Chapter XXXI: The Legacy: The Dawn of the Fallen Angels

I passed by Joey’s room. I heard him snoring loudly. “Lazy angel.”

Instead of going to my room, I went to the rooftop. I made surveillance with the use of my telescopic eyes and my bionic ears. Everything was quiet. Behind the stillness of the afternoon, I could feel some unscrupulous movements somewhere.  I said, “Zombies?  A human made zombies? Apocalyptic zombies? How many human lives are they going to steal their memories? This is insanely dastard act to do with humans.”

Although stealing memories of human minds was the best resolution to end evils according to Kalil, this was still inhuman act. Nobody had the right to steal memories of humans. A sane man should never do this cowardice. Kalil had the power to manipulate humans as long as he wanted. As long as he was pleased! Angels had a belief system in them like ordinary humans.  And Alan was his son. Why was Alan communicating with me? A trap perhaps. Every time I want to penetrate more information more about Kalil and about Alan, I was blocked. Does it mean to say that their power were stronger than mine?

I remained seated on the roof top for most likely 2 hours. It was only 4:30 pm but the dark started to set-in. The sky was covered with black clouds. Oddly, the colors of the surroundings were red and brown. The formation of the clouds was getting thicker. The winds were strong and blowing stubbornly in circulating manner. If not controlled could produce hurricane. I could hear once again people below screaming. “Hide, tornado, tornado is coming.” The whooshing noise of the wind was whistling loud...going around and around in circle.  

I bent  my right knee. I arched my back  slowly and lower downward my head. The gusty winds blew my hairs in upward direction.  With a maximum speed, I jumped swiftly into the formation of the black clouds. I was swallowed.  Behind, the clouds, I unleashed all my energies. I felt that someone was strangulating my neck in a form of a cloud. I unleashed again my energies and the black clouds were dissolved.  Then there was light again. I heard a laugh. “Not over yet Abby.” It was Kalil voice. I chose to keep silent instead of retaliating him. 

I remained seated at the rooftop. Everything turned to normal again but the night was coming nearer. I summoned the fireflies to form words in the sky like this: “Go inside your houses. Danger is coming. Shut your doors.”  Using my telepathic skills, I made sure that they read the message loud and clear. Despite of the waning I sent, there were still people  scampering on the streets. Half drunk, stoned, prostitutes selling their flesh and criminals who were taking advantage of darkness. 

It was almost 6:30 P.M. I jumped from the building. All was quiet except that I heard some babies crying. I walked around every skimpy alleys of the streets with momentum speed. In  couple of minutes I was done with my roving.  Everything was normal. I had not encountered bunch of zombies.  I saw a striking guy behind the lamp post. I was curious. I went near to the post. To my surprise, it was Joey.

“What are you doing here,” I asked

“Watching you, princess.”

“You are not a lazy angel after all.”

“Hahahaha,” we laughed together.

“Something unusual,” inquired Joey.

“Yah. They are coming.”

“You need my help?”

“No, I can manage.”

“Remember, I am watching you.” Joey vanished.

Joey went back to the headquarters. All of them were planning meticulously to test Abby’s ability to control her powers which was turned out sometimes to be out of proportion. 

“Have you seen what he did to the dark clouds,” asked Kalil.

“Yes,” answered John.

“That was stupendous. I could not almost move manipulating those clouds. She was so strong. She was siphoning all the cosmic energies. Unbelievable.” Kalil was stunned.

"We need to push through with the plan and make it fast. We come to the final test as planned. Joey, you need to block the telepathic power of Abby.  I sensed that she knew that this was just a part of the game. I sensed that he knew Kalil was not a nemesis after all. When she passed this test, then we have to move her to Paris. There lies her greatest responsibility. She has to know what is in this legacy thing." Zar stressed. 

Chapter 2. CONSPIRACY: Vengeance is mine

Chapter 2

“Jazz, don’t go near the pool. It is dangerous there. If you want to play, just play near the house. I’ll be cooking for our lunch. Okay?”

