“AYEYAHH!!!” wailed Mohachi as Danny grappled Mohachi. Mohachi’s bodyguards fired shots into the sky trying to protect their boss, but Kung Kung dodged the bullets with ease. Taking off into the sky burdened with Danny, Serena and Mohachi, the hellish beast blasted up in a stream of white smoke, leaving the people on the ground motionless with terror.
“What! What! What do you want? I’ll do anything; just don’t let me die! Who are you people?” screamed Mohachi.
“That’s good; now let’s talk, you sleazy swine! Danny grinned with satisfaction as they flew higher into the clouds.
“Are you crazy?” screamed Mohachi.
“Maybe,” exclaimed Danny.
Serena grabbed Mohachi, holding him up to her face, “Where is the Shira jade statue!” she ordered.
“My rooftop penthouse at the Tengu Pagoda Casino!” shrieked Mohachi.
“Anything else?” said Danny. “I’ve told you everything! Now let me down!” whined Mohachi.
Danny nodded to Kung Kung to set them down. The beast understood and descended to the rooftop of a nearby small building. “For your health, Mr. Yung, I suggest you leave Las Vegas.” Danny let go of Mohachi and the spineless businessman fell into a large trash dumpster in the alley. Mohachi sprung from the dumpster, cussing out his attackers in Japanese as he pulled out his gun, shooting into the air at his assailants. Danny whipped out his trusty Cobra 76 and fired one shot, hitting the large lid of the trash container, which slammed down on top of Mohachi.
Back at the Raiko building the press were having a field day. Commissioner Hamilton made her statement to the public as the cameras rolled and bright lights flashed before her eyes. “Commissioner, do you have any idea as to what is going on here?” asked one reporter.
“We are looking into this bizarre event to determine who was responsible for this attack,” answered Commissioner Hamilton.
“Witnesses saw a large cat running off carrying the victim,” stated one reporter.
“What about the reports of the victims of the Otis Way area who were drained of blood, the public wants to know, Commissioner,” said another.
“We are still looking into that investigation,” replied Commissioner Hamilton.
“What about the strange rumors that have been floating around the city of monsters living here?” asked another reporter.
“Ladies and gentlemen, our department has contacted a team of special experts to investigate these cases of unusual phenomena that have occurred; I assure you that when we have answers, the public will be notified. I have nothing further to say,” stated Commissioner Hamilton as she left the podium.
“Well, you’ve heard it all: strange beasts, mythical monsters, or is this all just a case of an escaped animal from a casino? This is one reporter who will be here to keep you up to date on this story. Reporting for Channel 8 news. This is Mike Lee; back to you in the newsroom Todd.” “Imbeciles,” said Julius in disapproval, as he switched off his TV monitor. Scarlet came into her father’s bedroom carrying a cup of tea. Julius lay back as he rested on his bed.
“What happened? Was our little team discovered?” smirked Scarlet. Julius frowned at his daughter’s remark.
“This is serious,” he said sternly.
“You know it was bound to happen father, at one time or another,” replied Scarlet.
“We are supposed to stay hidden, all of our kind; vampire, Oni, lycanthrope, etc. All of us are to remain unknown to the mortal world and now this has occurred,” said Julius.
“The Council of the Nine will have something to say about this, I suppose,” mused Scarlet. “Naturally they will; you know well as I do that it is strictly forbidden for our kind to make themselves known to the public. We are to blend in with society, not stand out,” said Julius.
“What do think they will do?” asked Scarlet.
“I don’t know but I am now worried about Serena and Damascus. Things are getting very dangerous and you know the punishment is death to those that expose our kind. We might have to come up with a different plan of action to prevent any more sightings like this one,” said Julius.
“Lucky for us that the crowd could only see with human sight what looked like a normal white tiger on the ground attacking Mohachi Yung,” said Scarlet.
“It still doesn’t matter; one mistake can bring ruin to us if our clans are not careful,” said Julius.
