More Connections (Part II)

In the rear view mirror, Dennis and Jasper's eyes met. He was sitting on the backseat of the car waiting for his father's reply. Would Dennis finally acknowledge his prodigy child to another person? Dennis believed that if he didn't speak about his son's abilities that somehow his son could just be a normal kid.

Understanding, now, that Jasper was destined to be more than just normal Dennis took a deep breath and finally replied.

"Well, uh...you see...this may sound funny, but my son, Jasper, here knew you'd be here. We're going to get your truck fixed, but first we're going to see a shaman to discuss why you and my son are supposed to meet."

Suddenly, the inside of the car felt like the inside of a preheating oven and Piper's palms began to sweat. The ear-piercing silence that followed Dennis' response made her uneasy. What would have provoked him to believe that she, of all people, was destined to meet his son? How could they have known precisely where and when her truck was going to break down? These thoughts raced inside Piper's head and she was so stricken with shock that she felt as though someone was clenching at her spine. A throbbing headache started to buzz with every new thought conjured inside of her. At first she worried that these two were not as they seemed. Perhaps the father was some crazed killer trying to teach his son how to cautiously perform a kill. Maybe they were thieves and planned on robbing and then abandoning her in the middle of nowhere. Her entire body became covered in a pin-poking tension, but she managed to shift her eyes to the passenger's side mirror. Gazing into the mirror she could see Jasper sitting behind her. How could she ever doubt this young gentleman? She knew just by looking at him that their meeting was destined. A fresh, calming thought flashed into her head: the shaman. Could they very well be trying to contact the same person? Slightly more at ease with the young gentleman sitting behind her, her motor skills started to come back. She turned toward Dennis and asked who this shaman was that they were going to see.

According to Dennis, he didn't know exactly who this shaman was either. Anticipating her next question, he told her that his son's special abilities and intuition were guiding them.

"Jasper has been gifted, you see. He can sometimes see into the future. He saw this shaman calling out to others like him."

"Others?," Piper asked. It was hard to believe there was another person with special abilities who would end up seeking her out, but it was even harder to believe there could be others.

Jasper had decided to remain silent because he wanted to hear his dad finally talk to someone else about his abilities. Ever since his mom passed, Jasper sensed fear in his dad. Dennis was afraid that, it was only a matter of time, before he would lose his son too. He took great measures to keep Jasper safe. He priavely tutored him to keep him away from kids that might try to take advantage of Jasper's abilities. Dennis had also blamed himself for his wife's death. He felt that had he not been working so much he would have learned about Jasper, the premonitions, and could have helped Jennifer live a longer life. As a result of all his fear and self-guilt, Dennis clung to the only family he had left and never spoke to anyone else about family matters. Feeling at peace with the progress they were making, Jasper once again shut his eyes and fell asleep as the conversation continued.

"Please, tell me that you know what I'm talking about. I'd really hate for you to think me mad. Others...you know...others, just like Jasper and you. You are one of them, aren't you? Jasper told me that a young woman would be needing help because her pick up would break down. He said something about you hearing us coming from several miles away. What did he mean?"

"Wow. Um. I'm sorry, this is just very weird for me."

"Oh god, you think I'm nuts don't you?"

"No, no, no. You're actually incredibly accurate about everything. It just caught me off guard because I never met anyone like me or ever told anyone about my audio deja vu."

"Audio deja vu?"

"Yeah. Well, that's what I call it anyway. You know how you mentioned that Jasper can sometimes see into the future? Well, I can sort of hear into the future. It's weird and I really can't piece it together just yet."

"So Jasper and you really have a lot more in common than I realized."

"I guess so. It's nice being able to finally talk to someone about this. I always feared that if I told anyone they would think I was crazy."

"Piper, I do not think you're crazy at all. Though, I can relate to how you've felt. I never told anyone about Jasper either because I didn't want him to be treated like his gifts were something to be ridiculed or instigated."

"Since we're really getting to know each other, I think there is something else you should know."

"Uh oh. Should I be worried?"

