by H. T. Night
“That’s because you’re incorrigible.”
“'When it comes to you and me, Todd. We are wired in a different way when it comes to women. You married the first girl you fell in love with and I am not willing to risk the danger that may ensue with the profession we chose.'
“'Bull shit,' I laughed.
“'You can’t commit and you use our profession as an excuse to bail on every serious relationship you have ever been in.'
“Jake and I began to walk out of the parking lot and made our way to our separate cars. We were given a head’s up that the two vampires terrorizing a local maternity ward were chilling in a Camaro in a local parking lot. Jake and I geared up and made our way down here.
“You think this is the last of Santino’s grandchildren?” Jake asked.
“There will always be a Santino coming for me. Over the many years, I have learned that the hard way.”
Todd stopped talking and said. “I can tell you more another night. I'm bushed.”
We all talked a tad, but eventually we all fell asleep with Tommy taking on first watch.
Chapter Seventeen
We had two hours before we were going to take off for Area 51. We decided to slip in during the middle of the night's events. I felt that was safe and Maya's exact words were concerning Joshua's match, which was the main event. So I assumed whatever was going to go down would happen around that final match.
I've been through a lot in my life and the only time I was really nervous was when I was dealing with my family. I was upstairs finishing up a shower when I heard a knock on the bathroom door. “Yeah, I'm in here,” I said humorously.
“Hey, sir, uh... Josiah, I have some news about tonight.”
“Can you say it through the door?” I bellowed.
“Okay,” Sion said nervously. “Joshua's opponent tonight is Krull's son.”
“What?” I tore back the curtain, opened the door naked and grabbed a towel as fast as I could to cover my goods.
Sion was standing there, and he looked away as if I was still naked. “Joshua's opponent is Krull's son. He was five years old when you killed his father.”
“Damn, when you say it like that I feel sorry for the kid. His dad was trying to kill me and my friends and overtake what I thought was my Mani leadership.”
“He was five, Josiah. He has been a death match cage fighter since he was eighteen years old. He has been fighting in Asia for the last five years. He heard about a Joshua Reign killing it in Area 51. Long story short. He is fighting your son in about five hours.”
“Wow, Krull's son. He has survived five years of death match fighting?”
“Josiah, I have even more bad news.”
“What's that?”
“He is 42 and 0 in his fights. All kills. He only knows how to kill to finish a match.”
I nodded my head and said, “Well, so does my son. They will be two fighters who have only killed in the ring. What a charming fight.” I finished my statement sarcastically.
“Is that all?” I asked Sion.
“Yeah,” Sion answered. “If I find out any more information, I will let you know.”
I turned around and shut the door on Sion. I was nauseous inside. Joshua must be fighting a monster. A monster whose father I killed, leaving him an orphan.
I got dressed and meditated before we left, needing to calm my mind and body.
Then, around 6:00 pm the seven of us transitioned and flew to New Mexico. Tommy stayed in his human state and I carried him in my talons. We had become quite accustomed to me carrying him through the night sky, and even sometimes, the daylight sky. We all landed in the same spot we had landed the first time just inside Area 51 and about a hundred feet in front of the Arena.
We all agreed before hand, that we would enter one at a time in ten minute increments and Jason and I would go last together.
So, one by one, we entered the Arena. In about an hour it was time for Jason and I to buy out tickets and enter. I decided that Jason wouldn't stand next to me in the arena but he would be very close. Ten feet away close.
Everyone took their hoods off as they entered the arena and Jason and I did the same. I decided that if I was approached by one of Howard's henchmen I would refuse and explain that I would talk to him next time. That I was trying to keep a low profile. By saying 'next time' that would assure him I hadn't come to steal Joshua away. I was already 0 for 2, anyway.
I settled in my spot. Everyone was standing up, as usual, so I did the same.
It was the match right before Joshua's. We made perfect time. Now, It was time to wait to see when our presence would be needed.
