Obadiah Chronicles: The Pawn's Dilemma (Flash Fiction, Episode 9)

The Pawn's Dilemma

Alex gritted his teeth as he slammed his locker shut. The hall buzzed with after-school chatter, but he barely heard it. His hands still shook from what happened in the gym the day before.

He didn’t know why the stranger’s words echoed in his head.

"To make them see your worth."

He wanted it more than anything.

Laughter erupted behind him. Alex stiffened.

"Hey, Thompson!"

Alex turned just as a shoulder slammed into his side. His books hit the floor, papers flying. He clenched his fists, staring at the ground as laughter filled the hall.

"Oops." Jason, the ringleader, smirked as he walked past. "My bad, man."

Alex’s breath came in sharp bursts. His pulse pounded in his ears.

Not today. Not again.

A soft caw from the window made him look up.

A raven perched on the ledge, black feathers gleaming in the afternoon light. It tilted its head, watching him with unnatural stillness.

Alex swallowed hard. His anger, his humiliation—it burned, boiling under his skin.

Then, a whisper.

"You don’t have to take this anymore."

Alex’s breath caught. He turned sharply, searching for the voice.

Nothing.

Just students laughing and walking past as if they didn’t hear a woman’s voice curl through the air like smoke.

"I see you."

His fingers twitched. The raven let out another caw, then spread its wings and took flight.

Alex’s heart pounded. For the first time in a long time, he felt something other than helplessness.

Someone saw him.

Across the hall, Laric and Allen watched Alex storm away. Something felt... wrong.

"Man, he's getting worse," Allen muttered beside him.

Laric nodded slowly. Alex had always been quiet, always endured the bullying without fighting back. But today his energy was different—sharper, darker.

And then there was that raven.

Laric had seen it too, perched on the window, watching. The moment Alex looked at it, he changed.

A chill crawled up Laric’s spine.

"Allen," Laric said, eyes narrowing. "I think Alex is in trouble."

Allen sighed. "No kidding."

Laric shook his head. "No. I mean real trouble."

Later that night, Alex sat on his bed, unable to shake the feeling that something was watching him.

He stared at his reflection in the window.

Then, a shadow moved.

His breath caught. A shape perched on the tree outside his open window—the raven.

But this time, its eyes weren’t black.

They glowed.

A voice curled through the air, soft as silk.

"Come outside, Alex."

Alex’s pulse jumped. His head told him to ignore it—to shut the window, go to sleep, forget everything.

But his feet moved on their own.

He slipped on his shoes, heart racing, and stepped outside.

The raven swooped down, landing lightly on the sidewalk. It cocked its head.

"You're stronger than they know," the voice whispered again.

Alex swallowed. His fingers twitched. "Who... are you?"

The raven let out a soft caw—and suddenly, the shadows behind it shifted.

The night air hit like ice. The world was unnaturally still—no crickets, no distant hum of cars, only thick, stifling quiet.

The raven hopped closer, wings rustling softly.

The shadows behind it stirred.

Two figures emerged.

The man from the gym—tall, lean, and cloaked in shadow—stood at the center. His red eyes glowed faintly beneath his hood. Beside him stood a woman in a flowing black dress, her pale face twisted into a predatory smile.

Alex froze, throat dry.

The man smiled. "We meet again, Alex."

His voice was exactly the same as in the gym—smooth, familiar, and terrifying.

"Who... who are you?" Alex asked, voice cracking.

"I told you already," the man said, taking a step closer. The air around him grew colder. "I'm someone who sees your potential. Someone who knows you're meant for more than... this."

He gestured toward the Thompson house behind Alex—a modest, unassuming home.

"Bullies. Silence. Powerlessness. You were born for more."

The woman’s laugh was soft and sharp. Mocking.

"He doesn’t believe you," she whispered.

Antioch's eyes narrowed as he studied Alex.

"Do you?"

Alex tried to speak, but his chest was too tight. He thought of Jason’s smug grin as he knocked his books down. The laughter. The burning shame.

The woman stepped closer. Her eyes were a pale, icy gray, and they seemed to peel back the layers of his soul.

"You're tired of being invisible, aren’t you?" she said softly.

Alex’s breath caught in his throat.