"No, not at all. You mentioned that you are on your way to see a shaman. Well, I'm driving from Colorado for the very same. One of my most recent audio deja vu episodes stood out among the others. Unlike all the other premonitions I've heard there was one that stood about because the message was specifically directed to me. A man called out to me and said, "Piper, you will find me when you least expect. Journey to Arizona and your path will unfold. Set camp deep in the woods and call to me through fire. The answers you seek will be discovered should you choose to follow destiny's path." After this, I knew that I should at least try following my premonition to see where it would take me. I left my hometown in San Luis Valley just two days ago. It was last only last night when I decided to camp at the Apache National Forest. I made a campfire and waited for something extraordinary to happen. I feel foolish for telling you this, but I feel like I may have made a connection with the shaman through the fire. The fire grew and I saw what looked like the shadows of a man through the flames. The strangest thing was that I could have sworn someone spoke from the fire and asked, "Where are you?" I didn't know what any of it meant. On one hand I felt like I had made a connection, but on the other hand I thought that I had gone crazy from trying to keep the weight of such secrets to myself. I decided to head back home and that's when my pick up broke down and you two arrived. Surely you must think I'm crazy."

Hardly anything suprised Dennis anymore. After learning about his son's abilities he had a new awareness of improbable things being possible. Wanting to know more about their connections and what brought Piper into their lives, he asked, "What happened after the voice came from the fire? Was it the shaman?"

"That's just it...I don't really know. The fire blasted me back a few feet and went out. I heard a loud bang, which startled me. I latered discovered that the bang I heard was just my audio deja vu of my pick up's last words before he died."

"Hmm. That's very peculiar. Well, if Jasper doesn't wake up soon to tell me where we're going, then I'm afraid we'll just have to pull over to rest at the next stop. Hopefully there'll be coffee there, because I'm jonesing. Something tells me that we still have a lot to learn about each other but I really do believe that things will piece themselves together soon. It may not make sense, just yet, but everything is happening for some sort of reason or destiny. Just look...we found you!"

Both Dennis and Piper turned to look at Jasper who was in a deep sleep in the back of the car.

"You know what? I do believe we're on the right track too. We must be. It was destiny that the three of us meet. I definately could use a rest stop when we find one. And by the way, your little man back there really is a good kid. He's a real little gentleman."

"I know. I'm a lucky dad."

More Connections (Part I)

Hand glued to her knife and ready to strike, should the moment suggest, Piper rolled her window down only a hair. She needed a rush of cool air to calm her nerves, but she wasn't about to stick her head out in the face of danger. The gentleman walked to the driver's seat, looking tired and harmless.

"Miss, you look like you could use a hand."

Just then something slammed hard against the passenger's side window. There stood a young boy to her right with a look of thrilled anticipation upon his face. His enormous grin and childish innocence was a comfort to her, so she turned to face the gentleman at her door.

"How did you guess?" she finally replied with a crooked smile.

The boy quickly ran to meet his father and Piper at the driver's side of the truck.

"Hi, I'm Jasper! Can we give you a lift?"
"Seeing as I can't get far with a dead pick-up and it's cold and dark as death itself, I'll take you up on the offer."

Jasper ran quickly to the only working car in sight and opened the front passenger's door. "Ladies ride shotgun, so I'll sit in the back."

Piper made her way inside and sat comfortably in the seat taking a farewell glance at her travel companion, Willy. Then she turned to face Dennis who was now buckling himself in the driver's seat. "You've done well with him. He's quite the young gentleman." Curious to see whether Jasper was flattered or not, she turned to the young gentleman in the back seat and gave him a quick wink as he buckled himself in place. Dennis started the ignition, turned the steering wheel so the crunch of gravel under the tires was heard, and made for their next destination.

"Something tells me that it'd be pointless to ask where we're going," Piper had said matter of factly, although she secretly hoped for an answer from the young gentleman.

Dennis looked puzzled because he had never found himself involved with others in the oddities of his world. He was just starting to accept what his late wife must have struggled with before she died. How could he explain his anomaly of a son to anyone?

Gifts Given

The endless desert was still as Piper drove steadily through the night. Despite the simmering sunny days, the night always had a bone-chilling feel to it. The sky was clear with only the moon in sight. It was a good thing, too, because there isn't much one can do if they get caught in one of the state's infamous summer thunderstorms. Piper wasn't about to go down as one of the stupidest people to drive through such conditions. Fortunately, she planned everything around the weather. In fact, she would not have been able to make the connection had there not been a full moon on this night. She grinned at the thought of how well she prepared for her stay in Arizona. Only a moment later, her smile vanished when she heard the same loud bang she had heard back near the fire.

