I began walking towards my bike but Gabe grabbed my arm. Tight. I hid the wince and cold shudder that ran through my body as he further hurt my ribs.
“You are going to tell me about everything that was just in there right now. That was old demonic energy. Predating the last war,” he said his eyebrows knitting together in fury. “Why are you taking on something that big?”
“I thought they were just the standard possessing demons,” I said trying to pull my arm away. I couldn’t tell him anything but it did pique my interest to know that he had felt that kind of power before.
“Anyway, I’ve got time to kill now so why don’t we grab a bite,” I said pulling my arm free. But first I had to do the ‘good guy’ thing and talk to Dorothy. I had to handle this before it hit the press. Haymen would not be pleased about this getting out. Especially when it might be bigger than anything we had faced before.
Chapter Twenty- Gabe
Slowly, things were knitting together in front of me. I haven’t felt that kind of ancient power in a long time and the notion that it was in Haymen’s city now was bad. I had previous intel that the city crime and reports have increased and I always kept tabs on Haymen specifically because he was always up to no good. And for the few wins that I found him doing illegal subject matters that stood against the high court, there was no bulletproof evidence that led back to him every time. It didn’t help that the Higher court, not just the Angel court that Vivian had stood trial on, had three high and powerful demons to show equality, and he was one of them. Forces like this were to be reported to the higher council by Haymen himself as it was his city, but I knew if questioned he would deny all knowledge of it. But watching Vivian in that moment when she was pinned against the wall by the phantom power, her stricken face with fear, not that she would admit, made me realize it was her first time against one, or being attacked by the Volv. Perhaps after Alice had been killed in Aztec the one that had possessed her was now luring and after Vivian. But there was more than one Volv there. The time of their hiding was now coming to a close.
I was almost immune to their attacks as most ancient angels were. Darkness could not find its way into those who were pure and had the power of light on their side for so long. Well such is the notion, but not all angels were pure and it was those that in the past war they fed off trying to gain access to their body. I had killed four angels from such possession. There was no way to call them back after a Volv had dug its claws in so deep. They were like a parasite and our young were just as vulnerable as the human children who had become their easy victims. Human bodies couldn’t withhold the foreign entities for long.
The Volv had many names hosted over numerous records, but those books were burned in the historical war and so their kind was hardly whispered in fear it would draw attention to our homes. Such darkness was a threat to even those within the demon world. They were beyond other species of demons. They were creatures that held no physical form themselves and jumped from host to host. And they would become as strong as the ability of their host’s body. Some called them Shadows, others referenced them to demon possessive species they could understand. But even with those demons they had shape and couldn’t possess someone for the entirety of their life, it would leave their physical form weakened and vulnerable. Some called them entities, some humans in the day had even gone as far as ‘bad’ ghosts, or my favorite, the soul of witches that had once been burned. Even the witches denied it because that ancestral power and wisdom was passed on to the next generation.
In the last war the Volv had swept amongst camps, both angels and demons and even humans, and attacked those who slept at night possessing their bodies and smearing blood amongst their camp. They were an enemy that could not be countered and that’s why their disappearance was celebrated. But much more happened prior to the end of the war and certain things made me question as to how relatable they might’ve been now. Their silence was instantly noted after the death of Haymen’s Queen.
I knew that Vivian wouldn’t tell me much. Why would she? No matter how much I tried to force it out of her and there were numerous ways I could try. But some were within the jurisdiction and others were not. By technicality I was considered a guest within this city and able to continue my own investigations. That didn’t permit me to torture Vivian to extract information and by the obvious gestures at her trial, she was a favorite of Haymen’s which was something I would have to be wary of. I could seduce her and make her comfortable to tell her secrets, but I was disgusted to think of even touching her in such a way. That and despite her irritable attitude and ability to jump into action without consideration of her surroundings or consequence, I could admit that she is a calculated creature who would out any form of manipulation on her... why? Because she was a grand manipulator herself. All of Haymen’s Guardians were. Although their personalities differed and the demons they were contracted to changed, they were all trained for the same execution of stray demons but I considered them to have other purposes. Hopefully I would be able to discover what that purpose is while watching one of Haymen’s favored ones so closely.
It was useless to ask Vivian more questions. She would never tell me and only play games. So instead I would follow her and obtain answers for myself from what I would see. The moment I was gone for only a few minutes she came directly here which meant that she was trying to keep this secret and she was already aware of the situation and perhaps the Volv’s involvement here with the children.
I watched Vivian carefully as she walked back towards the older woman at the orphanage. I stared at her, pissed as all hell that these children were involved amidst such evil. I also didn’t take kindly to not being answered, even if this wasn’t my city and out of my control. It appeared that the little miss needed to educate herself on who she was actually dealing with and I would make these next few weeks for her an uncomfortable living hell.
