Mallory and the others cringed. Turner hissed.
What in the world was Tommy thinking?
“You show up before me late and empty-handed.”
Tommy reached into his pocket and revealed a Ziploc bag full of Ava Beans. He threw the bag on the gymnasium floor.
“I got chewed out because of you,” Tommy confessed. “I’m sick of being treated like a goddamned child!”
Lincoln waved for Brenden or Jett to pick up the Beans. Neither did so, and Mallory sensed trouble, so she did it.
“What did they tell you?” Lincoln asked.
“I asked for the bucket of Beans and they laughed in my face. They’re not doin’ it. They also want you to ‘check-in’ at secure locations of their choosing.” Tommy looked around and shook his head. “This doesn’t cut it.”
“Did you at least accomplish what we discussed over the phone?”
“Yeah. That was practically a no-brainer to them.”
Mallory and the others turned to each other.
“What discussion?” the princess asked.
“Nothing,” Lincoln and Tommy said in unison. The young Enterprise member looked fidgety as he scoped out the area. Besides their secret discussion, Mallory was curious about another situation.
“Did you get any information on the shooting?”
“What shooting?”
“The one at the school.”
“Listen,” Tommy sighed, “didn’t I already tell you we didn’t do it?”
“But you also bragged about having your hand in everything that goes on within Gatsby.”
“Wrong. I remember what I said — and I said that we could’ve known about it. That’s it. School shootings are gnarly, man. Too heartless. The Enterprise wouldn’t do something like that ‘cause there ain’t much you can gain from it.”
“Don’t treat me like I’m crazy. You even alluded to bodies having gone missing. Remember?”
“What?”
“The boy and his mother? The crying woman who you guys paid to shut up?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Mallory and the others were flabbergasted.
“The Sperns in Gatsby live a strictly vegan lifestyle,” he told them.
“No, you don’t, you liar!” Mallory shot back. “You made us sandwiches with meat in them at your house.”
“It’s not mine!” Tommy yelled, causing an echo.
“Excuses . . .”
“Enough,” Lincoln interrupted. He turned to Tommy. “How much do you love The Enterprise?”
“I hate ‘em,” Tommy admitted. “Can’t stand ‘em treating me like shit.”
“Good,” smiled Lincoln. “I suppose you wouldn’t mind helping build an organization to take over theirs?”
Tommy’s eyes widened.
“You?” he pointed at The Goths. Lincoln smirked. Tommy shook his head. “Nope. No way, man. I wouldn’t even try it or be caught saying something like that. The Enterprise is NOT a company to be played with.”
“How so?”
“They’ve got all the clout, man. The bosses take trips to Washington and everything. I’m sure they’ve met the President more than a few times.”
“You must underestimate the power of the Realm.”
“I get it. You guys really shook things up when you got here.” Tommy looked directly at Lincoln. “And whatever you did really had them questioning the entire business. But The Enterprise is sponsored by the same people you answer to. Our job is to clean the Human World of Gothic influence. Don’t you think you’ll have hell to pay if you try to stop us?
“The Enterprise’s existence in this realm contradicts your statement.”
“I meant publically. Who cares what exists behind closed doors. Humans are too distracted to take the time to look anyway.
“Plus,” Tommy continued, “the majority of The Enterprise is full of Sperns now. That’s why our private influence is growing so fast. It’ll only keep expanding the longer we’re here.”
Suddenly, Mallory began to sense something. As the others tried to persuade Tommy to flip, the princess closed her eyes. Although Jett and Malik could sense energy through their strong sense of smell, Mallory’s sensing abilities were enhanced by her Angelic side — giving her the power to scope far beyond the reach of her five senses. If she cleared her mind and focused enough, she could see just about anything. The problem was that her mind was always cluttered. However, this time, she was able to sense someone just outside the school.
Jayce!
“I’ll be outside,” she gulped.
“No,” Lincoln protested. “You’re fine right here.”
