THE OTHERSIDE

SAVING A SOUL
Dead silence was a far stretch for Saint Gabriel Medical Center. This one odd day the staff in the hospital was appreciating the peace within there halls. One doctor is standing at the counter looking over a medical chart. This silence was a calm before the storm as the doctor looks at his pager as it beeps and quickly blasts off. Running down the hall with the medical chart in his hand. The doctors white coat rising up behind him from the wind as he darts between other medical staff and even other patients in the hall. The doctor stops momentarily at the elevator to see the doors just closing. The man panting pushes the button only to realize that he was running out of time. The doctor continues with his run, as a loud bang comes from the door heading to the stairs. The man climbs the stairs, switching the medical chart in stride he uses his newly free hand to grab the rail. Once to the third floor the doctor breaks into the bright white corridors, rudely interrupting the peace on this floor as well. Reaching his destination the doctor stops in the room to see that his patient has gone dead line. What happened? The doctor shouted. I dont know! The staff responded loudly, the doctor pushes the nurses aside to get himself a look at the patient. Where were you? The patient has been code blue for a good amount of time now. The doctor puts his ear to the patients chest, listens for a heartbeat. First floorI missed the elevator. The doctor said out of breath, as the other nurses now noticed he had sweat on his forehead and hands. The doctor immediately began attempting to bring the patient back to life. With both hands on the chest of the patient the doctor began pushing, then stops to listen once again for a heartbeat. The doctor running out of options calls upon the staff to bring over the defibulator. The medical staff put gel on the pads, and charged the machine as the doc attempted restart the patients heart. All this effort for nothing but failure. Dr.Pierce its past the time to call it. One of the nurses stated. Dr.Pierce! One nurse grabs his arm and gets his attention. The doctor standing up straight is still breathing deeply and loud over his race to make it to this emergency. The staff was quiet and no one really made much movement as doctor Pierce hung over the body listening to the only thing left on the system: a dead tone that was as endless as it was relentless. Dr.Pierce tried not to let what happened effect his mood but people could tell from his composer that the loss of this life was hard to bare. He got with the family of the patient he lost, and went through the breakdown of what happened. As he explained this to the family in mourning he gave them the standard protocol explanation and apologies. However the doc was not thinking totally about his current issue. He was still in deep thought over being too late to do

The Otherside / Saving A Soul Page Two Donahue Cobb

anything to help his own patient. Pierce simply went through the steps and continued with his rounds as if this talk was just a sad and morbid dream. Stopping by the nurses station a hand rests hard on Dr.Pierces shoulder. This causes the doctor to turn startled, only to see that it is another leading doctor in the hospital. Doctor Daniel Rigsbee, an older gentleman in which you could tell from his white goatee. His bald head was shiny and circular, which matched the frames to his glasses. Rigsbee had square broad shoulders and grayish blue eyes. Pierce immediatley breathes a sigh of relief and actually has a light chuckle seeing that it is just Rigsbee. You all right Pierce? Asked Rigsbee. Im fine. Sorry it wasnt you its just me. Answered Pierce. The doctor not looking at Rigsbee in the eye for he is now wondering why he was scared in the first place. I heard you lost a patient earlier this morning, what happened? Rigsbee gives him a warming smile with a look of concern. Apparently one of the new interns gave the patient the wrong type of medication. This caused the patient to go into a seizure and Pierce left the end of his sentence open, knowing that Rigsbee could figure out the rest. Right thats too bad. Well what about you? Are you OK? Pierce stared back at Rigsbee, he knows the doc has good intensions but now wasnt the best time. It never is the best time, maybe Pierce just isnt the type of man that likes to explain himself. Im pissed Daniel. The stupid interns should have informed me of which medication they were giving my patient. They dont know her special conditions- I know its okay listen I already found out which one did it and hes gone okay? So dont worry about it. Rigsbee cuts off Pierce to let him know that he has already done what he can to remove the intern. But I do have good news! That patient while a loss that could have been a win, was a organ donor! The heart was in perfect condition! That is good news. Pierce felt better but was still uncomfortable with the current talk, especially with the good news Rigsbee has drawn himself in closer to Pierce. Thats not all! A patient here that has been waiting for a new heart is perfect match. Her name is Sara Clay. Rigsbee pulls out a folder on the patient and lets Pierce take a look. I hope you remember her when she first came into the hospital I had you watch me as I was doing my rounds. Rigsbee referring to a few weeks ago when Pierce first arrived at the hospital. You mean when I followed you around like a lost puppy? Pierce gives himself a light joke bringing a smile to his face. Right well its not as if youre a NEW doctor. Its just youre new to our hospital. So I had to give you a tour. But anyways falling off track here, Sara Clay she is ready for that heart. And I

