Shadow Guardians - Genesis (4 page)

“Mr. Fozzley,” this is Miguel Menendez, Matthew Broadus, Jericho,” Mimi paused. “Thomas,” Jericho said. “And, I’m Miranda Morgan,” Mimi said. Mr. Fozzley bowed before the children. “I live upstairs above the store; been there ever since my sweet wife, Magda, died ten years ago. It was about that time that I got familiar with the spirit world. Like I said, I used to be an undertaker. I know death intimately,” Fozzley said. “I don’t mean to butt in your business, but them fellas you’re spying on are a mean bunch. You might think twice about what you’re planning.” “We can deal with them,” Miguel said. “You’re about the most stubborn ghost I ever come across, son,” Fozzley said. “How much do you know about them,” Matt asked. “Ain’t safe to talk about it around here,” Fozzley said. “How about we go up to my place and talk. I’ve got plenty of pineapple juice and sugar water,” he added.

The children looked at Fozzley with a degree of amazement. “Let me lock up the store, and we can go up,” he said. “I don’t like this,” Miguel whispered to Mimi. “He’s just an innocent old man. I feel safe,” Mimi replied. “I’ll reserve judgment,” Miguel snorted back at her. Fozzley locked up the store and beckoned the children to follow him up the back stairway to his apartment. The place was dark, lit by only candles. “Saves on electricity,” said Fozzley. The aroma of formaldehyde and garlic pervaded the room. A crucifix hung on every wall along with pictures of Fozzley and the woman who was apparently his, “Magda”. “Take a seat,” Fozzley said. Miguel sat on the floor. Jericho and Mimi took the couch. Matt stood against the wall, and Fozzley plopped into the recliner.

“First time I’ve seen ghosts in the last two years,” Fozzley said. “How is it that you can see us,” Mimi asked. “Why are you so comfortable around us,” Matt interjected. “Most people fear ghosts.” “I suspect it’s because death has always been a part of my life. When I was a little boy, my father killed himself. Several years later, my brother died in a car crash. After that, my wife delivered three still-born babies on three occasions. After she died, I took up the trade as an undertaker. That’s when ghosts started appearing to me, talking to me, trying to get me to do things for them. Some things, I did. Others, I refused. I know the wrath of an unappeased ghost for sure,” Fozzley said, lifting his shirt to show scars that looked like someone dug their finger nails deep into his flesh and pealed it away. “From what I overheard from you today, it doesn’t take much to know that you all died in horrific ways and came back with the plan to prevent it from happening to other children. You don’t have to tell me your stories. I can pretty much guess,” Fozzley said. “So, what do you know about the men who run the stitchery,” Matt asked. “Like I said,” Fozzley replied, “they’re not to be messed with”. Miguel’s eyes turned electric blue. “Calm down, fella,” Fozzley said. “I’m gonna tell you what I know”. “They brought the stitchery about seven years ago. Make children’s clothes and sell them abroad. Use the cheapest labor they can find, usually children who work for little of nothing—most of the time by force, some even chained to the sewing machines,” Fozzley said sternly. “And you never tried to help them,” Miguel asked angrily. “I’m just an old man trying to hang on to this life,” Fozzley said. “Men like that ain’t to be messed with. “Maybe humans can’t stop them, but I bet we can,” Miguel said, slapping hands with Jericho. “You might have a shot,” Fozzley said. “Like I said, I’m an old man. I tire easily. I’m going to go rest my bones. You’re welcome to anything you want to eat or drink, and there are two bedrooms in the back if you need a place for the night. We can talk more tomorrow, if you think on it and still want to go through with your plan,” Fozzley said. “Good night.” Fozzley walked to his bedroom, went inside, and eased the door shut behind him. The children remained in the front room.

“What a nice old man,” Mimi said. “He’s had some life, I bet,” Matt replied. “I don’t trust him,” Miguel snapped. Jericho scratched his bald head and said nothing. “So, what’s the plan,” Matt asked. “Let’s stay the night, think about things, talk this out, and re-visit the subject with Fozzley in the morning,” Jericho said. “Sounds good to me,” Mimi replied with a yawn. “Yeah, I’m down for that,” Matt said. Miguel was silent.