"God dammit, Willy, don't do this to me. Not now!"

Willy slowed to a crawl and puttered a bit more before letting out another loud bang. His lights dimmed. Slamming her fist on the steering wheel, Piper cursed and forbid him to do this to her. Her frustration soon turned to concern. "Come on, Willy, you know I love ya big guy. Don't die on me now." Willy couldn't last any longer and his lights went completely black. Abandoned in the middle of the highway, Piper let out a deep sigh. "Great. Just great. Why is it that everything I touch falls to pieces?" She set the stick to neutral and hopped out of her jeep fully prepared to push him out of the way of traffic, should anyone decide to drive their way at this ungodly hour. Once Willy's cold and silent heap was pushed out of the way, Piper went back inside and contemplated the night's events. If ever she needed some one's help, it'd be now. Lately, she'd experienced what she referred to as audio deja vu. Who could she talk to about something so peculiar? Throughout the last month, she'd hear things that were about to happen before they actually happened. "I should have known. Back at the fire, I heard that bang and I should have known it'd end up being poor Willy's cry." Although, Piper had a gift, she viewed it as some sort of meaningless mental infection probably brought on by stress. "What good is being able to hear what's going to happen, if I don't know when or wear what I hear will even take place?" She was partially right, in her thinking. It is difficult to piece together some of the sounds she hears and know why she hears them. It's even more difficult to hear a call or cry for help and not know how or even who to help. Just like a voice coming through a static radio wave, Piper, heard another premonition.

"Dad, we're going to have to stop the car."
"No, listen to me. We're not stopping until we get to that spirit man or whatever he is that is supposed to help you. We need to get to him and fast. We don't have time to help some stupid woman who can't drive to save her life. It's out of the question."
"You know I'm right. We have to stop. While I was sleeping, I saw her. She's one of them and she's going to help us but she doesn't know it yet."
"I don't give a rat's ass who she is, we're helping you first and we're not stopping."
"What about what mom made you promise, before she died?"
"How'd you know about that?"
"Dad, you know I'm gifted. Can't you just believe me when I tell you what we need to do? I'm not a bad person. I'm going to save us. You need to believe me and don't question it, please dad."
"All right. I know you're not a bad person. It's just hard for me right now. I love you and I'm listening."
"Okay, well you see she's..."

The conversation was cut short. "Great, more audio deja vu. What am I supposed to make of that?" Half the time Piper picked up conversations that weren't of the utmost importance. A couple of times she heard the conversations her roommate was going to have with her boyfriend before they even happened. Perhaps, that was a beneficial premonition after all because it prevented Piper from losing sleep that night from what she knew would inevitably turn into a long and loud argument. She had time to call her roommate and ask her to spend the night at her boyfriend's because she needed extra study time. Their argument ended up being at his place, where she was far from and didn't have to hear when it actually did occur. Although her roommate, Emily, filled her in on the details the very next day at school, Piper was able to have a peaceful night.

A pair of headlights pulled up behind her pick-up jeep. Blinded from the beams, she could only make out that there were two passengers in the car. Nervously, she rifled through her purse and set her hand around the leathermen hunting knife she once found on a camping trip. She'd never used it on anything, but carried it with her whenever she was nervous about going out alone. She whispered to herself, "Please don't make me have to use this." She squinted into the dark as their lights dimmed and she could see an older gentleman getting out of his car.

On the Run

Cruising down the Interstate 40, an aloe-green Camry is carrying two passengers. The radio plays, Creedence Clearwater Revival's Traveling Band, while a distraught fifty-something year old man drives into the night.

