The Horn and the Halo

THATH, or The Horn and The Halo for long, is written from the future. Although it is one book, as you transition through the various chapters, you may feel like it is either an unfinished book or three books in one. Either way, it is Bernard’s completed work and it is my honor to publish it for others to read. The book starts off with creation, along with the beginning of good and evil. THATH initially was just a demon, but somehow slipped through the gates of good. Because of his exposure, he ended up possessing both demonic and angelic powers destined to fulfill a prophecy. Although young, he is a very animated character with style, faced with the challenge of deciding whether to be demonic or angelic. It is written in a very melodic poetic format articulated in rhyme like that of Dr. Seuss, except Bernard’s style goes from an urban Ebonics flair, New and Old Biblical Testament, to scientific language, scholarly thought and of course his own developed language and grammar. The transitions of word styles and the creativity of the books’ journey is reminiscent of how we thought when we use to just simply go outside and play. The book is truly a reflection of Bernard’s freedom to express himself and his mind with a psychedelic funkadelic kaleidoscope. Because THATH is no longer 100 percent demon, as he begins to discover his new powers and becomes defiant of Lord D’evil, who is satin himself and the king of all things evil. Since THATH is being so defiant, Lord D’evil comes up with a scheme to kill THATH. The book shifts to planet earth where humanoids enjoy life in a more futuristic environment, while Defense Headquarters is tasked with both protecting the people of earth and the planet itself. During a major fireworks display put on by Defense One, while everyone was admiring the display of the festivities, a UFO (THATH) was heading toward their location on earth. The impact of THATH’s collision ended the display abruptly, with everyone evacuating from the emergency and the Defense team moving into action. The book then transitions to Defense One and the various activities that happens in a military. From meeting new recruits, flying aircraft, testing weapons systems, to their personal lives and the challenges they face. Filled with love, honor, deceit, battle, etc., the book takes you on a unique journey as you identify with the characters. Snippet of the first chapter: The dark of Hell and the light of Heaven merged to form a dim glow. Celestial eyes gaze in snobbery – at the poor unfortunates below. While those subterranean inhabitants shouted and cursed with envy; the one’s above and the one’s below were each other’s only enemy. One day an angel from above left to end a war. Unfortunately, in his cosmic rush he… forgot to lock the door? While a little demon about three foot two happened to be nearby. And just by luck he got his chance to make it to the sky. So, through the door and up the stairs this demon happily skipped. But from the length of the golden stairway, it became a more tiring trip. Luckily for him he was a demon, with powers from the dark creator – instead of climbing for eons upstairs… He created his own escalator. Above the stairs and beyond the clouds the demon reached great heights. He suddenly cupped his hands over his eyes in fear of blinding lights. A silver glow covered his head – turning his thoughts upside down. Unable to concentrate on staying aloft, he consequently fell to the ground. He was laid out good and solid. In his mind, he saw stars. It’s the feeling you get when you’re totally hit and run over by a car. By some strange coincidence… or was it ordained to happen, that an angel with a golden silver halo was flying over in passing. Her cosmic wings flapped silently dispersing cosmic dust, that removes all forms of evil and sin (and is good on dissolving rust). Her gown was sewn from albino satin; the finest ever felt. Around her waist with rhythmic swings, dangled an onyx belt… She flew across the cloudy land, for no particular reason. To her, the best pleasure of angelhood came from what she called “breezin.” Although she flew high above the clouds she soon became aware. That upon those fluffy water drops, someone needed care. She spiraled down at sub-light speed and knowing all the time, no matter how fast she came to the ground, her wings could stop on the dime. She landed softly on the ground like a feather from a nest. Seeing a demon on the floor of Heaven – she thought it was a test. Cautiously she looked him over making sure she wasn’t to close. She figured that since he didn’t move his mind had gone comatose. She sent her thoughts into his mind to ask if he was dead. He casually replied at her dismay, “No, I just bumped my head.” This sudden remark gave her a start and she jumped into the air. She knew that conversing with a demon is something angels don’t dare. Instinctively she turned and fled, knowing she’d pass her test. One thing you can be sure of is an angel is always blessed. The demon far behind her, the angel changed her thoughts. She recited numerous unspoken prayers the way she has been taught. Unknown to her, the little demon, who watched her spread her wings. Smiled devilishly to himself and envisioned naughty things. Yet deep within he felt a pain that caused him great despair. For he stood in the land called Heaven, and no evil can be done there. Anger and hatred filled his body but only for a second… Before his eyes, despite all objections, his skin lost its complexion. He chameleoned to a crimson gold with ruby flavored eyes. For in Heaven there was a command: That any and all things be sterilized. His sooted boots with all their filth, underwent a vast improvement. They now appeared to be ebonic silver that sparkled with every movement. Although his clothes were of demonic splendor, they couldn’t be called G.Q. But he now wore a tux of florescent white, which was much finer than Cardin could do. A ring of light appeared nearby and slowly began to swirl. His smoldering hair lost its flame, stood on end and curled. As with all demons he had horns protruding from his skull. Compared to his appearance now the horns seemed rather dull. But their appearance did not last any more than half a “T”. Then presto, chango, alika-zam… he wore horns of mahogn Ivory. The ring of light increased its size while vertically ascending. For halos cannot be totally in place until it knows where the wearer is recommending. To be a devil with a ring of light would give him so much pleasure. For he would be as prophesied with powers beyond all measure. Above my head you will stay, the little demon insisted. But the ring of light rose high above and vanished like it never existed. From far away a silent voice spoke to this child of Hades. Proclaiming him the one being, who will become Heaven’s Meany. The ring of light appeared again, for the little dev’ to adorn. But instead of hovering above his head, it did a wedgie with his left horn. A fire rose within his mind and caused him unbearable pain. That was the sign that Lord D’evil was beginning to complain. Behold your master son of Hellen, hear my voice and cringe. My power not only reaches your mind, but it can give your tail a singe. So listen closely to my thoughts, they are your commands. With you destroying Heaven from within, chaos will rule as planned.