The Revelation Chronicles: Evolution Read online

  I looked down and realized that, unknowingly, I had pulled the silver chain from underneath my shirt and was holding the pendant between my thumb and forefinger. Maybe some part of me knew what needed to be done, what my next step should be, and was leading me in the direction I needed to go.

  I had to go to my mother, Calista. It was time—beyond time. I had to see her, to speak with her once again. She would help me navigate the sea of emotions I was experiencing and get me back on course. If anyone could, she could.

  I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and sat up, taking a deep breath. It was time to take another journey. I closed my eyes and slowly rubbed the heart-shaped sapphire pendant back and forth between my fingers.

  Chapter 30

  Cain examined the device in his hand curiously as he entered the makeshift lab. The Chemist was busy tinkering with a large cylindrical structure that closely resembled a tactical warhead. The eccentric man was completely oblivious to the fact he was no longer alone.

  Cain smiled and set the device inside the glass display case that had been specially designed for it. Everything was coming along nicely. Only a few loose ends to tie up and they would be ready to put the ultimate plan into action.

  “Ah, you found it!” The Chemist exclaimed. His sunken eyes widened like a kid on Christmas morning. “Give it to me, give it to me!” He dropped the wrench in his hand to the floor and scurried over to the glass display. With both feeble hands, he gently reached in and removed the device, turning it over several times while admiring its curves and design. “It’s… beautiful.”

  “Will it work? We lost good men getting that thing for you, so it had better deliver what you’ve promised.”

  “Oh, it will work,” The Chemist said with confidence, approaching the missile-like structure. He punched the keypad on the attached digital display and a small compartment opened. Steam like dry ice hissed and escaped, revealing a slot just big enough to fit the cylinder in his possession. Delicately, he placed the object in the slot.

  “Ah, THERE! Orion II is almost complete.”

  The Chemist closed the compartment and shuffled over to a laptop that was connected to the device.

  “I simply need to perform a few minor tests and calibrations and it will be ready to deploy.”

  “How long?”

  “24 hours. 36 max.”

  “Good. Let me know if there is anything else you need.”

  The Chemist nodded and clicked away on the laptop, already lost in his work. The man was a mad scientist indeed, Cain realized, much to his delight. He was perfect for the task at hand.

  Chapter 31

  Cain entered his chambers and collapsed into the wicker chair next to the bed. Being a criminal mastermind was proving to be very taxing, but someone had to lead the charge. Someone who possessed charisma and flair to rally millions to the flag. That someone was the man staring back at him from the mirror above the dresser. He bent over to undue his boot laces. He would be a new-age Pied Piper and they would all come running like the little mice they were.

  But who was the man in the mirror, exactly? He still had no idea. Didn’t know what drove this burning desire to put an end to the human race. It just felt… right, as though it were somehow a part of his DNA makeup. Even stranger still, the Orion II device was his concept; from the weapon’s design, to its state-of-the-art delivery system. The schematics were etched into his brain.

  The run-in with the one who identified himself as Charlie had proven to be interesting to say the least, just as he'd been warned. He was an unexpected wrinkle, but nothing Cain couldn’t handle. None of his current followers possessed abilities anywhere near this Charlie, Lucian included. And, he seemed to know him, or rather his former self. This… Freddy. And for a brief moment, fleeting though it may have been, Cain thought he recognized him, too. Just a flash, but there was something oddly familiar about him.

  Then again, it could have all been a ploy to weaken him—deceive him into letting his guard down. Another ability Reese possessed, no doubt. That couldn’t be allowed to happen. Not with so much at stake. He had a feeling their paths would cross again. And next time, the spin doctor wouldn’t be allowed an opportunity to weave his web of poisonous lies. Tangling with Lucian was one thing. Stepping onto the playing field with Cain was a different ballgame altogether. Charlie Reese would be annihilated the next time they met.

  Chapter 32

  “Do we have any ice cream? I like to eat ice cream when I’m depressed or just recently had my dignity taken from me,” said Nick.

  “Freezer, bottom shelf,” said Robert. He sat at the dining room table lost in his own thoughts. His mind was troubled about Charlie and his furrowed brow didn’t escape the perceptive Nick.

  Rummaging through the fridge like a raccoon in a trash can he said, “You should have some too. Oh SWEET! Rocky road—my favorite! Now I know you can’t pass this up!” Nick found a couple of glass bowls and two spoons.

  “No, thanks; you enjoy.”

  “OK, suit yourself. Your loss.” Nick pushed the bowls aside and, instead, began to heap spoonfuls of ice cream into his mouth directly from the carton.

  “Geez, Nick. Way to save some for everyone else.”

  Nick looked up briefly from his indulgence to witness Kara staring at him distastefully. Keeping his eyes buried in chocolate goodness, he replied, “There was only a little bit left.”

  “Pfft! Sure, there was,” Kara said, twisting her mouth up to demonstrate doubt in his ability to tell the truth.

  “Well… there was,” Nick insisted, thrusting another spoonful into his mouth. A sizeable portion of ice cream squirted from the corner of his mouth and fell to the floor in a loud splat.

