Erica woke, woozy and dizzy, hearing the gentle ‘beep-beep’ of a heart rate monitor.  I’m in a hospital?  What day is it?  Did it work?  She shifted a little bit, but still felt very sleepy.  I hope everyone else is okay…

 

            Erica found herself in a dimly lit room – a familiar, homey cabin in the woods – Kai’s cabin.  She was laying on the bed in Kai’s sisters’ room, and could hear the sound of a kettle boiling.  She sat up – and realized she was wearing a light hospital gown.  I must be dreaming, she thought.  Weird.  At least Kai’s cabin feels like home.  Erica got up, and walked out to the main room of the cabin, to see what was cooking on Kai’s wood stove.  When she emerged, she saw the Goddess Askeline, in her Mother form, called Thuria, making tea.

 

            Hello, Erica. She said.  Tea?

 

            “Yes please.”  Erica came over and sat down at the dinner table.  “I’m dreaming, aren’t I?”

 

            Yes.  Thuria said.  It is easier to come to you this way, than in the waking world.  You know what you did was particularly stupid, don’t you?  Thuria set down the teacup in front of Erica, and took the one she had poured for herself and sat down as well, sipping the hot liquid.

 

            Erica nodded, a bit abashed.  “Yeah, but I figured we had to know if we could do it.  Earth can protect itself with its weapons – what does Mercia have?  It doesn’t have fighter planes and missiles, and tanks and nuclear bombs.  It couldn’t stop one Dragon – and now that Tiamat is reborn, there’s going to be more and more of them, isn’t there?”

 

            Thuria looked at Erica sadly, and nodded.  Yes, my daughter.  There will be more dragons – and like all events that seem like disasters, things will get far worse before they get better.

 

            “Will they?”  Erica asked.  “Will they get better?”

 

            None but Morian can say for sure, Erica – but I have hope that you and your friends can change the world forever, and for the better.  There have been ancient stories about these times – and prophecies as well.  I am proud you have done well so far.

 

            “Why me?  Why not someone else?”  Erica asked.  “Why not pick someone from Mercia, instead of a crazy transgendered street-kid who’s afraid of spiders?  I don’t know hardly anything about magic, about your faith and this stupid halo – and I don’t know what to do to be a leader or a saint or whatever the hell I am!  Hell, I don’t know how to be a girl, even though I’ve wanted it since I was little.  What am I supposed to do?”

 

            The only thing you can do, my child.  Try, and do your best.  I promised you long life, and happiness, and I will not rescind my gifts – not of them, nor the Inner Light.  Your path will be fraught with danger and difficulty, my child, but know that it is a necessary step for humanity – my children – to survive.  Yes, you will be thrust into situations you are not ready for – but I believe you will rise to the occasion, because I know you.  I once said you were always going to be the Dreamer that woke, did I not?

 

            “Yes, ma’am.  Can I ask why?”

 

            Because, Erica, you are my child – my son who has become a daughter.  The flesh of my flesh.  I love you, and I want the best for you… and one day, when you’re ready, I want you to join your brother and sister with me in Heaven.  You are the Daughter of Mercy.

 

            “What!? What?  How is that possible?  How is that even fucking possible?”  Erica jumped up, panicked.  “I must be going mad – this can’t be real!  What about Kai?  What about me?”

 

            It is the truth, Erica.  Perhaps you were not ready to hear what I have to say, she said sadly.  This often happens, when Gods and Goddesses have children – the children grow with mortals, and come to believe they’re mortal as well.  You will eventually have to come to terms with this, little one – or it will only bring you pain and unhappiness. 

 

Thuria stood, and approached Erica, who retreated against the far kitchen wall, until only a few centimeters separated the two.  Mark my words, Child.  You need to realize that you have a destiny, but that does not mean you cannot make your own choices.  You have a duty, but that does not mean you cannot enjoy a mortal life.  Thuria sighed, seeing terror and fear rush over Erica’s face.  Erica, you are not ready to know all this.  I see that now.  When you are ready, remember what I have said.  When you wake, be at ease – and remember your duty.  Remember your friends – and when you’re ready, come home to me.

 

            Thuria raised her hand to Erica’s head, and everything went dark.

           

*           *           *

 

            Erika woke slowly, once again hearing the ‘beep-beep’ of a heart rate monitor.  She felt sore all over, but woozy and a bit drugged as well.  I must be on painkillers, she thought.  Good ones too.  Wheee!  She couldn’t help but smile.  How long have I been out?  Erica’s backside felt hot and sweaty, and she felt chilled.  She tried to shift to get more comfortable, and heard someone else nearby move.

 

            “Erica?  Are you awake?”

 

            “Kai?  Is that you?”  Erica said, slowly.  Her throat felt dry and her voice cracked a bit.  She tried to open her eyes, and blinked as the light stung a bit. She looked like she was in a private hospital room, and Kai was standing next to her. 

 

            “Yeah.  Are you okay?”  Kai sounded concerned, and gently grasped her hand and gave it a squeeze. 

 

            Erica tried to take stock of herself - and although she hurt a bit all over, she didn’t feel too bad.  “I think I’m okay.  Sore, but okay.  Why?”

 

            “Because you’ve been unconscious for three and half days, hon.”  He said, kissing her forehead.  “You haven’t moved once.  We weren’t sure you were going to survive.”

 

            Erica slowly began to remember…  “The Dragon… did we kill it?”

