Substitue Faith for Doubt

Substitute Faith for Doubt

by Michael Shimek

It was the thinnest of veils. A curtain of magic to hide the gateway -- it wasn’t really magic, but because the human mind could never hope to understand the true workings, it was the closest word to fit the definition. It took space on a spectrum of light not visible with the naked eye. Those staring directly at it would never suspect a thing out of the ordinary, even though it was the most unordinary thing in the world. Kathy certainly didn’t see anything, and she stood within a few millimeters of it.

“So,” she said, gripping her husband’s sweaty and clammy hand, “what exactly am I supposed to be looking at? All I see is a swing set.”

“You won’t see anything if you don’t believe.” Joseph Waltz turned from the old and rundown equipment that held him in a trance and looked at the love of his life, a sadness staining his eyes. “And you can’t see anything now because we’re not inside yet. You have to step over this piece of wood.”

Kathy looked down to where he pointed and saw something that did not belong naturally in the sparse forest. About as long as one of her arms, the hunk of wood was as fresh as lumber in a sawmill. Long grass grew as high as her shins, but the greenery avoided the wood as if it were the plague. Beautiful lines of grain etched along the surface to form a masterpiece worthy of being hung in the Louvre. It was gorgeous, and definitely out of place, but other than that she didn’t see anything special about the piece of wood.

“And once I step over this, I will magically be transported to a different world?”

“Fine,” he said bluntly. “If you don’t want to do this, then you can go back to the car. It’s bad enough that my coworkers and friends think I’m crazy; I don’t need someone I thought cared about me judging me by my side.”

A dagger sliced through Kathy’s heart. She did care about him; she cared about him deeply. At first she thought his ranting and ravings were just a joke and she played along. Then it became serious, affecting his job and social life, not to mention putting a wedge in their ten-year marriage. She wanted to help him, thinking it was probably some repressed memory from his childhood -- he always talked about traveling to some fantastical place as a kid. And she desperately wanted to believe him, but it was a little hard when everything he said made absolutely no sense.

With tears forming in her eyes, she took hold of Joe and wrapped him in the tightest hug. “I’m here for you no matter what. Okay? I love you more than anything and would travel to Hell with you if that’s what it took to be by your side.” She smiled with relief as he hugged her back just as hard.

“I’m sorry. I know you’re here for me. I’m sorry. This is just all very hard.”

“It’s okay. Now, show me what I need to do.”

“I...”

“What is it?”

“I’m scared. It’s why I’m here. I’m scared for my friends on the other side, I want to help them, but I...I don’t know if I can do this. It’s too much for me to handle. I left them. I told them I would come back, but...it’s been so long.”

Kathy squeezed Joe’s hand. “I’m sure everything will be fine. Have a little faith in yourself. And, remember, I’m here.”

Joe inhaled and exhaled loudly before taking a step forward. “Here it goes,” he said.

Kathy followed her husband’s lead, stepping over the piece of wood on the ground. She felt and saw an immediate change, but it was a change she couldn’t put words to. Everything looked the same, but everything was also just...off, somehow. Was everything brighter? Was everything blurred just a tad? Was everything shifted a hair out of place? She couldn’t tell, but something was different.

“Do you see that?” Joe asked.

“Yeah,” she said in an awed whisper. “What is it?”

“I call it The Fancy In-between,” he said. “Because even though everything might look old, it has a fancy quality to it. Don’t you think?”

It could be called no other name. “I agree,” she said. Before she could continue, Joe grabbed her arm and pulled her toward the swings.

“Here, we have to sit on these.”

“They look old and rusty. Won’t they break?”

“They’ve always looked like this, and I never had a problem before. All you do is sit down and swing. After a minute or so…well, you’ll see.”

Joe sat down on the right swing, leaving the left open for Kathy. She stared at the wooden seat, reluctant to copy her husband. She never thought anything would really happen when they had arrived, but after stepping over that piece of wood, reality was playing a mean trick by messing with her sense of perception. Anything could happen if she sat on that swing.

“Come on,” Joe said, already three full swings into his back and forth motion. “It’s perfectly safe. I promise.”

