Episode III — Shadows Lurking in the Darkness

Chapter 3: My Friend Antonio 

Right in the middle of Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, Gebmar’s Axis Mundi Dagger cuts through the fabric of reality, opening a portal. Gebmar and Michael walk right through it and into the street. Michael contemplates the wormhole, mesmerized as it slowly closes.

“Wow, we got here in just a few seconds. So, you just set the place’s coordinates on the dagger’s jewels, and we can go anywhere in the world we want? That’s so cool! Can we try going somewhere far away later, like China, Argentina, or the UK?”

But Gebmar does not respond to Michael’s question.

Michael turns around and sees Gebmar, his eyes still fixed on the pier’s amusement park.

“Mike, what’s that odd-looking palace?” Gebmar exclaims, observing the attractions with wonder.

“That is no palace; it’s an amusement park, the Pacific Spark!” Michael casually replies.

“An amusement park? Sounds exotic. Can we go?” Gebmar begs Michael with puppy eyes.

“Sure, maybe after meeting my friends,” says Michael.

“Yes!” Gebmar shouts excitedly.

“But if you want to experience the next level in theme parks, we could head to WhimsyLand or Galactic Studios. We’ve still got some time,” Michael suggests.

Gebmar’s expression shifts quickly from excitement to a quiet, sudden shame.

“What’s wrong?” asks Michael.

“I feel like I’m committing heresy. I’m so excited to be here, but at the same time, as an elemental, seeing all this pollution and destruction of nature really bugs me!” Gebmar sits on a bench, his mind plagued by confusion.

“Are you sure you want to visit the Pacific Spark then? We can meet my friends somewhere else if it makes you feel better!” Michael offers as he approaches Gebmar.

Gebmar remains quiet for a couple of seconds, thoughtful, and then he speaks. “Despite the destruction, I won’t deny that I’m fascinated by how much humans have progressed. The architecture, the technology . . . it’s all amazing!” He takes a deep breath and continues, “The saddest part is, I’m enjoying this new human world. Mother Gaia would be so disappointed!”

“Don’t feel bad, it’s a guilty pleasure we’ve all got to live with . . .” says Michael, his eyes fixed on the ocean.

“You feel that way too? As a human?” Gebmar inquires, intrigued.

“It’s something all of us repress, I guess. I don’t deny the comfort and joy these inventions bring to our lives; it feels so good. But sometimes I wish we humans could find other ways to create awesome things without being so addictive or destructive. Maybe I’m saying this so I won’t feel bad about it,” says Michael.

“Maybe when you become Archmage, you can bring change. In such a powerful position, you can sponsor so many projects!” says Gebmar.

“Oh please; the Archmage title is so superficial and overrated,” Michael cries, rolling his eyes. “It’s like being king, these days; just a fancy, useless title!”

“I don’t think the title is useless. It holds a decent level of power and influence. I think if you truly connect with people, you can make a difference and set things right.”

The phrase ‘set things right’ reverberates through Michael’s mind. He finds himself transported back to the strange dream he had just before the Great Awakening Test. In that surreal moment, he distinctly remembers the mysterious figures uttering those precise words: ‘This role will give you the power to set things right.’ Michael begins to feel lightheaded and presses his hand to his forehead.

“Are you all right?” asks Gebmar.

“I’m fine; I just remembered something. Don’t worry about it. What about you?” asks Michael.

“Me, what?”

“You’re the Earth Deva. A nature god. Can’t you heal our world with your magic?” Michael asks as he sits next to Gebmar on the bench.

The deva crosses his arms and exhales deeply before speaking. “I have rules to abide by, you know. We devas are second only to the Deities in the hierarchy. Our primary duty is to serve as mediators between the Deities and the other elementals. I’m only here to act as your instructor and guardian. I cannot get myself involved in this planet’s affairs unless Mother Gaia tells me to do so. But you aren’t bound to these rules. As Archmage, you can achieve many things if you truly commit to a cause. And if you ever need my support, you know you can always count on me!”