 

            “Yeah.” He said.  “You killed it, but I’ll bet the tower it fell on had something to do with it too.  What the hell did you do, anyway?  Maeve said she’d never seen anything like that.”

 

            Erica grinned a bit silly, the drugs still making her a bit goofy.  “My laser!”  It worked, she thought.  My idea worked!  Oh my God!   “I did the spell that I used on Donal Blaine and the Demon, and made it stronger with the Inner Light.  I think it worked.”

 

            “Well, it did something.”  Kai said, smiling.  “The Dragon definitely knew it had been hurt, honey.  Maeve used the staff that Vargas dropped to teleport us back to Canada.  Harlan and your sister took care of the rest.”

 

            “At least dad’s money is good for something.”  Erica muttered. 

 

            “Want me to go let Maeve and Sir Andred and your sister Angie know you’re okay?”  Kai squeezed her hand again.

 

            “Sure, handsome.”  She grinned.  “I think they might need to turn down the drugs a bit.”

 

            “Maybe.”  Kai replied.  “I’ll talk to Angie about it.”  He bent over, and kissed her forehead.  “I’ll be back soon.”  Kai grinned.  She called me handsome.  I think the drugs are making her a bit drunk.  Kai realized he didn’t care – it felt good when she called him that.  It felt good that she was awake and talking.  He left the room, feeling much relieved.

 

            Erica drifted in a drugged haze for several minutes, until Angie and Maeve entered the room.

 

            “Hey, sis.”  Angie said.  “You okay?”

 

            “I think they need to turn down the morphine a bit, Angie.”  Erica said, giggling a bit.  “Other than that, I think I’m okay.  And yes, I know what I did was stupid.  It was also necessary.”

 

            “We’ll talk about that a bit later, okay Erica?”  Maeve said.  “Just feel better.”

 

            “When can I come home?”

 

            “How about when you can string a sentence together without giggling, okay?”  Angie smiled.  “Maybe later today, if you’re all right.  The doctors had a rough time with you – apparently you had swelling on the brain, like some awful fever, and they’ve been trying to bring it down since you arrived.  We were worried you had brain damage.”

 

            “Uh, sis, I think that’s supposed to be pronounced Dain Bramage.”  Erica smiled back.  “I have that on good authority.”

 

            Angie laughed.  “Only you would say something that stupid.  Welcome back, kiddo.”

 

            “It’s good to be back.”  She said.  “What’s going on?”

 

            Maeve nodded.  “We’re back in Toronto, and you’re in a private clinic.  We’ve all been camping out here for the last few days until we knew if you were going to get better, and now that you are, we have some stuff to do when we can.  Dragons have awoken across the whole damn planet, and a lot of cities are in ruins and burning; a lot of people have been killed.  Various militaries have killed about a half-dozen of the things with those ‘missiles’ that your people favor, and one country used a ‘nuke’ – whatever that is – to kill one.  There are still others left out there, but it seems your people are very capable at defending themselves.  Your weapons can hurt them.”

 

            “Good…”  Erica sighed.  “Then it’ll be safe for us to return to Mercia, when we’re ready.”

 

            “You’re still going to go back there?”  Angie asked.  “I was kind of hoping I might convince you to stay, sis.  I’ll miss you.”

 

“I’ll miss you too, Angie.  But my home is there, not here.  I love the wilds, and I love the legends.  I love the magic, and I love Kai.  My heart is there, and I want to go back.  I won’t be happy here, if I stay.”  Erica didn’t fully realize what she said, due to the meds making her woozy, and didn’t notice Maeve and Angie start a bit.

 

            “I know, kiddo.  I know.  I’ll miss you is all.”  Angie put her hand on Erica’s cheek.  “Will you at least try to stay safe?”

 

            “As safe as I can.”  Erica promised, crossing her heart and swearing.

 

            “I suppose that’s the best I’ll get.”  Angie said, a tear running down her cheek. She looked happy and sad at the same time.  “You’re all welcome to come back to the house until you leave, once the doctor’s say you can go home.”

 

            “Maeve, would you mind Mind-Controlling the doctors?”  Erica asked, in a pretty-please kind of tone, trying to give her best impression of puppy-dog eyes.

 

            “Hell, no!”  She said laughing.  “I’ll wait till you get better.  We still have some stuff to do to keep us busy.  Harlan’s been helping us with a little project.  It’s a surprise.”

 

            “Drat!  I hate surprises.”  Erica said, pouting. 

 

            “He thinks you’ll like this one, kiddo.”

 

            Erica nodded, feeling tired all of a sudden.  “Okay.  I feel kinda sleepy.  Do you mind if I nap a little bit?”  All of a sudden her eyelids felt like they weighed a hundred pounds each…

 

            Angie and Maeve made ready to leave the room – but Erica was asleep before they reached the door.

 

*           *           *

 

            Erica woke, feeling much more herself.  There was still a bit of pain in her head, but not too much, and she felt much better rested than she did when she woke… whenever it was she woke before.  The room she was in had all manner of medical sensors, but no windows, and the door to the room was mostly closed, making it hard to tell what time of day it was.  My head stings pretty bad.  Maybe I’d better check and see how I’m doing?  