A pleasurable vibration greeted Kathy’s fingertips as she traced her hand up and down the rusty chain. She bent over until her rear found contact. She eased her weight and lifted her legs. Every memory involving a swing from her childhood hit her like a happy nostalgic slap to the face, a smile the resulting injury. Any apprehension was lifted and thrown away. She couldn’t remember the last time she felt so carefree and alive. After a few pumps of her legs she found her rhythm.

“This is so fun!” she screamed in delight. “Oh, Joe, I’ve forgotten how fun this is!”

Kathy almost gasped when she turned to her husband, almost -- there was something that took away the initial fear and replaced it with pleasure. Joe’s swinging had become faster than humanly possible. He was nothing but a blur, broken down to colors of a single curved line from the stroke of a paintbrush. If it had been any other place, at any other time, Kathy would have gone into shock. Not here, not now. There wasn’t a single thing that could replace her bliss.

“Joe? Joe, are you there?”

“I’m here.” It was only a faint breeze, but it was Joe’s voice. “Just keep swinging, Kathy. And don’t worry, I’m here.”

Her swinging became faster and faster. The forest zipped by. The world became on unfocused green that grew brighter by the second. Soon, everything was awash in white, and all Kathy could do was close her eyes and keep swinging.

#

“Kathy? Are you okay?”

She hadn’t realized she had passed out until she came to and opened her eyes. A man with thinning hair, striking blue eyes, and a day’s worth of stubble stared down at her: Joe.

“What happened?” she asked.

“We’re here. We made it.”

But Kathy could see the despair in his face. Something was wrong. He stepped out of view before she could say anything, revealing the somberness.

A grey sky with rolling, thunderous clouds threatened to tear apart the atmosphere. She sat up and saw the bleak land spreading off into the distance. They were on top of a high hill of dirt and weeds. A dead forest crawled down the right side of the hill, trailing down until it disappeared into a deep fog. The left side of the hill was nothing but a cliff of jagged rocks. An old path wound out before them. Kathy could tell it was once a gorgeous road with intricate designs, but now, everything was worn away from an old and forgotten history. It led down into a valley that melted into a desert wasteland of death. Small mountains loomed far away, covering the entire horizon. Life had vacated this world and left it a barren mess.

“It’s all gone,” Joe said, tears streaming down his face. “All of it.”

“Oh, honey. I’m so sorry.” Kathy was in such awe that she almost forgot about her husband. She grabbed and hugged him close. “I take it this isn’t how this place is supposed to look.”

“No,” he said shaking his bowed head. “No, it’s not. This world was once a place of magic and charm. Unique and elegant people and creatures roamed the lands. And now it’s all gone. It’s all...dead.”

Joe slumped to the ground. He cradled his head in his arms and began to sob. Kathy sat down next to him and held him for support. She tried her best to soothe and comfort her husband.

“What was it like?” she asked.

“What?”

“What was it like? When you first came here, what did it look like?”

He took a moment to sniffle and wipe the tears from his eyes before talking. “I was only eight. One day after school, a group of bullies attacked me. They ran me off until I got lost in those woods. When I found the swings, all of my sadness disappeared. I started swinging and soon found myself here. Except it was so different, so much more magical.

“Vibrant colors picked from a Claude Monet painting plastered the land. This dead forest to our right was once a thick jungle of mystery, home to many people and creatures. The rubble to our left was once just another side to this hill, leading down to a river that flowed into a large lake to our south. The path before us was once etched with magic and splendid craftsmanship. It weaved through villages and towns that sprawled the land. There were so many different people and cultures. Oh, Kathy, I wish you could have seen it in its prime. It was such a fantastical place! If you followed the road, it cut deep into the mountains and eventually brought you to Lootian Kingdom, the main city.”

“It sounds like a wonderful world,” Kathy said.

“It was.” Joe sighed. “But it’s all gone. Everything is dead and dried up. There’s nothing left, Kathy. When I was younger and my father found a job in a different state, I knew that moving would mean I could never come back. The last time I visited, there was a dark force threatening those that wanted peace among the lands. I thought everything had been settled when the evil had been destroyed. Everyone thought it had been vanquished. I almost stayed, stayed for good, just to make sure. I should have stayed...”

“Joe, this isn’t your world. If you had stayed, what would your parents have thought? You would have ended up on a milk carton. Plus, I would have never met you. Knowing you, I’m sure you did the best you could.” She kissed him on the cheek.

