by T S Paul
Body parts and blood splashed around were trademarks of Demonic forces. Worldwide, there hadn’t been a Demon incursion of more than a single creature since Death Valley in the 1950s. That was way before Johann’s time. But, he’d seen the films and read all the reports. Even with all the evidence lying before him, he had to be sure. Breaking radio silence without hard facts could cost him his position.
Looking skyward, Johann could see the crosses atop the basilica. The church was made up of two buildings. One held the ever ringing bell and the other, the main naive itself. Carefully, Johann peeked around the corner of a building to view the courtyard and front of the church.
The church still stood, but not for too much longer. Dozens of Demonic figures swarmed across the courtyard. A large pile of human and animal corpses lay mounded in the center. Smallish demons were feasting as the larger of the horde threw themselves at the ichor stained church doors. Only the church’s fortress-like structure had protected it until now. Johann could see human figures in the very few windows firing weapons at the horde.
Johann crouched low to the ground and worked his way around several cars and a burnt tree to reach a building opposite the courtyard. Two large balconies gave a direct line of sight to the church. If he could reach them, he might be able to call in an air-strike. The operational plan called for Italian Navy support with the combat brigade at Aosta as a backup. A brigade of tank destroyers and APC’s might be able to hold off the Demons.
Belly down and keeping one of the many burnt vehicles in front of him, Johann crawled across Corso Re Galantuom Street and up to the yellow walls of the house. Saying a prayer, and hoping it was unlocked, he reached for the doorknob in the middle of the door.
The door opened on the first try. Johann closed it behind him ever so gently as to not be heard. The inside was chaos. Furniture was thrown haphazardly around and large, sticky pools of blood dotted the main floor. Looking up the stairwell, he could see where someone or something had been dragged down them. Drawing his sidearm, Johann carefully attached a silencer to it. The rules said he wasn’t to use the attachment unless absolutely necessary. Demons fit the bill as an excuse. Cocking his head to one side, Johann tried to hear if he was alone in the house. He could hear the Demons outside, but only silence reigned within the house. Crouching to make himself a smaller target, he carefully climbed the stairs, weapon at the ready.
Johann turned his face away from the upstairs rooms as he climbed to the second level. He could see toys and children's things scattered around and mixed in the blood on the stairs.
A rooftop ladder hung loosely near the doors toward the front. Johann weighed his options. If he went up there, he would be exposed but might be able to reach his backup faster.
The ladder was just out of reach. Johann jumped up trying to grab it and landed with a crash as his foot slipped in one of the pools of blood. He lay in the blood for what seemed like an eternity. Silence still gripped the house. The clamor of the bells and Demon warfare drowned everything out. Carefully, Johann checked himself over for injuries. He rolled over onto the sticky floor, his hands smeared with blood and bits of things he didn’t want to think about. Using the stair rail, he pulled himself to his feet. The balconies it was then.
The bedroom at the end of the hall was clear of both blood and bodies. He thought it might belong to the owners of the blood downstairs. In another time or place, he might enjoy staying somewhere like this. The furniture was from another time with fine finishes and scrollwork. Art on the walls reminded him of things he had seen in museums. The windows were closed and covered by louvered panels. Johann slowly opened a panel and looked out onto the square.
Daylight streamed in blinding him for a moment. The clamor of Demons hadn’t let up. If anything, it had intensified. Demons of all sizes pounded on the walls and doors of the basilica. Fire from the defenders had lessened, and they appeared to be throwing burning furniture and statues at the horde. Their time was growing short.
“Alpha one to command,” Johann whispered into his communication link.
His earplug popped and hissed. There was a voice, but it was very faint. Boosting the gain on his communicator, Johann tried again. “Alpha One to Command, come in.”
There was a burst of static, and then a very loud voice shouted into his ear. Johann quickly turned the volume down. Glancing outside, he didn’t see any Demons heading in his direction. “Alpha One we read you five-by-five. Has contact been made, Alpha One?”
