Only A Dream Away

Part 2

Soulweeper

By Nick Maro

The dark form that hovered before the followers began to rise up. A white line started to divide the impossibly black shape. The two black halves split apart while blinding bright light poured from the darkness. Followers shielded their eyes from the light with their forearms, while some simply turned away. The light spread to every inch of the room. There were over a hundred loyal followers of the Dweller now hiding from the light.

An arm reached out of the light and made a fist. One of the followers that was turned away, exploded into a fountain of blood and sinew. A rumbling, deep laughing came from the light as the rest of the being emerged. Standing before the screaming followers was the Dweller of the Darkness made flesh. Twin glowing red eyes opened to observe the scene before him.

Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, the dark god bellowed his laughter. He then looked at his loyal followers. He raised a hand up and made another fist. Everyone's attention was on him. "Silence and calm my people. This is a time for rejoicing, not running to the shadows in fear!" The light shimmered behind the Dweller then dimmed slowly until it vanished. The room was plunged into a momentary darkness.

The Dweller waved his hand and two lights appeared in his palm. The lights hovered for a minute then rose to the ceiling. It lit up the room in its entirety. The Dweller nodded his approval. "Now look upon the one they sought to contain." He stood naked before the gasping members. Slowly a fine suit crawled over his skin while he turned around. He ran his hand over his slick backed, short black hair. His red eyes changed to a soft blue color. "That's better."

Clearing his throat, the Dweller began to walk around the room. People moved out of his way without being asked. "That's much better. Now who here is Obadiah?" A man in his early fifties walked forward cautiously. He was bald and didn't seem afraid. The Dweller put a hand on his shoulder and smiled down at him. "I owe you a debt of gratitude, my friend."

"Anything for you, my Lord, I am your humble servant."

"Anything you say. Anything can mean a great many things," the Dweller's voice was deep with thanks and menace. He tightened his grip on Obadiah's shoulder and stared into his eyes. Slowly a white mist came from Obadiah's eyes flowing into the Dweller's eyes. Obadiah began his piercing scream as he started to wither before the frightened group of true believers. Finally, his body was a withered husk that fell before the Dweller's feet.

"Know now, that I will only be known as the Soulweeper." He walked toward the door in the room then turned back to his worshippers. "Come. We have much work to do."

Parking her car in the massive driveway of the Xanthos Estate, Jetta and Roxy collected their thoughts. Jetta had not shown any signs of magickal powers since the night at David and Kaori's. Jetta turned and looked at Roxy with a relieved smile. "I'm so glad you decided to come with me, luv. After last time, I don't know what I'd do if I had to do this alone."

Roxy got out of the passenger side of the car and chuckled. "If you didn't tell me about this I'd have to kick your ass." Looking at the mansion, she noticed there were more cars than normal. "Did Richard say he was going to be having guests? There are an awful lot of cars here. Then again, they could be his."

"No idea, luv." Jetta walked up to the mansion and rang the bell. A young woman with light blue hair answered. Jetta recognized her but her name was escaping her. "Hello, we're here to see Richard. Is he around?"

The woman nodded and let the two women enter. "We've actually been waiting for you, Sheila. I don't know if you remember but I'm Astral. Just call me Maeve. We met after the Tolliver affair, although just very briefly." She led Roxy and Jetta to a study where Richard was sitting at his desk looking over a list. On the couch across from them was Rapture. She gave a small wave of greeting as they entered.

Richard stood and hugged Jetta gently. "I can't tell you how happy I am that you called." He backed away and looked at both women. "What's happening to you is partially my fault. There's a being that's been broken out of captivity and we need all the help we can get. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Have a seat and I'll explain things better."

Roxy and Jetta sat together on the couch next to Rapture. She stood to leave, but Richard stopped her. "Phoebe please stay, these women are your friends and won't judge you for what's happened." She sat down and hid her face from the two women as Richard cleared his throat softly. "Now before I begin, there's something I must tell you. You know that Phyllis and I broke up recently, so this has nothing to do with it."