“Thank you,” he said.

“I know it looks hopeless, but maybe it’s not all lost.”

“It sure all looks gone to me. There’s nothing living for--"

Joe stopped abruptly as he stared ahead with wide eyes. Kathy followed his gaze and came upon a faint pink light in the distance. It was a striking contrast to the drab environment, and it was getting bigger and closer. She gripped him in fear. Joe held her. She saw excitement his face -- something not seen in months -- as the light approached them. It was so bright that the floating source could not be seen beneath the brilliant glow.

An angelic voice spoke. “Joseph of Earth, you have returned.”

“Brynrial? Is that you?”

“It is. You have been gone a long time.”

Joe bowed his head in shame. “I know. I’m sorry.”

“Have no worries. Now that you have returned, we will claim victory against the evil one and gain back what was once ours.”

“Are you the only one left?” he asked with a worried look.

“Of course not,” Brynrial said. “We have all survived. Nature and the land has been the only casualty, but it will thrive once again. Come, I will show you our new home, and quite a home it is, I might add. Follow me.”

The light began to move but then stopped.

“What is it?” Joe asked.

“You are not alone,” the light said. “You have brought a friend.”

Still frightened to the bone, Kathy hadn’t even noticed she had been forgotten. She made sure to never lose her hold on Joe.

“Oh, how rude of me,” Joe said. “Kathy, this is Brynrial, an old friend of mine when I was younger. Brynrial, this is my wife, Kathy.”

“Ah. Kathy is your Equal. I am very happy for you, Joseph of Earth. Now, follow me before we are seen. Dark Destroyer will not like that you are back amongst us.”

The light began to drift away, and Joe pulled Kathy along to follow. She was reluctant to move, but Joe tried his best to reassure her.

“Don’t worry,” he said. “Brynrial is a good friend. If what she says is correct, then you’ll get to meet everyone else, too.”

She could see the excitement in him, but there was something the light alluded to. “Joe? Who is the Dark Destroyer?”

“He’s the one who’s done all of this.” He gestured to the broken lands. “He’s a plague. He’s evil. There was a plan set up to defeat him…but it must not have worked.”

“Unfortunately, you are right,” the light from ahead said. “The Dark Destroyer had been one step ahead of us. The plan would have worked, but there was an unforeseen element no one was prepared for. There was nothing you could have done, Joseph of Earth. He had us all fooled.”

Silence hung above them like a child’s mobile made with dangerous, sharp knives. It was only after several minutes of walking did Brynrial finally break the awkwardness.

“We are here.”

After passing the ruins of once a thriving village, the light had beckoned them to a very large boulder about the size of a two-story home. A sweet, soft song vibrated from Brynrial  -- the sound waves impossibly visible -- and the large rock shook. Slow at first, the motion sped until the boulder was no more and a single door rose from the ground in its place. Framed in a sparkling purple, the black, wooden door opened.

“Oh, wow.” The words escaped Kathy’s lips without any thought.

On the other side of the door was a whole new world. The pink Brynrial drifted through, followed by Joe, and finally by a weary, but an excited and open-minded, Kathy.

There was no sky, for as far as the eye could see rocks of all colors encased the world. They were in the largest cave Kathy or Joe had ever seen. Pillars higher than the tallest skyscrapers connected the rocky floor to the rocky ceiling, a ceiling that was so high it was almost impossible to see. Chasms deeper than the Grand Canyon etched along the ground. Vegetation grew everywhere, lining the ground, walls, and pillars. Houses were carved into the stone, and huts were propped up in the flatter areas. Small villages and large towns spanned out in every direction, with a vast city glinting in the distance. People walked along made roads and paths, and creatures snaked along the ground and soared through the air. Everything was full of life, a much needed change from the dead world they had just left behind.

Brynrial pulsed her light in a rippling rhythm, drawing the attention of those near the portal between worlds. Kathy gasped at those rushing to greet them.

Many looked human, and many did not. Some had horns, and some had fur. Some had extra appendages, and some downright didn’t have any appendages at all. Those were the ones who most resembled humans. Those like Brynrial came in all different shapes, sizes, and forms. Things with wings fluttered from the sky. Orbs and mists hovered into view. Living flora crawled from the ground while large, tree-like beings stomped up with their thick, trunk legs. It was an eclectic crowd, one to draw a gasp from anyone.