She thought that I didn’t notice the way she walked or the obvious wince of her fractured ribs. I took a breath trying not to spew my frustration at her pride. She took a heavy blow which even splintered apart the foundation of the door behind her. And then there was a witch involved who took the three children possessed, perhaps the witch was working with the Volv but that didn’t make sense if she took them away when Vivian was clearly being overwhelmed. The pure light from my wings would’ve blinded the Volv as they had many times before in the war, a trick I picked up to pacify them but not all of my kind could do.
I ushered away my calculating thoughts and followed Vivian’s lead of clean-up. I could’ve left it to her but it didn’t sit well with me when children were involved. I scanned the rooms silently assuring the petrified children that everything was going to be okay. By the time I left, each room seemed less rattled and in awe to see a real living angel. It was somewhat rare to see in a city that was governed by demons.
By that time Vivian was done within only minutes, humans and demons alike came into the orphanage and began leading the children out. Clean-up. And I knew that it would’ve been the request of Haymen. Three children missing and an assault like this would be splayed in the newspaper and as I walked out behind Vivian the flash of a bright light and a photo was taken. Already the media were on it. I tucked my wings in tight making sure that no one would get too cocky and touch them.
Vivian sassily swayed her hips confidently in succubus form. Her pointed tail swaying back and forth. She smiled at the cameraman, only one as she walked up to him with a smile that would snap men in half to be looked at by her twice. She leaned in towards him and whispered something into his ear. He didn’t even realize her fingers were curling around the camera. She stepped back and his glossed over effect came back to awareness. She hadn’t done anything illegal but her succubus was a natural manipulator which was what made them so dangerous. Her presence alone was overpowering.
He complained hysterically when he tried to retrieve his camera but with the same smile she dropped it on the ground and speared her
sharp tail through it. I noticed the slight wince she made. She went to place her hand on her ribs but instead flexed her hand. She warned him not to touch it in case she excreted poison on it. And then she continued walking, ignorant to me who walked past her. I looked down on the media clown as I walked past and his eyes lit up.
“Mr. Christain, you’ve seemed to take a liking to our Vivian, she is a beauty,” he said. And there was animosity in his eyes as he held out his pen and paper ready to conduct the interview. Anything for a scoop.
“That she is,” I simply said and knew that it would make headlines. So maybe I had to start playing this a little differently. Because that one caption would make it into the media and be spread with rumors and conspiracy. This was a way that I could unsheathe Haymen because I knew how he would react to such garbage, as would I. But it would unhinge him if his little pet was seemingly frolicking with an angel. Or me specifically. It might also take away from my sense of investigation. I would deny the media later, even if it stretched wider and into my own city which I was certain it would. But those who ruled under me knew my hatred for this city and everything in it, especially a Guardian who was property of Haymen.
So, let us play this game... Because I am certain Vivian is already playing it.
Chapter Twenty-One - Vivian
It turns out broken ribs are extremely painful and I struggled to breath let alone properly ride my bike. If it wasn’t for the hindrance of the impressive three meter wing span trailing me, I might’ve opted to have someone else take me. But pride is a funny thing and there was no way I was going to let my bothersome plus one know I was hurting. The call for the clean-up crew was short and sweet and already they would have most of the children relocated and refurbishing the orphanage as if nothing had happened for when the rest of the media swooped in. What I wasn’t looking forward to was the conversation with Haymen if he thought all the extra activity as of late was bringing in too much attention.
I went to the outer edge of the city, to an old burger joint which made the best fries simply because they changed their oil daily. To the rest of the burger places out there, honestly, it’s not that hard and on top of that their burgers were the size of my face. After a hard day’s work, I had quite the appetite. My ribs have almost completely healed together as I pulled up on the curb to the dodgy looking burger joint and walked in. What I liked about these parts of the neighborhood was it wasn’t glistening like the central city, there weren’t many cameras and best of all there was silence.
I was certain the couple who owned and cooked at the shop knew that I was one of the Guardians, but they were discrete and served me all the same. They treated me as if I was a normal customer. Which at times was rather refreshing opposed to the elite meals and photos that would be taken of me. It became ridiculous that whenever we ate publicly it was considered a trend. Sometimes I just wanted a big old cheeseburger or chunk of meat that our chef refused to cook because he considered it too ‘cheap’ and ‘not real food’. Seeing some of those posts on blogs have actually made me realize how much I could shove in my mouth at once. Even I was impressed. Not glamourous but still entitled to media coverage apparently.
The blue of my tattoos glowed bright and I shifted back into my normal form. The ribs were nicely knitted together and I didn’t have to lift my shirt to know that bruising would still remain for a bit longer. That would heal overnight.
The burger joint was long overdue for a window clean and the door sometimes struggled to open as it caught on the bottom of the ‘welcome’ mat. I wanted to turn and see the face of Angel Boy who probably preferred his delicacies of rich snails and bleeding steak with a side of Crème Brûlée.
The old man smiled when I walked in and I looked at the board only briefly already having in mind of what I wanted to order. “Two chicken burgers with the lot and a large serving of fries with chicken salt. A large Fanta too, please. Oh, and two deep fried mars bars, please.”
