by Jason Wilcox
Matt scowled and finished writing. You have a T-13 in. Be careful how you respond to me; they will hear. I researched and found where the email came from. Steven isn’t who Robert says he is.
“Robert’s already mentioned something about that. I’m sure he’ll fill me in more.” There were a number of questions Caden wanted to ask, but he also knew it wasn’t the right time. Matt often went through many back channel ways to get information, and if Robert found out, Matt would be gone. It was time to get Matt to take orders for once without argument. There was no telling if the conversation thus far had been heard, and if it had, Matt was walking on thin ice. “Now, let’s inject this stupid thing and head to the lab so we can go into Dead Time. We don’t have anything to hide, and I can’t afford to have you locked up right now,” Caden said as he looked back towards the door to make sure it was still shut.
“Lock me up.”
Caden looked back to him. He could feel the sweat build on his forehead and heat burn in his cheeks. “Matt, you are an integral part of this team. We need you. Come on.” Matt’s only response was an unwavering stare. “I’m ordering you to let me inject it,” Caden demanded while he reached into his pocket for the gun. “You have to be compliant.”
“Not a fat ch…” Matt stopped as three men entered the room, two of them with guns pointed at Matt. All had on black guard uniforms. With a smile, Matt looked at Caden. “You should’ve listened to me.”
Moving in front of Matt, Caden put his arms up. “He’s going to take the injection. Let me handle this.”
“Sorry, sir. Orders from Robert. We have to take him.” The men moved right past Caden. He didn’t put up a fight, even though everything inside of him wanted to take action. Clicking from the cuffs proved they were on. Matt was going willingly. As they walked out of the room, Matt gave one last glance back to Caden.
‘We’ll talk later,’ Matt mouthed.
Caden’s gut turned over. He wasn’t sure if they truly would get a chance to talk later. With the T-13 in, everything was going to change for a while. Silence dominated the room. An emptiness filled Caden’s heart. Why couldn’t you just let go for once and take the stupid injection? With a hollow thud, Caden kicked the bed. Time to talk to Robert.
The walk to the lab was a blur as anger clawed at Caden’s chest. Huge machines of all shapes, sizes, and colors lined the walls. Most of them were familiar to Caden. There were a couple of new items here and there, not enough to catch his interest. He was intent on looking for Robert.
A scientist was working on a large computer next to Caden as he walked in the lab. His shoes clomped on the hard concrete floor, echoing in the expansive room. “Brogan, where’s Robert?”
“Huh?” Brogan quickly looked up. Huge black bags hung under his eyes. “Oh, it’s you. Robert? Bain, Robert, and Allen are in the first office on the left wall,” he responded pointing to his left.
After a hard knock, Robert opened the door. “What!” He looked at Caden and smiled. “Oh, Caden, come on in. Just the man we needed.” Bain and Allen sat at a large wooden conference table. A gun sat in front of Allen with gold Dead Time suit material wrapped around it. “Have a seat. We were just about to brief Bain on what’s going on.” Robert walked back over and sat down next to Allen. Caden followed, sitting next to Bain.
With a nod, Robert signaled Allen to begin. Clearing his voice with a growl, Allen complied, “I’ll start by explaining the gun.” He lifted it up. The Dead Time material glistened. “We’re trying to see if we can get you guys a working gun since we now have enemies with Dead Time technology.”
Caden’s eyes narrowed and his fist clenched involuntarily. Robert and Allen had taken over his whole project.
Bain leaned in to look at the gun closer. “So, is that the big secret that needs to be kept confidential?”
“No, there’s more,” Allen said. “We’re going to replace the suits. We have something that we think will make you far more effective in Dead Time. We actually thought of the concept while we were working on this gun.”
After looking in Robert’s direction, Allen went on. “Robert asked why the metal of the gun can’t work like a Dead Time material. I explained that it wouldn’t work, because it isn’t like a circuit board or human body that can carry an electrical signal.” Bain raised an eyebrow as Allen continued. “Well, we had an epiphany. We’re going to develop the technology to run through the human body, so you won’t have to have a suit.”
Caden shifted in his seat and rubbed his hands together. How could they keep working on this behind my back? This is my project. He took a deep but silent breath.
