi said with a bit of disgust. �śOkay. Okay. A quick stop,” Miguel said. �śSo, Mimi had the most to say about how her death happened and the aftermath,” Jericho said. �śWell, duh,” Miguel replied. �śShe is the one with the gift of empathy and a sixth sense. She’s all emotional,” he added. �śI was just wondering,” Jericho began. �śLet me stop you there, partner,” Miguel said. �śI don’t discuss it”. �śI prefer to let it be, too,” Matt said. �śYou know as much as necessary for someone we’ve only known for about an hour,” Miguel said. Mimi was silent. �śSpeaking of spilling secrets, you never did tell us the details of your run-in with Jordin,” Matt said. Jericho laughed, and then a very stern look came over his cinnamon skin. A vein in his bald head bulged, and his well-defined lips and broad nose flared. His eyes grew a darker shade of brown. �śI was out at the lake over by farmer Miller’s house. You know where it is,” Jericho said. I was remembering the first time my father took me there as a boy. The water went from the calmest body without a ripple to a raging tempest of spray. The sky got dark, and there was an icy breeze. I didn’t bother to look; I knew what was happening. I leaped into the air and flew as fast as I could. I barely dodged the flames from his sword, feeling the hairs on my arms singe. I turned to see how close he was, and I looked into his fiery eyes. He was wearing his usual black robe with the hood. All I could see of his face were his eyes, like there was nothing else there but them. He said to me in a deep voice, �śit’s time for your soul to rest, son”. He drew back to wield flames at me again, and I dropped to the ground and began running through the tall grass, hoping he wouldn’t see me. I ran and ran until I couldn’t take another step. I fell in the grass and lay there. I saw him fly over me, and I stayed as still as possible, holding my breath. He yelled, �śI will never stop until your soul comes home, Jericho”. I didn’t make a peep. I lay there. About two hours later, you guys came by, and you know the rest. �śWe’re a rarity,” Matt said. �śThose who refuse to let their souls be taken because we have work left to do on earth. Besides Mimi, Miguel, and you, I’ve never met another like me. I used to think I was all alone when I died and decided not to go with the Soulcatchers. Sometimes I wonder if God understands why I elude his kingdom to stay in this place that has to be close to what hell is like. I remember the day that I met Miguel. I was out near the valley. I had just come from rescuing a six-month old from a trash bin and taking her to a hospital�"to safety. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky, but I could hear what sounded like lightning, and there were blue streaks of electricity pouring into the sky. A flock of geese was passing, and it looked like the electricity was being aimed at them. One of them was hit and fell to the ground. I heard someone yell, �śgotcha”. I hastily made my way to see what was going on. I hovered just near the geese and looked down to see a ghost with flaming blue eyes hovering just above the ground, fists clenched, with blue electricity streaming from them into the sky. I yelled to him to stop. He shot a bolt in my direction, but it passed through me. He seemed angry at the world. We talked and found that we had some things in common�"the least of them being a desire to keep what happened to us from happening to as many kids as we could protect. A gang of ghosts with a common cause, we called ourselves the �śShadow Guardians”, and we combed the city looking for children to help. Every so often, we would find a chance to make a difference, and we saved many kids from the evils of this world. It was about a year later that we met Mimi. She was doing the same thing that Miguel and I were doing, only by herself. She had saved as many kids alone as we had together, since she had the power to sense them and their need for help. Adding her to the team gave us the ability to help more kids and to do it faster. Mimi located the children in need, I appeared to them and led them from danger, and Miguel was the punisher. It’s been that way for three years now,” Matt finished. �śAny room on the team for a rookie,” Jericho laughed. �śYou’re with us for now,” Miguel said. �śCome on. We’re here at my Mother’s house,” he added. �śIf you don’t mind, I want to do this alone,” Miguel said. �śWe’ll be out here,” Mimi said. �śWith Jordin around, we probably shouldn’t stay too long,” Matt added. �śI’ll just be a minute,” Miguel replied. Mimi, Matt, and Jericho stood on the front porch in front of the picture window, peering inside the house. Miguel phased through the front door and entered the house. He looked around. Not much had changed since he was last here. The television was on, and a soap opera was in progress. Miguel’s mother was lying on the couch, still dressed in her nurse’s uniform. Miguel knelt next to her. �śI know you can’t hear me,” he whispered. �śJust know that I love you and will always protect you,” he said. �śMiguel, go clean your room,” his mother mumbled. �śMa, you can hear me,” Miguel asked. �śOkay, it can wait until after you’ve finished your dinner,” his mother said. �śJust a dream,” Miguel said, disappointed. His mother rolled over on the couch. Miguel kissed her hand. He walked to the back of the house to look around. He was curious to see what his old room looked like, and he wanted to pick up a pair of leather gloves he used to wear. He entered his room. The pictures he had on the wall when he lived there were still in the same positions. He opened his dresser and found the black gloves that he wanted. His clothes were still there, neatly folded as he had left them years ago. Miguel felt sad. His mother obviously wasn’t moving on much with her life�"just working and being alone. There was no sign that any other human but his mother lived there or visited with any routine. �śMiguel, I sense Jordin and Orin nearby. We have to leave,” Mimi said. Miguel didn’t hear her enter the house. �śOkay. Let me look in on Todd’s room, before I go. I sure miss him,” Miguel said. He and Mimi walked across the hall to Miguel’s brother’s room. �śI never understood why he decided to go with the Soulcatchers,” Miguel said. �śThere was work left here to do. Look at this room�"still a mess just like he left it. I don’t think Ma ever comes back here. I guess the pain is still fresh, losing both her sons on the same day,” Miguel lamented. �śI’m sorry, Miguel, but we have to leave now. Getting away from one of them is hard; beating two of them is nearly impossible,” Mimi said. �śOkay. Let’s go,” Miguel said. He put the black gloves on his hands and clinched his fists. Blue electricity emanated from them. �śShow-off,” Mimi said. Miguel chuckled. When they came out of the house, Jericho and Matt were kicking a soccer ball around in the front yard. Jericho, obviously, had some skills in doing so. He looked like a pro. Matt barely got the ball to go three feet with all his effort. �śBoys,” Mimi said. �śLet’s get out of here.” �śYour best option would be to surrender and come with us,” a voice boomed. They turned around to see Orin hovering over Miguel’s house. �śRun,” Jericho yelled. �śSeparate,” Matt added. �śI’m going to take care of him,” Miguel shouted,” anger in his voice. �śHow dare you defile my Mother’s house by coming here,” Miguel said, as he fired a bolt of blue energy towards Orin. The soul catcher dodged it with ease and pulled out his flaming sword from its sheath. �śMiguel Menendez, today is your day,” Orin said. He charged towards Miguel. Miguel held both fists together and formed a circle of blue electric around himself. The soul catcher swung his blade over and over at Miguel, but could not penetrate the force field. Jericho, Mimi, and Matt had abandoned their hiding spots and were watching together from behind a shed on the side of Miguel’s mother’s house. �śMiguel has to be the most powerful ghost I’ve ever seen,” Jericho said. �śIt’s unheard of for one of us to battle a soul catcher alone and hold his own,” he added. �śMiguel is so stubborn and full of rage that it seems to boost his powers and his control over them,” Matt said. �śWe have to do something to end this stand-off,” Jericho said. �śWhat did you have in mind,” Matt asked. Almost on queue, Miguel’s mother came out of the house and walked to her car. Jericho approached her and whispered, �śrepeat after me. In the name of the most Holy, I command you to leave this place.” Miguel’s mother repeated the phrase aloud. Orin looked at her and shrieked in agony. He put his sword away and flew at a high rate of speed away from Miguel. �śI will see you again,” he warned. �śWe will never stop”. Miguel lowered his force field and fainted. He was drained. Mimi walked over to him and touched his forehead. Cold energy rushed through his body. �śI’m okay,” he said as he stood up. �śHow did you know to do that,” Matt asked Jericho. �śSoulcatchers are agents of heaven, not evil,” Matt added. �śThey are bound to do the bidding of the Father. They do nothing but serve,” Jericho said. �śIf a human commands them in the name of the Father,” they have to obey,” he added. �śI used my power to get your Mother to command him in the name of the Father, and she did,” Jericho said. �śThat was terrific,” Mimi said, hugging Jericho. Matt gave her a look of jealousy. She winked at him, still clutching Jericho. Let’s find somewhere to rest and recollect ourselves,” Miguel said. �śThen we can figure out our next steps,” he added. The four of them flew south, away from town, towards the ocean. �śI know a café on the beach that I used to go to with my family,” Mimi said. �śLet’s go there and get something to give us energy, rest, and think about our next mission,” she said. � CHAPTER THREE: A GREATER GOOD Matt hastily slurped the glass of sugar water, as did Jericho, Mimi, and Miguel. �śIt’s the only thing we’ve found that we can take in that gives us energy,” Matt said. �śActually, I’ve found that anything with high sugar content gives me a boost,” Jericho replied. �śIf this is all you guys have been using for energy these past years, you’ve been missing out,” he added. �śLet’s find some pineapple juice�"this café does have a bar,” Mimi said. �śI’ll go,” Miguel said. �śI’ll go with you,” Mimi replied. The two of them on their way to find other energy foods, Matt and Jericho stood silent drinking their sugar water. Finally, Jericho broke the silence. �śYou’re very fond of her,” he asked Matt. �śShe’s like a little sister,” Matt replied. �śNothing more,” he added. �śThat look you gave her when she hugged me suggests otherwise,” Jericho said. Matt was silent. �śI understand,” Jericho said. �śI’m not trying to invade your turf,” he added. Matt chuckled. �śHumans are funny to watch,” Matt said, changing the subject. �śLook at them,” he said, pointing to a family at a table. �śI like to sit near them and listen to their trivial views on life and the problems they think they have,” Matt said. Jericho was silent. �śTake that guy over there on the cell phone,” Matt said. �śHe’s talking into the phone and motioning with his hands so furiously, you’d think he didn’t know the person on the other end can’t see him,” Matt chuckled. �śLet’s see what’s so urgent”. Matt walked towards the man. Jericho followed. �śI’m telling you. I need fifty more of them by the end of the week, or I’ll never make production on the contract, Sam,” the man said. �śI don’t care. Get them from group homes, orphanages, off the streets, wherever. I just need labor,” he said. Matt and Jericho looked at each other in amazement. �śHe’s not talking about what I think he’s talking about,” Jericho said. �śYes, he is,” Matt replied. �śGod leads us where we need to be, and this is destiny, my man,” Matt said. �śMy friend,” I think we’ve stumbled on a child labor problem that needs our special attention,” Matt added. �śLet’s tell the others,” Jericho said. �śPoint him out, so I can get close enough to feel his emotions,” Mimi said, after hearing Matt and Jericho’s news. Miguel’s eyes glowed a flaming blue, and static electricity crackled around him. �śIs he always that intense,” Jericho asked. �śActually, given the news, he’s rather calm,” Mimi said. �śNow, which guy is it,” she asked. Matt took a gulp of pineapple juice and pointed to the man on the cell phone. Mimi floated over to him, as the others watched. The man was inhaling a hamburger and fries. When he looked up from his plate and saw Mimi, he screamed, �śa ghost”! People around him began to stare. �śDon’t you see her,” he said, pointing at Mimi, and quickly fleeing the table. Mimi motioned for Matt, Jericho, and Miguel to follow her, as she gave chase to the man. He leaped into a black sedan and sped away. The guardians followed, Miguel leading the pack. �śWhat did you sense from him, Mimi,” Jericho asked. �śIt was weird,” she said. �śI couldn’t sense anything. It was as if there was just a black hole there. He must be evil though. How else could he see me, if he wasn’t,” she asked. Let’s see where he goes,” Matt said. �śWe can’t risk spooking him any further, or he might change up to throw us off,” Jericho said. �śLet’s ascend about a hundred feet and stay with the car,” Miguel said, leading the team upward, but still keeping pace with the speeding car. The guardians followed the man for what seemed like an hour before he turned into a parking lot, stopped the car, and got out. �śWeaver’s Stitchery,” whispered Mimi. �śIt’s some kind of business. He must work there or something,” she added. �śFrom what he said on the phone, I bet he owns it. Look at what he drives too. He’s not your Odinary citizen,” Jericho said. The man looked around him, as if scanning for Mimi or to see if anyone else had followed him. �śStay in the shadows,” Matt whispered to the team. They all descended to the ground and hid behind another car in the parking lot. The tall man with the pointed nose and grey hair that they had followed was joined by an Asian man wearing sunglasses. He held a large cane rod in his left hand and walked with a limp. �śCan you hear them,” Miguel asked. No one responded. �śMatt, go human, and walk by them to the grocery store next door. Stand out in front and drink some juice, while the rest of us make our way to the other side of the building,” Miguel said. �śI don’t think that’s a good idea,” Matt said. �śThey’ll clam up when I walk by,” he added. �śDon’t worry about that. We just need some ears closer to them. Now do it,” Miguel commanded. Matt morphed into human form and stood from behind the car. He took several quick steps to the side to appear as if he had just gotten out of an adjacent car and started to walk near, but not too close to the men. They were speaking in Asian. �śJust my luck,” Matt said to himself. Matt walked to the front of the grocery store next to the stitchery. The two men continued to chatter, Matt unable to make out a word of their conversation. From where he stood, Matt could see inside a window in the stitchery. He saw tables with sewing machines and empty chairs. No humans were visible. Miguel, Jericho, and Mimi were still behind the car hiding. �śGuess they decided not to risk being seen,” Matt muttered. Matt began to walk back to where they were hiding, when a third man, African American with braided hair and a long scar diagonally across his face, joined the two outside the stitchery. �śStop that Asian garbage and speak English. This is America,” the man said. The gray haired man and the Asian laughed. �śMy friend, how is it going,” the Asian asked. �śThe sewing machines are all ready and refurbished. All we need are bodies to man them and get some garments made. We have orders to fill,” the African American man said. �śToo bad we had to get rid of our previous workers,” the Asian added. �śThey were too sick to keep around. I wasn’t going to risk catching small pox,” the African American said. �śAnd we couldn’t take them to the hospital or a doctor, now could we,” the gray haired man added. �śIt was best just to put them out of their misery.” �śI made some calls today, and Reddick is out now recruiting our new workers. We’ve disinfected the housing quarters, changed all the linens, and got a hold of some vaccine for small pox. When we get them to the quarters, we’ll vaccinate them and have them on the machines within a day. Should take about two days to train them, and then we’ll be back in business,” the gray-haired man said. �śI hope you told Reddick to find all females this time, no younger than ten and no older than fifteen�"they make the best workers,” the Asian said. �śThey’re good for a little recreation, too,” the African-American man said. That’s what you’re really after, isn’t it Gung,” he asked the Asian. The man gave a huge belly laugh. �śYou two are sick,” the gray-haired man said. �śSick. Using children to make clothes for free is one thing. Using them for perversion is another. Whatever you do, I don’t want to know about it,” he said with a frown. �śOh, you won’t know,” Gung said. �śSay, do you believe in ghosts,” the gray-haired man asked the other two. �śNo. When you’re dead, you’re dead. No heaven. No after-life. No ghosts,” Gung said. �śThat’s what I thought until today,” the gray-haired man said. A crackling noise came from behind the car where the guardians were hiding. �śWhat was that,” the gray-haired man asked. �śYou’re awfully paranoid, Rick,” the African-American man said. �śYou sure you can handle this”? �śI guess it was nothing,” Rick said. �śTell us about the ghost thing,” Gung said. �śWell, I was at the Cabana having a burger before I came here. Out of nowhere, this blonde child in a white gown appeared, floating about six feet in the air,” he said. Gung and the African-American laughed hysterically. �śYou’re seeing dead children, huh,” Gung said. �śWe’ve been doing this for over seven years, making tons of money, and now you’re starting to crack-up on us,” he said. �śAre you still shooting that stuff into your veins at night,” the African-American asked. �śI still use, but it’s not the heroin. I haven’t used in two days,” Rick said. �śWell, after what we had to do to those nine kids, I think your conscience is eating at you. This is no business for anyone with a conscience,” Gung said. �śI’ll be fine,” Rick replied. �śMaybe it was just my imagination.” �śYou keep your imagination in check,” the African-American said, running his hands through his braids. He lit a cigarette and puffed smoke into Rick’s face. �śYokim, if you do that again, we’ll have a problem,” Rick said. Yokim laughed. �śGet Reddick on the phone, and see what he’s got for us, he said. Before you get your old white fanny dusted by a Rasta”. They all laughed. �śReddick, this is Rick. How many kids we got,” he asked. �śI see. That’s good. That’s good. Those kind will make the best workers,” Rick said. �śWhat’s he saying,” Yokim asked. Rick waived his hand and put his index finger over his mouth to shush Yokim. �śOkay. See you at the quarters in about an hour,” Rick said. �śSo. So. What’s up,” Gung asked. �śDig this,” Rick began, �śhe’s been over on 18th Street picking up runaways strung out on drugs. He said he got the idea from a pal who used to work the streets, but traded that business for dealing. Says that they can go for hours on end, working with no food and little supervision�"are trained to obey and only want a little high at the end of the night. It’s perfect. He’s picked up three so far, and they’re at the quarters chained to the beds asleep. He’s looking for five or six more within the hour, and we’re in business,” Rick said. �śCouldn’t be more perfect,” Gung chimed in. �śAnd their ripe for whatever else we need them to do,” Yokim said. �śI told you to keep that to yourself,” Rick replied. Matt morphed back to his ghostly form and joined his teammates. �śWell, what’s up,” Mimi said, anxiously. �śIt’s bad,” Matt said. �śReally bad. We can do a lot of good here”. Matt filled the team in on what he overheard, and gave them the names he heard the men call each other. Miguel’s eyes didn’t turn their usual blue. Instead, they were a fiery orange mixed with yellow. The veins in Jericho’s head seemed to grow even larger. Tears flowed down Mimi’s face. �śWe have to stay with these guys and find the quarters where they’re keeping the girls,” Matt said, breaking the silence. He extended his hand into the middle of the group. One-by-one, the rest of them put their hands out and on top of one another. No one spoke a word. It was understood what each of them was thinking. � CHAPTER FOUR: SOUL CATCHING � �śWhat is it that makes them resist fate,” Orin asked. �śOver the centuries, there have always been those who refuse to let go of their former existences�"those who’s spirit felt some motivation for redemption, revenge, or a god-like interventionist role,” Jordin replied. �śThese four are different,” Clause added. �śWhen they die, only one out of every million is embodied with gifts that transform them from Odinary spirits to Demi-geists, ones that have powers and can take actions to resist us. I’ve defeated many of them in my time, but I admit, these four are among the most unique I’ve known. They have powers that even they do not yet comprehend. One of them may even be a Tarron. Sometimes, I wonder if the Supreme One’s will is for them to do his bidding and we are in a futile pursuit,” Orin replied. �śWe do the work that we are commanded to do,” Jordin said. �śThey do the work that they think they are to do. I know of no mandate from the Supreme One to give them a reprieve