House of Trials - The Rogue

Note:

This is the third issue of Soul Exchange - House of Trials. If you have not read the previous chapters, here they are: Prologue (1st issue) and Save the Dogs (2nd issue).

Fun Fact: House of Trial is the product of my repetitive nightmare. "Eliza" (I never really caught her name) was a character in my dream. In these nightmares, I'm an invisible bystander that was assigned to her, and my only job is to watch her adventures without intervening! Of course, this series is not the replica of my nightmares, and details were changed to keep the plot moving. Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy watching over Eliza just like I did in my dreams.

AN10 rose from the water with ease as he dragged a “corpse” with him on land. He took three large breaths even though he knew that it was unnecessary. This was the Otherworld—the world of the souls. Air, water, and food were not a necessity. But he did it out of habit since it was what his soul knew it needed to do if he was on Earth. Of course, there was a thing such as the death of the soul, and it was certainly a possibility here in the Otherworld. There were only three instances that a soul would perish: (1) if the soul truly believed it died, (2) if they were absorbed by another being, and (3) if it was destroyed.

AN10 was never going to let any of those happen to him.

He was on a much larger mission—a mission that he would be willing to burn the universe for.

He knelt by the corpse and searched its pockets for anything that could be used as a weapon. However, like most of the corpses in the water that he fought and tried to pickpocket, this one was just as useless. Frustrated, he picked up the corpse by its leg and catapulted it back into the river. Then from the corner of his eye, he noticed a swarm of entities on a corpse. Curious, he approached them. They immediately dispersed as soon as they saw him, except for the largest one, which had taken the form of a tall and slender man.

“Move.” He commanded but the entity launched itself at him, its arms stretched like shadowy tendrils. In a flash, AN10 had it by its neck. He could feel its energy thrum on his skin and his soul ached with that new hunger he felt when he arrived in the Otherworld. Then he kicked its knees, forcing it to kneel, so he could stare into its yellow bulging eyes. “Listen very carefully to me, you runt.”

The entity squirmed and his grip tightened with uncontrolled rage. How many Worlds did he have to scour to find her? How many more years did he have to serve the Council and pretend to be their loyal dog? He couldn’t even remember how long he had been in the Otherworld. He was sent here before the Director showed up and he willingly volunteered since it was an opportunity to check a different world. Yet here we are. She is not here as well. He bitterly thought.

The entity went limp in his hand as green fluid oozed from its eyes. It was then that AN10 snapped back to the present. Disgusted, he threw it to the other entities that cowered a few meters away.

“There you go, free meal.” The entities looked at him, unsure of what he would do next. “Go on, bon appetite.” He disinterestedly added as he evaluated the mauled Wendigo before him.

In the background, he could hear the other entities tear it apart, but he remained focused on the Wendigo. The flesh had been eaten but the bones remained untouched.

Without further thought, he broke off its femur and weighed it in his hand.

“Take a look at that,” AN10 said to its corpse. “It’s almost as heavy as a regular sword. I would have harvested you sooner if I had known. You have been very lucky that I was too distracted, mon ami.”

Then he strode into the forest with a purpose and used the femur to clear his path. He also knew that something had been stalking him, waiting patiently to strike.

Yet, AN10 ignored it as he maneuvered in pitch-black darkness without missing a step. His stalker had to wait for a little more since he must see to it that the Director completed her mission and got out in time.

________________________________________

“L69.”

Eliza jolted up gasping for air as sweat glistened on her forehead. Grass blades were imprinted on her cheek as her ankle seared with pain—reminding her of the injury that she just incurred. Then she looked around, remembering how she got herself in a dark forest, with an injured pup nestled close to her, and a man with a moose torso that sat across from her.

They had been walking for what seemed like weeks. It did not help that there was no moon or stars in the sky to use as a time tracker. She had been worried that it had gone past 24 hours but Moosehead reassured her that time was warped in the Otherworld and liked to toy with its contestants. For what would seem like years to them, would only be several hours to the Otherworld. Spot had been their guide, even when he couldn’t walk. He would warn them whenever he felt danger and he would bark in the direction he believed they should head toward. Moosehead and Eliza had trusted him since he was the only one who was confident enough to know anything.

