Onikymn Crystal: The Eye of Sirus, #1

One

LAKE-EFFECT SNOW BLANKETED Grand Rapids, Michigan on a blustery December evening. Inside, Christmas cheer floated throughout the house as Grace Larson decorated doors and windows with holly and evergreen wreaths. Chestnuts roasted on dancing flames while the fireplace blazed with warmth. She heard the car door slam, and ran to the front door, eager to give her hardworking man the reception he deserved.

When Kyle stepped in, his overcoat and hat were covered with a layer of snow. Grace’s eyes smiled with joy as she jumped into his waiting arms, gifting him with a passionate kiss.

Well now, Kyle said, what did I do to deserve such a warm greeting?

She removed his hat and tossed it onto the table in the corner. She flashed a toothy smile and said, I’m in the Christmas spirit. Her captivating eyes gazed above his head.

He looked up. Ah, mistletoe and quite a large bunch I might add. Judging by the abundance of berries, I expect another round of kisses. Just as their lips met, the baby began to cry.

Helen doesn’t sound very happy, Kyle said.

She’s probably wet; I’ll change her and put her to bed.

Bummer, I thought it was because she missed her dad.

Aw honey, she does. It’s just that she’s uncomfortable in her diaper and she gets a little fussy. Wouldn’t you if yours got wet?

I get fussy even when mine isn’t wet. When you’re finished, I have something important to discuss with you.

Uh oh, give me twenty minutes. Helen should be asleep by then.

There was a short void in his life that had to be filled until Grace finished with the baby. A hand of solitaire and sipping on hot cider seemed to be the best use of his time. After losing the first game, he shuffled the deck ready to start the next one when she reappeared, dressed in her pajamas, her hair pinned to the backside of her head. He placed the cards back in the pack, laid them on the table. Sit, he said, patting the couch cushion next to him. 

Her worrisome thoughts caused her pause because of his mysterious behavior. Her normal, cheerful expression turned solemn, expecting bad news. Is everything all right? 

"All right? Sweetheart, everything is f-i-n-e fine and dandy."

You seem a little uptight.

Sorry honey, it was a rough day. I need to unwind a bit more before I give you the news but this can’t wait. He smiled, grasping her hand. Santa has a surprise for you and it won’t hold until Christmas day for you to open it. 

Really? She perked up and grinned. Well, don't leave me in suspense. Did you get a raise or... did you make used car salesman of the year? 

He pulled two pieces of paper from his shirt pocket and handed them to her. 

After studying them, she gasped. You're kidding me, these look like two round-trip tickets to Mexico City! 

He smiled. All expenses paid for one week, Merry Christmas. 

Grace couldn’t contain herself. She stood and jumped from excitement, shrieking with joy at the prospect of going on an exotic trip to a foreign country. Out of breath, her heart pounded from the news. When? How? 

One of my boss’s largest clients gave them to him but he can’t go. He asked me if I wanted them and I told him I'd have to check with you first. Whaddaya think, are we going? 

Of course, honey, of course! She squealed and jumped into his arms. "It says here we leave in September. That’ll give us nine months to save up enough spending money. Oh this is great. I’ll line up my sister to come here to watch Helen and take care of the house. We have to learn their customs and their food and oh, passports. We need to be getting our passports and... 

Calm down, sweetheart, we’ve got plenty of time. That look on her face is better than any present under the tree.

Nine months later 

Grace’s toothy smile was as large as a crescent moon, shouting from the car window after Kyle started the engine. Cynthia, don’t lose the number for our hotel in Mexico. And don’t forget that she likes a bottle just before bedtime and if she coos, she wants to be held and — 

Kyle touched her arm to get her attention. You’ve gone over that with her already. If we don’t leave now, we’ll miss our flight. 

He pulled away from the curb and she hung half out the window to face Cynthia. You and Helen stay safe, she said, watching her sister with Helen in her arms waving back in the early morning twilight. Her eyes never left the house until Kyle made a right at the end of the block. She turned back in her seat in solicitude, blankly gazing into the distance. 

Kyle’s eyes were glinting from excitement over the trip even though he noticed her mood shift. What’s the matter? 

Oh, I suppose I’m having separation issues. Wish we could’ve taken Helen with us. I hope she’ll be okay. 