"Just tell them already!" Rapture yelled and stood up. "I'm his fuck up of a daughter! I betrayed his Guild when I was a teen and I did so again a few months ago. I fucked up and possibly doomed the human race by calling on a dark god for power." She sat down again and hugged a throw pillow to her chest, sobbing softly into it. Jetta and Roxy stared at her with eyes wide, unsure of how to properly react.

Sighing to himself, Richard shifted in his seat. "Phyllis didn't even know about that. But it's like what Phoebe just said she's called on the power of a captured Ancient One. Calling upon this power woke it from its slumber and its followers are working to free it. Christine and I have awakened what is known as the Chosen, its people who have the repressed ability to channel mystical powers and energies." He put his hand on Jetta's shoulder and smiled. "Sheila is one of these Chosen."

Jetta and Roxy exchanged surprised and confused looks. Finally, Roxy got up and poured herself a glass of scotch and drank it all at once. She poured herself a second glass and drank that just as quickly. She drummed her fingers on the bar then looked at Richard and Rapture. "So, you're his daughter, huh?" Rapture just nodded. "That's wonderful." She turned away and took a deep breath. She screamed as she turned around. "A fucking dark god?! How the fuck does one capture a dark god?! What the fuck exactly is a dark god?! What the fuck are you getting us into, Richard? I'm assuming its evil too, right? This is just fucking crazy!"

"Roxy luv, settle down. Richard and his friends have captured it before. They can do so again, right?" Jetta looked hopeful at Richard, who just looked nervous and look at away from her. "You do know how to defeat it, right?"

"Not exactly."

"Wot do ya mean not exactly? If I'm puttin' me life on th' line for ya, I betta have some fuckin' reassurances fer me safety!" Rapture smirked as she noticed that Jetta's accent got thicker the angrier she got.

Richard got up and paced the room a bit. "When we sealed the Dweller of the Darkness away the first time, we did lose more than half of our mages. It's a regret I live with every day, but we were inexperienced back then. Our teachers were slain by the Dweller's worshippers." He stopped pacing and looked at the two Misfits. They'd never seen him look so broken or desperate. "Please help us, Sheila. Let me be your teacher in the mystical arts."

Looking at Roxy for approval Jetta nodded. "Okay Richard, train me." Richard grinned wide and quickly began teaching the English woman the basics of magick. Roxy poured herself another drink and left the room.

The public relations department for Misfits Music was working overtime to spin the attack on the protester. They sent out a statement saying they did not condone nor endorse attacking people with opposing views. The statement went on to say that Smut Harms Your Teens had a right to voice their opinion, no matter how wrong it was.

Over the next few days the furor over the attack died down. The Misfits album sales were moving steady, along with the album for Fire and Ice. David was happy that they decided to release the two albums on the same day. He opened the planning program for the new tour. The stadiums that once denied them booking were now lining up to have the two bands perform.

"[You better get to the Starlight House, Kaori. Shana just texted me again about your dress fitting for Jerrica's wedding.]" David did the mental math on the time it would take to get from one arena to another. He looked over the rims of his glasses at her. "[Hey, Earth to Kaori. Everything okay?]"

Kaori looked up at her fiancé and smirked. "[Yeah, everything is fine, but I was thinking about when we're getting married? We haven't set a date. Is it going to be a large wedding? A small one? What's the plan?]"

David took his glasses off and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "[I was hoping for a small one, just immediate family and our close friends. As for the when, I was thinking summer some time. June or July works for me. We could just have it at my sister's place. It's big enough to still be intimate. Sound good to you?]"

"[Yes. That was all that I ask. Hell, we could just run off to Vegas and get married and I'd be happy.]" Kaori gathered up her bag and headed to the door. She stopped, ran back and kissed David quickly. "[I'll see you at home and don't work too hard. You're just a consultant not their manager. That's Eric's job now.]"

