Questions and Fathers

The A-men: Furnace

Questions and Fathers

Proverbs 19:18 

Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death.

Since the series has begun, the A-men have formed and grown one member larger. They have witnessed the growth of the demons and have gained a leader. The enemy’s plan is shrouded in mystery and the A-men have no way of finding out what it is. Fortunately God looks out for His children. The battle continues today.

 

Wondercare Hospital: Same day

                Kimora wasn’t at all happy about seeing her nemesis. She was even more upset that Sasha was missing and that Nabal was most likely the culprit. She wasn’t interested in any small talk. She needed answers and she needed answers now. “Where is he Nabal?” Kimora demanded.

                “Now Wisdom there is no one around. Why waste your time with our petty disguises. You may as well call me by my real name.” She answered.

                “Alright then Folly. Where is Sasha!?” Wisdom said.

                “You never were one for conversations were you? I would think that after two months you would actually have something to say to me. Why can’t we just get along?” Folly asked.

                “I don’t have time for your games. Tell what I want to know now!” Wisdom said.

                “There’s something you have to understand old friend. Things are always going to be complex. There are a lot of things you don’t know. Sasha is a huge part of it. If I tell you where he is then that would spoil the surprise and I hate spoiling surprises. How about you just wait and see.” Then Folly jumped up and disappeared.

                “You can attempt to escape Folly, but you can’t deceive me forever. I’ll unravel whatever it is you are up to just as I always do.” Then Wisdom made her way back through the labyrinth of a hospital. Unbeknownst to her, Folly was watching her the entire time.

                For reasons unknown Folly enjoyed watching Wisdom. It brought her great joy. Wisdom Woman was always forty steps ahead of her. It made her feel better that for once she was one step ahead of Wisdom. Now all she had to do was sit back and watch her rival squirm while she continued with her evil schemes.

                Kimora walked down the steps and through the hallway until she finally got back to the room that the rest of her team was being held in. David was starting to get up. It was good to know that he was feeling better. Kimora saw Rex sitting next to him. He was still out cold. Kimora knew that he was the one that she needed to heal now. She started the process with Rex. Without a constant flow of memories distracting her, Kimora was able to heal Rex in a few minutes. Rex wouldn’t wake up immediately. His body still needed to rest a little while longer but at least it was mended.

Kimora left the room and went into the one that was directly next to it. She saw Gabriel and Malachi laid out. She took a moment to reflect on them. She was never worried about dealing with Folly because she could always outsmart her. On top of that Folly’s energy didn’t hurt Wisdom much at all. The angels and humans were in so much danger though. Just one hit was enough to hospitalize them. If they were going to continue battling Folly then they were going to need to revise their strategy big time. With that in mind she went to heal Gabriel and then she healed Malachi.

                She started to feel weak. It took a lot out of her to expel Folly from anyone. Now she was the one who was going to need to recover. Then she suddenly realized something. Her enemy never left. She was watching her and trying to remain incognito. She was failing.

                “It is time to come out Folly. I already know you are there.” Wisdom said.

                Folly emerged from the shadows. “Well I guess I never really have been able to hide from you. I should’ve made my escape while I could.”

                “What was your reason for staying? What are you up to Folly?” Wisdom asked.

                “I need to get you involved in the game. Now that I have your full attention we can continue.” Folly looked at Gabriel and Malachi who were already starting to stir. “Of course you never know what could happen to them while you are gone.”

                “Is that a threat?” Wisdom asked.

                “I don’t know Wisdom. Is it a threat?” Folly started to laugh.

                “I’m not laughing Folly. I want to know everything you are planning and I want to know now. If you don’t tell me, things will not end well for you.” Wisdom said.

                Folly turned around and started to make her way toward the window. She waved her hand and the window opened. She ran toward it and jumped out. Instead of plummeting to the ground she simply floated in place. Then she looked at Wisdom again. “Alright Wisdom you are certainly convincing. If you want the truth, follow me and I will give it to you.”

                Wisdom started to follow Folly and then thought of one thing. “Gabriel and the others better be ok when I get back or I am going to be in a very bad mood.” Then Wisdom Woman watched Folly fly away and soon started to follow her. She knew that Folly was simply sending her on a wild goose chase but she had to pursue her. It was the only way she would be able to find out what happened to Sasha.

