Chapter 15: The Crosses We Bare

Cole receives his osmosis crystals from Death. He meets with Justice, learning more about her powers, and the secret society within the NGP. She tells him he needs to meet an Ultra called Ktroll in order to learn more about himself.

The four men make their way back to the bunker’s entrance. The laser scans them up and down. Magi’s computerized voice chimes while the hydraulics open the door, “Welcome home boys. Sorry about what you’ll be walking into.”

“What do you mean Magi?” asks Blazer.

“You’ll see when you get inside.” sighs Magi.

They hop in the cart except for Rush. Instead he would rather run in stride with the cart, probably to show off. To Cole’s surprise the ride into the base feels like it does not take nearly as long as the first time. The first time he was so sleep deprived he had no sense of duration. As the men walk past the sliding glass door into the dome they discover something that takes them by surprise. Toxic and Death seem to be locked in quite a heated argument. Thunder is folding his arms leaning back on the wall just watching the show. Cake and Magi watch from the other side, waiting to see what happens.

“It’s not fair! None of it makes sense! Why does he get to join our group and live in here?” cries Toxic.

“I'm telling you for the last time! He’s shown more initiative than you have in your entire time here!”

“He hasn’t been here long enough to show any initiative or loyalty!”

“I’ve had enough of your insolence! You’ve done nothing but complain about the blessed life I gave you.”

“You think I’m blessed?! I was tortured by Justice! All I did was take some boots! Where was my protection then?! It was an eternity!”

“I gave those boots to him! You deserve everything you received!”

“He’s just the new guy! He doesn’t deserve anything!”

“You think you know better than me?! You think you can run this place?!”

Death picks up a potted fake plant throwing it at Toxic. Toxic dodges easily, but it’s the intent that hurts. The pot shatters against the dome wall.

Toxic wails, “I demand consequences for what happened to me! I demand repercussions for what Cole has been given! I’m not the only one who thinks this! There are others outside who agree with me and if you don’t do something about it then I will!”

Blazer calls out, “Gentlemen! What seems to be the issue?!”

Death’s furious face melts as his eyes settle on Cole. It’s as though he’s been presented with a weapon in this argument. A dagger to wound Toxic with.

“Cole! I’m so happy you’re here! I know what you want. You’re here for the payment I promised you. Yes, yes, six crystals of power.”

Cole steps forward cautious of what Toxic might do. Death continues, “Yes yes for you have earned these crystals. This is what happens to those that please me. Despite what Toxic may think, I’m giving these to you as your reward!”

Toxic growls, “This isn’t fair!”

Death pulls Cole over to the lounge, “Here, here just a moment. Please sit. Death pulls out of his left pocket a couple rings encrusted with black gems. He puts them on adding to the ones he already has on his fingers. Next he reaches into his right pocket pulling out a handful of assorted colorful crystals. He speaks aloud to no one in particular while rummaging through them with his finger, “Hmm, lets see here… Illusions, yes yes. No not that one. Fire, yes. Healing! Yes of course. He’ll definitely make use of that one.”

Death finishes selecting the crystals. He holds them in one hand, closing his eyes. The black crystals on his rings glow, the only way a black object can glow an even darker black. He holds his hand out to Cole beckoning him.

He drops six crystals into his palm, “Here you go my lad. I’ve filled each of these up for you. Each crystal has a unique ability that you can tap into whenever you need. Use them wisely. Remember this is what I give to those who please me, those who follow my rules.” Death sends a powerful glance over to Toxic. Toxic screams curses as he storms into the barracks hallway.

Death recounts the crystals to Cole, “First this yellow orange crystal. This will grant you the ability to see through illusions. Some of the Ultras here can really mess with you. If in doubt, use this and it might get you out of a bind. This muddy forest green? Yes this will give you the ability to create a force field. This next one I chose having a fond memory of our introduction. This red one will give you the ability to control fire, fire from your inner core. This other red one will give you super speed like Rush. Now I know they are both red, so don’t go mixing them up and using the wrong power by accident. This yellow one is one of my favorites. Creation of matter by thought. Finally, I can’t go giving you all these powers without the ability to quickly heal yourself. The turquoise one.”