Michael stares at him quietly and then looks up to the sky, thoughtful. Gebmar feels something reaching for his belt and suddenly comes to full alert. He looks down, terrified, but fortunately, the dagger is still there. He sighs with relief.

“What’s wrong?” Michael wonders, concerned.

“I just felt something. Don’t worry about it,” the deva’s tone abruptly shifts from serious to teasing. “Unless, of course, it was you trying to reach my butt!”

He erupts into laughter, leaving Michael blushing in embarrassment.

“Idiot!” Michael cries, looking away with annoyance at Gebmar’s taunts. As his laugh peters out, the deva surreptitiously holds tight to the Axis Mundi and begins to scan their surroundings.

“Mike! Over here!” Kyle’s voice grabs Michael’s attention.

He turns around and sees his friends on the other side of the street, waiting for the pedestrian light to change so they can cross. Kyle is a handsome blond with golden skin, Jessica is an attractive brunette, Monique has a sun-kissed complexion and an athletic build, and Mark is a fit man and the tallest member of the group. All four of Michael’s friends are dressed fashionably and give off a chill vibe. Michael and Gebmar stand up as they are approached by Michael’s friends.

“Mike, is this guy? Your new boyfriend? He sure is handsome, a great choice!” Monique praises as she eyes Gebmar.

Michael blushes, “Boyfriend? Oh no, he is just a good friend!”

“Sup, dude. I’m Kyle. What’s your name?” Kyle asks, shaking Gebmar’s hand enthusiastically.

Gebmar freezes for a moment, still gripping Michael’s friend’s hand as he scrambles for a different name to use. Everyone watches him, puzzled by his behavior. As he searches for an answer, his eyes land on an Italian restaurant across the street called Antonio’s Cuisine. Gebmar smiles and says, “Antonio. My name is Antonio.”

Michael stares at him, surprised by Gebmar’s response.

“Nice to meet you, Antonio! Hey, I love your style. Where did you get that outfit?” Kyle asks.

“I made it!” Gebmar answers back proudly.

“You made it? Really wow, you are amazing. Are you a fashion designer?” Kyle exclaims, inspecting Gebmar’s jacket closely.

“A fashion designer! All right, Mike, you need to start dating this guy. If you don’t, I will!” Jessica ends her sentence with a wink at Gebmar.

“Sorry, but I like men!” Gebmar replies casually.

“Damn it, it’s always the fine ones. Mike, better not miss this opportunity!” Jessica insists, elbowing a blushing Michael.

“So, where to eat?” Kyle asks the team.

“In-Side-Burgers like we agreed!” Mark replies.

“Alright, let’s go!” Kyle commands the gang, and they head to the franchise burger restaurant by the beach.

On the way, Michael pulls Gebmar aside. He murmurs, “Antonio? What’s with the new name?”

“I prefer to conceal my true identity around people I don’t know well,” Gebmar replies. “Things get overwhelming when people find out I’m the Earth Deva. They start asking for favors, like making their land more fertile or creating gold for them. Stuff like that.”

“I don’t think they’re the kind of people who would ask for that sort of thing,” Michael mutters.

“I want to keep a low profile, at least until I get to know them better,” Gebmar says in a low, anxious voice. “Anyway, we’re here for a much bigger problem.”

“What kind of problem?” Michael whispers, worried.

“Mike, can I tell you something? I’ve never mastered the art of the sense of taste,” Gebmar replies, and shakes his head.

“Can Nyx taste things, or is that a deva thing?” Michael asks, puzzled.

“Yes, she can, and I don’t know how or why. She always refuses to share that secret with me. She can be so selfish!” Gebmar exclaims angrily.

Michael and Gebmar walk together, following Michael’s friends toward the restaurant. Neither of them notices the glowing yellow eyes that briefly open within Michael’s shadow.

The Whistler stares intently at the dagger, still clenched tightly in Gebmar’s fist. The specter waits silently for the moment the deva loosens his grip so it can make its move. The yellow eyes fade as the Whistler sinks back into the shadow. It will bide its time.

Thank you for reading Chaos’s Key.

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