Since they were unable to find the way out of the woods, they had been taking turns in sleeping. All thanks to Spot, they had not run into any other creatures. Occasionally, they would hear deafening howls or screams, and as soon as they did, Spot would urge them to keep moving.

“Oh hey,” Eliza muttered as she sat up. “I didn’t realize that I passed out.”

Moosehead continued staring at her and her brows furrowed. Is there something on my face?

“What?”

“You talk in your sleep.” He grumbled as she rubbed the back of her neck. Everything felt stiff and sore. Her ankle was haphazardly wrapped with a torn shirt. The bleeding had ceased but the infection caused it to swell. Taking a deep breath, she elevated her left leg on the rock in front of her and leaned on the tree trunk behind her.

“Sorry.” She muttered, as she carefully placed the sleeping pup on her lap.

Moosehead brought his knee up and rested his arm on it. “Who’s Anya?”

She chewed on her lower lip. She wanted to say nobody but Anya was somebody. Somebody she deeply cared about. Somebody that she failed. Immediately, she wiped the tears that dripped from her eyes. Crying would not do her any good. It would never make up for what she failed to do as a best friend. It would not bring her back to life.

“I apologize for my curiosity,” Moosehead said as softly as he could. “You just mentioned her name a few times in your sleep.”

She smiled weakly as she leaned her head against the tree. “It’s okay. It’s not your fault.”

He let out a breath and looked up at the starless sky. “Would you like to know how I arrived here?”

“Only if you’re comfortable with sharing.”

He shrugged and closed his eyes, just as exhausted as her. “Everyone here carries a heavy sin. I am aware that you are not one of us, but for most, our physical forms are deceased.

“I came from a similar world to yours. Ours was a green planet that was 1,402 lights away and it revolved around a 6-billion-year-old star. At first, there was only greenery, then sentient beings formed after several millions of years. Our planet’s life was dependent on the Tree of Life that one of the Celestial Goddesses planted before we arrived.

For many millennia, our planet was peaceful and everyone lived harmoniously. My kind was given the duty to watch over everything else. To keep everything in balance and to care for the tree, since without it, everything will perish. But like most creatures, greed got to us.

We wanted more for ourselves.

The tree was power. It could heal ailments and produce life. We wanted all that it could ever give.

So, we took.

It began with the leaves, then stems, then branches—before we knew it, we tore apart the tree itself when food got scarce and diseases ran rampant.”

He paused as he crossed his fingers. Taking a deep, shaky, breath, he continued, “everyone got what they desired. Everyone had a piece. But what good was it when the tree itself was gone?

The life on our planet died. Everyone used their last pieces to heal those they love, or themselves. But diseases remained. We all starved. We waged wars with each other just to have another small piece of it again.

Eventually, the Celestial Goddess came back to check in on us. But everyone had died or was already at death’s doorstep. We begged Her to heal us or to bring another tree. Instead, She gave each of us a handful of seeds and told us to use them wisely. We could either use the seeds to heal ourselves or plant them.

Then She left and never came back.

Some of us planted the seeds, hoping for them to grow in time to heal us. But we died before we saw it happen.

Surprisingly, I came here with some of the seeds. Yet, I have never learned. I used most of them to heal myself—to survive. There was an instance when a friend of mine truly needed it, but instead of giving it to him, I left him to be consumed by the entities.

Even if I win the chance to walk the path of the dead and be judged, I doubt that anything else that I have done will help me from receiving the eternal punishment.”

Eliza looked away and sighed. “If you truly believed that, then why go through the lengths of saving us and helping us?”

Spot finally woke and yawned softly. Its red eyes gazed at her then at Moosehead, sensing the weight of their conversation. Subconsciously, she scratched his ears, reassuring him that they were still safe.

“I don’t know,” Moosehead admitted. “Perhaps, I no longer wished to be alone.”

Eliza pressed her lips together. She wanted to console him and tell him that the burden he carried was any living creature’s nature—to survive.

However, if she did, she would also be denying her firm belief that everyone had a choice. Thus, she did not know what else to say but share her own.

“Anya was my human best friend.” She spoke quietly as she gently petted Spot. “Anya had lived a very difficult life. Her wealthy husband was never kind to her. He took advantage of her, had affairs, and he physically hurt her. I got involved even when Anya asked me not to. I secretly saw him and made my point to never touch her again.

