by Eddie Jakes
The gate opened only two ways: either by the overseer or by the Founding Fathers’ secret guard. They didn't have the numbers to overtake the guard, so it was decided that they would personally select individuals who would inadvertently unlock the prison from the inside.
Maddix was picked because he was an obsessive-compulsive stalker who wouldn't be able to help himself if presented with an unusual situation to chase. Tara was chosen because of her complete selfishness and disregard for life. Javier was picked because he was a coward under pressure, and would choose his own skin over that of his comrades. The constables were merely a side dish to feast on and disenchant the group when it all went down.
Dealing with the prison's protective magic was simple. Send in the one mind that would find a way to subvert it through science. Dr. Deryck Himmelreich.
Javier had rejoined the group at the tail end of the cultists detailed retelling of events. They were all red with anger, either because it was all bullshit or if there was some truth to it, Javier didn't know.
But, he did know.
He was a coward, and many men died because of it; both in his previous life and the life he led now. The idea of all the constables being icing on the cake in this new conspiracy executed by a batch of lunatics was driving him to rage. Maybe he would show him just how much of a coward he was by driving one of the scimitars he collected right through his stomach? Perhaps letting this radical's guts spill out in front of himself would be poetic justice for all of them? Probably not, but it would have been a release for sure.
"Maddix?" said Tara.
"What?"
"I think we've heard enough from this piece of shit, and I believe it would be best if we let Tanya kill him now."
The robed cultist began to sweat from his brow.
Behind them, Tanya was already starting to lick her fangs while standing in a crouched position.
Maddix took a step back as if to allow Tanya the room she needed to shred the man to pieces, but he wouldn't say yes or no. He just stood there in deep thought.
"Monsieur?"
"No," Maddix replied, "I'm not a murderer. Fuck that. I'm not that guy anymore."
His voice got louder as he repeated his statement to the helpless cultist. He walked up to him and slapped him across the face repeatedly until he acknowledged him.
"Javier is not a coward, and the constables died fighting as brave men! You got that?"
"Yes, yes, yes!"
"I'm not going to kill you. You're coming with us."
"What are we going to do with him?" asked Tanya, disappointed.
"Bring him back to the cabin. He knows too much."
"Then what?"
Maddix looked Tanya's large wolf frame up and down. "Get you another set of clothes."
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
The lake at Central Park was quite lovely to Himmelreich. He wasn't much for scenic views and quiet strolls, but it was a welcome change of pace. He was more comfortable in the lab with his experiments than out in the open air. He often thought about what he would do once everything came together. Retirement wasn't a word that he used often.
Imagine the world's greatest genetic scientist living the life of leisure. Sailing a boat, playing a few rounds of golf, or just tooling away on his own private garden.
Nein, he thought to himself. I will never go back to that worthless life again.
Indeed, it would be like being in the prison all over again. Deryck's life was the science of manipulating life and cheating death. How people could choose to aspire toward mediocrity was beyond him. Perhaps it was just the poison of lazy American philosophy. Give people absolute freedom and they will want nothing.
That wasn't to say that his old life in the Third Reich was any more palatable to him. He despised the Nazis and Adolph Hitler. He was a small-minded man with a golden tongue, who couldn't control his paranoia and passion enough to lead his country to victory. If not for the resources he needed at the time, he would have chosen to kill the man himself, rather than allow the Americans to do it.
Deryck glanced at his watch. It was almost five and the sun was starting to set on the horizon. They still hadn't heard a word from anyone since leaving Malevolent. So it was unexpected when their benefactors called in the morning to schedule the meeting which they were now late for.
Not wanting to sit another minute, the doctor picked up his black hat from the bench he was sitting on and placed it on his head. He figured he would take in a quick stroll before calling a cab to bring him back to the penthouse.
Himmelreich had walked for about three minutes when someone began calling out his name. He turned around to see two men wearing expensive looking suits behind him. They were older gentlemen but clearly fit.
“How might I be of service to you?”
"I think you know, Doctor," said one of the well-dressed men. "Have you come alone?"
"I have come to the park alone. However, I do have very powerful friends nearby as I'm sure you know."
"We would expect nothing less."
"If I may," said Himmelreich, resuming his stroll down the lake, "ask why it took you so long to contact us? We've been free from the prison for over five years. That was not the plan I had agreed to when you sent me to that Godless place."
"I assure you that we have been watching. We'd hoped the vampires would start increasing their numbers. When that didn't happen, we stepped back and observed until you discovered the problem."
"Have you completed the vaccine?" asked the other suit.
"Not yet. The antibody shipment should be underway as we speak. Once I have it, I can create an airborne compound that will negate the effects and allow the vampires to feed."
"They will begin to turn others when they feed?"
"Yes," chuckled Himmelreich. "They will indeed. So I am to understand that you still wish to be among the turned?"
"Some of us," said the first suit. "Others will desire to be with the lycanthropes."
"Why haven't they begun to turn humans? Why do they stay hidden?" inquired the second suit, with a shaky voice.
