Pandora's Kiss: Timeless Love

1

Quyen

Present Day

Ibolted down a dim alleyway, known locally as Traveler’s Alley, at my fastest pace. My breath, when I could catch it, escaped my body in burning puffs. I was a thinker, not a runner, which was evident because my lungs were a hair away from bursting into flames and fire wasn’t even my element. I was a water man, but that was under the bridge at the moment—which I would have preferred. My escape would have been less taxing than running through the urban areas of Richmond in the dark.

Wishing for a better situation would not change matters. I could not stop. Not until I shook my pursuers.

My kingdom for a levitation spell.

Except all magic use was out whether it be spells or concentrated applications such as active powers. The most powerful practitioners could use active powers and perform magic without the use of a spell, however, all of us could use spells. I wanted Obscura as blind as possible during my escape.

Obscura employed witches and wizards more so than mundane security. They would expect magic, not mechanical ingenuity. Their lack of diverse thought is why I and several others could slide into their stronghold, take some of the ancient tomes, and then destroy the rest. It would take them months to audit what we took versus what we ruined.

I cataloged as much as I could of the destroyed items for my collection. It was wasteful to destroy the ancient magic, but Obscura was too dangerous. We couldn’t allow them to continue with their world domination plans.

I could not, anyway.

Matt Wesley, the Grand Magister, was my issue. With him, it was personal. I knew his personality and capability. He was my best friend before he turned against me and became a megalomaniac. I should have seen when his path turned dark. All of the signs were there when I thought back on it—the obsession with government, power, and the lack of compassion for mundanes. It was my fault for trusting him.

A flood of light shined fifty feet in front of me. I skidded to a halt just inside the umbra of the bright halo, then hugged the cement and brick walls forming my alley prison. It was likely Obscura. Somehow they managed to get ahead of me. They appeared to be closing in on the kill. My goose was cooked only a few dozen feet away from the salvation of a populated street.

The spotlight slowly moved towards my general direction in a standard sweeping search motion. I studied the light of doom for a few moments, then relaxed when they didn’t immediately shine it on me. They didn’t know I was there. It was a guess based on the general direction that I ran.

Matt’s people were more intelligent than I gave them credit. They must have switched to a non-magical tactic, though not entirely since the light was a spell, and searched for each of us. I still had anonymity on my side. He didn’t know I was with Camera, so he couldn’t employ any of his knowledge against me, nor did Camera know my connection to him. I made sure to keep my identity ambiguous using a variation of my lesser-known middle name, Andrew. The world was aware of, vaguely, Quyen Duong, but not Drew D.

Camera operated with guerilla tactics and cell organizations. The world thought we were unorganized. They were inaccurate. We worked as many parts to protect the whole. It was the only way I would have been able to join with virtual anonymity. The members who knew my face were in my cell. With the exception of one, they knew nothing about me and my skills.

And there were less than five of them. We should have met up with another cell. I thought as the spotlight moved inches from the section of shadow where I hid.

BOOM.

A raucous shock wave of sound shook the building I rested against. Glass from windows and light fixtures rained down around me. The sting of my head spurred me into action. I held the bag that contained the spoils of my theft over my head to protect me from the fallen shards and pieces. The light spell darted off, presumably in the direction of the cacophony. The alley plunged into darkness.

Screams and car alarms filled the brief silence. I made my move. I couldn’t remain in my hiding place. There was no telling if someone pursued me on foot or if the spotlight operators would continue their search. Either way, I was gone.

I didn’t have to go far before reaching the end of the maze of urban stone and trash. The city was in chaos. People ran up and down 7th Street while some stood in groups watching the night sky glow orange. Embers of fire magic flowed in the air while the smell of burning chemicals permeated the ether.

I slid the strap of my bag across my shoulder messenger bag style. It was OK to hold the bag while I ran, but I had to blend in and appear casual in the crowd.

What happened? I asked a woman furiously texting on her phone.

She glanced at me, then frowned. You’re hurt.

She pointed to the side of my head.

I touched my temple. The sting of a cut greeted me, and blood stained my fingers. Great.

Glass started raining from everywhere. It must have got me, I explained.

The woman dug into her purse. She produced a wad of napkins and handed them to me. Yeah, my car windows were busted out by the explosion.