I thought I scared him.

Anya loved him no matter how much pain he caused her. She believed in him and he knew that. So, he lied and told her that I was the other woman so he could isolate her.

It was ridiculous! How could she believe him more than me?

I got upset with her and thought that maybe if I put distance between us, she would finally realize she was an idiot.”

Eliza looked up, willing the pain to go away. “But I was the idiot. When I haven’t heard from her for weeks, I finally decided to pay a visit. It was then I found her rotting corpse in their basement. According to the forensics, he had pushed her down the stairs and left her bleeding and starving to death.”

Eliza took a stick and snapped it in half. “I killed him, you know? I found him. He expected me and was even proud of himself. So, I thought killing him would bring justice to her death.”

“But it didn’t,” Moosehead said.

“It did nothing.” Eliza spat. “She’s still dead. I searched for her soul every day, but I never found her.”

They both fell quiet, unable to say anything else. Yes, she was here for a mission, but he was right. Each one of them here had sins that were far too unforgivable. Maybe that was why the Council sent her here. They knew she belonged here.

Moosehead stood and walked over to them. Without saying another word, he took out a small, leather pouch and shook its contents onto his palm. Two golden seeds glowed brightly, lighting up the forest around them.

“Is that?” Eliza’s mouth hung open as she stared at them. The energy that pulsated from the seeds was unlike any other she had encountered. It was much more ancient than any Celestial or Deity she had met in her many lifetimes.

“Yes.” Moosehead nodded as he took her hand to give the seeds to her. Their warmth was enough to ease the aching joints on her cold fingers. “Use these to heal yourself and the dog.”

“I cannot.” Eliza tried to give them back but Moosehead shook his head.

“I think She knew that we would meet someday,” Moosehead said solemnly. “Or I’d like to think so. I also believe that your life is much more important than mine. I know you don’t think that you are capable of making a change, but I do. It would never make up for Anya’s life, but you can still try to save others. If your soul dies here, there will be no more you.”

“I don’t deserve this.”

“Neither do I.” Moosehead smiled sadly, his eyes shone. “But I cannot plant those seeds anywhere here. I have attempted. Moreover, it would be preferable if you could run again since we will be chased.”

Eliza stared at the seeds for a while as Moosehead stepped back. “The choice is yours.”

She looked at Spot’s broken leg and the wound above his eye. Then she gazed at her ankle where the Wendigo had bitten her. The wound had stopped bleeding, but the infection had made it too swollen to touch. White pus bubbled where it had bitten her and she was afraid that she may have to cut off her foot. If she did, did that mean that once she got back to her body, she would lose her foot’s functionality? She also thought about the other “dog” that she was supposed to save. If she were too useless to survive on her own, how would she rescue another?

Before she changed her mind, she gave the seed to Spot and she swallowed the other. Moosehead frowned, worried that it may not have affected her the way it should. But as soon as she tried to stand, her world spun and she vomited. She heard the deafening wails of the souls. She felt their pain as they were torn apart again and again.

Help me. The voices clawed at her eardrums as she covered her ears, willing the voices away.

I didn’t do it.

I didn’t know.

Help.

“L!” Moosehead yelled as she gasped for breath. Memories that didn’t belong to her flooded her thoughts, holding her prisoner to the souls’ agony and regrets.

They were killing each other.

Blood soaked the field as every last creature fought for themselves. Black smoke obscured her vision as the uncontrolled fire consumed everything. Then she saw Moosehead cradling a blue-skinned water Nymph with silver hair. He rocked back and forth as he sang her lifeless body a lullaby.

It was their fault. They made me. A smaller creature with green skin to her right, bellowed, as he tore his brother’s translucent wings apart.

Help. The voice shouted, pulling her attention to the riot around the tree. The tree barely had anything left, but the creatures fought and slaughtered each other just for a piece of it. Then the green creature flew toward it but another had shot him down with an arrow.

Please help.

“I don’t know how!” Eliza lamented as she scampered. A root sprung from the ground and caught her left wrist.

Don’t eat me.

“Let go of me!” Eliza tried to yank her wrist away but another root wrapped around her ankle.

I only wanted them to live. Why are they hurting me?

Eliza froze as she watched the creatures unroot the tree to divide it among themselves. In that instant, she witnessed everyone succumb to famine and illness.