The Otherside / Saving A Soul Page Three Donahue Cobb know you dont really know her but I felt its best you go talk to her about it. Why me? Because you are going to perform the heart surgery! Rigsbee opens his eyes wide like giving Pierce a gift on christmas. Well thank you I appreciate ityour patient- YOUR PATIENT Dr.Pierce. Rigsbee interrupts rudly again. Right, Sarashe has seen a lot psychologists in the past. Pierce noted as he continued to read from her file. Dont worry about-look just do the surgery! I know youve done many before coming here, a lot of the staff actually are unsure whether or not you are good when it comes to performing surgery. That has made my work loud ridiculous! So I help you here and you perform the first surgery for yourself here at Saint Gabriel. Rigsbee put both his hands on Pierces shoulders, shaking him, wanting him to realize the happiness. Pierce was already feeling better but not over losing one patient, just to gain another. Feeling as though it was mandatory, he smiled and closed the folder on Sara Clay. Great. Thanks. With this Rigsbees grasp on Pierces shoulders are released. The doctor leaves with a smile on his face, as Pierce heads down the hall in the opposite direction to find Sara Clay to give her the good news. Swiping his badge Pierce made his way into another wing where he stopped at room 102, where Sara Clay was located. Turning the door handle Pierce entered without much noise, he stopped however once in the room hearing voices. The curtain was pulled to where you could see the end of the bed, Sara's feet under the white blanket poked out visibly. The television was on and the channels were changing quickly. "Theres no channels here, and you can barely hear whats going on!" It was a female voice clearly it must have been Sara Clay. "Don't think of this as a vacation you almost died." An older male voice stated, as he talked Pierce could see the shadow from behind the curtain move from the head of the bed to the end. The doctor was curious as to who was her visitor, from her profile she didnt have any family around except for a grandaughter, one that was too young to visit her in the hospital. When this man moved in front of Saras bed the doc could see his face and noticed he was wearing all black, with a bible in one hand, and a white collar around his neck. Pierce was even more curious now why and what the priest was doing there. The priest's beard was white but the hair on top of his head was peppered gray. Father looked to the patient, attempting to get her attention. "You need to get well, the threat is still out there, the darkness will come." "Yeah well I'm taking this as a vacation father so thank you." With these words Pierce heads closer to the bed. In reaction the priest turns his head, only now noticing the doctor has come into

The Otherside / Saving A Soul Page Four Donahue Cobb the room. The doctor simply nodded and pulled the curtain away. There in the bed staring at Dr.Pierce was an older woman, wrinkles on her face, and sheds of white hair through her blond head. She had this distinct and unique tattoos around her wrists, and went up the inside part of her arms. "Hello Sara, I'm doctor Pierce." " Wheres my other doctor? I forgot his name...what happened to him?" Asked Sara. "Doctor Rigsbee yes well he has a lot of work on him at the moment. I'm your new doctor now." As Pierce talked he could tell that Sara did not really care. She was more interested in what was happening on the television. The priest noticing that he was standing in the doctor's way quickly moved away from the bed and headed for the door. "We'll talk later Sara...BE GOOD." These were the last words the father spoke before leaving the room, as soon as he was gone doctor Pierce turned the television off, and began checking Sara's vitals. "Who are you? Don't mind him hes just worried." Sara said, Pierce simply nodded. "I'm getting too old for this." While Sara looked perfectly fine, Pierce knew one of her conditions was dementia and memory loss. "Its never too late." Pierce replied, as he finished checking her current status. "Sara, do you think your going to die?" "Every single day." "But for now you're going to live." Pierce responded with a related smile. "What? You found a heart didn't you?" The doctor nodded, and Sara pounded the bed with and swore under her breath. "Something wrong Sara?" "Oh its nothing - just EVERYTHING." "Whats your problem?" Asked the doctor as he stood next to Sara. "My life has been hell okay? I can't-I can't put it into words, but it is been fucking hell. The only thing I had looking forward to is death. At least in the afterlife I could get some peace." The doctor moved in to the side of the bed now. "Not today. You get to live. Breath, have love...all that good stuff." With his remarks Sara draws a smile. "I guess that will do. At least I know what your offering-you give it to me straight doc-I appreciate that." Pierce patted Sara on the shoulder and turned to leave. However before leaving the doctor stops and turns to say one more thing to his new patient. "I'll have the nurses prep you for surgery in a few hours. Until then, just think happy thoughts." "Don't tell me what to do...but thank you anyways. Youre my guardian angel." Doctor leaves the room as Sara smiles while shaking her head. With a deep breath she turns the television back on.