“Okay Mama. I’ll play with Poppy.”

Poppy was a cute furry white poodle with snout nose, pointed mouth and standing ears. I often communicated with Poppy. If he sensed something wrong, he would wiggle his ears and wagged his tails. Barbara gave this to mom last year. Still mom’s best friend. They would eventually tease each other and their laughter gave life to the melancholic atmosphere surrounding us. His 5 year old son tagged along with her. That was the first time I saw his son. We just stared with each other. Then he gave me a big smile. I saw his dimples. He was a coy child. He didn't speak any words at all. I smiled sheepishly back at him. That was our first acquaintance. After that, I never saw her son. I don’t even know his name.

“Hey Poppy, can you look after dad? Mom is worried.

Poppy happily wagged his tail and kissed my cheeks. “Geek, you smell awful. Alright, I’ll give you a bath later. Don’t go close to the pool.” Poppy obediently left. He ran perpendicularly as if he was avoiding a land mine. Beneath the ground, he smelled electric wires going to the pool. He was precautious. “Smart dog,” I said. Dad told me once that he implanted a device inside Poppy’s brain for security reason. At my young age, I don’t seem to mind.

Dad was a retired military man. He was an electrical engineer but also had keen interest in the field of genetic engineering. He ostentatiously studied genetic engineering during his free time. He was a genius. He found out that genes could be cloned or altered. 1This involves using recombinant nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) techniques to form new combinations of heritable genetic material followed by the incorporation of that material either indirectly through a vector system or directly through micro-injection, macro-injection and micro-encapsulation techniques.

The stunning result of his researches and experiments were that, he could create a genius human species that has the ability to preconceive – to see, to touch, to smell, to feel, to read human and animal minds. He could born a person with telekinetic and pyrokinetic abilities. He was so excited about the result of his research. When he opened this up to his peers, they were so skeptical and they told him that dad was crazy. Dad was frustrated. He resigned from his job and enlisted himself in the Arm Forces when World War II broke. He was deployed in the Subic Bay, Philippines. He felt in love with a Filipino woman. They were about to get married in a civil rite ceremony. Along the way to the City Hall, the Japanese abducted his fiancee, raped and killed her including her parents. Dad had no other choice but to accept his fate and asked for re-assignment. 

When the World War II ended, he returned to California. He taught Electrical Engineering in UCLA and still pursued his research in genetics. Dad also taught Philosophy and there she met mom in that subject. Mom was of mixed descendant. His mother was Filipino and his dad was of German and American descendants. Knowing that she had Filipino blood, dad courted her. Dad was reminded of his Filipino fiancee. Although dad was at his 40’s, mom fell in love with him. Dad had well-built figure. Tan skinned, auburn hair, dark blue eyes and intelligent. Mom was only 22.

I heard Poppy barked. “Arf, arf, arf..” And I heard dad’s full tone voice. Poppy was encircling around dad’s long legs. Poppy was too jubilant to be with dad and for successfully bringing him with us. By barking he meant mission accomplish.

I shouted, “Papa.”

I saw the eyes of dad sparkled while he embraced me. From time to time, he caressed my long auburn hair. I was a female counter part of dad. I looked like exactly like him. “Jazz, you made Poppy looked for me?” dad asked.

I spoke softly. “Mama was worried. She is often worried when you go to the mansion.”

“Do you feel something wrong, Jazz?”

“I can feel that my body is sipping an electromagnetic energy. Poppy can feel that too.”

“Papa, I don’t want anybody to hurt you. I promised that.”

“No one will hurt me, Jazz. No one! Once my service is no longer needed by Mr. Richards, we’ll leave this mansion. I promised you that.