  “You’re such a pig” Kara said, disgusted.

  “I know I am, but what are you?”

  “Grow up, Nick,” Robert declared. He was fed up with his shenanigans.

  Nick looked legitimately hurt. He curled an arm around the ice cream carton, shielding it and his face from view as he continued to spoon large servings down his throat.

  “How’s Charlie?” Robert asked Kara.

  “I’d say he’s doing about as well as you can expect for a guy who just saw his best friend look him straight in the eye and try to murder him. Other than that, I’d say just splendid.”

  “Right. I see your point.”

  “He just needs some time to sort things out.”

  “I know. I’m just concerned that he won’t be able to put his feelings aside this time. He needs you, Kara.”

  Kara’s heart skipped a beat and she immediately went on the defensive.

  “He needs all of us. He’s been asked to do the impossible ever since he was brought into the fold. Maybe it’s time we came up with an alternative plan. Something that doesn’t require Charlie to sacrifice so much of himself.”

  “You’re deflecting, daughter.”

  Kara was caught off guard by her father, Arthur who had entered the dining room unannounced. He was the last person she wanted involved in the conversation.

  “No, I’m not.”

  “You forget, I know you better than you know yourself, love,” he said with a smile, tugging gently on his trademark pipe. He looked every bit the aristocrat with his jet-black hair neatly combed to the rear. He also sported a vintage red velvet smoking jacket to boot. The sweet aroma of his favored tobacco began to fill the room. “I know it’s been hard for you, staying patient while he finds his way and decides what it is he truly wants.”

  “I think he’s made that pretty obvious,” Kara said, her voice trailing off. She stared at her shoes. She really didn’t want to discuss Charlie, especially with others present.

  “He’s confused. This whole thing with Michael and the human girl is turning into a huge distraction we don’t need. You two are meant to be together; it’s that simple. The sooner he accepts that the better off we’ll all be. You can help him see that. It has to be you. No one can do it for you.”

&n
bsp; “That’s easy for you to say, dad. Mom loved you from the moment she laid eyes on you. Our situation doesn’t even compare. We’ve barely gotten to know each other. I will speak to him because you asked me to, but don’t expect anything to change.”

  With that, Kara stormed out of the room. Nick’s eyes darted up from the carton of ice cream for a second before disappearing again like a startled turtle’s head into its shell.

  “Kids,” said Robert. “There’s always some sort of drama.”

  “Indeed,” Arthur agreed, tapping his pipe against the palm of his hand to loosen the tobacco. “Let’s hope she gets through to him before it’s too late.”

  Chapter 33

  My knees were a bit shaky as I gathered myself and looked around. I’d almost forgotten how unsettling the trip was to get here. I took in the stunning architecture with its massive pillars, all remnants of a past civilization I had descended from but knew virtually nothing of.

  Waves of smoky haze rolled along the surface, just above my ankles. I could hear water from a brook splashing against the rocks nearby.

  “My son.”

  I heard my mother’s beautiful voice before I caught sight of her. I turned around to see her warm and inviting smile. She looked exactly as I remembered, right down to the flowing silk white gown.

  “It has been a long time, my son.”

  I smiled sheepishly as we embraced. Time stood still for her in this haven of sorts. She was neither dead nor alive; she was simply—here. In my very own fortress of solitude, I guess you could say.

  “How are you?”

  “I’ve been… OK,” I lied.

  “You don’t have to tell me half-truths, Charlie. I know something is bothering you. Remember I am with you all the time. I know what you’ve been through.”

  I sighed.

  “Well, then you know my best friend has gone insane and plans to destroy the world I live in and call home. I don’t know what to do. And I can't help but think this is all my fault.”

  “Yes, I know this has been an unsettling time for you. Freddy has always been there for you when things were rough, and now you don’t seem to have anyone to turn to that can fill the void. It’s created a huge hole in your life. My advice is to look around you. You are constantly surrounded by people who genuinely care for you and have only your best interests at heart.”

  “If you’re talking about who I think you’re talking about, I’m not ready for that right now. I still haven’t come to grips with the idea of us being fated for each other, no matter what anyone says.”

  “I know you haven’t. Which is why this situation with Allison has gotten you so torn up inside. Only you know what you truly want. But I will warn you: sometimes you don’t always get what you want. Life has a funny way of throwing you curveballs when you least expect it. Just remember that and keep an open mind, is all I ask of you. And, regarding your friend, you will find a way. Believe in yourself.”

  “OK,” I said, and smiled with a deep exhale. I felt as if I’d just finished a therapy session. “There is something else I wanted to talk to you about.”

  My mother turned and looked away. I couldn’t see her face and I knew then it was intentional. She already knew where the conversation was headed.

  “Yes, it’s true, Charlie. I’m so sorry. I should have told you the first time you came here.”

  Her shoulders slumped a little and she turned to face me, eyes filled with sorrow and brimming with tears.

