LegionBorn_An Urban Fantasy Tale

by F. F. John

  With two fingers, I searched for his jugular but detected no pulse.

  “Come on Bode, your pale ass can’t die on me.” I put my fingers to his neck again with the same result. His closed eyes and calm expression made him look fast asleep instead of dead.

  But, I heard him speak to me not too long ago. He couldn’t be dead! An idea sparked, maybe his heartbeat is weak. Encouraged, I put an ear to his chest but didn’t sense the thumping of a heart. I then reattached the silver-tinged macula to the golden one and put my free hand under his nose. There was a surge of hope in my chest as I felt a small puff of air on my skin.

  “You’re alive!” I didn’t allow myself to dwell on the excitement as I knew more needed to happen to get him conscious. I thought back to the many spells I’d heard both he and Layla say in the brief time I’d known them. Bode had said a word in Nigeria that seemed to be in a local language. I dared not try that one as my accent may make it mean something different and potentially dangerous. Plus, he’d used the spell to banish a zwart. That’ wasn’t what I needed.

  Layla, however, had said something to help me heal after that saxum threw me into the ceiling. What was it? I squeezed my eyes tight to recall the word but didn’t need to as it came to me.

  “Confervo.”

  Bode’s eyes moved behind his lids but they didn’t open. “Hey! Wake up!” I called but his condition didn’t improve.

  I was willing a healing spell to enter my mind when a man with raven hair knelt beside him. For whatever reason, my hackles didn’t rise at the sight of him. Luckily for me, he wasn’t another monster from the pits of hell. He wore a white button-up shirt over white linen pants. He flashed a brilliant smile that made his almost-clear eyes shine. There was something else in his eyes, but I’ was too busy watching his hands to take much notice.

  The man’s fingers grazed Bode’s forehead and his eyes flew open. Purple irises darted from side to side.

  “Thank God, you’re alive!” I said and grabbed his hands.

  “How long was I out for?”

  “At least thirty minutes. I tried to wake you up but I might need a few lessons first.”

  “If you didn’t wake me, then who did?” Bode’s brows hitched.

  “It was him…” My voice disappeared as I looked for the raven-haired man. “There was a guy kneeling right here just a second ago. He touched your head and your eyes opened. I swear he was here.”

  Bode lifted himself on his elbows to take in the ensuing battle. I surveyed the area but didn’t see the man in white.

  “Hmm, I can’t read your aura anymore,” Bode said with a puzzled expression.

  I chuckled, knowing exactly why his ability was stilted. “Blame it on the maculae my father made for me.” I lifted my left hand to show him the weapon.

  “Good,” he nodded in admiration. “Caleb should have shared his plans with us. Had we known he possessed maculae I wouldn’t have been so adamant about calling in the cavalry. Excellent job getting them here, by the way.”

  “Thanks for the suggestion,” I told him.

  He collapsed back onto the floor. “Describe the man you just saw, please. The one who helped me.”

  When I was done, his eyes were wide. “Are you sure he had clear eyes?”

  “Yes,” I said then another detail comes to mind. “They were mainly clear, like water, but…” I recall an additional aspect, “there were lines of gray in his irises.”

  “Like lightning flashing in the sky?”

  “Why, yes, that’s a clever way to describe it.”

  Bode sat up with no assistance, all aches and tiredness gone. “You just saw the angel, Michael!”

  My mouth dropped. I just saw my father’s older brother and watched him bring Bode back from the brink of death. Snapping my fingers, I looked for him again and jumped to my feet.

  “Where are you going?” Bode called.

  “To find Michael.” I said.

  I separated the maculae, squared my shoulders and cut a path through the war around me.

  --XXV--

  I’D ONLY TAKEN THREE STEPS when something whizzed past my nose, making it itch. A quick glance revealed the tail end of an arrow which had landed in the back of a nearby zwart. It reached a hand to the object but never touched it before falling into a bushel of hay.

