by K T Kaye
“Your life, Alexander, stopped being yours a long time ago. Look, my job is to protect you and Angel. Neither of you are...just do what I say and keep out of trouble.”
There was a bitter pause before Alexander sighed, “We have one thing we might need to take care of. David Night is coming to the base. He knows who I am.”
“I’ll sort it.”
“I think he knows something about Angel’s past. I believe that’s why he’s coming here.”
“What do you mean?”
“The Pied Piper showed Angel a memory. She was in it, so was David.”
“Were you?”
“I don’t know. If I was, Angel, she must not have seen my face.”
“I’ll deal with David. Those above might have already spoken with him, he’s with them now.”
“What about Danny? If he keeps digging…”
“I’ll put a stop to it. No one can know about this. No one can know about you.”
After a pause Alexander asked, “Why are they so interested in Angel?”
“I’m not sure. At first, I thought it was just because of her connection to you. Now I’m not so sure. Maybe it’s because of Mr Jet. He’s slightly fixated with her and now those above are as well.”
“Yet she has no idea.”
“And that’s the way it’s going to remain.”
18
‘Memories’
Lightning Squad had been separated, then one by one they had been taken into an interrogation room. Jason hummed nervously as he sat, attached to a lie detector, waiting for his interrogation to begin. The interrogation room was smaller than the one the Pied Piper had been in. The walls were dark grey and there was a wooden table, with two chairs either side, in the middle. Jason didn’t like it. He didn’t like it at all. He hadn’t done anything wrong, but the room was suddenly making him feel guilty. Guilty over useless things like for the time he had cheated during a mock exam and for when he had blamed his neighbours’ cat for eating the last of the ice-cream. Sweat trickled down his forehead. He wanted to confess. He wanted to confess that he cheated and that he had eaten the ice-cream. The room was just too small. Too stuffy. Jason wanted to confess to things he hadn’t done. He wanted to get out. He couldn’t cope with the pressure! After a few moments, which felt like hours to Jason, Hiroshi entered the room and sat down opposite him.
“It’s just a few questions. It won’t take long,” Hiroshi reassured, “Your name is Jason Dragonheart, correct?”
“No, I mean, yes,” Jason stuttered.
“And you’re the Master of Darkness?”
“Yes, well that’s what they say I am, that’s what I am, but I didn’t realise I was, I know I am now, but I didn’t know before, I mean, I should stop talking.”
“How long have you known Paris Surf?”
“Err, I’m not sure how long exactly. Not long. About a month. Since I came to the base…which…was not long ago.”
“What was your relationship with Paris?”
“Relationship? We weren’t…I’m not…oh right you mean…yes…Paris was my friend. Well I guess he wasn’t really, I thought we were friends. He helped train and tutor me.”
“In your tutor sessions did Paris ever discuss Mr Jet with you?”
“No. Maybe. No. I don’t think so. I don’t remember. No. No I’m pretty certain he didn’t. I think.”
“Have you ever had any involvement with Mr Jet and his followers?”
“No. I’ve met him twice. So I suppose I have had some involvement with Mr Jet, but he killed my mum so we’re not…I’m not on his side or anything,” Jason rambled.
“Okay,” Hiroshi got to his feet and opened the door, “We’re done.”
“We’re done? Really? That’s everything?”
“Yeah we’re done, you’re free to leave.” Jason got to his feet and exited so quickly that he almost bumped into Angel as he did so.
“What did you do to him?” Angel asked as she joined Hiroshi in the interrogation room.
“Nothing why?”
“He looked terrified.”
“Why? I only asked him a few questions. His was the shortest interrogation!”
“So what did you think of him?”
“He’s definitely not working with Mr Jet,” Hiroshi smiled, “When I asked him about his relationship with Paris, I think he thought I was asking if they were a couple!”
Angel groaned, “And he’s the Master of Darkness!”
“Yeah he’s certainly not like the legends! We didn’t make a mistake, did we? Jason is just…”
“A useless idiot.”