"They don’t respect you," Antioch added. "But they will."

He reached into his cloak and pulled out a pendant. The metal caught no light; it seemed to absorb the darkness around it.

The charm was shaped like a raven, its wings outstretched. The chain swung hypnotically from his fingers.

"This is yours," Antioch said. "A gift. With it, you’ll no longer be powerless."

Alex stared at the pendant. Deep in his gut, he knew taking it was wrong.

But the weight of all his humiliations pressed on him. Jason’s laughter. The whispers. The constant feeling of being less.

His hand lifted. His fingers brushed the cold metal.

A jolt shot up his arm, like ice and fire mixed together.

Antioch’s smile deepened.

"Take it, Alex," the witch whispered. "Embrace your strength."

Alex’s heart pounded.

He clenched the pendant in his fist.

The raven on the charm seemed to shiver as if it were alive. The ground beneath his feet vibrated.

Antioch stepped back. The witch did the same, their faces triumphant.

"Good," Antioch said. "The first step is the hardest. But now... now we begin."

Alex’s vision blurred. Darkness wrapped around him, coiling into his veins.

And when he opened his eyes, they briefly glowed crimson.

The next morning, Obadiah stood in the museum before an ancient manuscript, his hands clasped behind his back. He wasn’t looking at the artifact. He was listening.

Something was off. The city's energy had shifted. Darkness was moving.

The soft scuff of footsteps made him turn. Luk-el leaned against the nearby wall, arms crossed.

"You feel it too," Luk-el said.

Obadiah exhaled. "Antioch’s starting."

Luk-el's expression remained unreadable. "He’s not just here to cause chaos. He’s setting something in motion."

Obadiah turned fully to face him. "You were always good at reading the battlefield, Luk-el. Tell me—why do you think he's here?"

Luk-el hesitated. "He’s gathering pieces. Pawns."

Obadiah’s stomach twisted.

Luk-el nodded grimly. "If we don’t act soon, many will be lost."

Meanwhile, across town, Alex sat at his desk, staring at his reflection in the window.

The raven pendant Antioch had given him lay cool against his palm. The chain was sleek and black, the small insignia of the raven cold beneath his fingertips.

"Greatness is within your grasp," the voice had whispered the night before.

Alex’s breath trembled. His pulse quickened.

Slowly, he fastened the chain around his neck.

The moment the clasp clicked shut, the pendant pulsed with a faint, rhythmic glow—like a heartbeat sinking into his skin.

And Alex smiled.

Obadiah: The Return of Hubert Bannion III (Flash Fiction)

 

Obadiah

In Manhattan, New York, Hubert Bannion III, the powerful CEO of Bannion Corp, had sacrificed everything in pursuit of success. But one night, the weight of his corporate duties became too much to bear. Without a single word or explanation, he abandoned his office and his former life behind.

Six months passed with no trace of him. His sister, Delia, tirelessly searched, enlisting the help of the police and private investigators, but Hubert seemed to have vanished into thin air.

One day, Delia found herself among the VIPs in Baylor City, attending a tour at the Arklow Museum led by Obadiah, also known as Director Brian Sessions. She had traveled from New York, where her efforts to get assistance from the police department had hit a dead end. Desperate for answers and driven by relentless determination, she had maneuvered her way into the exclusive event, hoping to seek the help of the enigmatic museum director. As Brian recounted the story of Jeremiah, the prophet who endured tremendous trials but found strength in faith and perseverance, Delia's resolve strengthened. She knew she had to speak to him, convinced that he held the key to the justice she sought.

“Jeremiah’s story reminds us that even in the darkest times, hope and purpose can be found,” Brian concluded, his eyes lingering on the audience before settling on Delia Bannion.

“Your story about Jeremiah touches something deep within me,” Delia said in his office after the tour, her voice tinged with desperation. “My brother, Hubert Bannion III, disappeared six months ago.” She took a seat across from him.

“I heard about Hubert,” Brian said. “How are you holding up?”

“I’m doing as well as can be expected,” Delia sighed, her gaze searching Brian's face for reassurance. “The police have given up, but I haven’t. I’ve scoured the city and even hired private investigators, but Hubert remained a ghost. I’m at my wit's end.”