Now we’ve gone over this for the last nine months. Cynthia is thrilled to stay with Helen, especially since her own kids are approaching the terrible-teens. It’s a known fact she loves babies. Relax; your older sister has been a mother twice. Besides, it would be too hard on Helen and you. Don’t worry, we’ll have a great time. He noticed tears welling in her eyes. 

What if something happens? What if she needs me? We’ll be so far away. Maybe we should have waited a few more years to make this trip. This is a lot harder than I thought it would be. 

Gracie, calm down. Everything’s going to be fine, you’ll see. 

She slid over the bench seat snuggling against his arm and sighed. I suppose you’re right. It’s hard to believe we are really on our way to Mexico. She kissed him on the cheek, laid her head on his shoulder, and smiled. "We will have fun, won’t we?"

You bet. 

They spent their first two days in Mexico City doing what most foreigners do, seeing the sights and spending money. They found the city and its people exotic, contrasting her simple, humble beginnings in the coal mining hills of her childhood home. Just being there made her excited and breathless at the same time. They enjoyed interacting with the street vendors and they were about to approach one selling jewelry. 

Oh Kyle, look at that diamond necklace, she gasped. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful. 

It has such a small diamond chip, though. Why someday, I’ll buy you a diamond so big you’ll need a security guard to help carry it around for you. 

Her eyes beamed, shooting him a sidelong glance and chuckled. Silly. 

Would you like to have it? 

Her expression loosened, looking at him in decline. Oh no, we can’t afford it. We are on a tight budget. 

I’m the businessman here. Let me handle that. He approached the merchant. How much for this, sir? 

"Two hundred twenty pesos, señor." 

"A hundred and sixty-five pesos." 

"No can do. I paid one hundred eighty pesos. I must make a profit to feed my hungry children. I can sell it for two hundred pesos," he said, holding up two fingers. 

One hundred and ninety is my final offer. 

The merchant shook his head. "Sorry señor, I cannot." 

Kyle smiled at the merchant, grasped Grace’s hand and started to leave." 

"Very well, one hundred ninety pesos," the merchant said. 

Grace gasped in a whisper, How did you do that? 

Three words, National Geographic magazine. 

She turned giddy when he hung it around her neck. Oh Kyle, I feel so guilty. We can’t afford this. 

Sure we can. You’re looking at a tycoon. We have eleven times more money than we did when we left home. 

Huh? 

"The exchange rate. The dollar is valued at eleven times more than the peso. So, we get more bang for the buck." 

Gosh, I forgot about that, she moaned, sucking in a deep breath, caressing her diamond chip. 

Kyle handed the merchant the money. "Gracias, do you have any suggestions where we can go to see more of your beautiful country?" 

The Cholula Pyramid is just a short distance from here. Go two blocks that way to the bus station and get on the bus to Cholula. The pyramid has a church on top. You will like it, I think. 

Oh, is it that close by? I remember reading something about it. 

"Thank you so much, señor," she said with a wide smile. 

The merchant returned her smile, dipping his hat. "You are welcome, señora." 

It’s too dark out to take in anymore sights today. We’ll go to Cholula after breakfast tomorrow, he said. 

A hot bath sounds good right now, and then I’ll hop into bed with my diamond necklace and a good book until I fall asleep. 

Ouch, we’ve only been married two years and I’m playing second fiddle to a good book. Do you have any idea how that insults my manhood?

"Your manhood will survive... besides, playing second fiddle tonight means we can fiddle around more tomorrow night." 

He smiled. Mmm, you’ve got a date. While Gracie admired her tiny diamond chip, he wrapped his arm around her neck. You’re going to wear that thing out if you keep rubbing it like that. 

Well, since you’re the tycoon of the family, I’ll just make you buy me another one.

Anything for you, baby.

They arrived back at the hotel and he stopped at the lobby entrance. I think I’ll take a stroll around town. Maybe I can find a fun-spot or two for us to explore tomorrow night. You go relax in the tub. I’ll be back in a bit. 

Don’t stay out too late and if I’m asleep when you get back, wake me. 

Kyle nodded, leaned over and kissed her on the neck, turned and walked a short distance to edge of downtown Mexico City. Restaurants, bars, and nightclubs on both sides of the main road flashed brilliant neon signs. Exotic aromas from cooked food rode the air currents, mixing with the stale fermented odor of booze. 

