“Nothing you can do now.” Angelica Reached into his mind, “We have to save Lihua and Jayden!”

“I know…” Reginald replied sadly. He hesitated a moment longer and then turned away, arms ahead of him as though flying as he streaked through the water. Jayden and Lihua were roughly fifty yards ahead, ferociously engaging Rahab. Jayden seemed to be doing most of the work; he would attack, get knocked several feet away, and re-engage. The closer they drew, the stronger Jayden’s thoughts became; the boy was weakening, and he knew he was no match for Poseidon’s killer, but it didn’t matter; no matter the cost, Jayden was determined to kill Rahab.

Surprisingly, Lihua appeared skilled at hand-to-hand combat, although her movements were awkward and Rahab was capitalizing; she wasn’t used to her new body yet, wasn’t familiar with how far she could push it. Still, she held her own; Rahab seemed intent on grabbing her, but Lihua would slip away and push him off-balance before he could do any damage. Which was good for her; Rahab seemed intent on eating her. Reginald felt Angelica’s mind and realized they were thinking the same thing; if Jayden and Lihua were to work together, Rahab may have had a problem. Now, all they could do was get there before it was too late; Reginald drew his axes and accelerated. They had closed the distance to mere feet. “Remember,” Reginald reached to everyone, “we want him alive. Don’t damn yourself for him.”

“I won’t.” Angelica’s was the only response. Reginald feared that his words would be lost on the young ones. Even as he entered the fray, he struggled to remember what it was that Rahab had called Lihua…lilen? What exactly was that?

Time for analytical thought was over. “Angelica.” Reginald ordered as Lihua wrenched away from Rahab, “Take his mind.”

Angelica smiled–coldly–at Rahab as she clenched her fists, and the demon arched backwards, hands raised to his ears as a forked tongue appeared to spasm its way out of his mouth. He screamed a terrible, piercing shriek as he appeared to convulse, slowly buckling under Angelica’s mental assault.

Jayden recovered from Rahab’s last assault and saw an opportunity; clutching his knife, he dove towards the demon, blade raised for the killing blow. At the last second, Reginald intercepted Jayden’s wrist and jerked the boy’s arm downwards, forcing Jayden to look him in the eye. “Li,” Angelica reached to Lihua, “Circle and grasp. I’ll hold him here.”

“Oh, is that what you’ll do…” Rahab began to overpower Angelica’s telepathy as Lihua began to circle around to his left side, reaching into his mind. “You know what I am,” her tone was menacing, “And you know you can’t stop one of my kind.”
“Shut up, damn you.”

“It’s time, Rahab.” Lihua’s tone was mocking comfort. “It’s time to go home.”

Reginald looked to Jayden. “Have you lost your mind?!” He bellowed into the boy’s mind, “Don’t you know what’ll happen to you if you kill him?!”

Jayden’s eyes were black as he merely looked back to Reginald, and that’s when the elder Angel knew.

The rock foundation ahead of them suddenly exploded outwards, sending all of them tumbling through the water, which had abruptly become hot. There was a horrifying, deafening roar that emerged from the gaping hole in the wall of the Atherean, overtaking the sea. It slowly, distinctly said Rahab’s name. Rahab began swimming for dear life, moving away from the vacuuming abyss that had suddenly become the most dominant thing in the ocean.

“This is our chance!” Angelica strained to Reach them, “Grab him now!”

“No!” Reginald shot back, trying to regain balance in the water, “Send him back! Drive him back into the hole!”

“He’s not leaving here alive.” That final thought came from Jayden.

Reginald realized that he could not let Jayden be damned…no matter what. The family had lost enough. But that meant that something terrible had to be done.

The suction from the screaming black hole had increased, as though the thing was becoming frustrated. The one it wanted was almost treading water, desperate to get away. Lihua descended upon him, dropping the heel of her foot squarely into the center of his spine. Rahab was splayed out, but recovered quicker than anyone imagined; he whipped around and caught Lihua’s ankle before she could pull away. As the two were drawn towards the abyss, Lihua’s eyes turned black, and talons began protruding from her nails.

“Lihua, no!” Angelica bulled her way into Lihua, knocking the girl free from Rahab’s grasp. Rahab, feral with terror at being pulled back into the hole, clutched Angelica and jerked her close. He sunk his teeth into her throat and ripped something free; she struggled momentarily before floating lifelessly away.

Reginald landed squarely on Rahab’s back and buried one of his axes into the demon’s shoulder. Rahab screamed, and as the two were drawn into the abyss, Reginald pulled the blade free and struck again, severing the demon’s arm.

The look Rahab gave to Reginald would haunt him for the rest of his life.

Reginald sprung from Rahab before they could both be taken. Jayden was approaching from underneath Rahab, prepared to eviscerate the demon from below. There was no time to dive and save the boy from himself. One way to ensure he wasn’t damned.

Closing his eyes, free from the pull of the abyss, Reginald raised his axe high overhead and hurled it towards Jayden.

He didn’t see what happened next. He heard the blade find its mark, felt the abyss cease, and knew it was over.

(c) Avery K. Tingle for Modern Magic Enterprises LTD and Nomadic Productions LLC

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After taking a step back (and getting through Friday), I came to realize why I didn’t think I could hear anything, why a lot of us feel as though we pray and get no response. There is no set method for listening to God. The process is ever-changing, ever-evolving, because if we turn our relationship with God into a routine, then we take it for granted, and it falters. I’ve always believed that God wants you to continually examine your relationship with Him, and beyond that, openly question what doesn’t make sense. So here, finally, are the steps I use (for now) that define my relationship with God.

1). Surrender.
I know it’s a word that makes one’s bile rise (I know it does for me), but hear me out. Years ago, when I was still homeless, I sat in a rescue mission in Saginaw, Michigan while one preacher’s words hit me a little harder than anyone else’s. I used to use mandatory church as a way to secure my bed for the night and catch a few extra Z’s, but this guy had something to say. His words were; “You’ve tried everything else; why not try this?” He spoke with the fire and conviction of a man who had arrived at this knowledge through experience. About a year later, I learned what he was talking about. Having someone fire a bullet at you tends to change your perspective…surrender doesn’t seem so bad compared to dying alone in the street. But the fact is, God doesn’t ask you to surrender to Him so He can conquer you; that’s not what He’s about. Only by surrendering can He truly work through you, and I speak from experience when I say that He has a far better plan for you than anything you can conceive. I’ve laundry-listed personal examples of transitioning from homelessness to normalcy; I’m writing this under a sunrise from my kitchen table while listening to one of my two iPods. It’s something you have to experience for yourself. All you have to do is give yourself over, genuinely, and let Him do his thing.

