“Do you follow me, Cordelia?” Thaddeus asked, and now everyone stared at me. I nodded absentmindedly. I was following every word, and as he continued the words created a world of gloom and evil that I once thought were just myths. I didn’t want any part of it.
“Hades rules the dead with the assistance of various demonic creatures such as Charon the ferry man who escorts you across the river Styx, and his hound Cerberus that guards the adamantine gates to Hades’ kingdom beneath the earth. The Underworld also known as the Land of Shadows is a place resembling the fires off hell. Hades’ realm and abode for the dead, where death is just the beginning, is where the exiled gods, demigods, and the most malevolent mortals are sent. Some return as the undead. They are monsters to the mortals who have been unfortunate to witness them, but to us they are just dead souls that have taken the shape of shadows by the day and blood hunters by night.”
Hearing long tales about Nickel City's past was common for kids during Halloween. The stories included fatal attacks at every full moon by werewolves, vicious assaults by large felines, and monstrous fanged beings that preyed on the town’s people in the wee hours of the night. But never in my wildest dreams would I have thought any of it was true. Yet still, even after listening to Thaddeus’ narrative and remembering my recurring dream, I still found it difficult to believe that these creatures existed. I tried to digest this shocking information as best as I could. I should be able to believe anything at this point since I was killed and am alive again. Seeing Evan and Bethany and Nikolas in action was also a testament.
“Your parents don’t belong in the Underworld, but have been gifted to Hades as payment for more power.” Thaddeus said, angrily. “The Apolluon have trackers who only search for the Ischeros. They leave the Land of Shadows every day to track us. They are the shadows in the day. Hades has always been desirous of Zeus’ power, and his greed has made our empire a direct target for destruction once again.” Thaddeus said, eyeing me carefully as he continued. He didn’t have to worry because I hung on every word. The information was terrifying as it was gripping.
“I don’t think that I fully understand what you mean by the shadows in the day.” I asked.
“The Apolluon are the shadows you see cast on everything. They lie dormant until they witness displays of power. Once they do, they rise up off of the surfaces they shaded and attack.”
A flash back of Victor in town, with the shadows moving behind him, and the shadow I saw on the night of the storm, sent icy chills up and down my back. I understood why the shadows – the Apolluon went after Victor, since he had displayed power, but I didn’t get why they had come after me when I was only running for the bus. I didn’t care much for shadows, especially the monstrous kind, but I sure am glad they showed up for Victor when they had. If what Thaddeus explained was true, then we were surrounded by Hades’ evil, every day.
“Under Hades’ command, the Apolluon have been patiently nicking away at our once sizable empire for centuries. Waiting for the right moment to destroy what they cannot possess.” Thaddeus said, with a sneer as if he dared the Apolluon to try.
“The Apolluon are threatened by us although they have always outnumbered us. Our superior power has only enraged Hades, and fuels his desire to completely annihilate the families. The gods will not interfere. They know that we have the key to our ultimate survival.”
Thaddeus smiled at me knowingly. He didn’t have to say it. I knew what was meant by the cunning way he smiled. I was the key. Thaddeus got comfortable in his chair, lit another cigar, and puffed a few perfect rings up to the ceiling before he continued.
“While the Apolluon track us, they also hunt for what they no longer have… the blood of the living which strengthens them. They roam the earth at night quite ravenous to fulfill their unquenchable thirst.” I was so numb with shock.
“Vampire’s really exist?” I asked in a whisper.
“All creatures are created by the gods, and Hades has contributed in an ominous way. Vampires are what they are called by the mortals, but as I stated, they are just the undead souls controlled by Hades.”
“Can they hurt us as shadows?” I asked.
“They are more of a threat to us as shadows than as hunters at twilight. As shadows they will render an Ischero powerless, and ultimately we’ll be defenseless. As the walking undead, they are powerful in strength once they have feed, and can put up quite a battle. Yet they won’t drink our blood which is poisonous to them. A long time ago, many Ischeros perished at the hands of an Apolluon vampire, until now. Now we have an abundance of silver and they are aware of that fact. They’ve employed shifters of the Lykanos kind; the wolf. But unfortunately the Lykanos are also susceptible to silver, therefore not really heightening the Apolluon’s defenses.” Thaddeus said, pausing for a brief moment. It allowed terrifying thoughts to clog my head.