A mariachi band performed classic Mexican music in a strolling presentation on a sidewalk where tourists and locals gathered to drink and eat on outdoor tables. Kyle inhaled a deep breath, invigorated by the cool air. He stopped to buy a Coke from a vendor who sold a variety of beer and sodas in a bucket of ice. The activities of partygoers were stimulating and chaotic, something he wasn’t used to being from Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Two

ONCE PAST THE COMMERCIAL establishments, Kyle discovered a small group of street vendors near the outskirts of a residential area. He browsed for a while hoping to find Grace something special. After scouring through the usual tourist trinkets and jewelry, he came upon an elderly man sitting cross-legged on the ground next to an old deteriorated adobe building. Light from burning candles and torches flickered over a wizened face etched with deep wrinkles, appearing weathered from a hard life. His black eyes glowed as strings of long gray thinning hair hung limp from a balding head.

He noticed a ritual being performed in an open field next to the building where five men chanted a melody around an open fire. They wore colorful ceremonial costumes while beating on small handheld drums, attracting stares from curious tourists.

Hola, señor. Kyle smiled. He knelt on one knee to browse the old man’s wares sitting on the ground piled in low-rimmed wooden bowls.

The elderly man responded in his native tongue, smiling, exposing a single blackened tooth jutting from the front of his mouth.

"Sorry, uh, no hablo Espanol." A beaded necklace strung with turquoise and crystal chips caught his eye. "How much for this one? Umm, Cuanto cuesta."

The elder turned and called to one of the young men performing the ritual around the fire. Saul, ven aqui. — ven aqui.

The young man approached the elder. Do you speak English? Kyle asked.

Yes sir. How may I help you?

He stood, holding up the necklace. I really like this one. Can you ask him how much he wants for it?

The young man turned to the elderly man. Cuanto dinero para el collar?

The elder held up his fingers, saying, Treinto y cinco.

"Thirty-five pesos, señor."

Oh, this is too beautiful to cost so little. Kyle handed him fifty pesos. The man took the money and grasped his hand in a friendly gesture. He suddenly appeared stunned, looking up at him in awe. He released Kyle’s hand and closed his eyes, pressing his hands together in a prayer pose while swaying back and forth. Kyle glanced at the young man. What’s the matter with him? Did I offend him?

I do not think so, sir. He turned and asked the elder a question.

The elder opened his eyes and responded with an emotional tone in his voice that rose in pitch and intensity.

Kyle’s confusion and concern elevated even higher when the young man dropped to his knees and lowered his head. He shoved the necklace in his pocket and squatted. Sir, what’s going on here?

The young man looked at him. This is my great-grandfather. He is one hundred sixteen years old and —

You’re kidding... he doesn’t look that old. That’s impressive, but why is he acting so strange, and why were you bowing your head at my feet?

He is a respected Amazon shaman; very powerful. People from all over Mexico come to see him.

Shaman?

A medicine man and when he grabbed you a moment ago, he was touched with an amazing vision. He says you are a servant to the gods.

Kyle stood, pulling the young man up with him. Tell your grandfather I’m honored, but I’m no servant to any god. He snickered, glancing at the older man. Hell, I’m just plain ole’ Kyle Larson, a simple car salesman from Grand Rapids, Michigan.

My name is Saul and my great-grandfather can gain some insight into your destiny. He wishes to give you the gift of his insight. Come sit by the fire, please.

No thank you, I’m not interested in having my fortune told right now. The shaman grabbed his cane to help him stand. Kyle squeezed his eyes shut, pinching the bridge of his nose. The last thing he wanted at this point was to sit through some ceremony with a witch doctor. It had been a long day, he was tired, and his only thought right now was cuddling up to Grace in a cozy bed. He groaned and said, Oh, I don’t know about this. I really need to be getting back to my hotel.

Saul stared at him with urgency ringing in his voice. It is bad luck to insult a shaman, sir.

His hands fell from frustration, slapping the sides of his thighs in a light inconspicuous manner and sighed. Well, I suppose it’s better to do as he wants rather than having a hex hanging over my head the rest of my life.