It hurts.

“You,” Eliza whispered. Suddenly, everyone vanished as the other voices silenced. A warm breeze brushed her cheeks as she was transported closer to the tree. Its leaves and branches glowed, and it cast a bright golden light around them. Flowers bloomed on the field and similar critters to Earth’s frolicked in the field.

Are you here to eat me too? The voice asked and Eliza pressed her lips together, unable to answer her question. It hurts. Everything hurts.

“I’m sorry.” Eliza wept, it was the only thing she could say. “I’m so sorry.”

________________________________________

“This is not supposed to happen.” Moosehead shook his head as he held her carefully. Her nails dug onto his arms as tears streamed down her face.

He searched for something else to help her but stopped when he saw Spot increase in size. The hound whined in pain as his bones and body grew bigger than Moosehead. His black fur coat thickened and his injuries healed. When he finally opened his eyes, Moosehead glimpsed a lake of fire in them.

Immediately, Moosehead stood in between Spot and her, fearing that the hound would attack them. Yet, Spot only blinked and licked Moosehead’s face, drenching him in slobber. Spot nudged Eliza’s shoulder, but she remained paralyzed. Her injuries slowly healed, and her skin glowed faintly just like the hound. Yet, she was still stuck in a nightmare that Moosehead did not know how to get her out of.

“I did not know,” Moosehead admitted, helpless. He barely knew her but guilt ate him as he watched her suffer. “I did this.”

“That you did.” A deep voice casually said as he watched the large Celestial step out from the woods. The Celestial’s eyes glowed crimson as he swung around a skeletal leg to clear his way. AN10, Moosehead recalled. It was what she called this Celestial. Moosehead did not move from his post as AN10 came closer. Spot drew back his ears and growled.

Nevertheless, AN10 was unbothered even when the hound stood as tall as them.

“What did you feed her?” AN10 asked as he tapped the leg on the ground like a cane.

“A gift from our Goddess.”

“I see.” AN10 stepped closer but Spot snapped its jaws. “Sit, boy. Your size doesn’t make a difference to me. If you want all of you to stay alive, I’d suggest you behave.”

Spot huffed once but moved out of his way. Moosehead stepped aside and let AN10 lift her. “I want you two to listen to me. I know time is warped in the Otherworld but as soon as we leave this wooded area, we will only have about 2 hours left before we complete this level.”

“How did you come of this knowledge?” Moosehead challenged and AN10 grinned, showing his ivory fangs.

“Oh sweetheart, you pick up things here and there when you eat people,” AN10 replied as he placed her on Spot’s back. Then he tore a root from the ground and used it as a rope to secure her. “Another thing, there is something after us. Most likely looking to devour everyone. So I suggest moving now.”

“And why should we believe you?”

“You don’t have to, but by the time it gets to us, it would be much stronger than any of us combined. Unless you want to fight it on your own, then I suggest you leave with us.”

Moosehead scowled as he and Spot begrudgingly followed AN10’s lead. They moved carefully as AN10 cleared the way for them, using the leg to swipe away branches and weeds. They have heard howls and screams throughout their journey, but since AN10 and Spot stayed calm, Moosehead kept his comments to himself. Hours seemed to have passed but neither suggested rest. When the space between the trees became too narrow for Spot to go through, AN10 and Moosehead broke the trees to clear the way. Moosehead also grabbed sturdy branches and sharp rocks to turn them into weapons.

Then after what felt like days, they finally reached a clearing. Silver orbs floated in the air. The high grass sparkled with dew and the sky was painted with deep blues and violets. There were three moons above them, all in different phases. Glowing insects buzzed low to the ground and crimson flowers bloomed. To his right, there was a small stream of water that AN10 took a drink from. When nothing had happened to him, Moosehead and Spot did the same. Moosehead sighed in contentment as his heart recognized the place. He knew that he was not home. He could never be, but his heart ached at the similarity.

When the silver orbs floated by them, he lifted his hand to touch them.

“Don’t,” AN10 warned as he swatted his hand away with the leg. “Those are the memories of the damned. I think it’s in your best interest to leave them be.”

“You act like a king.” Moosehead’s pupils narrowed but AN10 shrugged. “You want to end up like her, then suit yourself. Well, she’ll snap out of it soon but don’t think for a second that I will carry you too.”