2). Talk to Him
Traditional prayer can grow so stale, so fast. I confess that I don’t say my prayers every night, yet I avoid doing it only when I need something (bad idea. I’ll get to that in a minute). I say the traditional our-father-who-art-in-Heaven prayer maybe five nights a week. But I talk to God all the time. I talk to God as though I’m talking to my best friend, which is how I found out He has a sense of humor. I’ll often have a goal at work that I won’t meet; I’ll exceed it in a way I hadn’t planned (instead of selling four internets, I’ll sell ten phone bundles, which comes out to more money), and I’ll end up looking at the sky and saying; “Thanks. Good one.”
I don’t think God has too many uses for tradition, especially if they lose their meaning. I’m not saying don’t pray; I’m saying talk. People who say it’s a one-sided conversation haven’t truly surrendered, because He will answer, and usually, surprisingly, He’ll answer pretty quickly. I’ll often get the answer to a question before I even get it out. Hint; you know it’s God when you feel as though you’re being pushed to do something you don’t want to do, but you KNOW to be right. I can’t stress it enough; times like that, DON’T ASK QUESTIONS, JUST DO IT. The amazing thing is that He always takes care of you when you listen! ALWAYS, ONE HUNDRED PERCENT OF THE TIME! It may never be what you wanted, in fact, it rarely is, but when it’s all said and done, you’ll find it’s what you needed.

To wrap this up (I want to keep it at under a thousand words), there’s a lot more that goes into it. I’ve found that God is a simple idea that doesn’t press on your mind, but it’s always present. The devil is a tug on your soul, making you feel as though his idea is a good one and then ‘rewarding’ you with false feelings of comfort and even euphoria when you do what he wanted. I’ve always felt bad later, though.

I don’t only pray when times are bad because I’ve found that if you only come to Him during times of need, and not during better times, He may put you on the back burner. He places problems in our life so we may come to Him, and have Him show us how to overcome them. We then give thanks for Him giving us the time of day and the strength He’s given us. If you ever feel as though you have no problems, better take a second look at your life.

This is just how I let God work through me; He works through all of us differently. If you feel as though you’ve prayed and gotten no response, then change your approach. You may not be ready yet. But He’s there, He’s always there, and He never lets his own down.

Thanks for reading. God bless and be safe.

(c) Avery K. Tingle for Modern Magic Enterprises LTD and Nomadic Productions LLC

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“Me?” Rahab appeared cheerful, spreading his arms and raising his head. “I’m Rahab, the King of the Seas!”

“The king of the seas…” Reginald trailed off, attempting to gauge Rahab, “…so…what happened to Poseidon?”

Rahab suddenly lunged forward, grasping his trident as if leaning on it. The gesture caused the four to jerk back apprehensively. “Who?” As Rahab asked, he reared back in an exaggerated motion, looking up and tapping his chin. “Oh, that old bore. Well, he chose to retire…”

Rahab dug his index finger into his mouth, picking between his teeth. “…after dinner.”

Able to perceive Rahab’s thoughts, Angelica winced, “You monster…”

“Ahh, but enough boring chatter! Tell me; what have you brought me?” Rahab looked to the four expectantly. Reginald frowned. “What?”

Rahab snapped his fingers twice, causing the four to jump again. “Come on, Reginald, keep up! It may be polite to bring a gift when you’re invited to someone’s home, but trespassing and showing up empty-handed is just rude.”

For a moment, the Atherean was deathly silent.

“I mean, three kids broke in without bringing anything and my kids mistook them for h’ordeuvres–”

“I have something for you.” Jayden snarled. In a single, deft motion, Jayden drew a knife from his ankle and hurled it end-over-end towards Rahab. Even as Reginald reached out vainly to stop Jayden, Rahab merely knocked the knife away with a jerk of the trident, and it floated harmlessly away over his shoulder.

“Are you crazy?!” Reginald bellowed telepathically, glaring at Jayden. The thought was so fierce that Angelica winced, raising her hands to her ears protectively. “What if you had killed him?!”

Rahab’s mouth fell open. “Reginald. You can’t be serious.”

His ‘eyes’, large, empty black holes, drifted over towards Lihua, who suddenly unfolded her arms and held her breath. “Egads! Can it be?” Rahab exclaimed, “Reginald! Where did you ever find one of those?!”

“What…?” Reginald slowly turned from Rahab to Lihua as Angelica drifted towards her protectively. “Milady!” Rahab continued, extending a welcoming hand towards her, “You beautiful little Lilen delicacy! You are most welcome here!”

“Stay the hell away from me.” Lihua spat.

Reginald felt the breath ripped from his body. “How do you know about…?”

“Don’t speak of it.” Rahab’s words were quick and quiet. “It’s not a nice place.”

Reginald looked up to Angelica, who seemed to be observing everything at once. Her eyes shot from place to place, although the Atherean seemed to be vacant save for the five of them. “What is it?” Reginald asked.

“They look like the water,” Angelica replied, her thought hushed, “but we’re not alone. They’re everywhere.”

“Oh, they won’t hurt you.” Rahab’s tone had eerily switched from excited control to mild fear. “You brought a gift. Simply hand over the Lilen and you’re welcome to stay and have some–”

“Rahab.”

The voice was dark, deep, female, and omnipresent. As the Atherean shook with her presence, Reginald and Lihua locked eyes, and they knew who had suddenly arrived.

Yin.

“So this is where you’ve been. Tell me how you escaped.” Her voice was both soft and threatening, omnipresent as it shook the Atherean.

The ground exploded underneath them and a wall of steam hissed as it shot upwards, blocking the four from Rahab. Reginald tried to peer through the obtuse veil and could barely discern Rahab covering his face. He was no longer smiling, and his trident had dropped to the ground.

Angelica suddenly clasped her head and arched back sharply, opening her mouth in a muted scream. “You four.” That was Yin, and her tone was not pleasant, “Leave this place.”