“The more I think about this, the more I’m worried that something doesn’t add up,” Mimi said. “What do you mean,” Jericho asked. “Well, you and Miguel just happened to listen in on a conversation at random, and it just happened to be about some men involved in child slavery. When I tried to read the one named, “Rick’s” emotions, I got nothing. It was like he didn’t exist—just darkness,” Mimi said. “All of this happened on the heels of us escaping Orin and Jordin,” she added. “I think it might be a trap. It’s just too good to be true. What are the chances that the men we spied on would even discuss something so dastardly outside where they might be overheard,” Mimi finished. “You’ve got good points,” Jericho said. “I agree,” Matt added. “Maybe we need to slow down a little and let things develop,” Mimi replied. “Did you forget why we came together,” Miguel asked. “Even at the risk of there being a trap, we have to investigate this now. We can’t wait. What if there really are children being abused? Every second counts. I think we should go ahead with our plan. Let’s find this Reddick guy, get to wherever they’re keeping the kids, free them, and deal with Reddick, Rick, Yokim, and Gung the old fashioned Biblical way—an eye for an eye,” Miguel said in a harsh tone. “You’ve been out-voted on this one, Mig,” Jericho said. “The team wants to take this cautiously. We’re going to wait and see how this plays out—not take a risk on getting caught-up in a trap. That would be the real travesty. If this is a trap and we get caught by the Soulcatchers, then we won’t be around in the future to help all the countless other children who need us. I agree with Mimi. This doesn’t feel right,” Jericho finished. Miguel stormed out of the apartment and went outside. “Miguel, come back,” Matt yelled. Matt started to go after Miguel, but Jericho put his hand on Matt’s shoulder and pulled him back. “Let him go,” Mimi said. “He just needs some time to blow off some steam and think. Eventually, he’ll come around.” “I hope so,” Matt said. The three of them gathered at the only window in the room, facing the street, and watched Miguel below. He was shooting electricity into the air and pacing furiously.

CHAPTER SIX: RENEGADE

The sound of Fozzley’s voice awakened Mimi. “You three must have really needed a re-charge. Death force must have been drained by that run-in with the Soulcatchers,” Fozzley said. Mimi looked around from the couch where she was laying. Jericho and Matt were on the floor, curled up asleep. “Where’s the bull-headed one,” Fozzley asked. “Miguel,” Mimi replied. “Miguel didn’t come back last night,” she said with shock in her voice, as she arose and hovered above Jericho and Matt. “Get up you two,” she said. “We have to look for Miguel”. Matt yawned, arose, dusted himself off, and nudged Jericho. “No school today, Mama,” he said. “Not your Mother, man,” Matt said. “Get up. Your death forces should be fully charged by now.” Jericho opened one eye and looked at Matt and Mimi. “We have to find, Miguel,” Matt said. “He’s out there somewhere alone,” Mimi added. “He shouldn’t be so pig-headed,” Jericho replied. “He’s one of us, and if any of us falls, we all fall together,” Mimi said. “Now, let’s go”. Fozzley didn’t say anything. He had gone to the kitchen and come back with three glasses of pineapple juice. The children each took a glass and gulped the energy-giving juice down. “Let’s go,” Matt said, opening the door to the apartment. Jericho stepped outside first, and Matt followed. “I caught that comment about us battling the Soulcatchers, Mr. Fozzley,” Mimi said, when they were alone. “I see,” Fozzley said. “We never mentioned that to you. How could you know,” she asked. “Best to run along with your friends and save Miguel,” Fozzley said. “We can talk about me some other time,” he said. Mimi stared at him for a moment, then touched his arm. She felt a sense of goodness in Fozzley’s spirit, but couldn’t penetrate into his thoughts or feelings. “I’ve been around ghosts for a long time,” Fozzley said. “Anything you learn about me will be because I tell you about it, not because you try to use your powers on me,” he said. “You be sure to come back here and get me, if you need some help getting your friend back,” Fozzley said. Mimi hugged him and then walked outside to join the others.

Miguel darted through the city, chasing the car being driven by Gung, Yokim, and Rick. He had been on their tail for the past hour. He listened to them joke and talk about sports and about women and, of course, about the stitchery and the need for new workers to make clothes. They bragged about the money they had made and shared stories of past dealings with the child workers who made them rich. Miguel was focused and enraged. The men were going to meet Reddick. He had phoned Rick to say that he had found six more children to work at the stitchery and had them at the quarters where the other three had been taken. Miguel intended to free the children from their shackles and then free Rick, Reddick, Yokim, and Gung from their lives.