1Source: Genetic Engineering, Wikipedia

CONSPIRACY: Vengeance is Mine

Prologue

There was a big blow that punched my heart when I saw him the other day. He was not the same guy I've known before. Shy but amiable. Deep inside him he was cloaked with ambition. That was the only driving force he had to be on top. And he did make it. I was happy to see him in his crowning glory. Days and years passed. He was no longer the guy I have known before…a shy and amiable creature. When he passed by me, he acted that he never saw me at all. Absolutely, he avoided me. As he walked away, I followed him with my eyes. My skin began to shiver. I sensed something wrong. I clinched to my feelings. My heart bolted. A sharp dagger was pierced into my heart. I was wounded like a soldier. I don’t like to speak what I saw. No one would believe me. All they knew that I was a dumb girl with nuts over my head. Some say I had bipolar depression. I know one thing I was close always to my sanity. What I knew I had the precognitive ability to hear, to see, to smell and to touch. I know what I saw was going to happen. How soon? Ditat Deus.

The Dark Secret

Chapter 1

It was exuberant morning of December 24, 1965. It was one day before Christmas. As part of tradition, I was thrilled hanging my sock at the Christmas tree expecting bigger gifts from Santa Claus. It had been a make believe story that when a kid behave throughout the year, Santa Claus would reward expensive gifts. If a kid was naughty, Santa would erase the name in the list of recipients. It was always a make believe story that I was holding for years but every year, I only received three apples inside my sock. We were poor family then. My mom worked as a nanny to rich family, Mr. Blue Richards. Mr. Blue Richards was an heir of an oil company in Texas. His parents died when he was 25 years. The cause of death of his parents was unknown. According to mom, Mr. Blue Richards parents were killed in a car accident when he was 25 years old. Others said, Mr. Blue Richards parents were ambushed. Everything was just pure speculations. The truth about the sudden death of his parents was still a mystery up to now. Mr. Blue got married at the age of 30. She married Barbara Sanders from Council Bluffs, Iowa. Barbara was one of the employees of the Richards Oil Company in Texas. Barbara graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. It was her first job in the Richards Oil Company. He fell in love accidentally with Barbara Sanders in hot breezy afternoon. He had an argument with her for disobeying his orders. Blue thought that he was a man because she was wearing a helmet. Blue was so raged and lambasted Barbara. Barbara freak-out and yelled. “There are hundreds of people in that rig. If you are going to pull the string, all those men will be dead.” She took her helmet and threw it away. “I quit this job. You are so inhuman.” Blue was speechless. He never saw such a beautiful and courageous woman in his entire life. He courted Barbara. It was whirlwind courtship. Barbara could not resist the charm of Blue. Besides, she was two months pregnant.

Barbara was the best buddy of mom since they were kids but they separated ways when they were in college. My mom's house was just block away from Barbara. Mom took a nursing course in UCLA. For some twist, mom did not finish her nursing course. He fell in love with dad. A retired military man. About 20 years older than mom. In April 7, 1965 I was born to a poor happy family. We lived inside the compound of Mr. Blue Richards. His mansion was so huge with 15 rooms and hundreds of chandeliers hanging. These rooms were occupied by his private bodyguards. Mr & Mrs. Blue Richards and their newly born son were stationed in the basement.   On the roof of the mansion were satellite disks. About four disks were rotating – each one getting its radio frequency from the satellite in the outer space. In the basement, there were monitors, computers, high tech gadgets and the spacious little home of Mr & Mrs. Richards.  The monitors served as surveillance to all the businesses own by Mr. Blue Richards. There was also a massive swimming pool. It looks like an ocean because there were ebbs of tides. The swimming pool was controlled by electromagnetic field below the ground attached to the basement. I fancied that water was the source of power in the basement. Sometimes, if I came close to the swimming pool, I heard a humming sound. The guard would whisk me away telling me that it was too dangerous for a kid to go near the pool. I could feel the electromagnetic energy sipping my fragile body. I bolted away. 

”Jazz darling. Can you carry this bag of grocery inside?”

I was happy to get the manila bag from mom’s arms.