                Nearby the hospital was an approaching figure. He was a tall well built man. He looked a lot like someone that was already on the A-men’s team but his hair was longer that the other ones. He didn’t look particularly happy. In fact he looked like he was afraid. He was moving toward the hospital rather slowly. At times he would completely stop moving altogether. The closer he got toward the hospital the more he felt like turning around and going home. He didn’t know what he was going to have to be prepared for. After all the last time the two had met, things had not gone well at all.

                “Don’t worry Rex my son. I am here to fix things.” Then Rex’s father continued to walk toward the hospital. He tried to think about the person that gave him the idea to go there anyway. She had shown up so randomly in his life but she only said two completely life changing words.

                “Fix things.”

                That is why William had to be here now. If he didn’t fix things, he may not ever get such an opportunity again. He didn’t want his son going anywhere with any of his anger and rage stuck in his heart.

 

Wondercare Hospital

                Back at the hospital Gabriel and Malachi started to wake up. Since they were angels their bodies recovered from Folly’s attacks much sooner. Gabriel started to look around suspiciously. While he was still unable to open his eyes, he heard Wisdom Woman talking. He found it strange that Wisdom was suddenly gone. Naturally he decided to ask Malachi.

                “Did you hear Wisdom in here earlier?” Gabriel asked.

                “I thought I heard something but it sounded more like Folly than it did like Wisdom.” Malachi said.

                Then Gabriel saw the open Window. The ominous breeze was all of the sign he needed to put a situation together. Since Malachi claimed that he heard Folly it was rather obvious what happened. Folly and Wisdom had both been in the room and for whatever reason they had both left. Gabriel was sure that Wisdom could handle Folly alone but it could never hurt to have a little back up. Although he knew that someone needed to stay at the hospital to watch over the other two members of the team that were still unconscious.

                “Malachi I need you to stay here and watch Rex and David. I’m moving to the spiritual realm so that I can help Wisdom Woman. I don’t know how long I’m going to be gone so just make sure you don’t leave them alone.”

                “This is just a normal hospital. What is the worst that could happen?” Malachi asked.

                “Do you even remember who Akita was?” Gabriel asked and then he left.

                Malachi caught on to the subtle insult but Gabriel was already gone. The only thing Malachi could do was exactly what he was told to do. He left his room and went to the one next to it. Rex was still unconscious the way he expected him to be. David was moving around a little bit. He stayed and watched them for a few minutes and then he started to question why he was just waiting. He decided to leave the room. He was just going to get some fresh air and then he would be right back. Before he even reached the end of the hall he saw the error of his ways. Walking toward him was an old familiar face. Malachi considered turning around and running back for his room. Then he came to the conclusion that if William was showing his face, he must have had a good reason.

                “William Eugene Andrews, I haven’t seen you in quite some time.” Malachi said.

                “Oh hello Malachi. I was told by someone that my son was here. Is he hurt?” William asked.

                “I’m guessing that woman was Kimora?” Malachi asked.

                “No I didn’t know her at all. When she told me though I had to come make sure he was alright. Where is he?”

                “He’s right down the hall resting. Kimora already came in and tended to his injuries. I suggest you leave. You are one of the last faces he is going to want to see. He’s already angry at me for what happened between the two of us. If he sees us together again he is just going to get angrier.” Malachi turned his back on William.”

                “Just let me go in for a minute. If he is still asleep then I won’t bother him.” William said.

                Malachi thought about it for a moment. He knew it was right and he knew he had to do what was right. “Fine but make it fast. I don’t need Rex with any additional reasons to be angry with me.”

Malachi walked with William back to the room where they saw David. He was up and out of his bed doing pushups. He finally looked up and saw William. That made him jump to his feet in concern. “Why are you here?”

 

 

Unknown Location: At the same time

                Folly wasn’t flying at her usual speeds and Wisdom could tell. Wisdom never found herself unable to catch Folly but she had experienced difficulties keeping up. Today for some reason Folly was slacking. It was as if she wanted to be caught. Wisdom knew that it meant a definite trap. Unfortunately she had no choice but to continue following Folly no matter where it led her.

                “I know what you are up to Folly.” Wisdom said.