Turning back to his task, David put his glasses back on. He chewed the inside of his cheek softly as he studied the map of arenas and stadiums. He looked up when he heard Eric enter his office. "I knew you wouldn't be able to stay away from planning everything. At least you're freeing my job a bit to slack off." Eric sat in the chair across from David with a smug grin.

David laughed and turned the monitor for The Misfits' manager. "I've gotten pretty good at planning and plotting these bigger tours. What do you think? Should we have them play some more event shows? I've gotten a few calls from some festival promoters. I think we should work those in. It would be great to exposure to a wider audience. These fest shows cover so many genres of music." He sat back and watched Eric's face show how impressed he was.

"Not bad. Not bad at all. I like the idea of the fest shows. Book em."

It was now David's turn to smirk. "Already did." He winked and laughed with Eric.

Waking up from the nightmare in a sweat, Max grabbed his phone from the nightstand and made a phone call. He took a few deep breaths as the other end rang. The call went to the voice mail. Silently, Max cursed to himself and waited for the beep. "Craig, it's your father. Give me a call when you get this. Just needed someone to talk to. Talk to you shortly."

Disconnecting the call, Max sat on the edge of his bed and looked around the darkened room. He grabbed the glass of water next to him and drank it all. Getting up to refill his glass, he walked slowly in the dark to his apartment's kitchen. The apartment he found was a medium sized unit and affordable. It was also close to Stormer's house which he was thankful for. He could walk or ride the used bicycle Roxy had found for him.

Refilling his glass, Max tapped two tablets of medication into his hand. He washed them down with the water and leaned against the countertop. He glanced at the clock it was a little after two thirty in the morning. Grumbling under his breath, he went back into his room to try and sleep again. He needed to be up early for the job interview that Jerrica had helped him get.

Knocking on the door to the study, Pizzazz opened the door slowly. She grinned at Jerrica who going over the very last minute wedding arrangements and looking like she wasn't enjoying a second of it. "Hey Jer, thought you might want some help. Is there anything I can do?" She shut the door once she was inside.

"Actually yes, I'd love some help. Kimber is with Mary, Shana is working on my dress, Aja and Raya are taking the girls to the mall, and Rio is at the studio. So I'm here working on seating arrangements." Jerrica motioned for the seat next to her and chuckled. "So please, take a seat and a descent into my current insanity."

Pizzazz sat down and looked at the floor plan of reception area. "I wanted to thank you again for making me a bridesmaid. You didn't have to do that at all." She pointed at one of the tables near the front. "You could just combine The Misfits and Stingers together. We're not at each other's throats anymore. Well not this week, it always changes if we like each other or not."

Jerrica snorted out a laugh. "Tell me about it. And it was my pleasure to make you one. You've done a lot for me and this is just a way for me to pay you back. By putting you into the ugliest dress I could find. Revenge is mine, Gabor! Suffer!" She let out an over the top laugh. "Oh man, this really is driving me insane." She gave Pizzazz a more serious look. "Listen Phyllis, you've become one of my best friends and I just wanted to thank you. Even though we won't become it, I do think of you, David and The Misfits as family."

"I really don't know what to say, but thank you, Jerrica." Pizzazz gave Jerrica a quick hug and smiled. "I guess we really aren't that much different deep down. Now, let's cut this sappy shit and get to some seating arrangements!" She paused for a moment then looked up at Jerrica. "Oh God, tell me I just didn't get excited over something like that." She shuddered in place.

Sitting at the autograph table, Kimber and Stormer signed what seemed to be an endless line of albums. Kimber looked up after finishing and smiled to the woman. "Thank you for buying our album. Hope you enjoyed it." She flexed her hand and turned to Stormer. "Alan is coming in tonight for the wedding. When is Chip getting back from Autobot City?" She smiled again when the next fan came up to her.

"Thanks again and be sure to check out the new Misfits album. It's a different sound." Stormer turned from the fan and leaned back in her chair, popping her back. "He should be here tomorrow. The City is getting a full unveiling in a few weeks and he wants me to be there for it. You should come with us. Our tour doesn't start until spring, so why not a road trip before hand?"