The match ended in a draw and the two men were booed off the stage. A guy standing next to me told me that it been the third draw out of four matches. This crowd was hungry for some blood and they were going to go ballistic for Joshua's fight.
“A lot of folks gambled on this fight,” the tall man next to me said. “That's why they are so pissed. That, and they are blood thirsty.”
“Who is favored to win by the gamblers in the next fight?” I asked the man.
“This is where these people are convinced they will get a nice return. Savage is actually the underdog in this fight. Most of these folks went crazy betting for our hometown boy. No one wants this new guy to take him out. We don't care what his record is. He hasn't faced Savage.”
“You put any money on the fight?” I asked.
“I was a sucker if I didn't.”
“How much?”
“Ten grand.”
“Wow.”
Suddenly the lights faded and the cage was lowered down over the ring. It was an ominous sight to behold. Joshua entered the ring alone again to absolute cheering from the crowd.
Khan entered the ring from the other side of the Arena to a sea of boos. Khan wasn't nearly as big or as intimidating as his father had been. He looked more like Bruce Lee than Ghengis Khan. He came in with no shirt and was ripped from head to toe. Joshua wasn't ripped in the slightest. He looked strong but hardly muscular. I could tell from the last fight he had been in that he had been working out since he had been here. But Khan had him beat physically. Joshua was very strong with what I called junkyard dog strength. No one wanted to be caught by a junkyard dog.
At least Joshua had the crowd on his side. I didn't like thinking that way, but I needed my son to live. I was confused by how I was supposed to help him. I couldn't break into the cage and defend him if Khan was going to kill him. All I could do was stand here and watch. I was frustrated with the circumstances. I knew something was about to go down, but I didn't know when or what it was going to be. To say I was uneasy, was an understatement.
Shortly the bell rang and I noticed Jason jumped when it did. This was brutal. He, watching his brother and I, watching his son.
Both men took their time much to the crowd's dismay. They were sizing each other up and neither one of them wanted to strike first and make a mistake. Khan's discipline was something I tried to teach my crew. Khan had a poise and controlled demeanor I wasn't ready for. I thought he would jump in for the kill at first sight, but instead he was taking his time feeling Joshua out. This went on for the first two minutes of the first five-minute round. The audience was getting restless and they began booing the cautious fighters.
Suddenly, Joshua high kicked Khan connecting to his forehead. He managed to and break skin and blood started gushing out. It was the only strike taken in the fight and it was a grand slam. Beautiful shot by my son.
Khan gained his composer and rushed Joshua. My son held his ground and Khan ran into Joshua as if they were football players out on the field. Joshua took a step back but like I said this boy had junkyard dog strength.
Joshua cracked a smile and then went to work striking every which way he could. Kicking, punching, elbows to the head. The problem was Khan was countering all of Joshua's strikes. He managed a return jab to Joshua's face, causing his nose to bleed.
Then the au
dience was finally given what they wanted. Khan and Joshua punched and kicked one another in a variety of moves, but neither one grabbed a hold of the other. Both were hesitant to be in each other's clutches.
They struck one another until the bell rang. Both went to their corners exhausted and nearly collapsed in front of the cages. They were given a two minute rest. Both Joshua and Khan were taking advantage of each minute with deep breaths. Vampires or not, these two needed their oxygen.
The second period was the hardest thing I had to watch. Khan absolutely beat the tar out of Joshua. There were several times that I thought he would go in for his kill shot. Joshua had just enough in the tank that Khan felt he would just continue to beat Joshua senseless.
The period couldn't end soon enough. My hurt broke as I watched my bloody son crawl his way to his side of the ring. It took everything I had to not bust into the cage and take my son out of here. I understood the real world. These people and this awful thing he had chosen to be a part of would have to play out. He wasn't a child anymore. He was a grown fucking man.