“Where’s your dad?” Mom seemed worried.

“He was at the mansion a moment ago. Mr. Richards needs his service. Something to do with military tactics. That’s what I heard.” Mom pretended to smile. I knew she was upset.

“What are you preparing for tonight Mama?

“Coles law, beef stew, chicken soup, red wine and vanilla flavored ice cream."

“Mama, what do you think Santa would give me tonight?”

“Well Jazz, I guess Santa will give you an expensive dress and pair of shoes.”

My dark blue eyes turned big. It was a big moment for me to be rewarded with expensive gifts. I had always been an obsequious child. I deserved this after all.

Chapter XXX: The Legacy: The Dawn of the Fallen Angels

We were silent for a moment. Each one of us was enjoying devouring the exquisite taste of the gourmet foods served. From time to time, I was glancing at Joey. Not because I deserved an answer from him like where did he go when we were fiercely driving out the tarantula-cobra freaks out of Thessaly? Why was it that he doesn't care about me, about us?  This is the boggling question in my mind: If a warrior angel gets hungry since he was more of a spirit? The way I saw him he lavishly enjoyed the foods. Joey read my mind and started talking. “Oh now I am full. These foods are superb.” Then I heard him burped. I was amused that I started out to giggle.

“What’s funny, Abby?

“I was wondering if angels get starved or like to eat.”

“That would be unfair if I just stare at you guys greedily devouring the foods. It tasted perfect. Well blended. Palatable. Of course, I do love to eat. Thousands of years ago, we were the one propagating the earth. We planted different kinds of tree bearing fruits on the planet of the earth. We also raised and propagate animals. Be it in water, land or air.  During harvest time, we bring forth the harvest to God. The rest we stored and ate some.  Some we fed the animals. The harvest indeed was abundant and there was no more to fill the cup. God then decided to create humans in his own image and likeness. When humans were created, millions of angels got jealous. Human creations ignited a spark of discontent among angels. The rest, you know the story and I don't need to elaborate further. 

“Is that where the big bang theory emanates that the universe was created because of humans?

“There is no truth to a big bang theory. God existed before the universe. Even science cannot decipher how the universe existed. The universe is just an invention of human minds. The mystery of it cannot be defined by science. It is too perplexed to human minds because human minds are too small to grasp the truth of Divine Existence not unless you experienced the divinity of the Creator, you will never know the truth. The earth was the last planet He created.”

Joey was right. Even though I may be gifted with supernatural powers, there was something in divinity that I found it hard to put it into whole picture. There was still a hole deep inside me that I was trying to paint the picture clearly. I know that the supernatural powers that I possessed came from Divine Existence. There were also cosmic forces that surrounds my power. The big bang theory and the Divine Existence - so many speculations that came out from human minds. What was really the truth behind the Divine Existence? Why was there a Divine Existence? If I dug deeper and deeper, I could only see mass of void and darkness however far away from a distance, I could see striking bright lights. In that striking bright lights, there goes the mystery not in the void and darkness. 

We were delving deeper into the subject matter.  Joey was so upright and extraordinary intellectual. He could explain the existence of the universe, cosmology, Divine Existence, spirituality and name it all. When he explained, I can picture everything in my mind and boom – it drew me back to the past events of my life. My head was spinning fast. I saw dad chased by three armed men wearing mask. He was holding me tight. He wrapped me with his leather jacket against the coldness of the night. The rain was pouring devilishly and the lightning was bolting that made the earth shook. I saw no fear in dad’s green eyes. He turned around to the three mask men. His green eyes blazing. He whispered in my ears. “Everything will be okay baby.” He put me to the ground. “You have to hide somewhere. Go run.”  I ran as fast as I can. Suddenly, I felt someone lift me up. He had feathery wings. An angel covered only with white linen sheets. 

I knew it was Joey who lifted me up. I blurted “Thanks Joey.”

