“They're going to strap you up in those white vests and give you a nice padded cell to think about all this in,” Xavier continued.
I added fuel to the fire. “It could be the first phase of a zombie apocalypse. First, the top secret government medical facility implements its newest virus test for biological warfare. It works, and the test subject dies, though the massive power they used in testing caused massive power failures. But then it comes back to life, turning the whole city into mindless zombies intent on their endless hunger.”
“What kind of crazy person thinks that up?” Xavier asked.
“You have one effed mind, you know that?” Jas nodded seriously.
“What?” I frowned then gave into the inevitable. “Yeah, I know.”
Our fruitless, yet interesting, conversation blurred the time it took to arrive at the church and we were there in a flash. We all craned our necks upwards to get a full view of the building. It was a Roman Catholic number, all high arches and sharp lines. The church was huge, dominating the area and dwarfing the buildings around it. A set of bleached white steps led to the entrance, flanked by two ginormous stained glass windows. They depicted the timeless battle between Light and Dark, the endless struggle the Order fought. By the time we made it to the giant oak doors, I felt miniscule. I think that was the point.
“You think we should knock?” Jas broke the reverent silence.
“I don't see why you'd need to knock at a church,” Xavier said.
“Who wants to open it?” Simon wasn't getting anywhere near the thing.
“You guys are ridiculous.” I snorted, walked forward and pushed on the heavy oak.
The massive door swung inward on well-oiled hinges, the movement not making the slightest sound. As the scene was revealed, a flurry of activity confronted our group. On the benches, masses of people were arrayed in various states of disarray. Some people looked lost and alone, while others had brought their entire families along. We weren't the only ones looking for sanctuary, it seemed.
“Welcome, welcome!” A priest, fully robed, approached us with a basket of bread and cheese. “Would anyone be interested in something to eat?”
His proposition was met with much enthusiasm and most everyone snatched up something to chow down on. This time, I didn't interfere before making my case. “Actually, we're not here for—”
“For sanctuary and prayer, of course,” the priest interrupted, verifying my guess.
“Yeah, we'll no…” I ran a hand through my hair. “We kind of are, but we're looking for someone, too.”
“Oh. A family member, perhaps? Parents?” he asked hopefully.
“Not exactly.” I went out on a limb. “Is Brother Tanner here? We really need to speak with him, if it isn't too much trouble.”
“Ah, you're all from the orphanage.” The priest nodded sagely. “Right, of course. Come with me, children. We'll see if he can spare a moment.”
The man turned and motioned us to follow. We left the main entrance hall and its many ornate benches behind, passing by an upraised dais and podium. Above that, there was a representation of Jesus nailed to the cross.
I shrugged. “Just roll with it.” The whisper rolled through our group. Silent nods met my statement.
The interior proved just as large as the hulking exterior. It took some time before the priest pulled up before a set of doors. Where they led to, I had no idea, but expected Bill would be behind them. Our guide insisted on and making sure Mr. Tanner wasn't too busy to see us.
He came out a few moments later, his face red. “I'm sorry, but Brother Tanner is otherwise occupied. He'd be happy to see you another time.”
We shared guarded glances, unable to state the real reason for our arrival without looking like a bunch of crazies just escaped from the nuthouse. “Can you tell him Caleb is here?”
I clearly felt a wave of exasperation directed at me roll off the priest. “I'm sorry, child, but you'll have to wait.”
“Screw this. Move aside old man, or we'll go through you.” Herk advanced forward to make good on the threat.
Simon and Zack stopped his advance, barely. “You can't hit a priest!”
“You just watch!” Herk grinned nastily.
Just as things were about to get messy, Bill burst out of the room. “What's all the commotion about?”
“Hello, Mr. Tanner,” Monique offered. “Long time no see.”
Tanner looked around at the assembled crowd, absorbing the situation before diffusing the bomb. “Brother Nicholas, I'll take it from here. Thank you for the help.”