  Reeling to see where the arrow came from, I saw nothing at first until I lowered my gaze. A stout, looking ghoul hopped from foot to foot. It—my data bank lacked information on ghoul physiology—was the color of what I assumed sewers looked. It ‘smiled,’ revealing rotting fangs and an orange tongue that it drug over thin lips.

  The creature pulled another arrow from a quiver on its back, nocking it and pointed my way. I clashed my maculae against each other and their straion sang creating a mini-tremor at my feet that traveled toward my opponent leaving a fissure in the floor.

  Ooh, that’s cool.

  Arrow still drawn, the ghoul glanced at the fast-approaching crack and took a step back. I had no concerns when I rushed it, a war cry on my lips. By the time the creature looked up, there was nothing it could do to defend itself. The silver macula cut from left to right, slicing off its head. The rest of the ghoul burst into silver specks that rained down to the floor in an electric shower.

  Too cool!

  I whirled around just in time to see a saxum inches away. Without hesitation, the gold macula cut through its extended arm, which was no doubt trying to grab me. Half of the arm fell but when it drops to the ground, there wasn’t an arm there—only ash. The stone beast looked at me with bulging eyes then roared, creating a bass that rattled my very core.

  Not waiting, I ran forward and dropped to the floor, sliding on my knees with both arms stretched at my sides. I tucked my head into my chest as I passed beneath the saxum, my maculae slicing effortlessly through stone. When I came to a stop, I took a sidelong glance over my shoulder. The saxum was entrenched in a golden flame and its dying wail rang out.

  Wish I’d had these when I needed to fend off bullies.

  Several other creatures stepped into my way, but I hacked them to either silver specks or gold-tinged ash. No further netherworld creatures burst into flame until I stepped outside the stable and was confronted by another naked woman. This one smelled just as bad as the last one I’d encountered but had long, blonde waves that cascaded down her back.

  A bakeneko. It’s a Japanese feline creature. She growled as she stalked from side to side, taking the measure of me. Her eyes were black pools, no white, no iris. Her shoulders were raised, knees loose—ready to pounce—and her tail swept the grass making it shrivel.

  I needed to be careful of that tail. It would hurt if she hit me with it, but if I cut it, she’d die. A soft chuckle escaped my lips. It was nice to know exactly how to kill this creature. Thanks, Dad.

  Dad. I had an actual dad, and he’d created a weapon to keep me safe. Although one of my uncles wanted me dead, I had family who cared for me. All this time, I’d thought I was alone in this world, with nothing but Lucas and Antonio to have my back.

  Something sharp cut into my thigh and I was yanked back to reality. Her tail was hurtling away from me. Staring down at the stinging heat on my leg, I saw a red gash.

  I joined the maculae together and raced after her long tail. Once close enough, I grabbed it tight. My hand burned, and I could have sworn I smelt burning flesh, but I ignored everything to focus on what I needed to do next. The bakeneko screamed and grabbed the other end of her tail, pulling furiously and with much strength. My feet were set into the grass. I wasn’t going to budge. Her eyes bulged as she watched the maculae rise and fall on her appendage. The resulting whimper became a gnashing of teeth and she transformed into a small black cat with yellow-green eyes. Her tail turned to ash in my hands, but I never took my gaze off the scurrying feline. With a sure hand, I flung the maculae at her. It cut right through the middle of her back and she burst into flame.

  A thought came to mind when I picked u
p my weapon and shook off the bakeneko’s ashes. I placed the weapon on my injury and a cold fire covered the gash bringing the smarting pain to an abrupt end. Something white caught my attention, and I had to stand on my tip toes to see past the warriors on the field before me. Beyond them all, Michael was walking under the oak trees toward the farmhouse.

  I took off running and only had to kill two serpenti to make my way clear of the fighting. Moonlight filtered through tree branches and leaves to guide my way. I raced forward, yelling, “Michael!”

  I saw him standing over Layla who had collapsed just outside of the kitchen entrance. She woke with a start, jolting up into a seated position. Before Michael could walk away, though, she grabbed his ankle and muttered something to him. He shook his head, smiled sadly and left her.