The Otherside / Saving A Soul Page Five Donahue Cobb The day was getting better for the doctor, the weather was good, no other emergencies thus far throughout the day. Pierce was even able to have lunch without any interruptions. After his fullfilling meal the doctor continued on his rounds of the hospital, stopping however in route to see once again the same priest. This time he was in a room with a little boy, the priest had his bible open, apparently reading to the child. Immediately Pierce grabbed a nurse's arm to stop and grab her attention. "Excuse me um-" "Melissa." The nurse mentioned as the doctor was seeking for her name. "Right Melissa sorry, whos the priest?" Doctor Pierce points and Melissa takes a moment to look and think of who it is. "One of the volunteers." "Never seen him around before." "Well you're new face around here as well Dr.Pierce." With that Melissa gave the doc a polite smile and walked away, Pierce standing in the hall now realizing that there are new parents or other adults in the room currently with the priest. Pierce instinctively headed for the room only to be blocked by a tall stern man. "Doctor Pierce." Said the man, Pierce knew who he was as. His name was Tom Hill, Chief Medical Staff for Saint Gabriel Medical Center. Tom always had a stern look, with his height he always appeared threatening. Tom was a medic in the army before coming to the hospital, and now Tom has worked his way up the ranks. Tom Hill was african decent and still has a slight nigerian accent, but you could tell Tom has been working hard for this to fade over time. "So you have your first surgery today with us." "Yes, patient's name is Sara Clay." Pierce explained. "Today is the big day, finally get to see what you're capable of on the slab. I will be attending the operation." Pierce gives a surprised look but quickly shakes it off. "Thats really not necessary sir." Pierce looking past Tom to see that the priest was still in the room reading to the boy. "I know its tough what being a new to the hospital here. But today all eyes will be on you, you have a legend to live up to, so don't let us down." What a way to motivate, Pierce thought to himself as he watched the big boss walk away. Pierce turned back to continue to the room with the priest and the boy only to feel a sudden shiver of freezing cold down his spine. It made Pierce shake so bad that he dropped his stethoscope. Pierce bent over grabbing his tool and still feeling the cold wind pushing against his side, as if someone had opened doors to the outside. Standing up straight Pierce jumps to loud roar as a blackness filled the room in front of the doc. The force of the roar made Pierce fall back onto the ground, scared Pierce looked up in disarray only to see that this darkness was gone, and so was the priest. Pierce standing up wipes off his white coat of dirt from the hospital floor and stepped into the boy's room. The boy was alive but asleep, he had needles in his arm and a respirator on his face helping the boy breath. Pierce getting closer put his hand on the boy's forehead to check his temperature. While a little warm everything else seemed fine. Pierce left the room now determined to hunt down and find the priest, to finally find out who this man is. The doctor's search was (non-chalant?) as he did not find the priest, assuming he must had left the hospital.

The Otherside / Saving A Soul Page Six Donahue Cobb Before doctor Pierce could further pursue with questions to staff his pager went off, it was time for the operation on Sara Clay. The silence returned for doctor Pierce as he prepared for surgery. After scrubbing in Pierce entered the surgical room with his hands up, allowing one of the staff to place rubber gloves on his hands. Pierce then took a moment to look into each of the staff members eyes. The doctor asked if the patient was out. One staff member confirmed that she was ready. This was when Tom pushed opened the door, becoming the center of attention. The man did not say anything however, he simply stood in surgical outfit with a mask covering his face. Pierce broke the silence with let us begin, and went over to the patient to cut her open. Once Pierce had cut through the skin he held out his hand and asked for his next tool. The staff was ready and handed the tool over to him. As Pierce surgically cut the veins around the heart Tom made a complete circle around the surgical slab. It was as if Tom was hovering over, watching every move. At one point Tom even peered in over Pierces shoulder, Pierce could feel Toms breath on his neck. However this did not effect the surgeon, it took a steady hand and Pierce performed well. The heart of Sara Clay was out, Pierce passed it on to a staff who put it on the cold metal tray. This was when the power went out. It was a shock to everyone. One staff member cursed out loud, Tom immediately questioned what happened. The nurse with the heart on a plate fell, the heart dropping, blood smearing on the blank floor. It felt like forever, Pierces own heart pounding was like an echo, for every moment now gave Sara less chance to live. He knew the surgery had to be a success, he has to do as close to perfection as possible. The power kicked back on, and Tom ensured everyone that it must be the backup power generator for the hospital. The question however would not stop floating in Pierces mind as to why now. The weather was great today. Possibly be an electrical malfunction? Pierce couldnt waste anymore time thinking about this he had to focus entirely on the issue at hand-Sara. Immediately Pierce commanded the staff, one grabbed for a white plastic box, opening it up there was the replacement heart. Pierce took it with both hands and gently put it into position in Saras chest. He began to stitch her up, showing his fast skills when a cold breeze came through the surgical room. A nurse asked if it suddenly got cold, and that was when the power went out, yet again. Darkness, it was not comfortable. The staff was bumping into each other, Tom was furious to the point that he left the surgical room, then re-entering stating that power is on in the rest of the hospital. There was even more swearing, at this point Pierce had no choice but to take action and say something. This is getting us nowhere weve got to save her! Pierce claimed to the staff. What do you want us to do? One staff member asked. Get us some flashlights! Tom ordered. No theres power outside the room lets just operate out there. Pierces idea made more sense. What? You could risk contaminating her, she could die! Tom informed his colleagues. Shes dying right now! We have no time to argue. With this staff stood there waiting for Tom to agree to this plan of action. Fine! Tom held one of the doors open, another staff member held the other one, as the rest got a bed on wheels and moved Sara onto it. From there the staff then pushed her out into the hall,