Confusion emanated from our guide, but outwardly he put up a stoic demeanor. “Ah, yes, Brother. I'll be tending to the flock. There are many who need a kind word in these dark times.”
Filing in through the now open door, I looked around the room, assessing. There wasn't much to it, really. A large table stretched across the length of the place and a whiteboard hung on the wall. Chairs were readily available, which was a balm to my weary soul. Sitting down, I watched as Mr. Tanner took a seat on the other side of the table.
“It's been awhile.” I smiled and offered a hand across the table.
Bill took a moment to study the faces arrayed around the room for the second time, then gripped my hand and pumped it heartily. “That it has, my boy. It's heartening to know you're all right. Have you all been doing well in school?”
Jas and I coughed and repositioned ourselves awkwardly. “Yeah, um…”I swooped in to save the day. “Considering all that happened, we thought it was safer to stay away. There were some plans to do homeschooling, but that kind of warped into something else.”
“I see.” Mr. Tanner nodded, not at all fooled by the evasion.
“We're all still making it through, Mr. Tanner.” The rest of the pack chimed in cheerfully while seating themselves.
That seemed to help assuage our truancy, at least. “That's good to hear. And what's this? I see new faces.”
“Kathryne.” She stretched out a hand daintily out to shake.
Jas supplied the required information when it was clear Hector would stay silent. “That's Herk. Don't mind the scars and silence. We found him in an arena dueling Caleb to the death.”
I don't think Bill knew how to take that one. “Ah, what a pleasant place to meet someone. Nice to meet you both, I'm sure.”
Tanner's visage was as powerful as ever, his bright aura beating powerfully on my senses. The first time I laid eyes on him I felt his underlying strength, but now it was immediately apparent.
He took off his wire-rimmed spectacles and polished them on his shirtfront. “I assume, from the nature of your arrival, that you've gotten yourself into more trouble?”
I scratched the back of my head uncomfortably. “Unfortunately. Sorry to barge in here like this, but we were out of options.”
“Nonsense.” He brushed off my apology. “What is it? I will do everything in my power to help.”
“It's not really my story to tell.” I deferred to Jas, looking to him and hoping he could handle it, remembering my latest decision about not treating him like he was breakable.
Jas started from the beginning, leaving nothing out. He spoke about the not-so-pleasant occurrences on his birthday, outlined events in the arena and how Herk came to be a part of our little pack. Then he revealed Sanders' background and most everyone was blown away upon hearing the news. All except for Bill, who merely nodded. Obviously, he knew there was more than meets the eye to the Adams High Football coach and P.E. teacher. I wouldn't be surprised if they already knew each other, given the close relationship in their job descriptions.
The rest of the story held a grim undercurrent, but Jas didn't balk from providing all the details. Actually, he painted a very detailed picture of the events, and it became gruesome at points. By the time he reached the end of the tale, all of us were on edge, leaning forward to hear his soft words. Emotion was palpable, but Jas didn't balk from recounting the painful story. Instead, he put
up an outward front of his usual nature, joking and unflappable. Thankfully, this was a tight nit group and everyone sensed that Jas couldn't cope with being pitied. Bill was busy being shocked, while Simon was the first to recover.
“You're half vampire?” Simon asked incredulously, his inquisitive nature getting the best of him. “That's impossible!”
“Werevamp,” I corrected automatically.
Jas shrugged his shoulders. “Apparently not as impossible as we'd thought. Although, I'm probably the only one in existence. I would've died if Caleb hadn't acted.”
“Are you hungry?” Simon continued, curious. “Will the blood of a Were sustain you longer than that of a human? Have you felt the development of any new abilities?”
“Enough.” Bill's chair creaked as he leaned forward and drummed his fingers on the tabletop in deep thought. “Your heart hasn't changed, Jason. Remember that. There is a Darkness inherent in vampires that many of the breed don't care to fight and instead give in to its enticements. From what you've told us, however, you must know that. They are content to wreak havoc among the innocent, their wanton actions depraved and without humanity. Do not let the enticement and allure of this new part of you destroy your humanity. Do not allow your dark passenger to take the driver's seat, no matter how tempting it might be to give in to the whispers.”
