“Ran into some trouble?” Giselle asked while closing the door.
They dropped the bag with a thud and helped Giselle restack furniture.
“Hai, I have not had this much fun in a long time.” He smiled and entered a laugh. He quickly gagged on the thick shit smell in the air. “Unko!” he cussed.
“Freeze gel, toss it over.” François hollered beneath his collar.
“She still has time. Stage five is but…”
“She is in five you imbecile. Listen to her heartbeat.” François barked. Toko paused and listened.
“She is transitioning too quickly. Her heartrate is much too fast.” Toko unzipped the bag and tossed over a handful of freeze gel packs to François. “Here, three packs.” He added.
“Jason hold down the girl’s legs. Giselle apply the gel. It would be inappropriate for any of us to do it with you present.” François admitted with a moment of decency. “It is woman’s work.” He continued, immediately losing all decency in four words. Giselle scowled.
“I’ll do it. And not because it is woman’s work.” She mocked François’ accent again.
Jason hurried over and held the girl’s legs down. He was impressed with the fight that she had possessed. Giselle studied the freeze gel packs with curiosity. The directions on how to mix both chemicals were in Japanese.
“What does this say?” She asked.
“Squeeze one end until the seal between the two breaks introducing the clear gel onto the blue gel. The chemical reaction causes the gel to quickly become around the freezing point. You may want to wear these gloves.” Toko answered and tossed over some cotton insulated rubber gloves. Giselle donned them, cut a corner off the bag with a knife and generously oozed it onto her gloved hands. She rubbed on all three packs causing Samantha to settle into a shiver. After a few minutes, her heartrate dropped to 180 and climbed 5 bpm every hour. 8 hours later, her bowel movement ended and her heartrate settled at 220, a normal speed of Azrael hearts.
They were all exhausted. Jason had locked himself to a pipe down in the basement two hours earlier. Samantha slept peacefully for once. Giselle lifted her like a baby and carried her into the bathroom. Forty-five minutes later Samantha was resting on the couch in a warm sweater, sweat pants and thick fuzzy socks. Her lips were chapped and she was severely dehydrated. Her right arm was attached to an IV that steadily provided her with fluids. Giselle curled up beneath a warm knitted blanket on the floor and finally found her peace. She was the last to surrender to sleep.
Chapter 31: A New Alpha
A sudden thick layer of fog blanketed over the country road Randall and his crew of Awakened were travelling along. Visibility became increasingly hindered due to the fog. A strange but bitter stink accompanied the dense mist. Minutes later, small wiry framed figures shuffled within. There was something off about these…Azrael. Their scent was unlike anything he smelled before. Could it be a herd that the Alpha controlled? Could his enemy be found within this cloud of shambling Azrael?
Uncharacteristically, the malnourished naked bodies turned on Randall and his group. They were easily thwarted but thousands lurked within the thick mist being driven by an unpredictable Alpha with intentions unknown to Randall. As if drawn by some pheromone released by the injured naked Azrael, not unlike a frenzied beehive, the herd converged and sandwiched Randall’s group within their masses. Their lethargic maneuvers and attacks amplified in response, becoming an increasing threat to Randall’s group.
Randall howled a ferocious challenge to the Alpha. In the distance, a similar challenge returned causing the wiry Azrael to relax their hold on Randall. The others continued to be attacked and were subdued from assisting Randall.
The naked creatures guided Randall towards the Alpha without hesitation. It seemed odd to Randall but he needed to stop whatever madness was happening. He glanced back at Brian, his new recruit, to see if he was fairing ok against the threat. Bear had a half a dozen pinned down next to Brian, keeping them away from the young and much smaller Azrael. Satisfied, he continued his push towards the Alpha within the dense fog. The scent changed slightly, but continued to be heavy and foul. However, he eventually found what he was seeking…the pull to the leader. He welcomed it, like a draw to a dying buck. Suddenly, a dank sour taste in the air assaulted Randall’s nose causing it to twitch and his eyes to water. It was the rot of death, the aroma of expired meat. The Azrael stink but it’s a different stench. This aroma...this smell is distinct and lingers. However, the scent in the air from these creatures are unnatural.
