by SK Benton
Jennie shot Max a hateful glare, but Draagh waved his hand in dismissal as he laughed lightly.
"Oh my dear boy, No, Jennie is not broken. In fact she is quite a fine specimen," to which Jennie immediately thought, Huh? Specimen? Pervert! Then Draagh looked at her kindly and said, "My dear young lady. You are lycan, and a fine one too, but Max here is of mixed heritage. You see, the only beings that can perform magic in this, or any other world, are called mages. Of course, there are magical objects that enable normals and enhanced non-mages to perform certain functions, but for the most part, only mages are able to take advantage of the full spectrum of the wonders that we call magic!"
Draagh said that last word with a boom in his voice, causing dozens of birds fly away in a startled panic. Both Max and Jennie could hear the individual flapping of every wing in the sky, and once the birds had made sufficient distance between themselves and the newcomers, the three listened in silence.
"Johnson's gone," said Jennie.
"Yeah, he's no longer on my lidar, either," added Max, half-jesting, as he didn't have laser-radar, per se, but did have amazing, enhanced senses that dictated Johnson was out of their range.
Draagh let out a small sigh, then casually took his pipe out from the pocket in his coat. Filling it from his satchel, he lit the bowl with a small flame that emanated from the tip of his finger, which surprised Jennie, but not Max, as he had seen Draagh do that before. After a couple of relaxing puffs, Jennie cried out, "Oh. My. God! Are you smoking… pot?"
Draagh gave her a sheepish grin and said, "I prefer to call it by its proper scientific name on Earth, which is cannabis sativa, and I must insist that it is quite a noble herb." He looked up and away, as if shooing off all criticism.
"Um, so…. you're smoking pot," she retorted.
Max chuckled with a goofy grin. "Yup. Pops is a toaster," with toaster being the term used on Azul to describe someone who smoked the plant.
"Well, let us continue on our little journey. I could easily slip us over to our destination, but I feel it would be best if you used the walk to become accustomed to your new abilities," said Draagh.
They continued on, but at a slight angle of north by northwest. As they moved forward, smelling and listening, they noticed that even their exposed skin took in environmental information.
"Hey, Gunnarsson," asked Jennie, "Did you ever even have any military training?"
Max briefly looked at her as they rambled through the forest, and responded by saying, "Oh, I had a bit, and the physical part was easy. I blew right through it, but I was much more interested in the tactical aspects. I was assigned to the scientific division for the SSCC project, so I wasn't given that much time in the field. Oh, and could you call me Max? No need to be so formal."
"No. Gunnarsson," she said flatly, but added, "I could call you dick-head, if you like."
Max winced. This girl didn't like him at all. Or at least she was acting that way. Jennie turned her head slightly away and cracked a small smile. She didn't respect him a whole lot on a military level, but she found him kind of amusing. She liked humor, even though it didn't show much through her tough, yet dega-beautiful exterior.
The three continued ahead, and came upon a clearing. In the distance, five kilometers from their location, was a massive castle, similar to those in Earth's ancient past.
"That is our destination," stated Draagh, "The stronghold of Krynos, leader of a powerful and well-organized lycan clan. It is there that you two will learn of your newfound abilities and hone your skills, as you will soon need to put them to good use."
"So we will train there?" asked Jennie?
"Yes, that is quite correct, my dear," Draagh responded.
"So who are we going to train with?" Max questioned.
Draagh grinned softly and said, "Why, the young and the newly-turned, most likely."
As lycans, vampires and cannibals all had specific viruses coursing through their systems, they were able to convert normals to their kinds via infection. And while vampires turned normals due to the fact that they had short lifespans and dropped off like flies, lycans did so out of love and respect. If a lycan clan leader encountered a normal whom he felt would be an excellent addition to the family, and if that normal agreed to the change, an addition was made to the already ample numbers in the clan. This was done during an ancient and detailed ceremony by the lycans, while vampires simply bit their target, exchanged blood, and then buried the unwitting fool in the ground (which wasn't even necessary), waiting for him/her to emerge from the dirt the following evening, terrified and horribly changed. Cannibals bit anyone in range as they usually rambled about in a state of rage and hunger. The major difference in infection (besides particular abilities) between the cannibals and the lycans and vampires was that cannibals were rendered sterile upon infection, and thereby unable to reproduce, while lycans and vampires could create families and further their own bloodlines.