from the fate of every soul that must present for final judgment. The way I see it, we have to seal their fate, no matter the resistance. Simply going out after them and giving chase and battle will not work, it seems. They have eluded us for several years now. We must lay a trap for them,” Clause lamented. �śWe have put things into motion that will bring closure to this. All we have to do is let them go about their bidding until they deliver themselves to us,” he added. The three Soulcatchers laughed deeply and eerily. �śI will go to the one they know as Yokim and give further instructions,” Orin said. �śThey have three of the false ones in their possession. The other six are positioned. When the sun rises over the earth a fourth time from this point, all nine of the false ones will be in place, and the one called, �śMimi” will predictably �śsense” them. The one known as Matthew will make contact. The strongest�"the one who wields electricity�"will be unable to restrain his temper and thirst for vengeance. He will lead the bald one, Jericho, to deliver the false ones. We will remove them from the others and take them to Pretonia, where they will await judgment. The others are too weak to fend us off without those two. Then, my brothers, we will have our victory and move on to other business that requires our attention,” Orin said. �śWhat of the ones called �śGung” and �śRick”,” Clause asked. �śThey have been judged. In exchange for lesser punishment by the Supreme One, they will help us to carry out our plans. Afterwards, we will send them to Hades�"the third level, instead of the seventh,” Jordin said with a huge laugh. The other Soulcatchers joined him. �śIt’s just a matter of time before the �śShadow Guardians,” as they call themselves will be no more. �śWhat of the noble work that they do,” Clause asked. �śIs it not good that they come to the aid of children and end their suffering?” Jordin clasped his hands and turned his back to the others. �śThat is not for them to decide. The Supreme One has a plan. He has Angels on the planet charged with doing what is to be done. These four are the proverbial flies in the ointment, good as their intentions may be,” Jordin roared, his eyes glowing red and his long silver hair flowing in the breeze around him. � CHAPTER FIVE: THE PEOPLE YOU MEET � Matt, Jericho, Mimi, and Miguel sat in a tree near the stitchery, waiting for some movement from Yokim, Rick, or Gung. Hours passed without any sign. �śWhat are we waiting for,” Miguel asked. �śWe should be in there busting heads and torturing them for information.” �śNo,” Jericho said. If we do that, we might never find the children they’ve taken or prevent the others they plan to take from being captured. If we take these three guys out, there’s still the one called Reddick out there, and we may never find him. He’ll find a market for his services, and what good will we have done,” he asked. �śJericho is right,” Mimi said. Matt nodded. �śFor now, we stick close to these clowns and wait for our opportunity. We may only get one chance to do some good here,” Matt said. Miguel floated down to the ground and paced around the tree. �śI’ve got an idea,” Jericho announced. �śMatt, you can assume any human form you want, right,” he asked. �śWell, yes,” Matt said. �śWe know that this Reddick guy is picking up teenage runaways over on 18th Street. Can you imagine what an advantage we would have if we had someone on the inside of his group of child captives,” he asked. �śYou’re suggesting that Matt morph into a teenage girl, find a way to get picked up by Reddick, and help us break this thing up from the inside,” Mimi asked with a bit of humor in her voice. �śExactly,” Jericho said. �śOr, Matt can just lead us to Reddick and let me do my thing to find out what we want to know,” Miguel roared up at the group, his fist blazing blue sparks. �śWhat do you think, Matt,” asked Jericho. �śI’ve never been much on cross-dressing, but you know me, I’ll do anything in my power to help the team and to protect a child. Count me in,” Matt said. �śWhat would you suggest, Mimi,” Matt asked. �śI’d say we need someone who looks about sixteen, has an out-of-state accent, dresses slightly out of the Ordinary for this part of the country, and hangs around corners where drugs are sold,” Mimi replied. �śI can hook that up,” Matt said, �śbut if I ever, for all eternity, hear any jokes from any of you about this�Ś.” �śIt’s in the interest of busting up a child slavery ring,” Matt. �śThere will be no jokes. This is serious,” Mimi said. �śOkay. I’ll do it,” Matt said. �śThat’s got to be the silliest thing I’ve ever heard of a ghost doing,” a voice shouted from the grocery store next to the stitchery. They all turned to look at an elderly man with a broom sweeping the front walkway to the store. Miguel quickly darted towards the man. �śIf you can see us, you must be evil. You’re obviously not a ghost,” Miguel said. �śSon, I don’t mean you any trouble, and no, I’m not dead either,” the man said. �śMimi, come over here,” Miguel yelled. Mimi floated from the tree over to where Miguel had the man cornered. Mimi touched the man’s arm. �śHe’s human, Miguel,” she said. He’s not evil either�"has a very pure heart,” she added. �śHow can you see us,” Miguel asked. �śI thought�Ś” The man interrupted Miguel. �śYou don’t know as much as you think you do, boy,” the elderly man said. �śWho are you,” Mimi asked. �śName’s Ed Fozzley,” the man said. �śI work here at the store as a clean-up man. Used to teach over at the elementary some time ago; was an undertaker for a few years after that. Retired and spend my days doing this, reading, fishing, and listening to the world.” By now, Jericho and Matt had gathered around the old man. �śMr. Fozzley,” this is Miguel Menendez, Matthew Broadus, Jericho,” Mimi paused. �śThomas,” Jericho said. �śAnd, I’m Miranda Morgan,” Mimi said. Mr. Fozzley bowed before the children. �śI live upstairs above the store; been there ever since my sweet wife, Magda, died ten years ago. It was about that time that I got familiar with the spirit world. Like I said, I used to be an undertaker. I know death intimately,” Fozzley said. �śI don’t mean to butt in your business, but them fellas you’re spying on are a mean bunch. You might think twice about what you’re planning.” �śWe can deal with them,” Miguel said. �śYou’re about the most stubborn ghost I ever come across, son,” Fozzley said. �śHow much do you know about them,” Matt asked. �śAin’t safe to talk about it around here,” Fozzley said. �śHow about we go up to my place and talk. I’ve got plenty of pineapple juice and sugar water,” he added. The children looked at Fozzley with a degree of amazement. �śLet me lock up the store, and we can go up,” he said. �śI don’t like this,” Miguel whispered to Mimi. �śHe’s just an innocent old man. I feel safe,” Mimi replied. �śI’ll reserve judgment,” Miguel snorted back at her. Fozzley locked up the store and beckoned the children to follow him up the back stairway to his apartment. The place was dark, lit by only candles. �śSaves on electricity,” said Fozzley. The aroma of formaldehyde and garlic pervaded the room. A crucifix hung on every wall along with pictures of Fozzley and the woman who was apparently his, �śMagda”. �śTake a seat,” Fozzley said. Miguel sat on the floor. Jericho and Mimi took the couch. Matt stood against the wall, and Fozzley plopped into the recliner. �śFirst time I’ve seen ghosts in the last two years,” Fozzley said. �śHow is it that you can see us,” Mimi asked. �śWhy are you so comfortable around us,” Matt interjected. �śMost people fear ghosts.” �śI suspect it’s because death has always been a part of my life. When I was a little boy, my father killed himself. Several years later, my brother died in a car crash. After that, my wife delivered three still-born babies on three occasions. After she died, I took up the trade as an undertaker. That’s when ghosts started appearing to me, talking to me, trying to get me to do things for them. Some things, I did. Others, I refused. I know the wrath of an unappeased ghost for sure,” Fozzley said, lifting his shirt to show scars that looked like someone dug their finger nails deep into his flesh and pealed it away. �śFrom what I overheard from you today, it doesn’t take much to know that you all died in horrific ways and came back with the plan to prevent it from happening to other children. You don’t have to tell me your stories. I can pretty much guess,” Fozzley said. �śSo, what do you know about the men who run the stitchery,” Matt asked. �śLike I said,” Fozzley replied, �śthey’re not to be messed with”. Miguel’s eyes turned electric blue. �śCalm down, fella,” Fozzley said. �śI’m gonna tell you what I know”. �śThey brought the stitchery about seven years ago. Make children’s clothes and sell them abroad. Use the cheapest labor they can find, usually children who work for little of nothing�"most of the time by force, some even chained to the sewing machines,” Fozzley said sternly. �śAnd you never tried to help them,” Miguel asked angrily. �śI’m just an old man trying to hang on to this life,” Fozzley said. �śMen like that ain’t to be messed with. �śMaybe humans can’t stop them, but I bet we can,” Miguel said, slapping hands with Jericho. �śYou might have a shot,” Fozzley said. �śLike I said, I’m an old man. I tire easily. I’m going to go rest my bones. You’re welcome to anything you want to eat or drink, and there are two bedrooms in the back if you need a place for the night. We can talk more tomorrow, if you think on it and still want to go through with your plan,” Fozzley said. �śGood night.” Fozzley walked to his bedroom, went inside, and eased the door shut behind him. The children remained in the front room. �śWhat a nice old man,” Mimi said. �śHe’s had some life, I bet,” Matt replied. �śI don’t trust him,” Miguel snapped. Jericho scratched his bald head and said nothing. �śSo, what’s the plan,” Matt asked. �śLet’s stay the night, think about things, talk this out, and re-visit the subject with Fozzley in the morning,” Jericho said. �śSounds good to me,” Mimi replied with a yawn. �śYeah, I’m down for that,” Matt said. Miguel was silent. �śThe more I think about this, the more I’m worried that something doesn’t add up,” Mimi said. �śWhat do you mean,” Jericho asked. �śWell, you and Miguel just happened to listen in on a conversation at random, and it just happened to be about some men involved in child slavery. When I tried to read the one named, �śRick’s” emotions, I got nothing. It was like he didn’t exist�"just darkness,” Mimi said. �śAll of this happened on the heels of us escaping Orin and Jordin,” she added. �śI think it might be a trap. It’s just too good to be true. What are the chances that the men we spied on would even discuss something so dastardly outside where they might be overheard,” Mimi finished. �śYou’ve got good points,” Jericho said. �śI agree,” Matt added. �śMaybe we need to slow down a little and let things develop,” Mimi replied. �śDid you forget why we came together,” Miguel asked. �śEven at the risk of there being a trap, we have to investigate this now. We can’t wait. What if there really are children being abused? Every second counts. I think we should go ahead with our plan. Let’s find this Reddick guy, get to wherever they’re keeping the kids, free them, and deal with Reddick, Rick, Yokim, and Gung the old fashioned Biblical way�"an eye for an eye,” Miguel said in a harsh tone. �śYou’ve been out-voted on this one, Mig,” Jericho said. �śThe team wants to take this cautiously. We’re going to wait and see how this plays out�"not take a risk on getting caught-up in a trap. That would be the real travesty. If this is a trap and we get caught by the Soulcatchers, then we won’t be around in the future to help all the countless other children who need us. I agree with Mimi. This doesn’t feel right,” Jericho finished. Miguel stormed out of the apartment and went outside. �śMiguel, come back,” Matt yelled. Matt started to go after Miguel, but Jericho put his hand on Matt’s shoulder and pulled him back. �śLet him go,” Mimi said. �śHe just needs some time to blow off some steam and think. Eventually, he’ll come around.” �śI hope so,” Matt said. The three of them gathered at the only window in the room, facing the street, and watched Miguel below. He was shooting electricity into the air and pacing furiously. � CHAPTER SIX: RENEGADE The sound of Fozzley’s voice awakened Mimi. �śYou three must have really needed a re-charge. Death force must have been drained by that run-in with the Soulcatchers,” Fozzley said. Mimi looked around from the couch where she was laying. Jericho and Matt were on the floor, curled up asleep. �śWhere’s the bull-headed one,” Fozzley asked. �śMiguel,” Mimi replied. �śMiguel didn’t come back last night,” she said with shock in her voice, as she arose and hovered above Jericho and Matt. �śGet up you two,” she said. �śWe have to look for Miguel”. Matt yawned, arose, dusted himself off, and nudged Jericho. �śNo school today, Mama,” he said. �śNot your Mother, man,” Matt said. �śGet up. Your death forces should be fully charged by now.” Jericho opened one eye and looked at Matt and Mimi. �śWe have to find, Miguel,” Matt said. �śHe’s out there somewhere alone,” Mimi added. �śHe shouldn’t be so pig-headed,” Jericho replied. �śHe’s one of us, and if any of us falls, we all fall together,” Mimi said. �śNow, let’s go”. Fozzley didn’t say anything. He had gone to the kitchen and come back with three glasses of pineapple juice. The children each took a glass and gulped the energy-giving juice down. �śLet’s go,” Matt said, opening the door to the apartment. Jericho stepped outside first, and Matt followed. �śI caught that comment about us battling the Soulcatchers, Mr. Fozzley,” Mimi said, when they were alone. �śI see,” Fozzley said. �śWe never mentioned that to you. How could you know,” she asked. �śBest to run along with your friends and save Miguel,” Fozzley said. �śWe can talk about me some other time,” he said. Mimi stared at him for a moment, then touched his arm. She felt a sense of goodness in Fozzley’s spirit, but couldn’t penetrate into his thoughts or feelings. �śI’ve been around ghosts for a long time,” Fozzley said. �śAnything you learn about me will be because I tell you about it, not because you try to use your powers on me,” he said. �śYou be sure to come back here and get me, if you need some help getting your friend back,” Fozzley said. Mimi hugged him and then walked outside to join the others. Miguel darted through the city, chasing the car being driven by Gung, Yokim, and Rick. He had been on their tail for the past hour. He listened to them joke and talk about sports and about women and, of course, about the stitchery and the need for new workers to make clothes. They bragged about the money they had made and shared stories of past dealings with the child workers who made them rich. Miguel was focused and enraged. The men were going to meet Reddick. He had phoned Rick to say that he had found six more children to work at the stitchery and had them at the quarters where the other three had been taken. Miguel intended to free the children from their shackles and then free Rick, Reddick, Yokim, and Gung from their lives. �śIf I were a hot-tempered, egotistical, stubborn, one-man-wrecking crew with power beyond belief and a vengeful spirit, where would I go,” Jericho asked rhetorically. �śCan you sense anything, Mimi,” Matt asked. �śYes. I can send residual traces of his signature, and the singed tree branches, grass, and power-lines are obvious calling cards,” she said. �śLet’s get going,” Matt said. The team hovered in the air, Mimi taking the lead, following the traces of Miguel’s path. �śLooks like the path is leading to the harbor,” Mimi said after a short while. They continued flying in that direction. �śDon’t forget to keep a look out for Soulcatchers,” Jericho reminded everyone. �śLike we need to be reminded of that,” Matt snorted. �śThere, ahead, see it,” Mimi asked. �śIt’s the car that the one named, �śRick” was driving yesterday. �śWhat’s left of it,” Jericho said. �śMiguel must be wielding his powers on a whole new level that even I’ve never seen,” Matt said. �śIt looks like it’s been on the surface of the sun,” he added. �śAt least we’re on the right path,” Jericho said. �śWe have to find him.” �śMaybe it’s not him we have to worry about saving,” Matt laughed. �śGlad he’s on our side.” �śAccording to what I’m picking up, there was more than one car here. Whoever was in that car that Miguel destroyed lived and apparently got into another car. I still sense his trail ahead of us,” Mimi said. � CHAPTER SEVEN: DISCOVERIES Yokim and Gung, and Rick lay on the floor, motionless. The electric charge had immobilized them. Reddick was presently trying to siphon air through his narrower-than-usual windpipe which was being constricted by Miguel’s hand, as he lifted him the air by his right hand. �śWhere are the kids you’re holding,” Miguel asked with disgust in his voice. �śForget you, man. I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Reddick said. �śNot what I was looking for; try again,” Miguel said, thrusting a charge of electricity into Reddick’s gut with his left hand. Reddick fell to the ground, limp. �śIt’s very simple gentlemen. You are evil, and you have imprisoned children for the purpose of child slavery�"labor to make garments at your factory. I am good. I am here to liberate the children. I care not what happens to you; my goal is the welfare of the children. One way or another, I will free them. Whether your deaths are consequences of the steps to their freedom is up to you. Now, who’s ready for more,” he asked, lifting Yokim from the ground and leaning him against a wall. Miguel drew back his fist and charged it with electricity, then punched in Yokim’s direction, just missing his head and exploding the wall into shards, as Yokim leaned to his left. Unfortunately for him, the next punch didn’t miss Yokim. His skin melted from his face and blisters appeared around his eyes. His brown skin was now a dark purple. �śI’ll show you the kids,” Yokim said. �śNo, don’t,” Rick screamed. Miguel formed a blade of electricity with his left hand and pushed it into Rick’s neck, killing him instantly. He repeated the same on Gung and Reddick. �śBest be going before the Soulcatchers get here,” Miguel said, leading Yokim to his car. �śDrive,” Miguel commanded him. Yokim put the car in gear and drove towards the harbor. Miguel drank a bottle of pineapple juice that he had brought from Fozzley’s house. He was exhausted, but he knew the worst lay ahead of him. When they arrived at the harbor, Yokim drove deep into a maze of shipping crates on the docks. �śThere, the yellow one,” he said. �śCome on, you’re going in too,” Miguel said. �śI can’t make it man. I’m in so much pain. There right in that crate. With your powers, you should easily rip through it and have them out in no time,” Yokim said. �śI’m not having any tricks, dude,” Miguel said. �śNow, let’s go.” Miguel kicked Yokim in the back, and he flew out of the car onto the docks. Miguel came around the car and picked him up and drug him to the yellow crate. �śOpen it,” Miguel said. �śWe would be happy to open it for you,” a voice from the sky said. Orin and Jordin hovered above the yellow crate. Clause hovered just above the other two Soulcatchers. �śWe end this now,” Clause said. With a swish of his sword, Orin opened the crate. Nine ghosts floated out. Miguel looked around him. He was surrounded. �śYou’re going with the Soulcatchers today, but not before we introduce you to the worst pain you’ve ever known in life or death,” a voice said. Miguel recognized it as Gung. He, Rick, and Reddick were behind the yellow crate hovering in the air. �śYou really thought you were something, didn’t you, boy,” Reddick said. �śThat was some of the best acting I ever saw,” said Gung. �śGhosts, just like you, boy. Don’t have your special powers, but then again, you won’t either in a few minutes.” They all laughed. �śI only know one way to go out, and if I’m going, it won’t be easy for you,” Miguel said. He formed a sphere of electricity around himself. Orin and Jordin clanged at the sphere with their swords to no avail. Clause charged at full speed towards that sphere and invited Jordin and Orin to join him. Miguel knew it wouldn’t hold against the power of the three of them. He lowered the sphere and shot electricity into the sky, allowing it to flow at full capacity for as many seconds as he could. Orin and Jordin were within inches of him, and he could feel the heat of their swords. A gale-force wind swooped down and lifted Orin and Jordin. Several tornadoes spun about and lifted crates, water, machinery, Clause, and mud into the air. Torrential rains poured. Miguel formed his protective electric sphere around himself again and watched the Soulcatchers battling the elements, to his amusement. The nine child ghosts who he had come to rescue from the stitchery took turns running into the sphere and bouncing to the ground, stunned. �śThere he is,” Matt yelled to Jericho and Mimi. �śAll respect to the Supreme One,” began Jericho, �śhe’s battling three Soulcatchers and winning.” �śLet’s get him out of here,” Mimi said. The flew over to Miguel. �śFollow us,” Mimi yelled to him. Miguel spread his sphere to cover Mimi, Jericho, and Matt. He carried them away from the docks back to Fozzley’s apartment. �śThat was the dumbest thing you’ve ever done,” Mimi admonished Miguel. He didn’t say a word. �śYou really