 

            Erica lay still, and began her meditation, sinking deeper and deeper into calm relaxation, letting her mind go blank while she slowly built a picture of her ‘safe place’.  It was her childhood room back in Toronto, where she grew up as Eric.  The room was furnished for a 10 year old child – back before his mother died.  There was a toybox, with toys Erica couldn’t quite remember, and her racecar bed, with the frame decorated like the sides of a racecar.  And on the bed, there was a familiar cardboard box that his mother Laura had given to him.  It was covered with pictures of Calvin and Hobbes, topped with various drawing and stickers.  Inside, most people would assume there would be pencils – but in Erica’s meditations, it held her most precious treasures.  She didn’t have many, she thought, when she opened the box and looked inside.  She had tiny ivory icons representing her friends and their friendship; Kai, Maeve and Sir Andred and Angie; she had the jeweled scroll she found in the pit after Tiamat was reborn; she had those awesome boots she found at the Eaton’s center, and she had the really nice dresses Maeve and Kai had bought for her back in Mercia, in Wethom.  She didn’t own anything else, other than the clothes on her back.  As she took stock, all she could feel was a lust for more.

 

            She thought about how she would feel if her friends came to look at her treasures, and even the idea gave her a profound sense of unease, anger, and paranoia.  She didn’t want anyone to see them – not even Kai, for fear that they might take them, against her will.  If they try to take them, I’ll… I’ll fight back.  I’ll stop them!  I can do it!  I’ll even use the light on them if I have too….  Wha?!  Oh shit, Erica thought.  I’m actually considering hurting my friends?  I think I did way too much.  Even though her mind kept turning to thoughts of ‘how can I get more stuff?’ Erica had enough presence of mind to realize it was the Call of Hrask talking, and not her own thoughts. 

 

            You know, she thought.  Trying to ignore the Call of Hrask is kind of like trying to ignore the voices, back when I thought I had schizophrenia… not always possible, but sometimes easier with practice.  “Whew.  I think I’d better lay off the magic for a while.  I think I’m worse affected that I was before.” 

 

            Growing tired of being in the clinic, Erica found the call button and pressed it.  A few moments later, a chipper young nurse in her mid twenties came in.

 

            “Hi, Erica – I guess you’re up.  My name is Shelly.  Are you feeling pain?  I could increase the morphine?”

 

            “No thank you Shelly.  I’m actually feeling a lot better.  I’d like to go home.”  Erica replied.  “What time is it?”

 

            “I see.  It’s about 6am, on Tuesday October 7th.  Let me do some tests, and I’ll call the doctor.”  Shelly took Erica’s temperature, checked blood pressure and reflexes, and in general made sure she was ship-shape.  “Looking good, Erica.  I’ll fetch the doctor.”

 

            “Um – I’m thirsty.  Can I get some water or something?” 

 

            “Sure thing.  I’ll get you some icewater.”  Shelly said as she wrote on Erica’s chart and left the room.  “I’ll be right back.”

 

            A few minutes later, Shelly came back and dropped off a large glass of icewater, which Erica sipped from greedily; her throat was parched.  The cold water felt good, but gave her a small bit of brain freeze as a reward for drinking too much, too quickly.  As she tried to survive the numb pain, a doctor walked into the room. 

 

            She initially looked to be in her mid forties, with greying long hair tied back in a pony tail.  Her nametag said “Dr. W. Smiles.”  She had a kind expression on her face, which looked like it was ten years younger than her stooped demeanor and tired stance seemed to indicate.  Erica couldn’t tell if she was actually thirty or fifty, or somewhere in between.  “Erica?”  she asked.  “Shelly tells me you want to go home.  I just want to check a few things before I sign off on it, alright?”

 

            “Sure, Doctor.”  Erica said. 

 

            “You had a pretty bad bit of swelling on the brain there.  Normally we see that in infections or diseases, like when people go to the tropics.  Rough day?”

 

            “Yeah.  It was pretty rough.”

 

            “Fair enough.”  Dr. Smiles got down to business, and checked her retinas with a pen light, to see how much or little they reacted, and tapped her knees, elbows and a few other joints with a rubber hammer to test her reflexes.  Then she took a look at the readings on Erica’s chart, and seemed satisfied.

 

            “I think you’re okay to go home, Miss van Helstrome.  Shall I call you a ride?  Mr. Branscombe said he had a driver waiting to bring you home.”

 

            “Thanks – that would be great!”  Erica said, disconnecting a few leads off her torso and arms.  “I can’t wait.”

 

            “Sally will help you get ready.”  Dr Smiles said, and then left the room. 

 

*           *           *

 

            Harlan’s car pulled up into Angie’s driveway around 7:30am, and the driver got out and let her inside the house.  “Here you are, ma’am.”  He said.  “I’ll let security know you’re here.”

 

            Erica looked around the house...  Angie and her people had cleaned up most of her dad’s stuff.  There was some of the family furniture still here, but a lot of what had made the house ‘dads’ house was missing...  It kind of felt like ‘Angie’s house’ now – a little unfinished in places, but ready for her sister to put her own unique touch on it.  It felt safer than it had the last time she was here.

 

            I think I’ll just go watch some TV until everyone gets up, she thought.  She removed her boots, and headed to the rec room, flipping on the TV as she passed it.  Dragons were still all over the news – they were everywhere, and people were listing which ones were killed, and which ones were still rampaging.  “Oh crap!  Tiamat sure did a number on us, didn’t she?”  Erica said out loud.  “Everyone must be going bananas.” 