Max started to make a mental in-depth analysis of everything he had been told. He was a lycan and a mage. Not only that, they were in the distant future, in order to learn to use their abilities, which activated upon their arrival.
"Draagh," Max asked, "you brought us here to train, and I can understand that part. We should learn from those who are like us. That much is logical. I mean, if I needed to learn how to be a hard-ass bitch I would want to train under Jennie," earning him a glare of pure, unadulterated contempt from the beautiful woman. Max continued, being quite pleased with himself, as he felt he had thrown a valid insult at her.
"But wouldn't it have been easier to bring someone to us for training? Why are we training in the first place? You have only mentioned that we need to train for something that will happen in the future - our future, which is now in the past, and as the Vrol are headed toward Azul, I can only assume that this is what you mean. Also, as you said that magic doesn't work for us on Azul, thereby negating our ability to access our enhanced skills, how will this help?"
Draagh continued walking down a worn path toward the castle they had entered only moments before and said, "Those were nice, compound questions, my boy. Max, perhaps I should have been a bit more descriptive with you in what we need to accomplish. Yes, it is true that the Vrol are on their way to Azul. So yes, your training shall help you to defeat them, but the beings of this world live in a society quite different from that of your world. It is much more logical to bring you to their environment, rather than ripping them from everything they have ever known, and then expect them to implement a training regimen. Plus, it would require the process of changing someone's genetics, in order to be able to attune them to a world's energy frequency. I will do this to you both before we return to your world. Oh, and time does not work that way. The Vrol are still on their way to Azul."
Max looked thoughtful for a moment, and then asked, "Then why not just change the energy frequency on Azul, like you did here, making it in tune with our genetics?"
Draagh gave Max a surprised look and exclaimed, "My dear boy! Could you imagine tens of thousands of newly-activated lycans and vampires running around, without a clue as to what was happening to them? Utter chaos! The streets would be stained with blood, and Azul would be ripe and helpless for the Vrol invasion. No, my son. What I intend to do is to modify the genetics of only you two, sync'ing you both with Azul's frequency after we have left this beautiful world. Added to that, I shall implement a process where part of the magical energy on Azul shall be reactivated. This will result result in people not turning into bloodthirsty beasts, although some may experience substantial regenerative capabilities. Those unfortunate enough to carry the recessive vampire gene will suddenly experience very bad cases of bodily odor, which, by the way, could present you with an excellent business opportunity with the creation of vamp-away body spray, or something similar to that. Anyway, I digress - your abilities will be key in defeating the Vrol, so I feel I have chosen the best plan for all involved."
Jennie, who had been silent during this porti
on of the conversation, suddenly blurted out, "Well, I have a question. If Earthers had almost defeated the Vrol with their inferior technology, why can't we on Azul? I mean, we are much further advanced than Earth ever became."
Draagh paused and pondered her question for a moment, knowing the answer all along.
"Why Jennie, you indeed have quite a sharp mind, but do you remember how, when Earth had nearly defeated the Vrol, an amoebic infection was set upon the planet?"
Both Max and Jennie nodded their heads as Draagh continued. "If mankind had been allowed to continue with the use of magic, the Vrol invasion would have been much quicker. Militarily, the Vrol would have decimated the planet in a number of days - hours, even. You see, if we had allowed magic to continue on Earth, then humans would have never had the need, nor desire, to create their own technological wonders. So, the amoebic infection would not have been possible, nor even necessary. Mankind would have perished due to a lack of the weapons of war, while magic would have fought off any sort of biological attack. In order to save Azul, we will need both magic and technology."
