by Brian Carmen
“We have to take her outside to the sun before she’s able to break free” En instructed Victor.
Utaru began fighting the two of them in order to break free. Together both En and Victor slowly began trying to move her. It was not an easy process and they had to stop multiple times in order to get their strength back. Utaru continued trying to break free from their hold however they were able to keep her contained.
Utaru came very close to breaking free several times. Somehow they were able to keep her contained. The stress was starting to get to both of them as they continued moving towards the entrance. Noises could be heard from outside as people were continuing to panic. They were distracted for only a moment however it was enough to provide Utaru a chance to break free.
They were close to the entrance but now they needed to fight Utaru. She was faster than before as Utaru charged for them. En pushed Victor out of the way before Utaru could grab both of them. She seemed intent on killing Nia more than Victor. The Soulem seemed to believe that Nia was more of a threat than Victor.
En could feel the dirty fingernails dig into his throat while he struggled to breath. He tried to pull her hands away however Utaru was much stronger. He tried to use Victor’s ability to push Utaru away but nothing was happening. En could feel himself slipping back into his real body. Nia’s throat started to bleed from Utaru’s grasp; En felt his mind slip away completely. Only Victor was left to stop Utaru from killing Nia.
Using his own telekinesis; Victor pushed Utaru away from Nia. Victor didn’t have much time to stop her before she was able to recover. He began using his ability to consistently push Utaru towards the exit. She tried pushing back against Victor’s ability as she moved towards him with more rage. Victor was breathing heavily while sweat covered his face. Utaru was able to use this to her advantage and was able to push forward and reach him.
Blood from Victor was spilt onto the floor. His face was being scratched by Utaru’s claw like nails. He tried using his ability to push her off but his strength was gone. Anything that was left of the real Utaru was gone. Now she was determined to rip Victor’s face off as she let out a harpy like scream.
Both Nia and En were depending on Victor however he was helpless compared to the Soulem’s strength. Victor did everything that was possible to hold Utaru back. The door in front of them opened to reveal one of the zoo employees. Utaru’s attention suddenly shifted from Victor towards the human. The man was confused however was unable to escape from Utaru. The smell of the man’s blood was somehow rejuvenating for Victor.
The man’s blood covered Utaru’s face while she fed off him. If anyone found the body then they were bound to think the animals had gotten him. This would be the only chance he would have to stop Utaru. Gathering all the strength he had, Victor focused on Utaru. The door to the outside was close as he gave one strong telekinetic push towards her.
It had taken everything out of Victor however it had also caught Utaru off guard. The door was caught in the blast and was forced open. Utaru was pushed outside as Victor slowly returned to his feet. Nia was unconscious near the mutilated human body. She cared about Utaru and would not have wanted to see what she did.
He followed her outside as he heard her scream loudly. The area was deserted however a loud screeching sound came from Utaru. Victor watched Utaru’s skin begin to crack like a broken mirror. Each crack began to release bright green fire that began to consume her. Victor felt an incredible heat and within a few seconds Utaru became very bright.
The heat only lasted a moment before suddenly disappearing. All that was left was a pile of black ashes. Victor didn’t know what to do with the remains. Slowly he went back inside and picked up Nia and En. Feeling horrible, Victor scooped Utaru’s ashes into a container before leaving the zoo.
Nine days past before Nia awoke and began to hear the story of what happened after she had blacked out. It was all incredible as she heard about En taking over her body and being able to use Victor’s ability. Her new variation two ability seemed to have grown unbelievably powerful. Nia drunk a glass of blood that Victor had gotten for her as she felt her thirst lessen.
Nia listened to En’s explanation before translating for Victor.
“En’s a genius; our connection is ten times stronger now. When I was going to meet Utaru I was somehow able to copy her ability. En believes that the same thing happened with your ability” Nia explained with excitement as she began to wonder where her ability would end.
Nia guessed that when Olivia finds out about her evolved ability she was going to be very excited. She now knew that she could do more however it would take a long time to find out its new limits. It seemed that both Nia and Victor would have to practice their abilities.
Later that night while Victor went out to find some food Nia began to examine Utaru’s ashes. Victor had been kind enough to find an urn for them however none of them knew what to do next. The urn was simple without designs, golden but nothing more than that. En had found something important amongst the ashes, they were the only things that survived the fire.
Nia looked at the items recovered and felt her horror intensify. Two small black electrical devices. One was a camera and the other was some sort of tracking device. Everything that Utaru had done was being watched by someone. Nia was told about the man Utaru murdered however she knew that it wasn’t her fault.
“Someone really was trying to experiment on her” Nia said with deep guilt.
En agreed and then began explaining that someone had contacted them while Nia was unconscious. It had been the same person that had given Nia the letter in the first place. She took a shower and changed into a pair of jeans and a maroon shirt. En was left in their room as she began walking towards the room that Luke was currently staying in.
