By Joshua David Ling (Rated PG)
Read more of this story here.
82: Introduction And Home Life
Over the last chapters of this story,
We saw heroes and heroines in fantastic glory.
From Cyrus the Cyclone, to Bobby the Magician.
To William the Knight, and Amira the bless’d twin.
And even Marlynn, the Freakshow’s valor
With all his life’s trials and deathly dark pallor.
But this story is different
For all these converge
Upon Stone Mountain, Georgia
And as foes emerge,
So will more heroes,
Both great and small.
If you haven’t heard the others,
I beg of you all,
To put down this tale
Wherever you may be,
And seek out the others.
For this story you see,
Will not be spending much time
Reminding you of details.
But enough introduction,
Let’s begin this tale.
The Legend of Stone Mountain
Begins in the house of God
Where during his exile,
William’s feet trod.
Now known as The Castelle
It shined bright in the sun.
For Cyrus’ parents had bought it,
And had the whole place redone.
It was the permanent home
Of Amira, Fenris, and Will.
While Bobby roamed about
Seeking fun and thrills.
Cyrus stayed in Alpharetta
With her parents in their home.
But they met together every day
And their friendship had grown.
On this particular day
Amira trained with Will,
While Bobby and Cyrus
Looked for the kill
In a video game
On their big-screen TV.
And for anyone who saw them
It was plain to see
Their familial bonds
served them well.
At home or in the field
It was easy to tell
They complemented each other
In so many ways.
But they had yet to be tested
Like they’d be tested in the coming days.
The doorbell rang,
and Cyrus paused their game.
Bobby: “Hey! You sore loser!
You just got no aim!”
Cyrus: “Bobby, someone’s at the door.”
So Cyrus went over to answer.
She looked at their security camera footage.
Bobby: “Whatever, you little prancer.”
Cyrus saw that at the door
stood their old friend Quinton Fenris.
She quickly unlocked and opened the door
And just by Quinton’s presence
She knew that something big was happening.
His wheelchair rolled right in.
Quinton: “Gather everyone together, Cyrus.
We will meet in the Castelle’s den.”
83: Planning For An Eclipse
Cyrus gathered the Guardians
And they entered the Castelle’s den;
A room full of technology
Geared to help all of them.
Computers and devices big and small,
Flickered all around.
But in front of the projector screen
Was where The Guardians sat down.
Fenris looked quite serious,
Ever since he had come in.
Something in his face told William,
He had a job for them.
But this would be no normal job.
Nothing they’d faced before.
And when the Guardians were all settled down,
Fenris took the floor.
Fenris: “I wish I’d come before this moment
To visit with all of you.
But you know that since The Knights split up
There’s been so much to do.
I digress. The point is now
Mr. H has for us, a job.
That will pale in comparison to what we dealt with
When we went against Malachi Dodd.”
All was quiet as Fenris paused
And pulled a device from a pouch.
It looked like a simple walkie talkie
But it was more, no doubt.
He pressed a few buttons here and there
And soon the Guardians saw
Pictures projected onto the screen
And flung up against the wall.
A voice came from the little device
That helped to set the stage.
For that robotic voice belonged to no other
Than their benefactor, Mr. H.
Mr. H: “Hello to you Guardians.
It’s wonderful to see you.”
Bobby: “Wish we could say the same thing, H.
I’d love to see that view.”
Amira: “But who are the people you put on the screen?”
Mr. H: “Fenris and I will tell you.
There’s much to explain in a short amount of time.
Fenris, please address the crew.”
Fenris: “These two people, you see on the screen,
Are currently Atlanta-bound.
Their identities are still mysteries to us,
And their names are yet to be found.
But we’ve assigned them each a code name
So when talking, nothing slips.
The male is known as Freakshow.
The female as Eclipse.”
Mr. H: “It is highly suspected
they are on the run
From Phillip Keller Industries,
Where Eclipse was experimented on.
But we know not their hostilities.
Freakshow has shown exceptional power
Though he’s hesitant to fight.
Neither seem to be involved with The Plague.”
Fenris: “H, if it’s alright,
They do not know much of the Plague.
