Bellator: An Anthology of Warriors of Space & Magic Read online

  “Is that what this is?” he asked softly, wings ruffling slightly.

  She gave him a soft grin, a slight hitch of the shoulders. The shimmering behind her made it hard to see her face and hair clearly, but her eyes shone enough for him to know. This was how it was meant to be, all along.

  “Together again,” she went on, gesturing behind him. Jol turned to look, and saw himself, lying there beside his adversary, knife protruding from his chest, yet serenity showing on his old and scarred face. A part of his consciousness was surprised at the sight, but it was a small portion, as the rest of him knew already what had been done.

  He turned back to her, and she stood waiting patiently, a smile evident in her eyes. Seemingly waiting for something, she held out her hand for him to take.

  He paused, remembering all of his past in an instant, and what he saw made his brow furrow slightly. “Who are you?” he asked, with the innocence of a child.

  “I am what makes you whole,” the musical blending of voices replied. “I am what has been with you always, and what you have been unable to turn away from. I am the other part of you.”

  Warmth flowed through him, and he smiled. Taking her hand, she turned, leading him back toward the shimmering light.

  “Where are we going?” he asked as the shimmering took hold of him.

  “Eternity...” the voice responded, and they were gone.

  Amen.

  * * *

  About the Author: Much of the time, Mason Darien isn't sure if he's Mia Darien's husband or psychiatric nurse. The rest of the time, he's stuck constructing worlds out of Legos with the kid or trying to decide whether the world of sci-fi or fantasy is more fun to play in.

  Wounded Warrior Project was founded in 2003 in Roanoke, VA, by a group of veterans and soldiers who wanted to find a way to help the injured men and women of this generation's armed forces. Seeing a powerful need to help those soldiers who have been injured physically and/or mentally during their time of service; to "foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation's history."

  For more information, you can visit their website: http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

  (Below taken from site.)

  MISSION

  To honor and empower Wounded Warriors.

  VISION

  To foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation's history.

  PURPOSE

  To raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members.

  To help injured service members aid and assist each other.

  To provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members.