The Angelic Paradox

Fragile Sanity

I storm down the stairs toward my study, sulking. I slam the door behind me. Guilt consumes me as the sound fades. What did I do?

I shake myself. You have work to do. I take out my mirco-recorder a get to work.

"Hello, Captain Short. I will now tell you your role in the downfall of Sabriel. Step one..."

I stand on the edge of a cliff overlooking the ferocious sea swells, the bluff puncutated by jagged igneous rock colums sharper than a troll's tusk. The toes of my Gucci loafers hang over the crumbling edge and the wind whips at my suit, clawing at my naked skin.

"Artemis," I hear a familiar voice say behind me.

I turn around, "Emerald?"

She grins at me playfully, "Who else would I be?"

I wrap her in my arms, her face inches from mine, "Oh, Emerald. I love you so much."

"I know."

I bring my lips toward hers and suddenly my face is merely millimeters from Sabriel's. He smirks at my suprise.

"What a kisser you are, eh Arty boy?"

In anger, I push him back, sending him off the cliff. He turns back to Emerald, sobbing in disbelief and betrayal.

"Nooo!" I scream, reaching out as if I could reach her.

Her body hits the sharpest rock, it's point protruding through her abdomen. Red blood already soaks her shirt. Tears stream down my face.

"No no no no no no no," I yell to the cloudless sky.

The grief suffocates me. I stand and jump.

Somehow, I manage to avoid the jagged rocks and am plunged into the ocean, bubbles streaming from my lips toward the surface. My lungs scream for air but my heart screams for Emerald. Limply, I drift deeper and deeper until my back hits the soft, sandy sea floor. My mind is clouded. Shouldn't I be dead by now? I close my eyes to begin my endless sleep...

I open them to a soft voice whispering my name. Butler stands in front of me.

"Artemis, she was just a girl," he says gently.

I shake my head, salty tears staining my cheeks, "No, old friend, she was so much more. Much more."

Bulter shakes his head and starts to fade away, "Call me Domovoi."

"Noo!" I bellow, then collapse back onto the cold, hard floor, "Not again."

I sob uncontrollably, not caring when Spiro walks in through the only door.

"See, kid, you just don't have the guts."

His face morphs into Mother's, glaring at me, "I don't know who you are, but you're certainly not my little Arty."

Her features twist into Opal, "Oh, Arty, I win this time. And there are no second chances. Finally, my sweet, sweet revenge!"

Suddenly Holly stands before me, "All right, Mud Boy, listen up---"

Before she can finish, she turns into Minerva, "Hey, are ya' free Saturday night?"

Turnball replaces her, "Well, my own pet genius!"

Father stands before me, "Son, why did you shoot me? What were those strange creatures?"

Finally I stare into my own eyes, but those are softer somewhat. Orion says, "Artemis, listen. We don't have much time. Sabriel is battling against me. All the people you have seen die are alive. This is just a dream. You need to get Sabriel taken care of ASAP. Listen to Emerald. Things will act in her favor. Congrats on finally finding your beautiful maiden. Quite the character, eh? Anyway listen to her. Got it? Ah, darn, Sabriel's coming. Gotta go!"

He vanishes and I stand, staightening my tie and smoothing my hair as the door opens andOpal reappears, "Oh, Arty boy," she says, striding toward me, "I love your determination,"she grabs my chin and tilts it down so I stare into her eyes, "But unfortunetly for you, it'll cost you dearly."

I jerk back, "Too afraid to show your face, Sabriel?"

"Oh for a genius you sure are stupid sometimes."

I dart for the doorway and yank it open, it's hinges screaming, and dive into the darkness beyond.

I sit up in my chair, breathing heavily. Nightmare, it was just a nightmare. Emerald is still upstairs. I shake myself and after an eternity, I drift off into a fitful sleep.