“Yeah. He seems like a nice guy but, you know if he ever got caught, he would definitely tell his captors everything.”
“Yeah, I know. Hopefully one day he’ll,” Angel sighed, “How did the other interrogations go?”
“We’re going to have to do some further investigation but for now your squad has been cleared.”
“Anyone I should be keeping an eye on?”
“Not really. I’ll send you the results and the video recordings of the interrogations. You may spot something we didn’t.”
“Any updates on the search warrant?”
“The Colonel put in a request, but he hasn’t heard anything yet. The warehouse for the Polar Base is the Emperor’s private property, there’s nothing we can do about it until the Emperor agrees to the search.”
“Have you started interrogating the people from Paris’ room?”
“Jackson and Jin started questioning the ones from the base this morning. We’re still trying to locate the civilians. Jonathan is questioning the trainee Paris was mentoring.”
“I forgot he was mentoring a trainee.”
“Yeah, she’s only fourteen. We don’t believe she’s with Mr Jet, but we don’t know what ideas Paris could have planted into her head."
“Has Captain Silas…” Angel’s phone began to ring, “Yes. Right away sir.”
“The Colonel?” Hiroshi asked as Angel hung up.
“Paris has been brought into one of the interrogation rooms. The Colonel wants me and Jackson to question him.”
“Something tells me that this is not going to go well.”
* * * * *
The guards brought Paris into the interrogation room. His face was hollow and pale. His body looked tired, but his eyes were full of determination. The guards sat him down opposite Jackson and Angel. The shapeshifter stared at the file in front of her. She felt uncomfortable. Although the room had been cleaned, there were still faint stains of blood on the wall from when she had killed the Piper. Angel was glad that her brother was taking part in the interrogation, as she didn’t trust herself to be alone in this room once again. The Piper may have been dead but his memory vividly haunted Angel’s imagination.
“How did you find your new roommate?” Jackson smiled. Paris didn’t speak. “Exercising your right to remain silent, okay. See I’m actually here to offer you a deal.”
Paris said nothing.
“The deal is simple; you tell us everything you know about Mr Jet’s organisation and in return you don’t get executed.” Paris laughed. “What’s so funny?”
“You really don’t know, do you?”
“Know what?” Angel asked.
“This is all because of you. You and the Master of Darkness.”
“Elaborate.”
“Work it out. It’s not hard if you think about it.”
“I don’t like riddles, so just explain it to me.”
“Why do you hate Mr Jet so much?”
“Why do I…? Where do I start!? He wants to let demons take over the world, he’s killed thousands of innocent people including our mum.”
“Correction. He killed his mum,” Paris pointed at Jackson, “Not yours.”
“What do you mean?”
“Your mum, Angel, your birth mum. She’s very much alive.”
“That’s not the point of this interrogation,” Angel snapped, “We found you
r warlock’s card. What is Mr Jet planning to do at the Polar Base warehouse?”
“Oh maybe you’re not as stupid as you look.”
“What is Mr Jet planning?”
Paris was silent.
“Answer the question!” Jackson demanded.
Paris just started to laugh, “You’re going to die. Angel Night, you will die.”
“Yeah you said that before, it’s getting a bit boring now,” Angel hissed.
“On Halloween, you will die. Your death is coming. Your death is coming! The end is soon. The demons will rise,” Paris sang.
“You’re completely mad!”
“Your death is…”
“That’s enough!” Angel shouted, “Now do you want the deal or not?”
“Why would I make a deal with a dead man?” Paris smiled.
“If you don’t take the deal then you will be a dead man.”
Paris just smiled, “Why don’t you ask? Why don’t you ask me about your mum? I’ve met her, you know. Come to think of it, so have you. I know everything about you Angel. Your age, who your parents are, even when and how you’ll die!”
“You can tell me all that, after you tell me where Mr Jet is.”
Paris started to laugh hysterically.
