Stacked Deck - Chapter 7: The Quest Begins

Stacked Deck - Chapter 7: The Quest Begins

When I opened my eyes, it was to stare at light and shadows playing across a white surface. Turning to the side I noticed the neon-lit numbers of an alarm clock. I was in my room, and it was seven o'clock in the morning.

Needless to say, I had questions the needed answering. Questions like :What had happened after that encounter with those men? How had I gotten home afterwards? But I think my most important question was: Was this really happening?

"TK, come on. You're going to be late!"

"I'm coming." I got out of bed reluctantly. I wasn't quite sure I was ready for today, if it really was toady. The events of yesterday fell under the category of weird. The kind of stuff you dream about, but normally don't remember.

There was a knock at my door. It opened and Matt poked his head in. "Come on, sleepy-head. Kari didn't wear you out that much, did she? I was only a movie, wasn't it?"

Pushing the door closed after him, I went through my closet. I was starting to dislike my choice of clothing. Jeans, t-shirt or sweater, and my hat. Way to bland. I...

Matt's words chose that moment to hit me. Kari? Movie? What?

I hurriedly got dressed and ran out of my room, and out the apartment door. Without breakfast. Late. I had to find out what was going on.

* * *

"Dæmien, that's him. Look!" Carter was shocked. The Angel of Hope was alive and well, and apparently ready for action. "He must have merged last night. I almost can't believe it. He tricked us again. We could have had him..."

"Now, Carter, what do you suggest we tell Douglas Balthazar?"

* * *

"TK."

I stopped in mid-run. Kari was standing in a grove of trees about a block from the school. Sunlight was filtering through the canopy, almost making her look ethereal. Like an Angel...

"Kari. What..."

"I had a hard time explaining to your parents what happened last night. You were still out of it, but you didn't say anything to jeopardize your cover-story, did you?"

"Matt was kind of nosy this morning, he's always like that."

We stood in silence, in the shade, for a while. I really didn't want to break the companionable silence, but there were a few things I needed to know. For some reason I thought she'd be able to answer...

"Kari..." My voice trailed into silence. The way the light glanced off her features, it almost seemed to make her glow. It was eerie.

"We'll be late for school if we don't hurry, TK." So saying she took my hand and we walked off toward the school.