Still keeping his voice low Johann responded to the query. “Negative, Objective one is in full contact. We have a Flash Zeta. I repeat, a Flash Zeta situation. There is an unknown number of civilians inside the basilica. Zetas are in complete control of the target.”
The silence on the radio was deafening. Johann cupped his left hand over his ear to make sure he didn’t miss the return call. “Affirmative Alpha One. What is the status of Objective Two?”
“Objective Two is unknown. Zeta incursion has prevented completion of that objective.” Johann shook his head. It would be just like command to send him in after the second objective. Why not take a stroll in a countryside crawling with Demons?
A different voice came on the radio. It was female and spoke with an American accent. “Alpha One, do you have eyes on target? How many Zeta’s are in view?”
Johann turned and looked out at the square. The Horde had managed to force one of the church doors open and was pouring in. Swallowing, he muttered a prayer he learned in Sunday school for the souls of the lost. “Command, I see more than two or three hundred Zetas. Be aware that the civilian presence is now breached and being over-run. Zetas may control the entire target now.”
The woman’s voice came back on. “Alpha One are you able to complete your mission or do you require exfil instructions?”
Johann closed his eyes for a moment. “I can try, Command.”
“Affirmative, Alpha One. Your country and the world thanks you.” FBI Director Mills replied to him. She hung up the phone at her end and summoned the Bs. It was time to call in the big boys. Everything just got deadly serious.
<<<>>>
The Demon Duke Harborym stood looking out at his objective. Humans were such creative creatures. He considered leaving a few of them alive to build for him in the future. This land was so new he could barely smell any of the so-called God’s stench. None of his direct enemies held any sway in this land called Charleston. So nice of his new body to have a child here. The flesh of my flesh. So many of the fables were true. Commonality made it so much simpler for one of his commanders to take hold.
“What is the status of your Legion, commander?” Duke Harborym asked.
The human once known as Autumn Fredricks stood up and saluted its commander. Autumn, the body’s original host, no longer existed as a person. Her soul was ripped away and replaced by Dargun, the commander of his lord’s twenty-fifth legion. “Those few of our brethren that traveled with us have found spawning grounds in tunnels below us. How soon before we open the portal to the other legions?”
Harborym smiled at the Lesser Demon. “Soon. The brethren we left behind are gaining in strength and power. Once they are harvested, we will open the gate and release my legions. This time we will control the Magick. Our allies will see to that. Is the distraction prepared?”
“Yes, Master. The human army has grown weak guarding an empty hole. Over the years, their vigilance has deteriorated. We will emerge once more and roll over their puny defenses. Once we control both coasts, they will have to bow to us.” Dargun pointed out to his master.
“Everything is according to plan then. Send the emissary through the gate. Esta is to contact the Dragon Lords and pass along our thanks. Inform them that the portal they requested will be open at the required time. Do not allow her to escape us. Understand?” The Demon Duke sparked twin fireballs into existence and threatened the commander with them.
Shying away from the source of fire, the lesser Demon bowed. “It will
be done, Master. Is Esta trying to escape up?”
“Not yet. But I expect her to attempt it soon. The book has possessed her as expected. It will not allow its host to suffer under us. Keep a close eye on her,” Harborym replied.
The lesser Demon nodded its assent and left the room. The Duke walked outside onto one of Charleston’s iconic Captain’s walks. The distinctive wraparound porch was a favorite among residents as a way to escape the summertime heat. He stood staring out at the bay and smiled. His host body was as healthy and powerful as he’d been promised. With a small amount of care, it should last for centuries.
As the Demon stood to plot, a tour bus drove past the house. Several tourists pulled out cameras, snapping pictures of the historical house and the beautiful woman standing on its porch.
The woman once known as Camilla Blackmore looked down at the bus and smiled, her eyes flashing the red of Demonic possession. “Pitiful humans. Your time is almost at an end.”