I thanked her and took a few napkins to try and staunch the blood. Where did that happen?

I heard it was near the old city hall building. Police won’t let anyone near Broad Street. Then the light show started. I think it was those rogue magicians that Obscura is always talking about. I wish the government would pass that law. They’re supposed to protect decent law-abiding citizens. That’s why we pay taxes.

I fought not to react to her recounting of Obscura’s propaganda or the mention of the Witchcraft Act. Camera had lobbyists working overtime to keep the law buried, but a recent resurgence had occurred since a few of the battles between Obscura and Camera spilled into the open. If we weren’t careful, the witch trials would come back, and neither of us would survive.

Did anyone get hurt? I pulled the napkin from my head. I applied enough pressure for the blood to stop for the moment. It would hold until I was out of sight, then I would work a spell to heal it.

Probably, but I hadn’t heard much besides to stay away. The woman shrugged then glanced toward the orange and purple sky.

It was dimmer than before, but it was still unnaturally bright.

I’m moving away from Richmond. There are too many magic freaks around. If I were you, I would do the same.

Consider me out of here. I want nothing to do with it. I nodded to keep suspicion off me. A bigot like that would remember a Vietnamese man that disagreed with her. Well, I doubt she’d know my ethnicity but use an umbrella term like Asian. Either way, I wanted her to relegate me to the background of the terrible situation without having to resort to a memory obfuscation spell.

Anyone could question her if she started making a fuss or thought I had something to do with the City Hall attack. I was confident that she was right, and the explosion was magical. I didn’t know if it was a coincidence or if Obscura drew one of my cell mates into a fight while they escaped.

See about that head, she said before hurrying away.

Obscura and Camera had operatives everywhere, Obscura more so. I didn’t want some random practitioners to get lucky and turn Matt in my direction. My plan to stop him worked best with him thinking that I was beaten down and weak. If he knew that I joined forces with Camera, the gentle war we waged would turn ugly. I knew what he truly was and what he planned. He may have most of the world fooled into thinking that he represented the side of good and wished to protect everyone, but his version of everyone meant only witches and wizards. Even a large portion of the magic community didn’t know what Matt planned for those without power.

I doubt he would differentiate those from a family of magic but with no talent from a family with magic users. And those who disagreed with him, practitioner or not, would be cast aside.

Everyone was in danger. They just didn’t know it.

2

Pandora

50 A.Q.

H ere goes nothing, I said to myself as I entered the One-Eyed Lion . It was a dilapidated speakeasy that was a marketplace decades ago when people could safely go outside and didn’t have to scavenge. The brick building with its boarded-up windows and cyclops lion was still a means of commerce. Instead of food, the owner brokered information and booze.

I didn’t want to go inside. The place was huge and there weren’t many exits, but beggars couldn’t be choosers. I was on the run.

My pursuers would utilize various tactics for hunting me. The land was too savage for me to live off of after the Sphinx attack scorched the earth in a 200 mile swath of destruction that took out DC. Coupled with several other attacks at major cities worldwide. The attacks destabilized most of the world’s influential nations, and Obscura swept in and saved the day giving birth to the United Nations of Obscura.

I wanted nothing to do with them. The organization wasn’t the good guys. Everyone thought they were the saviors of the earth, with Matt Wesley, the Grand Magister, being a god among men. He wasn’t. The Grand Magister was like every other powerful man I read about in school before the world fell—self-serving.

Are you buying or selling? A grisly man asked with a leer. I hope on all that is Obscura that you are selling.

Why did it seem all the perverts ran the trading posts? It was bad enough that I had to dodge slavers and gang bangers at every turn while traveling the desolate parts of the UNO called the lawless zone. The least Obscura could have done was restore the world to where it had been instead of selecting the parts they wanted and letting everyone fend for themselves in some sort of apocalyptic nightmare.

Buying, I said.

The man frowned. Two inches of gold.

And of course in the lawless zone, bartering was the only system one could rely on… that and power. If one had nothing to trade or the ability to take what they needed, they were victims—which was nearly the entire population of the social and ecological wilderness.

I haven’t heard your information yet. One inch. I countered.