In his deep voice, Robert added to what Allen was saying. “As you both know, we’ve already developed the technology to make some of the equipment compatible with the body. So, as you can imagine, all we have to do is reprogram the actual Dead Time receiver to respond to the body.”
“When do you think you’ll have this ready?” Bain asked while leaning forward.
Allen sat back in his chair. “The longest? Two days. However, we hope to get it done today. That is if Caden’s willing to help us. We did a couple of tests already, but we can show you that after your next Dead Time run. To start the actual process to make it work with a human body will be the tricky part to figure out.”
Tension eased out of Caden’s shoulders. That’s more like it. It was about time they bring me into my project.
“About going into Dead Time,” Robert eased the gun out of Allen’s hands. “Part of the reason I’m sending you in is to test the guns. But it has to stay confidential, even from your men, because we still don’t know who the spies are.” With a stern look, he glanced over at Caden.
At some point, before we go into Dead Time, I have to figure out how to pull you aside. I have some questions for you, Robert. Caden eyed Robert.
“I’m liking that idea,” Bain said with a smile. “It’s about time we get to shoot a gun.”
“We believe there are going to be complications with the gun, though,” Allen explained. “I personally don’t think the bullet will go very far once it penetrates the gun’s suit material. We’re not even sure it’s going to fly straight.”
“Sounds like fun,” Bain joked.
Noticing the clock, Caden spoke up, “Robert, did you notice the time?”
“Oh, shoot, we need to get out there.” Robert turned to Allen. “Put the guns where we discussed earlier. Let’s head out gentlemen.” The chairs squeaked across the hard floor as they all stood up. Allen put the guns in his white lab coat and was the first to get out the door with Bain following him.
Moving quickly, Caden grabbed Robert’s arm. His silk blue shirt slid in his fingers. “Hey, really quick. About Matt.”
“I wondered if you were going to bring that up. I’ll admit I was surprised you didn’t say something when you first came in here.”
“You know he’s just being Matt, right? He’s not one of your spies.”
“He wouldn’t accept the injection, so I’ll hold him for now. When I get around to questioning him, I’ll let you be there.” Robert put his hand on Caden’s shoulder. “Fair enough?”
“I’m okay with that.” Caden smiled in return. That’s all I needed to hear. “Oh, and about Steven.”
“Leave it alone.” He moved past Caden going out the door.
CHAPTER 12
Azgiel held his leg as he sat on the hard ground. They were surrounded by a black six-foot circular diameter, burnt from their arrival. A small fire crackled and popped in a large tree close to them. With a thud, Kaz snuffed it out with his large hands. Reaching to his side, he put the small obsidian ball into a pouch.
Crack! Realizing the witch wasn’t around to do it for him, Azgiel healed his leg. “Oh, that feels better.” He chuckled as he spoke. “I forgot how painful it is to have a body.” Pushing himself up with his hands, he stood. “So, where did you land us?”
“We’re about a five minute walk from our forest. We have to m
ove slowly through here. There are dark souls patrolling the borders. It’s partly why we couldn’t just zap back into the Witch’s lands.” Kaz’s deep voice was kept at a whisper.
“Dark souls?” He tried to remember if he ever learned of such a creature, but he couldn’t recollect.
“Do you remember the creatures we were capturing the last couple of months you were here, at the end of the war? I was told you had caught one the night before Mauldrin locked you in the cell of time. The nasty black thing that told you Triaad had betrayed you?” Kaz wasn’t looking at Azgiel while he spoke. He peered through the brush on high alert.
“Ah, yes, how could I forget? I even remember his name. Tagen, I believe. How did you hear about what happened that night? You were back at the kingdom protecting my wife,” Azgiel responded while crunching through the charcoaled grass, moving closer to Kaz.