The Otherside / Saving A Soul Page Seven Donahue Cobb and quickly into a room that they made vacant immediately thus they could finish performing the surgery. Now it was a race against time. Everybody was desperate, moving faster. Talk was high but Pierce dulled the noise out so he could begin stitching up Sara. Knowing she didnt need just care she needed repair, Tom now grabbed some tools and jumped into the action. At last Pierce was seeing exactly what his boss was capable of. As they finished stitching up the heart together Tom gave the countdown before tapping the heart. However there was no response. Tom repeated the step to see nothing again. She didnt make it Tom blurted out. What? It cant be! Pierce quickly takes a look, everything was done well, given the crisis they had. However Pierce could not believe it. NO! After all that no! Shes gone. Tom took off the surgical gloves, dumped them in a hazardous bin and walked away. Pierce leaning on the table looked to see the staff staring at him. Aggravated Pierce ordered the staff to clean up, then bolted away from the scene, not far behind Tom. While escaping the area Pierce makes a sharp turn only to bump into the priest, the same man he was looking for earlier. You! Pierce claimed. Who are you? Im father Clark. You can call me John. At last Pierce had a name. Well father your friend, the one you were talking to earlier, Sara? Shes dead. I dont know what the hell just happened, it didnt make any sense. Pierce was rude and his comments made Clark reposition himself as he stared at the doctor. SaraI knew her well. She doesnt really have any family but I will take care of the funeral arrangements. Stated the priest. What is going on here? I dont know what is happening but it seems a lot of bad luck, or bad stuff is happening today, and I think you have something to do with it. Pierce accused. Me? Why do you think that? Because nothing like this has EVER happened before today. Suddenly first time ever you are here. Two people had died today father while under my watch. Can you explain that? Pierce now looking for some sort of reasoning to this madness. Doctor did Sara say anything to you? After I left the room? ! Ofcourse Im her doctor! Im suppose to talk to her, find out how she feels, find out what is going on with her. I apologize for everything that has happened to you. I will leave the hospital now. Father Clark began to walk away. However Pierce was not ready to let this go, he quickly followed up with him. She was delirious. Shes had a lot of trauma in her life. Why were you speaking with her? Why was she looking forward to dying? Doctor you know what a person tells me I cant just talk about, you have a medical oath, I have mine. The father explained. Earlier you were talking with a boy. So did this boy-did this kid want to die as well? This stopped the priest in his tracks and doctor stood in front of him. Doctor I have done nothing wrong please I will leave the hospital you can even call security- I want answers. Pierce stared down the priest who now looked up at the ceiling. Clark closed

The Otherside / Saving A Soul Page Eight Donahue Cobb his eyes and mumbled some words. She call you anything? Sara? Her guardian angel or whatever. With Pierces response the priest nodded his head in understanding and looked at his white coat. Doctor Pierce is it? Sara wanted forgiveness, I provided that. The boy was looking for peace. Peace? He is just a kid! This is way too suspicious. And the boy is still searching for it. There was a long silence between the two in which Pierce was still confused, father Clark now was able to walk away without being further harassed. Depressed and confused the doctor ended up back in the room with Sara Clay, sitting there thinking about what mistakes he made and what he could of done to prevent this. Nurses came in and tried to talk to the doctor however it was just background noise. Pierce was in deep thought, going over his actions while in surgery. Repeating it again and again thinking there must of have been something else he could do for her. It wasn't until Rigsbee appeared in the doorway and called out Pierce's first name that got his attention. "Travis, you okay?" Rigsbee asked as he slowly entered the room. A thin white blanket covered of the now deceased Sara Clay. "I couldn't save her Daniel." Travis sat in the only chair in the room, leaning forward with his hands together. "I did everything I could do, I just didn't know enough." "Don't give me that you went through college, did how long at that other hospital?" "...Four years..." Pierce mumbles out. "Right four years! You've been through it all, you know what your doing, this is nothing stop worrying about it." "Sorry Daniel, it was your patient." "Sorry?! Don't be sorry! Look, you've saved who knows how many lives throughout your career. And you still have a long way to go. You win some, you lose some. People die everyday, mistakes happen, but don't let this effect others. You gotta remember you have other patients under your care. And they need you now!" Rigsbee's speech made sense, so Pierce finally shook his head in agreement and stood up. "I'll get the nurses to bring her down to the morgue..." "No I'll do it. Please I need to do this." Pierce grabs the bed and Rigsbee moved aside as Pierce pushed Sara Clay out of the room and to the nearest elevator. Inside the elevator Pierce still felt down, Pierce felt that something wasn't finished. While holding the bed in place the doctor watch as the numbers decended to finally a letter appeared: B for basement. The elevator doors opened automatically and Pierce began pushing the bed down another hall. Stopping at a reception area the doctor began filling out paperwork. While doing this he looked back casually at Saras corpse. Her body hidden under the white sheet, Pierce felt he needed to say goodbye. With everything in order Pierce was given access further into the morgue. The halls here were more narrow, and had a more creepy feeling. Same white floors with white walls but it all felt different. No paintings or pictures of staff on the walls. Pierce kept pushing until he reached the examination room. This is the last place Saras body will be before she is embalmed, she will more than likely be cremated. Pierce in the center of the room with the body put his hands on the bed, alone he was given a chance to complete a necessity. For in his heart he felt empty over this.