Chapter 16
“This is the first and last day of your life. As of now, your old life is gone, and a new one begins.” Adam Moon stood in front of the collection of inductees.
“The Moon Pack has been in existence for almost two centuries. Hundreds of men and women have stood on the same spot thinking the same thoughts as you. Am I good enough for this pack? Is it the right fit? These are all questions that go through your mind. We built this pack from people like you. Weres who didn’t want the status quo, those who had the tiniest bit of defiance left in them. This is the place if you want to do more with your life. Welcome to the future.” Adam paced up and down the platform.
“We began evaluating you the first day you walked through the door. Some of our tests are obvious while others are not.” Adam waved to someone standing near the house.
Jonas, the large Were that was last seen in the company of the enforcers, stepped out of the house and climbed up onto the platform.
“This is Jonas, and he is indeed a cop, one who works for us. Jonas is captain of the Jackson City police force. He is responsible for the safety of all the humans within the city limits. He’s also been a valued and trusted pack member for the last fifty years. That little play the other day was a test, which some of you, passed with flying colors. We have enemies in this world and finding out who and where they are is useful.” Adam slapped Jonas on the shoulder.
“The main event is this weekend. Look forward to a fun-filled obstacle course, skills tests, and to top it off, The Hunt. This will be a busy weekend, so enjoy it. Remember there is no wrong answer here. All are welcome. Position and location are what this is all about. So enjoy yourselves. Let’s get started!”
Gundi Moon and a dozen or so enforcers and other pack members came out of the house. Several held tablets and clipboards. Very quickly the fourteen inductees were separated and sent to various parts of the huge estate.
Adam looked at his sister, “what do you think of this group now?”
“It’s a good bunch. According to the forms they filled out, we have three teachers, a former marine, five sales or retail clerks, a housewife, an accountant, and three bikers. One of the bikers used to be an aircraft mechanic. I think they will really boost up our resettlement plan,” Gundi explained.
“What’s the deal with the housewife? Is her husband here too?” Adam asked.
Gundi frowned, “No. She’s here alone. Her husband ran afoul of one of the Louisiana Pack Alphas. He was killed in a position fight or at least that is what she was told.”
“What does that mean? Was he killed or not?” Jonas asked.
Gundi stared at Jonas for a moment, her eyes flashing and her hackles raised. “The Alpha wanted our housewife to be his new woman. He tried to take her forcefully. The husband said no, and fought back. She was dragged from the room before the fight, but she claims she heard a gunshot. Seeing her chance, she jumped into her car and ran for it. One of the other female pack members told her what happened. She’d heard about us and came straight here.”
Jonas nodded and spoke, “Sorry Gundi, I was unaware of the situation. Why don’t you give Sarah Redfur over in Spring Creek a call? She runs a women’s shelter and specializes in trauma cases. I’ll give her a heads up if you like.”
“Fine. I’ll call her.” Gundi looked at her brother who was now watching one of the enforcers put a group through an exercise routine. “Adam, I need to call Joseph, he said that Witch and her team were up to something.”
The pack alpha nodded. “Good. Take care of it. I still don’t believe this serial killer nonsense. That is a human issue. We don’t have crazies among us. They have to be here for us. Give Bryan a call as well. Tell him he’s hanging out with us this weekend. If he bitches, order him to do it. Tell him he can bill me a few hours, but this is pack business, not the court.”
Gundi told him yes, and hopped off the stage. There was way too much happening this weekend to have to deal with a pissed off Witch with a grudge.
<<< >>>
“Agatha, we don’t know anything for sure yet,” Cat wanted me to change my mind about the latest course of action.
“We cannot afford to sit here doing nothing but research. If the town doesn't talk to us, we go straight to the source. Adam Moon and his pack. They may not care about the humans around here, but they have to care about their reputation. Our killer has been following a straight line for months. He either reached this area and stopped, or he’s passed through.” I looked each of my team in the eyes.