“I-I’ve got to change,” the princess lied. “I put my underwear on the wrong way.”
“Change here.”
Wow? Really?
“Don’t take long,” said Brenden. “I’m sure we can hold it down until you get back.”
“And who gave you the authority to override mine?” asked Lincoln.
Mallory didn’t hesitate to find out how that conversation would end. She jogged out of the gymnasium, into the classroom where they used a window to get inside, unlocked the window, and fell out into the grass. She brushed herself off and made her way to the playground. Jayce was hiding in the jungle gym.
“Very clever,” Mallory breathed heavily. “I know you’re here.”
Jayce slid down the slide and ran over to Mallory. He pulled her up into the jungle gym, sat her down, and grabbed her by the forearms.
“What are you doing?”
“Me? You’re the one creeping on us!”
“That’s Tommy Tills. He works for The Enterprise.”
“I know.”
“What are you doing!?” Jayce repeated, wobbling Mallory.
“Stop shaking me!”
“Then tell me why!”
“He flipped some of my friends off, okay!? We’re trying to solve an issue.”
“Solve what issue? This could be a set-up, Mallory. Do you know how dangerous The Enterprise is?”
“Trust me,” she sighed. “We can handle ourselves.”
Jayce paused.
“You don’t even know what you’re doing . . .”
“Elaborate, dear.”
“It’s not that easy.”
“Just do it.”
Jayce sighed.
“It has to do with the shooting. The — the guy who did it — they terrorized him.”
“The Enterprise terrorized the shooter?”
“On a daily basis. He was afraid they were going to kill him.”
“Why?”
Jayce shook his head.
“Nevermind.”
It was Mallory’s turn to grab Jayce.
“I think it’s best to tell me everything. I can help you.”
“Mallory,” he began, “just believe me. Please. You’re the first person I’ve talked to who hasn’t treated me like a lunatic. The only person who actually listens without a motive and is interested in what I have to say. Don’t change that. Just believe me when I say that The Enterprise is behind everything that’s wrong with Gatsby.”
Mallory could see the pain in his eyes. She set her arms on his shoulders and gently massaged them.
“I’m listening,” she promised.
“Good,” smiled Jayce. “I’ll even take it further and let you in on secrets the public knows nothing about. The Enterprise works for the President. They want to force the country into an authoritarian government with no limits on their power. They’re killing our heroes who speak out and using warzones like Syria to collect bodies and funnel them to their home planet.”
“How terrible,” said Mallory. She believed he had really lost it now, but she held her laughter and pretended everything was fine. Knowing the real truth made it all the more hilarious. “So, that means they must be—”
“Aliens,” Jayce interrupted. He shifted his position to sit up straighter. “Supernatural aliens who’ve expanded their re
ach way past Area 51. The wars, the fake news, the terrorist attacks . . . even the mass shootings — it’s all in an attempt to divide the world’s governments to form a New World Order. Anyone who opposes them is sacrificed — giving them even more spiritual power.”
Mallory nearly laughed, but bit her tongue and covered her mouth.
“Yikes.”
Jayce took hold of the princess again.
“Mallory,” he said, clearing his throat. “Swear on everything you’re not one of them.”
“Huh?”
“An alien. Swear it.”
“I’m not an alien,” she giggled.
“But, like, swear to me that you’re not anything,” he continued. “Swear to me that you’re just a pure-blooded human from Earth with no connections to The Enterprise.”
Oh, dear.
How would Mallory slip her way out of this challenge? The princess looked around as if the jungle gym would give her the answer.
“Swear it,” said Jayce. He stared into her eyes as if he’d kill her if she couldn’t. “What are you waiting for?”
“I swear,” Mallory cringed. “I swear on everything that I’m not a supernatural being of any kind.”
Jayce let go of her. He let out a relieved laugh. Mallory then began to feel an immense amount of power.
“Did you bring the wand?” she asked Jayce.
“Yeah,” he admitted.