The Otherside / Saving A Soul Page Nine Donahue Cobb Im sorrysorry I wasnt strong enough. Doctor Travis Pierce said as he was tempted to lift the sheet to say these words. However the doctor refrained and felt it would be disrespectful to do so. Even if it was an apology. Pierce turned to walk away couldnt move, he was pulled back to see Sara had grabbed a hold of his left arm. Scared for his life Pierce immediately her arm in attempt to release himself. Her right arm shot up from underneath the sheet grabbed hold of his right arm now. Pierce now desperate twists and pushes and pulls. There was no escape from her grasp. Pierce called out for help and stared with wider eyes as a white light appeared from below the bed sheet. The doctor with no other option kicked the bed and fell backward, only to take the body of Sara with him! Pierce landing on the floor, Saras corpse fell on top of him. The light was gone, but she still had a firm grip on his wrists. That was when Saras eyes opened! My.guardian. Was all that came from her lips as the light appeared. Pierce screamed from the blinding light that overwhelmed his sight and body. The moment after was like a dream. Pierce felt he was falling through this light, he couldnt help but wonder if he was dead. Letting go of what his conscious held onto too, Pierce relaxed as he saw the light get only brighter. That was when Pierce closed his eyes and put his hand up to block the light. The doctor felt he was about to brace for impact as the wind grew faster. The light faded and Pierce opened his eyes to see that he was back in the hospital. Another doctor stepped away with a small light in his hand as he turned to one of the staff. Pierce in disbelief took a look around, he was in one of the temporary rooms for patients not staying longer then a week in the hospital. The doctor checking on Pierce was Dr.Abbott, Pierce recognized him from meeting him when he first came to the hospital. The other two nurses stood patiently by. Look hes coming around, doctor Pierce you okay? Abbott said as he used the blood pressure cuff on Pierce. Doctor remained in the bed scratching his head. What happened? Pierce asked. Staff found you knocked out on the floor down in the morgue. When Abbott mentioned the morgue Pierce immediately remembered what happened with Sara Clay. The body! Pierce shouted. What body? Abbott questioned. Sara Clay, she was there! Abbott turned to the staff and both of the ladies shook there head not knowing what he was talking about. I think you were just hallucinating. I wrote you a perscription. Thats not really necessary. I gotta get back to my patients. Pierce sat up in the bed and brought his legs to hang off the bed. WOAH! Hold on there. I think you just need some rest, I already got Toms approval, you gotta head home for the day. Pierce standing up pushed away the perscription but felt dizzy and sat back down. Those are some cool tats by the way. Abbott mentioned but Pierce looked at him with the biggest I dont know what youre talking about look on his face. Your tats! Tattoos! I got one on my right arm way up here, Id have to take my shirt off to show you.

The Otherside / Saving A Soul Page Ten Donahue Cobb Pierce looked at himself and saw that his shirt was unbuttoned. No big deal, and the sleeves were bent over once. That as where Pierces eyes were drawn in. Tattoos around both his wrists. Pierce couldnt understand the writing that was inside the band that surrounded his wrists. Tattoos? Pierce said to himself as he looked over the new markings. What do they mean by the way? While Abbott asked, Pierce was wondering the same thing. I think youre right I dont feel so good Im going to head home for the day. Pierce said as he was escorted by the nurses. Thats the spirit! Go home, rest, and hopefully you will be better by tomorrow. Abbott followed as Pierce was in total agreement of the resting part now. Could this be a dream, was the event that happened in the morgue a nightmare? All these questions would be answered in some way over time, the doc for now wanted to simply rest in his own bed. Once re-energized Pierce can continue his investigations of these odd events. Somehow the doc made it home in one piece. The only thing Pierce remembers about the drive is how he had bloodshot eyes the entire way. Falling onto his bed the doctor sunk even farther into sleep.

Part 2

Eyes still heavy it took doctor Travis Pierce at least ten minutes to rub the sleepers away and get out of bed. With a heavy yawn the doctor stretched and immediately went to the shower. In his stand-up only shower the doc realized two things: He was officially awake and the tattoos were VERY real. Washing off the soap Travis recognized the tattoos as they were the same markings on Sara Clays arms. The doc drying himself off put on some new clothes, and went to the kitchen to make himself breakfast. There on the kitchen table was something new that caught the doctors eye. Something small wrapped in brown, with a card. Picking up the white card he saw his name: Doctor Travis Pierce. Opening the card the doc read the note left behind. Doctor hope you are feeling better, you were in too weary of condition to go home alone. So I volunteered to get you to your place safely. I advised you take some time to think about your life, and how wonderful it is. I must return to the hospital, for there are more lives to save. In the meantime, take a look at this book. I can guarantee you will find it interesting. Sincerely, Reverend John Clark