Delia's eyes bore a tired, determined look from months of fruitless searching. Her fingers twitched with anxiety, the only visible sign of her desperation. “Can you help me?”

Brian's eyebrows shot up as he leaned back in his oversized chair, surprise etched across his face. “How can I help?”

Delia hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to explain her friend's suggestion without revealing too much. “I don’t know if you can. A friend mentioned you have a unique way of helping people when the police can’t.”

Brian straightened in his chair and met Delia’s gaze. Her plea tugged at something deep within him. “I may have a way to assist you," Brian began slowly, carefully choosing his words.

Delia leaned forward, her eyes wide with hope. "Whatever it is, I'm willing to try. Please, anything that could lead me to my brother."

Brian regarded her with gentle understanding. “Let's start with what Hubert was like before he disappeared.”

Delia sighed, her voice softening as she recalled her brother's demeanor. “He was the epitome of success—driven, ambitious. But underneath it all, he was kind and caring. Lately, though, he seemed overwhelmed, like he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. I tried to help, but…” she trailed off, her voice choked with emotion.

Brian nodded thoughtfully. “Sometimes, those who seem the strongest are also the most burdened. Delia, let me see what I can find out, and I'll get back to you.”

Delia's shoulders slumped, her posture defeated as she lowered her head. Her eyes, usually full of determination, now held a glimmer of desperation and sadness. She jumped to her feet. “I've heard those words before. They mean you can't help me.”

“It doesn't mean that,” Brian assured her. “I will have news on your brother shortly.”

Several hours later, utilizing his divine abilities, Brian walked through the picturesque village of Saddlebrook in Vermont, feeling a sense of familiarity that surrounded him. The quaint cottages and winding lanes reminded him of a simpler time, a life far removed from the chaos of the city. It was in this tranquil setting that he finally caught a glimpse of Hubert Bannion III.

Hubert was dressed in worn-out clothes, his once impeccable appearance now faded and weathered. Brian watched from a distance as Hubert interacted with the villagers, his smile genuine and his eyes reflecting a newfound peace.

Approaching Hubert cautiously, Brian cleared his throat to announce his presence. Hubert turned, surprise flickering across his face before recognition set in.

"Brian Sessions? What are you doing here?" Hubert's voice held a mix of emotions - relief, apprehension, and a hint of resignation.

Brian said gently. "Your sister Delia has been searching tirelessly for you. She's worried sick.”

“How did you find me?” Hubert said. “I thought I had covered my tracks well.”

Brian smiled kindly. "Fate has a way of guiding us where we need to be." He studied Hubert's worn features, noting the lines of stress that had melted away into a sense of peace. "Your sister loves you deeply, Hubert. She just wants to know that you're safe.”

Hubert's gaze drifted to the ground, a mix of emotions flickering across his face. "I never meant to cause her pain. I just needed to escape... everything.”

Brian nodded understandingly. "We all carry burdens that can become too heavy to bear. But running away doesn't always solve our problems; sometimes, we need to confront them head-on.”

Hubert sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping with the weight of his actions. "I didn't know how to face it all. The pressure, the expectations... I felt like I was suffocating.”

Brian placed a comforting hand on Hubert's shoulder. "You don't have to face it alone. Delia needs you, and there’s something else you must consider. There’s a woman here who has captured your heart, but she doesn’t know who you truly are. It’s time to be honest with her.”

Hubert's mouth gaped. "How do you know all of this?”

Brian's eyes held a glint of knowing wisdom as he replied, “Sometimes, the answers we seek are intertwined with the people who cross our paths. As for the woman in question, she deserves to know the truth. It's time to let go of the facades and embrace your true self.”

A mixture of fear and longing danced in Hubert's eyes as he processed Brian's words. The weight of his decisions bore down on him, but a glimmer of hope sparked within his heart. "I've been living a lie for so long, I don't know where to begin.”

Brian squeezed Hubert's shoulder reassuringly. "Start by being honest with yourself. The rest will follow.” He paused, watching the turmoil play out on Hubert's face before continuing, "Delia is waiting for you, Hubert. It's time to return home and face your fears.”

Hubert took a deep breath, the cool village air filling his lungs as he made a silent resolve to confront his past and embrace his true self. With newfound determination, he turned to Brian with a grateful smile. “Thank you for guiding me back on the right path. I will go back with you to see my sister.”

