Run To Earth (Power of Four)

by Mazhar, S

  “When did he do that?” Aaron asked.

  “About fifteen years ago,” Scott replied, “but it wasn’t so bad. Hadrian tore down a few Gates and took over the zones but Neriah fought back. When Hadrian tore a Gate down, Neriah and his mages went in and set it back up again. They snatched the zones back from Hadrian, only for another Gate and zone to fall victim to the vamages. It went on like that for years. Even then Neriah managed to keep Hadrian back. I don’t think Hadrian ever got more than three or four zones at any one time.”

  Aaron frowned. The map he had seen had nineteen red zones – Hadrian’s zones. His confusion must have been clear to read, for Scott nodded sadly at him.

  “Two years ago, we started losing the zones. One by one, the Gates fell and vamages took over. We couldn’t get past their defences. The power behind their attacks had increased a hundred fold. In a matter of months, they took over twenty zones.”

  “How?” Aaron asked, horrified. “What happened?”

  Scott held his gaze. “The Scorcher happened.”

  “Son of a demon popped up out of nowhere,” Skyler added.

  “I don’t understand.” Aaron looked to Scott.

  “The Scorcher,” Scott said, “is the reason Hadrian took twenty zones in six months. The Scorcher is the leader of the vamages. They’re under his control. With Hadrian’s powers still locked, it’s the Scorcher’s power that we’re really up against.”

  “Why’s this Scorcher so strong?” Aaron asked.

  Scott paused, taking in a deep breath. “The Scorcher,” he said, “is Hadrian’s son.”

  Aaron’s eyes widened with surprise. “Son?” he asked.

  “Vampires can’t procreate,” Ella said, “and at first we thought the same would be true for vamages.” She took in a long breath. “But like Scott said, not a lot is known about vamages. Their species is only sixteen years old.”

  “How do you know he’s Hadrian’s son?” Aaron asked.

  “The Scorcher wields the Blade of Aedus,” Scott replied. “Only Hadrian’s direct descendant could do that.”

  “And the Scorcher is proof himself,” Kyran added. “Only Hadrian’s son could do the things he does.”

  “Hadrian didn’t have any descendants when he was a mage,” Scott said, “so it stands to reason that the Scorcher was born after Hadrian turned. We’re assuming that vamages follow the same growth pattern as mages. At age thirteen the core awakens and powers start to come through.”

  “Which is why after years and years of sitting on only three zones, suddenly Hadrian’s kingdom grew to twenty zones practically overnight,” Ella said.

  “It took six months,” Kyran corrected.

  “Details,” Ella brushed him off.

  “That’s when the Scorcher turned thirteen,” Aaron realised. “He started taking the zones as soon as his core awoke.”

  “Hadrian must have impregnated some poor woman soon after escaping Neriah,” Ella said.

  “Probably with the sole purpose of having a descendant do his bidding,” Skyler added.

  “And the Scorcher does his father’s bidding well,” Scott said. “He’s tearing this world and the human realm to pieces at Hadrian’s orders.”

  Aaron shook his head, trying to slow the influx of information so it all made sense. “Why do you call him the Scorcher?” he asked.

  “Why do you think?” Skyler asked, in his usual, annoyed-because-you-spoke tone.

  “’Cause he’s hot.” Ella smirked.

  “He is?” Aaron asked.

  “How am I supposed to know?” Ella asked. “I haven’t seen him.”

  “The call him the Scorcher,” Kyran started, “because he burns everything he touches. That’s the hot reference.” He looked over at Ella and pulled a face. “Not particularly clever.”

  Ella shrugged.

  Of course, Aaron berated himself mentally. He should have known that. Avira have the power of Air, Afton have the power of Water, Adams have the power of Earth so Aedus must have the power of Fire.

  “Hadrian’s powers were bound by Neriah,” Scott said, “but the Scorcher has his powers. He’s an Elemental, so the force of his power is phenomenal. If he comes into his full power, he will destroy this realm and all the others with barely a twitch of his finger.”