 

            There had been dragon attacks in Russia, Britain, Spain, Japan, China, India, the Middle East, plus a few in the United States, several in South America, and even two in Canada. The closest one to Angie was the dragon the military was still fighting in and around Sudbury, which was completely devastated.  Erica couldn’t help but watch the news – millions of deaths, tens of millions of refugees, and billions, if not trillions in property damage.  It was tragic, sick, and impossible to look away from.  What defense will Mercia have against these monsters?  She wondered.  We have to show the people there they can be defeated – beaten.  If Maeve is right, we might even need to raise an army.  From the looks of the news, the Dragons here can be defeated, with enough of our weapons – so at least I won’t be abandoning my birth planet in its time of need, but it seems shitty to duck and run…  Still, I made my choice, she thought.  Mercia is going to be my home – it’s there I need to think about next.  Erica turned her attention back to the awful news, and remained watching it quietly until she was disturbed by Angie walking in and touching her shoulder.

 

            “Hey, sis.”  Angie said.  “How are things?  I guess you didn’t stop him, huh?”

 

            “Hey.”  Erica said, smiling.  “No, we didn’t, and things are okay right now, but are probably pretty bad back home… I mean Mercia.  There’s no telling what mischief Vargas and Tiamat have been up to in the last four days.  I hope there’s a world to go back to.”

 

            “You could stay, you know.”  Angie said, sitting next to Erica.  “You could stay here.  I think we’re going to beat these monsters.  It wasn’t as bad as you said it might get.”

 

            “Maybe it isn’t, Angie – but what of all the people back in Mercia who need what we know, what we can do.  I can’t – I won’t abandon them.”

 

            “What about me, Erica.  Is it so easy to abandon me?”  Angie was tearing up, and sniffling.

 

            Erica felt tears come to her eyes too.  “No… It isn’t.  But this isn’t where I need to be.  Mercia is where I’ll be happy.  I’ll miss you like crazy, sis, but I have to go.  Mercia feels like home, not Earth.”

 

            “Damn.”  Angie said, giving her sister a hug.  “I was hoping I might be able to convince you to stay.  I’d even had a plan to buy a cabin in the middle of nowhere for you and Kai if that would help, but I guess it wouldn’t, would it?”

 

            “No, not really, Angie.”  Erica said sniffing.  “There’s more to it than that.  A lot more.”

 

            “Can’t blame me for trying?”  She asked.

 

            “Nah – never.  I don’t blame you for anything, sis.”  Erica said, returning Angies’ hug.  “I love you.”

 

            “I love you too, kiddo.”  Angie said, wiping tears from her eyes.  “Breakfast is being made, if you want some, and I think the others are up, or will be soon.”

 

            “Thanks.  I’ll come get some when I stop crying…”  Erica said, sniffling and wiping tears out of her eyes too.

 

            “Get used to it, sis – it comes with the estrogen.”  Angie said, chuckling a bit.  “Crying at the drop of a hat is just another sign of being a girl.”

 

            “I can live with that.”  Erica said, grinning a bit. 

 

            “Good.”  Angie replied, standing to go head to the kitchen.  “Uncle Harlan wants to talk to you later today – you and your friends.  I’m not sure I want to know about it, so do me a favor and don’t tell me.  When do you have to leave?”

 

            “When is the next full moon?”  Erica asked.

 

            “Ummm… I don’t know.  I’ll check.”  Angie said.  “Is there anything you’ll want to take with you?  I can get some of it ready now, so you won’t have to be broke when you get back.  I take care of my little sister, thank you!”

 

            Erica thought a bit.  “I can get a list made up for you, if you like.  I know we were thinking of taking back some spices like salt and pepper, some gold and silver just in case, and some toilet paper.  I was going to take some steel needles and some peanut butter and nutella back for friends, and I think there were some other things too.  I’ll have the list before long.”

 

            “Okay, kiddo.”  Angie said.  “Just don’t take too long, or I won’t have time to get what you’ll need.”

 

            “Okay, Angie.”

 

            Angie headed to the kitchen, leaving Erica alone for a few moments.  I wonder what Harlan wants to talk about?  She thought a moment, until she realized it must have to do with either Marco’s team, or the gang she asked about.  Either way, she wanted to see him.  She stood up, stretching.  This girl body is getting easier and easier to live in, she thought.  I don’t even notice it anymore – except when I’m in public.  Everyone looks at me, she thought.  I know it shouldn’t bother me as much as it does, but I guess I’m shy or scared or something.  Ha!  Isn’t that stupid?  I can magically zap a dragon to death, and I’m scared silly by some lustful looks or a few inappropriate gropes.  Geez, I’m pathetic.  I need to grow some balls… metaphysically, thank you – not for real.  Ugh.

 

            Erica got up and headed to the kitchen.

 

*           *           *

 

            A few hours later, after a short reunion of sorts, and a large breakfast, Erica and her friends were talking in Angie’s kitchen.  Erica had brainstormed with Maeve, Kai and Sir Andred what they were going to take back with them and the list was impressive. 

 

There was about twenty pounds of salt, and twenty pounds of pepper; several dozen books on various techniques to improve their situation – like how to make steel, pasteurize milk and several other useful topics for a medieval society, and a large collection of knick-knacks like sewing needles, and other small but useful items that would be hard to make or replace.  Each of them would also have five pounds of gold, and five pounds of silver.  After all that, each of them had room to carry about another ten to twenty pounds of personal items too.  Erica was bringing some feminine underthings like bras and underwear, as well as a few jars of peanut butter and nutella.  Kai was planning on bringing more spices for his cabin, and Sir Andred, as much as he wanted a recliner, had to settle for a dozen blank books (empty) of high-quality paper, and about five pounds of Amber incense.  Maeve was bringing a dozen rolls of toilet paper to share with Kai, as well as all the cheap pharmaceuticals and first aid supplies such as painkillers and antibiotics as she could carry.  It seemed comprehensive enough that everyone was satisfied.