had us worried, and you could have been taken by the Soulcatchers, never to be seen again,” Matt added. �śYou put all of us in danger, Miguel,” Jericho said. �śWe are a team, remember,” he added. �śThe important thing that you’re missing here is that you all came back safe after fighting nine ghosts and three Soulcatchers,” Fozzley interjected. �śThat’s what you should be worried about. You did something I’m sure no other ghosts have ever done, and you’ve got them confused, mad, and desperate. What you need to be thinking about is how they’re going to come at you next time,” Fozzley added. �śWe know that that stitchery was just a trap,” Miguel finally said. �śFirst thing is to make sure they never use it again,” he added, walking over to the window and opening it. Miguel clenched his fists together and fired blue flames at the stitchery, exploding it into a pile of concrete and wood splinters. �śIs everything with him about flexing his powers and destroying things,” Jericho asked the others. �śThanks to my powers, you’re not being held captive somewhere by Soulcatchers,” Miguel replied sharply. �śI’m sure that Orin, Clause, and Jordin know about this place and know you’re here,” Fozzley said. The others looked puzzled, but no one said anything. They all wondered how Fozzley seemed to know so much about ghosts, Soulcatchers, Hades, and other supernatural things, if he was just a human who had had some occasional contact with ghosts in the past. They suspected that he wasn’t being honest about something. �śSince they know I’ve been helping you, I bet it’s a safe guess that I’m mixed up in all of this too, now,” Fozzley said. �śWe can only stay here for a short while longer, and then we need to find another safe place to make a home,” he added. �śAny thoughts on where we should go,” Matt asked. �śWell, it can’t be in this state,” Fozzley said. �śGhosts tend to stand out in a place like Maine. We need to go somewhere where there are lots of people, lots of souls, and lots of ghosts among which to get lost. The more people around, the less chance the Soulcatchers have of picking up your death trails and coming after you.” �śThat pretty much limits us to New York, Florida, Texas, and California, if my knowledge of geography is right,” Matt said. �śWho said it has to be somewhere in the United States,” Mimi asked. �śWell, for me, I’m not too fond of being that far away from my family,” Jericho said. The others nodded their agreement. �śSo, what’s it going to be,” Migueal asked. �śProbably lots of children who need our help in a place like New York,” Mimi said. �śI was thinking the same,” Matt replied. �śNew York sounds good,” Jericho said. �śNew York,” Miguel added. �śWe can take the train down to New York City in the morning,” Fozzley said. �śI’ve got some old friends who live there who can put us up for a few weeks, until we get on our feet,” he added. �śI’ll make some calls. In the meantime, you all need to re-energize. There’s sugar water, grape juice, and pineapple juice in the kitchen. One of you should stand guard outside for a couple of hours, then rotate to the next person, just in case the Soulcatchers mount a surprise visit,” Fozzley said, walking down the hall to get the telephone. �śI’ll take first watch,” Miguel said, walking out of the apartment and standing downstairs in front of the grocery store. Mimi went to the back of the apartment where Fozzley was seated on his bed, furiously dialing the phone and packing his belongings at the same time. �śNeed some help,” she asked. �śIf you could reach on that top shelf and get those newspapers and books, that would be a tremendous help,” Fozzley said. �śBeen keeping those for years,” he added. �śMimi floated to the top shelf and retrieved Fozzley’s things. She couldn’t help glance at the newspaper on top of the pile. The headline read, �śSeven Perish in Coal Fire”, and it was dated March 27, 1801. Her eyes grew larger and her heart raced, but she didn’t say anything to Fozzley. �śSo, we barely know much about you, Mr. Fozzley, other than that you’re a good person who can see ghosts and obviously have some secrets,” Mimi said. �śI could say somewhat the same about you and your friends,” Fozzley replied. �śTell you what,” he began. �śYou tell me your stories, and I’ll see if I can fill in some of the gaps about myself for you. Is that a deal,” he asked. �śDeal,” Mimi said. �śWell, first there’s Miguel. Miguel Menendez was born in Portland, as we all were. Miguel grew up in a house that included his mother, his step-father, and his younger brother, Jesse. Miguel’s step-father was an evil man. He used drugs, drank, and ran around on Miguel’s mother with other women, not trying to hide it. Miguel and Jesse hated him. Their real father had died in a car crash when Miguel was seven and his brother was three. Miguel’s said his step-father used to beat his mother up really bad almost every night�"so much that she couldn’t keep a steady job and eventually just stayed home, making pottery to sell to a local shop. Anyway, Jesse had a problem wetting the bed. He slept really hard and couldn’t wake himself up to go when he had to. Miguel always talks about this one time that his stepfather made Jesse sleep in his wet bed for a week, not letting him change the sheets to teach him a lesson. If you ever want to see Miguel’s eyes turn electric blue, just bring up that story. Miguel and his brother were very close. They used to pray to the Supreme One to kill their step-father, but it never happened. Their family was poor, and Miguel and Jesse were allowed to share a meal every other day. If they didn’t finish it all, they were beaten with a broom and locked in a closet. Miguel ran away from home once with Jesse, but his step-father found them and made them walk six miles with no shoes on behind the car carrying their bags until they got back home. Then, he beat their mother, saying it was her fault that they left and that she helped them escape. One night, Miguel’s step-dad was drinking a lot and smoking drugs. He went into Miguel and Jesse’s room to wake them up to go work in the yard. Miguel got up and got dressed and went outside to wait for his step-father and Jesse. Jesse wouldn’t wake up, and even worse, he had wet the bed. Miguel’s step-dad tied Jesse’s hands and feet with duct tape, got a rope, and hung him by the neck from a tree on the other side of the house from where Miguel was waiting. Their mother was asleep. Miguel must have sensed that they were taking too long and knew something was wrong. He ran to the other side of the house and saw Jesse hanging from a tree while his step-dad hit him with a piece of rope, like a whip. Miguel ran towards his brother. It was raining really hard, and there was a big storm. Before Miguel reached his brother, lightning struck him and killed him instantly. His brother died minutes later from a broken neck and suffocation. Miguel says that a soul catcher�"he swears it was Clause�"came and took his brother while he watched. Miguel was approached by Orin, but ran away. Orin found him, and somehow, Miguel shot electricity at Orin from his hands. He got away. For the next few years, Miguel spent his death, dodging Soulcatchers, helping abused children, and trying to find a way to the afterlife to see Jesse. He met Matt one day, and they’ve been friend ever since.” Mimi was quiet. Fozzley had tears streaming down his face. �śWhat happened to Miguel’s step-father,” Fozzley asked. �śMiguel won’t talk about it,” Mimi said. �śBut, Matt says he knows for a fact that Miguel killed him, burned his body, and carries his ashes in that charm around his neck,” Mimi said. �śAt least your death was for a purpose,” Miguel said. �śThank you,” Fozzley said. �śDon’t ever mention how he died to Matt,” Mimi said. �śHe’s ashamed that he took what he calls, �Śthe coward’s way out of life’”. Matthew Broadus committed suicide when he was fourteen. His mother’s boyfriend used to beat them every day, after drinking heavily. He blamed them for him having to work two construction jobs, and he hated his ex-wife for leaving the state with his daughter. His way of coping was to beat them every night. Everyone at school knew what Matt went through. He was embarrassed and felt weak and powerless. He sometimes describes it like he felt raped. He couldn’t defend himself or his Mother. One night while everyone was asleep, Matt drank his step-father’s gin and downed a bottle of over a hundred Xanax pills. He says that when he awoke, a soul catcher was holding his hand�"he claims it was Orin. Matt jerked away and ran from him. He found that he had the power to turn into human form and interact with humans, turning into any shape, size, color, or type of human he wanted to be. Matt says he went back to the house and appeared before his mother’s boyfriend and haunted him every day until he lost his mind and had to be locked away in a mental ward. He won’t admit it, but I’ve been to that mental facility and was told that Matt’s stepfather was murdered within a year of being locked up�"said he died in a burning bed. That was about the time he met Miguel. Miguel won’t discuss it, but they have a brotherhood pact. My guess is that the two of them got revenge on Matt’s step-father. Jericho Thomas has only been with our team for about a week. We know little of him, but we’re sure he’s got a good heart and is true to the team. He says he was kidnapped by some men who didn’t like his skin color, and they hung him from a tree until he died. He said that when the soul catcher came for him, he was filled with rage, dying the way he did. He fled capture and made a promise to hunt his killers down and get revenge. That was a year ago. When we came across him for the first time, he was lying in a field, hiding from Orin and Jordin, too weak to run anymore. I gave him a boost of energy, and he came with us. He’s been with us ever since. He has the ability is to control humans by whispering what he wants them to do, as long as it is for good and not for evil,” Mimi said. �śAnd what’s your story, Miranda,” Fozzley asked. �śMimi felt a shiver, being called by her real name. �śMy twin sister, Molly, and I were outside playing in the sandbox. She had built an igloo out of sand, and I went in the house to get my dolls, so they could sleep in it. My father and my Mother were fighting. He was drunk, and Mom was trying to stop him from leaving the house. He stumbled past me, Mom following him, as I walked to my room. I looked around for my dolls and couldn’t find them, so I opened the window to yell outside to Molly to see if she had moved them. When I looked outside, I saw my Mom on the ground, my father kicking her over and over. I bolted out of the room and out of the house. When I got outside, our father had Molly by the throat with his left hand, lifting her from the ground. She was turning blue. He punched her in the face with his other hand a couple of times, and blood was coming from her nose, running onto her dress. I could feel her pain, literally. I picked up a shovel that Molly and I had been using to dig in our sandbox, and I hit him in the knee with it as hard as I could. He screamed and dropped Molly. I tried to run. He caught me, and he sat on me and punched me until I was dizzy. He got off, and I tried to crawl away. I was on my stomach. I heard Molly scream. I felt the worse pain in the back of my neck, and everything went black. The next thing I know, I was standing over my dead body, my head severed from my neck. I never asked, but I know that Miguel and Matt killed him.” �śCome here,” Fozzley said, opening his arms. He and Mimi embraced and held each other for what seemed to be hours. �śI hate to break this up,” Matt said, knocking on the door, �śbut, you’re up for guard duty, Mimi.” �śYou still owe me your part of the bargain,” Mimi said to Fozzley before walking from the room. Matt lingered for a second, giving Fozzley a strange look, then followed Mimi. The next morning, they all rode in Fozzley’s 1968 Plymouth to the train station. Fozzley and Matt�"in human form�"purchased tickets for the trip to New York. They found their sleeping car, and everyone piled in. Since only Fozzley had baggage, there was plenty of room for the group and, of course plenty of sugar and water and juices. �śDo you know what a Demi-geist is,” Fozzley asked the children. Each of them looked confused. �śYou are Demi-geists,” Fozzley replied. �śA Demi-geist is a ghost empowered with abilities not typical of Odinary ghosts. Your power to wield electricity, Miguel, and your power to read the consciences of people, Mimi, your power to control humans, Jericho, and your power to transform into a human and act within the human world, Matt, make each of you Demi-geists. Odinary ghosts are not given such gifts,” Fozzley replied. �śDoes that make us immortal,” Miguel asked. �śNo,” Fozzley replied. It makes you very rare among ghosts. Immortality lies within a higher form of ghosts called, �ŚTarrons’,” Fozzley added. �śThere have only been twelve Tarrons known throughout history, and only six survive today. They are on a level beyond comprehension�"almost God-like,” Fozzley said with a bit of fear in his voice. �śTarrons make Soulcatchers seem like amateur ghosts learning to master simple things like drinking sugar water,” he finished. There was silence. �śWhen we get to New York, I’m going to take you to visit an old friend who is experienced in matters of Demi-geists and Tarrons. Perhaps, she can help us make some sense of your purposes in death and foretell things to come,” Fozzley said. �śFor now, get as much rest as you can. I fear that the darkest roads are ahead of us,” he said. �śI wonder if being alone all those years has taken a toll on the old man,” Miguel whispered to Matt. They shared a laugh. � CHAPTER EIGHT: OF HIGHER POWERS �śNew York City,” announced the conductor over the loudspeaker. �śChildren, we’re here,” Fozzley said, shaking Miguel, then Jericho, then Matt, and finally Mimi. The jumped to attention. �śAlready,” Matt asked. �śNot that long of a ride,” Fozzley replied. �śLet’s gather our things and head into the city to see Selda, my friend who I mentioned earlier,” Fozzley said. Fozzley led the four children off the train. The followed him to a waiting area, where he hailed a cab. �ś431 Menessman Street,” Fozzley instructed the driver. Soon they were on the highway and zooming into the heart of the city. �śHow do you know �ŚSelda’, Miguel asked. �śShe’s been a dear friend for many years,” Fozzley responded. She helped me through the grief after the departing of my dear wife,” Fozzley said. �śShe has a gift. She can see inside souls and foretell the future. I need her to examine each of you and tell me if some of my suspicions are correct,” Fozzley said. The cab sped down the expressway, headed to Selda’s house. �śSay, mister,” the cab driver said. �śYes,” Fozzley replied. �śIt ain’t my business if you want to have conversations with yourself, but do you mind keeping it down a little,” he said. �śOf course. I apologize,” Fozzley said. Matt and Miguel laughed hysterically. �śWatch this,” Miguel said. He floated to the front of the cab and turned the knob on the radio to full blast. Loud music filled the cab. The driver quickly turned the knob to a lower level. Matt, still laughing, reached and turned the knob up to full blast again. �śWhat the,” the driver said. He looked back at the graying, thin, tall, man with the horned-rimmed glasses. Fozzley smiled at him. �śMust be a shortage in a wire,” Fozzley said. The driver didn’t say anything. He turned the volume back down. Matt floated to the front of the cab and sat in the passenger’s seat. He turned the dial on the radio to another station. Country music blared throughout the cab. The driver threw his hands in the air and cussed. He hit the radio with his fist and then turned it off. Miguel, Matt, and Jericho laughed uncontrollably. �śRather childish,” Mimi said to them with a frown. �śBoys, let’s leave this nice man alone and focus,” Fozzley said. Matt returned to the back of the cab, hovering in the air. They all looked at Fozzley, waiting for him to say something. �śIt’s been almost fifteen years since I visited Selda,” Fozzley said. She’s a bit eccentric, but deep down she has a pure heart. All I ask is that you show her respect and do exactly as she says, no matter how illogical or odd,” Fozzley said. �śA nut case, huh,” Miguel laughed. �śI think what she will have to tell us will be of the utmost importance to you in particular, Miguel, if my suspicions are correct,” Fozzley said. Miguel gave Fozzley a puzzled look. When the arrived at 431 Menessman Street, Mimi, Jericho, Matt, and Miguel studied the exterior of the red, brick building with the green awning. �śForever Homes,” read the sign hanging from a metal pole protruding from the building above the awning. The place looked half abandoned, aside from the perfect landscaping and flower garden that ran along three of its four corners. �śLet’s get inside,” Fozzley said. The cab driver gave him another look of bewilderment. �śI always get the crazies,” he muttered to himself. �śThat’ll be twenty,” the driver said to Fozzley. Fozzley handed the man a twenty-dollar bill. �śPlus my tip,” the driver said rudely. Fozzled ruffled in his pockets and pulled out a five dollar bill and handed it to the driver. The trunk of the cab popped open. Fozzley got his bags, and walked with the children to the front door of the apartment building. The cab sped away. Fozzley buzzed apartment �ś136”, and waited. There was no answer. He pressed the �ścall” button once more. Still no answer. He poised his forefinger to press the button again, and a voice answered before he could complete the motion. �śWho are you,” the raspy voice inquired. �śSelda, it’s Ed Fozzley,” he said. �śWho,” the woman asked. �śEd. Ed Fozzley, the old undertaker from Craven’s Funeral Home,” Fozzley said. �śOh. Oh, dear. Come in. Come in,” Selda said, her voice noticeably filled with excitement. The front door made a popping sound, as the lock released. Fozzley opened the door and waived for the children to enter. Matt, Jericho, Miguel, and Mimi floated into the building. Fozzley followed. �śSelda won’t be able to see you,” Fozzley warned the children. �śShe does have a gift that allows her to hear the dead, though,” he added. �śWhen she’s speaking to you, try to stay in front of her”. When they arrived at apartment number 136, Fozzley gently rapped on the door. Within an instant, a very short, stout, woman with dyed red hair, and spectacles opened the door. The odor of cat urine flowed from the room. Several felines circled her legs, purring and meowing. �śEddie,” the woman said, embracing Fozzley in a bear hug, his beard rubbing her bosom. �śIt’s been too long,” she added. �śAbout fifteen years,” Fozzley replied. �śIt’s okay, children,” I know you’re there. �śBy my count, there are four of you�"three boys and a girl,” Selda said. �śPleased to meet you,” Mimi said, extending her hand, then retracting it after realizing that Selda couldn’t see her. Matt changed to his human form. �śI’m Matt,” he said, extending his hand. Selda didn’t show the slightest bit of amazement to have a ghost morph into human form and appear before her. She shook his hand. �śThat’s some gift,” she said to Matt. �śI’m Jericho. Nice to meet you,” Jericho said. �śFirst African American ghost I’ve met in several months. You’d think you’d run into more of them here in Brooklyn,” Selda said. �śNice to meet you, Jericho,” she added. �śNow, who’s the shy one,” Selda asked. �śI’m Miguel, and I’m far from shy,” Miguel said. �śSuch power,” Selda said. Fozzley looked at her with amazement. �śLet’s all have a seat in the living room, so Ed can tell me why he broke fifteen year’s silence to visit me with four Demi-geists,” Selda said. They followed her to the living room. Fozzley took a seat in the recliner. The screams of a cat made him jump up from the chair, and a black cat leaped from the recliner. Fozzley sat back down. Selda took a seat on the floor, her legs crossed Indian-style. The children all sat on the couch. �śSo, what’s on your mind,” Selda asked Fozzley. �śCan I talk to you in private for a moment,” Fozzley asked Selda. �śSure thing,” she said. �śKids, make yourself at home. There’s sugar and juice in the kitchen. We’ll be right back,” Selda said to the invisible children and Matt. Selda led Fozzley to her bedroom and shut the door. �śYou’ve mellowed out a lot, Ed,” Selda said. No more battling the Tarrons or soul-catchers,” she asked. �śThat’s part of the reason I’m here,” Fozzley said. �śI think the boy, Miguel, may be a Tarron.” Selda sat on the bed, her knees shaking. �śThere’s only six of them on the planet that we know of,” she said. �śI know,” Fozzley acknowledged. �śWhat makes you think he may be on that level,” Selda asked. �śThe boy defeated Orin, Jordin, Clause, and nine ghosts by himself. He wielded power that I haven’t witnessed, including controlling the elements and doing it with ease. I suspect he’s only tapped the surface of his powers,” Fozzley said. �śBut, Tarrons are one in a billion creations,” Selda said. �śHave The Legion of Six made any attempts for him,” Selda asked. �śI don’t think they know, yet,” Fozzley said. �śAfter the word gets around about him defeating the Soulcatchers alone, I’m sure their interest will be peaked. They’ll come for him. It’s just a matter of time,” Fozzley said. �śAre you going to tell him,” Selda asked. �śNot just yet,” Fozzley said. �śThat would mean telling him who I am, and I’m not ready for