“Phew,” sighed the princess. “I thought we had trouble on our hands.”
“I won’t lie — I thought you were one of them last night. Even today, when you found the wand, I had my doubts.”
“You thought it was weird that I could sense its power?”
Jayce nodded.
“But thanks to you, I have a job. A duty to extinguish evil all across the globe. I’ll become a ‘tyrant killer’.”
Mallory couldn’t help but cringe. Jayce was sounding more and more like he was being engulfed by the newfound power he may or may not be able to wield someday.
“Come with me,” he asked, holding her wrists. “Join me in my war against evil. We can be the new Bonnie and Clyde, Caesar and Cleopatra, Batman and Wonder Woman. We can be the infamous duo that changes the world — once and for all.”
“I’ll have to pass,” said Mallory. “I already have a rather passionate boyfriend I despise. I wouldn’t want you to join the list.”
“It’s not a date, man,” sighed Jayce. “This is war. I just need someone I can count on to join me when it’s time.”
Yes. I’ve got him.
“Then I accept,” Mallory corrected herself. “But you have to do something for me.”
“What is it? I’ll do anything.”
Bind with me. Bind with me. I want you!
“Mallory!” came the voice of Lincoln. “Reveal yourself this instant, young lady!”
“Is that your boyfriend?” asked Jayce.
“Bats!” Mallory responded. “Keep your head down.”
“Why does he sound like your dad?” Jayce asked as he laid down.
“There you are,” the vampire concluded. To Mallory’s horror, he didn’t stop until he reached the top of the jungle gym where they were hiding. “Well, look what we have here. Another boy-toy of yours, you little slut?”
Before Mallory could even think, Jayce jumped up and pushed her aside.
“Fuck you!” he shouted in Lincoln’s face. Mallory tried her best to restrain him from entering Lincoln’s comfort zone, but Jayce wasn’t fearful like her Spern friends. “We’re just talking. What makes you think I’d want your girlfriend anyway!?”
“Who wouldn’t want a princess?”
Oh dear. Lincoln, PLEASE, don’t blow our cover. If I have to deal with Jayce knowing I lied to him I’ll just—
“A princess?” Jayce shot back. “Don’t make me laugh. She looks like a turkey’s stunt double. Her hair’s a mess, she can barely walk without tripping, and her nose has more leaks than the White House.”
Jayce put a smile on Lincoln’s face. Mallory was a bit hurt. She tapped her curly hair as if it were the most fragile part of her body.
Rebecca helped me look presentable before we came. Is it really that much of a mess?
“Bottom line: I don’t care about you or your girlfriend. We just talk sometimes.”
“You know,” Lincoln smirked. “I can see why she would want to be in your company.” The vampire’s glove met Jayce’s cheek. “You’re rather handsome.”
Jayce moved his head away from Lincoln.
“Get off me.”
Owooooo!
A loud howl came from within the elementary school.
“Bats,” said Lincoln. “I hope they haven’t killed him. I’ll meet you inside, dear. The finale should begin shortly.”
Lincoln pecked Mallory on the cheek and went back inside the school.
“What the hell was that?”
“Just ignore him.”
“Not him — that sound. The howl.”
“Oh, that?”
Mallory couldn’t find an answer. During her search for one, she found something even more devastating.
“Get down,” she whispered. “Now!”
Jayce joined Mallory in ducking within the jungle gym.
“What is it?” he asked. Mallory pointed out into the sea of grass.
Before he could even turn, Jayce was hit with the scent of blood and bone. It was so powerful that it left a wide smoke trail that led into the center of the field before them. Standing in the field was their worst nightmare.
It didn't feel real — more like a dream. Their eyes couldn't break away from the beast. On two hind legs — with horns and hooves that glimmered in the moonlight, a muscular chest that poked towards them, nostrils in which the blood trail seemed to be pouring from, and fists the size of trash cans — a Minotaur, taller than most professional basketball players and buffer than a superstar bodybuilder, stared back at them. Its horns were drenched in blood. The teenagers began to shake — their hearts pounding heavily. They felt helpless in the presence of the beast. Even if he were just standing there, staring them down with pupils the size of Jett's chest, they didn't want to test out how fast this creature could reach them.