“The reason why I let Khail take care of you while I took care of the business. I thought that you don’t possess powers like us,” Dad explained.

So dad was reading my mind too. I felt that the discussion was getting under water. I might  be carried away. I might not be able to swim. I drastically changed the topic.

“I still need an explanation from you Joey. Where did you go? You don’t even bother to help us.”

Joey frowned and said, “Oh shoot, I need to go back to my room. I am sleepy.”

“No, angels don’t sleep.”

“I do. I am lazy angel.

“Good riddance, Joey.”

Well Joey was gone. We all laughed. Dad said, “You scared the hell Joey, Abby.”

“Well dad, I deserve an explanation and what did you do with those three mask men? 

“He never left you behind, you need to know that.” His voice was echoing in thin air and he was gone. My questions were hanging up in the air again. 

We’re back to 5 again without dad.

Chapter XXVIX: The Legacy: The Dawn of the Fallen Angels

It was a hell of exhilarating day! I surpassed the challenge but I knew it was not over yet. I transformed those fierce beasts into tamed fireflies. They were flying around Bethany Hotel.  Their abdomens were sparkling against the rays of the sun. If you looked at them far below, you would never think that they were fireflies but just like a gold dust up there in the sky. People passing by the hotel found this a strange phenomenon. Yet they could not find any explanation. Science would explain in a different way. A once furious beasts turned to fireflies were now under my spell. I knew another test was coming.  Maybe more intense that the first one.  I was always ready for the next level. It was registered in my cunning mind.  I wished I had pleased dad and grandfather. They were my knight in a shining armor. My tutelage. And Alan…? What happened to him after he was swallowed by a thick fog? A penny for my thought disturbed me. Immediately, I changed the course of the wind in my mind. Why worry about him anyway. He was exactly like me. Born with supernatural powers. Dad said he could take care of his self. I shove away this negativity.

Almost damn tired! Profusely soaked with our damn sweats! We all returned to our respective suites to take a shower and rest for a little bit.  I intend to eat sumptuous Italian foods later. I missed eating pasta garnished with Parmesan cheese and herbs on top of it.  Now I could feel my saliva was almost falling. I could taste the pasta just imagining it.  My room was just adjacent to my siblings and Joey. And speaking of Joey, he doesn't even care to show-up when were embroiled in rat-race with the freaking beasts. What happened to my warrior angel?  I needed to find that out. I had a difficulty reading Joey’s mind. He blocked me out.  I was about to knock the door of his room. A light bulb of message struck my head. Joey was not at his room. I decided to go straight to my room instead. I was sticky. The dirt almost consumed my clothes. “Oh yuck," I smelled awful. Besides, why should I bother about Joey if he doesn't bother either?

When I was about to enter my room, I heard a voice. “I am always with you. Remember that.”  “Cool Joey, you always blow my mind away. See you later. I need explanation from you.”

“I am scared to be reprimanded, Abby.”  His voice echoed and faded away. I shrugged my shoulders. He always acted strangely since the time I met him. A warrior angel with cuckoo on his head. "Ouch forgive me Joey," I murmured. "Stop accusing me, Abby," Joey reacted.  "Oh sorry, I am just responding out of the blues." I told Joey. "You behave like that much often. Have faith honey." "I have faith. You owe me an explanation,” I said.  Joey never responded. I knew he doesn't want to have arguments with me.

I filled the pink Jacuzzi pink tub with lukewarm water. Once filled with water, I poured hyacinth liquid soap. The aroma filled the air. The scent was invigorating. It seemed like my room was surrounded with hyacinth flowers. I loved pink, purple, red and white hyacinth. I was enjoying while imagining.  I couldn't wait to submerge myself in a tub so I took off my clothes. I stepped inside the tub. Lied down while my head was on the edge of the tub. I could feel the pores in my skin opened. It was relieving.  I sponged my copper colored skin with soap. I decided to stay for a while. I let my mind travel and wander. Finally, I felt drowsy. I had no choice but to close my eyes.