Everyone in the room huddles around looking at the crystals. They each glance at each other just nodding as though they were expressing ‘Yep he got a pretty sweet deal.’ Death quickly dismisses Cole, “Now you have everything you need? Good, now please I have to attend to other matters.” Death shoots a fiery glare at everyone else before hissing, “What are you all looking at?!”

With that the room scatters to their rooms except for Blazer. Blazer tugs on Cole’s arm, “Let’s get out of here, I’ll take you to Justice.” They jump into the cart unceremoniously. In an instant Cole finds himself accelerating away from the awkward scene.

Blazer cheers, “You made out with a pretty sweet take! Just think of the possibilities!”

“Ya I guess so! Hmm, quick healing I definitely know how to use. Then the red one for flames, and the other for super speed. Oh no, is it this one? Ahhh! I’ve already mixed up the red ones!”

“You did?! He just told you not to mix them up!”

“Maaan! I know what to do! If I ever have to use them I’ll just use both at the same time!”

“There’s a good idea.”

The cart comes to a stop. Cole exits outside spinning with the possibilities of how and when he should use his crystals. He checks his pocket for any holes before securely placing the crystals inside.

“So where is her place?” questions Cole.

“Not too far away. She’s just down this path over here. I have to say it’s not every day that someone is so eager to find Justice.”

“Ya I’m not overly excited about it myself.”

Within moments the two arrive at Justice’s door. Her place has much more finesse than the rest of the haphazard buildings in the encampment. Her walls are tall and strong made of granite, seemingly from the same materials found in making the bunker. The roof is stone, and no windows can be seen at all. It’s a small granite fortress.

I guess she doesn’t need the sunlight.

The doors are intricately carved out of granite. They depict a beautifully hand carved image of the iconic lady justice blindfolded and holding her scale and sword. Across the top an etched message, ‘To Go To A Judge Is To Go To Justice, For The Ideal Judge Is, Justice Personified’

Blazer reaches up next to the scale where a small hole the size of a fist can be found carved into the door. Inside he rings a bell that echoes inside the chamber. The door is opened by two beautiful women dressed in white togas, one blonde, the other ebony. Inside is dark, dimly lit by a few flame torches. It looks as a cavern but it’s as warm as a sauna. The greeters smile, taking Cole by the arms. The blonde one speaks to Blazer in a hushed voice, “Thank you for delivering Cole. Justice has been expecting him. You may go now.”

He replies in a somewhat envious voice, “Sure sure, I guess I’ll just be on my way. Don’t get into too much trouble now Cole. Ah what am I saying of course you will.”

The greeters close the door then guide Cole to a couch. Inside it is still quite dark. The place is filled with dimly lit long drapery and red cloth. The two women sit next to Cole tempting him with grapes. They smile trying to tease him. He eats a few before starting in with his standard awkward line of questioning, “Ehh, so I guess Justice lives here?”

“Yes I do.” calls Justice navigating her way through the hallway. She walks with her arms extended, feeling her way to Cole. “You can leave now.” she says to the women.

They leave gracefully waving to Cole cutely. Cole notices something different about Justice this time. She’s not wearing a blind fold, and more importantly it appears as though she’s looking at him. Directly in his eyes. Though, she’s still walking awkwardly having to feel her way. Cole questions, “I thought you were blind?”

“Indeed I am. Blind as a bat.”

“It’s just, sorry it’s strange, but you are looking right at me. Like you can see me. It just made me think you could see for a moment.”

“That’s because I can see you.”

“You can?”

“Yes, now that I’ve judged you, I can see you, but not anything else. It’s part of my power. Most people don’t know but I have more abilities than just judging one’s soul. Ever since I peered into your soul I can see you now. Well, it’s more like I can now see your inner self. I’m still physically blind, but now I can see through your eyes as well.”