The rest of Serena’s team was on the Strip. Marianna called Michael’s cell, assuming he was asleep. Michael awoke hastily, to the sounds of his cell phone. He answered drowsily. “Yeah, Marianna? What’s up?”
“We found it,” said Marianna.
“Where is it?” asked Michael, suddenly awake. “Mohachi’s Casino; security will be a problem.” “Maybe for humans but not for us,” said Michael. “When do we move?”
“Tomorrow night,” replied Marianna sharply. “Understood,” said Michael as he hung up his phone.
Michael woke in the early afternoon. The blinds were closed and the dojo was silent as death.
After Michael had completed his physical training with Lao, Suki escorted him into the meditation room where Lao was waiting for his pupil, already sitting with lanterns burning incense in the small room.
“Now then, Michael; you have taken great effort and have mastered the art of your sword with ease; I’m impressed by this. I have never had a student quite like you before,” said Lao, proud of his pupil.
“Now am I ready?” asked Michael.
“You still must master mental and spiritual balance. This I can teach you, but you must be willing to participate,” said Lao.
“What is it?” asked Michael eagerly.
“Simple. Gain contact with your soul in deep prayer and the gods or spirits you believe in will guide you,” said Lao.
“Pardon me, but I don’t follow these mystic beliefs.” Michael spoke carefully; he did not want to offend Lao. “I understand. Focus then on what you will and the answers will come to you. I will leave you for a few hours, and then I shall return,” said Lao respectfully as he bowed to his student and then left the room with his daughter.
Michael sat in deep thought for a time, and then he felt the compulsion to pray. Prayer was an act that he rarely performed, but he began to close his eyes and speak as he kneeled on the ground with his head hanging down, like a knight bowing before his king. He began to have faith again. “Jesus, my God in heaven, protect me, let me kill these bastards, and send their souls to hell. Without fear or regret, to save the ones I love and the innocent people in this city, be with me please.” A presence entered. The room was filled with tender warmth and a golden light shone; the presence of God himself appeared to the vampire. “I am Jesus Christ, God born in the flesh,” said the Lord, wearing holy armor of silver lined with gold. At this moment, Michael fell to the floor bowing to God, and then out of the blue he said, “I forgive the man that murdered my sister, forgive me Lord for my sins.” Michael prostrated with grief. “I have always been with you my son. I have forgiven you of all your sins because you confessed with your lips and have believed in Me with your heart. Go and protect the ones you love; I give you my Spirit to protect you and the means to defeat those who have sought to destroy my Church and all the people of this world, which the Father in Heaven created. But remember this: all people I forgive who come to Me believe and repent. I will never forsake you. Your power comes from the darkness and now I take it away, and give you a part of me. You now understand what your purpose is. I give you great power. My Spirit will guide you. However, because you have given yourself to crimes of revenge, and the murder of the innocent, you will suffer in chastisement for a time. When my enemies have all been destroyed, when not one of them has a last breath of life in them, then on that day I will release you from your curse and you will be free. Now go fulfill your destiny, my son.” The Lord put a seal of heaven on Michael’s neck, a mark to show that he was the chosen warrior. “Go now, my seraphim of light,” said Christ.
; As the Lord vanished, a great thunderclap could be heard around the entire building and flashes of steam and light emanated from Michael and he screamed as the evil spirits left his body. His faith was restored and he was free. The evil spirits left the room and descended into the ground.
Suki, Lao, and Rocko who recovered from the poisoning ran into the room to see what had happened to Michael. Michael began to glow brightly as his skin recovered its human color. His body became stronger. But he could tell he was not fully human; he still felt his fangs and sensed his eyes glowing like white neon.
“What has happened?” asked Suki.
“He has found his God and he is complete. No longer a vampire but now something else; he’s a spirit warrior,” said Lao.
“What does this mean?” asked Michael.
“It means that you can walk in the sunlight without it harming you. You will now be immune from many of your vampiric weaknesses, but be careful; it does not mean you are invincible. You are now ready. Time to fight.” Lao placed his hand on his student’s right shoulder, showing his congratulations.