“You’re not carrying her. The hound is.” Moosehead grumbled and AN10 chuckled. “Exactly.”

Once they have had their fill of water, they continued traveling uphill. The plants became scarce and the wind got stronger, adding resistance to their climb. Eventually, the hill plateaued and the wind died.

“Son of a—” AN10 cursed as they reached a cliff. There was a lake of fire several feet below that the ghouls attempted to climb out of. The giant black doors, their exit, were on the other side of the cliff. Above the doors, had large crimson numbers that counted down the minutes.

0:57:57 Moosehead noted. They have less than an hour to figure out how they would get across.

AN10 laid on the ground and groaned defeatedly, and Moosehead did the same. There was no way they could get across unless one of them sprouted wings.

0:55:55

Moosehead had to look away from the time to ease his anxiety. It was then he noticed that Eliza began to stir and tried to free herself from the roots that AN10 secured her with.

“She has awakened.” Moosehead jolted up to help and she patted his shoulder in thanks.

“Are you well?” Moosehead asked and she nodded. He saw her face shadowed at the question but she did not say anything else about what she went through.

“Thank you for healing us.” She said as she unwrapped her ankle. When she saw the Celestial lying on the ground, she muttered, “you’re alive.”

AN10 gave her a thumbs up. “I don’t die easy.”

________________________________________

Guilt ate her as she recalled her vivid hallucinations. She saw what she would presume was his life.

The tree had shown her everything that occurred on his planet: the harmony, and the violence that soon followed. She gained a deeper understanding of Moosehead’s shame since he and his mate, the Nymph, were supposed to lead their people. However, when tension rose on his planet, they killed his mate, and Moosehead was left hollow with unbearable grief.

She wanted to apologize for everything he had gone through, but it would only be in vain. It would not change the past nor make him feel better about it. Instead, she chose not to say anything else about what she saw, and she was grateful that Moosehead was not the one to pry.

“Where are we?” Eliza asked as she scratched Spot behind his ear. The hound had grown taller than her but to her eyes, he was still the same pup she carried in her hoodie.

AN10 pointed at the doors and the big red countdown at the other side of the cliff. “Can you fly us there?”

She glowered. “Like you, I have had my wings torn off.”

Moosehead gaped. “Torn off?”

AN10 grinned widely, enjoying the look of horror on Moosehead’s face. “Oh yes. Our High Celestial Council loves tearing off wings. It’s a sport.”

“It is not a sport.” Eliza corrected and rolled her eyes. “But he is right. The Council tore off the wings on those who had disobeyed them. It is punishment.”

“Mutilation as a punishment?” Moosehead shook his head. “I apologize. I have forgotten that my people would do the same.”

AN10 brushed back his curls and groaned loudly. “Now, since none of us can fly, and neither of us is strong enough to jump across without plummeting to our deaths, I guess we can all accept that we will be here in Otherworld for all eternity.”

They stared at the time and collectively sighed.

0:40:39

Before any of them could utter another word, the ground below them shook and saw other creatures sprinting up the hill in panic.

Run! They yelled. Spot stood and his ears laid flat on his head as he growled at the dark forest below. Before Eliza could ask what it was, a thirty feet skeletal demon rose, setting everything around it on fire. Its horns curled downwards and its eyes glowed white. Three hearts that were ignited with black flames hammered against its ribcage.

Eliza and Moosehead rushed to help the others. Some were fae children, but their wings have been torn to shred and their skin was bruised from the battles they have faced. About 20 green-skinned women made it up the hill. They have leaves for hair, have deep-brown eyes, and have silver swirling tattoos around their neck—the Elysians, the divine beings that were found just outside of the Milky Way. A giant cyclops sprinted back to help the other fae children, but he had only managed to save a few since the demon had trampled the rest with its feet.

“Oh, sh*t!” Eliza cursed as the demon stomped toward them. “Is that a Gashadokuro?”

“That makes sense since the Otherworld is the Petri dish for vengeance,” AN10 uttered, his attention never leaving the demon. Then he gasped and clapped his hands. “I have a brilliant idea!”

“Share it with us,” Moosehead encouraged as he handed the spear he made to Eliza. AN10 pointed at the demon with the leg he had been using as a cane. “We kill that demon and use it as a bridge.”