“Through, my eyes?”

“Yes. There are those who have been deemed pure enough, worthy enough to hold the cross. You are one of them. Through those people I now have the ability to see through their eyes. So I’m not completely blind, you see?”

“What?! You are looking through my eyes?! You didn’t even ask me first!”

Justice giggles, “Don’t worry. It doesn’t work that way. If you don’t want me to see what you see, you’ll naturally block my vision. Though as long as you are ok with it you will be my eyes.”

Cole’s cross materializes around his neck. He holds it up inspecting it. It’s dainty and glossy white. It’s edges have been rounded and polished.

I swear I’ve seen this material before. I just can’t remember!

“This cross is part of your power?” asks Cole.

“Yes it is.”

“I don’t understand, what’s the importance of the cross?”

“Like I said before, Only God and I can judge you. This symbol is a symbol from God.”

“After everything that’s happened, you still believe in God?”

“Yes, if not more. Just because everything has changed doesn’t mean I have to lose my faith. You shouldn’t lose yours either.”

“I don’t know I guess I’m just surprised you can still hold on to such an old

world belief.”

“My dear Cole. You still have such a long journey in front of you. Your view of this world is still so limited. Are things starting to make sense yet? They should, events are already unfolding. As for the cross itself, it protects us, allows us to become closer to each other.”

“The cross sure does seem magical. It keeps appearing and disappearing on me, or random people.”

“The cross has many mystical properties. Interesting fact, most of the crosses don’t actually exist. The only real one is on my neck. The rest are illusions produced by my power.”

“Crazzzay...”

“You’re right, some people can’t see it, and some can. Though it isn’t random. It’s only visible to those deemed worthy. Those worthy enough for a cross will be able to see other’s crosses. Those no longer worthy will lose it and the abilities that come with it. The cross is special for its innate ability to show itself when needed, presenting itself in times of uncertainty. Now you can be sure, if you see someone with a cross, you’ll know you can trust that person and their intentions wholeheartedly.”

“Blazer, Rush, and Kid have crosses. I saw them wearing them.”

“That means you can trust them. Even if they were lying to you, or keeping secrets, you’ll know that their intentions are pure.”

“Does that mean I can’t trust anyone without a cross?”

“Just because someone doesn’t have a cross doesn’t mean they are bad. It just means they haven’t passed my test yet. Actually most people don’t want to take the test. They’re not sure they can pass and it’s not worth the risk of judgement.”

“What is, judgement? Why are people so terrified?”

“It depends on each person. How easily they can come to terms with what they’ve done. How soon they can see the errors of their ways and actually learn from it. They have to come to terms on their own. For some they are incapable of finding fault in themselves. If that happens, those cases can end in death. For example I judged Toxic recently. Just over some dumb boots! He was stubborn, refused to back down, refused to see the error of his ways.”

“It looked like he was in so much pain!”

“He was, it was unbearable to watch. He spent too much in his hell. I couldn’t take it so I stopped the judgment early. I didn’t want him to die over some boots but he just could not see the error of his ways! He could not come to peace with himself. If I had continued he might have completed judgement, but I couldn't take the risk of him dying.”

“I think you did the right thing. Before coming here I saw Death and Toxic arguing about it. Toxic seemed pretty angry about the whole situation. You might want to watch your back.”

“Perhaps, perhaps not… Either way I’m not scared of him. But today is not about me or Toxic. Today is about helping you.”

“Yes! This world is so confusing! I don’t know what I’m supposed to do or why I’m here.”

“It was important that I got to speak with you. Now that you understand my power you’ll understand how to use it in the coming days. The reason I wanted you to keep the cross a secret until you reached me is because we have a secret society. Those with the cross are part of the secret inner circle.”

“What kind of secret society?”

“Have you noticed? There’s something wrong with this place. The NGP. Death. Many of us want out. We want the truth. It’s more important than ever that we remain a secret.”