Chapter 12 - Meet Krynos, your King
With Draagh in the lead, the trio approached the castle on a broad path that ended at a massive moat that surrounded the property (and happened to be much larger than most lakes that Max had seen in his life). Numerous soldiers, dressed in Viking-like garb, similar to Draagh, were posted at the top of the south-facing castle wall and had trained their crossbows on the new arrivals, with one barking out a command.
"Halt! Who are you, old man? And who are the two at your side?"
"I am Draagh, one of the Prīmulī, here to seek council with Krynos. Please inform him of my arrival, as I am sure he is expecting me. My two young lycan companions are Max and Jennie, who have come to train in the ways of their brethren."
Roughly 90 seconds later a massive drawbridge started to drop, eventually forming a pathway across the enormous moat, allowing the three to walk toward the castle's common area. Max looked over the edge as they proceeded into the castle grounds, noticing movement in the murky water below.
"Take care, there Max," Draagh said with some urgency to his voice, "lest you fall in and become a delicious appetizer for those guarding the moat."
Max cringed, and asked, "What are they? They look pretty darned big."
Draagh peered looked at the moat while standing next to Max and said, "They are genetically-modified great white sharks, able to live in fresh water - and they are hungry. Always hungry, yes they are - and quite intelligent. Much like a domesticated canine."
Max shuddered and backed away from the edge, looking over to see Jennie standing next to an imposing figure at the gate's entrance - a handsome, bearded man, two meters in height, dressed down in impressive-looking full battle armor.
"Krynos will grant you audience now. Please follow me. Oh, and it is a pleasure to see you again, Lord Draagh," said the soldier, giving the mage a slight bow.
Jennie gave him a cute smile, but when he did not reciprocate she let out a small humph, and continued in with the other three into the courtyard area, where they then headed towards a large, oaken door.
The four entered into a massive room with high ceilings, their escort in the lead, who then kneeled down before a massive, bejeweled throne. Next to the throne stood a small, disheveled man with gnarled hands who looked nothing like a king.
"All kneel before the throne of Krynos!" ordered the soldier, causing Max and Jennie to stare at the man next to the massive seat. They slowly dropped to a knee and lowered their heads to the most unusual king they had ever imagined.
Draagh also kneeled, and looked over at Max and Jennie while giving them a mischievous wink.
From a side entrance to the throne in walked an older gentleman, handsome despite his apparent years, wearing a crown of gold and black obsidian upon his head. Vague wrinkles lined his eyes, and he maintained a short, dark brown beard that appeared to be well trimmed. Standing next to the throne, he spoke out in a large and booming voice.
"That will be all, Donus," he said, and waved the large man off. "Alfie, what business have you here?"
The small man called Alfie merely bowed and backed off the stage, disappearing behind some curtains. Max and Jennie sighed in relief, glad that the much-vaunted Krynos wasn't someone who looked like he ate at the local soup kitchen.
"That was Alfie, my master carpenter. I believe he was adding some jewels to my throne. Anyway, I apologize for the delay… and… hmmmm, what have we here?"
Then man gave the newly arrived trio a stern look, and slowly moved down the wide stair path from the throne area, when he suddenly shouted "Draagh! My brother! So good to see you!" and started laughing uproariously.
Draagh cracked a smile and stood up, only to be bear-hugged by the larger man, who spun him around one complete turn and then set him back on the ground.
"Krynos," Draagh almost coughed, "it is certainly good to see you also. My back also thanks you, yes indeed, as it has been giving me quite a bit of pain lately. I really should see to it one day soon."
Krynos then looked at Max and Jennie, who were still in a kneeling position, and said, "So, these are the ones of whom you spoke? The ones from past Earth with no skills in the ways of their brethren?"
"Indeed, they are," responded Draagh, "and we have come a long way to see if we might assist them in their attempt to reclaim their birthrights. Would this be possible?"
Krynos surveyed them for a moment, and then said, in a loud and authoritative voice, "You, boy - stand up."