He gifted me a lecherous, yellow tooth grin. For a fab chick like you? Suck my dick and one and a half inches of gold.

I wasn’t about to pleasure him or pay more than one inch of gold for my information. He was unreasonable. I would have to take another tactic with him. I will say this once more. One inch of gold for information.

The man’s eyes narrowed. Then you can take your tight little—

I punched him in the throat.

He doubled over as the swish of blades drawing sounded behind me. I jumped across the bar, grabbed the broker by the hair then pressed my sword to his throat. Tell them to put the blades away.

He gurgled a response. I cut the skin lightly so he would understand that I wasn’t in the mood for games.

Put them away, he said with a raspy voice.

Now, I said into his ear. For an inch of gold. Tell me if there have been any strangers in Bordertown and what was their business.

You, he snarled. Harassing honest business folk.

I fought not to roll my eyes. Even with a blade to the broker’s throat, he still tried to be snarky. Who else?

Just traders and a few bounty hunters.

By traders, I knew he meant slavers. That was nothing new here. Those assholes were always about in Bordertown and the lawless zones. If I came across them, I dealt with them, but then their cargo got captured again. It was a vicious cycle.

What bounty hunters? Who are they looking for? I asked.

They-they didn’t say, he stammered.

Lie. An information broker wouldn’t allow bounty hunters to leave without getting intel in return. Otherwise, the well would run dry. It was his business to know all sides.

The hairs on the back of my neck raised. It was a trap. The One-Eyed Lion was a setup because they knew I had to come here for information or at least barter supplies before entering the lawless zone. Where are—?

A gunshot rang out in the speakeasy. The broker jerked at the same time pain blossomed in my shoulder. Obscura found me. The run of the mill creep couldn’t afford the ammunition after ten years of lawlessness. It was why everyone carried knives, swords, and sticks.

I dropped the broker. He was probably dead anyway, and if he weren’t, he would die for having seen me. Matt didn’t want the information about my existence getting out. It was the one thing we agreed on. Another shot burst a bottle behind me. I dove to the floor. My shoulder burned from the abuse as my body worked on healing. I was low on magic energy after my last run-in with bounty hunters, but I had enough to heal faster than the old fashion way.

The fact that they shot at me spoke to their desperation to catch me. I would use that against them. Powers that be let me flee. Send my captors who like to chase an illusion to take my place.

A wave of exhaustion hit as a double coalesced into existence next to me. The doppelganger mirrored my appearance from my gazelle horned and eagle feather headdress to my leather boots. She winked at me, then jumped up and ran in the opposite direction. Gunfire and a stampede of footsteps followed her.

I wouldn’t have long before they figured out my trick. Inching to the edge of the bar, I saw the entrance was mostly clear. There were a few patrons, guards, or whatever milling around as though they didn’t know what to do. My best plan was to surprise them and bowl them over.

It’s now or never.

I jumped over the bar and rushed through the entrance like a bull in a fancy shop. I knocked into the nearest bruiser. My shoulder burned as I burst past the unsuspecting guards.

Come here you.

Someone grabbed the back of my headdress. I spun around with my backhand. My attacker released me, and I took off out of the metal doors. Outside several heads turned toward me. I waved my hand, Wind, heed my call. Get rid of my enemies. Remove them all.

A dust devil the size of a tank zipped through the lot sucking up henchmen as it went. With my way clear, I ran forward to the motorcade. One of the bounty hunters had to have a vehicle. Obscura wouldn’t let their agents come after me without a means to bring me to Matt. He furnished them with guns. He would make sure they had a—far out!

The bounty hunters set up their RV three-wheelers neatly in a row, with no guards or protection to get in my way, courtesy of my dust devil. Even with my cleaning efforts, the fact that the vehicles weren’t looted or vandalized beforehand meant they waited for me a while.

And I strolled in like I didn’t have a care in the world.

Stupid. Stupid. I should have seen it. Coming to Bordertown was too risky, but at least I would get a ride out of it.

I hopped onto the bike. Spirits, conjure for me this vehicle’s key.

A silver key materialized in my hand. My shoulder twinged, and the bullet fell onto the three-wheeler’s dash. I snatched it up and placed it in my pocket. I couldn’t be sure if the bounty hunters were mundane or practitioners. There was no way in hell I would leave evidence behind for another witch to scry for my whereabouts. They would have to find me the mundane way.