  “Full powers?” Aaron asked. Then he realised the Scorcher had only turned thirteen two years ago, proven by the takeover of the zones at that time. Which meant that the Scorcher was only... “Fifteen,” Aaron breathed. “He’s...he’s fifteen.” The Scorcher – the one destroying this realm and wreaking absolute havoc on the human realm was a boy, only a year older than him.

  “The Scorcher may be only fifteen,” Scott started, “but he’s got more power than most. Not only is he an Elemental but also a vamage. His power is such that in the two years since his core awakened, we’ve only been able to take back one zone – leaving the score nineteen to seven.”

  “And if this kid reaches the glorious age of nineteen before we get him,” Skyler said, “he’s going to be what Hadrian would have been if Neriah hadn’t bound his powers: a full blown Elemental mage with all the demonic powers of a vampire.”

  “Which means the war will be over and all of us will be dead,” Ella added.

  “We’ll get him,” Kyran said, his voice quiet and full of promise. “We’ll get him before he comes of age. We’re going to win this war.”

  “Yes, we will,” Scott agreed with a small smile. “We’ll win the war, one hunt at a time.”

  ***

  Breakfast the next morning was loud and messy. The Hunters were in a great mood, clearly excited for the hunt. They were already in their ‘hunting outfits’: heavy boots, dark jeans, long-sleeved hooded tops which were half-zipped to show the plain vests underneath. Narrow leather bands lined with shiny metal blades criss-crossed their backs and torsos. Everyone had holsters snapped onto their belts for their firearms. Aaron noted that a few – namely Skyler, Kyran, Ryan and Zhi-Jiya – had sheaths for their swords attached to the leather strap on their back. Their rowdiness pulled even Sam and Rose out of their quiet melancholy.

  “What’s up with them?” Sam asked, his voice lacking its usual warmth.

  “They’re going on a hunt today,” Aaron replied, eager to have Sam talking again. Ever since Rose overheard his conversation about vamages, both she and Sam had been awfully quiet.

  “Hunt?” Sam narrowed his eyes. “You going?”

  Aaron shook his head. “Scott won’t let me go. Not until he deems me ready.”

  Sam gave a tight nod. “Good. At least someone’s got their head screwed on right.”

  “I wish I was going,” Aaron confessed. “I want to see a hunt.”

  “What are they hunting?” Rose asked, leaning in towards him. There was something in her tone and an odd glint in her eyes that unnerved Aaron.

  “Um, it’s a weird name. Icha...something.” Aaron paused. “Ichadaris, I think.”

  Sam frowned. “Icha what now?”

  “Ichadaris.” Aaron shrugged. “I don’t know what they are. Some weird type of demon, I guess.”

  Sam grunted. “Sounds like a bad rash to me.”

  Aaron chuckled.

  “Where is it?” Rose asked. “Here or our world?”

  Aaron stared at her, trying to figure out what it was that was alarming him, but he couldn’t put his finger on it. “Here,” he said. “Some place called Danwan.”

  Rose nodded and looked away, promptly losing all interest.

  Aaron reached out, holding on to her hand. “You okay?”

  Rose nodded. “Fine.” She pulled her hand out from under his and got up, walking away.

  Aaron turned to look at Sam, but the other boy dropped his head low and concentrated on his bowl of porridge. Aaron looked away, his heart clenching with a sense of dark foreboding.

  ***

  After breakfast, the Hunters mounted their bikes and gathered in the street, like they had when they were about to
go to the Q-Zone. Of course, at that time their number was a lot greater than now. This time it was only the twenty or so Salvador Hunters, grinning from ear to ear, revving their bikes in excited anticipation. Aaron saw the outfits were complete with the long coats, hiding the inventory of weapons adorned on each Hunter’s body. Skyler was wearing his fancy coat again, ivory white with the spiral mark in silver. It reminded Aaron of the green coat he saw his dad wearing in the flesh memory. He shook the memory aside, not wanting to focus on it. He noted there was no sign of the cut or blood stains he had seen at the shoulder when Skyler returned from the Q-Zone hunt. The coat had been repaired to it’s former glory.

  Aaron stepped up to Kyran’s side as he and Ryan tightened their binds and pulled on their gloves, before twisting the handlebars and making their bikes growl under them.

  “How’s Lexi doing?” Aaron asked with a grin.

