by Rach Elle
Cooper Vanderburen
She is the owner of the Vanderburen Castle in London, England
Zeff Crystol
The mysterious, scarred shifter
Bawli Mandeen
“Bawls” for short; the heavy shifter without a Responsibility. He has dreams and premonitions of those about to enter his life; particularly about a redhead whom he believes is his Responsibility – and a very dangerous shifter prominent in paintings by Arav Dave
Limrids
Tauggle
Once claimed by Awilda Rose; he has since been set free and now has the ability to use his powers as he sees fit
Gargoyles
BeStone Soltan
The Egyptian leader of a clan of permanent shifters – forever gargoyles
Parag
Second in command to BeStone
Viattrice and Amelie
Female gargoyles and BeStone’s lovers
Augmen and Cypro
Canadian brothers and newest members of the elite clan
Humans
Elizabeth Tucker
Elderly woman; she is Kingsley’s lover and Junior’s Responsibility
Sunders Harper
A Finder within the Dark Angel Alliance; he has at long last discovered the gargoyles
Rula Jones
Once a Protector, Rue has since joined the Finders for reasons she has yet to reveal
Bill Maines
Sunders’ superior in the Dark Angel Alliance
Chase and Wade
The two Irish Protectors that attacked Awilda, Junior and Kingsley in the park in London
Madge and Corey
Sunders’ subordinates
Marvin
Resident physician of the Finders division and Madge’s brother
Roderick
A Finder within the Dark Angel Alliance; he has been tasked with researching the explosion at a DAA facility in the United States
Dr. Simon Crispin PhD
Awilda’s therapist after her grandfather tried to kill her. He later became a resident doctor at the Bain Asylum where she spent the next five years of her life.
Alvin Cordrey
Cooper’s Responsibility
Mason Landers
Zeff’s Responsibility
Awilda Rose
A young woman that committed herself into a mental hospital five years ago due to debilitating paranoia and nightmares – she has discovered that she is the prophesized destroyer of the human race and will one day kill us all.
Glossary
Arav Dave – A sixteenth century artist that both wrote and painted accounts of the Ultimate War and its major players.
Creators – The division of the DAA responsible for conducting experiments on humans. Their belief is that if they can realize supernatural properties in the average, then they can realize average properties in the supernatural. The existence of this division is unknown even to the other factions within the DAA due to their controversial ethics.
Dark Angel Alliance – An underground group funded by unknown wealthy elite. They are committed to the discovery and possible co-existence of supernatural creatures.
David the First – He was the first gargoyle to drop to his knees and pray for forgiveness as well as the strength to revolt against the devil during the Ultimate War.
Finders – The Finder division of the DAA are masked by a company known as United Financial based in London, England.
Limrid – The gargoyles that chose not to revolt against Satan and join God. Once the battle was lost they were banned from Hell and stripped of all dark powers. They are immortal and will remain weak and useless until claimed by a human. Only then would they regain their strength and have the chance to learn humility; thus earning their place in Heaven.
Protectors – The division of the DAA dedicated to capturing supernatural creatures before measuring their threat level to the human race. They are broken up into small factions located all over the globe.
Responsibility – The one person a shifter is destined to protect at all costs. Once they pass, their shifter resumes aging and loses all ability to shift.
Shifters – Humans that have the ability to shift into gargoyles. They stop aging and remain suspended in time until their Responsibility dies.
The Cowardly Imp – Written by Arav Dave, the piece explains the properties of Limrids; specifically the idea that whoever kills a Limrid will be dragged into Hell alongside the creature.
The Ultimate War – A literary piece written by Arav Dave; it chronicles the details of the war between Heaven and Hell. The piece explains the origins of gargoyles and Limrids.
For my non English/Scottish mates:
A penny- Go to the bathroom
Ace – Awesome
Barmey - Crazy
Beastly - Ugly
Bender – Getting drunk
Bob’s your uncle – That’s it
Bonnie - Beautiful
Box - Television
Chivvy - Hurry
Codswallop – Hog wash; bologna
Crackin’ – Extremely good
Cuppa - Coffee
Daft - Stupid
Horses for courses
Huddy- Idiot
Knees up – Party; to-do
Loo - Bathroom
Nicked - Stole
Nowt - Nothing
Off license – Liquor store
Off your trolley – Out of your mind
Pissed - Drunk
Row - Fight
Rubbish - Garbage
Shandies – Alcoholic drink
Tap - Faucet
Wallapers - Idiots
Wig - Hair
Yonks - Ages
The Limrids huddled close as the Lord bellowed, “Such sinful creatures; once strong and malicious; now weak and frightened. Do you dare look to me for mercy?”
The Limrids turned to their leader.
Fazal lifted his boney chin and moved forth. “We do not ask for your mercy,” he began, “we expect it. You forgave the others for their misguidance; we deserve the same.”
David the First bared his fangs, “You deserve nothing!” He cried, “Except death.”