 

            By the time everyone was done the list, it was close to when Harlan should arrive.  Maeve turned to Erica, and cleared her throat.  “So… You were going to tell us why killing the dragon – and nearly yourself was so damn important?  The military could have handled it – they’ve been killing these things bit by bit for the last three days.”

 

            Erica sighed – she’d been expecting this question.  “It was necessary for a few reasons.  I figured the people here could kill a dragon, but I wasn’t sure – so I was trying to limit damage in the city, and save lives.  We also needed to know if we could kill a dragon, because when we go back to Mercia, we just might have to do that, and maybe more than once.  I figured if we took a shot at it here, and it didn’t work, the military might arrive in time to save us from the dragon.  It turns out we didn’t need them.”

 

            “Risky.”  Sir Andred said.

 

            “Yeah.”  Erica replied.  “But safer than getting back to Mercia and finding out we have no way to stop them at all.  At least this way, we know how to beat them.  It’s part of a solution?”

 

            Kai gave her hand a squeeze.  “I’m glad you made it through alright.”

 

            “Yeah, apparently the doctors here are good at what they do.  Otherwise, you might have… what did you call it?  Dain Bramage?”

 

            “Yeah.  I guess I was lucky…  I just had a gut feeling it would work.  I don’t even know where the idea came from – it just popped into my head.  I wonder if the Goddess was trying to help me?”

 

            Sir Andred nodded.  “Perhaps, Erica.  It’s best to not assume such things.  It may have been your idea all along – you should be proud it worked.”

 

            “I am proud.  I’m also scared a bit.  That’s a hell of a lot of power to be packing – I don’t know if I’m ready for that.”  Erica said wryly.  “Oh – and I think I pushed too much, like you said would happen, Maeve.  I should probably avoid casting magic for a week or so.”

 

            “The Call of Hrask?  How bad is it?”  Maeve asked, concerned.

 

            “Bad enough.  I shan’t be growing scales anytime soon, but I feel pretty bitchy and possessive at times.  I think it’s affecting me a bit stronger than last time – but not by too much.  I guess I got lucky.”

 

            “Luck?”  Maeve said angrily. “Luck has nothing to do with it.  The only way you will survive and stay who you are is with the discipline to know when you can and can’t use magic.  You’re too reckless – I’m worried you’ll pull this stunt one time too many, and then we’ll have to kill you.”  She sighed.  “Please be more careful.”

 

            Erica nodded, chagrined.  “Okay, Maeve.  I’m sorry.  I’ll do better.”

 

            “You had better.  You know what happens to those who flirt with the Call too long and too often.  I don’t want that to happen to you.  Please.”

 

            Erica hung her head. I really scared her – oh crap.  “Sorry, Maeve.”

 

            Maeve put her hand on Erica’s shoulder.  “Fine – just listen to me a bit more, okay – I do know what I’m talking about - most of the time.”

 

            Everyone laughed at that a little, and they chatted about inconsequentials for a little while before Harlan arrived.

 

Harlan came into the kitchen and saw the group of friends.  They look pretty good for surviving whatever the hell happened in Salt Lake City.  I’ll bet my left testicle it had something to do with that giant reptile that trashed the city.  I wonder if they’ll give me the truth this time? 

 

“Hello, everyone.”  He said.  “How is everyone this morning… or afternoon, I guess?”

 

“I think we’re all okay.”  Erica said

 

“Good!  I have a surprise for you, Erica – and I think you’ll enjoy it.  Would you like to see it?”  Harlan looked a little like the cat who ate the canary – he didn’t ‘think’ Erica would like it, he bloody well knew she’d like it.

 

“Um… Sure!”  Erica looked curious about the whole thing – but also a little hungry.  Is it the assholes who murdered Dave and Norm?  I fucking hope so… they deserve justice.  “Can you tell me what it is?”

 

            “Not here.  All of you, feel free to come with me.  I’ll take you there.”  Harlan motioned out towards the mud room, where they could all get their coats and boots on.  “It’s not a long drive.”

 

            Kai raised an eyebrow, and Maeve answered it with one of her own.  Sir Andred simply rose and headed towards the front room. 

 

*           *           *

 

            Harlan’s car pulled into the parking lot outside a dingy warehouse in Scarborough.  Its metal siding looked half-covered in paint, half-covered in rust, and what windows there were, were covered with brown paper and years of grime.  It looked creepy as hell, with good reason.  Harlan stopped the car, and parked.  “We’re here.”

 

            Harlan got out of the car (followed by everyone else), and went over to the warehouse door and used a key to unlock a brand new padlock on the door.  Opening it, he motioned everyone inside.  Inside the warehouse was a large, wide open room with steel beams and girders running cross-ways across the ceiling.  Oil stains and water stains dotted the floor, and the whole building smelled as musty as hell.

 

            It wasn’t the smell that caught Erica’s attention, though…  What caught her attention, were eight young men, tied roughly to metal chairs that had been bolted to the concrete floor.  They had bags over their heads, and they looked – and smelled – scared.  Some of them looked like they’d taken a beating, too.  All of them had a very distinctive leather jacket with a pool of blood logo on it. 