The shaman motioned him to sit by the fire and handed him a cup of liquid. What’s this?

A special tea to help free your mind, Saul said.

Will I get sick? Americans can’t drink the water here, you know.

It has been boiling on the fire. See, the water is safe to drink.

Two men sat behind the shaman, tapping on the drums in a set rhythmic pattern while two others danced and sang in an unusual vocal sound, their eyes drawn to the heavens.

Hesitant, Kyle sipped the tepid brew and then gulped it down, glancing at the busy street, needing to reaffirm that he wasn’t alone. Okay, what now?

The shaman spoke in short sentences. Saul translated. Close your eyes and visualize the stars in the heavens.

He did so, his right eyebrow rising in mild frustration. The star-field he conjured in his mind spun in a circular motion, forming a cloudy vortex. There was a sensation of being drawn toward its center where a soft radiant halo with bright beams exploded from the vortex’s outer ring, streaking through the blackness of space.

When he neared the vortex’s center, the perception of speed was more noticeable, the light from the stars stretched and blurred past him. A curious looking humanoid appeared in the center of the halo growing in size until his face seemed to hover in front of him three dimensionally. His eyes were gentle, filled with light and his smile comforted him as though he was being washed in an ocean of serenity.

Without warning, a rumbling wave of heat slammed into his face forcing his eyes open. He saw the shaman throwing a powdery substance on the fire causing a billowing flame to swell above his head. Tiny sparkling cinders rode the currents of heat high in the air, transforming into thousands of fireflies that flew away into the thicket of trees behind him.

Again, the flames flared with an angry disposition, taking on odd shapes molded by an invisible hand forming a devilish face that laughed. Rancorous emotions rode on the hissing sounds of escaping gases from the heated firewood, reaching toward him with burning fiery outstretched hands.

Apprehension forced his eyes shut seeing twinkling lights behind his eyelids, multiplying by the second until there was a solid white background that conversely faded to black. Something indistinguishable moved around in the darkness when a sudden pair of stark eyes pierced through the shadows, glaring at him with evil bloodlust and then evaporated into thin air. His vision focused on a barren, moonlit landscape of sand with steep mountainous peaks. He stood upon a courtyard of flat stones with carved stone columns behind him.

An ominous screech floated through the air in harsh, raspy tones. A dark winged outline slapped at the air above him, casting an undulating shadow on the ground, soon disappearing beyond a colonnade of stone support columns. Tiny hairs on the back of his neck stood on end, watching a small grayish demon peeking around the corner of a column. Its fiendish smile exposed stained broken teeth, panting like a wild beast, drooling from the sides of its gaped mouth, appearing as though hunger had guided it to a feast.

Two more showed their hideous faces, one crabbing low on all fours along the ground, seeming to flank him while the other one crept between the other two. One was hunched over with its hands splayed to its sides, hissing in a menacing throated growling sound that escaped through clinched teeth. Four more joined the three and then six flowed out from the other side of the colonnade. All toll, Kyle counted thirteen, an unlucky number to be sure.

The weighted air felt difficult to breathe, his heart pounding from consternation. Another horrible screech drew his attention as the shadowy flight of the curious form returned and banked in a half circle, gliding toward him. It appeared too large to be a bird. It flapped its wings, slowing in descent, positioning itself in a vertical position, landing in the middle of the courtyard facing him. If this was an angel, then it’s a demonic angel from hell.

The emaciated ashen figure stood motionless in front of him. Dead, malevolent, onyx-black eyes studied him, its crimson and black feathered wings furling against its back. A deep-throated growl emerged through pallid lips, exposing needle-sharp teeth dripping with blood. The earth shook, and the wind carried a hellish storm of fire in hurricane-like eddies, stretching across the desert. The creature raised a finger with a long fleshy fingernail pointing to Kyle’s left, its voice rumbling in a fierce unintelligible dialect.

Kyle turned to the direction it pointed, and he let out a cry of fear from witnessing the vision. Gracie! She was hanging midair inside a brilliant light, appearing terrified, her hands reaching for him to save her, but he was paralyzed, unable to command his feet to move. She screamed his name in a painful gritty tone until the light consumed her. She was gone. He heard his name being called from a distance like an echo through a long tunnel.

Mr. Larson — Mr. Larson.