In the distance, the voice of an Alpha howled a challenge. Could Randall neutralize this threat or would he be overwhelmed by it? A man nearly six inches shorter than Randall approached with fire in its eyes. It wore a focus only the Awakened carried. It attempted to tackle Randall but couldn’t budge the massive Azrael.
Was this the Alpha that drove a massive herd through the fog? Was this some new strain of the virus at work or was this the next evolutionary step that the virus has taken? Randall howled, banged his chest and pointed to the naked and frail Azrael. The Alpha grumbled and paused as if in thought of Randall’s question. It slapped its left palm on its forehead violently while grunting loudly with each strike. It appeared confused and frustrated with this new enemy. As if by instinct, Randall drew closer to the Alpha and placed his massive hands on its shoulders. Randall grunted calmly and nodded his head when the Alpha looked up into his eyes. It calmed and hung its head low.
The Alpha emitted a sorrowful moan that carried deep into the fog. The other malnourished Azrael joined in. The orchestra of pained moans brought a wave of sadness in the air, an emotion that seemed to bind to the breeze as it splashed around Randall and his party. Their hostilities ceased and they shambled away from Randall’s group. The Alpha placed its right hand on Randall’s left hand that grasped his shoulders. It attempted a smile and shook off Randall’s grasp. Within seconds, the Alpha was but a dense blob inside the fog. Within minutes, the mist dissipated as did all naked Azrael.
What had just happened? The Azrael appeared lost and out of place, not a confident and efficient killer. The virus had evolved into something else. The scent of death eventually dissipated from the air, and replaced it with a crisp cold breeze. Winter was coming soon.
Fifteen minutes later, a car was hurrying down the country road they had been following. They kept a good distance away from the actual asphalt, to avoid interaction with humans. However, something within the car pulled at Randall. It invited him to join them. His body instinctively waved at the passing vehicle. He focused his vision. There was a young girl and a large man inside. He knew nothing about them but longed to be near. His body waved once more. Then something awful happened.
Chapter 32: Friends or Foes
The dark of night saturated throughout the city landscape hiding almost everything in its wake. Dark clouds travelled past the moon in a hurry. The aroma of rain, decay and death lingered in the streets as Steven and Ethan hurried towards The Highwaymen Station. Fortunately, as they searched the area, Steven and Ethan located four more magazines nearly full for the automatic weapon. They approached the building cautiously.
“You think anyone’s in there?”
“I don’t know, Steven. Maybe we should try the back door just in case.” Ethan suggested.
“No, we should try to just go inside. We have surprise on our side.” Steven speculated.
“We might end up getting shot since it’s so dark out here. They could be on edge in there.”
“That’s true. Crap, what should we do?”
“I already suggested going in the back.” Ethan advised.
“I’ll take a peek inside.”
“Okay. Just be careful.”
Steven gave Ethan a devilish grin.
“You bet your sweet ass I’ll be careful.”
“What? Where’d you get that?”
“I heard someone say it in some movie. I don’t remember.” Steven pondered where he
heard the phrase.
“I doubt that was the right reference unless you’re into other dudes. That’s okay if you are. I’m not…”
“Gross I’m not like that. I like girls. I mean, they’re okay.”
“When I was your age, I only thought about video games and cartoons.”
“I like video games and cartoons. Nothing new coming out anymore. The world sucks now.”
“Yeah, it does.”
Ethan scratched his ass and peeled the pants from his crack.
“Didn’t wash everything off?”
“I don’t think so. I need a shower so bad.”
“I can’t smell you but I can’t smell anything over that pile of bodies over there.” Steven gestured towards a heap of dead bodies about fifteen feet away from the door.
“Who do you think killed them?” Ethan asked.
“I’m hoping it was the Highwaymen.”