“Yes, sir, I was protecting her. However, unbeknownst to you, Triaad started a revolt against you while you were gone. He used those nasty black creatures to manipulate all the humans. He came for your wife, to kill her. His power was far greater than I believe you would’ve anticipated. Us demons, the trolls, and some others tried to fight back, but it was in vain. We had to retreat and regroup here on this planet. We started a war against him once we had gathered everyone we could back together. It lasted for many years and ended with a standoff, where the Witch created defenses that Triaad couldn’t get through. We became imprisoned here. Unfortunately, many were killed and there are only a small number of us left. We hide in these trees. His cowardly dark souls are too scared to come in after us, so it stays as our refuge. Mauldrin and the other kings left here and were oblivious to our small war.” The large red demon stood. His muscles rippled as he shook. He scanned the area one last time to make sure the coast was clear. “Let’s go.”
Moving quickly, they both bolted, Kaz leading. Azgiel ran faster than a normal human, but he had to in order to keep up with Kaz. Leaves from bushes slapped Azgiel in the legs and arms. A strange high-pitched scream rang out, catching him off guard. They both looked around. Azgiel saw him first. A dark figure with strange red eyes stood in front of a large tree. The creature let out another scream, and movement could be heard all around them.
“Keep moving!” Kaz barked, no longer whispering. They moved quickly. After passing around a large boulder, Azgiel could see an edge of a thicker forest. It was darker, and it had the Witch written all over it.
A sharp pain drove into Azgiel’s back and shoulder as something jumped on him, knocking him to the ground. He reached back and grabbed oily skin, pulling off the creature that was attacking him. Its teeth tore at his flesh, leaving a strange sensation that something was burning into his body like acid. Using brute force, he squeezed the creature’s neck, holding the dark soul out in front of him. Claws sprung out, slashing at Azgiel’s arm. Blackness filled the wounds, but instead of letting go, he tightened his grip.
Screaming, the creature went from black to translucent and back to black. Dark souls stood off in the distance, watching. Azgiel knew they were surprised and waiting to see what was going to happen. He tilted his head a little and smiled. Black liquid from the wounds dripped off his arms, tickling as it rolled across his arm hair. Energy flowed to all of his cuts from an internal surge of power, and they quickly healed.
Another dark soul appeared next to Kaz and jumped on him, clawing at his body and biting into his shoulder. Kaz smashed the dark soul into a nearby tree, knocking him off. Quickly drawing his sword, Kaz sliced the creature in half. The two torso pieces melted away into an oily puddle, leaving a black rubbery skeleton.
Going limp, the dark soul in Azgiel’s hands gave up, though keeping up a growl. His dark red eyes stared at Azgiel. “Who are you?” It hissed, choking as it tried to speak.
“Just a simple man.” He could see the fear in the creature’s eyes. It was the same fear he saw in the other surrounding dark souls, who watched his every move.
“A man couldn’t…” The dark soul tried to swallow. “Keep me held.”
“This one can.” As Azgiel spoke, he drew from the power within that was slowly coming back. Smoke wafted out from where his hand touched the oily skin. Another scream rang out from the creature as it began savagely clawing and biting Azgiel. Each wound healing after every attack.
“You’re not so tough.” Azgiel smiled. The dark soul exploded into dust and blew across the undergrowth. A couple of dark souls hissed as they departed, but none of them was willing to continue the attack.
With a shiver that went up Azgiel’s body, he looked at Kaz who towered over him. “Oh, it feels good to be back.” The excitement of killing something ran through his veins. He salivated and his muscles flexed. So much power. I’ve missed this.
“I’m worried they’re only regrouping. We need to move,” Kaz spoke while looking around. His heavy footsteps landed with a thud on the forest floor.
“Lead the way, my faithful friend. As much as I would love another good fight, we needn’t waste time when there is so much to do.” Azgiel patted Kaz on his thick red arm, feeling the leathery hard skin. After a quick snort, they made their way into the gloomy forest.
The air grew thicker as they entered, and the sounds changed around them. There were no longer birds singing or frogs croaking in the distance. The place was devoid of the sounds of life.
“From here we can transport in. We’re past the Witch’s barriers that would stop us.” Kaz grabbed Azgiel’s arm and pulled out the obsidian. The ball of light lit up around them, and after a quick zap, they were transported to a very dark part of the woods. There was no undergrowth and the trees blotted out the sun entirely.
A bright glow illuminated the area around them. Azgiel could feel his rough skin wrinkle as he smiled. “Maselda.”