Kimber thought about it and nodded. "I'll see what Alan says." She looked up at the next fan and grinned. "Hi. Thanks for coming out. Got something for me to sign?"

The woman before her lunged over the table, Kimber and Stormer both sat back quickly. "You two whores are what are wrong with society! Displaying your bodies in such a disgraceful manner! You should be ashamed of yourselves!" She flipped the table over and tried to throw a punch at Kimber. It was blocked by Yukio, who was watching over the two friends in the shadows.

"That will be quite enough of that," Yukio said as she subdued the woman. She held her to the ground as she waited for security to take her away. She turned to the rest of the fans in line and studied the group. "Any more incidents like this shall be dealt with by me. You have been warned." Yukio helped the store's staff set up the table again.

A small burst of applause rang out as Stormer and Kimber took their seats again. Together they signed without incident for another fifteen minutes, before a man in a suit approached them. "Hello, my name is James Thomas. I'm a representative for Skylarker Magazine. I was hoping to speak to you after the autograph session about a proposal. Here is my card." He handed both women his business card and thanked them for their time.

Kimber and Stormer exchanged confused looks and put the cards away. The session lasted another hour before they finished. "So do we call him?" Stormer asked as she packed up her markers and rubbed her right wrist.

"I don't see why not, but we can do that after the wedding." Kimber picked up her bag and followed Yukio and Stormer to the back of the store. She thanked the store manager and the staff with their own signed copies of the album. Heading to the car, she wondered what the offer could be.

Standing on the observatory balcony, the Soulweeper took in the landscape and view before him. He leaned on the railing and smiled wide. "This wasn't the first time I've escaped imprisonment," he said to one of his followers that stood next to him. "I'm as ancient as the stars themselves, but I have been contained before. It's just a part of life much like death is, but enough about that. What you see before you is rightfully mine." He turned around and spread his arms wide to the massive crowd that stood behind him.

"Follow me and you will have the so called paradise you seek. For my brethren shall not rule humanity, for I shall set you free." He looked to sky seeing things beyond what his worshippers could see. "Soon we shall thank the one who help free me." The Soulweeper walked forward as his followers opened a path as he strode toward them.

"Calm your mind and focus on my voice, Sheila. This is one of the keys to controlling the eldritch forces flowing through you. Find your center. It can be anything you want it to be." Richard walked around Jetta as she meditated in his private inner chamber. Many magickal instruments were on display here not as decorations but as tools within reach. Incense burned that helped Jetta focus her mind. Richard kept his voice low and even. "Now, I want you hold your hand out and picture a ball of energy floating in your hand."

Jetta turned her right hand over and concentrated. She didn't force the energy out of her body. She willed and let it flow naturally. Opening her eyes she looked at her hand. At first nothing happened then slowly and gradually a faint light began pulsating. She smiled as it grew in size to the rough size of a baseball. The ball of bluish-purple energy bounced and danced in her palm. The sensation was astounding to her. The ball vanished as quickly as it began. Jetta looked up disappointed at Richard. "Dammit, almost had it."

Richard chuckled softly. "No, you had it. That was wonderful, Sheila. You're a quick study and an eager learner. I never noticed the potential in you. You have the makings of a wonderful mage." He walked over to his vast bookshelf and grabbed a few books for her. "Now these books are perfect for you." He rearranged the order of books in the stack. "Read them in this order and follow the instructions at home. We'll see where you're at after Jerrica and Rio's wedding. So you have a week."

"Wonderful, now I'm gettin' homework." She took the tomes from Richard and placed them under one arm. "Will I need any spell components?" Richard shook his head no. "Well then, looks like I have me readin' to do. Thank you again for takin' the time out to help train me, even if it is a crash course. I'll do me best."

"I know you will. You're not only highly intelligent, but you have a lot of potential. It takes the average neophyte six months to create that energy ball." Richard was pleased with the shocked look Jetta gave him. "Yes, you should be impressed with yourself, I sure am."