“Me too.”
“Okay, I’m gonna take a peek. Be right back.”
“Okay.”
Steven jogged over to the front of the building shielding his face from the aroma of the dead. A gunshot startled him and he hurried back towards Ethan. A voice hollered.
“Don’t move! I’ll kill you.” The voice of a man shouted. His voice was firm and unwavering.
Steven complied and raised his hands.
“Fuck!” Ethan spat under his breath.
“It looks human. Don’t shoot him.” A woman’s voice hollered from inside.
“Hey, turn around!” The man’s voice instructed. “Slowly.” He added.
Steven slowly turned around. His face was calm and his eyes were distant.
“For Christ’s sake, it’s a boy!” The woman gasped.
“With an M4.” The man added. Steven nodded. “What should we do?” He continued.
“Let him in you insensitive prick.” The woman argued.
“I don’t know. This is strange. What’s he doing all alone out there? Something doesn’t smell right about it.” The man speculated.
“You think he’s not alone out there?” The woman asked.
“Hey kid. You alone out there?”
Steven shook his head and pointed towards Ethan.
“Fuck!” Ethan cussed and then exited the cover of a shadow from a nearby building. “Hi!” He waved with his hands up.
“You, go over to the kid and keep your fucking hands where I can see them.”
“Ye…yes…yes sir.” Ethan stammered while hurrying over to Steven.
“We almost shot your little friend over there. Didn’t you notice the pile of dead bodies near the door? Not a smart choice running up to this place unannounced.” The man scolded.
“Are you the Highwaymen?” Steven asked.
“Why do you ask?” The man responded.
“Listen mister, it’s kind of dark out here. I can’t see if there are any threats nearby.” Ethan added.
“Don’t worry, there’s nothing else out there…just yet.” The man admitted.
“He’s got those night seeing glasses.” Steven told Ethan.
“Sharp kid. Where did you come from?” The man asked.
“Just let the boys in. They seem okay.” The woman urged.
“I’m not done interrogating them.” The man disagreed.
“The pet store a few blocks that way.” Ethan pointed towards the direction they came from.
“Why were you in the Pet Store?” The man asked.
“Are you Highwaymen?” Steven asked.
“Well…”
“Yes, yes I’m with the Highwaymen. We all are.” The woman interrupted.
“Do you mind if we answer your questions inside?” Ethan worried.
“Fine, Janice unlock the door...” He paused. “...now listen up. Keep your hands off the weapon. If you touch it or point it towards us, I will shoot you. Do you understand?” The man instructed.
“Yes sir.” The boys answered in unison.
The door unlocked.
“Come on. Hurry up.” Janice urged them inside.
Steven and Ethan hurried inside with their hands up. Steven struggled to jog with the weapon pulling him forward.
A man and a woman greeted them as they crossed the threshold of the door.
“Can we have your weapon, young man?” The man asked politely while taking a knee.
“No, sir. It’s the only thing I have to kill the zombies.”
“Okay, I’m going to protect you now but I need to hold your weapon just in case you are a threat to me and my friends. Can you understand that?”
“I guess.”
“But...”He paused to catch the boy’s attention. “If your story checks out, then I’ll give it back. Deal?”
“Deal.” Steven handed the man his weapon. The seizing of the firearm caused him to sigh. It was heavy but he felt uneasy just handing it over. What if these people were really the bad guys? Steven worried.
“Thank you young man.” The man smiled.
He handled the weapon with a high degree of skill as he inspected the magazine and weapon for any apparent damage. He nodded and smiled at the boy as he stood up. Steven appeared impressed.
“Introductions?” The woman asked the man.
“Oh, I’m Corporal Paul Mason and this is Janice Yates.”
“Janice…Yates…” Steven pondered.
“What’s wrong?” Ethan asked.
“Yeah, what’s wrong dear?” Janice appeared troubled.
“The name sounds familiar. That’s all. My name’s Steven.”
“I’m Ethan.”