“Are you insane?!” Eliza shouted and AN10 drawled. “Oh, you a sweet innocent thing. Of course, I am! But do you have any better suggestions?”

The other creatures looked at each other and agreed with him. The cyclops nodded at AN10 in acknowledgment as if he was an old comrade, just like Moosehead did back in the gymnasium. “He is right, young miss. It’s the only way. We either die trying or we let it consume us.”

The grass wilted beneath the demon’s feet. Its mouth unhinged as it sucked in the silver orbs that floated in the air.

Moosehead tensed as he watched the demon approach closer. “Dear Goddess. Please watch over us.”

AN10 scoffed as his eyes blazed. “She ain’t listening, buddy. She’s too busy trying to free herself—wherever She may be locked up in.”

Eliza shot him a glare. “Enough, AN10.”

The fae children shivered, but they pulled out their makeshift weapons and waited for the command. Spot growled and pawed on the ground with anticipation.

“Steady,” the cyclops instructed as the demon climbed up the hill. “Let it get as close to the cliff.”

“You mean to us?” An Elysian chimed in and AN10 nodded. “Easier for it to come here than for us to carry it.”

Her sisters looked at each other but did not comment otherwise. Sweat beaded down Eliza’s neck as she listened to its bones rattle with each move. Then within seconds, its shadow loomed over them and one of the children held on to her pant leg. “I’m scared, miss.”

“I know,” Eliza said softly. The demon chattered as it raised its skeletal finger to AN10.

Mine.

“What did it just—” The Elysians asked each other but were soon interrupted with a high screech.

MINE! YOU’RE ALL MINE.

“You heard the boss.” AN10 grinned wildly and sprinted toward it.

“Imbecile.” Eliza cursed under her breath as she ran after him. The demon swung its arms at them and she rolled to dodge, but AN10 used that opportunity to grab hold of its radius. The demon tried to shake him off, but AN10 only laughed maniacally as he climbed up. Unbothered by the movement, AN10 ran up and jammed the Wendigo’s leg at the demon’s elbow.

The demon shrilled and swatted AN10 away.

“Attack from every angle!” The cyclops bellowed and Spot howled in response. Then in a flash, Spot leaped and aimed for its ribcage. Spot’s jaw locked on and the demon immediately yanked Spot away, accidentally tearing its ribs with it. Spot dropped to the ground and rolled. Then he got back up as if he had not felt the impact of the fall. He tossed the bones toward their small army and went back for another bite as Eliza distracted the beast by hacking at its legs.

The Elysians picked up the bones and decided to use them as weapons just like AN10 did with the Wendigo’s leg. Then they scattered and rushed into the battle. Each time Spot yanked a bone away, one of them would pick it up and use it against the demon. Moosehead and Eliza had traded their broken wooden spears with the demon’s fingers and they tried to attack its joints. However, even with its size, the demon was agile and fast. It had easily learned their pattern of attacks and their numbers began to dwindle. There were not many fae children left and half of them were far too injured to join. The Elysians had become the demon’s favorite snack and most of them had been consumed. The Cyclops’ only eye was bleeding and his arm was dislocated from a terrible fall. Eliza and AN10 have successfully torn off the monster’s right shoulder, but it continued to rampage even when it was missing most of its bones. Their movements were slowing with exhaustion and their injuries had made it more difficult to dodge. They had managed to keep the demon closer to the edge of the cliff but none of them had been able to knock it over.

The time on the other side of the cliff glared 0:15:00, and Moosehead took a deep calming breath.

They were running out of time and energy.

If the demon was not defeated by the time ran out, all of them would become its meal.

Eliza groaned as she got back up to her feet, crimson liquid dripped down from her forehead and she wiped it away with her already blood-soaked sleeve. AN10 panted as he picked up another bone to use as a weapon. He too was covered with bruises and cuts.

“We cannot defeat it!” Moosehead begrudgingly admitted. “Not like this.”

Spot was thrown thirty feet across the hill but this time, the hound had a more difficult time getting back up to its feet. The remaining Elysians had to defend him from being struck once again.

“What would you then suggest?!” The Cyclops asked as he plummeted to the ground. Eliza winced as the Cyclops crashed loudly beside her. “It is fine,” the Cyclops grunted. “It hurts but this is fine.”