Max jumped to his feet and looked straight-ahead, avoiding eye contact with Krynos.
"What is your name, young pup?"
Max responded, still looking dead ahead, saying, "Commander Maximilianus Xavier Gunnarsson, of Azul Military Scientific Research and Development, Sir!"
Jennie's eyes grew big, as she had never heard Max respond to anything in a military fashion such as this. She was mildly impressed - until hearing Krynos' response.
"Commander? Not here, young one, not here, but we shall see how far you can progress… without being killed!"
Max remained at attention while Jennie gulped and waited her turn, which came next.
"And you, young lass -obviously one of our bloodline. A handsome woman you are. Stand up so that I may survey the fine works of our creators."
Jennie stood up, with a perplexed look on her face, but gazed straight into Krynos' eyes.
"Ahh, a brave one, I see!" said Krynos. "What would be your name, young lady?"
Jennie maintained eye contact with Krynos.
"Jennie Escalante, my liege."
Max looked at her through the corner of his eye, unable to believe that she would have been so willing to not state her military rank, but then again, his was just poo-pooed away by a lycan king. Krynos looked Jennie up and down, obviously pleased with her appearance, as she was quite a stunning woman, despite being dressed in an exploratory field uniform. He then looked at Draagh, while saying, "I like this one. She has guts, and guts are what we need here, but this other one… I am not so sure."
"Oh, I believe you will find Max to be quite formidable," said Draagh. "He comes from an excellent bloodline, yes, excellent indeed."
Krynos looked back over at Max, but while still speaking to Draagh he asked, "To whose bloodline do you refer, my old friend?"
"Why, mine, of course! He is my grandson."
Both Max and Jennie immediately looked slack jawed over at Draagh, as Max croaked, "Huh? My - your, what?"
Draagh smiled as he moved a bit closer to the two. "Yes, my dear boy. Do you remember how I told you that you had more in common with my bloodline than that of the vicious idiot flying around Machu Picchu? Well, that was all true and correct. Your father is my son."
"What? Charles Gunnarsson is your son? That's impossible. I knew my paternal grandfather, Kenneth Gunnarsson, and his wife, and all of my cousins, and -"
Draagh waved his hand, silencing the
young man instantaneously.
Max stood there, looking stunned, along with Jennie, who could not believe what she was hearing. Draagh grinned as Krynos boomed out, "Excellent! A member of the House of Draagh is always welcome in my kingdom!"
"Well, I do not exactly have a house," stated Draagh, as he continued to smile.
"Nonetheless! Max is welcome among my ranks, as well as his fine mate here," Krynos finished.
"Hey! I'm no one's mate! Especially not his!" Jennie shot back.
"Not yet, my dear, not yet," replied Krynos, looking at a blushing Max.
Jennie rolled her eyes as Max tried to compose himself. It wasn't as if he hadn't considered what Krynos had just said, but to have it thrown out there like that was a bit embarrassing.
"So Draagh," said Max, "how is it that your son is my father? Was my father, Charles, aware of you? I'm totally confused now."
Max adored his parents, but his mother was the only one surviving of the two Charles had died a few years prior, and Max certainly missed him.
"My son, the fact is that neither your father nor your mother were aware of the truth. Charles Gunnarsson was not my son, nor was he your biological father. The name of your father is the Taxiarch, Mija-El, also known as Michael. You see, Michael had a certain fondness for lycan females, and your mother was certainly beautiful, so he was not to blame."
Max knew this to be true. His mother was indeed a gorgeous woman, and still was, even for her advanced age.
"Michael was, for lack of a better term, dating your mother. However, when she was to found to be with child - that is, pregnant with you, he could not bear to merely terminate your potential existence. So, he arranged for your mother and Charles Gunnarsson to meet, after he had modified her memories, of course. Fortunately, when your mother met Charles, they consummated their new relationship very quickly."
"How…umm, quickly…did they?" asked Jennie.
Draagh looked up, feigning innocence, and said, "Oh, on the very first date."