“Steven? You’re Giselle’s boy?” Janice’s eyes widened.
“No, she’s not my mom.”
Steven wore a scowl.
“She’s been watching out for you, right?” She continued.
“Do you know her?” Steven asked.
“Do I know her? She trained me.” The woman sighed of relief.
“Noah is gonna flip when he sees you.” Mason added.
“Noah Flynn?” Steven asked.
“Yeah, Flynn.”
“Hah! It’s Mr. Flynn. We’re gonna be safe now.” Steven cheered.
Janice and Mason smiled. They escorted the boys to meet up with the recovering Noah Flynn. Mason knocked on the door and waited. There was no response. He slowly opened the door. He was fast asleep. His broken leg was wrapped, casted and raised by a few pillows.
“We’ll come back later.” Mason whispered and shut the door.
“What happened to his leg?” Steven asked.
“He fell out of a window and into a garbage bin. Unfortunately, that’s not the worst of his injuries.”
“Internal bleeding?” Ethan asked.
“They took his sister.”
“Pearl?” Steven spat.
“Yeah.” Mason replied.
“She’s been sick. Why would they?” Steven clinched his fists and snarled.
“I don’t know what these people want. There’s definitely something wrong with them.”
“I know. I killed a couple of them earlier. They’ve got those eyes like Miss Giselle.”
“Wait…you killed someone? He’s kidding right?” Mason looked to Ethan.
“The kid’s a psychopath.”
“I kept us safe.” Steven boasted.
“Mason! You need to come down here…now!” Janice hollered over to them.
“Shit. Hey, you kids head over to that room over there and make yourself comfortable.”
“Sure!” Ethan smiled and headed over to the lounge.
“What’s wrong?” Steven asked.
“Just, don’t worry about it kid. I’ll check it out.” Mason affirmed. He handed Steven his rifle back and winked. “A man of my word. Don’t make me regret it.”
“I won’t Mr. Mason.” Steven beamed.
“Call me Paul, okay.”
“Okay, Paul.” Steven acknowledged. Paul hurried back to Janice.
Steven found Ethan in the lounge nearby. He was standi
ng awkwardly.
“Hey, I’m gonna take a shower in the locker room real quick.” He gestured towards the Locker Room placard in the hallway. It was pointing towards the front of the building. “I’ll be back when I’m done. Maybe I can get lucky and find some clothes that fit in there too.” Ethan ruffled Steven’s hair and headed for the locker room.
“Okay. I’m gonna take a nap. I’m kind of tired.”
“Just don’t go wandering off. We should be fine here for a while.” Ethan tried to stay positive and disappeared into the locker room.
Steven curled up on a leather couch and submitted his body to a deep sleep ignoring any potential threats outside.
*
“What’s wrong?” Mason jogged over to Janice. She was looking through the night vision goggles towards an alley across the parking lot.
“There’s something out there. It’s big and creepy.” Janice moved her head from left to right in hopes to get a better view.
“What’s it doing?”
“It’s just standing there staring at the front door.” Janice admitted.
“It’s doing what? Is it one of those men?”
“I can’t tell.” It found a dead body nearby and began to eat it while looking towards the Highwaymen entrance. “It’s definitely not human anymore. I guess it could be like that guy I met on the roof. I think I’m gonna puke.” She admitted.
“Think I can get a shot off?” Mason asked and set up his rifle. He adjusted the infrared scope and found the Azrael.
“I don’t know. He’s pretty close to those cars. If you miss, he might get away or call more over.”
“Have you seen any more of them?” Mason scanned the area for any more threats.
“Not yet.”
“Taking the shot.” He admitted, brought in a controlled breath and exhaled slowly. He pulled the trigger and missed. “Shit!”
“You missed it. Do you think it heard…?”
“It’s coming. Holy Christ it’s fast!”
The Azrael was sprinting on all fours towards the front door.
“Shoot it again! Shoot it again!”
The Azrael (Book 5): Prisoners Page 19