“There will be no more killing,” the Lord proclaimed. “You are correct Fazal; you were misguided when brought to this Earth. You shall not be forever named a traitor. You and your clan of creatures may stay here until you pass, but not as David the First and his revolution may stay. You will remain in your savaged form until claimed by the very race you sought to destroy.”
Fazal scowled, “And if we refuse to fall subject to your rule?”
“You will finally face the wrath of Hell. There lies my mercy; freewill.”
- Arav Dave
“The Ultimate War”
1
Previously…
“Dad,” Awilda urgently called to her father, “What’s going…”
James lurched toward her, pinning her body against the door and restricting her arms. He quickly pulled out a needle with only a quarter of fluid left in it. He pushed it into his daughter’s soft skin and plunged the rest of the liquid into her bloodstream.
Before she knew what was happening the image of her father began to sway before doubling and growing fuzzy at the edges. She tried to keep her eyes open but in a matter of seconds her body succumbed to the anesthesia. She fell out of consciousness as her mouth formed the word, why?
Meanwhile…
“It’s been tougher than I thought; being in a new city,” Rue continued as Madge prepared to go home for the day. “I mean, it’s not just a new city but it’s also a new country for me. I don’t even know what to look for. What do you think is a good price?”
Madge shrugged, “I don’t really know these days. I’m sure you’ll find something though.”
The receptionist’s words were passive and her tone was rude. Rue tried to hide the fact that she was a little hurt. All she wanted was for someone to give her some idea as to how to go about findin
g a place to live in this country. There were flats, which she assumed were apartments. But then there were also listings for apartments. Some were furnished, some not and forget about knowing which neighborhoods were worth looking into. She needed help. She forced a smile, “Yeah, I’m sure I will. I hope it’s soon though. The hotel I’m staying in is a real dump; like, should-be-condemned dump.” She forced a laugh, hoping Madge would join in. She didn’t. “For example,” Rue just couldn’t stop herself from talking, “the elevator has been broken since I got there. I told the concierge, which is a joke in itself, by the way, and he said that the repairman only shows up on Fridays. On top of that, they put me on the third floor. Why couldn’t they spare me the three flights of stairs and just put me on the first? I’m pretty sure I’m the only renter in the building. Well, other than this one couple; which I only know of because I, um, heard them; if you know what I mean.”
“Sounds bloody awful,” Madge slung her bag over her shoulder. “Well, goodnight.” She turned and headed for the elevator.
Rue sighed as her shoulders slumped, “Goodnight,” she said somberly. She turned down the hallway and began walking toward the office she and Corey shared. She kept her head hung low, eyeing the horrible, cheap red carpeting beneath her feet. She could tell a man walked past her wearing a pair of combat boots. Odd for a Finder.
“Oi,” The man called to her.
She stopped and turned to see a handsome blonde.
He approached her, “Aren’t you Rula Jones?”
She smiled, “Yes, I am; and you are?”
“Chase. Hey Wade!” The Irishman called into an adjacent office. Soon a brunette with a broken arm joined them in the middle of the corridor. Chase spoke to his friend, “This is the Protector I was telling you about.”
Rue blushed. Her reputation preceded her.
“She’s the one that couldn’t hang with the faction so she became a Finder.”
Rue’s smile dropped as Wade looked at her with pity. “That’s not true,” she tried not to sound too whiney. “I could hang with those guys just fine.”
“You just longed for the thrill of being a bookworm?”
“You know,” she began, pointing a finger at the Irishmen, “This is why this faction hates you; because you degrade all the work they do.”
“Wow,” Chase said flatly, “they’re quick to brainwash over here.”
“I’m not brainwashed. I’m also not an ignorant ass; you should try it sometime.”
“Ouch,” Chase smirked. “So who’d they stick you with?”
“Sunders Harper.”
Both Chase and Wade burst out laughing. Rue folded her arms across her chest, “What’s so funny?”
“Oh, nothing,” Wade chuckled, “It’s just that they paired you with the one Finder that hasn’t found anything in the last decade.”
“Isn’t that why you’re here; because he found something?”
The two boys stopped laughing. “Besides that,” Chase shrugged.
“Oh I see; one major discovery is hardly notable even though it has your faction falling all over themselves to be a part of it. I’ll say it again; ignorant ass.”
“Just you wait little girl,” Chase’s voice lowered, “Harper will disappoint us all shortly and he’ll drag you through the mud while he does it.”
“Who are we talking about?” Roderick, head of water based mythology approached the three.
Without taking his eyes off of Rue, Chase answered, “Harper. I’m telling you, he’s a drunk and a waste of space that can’t even get his self laid.”
“I don’t know about that one,” Rod chimed in. “I think he’s blue balling it on purpose. A few years back we all pitched in to get him an escort. You know, get him his first How’s your Father since his wife left and he flat out refused.”
“I can’t believe it,” Rue breathed.
“I know; she was nonrefundable too.”
“No, I mean I can’t believe your heads are actually further up your asses than I originally thought.” She looked to Chase and Wade. “If I’m not mistaken, it was you two that had gargoyles within arm’s reach and you shit the bed.” Her eyes darted to Roderick. “And tell me Rod; how’s that exploding facility investigation coming? Maybe you should all worry a little less about Harper and a little more about your own careers.”