“I’m not going anywhere.” Jayden declared. Horrified, Reginald turned back to the boy just in time to see him pull a second blade, concealed at the small of his back. His form was more fluid, the throw more precise–as though the first throw had been a feint–as he sent the blade hurtling towards Rahab. It passed through the steam and imbedded firmly into flesh with a sickening thunk.

Rahab screamed.

Lihua suddenly shot past Reginald’s right side, and he discerned blood in her eyes as she disappeared into the veil. He looked back to Angelica, who was nearly hyperventilating as she recovered from the Yin’s psychic assault. The look of loss she gave him mirrored his own.

Yin laughed. It was not kind laughter.

“No.” Reginald breathed. He glanced down to the Atherean floor, as the steam began disintegrating. His mouth fell open; his mind could barely process what he saw.

A gaping hole had been torn open in the stone foundation. Bright, orange magma flooded the hole, and the heat generated from the pool could probably be felt for miles. Reginald felt like he was trapped in a sauna.

In the hole were torched, humanoid beings who reached out of the liquid desperately, only to have a wave drown them. Their screams were pervasive and eternal; there were scores of them, so many of them that the magma could barely be perceived. And Reginald knew exactly what he was looking at.

In the distance, through the haze, Reginald could make out Jayden and Lihua, who were in hard pursuit of Rahab. Poseidon’s killer appeared to be swimming for his life.

“We have to stop them.” Angelica panted, worn down. Reginald nodded. “I know.” He shot off after the three, feeling Angelica’s urgency as she joined him. Too many things could go wrong–had gone wrong at this point. The least they could do was keep Jayden from killing Rahab.

(c) Avery K. Tingle for Modern Magic Enterprises LTD and Nomadic Productions LLC

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“Nothing you can do now.” Angelica Reached into his mind, “We have to save Lihua and Jayden!”

“I know…” Reginald replied sadly. He hesitated a moment longer and then turned away, arms ahead of him as though flying as he streaked through the water. Jayden and Lihua were roughly fifty yards ahead, ferociously engaging Rahab. Jayden seemed to be doing most of the work; he would attack, get knocked several feet away, and re-engage. The closer they drew, the stronger Jayden’s thoughts became; the boy was weakening, and he knew he was no match for Poseidon’s killer, but it didn’t matter; no matter the cost, Jayden was determined to kill Rahab.

Surprisingly, Lihua appeared skilled at hand-to-hand combat, although her movements were awkward and Rahab was capitalizing; she wasn’t used to her new body yet, wasn’t familiar with how far she could push it. Still, she held her own; Rahab seemed intent on grabbing her, but Lihua would slip away and push him off-balance before he could do any damage. Which was good for her; Rahab seemed intent on eating her. Reginald felt Angelica’s mind and realized they were thinking the same thing; if Jayden and Lihua were to work together, Rahab may have had a problem. Now, all they could do was get there before it was too late; Reginald drew his axes and accelerated. They had closed the distance to mere feet. “Remember,” Reginald reached to everyone, “we want him alive. Don’t damn yourself for him.”

“I won’t.” Angelica’s was the only response. Reginald feared that his words would be lost on the young ones. Even as he entered the fray, he struggled to remember what it was that Rahab had called Lihua…lilen? What exactly was that?

Time for analytical thought was over. “Angelica.” Reginald ordered as Lihua wrenched away from Rahab, “Take his mind.”

Angelica smiled–coldly–at Rahab as she clenched her fists, and the demon arched backwards, hands raised to his ears as a forked tongue appeared to spasm its way out of his mouth. He screamed a terrible, piercing shriek as he appeared to convulse, slowly buckling under Angelica’s mental assault.

Jayden recovered from Rahab’s last assault and saw an opportunity; clutching his knife, he dove towards the demon, blade raised for the killing blow. At the last second, Reginald intercepted Jayden’s wrist and jerked the boy’s arm downwards, forcing Jayden to look him in the eye. “Li,” Angelica reached to Lihua, “Circle and grasp. I’ll hold him here.”

“Oh, is that what you’ll do…” Rahab began to overpower Angelica’s telepathy as Lihua began to circle around to his left side, reaching into his mind. “You know what I am,” her tone was menacing, “And you know you can’t stop one of my kind.”
“Shut up, damn you.”

“It’s time, Rahab.” Lihua’s tone was mocking comfort. “It’s time to go home.”

Reginald looked to Jayden. “Have you lost your mind?!” He bellowed into the boy’s mind, “Don’t you know what’ll happen to you if you kill him?!”

Jayden’s eyes were black as he merely looked back to Reginald, and that’s when the elder Angel knew.

The rock foundation ahead of them suddenly exploded outwards, sending all of them tumbling through the water, which had abruptly become hot. There was a horrifying, deafening roar that emerged from the gaping hole in the wall of the Atherean, overtaking the sea. It slowly, distinctly said Rahab’s name. Rahab began swimming for dear life, moving away from the vacuuming abyss that had suddenly become the most dominant thing in the ocean.

“This is our chance!” Angelica strained to Reach them, “Grab him now!”

“No!” Reginald shot back, trying to regain balance in the water, “Send him back! Drive him back into the hole!”

“He’s not leaving here alive.” That final thought came from Jayden.

Reginald realized that he could not let Jayden be damned…no matter what. The family had lost enough. But that meant that something terrible had to be done.

The suction from the screaming black hole had increased, as though the thing was becoming frustrated. The one it wanted was almost treading water, desperate to get away. Lihua descended upon him, dropping the heel of her foot squarely into the center of his spine. Rahab was splayed out, but recovered quicker than anyone imagined; he whipped around and caught Lihua’s ankle before she could pull away. As the two were drawn towards the abyss, Lihua’s eyes turned black, and talons began protruding from her nails.

“Lihua, no!” Angelica bulled her way into Lihua, knocking the girl free from Rahab’s grasp. Rahab, feral with terror at being pulled back into the hole, clutched Angelica and jerked her close. He sunk his teeth into her throat and ripped something free; she struggled momentarily before floating lifelessly away.

Reginald landed squarely on Rahab’s back and buried one of his axes into the demon’s shoulder. Rahab screamed, and as the two were drawn into the abyss, Reginald pulled the blade free and struck again, severing the demon’s arm.