Brian returned the smile, a sense of peace settling over him. Together, they made their way back to the city, each step bringing Hubert closer to reconciliation with his past and a hopeful reunion with Delia.

As they approached Delia's doorstep, Hubert's heart raced with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. He had been gone for so long, lost in his own struggles, that facing his sister felt like stepping into the unknown. But he knew it was a necessary step towards healing and moving forward.

Delia opened the door, her eyes widening in disbelief at the sight of her brother standing before her. Tears welled up in her eyes as she rushed forward, enveloping Hubert in a tight embrace. She wept tears of joy at her brother’s return.

In a surprising move, Hubert announced his plan to donate a significant portion of his wealth to the small village that had given him so much.

At a press conference, he spoke openly about his disappearance and newfound perspective. “I found happiness not in wealth or power, but in community and simplicity. I’m giving back to those who showed me true kindness and humility. Let this be a lesson that success is not measured by what we have, but by the impact we make on the lives of others.”

The village received Hubert’s generous gift with gratitude, using it to improve their infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Hubert, now a changed man, balanced his life between the corporate world and the village, ensuring that both thrived under his care.

Hubert's transformation was profound. He became a bridge between two worlds, using his resources and influence to foster a spirit of giving and community. Brian continued to guide him, helping him navigate his dual responsibilities with grace and wisdom.

In the end, Hubert found a sense of fulfillment he had never known. He realized that true happiness lay not in the pursuit of wealth, but in the connections he forged and the lives he touched. His journey had come full circle, bringing him back to the people who loved him and the community that embraced him, forever changed by his experience.

Obadiah:Wings of Redemption (Flash Fiction)

 

Obadiah: Created by Bings AI

In the quaint town of Baylor City, South Carolina, where charming historic streets meet the quiet hum of daily life, an angel walks among humans. Obadiah, continuing to hide his divine origin, lives as a museum director by day and a time-traveler by night.

One evening, as Obadiah strolled through the city's streets, he sensed a disturbance. A young man named Alex, with a heart full of untapped potential, had been wrongfully accused of arson at a local community center. Obadiah observed from a distance as Alex was arrested, the weight of injustice heavy on his shoulders. The boy's eyes, filled with despair, struck a chord deep within the angel's being.

Determined to help, Obadiah began his investigation. He discovered that the key to Alex's innocence lay in a piece of evidence—a security camera footage—that had mysteriously vanished. The evidence was connected to an ancient artifact, the Seal of Solomon, which had the power to reveal hidden truths. This artifact, lost to the sands of time, was now Obadiah's only hope to clear Alex's name.

That night, Obadiah crossed over to the biblical era, his form shimmering with divine light as he stepped into the past. He found himself in the desert of Sinai, the air thick with the scent of ancient history. Guided by an inner celestial force, he sought out the origins of the Seal of Solomon. His journey was fraught with trials, each one testing his resolve and ingenuity.

In the ancient city of Jericho, Obadiah encountered an elder named Eliezer, a wise scribe who spoke of the Seal's power and its last known location. "The Seal was entrusted to me by King Solomon himself," Eliezer revealed. "I hid it in a place where only the pure of heart can find it, to protect its secrets."

Obadiah continued his quest, traversing treacherous paths and deciphering cryptic messages hidden in ancient scrolls. Along the way, he met figures from the past—brave warriors, prophetic seers, and humble villagers—each offering a piece of the puzzle. With every step, Obadiah felt the interconnectedness of past and present, the delicate dance of fate and free will.

After days of searching, Obadiah finally found the Seal of Solomon hidden within the ruins of an ancient temple in the heart of the Sinai Desert. As he held it in his hands, he felt its power resonate through him. The Seal glowed with a soft, ethereal light, a beacon of truth in a world clouded by deception.

Returning to the present, Obadiah knew time was running out. Alex's trial was fast approaching, and the boy's future hung in the balance. Obadiah discreetly began to gather evidence, using the Seal's power to uncover hidden truths. He followed a trail of corruption and deceit that led him to an unexpected mastermind—a powerful city councilman named Marcus Graves, who had framed Alex to divert attention from his own embezzlement schemes.