that,” he added. �śWhat do you need me to do,” Selda asked. �śWell, I want you to interact with them and let me know what you sense. With Miguel, I want you to see if you pick up any vibes that he’s a Tarron,” Fozzley said. �śDo you still have that place over on Striker Avenue that you used to rent out,” Fozzley asked. �śYeah, it just went back on the market,” Selda replied. �śWe’ll take it,” Fozzley said. �śSo long as no battles with the Tarrons or with Soulcatchers level the place, it’s yours,” Selda said. Fozzley laughed. �śI intend to shepherd these children and protect them from Tarrons and Soulcatchers,” he said. �śStill got that fighting spirit, huh, Ed,” Selda asked. �śIt’s been some years, but I can still give a soul catcher a match; Tarrons are a different matter. I’ve never met one that wasn’t inclined towards mischief and chaos, particularly with respect to the human race�"always trying to purge the population and rule over them, causing disasters, and promoting evil actions. I hope that I can save Miguel, should it be determined that our suspicions are correct and he is in fact a Tarron.” There was a knock at the door. �śCome in,” Selda said. Matt walked into the room. �śYou forgot we were waiting for you, Foz,” Matt asked. �śNo, we’ll be on our way in a little while. First, I want all of you to have the chance to get to know Selda a little better. I have a feeling that she’s going to be a good resource for the team in the days to come,” Fozzley said. The gang sat around and talked to Selda for a while. Characteristic of teenagers, however, they were soon wanting for bigger adventures. �śI’m bored,” Matt said. �śYou know what that means,” Miguel replied. �śAnyone up for schooling the newbie on our favorite hobby,” asked Matt, pointing to Jericho. �śCount me in,” Mimi said. The children let Fozzley know that they were going out for a couple of hours and left the house. They found themselves walking down a street two blocks from Selda’s place. �śSee those teenagers sitting in that car smoking,” Mimi said. �śYo, that’s not tobacco,” Miguel added. �śCome on,” Matt waived. Matt turned to human form. He walked up to the Volkswagen, knocked on the window, and waited. The kids inside stopped moving around and turned down the radio. Matt knocked again. Miguel shined blue lights in the car from his fists. The kids could be heard coughing. �śOpen that door,” Matt said in his best imitation of a police officer. The doors to the car unlocked, and the window went down. A bushy-haired kid, no older than sixteen, wearing a black jumpsuit reached his head out the window. �śYes,” he said. �śYou shouldn’t do drugs,” Matt said. �śSir,” the boy asked. �śIt makes you see things like this”! Matt morphed his face from a pale, blonde to a dark, African American. The boy screamed, turned the car on, and drove away. Miguel, Jericho, and Mimi were on their knees laughing and half-crying. Matt joined them. They laughed and hissed and described what had happened to each other several times. �śThat was too hilarious,” Mimi said. �śLet’s run another one,” Jericho said. �śYou guys are too much,” he added. �śA woman this time,” Mimi said. �śA woman. Someone else who needs to be taught a lesson,” she added. �śI know,” Mimi said, �ślet’s go to the park”. Jericho and Matt were still on the ground laughing. �śGet up, you guys,” Mimi demanded. �śLet’s get going, while we have time”. Miguel extended his hand to Jericho and helped him up. Then he did the same for Matt. Once all were upright, they followed Mimi. � CHAPTER NINE: CHOSEN �śLet me understand you,” Caroth said to Krizel, Shorman, Loth, Beegal, and Kristh. �śWhat we thought to be a child Demi-geist defeated three Soulcatchers and nine ghosts by himself, wielding only powers over the elements”? �śHe did so in such destructive fashion that it is said that the Soulcatchers FEAR him now”? �śThat is correct my brother,” Krizel said. The others nodded agreement. �śFrom what I’ve heard of his powers, it is being said that he transcends the abilities of Demi-geists and may be the foretold seventh and final Tarron that has been prophesized to lead us some day. We must find him, test him thoroughly and decide if we are to take him in, train him, and prepare him for the throne,” Caroth said. �śAgreed,” Loth said. �śI’ve heard that he is in the protection and care of our old friend Fozzley,” Kristh said. Caroth roared with laughter. �śNothing would make me happier than to crush Fozzley and take the child into our care,” he said. �śFirst, let’s pay a little visit to the Soulcatchers, Orin, Jordin, and Clause,” Caroth said. �śThey’re knowledge and experiences may be useful to us. Clause, Orin, and Jordin hovered around the spot on the docks where days earlier they had mounted an unsuccessful attempt to capture the Demi-geist known as Miguel Menedez. They hoped visiting this spot would reveal clues about the young ghost, the scope of his true powers, and more importantly, what they could do to finally take him. �śThere were no storms in the area that night,” Clause said. �śWe have to conclude that he conjured them with his powers. The ease with which he fended us off and repelled our powers and weapons suggests that he is not just a Demi-geist as we have believed to this point,” he added. �śYou think he is the one that The Six have been seeking to come forth, as prophesized,” Jordin asked. �śI can see no other conclusion,” Jordin replied. �śIf he’s just a Demi-geist, he is by far the most powerful to have existed. His friends are gifted with powers, but theirs’ are in infancy compared to the Menendez boy,” Jordin added. �śPerhaps they are all Tarrons,” Orin suggested. �śTarrons are the rarest form of ghosts,” Clause said. �śIt would be astronomically unlikely that they possess such powers. It’s true that they have yet to discover the extent of their capabilities, but I do not sense that they are Tarrons. I am troubled to admit it, but the ease with which the boy defeated us, without aid from his friends, instantly struck me as on the level of a Tarron when we battled that night”. �śI think we should proceed on the premise that he is indeed the seventh and final Tarron,” Orin said. �śWhat does that mean for us and for our attempts to finally bring him to judgment and end his days on earth,” Jordin asked. �śI think our goal remains the same�"to capture him,” Orin replied. �śI do see another angle to this, however. �śIf The Six have concluded as we have that he is a Tarron, then they will stop at nothing to find and acquire him. They believe the seventh Tarron is destined to lead them to world domination, over humans, ghosts, angels, and all other creatures. If they get him, the world may be upon the brink of its darkest days. We have managed to battle the Tarrons�"The Six�"despite their considerable advantages and powers, but I fear that the addition of the boy will make it impossible for us to continue to thwart their goals,” Orin added. �śWe have to find the boy, end his days on earth, and keep him from the hands of The Six,” Jordin said, rather dryly and with some concern in his voice. �śCall a gathering of the other Soulcatchers�"Fidex, Wasu, and Melay. We will need all of our combined strength to fight The Six, should it come to that. In the meantime, our goal is to find the boy,” Jordin finished. A loud thunder on the horizon boomed. Flashes of fire swooshed towards the place where the Soulcatchers were meeting. There were six flaming objects approaching fast. �śOn your guards,” Orin commanded. Each soul catcher drew his flaming sword, and they held hands, forming a protective field around them. The flaming objects landed, and The Six stepped forward. �śWe do not come to destroy you this day,” Orin, Jordin, and Clause, nor the other Soulcatchers,” Krizel said. �śWe come to bargain”. The Soulcatchers continued their defensive posture. �śWhat is it that you want,” Orin asked. �śWe seek the boy who defeated you here that night,” Krizel said. �śWe do not know his whereabouts,” Clause said. �śYou lie,” Caroth roared, �śbut nevertheless, we sense his death trail�"his and the other children and our old friend, Fozzley,” Krizel said. �śSo, they have fled with Fozzley to safer places,” Caroth laughed. �śBe warned, Soulcatchers. We know that you intend to keep the boy from us and deliver him for judgment and removal from this planet. You would be wise to stay out of our way and the destiny of the boy, the seventh Tarron”. There was a large plume of smoke, blinding the Soulcatchers. When it cleared, The Six were gone. � CHAPTER TEN: CHOSEN Selda had asked them questions for hours on end and had them demonstrate their powers through �śassessment challenges,” as she called them. Mimi’s tests were mostly mental�"gauging the scope of any telepathic powers, telekinetic powers, powers of persuasion, charging spirits with elemental engery and tracking spirits. Selda concluded that Mimi was talented, but far less advanced in using her gifts than Selda would have guessed. It was a matter of time before she would wield any awe inspiring powers, Selda had told her. Miguel’s tests assessed his powers over the elements�"particularly electricity and fire. In one test, he turned himself into pure electricity and reached a recorded temperature of 25,657 degrees. Miguel’s ability to control the weather was tested. He produced storms, tornados, gale-force winds, rain, sleet, and snow. Selda concluded and informed Miguel that he was among the most powerful spirits that she ever met, but could use an attitude adjustment before he fully mastered his powers. �śYou’re too much in love with yourself to take risks, and it takes risks to reach higher platforms of power,” Selda told him. Selda spent the least amount of time testing Matt’s powers. �śYou can change to a human form, huh,” Selda asked with a smug smile. After testing him, Selda concluded that Matt had the best control of his gift compared to the other children but was likely over-looking some other ability and not allowing it to develop. Finally, Selda tested Jericho. She gauged the radius of his power to control people’s thoughts, his ability to touch people and make them do as he said, and his ability to amplify other spirits powers, particularly Mimi’s. Selda concluded that Jericho might someday rival Miguel in power, but was a novice and needed much polishing. Miguel, Mimi, Jericho, and Matt gulped bottle after bottle of pineapple and grape juice following the testing sessions. They were drained. As they rode with Fozzley and Selda to the new home that Selda was renting to them, not a word was spoken. Fozzley looked at them in the rearview mirror and smiled. It was a nervous happiness. He was happy to be assisting such gifted youth with such a noble mission, but terrified at the same time that they were being sought by both the Tarrons and the Soulcatchers. The Tarrons only cared about acquiring Miguel at any cost, but would likely let the other children be, so long as they did not interfere in the Tarron’s goal to obtain Miguel. The Soulcatchers wanted to capture all of the children, bring them to judgment and remove their souls from the earth. Fozzley wondered how he (and Selda) could stand against such power. When she was sure that the children could not hear her speak, Selda turned up the radio in the car and whispered to Fozzley. �śI’m convinced that Miguel is the seventh Tarron,” she said. �śThe others are much more powerful than any Demi-geists I have seen in my time, but they have much to learn about themselves and their powers. You know The Six are coming for Miguel,” she said. �śI can feel their presence in the astral plane, headed this way”. �śSelda,” Fozzley said, �śyou’re an angel on earth”. �śIndeed. Indeed,”she said. �śI don’t know about you,” Miguel said, �śbut I’m ready to get back to what we came together to do. Let’s help some children,” he added. �śI agree,” said Mimi. �śI’ve got an idea,” Matt said. �śLet’s walk the subway and have Mimi use her gift to sense those who need help.” �śLet’s go,” Jericho said. �śI’ll go let Fozzley know we’re going out for a couple of hours,” Mimi said. Almost immediately, Mimi’s head hurt. There was a sharp pain for thirty seconds, then she could hear Fozzley’s voice in her ears. �śBe very careful,” he said. �śLook out for Soulcatcher and others who seem to have ill intentions”. Mimi thought and whispered, �śwe will”. �śFozzley knows,” Mimi told the group. �śHow,” Matt asked. Somehow, we just communicated telepathically,” Mimi said. There’s a lot Fozzely isn’t telling us,” Miguel said. �śI think there’s more to him than just an old man who can communicate with the dead,” he added. �śI’m sure he’ll tell us everything in time,” Mimi said. �śLet’s hit the subway,” Matt replied. �śThere are so many people and o many emotions,” Mimi said. �śConcentrate,” Matt replied. �śMaybe if I can make physical contact with a few children, this can be more effective,” she added. Mimi stood in the middle of the main thoroughfare of the subway. She brushed against a boy walking with his mother. Flashes of laughter flooded her mine. �śNo problems there. They’re happy,” she yelled to the team. Mimi saw a little boy with his parents hurrying to a waiting train. She touched the boy. �śHe has leukemia and is very afraid and sad, but seems to love his parents,” she informed the team. �śThere; the girl in black,” Matt said. �śTouch her”. Images of the little girl crying flooded Mimi’s mind. She noticed that the girl’s arm was in a cast. �śWalk faster, you little idiot,” the girl’s mother whispered as she gripped the arm without the cast. �śYou want two casts,” the mother asked harshly. The little girl winced. �śWe found one,” Mimi announced. She filled Jericho, Matt, and Miguel in on the situation. Jericho walked over to the mother. He whispered into her ear. �śYou will never touch the child in a harmful manner, speak to her harshly, nor neglect her so long as you live. Now, go buy her some ice cream,” Jericho said. The mother hugged the little girl and told her how much she loved her. �śHow about some ice cream,” the mother asked the girl. The little girl did a dance and hugged her mother. They headed out of the subway. �śGreat work, Jericho,” Matt said. Just as the team started to think that this wasn’t a good place to find some children to help, it happened. Jericho was standing, facing an in-bound train, savoring the breeze. A sheet of paper gusted in his direction and stuck to his leg. He tried to shake it off, but it wouldn’t budge. Matt pulled the paper from Matt’s leg. �śIt’s written in crayon, and judging from the mis-spellings, it was written by a child. Mimi read the letter aloud. �śSeptember 2, 2009: Terri and I don’t know what city we’re in or where they’re keeping us. There is a large clock that always chimes at noon, loud enough that the whole city can hear it. We stay blindfolded, and they give us shots to make us sleep. The man who likes to be called, �śPopkins” is the worst. The things he does to Terri haunt me in my sleep. He’s never hurt me, but I know it’s because I’m three years older than Terri and will fight back. His girlfriend acts like we’re not there and that his actions are normal. I pray to the Supreme One that one day somebody will miss us, coming looking for us, and most of all find us, �śshe read. The team was quiet and pensive. �śA large clock,” said Jericho. There are lots of clocks around here that chime at noon,” he added. �śTry thinking just of the ones in poor, run-down neighborhoods,” Mimi suggested. �śThat gets us down to two potential areas of the city�"Chinatown and Port Allegro,” Jericho said. �śShould we split up and search them or go together in case we get ambushed,” Mimi asked. �śWe’ll stay as a unit,” Miguel said firmly. �śLet’s head over to Chinatown first. In the air, the team was in formation, following Miguel, who had morphed into a sort of leadership role. �śCan you sense the children, Mimi,” Miguel asked. �śNo. Nothing,” said Mimi. Here, let’s try this, Miguel said. Miguel held Mimi’s hands and looked into her eyes. He concentrated an electric charge into them, amplifying her powers. �śCan you sense them now,” Miguel asked. �śI don’t think this is the right place, ” Mimi said. Let’s head to the Port Allegro,” she added. Once in Port Allegro, Mimi led the team in the hunt for the abducted boys who must have slipped that letter on to some car or at some restaurant, or by some other miraculous means that it found its way to Mimi, Matt, Jericho, and Miguel. �śI can sense the death force of the child who wrote this. They killed him. I can’t make out anything about his brother. The house is there just beyond that hill, first one on the right. Mimi knocked on the front door of the house. A Mexican woman opened the door, and soon a six-foot Mexican man stood behind her eating peanuts. �śWhat can we do for your four,” the woman asked. �śLead us to the children,” Mimi said, touching the man’s hand. He turned around and walked to the back of the house and opened the basement. �śHarold, don’t” screamed his wife. Within seconds of her last breath, Jericho had his hands around the front of her head in some kind of �śdeath grip”. �śWhat was that, Jer,” asked Matt. �śIt’s an ancient African mind eraser,” Jericho said. �śI like to keep it in my repertoire and use it in tandem with my powers from time to time,” Jericho said. Rats, roaches, fleas, and worms crawled on the floor where the boy slept. Thousands of insects covered the decaying caucus of his brother�"the one who must have left the note begging someone to save them. The boy’s arms were raised above his head, tied to a wood beam with some rope and a nail. Matt, in human for, picked the boy up and walked him upstairs, the others following behind. Matt ran a hot bath for the boy, while Mimi looked for something for him to eat in the kitchen. Jericho had Harold in a headlock; there was no struggling to get out of it. �śRepeat after me,” Jericho said. �śI am having a heart attack. It hurts severely. My blood vessels are swollen. I am going to die”. The man repeated the phrase over and over. Blood dripped from the man’s eyes. His hands and arms became swollen. His head became so large that his eyes seemed embedded in his skull. The man fell to the floor and made convulsive motions. Finally, with three hugs coughs, the man ceased to breathe. Jericho and Matt clapped hands. After the boy was clean and had had something to eat, Matt walked him to a fire station and left him there. The firemen called the police, and someone was dispatched to the house to look around. �śDoing that made my life feel like I have a purpose,” Matt said. If I can save children from dying, then maybe someday I can rest, and the Supreme One will forgive me for taking my own. �śTo the team,” Matt said. �śTo the team,” they all shouted in unison. �śIt’s still early. Let’s get in a couple more before we call it a night. � � CHAPTER ELEVEN: FORZOZELONE Fozzley and Selda walked through downtown, chatting about various subjects�"catching up on old times. The skies suddenly turned very dark and cloudy, and a cold breeze flowed through the air at a rapid rate, stinging Selda’s nose. �śSoulcatchers,” Selda announced. No sooner than she had uttered the phrase, they heard Clause’s voice from above, as he hovered in the air. Selda’s white, thick-feathered, wings ripped through her blouse and spread wide. She took a defensive pose. �śForzozelone Quitan still dwells the earth,” Orin said with a smirk. �śSomehow, I always suspected it,” he added. �śHow can this be when we saw you with our own eyes, destroyed at the hands of the other Tarrons,” Jordin asked. �śTell us, are you Forzozelone,” Orin asked. �śI am he,” Fozzley replied. �śIt was the high battle of earthly spirits,” Orin began. �śIt was the fight that the Supreme One knew had to be and had to be without HIS intervention. It was the fight to determine the fate of mankind and other beasts dwelling this planet�"enslavement by the Tarrons or continued freedom and protection at the hands of the Angels. It was Angels versus Tarrons, with most supernatural spirits aligned with one side or the other. The Tarrons were near victory when the �śSeventh” Tarron, their leader betrayed them and joined the Angels. The traitor helped the Angels defeat the Tarrons. Soulcatchers hunted and removed hoards of Demi-geists, not another of any real power to rise for decades. Though they suffered no loss in numbers, the Tarrons fled into the shadows, awaiting their next opportunity to avenge their defeat by the Angels�"the emergence of the new �śSeventh” Tarron. Unexpectedly, the Angels turned on Forzozelone for fear that he might reunite with the Tarrons one day. They imprisoned him and delivered him to the Soulcatchers. We severed his ties to this planet, he was judged, and he was banished from the earth”. Orin’s eyes were flaming red. �śSo, how can it be that you are on this planet,” Jordin asked. Fozzley said nothing. He looked at Selda. �śLeave now, Soulcatchers, or I shall make you,” she said. �śWe’re not here to fight, Angel,” Orin said. Jordin swung his blade over the head of Fozzley. �śThat is, unless we have to,” Orin added. �śI returned because the Supreme One wishes to prevent another war between the Angels on Earth and the Tarrons. The prophesized �śSeventh” Tarron, their leader-to-be is on this planet. He doesn’t realize who or what he is, yet,” Fozzley said. �śThe Tarrons desperately seek him. My mission for the time granted me is to find and destroy the �śSeventh” Tarron,” Fozzley added. �śAnd what do you get in return,” Clause asked. �śMy