Chapter Two: The Master Plan

Annus, the head of all the dark creatures, called a meeting at his headquarters. He had spoken with loneliness after his meeting with Grace in Chicago and commended the creature for his astounding deception of one that belonged to the Maker. It was exceptionally rare for one of the Maker’s own to be deceived, but Grace had fallen into the trap, and now the whole of the dark side was preparing to win her over. The dark side was made up entirely of those that had fallen from the Makers favor and winning another over was more to hurt the Maker than to benefit darkness. Annus’ whole goal was to make the Maker miserable, as long as his days continued. He knew his time was short, and he was counting the minutes.

As the creatures of darkness gathered, Annus scanned the crowd. He saw some of his personal favorites, Fear, Pride, Hate, Deception, Rejection, and Rebellion, sitting close to the front in their reserved seats. They were talking about their most recent expeditions on the human planet. "I have completely taken over the lives of a woman and her family," said Fear with a snarl. "The woman has cancer and instead of turning to the Maker, they turned to me. I’ll keep them wondering and waiting in agony every minute of their life!" He sat back in his chair with a humph, satisfied that he had outdone all other creatures. "That’s nothing compared to mine," said Rebellion. I have succeeded in causing 300 teenagers to run away from home in the last month. They’re out on the streets, weeping and moaning, but too prideful to go home." "I’ll take credit for them not returning," said Pride. "I was the one who put arrogance in their heart."

Silence reigned over the previously restless audience as Annus stood, his power overcoming them all. He was not as one would expect the leader of darkness to be. In contrast, he was a very beautiful creature. His robe was made of white satin and he glowed in tranquility. When speaking to his subjects he was forceful, but when engaged in deception his voice was as soft as that of a whisper. He had an aura of peace about him that attracted even the Maker’s most loyal servant. His powerful voice boomed as he spoke to the crowd. "I have called you here for a very serious matter. We have succeeded in deceiving one of the Maker’s own. Now we must convert her." Hate rose, shaking, and in his squeaky voice volunteered for the job. "Silence!" shouted Annus. "This will be a job for many, but only the strongest will go. You will be battling the powerful forces of the Maker. Although we will win, we must not underestimate his power." The dark creatures stared in wonder, each pleading in his heart to be chosen. Anyone who succeeded in this task would be forever in Annus’ favor. "You will step forward as I call your name," said Annus, now more calm. "The ones I have chosen are Fear, Doubt, Insecurity, Rejection, Rebellion and Self Denial. Your leader will be the one who has made this possible, the one who met Grace in Chicago and led her astray. His name is Loneliness."

As his name was mentioned, loneliness stood and approached the front of the auditorium. Annus stepped back to watch his plan unfold. He was curious to see what kind of a leader this new favorite would be. If Loneliness was nervous no one could tell. His features were firm, set in a frown. His dark cape hung low, almost dragging on the ground, as he walked toward the stage. A hush fell over the crowd as this powerful creature stood to speak. "I have always been powerful," he said, "but we are in the dawn of a new era in which I will have great dominion!" Fear shook involuntarily. Was this new favorite of Annus’ going to dominate darkness? Loneliness continued, "We will conquer the whole human race with a new strategy. No longer will our main forces be rebellion, hate, and violence. From now on we will use fear, insecurity, and loneliness to destroy the Maker’s creation. His "children" as he calls them will be utterly and completely destroyed to the point of submission. Are you with me?" The creatures of darkness stood and cheered. They were all beginning to see the reality in the new strategy. Annus smiled slyly as he watched his subjects. This could very well be the best thing to happen to darkness since Nazi Germany.


Copyright © 2005 by Jamie Madera. Reproduction is forbidden without permission. Contact me at jamielynne87@yahoo.com.