Doctor Himmelreich turned to the strangers with his wrinkled face grinning.
"Is something funny, Doctor?"
"The werewolves are under strict instructions to refrain from attacking the humans until the vaccine is done. The vampires don't like being outnumbered, and we have a good working relationship with their leader."
"We would like it if you could begin some of the transformations now. That way--"
"Nein."
"I beg your pardon, Doctor."
"There will be no turning for anyone until I'm finished with my work."
"That was not the arrangement."
"No, this is an uncontrolled variable that must be dealt with, and it will be necessary for you to cooperate. You will have your fun soon enough."
The two men were stone-faced and desperate. Deryck could sense that they were hiding something from him.
"You seem nervous, gentlemen. Is there something wrong?"
They looked at each other quickly before telling the doctor that everything was fine and that he would get everything he asked for. Just as soon as the final arrangements for the Necromancers could be met.
"That's good to know. Now, as for the rest?"
"There isn't anything else."
Deryck's face went slack. "Very well, we can do this the hard way. Herr Statsny? Would you be so kind?"
The two suits turned to see the tall, foreboding figure of Havel Statsny dressed head-to-toe in black with a large rimmed hat blocking out the few remaining sunrays from scorching his face. A white pearl set of teeth with fangs appeared as his lips curled into a frightening grin.
"My friends," said Havel. "I may not be able to drink your blood, but I can still rip out your heart and have you watch its final beats as you die."
They were stunned into silence.
"Herr Statsny has a flair for intimidation. Don't you agree? Now, why don't you tell us w
hat it is that has gotten you all tensed up?”
"It's the Overseer, Maddix Benbrook. He and his cohorts managed to escape the prison."
"They aren't dead? That dog, William, lied to us," fumed Havel.
"It doesn't matter. Without the Founding Fathers to help them, they will die. We have the advantage here."
The two suits stared at the ground in shame.
"What else aren't you telling us?"
The second suit took a deep breath. "We've lost contact with the Gate Admissions Building."
"What does that mean?"
"If they didn't leave or report back … they are most likely dead."
"Someone must be helping them," said Deryck to Havel.
Havel put his arm around the shoulders of the suits. "I think we should talk in private."
That conversation never happened.
After a brief search of the cultists’ bodies, the group managed to find some clothes to replace Tanya's shredded outfit. She was taller than most, and her muscle tone made finding a suitable shirt difficult. As luck would have it, one of the cultists happened to be wearing a button down shirt. It was a man's shirt, but it was a perfect match to accommodate her bust.
Tara had tried on a couple of occasions to engage in small talk with Tanya to smooth things over. She commented about wishing her business was as perky, but the remark escaped her rationale, and she didn't have an appropriate response. It was clear that Tara felt bad for some of the insensitive comments made during the interrogation, but Tanya was still getting used to the concepts of sensitivity. It did bother her, despite her thick skin, but she was only capable of being emotional so much before shutting it down. In the end a simple, "Forget about it," was the only reply she could put together.
To be safe, the four of them made their best effort to cover their tracks. The last thing they needed was resistance from local law enforcement. Even though Javier thought that maybe it was a good idea to tell the world what was going on, Maddix was adamant about keeping everything secret until the time was right. Starting a panic at this juncture would only create variables against their favor.
Once the bookstore was scrubbed down and locked up, the group grabbed their prisoner and headed out of the city. Thankfully, Tanya's influence over their new friend prevented him from making a scene. He cooperated fully, and every time he gave an inkling that he would cause them any trouble she would fill his head with promises of werewolf affliction. This seemed to mean the world to him so they used it to their advantage as much as they could.
They didn't learn much more from their prisoner, but talking to him certainly made the time pass, and before they knew it, they were back at the entrance to the reservoir.
"We should take him back to the hideout," suggested Javier. "He may still be useful in the future. Oui?"
"I agree," said Tara.
"Okay, it's settled then. You're on our side now. Capisce?"
"I will do as her ladyship wishes."
"Well first, don't call me that?" groaned Tanya.
"Understood."
"Tell him what we expect, Tanya," instructed Maddix.
"You will do whatever I say, whatever the overseers say, and whatever Captain Larouche says. You're going to help us find the vampires and that abomination of a doctor. Do you understand?"
"And the other necromancers?"
"You belong to me now. Assist us and once I have possession of my pack, you will join us."
The young man's eyes lit up with excitement. Tanya was speaking his language, and he loved it.
"I, as a result of this, pledge myself to you!" shouted the misguided cultist, as he waved his hands in the air like an evangelist.
"Whoa! Settle down there. What's your name anyway?" asked Tara.
"Ashford. Brice Ashford."
"Okay, Brice, the first rule is to not draw attention to yourself. I think you should be a pro at that."
"Sorry, I've just never been this close to a lycanthrope before. It's exhilarating. I could be the first to be turned in over two hundred years."
Tanya wanted to open her mouth to speak, but something was tickling her nostrils. It started small but quickly began to resonate throughout her senses. She spun her head to the right in an attempt to pinpoint what she was sensing. Then the left, and then back again.