dear Magda returns to me and we are allowed to dwell the earth in love for eternity,” Fozzley replied. The Soulcatchers let out loud guffaws in unison. �śLet’s go,” Orin commanded. The Soulcatchers all disappeared into the air. Selda withdrew her wings. Fozzley breathed a sigh of relief. �śYou think they know who you were talking about�"the �śSeventh” Tarron�"Selda asked. �śI think maybe they have a clue. It’s not like his recent displays of power, attitude, and crushing defeats of enemies have gone unnoticed,” Fozzley said. � CHAPTER TWELVE: BONDS Matt and Miguel sat by the edge of the water watching a human boy fishing with his father. �śI used to envy other children who had fathers like that,” Matt said, breaking the silence. Miguel remained stone-faced and speechless. �śCom on Mig, it’s me, your friend. Talk to me,” Matt said. �śIf you don’t, I’ll be forced to tell Mimi about your crush on her,” Matt added. �śYou wouldn’t dare,” Miguel said. �śSo, you do still fear some things,” Matt laughed. �śWhat’s that supposed to mean,” Miguel asked. �śYou’re different lately, Mig. You’re not the fun-loving guy who used to fry birds and squirrels for laughs or hide humans’ car keys just to amuse yourself watching them search futilely for them, only to have you deposit them in their pockets.” Matt chuckled hard. Miguel smirked, then resumed the look of stone. �śI feel like I’m changing,” Miguel said. �śI feel angry all the time. I feel like my powers are bursting out of me. I delight at the chance to make anyone who crosses me suffer. I don’t even care about saving children anymore. The thrill isn’t seeing a child’s eyes light up with happiness. The thrill is punishing their abusers,” Miguel said. �śI’m here for you, Mig,” Matt said. We’re like brothers. After the things we’ve shared, there’s nothing we can’t overcome,” Matt added. A tear streamed down Miguel’s face. �śIt’s just a phase, man. Leaving home. Dodging Soulcatchers. Changes in your powers. It had to come to a head. Just because we’re not alive, doesn’t mean we don’t have feelings,” Matt added. Mat embraced his friend. They sat quietly for minutes. �śWhat’s your take on Fozzley,” Miguel asked. �śWhy is he doing the things he’s done for us? Why not keep to his quiet life back in Maine? Why so much interest in us? Is he just a human with gifts to communicate with the dead? Who is he, really,” Miguel asked rhetorically. �śI’ve been wondering those same things,” Matt said. �śWell, with the exception of why he didn’t stay in Maine,” Matt added with a laugh. �śI think that you, Mimi, Jericho, and I need some time away to talk about things,” he said. �śI think things have gotten so complicated that we’re losing sight of why we’re still anchored to our past lives and formed our team. I’d just as soon surrender to the Soulcatchers if we can’t get back to doing good and making sure children’s lives aren’t like ours were,” Matt said. �śWhat’s go you two out here huddled together, ignoring the rest of us,” Jericho asked. Mimi motioned to Miguel and Matt to fill them in on their conversations and said, �śspill it”. �śGlad you joined us,” Matt said. �śLet’s take a mini trip,” Miguel suggested. �śSure,” said Mimi. �śI’ll get Fozzley and Selda”. �śNo,” said Miguel. �śJust the team”. CHAPTER THIRTEEN: WHAT TARRONS DO �śThey hate you. They drove your family away. They are everywhere, like a virus. You have the cure,” Krizel whispered into the air. His words feel onto the ears of their target, and elderly man with long white hair�"bald in the middle�"wearing an earring, a tee shirt and jeans. He was at a local grocery store, noticeably outnumbered there by Asian people. �śThe bastards are taking over,” he yelled. He stormed outside to his truck and found his gun. Afterwards, he walked hastily into the grocery store and sprayed gunfire until his ammunition was gone. �śLet us go,” Krizel said to Caroth and the others. �śThe Soulcatchers will be on their way. �śOne-by-one, we will reign over them”, Caroth said. �śWhen our leader joins us�Ś,” Krizel began. �śI know,” Caroth said. �śIt will be glorious”! They laughed, and the Tarrons faded into the shadows. When The Six entered Mercy Medical Center, no one noticed, aside from the breeze that accompanied their movements. �śWe will find him in the isolation ward,” Krizel said. �śHis contagion is the first of its kind seen in North America, and scientists are studying him.” They passed several rooms. Caroth shot sparks of fire into two rooms, engulfing the sick in flames. Medical personnel rushed from every angle and struggled to contain the blazes. Caroth shot flames into six more rooms�"the entire unit now blazing. �śThat should keep them busy,” Caroth said. A doctor ran towards them with a fire extinguisher. Loth touch the doctor’s forehead, killing him instantly. �śThere. The boy is there,” Beegal said. �śDraw his blood,” Caroth commanded. Loth used his forefinger nail to slit the boy’s throat. Beegal collected some blood in his palm. He squeezed it until it smoked, then blew the steam into the ventilation shaft above. In an instant, people in adjourning rooms ran into the hallway, fell to their knees, and tried to crawl away. Blisters covered their faces and hands, and they coughed blood. Beegal smiled a hug grin. Krizel nodded his approval. Beegal led the Tarrons down-stairs, and the same scene played-out on ever floor on which they were present. As they left the building, men dressed in suits that read, �śHAZMAT” flooded inside. Soon, Caroth yelled in glee. �śThere is the Earth Angel, �śLixus”, here to protect these vile creatures. Krizel shot a blast of energy into the Angel’s back, and the Angel fell. Caroth emitted flames from his eyes, consuming the Angel. � CHAPTER FOURTEEN: BATTLE OF THE SOULCATCHERS � �śI don’t know about you,” Miguel said, �śbut I don’t care for city-death. I miss the farms, rivers, and serenity of home”. �śI think we all do,” Mimi replied. �śDo you think it’s safe to go back home,” she added. �śLet’s see what Fozzley thinks,” Matt suggested. �śI don’t think safety should any longer be a concern,” Caroth announced. �śYour souls shall rest this day,” Jordin added. Jordin was clothed fully in black with armor plates on his chest, back, arms, and legs. He wore a golden helmet. The other Soulcatchers�"Orin, Clause, Fidex, Wasu, and Melay�"also wore all black, but had silver helmets. All six of them wielded double-bladed, flaming swords. Miguel yelled for the others to get behind him. They did so hurriedly. Miguel’s eyes and fists turned blue. The rest of his form emitted blue electricity. He formed a protective bubble around his teammates. �śAll together now,” Orin screamed. The Soulcatchers charged towards the children. Miguel shot energy towards the ground before the Soulcatchers. It melted into blue lava. The Soulcatchers took to the sky. �śHit them with a storm,” Jericho yelled. Miguel formed a �śV” with his arms and gestured towards the sky. Blue drops of fire fell from the sky, sizzling everything they touched. The Soulcatchers were dismayed. Their helmets began to melt and stream down their faces. Orin flew away, and Miguel gave chase. The other Soulcatchers struck at the protective bubble the shielded Matt, Jericho, and Mimi. They wailed away. The further Orin flew away from the children and the further Miguel was away, chasing Orin, the weaker the protective bubble’s force-field became. Finally, one of them broke through the bubble, grabbed Matt, and flew off with him. �śMatt,” yelled Miguel. Miguel’s entire body now transformed to pure blue electricity. Matt caught up with Orin and threw him to the ground with a loud crush of the concrete below. Jericho and Mimi were being chased by the remaining Soulcatchers. Miguel stood over Orin. He grabbed him by the throat and raised him into the air with is left hand. Orin struggled against him, trying to get Miguel to loosen his grip. Miguel increased the intensity of his electric charge. He glowed dark blue now. His right hand had an electric charge shaped like a knife. Miguel held his fist back, fully intent on destroying Orin with a blow to the skull. �śDrop him or you’ll never see Matt again,” Fozzley urged Miguel, firing blasts of green plasma at the Soulcatchers who were chasing Mimi and Jericho. The Soulcatchers were hit and crashed to the ground, engulfed in green flames. �śFidex, Wasu,” screamed Orin. �śCurse you, Tarron,” Orin said to Fozzley. Mimi, Jericho, and Miguel could not believe their eyes. �śYou’ve been lying to us,” Miguel yelled at Fozzley. He squeezed Orin’s throat tighter, then dropped him to the ground. �śWe can talk about that later, �śMiguel”, Fozzley said. Fozzley hovered over Orin, then pressed his foot onto Orin’s chest. Orin coughed and gasped. �śI can bring back Magda, restore your earthly life, never cross your path again,” Orin said. �śJust give us the boy Tarron, so we can be sure he never assumes the mantle of The Seventh One, meant to lead the Tarrons to victory.” Only you, Forzozolone, can save the future of humans, ghosts, Soulcatchers, Angels, beasts and all who call this planet home,” he added. Mimi and Jericho were standing next to Michael, save that he might snap and blow electricity everywhere. �śMake him lead us to Matt,” Miguel said. �śMagda was your beloved wife,” Mimi said. You once told me that when you died, you fled the Soulcatchers. They hunted you and Magda and took Magda, not before you destroyed eight of them. That was the day you learned of your gift,” Mimi finished. �śIt was also the day that the Tarrons sought to make me, the �śSeventh One”, their ordained leader by blood lineage,” Fozzley said, his voice cracking. �śA Tarron,” Jericho mumbled. �śTarrons are a race of beings with supernatural powers. The can time-travel. They can raise the dead. They are deadly. Their goal is to rule over the planet and enslave all non-Tarrons. They are as far beyond your kind, in terms of power, as you are above a demi-ghost, and as far as ghosts are above humans Fozzley said. �śOnly the caretakers, the Angels,that God bound to earth to intervene for the betterment of humanitycan defeat a Tarron. After I died, it was discovered that my abilities were on the level of Tarrons, and I was recruited by them. I helped the Tarrons to wage war against the Angels for control over this world. In the end, I betrayed the Tarrons and helped the Angels avoid acertain demise. I still remember that day. I was walking a rural road in Montana. I was ragged, tired, thirsty, and hungry. A truck passed by, and the little boy sitting in the trailer bed saw me. �śGod loves you,” he said to me. �śDon’t be afraid to do what’s right instead of what feels right,” he said. The boy looked very sickly, and I’m sure he didn’t see too many days after that. However, his words were strong. I thought about what I was doing as a Tarron�"destroying creations of the Supreme One, entrusted to watch over HIS earth. I lost the heart of a Tarron that day, all icy and uncaring and robotic. I became a new man. There are six Tarrons. They are powerful; yet they cannot accomplish their goals without a leader�"a prophesized Seventh Tarron,” Fozzley said. �śGive us the boy,” Orin said. Fozzley ignored Orin. He put his hand on Miguel’s shoulder. �śYou are the one chosen to fulfill the prophecy, Miguel. You are the Seventh Tarron,” Fozzley said sternly. Orin rose to his knees. �śRemember her,” he asked Fozzley. With a wave of his hand Orin conjured an image of Magda, Fozzley’s beloved wife who he longed to be with. Fozzley gasped. He fazed lovingly at her perfectly round face, her thick eyebrows, her thin mouth, her amber skin, and her thick black hair. �śIt’s not her,” Mimi said. �śBut she�Śshe�Ślooks so�Śreal,” Fozzley sobbed. �śPerhaps,” Mimi said. Orin can’t bring the real Magda back.” �śBut the Supreme One can,” Fozzley said, looking at the ground. �śYou’ll be in for the battle of all time, if you dare try to capture me in trade for your wife,” Miguel said, turning his form to pure electricity. �śYou don’t understand,” Fozzley said. �śI wasn’t sent to destroy you, Miguel. I was sent to stop the prophecy�"your uniting with the Six. �śLook at her,” Orin said. Fozzley thought about hid dear Magda. �śHer last words to me were �Śthere is no end to us’,” Fozzley whispered. �śMatt,” yelled Miguel. �śMake him take us to Matt, and I will go with the Soulcatchers,” Miguel said. �śYou can’t,” yelled Mimi. �śMatt is a good soul. He really cares about being a guardian. I’m just a selfish rebel in the middle of a battle for all that matters. Maybe it’s best that I be removed as a potential asset for the Tarrons,” Miguel said. �śI know where the one called Matt has been taken, Orin said, now fully sanding. Surrender, and I will lead Fozolorne to the boy,” he said to Miguel. �śNo” shouted Mimi and Jericho in unison. �śI will stay here in the hands of the Soulcatchers while you, Fozzley, and Mimi rescue Mattt,” Miguel said. �śDo as I say,” he commanded. No harm will come to me. If I am this �śchosen one”, they fear me far more than I them. Besides, I’m sure that they do not want me to summon The Six for a battle,” Orin huffed to himself. Mimi, Jericho, and Fozzley took to the skies, awaiting Orin to join them. �śAfter you,” Fozzley said to Orin. �śJordin, you and the remaining Soulcatchers keep the boy here. I will return shortly. Fozzley, Mimi, and Jericho Orin ascended straight upward for several minutes, and then they headed west. I can sense his death trail�"the Soulcatcher who took Matt, not Matt,” Mimi said. �śYes we’re on the right tracks,” Fozzley said. Back at the site where Miguel was being held by Clause and Melay, the skies grew dark. Just moments ago, not a cloud was in the sky. The ocean swelled. Six flaming balls of fire approached from the sky at supersonic speeds. �śSupreme One, please no,” shouted Jordin. �śThe Six,” he screamed. Caroth, Krizel, and the others reigned down on the Soulcatchers. Jordin fell, and his boy disappeared. Melay fell, and her body disappeared. Clause was nowhere to be found, apparently abandoning his team to save his life. Miguel turned his form to pure energy and waited. The Tarrons landed, kneeled before Miguel, and sang. �śAt last our leader is among us,” Krizel cheered. �śWhat is it that you want from me,” Miguel asked. �śYour loyal subjects await your instructions, Caroth said. �śYou will need the proper training to master your powers”. �śWhat of the earth-bound Angels and your desire to end their days or your plans to enslave all others on the earth,” Miguel asked. �śThere is much suffering in this world, Miguel,” Krizel said. The Sev�ŚSix want to end that. Earth Angels have done nothing to make this world better. Children suffer every day. They have failed humanity. When we begin making the world better, we do not need their opposition or interference. Their destruction is the only solution,” Krizel said. �śYou eliminated all of the Soulcatchers,” Miguel asked. �śOrin, Claus, and Fidex remain,” Krizel said. �śIf we are to save your friend, Matt, then we must go now,” Krizel said. Miguel, knew he couldn’t defeat all of them alone. He had to save Matt. Becoming one of the Six did not appeal to Miguel. For now, however, he needed their help to free Matt. Miguel flew in formation with the Tarrons, following Krizel. He didn’t know what was to come next. CHAPTER FIFTEEN: WADING IN SOULS �śWhere is he taking us,” Mimi asked. �śThere can be no other place,” Fozzley said. �śWe’re going to Climlos�"the transitional place where souls are taken before they are judged and leave this world”. �śI know you feel angry at me and betrayed. My mission was to be known only between me and the Supreme One,” Fozzley said. �śI love all of you, and I have no intentions to harm you. I had to find Matt. Once I found you, him, and Jericho,” Fozzley said to Mimi, I knew that you were noble and good. I’ve spent every night since meeting you trying to figure our how to insure Miguel is not corrupted by the Six and that you continue your noble missions as the Shadow Guardians. �śA lot of people die every day,” Jericho mused, looking down at the line that was slowly moving to judgment and eternal assignment. �śThis must be Climlos, but there’s no sign of Matt,” he added. �śThey would have taken him to an isolation chamber before letting him loose to join the line of eternity,” Orin said. Jericho did not immediately see anyone he recognized. His heart beat a slight bit faster, thinking he might gaze upon Matt. �śThey only know that the Soulcatcher, Orin, is here. The rest of us are as the wind in their faces,” Fozzley said. �śPinapple juice,” offered Orin. �śYou must be extremely in need of an energy boost. Fozzley, Jericho, and Mimi gulped the pineapple juice. They all began to see double and felt out of control. �śIt was a trick,” Mimi said as she collapsed to the floor. Fozzley and Jericho were soon sound asleep beside Mimi on the floor. When they awoke, Mimi found herself, Fozzley, and Jericho chained at the throat, ankles, wrists, and feet and were joined by many others in the same position. There was no sign of Fozzley or Jericho. There was a loud commotion from the front room where the group was being held hostage. Suddenly a winged woman�"Selda�"walked into the room. �śShe’s an Angel, �śMisti” exclaimed. �śYou’ve never been the one to make an untimely entering, Selda,” Fozzley said. I like to wait until the situation seems impossible,” she snorted and laughed. �śSo Selda is an Angel,” Mimi said. Selda crushed the handcuffs holding Fozzley, Jericho, and Mimi with her fists. �śAngel is so formal,” Selda said. �śI prefer earth helper,” she laughed. �śLet’s get going kids. The Tarrons are on their way here,” Selda said. �śWe can’t leave, Mimi said emphatically, one of our friends was captured and brought here, and we have to have him back. Seven humongous thuds striking the ground and shaking the trees here announce the arrival of the Tarrons. �śMiguel, I’m so glad you’re here,” Mimi said, whispering with her mind. Miguel did not know how to reply back, so he just smiled. Orin unsheathed his double edged flaming sword. Jordin, Clause, and Fidex soon joined his side. �śYou are not welcome here, Tarrons,” Orin said. �śNevertheless, there’s nothing you can do to make the situation more to your liking, is there,” Krizel said. �śRelease Matt now, or this entire place will be in chaos,” Miguel said. �śAs he commands, so it shall be done,” Caroth replied. The Tarrons formed a circle around the Soulcatchers and began battle chants. �śGet the boy,” Orin instructed Fidex. �śOur numbers are low now, thanks to the Tarrons and the Demi-Ghosts,” Orin said. �śHowever, in time, we will be back to full strength, and we will never cease hunting you. Fidex came back, cradling Matt in his arms. He was limp and lifeless. �śWhat have you done to him,” Mimi commanded of Orin. �śHe is only in a sleep. He will awaken soon, probably forgetting this ordeal,” Orin responded. �śI knew we should have crossed him to the other side as soon as we got our hands on him,” Fidex lamented. Miguel reached for Miguel, and the Soulcatcher lay him in Miguel’s arms. �śTarrons, return to your home base, and I will join you there shortly. Guardians, gather around me. Soulcatchers, beware. Fozzley and Selda, go back to the city and wait to hear from us,” Miguel barked commands. Soon, everyone was off in the directions ordered by Matt. Jericho, Matt, Mimi, and Miguel flew out of Climlos, made the long trip back to New York and perched atop a hill overlooking the western part of the city. Miguel laid Matt on a home-made cot, and Mimi held his hand�"intermittently injecting small burst of energy into Matt. � CHAPTER FIFTEEN: MIMI’s DELIMMA �śNo, don’t you touch my sister,” Mimi screamed. �śMolly”! �śMolly”! Oh, my, please someone save her,” Mimi screamed. The door to the room burst open and Fozzley sat beside Mimi on her bed. �śIt was just a little dream, child,” Fozzley said. It wasn’t true. �śIt seemed more than real,” Mimi replied. �śMolly is in trouble. I can feel it. She needs me. She needs all of us to help her. We have to go back to Maine as soon as possible and look in on her,” Mimi sobbed. Miguel, Jericho, Matt, and Selda came running into the room. �śShe had a vivid dream about her sister Molly being in trouble and wants us to go to Maine with her to check-in as soon as possible,” Fozzley said. �śSomething is terribly wrong,” Selda whispered to Fozzley. �śI can feel it in the air,” she added. �śOK, then, we go to Maine to check in on Mimi’s sister, Molly,” Miguel said. Within ten minutes, Miguel, Matt, Mimi, Jericho, Fozzley, and Selda were flying above the city on their way to Maine. When they arrived at Mimi’s house, they all entered through an ajar back door. A cat in the kitchen hissed and growled at the spirits. They went from room to room looking for Molly and her mother, but found no one home. The place looked like it hadn’t been lived-in for a couple of days. They went to Molly’s room. The bed was made, not a toy was on the floor, and there was no sign of Molly. Mimi began to worry. �śWhere could they be,” she asked rhetorically. Mimi walked outside, and the rest of the spirits followed her. She put her hand on a tire-track that her mother’s car left behind days earlier. �śThey’re in motel,” Mimi said sadly. �śI know which one. Let’s go,” Mimi said. �śJericho, Matt, Mimi, Miguel, Fozzley, and Selda were soon flying just atop the trees to a small hotel in the city�"the only hotel in the city. �śLet’s get a look at the registry and see which room their in,” Mimi said. She eased past the