Chapter 14: Resistance

Sha-Lem Dojo

Same Time…

Zhal meditated with Tommy in his room by candlelight, both wearing simple fundoshi underwear. Tommy had been sensing a psychic presence trying to break into his mind, so Zhal was helping Tommy by teaching him some mental techniques from his clan.

So far, the techniques were helping out, adding to the repertoire of knowledge he gained from his training with the Sepharthian Monks. Tommy was not only holding back the invading mental probe, but he was also working his way back along the link to find out the identity of this individual…

Tommy’s Mind

Cailus walked through corridor after corridor, barging through any barriers he could find by using a combination of Psychic energies and magic. But no matter how deep he went, he kept ending up in corridors of more doors!

Eventually, he grew fed up and unleashed a psychic wave at an entire wall, linking him to another room. Cailus found himself in the main hall of Egad’s castle, only it was deserted. No one was there, no one could be heard until…

“You’re losing, Cailus.” A Voice said from over in the corner. “Why don’t you just admit it?”

Stepping out from the shadows, was Tommy in his red speedo. His face was set in a calm, neutral expression.

Cailus let out an irritated growl. “I will admit, that you’ve surprised me… Who knew such fierce determination existed in such a feeble, naive mind?”

Tommy’s expression didn’t even twitch. “Don’t continue to underestimate me, I will not warn you again: Leave my mind at your own accord, or I will force you out.”

Cailus scoffed. “My dear Tommy, why should we be enemies? Why waste the energy in conflict when we… Could achieve so much more by cooperating?”

“You’re contemptible, Cailus. I won’t be part of your plans.”

“You’re already a part of them!” Cailus snapped. “You and I have killed in this feud, remember? You’re no better than me, and you will start and continue to serve my will!” Cailus then started to walk around Tommy, running a hand over his body in temptation, sending more pressure through his mind link as Tommy began to breathe a bit heavier.

“You really have no choice... Wouldn’t it be wiser to join me? To take advantage of all I have to offer? You may even enjoy having power, has it not crossed your mind? I assure you, there is no finer aphrodisiac…”

Tommy slapped Cailus’ hand away, hardening his resolve. “That may work with others, but it won’t with me! I am only loyal to Master Egad…”

Cailus snarled, walking back in front of Tommy. “So, you insist on making this a battle?! How foolish!”

“It’s a battle I intend to win!” Tommy snapped back with a scowl.

Cailus laughed, turning his back. “Brave words, from a young fool. You, Egad, and the Coven had been nothing but an annoyance to me, no more and no less…”

“We’ve been more to you than that, and you know it.” Tommy growled dangerously, walking in front of Cailus. “I’m fighting you with every bit of strength I have, and it’s wearing you down. The feedback from the failed magic probes is having multiple side effects, the headaches alone are almost becoming more than you can stand.”

“I’ve suffered pain all my life!” Cailus growled. “It’s going to take more than headaches to stop me!”

“I know all about your pain, Cailus.” Tommy said in a flat voice. “I’ve been able to look into your own mind through the link you’ve opened. Your life may have been hard and painful, but it does not justify what you have become. You’re a monster, Cailus, and I have no compassion for you.”

“And I ask for none!” Cailus snapped. “What I need from you, I already have, and the rest will soon follow! Eventually, your mind, and your body will belong to me!”

“My body and mind is my own, at the service of Master Egad! I won’t surrender it, neither will he.” Tommy said with defiance.

“Try to fight me then. But eventually, I will defeat you…” Cailus snarled, his voice gaining in volume. “I have not survived this long, gotten this far, all to be thwarted by a mere child!”

Tommy then shot flames out of his mouth, his eyes glazing over to white as the entire castle suddenly started to combust! He roared at Cailus, his voice a reverb of anger!

“YOU’RE ALREADY DETERIORATING, AND IT’S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE!!! KEEP THIS UP, I’LL FIND EVERY LITTLE CRACK IN YOUR DEFENSES!! YOU WILL FEEL YOURSELF CRUMBLING FROM WITHIN, YOUR SANITY SLIPPING AWAY, YOUR LOGIC ABANDONING YOU, I WON’T STOP UNTIL YOU’RE BROKEN AND HELPLESS!!! THERE’S NO WHERE YOU CAN GO IN HERE TO GET AWAY FROM ME!! I’LL BE RELENTLESS, AND MERCILESS, AND UNFORGIVING, JUST LIKE YOU!!!!”

And with those last words, Cailus was consumed by flames!

# # # # #

Cailus’ hideout

Cailus jerked out of his psychic trance, breathing heavily as he felt the feedback from the failed spell caress his brain in aches and pain. He gripped his forehead with one hand for a few moments before calling Godfrey for some painkillers and orange juice.

As he took the medicine, he growled under his breath. “Tommy, this isn’t over…”