"Tanya?" said Javier. "What's wrong?"
She still couldn't speak; the nerves in her neck were going crazy.
Maddix walked in front of her to try and break the trance she was in. Placing his hands on her powerful shoulders, he gazed into her eyes. The sensations stopped, and she awoke from her stupor.
"Werewolves," Tanya stated.
"Here?" asked Tara. "How many?"
She swallowed before answering. "All of them."
"Are you serious?" questioned Javier.
"Well I can't be sure about exact numbers, but yes!"
"They must be searching for us."
Tanya's pupils were beginning to narrow, and her nails started to extend. Maddix grabbed her by the hand and shouted for her to focus.
"Don't give in to your rage. Not yet anyway."
She managed to get it under control long enough to hear Maddix out.
"Here's the plan," said Maddix. "You two take him back to Shepard's hideout. I'm going to stay here with Tanya and deal with this."
"Are you fucking crazy?" snapped Tara.
"I might be." Maddix turned to Tanya again. "Can you tell how they are spread out?"
She drew in a deep breath through her nose. The stench of polluted air made it difficult, but she was able to tune in her senses enough to make an educated guess.
"They are widely spread out. Smells like they are patrolling in groups of four or five. That's not normal for us."
"Sounds like a military seek and destroy pattern. Historic naval strategy," said Javier.
"Give me one of your guns and whatever ammo you have."
Tara handed Maddix her pistol and the few clips she had left. Javier gave him his as well except for the one loaded in his gun.
"You sure you want to do this, monsieur?"
"I have to."
Javier walked up to Tanya. "This is what you need?"
She nodded.
"I cannot stand in your way. This is your calling. Whatever happens, I will—"
Something overcame Tanya, and she quickly kissed Javier on his lips. Whether it was to shut him up or something else entirely, she wasn't sure. They just stared at each other for twenty seconds before awkwardly stepping apart. Tara and Maddix chuckled.
"This is unnatural," said Brice.
"Okay, okay. Enough of you two lovebirds." Maddix waved his hands in a swooshing motion. "Get back to the hideout."
"Be careful," Tara called, as she led Brice down the entrance to the reservoir.
The two of them watched their friends walk down the tunnel. Once their silhouettes disappeared into the dark, she turned to Maddix who was loading both his weapons.
"This is my fight, Overseer."
"Maddix. Call me Maddix. I'm not the Overseer anymore. That's all ancient history now."
"Very well, Maddix. I must do this alone. This isn't just some skirmish for you to unleash your bullets on. This is about reclaiming my birthright."
"And I won't be stopping you. But William is dead, and so someone is out there pretending to be him somehow. One name comes to mind."
"Krazek," muttered Tanya, smirking at Maddix. It made total sense that it would be him.
"If it is him, then this isn't a fair fight. All bets are off. Wouldn't you agree?"
She let out a boisterous laugh. "Indeed. With William actually dead, the pack is mine. I just need to reclaim it somehow."
"Expose Krazek. If we can get the other werewolves on our side, we might be able to overpower him and the Statsnys lose their wizard."
"Shall we hunt, then?"
"Yes, but understand that some of your pack might get killed along the way."
"If th
at ends up being the case, we shall make sure their deaths aren't in vain."
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
The transformation from puny drug lackey to this new type of super soldier was incredible to watch. Krazek didn't take his eyes off of Craig during the whole process. The first thing to change was the color of his skin which went from a pale light to a pitch black and then completely translucent like Ephrain’s.
The muscle definition began to form later, starting with the chest area and spreading out to the arms and legs. Somehow in the processing of the agent, Ephrain had figured out how to code it to manipulate human features at their core and the rest followed. It was as if he had given the formula a brain of its own with some sort of artificial intelligence guiding it.
It was almost mind blowing that Ephrain adapted to modern chemistry the way he had. It was like a sixth sense to him and within minutes of encountering a new piece of equipment or formula he was already proficient in its operation.
Craig was no longer convulsing, but his breathing was labored, and he slipped in and out of consciousness frequently.
"Are you sure this won't kill him? Will it work on anyone?"
Ephrain stepped in from his lab, swirling a test tube with a blue-colored liquid in his hand.
"He'll live. And no, it will only work on those with similar blood chemistry. That's why I combined the doctor's formula with my own. Together it seeks out genomes and attempts to restructure them. If the sequences are too different from one another, it literally will rip them apart at the cellular level."
"Incredible," Krazek whispered, as he leaned in closer to look at Craig's face. "So now his blood is like yours?"
"Yes. The perfect soldier. Impervious to guns, knives, werewolf and vampire bites."
The devilish smile refused to leave Ephrain's face. Krazek had never seen him so satisfied with himself before. Then again, he had never seen Ephrain … like this.
Krazek took a good long look at Ephrain and then back at Craig. "Okay, what if they decide to turn on us? How do you make them behave?"
"With this …" Ephrain tossed a vial of light blue liquid ay Krazek, who barely had a second’s reaction time to catch. He looked it over and shrugged his confusion.