“I agree,” all four heads turned to see Bill Maines joining the conversation. The old man approached with a grave look etched into his aged face. “I’ll have you know Sonny is one of our most renowned Finders.” He pegged Roderick with a look of disappointment, “despite his personal life. I’ll thank all of you to show him a little more respect.” He eyed Chase and Wade. “I need to see you two in my office.”
The two Irishmen headed for Mr. Maines’ quarters as Bill sneered at Roderick, “At least try to look busy Rod.” He left to catch up with Chase and Wade as Rod turned and quickly retreated into his office, leaving Rue – once again – alone in the middle of the hallway. She breathed a heavy sigh. Maybe transferring to this division was a bad move. The Finders hated her because she used to be a Protector. Now the Protectors hated her because she was currently a Finder. Either way she was truly all alone. After a moment of staring at the ugly red carpet beneath her she pivoted on her right foot and headed for her cubicle where she planned to shut down her computer, grab her purse and call it an early night.
2
“I don’t understand,” Elizabeth whispered as she shook her head and stared at her half eaten dinner. “Why keep it a secret? Why would you make yourself look like such a fool?”
Kingsley sat across the dining table, having just told Lizzie the truth behind the incident in the park several nights ago. His eyes were grave as he spoke, “Because Junior falling in love with Awilda wasn’t part of the plan.”
“Love is such a strong word,” Elizabeth crinkled her nose, “enamored, yes, but…”
“I’ve known the kid a long time…”
“As have I…”
“You didn’t see what I saw in the park. You weren’t there to witness the torment on his face as tears gushed from his eyes.”
Elizabeth shrugged, “Junior has always been a sensitive boy.”
Kingsley crooked a brow, “Do you take issue with him falling for another woman?”
“Of course not,” Elizabeth stiffened in her chair. “It’s just that… I don’t know,” she finally conceded, “Okay, let’s say he is in love with her. What does that mean for the future?”
Kingsley lowered his head and cradled it in his hands. He couldn’t imagine the horrific realization his friend would soon have to come to. His heart broke in his chest as he thought of Junior. This was unfair; his plight. He didn’t deserve any of it.
“King,” Elizabeth’s voice was soothing yet laced with fear, “What are we going to do?”
Finally Kingsley inhaled and lifted his head to look at Elizabeth. The space around was lit by one single candle. The small flame flickered, barely illuminating her pale skin. He exhaled a long breath, “The only thing we can do; we’re going to pray.”
3
Rue sat in her crummy hotel room alone, staring at a letter she’d just spent the better part of ten minutes writing. Her palm supported the weight of her head as her eyes grazed over her handwriting; the cursive was flowing and graceful. She studied the way she’d penned her name; all one stroke. The ‘R’ was prominent and the ‘L’ looped beautifully. The ‘U’ and ‘A’ were mere stagehands that connected the lines and made her name whole. For a second she felt normal again; transported to her childhood bedroom where she’d sit at her desk and instead of doing homework she’d write love letters to her crush of the week.
Rue sighed; much like those love notes she never planned on sending the letter in front of her. But that was the norm. When she first left home so many years ago she would write diligently. She would imagine the relief and smiles on her parent’s faces when they opened the mailbox and read all about her adventure
s and progress. She never included a return address, knowing they wouldn’t agree with her decision to leave in the first place. She feared her father would randomly show up one day and drag her back home.
Rue squeezed her eyes shut. What she wouldn’t give for her dad to show up and take her home.
Over time her letters began to dwindle in substance. She eventually found herself writing the same thing over and over again; the same report; the same empty promise. Finally she stopped sending them. But she continued to write. For what reason; she didn’t know. Maybe it was because those letters were the only thing she had left linking her to a life she would give anything to get back to.
With an aching chest she folded the letter in front of her, placed it in an addressed envelope just like all the others; and discarded it – just like all the others.
Rue stood and crossed the small hotel room toward the bed. She wore a pair of shorts and a long sleeve shirt as she reached for the hairbrush that sat on the night stand. As she brushed her brown hair in preparation for bed she glanced over at the open closet. Inside hung the only two outfits she’d bought upon arriving in London; two blouses and two skirts. She scowled. She hated those clothes. But she had wanted to make a good first impression and figured black pants, combat boots and a muscle tee wouldn’t do the job. She sighed, oh how she missed the standard Protector attire. Her eyes drifted over to the corner where her combat boots sat. She wondered what people would say if she showed up to work wearing those and a pencil skirt tomorrow.
Rue put down her brush and turned to face the window. She was about to close the blinds when she noticed a taxi grinding to a halt just outside the hotel. She narrowed her eyes and watched as a familiar man jumped out of the car. She gasped at the sight of Sunders Harper. He looked up at the hotel, past her floor, before throwing cash at the driver and running to the front door. What was he doing? She wondered. He had to be here to see her, right? She tried to remember if she’d told him where she was staying. What other reason could he possibly have for coming to this shit hole?