Nia knocked on his door as she pulled out the metal stone that Utaru had given her. It was the last act that she had performed that was truly her own. The stone was made of an unusual metal that appeared more liquid than solid. Engraved on the metal was an image of a winged lion. Nia didn’t know the significance of the stone as she gave it a squeeze and remembered her last words to Utaru.
Lucas answered the door, he was surprised by the furious look on Nia’s face. She grabbed him and slammed the frightened young man into a wall. The blond haired man was the only one that could provide answers. Nia knew that he was a victim just like Utaru however she wasn’t going to treat him easy. His masters might have been responsible for the greatest atrocity that Nia had ever seen.
“I know that Thereon turned Utaru without her consent. He experimented on the poor girl for his own sick amusement” Nia yelled furiously as she gave Lucas a small taste of Utaru’s pain.
Luke began crying as he screamed out in pain. He began begging for Nia to stop however she ignored his pleas. Utaru had given Nia more than just her memories, the connection also allowed Nia to feel her pain. She was more used to the pain as she felt her nerves ache. Nia would be able to force others to feel the pain that Utaru had been forced to feel. The people responsible for destroying her would suffer before Nia killed them.
“Shut up before I eat you” Nia said coldly as she removed the pain from him.
She listened to his whimpers however he was still pinned to the wall. Luke would not die by her hand however he was going to be forced to say what he knew. Nia couldn’t take the information without damaging his mind. This was the only way to get the information without having to permanently hurt him.
“I don’t care if you are just a messenger. That was a small amount of pain that Utaru had to suffer from. Tell me everything you know” Nia said as she threw Luke to the ground.
Luke easily panicked as he began crawling away from her. His clothes were much cleaner than the last time she’d seen him. Nia noticed that he was actually a bit attractive once he was not covered in dirt. He tried getting to his feet however his legs seemed to have forgotten how.
“I’m sorry, you were tricked but it wasn’t by m
y master” Luke said quickly as fear filled his voice.
“What do you mean?” Nia asked as she glared at the young man. She wanted to know the truth and she wasn’t going away until she got it.
“I was given the letter and told that it came from my master. I was supposed to deliver it to you. My master’s been at the Necropolis for several weeks and was far away when the girl was turned. My master couldn’t have been responsible” Luke explain as he slowly got back to his feet.
He looked terrified as though he knew without a doubt that Nia was going to hit him again. He began explaining that someone must have stolen his master’s unique sealer. It would be the only way that someone could create the unique seal that was on the envelope. Luke and the rest of the servants were currently investigating the theft however they didn’t have any leads.
“I should’ve known better and I apologize for making you go after the Soulem” Luke added while his voice still trembled.
Nia was shocked to hear this but a part of her believed him. It didn’t make sense for one of the high council members to act in such a way. They were constantly being watched by other members who wanted to gain more power. Luke’s answers however didn’t explain the origin of the letter or who gave it to him.
“Whoever wrote it was probably the same person that delivered it to you. So tell me, who gave you the letter?” Nia asked a little lighter in tone than before.
“I’m sorry but I don’t know who delivered the letter. I found it on the floor in the house when the mail was dropped off” Luke said with a flinch.
Luke was obviously someone that was used to being punished. Nia apologized for attacking him while she tried to figure out what was going on. She was angry at the people responsible for Utaru’s fate however she couldn’t continue to punish Luke for it. He was still an important piece to this puzzle since someone knew that he would be able to deliver the instruction to her.
“I know that you belong to someone but I want you to find out who wrote that letter. Call it redemption for leading me into a setup” Nia said with some harshness returning to her voice.
Luke quickly agreed as Nia left him in his room alone. Storm clouds were visible even in the night sky. The air was somewhat muggy as Nia examined the stone once again. She didn’t know what it meant however Nia felt that it would be important.
When she returned back to her own room; Victor had already mixed Gabriel’s blood with the blood of an animal. She looked at the vial and saw that it was running out. Victor must’ve been using it to try and curve his own thirst since Nia wasn’t around to make sure he stayed out of trouble. Nia took a glass and explained that they would be leaving soon so that she could try to contact Olivia.
Nia needed to ask her more about the experiment and what its purpose might be for. She was grateful that Victor seemed to becoming more adept at taking care of himself. Victor seemed a bit different now than before the Soulem. It had been different from taking a life in order to survive.
“I think we should talk” Nia said gently as she looked at Victor. She didn’t want him to feel guilty about what he had done.
“Utaru was innocent but she was also suffering” Nia began as Victor shook his head, catching his maker off guard.
“You don’t have to worry about me. I’m not sad about having to kill her and would do it again if I had too” Victor said strongly as he stared into Nia’s eyes.
He must’ve been able to see the look in Nia’s eyes. He joined her as she sat down on the bed. Nia enjoyed feeling his arm as it wrapped around her in comfort. She didn’t want Victor to be alright with killing innocent people. He seemed to understand this from her as he rubbed her back.
“I’m not saying that I enjoyed it but if I didn’t do what had to be done she would’ve killed you” Victor explained in a tone that was absolute.