“Guards take him back to his cell,” Jackson ordered. The guards led the laughing Paris away. For a moment Angel didn’t know what to do. Angel had never thought about her birth parents. She had almost forgotten about their existence. She had been born, so obviously she must have had birth parents at some point. But why would Paris know them? Why would he mention her birth mum? Did he really know all about her? No, Angel quickly pushed this idea from her mind. Paris couldn’t know. He didn’t know. He was just trying to mess with her, Angel decided.
“Are you okay?” Jackson asked his sister.
“Fine. He was obviously just trying to mess with me. We should go to the others.” Jackson and Angel left quickly and went to the observation room, where the Colonel and the other captains had been watching the interrogation.
“What was that all about!?” Axel exclaimed.
“I don’t know,” Angel muttered.
“He’s not going to talk,” The Colonel sighed, “Okay we’re going to have to do this the old-fashioned way.”
* * * * *
The Colonel and the captains watched as Axel pulled Paris’ head out of the water barrel. They were in a long dark room which was stuffy and filled with numerous torture weapons. Strange horrific devices hung on the walls and disgusting odd contraptions stood around the room. A fire blazed in the corner and a thick layer of smoke filled the ceiling. Blood stains dyed the floor and a putrid odour hung in the air. The room was one of the only ones on the base that was without house fairies. None of them dared enter, for this was the torture chamber, a room that, while rarely used, was feared by all. Angel felt sick. She didn’t agree with the Colonel’s use of torture; she would have preferred to try and attack Paris’ mind rather than break his body. Angel turned away as Axel began to beat Paris.
“Tell us what Mr Jet is planning and this all stops,” Jackson negotiated.
Paris was silent. Axel grabbed Paris and dunked his head into the water barrel once again. Paris struggled until Axel pulled him out of the barrel and threw him onto the ground.
“What is Mr Jet planning?” Jackson asked once more.
Paris stayed silent.
“Fine. String him up lads,” The Colonel ordered. Axel and William went to the side of the room and pulled down a chain. After tying up Paris’ hands, Axel pulled the chain, making Paris rise until only the tips of his toes could reach the floor. Axel went over to the fire and picked up a metal poker, placing it in the flames.
“This is your last chance, what is Mr Jet planning?” Jackson asked once more.
Once again Paris remained silent. Angel noticed there was a smile tugging on the corners of Axel’s lips as he pressed the hot poker against Paris’ bare skin. Paris screamed. It was a loud and powerful scream. The captains, minus Axel, turned away. They were captains, brave men who had fought against some of the deadliest creatures in the world, but even they couldn’t watch someone get tortured. It wasn’t right. It wasn’t what the “good guys” should do.
Angel felt as though the scream had ripped into her body. It was making her feel dizzy. Her chest felt tight and the world around her seemed to shake. She grabbed her head as strange images clogged her vision.
Images of a room. It was dark and smoky. Angel looked down to find that her body had shrunk. She was now the size of a child. Not only that but her hair was blonde instead of its usual blood red. Angel’s uniform had also been replaced. She was now dressed in a blood-stained night dress. As the image became clearer Angel realised that she was strapped to a wooden chair. She tried to break free, but she couldn’t. She tried to transform only to find that her powers no longer seemed to exist. The sound of heavy footsteps could be heard echoing around the room. Angel looked up to find a man stood in front of her. He was covered in blood and sweat. He lent forwards, holding a baton in one hand and with the other he gently stroked her tears, that had been running down her face without her realising it, away. Then he raised his hand and the baton swung down. The baton made contact with her jaw and her mouth filled with blood. The baton swung down again and again.
“Captain Night,” the Colonel’s voice cut through the vision.
“What?” Angel stuttered as she returned to her senses. The Colonel was now stood next to her.
“I said maybe you should ask Paris; he may be more willing to talk to you.”
“Yes sir,” Angel walked towards Paris.