The look Rahab gave to Reginald would haunt him for the rest of his life.

Reginald sprung from Rahab before they could both be taken. Jayden was approaching from underneath Rahab, prepared to eviscerate the demon from below. There was no time to dive and save the boy from himself. One way to ensure he wasn’t damned.

Closing his eyes, free from the pull of the abyss, Reginald raised his axe high overhead and hurled it towards Jayden.

He didn’t see what happened next. He heard the blade find its mark, felt the abyss cease, and knew it was over.

(c) Avery K. Tingle for Modern Magic Enterprises LTD and Nomadic Productions LLC

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“Nothing you can do now.” Angelica Reached into his mind, “We have to save Lihua and Jayden!”

“I know…” Reginald replied sadly. He hesitated a moment longer and then turned away, arms ahead of him as though flying as he streaked through the water. Jayden and Lihua were roughly fifty yards ahead, ferociously engaging Rahab. Jayden seemed to be doing most of the work; he would attack, get knocked several feet away, and re-engage. The closer they drew, the stronger Jayden’s thoughts became; the boy was weakening, and he knew he was no match for Poseidon’s killer, but it didn’t matter; no matter the cost, Jayden was determined to kill Rahab.

Surprisingly, Lihua appeared skilled at hand-to-hand combat, although her movements were awkward and Rahab was capitalizing; she wasn’t used to her new body yet, wasn’t familiar with how far she could push it. Still, she held her own; Rahab seemed intent on grabbing her, but Lihua would slip away and push him off-balance before he could do any damage. Which was good for her; Rahab seemed intent on eating her. Reginald felt Angelica’s mind and realized they were thinking the same thing; if Jayden and Lihua were to work together, Rahab may have had a problem. Now, all they could do was get there before it was too late; Reginald drew his axes and accelerated. They had closed the distance to mere feet. “Remember,” Reginald reached to everyone, “we want him alive. Don’t damn yourself for him.”

“I won’t.” Angelica’s was the only response. Reginald feared that his words would be lost on the young ones. Even as he entered the fray, he struggled to remember what it was that Rahab had called Lihua…lilen? What exactly was that?

Time for analytical thought was over. “Angelica.” Reginald ordered as Lihua wrenched away from Rahab, “Take his mind.”

Angelica smiled–coldly–at Rahab as she clenched her fists, and the demon arched backwards, hands raised to his ears as a forked tongue appeared to spasm its way out of his mouth. He screamed a terrible, piercing shriek as he appeared to convulse, slowly buckling under Angelica’s mental assault.

Jayden recovered from Rahab’s last assault and saw an opportunity; clutching his knife, he dove towards the demon, blade raised for the killing blow. At the last second, Reginald intercepted Jayden’s wrist and jerked the boy’s arm downwards, forcing Jayden to look him in the eye. “Li,” Angelica reached to Lihua, “Circle and grasp. I’ll hold him here.”

“Oh, is that what you’ll do…” Rahab began to overpower Angelica’s telepathy as Lihua began to circle around to his left side, reaching into his mind. “You know what I am,” her tone was menacing, “And you know you can’t stop one of my kind.”
“Shut up, damn you.”

“It’s time, Rahab.” Lihua’s tone was mocking comfort. “It’s time to go home.”

Reginald looked to Jayden. “Have you lost your mind?!” He bellowed into the boy’s mind, “Don’t you know what’ll happen to you if you kill him?!”

Jayden’s eyes were black as he merely looked back to Reginald, and that’s when the elder Angel knew.

The rock foundation ahead of them suddenly exploded outwards, sending all of them tumbling through the water, which had abruptly become hot. There was a horrifying, deafening roar that emerged from the gaping hole in the wall of the Atherean, overtaking the sea. It slowly, distinctly said Rahab’s name. Rahab began swimming for dear life, moving away from the vacuuming abyss that had suddenly become the most dominant thing in the ocean.

“This is our chance!” Angelica strained to Reach them, “Grab him now!”

“No!” Reginald shot back, trying to regain balance in the water, “Send him back! Drive him back into the hole!”

“He’s not leaving here alive.” That final thought came from Jayden.

Reginald realized that he could not let Jayden be damned…no matter what. The family had lost enough. But that meant that something terrible had to be done.

The suction from the screaming black hole had increased, as though the thing was becoming frustrated. The one it wanted was almost treading water, desperate to get away. Lihua descended upon him, dropping the heel of her foot squarely into the center of his spine. Rahab was splayed out, but recovered quicker than anyone imagined; he whipped around and caught Lihua’s ankle before she could pull away. As the two were drawn towards the abyss, Lihua’s eyes turned black, and talons began protruding from her nails.

“Lihua, no!” Angelica bulled her way into Lihua, knocking the girl free from Rahab’s grasp. Rahab, feral with terror at being pulled back into the hole, clutched Angelica and jerked her close. He sunk his teeth into her throat and ripped something free; she struggled momentarily before floating lifelessly away.

Reginald landed squarely on Rahab’s back and buried one of his axes into the demon’s shoulder. Rahab screamed, and as the two were drawn into the abyss, Reginald pulled the blade free and struck again, severing the demon’s arm.

The look Rahab gave to Reginald would haunt him for the rest of his life.

Reginald sprung from Rahab before they could both be taken. Jayden was approaching from underneath Rahab, prepared to eviscerate the demon from below. There was no time to dive and save the boy from himself. One way to ensure he wasn’t damned.

Closing his eyes, free from the pull of the abyss, Reginald raised his axe high overhead and hurled it towards Jayden.

He didn’t see what happened next. He heard the blade find its mark, felt the abyss cease, and knew it was over.

(c) Avery K. Tingle for Modern Magic Enterprises LTD and Nomadic Productions LLC

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“Nothing you can do now.” Angelica Reached into his mind, “We have to save Lihua and Jayden!”

“I know…” Reginald replied sadly. He hesitated a moment longer and then turned away, arms ahead of him as though flying as he streaked through the water. Jayden and Lihua were roughly fifty yards ahead, ferociously engaging Rahab. Jayden seemed to be doing most of the work; he would attack, get knocked several feet away, and re-engage. The closer they drew, the stronger Jayden’s thoughts became; the boy was weakening, and he knew he was no match for Poseidon’s killer, but it didn’t matter; no matter the cost, Jayden was determined to kill Rahab.