I was kinda on the alpha state of sleeping. Usually in my alpha state my creative visualization was hyperactive including my precognitive ability.  I saw myself standing between skyscraper buildings. The walls of the buildings were made of green colored fiber glasses which meant to say the buildings were made of sophisticated materials but tangible to destruction. Many more buildings were erected. Soon, I know I would take care of the legacy. I was destined to it. I was going deeper in my alpha state. Suddenly, I felt an urge of uneasiness. I sensed that someone was looking at me. I opened my eyes. No one was around.

I stepped out of the tub. I wrapped myself with a beige colored towel. Sped out of the bathroom in haste. Lo, in my bed there was a small note. I read what was written, “More surprise to come, Abby.”  I crumpled the note. I answered, “I am ready. Anytime! Anywhere! Any place!”  All of a sudden, purple petal roses were encircling in my room like a hurricane. They came from nowhere. It was a product of mind materialization. The petals piled up till they reached the roof of the room. They were behaving like this for few minutes.  The purple petals were multiplying to million folds. I gasped. This time they encircled me. My body was almost covered with petals. I shouted, “Alan.” Alan didn't answer at all. He acted deaf but I knew he was in my room playing mavericks with me.

There was a light knock at the door. When the petals heard the knock, they instantly disappeared from my sight. I was still holding the crumpled note in my hand.

 “Wait,” I said. I need to change clothes.

“Abby, just proceed to the Italian restaurant at ground floor. I ordered Orecchiette with Ricotta and Chard Pan Sauce. Your favorite Italian pasta. We will wait for you there. Just hurry-up.”

The voice sounded familiar to me. I shouted, “Dad, you’re here.”

“Yes, darling I am here to check out if you are okay. If your limbs and bones are still intact.”

“Hahaha,” I laughed loud. “Of course I am daddy. I am not a piece of junk."

“I’ll wait for you there, Baby.”  My daddy still liked to call me baby. My heart leaped. It was good to see dad again.

Then there was silence. I knew dad was already in the Italian Resto. He could move fast in split seconds and could pass through the walls.

The ambiance of the La Bethany Resto was striking. It reminded me of Italy. I and daddy lived in Italy for almost three years. The Italian people were friendly and religious. They were fun to be with. They loved to joke. Mostly, they were honest people.  I had a playmate there named Pablo. His father was an accountant and a computer savvy. He was working closely with my dad when it comes to the finances of Josephus Group of Companies. I heard that his father retired and Pablo took over his position. He followed his father’s footsteps. Dad gifted Mr. De Luca, father of Pablo a diamond ring which cost million dollars, a brand new house and luxury car for his honesty and loyalty. Dad was philanthropic by heart but devious to enemies.

I saw dad sitting at the far end corner of the rectangle red wooden table. A white china porcelain antique vase with red roses was sitting in the center of the table. Mom’s favorite flower. Sitting next to him was Joey. In front of Joey were Mikhail, Stephen and Darwin. There was one vacant seat reserved for me next to Joey. The Italian pasta garnished with herb and cheese was already served. The chili aroma filled my nose. I almost swallowed my saliva. My throat lumped.  Come along with pasta were red wine, potato salads with parsley and Hawaiian pizza. Seeing these palatable cuisines made me hungrier.

“Hi dad!”

“Hi my baby.”

I kissed dad on his forehead. Darn, who could ever say that dad was already in his 50’s. Angels never seemed to grow old. Only in years. Only in numbers.  And so with Joey and my siblings. They maintain their youthfulness and robustness in the passing of times. I winked at Joey before I sat next to him. He winked back and smiled. His angelic smiled could almost melt my heart. Who could ever believe that a dazzling guy sitting next to me was a warrior angel. I could see the halo on his head.

"Joey, say a little prayer before we eat," dad said.

"Bless us O Lord and this thy gift which we are about to receive from thy bounty through Christ our Lord. Amen."