  “Michael!”

  Layla’s sobs filled the cool night air, echoing through the leaves. As much as I wanted to know what Michael had told her, I couldn’t slow down to ask. I couldn’t even slow to check on her. I pushed on, feet speeding over the grass and my heart pumping as if to break out of my chest. I needed to talk to Michael.

  “Michael!”

  Why wasn’t he stopping? He had to have heard me. No matter how fast I ran, the angel remained the same distance away from me. Maybe I needed to call on him in some distinct way, just as I had when I summoned Legion.

  I pored through my memories, old and new, and was grateful for my time in a Catholic orphanage. Bringing myself to a halt, I took a deep breath. “Saint Michael the Archangel. Patron of the chivalrous and all who put themselves in harm’s way. I, Vaughn Prentiss, son of Acyel, wish to speak to you.”

  The man in white turned to face me. “Yes, nephew? How may I help?”

  It wasn’t until I gulped some air that I realized I’d been holding my breath, afraid that my invocation would have no effect. Closing the distance between us, I said, “Thank you so very much for bringing Layla and Bode back.”

  He nodded with a grace that reminded me of every shortcoming I’d ever had. I was cut-throat and overly competitive…

  “Carry on, child,” he interrupted my thoughts, and I gulped again. It seemed my newly-acquired mind-blocking skills didn’t work on him.

  “Please, bring this fighting to an end.” I spread my arm toward the battle we’d just left. “This carnage benefits no one. A truce between the twins, however, would allow both sides to live in reasonable peace continuing as they did for centuries before now.”

  I couldn’t imagine despising my brothers the way Lucifer and Acyel hated each other. Now that the only brother I had was Antonio, I made a silent commitment to be more tolerant of him.

  “I cannot,” Michael said with a finality.

  “Why wouldn’t you help your brothers? You helped my father stay out of trouble when Lucifer made him steal God’s fruit. Why not now?”

  I thought I saw a flash of anger in his eyes, but I wasn’t sure. Besides, given the color of his eyes, the moonlight could have been playing tricks on me. Nevertheless, the emotion passed quickly. “My only role today is to keep this,” he made a circular gesture indicting the surrounding chaos, “contained and make sure no human dies as a result. Apart from that, I will not interfere.”

  “But that’s not fair! Listen, if this thing between Lucifer and Acyel isn’t squashed now, it will result in the death of innocents. I already lost one of my best friends!”

  He put his hands on my shoulders. Looking deep into my eyes, he said, “I’m sorry about Lucas, and I know you’re wondering if I can bring him back like I did your other friends tonight. The answer is no. Lucas has already been entered into the Book of Life and welcomed to heaven. There’s no going back for him and there’s no going back for my brothers.” His gaze shifted past me to the action. “This day was going to come, no matter how long I forestalled it. All I can do is try to keep the innocent safe.”

  Lucas was in heaven? Spontaneous tears flooded down my cheeks. It was good to know Lucas wasn’t suffering. That took some of the bite out of the loss.

  My tears soon dried. I realized this fighting between my father and uncle would continue as he would not intervene. Shaking my head, I decided to try my plea once more.

  “As the patron saint of the chivalrous, can you at least intercede on the part of Legionnaires who showed up today? They did so to honor their pledge. Aren’t they worth your help?”

  His cheeks ticked up into a faint smile. “Your gift of compulsion is strong, child, but it won’t work on me.” Nothing else was said as he walked away.

  Frustration burned in my chest and I looked down at the maculae. If Michael wouldn’t help stop this war, then I would. I was going to kill Lucifer. Maybe then, the fighting would stop and the prophecy would end.

  I dashed toward to the stable and noticed the tide had turned in our favor. Many of the spawn lay unmoving on the grass. The scene was the same when I entered the barn and made my way to the frontlines where Lucifer and Acyel continued to clash. Clearly evenly matched, neither showed signs tiring. I looked for Bode and found him engaged with a serpenti. Nearby was Bazau, whose red uniform flashed in and out of focus as she moved faster than my eyes could see.