Dennis Finch was never a spiritual man, but found himself in search of some sort of miracle. He hoped, now, more than ever that there was a gracious god somewhere. It had only been six months since the passing of his wife. She died peacefully in her sleep and left no warnings or signs that her time was near its end. Jennifer never asked for anything from anyone and she loved her family more than anything. During her lifetime, she had only asked one thing of her husband. She asked if Dennis could believe in just one thing, for that one thing to be their son, Jasper. Believing, loving and supporting was nothing that Dennis needed to be asked when it came to his family, so he thought it strange that she would even question his ability to do so. Two weeks ago, he finally realized that there would be some difficulty in believing and supporting some of Jasper's acts. Regardless of whatever Jasper did or planned to do, Dennis could never stop loving him, which is why it became crucial for them to get to safety and fast.

Resting peacefully in the passenger's seat is a young boy about nine-years old. He has messy raven-black hair and ashen skin. Jasper's face looks slightly worn from lack of sleep. Tonight is the first time he has been able to sleep comfortably in weeks.

It was six months ago when the odd flashes started and it was only a few weeks ago when the nightmares plagued his mind. Jasper is not like anyone he's ever known. One night, he witnessed his mother's painful death in a vision and it brought tears to his eyes, so he told her. He explained that the vision he saw was like a flash of lightning that held a memory that had never existed. He feared that the sudden flash was not of a memory that had happened, but of a memory that was soon to come. Jennifer told him that she wasn't going to leave him and that it was just a bad dream. He had insisted that it was not a dream, because it was too short and vivid. He continued, "When someone is dreaming, it might seem real at times, but that person can always tell that it's just a dream that they'll wake up from. I wasn't asleep when it happened, I felt like this was real, and I felt like it's not something I can wake up or escape from." His mother wrapped her comforting arms around him and brought him close enough to kiss his head. Just as her lips pressed against his forehead, an electric surge shocked her body. She was frozen for a moment and when she came back, her eyes suppressed tears. Jasper knew the look and could read her well, "Did you see it, too, mom?" The two of them decided not to speak of the strange incident in hopes that not talking about it would prevent any worse activity from occurring.

Unfortunately, Jasper's flashes did not diminish. Instead, he was able to gather insight to people's thoughts and feelings before they said or did anything. He could anticipate what was to come. One day, during recess, he sat alone watching his classmates playing games of tag, soccer, and four-square when it began to rain. Jasper wanted nothing more than to be left alone. He did not want to be around anyone for fear that he could see the good or bad things about them and what would come of them. Feeling useless and wanting nothing more than to prevent these visions and save his mother, he grew angry. Other kids ran to shelter from the rain as it poured harder, but not him. Jasper's rage grew and before he knew it a barrier formed around his body. He could sense some sort of an invisible shield surrounding his body that kept the rain away. This was when he realized that visions were not the only thing that made him different from everyone else. On the day that Jennifer died, Jasper knew it was to be painful. She was supposed to have gotten very sick, but she hadn't and her death was peaceful. The barrier that had shielded Jasper from the rain, shielded his mother from pain and sickness. Although he was only nine, he knew that he had a purpose greater than any other person his age. Telling his dad about everything that had happened wasn't nearly as painful as being able to feel the pain he felt. Once, Dennis found his strength he knew he had to protect Jasper more than any normal father can for a son.

Jasper had a vision of a man located in Arizona who could help with his visions. Father and son, set out in search for this mystery man. The car flew smoothly down the interstate carrying two passengers inside. Jasper sighed and slowly opened his dark green eyes, which were met by his father's. Feeling more at ease to see his son looking rested and healthier than he had in a while, he said, "Hey buddy, we're almost there. Don't worry yourself anymore today. Just sleep, while you can, okay?" Jasper smiled, closed his eyes and rolled back in his chair to continue his sleep.

Rune Warner

At last, Rune Warner was able to catch his breath through the suffocating sea of panic and fear that had washed over him. He made a feeble attempt to sit himself up entirely, but only managed to lift his torso just enough to read the clock across from where he lay. It was 3:32am. Despite, his sweat covered body the air had a deathly chill to it, which worsened an already unpleasant morning.

He took a long breath of air through his nostrils, then, calmly exhaled out his mouth. The nightmare seemed so real. He very much enjoyed being alive and celebrated the occasion with a few more deep breaths.

Magnus leapt from the bedroom floor onto the bed beside Rune's leg. Magnus could read most people better than they could read themselves. His glowing eyes were fixed on those of Rune, as though he was reading every thought that brutally awakened his friend.

What would I do without you?