“If I were a hot-tempered, egotistical, stubborn, one-man-wrecking crew with power beyond belief and a vengeful spirit, where would I go,” Jericho asked rhetorically. “Can you sense anything, Mimi,” Matt asked. “Yes. I can send residual traces of his signature, and the singed tree branches, grass, and power-lines are obvious calling cards,” she said. “Let’s get going,” Matt said. The team hovered in the air, Mimi taking the lead, following the traces of Miguel’s path. “Looks like the path is leading to the harbor,” Mimi said after a short while. They continued flying in that direction. “Don’t forget to keep a look out for Soulcatchers,” Jericho reminded everyone. “Like we need to be reminded of that,” Matt snorted. “There, ahead, see it,” Mimi asked. “It’s the car that the one named, “Rick” was driving yesterday. “What’s left of it,” Jericho said. “Miguel must be wielding his powers on a whole new level that even I’ve never seen,” Matt said. “It looks like it’s been on the surface of the sun,” he added. “At least we’re on the right path,” Jericho said. “We have to find him.” “Maybe it’s not him we have to worry about saving,” Matt laughed. “Glad he’s on our side.” “According to what I’m picking up, there was more than one car here. Whoever was in that car that Miguel destroyed lived and apparently got into another car. I still sense his trail ahead of us,” Mimi said.

CHAPTER SEVEN: DISCOVERIES

Yokim and Gung, and Rick lay on the floor, motionless. The electric charge had immobilized them. Reddick was presently trying to siphon air through his narrower-than-usual windpipe which was being constricted by Miguel’s hand, as he lifted him the air by his right hand. “Where are the kids you’re holding,” Miguel asked with disgust in his voice. “Forget you, man. I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Reddick said. “Not what I was looking for; try again,” Miguel said, thrusting a charge of electricity into Reddick’s gut with his left hand. Reddick fell to the ground, limp. “It’s very simple gentlemen. You are evil, and you have imprisoned children for the purpose of child slavery—labor to make garments at your factory. I am good. I am here to liberate the children. I care not what happens to you; my goal is the welfare of the children. One way or another, I will free them. Whether your deaths are consequences of the steps to their freedom is up to you. Now, who’s ready for more,” he asked, lifting Yokim from the ground and leaning him against a wall. Miguel drew back his fist and charged it with electricity, then punched in Yokim’s direction, just missing his head and exploding the wall into shards, as Yokim leaned to his left. Unfortunately for him, the next punch didn’t miss Yokim. His skin melted from his face and blisters appeared around his eyes. His brown skin was now a dark purple. “I’ll show you the kids,” Yokim said. “No, don’t,” Rick screamed. Miguel formed a blade of electricity with his left hand and pushed it into Rick’s neck, killing him instantly. He repeated the same on Gung and Reddick. “Best be going before the Soulcatchers get here,” Miguel said, leading Yokim to his car. “Drive,” Miguel commanded him. Yokim put the car in gear and drove towards the harbor. Miguel drank a bottle of pineapple juice that he had brought from Fozzley’s house. He was exhausted, but he knew the worst lay ahead of him.

When they arrived at the harbor, Yokim drove deep into a maze of shipping crates on the docks. “There, the yellow one,” he said. “Come on, you’re going in too,” Miguel said. “I can’t make it man. I’m in so much pain. There right in that crate. With your powers, you should easily rip through it and have them out in no time,” Yokim said. “I’m not having any tricks, dude,” Miguel said. “Now, let’s go.” Miguel kicked Yokim in the back, and he flew out of the car onto the docks. Miguel came around the car and picked him up and drug him to the yellow crate. “Open it,” Miguel said. “We would be happy to open it for you,” a voice from the sky said. Orin and Jordin hovered above the yellow crate. Clause hovered just above the other two Soulcatchers. “We end this now,” Clause said. With a swish of his sword, Orin opened the crate. Nine ghosts floated out. Miguel looked around him. He was surrounded. “You’re going with the Soulcatchers today, but not before we introduce you to the worst pain you’ve ever known in life or death,” a voice said. Miguel recognized it as Gung. He, Rick, and Reddick were behind the yellow crate hovering in the air. “You really thought you were something, didn’t you, boy,” Reddick said. “That was some of the best acting I ever saw,” said Gung. “Ghosts, just like you, boy. Don’t have your special powers, but then again, you won’t either in a few minutes.” They all laughed. “I only know one way to go out, and if I’m going, it won’t be easy for you,” Miguel said. He formed a sphere of electricity around himself. Orin and Jordin clanged at the sphere with their swords to no avail.

Clause charged at full speed towards that sphere and invited Jordin and Orin to join him. Miguel knew it wouldn’t hold against the power of the three of them. He lowered the sphere and shot electricity into the sky, allowing it to flow at full capacity for as many seconds as he could. Orin and Jordin were within inches of him, and he could feel the heat of their swords. A gale-force wind swooped down and lifted Orin and Jordin. Several tornadoes spun about and lifted crates, water, machinery, Clause, and mud into the air. Torrential rains poured. Miguel formed his protective electric sphere around himself again and watched the Soulcatchers battling the elements, to his amusement. The nine child ghosts who he had come to rescue from the stitchery took turns running into the sphere and bouncing to the ground, stunned.