                “Trust me old friend. For the first time ever, you do not.” Then Folly suddenly stopped in mid air. Wisdom almost ran into her but she was able to stop in time.

                “A sudden stop? This must be where the trap is set.” Wisdom said.

                “Do you really think I was trying to trap you? Wisdom you are far too smart for me to try and trick. It never hap- think fast!” Folly formed a pink ball of energy and chucked it at Wisdom. Wisdom effortlessly knocked it to the side. “See Wisdom? The wise always beat the foolish. So why would I try to set a trap for you.”

                “This isn’t making me drop my guard. You already know why I followed you out here so tell me what it is I want to know. Tell me where Sasha is!”

                “Despite all of the things going on, you would be concerned with this one person? He is the pawn in a much greater plan. All this time you have been claiming your small victories while in fact, it is you all who have been playing into our hands all along. We have been pulling the strings secretly since you enlisted Blake so many years ago. We both know that good ideas can never be rushed. That’s why we have spent so long trying to anticipate every crucial detail.”

                “As always you missed some things. I can tell when you have honestly failed, I’ve witnessed it way too often. So tell what it is that your brilliant plan did not account for. Where exactly are the kinks?”

                “The kinks are some of those who are still alive that we thought for sure would have been dealt with by now. For example Rex and David were both supposed to be gone. Satan had supposedly handled David the first time Rex ever fought him and William was meant to kill Rex. Unfortunately David somehow miraculously survived and William was too weak to do what was necessary.”

                “So you are distressed due to failure. Did you really think you could just get in the way of the Master’s plan? This is why you are always going to be doomed to fail. We are on the winning side while you are stuck following the one who is destined to lose.” Wisdom said.

                “You know I can’t argue with you there. I don’t act out of a twisted delusion of being successful in the end. However we have not reached the end and until we do I will always be around to torture you. You have absolutely no idea what is waiting for you. As I said before, we have been preparing since you all found Blake. You were so relieved when you stopped Darkness but in reality he just played his part. He moved into hiding and only operated in small ways. That way he was very much a present danger but all of the angels over looked him.” Folly said.

                “I admit I did take my eyes off of him. You have always been my enemy and you are who I am to defeat. But then again you already knew that.” Wisdom said.

                “Of course I did. Why do you think my work suddenly increased so much in the physical realm? You can’t help but come to these pitiful humans’ rescue. SOUL couldn’t survive without you which I knew so once you were out of the picture, the rest was just a matter of keeping you out of the picture. Then of course there was Prodigal. Every time you found a new hero all we had to do was answer with a new villain. It would be counterproductive to kill any of them immediately. That would provoke an immediate response. So instead we constantly gave up chances to crush you all. Of course as I said before there were exceptions that we thought needed to be dealt with as soon as they showed their faces but we can live with a few minor setbacks. Your small victories are nothing compared to what we have been doing all along.”

                “So what exactly is Sasha’s role in your grand scheme?” Wisdom asked.

                “Now Wisdom, you can’t expect me to reveal everything right now. Although I assure you that Sasha is going to be quite indispensible. You might as well put him out of your mind because you aren’t going to be seeing him for a while. When next the two of you meet, the A-men will be long since defeated. Until then you should focus on other things. Right about now is when things get interesting.” Folly started to laugh.

                Wisdom came to a horrific realization. She would never be able to make any progress with Folly right now. Folly did indeed set a trap for her. The trap was simply to make her think she was getting somewhere. In the end she was simply telling her just enough to keep her interested. This meant that somewhere right now, the team was in trouble.

                “I can see the look on your face Wisdom. I guess that means you have discovered why you are here. As I said before you are too smart for me to set a trap for you. However that doesn’t stop me from trying anyway.” Then a portal of fire opened in front of Folly. A squad of demons, all heavily armed piled out. “I hope you find a way out of this. I would most definitely like you to be around later when all of this comes together.” Then Folly flew through her portal and escaped when it closed.

 

Wondercare Hospital: the confrontation

                David didn’t know what to do in the situation he was in. It wouldn’t be right to tell William to get lost but he didn’t want to cause conflict. If Rex woke up to the sight of his father in the room then he might actually lose his mind. David absolutely hated making decisions like this. It was basically the choice between his friend and what was right. He decided to play it safe before anything else.