Jas gulped. “I won't.”
That sounded a whole lot like an ultimatum. “I'll keep him in line,” I said.
Jas looked around at everyone in the room, tears welling. “I can't thank you guys enough for not looking at me different. That's the one thing I couldn't stand.”
“Think nothing of it,” Xavier chimed in, backed up by Monique.
Mary closed in on Jas' vulnerable form, hugging him tightly. “Don't be silly. We've known each other since diapers. You can't get rid of us that easily.”
Tentatively, Jas hugged back. Like someone had pressed the play button, everyone moved to comfort him. There weren't any particular words said or even consolation offered. A bunch of good people just recognized the pain he was struggling under and tried to do their best to alleviate some of it. I wasn't much one for group hugs but joined in despite my reservations. There was a closeness in that room, with friends that you knew would have your back no matter the circumstances. You couldn't buy that kind of friendship with a truckload of buried treasure. I shouldn't have to mention that Herk stayed away, but he wasn't much for all the mushy touching and he hardly knew any of us.
Thankfully, the sappy group hug dispersed and returned to our seats. After that weighty tale, it was weird to see a return to normalcy in such short order. Bill recognized our predicament and offered us sanctuary, although it hadn't been what we were expecting. The others decided that they were going to shack up with us until everything blew over, but I was uncertain we'd be so lucky to get off so easy.
“We thought you were entertaining a guest...” I let the statement trail off, rather than making it a question.
“Ah, yes. Sanders, are you quite ready to come out of hiding? That contraption of your is far too addictive for your own good.”
A few gasps broke out as Mr. Sanders became visible at the head of the table. “I was just testing it,” he replied defensively. “There could have been any number of hostiles trying to ascertain our plans.”
“The church is protected. You know that.” Bill let it slide without an outright challenge.
My turn. “Not that we aren't happy to see you, but you might've just made a normal entrance.”
Sanders played with a ring, rolling it between his fingers. “I might have but didn't want to interrupt the story. Perhaps it was ill advised.”
“You think?” Kathryne heated up a glare, playing with one of her daggers.
“How'd you manage to get that?” Simon pointed at the ring insistently. “I thought Frodo destroyed it!”
It took a couple of long moments to figure out Simon had made a joke. There were some spatters of awkward laughter. “This is not the ring of Sauron,” Sanders told him. “But it does have some connection to Demonkind.” I didn't know if he was serious or had continued the joke.
This conversation wasn't going anywhere productive and my temper was short. “Yeah, cool ring and all. Can we get to the important stuff?”
“What do you want to know?” Bill brought the conversation under control.
Jas kicked off the discussion. “How about your reasons for having this meeting in the first place? Do you two know each other?”
Tanner laced his fingers together on top of the table. “We've been acquainted for some time, yes. As we work in the same channels, there's a lot of overlap. It is only natural to mesh forces on occasion.”
Kathryne spoke up. “And the reason you met today?”
“Between the blackouts and supernatural occurrences cropping up across the city, the entire Order is on edge.” Bill shook his head.
“Supernatural occurrences?” That newfound information perked everyone up.
Bill looked at me intensely from across the table. “Unfortunately, there has been a stirring since you left. We believe it's related to the meteor's touchdown in the bay. If there was any doubt about a supernatural explanation, they were quickly expunged when Sanders presented his case. But we still have no idea what's causing these disturbances. A string of murder-suicides have been piling up, all without any leads that don't dead end. The Order has yet to figure the relation to these cases and the widespread blackouts. Long-established power providers are having their plants systematically destroyed. The news has had a heyday with the stories. Mortal investigators are saying there might be a connection to some sort of Deep Green eco-terrorist movement. Entire facilities have been trashed, with no explanation or claim being taken by the perpetrators.”