“After over a hundred years of evading them, they have become aware of us in the west.” The dude was scaring me, but I nodded and kept my mouth shut. I understood but was shocked at what I was listening to. I wanted out of this family, this empire, everything. However, I knew the chances of leaving was nonexistent, so I had to have a full understanding of my existence, my purpose, and of those who surrounded me – those who make up this ancient empire. I especially needed to know everything about the evil beings who wanted to destroy it.
“Is there anyone that can defeat Hades?” I asked. Thaddeus cleared his throat but said nothing for a moment. The room remained quiet as he appeared to be thinking of a response. I guess it was the million dollar question.
“I believe that person is you, Cordelia. Why else would Zeus give you the power of his bolt? You are the only descendant to ever possess such a gift from Zeus, who is the only being that can rid the world of Hades, but won’t.”
“Father, you don’t know that. You have no idea why Zeus had granted her that gift.” Evan said with an edge to his voice. He was definitely challenging his father.
Thaddeus ignored Evan’s interruption.
“There has never been another Ischeros to possess the magnitude of power that you possess, Cordelia. Do you follow me, dear?” Thaddeus asked me in an authoritative yet endearing tone. I nodded without allowing my eyes to meet his.
“Very good. Then I shall continue.” Thaddeus said sternly, and then threw Evan a withering look, which was my first glimpse of the dynamics of their relationship.
I braced myself for whatever else Evan’s dad had in store. I had a wrenching feeling that it was only going to get more complicated.
“The Apolluon can sense us as we can sense them.” Thaddeus said. “As long as we don’t allow any displays of power in public, then we are potentially safe from attracting unwanted attention from them.”
I had to interrupt. I had to know. “What about displays of power in private, like in the house and behind closed doors?” Everyone looked up at me because they knew exactly where I was going with my question. They all had shown off their powers; they all had done it not just once but several times, but indoors.
Evan cleared his throat and answered me. “The Apolluon are rendered powerless in our dwellings. They dissipate upon trying to enter.”
Before I had a chance to comment or ask another question, Bethany added “In any case we still limit the amount of power that we use in our homes. As father said, we don’t want any unnecessary attention from our neighbors as well.” Thaddeus smiled at his daughter who in turn seemed to bask in her father’s adoration.
“So how do we get rid of the Apolluon?” I asked wanting to hear a solution to the growing problem. Thaddeus jumped on it.
“Over time, the families have survived the mounting evil of the resilient Apolluon due to a sacred vow to honor a creed, an oath if you will, to stay true to our light; each families individual deity – the giver of such gifts. We vow only to use our powers to protect, and as a defense when there is no other choice.” Thaddeus paused. “At the chance of a sighting by these creatures, th
ey will seize a deity, render them powerless and take you to the gates of the underworld where you will be eagerly greeted by Cerberus.”
“Hades’ hound.” I acknowledged, as Thaddeus smiled.
“The creature will only allow you to enter but never leave. You are the only deity with immunity to them.” The long winded Thaddeus barely stopped to breathe.
“Them?”
“All of them, even Cerberus…possibly Hades himself.” There was some friction around the table as Thaddeus said this.
“It’s your purpose. You are here to save us from the evil that has persecuted us for centuries.” Thaddeus said, making it almost sound as a challenge. But you must remember something, perhaps it’s just one thing.”
“What?’ I asked anxiously.
“Only you know.”
Ten
The Iptians
My head hurt as I tried to figure out what Thaddeus claimed that only I knew. Whatever it was must have been left behind in the future, because I had absolutely no clue what it could be. I had to wonder if the man was just messing with me. Something had me believing that he wasn’t. He didn’t seem to take our existence and safety lightly.
