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.