Surprisingly, Lihua appeared skilled at hand-to-hand combat, although her movements were awkward and Rahab was capitalizing; she wasn’t used to her new body yet, wasn’t familiar with how far she could push it. Still, she held her own; Rahab seemed intent on grabbing her, but Lihua would slip away and push him off-balance before he could do any damage. Which was good for her; Rahab seemed intent on eating her. Reginald felt Angelica’s mind and realized they were thinking the same thing; if Jayden and Lihua were to work together, Rahab may have had a problem. Now, all they could do was get there before it was too late; Reginald drew his axes and accelerated. They had closed the distance to mere feet. “Remember,” Reginald reached to everyone, “we want him alive. Don’t damn yourself for him.”

“I won’t.” Angelica’s was the only response. Reginald feared that his words would be lost on the young ones. Even as he entered the fray, he struggled to remember what it was that Rahab had called Lihua…lilen? What exactly was that?

Time for analytical thought was over. “Angelica.” Reginald ordered as Lihua wrenched away from Rahab, “Take his mind.”

Angelica smiled–coldly–at Rahab as she clenched her fists, and the demon arched backwards, hands raised to his ears as a forked tongue appeared to spasm its way out of his mouth. He screamed a terrible, piercing shriek as he appeared to convulse, slowly buckling under Angelica’s mental assault.

Jayden recovered from Rahab’s last assault and saw an opportunity; clutching his knife, he dove towards the demon, blade raised for the killing blow. At the last second, Reginald intercepted Jayden’s wrist and jerked the boy’s arm downwards, forcing Jayden to look him in the eye. “Li,” Angelica reached to Lihua, “Circle and grasp. I’ll hold him here.”

“Oh, is that what you’ll do…” Rahab began to overpower Angelica’s telepathy as Lihua began to circle around to his left side, reaching into his mind. “You know what I am,” her tone was menacing, “And you know you can’t stop one of my kind.”
“Shut up, damn you.”

“It’s time, Rahab.” Lihua’s tone was mocking comfort. “It’s time to go home.”

Reginald looked to Jayden. “Have you lost your mind?!” He bellowed into the boy’s mind, “Don’t you know what’ll happen to you if you kill him?!”

Jayden’s eyes were black as he merely looked back to Reginald, and that’s when the elder Angel knew.

The rock foundation ahead of them suddenly exploded outwards, sending all of them tumbling through the water, which had abruptly become hot. There was a horrifying, deafening roar that emerged from the gaping hole in the wall of the Atherean, overtaking the sea. It slowly, distinctly said Rahab’s name. Rahab began swimming for dear life, moving away from the vacuuming abyss that had suddenly become the most dominant thing in the ocean.

“This is our chance!” Angelica strained to Reach them, “Grab him now!”

“No!” Reginald shot back, trying to regain balance in the water, “Send him back! Drive him back into the hole!”

“He’s not leaving here alive.” That final thought came from Jayden.

Reginald realized that he could not let Jayden be damned…no matter what. The family had lost enough. But that meant that something terrible had to be done.

The suction from the screaming black hole had increased, as though the thing was becoming frustrated. The one it wanted was almost treading water, desperate to get away. Lihua descended upon him, dropping the heel of her foot squarely into the center of his spine. Rahab was splayed out, but recovered quicker than anyone imagined; he whipped around and caught Lihua’s ankle before she could pull away. As the two were drawn towards the abyss, Lihua’s eyes turned black, and talons began protruding from her nails.

“Lihua, no!” Angelica bulled her way into Lihua, knocking the girl free from Rahab’s grasp. Rahab, feral with terror at being pulled back into the hole, clutched Angelica and jerked her close. He sunk his teeth into her throat and ripped something free; she struggled momentarily before floating lifelessly away.

Reginald landed squarely on Rahab’s back and buried one of his axes into the demon’s shoulder. Rahab screamed, and as the two were drawn into the abyss, Reginald pulled the blade free and struck again, severing the demon’s arm.

The look Rahab gave to Reginald would haunt him for the rest of his life.

Reginald sprung from Rahab before they could both be taken. Jayden was approaching from underneath Rahab, prepared to eviscerate the demon from below. There was no time to dive and save the boy from himself. One way to ensure he wasn’t damned.

Closing his eyes, free from the pull of the abyss, Reginald raised his axe high overhead and hurled it towards Jayden.

He didn’t see what happened next. He heard the blade find its mark, felt the abyss cease, and knew it was over.

(c) Avery K. Tingle for Modern Magic Enterprises LTD and Nomadic Productions LLC

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“Nothing you can do now.” Angelica Reached into his mind, “We have to save Lihua and Jayden!”

“I know…” Reginald replied sadly. He hesitated a moment longer and then turned away, arms ahead of him as though flying as he streaked through the water. Jayden and Lihua were roughly fifty yards ahead, ferociously engaging Rahab. Jayden seemed to be doing most of the work; he would attack, get knocked several feet away, and re-engage. The closer they drew, the stronger Jayden’s thoughts became; the boy was weakening, and he knew he was no match for Poseidon’s killer, but it didn’t matter; no matter the cost, Jayden was determined to kill Rahab.

Surprisingly, Lihua appeared skilled at hand-to-hand combat, although her movements were awkward and Rahab was capitalizing; she wasn’t used to her new body yet, wasn’t familiar with how far she could push it. Still, she held her own; Rahab seemed intent on grabbing her, but Lihua would slip away and push him off-balance before he could do any damage. Which was good for her; Rahab seemed intent on eating her. Reginald felt Angelica’s mind and realized they were thinking the same thing; if Jayden and Lihua were to work together, Rahab may have had a problem. Now, all they could do was get there before it was too late; Reginald drew his axes and accelerated. They had closed the distance to mere feet. “Remember,” Reginald reached to everyone, “we want him alive. Don’t damn yourself for him.”

“I won’t.” Angelica’s was the only response. Reginald feared that his words would be lost on the young ones. Even as he entered the fray, he struggled to remember what it was that Rahab had called Lihua…lilen? What exactly was that?

Time for analytical thought was over. “Angelica.” Reginald ordered as Lihua wrenched away from Rahab, “Take his mind.”