The Otherside / Saving A Soul Page Eleven Donahue Cobb Pierce jumped at this idea! To think the priest took him home, the doctor rushed into each room of his two bedroom apartment to check to see if anything was missing. Nope, everything was in its place. All with the exception of the note and the book. Pierce was happy to unwrap the book, its ugly brown color was very distasteful. The book was not a large book, its hard cover was once again brown, but of a different shade. Pierce read over the title: The Circle. Then below this title was a large circle symbol, below the circle was the subtitle: Role of the Guardian. Opening the book Pierce sat down burying his thoughts and focusing on the book. The pages looked and felt old, the writing font was small. Whomever published this book crammed a lot in here. The book was not interesting, there was no storyline! Pierce thought it was a joke, so he flipped through pages without reading(you bastard who does such crazy things?). The book was more factorial, giving a list of historical events and how this cult became more than just some lame excuse to get together to do weird witchcraft stuff. What drew in the doctors attention was halfway in the book. There in the midst of the pages were drawings of symbols, these symbols matched those of the markings on his arm. Pierce layed his left arm out and double-checked, the markings matched his arm perfectly. A line of strange writing went down the inside of his arm, then around his wrists was a tattoo-like bracelet. Inside this bracelet was once again, more symbols, all of them having meanings relating to a guardian. Pierce read further: The Guardian can be recognized with the markings indicated with pictures on the previous pages. These symbols relate to the Guardian, the writing that goes from the Guardians arm to his wrist is the unique trait that allows the Guardian to use his ability. The bracelet circle upon his/her wrist is the seal of the Guardian. This allows thee, defender of the light, to seal off the darkness from this haven. The doctor did not understand this. So these markings related to this role of a guardian, and how he now can use this to fight off evil. Flipping through more pages Pierce came to a list of previous guardians. This was an extensive list, that took of twenty pages on its own. There at the last page was her name: Sara Clay. Taking the book with him Pierce left his apartment, got into his car, and returned to the hospital. Pierce was now on a mission, and he immediately began searching the halls for the priest. This hospital is pretty big, Pierce felt that it could take a while to locate him. Instead the doctor returned to a location he had seen the priest before, in the room with the young boy. Pierce quickly checking the room didnt see anything out of the ordinary. Pierce grabbing the chart for the young boy began reading his situation.

The Otherside / Saving A Soul Page Twelve Donahue Cobb What are you doing? A man claimed as he entered the room. Pierce startled turned to see it was another doctor. Pierce taking a glimpse of the name on the white coat immediately recognized who this man was. Doctor Rodriguez! I was just checking on your patient. Thats not necessary I have everything under control. But thank you. Rodriguez commented as he pulled away the chart from Pierces hands. I had a few questions about the boy. This is not your case, I can handle my own I dont need any suggestions. Rodriguez talked as he did a full circle around the patient, checking all the systems. Hear me out please doctor! Pierce pleaded, Rodriguez taking one final look around the room stops in motion and looks back at Pierce. Did you do this? Rodriguez going to the far side of the boy stood over two candles left flickering by his bedside. You know we cant allow this, its a fire hazard. Rodriguez bent over and blew out the flames on the candles. It wasnt me Pierce said but his words meant nothing. Gotta go, like I said-dont touch my patient. Rodriguez left the room and kept moving on. That doctor sure was paranoid, and he didnt like advice. Once Rodriguez was gone Pierce stood aside the bed and looked at the boy. A cold came over the doctor again, it was accompanied with a strong wind that you could see as it brushed the boys long brown hair. Pierce rubbing his arms from the cold looked to the hallway to see where it was coming from. From the doorway Pierce saw a thick fog that had filled the ends of the halls. As Pierce called out to see if anyone was there he now felt the dead silence had returned to the hospital. This was when the floor shook, Pierce unbalanced went back into the room, grabbing onto what he could. The shaking was moving the bed in which the boy slept, unknowing of what was happening. Pierce used his body to move it back in place, but the shaking got even worse. Pierce turned back to the hallway, only to fall. From the ground he stared at a strange black mass that appeared at the doorway. The blackness lingered there in that single location. There was no descriptive body just a black mass of swirling thick smoke. The stench coming from the black mass was like a decaying body. As a strange dull noise came from the darkness a hand reached out from it. The arm solid black and shiny stretched on forever. The BOY is MINE! These dark and heavy words were what Pierce heard that echoed through the room. As the arm continued to stretch a loud yell came from it as the darkness faded. A bright light from behind this unexplained anomaly broke through its dark mass, making it break apart. With the

