Seer
Chapter 31

Gabe’s

It is nearly midnight. My beloved is sleeping soundly, dreaming of amusement parks. His parents have retired for the night, and after reading together companionably in bed for a time, have also fallen asleep. Next door, Timothy and his mother slumber as well.

Only the Seer is still awake, reading in her darkened room. She does not have a lamp turned on in her room, not wishing for her parents to realize that she is still awake. So she has parted the curtains in her window, allowing the light from the streetlamp outside to enter. The light would normally be too dim for human eyes to use for reading. However, Natalie appears to have unusual abilities beyond her status as a Seer. One of these abilities is that she can see her book despite the lack of sufficient lighting. Another is that she does not appear to require as much sleep as ordinary humans. It is quite typical for her to linger far into the night, reading her books, long after her parents believe her to be asleep.

She continues to be fascinated by the stories in the children’s bible she has been reading. She has progressed well into the New Testament, and has just completed a tale about Jesus casting out demons. It is remarkable to observe her young mind as she tries to make sense of the biblical stories, particularly in light of her recently acquired knowledge that the concept of God is an invention of humanity. She tries to come to terms with each story in the bible, and has begun categorizing them as either tales of basic human lives, or as involving the presence of Guardians. An entire philosophy is developing in her mind as she accomplishes this task.

She has not yet discussed this to any great extent with her Guardian, who of course observes as she consumes the literature. She wishes, as is typical when she reads, to complete the book, then consult with Angel to assist her understanding of what she has read.

Shortly after midnight she finally senses the need for sleep, so she closes the bible and her eyes. Soon she is dreaming as well.

Angel waits for a time to be certain that she will not awaken, then he turns his attention to our group. We have all been waiting. We have all seen the transformation in Jonathan’s Guardian, and we all share a concern for the well-being of the children. For all four of the children, not just Gabe and Natalie and Timothy. What can the situation mean for Jonathan himself? Although the problems are centered upon him, he is also just a human child, worthy of the love and protection of Guardians. The fact that his own Guardian has strayed from the usual role of loving observer puts him at risk as well.

Each of the other Guardians in the group have become accustomed to actually speaking with each other, having been encouraged to do so by Natalie’s schemes. I have observed this development with fondness, and not a little amazement. But as Gabe has been less involved with the events necessitating the communication, I have not directly participated until tonight. It is important that I share this discussion with the other Guardians, as my beloved’s dearest friend is likely to be greatly impacted as these events unfold.

Therefore, I bring myself to address the group, speaking to them directly rather than simply knowing that they will be aware of my thoughts. I wish to participate in this group as one of them, not simply as an observer. “I believe that I have spent more time in the company of Jonathan and his Guardian than have any of you, simply because my Guarded and the boy spend so much of their time together,” I begin. “I have watched his Guardian achieve the current condition which is so concerning to us all. I believe I can share information in this regard that may be important.” I find that, once I begin, it is not difficult to communicate in this direct fashion.

Angel smiles at me. “Yes, Gabe’s Guardian, please continue. You are, indeed, the most closely involved with Jonathan and his Guardian of any here.” His use of the moniker to address me emphasizes the fact that I am the only Guardian here who has not received a name. Named Guardians! How odd is this situation.

And how odd to be speaking directly with others of my kind. I acclimate quickly, though, and continue. “As soon as Angel and Guardian commenced their experiment regarding whether they could communicate over a distance, all Guardians nearby were aware of what was happening. It seemed to be a fascinating development involving the Seer, but not pertinent to any of the rest of us. However, Jonathan’s Guardian seemed to become almost obsessed with the concept.”

Angel looks to Guardian, and they share a memory of the night in which they learned to “yell” at each other. A flash of mutual amusement passes between them. Again, seeing Guardians find amusement outside of that generated by their Guarded is unusual. The entire situation is unprecedented.

Guardian watches, waiting for me to continue. Of course, he is not in the same house with the rest of us, but next door, near Timothy. This makes no difference in our ability to communicate with each other. I notice that Guardian’s appearance is shifting. He is one of the less common Guardians who has never made any effort to form an appearance, but after the conversation with Timothy earlier this evening, he has begun to shift his form into one with a more human-like shape. All of the Guardians in our group have such a shape, but of course Angel’s appearance is a far more substantial manifestation than any of us have ever witnessed before. His angel form is incredibly tangible and detailed, created for the benefit of the Seer.