“Mortal police wouldn't recognize a supernatural occurrence if a goblin ripped their face off.” Herk glowered.
“Someone has a bone to pick,” Zack replied softly.
“You have to admit though, that's pretty spot on.” Simon tried to push up his now non-existent glasses and glanced at Sanders.
I wondered if that was a nervous tendency of his. The entire room was a little freaked out to hear what was happening, considering our all-to-recent brush with Darkness. No one wanted to be embroiled in another fight to the death for the safety of the world and its inhabitants. Apparently, it was too much to ask for to have a few centuries off before something from the Dark Side made another move. And I'd have to spoil it all for everyone.
“You're unusually quiet.” Jas glanced over at me curiously. “What do you think it is, Caleb?”
“I hate to break it to you, but we have a problem.”
Sanders leaned back in his chair, putting away the ring and finally looking like he was all ears. “What kind of problem?”
I could feel the mingled worry and excitement at my statement brushing up against my senses. Regardless, I explained The Call and its significance. It didn't come as much of a surprise to those who were already clued in, but no one expected it to show up again. We all thought it had taken a permanent hiatus once the Fist of Darkness had been destroyed.
“So this... Call of yours. It leads you to believe there's going to be an impending disaster?” Sanders asked dubiously.
“I don't think. I know. It specifically tells me when there's a disaster that needs averting. It's more of a warning that there's an imbalance. I think that means there's something in our dimension that shouldn't be. Something that hitched a ride on that meteor.”
Sanders nodded. “We have footage documenting the meteor's unnatural entrance into our world. Of course, that has been denied. Officially, there was no wormhole.”
“A dimensional gate.” Simon gasped, eating it up.
This wasn’t anything new. “But how was it brought here? I wouldn't think that meteor is a preferred method of travel,” I scoffed.
“Maybe this thing comes from a backwards universe. They do meteor wrangling in their
free time and this one took a wrong turn at the Milky Way,” Jas said.
“Quite simply, we don't know,” Bill said. “There's no precedent, other than the being that was consumed by the Fist of Darkness.” He glanced over at me.
“What's the theory?” Kathryne said.
Sanders leaned forward in his chair, giving a representation with his hands. “That's what we were trying to figure. Tanner here seems to believe the dimensional wall is crumbling, or even torn.”
“The fabric of reality is a delicate thing,” Mr. Tanner explained. “The first breach was on Alcatraz. Now there's been another one, hardly miles distant from the first. We have to assume that the dimensional wall has been compromised. There's no telling what might have come through this time, not to mention the possibility of future invasions.”
We all took a second to process that information. If there was a hole in the dimensional fabric of the universe, we were well and truly screwed. I wasn't very versed in the science aspect, but even equating it to a hole in our atmosphere got me to thinking. Walls are built to keep things out, gates put up to prevent access from one side. If an entrance into our world was now open to all who wanted to check out the scene, that meant there'd be plenty of things will ill intentions taking the next intergalactic ride over here, by whatever means.
I directed my question at Mr. Tanner. “Do you have any knowledge about what that wall kept out?”
He shook his head dismally. “Everything. It kept out everything.”
“What about the Fae? They didn't seem too bothered by it.”
“As a rule Fae have distanced themselves from humanity, but they were never restricted from entering this dimension.”
“So the ones that were kept out before, they—” Monique began.
“Yes,” Bill finished. “Many of the Dark have been long awaiting a chance such as this. They now have their golden opportunity.”
“But we can't focus on our next move until we nail this bugger, whatever it is,” Sanders said.
There wasn't anything to be done about the possibility of something entering our dimension in the foreseeable future. We needed something tangible, something we could sink our teeth into. There was something here now. I sensed it in my bones. Against that there was hope. If we focused solely on the dark and unavoidable aspects, it would only drown us.
Leviathan (Fist of Light Series) Page 17