Part 6: Seeking Shelter

Jack passed several days at Mia’s house—several fairly normal, uneventful days.
There was no way Jack could describe how precious that normalcy was to him. Even if it was brief. Every day the storm clouds drew closer. It was as if they were scanning the area looking for him. He still wasn’t sure what Mia had done or how, but her “mystical barrier” seemed to have worked. But he didn’t think it would last much longer. The clouds kept coming back to this area, as if they somehow knew he was there. It was only a matter of time.

Mia watched Jack look in trepidation at the dark sky. All her gentle coaxing over the last few days had done no good. Jack wouldn’t say anything more about the Lord of Storms or the lightning attacks. They’d done everything they could to make him comfortable, to earn his trust. Anubis especially. Something about the dark, brooding young man had resonated with Anubis. He’d become very fatherly towards him—encouraging him, talking to him, working alongside him on the house. Sometimes Jack looked about ready to open up to him, but then he’d catch himself and clam up. Mia also looked at the sky. They were running out of time. Whatever force was out there wasn’t giving up. Soon it would discover her deception and find Jack. What then?

Gilgamesh stepped up beside her, startling her out of her thoughts. “Sometimes it is hard to speak of one’s fears. I think most people believe that naming a thing gives it power. Silence makes a strong protective shell against the outside world—especially for the young.”

“I forget sometimes just how old you really are. You look only a few years older than I. It’s hard to believe you’re over a thousand years old.”

“Sometimes I forget, too. Especially at times like these when the memories of youth are so vivid in my mind. I had an unnatural childhood and tried to make up for it by behaving badly as a young man. I, too, was a brooding youth, who spoke to no one of my feelings. Fortunately, I had a mother who knew better than I did what was best for me. Her advice eventually saved me from myself, even though I would not listen at first. Some people must be forced to see what their ignorance, pride, or fear…” He nodded at Jack. “…prevents them from seeing.”

“Gilgamesh, you’ve given me an idea! Get the others! It’s almost lunch time anyway, so let’s meet in the dining room.”

When everyone had finished eating lunch, Mia stood up. “I think part of why Jack doesn’t want to tell us anything is because he’s afraid for us. I don’t think he truly believes we have the power to help him and he doesn’t want to get us involved. I think it’s time we show him just how strong we are, not just tell him. We have to make him see, to understand.” She looked around the room, seeking their approval. This had to be unanimous. It wouldn’t be right to reveal their secrets any other way. A silent agreement passed among them. She turned her attention to Jack. “Jack, listen carefully. You don’t have to worry about us. We can take care of ourselves. Everyone in this room has seen and done things no one else ever has. We’ve been mixed up in magic, evil spirits, demons, ancient gods—you name it. We’ve even saved the world a time or two. Whatever you tell us, we can handle. And we won’t laugh at you or think you’re crazy because we’ve probably seen stranger things.”

“But…I don’t understand.”

“Let me show you. ARMOR OF OCCLUSION!” Her black and grey armor formed around her like a swirling fog settling on her skin. Her shadow katana appeared on her back. “We’ve all fought evil using mystic armor like this. We…”

Jack jumped up, knocking his chair back against the wall. “Almost the same. Your armor is almost the same as his! I should’ve known—it was too good to be true. You’re working with the Lord of Storms!”

Mia thought showing him her armor would convince him they could help. She didn’t know he was going to go crazy. He looked like an animal caught in a trap. “I’d never even heard of the Lord of Storms before you mentioned him. Who is he? Does he wear armor like this? Please, it’s very important.”

Jack’s face turned to stone. “Play all the games you want, but I won’t cooperate.”

The window shattered as a group of ninjas burst into the dining room. “The Master wants Jack Parses. And the Lord of Storms will not be denied!”