                “What are you doing here?” David asked.

                “I’m here to see my son. I heard he was hurt. I need to make sure he is alright.” William answered.

                “Kimora took care of him. All he needs is rest.” David moved away from William as he spoke.

                “That’s good I suppose.” William said.

                David turned and looked at him. He felt slightly sympathetic but also had bad memories. William had attempted to hang him just a year earlier. He had also attempted to murder his best friend just to clear his conscious. It was right to forgive but would it be wrong to need time? “Listen Mr. Andrews. Obviously history between everyone here is rather stressed. You came here to make sure Rex was ok and now that you have done that, maybe it would be in your best interest to leave now.”

                “I agree with David. You have caused enough trouble already. Allow me to escort you out.” Malachi said.

                David could tell by looking at William’s face that he didn’t want to leave. It looked like he wasn’t going to go without a fight. “That is my son laying there unconscious and you expect me to leave?” William pushed past David but was blocked by Malachi. He realized that he wouldn’t be able to get past both of them so he began to walk out.

                “Since when have you ever cared about your son’s well being?” The voice was familiar but it was neither David nor Malachi who had spoken. William turned around and saw his son straining to sit up. “Because the last time I checked, attempted murder doesn’t qualify as any type of well being.”

                Although William was happy his son was awake, he knew that things only got complicated from here. “That is part of the reason I came here. I know things didn’t happen the way they should have but you have to understand where I came from.”

                Rex rolled his eyes. He wanted to get up and hit his father but he was still recovering from his physical and emotional pain. “I don’t care where you came from. I grew up never knowing who you truly were. I watched my mother die while you were off who knows where. Then when I finally find you, all you can do is attack me as though I am some type of monster to you. I was your own son.”

                “I was desperate then. Folly had quite the plan put together and everyone was going to die. She had my ideals completely screwed up and schemed to make sure that they stayed that way. I know what I did was wrong but I’m here to make up for it.”

                “I don’t know what kind of person you think I am but I don’t just forget about things like that. You can explain and rationalize all you want but it isn’t going to change anything. I don’t want to have anything to do with you.” Rex laid down and turned his back on his father.

                William felt terrible. He thought that meeting that mysterious woman was a sign from God that he should come see his son. Now he was considering the possibility that he was wrong. If Rex really didn’t want anything to do with him, the maybe it was time for him to leave. “Fine I’m not going to waste your time anymore. Although if you ever do reconsider, I won’t be hard to find.”

                As William was walking out the door, another woman rushed in. She was distressed and stuttering. She brushed right past William and went straight to Malachi. At first she could not be understood but Malachi eventually calmed her down. David recognized the woman as Tracy Rodgers, otherwise known as the angel Ananchel. Once she was speaking clearly, David noticed that there was hesitation in her voice. It was if she was choosing what she wanted to say carefully. Then she abruptly started talking in another language entirely. He had no idea what words were being said but he could identify the tongue. Malachi and Ananchel were speaking Lwgna-Laitselec, more commonly referred to as the language of the angels. The only reason he could figure that they would speak like this was because they were discussing something that they didn’t want human ears to hear. Malachi and Ananchel both looked at David several times during their conversation.  He assumed that whatever they were talking about directly involved him. After a few minutes of conversation, Ananchel departed. Malachi now looked worried himself.

                “What’s wrong?” David asked.

                “Hatred is close by and he is looking for William apparently. We have to go confront him.” Malachi answered.

                David got the sense that Malachi wasn’t telling him everything that he had just discussed with Ananchel but for now he did not have time to argue. He looked at William who already had a determined stare. David didn’t even need to ask if he was coming or not. Then he heard Rex struggling to get up. He might not have been able to stop William but he could definitely stop Rex. “Don’t even get up Rex. We have this under control. You need to stay here and rest.”

                Rex got angry quickly. “Don’t even think about telling me what to do. I’m going and that is final.” Rex took a few steps and then stumbled. He knew that he wasn’t in the best of conditions but he also knew that fighting the enemy was his job, and he didn’t plan on taking a vacation any time soon.