“I’ve noticed the missing posters, and the ogres, Death. I have bad vibes about all of them.”

“People are going missing more often. Now even Ultras. Where’s your Tattoo? The mark that initiated you into the New Generation Pirates?”

“He never gave it to me.”

“That doesn't make sense. He requires that tattoo.”

“It was really strange actually. I told him no. He took my hand and was going to force it on me. When I yelled it was like he went into some sort of trance. Then afterwards he started talking like he already gave it to me.”

“I too never received the mark. He was too afraid to touch me, to be judged. You’re lucky, we haven’t figured out the why or the full truth yet, but those tattoos are evil. We’ve been stuck just letting things play out.”

“I know Gaze told me. He uses those tattoos to siphon the powers from everyone who has them.”

“Then you understand how powerful he is.”

“It’s hard to wrap my head around. Is Gaze part of this inner circle?”

“Yes she is.”

“She told me things…”

“Things?”

“She told me about how we are the same person from different dimensions. About how Cain is coming for us, and about how she doesn’t trust Death as he’s somehow involved. That he probably killed the people in the bunker. She told me about how she thinks that Cain can’t step in out of fear of the demon.”

“Why would Death work with Cain? There is much uncertainty. It feels as though everything is coming to a head, and it’s time we figure out what’s happening to the missing people. People are scared. We are in danger.”

“On top of everything I’m still feeling like I’m missing a part of myself. I just don’t feel complete! I don’t know how to describe it.”

“I would like to try and figure out what’s going on inside you. Would you let me try another reading on you, a more focused reading? It’s amazing that I’ve looked into your soul twice and have yet to see what you’re missing.”

Cole scratches his face nervously, “Uuuhh, I mean, I’ll let you, but, I don’t want you to see something you don’t want to see.”

“You mean with Gaze? Yes, I’ve heard.”

“You have?!”

“It’s very interesting that you two are so attracted to each other. She said it was a very strange, and powerful experience. That you two have a physical pull, a connection that seems to transcend time and space.”

“Wow she told you all that?”

That’s better than what I thought she’d say.

“Gaze is my friend. Don’t worry that’s not something my power would press into. There’s no guilt there.”

The already dim room turns even darker. Cole recognizes the feeling, it seems he’s already entered her spell. She reaches out with her hand beckoning Cole. Justice whispers, “I don’t understand… I can see you, your soul, but I’m not allowed to part of it. No it’s not that I’m not allowed, it’s more like it has yet to be discovered.”

Frustrated, Justice pushes harder. She finds a red wooden door nested deep in Cole’s psyche. She turns the handle but it’s locked.

“Cole, this is your door, maybe it will open for you?”

Cole opens the door effortlessly. For a moment they see an endlessly white land but again are forced back by white flames. The door slams shut, kicking them out and simultaneously ending the reading. Justice gasps for air covered in sweat.

“I just can’t do it. I think I’ve reached the limit of what my power can do.” she pants.

“That door… There was something there. We were on the right path. I could feel it!”

Justice stands up reaching a resolution in her mind, “Just as I thought. Again the same problem. We’re lucky you didn’t receive a tattoo because now I can take you into the forest. It’s time for you to meet some other people that can help. One man in particular named Ktroll. He’s known for helping many youngling Ultras tap into their hidden powers. I think he can open the door to your subconscious, to find that deeper something within you.”

“My subconscious. Interesting...”

“Then it’s decided, it’s time, tonight! Tonight I’ll take you to the heart of the revolution, to The Enlightened Ones, to Ktroll. It’s time you learn everything we know.”

“I’ve heard of them, they live in the forest. I talked with a few of them right before coming here. Very mysterious. They said if I tried to look for them that I wouldn’t be able to find them. Even Blazer said they’ve explored the forest and they never found anything in there. How are we supposed to find them?”

“It’s easy once you know the secrets.” she says with a smirk.