Jetta thanked him again and rushed out of the study, eager to begin reading and practicing. It felt like a new world was opening to her. It felt different than the last time she used the magickal forces. This time it felt more natural and pure.

Roxy was waiting for Jetta in the aviary with Stormer. They both turned when Jetta came through the doors. Roxy hugged her girlfriend and gave her an impatient look. "Well, how did it go? Are you using the Force or what?"

"Turns out I'm a fast learner. And I have to read these books in the next week or so." Jetta held up the thick volumes. She opened one and leafed through the pages. "At least they don't read like stereo instructions or medical manuals."

"You can read that language?"

Jetta frowned and looked at the text in the book. It was clearly in English. "Of course, it's just in smaller print, Mary."

Stormer pointed at the text on one of the pages. "That's not English. That's some other language. I have no idea what it is. It doesn't even look like it's from this planet."

"And this is why I don't mess around with magic, starts to get a little weird for me." Roxy went back to watching the birds. She turned back around, began to speak and then changed her mind. She watched one of the birds fly back and forth building its nest. "Maybe she can read it because the book is protected. You know, with a spell where only a person who can use magick can read it. Just a thought."

"Very good, Roxy," Christine said as she came out of the shadows, startling the three women. "And here I thought you were only a brash young woman who only acted on impulse. Nice to see you have some brains up there." She offered a kind smile.

Glaring at the woman, Roxy started for the door to the aviary. "I'll be by the car. Don't want to do anything brash or impulsive here." She left the room leaving Stormer and Jetta alone with Richard's assistant to talk.

Standing next to Rio, David waited for Jerrica to enter the ballroom on the Xanthos Estate. Richard offered to let Jerrica and Rio use the room for free for their wedding. He guaranteed that no paparazzi would bother them. The ballroom would double as a reception hall as well. He looked next to him and nodded to Chip, Alan, Riot and Eric. He was rather surprised that Rio would choose Riot and Eric Raymond to be in his wedding party. He figured it was Rio's way of saying that everything was forgiven to both men.

Across from him stood Kimber, Aja, Shana, Raya and finally his sister Pizzazz in the bridal party. David glanced into the audience and smiled at Kaori who sat with the rest of The Misfits in the front row. He was pleased to see that Minx and Rapture had shown up. David finally got a chance to meet Rio's family. The members that had showed up at any rate, he knew that Rio didn't get along with some of his family.

David watched Rio fidget in place while he waited. He kept his voice to a low whisper, "Relax, everything is going to be fine. I talked to Jerrica before coming in, she's a bit nervous also."

Rio nodded and whispered back. "I know that. I think the guy who measured my neck made it a bit too small. This tie is choking me. It's coming right off when we get to the end of the aisle." He smirked when David chuckled softly.

Over the sound system, came of the musical overture announcing Jerrica's entrance into the room. Everyone stood and turned and watched her walk down the carpet. The photographer she hired took photos quickly as she walked. Friends and family did the same off to the side. Jerrica climbed the steps and stopped before Rio. He lifted her veil and they both turned to Richard. He was ordained to perform weddings.

The ceremony went by quickly. Richard raised both of their arms with their hands clasped together and spoke in his deep voice. "May I present to you Mister and Missus Rio and Jerrica Pacheco." The entire ballroom erupted into applause as they slowly made their way down the aisle. True to his word, Rio took off his tie when he reached the doorway out of the room. David chuckled to himself.

Jerrica was thankful that the wedding dress that Shana had designed was able to break down to a much more comfortable one. She made her way through the crowd of people while trying to get to the wedding party table. She was stopped by her new mother-in-law who hugged her tightly. Jerrica looked up at Rio sitting at the table signaling with her eyes to help her. Rio rushed down and distracted his mother.