“It’s been a long time since I’ve heard that name,” the Witch responded as her bare feet stepped on the barren ground, slowly circling Azgiel. Her dark blue eyes looked him up and down, analyzing his new body. “Is it really you, Azgiel?”
“My lady,” Kaz spoke. Maselda looked up, and Kaz threw her the obsidian.
Maselda gave a smile to Kaz and began to circle to Azgiel’s right. Before she could get behind him, he reached out, grabbing her slender arm feeling the soft dress smooth under his rough fingers. He pulled her in, pressing his lips against hers. Pushing her body into him, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and kissed him back. Kaz shifted his weight and accidentally brushed against a tree. They pulled back and Azgiel looked up at his uncomfortable servant and then back to the Witch. “Tonight.” He raised an eyebrow.
“It’s nice to have you back, my husband.” She smiled, her white skin was young and smooth, belying her years.
“It’s nice to be back.” He looked around. There was nothing in the blackness that surrounded them. “Where is everyone? Why are you here in a forest, not in the kingdom? Was Mauldrin behind any of this?”
“No. It was Triaad. He betrayed us,” she answered, her eyes looked away from Azgiel.
“How?” Azgiel looked briefly at Kaz, remembering his earlier words about Triaad.
“After you were locked up, we looked into the report about Triaad destroying your reinforcements. What we found was a fight. Triaad was ready for us and tried to kill all of us when we showed up at the castle. We fought for almost a year trying to take back your kingdom, but he had grown too powerful with an army of dark souls that grew daily.” Sorrow showed in her eyes. Azgiel assumed it was for all those that had fallen. “Needless to say, we retreated to here, where we’ve been able to keep him and his filthy creatures out for thousands of years, using tricks you taught me.” She winked.
“Dark souls. What are these dark souls anyway?” He shifted and looked at Kaz as well, desiring one of them to answer.
“A perversion of nature,” Kaz grumbled and tightened his fists.
“Triaad stumbled onto some powerful…dark matter, I believe he calls it. The stuff alters humans
into those creatures. They’re fierce and powerful.” The Witch’s sweet, intoxicating voice was magical and filled Azgiel with a peace he hadn’t felt in a long time. He had truly missed her. Her beauty, a true work of perfection, captivated his mind.
“Focus, Az,” the Witch whispered while brushing her soft hand across his cheek. “Like I was saying, Triaad keeps an army of them here. Some of them patrol our border continuously. Others are out doing missions for Triaad, tempting and manipulating the unaware humans. However, we don’t know what they’re manipulating the people to do. And lastly, there are an unknown number of the creatures in a cave where they guard the gate to control who comes and goes.”
“We’ll have to hit them first, before they come into these woods.” Azgiel once again looked at the dark empty woods around him. “Now tell me, are there others?”
The Witch smiled and looked up at Kaz. “Get everyone assembled. Let’s give Azgiel a chance to say hello.”
“As you wish.” The large demon turned and vanished. Azgiel saw the opportunity and drew close to his wife, pulling her into him. She smiled and her glow seemed to brighten the darkness around them.
An hour passed before Kaz returned. “They’re ready and excited, Your Highness.” Kaz tilted his head as he spoke, peering down at the two of them lying on the ground holding each other. Azgiel ran his fingers up and down the Witch’s soft silky dress. The fabric seemed alive as he touched it, flowing under his fingertips. He kissed her forehead one last time and stood. After brushing off a little dirt, he held a hand out and helped his wife off the ground.
“Let’s not keep them waiting.” Before Azgiel could fully get ready to go, Kaz grabbed both of them, and they were carried away to a small hill at the edge of the thick forest that led to a valley encircled by the Witch’s magic. The morning light glowed in the sky with light red hues popping over the treetops. Azgiel was awed by the sight, it had been too long.
The Witch walked up the small hill first to address those who had been following her for so many years. “Azgiel has returned.” The crowed screamed with excitement. Azgiel couldn’t see the masses yet because the hill blocked the view. “Once again, brothers and sisters, we will begin our path to victory. We’ll no longer be captive in these woods. He’ll lead us out to destroy our enemies.” The crowd cheered with pleasure. War horns and banging filled Azgiel’s ears, he could feel the excitement.