  “Standeval is Viktor’s son and your brother. His birth mother unfortunately died during childbirth, so he was raised by his grandfather. Viktor was very young at the time of her death and heavily involved in both the war effort and the Orion project. He didn’t have the opportunity to raise Standeval on his own. By the time Viktor and I met, Standeval was a young man and had begun to work alongside your father and me. He was such a sweet boy, much different than what you know of him now. But war changed that. We all changed so much from what we once were.”

  My mother’s gaze wandered off in the distance and I could tell her thoughts were transfixed on a time long ago.

  “Standeval was forced to make some difficult decisions. Those decisions ultimately led to the defiance of a father whose approval he’d sought for so long. He did that for me, Charlie. He did it for you.”

  It all made sense now. Standeval still harbored animosity towards me for his estranged relationship with Viktor. Each time he laid eyes on me was a painful reminder of the choices made so long ago. I was certain that if he could go back and do it all over again, things would be much different. I was his mistake—a constant reminder of what could have been.

  “He still loves you. I know that. Deep down he cares. He just needs to be reminded of that. He needs a reason to truly live again. You can give him that reason.”

  I nodded slightly and didn't respond, if only so my mother could maybe change the subject. With so much at stake, I didn’t know if putting my trust in Standeval was a risk I was willing to take. If he was content with being a spectator for the inevitable showdown with Evolution, then so be it. My energy and attention were best served elsewhere.

  “Remember this, my son: a time will come when you must make a choice. It won’t be easy, but nothing in life ever is. Just know that I am with you. And you are never alone.”

  Chapter 34

  “How are you holding up?” Michael asked.

  Allison smiled. “I’m fine. This isn’t my first time on the run, you know. I may have to withdraw from this semester’s courses, but I’ll be alright.”

  “Yeah,” Michael acknowledged, recalling the circumstances in which they'd met only a few short months before. “I guess you’re right.”

  He slid in closer to Allison on the sofa and placed an arm around her.

  “I want you to come away with me.”

  Startled, she leaned away from him with a confused look.

  “Not right this second,” Michael said with a lighthearted laugh to try and reassure her. “When all this is over. I’m tired of this life and I want something different. Something more meaningful. I want to share that something with you.”

  “Wow.”

  Allison rose from the couch and started to pace the room slowly, wrenching her hands together. It was clear she was taken aback by Michael’s sudden request.

  “I don’t know… this is all so sudden.”

  “I understand your hesitance, but I know what I want.”

  “Do you? Because I think we may be rushing things just a little.”

  “I do.”

  Michael stood and approached her. His large frame towered over her. “There is no doubt in my mind.”

  Allison sighed. She knew her indecisiveness was frustrating to Michael.

  “This is about him, isn’t it?”

  “No—I don’t know,” Allison finally admitted. “This is all happening so fast.”

  Michael shook his head and tried to remain calm, but from the way his shoulders were starting to heave up and down, it was clear he was having difficulty with that task.

  “I’m sorry to put you through this, but it’s not easy for me.”

  “It’s not that simple for me, either. You’re the first woman I’ve ever let get close to me. Do you know what that means?”

  The sharp words tore at Allison’s heart and tears swelled in her eyes. She reached up and placed a hand on his chest softly, feeling the rhythmic pounding of his heart’s beat. Looking up at him, she couldn’t resist being lost in his dreamy eyes and handsome features for a moment.

  God, you’re so hot! she thought to herself. Why couldn't she just give in to her feelings for him?

  “I do know what it means, and trust me, it means a lot to me. I just need a little time to figure things out.”

  “And what am I supposed to do in the meantime? Sit here with my fingers crossed, hoping I’m the one you want?”

  “That’s not what I—,”

  “Don’t bother.”


  Actual steam billowed from Michael’s hands and underneath his shirt collar as he stormed out of the room. He was so angered, he didn’t even notice Charlie walking in the opposite direction and nearly knocked him over.

  “Hey, man, where’s the fire?”

  “Shove it!” Michael growled.

  Chapter 35

  I observed as Allison followed after Michael with a rather distraught look on her face. It was obvious there had been some sort of lover’s quarrel. I started after Michael myself, but then thought the better of it. Hey, not my problem, right?

  An awkward silence followed once she noticed me standing there.

  “Everything OK?” I asked.

  Allison brushed a tuft of hair back behind her ear. God, I used to love it when she did that. Who was I kidding—hell, it still gave me goosebumps!

  “Oh, hi Charlie,” she said with a frustrated exhale. “I’m fine. Just a misunderstanding that’s all.” She forced a smile, but I could tell it wasn’t genuine.

  “There appears to be a lot of that going on around here lately,” I joked.

  “I feel I should apologize,” she said with sincerity.

  “No, no,” I said, waving her off. “There’s no need.”

  “I can’t help but feel that I betrayed the friendship we had.”

  “I guess I was just under the impression we had more than that.”

  “You’re right. What we had, what we were working toward was something special and I’ll never forget it. You were always there for me.”

  “Except when I pulled you into this mess. And now look at us. You shouldn’t be the one apologizing. You don’t have anything to be sorry about.”

  “Yes, there is. I know how much you care for me and you’d do anything for me. That is the sweetest thing in the world. But my heart chose to go in a different direction.”