At once Michael understood his transformation and knew the purpose of his life. Lao then went into his room and brought out two blades that were crafted from fine metal, a splendid saber and a perfectly balanced katana.
“These were Jubel’s when I trained him. I want you to have these; you will need them,” said Lao, bowing his head in respect. Destiny had called his student this night.
Just then Darius, Marianna, Danny, and Serena came to report to Lao what they had found; they were shocked to see Michael in his new form. Michael explained what had happened. Serena then noticed that her own body had changed just like Michael’s, for her soul had been linked to his. “What has happened to me,” Serena shrieked.
“The two become one, redemption to walk in light. The children of darkness will become children of the light, for this is what is said in the prophecy,” said Darius firmly.
“It is coming,” said Marianna, as their beings were transformed as well.
“We might just be able to win this war,” said Darius boldly.
A hellish wind blew the heavy doors of the dojo open and the group saw in the sky a massive storm of wind, snow, and red lighting descending upon the city.
“The Shirakai!” cried Marianna.
“Damn bastards, they must have followed us,” said Darius.
“Oh shit!” Serena swore as they saw the three creatures shooting down from the sky to attack. “Guys, I think we should get the fuck out of here now!” screamed Rocko with fear.
Lao looked at them all and said calmly “Leave it to me.” This upset Suki.
“But father, you’ll be killed!” said Suki with fear.
“Leave me all of you, go now!” ordered Lao. Leaping into the sky he drew his katana. Using his sage’s powers he turned his clothes into Hachiman armor in the royal colors of red and gold. Lao’s eyes turned green, drawing on his mystical energy to begin battle with the three Shirakai beings. Beams of lightning and fire blazed through the sky like a vortex appearing from another world. Lao summoned forth a chi orb and chanted, “SHAMI KARI ZA!” catapulting the orb into the sky, which blasted hurricane winds and scattered the enemies. They fell to the ground, screaming unholy screams of defeat, silenced until the next battle began. Lao sheathed his blade and then plummeted down to the ground, crushing the pavement with his feet. Then he got up and brushed off the bits of rubble stuck on his armor like it was nothing, and the armor changed back into his regular clothing. “Unbelievable!” said Danny.
“For an old guy he sure gets around,” said Darius.
“Jealous,” chuckled Lao.
“Maybe,” said Darius boldly.
“You’re safe now. Head to the Tengu Pagoda Casino and get the statue. Hurry! Before they have time to regroup,” commanded Lao. Then he disappeared in a cloud of smoke and was gone.
“Wait everyone,” said Suki, as she hurried back into the dojo, pulling a secret lever on one of the statues on the bookshelf.
“Damn!” said Darius as a multitude of combat firearms stocked with ammunition appeared in a secret compartment.
“I believe in modern warfare myself, come on!” said Suki as she tossed everyone a pistol or machine gun.
“Let me guess, you’re into gun running too,” said Michael.
“Everyone has to eat,” said Suki. The group took off in Suki’s old service van, speeding to the Tengu Pagoda Casino.
Chapter 53: Heist at Mohachi’s
Chow Ling and Kung Kung slept in the back of the van as Marianna planned how they would sneak into the casino. “Listen, does anyone have a plan on how we’re going to get up to the statue without being noticed?”
Rocko looked around the interior of the van, taking in the cardboard boxes that were stuffed into the back. “Hey what’s in the boxes?” he asked.
“Old janitor uniforms, my father also runs a cleaning service, why?” replied Suki shortly, as she was driving. An idea came to Danny’s mind and he hopped through to the back of the van, opening a box and pulling out a janitor’s jumpsuit. They all looked at the outfits and had the same idea.
“Danny! You’re a damn genius!” Serena exclaimed.
“Let’s suit up,” said Darius as he grabbed one of the uniforms. They parked the car in one of the casino’s indoor parking lots and quickly changed into their disguises. Michael prepped his guns and pulled out his saber, cleaning the blade with a handkerchief.
“Let’s go in for the kill,” said Serena.