 

            These are the guys!  Oh my gods – Harlan gathered them up for me?!  Holy crap!  What am I supposed to do now?   Erica thought of her friends screams – of the pain Norm and Dave went through – for nothing, save some cheap thrills – at the hands of these scum, and hardened her heart.  Justice was the least to ask for.  She stood for a few moments, shaking with anger and stress.  Her throat closed up, too choked with emotion from remembering her best friends Norm and Dave.  They were more my father figures than Anders was… It’s funny.  They cared more for me too.   Tears ran down her face, and she sniffled a bit to clear up her runny nose.

 

            “Are you okay, hon?”  Kai asked.

 

            “Yeah… just remembering Norm and Dave – and what these murderous bastards did to them.”  Erica clenched her hands into fists.  “They need to pay.”

 

            “Well if it helps, Erica, I left some things to help with that.”  Harlan said, nodding off to one side, where the friends could all see a shipping pallet with three cans of gasoline, a box of matches, and several knives and crowbars, a sledge hammer, some bolt cutters, a roll of plastic wrap and several rows of paper towels plus some cleaning chemicals.  “You guys do what you’re gonna do… We’ll wait outside till you’re done.”

 

            Erica walked over and grabbed a bright red 5 gallon gasoline can and uncapped it.  The smell of the gasoline filled the room, and the nearest gang member began to whimper and cry.  Maeve and Kai watched her, a little shaken, as she casually walked down the row of the gang members, dousing them with gasoline.  Some whimpered and cried, while others struggled and tried to free themselves to no avail.  When the jerrycan was drained, she and the eight young men were standing or sitting in a pool of gasoline, and the stench of it and their fear was redolent in the air.

 

            Kai looked a bit pale.  “Are you sure about this Erica?”

 

            Erica paused.  “I think so.  They need to suffer.”

 

            Sir Andred, who had remained quiet and still the entire time, spoke.  “It is easy to kill a man, when you can’t see his face – or look into his eyes, isn’t it Erica?  They’re not people, when you see them that way, are they?” 

 

            “No!  They are people!  They’re evil people who killed my only friends in this world!  Are you saying they should get off scott free?”  Erica cried out.  “Why should they receive leniency when they inflict so much pain on others?”

 

            “Vengeance is not the same as Justice, Erica.  What you are doing is vengeance – taking revenge for the pain they caused you.  Vengeance harms the perpetrator as well as the victim – and I do not wish to see you harm yourself in this way.  Let us pass justice on them for their crimes – right here and now, swift and quickly done – not in the grisly and horrible way you are about to do.  They deserve to pay – but you do not deserve the stain on your soul this act will bring you.”

 

            Erica paused, then opened the box of matches.  “Give me one good reason not to.”

 

            “Because you’re better than they are – better than they ever will be.  Do you want to be the kind of person who burns helpless, terrified people to death in vengeance, or do you want to follow a more righteous path?”   Sir Andred stepped forward, and began pulling the bags off the gang members heads – revealing terrified and angry and scared faces, full of panic.

 

            “Why did you do that?”  Erica asked

 

            “Because if you can look into their eyes, and still light that match, then you’re not the woman I thought you were.  Your anger and grief is tricking you into believing that murder is okay – just this once.  It is not.  Give them to Maeve and I, and we will exact justice upon them.  It will be swift – and final, but it will also be merciful.  Dave and Norm will be avenged – and you will not have become like these monsters.  Remember who you are, and whose legacy you carry.”

 

            What does he think I am?  They deserve to pay!  Erica looked at the men – and could see two had soiled themselves in fear.  The smell was powerful, and hard to take – mixed with the stench of gasoline, it was almost strong enough to make her gag.  She looked into their eyes, with the match in her hand…  They looked at her, confused and terrified, some angry and resistant too. 

 

            Can I kill them?  She thought.  Is that who I am?  I promised them I’d get revenge!  She imagined these eight young men bursting into flames, the whoosh of the flames singing her eyebrows as she stepped back, and imagined the peal of their screams as they burned, their skin scorching and peeling, burning like candles.  She gagged, and dropped the matches, and fell to her knees, vomiting.  I can’t do it, she thought.  I can’t do it.  I can kill in battle, but this is wrong.  Why does it have to be wrong?  It hurts to not kill them, but I just can’t.  “What’s wrong with me?”

 

            Sir Andred knelt over her, and helped her to her feet.  “What’s wrong with you, Erica, is that you are a kind person who is more giving than taking, more merciful than vengeful, and more peaceful than violent.  You are willing to fight when needed, but not when there is no need.  You chose to give them a swift and painless death, rather than a violent and horrible one.  You made the correct choice.”

 

            “Then why does it feel like I made the wrong choice?”  She asked, crying.  “Why does it feel like I betrayed them?”

 

            “Because you are still young, and haven’t seen as much death as Maeve or Kai or I.  Those who hold the lives of others in their hands must be careful to not deal out death too easily.  It can change a person, and not for the better, if the seeds are allowed to grow.  Trust us, Erica.  This is the right choice.”

 

            Erica cried harder, tears and gasps that shook her whole body as Sir Andred just held her, and stroked her hair.  She cried, because she nearly did something she felt would have changed her; she cried because she missed her chance for revenge – but mostly she cried because it was over, or would be soon.  Norm and Dave would be avenged… just not by her. 