Awareness and reality returned in stages, leaving the freakish world inside his head drifting away into the shadows of his memory. He felt an arm around his back and a cup held to his lips with the sensation of being neither here nor there. It wasn’t the dizzying sickness of being drugged, but more so confusion about what those satanic visions were.

You’ll be just fine. Drink this, it’ll clear your head, Saul said.

What did you give me? Was it toxic?

No, it’s harmless. It’s called peyote, a button from a cactus that has hallucinogenic properties. With this and the help of the shaman, one may get a glimpse into their future. What did you see, Mr. Larson? Please, can you tell me?

Kyle gazed into the dark eyes of the old shaman, his body shivering with a numbing chill shooting up his spine, unable to comprehend the unusual nightmare he had just experienced.

The shaman spoke to Saul, animating his hands through the air and pointed at Kyle.

I am supposed to explain something to you. Are you with me, Mr. Larson?

Yeah, he sighed, squeezing his eyes shut. I’m okay. Go ahead.

Great grandfather says you are sensitive to the non physical forces of nature.

I’m what?

Many people have some degree of psychic ability, but they are unaware of it or they choose not to recognize it. Your perception of the spiritual plane is strong in you.

Really?

He says you will go on a long journey to a distant place where you will meet the gods. But it does not end there. You will be sent on a quest to search for the most important thing in your life.

And what’s that?

The shaman cannot see that far into your future. It is something you will have to discover yourself. He can only see a vague reflection of what you may face. The shaman says the future is fluid and because it has not been written yet, it is difficult to see everything clearly.

Look Saul, I’m not sure what just happened, but it scared the hell out of me. Now, I’m very tired, and I’m going back to the hotel.

I’ll get you a cab.

Thanks.

The shaman smiled and grasped Kyle’s hand pressing it against his forehead, spoke, and raised his face to the stars, chanting a few words before releasing it.

Thank you, thank you, it’s been very — interesting, Kyle said, forcing a smile. He pushed himself up and walked toward the street where Saul had flagged a cab. He climbed in the back seat, shut the door and looked up at him through the open window. In four days, I’ll be back home playing with my little girl, mowing my grass, repairing my picket fence, and selling someone else’s cars. Goodbye Saul.

Good luck on your journey, Mr. Larson, he said, tapping on the roof of the car, signaling the cabbie to leave.

Kyle gazed at Saul as the cab pulled away, wondering what he meant by that remark. He had already dismissed the whole experience, thinking it was a drug-induced hallucination, vowing that he’ll never accept food or drink from a stranger in a strange place again. He felt fortunate to be all in one piece and chalked it up as his one stupid mistake for the year.

He faced his hotel room door, debating whether to say anything to Gracie. She will get upset and give me the evil eye, but we promised not to have secrets between us, so here goes. He locked the door behind him and made his way to the bathroom where he washed up and brushed his teeth before entering the bedroom. She was sleeping on her side, her hair fanned over the pillow, her youthful plump skin radiating in a sensual soft glow from the nightlight. He crawled beneath the covers to cuddle in spoon fashion.

I’m back, he whispered in her ear.

She turned her head, peeking through slitted, sleepy eyes and gave him a quick kiss. Did you have a good time?

Heck no, not without you.

Right answer. She smiled.

I had somewhat of an interesting adventure. Wanna’ hear about it?

Oh? Sure.

Three

THE NEXT MORNING KYLE and Grace were finishing breakfast, preparing for the Cholula trip. He glanced at her sipping her coffee, the sober look on her face obvious. Still upset with me over my little adventure? 

Kyle, you have a daughter to think about. How could you do something so risky? You didn’t know those people or what their intentions were. They could have put something much worse in your drink. You’re smarter than that. 

I know, I know, I screwed up... forgive me? 

Her scowl loosened and leaned over the table, laying her hand on his. It scared me. I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you. 

It won’t happen again. Say, Cholula sounds interesting. I’m eager to — 

You promise? 

Yeah, I promise. 

Her eyes flashed and glanced at her watch. We’d better get moving if we’re going to make it to the station on time. 

He grinned. Well then, let’s get. 

The bus ride was dusty and boring once they left the city limits. Kyle thought it odd that the locals carried everything imaginable on the bus. This included two pigs, three dogs, a crate of chickens, enough garden vegetables to feed everyone and four ill-tempered, screaming babies.