They all checked their weapons for priming. Kung Kung panted and with Chow Ling fluttered in the air; they wanted to join their companions in the heist, but Suki petted them and shook her head, telling them to hide nearby until they were needed. The two creatures obeyed and hid behind the massive stacks of wooden crates and boxes in the maintenance storage lot. The van crept into back service parking lot as Michael and his team infiltrated the area, proceeding to the penthouse floor via one of the service elevators.
“Remember, just be natural,” said Michael, winking at his friends.
“Easy for you to say. This jumpsuit is hugging my nuts,” complained Danny.
“Keep talking and you’ll only have one,” joked Serena as she lowered her pistol to Fredricks’ crotch. “Just kidding.”
Danny was relieved.
“Really mature, Serena,” said Darius.
Swiping a couple of mops, access cards, and cleaning carts from the janitor supply room they pick locked, the crew walked through the casino floor as they heard the sounds of a busy casino. Flashing their IDs to a nearby security guard, the team was allowed access to Mohachi’s office on the top floor.
The vast room seemed deserted, with no signs of life. It was dark and little light came into the room from the windows. Marianna pulled out a flashlight from her coat pocket to search for a main light switch. The rest of them looked around the room for the statue, finding it in a display case.
“This is too easy, something doesn’t feel right,” said Danny.
“Just your imagination,” replied Serena as she found the light and turned it on. All around the room were Mohachi’s guards, armed with Uzi’s loaded and ready to shoot.
“Uh oh,” said Rocko.
“Kill all of them. Mr. Yung’s orders!” screamed one of the guards.
“We should have killed him,” said Serena under her breath. Michael unsheathed his saber, and then warped behind one of the guards, poking his back. The guard turned and saw Michael just as his blade cut straight through the guard’s head. Bullets flew around the room as Marianna and Darius avoided the shots, blasting away as the guard’s flesh and gushes of blood splattered the walls and furniture in the room. Danny and Rocko jumped over a table for cover as a guard fired from the corner of the room; Danny pulled out his sawed off shotgun and fired, blowing chunks of the wall to bits. The guard fired back and Rocko grabbed a pistol that had belonged to one of the dead guards and fired, hitting another gu
ard in the legs, taking him down. When the smoke had cleared, the room was bathed in gore with dismembered body parts on the floor in pools of blood. The team could hear footsteps approaching the room.
“Time to go,” said Michael, grabbing the Shira statue. Suddenly from out of the inner darkness a blast of wind and thick smoke enshrouded the room and time ceased. Everything was motionless, caught in a frozen block of time; the vampires saw every mortal freeze.
“What the hell!” exclaimed Darius. The shadows in the room spilt apart as a cloaked man in a silk black robe with long hair and a battle-scarred face came out of the shadows. With him was another man. “Congratulations, Damascus, you have made yourself worthy of the game,” said the man.
“Who are you!” shouted Michael.
“My name is Reynard Desbode.”
“You mean it was a test?” asked Darius.
“Yes you fool, a test to see if the children and allies of my greatest enemy could stand up to the challenges I laid out for them. Mohachi was just a pawn in the game. I, on the other hand, am the king.”
“Get on with it then,” said Michael bitterly.
“I wish to offer you all a chance for power, power beyond all the glory that this defiled world has to offer. Abandon this futile crusade of yours; join me and become gods,” Reynard Desbode offered.
“Forget it,” said Michael.
“Oh come now, Damascus; surely you don’t believe that I would let you leave here alive. If you’re notfor me then you’re against me.”
“Pity,” said Alazar Desbode chuckled wickedly as he tossed a bomb into the middle of their group. The two men disappeared into a cloud of smoke. Time was then set back in motion.
“Oh shit!” screamed Serena.
Michael and Darius grabbed the others and they smashed through the door just as the bomb exploded, and they were swept through the hall by burning fires. SWAT teams ran through the hall to intercept the intruders.
“Halt, you’re under arrest!” screamed the captain, enraged.
The Damascus Chronicles Page 23