Magnus didn't vocally respond, but instead quizzically tilted his head.

I know, dumb question. You found and saved me, so I suppose I'd be lost in the middle of nowhere without you. Does that sound about right, your highness?

To this, Magnus honored the remark with a satisfied meow, then let his gaze finally wonder. He always knew how to lighten the worst of moods. Fumbling down the stairs and into the kitchen, Rune grabbed a single can of cat food for Magnus and some cereal for himself. Together, they ate their comfort food in front of the television set.

Suddenly, the chill in the air grew colder and steam could be seen coming from their nostrils. Any comfort that Magnus had so carefully restored seemed to be vanishing by the moment. Rune quickly began making preparations for the two of them to finish their meals in front of the fireplace, when the television went on a rampage. It soared through various stations, on its own terms, before it completely shut off. Desperately trying to salvage tranquility into his home, Rune happily sat in front of the fire where his cat cautiously joined him. It wasn't long before the two were once again disrupted.

Magnus bolted for a nearby couch and hissed at the fire. As his moaning and hissing grew, so did the fire. The hell before them roared back and the once chilly house became an unbearable sauna that brought the familiar waves of sweat, panic and fear. Rune was now as far from the fire as he could be without leaving the room. He could see shadows in the flames, but could not distinguish them clearly. Then, he heard a woman's voice. Without thought, he called into the fire "Where are you?" The television set popped itself back onto the local news station and the fire slowly died down.

Officials are baffled as to the disappearance of a young boy, Jasper Finch. The nine-year old was last seen with his father who has also gone missing. Neighbors and friends who knew the Finch family were told that Mr. Finch had taken his son for a routine doctor's exam. However, the Finch's family doctor revealed that no appointments or arrangements to meet had been made. The father and son are believed to be missing for nearly two weeks...

Rune's heart was racing. What had just happened? Was he still dreaming? He could have sworn he heard a woman's voice from the fire, but he couldn't distinguish what she said and there was no response when he spoke to her. What had caused the sudden chill and the television to become temporarily possessed?

As, Rune pondered these things and several others, he looked around for Magnus. Magnus let out a baffled meow and refused to leave Rune's side.

The Beginning

Every story has a beginning and everyone has a story. Piper can't remember the beginning of her story, but she knows that the start of something great is about to happen. Any prelude to this very moment, could matter little to her now.

Ferociously, the fire whipped and roared loudly in her presence. She was captivated by its brilliance. Piper stood waiting and watching as the fire continued to grow. At last, she could make out shadows throughout the burning light and a voice finally spoke, "Where are you?"

Struck dumb, she replied to the voice from the fire, "I'm here."

There was no reply.

Dammit! I'm here, she cursed herself. Could I have thought of anything less specific or pointless to say?

After a few more spouts of frustration to herself, Piper felt less upset.

I finally made the connection! I can't go on beating myself up for my response no matter how ridiculous it was, because now I know there is a possibility of reestablishing the connection. Now, if only I can make out the shadows. I can't hear him, but perhaps I can find out where he is based on the shadows.

Just as she turned back to look at the fire, the sound of gunshot, like that of an enormous battalion rang loud, soon followed by a huge burst that blew Piper several feet away. The fire had blown out. Fixing herself back to her feet, Piper could only see the tops of trees and the smoke from the fire blowing into the night. Fortunately, the full moon provided enough light for her to make out Willy. Although, he was a relic that was in need of some skilled mechanical attention, he took her places. Willy, of course, was Piper's 1953 Jeep pick-up that she'd been freely given due to his sad state of existence. Being a lover for all things classic and out-dated, she accepted him.

There you are, mister. Oh no, don't you worry about me. I'm just fine. That damn fire just gave me some more bruises to add to the collection. What do you say we call it a night and head on home? You know, I really ought to learn not to talk to you, Willy, as if you were ever going to say something back. Then again, I can't say I'd ever have expected us to make the connection we just did back there. Maybe I'm losing it. First I talk to a voice in the fire and then I wind up here talking to you. That's true, Willy, I always talk to you.

Piper, discontinued her conversations to Willy and just whistled as they drove back home. She new that this was the beginning of something great, but she'd have to rest up before continuing her journey.