I put the key in the ignition. Screams and yells signaled in the One-Eyed Lion. The jig was up. I was out of time.

I gathered more of my rapidly waning energy reserves. As much as I wanted to use a spell, an active power would do my final clean-up better and faster. I glared at the bikes with white-hot fury—easy to do after getting shot in the arm, leered at, and nearly kidnapped. The remaining bikes caught fire as I drove away. By the time I reached the other side of the parking lot, the explosions had begun.

That would keep them busy for a while.

3

Quyen

Present Day

Iwasn’t a fan of DC traffic. Congestion manifested near the city proper no matter the day of the week. The mixing bowl—what the locals called the maze of entrance ramps, off-ramps, and bridges that converged then split into I-495, I-395, and I-95—was a horror story this evening.

In the past thirty minutes, I managed to inch maybe half a mile. We selected Sunday night as the most likely chance to catch the drop on Obscura. That part went well. We got in and mostly out when one of the initiates set off the alarm.

I still wanted the details on that. It was suspicious that everything went flawlessly until the end. My experiences had never been that lucky. It either went wrong the entire time, or the plan worked. All better be revealed when I got to our temporary HQ in the heart of DC, which likely would take me an additional hour because of the traffic. The after-mission briefing would probably end by the time I showed up, then Tonya would have to give me the details.

If she made it back in time herself.

With all the chaos from the hit on Obscura, it was difficult to know who got out and who had artifacts. We all carried bags when we set out for our smash and grab. It was part of the plan to confuse the enemy. I also made slight deviations to my part since I possessed knowledge of Matt’s intentions.

I went for his assistant’s office. Lauren adored Matt. She would do anything to impress him. He worked her hero worship to the fullest. She would hide anything from precious to pertinent there, and she would hide the theft from him to prevent him from losing faith in her. I used that dynamic against him. Finally, a character flaw of his worked in my favor.

He was always like that, letting others do the legwork, then come in at the end and finish the solution. Matt couldn’t be bothered by menial tasks as he called it. I would benefit.

I patted the bag in the passenger seat next to me. It was the gateway to Matt’s plans and the means to stop or at least expose Obscura for what it was. I wanted to immediately go through the tome but first things first. I’d check in with my cell and turn over the artifacts I was assigned to retrieve. Then I’d go dark with Camera while I studied the ancient book and the heat surrounding the theft cooled.

No movement on I-95. Surprise.

It would be a long night. These were the times when radio silence became a problem. It required discipline, and it was inconvenient. I should have teleported using a summoning with the others. Then I wouldn’t be in an I-95 parking lot. Except I was too paranoid for my comfort and the paranoia seemed to be leading me slowly through the mixing bowl.

What’s on the radio? I asked no one because I couldn’t stand the silence and the stagnation a moment longer.

I pressed the volume button, and the radio roared to life with jazz. I was more of an R&B man with occasional K-Pop. The person who rented the car before me must have been a jazz lover. I hit the seek button. The saxophone melody abruptly turned to static then turned to rock music. I knew the song but let it pass to the next channel in the hopes of the smooth, sensual vocals of my favorite singer, Diva. Her new album came out a week ago. The stations should be playing it in heavy rotation.

—several bodies were found after a lethal carbon monoxide leak—

Static.

—station is closed while officials determine the cause of a gas leak—

Static.

This just in, a carbon monoxide leak kills several in Vernon Square Metro station—

I hit the seek button again so I could listen further to the news report.

It is undetermined how many are dead in this tragic event, but it is suspected that there was a failure in the exhaust system that resulted in the deaths of passengers and City Metro workers. We will continue to update you each hour with the latest information of this tragic event—

I shut the radio off. For a brief moment, I sat numb with disbelief. Then anger exploded out of me as I slammed my hand on the steering wheel. The car’s electronics went bonkers at my loss of temper. I closed my eyes to block out the radio blaring sound, the horn yelling, and the blinking interior light.

My mind is a river, calm and flowing. Sharp and focused.