sleeping desk clerk and found her Mother’s name. �śRoom 112,” she announced. The desk clerk turned over and stared at Mimi as if he had seen a ghost. Then, just as quickly, he rolled over and continued his slumber. In room 112, the spirits hovered around the room, staring at Molly and her mother. They didn’t appear to be harmed. In fact, Molly’s mother was wearing nice jewelry, and Molly had on a rather flashy, brand new dress. Mimi touched Molly. She could feel the little girl’s kind, tender, compassionate spirit. She could also sense that something horrible was happening to Molly and that she felt that she had no protection to fight it. Mimi let go of Molly, then walked outside the motel room. The others followed her. �śI felt something wrong with her,” Mimi said. I can’t put my finger on it, but it seems like it has to do with my Mom”. �śAnything out of the ordinary about them”, Matt asked. �śYes. Yes,” Mimi said. �śMolly didn’t feel �Śinnocent’ to me anymore. I also noticed that she and Mom were wearing expensive things that we never would have afforded when I was alive”. �śLet’s just hang around for a while, follow Molly and her mother’s movements and see what’s happening here,” Miguel said. The seven of them stayed in the room all night, watching Molly sleep. �śThere’s no reason to feel like you’re burdening us,” Jericho said. �śAny of the others would do the same for any other member of the team,” he added. �śThat’s very comforting to know,” Mimi said. �śI feel like this team has been to hell and back, but we still survive,” she added. �śLook. They’re waking up,” Matt whispered. �śYou will be in a good mood today, and you will reveal what secret you are hiding about your life,” Matt whispered into their ears. �śFunny, Matt,” Mimi said. Molly got out of the bed first. She went into the bathroom and took a shower and washed her hair. �śYou have an appointment in half an hour, girl. Get moving,” he Mother said. �śSome middle-aged insurance salesman who says he went out with you once about three months ago. Sounds like premium bucks. Hurry up, you little slut,” her Mother yelled. �śYou know I love you, Molly, and I wouldn’t ask you to do this unless we had no other way. After the accident at the construction site crushed the bones in my leg, working was no longer an option for me. The government doesn’t give people enough to eat on, buy clothes, and pay rent. You’re my good girl,” she smiled. Molly didn’t say anything in response to her mother. Instead, she asked if a red thong or no panties at all went better with a black skirt. Her mom chose the latter. Molly finished dressing and drank a carton of milk. �śGotta have my vitamins while I’m out there,” she said. �śOkay, what’s this guy’s name and address,” Molly asked. �śDo you have any rubbers,” she added. Here is his address, her mother said, handing her a sheet of paper. Here are some rubbers, her mother said, handing her a handful of the items. �śNo,” Mimi screamed. �śThis can’t be what it looks like,” she added. �śYou don’t want to see this,” Matt said. �śLet us handle it,” Miguel added. �śHow do you want it to turn out, Mimi,” Jericho asked. That’s your Mother, but she’s obviously not fit to raise your sister. If we take her away, they will put her in a foster home. If we leave her, this continues day after day,” Jericho said. �śI say we kill the Mother,” Miguel said sharply. �śThat won’t solve the whole problem, Mig,” Matt said. �śWhat will Molly do with no family on earth”? �śPerhaps the answer lies not in life, but in death,” Miguel said. �śIf your sister died, we would know the exact moment and location, beating the Soulchasers by at least ten minutes. We don’t know if she would just be a normal ghost, or if she would have greater powers,” Matt said. �śHowever, we would know that she was not suffering another day,” Matt added. �śNo,” Mimi said. Nobody dies. Death isn’t the answer for either of them. Just use your persuasive powers and tell her to get a job, get off drugs, pay more attention to Molly, and be good,” Mimi asked Jericho. �śIs that what you really want,” Matt asked. �śJericho’s powers don’t last forever, controlling the subject,” Matt added. �śIt will be long enough for me to decide what is best for Molly,” Mimi said. �śJericho...,” Mimi said. �śSay no more. It’s as good as done,” Jericho said to Mimi. You three head back to Fozzley and Selda’s place. I’ll be along about ten minutes after you,” Jericho said. Miguel, Mimi, and Matt took to the sky and flew back to New York. � CHAPTER SIXTEEN: THE HUNT FOR FOZZLEY The door to Selda’s apartment had been fried off the hinges by a great blast of fire. The front room was in shambles as was the rest of the apartment. No one had a doubt in his mind, a great shoot-out had taken place here. The children walked through the apartment, calling for Selda and/ or Fozzley. �śI hear movement over there under than collapsed wall,” Matt said. Jericho went to the area, lifted the wall and saw a dusty feathery wing. He removed more debris, to find Selda lying on her stomach. She was bleeding and had a gigantic cut over her left eye. Jericho could see that it was already healing itself. �śWhat happened,” Matt asked. �śThe Tarrons. The Tarrons. They were here looking for Miguel. They must have followed me and Fozzley home the other night. All six of them came, and Fozzley and I were no match for them,” Selda said. They knocked me out with a knee to the head. I don’t remember anything after that. I haven’t seen or heard Fozzley in this mess, so I assumed that they took him,” Selda said. �śI don’t feel his presence here,” Mimi said. �śThey took him.” �śNow, where do we go to get Fozzley from the Tarron’s,” Miguel asked. �śWe don’t,” Selda said. �śThe want to make a trade at 1AM this morning in the park�"Fozzley for Miguel. �śNever play a game by the rules of a Tarron,” Selda cautioned. �śSpeaking as the best friend of one, I know how dastardly they can be�"especially when trying to obtain an item of interest against another’s will. �śSo, we go looking for them, kick some tail, and bring back Fozzley,” Miguel asked. �śThat’s the plan,” Matt said. Selda brought each of them two bottles of pineapple juice, and they drank them. Soon, the group was in flight�"Selda leading them. The flight to the land of the Tarrons was long and tiring. When the group reached the remote island, skeletons of defeated enemies lined the streets�"warnings to those who might dare cross the Tarrons. The group was hovering over the island, peeping for anything that might foretell where Fozzley was being kept. Seconds later, they were seated in the middle of a gathering of Tarrons. �śSo, Fozolorne does mean something to you,” Caroth said. �śWhere is he,” Miguel asked. �śFor anyone other than you, the answer to that question would have been met with instant death,” Krizel said. �śFozolorne is being brought to us at this very moment, �ŚSeventh One’,” Caroth answered. Selda fell to the floor and coughed uncontrollably. The Tarrons gathered around her. She was holding her throat. �śAn Angel cannot expire here,” Caroth said. �śThat would re-ignite the war. We are not prepared to assume control of the planet, just yet,” he said. Matt aimed his right hand at Fozzley’s shackles and burned them off with a jolt of electricity. Miguel gave the rest of the team the sign to retreat and leave. They gave him a stern look. �śNo,” said Mimi. �śWe can help you.” Caroth and Krizel stood behind Miguel. They poised to aim their hands at him to emit some form of energy. Matt dove in front of Miguel and pushed him out of the way. Miguel was filled with his greatest rage. The Tarrons fired their powers at him at will. Miguel did not retreat. He aimed a cataclysmic ball of blue energy at Krizel and fired. Krizel screamed a high pitched, shrill scream. �śNo”! Orin shouted. �śKrizel,” Jordin sobbed. Caroth, Shorman, Loth, Beegal, and Kristh all fell to their knees. Krizel disappeared into a pile of dust on the ground. �śGet out of here,” Miguel yelled to his team. Jericho, Mimi, and Matt left. Miguel, Selda, and Fozzley awaited the Tarron’s next move. Fozzley eased over to where Krizel had fallen and scooped up some of his ashes, depositing them in a plastic bag in his pocket. The Tarrons, in unison, disappeared from the battle-site, taking the remaining flakes of Krizel’s cremated remains with them. � CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: WHO CAN YOU TRUST �śMolly is fine, now, thanks to you,” Matt said to Mimi. Jericho and I just got back from checking in on her. Her mother is very good to her and tries, every day, to make up for what she did to Molly. Mimi cried. Jericho hugged her. Selda and Miguel sat in the kitchen drinking juice and eating sugar cubes. It had been completely silent for some moments before Miguel asked, �śwhat powers do Angels have”. Selda didn’t look up at him, but began her answer anyway. �śAn angel’s basic powers are flight, strength, telepathy, and control over events. Some more gifted Angels embody talents known only to them and the Supreme One,” she replied. �śAs an Angel,” Miguel began, �śI assume that there is a certain moral foundation to you and that you don’t lie or lead people astray. �śThat is true,” Selda said. �śSo, tell me, can I trust Fozzley? He’s got a couple of dogs in this fight, and it seems that preserving me and my teammates might not fit his best interests,” Miguel replied. �śI’ve only known Forzzozolone since he changed sides during the last great war and joined the Angels. He helped us to win. Based on that, I believe, he is a man of morals, principles, loyalty, and trustworthiness. He fights for what he believes in and what will benefit the people the most,” she said. �śI would trust him with my life,” Selda added. �śGood enough for me,” Miguel said. He left the room. Selda started to hum some tune Michael never heard before. He passed by Fozzley on his way to the front room, Fozzley heading to Selda’s room. The group had been sitting outside talking about trivial things and watching humans. �śThat police car that just zoomed past here gave me a bad vibe,” Jericho said. �śDon’t all police give you the scares,” Matt giggled. �śMiguel, Jericho yelled, let’s you, me, and Matt go check up what was up with that police car that just passed. I got a bad feeling. Miguel took to the air, as did Jericho and Matt. They followed the police cruiser for many miles, far outside the city’s district. The cruiser stopped in front of the law offices of Frankley and Fern. Miguel, Matt, Jericho, and Mimi went in for a closer look and listen. �śOfficer Durden, it’s come to my attention that you’ve been arresting and deporting certain Chinese children who are in the employ of American factories. It seems you have a moral problem with it,” the chubby, hairy man with the tiny spectacles said. �śMr. Frankley, I’m just doing my job,” the officer replied. �śDo you have a monetary problem with looking the other way,” Mr. Frankley asked. �śI know your kids are in college, and your wife doesn’t work. Must be a lonely, tough, life,” he said. �śPay me $1000 a week, and you’ll not hear from me,” the officer said. �śVery good then. Here’s your first installment,” Mr. Frankley said. The officer left. Mr. Frankley dialed his cell phone and asked for Senator Ornman. �śI need the locals in check, or this whole thing is gonna blow�"a million dollar a week operation. Are you going to the party tomorrow night,” he asked the person on the line. �śGood, we can talk there,” Mr. Frankley said. �śWe have to get some first-hand knowledge of what these guys are involved in right now,” Miguel said. �śAny ideas,” he asked. �śCould we kidnap the real Harlon Frankley and have Matt take his place at this party, see what he can find out,” Mimi asked. �śThat’s brilliant,” Jericho replied. The next night, the team waited for Harlon Frankley outside the arriving party-goers. �śMy brain is drawing a blank. What does he look like,” Matt asked. He’s a chubby, hairy man with tiny spectacles,” Mimi responded. �śThere he is,” Matt pointed. The group followed Mr. Frankley inside the men’s bathroom. Almost on queue, he entered the bathroom, alone. �śMiguel stung Harlon with a couple of jolts of lightning, incapacitating him. �śYour turn,” he said to Matt. Matt touched Mr. Frankley, assumed his appearance, and turned into human form. �śJust mix in with the crowd and see what you can learn about the slavery operation,” Mimi said. Matt walked into the main room of the party, from the kitchen. Miguel put Harlon Frankley’s body in a cooler behind some huge boxed of lettuce. �śMay I see your reservation, sir,” a man asked Matt. Matt showed the man Harlon Frankley’s credentials. The man nodded, and Matt went on his way. �śAh, there you are Harlan,” a woman in a black evening dress with a strand of pearls on her neck announced. �śI have some people for you to meet before you get down to business with your little boys’ club,” the woman said. �śHarlan Frankley, this is Senator Greg Ornman,” the woman said, introducing the two men. They exchanged pleasantries. �śI thought Senator Greg might be interested in your ambitions to encourage more employers to hire workers from China,” the woman said. �śI’ll leave you two alone. The woman disappeared into the crowd. �śSo, you want to bump American workers from the workforce for cheaper labor, huh,” the Senator asked. �śActually, I want the Chinese to saturate the labor force with cheap labor, forcing American companies to react to the resulting public outcry by raising wages and expanding the number of employed Americans. Let the Chinese have the jobs at fast food restaurants and lawn companies. Our workers will be re-trained, re-education, and re-equipped to acquire jobs in this country that pay better than minimum wages,” Matt said. �śThere sure are a lot of them immigrating these days,” the Senator said. �śIt’s hard to believe they’re all coming in legally,” he added. �śMost of them are sixteen years or younger, and no they aren’t getting in legally, from what I know,” Matt replied. The Senator grinned. �śLet’s step outside,” shall we,” the Senator asked. The two of them walked onto the balcony to be alone. �śSo, what do you need from me, Mr. Frankley, and what’s my share for doing it,” the Senator asked. �śI need you to support my operations. I lost my trafficker in Malaysia and his ship. I need someone new to work with, someone with a boat and connections who can recruit and transport them to America. I need help getting the proper clearances, keeping the local cops off of us, helping us get legal documents, and helping me to place them,” Matt said. �śI can do that,” the Senator replied, �śon one condition”. �śWhat’s that,” Matt asked. �śI get my choice of one of them anytime I wish for a little excitement,” the Senator said. �śHere, call this number, and deal with Samuel on this from now on. Don’t ever approach me again. Anything you need or if you have to arrange something, call that number,” the Senator said. �śNice to have met you,” he said, extending his hand. Matt lightly shook the Senator’s hand, and the Senator went back inside to the party. Matt found a phone and dialed �śSamuel”. �śThis is Sam,” a man answered. �śSamuel, the Senator gave me your number,” Matt said. �śMeet me tonight at Club XS, first table by the stage, and we’ll talk,” the man said. He hung up the phone. Miguel went to the cooler where the real Harlan Frankley was still asleep. Miguel showered him with another spray of electricity to make sure he didn’t arise before Matt could meet with �śSamuel”. That night, Matt walked to Club XS and took a seat at the bar. Mimi, Jericho, and Miguel were with him. There was a mixed pack at the club�"some very moral and others evil. Each time a patron walked by and spoke to them, the children were surprised. It never seemed to be the shady-looking characters that they suspected could see them. �śCan you let me know when Samuel comes in,” Matt asked the bar tender. �śHe’s right behind you in that booth next to the front door,” the bar tender said. �śThanks very kindly,” Matt replied. Matt walked over to the table where Samuel was sitting and asked if he could take a seat. �śNo reason you can’t,” Samuel said. Matt said down across the table from Samuel. Matt extended his hand and said, �śHarlan Frankley”. Samuel didn’t shake the man’s hand. �śI heard we can do some business together,” Matt said to Samuel. �śWe can do one-hundred fifty per trip. They will be on-board a cargo liner, �śThe Chalmer”, and they will need to be picked up from the docks no later than an hour after arrival. There will be a shipment every two weeks,” Samuel said. �śMy cut of the action is $500 per person transported,” he added. �śAnd the cut for your friends,” Matt asked. �śIs of no concern to me,” said Samuel. �śThey negotiate their own deals”. �śJust out of curiosity,” Samuel asked, �śwhat do you do with them once you get them here”? Matt smiled. �śI put them to work�"on the streets, in the factories, in hotels, on farms or wherever it’s needed,” he said. Samuel asked the waitress for two shots of Tequila. When she brought them, Samuel raised his in the air to make a toast. Matt joined him in the toast. �śMeet me at the abandoned glove factory over on Holendale road around eleven P.M. tonight, Samuel suggested. �śI will be there with bells on,” Matt said. � � CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: DEALS WITH ANGELS AND TARRONS � �śDo you want to risk having him around, volatile as he is, potentially switching sides on us one day,” Selda asked Fozzley. You know better than anyone how Tarrons think, how ambitious they are, and how destructive they can be. From what I’ve observed, this one is a wild-card, a rebel. There’s no telling what he’ll do. I say we make the deal with the Soulcatchers, move far far away from here and hope that the Tarrons never come after us. The Supreme One promised you a life with Magda again, and that has been the one thought on your mind for many decades. You’re so close. Why not go after this opportunity,” Selda asked. Matt, Miguel, Mimi, and Jericho were drinking pineapple juice and watching Selda and Fozzley gesture as they spoke. They could not hear the conversation. �śMatt, you get inside that glove factory and see what’s what. Unless they force us, we won’t make a move tonight. We want to make the biggest impact possible�"freeing as many people as possible and cutting the head of the top of this trafficking organization,” Miguel said. �śIf they do give us immigrants, we free them on the spot, understood,” Miguel asked. �śI’ve thought it through about one-hundred times,” Matt said. �śI know what to do,” he snapped. Matt was dressed in a business suit. He looked like money from head to toe. He stood at the entrance to the glove factory awaiting the arrival of Samuel. Selda had helped him get a truck large enough to transport any women, if the deal changed. Mimi and Jericho were near Matt, hiding in the shadows. Miguel had decided moments before the deal that he wanted to see his family, since he missed them last time. He was at the apartment resting for a trip to Maine. � � CHAPTER NINETEEN: FOZZLEY AND SELDA COME CLEAN � �śYou are the more experienced Tarron, Fozzley,” Selda said. �śYou can take this kid. His powers might be off-the-charts, but that’s nothing if he doesn’t know he has them or how to fully use them.” Fozzley nodded. His fists glowed lime green and lime green electricity flowed from his eyes. �śI’m willing to do this, Selda,” Fozzley said. �śHowever, the other children will need to be away. I need Miguel isolated,” he added. �śI can handle distracting them,” Selda said. �śYou just bring your best game and get the boy under control long enough for the Soulcatchers to arrive and do their part,” she added. �śThe other children are at that thing with the Chinese immigrants. Miguel is asleep. He’s totally alone and vulnerable,” Selda said. She gave Fozzley a peck on the lips and rubbed his chest. �śTake care of him now, while he’s asleep,” Selda said. �śI can use my magic to cover the noise you make entering the room. He’ll never know what hit him,” Selda said. Fozzley walked slowly behind Selda as she eased into the bedroom where Miguel lay. He was motionless, wearing on a tee-shirt and a pair of shorts. Fozzley’s eyes flowed lime green, and he pressed his fists together, producing a stream of high voltage electricity. He thrust his fists at Miguel and also emitted electricity from his eyes, knocking Miguel out and covering him in a protective bubble all at once. Selda began to cheer. �śThere will be no uprising from the Tarrons this year,” she said. �śOr any other year,” she added. �śLet’s take him to the Soulcatchers,” Selda said. Fozzley controlled Miguel’s floating body and made his way to the front entrance of the apartment. There he let Miguel float outside, then he leaped into the air to find the Soulcatchers. Selda had ripped off her shirt, and her wings were flapping desperately in the air to keep up with Fozzley. Samuel finally drove into the abandoned glove factory. As promised over a hundred people�"men, women, and children�"poured from the van and stood humbly before the group. Matt handed Samuel a briefcase. Samuel opened it, saw the money, and smiled. �śNice transaction,” he said. �śOkay, ladies and gentleman, you will follow that man,” Samuel said, pointing to Matt. He will take you to the riches of America. �śGet in the van,” Matt ordered the people. He watched as Samuel and his henchmen left hurriedly. Once all of the immigrants were in the van, Matt spoke to