“You must search within yourself for the answer. The fallen son is becoming restless. He will not stop until he kills you.” Thaddeus said, and I felt my stomach drop. I adjusted myself in my chair, trying not to appear sick.
“He won’t get the chance.” Evan vowed.
“I second that, brother.” Nikolas raised his partially filled glass as Bethany eyed it cautiously. I wasn’t sure if she was concerned with the gallon of wine Nikolas had already burped up this evening, or the chances of him accidently spilling it on her dress. Either way she kept her eyes fixed on the sparkling crystal.
“Yes well, we all hope that he doesn’t get the opportunity.” The unforgettable words Evan yelled when he rocketed out of my room earlier rang in my head:
“I WILL NOT REST UNTIL I KILL THE COWARDICE SON OF IPTIAN!”
“Why does Victor, that’s who you’re referring to right?”
“Yes, my child.” Thaddeus answered.
“Why is he the fallen son?” I asked, as Thaddeus took a few brief moments before answering.
“As I’ve told you, we use our strengths only when necessary, and when it can’t be detected, although over time, several of our members have been obsessed with power. One family, former members of our pantheon, the Iptian family in particular, was consumed by greed. They are descendants of Ares, the god of war, the true figure behind every form of violence. Murder has always been his proclivity as is his descendants. The Iptians had broken the rules and used their powers to gain status and ultimate control.” Thaddeus spoke evenly.
Everyone appeared to be paying very close attention to him, even though they already understood; they seemed to hang onto his every word. But I knew they secretly watched me, waiting to witness my reaction. Actually, I was enthralled, and scared out of my mind. I had been waiting to hear about Victor this whole time. I wanted to know about his family. More than anything, I wanted to know why he was banished.
“Is he half bull and half man?” I still couldn’t believe what I had seen in the mirage.
“No, that would be the Minotaur, the evil beast who feeds on human flesh” Thaddeus chuckled to himself. I remembered the awful story of the Minotaur. He was imprisoned in a labyrinth built just for him, due to the shame his parents felt for having a beast for a child. I guess you couldn’t blame his parents after their offspring fed on their friends and relatives. That story is one of the points in the quiz I was scheduled to take on…how quickly I’d forgotten where I am.
“No, Victor is all man, well boy.” Thaddeus chuckled again at his own little joke. Nikolas and Bethany snickered along with him. Evan’s face stayed expressionless. “Victor can shift into any animal, but prefers the bull as does Ares, his ancestor.” Thaddeus continued. Thaddeus’ eyes looked inclement as if a tempest was brewing behind them. He was a descendant of Poseidon, who was known to have an ever changing temperament like the weather. I bet his tsunami was more powerful than the seismic waves I had just witnessed compliments of my dream warrior here; I threw a look at Evan, who didn’t see it. He sat beside me, and looked to be somewhere other than at this table.
Thaddeus’ voice stole my attention from Evan. “The Iptian family became weak with their lust for power. They’ve always had an appetite for it, and began murdering the other members so that they could reign in power, and have supreme control. I must admit that the desire for so much can be appealing, why even tempting.” Thaddeus shocked me by his admission of craving power. “Yet it is ultimately destructive, and will always end in evil exploits that cannot be reversed, and will indeed bring on attacks from the Apolluon, as it has for years.” Thaddeus paused, but only for a moment.
The story of Victor’s family sounded a bit biased, but I had no choice but to believe it after seeing Victor up close and personal. I don’t think I could ever forget the vehemence in his eyes.
“Victor’s ancestors, live in Victor. He thrives off of avenging them. He has proven to stop at nothing, and has grown in power that only you can exceed, Cordelia.” Thaddeus paused and cleared his throat, gently running his fingers through his graying goatee. My approval to continue was suddenly needed, so with a short nod, I granted it, even though I had a feeling that my nod might have been interpreted as an acceptance to the duty of getting rid of Victor.