The car quieted, and I opened my eyes as someone honked at me. Traffic moved another car link. I inched the car forward despite wanting to mash the pedal to the floor. Fear of drawing unwanted attention outweighed my need to destroy something.

My cell was likely gone. It was too much of a coincidence that the exhaust failure occurred while Camera occupied the metro station. If it were a mechanical issue, the five witches and wizards would have handled it. At least one of them would have had the presence of mind—Tonya would.

She was the most battle savvy out of the group and the only one I was semi-close to in our cell. I should have pushed harder for her to meet up with me and drive to DC. What if she—

I focused forward. No. Everyone knew the risks when we set out. We all had to consider the possibility that we’d fail, or that they captured and killed us. It didn’t matter if it was in Obscura headquarters or out. As the last surviving member, it was my job to investigate and triage the situation. Someone may have gotten away. All didn’t have to be lost.

I gripped the wheel and plotted my strategy as I slowly made my way through the mixing bowl and into the city of DC. Once I turned down 7th, I ran into problems. Police blocked off the entire area of the DC Convention Center from North to Mount Vernon. Police, fire, and EMTs worked the section from behind the yellow wooden caution barriers. Onlookers and boots on the ground reporters crowded the perimeter, trying to get the latest details.

I parked the car then hoofed it. Once I assessed the situation, I would work a spell to dim the First Responders’ perception and do a thorough investigation. Stopping at a souvenir stand for a quick purchase, I slid my new cap over my head. It was a dark blue Nationals hat, the most nondescript item that they had. Between the hat and the crush of curious lurkers, I should get reasonably close before I needed my spell.

Hey, did you hear what happened? A passerby asked me.

Yeah, some kind of gas leak or something.

The guy nodded. I was right here about to go over to the pizza shop by Mount Vernon Station when sirens started blaring down the street and cops were yelling. It was crazy.

The police came first?

Who called it in? I asked.

The guy shrugged. Someone probably found a body then ran out. All I know is it was chaos.

Crazy, I said to the guy.

There was something off about the order of events. An entire station of dead people, which had to be about a hundred people at most, would have resulted in chaos and panic. I would have thought a pedestrian would have sounded the alarm which would have caused a crowd of people to fill the place. The account sounded fishy. The guy might be leaving out details. Or maybe Obscura called the police to make a point. Either way, I would know for myself. I started down 7th and joined the crush when someone grabbed the back of my jacket and yanked me into a darkened alcove.

I struck out in panic.

My assailant punched me in the stomach then shoved me back. I wheezed as the muttered curse of, Damn it, Drew. You can’t use my moves against me. I told you that, stopped me in my tracks.

I froze in the middle of my second swing. Tonya?

A cell phone’s LED glow lit up in the alcove briefly enough for me to see an angry Tonya with a split lip.

Yeah, and I’m regretting showing you any self-defense.

I yanked her to me in a relief that I hadn’t realized was so strong. She tensed in my arms, then relaxed and returned the embrace. After a few breaths, she shoved me away.

Don’t go falling in love or anything. We tried that once, she said.

The pang of regret at hurting her echoed in her voice. We were compatriots. She was good in bed, but we didn’t fit in each other’s lives as more. I struggled with the level of intimacy we managed to salvage, but my isolation from everyone not part of Camera kept me from pushing her away entirely. We both know love is a distraction.

She sighed. It is, but so worth it. I look forward to the day you find it and hope you’re smart enough to keep it this time.

The censure stung, but I allowed it. I let things get too far between us, and while I couldn’t quite let her be, I wasn’t willing to go the distance. Considering you’re my only friend, you’ll be the first to know.

I’m a friend now? Not a colleague or an associate? I’ve moved up.

Her tone was light-hearted. She was as close a friend as I would get. I cared whether she lived or died. Tonight made me rethink certain things.

It did, did it? She grasped my arm then felt her way down to my hand. Veritas. Tell me the truth. Did you have anything to do with the attack? Are you in league with them?

A dull ache at her suspicion pained me more than I thought. In her place, I would have asked the same. I still did have to ask, but I didn’t expect her accusation to hurt. I placed my hand on top of hers. It wasn’t necessary for the spell, but I didn’t want her running away. Not to my knowledge. I am not colluding with Obscura. I want to destroy the organization.