The Otherside / Saving A Soul Page Thirteen Donahue Cobb darkness gone the light died off as well. Leaving the priest standing there holding out his cross. Pierce standing up grabbed hold of the bed to stabilize himself, the priest entering the room placed the cross back in his coat pocket. What the hell just happened? Pierce asked in complete disbelief. Listen if were going to be working together youre going to have to be a quick learner and catch on already! What? The priest looked and saw the candles were out. Damn! Its too late. Father! Dont give me that weve gotta get out of here come on! The priest stepped out of the room and Pierce unwillingly followed. Where are we going? Into the fog, we gotta save the boy! Pierce grabbed the priest to stop him. What! The boy is right in there! Didnt you read the book I gave you? At this moment Pierce now realized he had left the book in his car. It was more boring then the bible. Yes and thats your excuse? I skimmed it? Pierce tried to explain. The priest turned and pointed to the room. The boy you see in there? Its just his body. The candles were protecting him but the boy is already gone. As the priest said this Pierce just shook his head, trying not to listen, wanting this dream to end. Travis, I need you. You have to make a decision right now! What decision? Just what is all this about? You need to realize that you cant save the boys life. Okay? Its too late for that, but now you must decide if you can save his soul! As the priest says this strange howls and echoes filled the hospital, thus he yelled his statement out. The priest pulling on the doctors arm marched forward into the fog. We need to move NOW! Emerging from the thick fog the doctor opened his eyes. The two stood together in a ridiculously long hospital hallway. The floor was still white with random black squares across it. Pierce tried to peer down the hall but saw no end, the rooms went on forever. What is this? Its the Otherside. The boys soul was taken here, and we need to find it. Stay close. The priest began to walk down the hall, the doctor was a few steps behind him. The priest stopping at a door holds his hand out but hovers over the handle. His hand shaking the priest drops his arm and turns back to the doctor. I need you here. Put your hand on the door.

The Otherside / Saving A Soul Page Fourteen Donahue Cobb Why? Because we are not in Kansas anymore! This room could be a trap, I cant do it! You have to! Pierce placing his palm on the door turned his head to the priest. Nothing was happening. You need to concentrate! I really just dont-can you explain-what am I doing here? Pierce was completely baffled. Youre my new guardian. The priest claimed. ? And what does that mean? Youre here to stop the darkness. A protector of the light. What the fuck! I know you didnt sign up for this. But you need to realize we can both DIE here. And death would be the best part of what happens Priest continued walking down the hall a stray empty bed remained in the hall. Because after death, the things that can happen to you, are unimaginable. The echoes filled the hall and the priest quickly launch the bed its side and ducked behind it. Pierce ran and slid over to it as well. The echoes grew louder as a flood of bats came soaring through the room. The bats were large and black fluttering through what was once an empty hall. The bats passed through and the two remained unharmed. The priest stood up and dusted himself off. He grabbed the doctors palm and put it back on another door. Ready to try it again? Asked the priest. Whats your name again? The doctor asked. John, my name is John Clark. Im doing this for the boy, just so that you know John Clark. The doctor closed his eyes and breathed in deeply. His palms cool touch to the wood door grew a bright and warm blue light. It only took a moment as the door unlocking sound was loud made the doctor open his eyes. The blue light remaining on his palm faded away. What did you do to me? I giving you the chance to do more than just saving lives. The priest said as he now turned the door handle and the two walked into the room. This room had many lights and Pierce recognized it right away. Were in surgerysurgical room. Pierce looked around took a step forward but John stopped him. A strange sound filled the room, it was like nothing he felt before. Dont move and be ready. Ready for what? There in the surgical room people appeared, a full staff of medical personnel that were surrounding the surgical table. There faces covered in masks Pierce could tell that they were performing surgery. Looking up, the doctor couldnt tell who was watching from the observation room surrounding the room above them.

The Otherside / Saving A Soul Page Fifteen Donahue Cobb I can fight the darkness but I cant kill it. Whispered John. I dont understand arent they already dead? Asked Pierce keeping his voice to a light whisper. Yes-No! His voice a little louder John stops mid-sentence as the surgeons suddenly stop in their tracks. During this moment Pierce remained frozen. He could see in between some of the medical staff and noticed the long brown hair. Its complicated. Youre the guardian. You need to seal them. Make sure it doesnt come back. Pierce looked on and as one of the surgeons moved the doctor could now see that it was the boy on the slab. Its him! NO! ITS A DUMMY! Even though John said this it was too late, Pierce had stepped forward. Immediately all the surgeons turned to him. Blood covered there blue medical scrub outfits. Pierce stopping in his tracks could see the boy cut open, his intestines were out, blood and guts everywhere. Each staff member held a sharp cutting object that was covered in blood as well. The lights dimmed and Pierce could now see red eyes from the observation room above, watching. Pierce slowly backed away as the bloody surgeons stepped toward him. The boy now standing on the bed was no longer cut up. He just gave a cold stare to the two of them. Pierce pushed into the corner with John, the priest pulled back out his cross. As he shouted a bright light came and washed over the room. When the light died, the room was once again empty. All that remained was the center table in the surgical room. Priest putting the cross away held his hand as it shook, smoke came off his hand, Pierce held John briefly. Are you okay? Using your powers will tire you out. Drain youof your energylets move on. The two walked through the surgical room and further on until they came to a room full of beds. Bodies rested under the sheets, all of them were dormant. You know this isnt going to be good. John remarked as he walked on the left side of the room, Pierce took the right. The two sides of the room separated by beds. There was nothing but silence, Pierce while walking turned to John. Dont I get a cool weapon? What? John said unable to hear him whispering. A weapon? A WEAPON! Im vulnerable over here! Pierce asks. Your wrists! Youre a guardian use your powers! John responded as he pointed to Pierce. Thanks- Pierce turned to see a crow on the window looking over the two. This isnt part of the hospital. No, its an orphanage! From what John said Pierce now realized that the boy had no family. The room filled with an ice cold breeze as Pierce quickly fell onto a bed as it slid in front of him. John turning gets bombarded with beds as well, screams come from the bodies wrapped