them, saying, �śAs of this moment you are free. You owe no debt to anyone. Do the Supreme One’s will. Be kind to one another. Go out and prosper”. There was a loud cheer amongst the people. Those who had boarded the bus got off. Others started to walk into the night, happy that they were now free. �śYou know,” Matt said to Mimi and Jericho, �śif we never find out who’s behind this human trafficking, I may never care, so long as we can free those brought to this country”. Let’s go back to the apartment and tell Fozzley and Selda. Maybe Miguel is still there too. Fozzley and Selda arrived at Climlos with Miguel. He was still knocked out cold. Soon Orin and Beegal joined them. �śThe deal is done,” Orin said. We must cross his soul over as soon as we can, or we may wish we had. Unbind him,” Orin said. Fozzley hesitated. �śHe is in a deep sleep, right,” he asked Fozzley. �śYes,” Fozzley said. �śThen he should be no harm. Unbind him and remove the protective bubble,” Orin said. Fozzley looked at Selda. She nodded her agreement, and Fozzley removed the energy force that had Miguel bound and removed the protective bubble from around him. His body thudded to the ground. Orin kicked Miguel in the jaw, once with each foot. �śStop it,” Fozzley cautioned him. �śHe might awaken”. �śYou defeated him once. Can you not do it again,” Orin asked. �śSubduing him wasn’t exactly a tactical affair,” Fozzley said. There was a ground shattering crushing noise followed by rocks, wood splinters, glass, and earth. When the dust settled, Mimi was standing there with her arms extended. Jericho was to her left, and Matt was to her right. �śIs this a bad time,” Matt asked Orin, Fozzley, and Selda. �śI always knew you were being dishonest with us about your intentions,” Mimi said to Fozzley. �śAnd you,” she said, pointing to Selda, �śI never liked. Fozzley encircled himself, Orin, and Zelda in a protective bubble of electricity. Mimi ran over to Miguel and touched him, trying to give him a quick energy surge. Miguel opened his eyes and joined Mimi in caressing hands. �śWhere am I,” he asked. �śNo time to explain. Just put on your angriest attitude and have bad, bad intentions for your enemies. That includes Fozzley and Selda” Mimi said. Miguel stood up from the floor. He turned his entire body into blue electric flames, his yellow eyes embedded in the blue. Miguel aimed his hand at the circle that held Fozzley and Selda and shattered it into pieces. Fozzley fired green electricity at Miguel, but he caught it in his hand and threw it right back at Fozzley, hitting him in the head and knocking him to the floor. Selda aimed her hand at Miguel and whispered a curse. Miguel dropped to his knees. Selda walked closer to him and intensified the pain. Not to be left out, Jericho clumped Selda over the head with a rock, then threw it on top of her. Miguel picked Fozzley up and slammed him to the ground several times. �śA few more, and the Soulcatchers should be ready for you,” Miguel said. He formed a blade with his hand and made a long slit along Fozzley’s throat. Finally, he kicked Fozzley several yards into the air. Fidex was walking slowly towards Fozzley’s limp body. Miguel felt Fozzley’s chest to see if he was moving. There was no movement. Fidex grabbed Fozzley by the collar and dragged him with him into the shadows. By this time, Selda came to and sped away as fast as her wings would carry her. Just for drama, Miguel shot electricity after her, deliberately missing. �śQwam! Phish! Kabloom! There were noises in the shadows and mist. �śHe has escaped someone yelled. The Tarron killed Fidex and is on the loose. Miguel felt a burning sensation on his chest and looked down to find that he had been struck by green plasma. �śFozzley,” Miguel muttered. Miguel was lifted into the air by his neck; someone was behind him, but he couldn’t see his attacker. �śLet him go,” Mimi yelled, hurling a rock into the sky and striking Selda, stunning her for the moment. She crashed to the earth. �śThanks,” Miguel said. �śThis has to end now,” Miguel added. He turned his entire body into flaming blue electricity. Fozzley shot plasma at him, but Miguel walked through it as if it were mere water being sprayed on him. �śLet’s settle this, Fozzley,” Miguel said. �śFace to face, man to man, let’s dance”. �śI do not wish to destroy you, child,” Fozzley said. Let the Supreme One do what he may, but I cannot continue this way. You children do a good thing here on earth. I do not fear your joining the Tarrons. You may be one, but you make your own decisions based on what’s right, not based on what’s right for Tarrons. Selda stood, dusted herself off, and took to the air. She spoke to Fozzley, in a voice that was deep, growling, and full of fury�"a man’s voice. �śFozolorne. Have you forgotten what I have offered you. You and your dear Magda can spend eternity together, never to be bothered by anyone. Your mission is to deliver the Tarron to the Soulcatchers or destroy him. My Angels on earth are depending on you and so are the many people who they help and prepare miracles for daily. It is my wish that you do my bidding,” the voice said. Selda collapsed after speaking. �śThe Supreme One�Ś” Mimi mumbled. �śI have no choice,” Fozzley said. He aimed his fist into the sky, and a huge dark swirling cloud formed. Fozzley directed it at Miguel. Miguel dodged it and kept on the move, so he didn’t provide a stationary target for Fozzley. Miguel flew behind Fozzley and grabbed him in a choke hold, lifting him into the air. Miguel formed a flaming blue knife with his right hand and sank it into Fozzley’s skull. Fozzley was motionless. Miguel dropped him to the ground. Matt walked over to Fozzley to see if he was alive. �śNo. Get away, Matt,” Miguel yelled. Fozzley opened his eyes and shot a burst of green plasma into Matt’s chest, point-blank. Matt wheezed and coughed and cried in agony. Miguel ran towards his friend. Jericho caught him and stopped him. �śIt’s too late,” Jericho said. �śI can sense Soulcatchers coming to this place for Matt,” Mimi said, sobbing heavily. �śMatt,” screamed Miguel. �śMatt”! Miguel was angry beyond words. He walked over to Fozzley and shot electricity into him. Miguel stood over Fozzley for minutes, shooting electricity into him. The longer he stood there, the more intense the energy became. Fozzley’s body burst into flames, and he screamed his last words�"�śMagda, we will be together”. When Fozzley’s body was just a mound of dirt, Miguel stood on top of it, and crushed it with his feet. He stomped repeatedly. By now, the Soulcatchers had come for and taken Matt. Everyone turned their back and tried to block out the swishing noise made when a Soulcatcher’s blade severs a spirit and separates them permanently from this world. Mimi began to weep, as did Jericho. They watched Soulcatchers take him away. �śI never thought it could come to this,” Jericho said. �śMatt didn’t deserve that,” Mimi added. �śWe will never be the same without him,” Miguel added. � CHAPTER TWENTY: ADJUSTMENTS The team went back to their former apartment in New York, where Selda had obviously been earlier and cleared all her possessions. Miguel, Jericho, and Mimi busied themselves finding and packing their things. There was a noticeable silence in the room. �śThe past two days have been trippy,” Miguel said. �śThat’s a gross understatement,” Jericho said. �śLet’s just be quick and get out of here, Mimi said. Several hours later, the team had made its last haul from New York to their new address back in Maine. �śFor her hand in Matt’s departing from this earth, I will someday destroy that Angel,” Miguel said. �śIs that just because of what happened with Matt, or are you developing an inner hatred for Angels, like the rest of your race,” Jericho asked. �śHow dare you talk about discrimination and racism to me,” Miguel said. He and Jericho stood chest to chest. Mimi put her arm between them and pushed Miguel back. �śCan you use that energy to finish unpacking our things into this apartment, so we can re-group and talk,” Mimi asked. �śMatt would want us to finish what he started, rescuing those Chinese slaves from the human traffickers,” Mimi said. �śThe only problem is that we can’t impersonate Harlan Frankley any more,” Jericho said. �śWhat if you controlled his mind, instead of us having to impersonate him,” Miguel asked. �śYou can direct him to the meets to pick up the slaves, and we can free them. At least one more time, in honor of Matt,” Miguel said. The flight back to New York was long, but no one complained�"not when it came to doing a favor for Matt. They entered Harlan Frankley’s house from a window in the basement that was left open. Miguel’s fists provided light as they searched for the stair case and ascended it. When they opened the door at the top, they found an immaculate kitchen, ornate dining area, and a spacious recreational area with a couch, loveseat, and a wall-mounted television. �śIt makes me sick that the kind of business this man does brings him such luxury and privilege,” Jericho said. �śHis days are numbered,” Miguel said. �śHe’s in that room, on the phone,” Mimi said, pointing to a room to the left. They all hovered toward the door. �śI can’t wait until my wife goes out of town, so we can spend some time together, sugar,” Mr. Frankley said. �śNo, it can’t be tonight. I’ve got to deal with a mix-up at work,” he added. �śSomehow, a package arrived and someone else intercepted it. Now, they’re blaming me. I have to fix it, or there could be trouble,” Mr. Frankley said. �śI love you too,” he said, as he hung up the phone. Mr. Frankley opened a closet behind the door. In it, a young, naked woman, tied in duct tape sobbed hysterically. �śWe’re almost done, honey,” Mr. Frankley said. He slapped the woman in the face, and her nose began to bleed. �śCant’ you answer when someone’s talking to you,” Mr. Frankley said. Miguel shot a blast of fire at Mr. Frankley’s head, but it missed, and he was not aware it even happened. The crying girl looked in the direction of where the fire came from, but she saw nothing. Mr. Frankley kicked her in the stomach and jumped up and down on her with his wing-tipped loafers, cracking her ribs. �śNever say, �Śno’, to me when I want something. Do you understand,” Mr. Frankley said. The girl nodded. Mr. Frankley left her there on the floor and went out to his car. �śI’ll stay and care for the girl, get her some medical attention and call the police,” Mimi said. �śYou two take care of him,” she hissed. Jericho and Miguel touched fists. They flew above Mr. Frankley’s car until he came to a stop at a warehouse on the shipping docks. They watched him peep around him to see who was watching, then turn the key and enter the building. Miguel and Jericho descended and went to the side of the building to see if they could see inside a window. No luck. The place had no windows. The murmurs of various men, women, and children could be heard. �śLet’s look for a way in,” Jericho said. �śI’ve got it,” Miguel replied. �śBlowing a hole in the wall isn’t what I had in mind,” Jericho smiled. �śWe’re going to kill him anyway,” Miguel replied. What does it matter how we get inside,” he asked. �śLet’s try this,” Jericho said, pulling a knife and some tweezers from his pocket. �śI used to pick locks as a kid,” Jericho said. �śThat’s a useful talent,” Miguel replied. Moments later they were inside the building. Mr. Frankley was in an office at the back of the building. The rest of the place was filled with mattresses on the floor, linens, garment bags, garbage, empty pizza boxes, and men and women and children. All of them appeared to be Chinese. �śWe have to free these people,” Jericho said. Miguel opened the front door and created a mini tornado inside the room, swirling papers and furniture and people. The immigrants became frightened and ran outside the building. Miguel chased after them with bolts of lightning and fire to ensure none of them turned back. Once all of the immigrants were gone, Miguel went back inside the warehouse. Mr. Frankley was busy carving his flesh from his skin with a razor, while Jericho watched. �śDon’t stop until you’ve gotten every last bit off the bones,” Jericho told Mr. Frankley. �śDude, you are twisted,” Miguel told Jericho. �śGot the job done, didn’t it,” he asked. �śMatt would be proud,” Miguel said. He dropped his head to the floor and sobbed silently. �śMissing your best bud is a heavy burden,” Jericho said. �śWe all miss Matt,” he added. �śHe was the only one that ever understood me,” Miguel said. �śI know I’ve got a screw loose, but Matt looked past that. That’s a true friend,” Miguel added. � CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: THE OWL �śI was in room being beaten and I felt the spirit of a little girl. I could not see here, but I know she was there. When they found the bad man dead where he had been keeping us, I knew that there was a Supreme Being and guardians who watch over us,” the woman told the reporter on television. Mimi, Jericho, and Miguel sat around staring at the screen. �śWe’re getting some publicity,” Jericho said with cheer in his voice. �śParanormal experts examined the Frankley mansion and the warehouse where he kept imprisoned immigrants. They found no evidence of ghosts, angels, or other paranormal activity,” the anchorwoman said. �śThere’s just no proof that these coincidences involved any paranormal activity,” an expert on ghosts, named Opal Weldon Lugini, told the anchorwoman. �śI’d like to haunt her for a couple of days and see her opinion,” Jericho said. �śI don’t scare easily,” Jericho heard a woman’s voice say in his head. �śDid you guys hear that,” Jericho asked aloud. �śHear what,” Miguel asked. �śNevermind,” Jericho said. �śI would invite you and your friends to stop by and visit with me. You obviously have noble intentions, based on all the incidents I’ve traced to you. I have had some personal tragedies in my own life that inspire me to want to work with you. I’m at 636 East Port drive in Maine. No need to call ahead. Just stop by when you want,” Opal telepathically said to Jericho. �śYo, guys, I’m freaking out here. That paranormal woman on television just spoke to me and invited us to her place,” Jericho said. �śMan, how long since you’ve been with a woman,” Miguel asked. Mimi and Miguel laughed. Everyone remembered it differently, but they all remembered it. They were sitting watching television when a gold ring rolled across the floor and stopped in front of the television. No one said a word, but they looked at each other. Jericho went over and picked up the ring. �śMatthew Broadus,” he read aloud. �śIt’s Matt’s ring,” Jericho said. �śHow and why,” Miguel asked. �śGive me the ring,” Mimi said. �śI can feel his force,” she said. �śThat’s impossible,” Jericho said. �śWe saw him destroyed and taken by the Soulcatchers. �śHe’s signaling us for some reason,” Mimi said. �śWhat if he’s not really gone from this plane,” she asked. �śIf he’s still in this world, then we need to find him,” Miguel said. �śNow,” he yelled. �śWhat do you suggest Mimi,” Migueal asked. �śLet’s go see that paranormal lady from television who spoke to me and see if she can help us figure out what this means,” Jericho said. �śYou do realize that on the other side of this, all of this could be a trick by the Tarrons, Soulcatchers, or Angels, playing on our emotions to lead us into a trap,” Mimi said. �śI’m willing to take that risk for Matt,” Miguel said. The children flew to 636 East Port drive in Maine. Jericho rapped on the door. There was no movement inside. He knocked again and waited. Within seconds, the door flew open, though no one was standing there. �śCome on in, children,” the paranormal expert from the evening newscast said. �śThe name is Opal Weldon Lugini. People call me �śOwl” for short, and you should too. The children just gawked at her without saying anything. �śYou can see us,” Mimi asked. �śYes, but only when wearing these special glasses that I once copped from a Soulcatcher,” she said, pointing to the thin black glasses on her face. Her hair was sandy brown, and her skin was cinnamon, but a bit pale for an African-American, like she avoided the light at all costs. She had the look of a sprite pixie ready to cause mischief. �śI’m Jericho,” Jericho said. �śI’m the one who you talked to inside his head,” he added. �śTends to frighten people. I hope I didn’t cause a stir for you,” Owl said. �śThis is Miguel, and that’s Mimi,” Jericho said, pointing to the other children. Owl shook each of their hands. �śSit down,” she said. �śI was about to pour myself some pineapple juice. You’re welcome to it,” she said. The children each nodded that they would like a glass of pineapple juice. Owl poured the juice and sat down. �śSo, show me the ring that you want me to look at,” Owl said. �śI don’t mean to be too blunt, Owl, but we hardly know you. We’ve been burned badly in the past by giving people too much trust. How do we know you’re different,” Miguel asked. �śYou just have to take a chance,” Owl said. �śA man with your powers doesn’t thrive by playing it safe, Miguel,” she said. �śWhat are your powers,” Miguel asked. �śFor that matter, what are you�"human, ghost, what,” he asked. �śI am what they call a para-geist. My mother was a human, and my father was a demi-geist. My powers include seeing, hearing, and communicating with the dead. Enough about me,” she asked. �śThe ring,” she added. Miguel placed Matt’s ring in her hand. �śSuch strong death vibes,” Owl said. �śIs he alive,” Miguel asked. �śYes and no,” Owl said. He exists in a place between the earth and the soul world. He’s badly hurt, but his wounds are healing with each minute. My suggestion is to find him and help him back to this world. There is much about Matthew Broadus that is not known, even to you,” she said. �śCan you show us how to find him? I mean, you have gifts for communicating with ghosts and such,” Jericho said. �śIt would be dangerous to undertake such a mission lightly,” Owl said. �śHow can we know that this is not a trick by the Soulcatchers, other demi-geists, Angels, or even Tarrons,” she asked. �śHow do you know of these things,” Miguel asked. �śMost people have no clue about the spirit world,” he added. �śAre you willing to use every bit of your powers, Tarron,” Owl asked Miguel. �śHow did you know,” he asked. �śYou act like a Tarron. Your powers are on the level of a Tarron, and I know that The Six are combing the earth for you,” she replied. What are you going to do if Fozolorne shows up at the spot where you can find Matt,” Owl asked. �śFozolorne exists no more,” Miguel said. �śI destroyed him and incinerated his soul,” he added. �śFozolorne is a Tarron, Miguel,” Owl said. He is over two-hundred years old. Do you think he has not mastered his powers? You can never truly destroy a Tarron�"they are immortal. Mark my words, Fozolorne is out there, recovering, too tired to fight right now, but filled with vengeance. Most of all, he has a dream to be reunited with his wife and spend eternity with her. Be careful, is all I’m saying,” Owl said. �śWe want to find our teammate and bring him back wit us,” Miguel said. �śYou can help us, or we can go it alone. It’s your choice,” Miguel said. �śJust know that I refuse to fail, am very vengeful, and always settle the score with those who need it,” he added. �śIs that a threat,” Owl asked. �śYou threaten me because I’m hesitant to use my powers to stir-up the spirits out there who do horrible things every day and can make the worst enemies,” she asked. �śYes, I’m threatening you,” Miguel said. �śYou either help us, or we can end this association right now,” he added. Owl lit three black candles and sat them on the table next to the sofa. She sat still for a long time and mouthed words to herself. �śIs she in a trance,” Jericho asked. �śWhatever she’s doing, the outcome better be that she will lead us to Matt,” Miguel said. Owl opened her left eye and looked at Miguel. �śWhen I was a child, my Mother used to discourage the use of my gifts. She wanted a �śnormal” child, not one who could communicate with the spirit world. My Father was the opposite. He secretly had many training sessions with me, teaching me how to use my powers. My Father was a special man. When he was destroyed in the last battle between Tarrons and Angels, my Mother became a shell of herself. She shut down. She withered away. I used to tell her things that my Father asked me to relay to her. Even after his destruction, we still talked very often. My Father never spoke of it, refused to answer my questions, and discouraged any poking around, but I’m certain that Fozolorne had a hand in his demise. You children have no clue what Fozolorne is really like. He’s pure evil. He’s sinister. He worships darkness,” Owl said. �śI thought the Supreme One made a deal with Fozolorne to reunite him with his wife, Magda, in exchange for keeping Miguel away from the Tarrons,” Jericho said. �śThat is what Fozolorne wants everyone to believe. He did, in fact, make a deal with the Supreme One to reunite with his wife in exchange for insuring that Miguel never assumes leadership of the Tarrons; however, it was not the upper Supreme One with whom he made the deal. It was the lower Supreme One�"the bringer of chaos, pain, torment, and evil. Fozolorne does indeed wish to keep Miguel from the Tarrons�"by eliminating him. You see, Fozolorne has regretted betraying the Tarrons all those years ago. The only thing he wants as much as his dear Magda is to return to leadership of the Tarrons,” Owl said. �śBut, why would the Tarrons ever let him