Moosehead jogged toward the hound and barked instructions. Spot stepped back and snarled in protest.

Moosehead argued back. “It is the only way!”

Then the demon grabbed Eliza by the leg since she was too distracted by helping the Cyclops. She yelped as the demon swung her up close to its face.

Celestial. The demon grumbled as it sniffed her. Dinner.

“Yeah, not today,” Eliza grunted as she threw her javelin right into one of its hearts. The demon howled as the heart exploded, dropping her in the process. She covered her head with her arms to break the fall, but Moosehead caught her in time.

“Thanks,” Eliza said in relief. She was hurting and exhausted. If she were to drop one more time, it would have knocked her out.

Moosehead nodded as he watched the demon struggle. Its foot slipped on the edge but it had immediately caught its balance.

Kill! The demon screamed. Kill, kill, kill!

Moosehead gently put her down and grabbed his weapon. With one last look at her, he said, “thank you for giving me a name, dear friend. I will forever cherish it.”

Then Spot grabbed Moosehead and threw him over his back as they both rushed toward the demon. Moosehead jumped off and grabbed hold of its floating rib when Spot leaped to bite its left humerus.

“He is almost there! Push him down the cliff!” Moosehead yelled as everyone assailed the demon.

AN10 took her by the wrist as they hurried after everyone. “Don’t let him do this on his own, Director!”

She groaned in frustration as she dodged another attack and stabbed the demon at its ankle. The others did the same to throw off its balance. Then from the corner of her eye, she witnessed Moosehead climb up its torso with a javelin in his hand. With all his might, he speared its two remaining hearts. The explosion had caused the demon to keel over and fall into the lake of fire.

“Moosehead!” Eliza shouted. She rushed to the edge and saw that he was hanging by a root. “Take my hand!”

He reached out but before she could grasp his hand, the root broke and Moosehead fell.

“No!” Eliza shrieked as she watched him scorched. “No, no, no, please!”

AN10 pulled her back as her she sobbed uncontrollably. “Not again. I—”

“Director,” AN10 said firmly as he pointed at the clock on the other side of the cliff.

0:05:00

They were out of time.

Even after Moosehead’s sacrifice, they were not able to solve their initial problem. His death was only in vain. In the end, they all would be absorbed by the Otherworld and become its sustenance.

Suddenly, a giant black tree rose from the lake as its branches weaved and created a bridge between the cliffs. Its golden blossoms scattered in the wind as flowers and smaller black trees with silver leaves sprouted on the field.

“Moosehead,” Eliza whispered as a silver orb fell into her hands. Suddenly, incoherent joyful memories that belonged to Moosehead flashed before her eyes. When her vision returned, she saw a golden seed on her palm and she held onto it as if her life depended on it.

60 seconds begins. The familiar robotic voice announced as it began counting down.

“We must go,” AN10 urgently said as he pulled her up on Spot’s back. Once they were both secured, Spot darted forward.

40 seconds left. They crowded the doors but none of them were unable to crack the password.

“It is asking for a six-character password!” An Elysian wailed.

“Hint!” AN10 yelled back. “What is the hint?!”

“Time of death.” The Cyclops grumbled as he punched the doors. “Who knows their time of death?!”

Eliza’s eyes widened as she recalled the time when her watch stopped. Then she bellowed, “0-3-3-3-A-M!”

The doors’ bolts unlocked and the doors groaned open, revealing nothing but a bright luminescent portal. They gasped, stunned by the light, but the robotic voice instantly caught their attention.

10 seconds remaining…8, 7, 6… The Elysians grabbed some of the children with them and advanced into the portal.

5, 4… The Cyclops carried the injured over his shoulder.

3, 2… Spot grabbed the last hobbling fae child with his mouth as he leaped toward the light.

1… Eliza dared one last look behind them and saw that the hill had been covered with flowers and small trees.

0. The voice echoed in her head as the ebony doors slammed shut behind them.

________________________________________

She rose from the tub, gasping for air, as her watch began ticking again. When she finally got her bearings back, she opened her hand and saw the golden seed. Too exhausted to properly dry herself, she grabbed her bathrobe, drained the tub, blew out the candle, and shut off the incense. Then she headed into her room and grabbed the small silver heart locket that Anya gave her for her birthday from her desk. Carefully, she placed the seed in the locket and sealed it with warding spells. Once the runes have been etched, she wore the necklace. She then lay on her bed and closed her eyes, hoping to never forget about her friend from the Otherworld.