 

            “Thanks, Sir Andred.”  Erica said in a small voice.  “Now what happens?”

 

            “Now, Kai takes you outside, and Maeve and I will pass Valdan justice on these men.  We will tell you when it’s done.”

 

            Erica nodded, and went to Kai, who wrapped her in his arms, who seemed relieved she hadn’t tossed the match.  They went outside together, and shut the door.

 

            Harlan saw the two of them come out of the warehouse, and raised an eyebrow.  No screams so far – I guess she couldn’t do it.  Hrm – I would have guessed otherwise.  “Hey kiddo.  Everything okay?”

 

            “Yeah.  I just learned something about myself today.  Thanks anyway, Uncle Harlan.”

 

            Uncle Harlan?  Harlan thought about it a moment, and realized that after the years of surveillance and watching Eric on the streets, he did feel a kind of paternal instinct towards the kid.  Uncle Harlan sounded kinda cool, actually, he thought.  I wonder if Angie will take it up again too?

 

            “De nada.  Your friends gonna be out soon?”

 

            “I… I’m not sure.  Sorry.”  Erica didn’t know how long something like this took, but she guessed it wasn’t too long. 

 

            “Want us to clean up here, after you’re all done?  I don’t mind, Erica.”  Harlan offered.  “I can give you and your friends a ride back to Angela’s house, and drop you off.  You won’t need to see this.”

 

            “Uncle Harlan,” she said.  “When you clean them up, could you make an example of them, so other people don’t get the idea to hurt or kill the homeless?”

 

            Harlan smiled.  “I think so kiddo.  Yeah.”  He put his hand on her shoulder in support, and gave it a squeeze, then pulled out a smoke and offered one to Kai, who shook his head, no.  “I understand you offered Marco ten million dollars for his help.  I can make sure it gets paid, but I am curious as to why you offered more than I was willing to.”

 

            “I’m not sure I can say exactly – I don’t think it’s one of those things you really want to know, if you know what I mean, Uncle.  Things were sufficiently screwed up and dangerous that it seemed warranted.”  Erica replied.

 

            “You know, they said some pretty weird shit about you, Kiddo.  Anything you want to say?”

 

            “Not really, sorry.”  She said.  “We’ll be leaving soon anyway, so it won’t matter.”

 

“When are you leaving?”  He asked.  “You know – going back to that ‘commune’?”  When Harlan said ‘commune’, he did so while making quotes with his fingers.  I know damn well they aren’t from nor going back to a commune – I’ll just be damned if I know where they’re going.

 

            “The day after tomorrow.”  Erica said a bit sadly.  “Dawn, Thursday.  I still have a few things left to do before I leave.”

 

            “Like what?”  Harlan and Kai asked at almost the same time.

 

            Erica smiled.  “I’ve forgotten a friend I knew – and I think he needs some help.”

 

            “Anything I can help with, Erica?”  Harlan asked. 

 

            “No Uncle Harlan, not really.  I’ve got this one.”  Erica said, smiling.  “It’s past due.” 

 

            Harlan nodded, and went back to finishing his cigarette.  It wasn’t long before Maeve and Sir Andred emerged.  No one said a word, and all of them bundled back into Harlan’s car, and got driven back to Erica’s sister’s house. 

 

*           *           *

           

            A short while later, the four friends were arranged in Angela’s rec room, preparing to watch the long awaited end of the third part of The Lord of the Rings – the first and only movie (if you counted the three movies as one tale) that her friends had ever seen.  Maeve and Sir Andred were relaxing in recliners, while Kai and Erica were cuddled up on a comfy leather couch, and Angela was sitting on another couch nearby, greatly amused at her new sister Erica cuddling with her boyfriend, Kai.

           

            The movie began, and they all watched quietly.  Erica squealed in fear a bit when Sam and Frodo entered Shelob’s lair, much to Angela’s amusement.  They watched in horror as the Denethor, the Steward of Gondor, attempted to take both his own life, and his son Faramir’s out of desperation and fear, and they chilled in fear when Aragorn and his friends Gimli and Legolas entered the Paths of the Dead to confront the undead army and recruit it against Sauron.  Sir Andred particularly liked the scenes with the Rohirrim, when they performed their battle-charge against the army of Oliphants, and all three of them cheered when Eowyn slew the Witch King, Lord of the Nazgul.

 

            It grew quiet as the film changed tempo, and switched to the two scared Hobbit’s, Frodo and Sam. Maeve and Kai watched the two hobbit’s dangerous trek through Mordor, and shivered.  When Frodo was overcome by the ring, in the crack of Mount Doom, Maeve hissed – for his actions were so much like a person too far gone to the Call of Hrask, it shook her.  Gollum was slain, and Mount Doom exploded – and when the eagles came to save the two hobbits, Kai and the others smiled.  He also groaned inwardly – he owed Maeve five silver… Frodo and Sam had never kissed!

 

Kai and Erica had a bit of a moment, kissing and whispering to each other when the wedding of King Aragorn and Lady Arwen came next, and later they saw the hobbit’s return home, and Frodo finish his book – but grow weary of his wounds.  The film was long, and by the time the Elves and the two Baggins left Middle earth for Valinor in the west, everyone was pleased, tired, and a bit overwhelmed by the whole experience. 

 

            “If that is what a movie is like,” Sir Andred said.  “I’d like to see more.  It is sad we shan’t have the chance.  Those hobbits faced a hard path.  That was a fine tale.” 