“You okay, sis?” Jackson whispered to her. Angel simply nodded. She pushed Axel away from Paris. She stared at the former gorgon. His once smile-filled face was now bloody and broken. His sharp grey eyes gazed at her. There was no anger left in his expression, only exhaustion.
“Paris,” Angel began.
“You’re going to die,” Paris sang, “You’re going to die. On Halloween you will die. And then it all begins.”
“What begins?”
“You do. See you’re broken right now. They thought making you like this would make you more useful, but they were wrong. You need to be reset. You’re soul needs to be cleansed.”
“What do you mean?”
“The m…”
“Leave him Captain,” the Colonel interrupted, “You’re not going to get any useful information out of him. Axel continue.”
Axel threw Paris to the floor and dragged him back to the water barrel. Axel pushed Paris’ head under the water and held him there. He pulled Paris up only to dunk him back into the water moments later, this continued for a few minutes then Axel threw Paris back to the floor. With a nod from the Colonel, Axel grabbed the hot metal poker and used it to beat Paris like a drum. Paris screamed. Angel’s head burst with pain as her vision blurred and images of another place filled her mind once again.
Angel was dragged to the water barrel. The water clogged up her airways. Then she was pulled up by her hair and thrown down onto the floor. She hit the floor headfirst. There was a loud crack as her skull made contact with the stone. Angel felt something warm run down her forehead. She was bleeding. The shapeshifter was pulled up by her hair again and dragged to her feet. She was slammed into a wall and then…
Angel gasped as the images vanished. The noise of Paris being tortured had faded away like a distant soundtrack. All Angel could hear was the sound of her heart beating quickly. She looked down at her hands, they were shaking violently. Her body felt weak, as if at any moment her bones would crumble into sand.
Then Paris started screaming again.
Angel watched as Axel grabbed Paris and shoved him against the wall. Those two actions felt so familiar. Angel’s heartbeat got louder. The room felt like it was closing in. It was as if she was suffocating. She couldn’t stay here. Angel opened the door and ran out of the room. She stumbled from the torture chamb
er. Her legs were weak, she held onto the wall hoping it’d give her enough support to escape. She couldn’t breathe. Angel stumbled into a bathroom. Once inside she went over to a toilet and threw up. After throwing up the entire contents of her stomach, Angel dragged herself over to the sink and splashed her face with cold water. The torture images wouldn’t fade. They kept replaying. Over and over. Her body hurt. The pain was immense, it rippled over her body like a stone across a pond. Her heart felt like it would explode at any moment. Ba boom, ba boom. Ba boom, ba boom. It beat so loudly and so quickly that it pierced her ear drums. Tears ran down her face as the images consumed her.
Angel collapsed to the floor, unconscious.
A few moments later, Fern entered the bathroom.
Fern swore then dropped to her knees next to the shapeshifter, “Angel? Are you okay? I mean I can see that you’re not okay but, what the hell has happened to you? Okay, okay, what can I do!?”
Fern tried to lift Angel up but couldn’t, “This is why you shouldn’t eat so much…not that I’m calling you fat! But if you lost a few pounds it’d make situations like this much easier. Okay, so how about you just stay there, and I’ll get help? I guess I can’t just leave you face planted on the bathroom floor. Err okay I’ll lean you against the wall. Perfect! Right now you just stay there, and I’ll go get…Roger! That’s who I need! And I’ve just been talking to myself. Wonderful,” With that Fern quickly left the bathroom. She ran down the dimly lit corridor, but then stopped.
“I can send a message, that’d be quicker,” Fern pulled out her wand and was about to send a magic messenger spirit when Jackson headed down the corridor.
“Jackson!” Fern rushed over to him, “You’re a wolf! Not the wolf I was thinking of but a wolf none the less!”
“Fern, why are you here?” Jackson asked.
“Well I left my wand here when I had my interrogation, so I came back to get it, then as I was on my way out, I heard some weird noises coming from the bathroom, and I found Angel, collapsed on the floor,” Fern explained.