Angelica smiled–coldly–at Rahab as she clenched her fists, and the demon arched backwards, hands raised to his ears as a forked tongue appeared to spasm its way out of his mouth. He screamed a terrible, piercing shriek as he appeared to convulse, slowly buckling under Angelica’s mental assault.

Jayden recovered from Rahab’s last assault and saw an opportunity; clutching his knife, he dove towards the demon, blade raised for the killing blow. At the last second, Reginald intercepted Jayden’s wrist and jerked the boy’s arm downwards, forcing Jayden to look him in the eye. “Li,” Angelica reached to Lihua, “Circle and grasp. I’ll hold him here.”

“Oh, is that what you’ll do…” Rahab began to overpower Angelica’s telepathy as Lihua began to circle around to his left side, reaching into his mind. “You know what I am,” her tone was menacing, “And you know you can’t stop one of my kind.”
“Shut up, damn you.”

“It’s time, Rahab.” Lihua’s tone was mocking comfort. “It’s time to go home.”

Reginald looked to Jayden. “Have you lost your mind?!” He bellowed into the boy’s mind, “Don’t you know what’ll happen to you if you kill him?!”

Jayden’s eyes were black as he merely looked back to Reginald, and that’s when the elder Angel knew.

The rock foundation ahead of them suddenly exploded outwards, sending all of them tumbling through the water, which had abruptly become hot. There was a horrifying, deafening roar that emerged from the gaping hole in the wall of the Atherean, overtaking the sea. It slowly, distinctly said Rahab’s name. Rahab began swimming for dear life, moving away from the vacuuming abyss that had suddenly become the most dominant thing in the ocean.

“This is our chance!” Angelica strained to Reach them, “Grab him now!”

“No!” Reginald shot back, trying to regain balance in the water, “Send him back! Drive him back into the hole!”

“He’s not leaving here alive.” That final thought came from Jayden.

Reginald realized that he could not let Jayden be damned…no matter what. The family had lost enough. But that meant that something terrible had to be done.

The suction from the screaming black hole had increased, as though the thing was becoming frustrated. The one it wanted was almost treading water, desperate to get away. Lihua descended upon him, dropping the heel of her foot squarely into the center of his spine. Rahab was splayed out, but recovered quicker than anyone imagined; he whipped around and caught Lihua’s ankle before she could pull away. As the two were drawn towards the abyss, Lihua’s eyes turned black, and talons began protruding from her nails.

“Lihua, no!” Angelica bulled her way into Lihua, knocking the girl free from Rahab’s grasp. Rahab, feral with terror at being pulled back into the hole, clutched Angelica and jerked her close. He sunk his teeth into her throat and ripped something free; she struggled momentarily before floating lifelessly away.

Reginald landed squarely on Rahab’s back and buried one of his axes into the demon’s shoulder. Rahab screamed, and as the two were drawn into the abyss, Reginald pulled the blade free and struck again, severing the demon’s arm.

The look Rahab gave to Reginald would haunt him for the rest of his life.

Reginald sprung from Rahab before they could both be taken. Jayden was approaching from underneath Rahab, prepared to eviscerate the demon from below. There was no time to dive and save the boy from himself. One way to ensure he wasn’t damned.

Closing his eyes, free from the pull of the abyss, Reginald raised his axe high overhead and hurled it towards Jayden.

He didn’t see what happened next. He heard the blade find its mark, felt the abyss cease, and knew it was over.

(c) Avery K. Tingle for Modern Magic Enterprises LTD and Nomadic Productions LLC

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“Nothing you can do now.” Angelica Reached into his mind, “We have to save Lihua and Jayden!”

“I know…” Reginald replied sadly. He hesitated a moment longer and then turned away, arms ahead of him as though flying as he streaked through the water. Jayden and Lihua were roughly fifty yards ahead, ferociously engaging Rahab. Jayden seemed to be doing most of the work; he would attack, get knocked several feet away, and re-engage. The closer they drew, the stronger Jayden’s thoughts became; the boy was weakening, and he knew he was no match for Poseidon’s killer, but it didn’t matter; no matter the cost, Jayden was determined to kill Rahab.

Surprisingly, Lihua appeared skilled at hand-to-hand combat, although her movements were awkward and Rahab was capitalizing; she wasn’t used to her new body yet, wasn’t familiar with how far she could push it. Still, she held her own; Rahab seemed intent on grabbing her, but Lihua would slip away and push him off-balance before he could do any damage. Which was good for her; Rahab seemed intent on eating her. Reginald felt Angelica’s mind and realized they were thinking the same thing; if Jayden and Lihua were to work together, Rahab may have had a problem. Now, all they could do was get there before it was too late; Reginald drew his axes and accelerated. They had closed the distance to mere feet. “Remember,” Reginald reached to everyone, “we want him alive. Don’t damn yourself for him.”

“I won’t.” Angelica’s was the only response. Reginald feared that his words would be lost on the young ones. Even as he entered the fray, he struggled to remember what it was that Rahab had called Lihua…lilen? What exactly was that?

Time for analytical thought was over. “Angelica.” Reginald ordered as Lihua wrenched away from Rahab, “Take his mind.”

Angelica smiled–coldly–at Rahab as she clenched her fists, and the demon arched backwards, hands raised to his ears as a forked tongue appeared to spasm its way out of his mouth. He screamed a terrible, piercing shriek as he appeared to convulse, slowly buckling under Angelica’s mental assault.

Jayden recovered from Rahab’s last assault and saw an opportunity; clutching his knife, he dove towards the demon, blade raised for the killing blow. At the last second, Reginald intercepted Jayden’s wrist and jerked the boy’s arm downwards, forcing Jayden to look him in the eye. “Li,” Angelica reached to Lihua, “Circle and grasp. I’ll hold him here.”

“Oh, is that what you’ll do…” Rahab began to overpower Angelica’s telepathy as Lihua began to circle around to his left side, reaching into his mind. “You know what I am,” her tone was menacing, “And you know you can’t stop one of my kind.”
“Shut up, damn you.”

“It’s time, Rahab.” Lihua’s tone was mocking comfort. “It’s time to go home.”

Reginald looked to Jayden. “Have you lost your mind?!” He bellowed into the boy’s mind, “Don’t you know what’ll happen to you if you kill him?!”

Jayden’s eyes were black as he merely looked back to Reginald, and that’s when the elder Angel knew.