Perhaps, I no longer wished to be alone. She heard Moosehead say as darkness lulled her to sleep

When she woke, she saw a dark-haired man in black attire looking out her windows. His hands were clasped behind him, deep in thought. His long sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. He wore a thin, leather, string, necklace that had a silver sword as a pendant. His halo was on his right wrist—a silver band with runes etched on the surface.

“Welcome back, Director.” The man spoke. His deep sapphire eyes scanned her, looking for any injuries she had incurred. Once he was convinced that she was still functional, he met her eyes.

“I only managed to save one hound,” Eliza reported as she intertwined her fingers together. “I failed.”

She expected punishment. After all, the Council never granted grace to any failures, but instead, Mikhail gave her a small smile. “You did not. You got them both out.”

Eliza frowned as she understood what he implied. “You can’t treat people like dogs, Mikhail.”

Mikhail shrugged as he walked toward her door to let in a medium-sized black mutt with a small white spot on his forehead. Around his neck was a silver collar with runes etched on the surface, just like the ones on their halos. Spot. He stood on his hind legs and happily leaned his head on her bed. His tongue lolled out and Eliza gently patted him.

“I’m trusting you to care for both. We downsized the hellhound to avoid suspicion. In battle, it will be in its full size. Otherwise, it’s just a regular dog. So congratulations, you now have pets.”

“When you said both?”

AN10 stepped in and bowed with a hand on his chest to show his respect, but his smirk did not reflect the gesture. “Antonius Grigori, 2nd Generation, Azazel, The Strong One Against the Creation, the High Celestial Council’s appointed Venatoribus, and the Corrupted, at the service of Director Eliza Villa Guerra, 3rd Generation, “she who is cursed to forfeit her identity”, and a Fallen. But you may just call me Anthony or Tony. Whichever is easier.”

She flinched how he has added the air quotations on “she who is cursed to forfeit her identity.” As if she needed that reminder.

“Well, you are all set. For now, enjoy your break. Expect more missions in two weeks.” Mikhail halted at the door as he pulled out his buzzing phone. “Oh, one last thing.”

“Yes?” Eliza massaged her temples, she could feel a migraine coming on. She did not like how his lips formed into a big smile. That was the smile that usually got her in trouble. “What is it, Mikhail?”

“Ah.” Mikhail scrolled through his messages. “Let’s just say that Mona had to take over a mission for you. So, I wish you the best of luck once she gets back. She is far from happy.”

“You could not have waited one more day?!” Eliza jumped out of bed but her legs gave out and she fell to the floor. She cursed unintelligibly under her breath, wondering why her legs have grown numb.

Mikhail tsked as he finally pocketed his phone. “You have been out for a week, Director. As a matter of fact, I have spent that sleepless week mending your soul. Now, I have other matters to attend to. Anthony, see to it that the Director gets back in shape.”

Anthony hid a smile, his eyes promised torment. “Should be easy enough.”

“Excellent.” Mikhail patted his shoulder and gave Eliza one last wave before he left.

Eliza buried her face in the blanket and screamed in frustration. Once she was done, she heard Anthony chuckling at her as he scratched Spot behind his ear.

“What?!”

“We have much to discuss, Director. But we should not do that on empty stomachs.” Anthony rummaged through her closet and threw clothes at her. “Are you hungry? I can cook. I learned because my sister couldn’t and we would have starved if I didn’t.”

Her stomach grumbled in protest and she sighed. Spot licked her cheek and leaned his head on her shoulder.

“Sure, I can eat. Just help me up.” Eliza replied defeatedly and for the first time since she had known Anthony, she saw him genuinely smile.

Maybe, just maybe, the man was not innately evil

Hi! Thank you for checking out The Rogue - the 3rd issue under my Soul Exchange House of Trials (these shorts are published on my website but I will share them here as well!). Although this series can be read independently, they are connected to my shorts: Soul Exchange Case Files. Click here for the first issue of Case Files: Monologue of a Madman.

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