With meticulous care, Obadiah orchestrated a complex series of events to ensure that the newfound evidence reached Alex's lawyer, Sarah Mitchell, without revealing his celestial origins. He hacked into security systems, left anonymous tips, and planted clues, all while remaining in the shadows.

The day of the trial arrived, and tensions were high. Sarah presented the new evidence, including the recovered security footage showing Marcus Graves planting incriminating evidence against Alex. However, Marcus, not willing to go down without a fight, used his influence to challenge the authenticity of the evidence.

As the trial progressed, it seemed Marcus's power and cunning would prevail. The judge, visibly torn, was on the verge of dismissing the new evidence when Obadiah, hidden among the spectators, felt a surge of urgency. He knew the time had come to reveal his true nature.

During a brief recess, Obadiah approached Sarah and her trusted allies, including a tech expert named Ethan and a local journalist, Maria. "I need to show you something," he said, his voice steady and calm. He led them to a quiet corner outside the courtroom.

"Who are you really?" Sarah asked, her eyes narrowing with suspicion.

Obadiah allowed a glimmer of his divine light to shine through. "I am Obadiah, an angel sent to ensure justice prevails. I possess the Seal of Solomon, which has the power to reveal hidden truths."

Ethan and Maria exchanged astonished glances, while Sarah took a step back, her skepticism giving way to awe. "If you can truly prove what you're saying, we need to act now," she said, regaining her composure.

Obadiah nodded, holding out the Seal of Solomon. The ancient artifact began to glow, its light intensifying as Obadiah's celestial aura enveloped it. "We will use the Seal to project the undeniable truth in the courtroom," he explained.

As they returned to the courtroom, Obadiah's celestial light remained subdued but visible, casting a serene glow around him. The judge, jury, and spectators watched in stunned silence as he stepped forward.

"Your Honor," Sarah announced, "we have one final piece of evidence to present. With your permission, we would like to demonstrate the true power of the Seal of Solomon."

The judge, intrigued and unable to deny the strange aura surrounding Obadiah, nodded. "Proceed."

Obadiah held the Seal aloft, its light radiating throughout the room. "Let the truth be revealed," he intoned, his voice resonating with divine authority. The Seal's glow intensified, projecting a vivid holographic image into the air.

Gasps filled the courtroom as the image unfolded before their eyes. The projection replayed the crucial moments: Marcus Graves sneaking into the community center, planting the incriminating evidence, and manipulating the security footage to frame Alex. The clarity and detail of the vision were irrefutable.

Marcus's face turned ashen, his confident facade crumbling. "This... this is impossible!" he stammered, trying to rise from his seat.

"The truth cannot be hidden," Obadiah said, his voice calm but firm. "Justice will prevail."

The judge, eyes wide with disbelief, addressed the court. "The evidence presented by the Seal of Solomon is clear and undeniable. The charges against Alex are hereby dismissed, and an investigation into Mr. Graves's actions will commence immediately."

Relief washed over Alex, who sat beside his mother, tears streaming down their faces. The courtroom erupted in murmurs and exclamations, the air thick with the weight of revealed truths and shattered illusions.

Sarah turned to Obadiah, her eyes filled with gratitude and awe. "Thank you," she whispered. "I don't know how to repay you."

Obadiah smiled gently. "There is no need for repayment. Justice and truth are their own rewards."

As Marcus was escorted out in handcuffs, the reality of his downfall settling in, Obadiah turned to Alex. The boy, once lost and troubled, now stood with a newfound sense of purpose and gratitude.

"You have a second chance now," Obadiah told him, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Use it wisely, and remember the strength you have within you to change your destiny."

With his mission accomplished, Obadiah prepared to return to his celestial duties. The courtroom, once a place of despair and doubt, now stood as a beacon of hope and redemption, its people inspired by the divine presence that had walked among them.

Obadiah's journey was far from over. There were other times, other places in need of his guidance. But as he ascended back into the heavens, he knew that his time in New Eden had left an indelible mark on both the city and his own celestial heart.

And so, the angel continued his eternal quest, a guardian of the delicate balance between the realms of time, always watching, always guiding, ever committed to the cause of justice and redemption.