The rock foundation ahead of them suddenly exploded outwards, sending all of them tumbling through the water, which had abruptly become hot. There was a horrifying, deafening roar that emerged from the gaping hole in the wall of the Atherean, overtaking the sea. It slowly, distinctly said Rahab’s name. Rahab began swimming for dear life, moving away from the vacuuming abyss that had suddenly become the most dominant thing in the ocean.

“This is our chance!” Angelica strained to Reach them, “Grab him now!”

“No!” Reginald shot back, trying to regain balance in the water, “Send him back! Drive him back into the hole!”

“He’s not leaving here alive.” That final thought came from Jayden.

Reginald realized that he could not let Jayden be damned…no matter what. The family had lost enough. But that meant that something terrible had to be done.

The suction from the screaming black hole had increased, as though the thing was becoming frustrated. The one it wanted was almost treading water, desperate to get away. Lihua descended upon him, dropping the heel of her foot squarely into the center of his spine. Rahab was splayed out, but recovered quicker than anyone imagined; he whipped around and caught Lihua’s ankle before she could pull away. As the two were drawn towards the abyss, Lihua’s eyes turned black, and talons began protruding from her nails.

“Lihua, no!” Angelica bulled her way into Lihua, knocking the girl free from Rahab’s grasp. Rahab, feral with terror at being pulled back into the hole, clutched Angelica and jerked her close. He sunk his teeth into her throat and ripped something free; she struggled momentarily before floating lifelessly away.

Reginald landed squarely on Rahab’s back and buried one of his axes into the demon’s shoulder. Rahab screamed, and as the two were drawn into the abyss, Reginald pulled the blade free and struck again, severing the demon’s arm.

The look Rahab gave to Reginald would haunt him for the rest of his life.

Reginald sprung from Rahab before they could both be taken. Jayden was approaching from underneath Rahab, prepared to eviscerate the demon from below. There was no time to dive and save the boy from himself. One way to ensure he wasn’t damned.

Closing his eyes, free from the pull of the abyss, Reginald raised his axe high overhead and hurled it towards Jayden.

He didn’t see what happened next. He heard the blade find its mark, felt the abyss cease, and knew it was over.

(c) Avery K. Tingle for Modern Magic Enterprises LTD and Nomadic Productions LLC

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“Nothing you can do now.” Angelica Reached into his mind, “We have to save Lihua and Jayden!”

“I know…” Reginald replied sadly. He hesitated a moment longer and then turned away, arms ahead of him as though flying as he streaked through the water. Jayden and Lihua were roughly fifty yards ahead, ferociously engaging Rahab. Jayden seemed to be doing most of the work; he would attack, get knocked several feet away, and re-engage. The closer they drew, the stronger Jayden’s thoughts became; the boy was weakening, and he knew he was no match for Poseidon’s killer, but it didn’t matter; no matter the cost, Jayden was determined to kill Rahab.

Surprisingly, Lihua appeared skilled at hand-to-hand combat, although her movements were awkward and Rahab was capitalizing; she wasn’t used to her new body yet, wasn’t familiar with how far she could push it. Still, she held her own; Rahab seemed intent on grabbing her, but Lihua would slip away and push him off-balance before he could do any damage. Which was good for her; Rahab seemed intent on eating her. Reginald felt Angelica’s mind and realized they were thinking the same thing; if Jayden and Lihua were to work together, Rahab may have had a problem. Now, all they could do was get there before it was too late; Reginald drew his axes and accelerated. They had closed the distance to mere feet. “Remember,” Reginald reached to everyone, “we want him alive. Don’t damn yourself for him.”

“I won’t.” Angelica’s was the only response. Reginald feared that his words would be lost on the young ones. Even as he entered the fray, he struggled to remember what it was that Rahab had called Lihua…lilen? What exactly was that?

Time for analytical thought was over. “Angelica.” Reginald ordered as Lihua wrenched away from Rahab, “Take his mind.”

Angelica smiled–coldly–at Rahab as she clenched her fists, and the demon arched backwards, hands raised to his ears as a forked tongue appeared to spasm its way out of his mouth. He screamed a terrible, piercing shriek as he appeared to convulse, slowly buckling under Angelica’s mental assault.

Jayden recovered from Rahab’s last assault and saw an opportunity; clutching his knife, he dove towards the demon, blade raised for the killing blow. At the last second, Reginald intercepted Jayden’s wrist and jerked the boy’s arm downwards, forcing Jayden to look him in the eye. “Li,” Angelica reached to Lihua, “Circle and grasp. I’ll hold him here.”

“Oh, is that what you’ll do…” Rahab began to overpower Angelica’s telepathy as Lihua began to circle around to his left side, reaching into his mind. “You know what I am,” her tone was menacing, “And you know you can’t stop one of my kind.”
“Shut up, damn you.”

“It’s time, Rahab.” Lihua’s tone was mocking comfort. “It’s time to go home.”

Reginald looked to Jayden. “Have you lost your mind?!” He bellowed into the boy’s mind, “Don’t you know what’ll happen to you if you kill him?!”

Jayden’s eyes were black as he merely looked back to Reginald, and that’s when the elder Angel knew.

The rock foundation ahead of them suddenly exploded outwards, sending all of them tumbling through the water, which had abruptly become hot. There was a horrifying, deafening roar that emerged from the gaping hole in the wall of the Atherean, overtaking the sea. It slowly, distinctly said Rahab’s name. Rahab began swimming for dear life, moving away from the vacuuming abyss that had suddenly become the most dominant thing in the ocean.

“This is our chance!” Angelica strained to Reach them, “Grab him now!”

“No!” Reginald shot back, trying to regain balance in the water, “Send him back! Drive him back into the hole!”

“He’s not leaving here alive.” That final thought came from Jayden.

Reginald realized that he could not let Jayden be damned…no matter what. The family had lost enough. But that meant that something terrible had to be done.

The suction from the screaming black hole had increased, as though the thing was becoming frustrated. The one it wanted was almost treading water, desperate to get away. Lihua descended upon him, dropping the heel of her foot squarely into the center of his spine. Rahab was splayed out, but recovered quicker than anyone imagined; he whipped around and caught Lihua’s ankle before she could pull away. As the two were drawn towards the abyss, Lihua’s eyes turned black, and talons began protruding from her nails.