Victor decided to go for a walk with En so Nia could have time by herself. She didn’t particularly enjoy being alone but at the same time she felt a strange relief. Her body still ached from the pain she had siphoned from Utaru. She looked at her hands and noticed that they were shaking.
She clenched them as tight as possible while looking into a mirror to see her own reflection. For a brief moment she could see Utaru staring back at her. It was strange that she seemed to be taking the death harder than Victor. Nia understood that Victor didn’t know the girl’s full story. Getting off the bed she took Utaru’s ashes before sitting down again.
“I will keep my promise Utaru. No matter what, you will have justice” Nia said aloud as she began having a few images about Utaru.
It was her life that she had before it had been taken so violently. Nia closed her eyes and began looking deep within herself. She didn’t know if she would be able to find the memories however she knew they were inside her. A couple minutes past while Nia held the gold urn and focused her mind.
Suddenly, images and thoughts began appearing in rapid succession until at last they formed a clear picture. It felt as if she were watching everything on a television. Nia was able to see Utaru’s life. All her memories were now her’s to view. Nia was glad to be alone as she began watching the images.
She looked at the little girl playing with her parents. Utaru was only about four at the time and felt an unusual but strong emotion of happiness. The three played games, took pictures, and went to amusement parks. She was happy however Nia quickly felt a deep and sad emotion begin to replace the happy feeling.
She watched the car wreck and saw that her parents had died. Utaru had somehow been the only one that survived. She was made to live with her grandfather the only other family member that she had left in the world. He was old and very mean as he began raising Utaru with little love or care.
Nia saw and felt the bruises on the body of the six year old. Her stomach seemed to always be growling. Utaru was underweight by a lot as Nia began feeling an intense hatred for Utaru’s grandfather. He was a horrible man that was slowly taking away anything good that Utaru felt. He made it clear that she was a burden and was never wanted.
Years past and Utaru eventually ran away from her grandfather. Nia could feel that she felt free from the abuse. She was sure that she could survive on her own. Utaru had been doing so for eight years.
The young girl did what it took to survive. Her life became consumed by sex and drugs. She lived inside a brothel and regularly tried to numb the pain inside by getting high. Nia had thought Utaru was happy before being turned. She watched the images and realized that Utaru seemed to have lived only to suffer.
Utaru had even tried to kill herself a few times though never succeeded. Everything seemed to require her to live life day by day. Nia couldn’t help but feel heartbroken as she watched Utaru dye her hair in order to look different. She wanted to be notice by someone as something more than whore.
The opportunity arrived one day when Utaru was walking along the side of the road. She was trying to find a John so that she could make a little extra money. She had done so before and knew that she was taking a risk by doing so. The brothel’s owner would have killed her for trying to rip him off.
It was late as she looked and saw a middle aged woman and a little boy walking across the street. The woman was average though her long curly hair was more than a little frizzled. She tried to control the little boy who was bouncing a ball while trying to catch it. He looked to be about four as Utaru looked at the happiness on his face. She felt resentment that the boy would get to be happy when her own happiness had been taken away years ago.
Suddenly the boy’s ball slipped away from him and began rolling into the middle of the street. Utaru watched as the boy ran after it. He didn’t see the car that was fast approaching him. Something took over and Utaru jumped to push the boy out of the road. The car missed the boy but hit Utaru who was sent flying down the road.
She woke several months later in a hospital. The accident had left her in a coma but she was being well taken care of. All around her were pictures of her, th
e woman, and her son in many newspaper clippings. Utaru looked around and noticed all of the beautiful flowers. She had thought that the woman had been the boy’s mother but Utaru had been wrong.
Her name was Ming and she was a social worker who was bringing the boy to his new home. The boy was born deaf and was left in an alley shortly after he was born. Due to his disability it had been difficult to find willing parents. Everyone had been incredibly grateful for what Utaru did.
Ming told Utaru that the boy was doing well and had drawn many of the get well pictures in her room. Utaru felt guilty because she had thought such bad thoughts about the boy. He had lived a life that was similar to her own. Ming told Utaru that little Lao had been telling everyone that Utaru was his big sister. Lao had been asking about her because he wanted to play with.
For the first time in many years Utaru began feeling happy again as her life quickly began to turn around. Ming wanted to know everything about her and was deeply moved by Utaru’s story. She brought Utaru back to her house and began educating her while taking care of her. Because Utaru was not in the system; Ming was allowed to live together.
Utaru was starting to feel safe again, she spent her days studying and helping Ming with her cases. On the weekends she would visit Lao and would play games with him. She was even learning sign language so that she could better communicate with Lao. Two years past with Utaru’s life getting better every day. She had just had an interview at Ming’s job and was excited to hear that she seemed to be the best candidate.
Nia could feel the tears swell inside as she watched the images. She knew that this was not going to have a happy ending. She watched the two women unpack boxes inside a new apartment. Utaru was an adult and with her new job was going to be able to take care of herself. Utaru was happy and confident with herself for the very first time.