Much too soon the bell rang and the fight began again. Joshua came out of his corner with more energy I thought was possible for the kid after the beating he had just taken.
Joshua landed a five punch combination followed by a ferocious round house knocking Khan straight on his back. Khan popped up quickly but was wobbly. Joshua had done some serious damage.
Then for the next two rounds, Khan and my son fought evenly. It reminded me of a street fight. Both landing sick blows and both receiving sick blows.
The bell to end of the fourth round ended. Both men looked like zombies walking back to their corner. You could barely recognize my son. His face was beaten to a bloody pulp. But the same could be said about Khan.
I was scared to death. I hoped both of them would survive this round. I could give a shit if either one of them made a giant payday. My payday would be for my son to live past this nightmare of a fight.
The fifth round started with Khan once again charging Joshua, but instead of running into him as he had done before, Khan swung high right underneath Joshua's chin. Joshua's rolled back in his head and he fell down on the mat, unmoving. K.O.
Crap. My heart couldn't deal with what I was about to witness. Khan propped Joshua's body so he was sitting up. Joshua was still unconscious. Khan walked to the other side of the ring. Then he transitioned to his raven. Like his father, he was a large raven. He paused and then flew down to cut Joshua's neck off with his beak. Just as Khan was about to strike Joshua he rolled out of the way causing Khan to crash against the cage. When Khan's bird body hit the floor of the ring, he quickly transitioned into his human form. Khan was at a disadvantage for the rest of the fight. He could not transition again and he looked like he had knocked his own self for a loop by hitting the cage.
A slow moving Joshua grabbed Khan and dragged him to the middle of the ring. Khan was barely moving. Joshua did the only thing he could. He did an elbow drop on Khan's neck.
I was praying Joshua wouldn't be able to get his kill shot in time also.
Joshua had more strength left than Khan. He proceeded to beat a helpless Khan with a series of punches, kicks and stomps. I looked at the clock, and noted that there were only forty-five seconds left in the match. Joshua knew it and I knew he wanted a payday. Joshua dragged Khan to the ropes and propped his body up. It was Joshua's signature move.
The crowd went nuts. They knew this was the end for Khan and their hero Savage was once again going to come through.
Joshua transitioned into the great white eagle. He flew high up into the cage putting as much space between him and Khan as he could.
In the past, I have had the ability to move large objects with my mind. I never do it because it seems unnecessary in most situations and it was exhausting. If I could move Khan's motionless body out of the way Joshua would miss just as Khan did. Unfortunately, he would crash, but the good news was he would live and no one had to die tonight.
Joshua swooped down in his eagle form and pointed his beak directly at Khan's neck for the ultimate kill shot.
I focused my brain on Khan's body. Right as Joshua was reaching Khan, I used all the inner power I had and I knew if this was what the Triat wanted it would happen. I waved my arm out in front of my body and was able to move Khan's body out of the way just as Joshua would have cut his head off. I looked at the clock and there were only twenty seconds left.
Joshua used all his strength to transition back into his human body and crawl over to Khan's body. As Joshua reached Khan, he passed out himself.
The crowd started to go insane with boos. Many were throwing food and whatever else they could get their hands on. The cage stopped most objects from entering the ring.
I looked up as the time ran out. My son needed help.
Game over. With both of the fighters knocked out. The cage was immediately lifted off the ring. My hope was officials would enter with paramedics and help both fighters. Instead, the worst thing that could have happened did. Men and some women from the audience charged the ring and jumped in. They began to mercilessly attack a helpless Joshua and Khan as they laid unconscious on the stage.
This was why Maya had us come here. My crew knew what to do. I didn't have to tell them that this was it. The seven of us removed our cloaks and hoods and charged the ring. “Tommy,” I said in my mind, “Grab Khan, he doesn't deserve to be killed by an angry mob any more than my son does.”
“On it.” Tommy said, jumping over the ropes.