Looking at Joe, Kathy could see a joy she had never seen before in those watery eyes of her husband. He looked at home.

The growing crowd parted. People and creatures cleared a path as a commanding character marched forward. Humanoid in shape, the list of human resemblances stopped there. As hefty as a gorilla and as tall as a giraffe, skin of blue leaves and golden fur waved with every movement. Like a shaggy dog, no further details could be seen through the thick coat that acted as clothing.

“Joseph of Earth, you have returned.” As the deep voice boomed, whiskers and foliage rustled on the head. “It is good to see you.”

The large figure and Joe met in an embrace that completely enveloped Kathy’s husband. All she could do was stand in shock and a surprisingly comforting awe. Confused but curious, she let everything play out without interference.

“I’ve missed all of you so much,” Joe said. “It’s been way too long.”

“It has been quite some time,” the furry and leafy beast said. “We have fared well and prospered in your absence, even through dark times. As you can see, we have a whole new world!” A large arm gestured to the thriving underground society. “The portal opened during a time in need, much like when you had first arrived at your young age. The life here was scarce, welcoming us to keep it thriving. Together, everyone shares the abundant space this world has to offer.”

“I’m so glad you all are well. I got worried when I arrived and found everything destroyed.”

“The Dark Destroyer gained his title for a reason.” A mop of fur and leaves patted Joe on the back. “And now that you are back, we can rid the evil presence from all universes for good!”

A cheer erupted from the surrounding crowd. Kathy couldn’t help but smile as she saw the sheer joy in Joe’s face. There was no more fear; there was nothing to be frightened of.

Or so she thought.

Then it dawned on her. Joe had been called back for a reason. They needed his help. Somehow, Joe was supposed to vanquish a dangerous and evil being capable of destroying a whole world. She feared for her husband.

Before the loud whoops could die down, Kathy stole Joe from the crowd.

“Joe, what is going on?”

“This is amazing! Kathy, all of my friends are still here! You’ll meet every one. There’s -- "

“Joe, stop for a second. That’s all great. I really mean it. But that thing -- "

“Grandinfu. His name is Grandinfu.”

“Okay. Grandinfu mention destroying the Dark Destroyer ‘now that you are back.’ What’s that supposed to mean?”

“They probably have a new plan to defeat him. And, like last time, I will help.”

“Joseph! Are you serious? This is dangerous!”

“I’ve done this before and no one was hurt.”

“You were a child! That was all…”

“What? Fake? You can see now that it isn’t. Have faith, Kathy, like you had faith in me. Yes, the Dark Destroyer is dangerous and strong, but my friends are stronger. There are forces of magic and power here you haven’t even begun to see. Not only are there spells and incantations that work like magic, feelings and emotions have power as well.”

Kathy was hoisted in the air by an invisible force. Joe did the same and together they hovered while lights of white and orange flickered around them like a swarm of fireflies. They kissed passionately before landing softly back on the ground.

“Wow,” Kathy said. “What was that?”

“That was love, my dear.” Joe lightly kissed her again. “It is a powerful tool that will help us in our noble cause. Evil can never triumph.”

Kathy had never seen such courage and confidence exerted from her husband. Usually a more cautious man, Joe’s personality shifted to a side only hinted at during their marriage. It was exhilarating, and it made her very proud to be his wife.

“Joe, this is all too real and moving way too fast.”

“I know, Kathy. But I have to help. I understand if you don’t want to stay here. I understand if you want to go back, and I will be back, too; I promise. You have to trust me on this, though. Have a little faith in my friends and me. Everything will be fine.”

He spoke the truth. She could feel it. With him around, she would always be safe.

“I’ll stay,” she said. “I’ll help you in any way I can.”

“Then it’s settled,” Grandinfu said, budding into the conversation. “You will both help us in our cause.” He turned to the still growing crowd and boomed: “Joseph of Earth has returned! He and his Equal will join us in reclaiming our land!”

Kathy smiled as Joe hugged and kissed her passionately in front of a bunch of strangers. She didn’t care. All worry was lost. She had no doubt that her future adventures would end up favorably on the good and righteous side.

###