But they had no choice. Mallory tried to open her mouth to warn the other Goths, but the words wouldn't come out. Mallory grabbed Jayce's hand and was able to move without triggering the monster. She was planning to slide into the cold wood chips below and Usain Bolt her way back to the Fletcher's.
But maybe she was just seeing things. Maybe this was a strange effect she had from eating too much human food.
"Do you see that?" Mallory whispered to Jayce. “The Bull?” He was frozen. Words couldn't come to him fast enough to dispense his fear.
It was just a hallucination. Right?
Wrong. The monster began moving. Any inch the pair moved backward, The Bull proved just how real it was. Step-by-step, The Bull carefully pounded its legs into the ground, stomping its hoofprints into the grass below with ease. She didn't know why, but this only made her want to speed up. Another wrong idea. But it was too late. Upon taking her most aggressive move towards the slide, The Bull began charging towards them.
Mallory’s next move would've been a smart decision against a regular opponent — if I do say so myself. Noticing that he copied her movements, she abruptly stopped moving to try and force him to do the same. However, The Bull never played by the rules. He played 4D Chess against his opponents, only heightening how dangerous this Minotaur was. He didn't halt. With a sideways stride, he continued to gallop towards the pair with destructive stomps. He struck his arms down, revealing two blades on each of his upper wrists: his murder weapons.
“Holy shit!” Jayce cursed. He was only half paying attention to The Bull. Mallory soon saw why.
“Run!” came a distant yell from Brenden. A howl followed his yell. Just outside of the elementary school, running full force toward them, were Brenden, Jett, and a black cat with a badass spik
ed collar. Their mouths were bloody, and so were Brenden and Jett’s chests. They glistened under the moonlight — the result of something having gone wrong within the elementary school.
Jayce pulled Mallory's hand, slid down the slide, and fell into the wood chips below. By now, they could feel the ground stuttering beneath them. They could hear the loud grunts The Bull was releasing. They could smell the crimson blood that stained its horns.
Jayce stumbled to his feet, helped the princess up, and ran. Mallory was so frightened that she couldn't even feel herself running, let alone being chased. But one look over her shoulder confirmed just how determined The Bull was. He was closing in on them — fast! They could now see his upper body facing directly toward them, despite his lower body marching sideways.
The further they ran, the more hopeless they felt. By now, the poor teens could feel The Bull's breath chill down their spines — numbing their hopes of survival. Mallory turned back again and saw that his right arm was pointed directly at her head. The blade was so close that she could smell the carbon steel.
Her legs buckled to the fear and she tripped. Thankfully, The Bull's hooves just missed crashing down upon her body. It followed Jayce for only a few more gallops before using its hooves as brakes, creating deep lines in the grass beneath it.
Mallory picked herself up to a sitting position but failed to get to her legs. The Bull followed her as she made a backward crawl. Jayce refused to give up on her, but he also knew his place. He stayed as far away from The Bull as he could.
Despite the ring of a howl and Jayce yelling, "Get up!", Mallory became too stunned to do anything. When the enormous beast stood before her, she noticed similarities in it that reminded her of an old friend. A magical creature she was able to summon from her cloak. But he was a Minotaur she used to help her talk about her problems — not some killing machine. Her former friend had no hate in his heart. She created him full of love! And on top of this, her Cloak of Despair was out of the picture. The Enterprise was holding Despy. It still didn't stop her from reaching out to The Bull. She had to make sure.
"Bernardo?" she asked the beast. And although The Bull's skin was pitch black instead of gallant white, its horns stained crimson instead of rose gold, and its demeanor cold and unmerciful instead of warm and friendly, the beast nodded its head.
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