                As David and Rex argued, William came to a completely different conclusion than the rest of them. “Both of you need to be quiet because neither of you are going. Malachi said that Hatred was after me. I have no idea why but it is up to me to go find out. Since it doesn’t concern any of you, there is no reason for you to endanger yourselves. I will handle this.” Then William left.

                David didn’t see any point in continuing the conversation since William had just basically decided that he was going alone. Rex also stopped talking. Then he asked David to help him get back to the bed because he was feeling wobbly. David came over to assist him and as soon as he was within reach, Rex knocked him out. Malachi looked on in shock. He wasn’t sure if getting in Rex’s way was a good idea or not. “Listen Malachi, I’m only going to say this once. Get out of my way or you will end up like David.”

                Malachi knew that in his present condition, Rex would not stand a chance against him. However he came to the conclusion that someone needed to go help William and Rex might be the best candidate. So he simply nodded in agreement and let Rex walk past him. Then he tended to David. He picked him up and carried him to a bed. “You’ll be fine David. Now hopefully we’ll be able to say the same for Rex and his father.”

 

Unknown location: Wisdom Woman

                The demons were closing in fast and Wisdom was starting to get upset. She wasn’t a fighter by any means and she didn’t plan on turning into one now. She could simply out fly the monsters. As she was about to take off, the first demon charged at her with its claws raised high. She dodged the swing effortlessly but she wasn’t ready for the backlash. The demon brought another claw across her face. Wisdom was shocked when she felt a burning sensation. She could see pink smoke coming from her face. It was the type of cut that only Folly could deliver.

                “I can see you are surprised. Folly had us dip all of our claws and weapons into her pool back at the base. A small portion of her energy is encased in each of them. It might not be enough to kill you but it’s enough to hurt you.”

                Wisdom closed her eyes for a moment and then new gold covered the scar and instantly she was healed. “No it is not.” Then Wisdom blew golden powder from her mouth toward her assailants. All of the weapons they carried and their claws exploded before them. They all cried out in pain. “In case you were wondering, I did just fight back. The powder has the ability to destroy small portions of Folly’s energy. Since you dipped your claws and weapons in it, you are now completely unarmed. This is the price you pay for confronting me. It was not wise at all.”

                The demons started to run in the opposite direction. Wisdom wasn’t going to bother chasing them because there was absolutely no point. Then she saw each of them drop one by one. They were being plunged by arrows and each demon was crumbing into black dust upon death. She looked up and saw Gabriel. “I see you couldn’t resist following.”

                “Well I came because I thought you might be in danger. I should have known better.” Gabriel said.

                “Do not trouble yourself. I appreciate the company. I just wish this trip had been more productive. I didn’t learn anything about Sasha this entire time. All I know is that he is somehow vital to Folly’s knew plot.”

                “If she wasn’t going to tell you anything important, then why did she bother dragging you all the way out here? She could have messed with your mind while you were still at the hospital.”

                “I suspect that she wanted to ensure that I was the only one who heard. I also believe that she wanted to get me away from the others. That is why we need to hurry back.  Excuse me if you are unable to keep up but I must go now. Our team could be in serious danger.” Then Wisdom Woman took off at full speed.

 

Spirit Realm: same time

                Hatred waited patiently for his enemies to arrive. It took a while but he finally smelled the stench of humans. He turned around and saw the Devil Chaser and his father. He smiled and attempted to greet them. “Hello men. It’s about time you showed up.” Hatred stood to his feet. He started to approach the two. “Well Chaser I didn’t expect you to bring your father. Are you two working together now?”

                Chaser charged at Hatred and punched him in the jaw. “Shut-up! We are two completely different beings who just so happen to be involved in the same thing, but there is nothing between us.” William’s face was one of clear pain but he wasn’t about to bring that up. There were too many important things going on right now.

                Hatred didn’t feel anything. “I thought you learned from our last encounter. You can’t hurt me so long as you are attacking strictly out of hostility. And now that I have the two of you together, I can proceed with my instructions.” Hatred tackled Chaser and grabbed his face. His hand started to glow red and Chaser started to feel the burn of his palm. He cried out in pain. “Come now it could be a lot worse. You should know I had other things in mind. However since this worked so well last time, you are just going to have to face it again.”