“Your parents lived to protect you. It’s not only because you were their daughter. They were great contributors to our kind. They knew with your survival we would all survive any attack from the Apolluon. They understood your purpose. They realized that you are our life source.”
Life source?
“Does that mean that I can give life or does it mean that if I die, then you all die?” I asked, as I played unconsciously with my napkin.
“Both” They all four answered simultaneously.
“Oh…” I uttered. I knew that they all had detected the quiver in my voice.
“Victor is aware of this as well.” Nikolas added.
Great, I thought. That just makes me all the more popular. I needed something to calm my erratic nerves so I grabbed my nearly full glass of red wine. I gulp it in three swallows. My hand trembled as I placed the wine glass back onto the table. They all tried not to stare at me. They knew that I was on the verge of freaking out. The room was quiet for a moment – too quiet. For once I actually wanted to hear Thaddeus’ voice break up the awkward pause. I could hear the warm breeze waft into the dining room from the large windows behind us. I closed my eyes, and said a prayer that when I opened them again that I would be back home – in the future, in my bedroom listening to my IPod. A second or two more…
I lifted my eyelids very slowly as if they weighed a hundred pounds between them. So much for powers, I thought. Nikolas gave me an odd look and gestured for me to hand him my wine glass, so that he could replenish it with the bitter wine. I shook my head telling him no. He smiled and filled his own then Bethany’s. I fixed my eyes on Evan. He winked at me. I guess his mind was back in this room again, and not far off somewhere, brooding.
Thaddeus cleared his throat once again. “Everyone expected that Victor had perished along with his family. You see, no one, no Ischero knew of Victor's existence. Therefore, we were unprepared. His family may have failed to educate him about the Apolluon, since their banishment took place when he was at a very young age but his family made him quite aware of your importance.”
“I believe that he does know about the Apolluon?” I said.
“Tell me why.” Thaddeus demanded obviously intrigued.
“When Victor tried to attack me after I was killed in the car accident, the shadows, The Apolluon, crept up and stood over him. They took the shape of monsters. The expression on Victor’s face became fearful. Almost as quickly as the shadows showed up, Victor grew wings, and flew into the sky and disappeared.” I had everyone’s at
tention with my little interjection.
“Appalling!” Thaddeus exclaimed. “It only proves how callous Victor really is. He knows what the Apolluon are capable of, and yet he doesn’t give a damn as to those creatures becoming aware of our location. They can devour him as well. Hades works alone. Hades protects no one. We are, once again, in grave danger as we were when his family was alive.” He stopped long enough to glare at Evan. Evan didn’t miss a beat and glared right back at his father. Then Thaddeus stood up and began pacing the floor surrounding the dining table.
“Victor has been busy since his unexpected arrival in Nickel City,” Thaddeus said. “He has built an army, although small now but steadily growing.
His disciples, as he calls them; I prefer gang of bandits and murderers, have been gifted with secondary power through him. They are powerful as long as he is. They make him stronger by number, yet weaker alone. He needs our power, a higher commanding family’s power, in order to rebuild the strength he has lost in building his legion.” Thaddeus practically growled with indignation. His tone sounded as if a small monster had been aroused somewhere deep in his chest.
“Since Victor’s arrival in Nickel City, he has declared himself emperor and is stronger than he has ever been. You see Cordelia, there has been quite a bit of bloodshed while you’ve been… away. We've tried to keep him at bay, but they have followed his trail. The death toll has risen considerably and it is time to liberate this town, the world of his evil. With more bloodshed, he will draw the Apolluon, and they will begin a war that will not end.
They will kill Ischeros as well as mortals. We know that the Apolluon are near because of the attacks that have left the mortals baffled and in fear.”
“Do the town’s people believe that there are vampires? I mean monsters in Nickel City?”
“Seeing has been deemed proof enough, my child. They’re discovering ravaged, blood drained corpses allover our forests, and our neighboring town, Bedwyn City. Some bodies have been discarded further than the Bergnum Railroad can take these mortals. All found with punctured necks and limbs. It can be none other than The Apolluon vampires.” Thaddeus said.
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