I made my way to Joshua, punching and kicking. Throwing people out of my way, I lifted my son up, shot up in the air and flew away in my vampire form. I cradled my unconscious son in my arms.
Normally, I don't like holding a body and flying in my human form. The disproportionate weight throws me off. At this moment in time, I understood the quickest way home was not to transition. I needed to avoid bounty hunters.
Soon, everyone caught up. Jason was carrying Tommy in his white eagle talons. Tommy seemed a little bit more nervous than normal.
I noticed Todd in his raven form was carrying Khan.
As we headed back at fierce speed. I heard Tommy's voice in my head. “Jo, do you think it's wise to bring Krull's kid to our hideout?”
“You're right, Tom. Just ahead was the desert of Nevada. I told Tom and called out for everyone to follow me down to the ground.
We all landed in the middle of the desert.
Everyone transitioned as we landed.
“Sorry, everyone. Something was pointed out to me, and I feel it needs to be addressed here before we move on. Khan,” I said. “You fought a noble and intense fight tonight. I was glad to see you live. Do you remember your father?”
Khan looked down and said, “Barely. He died before I could have memories that mattered.”
“Have you spent your entire life wanting to avenge your father?”
“Yes,” Khan admitted.
“And who exactly do you hold responsible for your father's death?”
Khan was quiet. And then he came out and said, “You.”
“It was a different world then. But I will tell you this, I am sorry you grew up without your father. But I am not sorry for killing the son of a bitch.”
Khan smiled. “I heard. He was on the wrong side of the war.”
“You knew that?”
“Yes,” Khan answered.
“What side of the war are you on now?”
“What war? Everyone is surviving.”
“They're surviving now only because the great war hasn't happened.”
“Do you believe that to be true?”
“Son, we are all surviving and becoming smarter each day so when this shit goes down dystopian style, we will be ready.”
Khan nodded his head.
“So, where does that leave you?”
“I'm not sure.”
I decided to send everyone else away except for Tommy and Joshua. Joshua needed to approve of
anything Khan and I worked out. But I was sensing that Khan was a good soul who had grown up with a big heart. I felt that he needed to become a part of our group in order for him to truly be the man he was meant to be.
Chapter Eighteen
The four of us stood in the middle of the night staring at each other. Khan had respect for me so he was willing to hear what I had to say. How much he wanted to kill me, I didn't know.
“Is there revenge in your future?” I asked Khan, looking in his eyes.
Khan was quiet at first, which made me feel uneasy. Then he said the perfect words. “If there was, it ended tonight. Your son fought hard and was a beast in the ring. You and your crew saved my life. So, I guess we are even. A life for a life.”
“Do you really believe that? Feel that? You've spent a lifetime wanting revenge for the death of your father. Do you think you could work with me? Work with my crew? We aren't messing around. We stick together and use all of our resources to stay alive. There are ten of us watching each others back at all times. How many do you have looking out for you, son?”
Khan again was quiet. “None.”
I nodded my head. “How much strength do you have at the present moment?”
“I'm pretty beat up.”
“About fifty miles ahead is Reno.” I pointed, “I'm sure you can make it.” I looked at Joshua and Tommy and paused. Then I turned to look deep into Khan's eyes. “Or, would you like to join up with us?”
“You're asking me to join up with your crew?” Khan asked, shocked.
“That is exactly what I'm asking. What do you think, Joshua?”
Joshua was still pretty beat up from his fight, but said, “If he passes the test I say let him come with us.”
“Exactly, Tommy said. “He needs to pass that little head test of yours and then we can talk about him coming with us.”
“What are they talking about?” Khan asked.
“If you choose to come with us. I will need to touch your face and head and see what's to come.”
“Why do you do that?” Khan asked.
“I can see into your heart, Khan. I can see if you are a liar and plan to harm me or my crew. So I am telling you now if you have any resentment in your heart that wants revenge I will see it and I will not put my people in jeopardy by bringing you with us.”