Would you kindly explain some more,
Of exactly who the enemy is
In this particular ongoing war?”
Mr. H: “Of course Fenris. Where is my mind?
I’m sorry, Guardians. Forgive me.
I only forget because the Plague
Is a daily threat to the free.
They operate much like COURAGE, our team;
They have agents all over the world.
But they fight together for one world government
While we fight to keep it unfurled.
The organization has connections,
To Freemasons, Terrorists, and more.
Any who would seek to rule the world,
Are what the Plague has in store.”
Fenris: “But with all that said, dear Guardians
our two charges are
Freakshow and Eclipse.
And they are not far.
It appears they’re going to Stone Mountain.
By the looks of things.”
William: “Well it looks like that’s where we’re headed.
What gear should we bring?”
The Guardians continued to plan together
How they could work from what’s known.
Meanwhile their charges drew ever closer
To Georgia’s Mountain of Stone.
84: The Arrival
Marlynn: “It’s just ahead. I can see it now.”
Came the voice of Marlynn to Amy.
Amy: “Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson,
And even Jefferson Davis can’t save me.”
Marlynn: “Then why Stone Mountain?
You still haven’t told me
Why you had to be here.”
A laugh emanated from Amy’s throat
And Marlynn covered her mouth in fear.
Marlynn: “Quiet Amy! This place is crawling with
Some kind of order of knights.
Amy giggled quietly then, and said
Amy: “We can put up a fight.”
Marlynn: “Don’t even joke. Even with all
The Darkness that I could conjure
There’re far too many knights surrounding the mountain here.
They’d all be ten times stronger.”
Amy: “Words and phrases here and there.
That’s all I’m hearing from you.
I need to get to Stone Mountain’s peak.
If I’m to do what I came to do.”
A crunch of a branch sounded in the leaves
Just behind both of the two.
They turned quickly round to see what it was,
And their eyes met with an unexpected view.
A young woman with brown hair stepped through the brush.
A cowboy hat on her head.
A tan leather duster hung down to her boots,
And with a sweet voice, she pled.
Cyrus: “You two are in danger here.
My friends and I want to assist.”
Marlynn: “Why should we trust you?” Marlynn asked skeptically,
Cyrus: “Do you want me to make you a list?”
Cyrus beckoned them toward herself,
And they silently started to follow.
But something deep in Eclipse’s eyes,
Made Cyrus tremble and swallow.
Guardians Of Atlanta 85
(Meeting In The Woods)
Among the leaves and among the brush
Cyrus led Amy and Marlynn.
Cyrus: “Come on guys, not much further.
The others are up past that garden.”
Cyrus pointed to a place where they
Could see a small clearing.
But it was still secluded enough, Marlynn thought,
At least for the time being.
They reached it without interference.
And the Guardians drew in close.
They spoke in hushed voices just in case
Brock’s knights would hear them and know.
Marlynn spoke first to William.
Marlynn: “Nice armor.” He said in jest.
William: “Nice cloak.” William returned back to him.
“Why is your friend so stressed?”
He nodded over to Amy,
Who shuddered like a leaf in the breeze.
Marlynn: “You’ve got to help her, man.
You’ve got to help her, please.”
William: “Let’s start with names.
I’m William, and this is my crew.
Amira is the small one.
Cyrus already met you.
And Bobby is the one
in the vest and hat.”
Marlynn: “Pleased to meet all of you.
Very pleased in fact.
You seem to know much of us.
But names have slipped your grasp?”
William shrugged and said quietly,
William: “Some things do get past.”
Marlynn: “My name is Marlynn.
And this is my friend Amy.
I’ve been taking care of her for about a month.
And her problems are great and many.
She seems to have many personalities
But all of them seem to say.
Stone Mountain over and over again.
So we went away
To seek out this mountain of Stone
And finally put to rest-
Whatever it is that’s troubling her.
And the rest, I’m sure you’ve guessed.”
William: “For the most part, Marlynn.
We’ve been keeping a very close eye.
Your friend seems to come from a place
Where they tried to apply
Some sort of pseudo-science to her
To do what? We know not.