I re-focus on the information I am relaying. “I believe that the fact that Timothy and Natalie had also been discussing an effort to alter Jonathan’s behavior that same day impacted his Guardian’s view of the discovery made through the communication experiment. When Jonathan’s Guardian felt the rush of energy generated by Angel and Guardian, it immediately added to the existing perception of Jonathan being at a disadvantage. Jonathan’s Guardian feels it is most unfair for the Seer and her friend to be using their Guardians as tools to modify Jonathan’s behavior. Jonathan’s Guardian has grown to resent the Seer, not merely because she has used Angel’s knowledge to avoid Jonathan’s bullying, but because she has begun to utilize that knowledge in a way that targets Jonathan directly.”

The other Guardians listen carefully to my description. All have already surmised this, but my perspective is helping to clarify the situation.

“With the opinion that the Seer has an unfair advantage over Jonathan already in place, the new ability of Angel and Guardian to communicate with a strangely powerful method seemed alarming, even threatening. Jonathan’s Guardian did not wish for this ability to be held exclusively by Guardians that appear opposed to Jonathan. Therefore, very quickly Jonathan’s Guardian began experimenting with the use of power that had been demonstrated by Angel and Guardian.”

Angel and Guardian regard each other again, ruefully. They have known for quite some time that the experiments being performed by the children could lead to discoveries that may have unintended consequences. However, they had only imagined such consequences impacting their own Guarded. They did not anticipate another Guardian using their acquired knowledge in a menacing way.

I continue describing how Jonathan’s Guardian used the information they had unwittingly provided. “It began slowly, with just the faintest glimmer of additional energy being used while whispering to Jonathan. It soon became evident that this was an effective way of transmitting thoughts to Jonathan. Of course the child has no awareness that the thoughts are coming from his Guardian. He has no inkling of the existence of a Guardian. When his Guardian uses energy, which is occurring ever more powerfully, and with increasing frequency, Jonathan will sometimes perceive what seems to be a sudden memory, a flash of insight, or an unexpected idea. But with the additional use of power to transmit the thoughts, his Guardian has grown increasingly able to direct Jonathan’s actions. His Guardian craves the pain that Jonathan has sometimes enjoyed inflicting on vulnerable creatures. We have all observed the way that such actions cause Jonathan’s soul to brighten. His Guardian lusts after this, desiring more frequent incidents, more opportunities to revel in the glowing soul. The use of extra energy in the whispered suggestions to commit such acts has been quite effective.”

The group of Guardians listens soberly to my description, with increasing dismay.

“Two events have happened in the last few days which have interfered with this process. First, Jonathan received a new pet dog, and rather than immediately designing ways to torment the creature as his Guardian would hope, Jonathan has felt true affection for the animal. Second, the Seer launched her project to modify Jonathan’s behavior. Her attempt has met with more success than his Guardian would like. As a result his Guardian has put ever more effort into his attempt to sway Jonathan back to the path of cruelty. The use of power to communicate ideas to Jonathan has grown enormously, and the boy has found it impossible to resist what he perceives as wicked urges.”

This has been tragic to behold. I am filled with grief as I continue. “My beloved Gabe, who is at heart a very kind and loving child, was already beginning to grow disturbed over Jonathan’s occasional unsavory behavior. This was terribly disheartening to him, as he and Jonathan have been the dearest of friends for many years. Gabe genuinely likes Jonathan, and greatly enjoys his company. He did not wish to see his friendship end, but he was increasingly disturbed by what he was witnessing. After the Seer began her project and Jonathan improved, Gabe was so pleased and happily renewed his friendship with the other boy. But for the last day or two, he has grown to regret it, as Jonathan seems unable to stop himself from committing unpleasant acts. Gabe witnessed a number of minor incidents directed against Natalie. Jonathan even targeted Gabe himself on a few occasions, which was a great surprise to Gabe, who had never before experienced such abuse. Those incidents were minor, and Gabe has chosen to overlook them for now. But if they continue, I believe Gabe will eventually need to terminate the friendship. This will be a terrible loss for him.”