After dealing with the foul smell, the cramped seating and the oppressive heat, they were thrilled to get off at Cholula. On top of the pyramid sat the ancient church superimposed in the forefront of a distant snow-capped volcano. It seemed to loom over the steeple with billowing clouds of smoke from time to time. 

Doesn’t look like any pyramid I’ve ever seen pictures of, Kyle said 

All I see is a large mound of dirt with a church on top. She lowered the hand that shaded her eyes and turned to study the small town. 

The village of Cholula nestled in dense trees and thick brush near the base of the ancient pyramid. Most of the town’s-folk took siestas beneath overhanging branches or shaded porches. The ticket agent directed them to an adobe brick building at the end of town across from the path that leads up to the church. A young boy approached them, offering to sell them two ice cold sodas. He popped the tops off with a church-key strung around his neck, took the money and smiled. Muchas gracias.

Kyle turned to say something to a lady wearing a pair of beige cutoffs and a wide brimmed straw-hat standing next to a preteen boy when a middle-age man approached them. 

"Hola, my name is Mateo Ramirez. For anyone going up to the Cholula pyramid, I will be your guide today. The salt and pepper haired middle-aged man spoke English well enough to be understood as he slapped at his wrinkled plaid short-sleeve shirt and dungaree pants. Pardon my appearance. I have been working at an archeological excavation site down on the other side of the pyramid. 

Tourism has been very slow here because of bad economic times. So, you will have me all to yourselves today. Please introduce yourselves, starting with you and your son, ma’am, he said, pointing his hand at the heavyset woman. 

She shot Kyle and Grace a quick glance and smiled. My name is Jennifer Bennett, and this is my twelve-year-old son, Jason. She spoke with an edgy, irritating nasal tone. We’re from Santa Fe. Jason’s always been interested in the great pyramids of Mexico so this is his birthday present. She exposed a proud grin at her son, rubbing the back of his head mussing up his hair.

Mateo smiled, tipping his hat as his eyes moved to the couple next to them. And you? 

We’re the Larson’s. This is my wife Grace and I’m Kyle, he said with affection wrapping his arm around her. We’re from Grand Rapids, Michigan. This is a late honeymoon. We’ve been in Mexico City most of the time and — 

Grace interrupted. A merchant told us about this place. I’m so glad he did, it’s so beautiful here. 

Mateo bowed his head. Thank you. I am pleased to meet all of you and welcome. Let us be on our way. They followed him up the path to the church listening to him pitch his tourism spiel. "Cholula is one of three towns that revolve around Teotihuacan, considered the birthplace of the gods. It is also the largest city in pre-Columbian Americas. 

"Cholula is a holy place. It means ‘place of those who fled.’ Our ancestors named the church Nuestra Señora de los Remedios or the Church of Our Lady of Remedies. In ancient times, the Cholula pyramid was larger than the Egyptian pyramid, Cheops. It has experienced destruction and deterioration over thousands of years. This pyramid was discovered in 1910 while building a mental sanctuary near the town." 

During Mateo’s lecture, they were approaching the last flight of steps going up to the church. Grace lagged behind when she noticed an unusual looking rock lying on the ground near the path. Curious, she strolled over to it and knelt while still listening to Mateo meter myths and facts on Cholula history. 

The rock was wedged against a corner stone. She pried it out with a metal fingernail file admiring it for a few moments. When she bent down to put it back, her shadow shrunk on the ground, allowing the sun to wash over her shoulder. A twinkle of sunlight refracted something in the dirt. Curious, she knelt on one knee and dug it up. What she discovered buried beneath the rock was a narrow four inch piece of opaque clouded quartz with ordinary markings. She hurried to catch up with the group, dusting the quartz with her hand and stuffed it in her purse 

The great pyramids were called temples by the people of those days, Mateo said. "Ancient Aztecs were preoccupied with religion that intertwined with obsessions of gods, dates, directions and colors, and the Cholulans took part in human sacrifice.

"There was once a great drought and the frightened people came to the priests for help. The priests used children as messengers to the god of rain Tlaloc. They decapitated sacrificial humans to send them into the next world. Legend has it that they were wrapped in precious stones