The Otherside / Saving A Soul Page Sixteen Donahue Cobb in sheets. Pierce rolling off the bed sees red on his hands, looking up the doctor sees blood now coming from the bed sheets. The beds continued to move around on their own, Pierce attempting to push them away was more inclined to dodge them. Beds began running into each other, turning at a fast motion and the screams, the screams were endless. Pierce standing up looks back to see a boy running and the sound of laughter. While only seeing the back of his head, Pierce could tell it was the boy. Pierce quickly dodged the beds and backtracked the way they had came into the room. Its the boy I saw him! Dont get separated! Wait! It could be a dark spirit! John was still wrestling with the beds as Pierce left the way they entered the room. The doctor chased the boy through the hospital halls. HEY! KID! STOP! Pierce would shout as he heard child laughter echo through the halls he was running. Out of breath the doctor stopped at a reception desk. What the fuck kid dont you want to be helped? Suddenly the laughter stopped. In its place came silence again. The doctor lightly and slowly walking made a way around a corner to hear the boy now crying. Walking further he hears the boy scream and sees the boy get dragged away around another corner. NO! Pierce sprinted around the corner and found himself in a play room. The play room did not look familiar, so Pierce believed it too belong to the orphanage. There in the center of the room was the boy, standing firmly with his back to the doctor. He wore a long black sweater with a white line coming down the arms. Black shorts, black boots, white socks. Pierce stepped forward but dared not touch the boy. You okay kid? Pierce asked as the boy turned around, his eyes were red, skin pale white. Have you come to play with me? The boy asked, a slight echo came from his voice, the echo of a darker, scarier voice. Pierce took a look around the room wondering what to do and how he could help. Dont worry kid, Im here to save you. With his words the boy had a smile. You cant save me! The echo from the kids voice was even louder as the boy ran toward the doctor. Defensively Pierce put up his hands, the blue light appeared at this moment, and reflected the boy backwards. Unsure of how his new powers work, Pierce took a moment to concentrate. The boys face was now angered, as he tossed toys that were aside from him he stood up. The voice was now no longer the boys. FUCKER! The boy came charging again at the doctor, and this time Pierce was ready. With his eyes closed the doctor felt he had to knock this evil out. Somehow get it out of the boy. Knock outthats what was bouncing around his Pierces head. The doctor throwing his right fist out a blue light appeared once again. There in front of his own fist another fist made of blue light

The Otherside / Saving A Soul Page Seventeen Donahue Cobb manifested. The blue fist hitting the boy sent him back against the wall. The shelves breaking, toys and drawing paper flying. A moan came from the boy, as the doctor stepped forward and then knelt down, placing his hand on the boys chest. Pierce did not feel a heartbeat, but he could feel the cold coming from his skin. The boy grabbing his arms looked up at him furiously. His touch was ice cold, Pierce could feel his arm getting numb. Relax, just relax. GO FUCK YOURSELF GUARDIAN! Actually Im a doctor. Pierce nodding his head as he concentrated on sealing. Pierce thought about pushing out this dark spirit. Thus as the blue light shined from his hand a circle appeared on the boy. Two circles with them strange symbols and writing began rotating around. The turning grew gradually faster until a bright light flashed through the room. In the end, Pierce opened his eyes to find the boy now hugging him. The play area still a mess, Pierce found himself exhausted. He looked to his right arm to see that the symbols from within the bracelet tattoo have vanished. Hearing the door behind him open Pierce looked over to see it was John Clark. Its only temporary, the symbols will come back. Consider it a cool down period. John commented on Pierces arm as he sat in a nearby available seat. But it will come back? Pierce asked, John nodded. So its not over. Its never over. You sealed away one dark spirit, you saved one boys soul. Sadly you could not save his life. John reached out as the boy took his hand. What are you talking about? Pierce said as he stood up and faced John. I told you earlier. You cant save his life, its too late. At least the boy can rest in peace. And he owes this to you. Pierce followed John through the door in play room, the thick fog vanished and the doctor wound back up in the hospital. At the end of the day he saw the priest again, at his car on his way out of the building. John was holding the book he had left in Pierces apartment. You cant leave this around you know? This book is more rarer then you think. How did you get into my car? Pierce once again checking his car to make sure that nothing was missing. John handing the doc his book gave some final advice. This is just the beginning, if you want it to be Travis. John said as he looked down at Pierce. I save lives everyday. Do you realize what you just did to me? Totally changed my outlook on life. Im just-Im lost! Pierce just kept his hands on the wheel as he remained in deep thought. Ill give you some time to think over your new position then. Just remember it never ends. Literally. There will always be more evil to fight. But well deal with it later. John closed the car door and began walking away. Pierce honking his horn grabs the priests attention.

How did you know that boy was going to die? The doctor asked. Youd have to stick around to know that priveleged information. The priest replied as he walked away.