But we all will help you now,
To find out what damage has been wrought.”
Marlynn: “We’ve been followed along the way.
Tracked by people unknown.”
William: “We’re aware of who is following you.
But it remains to be shown
Why they’re following you and what they want.
I suppose we’ll start work on guessing.
But before we set out to find what we seek,
I think we should say a blessing.”
William bowed his head,
And the rest followed along.
And when he had finished his simple prayer,
Amy was simply… Gone.
86: Don’t Panic
After some initial panic,
Especially on Marlynn’s part,
The Guardians set out to look for Amy
But they weren’t sure where to start.
They skulked through the woods
Just outside of view
Of all of Brock’s knights,
But Marlynn’s nervousness grew.
Marlynn: “I hope that she’s okay.”
Marlynn said with a sigh.
William: “We’ll find her, just keep quiet.
We just have to be sly.”
Meanwhile, further back in the line,
Amira and Cyrus talked.
Amira: “Cyrus, did you notice something weird about Amy?”
Cyrus: “Yeah. There was something that felt locked.
It was something very familiar
that I can’t seem to remember.”
Amira: “I get a similar feeling.
I can’t explain it either.”
Bobby poked his head between them.
Bobby: “You both are just paranoid.
Amy’s just some crazy lost girl.
Don’t let yourself get decoyed.
We have a mission here to do.”
Cyrus: “When did you get all business?”
Bobby: “I was just kidding. I feel it too.”
Amira: “Ugh. I knew she was suspicious!”
Just up ahead, Will spotted a figure,
And signaled for everyone to drop.
It wasn’t a knight from Brock’s force,
It was a woman with dingy hair like a mop.
Her robes were brown and covered in dirt,
And she beckoned them closer,
As if toned like a flirt.
Woman: “Come here children!
I wish to help you!”
Her voice pierced the air
Will knew she was askew.
Marlynn: “We have to run.”
William: “Run! Now!”
Will yelled in a voice great.
The Guardians turned around to run.
But this time, it was too late.
87: Okay! Panic!
The woman spoke something under her breath
That none of them could hear.
Then the limbs of vines and trees
Tried to snatch and spear.
The Guardians all wanted to scream,
But they didn’t because they knew,
It would alert Brock’s knights to their location.
Then they’d never get through.
The strange and ugly woman,
Slowly pushed closer in.
She giggled quietly to herself
Woman: “Marlynn, how have you been?
It’s been some time since we
Last saw each other, mister!
Why, even before the time
When you killed Blacksquawk, my sister!”
Marlynn: “Bristlesmoke.” Marlynn said under his breath,
For he knew her as his Aunt.
He’d avoided her all these years until this moment,
Now he knew he was trapped.
But suddenly behind him, a shadow shot out,
Blindingly dark and black.
The shadow rippled and exploded with force
And it managed to knock Bristlesmoke back.
But as soon as it touched her, it melted away.
And Amira looked shocked at the event.
She could feel the power that Freakshow possessed
But it didn’t phase this woman, or even leave a dent.
Marlynn let loose and threw everything he had.
Silent and blind rage showing forth.
Bristlesmoke took it in stride with no effect,
Then she turned herself north.
She sniffed the air and turned back to them,
As Marlynn gasped, trying to rest.
Then Bristlesmoke looked at all of them
And said:
Bristlesmoke: “I smell the little pest!”
And just like that she was off like a bolt,
There was no way the Guardians could pursue.
She used her powers to augment her speed,
And with the dark magic she flew.
Marlynn’s head hung. And the next thing he saw,
Was William’s sword Calvin pressed ‘gainst his neck.
William: “From what power do you draw!?”
The other guardians shushed him angrily,
Trying to remind him of Brock.
Marlynn cowered beneath the blade.
And said nothing out of shock.
88: A New Player
Amy trudged up the mountain path.
Hungering for more than just food.
The Knights knew nothing of this steep path.
No one could have understood.
This path was ancient, and only few could see-
The trek that cut up to where Amy thought she’d be free.