rule again,” Jericho asked. �śFozolorne’s mistake�"betraying the Tarrons�"is not something the Tarrons dwell on. Their only thoughts are of how to get stronger, how to find a leader, and how to overtake this world and enslave the spirits, humans, beasts, and others. The Tarrons were a terrible force under Fozolorne’s leadership. For the chance to rule over this world, they would gladly take Fozolorne back,” Owl said. �śHow do you know these things,” Mimi asked. �śMy kind is very interactive with the spirit world. There are many like me. We make it our business to know what’s going on out there. I have no reason to lie, no agenda, and no goals�"unless you count vengeance on Fozolorne for what he did to my Father and my family,” Owl smiled. �śI’m finished thinking, and the answer is �Śyes’. I will help you to find Matthew. You should intake as much pineapple juice as you can stand over the next hour. You will need your strength and energy to get to the place where he rests and even more resolve to get him out of there and back here,” Owl said. �śDo you know an Angel named, �ŚSelda’,” Mimi asked. Owl dropped her glass of pineapple juice, sending shards of glass and sweet, sticky juice all over the floor. �śI know her,” Owl said. �śHow do you know her,” she asked. �śWell, she was helping Fozolorne,” Mimi said. �śShe’s still out there somewhere. What do you know of her,” Mimi asked. �śI know that she was cast down by the Supreme One to the lower plane because she was evil, caused chaos, and plotted with others to overthrow the Supreme One. She is quite powerful, but scares easily,” Owl said. �śThanks for letting me know that we need to watch out for her too. The group drank pineapple juice and consumed donuts, talking about Owl’s background, their own experiences, and their mission as Shadow Guardians. �śYou need a place to stay, don’t you,” Owl asked. �śI have just the spot where you can operate clandestinely, remain out of the sight of your enemies, and help make this world better. Here are the keys,” Owl said. It’s the apartment three doors down from this one, to your right. Check it out, and see if you like it. If you do, it’s yours. I own this building, so there are no issues. Most of the people who live here have some form of paranormal powers or are into the study of the paranormal. You’d blend right in,” she said. �śNow, let’s go get Matt,” Owl said. � � CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: THE SEARCH FOR MATT The team flew for an hour into the night air, ascending a few thousand feet every so often, on Owl’s command. �śMiguel, I need you to aim at that star right there,” Owl said, pointing, �śand heat it with electricity and fire. �śWhat,” Miguel asked. �śJust do it,” Owl replied. �śHow come we are not at Climlos, where Matt was taken,” Mimi asked. �śClimlos is but one step on the journey to oblivion,” Owl said. �śNow, Miguel,” she yelled. Miguel shot fire and electricity at the star. �śKeep it going,” Owl said. �śNow, reverse yourself and pull the energy out of the star into your body,” Owl said. Miguel complied. Miguel felt stronger than ever. �śBet you didn’t know you could do that,” Owl laughed. The star had lost its illumination and just hovered in space in darkness. �śInto the star is where we’re headed,” Owl said. The team floated next to the star and waited for further instructions. �śIs Miguel going to be okay,” Jericho asked Owl. �śQuite fine,” she replied. �śNow, let’s look around and see if we can find your friend. �śThis is the plane of existence between the earth and the afterlife,” Mimi asked. �śIt’s one entrance to that plane,” Owl said. We have a great deal of ground to cover before we get to where I suspect Matt can be found,” Owl said. �śWhat do you make of all of this,” Mimi whispered to Miguel. �śI’m not thrilled by it, but if Matt’s here, it’s worth it,” Miguel said. Jericho rubbed his bald head and continued to follow Owl. The group hovered through a place of shadows and darkness. There was no light, save for that being emitted from Miguel’s hands. The walked down a winding staircase. It seemed to twist and snake for hours. Wherever Matt was, it wouldn’t be easy to find him. �śDuck, Jericho,” Miguel yelled. Jericho did so, and the blade of a Soulcatcher whisked above his head. Miguel fired shots of flame and electricity at the Soulcatcher, wounding him in the leg. The Soulcatcher lay on the ground, holding his leg. �śArchansee Toblee,” chanted Owl. She pointed at the Soulcatcher, and he disappeared. �śJust sending him back to his parents�"a child Soulcatcher prowling a place like this�"what nerve,” Owl said. �śThanks for the save,” Jericho said to Miguel. �śAnytime, man. Anytime,” Miguel replied. �śMore Soulcatchers are ahead,” Owl said. �śDodge and evade, or confront and destroy,” she asked the team�"primarily speaking to Miguel. �śLet’s handle it however the outcome might best benefit our chances of finding Matt,” Miguel said. �śIt’s going to rain fire,” Jericho snorted. �śMiguel Menendez not wanting a fight. Sheesh”. �śMimi,” if you touch them, can you absorb their powers, weakening them,” Miguel asked. �śNever tried,” Mimi responded. �śIt’s worth a shot, though,” she added. Mimi and Owl crept slowly behind the Soulcatchers. Mimi touched them both on the shoulder, and they instantly fell to the ground. �śIt worked,” Mimi said with glee. �śCan you feel any of the power you absorbed from them, Mimi,” Miguel asked. �śI can’t tell,” Mimi replied. �śI guess I can absorb a spirit’s energy, but not wield their powers once I do,” she said. �śTwo more doors down is where we should find Matt,” Owl said. The team cautiously walked the hallway, mindful of any Soulcatchers or other spirits. �śWhat’s in that room,” Mimi asked Owl. �śI sense some sort of equipment room,” Owl said. �śI would love to get my hands on one of those blades the Soulcatchers use,” Miguel said. �śLet’s go in and cop a couple,” he added. Before she could warn him not to go inside, Miguel had opened the door to the equipment room and went inside. The others followed him, partly out of concern and partly out of the need for the light Miguel was emitting from his hands so they could see. The room was lined with weapons and equipment that Soulcatchers use. Miguel wasn’t interested in any of the shields, vests, chainmail, or boots that he saw. He was after one of the double-bladed flaming swords. Miguel found a blade like the one he had awed at seeing the Soulcatchers use. He found a sheath for it, placed it on his belt, and put the blade in the sheath. �śCan we get out of here now,” Jericho asked. Miguel didn’t say a word. He just led the way out of the room. When the team reached the door to the room where they believed Matt to be, Mimi used her powers to sense Matt’s presence. �śIt’s very faint, but I can sense him or that he’s been here,” Mimi said. Miguel shot a bolt of electricity at the wooden door and exploded it into splinters. Matt was lying on a table, unclothed. He looked as if he had lost five years of age. Miguel tried to pry his eyes open to no avail. Mimi touched Matt, hoping to fill his body with energy and awaken him. After receiving several jolts, Matt opened his eyes and looked at Mimi. �śDo you remember,” Miguel asked. Matt did not say anything or gesture with his body. �śMatt, it’s your friends. We’re here to take you back home with us,” Miguel said. �śMatt smiled. Just give me another shot at Fozzley,” he said. �śMatt, it’s you” screamed Mimi. She put her arms around Matt and hugged him until he gasped for air. Mimi glanced out the corner of her eye to see Miguel’s jealous reaction. �śMatt, it’s so good to have my friend back,” Miguel said. �śWe saw you taken by the Soulcatchers, though. How were you able to escape? How are you here,” Miguel asked. Miguel thought to himself. With all the tricks and games that had been played recently to try to capture him on behalf of and to keep him away from the Tarrons, little could be reliable. Miguel was suspicious. �śRemember when that Angel said that I probably had some unknown power that I hadn’t been using. Well, when I’m in human form and get killed, it’s not like a spirit leaving the earth. It’s like a piece of the spirit dying, but still surviving overall. Many many deaths in my human form would kill me, but what Fozzley did, only knocked me out for a while,” Matt said. �śWhat happened with the Soulcatchers, then,” Jericho asked. �śI was immune to their blades for some reason,” Matt said. �śI still don’t understand it. It’s like I’m immortal almost,” he added. Miguel embraced Matt for the longest time. �śMan, I thought I’d never see you again. I missed you so much. I love you,” Miguel told Matt. �śWe all love each other,” Mimi said. �śAs much as I hate to break up this celebration,” Owl said, �śwe are among many broods that wish us no good. We need to leave this place now,” she added. �śWho’s she,” Matt asked. �śShe’s a para-geist that we met yesterday. She helped us find you,” Jericho said. �śYou’ll excuse me if I’m not too trusting of anyone that I don’t know,” Matt said. �śNo offense taken,” Owl said. The team slowly retraced their steps backwards and exited the Soulcatchers’ lair. � � CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: SPIRITS DON’T DIE � The team giggled and laughed as they entered Owl’s house. Miguel couldn’t remember feeling so care free in a long time. Mimi walked to the back of the house to get some pineapple juice. There was a shrill scream. Miguela and Matt walked hurriedly towards Mimi to see what was wrong. Fozolorne stepped from the shadows, holding Mimi by her neck, like a rag-doll. �śSo, I get to destroy you again,” Miguel said in a very pleased voice. �śYou selfish, conceited, amateur, fool,” Fozolorne said to Miguel. �śDid you think you could erase me from this plane with the �śtoy” powers that you wield? You do not yet know what it means to be a Tarron and truly have the gift of power flowing through your spirit. Tonight, I will destroy you and your friends,” Fozzley said. Fozzley fired a blast of green plasma at Miguel. Miguel easily dodged it and fired a shot of blue electricity back at Fozzley. Owl threw a kitchen knife at Fozzley, striking him in the thigh. He dropped Mimi. �śHow many times must I break you before you give up, Fozzorlone,” Miguel asked, slamming Fozzley to the ground with a body slam. Miguel engulfed Fozzley’s clothes in blue flames. He walked over to him and punched him squarely in the mouth. He stomped on Fozzley. He kicked his ribs until his sides turned purple. Fozzley was unconscious. Miguel had his electric blue knife drawn and ready to deliver an end-blow. �śFozzorlone, hold up your hands,” Selda yelled, as she dipped from the air to pick up Fozzley. Fozzley had never been so happy in his life. He hugged Selda tightly�"both to avoid falling from her and to show her his affinity for her help in such a dire moment. �śGotcha,” Miguel yelled from below, just after firing a shot into the air. Fozzley felt Selda go limp, and her body, with him on it, was hurtling to the ground. Fozzley jumped off and landed on the electric blue blade Miguel had intended for him earlier. Fozzley lost consciousness. Miguel fired blue flames at Fozzley. Fozzley burned, slowly. Miguel stood over him and watched. �śYou know he will be back,” Owl said. �śYeah. I know,” Miguel said. Like me, he’s fairly immortal. Time is the only factor in his regeneration. Never forget, though, when he comes back�"every time he comes back�"the Shadow Guardians will await him.” Beegal, Caroth, Krizel, Shorman, Loth, and Kristh floated above the trees that filled the park beneath them in New Jersey. They had been discussing their most talked-about topic over the past six months�"the fulfillment of the Prophecy of Leadership confessed to the Tarrons by an angel six hundred and forty-six years earlier. �śWe just haven’t gone after him with all our might, like we normally would, said Krizel. Against all of us, he would stand no chance and would have to see reason. What we need to do is overwhelm him, scare him, make him feel insecure and needy. We’ll be there to fill the void and restore him,” Krizel finished. �śWhere is he now,” Loth asked. �śHe is with the Owl and the other children somewhere in Maine,” Beegal answered. We have the insects and the birds, and the grasses and trees on alert for their presence. We should find them soon, I expect,�ś Beegal added. �śThe Owl has reappeared,” Loth said with a bit of amusement in his voice. �śI always liked her; she’s very challenging for a pari-geist; very challenging,” he said. �śWhat role does the Owl play,” Shorman asked. �śThough they are powerful, they are still children and always will be. They think as children. They have childish needs. Owl is their mother-figure, the adult that holds the team together. �śShe sounds important,” Kristh said. �śYes,” Loth added. �śImportant enough that she may serve as a bargaining chip,” he mused. �śWe all know that the Owl can be quite elusive, if not impossible to capture and restrain. I propose that we meet with her and try to come to some mutual agreements,” Loth said. The Six finished their meditation session and started about the chore of figuring out how to get in touch with the Owl and what to propose to her. �śWhat is it that the Owl wants more than anything on this planet, Loth asked. What do we know of her,” he asked. �śOpal Weldon Lugini,” Beegal said, �śwas born a little over a hundred years ago to a human woman who was impregnated by a demi-geist. She was born at her mother’s home in St. John’s, Newfoundland in Canada. Opal Weldon Lugini, most prominently known as the �ŚOwl’ was raised by her mother with limited involvement of her father in her life. To-date, no one has ever identified the demi-geist who fathered the Owl. The Owl is a strong feminist, a human who cares a great deal for other humans, and is very vocal and very active in whatever she pursues. She has been involved with spirits for the past eighty years of her life. Her first paranormal activity was to summon a séance of spirits who may have been associated with her unknown father. The Owl is driven by an underlying desire to identify herself within the spirit world, know her father, and understand what powers may be within her that she has not yet discovered”. �śWe must discover the identity of the Owl’s father,” Caroth said. �śBased on what I know of the male demi-geists who based themselves in eastern Canada, were known to commit the taboo of intimate relationships with humans, and were of fathering age approximately one-hundred years ago, I am certain that I know her father. We all know him,” Krizel said. �śThat knowledge will be the key to getting the Owl to do our bidding now and in the future,” he added. �śWe head to the Owl’s location this very minute,” Caroth said. Moments later, six bodies flamed through the sky and struck the roof of the apartment at 636 East Port drive in Maine. They were immediately met by the Soul Guardians and the Owl. �śWe’ve been wondering when this day would come,” Matt announced. �śThis day has been prophesized,” Beegal chimed in. �śOpal Weldon Lugini, the Owl, is the most powerful para-geist known to have ever existed on this planet. She has no clue of her true powers, however, and little knowledge of herself. I bet that can be very painful, not to know one’s self. True, you were raised by and remained very close to your human mother until her death some years ago. After she died though, you became bitter. You’d never known your father. Your mother never spoke of him. You never saw a picture of him. You don’t know what his life or death were like. You don’t know what powers he had and may have passed on to you. How unfulfilled your existence must be, Owl,” Caroth said. �śSo, you know the name that has eluded me for almost eighty years,” the Owl asked Caroth. �śI know that all information comes with a price, so let’s get down to it. What will it take from me to get the name of my father from you,” the Owl said. �śYou and the others leave this place now, leaving only the Seventh Tarron here with us. We will provide the name that you seek once the Seventh Tarron is amongst our ranks. �śIt’s true that I have a huge hole in me, not knowing anything about the side of my life that so dominates my existence. I long to know all the deepest, darkest secrets of my kin and myself. I have contemplated some pretty half-brained schemes to get my father’s name in the past. None of them, I’m happy to say involved harming other spirits or putting them within harm’s way, just so my ego and curiosity could be satiated. I’m not about to do that now, especially to a boy as dear to me as Miguel. I couldn’t live with myself knowing that I helped bring the Tarrons one step closer to fully reigning over this domain. I have to reject your offer, Caroth. I cannot help you,” the Owl said. �śSo be it,” Beegal said. �śGet the boy,” Caroth ordered the Tarrons. Matt, Jericho, Mimi, and the Owl gathered around Miguel. �śYou’ll have to go through us to get to him,” Matt yelled. Krizel waved his hand, and Matt, Jericho, and Mimi disappeared from their location and reappeared across the room behind some energy field that they were battling to get past. The Owl was on the floor clutching Miguel. �śI do not wish to harm you,” Caroth said to the Owl. �śMove now, or I will scramble your genes into the form of a fruit fly,” he added. As if to demonstrate the ability to accomplish the task, Caroth waved his hand at a pile of dust in the corner of the room. It changed to several crickets, chirping and hopping around. The Owl slowly moved away from Miguel. The Tarrons moved closer to Miguel in unison. Miguel lay on the floor, encircled by The Tarrons. He never felt so scared before. Here he was fighting entities who were close to Gods. Here he was losing a fight for the first time in his life. Here he was being treated like a rebel child who refused to go home with his parents. �śWe will not harm you,” Krizel said. �śIt is written that we shall not. We want you to join our fraternity and lead it. If you do, you and your friends will reap great rewards, Krizel added. �śI know all about you and what you want,” Miguel said. �śYou want a world where your kind rules all other races and creatures. I do not believe in that cause, and I cannot support it,” Miguel said. Caroth reached towards Miguel to grasp him by the collar and lift him up. �śIf you make one more move in this direction, I will use this,” Miguel said, flashing the double-bladed flaming Soulcatcher’s sword he had acquired. �śIf the only way to end this and save the world from your evil plans is to destroy Miguel Menendez, the Seventh Tarron, then I’m more than willing to slice my own throat with this blade,” Miguel said. �śMiguel, no,” shouted Mimi. �śNo Mig,” yelled Matt. �śYou can’t do that man,” said Jericho. �śSupreme One, no,” the Owl said. The Tarrons immediately froze in their steps. �śThe Seventh One was prophesized to lead the Tarrons, not to be removed from this place by the Tarrons,” Kristh said. �śYou can put the blade away, fellow Tarron. You have our attention. What type of deal are you seeking in exchange for not using the blade? �śThe Tarrons shall have their seventh member and prophesized leader,” Miguel announced, �śif, in exchange for joining your ranks and leading you, each of you makes a great vow. I ask you to vow to devote your days to helping human children who are in danger, being abused, suffering, or otherwise in need of assistance. Grant this, and you will have my leadership. You will obtain your goals. Deny me, and you shall forever want for my leadership and plot to obtain it. What is your answer,” Miguel asked. � � CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE: THE REALITY OF IT �śWe will always be chased by Soulcatchers who want to end our attachment to this plane of existence. Tarrons will always plot to get Miguel to become their prophesized leader. Shady characters with their own agendas will constantly try to infiltrate us and use us. We still have Fozolorne left to deal with, as well as Selda,” Matt said. On the other hand, the four of us are the best friends one could ask for. We have a true friend�"the Owl�"who we can count on to help us through the struggles. Most of all, we are able to continue or work, saving children in need and making life better for them,” he added. �śOne more thing, guys,” Matt said. Every superhero team needs branding�"colors, a logo, a secret hideout. Maybe we should even go public. I’ve got some ideas on that to run by you. How does midnight blue with teal strike you for our team colors,” Matt asked. �śMiguel looked up to the sky and shook his head. �śI’ll pick up my own outfit,” he said. Everyone laughed. Miguel and Owl locked eyes. Back at the team’s new apartment, Miguel, Matt, Mimi, and Jericho were busy moving furniture, painting walls, and hanging pictures. They were within 10 minutes walking distance from Owl’s place. Owl had truly been a gift to them. Though no one disrespect her by asking, the team speculated heavily that Owl had wings and was really an Angel, performing stunts atypical of a pari-geist. There was a harmony within the apartment. Death was good. � � CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR: EPILOGUE � On a stretch of red clay and mud in southern Lousiana, a trail of green plasma slowly oozes forward, getting thicker with each minute. The unorganized form has yet to evolve to at the most minimal level; however, it has a purpose�"it always has. �śMagda,” it cries. �śMagda”! � � � � � � � � � THE END �