  My feet carried me swiftly to my target, and I approached him from the left. I separated my maculae into two and prepared to slice him when he jumped out of reach. His gaze quickly swept the barn, and he snapped his fingers. All around us, the remaining Lucites disappeared.

  He glared at me and then at my father. “This isn’t over, brother. Your son will die at my hands.”

  Then, he was nowhere to be seen.

  126

  --XXVI--

  THANKFULLY, ANGELS—EVEN THOSE OF the fallen variety—had means to get a perfectly-sized black suit, white shirt and black tie for me. The items arrived in time for Lucas’s funeral. I also learned that having a wealthy, fallen angel for a dad meant when I needed a car, a sleek, luxury SUV with tinted windows would be parked outside the door with keys on the driver’s seat. It made for a good look when I rolled up to Delphine’s building to pick her up.

  The service was sad. It was held in a little white church just outside of Baltimore and not too far from the orphanage. The priest droned on as did other speakers. When it was my turn to speak, my words were brief but meaningful. However, Antonio’s speech was full of sputtering and tears. I had to escort him to his seat before he broke down any further.

  The drive to the burial ground was somber and watching Lucas’s casket lowered into the ground prompted tears from my eyes. Delphine’s slender fingers threaded mine as she fished out a floral-scented handkerchief from her purse to wipe my tears away. I held onto her tightly.

  Through the corner of my eye, I noticed three people on a nearby ridge. Bode, Layla and Caleb stood stoically. I nodded at them in appreciation of their support. They returned the gesture. Less than ten minutes later, once the last bit of dirt was tossed into the grave, I noticed they had gone.

  We hung around by our cars sharing empty platitudes. However, once most of the older partners had driven off, Antonio recommended we drive to Fuji, Lucas’s favorite restaurant. It would take us almost an hour but that didn’t deter us. Those remaining packed into cars and readied for the drive to D.C.

  As we drove under the arched, metal gates of the burial ground, I mumbled, “I want the roads clear for our procession.”

  “What did you say?” Delphine asked, her eyes on the birch trees that lined the burial ground’s driveway.

  I looked down at her hand, which had been in mine for what seemed like hours and smiled. Lifting it to my lips, I plant a kiss and, “Nothing,” as I led the six cars to D.C. on traffic-free roads.

  ***

  Thank goodness Antonio called ahead because Fuji was packed when all twenty-three of us arrived. Our group consisted of junior associates, a few senior associates, their spouses, boyfriends, and girlfriends.

  We were taken to a back room that was just big enough for us and the real sendoff for Lucas b
egan.

  Shots of sake disappeared. Bottles of Asahi and Sapporo Nama beer clinked into each other. This was what Lucas would have liked. For the sake of the partners and clients who attended his funeral, however, we had to honor him in the most traditional sense.

  Still, I felt so much better here with Delphine by my side knocking back drinks as we swapped stories of the great and ridiculous things Lucas had done during his time.

  “Let me order you a hot plate of food,” she said into my ear. “The sushi won’t soak up all the alcohol.” Her tickling breath distracted me from the conversation I was listening to and I angled my face to meet her chocolate-brown eyes.

  “Sure,” I said. Just then, the room’s door opened and I looked out into the larger restaurant. My eyes fell on Davo Stern who glared at me with deep eyes that promised pain and suffering. Seconds seemed to turn to minutes as we stared at each other. Before the door closed, he dipped his chin.

  “Hey, you okay? Vaughn?” she asked, and I snapped back to the present. “You had a dazed look on your face for a moment there.” She pulled me in for a hug. “I know this is a tough time even though you’re being a good sport but if you want to go, we can leave right now. I’ll take you somewhere quiet. It’s my favorite spot in the city and might be good for you.”

  I offered her a small smile. The door swung open once more, but this time Lucifer was nowhere to be seen. Returning my attention to Delphine, I said, “I’m all right. Thanks, though. Maybe next time?”