She gasped then pressed closer to me. That last part is a lie.

I ground my teeth. The truth spell was inconvenient at times. Obscura has its purposes if guided by justice, but my main focus is on the Grand Magister. Now you. Veritas.

I’m not colluding with Obscura, she said as I listened for honesty, a ringing sound in my ears at her statement. I went out to get pizza and to see if you arrived when the attack happened. I found everyone and called the police.

All truth. So she called the police. That puzzle was solved. Why were you waiting for me?

She yanked her hands away. I held firm. My reasons are private but not nefarious.

I heard the ring of truth in her words, so I released her. There was no point in pressing further. It would only create an awkward situation. Given that we were the remaining members of our cell, I couldn’t afford it. Did anyone else survive?

No.

There was anger, at least in her voice. I imagine that she balled her fists, ready to punch something with a cold brown-eyed rage.

Did Obscura get any of the items back?

Everything but what I held and what you took, she answered. Mitchell wanted to wait until you arrived before cataloging everything in case there was an obvious significance once it was together.

That sounded like him. He had a theory that Obscura planned something massive that would put them in a better political position. It was the other objective of our mission. At least we have that.

You sound like you have a plan. Tell me you have one. I’m too freaked out to do anything but attack.

Tonya knew me better than I realized.

I do. We go dark and study what we have. Our cell leader is dead, so we’re cut off until we can contact the others. And I don’t know if you realize this, but I don’t trust easily.

No, she drawled. The sarcasm dripped from her voice. I would have never thought that after knowing you for three years. Surprise. Surprise. Surprise.

No need to be hateful.

Sorry. I’m just angry and relieved.

It’s been a long night. Come on. I have a rental. It’s three hours back to my house, and we need to get a barrier up around the artifacts before they figure out what’s missing and scry for it.

You don’t think that they are tracking us already?

I grabbed her hand, or at least where I thought it was. Jackpot. Her fingers clasped around mine. I think they were searching for concentrations of magic. Obscura probably followed the group summoning. Otherwise, they would have found you and me.

We stepped out of the alcove. A coven of class A witches and wizards is going to leave a bright trail.

Damn, you’re right. We should have driven back like you did. Mitchell should have listened to you.

I wish he did too. I came across paranoid, which I am. There was no way to know for sure that Obscura would think of tracking us by following spell trails.

It was still stupid. We underestimated them, and now everyone’s gone.

Welcome to my world. It’s not over. We’ll make them pay for it with interest.

She squeezed my hand. Now that’s an idea I can get behind.

I wasn’t ready to let her go just yet. She was my last ally. Good, because I need your help.

4

Pandora

50 A.Q.

Ichecked the rearview mirror for the umpteenth time in three hours. No pursuit. I thought for sure I’d have to dodge the bounty hunters even though I destroyed their bikes at One-Eye . Obscura must be running out of quality henchmen to do their dirty work. They were either second-rate hunters, and I missed something, or I would soon walk into a trap.

I preferred to think they were incompetent. However, I would remain on guard just in case. The idea that Obscura hired guns and came up with new tactics to catch me didn’t sit well. I couldn’t go back with them.

I wouldn’t go back.

They would have to find another means to take over the world without involving my power. The same went for their enemy, Camera. It was their war, and they brought the rest of us into it. I had no desire to be caged by one group and used by the other. But first, I had to find shelter from pursuers and the slavers operating in the lawless zone.

The two hundred-mile stretches of land were nothing but grassland with the occasional copse of trees and crumbling buildings as far as the eye could see. It used to be the Richmond and DC metro areas where the vast majority of the government officials lived for months out of the year. This is where it all started—where it went wrong for me and everyone else.

Greed and politics changed the world from a reasonably safe place to the scene of a post-apocalyptic movie, including the dregs of society. They stretched their primitive muscles while claiming whatever and whoever they could take, and there were no peace offerings to stop them.

What’s worse is I remembered how it used to be. Nearly everyone lived in a city or town. Open violence in the streets was rare, no slavers rounding up anyone who couldn’t defend themselves. I even went to school with other children for a few years, learning about current events. Witches and Wizards were in the news. People witnessing the next evolution of humankind were mostly amazed, but