“Lihua, no!” Angelica bulled her way into Lihua, knocking the girl free from Rahab’s grasp. Rahab, feral with terror at being pulled back into the hole, clutched Angelica and jerked her close. He sunk his teeth into her throat and ripped something free; she struggled momentarily before floating lifelessly away.

Reginald landed squarely on Rahab’s back and buried one of his axes into the demon’s shoulder. Rahab screamed, and as the two were drawn into the abyss, Reginald pulled the blade free and struck again, severing the demon’s arm.

The look Rahab gave to Reginald would haunt him for the rest of his life.

Reginald sprung from Rahab before they could both be taken. Jayden was approaching from underneath Rahab, prepared to eviscerate the demon from below. There was no time to dive and save the boy from himself. One way to ensure he wasn’t damned.

Closing his eyes, free from the pull of the abyss, Reginald raised his axe high overhead and hurled it towards Jayden.

He didn’t see what happened next. He heard the blade find its mark, felt the abyss cease, and knew it was over.

(c) Avery K. Tingle for Modern Magic Enterprises LTD and Nomadic Productions LLC

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“Nothing you can do now.” Angelica Reached into his mind, “We have to save Lihua and Jayden!”

“I know…” Reginald replied sadly. He hesitated a moment longer and then turned away, arms ahead of him as though flying as he streaked through the water. Jayden and Lihua were roughly fifty yards ahead, ferociously engaging Rahab. Jayden seemed to be doing most of the work; he would attack, get knocked several feet away, and re-engage. The closer they drew, the stronger Jayden’s thoughts became; the boy was weakening, and he knew he was no match for Poseidon’s killer, but it didn’t matter; no matter the cost, Jayden was determined to kill Rahab.

Surprisingly, Lihua appeared skilled at hand-to-hand combat, although her movements were awkward and Rahab was capitalizing; she wasn’t used to her new body yet, wasn’t familiar with how far she could push it. Still, she held her own; Rahab seemed intent on grabbing her, but Lihua would slip away and push him off-balance before he could do any damage. Which was good for her; Rahab seemed intent on eating her. Reginald felt Angelica’s mind and realized they were thinking the same thing; if Jayden and Lihua were to work together, Rahab may have had a problem. Now, all they could do was get there before it was too late; Reginald drew his axes and accelerated. They had closed the distance to mere feet. “Remember,” Reginald reached to everyone, “we want him alive. Don’t damn yourself for him.”

“I won’t.” Angelica’s was the only response. Reginald feared that his words would be lost on the young ones. Even as he entered the fray, he struggled to remember what it was that Rahab had called Lihua…lilen? What exactly was that?

Time for analytical thought was over. “Angelica.” Reginald ordered as Lihua wrenched away from Rahab, “Take his mind.”

Angelica smiled–coldly–at Rahab as she clenched her fists, and the demon arched backwards, hands raised to his ears as a forked tongue appeared to spasm its way out of his mouth. He screamed a terrible, piercing shriek as he appeared to convulse, slowly buckling under Angelica’s mental assault.

Jayden recovered from Rahab’s last assault and saw an opportunity; clutching his knife, he dove towards the demon, blade raised for the killing blow. At the last second, Reginald intercepted Jayden’s wrist and jerked the boy’s arm downwards, forcing Jayden to look him in the eye. “Li,” Angelica reached to Lihua, “Circle and grasp. I’ll hold him here.”

“Oh, is that what you’ll do…” Rahab began to overpower Angelica’s telepathy as Lihua began to circle around to his left side, reaching into his mind. “You know what I am,” her tone was menacing, “And you know you can’t stop one of my kind.”
“Shut up, damn you.”

“It’s time, Rahab.” Lihua’s tone was mocking comfort. “It’s time to go home.”

Reginald looked to Jayden. “Have you lost your mind?!” He bellowed into the boy’s mind, “Don’t you know what’ll happen to you if you kill him?!”

Jayden’s eyes were black as he merely looked back to Reginald, and that’s when the elder Angel knew.

The rock foundation ahead of them suddenly exploded outwards, sending all of them tumbling through the water, which had abruptly become hot. There was a horrifying, deafening roar that emerged from the gaping hole in the wall of the Atherean, overtaking the sea. It slowly, distinctly said Rahab’s name. Rahab began swimming for dear life, moving away from the vacuuming abyss that had suddenly become the most dominant thing in the ocean.

“This is our chance!” Angelica strained to Reach them, “Grab him now!”

“No!” Reginald shot back, trying to regain balance in the water, “Send him back! Drive him back into the hole!”

“He’s not leaving here alive.” That final thought came from Jayden.

Reginald realized that he could not let Jayden be damned…no matter what. The family had lost enough. But that meant that something terrible had to be done.

The suction from the screaming black hole had increased, as though the thing was becoming frustrated. The one it wanted was almost treading water, desperate to get away. Lihua descended upon him, dropping the heel of her foot squarely into the center of his spine. Rahab was splayed out, but recovered quicker than anyone imagined; he whipped around and caught Lihua’s ankle before she could pull away. As the two were drawn towards the abyss, Lihua’s eyes turned black, and talons began protruding from her nails.

“Lihua, no!” Angelica bulled her way into Lihua, knocking the girl free from Rahab’s grasp. Rahab, feral with terror at being pulled back into the hole, clutched Angelica and jerked her close. He sunk his teeth into her throat and ripped something free; she struggled momentarily before floating lifelessly away.

Reginald landed squarely on Rahab’s back and buried one of his axes into the demon’s shoulder. Rahab screamed, and as the two were drawn into the abyss, Reginald pulled the blade free and struck again, severing the demon’s arm.

The look Rahab gave to Reginald would haunt him for the rest of his life.

Reginald sprung from Rahab before they could both be taken. Jayden was approaching from underneath Rahab, prepared to eviscerate the demon from below. There was no time to dive and save the boy from himself. One way to ensure he wasn’t damned.

Closing his eyes, free from the pull of the abyss, Reginald raised his axe high overhead and hurled it towards Jayden.

He didn’t see what happened next. He heard the blade find its mark, felt the abyss cease, and knew it was over.

(c) Avery K. Tingle for Modern Magic Enterprises LTD and Nomadic Productions LLC

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