Gabe choked behind me and I gave him one effective look over my shoulder.
“It’s not the meal size that shocks me but the use of manners. Like a child in a candy store,” he retorted back.
I turned my back on him irritated. I had gotten giddily excited for my food, I always did. “And he will pay when he orders, make sure to charge double,” I said pointing at Gabe and walking to the singular booth in the corner. The white and black squares of the dining floor reminded me of a very retro time. There were only a few chairs and tables and I made sure to sit at the one that had no window view and was tucked in the corner with only a one booth chair. I liked to remain out of sight here. It was like my own little moment of silence.
The wife of the shop owner walked over to me and placed three books downs for me to select from. “I liked these three, the other two were okay but I thought they might interest you. We have similar tastes so I would probably recommend this one,” she said placing one on top of the others. I read over the blurb and gave her a smile. Oh yes, this is definitely one I would read.
I began reading it before my meal was brought out to me and scooted over my large Fanta, ignoring the masculine angel who looked far too big to be sitting in such a small room. He was careful not to brush his wings against anything.
“What is this, some kind of book club thing? And romance of all things, really? You’re a demon-“
I tsked him to stop interrupting me and continued reading.
“Surely you aren’t hoping to fall in love one day? Will I find an online dating profile?” he asked.
“I don’t believe in love,” I simply said as the woman came and placed my burgers and fries in front of me. With book in one hand and a burger in the other I began multi-tasking. Sir pretty boy hadn’t ordered anything as I anticipated but he did pay for mine... shockingly. Such a do-gooder.
“You did once. I’ve seen the pictures to prove it,” he said.
My gaze shot up to his. “That was before I died and was inhabited by demons. You’d be surprised how much that might change one’s character and ideals.” I said taking a massive bite out of my burger and breathing out from frustration. I purposefully made sure to eat loudly and with my mouth open. He said a few more things but I chose to ignore him. About halfway through my book and two burgers later I was still grazing on my chips when I came across the page I was after.
A day, time, and location were scribbled into the book of when the next black-markets would be held. One week from now. I held in my sigh. One week seemed so far away. Especially having to deal with an insufferable follower. I took a mental note. I would keep busy until then. Surely I would find something using other resources. I polished off my deep-fried chips, keeping my head down in the book as the next customer came in, hoping that they wouldn’t recognize me. I enjoyed this quiet spot and although most that walked through here were those who were familiar with the black markets, there were a few who were just ordinary people walking off the street.
The man’s audible gasp made me realize that was utter stupidity when a brilliant angel was sitting in the middle of the room staring at me. The man wouldn’t be able to see me past the mass of his wings but I finished the paragraph I was on and put it down taking note of the page number. As if reading my thoughts, the woman collected my dirty dishes and told me to keep it because the ending to the story was rather good.
I walked passed and barged my shoulder into the gawker. I was getting up to a good part in my book too. I jumped onto my bike and allowed the thrill of zipping through the streets and challenging Gabe to keep up. He had given up on telling me to stop and just followed me in silence. I wondered who would exhaust first. Me or the angel who was hundreds of years old, if not more. I certainly knew I’d give it my best, old man.
*
After doing rounds in the city, I parked my bike in the garage to our lake house waiting for the electric gates to come down. With very little space remaining Gabe swept in low and came onto his haunches standing as the becoming dark room lit up with
light from his wings. Damn, and here I thought he might either get locked out or the rolling door might crush him. I walked through the side door which led through the Japanese garden and pool and into the side of the kitchen. I noticed that he was scanning everything, exit points, entrance points, and surveillance cameras–and there were plenty. Haymen did like to keep a close eye on his property. I opened up the white French doors to the kitchen and was welcomed by Tahmeed’s black blood pillowing out from her stomach and onto the white tiles.
“What the hell happened to you?” I asked. Destiny was pressing a towel against her, to help stop the bleeding. Tahmeed winced at the pain and pressure. The side of her stomach had been sliced open deep.
“Just seal it shut,” she hissed at Destiny.
“You will still have internal bleeding. We should call Doc,” Destiny said. I went over and compressed the towel to make room for Destiny. Internal bleeding was an issue but Tahmeed would heal in due time. It was the nasty smell of burning flesh and scar that would remain, that would be the bitch. Tahmeed didn’t even have to explain why she didn’t want Doc called. Because then she would have to admit her failure of a mission. We were weapons, if even for a moment of compromise, Haymen would be displeased. I looked over my shoulder at Alexa who had her hands crossed over her chest and watched from the door with a vacant look. I wasn’t even ready to tackle that issue right now. I could feel Gabe’s eyes glued to us from the door, taking everything in. I suppose it was odd that we actually helped one another from time to time, it wasn’t a common thing for demons who we were made up of. But our generation seemed somewhat closer opposed to the others I had heard about. This was only something small and honestly, we had nothing to gain to see one another die sooner rather than later.
The Shadow Minds Journal, #1 Page 17