                Hatred was so engrossed in his victim that he failed to watch both of them. William came from behind him and stabbed his leg. Unlike Chaser’s attack, it was actually effective. Since he was fighting to protect someone else, he could hurt Hatred. He didn’t expect his enemy to take it like it was nothing though. “You had to feel something from that.”

                “You are pretty bold to attack me like that. I would fight back but I have a better idea. Your son should be able to handle my business for me.” The Hatred let Chaser go. William was shocked when he saw his son get to his feet. He looked at him but he wasn’t the same. His eyes were blackened and he was practically foaming at the mouth. He looked like a puma that was ready to pounce.

                “Are you alright son?” William asked.

                Chaser answered by lunging at him. He tackled his father and started punching his face. William was able to get him off but he couldn’t slow him down. Chaser clipped him and continued his assault. Hatred looked on with a satisfied look. He knew that Chaser was going to finish his father off. He had brought so many negative memories and feelings to heart, that there was no way Chaser would be able to resist it. All was going well until Hatred looked up and saw what looked like a golden being flying in. It was revealed to be Wisdom Woman and Gabriel was not far behind.

                “Hatred release him!” Wisdom Woman demanded.

                Hatred stood his ground. “Wisdom Woman, you know as well as I do that he isn’t my prisoner. I simply showed him the cons of his father. If he chose to attack him, it’s because he wants to and nothing more.”

                Wisdom Woman flew over to Chaser and pulled him off of William. “You need to calm down now!” Wisdom signaled Gabriel who flew to her. “Gabriel I need you to take Chaser away from here. I can’t expel the hate right now and if he stays, William might be in serious trouble.” Gabriel agreed and grabbed Chaser. It was hard to hold him because he was trying with all of his might to break free, but Gabriel was able to get him away. Once they were gone, Hatred addressed the two that were still present.

                “Well done Wisdom Woman. You ruined our plans. William was supposed to die today but I guess we will have to wait a little longer to see our plans meet with success. The day is yours but this is not over.” Then Hatred opened his escape portal and ran through. He was gone before Wisdom could catch him. She helped William up.

                “Thanks Wisdom. I don’t know what might have happened to me if you had not arrived.” William said.

                “You probably would have died. Fortunately we got here in time. Obviously I’m going to need to speak with your son. His anger shouldn’t be this powerful. I wish I knew more about what Hatred and the others were planning but I don’t have much to work with right now. Perhaps our team will benefit from the presence of one who experienced Hatred’s attack first hand.” Wisdom Woman extended her arm for William to shake.

                William turned away. “I appreciate you coming to save me, and I like knowing that you would accept me but I can’t take your offer. Until I can work things out with my son, it won’t be in the best interest of anyone for us to be too close to each other for too long. But hopefully we will settle this issue one day and I will be able to join your crusade. In the mean time, if you ever need any help you can find me easily.”

                Before Wisdom could let William leave, she had to figure out one more thing. “I’ve been thinking. I was really surprised to see you here especially since it has been a year since anyone has heard from you. What made you come back?”

                William looked like he was trying to remember a distant memory. “She didn’t say much to me. She just told me that my son was hurt so I rushed to the nearest hospital in hopes that he would be there. I believe her name was Wesisa.” Then William left.

                Wisdom was caught off guard. It was now apparent that there was a much larger scheme in the making and she did not yet know enough about it to bring it to an end. However she knew that eventually she was going to discover Folly’s plans and she was going to stop her, no matter what it took. Now she needed to get back to her team.

 

 

Demon Headquarters: Unknown location

                Hatred walked the twisting hallways until he found who he was looking for. Folly was sitting in a room by herself waiting for someone to tell her something she wanted to hear. Hatred knew that he had to enter properly or he would still suffer. “I do not mean to interrupt but I have returned. We were completely successful.”

                Folly smiled. “That is excellent news. Now that the seed has been planted, it will only be a matter of time before their entire meager resistance is brought to its knees. Isn’t that right?” Folly asked.

Surprisingly she wasn’t talking to Hatred. She was speaking to someone else who was already in the room with her. Dishearten stepped out of the shadows with none other than Sasha chained up around his arm. “”Of course Folly. None of them will ever be able to stop us. We are going to destroy them and Sasha is going to help us do it!”