 

            “It was.”  Kai agreed.  “It something that will stay with us for a long time, if not the rest of our lives. Thank you for showing us this, Erica.”

 

            Erica smiled, practically preening.  “Thanks guys – I thought if we could only watch one good story, this would be the most appropriate one.  I’m glad you liked it.”

 

            “Well sis,” Angela began.  “If this is your last night on Earth, we should have a feast worthy of remembering, shouldn’t we?”

 

            “That sounds great, Angie – but I have something I have to do first.  Can I borrow the car?”

 

            “As long as you don’t get it crushed like the last one.”  Angie laughed.

 

            Erica stuck her tongue out at her sister.  “I’ll bring it back with a full tank, and un-scratched.”

 

            “Okay, kiddo – see you soon.”

 

*           *           *

 

            Mike Connors was trapped in fear… Everywhere he looked, the monster waited for him, whispering inside his head.  He wore a hospital gown most of the time, and was huddled in his bed, trying to hide from the monster.  Hiding never worked – nothing ever worked.  His mind felt clouded, and he knew he was missing hours from every day – but the empty spaces in his mind just made it easier, not being forced to live through those hellish moments that didn’t give him any reprieve.  Thank God he could still sleep.  When he slept, he felt at peace once more.  It was the only time he didn’t hear its hellish voice.

 

            He was still hiding when someone came into his darkened room, and a dim glow started to seep through his thin bedsheet.  He heard the door lock, and someone sat down on his bed next to him.  It confused him… the Nurses never did that.  He whimpered.  She smells like a girl, he thought.    He continued to hide.

 

            Erica looked down at the poor wretch Mike Conners had become since the demon attack on the Neilson clinic.  She could see how afraid he was, how hurt inside – and felt both guilty and sad.  It’s because of me, he’s suffered like this.  I can imagine how bad it’s been too.  I shouldn’t have forgotten about you, Mike.  You were kind to me – I owe you this, at least.

 

            She concentrated, and slowly let the Inner Light out.  “I’m sorry I took so long, Mike.”  She said.  “I was really busy, and some important stuff came up, but I got here when I could.”  She winced as Mike whimpered again, pulling the sheet closer to him.  I know you don’t want me here, Mike, she thought.  But you need this, and I think I need this.  I’d rather heal than kill.  “Let me help you, Mike.”

 

            She opened her arms over his prone form, and began to pray in Valdan.  “Mother, please send your mercy to me, so that I can bestow it upon this man.  He helped me when I really needed it, and I would reward him for his aid.  Send him peace, so that the voices are driven from his mind, and send him the comfort that there is more than evil in the worlds we know.”

 

            Erica felt the Inner Light stir, and channel its energy through her into Mike.  She couldn’t quite place the moment it affected him, but she could feel a change in the tenseness of his body through the sheets.  I think it’s done, she thought.  “Mike?  Can you hear me?”

 

            Mike felt a tingling energy wash through him, and as it passed over him, the voices were swept away like on a soft wind.  His fear began to abate, and for the first time in over a month, he began to think clearly.  Where am I, he thought.  Who’s next to me?  He pulled the sheet back, and looked up – and his jaw dropped.  Sitting next to him was a gorgeous young woman, with long red hair and the most alluring green eyes… and a brilliant Halo above her head.

 

            Oh My God!  It was real!  The monster was real!  Is this an angel?  He gulped.  “Um… am I dead?”

 

            Erica smiled.  “No Mike, you’re very much alive.  You’ve just been sick for a little while.  I’m sorry you suffered for so long – I would have come earlier, but I was delayed.”

 

            “Did you… make me feel better?”  Mike asked.  “Did you get rid of the voices?  Do I know you?”

 

            “Yes.”  Erica said, smiling broadly.  “You knew me as Eric van Helstrome – but as you can see, things have changed.  I’m Erica now.  The demon that frightened you so badly is gone – and you are safe.  My Goddess healed you, and gave you peace.  I know there’s a lot of questions you probably have, but I can’t answer them, Mike.  Thanks for being a friend when I needed one – and for being a really good person.  I have to go away for a while – so you won’t be seeing me again.”

 

            “Eric?  I remember you… Where are you going?”  Mike asked.

 

            “Home, Mike.  I’m going home.”

 

            Erica concentrated, and the Inner Light descended within her once more.  “Goodbye Mike.  Try to be good.  It really is worth it.”   She got up, and made ready to leave.

 

            Mike didn’t say anything – he was too surprised.  She has a halo… she has a halo.  Is she going back to Heaven?  She saved me!  “Wait!”

 

            Erica paused.  “Yes?”

 

            “Are you a Saint?”  Mike asked.

 

            Erica thought a bit.  “I’m not really sure, Mike.  Some people would say so – but if I am, it’s not like in the stories.  It’s a lot more complicated than that.  I suppose I could be – but I haven’t really come to terms with it yet.”  She waved goodbye.  “The doctors didn’t see me come in, and they won’t see me leave.  Take care, Mike.  You deserve to be happy – and everything is going to be okay.”  She walked out the door, and was gone.

 

            Mike was left staring at the door where she vanished for a long time, lost in thought.  A Saint?  A living Saint?  She’s so beautiful… Would anyone believe me if I told them?  Saint Erica…  After a time, he rose from his bed, and went to find out where he was.  Mike opened the door to his room, and light flooded in, dispelling the darkness.  His heart filled with hope, and he stepped forward into the light. It was time for him to go home.