“I don’t think he has left. Jackson was his destination. We are assuming that he’s here for the induction that the Moon Pack is holding. I’m assuming it’s a man, he has killed five women to date that we know about. Each of those women had green eyes. Their hair color varied, but three out of the five were blond or had light colored hair.”
“What if he’s not here? Do we still chase him?” Agent Blake asked.
“Yes, it is our job. No other agency is set up to chase down a rogue like this. There are very few jails that could hold an enraged Were that wanted out. In her Warrior form, Catherine, can rip a car door right off or bend four-inch steel like it’s aluminum. Trust me when I say, sending another group after him is a bad idea,” I explained.
Blake continued to press me. “Doesn’t the military have a takedown unit? I know there was something in the news about it.”
Cat answered for me before I got mad and zapped him. “There is a unit in Europe that works in conjunction with the SAS and GSG 9. They rotate between the Berlin Wasteland, London, and Paris. According to my sources, they primarily deal with Vampires, Gargoyles, and Fae issues. Most of the Were packs have left Western Europe.”
“Do you know why, Cat?” I asked. That bit about the Were packs was news to me.
“Dad was the one that mentioned it. He said the damage to Germany and its forests is just too great. The Demons controlled central Europe for three years. In that time, they did something to the soil and water. They warped the natural order. Nothing grows the way it should, and a few strange creatures have been found there,” Cat replied.
“Strange how?” I asked.
“Otherworldly. If we have time when this is over, we can check in with the Smithsonian’s Biological Unit. They are supposed to be examining them,” Cat pointed out.
I nodded my head. “They were the same group that took that Chupacabra off our hands a while back. Does that answer your question, Blake?”
Our newest agent nodded.
“My plan here is to confront them directly. Adam Moon may be a chauvinistic paranoid psychopath, but he’s still this pack’s alpha. He can be reasoned with. If he couldn’t be, this town might not exist. The last time we were just starting out as a unit and uncoordinated. My Magick was strained and not completely under control. Our training is complete now. We’ve kicked butt, and lived to tell about it. If it comes down to it, I’ll turn them all into squirrels.” I smiled at Cat.
Blake raised his hand just a little. “Can you really do th
at?”
I thought for a moment. “Yup, I know the spell for it. Turning them pink or purple would be more fun though.”
“When does Anastasia get here, Boss?” Chuck asked.
“She called me a short while ago. Ivan’s driving so it may be a couple of hours or tomorrow. He’s not super familiar with the mountain roads around here,” I explained to Chuck.
Chuck just shook his head. “He’s still with her? I thought for sure she would have dumped him in Russia or something. Hasn’t he heard of Boogle Maps? The sexy voice that reads the map would lead him right here easily.”
“You can explain it to him when he gets here. Remember that he’s pretty stupid these days. Being a Vampire slave does that to you. Are you staying or going, Chuck?” I asked.
The big man stood and straightened his clothing as he put his jacket on. “I’m coming. These are Weres, and you might need some muscle.”
“Let’s go then.” I didn’t tell him that if it came down to needing muscle, I would hide behind Cat. Her Cat form was bigger than anything they could bring to bear.
<<< >>>
Adam and Gundi watched as the last group of newbies staggered across the tire climb and scaled the Wall of Doom. Adam laughed to himself about that name. It was named that after he and the command staff tried running this course to prove they still had it. Of course, they had to do it half-lit from way too many beers. Most humans can get drunk having a six-pack or two. Weres metabolized the alcohol so fast that it took four or five cases to get one Were inebriated. Needless to say, the beer distributor around here was a happy man. “They all passed.”
Gundi snorted. “Of course they passed. Have you heard some of their stories? There are some badly run packs out there in the world. It makes me so glad you talked me into joining you all those years ago.”
“We’re the better for it. You would have had to marry that smelly old dude and I, I would have been exiled for trying to challenge father. You know he wouldn’t have abided having another alpha male in the village. I wonder what happened to the old bastard?” Adam almost looked mournful at the thought of their family.