The sky seemed undecided, alternating between
Sun and rainbows, All humid with steam.
She knew this was the Cyclone’s way
Of showing how she felt.
And when Amy had finished what she came for
It would look like something else.
The voices swam inside her,
Harmonizing all as one.
“To the top!” They cried.
“To the top! Go! Run!”
She pressed forward knowing not
The danger that lurked by.
The chief of which was a reliable man
Who sat in bushes to spy.
Clipper, Red Death’s right hand man,
Pulled out a recording device.
He put the mic to his lips and whispered.
Clipper: “Well well, isn’t this nice?
The Knights we pay have no clue at all.
Red Death will see their incompetence
And when I capture the vessel myself,
I’ll have all his confidence.”
But just then up the mountain zipped,
Bristlesmoke in flight.
Amy turned around and screamed,
As Bristlesmoke began to fight.
Clipper: “Well it seems we have a new player.”
He said while pocketing his recorder.
He pulled out his silenced 9 millimeter,
And aimed to follow orders.
89: Chill
Will’s blade still stuck to Marlynn’s skin,
Back in the bushes and brush.
His yells grew louder and louder,
Though his comrades bid him to hush.
Bobby: “Will! Back off and chill, man!”
William: “Where does your power come from?!”
Marlynn: “I know it was wrong. I had to stop her.”
William: “And you did Amira harm!
She copies peoples’ powers,
And you didn’t tell us before?
Your powers are darkness, evil and wrong!
What else do you know dark deceiver!?
Or I will end you before long!”
Cyrus poured forth rain
to cover the sound of the shouting.
Amira: “William, I’m okay!
There’s no reason to be doubting!”
Marlynn: “No. There is. This much I know.
I deserve to die by his sword.
I’ve caused your sister in Christ to sin.
The Bible says tie neck, millstone, and cord.
And throw me over into the sea.
Where I will meet my fate.”
William: “… That’s not exactly what it says.
But the fact that you read it is great.”
William stood considering his options
And Bobby added once more.
Bobby: “I’m a magician too, Will.
And you never with me made war.”
William: “That’s different Bobby.
You’re an illusionist.
You simply bend the light.
This man has sought evil and found it.”
Marlynn: “And I know it isn’t alright.”
Cyrus put a hand on William’s shoulder,
And a sigh came from his throat.
He sheathed Calvin once again,
And then began to quote.
William: “Repent therefore of this wickedness,
And pray that the Lord, if possible,
Would forgive the intent of your heart this day,
And make you one that is adoptable.”
Marlynn sighed with great relief
as they began to consider,
How to head off Amy at Stone Mountain,
And from the knights deliver-
her from all these things,
and find out exactly why
The Mountain of Stone was so important,
And why it caught her eye.
90: Don’t Stop Me Now
Jezebel snapped into Amy’s mind,
And took on full control.
Bristlesmoke fired her darkness mightily,
But the blows did not take a toll.
Clipper aimed from the bushes,
But could not get a good shot.
His objective was to keep Amy alive,
And help her to the mountain top.
Jezebel: “Hello, Bristlesmoke.
Long time, no see.”
Bristlesmoke huffed and ceased her fighting.
Bristlesmoke: “I will not let you be free.
You’re trying to unlock
Something that should remain gone.”
Jezebel: “I might be an echo of what was.
But that will not be for long.
I suspect since your sisterhood is waning,
You’re grasping for the last power you have.”
Bristlesmoke: “I am the mother of our sisterhood now!
Now please, step down and come back!”
Jezebel laughed.
Jezebel: “You simple fool,
You cannot stop me now.
No one can. No not one.
And now, I bid you ciao.”
With a snap of her fingers,
Bristlesmoke disintegrated into a pile of bones.
Jezebel dropped to her knees and her eyes
Had sunken in and she groaned.
Jezebel: “Probably should have saved that.”
To herself she chuckled,
And she continued her way up the mountain,
bruised, with knees that buckled.
Clipper smiled and into his device-
Recorded another note.
Clipper: “Well, we HAD a new player.
So much for Bristlesmoke.”
LogoSophia Magazine 