The other Guardians all share my grief. “What’s more,” I go on, “Jonathan is detecting the change himself. He had felt more kindly disposed towards both Natalie and his new dog, and was enjoying those feelings. Now that his Guardian has been forcing his hand, causing Jonathan to increase the frequency of the cruel tricks, the boy is beginning to feel self-loathing. He has always enjoyed such incidents, but he recently has felt out of control, and does not like to feel that he cannot stop himself. He has always before conducted himself carefully, to ensure that he is not detected. He senses that if he continues at the current rate, before long his parents or others will witness his wrongdoing, and he will be in trouble. This has never occurred before, and he does not wish for it to happen. However, when his Guardian directs a powerful blast of energy into a suggestion to do harm to another, Jonathan feels compelled to do it.”

Brenda’s Guardian, Lady, experiences a rush of compassion for Jonathan. “The poor child. It is not only Natalie and Gabe who may be harmed. Jonathan is being forced by his Guardian to become the worst sort of human. This is tragic.”

Timothy’s Guardian is less sympathetic. “Jonathan has been cruel to Timothy for many years, long before we discovered how to use energy to communicate. This path was laid by Jonathan, and his Guardian began by only encouraging him in what he most loved to do. I do not see Jonathan as the victim here.”

“Regardless of how this began, we all agree that the current situation is untenable,” Angel breaks in. “Jonathan’s Guardian is causing him to be crueler than he naturally would be. Gabe is at risk of losing his best friend. And my Seer is planning to continue to insert herself into a potentially dangerous situation, without being aware of the truths involved. I have hesitated to describe the problem to her. I neither wish for fear to hold her back from her purpose, nor for her to be harmed by it if she proceeds. This is the reason I asked you all to meet with me tonight. I need guidance about what to tell my beloved child.”

Of all of us, of course, Angel is the only one for whom the situation presents options. We can observe, and encourage, and attempt to influence our own Guarded through our unheard whispers. Angel is the only one who can hold actual conversations with his Guarded; in fact she frequently demands it. Timothy’s Guardian is in a unique position, having begun to communicate in a very rudimentary fashion with the boy, but their only true conversations occur through Angel and Natalie.

Angel is the one who must reach a decision, must formulate a plan. We all sympathize with his plight, but none of us has any better idea for how to proceed.

Timothy’s Guardian reminds Angel, “Even if your decision tonight is to withhold information from Natalie, I have watched over and over again as she and Timothy have pulled information from you that you had not planned to impart. Their desire for knowledge is insatiable, and I feel quite certain that they will learn what is happening, whether you currently wish to share it or not.”

Angel agrees, uneasy but resigned. “You are correct. Many times I have resolved that I should not broach certain topics, but the Seer always manages to acquire the information she desires.”

Knight contributes for the first time this evening. “If we are to assume that Natalie will learn the truth of how Jonathan’s Guardian has evolved, perhaps the only question is whether Angel should tell her immediately, or wait until she asks. It has been my observation that she and Timothy always find a way to ask the right questions at the right time. Their acquisition of knowledge seems to help them learn and grow. I believe that learning about Jonathan’s Guardian will be useful, when the time is right. May I suggest, Angel, that you simply wait for the topic to arise during one of your conversations with the children?”

Angel regards each of us, and finds us all in agreement. “Very well. You are correct. The two children have been incredibly perceptive and capable in their questioning. I am sure this conversation will occur soon. Jonathan and his Guardian appear to be spiraling towards ever more dire actions, which will lead to more questions. I will wait.”

Lady adds, “In the meantime, I suggest that each of us keep the others informed immediately as to any developments. We are all involved now, and all wish to assist. And we all know now how to communicate across any distance. We should each relay every detail as this unfolds.”

We all agree. We will wait, and watch, and share. I believe I will be the most involved, as my beloved is with Jonathan with the most frequency. I will observe him and his Guardian carefully, and share information with the others. With the group. The most unusual group of Guardians, to my knowledge, in history.

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