Sitting in her seat, Jerrica let out an exasperated breath. Kimber laughed next to her. "Looks like Marta had a death grip on you, Jer. I just wish Mom and Dad could have really here. It was great that Cyndi made the solid light hologram of Dad to give you away. That was just beautiful."

"That idea actually came from Phyllis. We were talking last week about it and she just suggested it out of the blue. I kept it a secret so it would be a surprise to you." Jerrica looked away from her sister when she heard the clinking of glasses. She rolled her eyes and kissed Rio for what seemed to be the hundredth time that night. When the kiss broke, she saw it was the Starlight Girls doing it. She mouthed the words no more and gave a stern look as a warning.

The reception for the wedding continued well into the night. Mrs. Bailey and Cyndi took the Starlight Girls home around eight o'clock. Jerrica and Rio were relieved that they had left. They could finally drink more and have fun with their friends. Rio's family left shortly after the Starlight Girls, leaving only their close friends to celebrate.

Richard brought more champagne in from his private reserves. He opened a bottle and refilled Jerrica and Rio's glasses. He poured a glass for Pizzazz who just smiled and thanked him quietly. He made the rounds acting as both host and wait staff. It got his mind off of what was happening with the Dweller. He also enjoyed being a gracious host.

David poured Kaori a glass of water. He'd never seen her that drunk in his life. He had to steady his hand since he was a bit wobbly himself. He watched Yukio as she danced with Eric on the dance floor. It was really nice to see her relax and unwind. Roxy and Jetta slow danced near them. He scanned the room some more and saw that Stormer was at a table with her head on Chip's shoulder. She looked to be asleep. The rest of his family and friends were all relaxed and having fun. He was happy to see everyone finally able to celebrate.

The sudden implosion of air startled the whole room. Turning to where it came from, the wedding party saw a tall, well groomed man standing before them. He brushed what looked to be ash from his shoulders. "Pardon the intrusion, but I just came to thank my jailer Richard Xanthos." He dodged a bolt of energy that came from Richard as he walked. "Now Richard, that is not how you welcome a guest in your home." With a wave of his hand, he sent the man flying back against the wall. He remained there immobilized.

"Allow me to introduce myself, I'm not quite a man, but I do have wealth and taste." He allowed himself a small chuckle. "You may know me as the Dweller of the Darkness but I prefer to be known as the Soulweeper." He scanned the crowed with his glowing blue eyes. "Ah, there she is my liberator." He pointed at Rapture. "Come my dear, my congregation waits to meet you." He raised his hand again and lifted Rapture into the air. She began floating toward him frozen in place.

Richard and Christine chanted together and the Soulweeper grunted in pain, dropping Rapture to the floor. He glared at them with his eyes turning red. "For that you shall be punished." He looked at Jetta as the glow around his eyes grew in intensity.

"No!" Eric yelled and stood in front of Jetta. The red beams hit him in the chest, causing him to collapse to a knee. Blood slowly trickled from the side of his mouth. He looked up at the Soulweeper in defiance as he struggled to stand. He was determined to stand on his own two feet if this was going to be his last fight.

The Soulweeper growled in pain again as more mages started chanting the banishment spell. He rushed over to Eric and grabbed him by the throat. "It looks like we have a hero and a martyr." He lifted Eric up by the throat and began absorbing his essence through his eyes. Eric began to shrivel and shrink as more of the white mist poured out. The room watched horror and terror as Eric Raymond had most of his life force drained from his body. The Soulweeper dropped Eric's body to the ground and vanished with the same implosion of air.

Pizzazz rushed to Eric and cradled his head in her lap. He looked up at her and smiled weakly. He looked like an old man around a hundred. His breath shallow and raspy, he spoke in a soft whisper. "Looks like I finally made a hero out of myself. Don't cry, Phyllis. If I could do it again, I'd save every one of you. You're my girls. You've always been my girls. I love you all." He smiled a final time, closed his eyes and let out a long breath. Eric Raymond had died a hero.

TO BE CONTINUED IN "A MOMENT FOREVER"

PART 3 OF ONLY A DREAM AWAY