  “Not as well as Susie,” Ryan answered quickly. Grinning, he patted his bike. “My baby is the fastest.”

  “Delusion is such a pretty thing.” Kyran smirked.

  “You hear him, Abigail?” Ryan turned his head to the side. “Sounds like we’re gonna have to show him and his sweet Lexi by making the most hits.”

  “I take it Susie’s your bike,” Aaron said, pointing to the red Kawasaki Ninja under Ryan. “But who’s Abigail?”

  Ryan reached back and pulled his sword partly out of its sheath. “Aaron meet Abigail. Abigail, this is Aaron Adams.” He pushed the sword back into its holder

  Aaron couldn’t help but laugh. “Susie?” he questioned. “Lexi? Abigail? Your bikes and blades are girls?”

  “All good things in life, mate.” Ryan grinned.

  “There’s a custom with Hunters,” Kyran explained. “A Hunter’s very first bike and sword is named after someone they love.”

  It clicked into place and Aaron turned to look at Ryan with heartfelt understanding. Ryan smiled, but this time it held sadness rather than its usual cheekiness.

  “Abigail was my sister,” he revealed. “And Susie was my childhood sweetheart. I lost both of them when Lycans ravaged my city.”

  Aaron’s stomach lurched horribly. “Ryan.” He felt his mouth go dry. “I’m so sorry.”

  Ryan smiled at him, the kind of smile that masks pain of the worst kind. “The Lycans played their hand,” he said. “We’ll play ours.” He smirked. “Abigail here has tasted more demon blood than her fair share.” He patted the hilt of his sword. “And she’s gonna get more today.” He revved his bike and grinned. “Let’s get to this dance already!” he yelled before speeding off, going to the front.

  “Ryan’s in a hurry,” Scott mused, walking up to stand next to Aaron.

  “We all are,” Kyran said, nodding to the front of the crowd. “Say your stuff, so we can go do our stuff.”

  Scott laughed. “Patience, Kyran. You can go as soon your apprentice climbs aboard.”

  Aaron turned to Scott with shocked surprise. “Sorry?”

  “I heard you at the table,” Scott said with a smile. “You said you wanted to see the hunt.”

  “You serious?” Kyran asked Scott.

  “I think it’s a great idea for Aaron see a hunt,” Scott replied.

  “Scott, it’s Ichadaris,” Kyran reminded.

  “Ichadaris are tame compared to Lycans and vamages,” Scott said. “An Ichi hunt is the safest for a Hunter-in-training to observe.” He pulled a long silver chain from his pocket, just like the ones Kyran and the rest of the Hunters were wearing. This one had a silver circle dangling from it. Scott slipped the chain over Aaron’s head. “So you can communicate with me and the Hunters,” Scott explained.

  Kyran shook his head. “This is a mistake,” he argued. “He’s not ready.”

  “He is standing right here,” Aaron said, annoyed. “And I wanna go.”

  “It’s too risky,” Kyran said, turning to Aaron.

  “That’s why he’s going with you,” Scott replied. “I trust you’ll keep Aaron safe.”

  Kyran glared at Scott. “Did I do something to piss you off?” he asked. “Are you punishing me?”

  Scott laughed, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Hurry up. You’re leaving in two minutes.” He walked past them, heading to the front.

  “Wait!” Kyran called after him. “He doesn’t have any weapons!”

  “That’s because he doesn’t need them,” Scott replied, pausing to look back at Aaron. “He’s not hunting, only observing.” His eyes flashed at Aaron. “Understood?”

  Aaron nodded, barely holding back his grin. Scott nodded at him, smiled at Kyran’s furious look and walked away. Kyran growled something under his breath – something Aaron was willing to bet wasn’t very polite. Fierce green eyes turned to Aaron and narrowed at him.

  “Get on, already!” Kyran bit out.

  Aaron quickly climbed onto the bike, holding on to Kyran’s shoulders.

  “Don’t touch me!” Kyran snapped.

  Aaron didn’t know where else to hold on, so he reached back and gripped the edge of the seat.

  “Alright.” Scott clapped his hands, getting everyone’s attention. “Time for a good clean out, boys and girls.” He grinned. “Send the Ichadaris back to the hell hole they slithered out of.” He held out a hand in the direction of the Gate, which obediently slid open.

  Aaron felt excitement explode in the pit of his stomach. Since arriving, this was the first time he was stepping out of Salvador. From somewhere in the back of his mind, his mum’s voice whispered, You are protected as long as you stay in Salvador.

  Guilt surged within him but there was no time to change his mind. Scott gave his last commanding nod, and Skyler and Ella charged towards the Gate, the rest of the Hunters roaring after them.

  Kyran took off with a vehement burst of speed, almost knocking Aaron clean off the bike. Aaron latched onto Kyran, not caring about his previous warning. Kyran didn’t reproach him. He was too busy racing to the front. They whipped through the Gate and along the pathway that Aaron had seen upon first arriving – the long road with the perfect trees lined along either side. A glowing ball of light sat at the end of the road, dazzling and bright.

  The crowd of Hunters sped along the road, seemingly headed for the light, but quarter of a mile away, Skyler and Ella turned to the right and led them into the forest, across a thin pathway snaking its way through the trees. It was so dark here the only things Aaron could see were several bike headlights before him. A faint sliver of light beckoned them closer, far off in the distance. Aaron clutched onto the fabric of Kyran’s coat; the red and black thick material scrunched under his tense fingers.

  The closer they rode, the bigger and brighter the light became. It started taking shape and Aaron was stunned to see that the rays of light rearranged themselves into Aric’s mark. It glowed brightly, a shimmer running through it. Skyler and Ella were the first to reach it. They rode straight through it, and disappeared.

  Aaron would have gasped if the rushing wind had allowed it. The only thing Aaron could do was close his eyes as Kyran headed into the circle of light, straight through the legs of the inverted V and smack into the centre of the shimmering spiral.

  20

  The Ichadaris of Danwan

  The bike came to a stop and Aaron opened his eyes. He unclenched his hold on Kyran and sat up, staring at his surroundings. They had passed through the glowing Aric’s mark, which Aaron now understood was a portal, and entered a rural and peaceful-looking village. In the distance there were small mud huts with wide cone-shaped roofs, a fire that had long since gone out and what looked like rocks and rubble heaped in small mounds next to some of the huts.

  Kyran switched off his bike and turned his head to the side. “Hey, Adams?” He still sounded mad. “Planning on getting off Lexi anytime soon?”

  Aaron frowned. “That doesn’t sound right,” he said, but climbed off.

  He caught the reluctant smile crossing Kyran’s face but when the older boy swung his leg over and st
ood up, his expression was carefully arranged to indifference. The Hunters gathered into a tight group, scanning the area.

  “Where is everyone?” asked Sarah, one of the dark-haired mages, as she squinted in the bright sunlight. “The whole place is deserted.”

  “Devoured more like,” Julian revised.

  “We should split and search,” Ella said, her tone commanding than suggestive.

  The twenty Hunters split into five teams, with Aaron added to Kyran’s team. The groups headed out in different directions, trying to find a living being who could tell them what was going on.

  Aaron walked behind Kyran, Ryan beside him. Two Hunters, both girls he had never spoken to, walked behind him. The heat beat down on them as they crossed the messy lines of huts. Their boots kicked up clouds of dirt and dust as they walked. Aaron took in his surroundings with interest. This was the first place he’d seen in the mage realm other than the City of Salvador. He had to admit as rural and village-like as Salvador was, it had its charm compared to this place.

  “Talk to me.” Scott’s sudden voice made Aaron jump. “What do you see?”

  Kyran reached up and touched his spiral pendant to reply. “The place is deserted. The residents must be in hiding. We’ve split up to find what we can.”

  “Good,” Scott replied in Aaron’s head. “Watch for the signs.”

  “We know,” Ryan replied. “Not our first Ichi hunt, Scott.”

  “That was so weird.” Aaron shook his head.

  “What?” asked one of the girls – a blonde with a thin, pointed face.

  “Scott’s voice,” Aaron replied. “In my head.”

  The girl frowned at him and looked away. The brunette by her side smiled kindly at Aaron. “That’s nothing. Wait till you hear full conversations happening.”

  “Really?” Aaron asked.