by Megan Hepler
“Felix sent me a letter last night by a friend. He wants to meet me, I guess to discuss any issues between us,” Demona said. She could feel Kerrick staring at her.
“Good. When you are not assisting Kerrick with the agent candidates you will get close to this Felix again. After that, find a way into GLC. We want you to be able to talk them into aiding us with this. They are already aware of the situation, so they must have some ideas of their own on dealing with the possessed. Once discussions have begun we will have you act as liaison between our two parties,” Darius said. “I believe you have the applications for agent in the office, Agrippa?”
“Yes, Sir,” Agrippa said.
“That is all for today,” Darius said.
Chapter 17
Newbies
Demona and Kerrick sat on either side of one of the desks in the office. They had been sorting through applications for the majority of the morning; each had their own stack to review.
“Half of these candidates are nowhere near qualified,” Kerrick said.
“I can’t believe how many people actually want this job. Why would they want to risk their lives?” Demona asked
“Agents are like royalty. We get special privileges and Darius is the only one we answer to. Why wouldn’t they want the job?” Agrippa said.
“That’s it,” Kerrick said. He pushed back from the desk and rose to his feet. He walked to the cork board and pinned up the candidates he selected from his pile. Next he put up the candidates that Demona had selected.
“There is only one way to deal with those that are left.” Balen stared at the applications. “We put them through testing. Agrippa, can you call these people to the gym?”
“You got it,” Agrippa said.
“We have a gym?” Demona asked.
“Haven’t you learned by now that we have everything,” Kerrick replied.
Demona had to admit that Kerrick did make a point. They exited the office and turned to their left going down the long empty hallway. Every time they went through one of those doors Demona was always surprised at what she found inside.
As they were walking Demona heard Agrippa make the announcement over the intercom. In the beginning, she had not paid close attention to the names being called. “…Doyle…Claudia Purcell.”
With that name Demona’s stomach dropped. She had not realized that Kerrick had chosen her from the pile of candidates he had sorted through.
Agrippa continued. “…Baya….Persephone Black.”
Demona’s stomach twisted into knots. Both of them? This is going to be a nightmare.
Upon entering the gym, Demona saw that the floors were lined with mats from wall to wall and the walls were lined with mirrors. Off to the right were various types of gym equipment, benches, and weights. Demona noticed two doorways which must have led to changing rooms and showers.
“What else does Darius have in this place?” Demona asked.
“You would be surprised,” Kerrick said.
“Somehow I’m not so sure.” Demona walked around the gym checking things out as they waited for the potential candidates to arrive. Within several minutes about ten people walked through the door.
Demona went to stand beside Kerrick as he faced the group. She avoided any eye contact with Persephone, or Claudia.
“Okay, I have gathered you together so we can have a few tests to determine who will make agent. First, I ask that you each state your name and give a description of your abilities. Let’s start with you.” Kerrick pointed to the girl at the far left.
“I’m Baya Ragno. I’m a changeling. I’m able to walk on any surface, at any angle.”
Demona leaned towards Kerrick. “What’s a changeling?”
“They are fairies that are switched with human children; they grow up in human homes,” Kerrick said.
“My name’s Homer Doyle. I am of the dwarfish species.”
There is no denying that. Demona looked down at a very short and stout man.
“I am an expert in sharp objects ranging from ancient to current weaponry,” Doyle said.
Kerrick leaned towards Demona this time. “He would be a great asset. He will know how to use half of the weapons in the armory.”
“Claudia Purcell and I’m a werewolf.”
“Anything else?” Kerrick asked. “Other than her size and the intimidation factor, I don’t know if she’s a fit.”
“Nope, that’s it,” Claudia said. She rocked back and forth on the balls of her feet.
“My name is Persephone Black. I am a witch. I possess the ability to memorize and cast spells of different experience levels.”
“She really does. I’ve seen her do it,” Claudia said.
“Agrippa already does this, but if she is as good as she says, it wouldn’t hurt to have her on the team,” Kerrick said.
Ugh!
The candidates continued to give their name, species, and skill as they went down the line. Kerrick took notes on each. Claudia and Persephone stood there whispering to one another and Demona glared at them. When Kerrick had finished his notes he went over to Demona and turned his back to the others.
“I want these four to stay for the next round,” Kerrick said. He pointed to the names on the list. She glanced over the names.
“Fine, but I want to tell them,” Demona said.
The pair turned around to face the group.
“Baya Ragno, Homer Doyle, Persephone Black, and Waverley Yap. You can stay; the rest of you can go,” Demona said.
Claudia’s mouth fell agape. “You made a mistake.”
“No, I didn’t,” Demona said.
“Yes, you did. You did this on purpose!” She stepped forward with fists clenched. “You are just trying to get rid of us, because you hate us.”
“No, I did not. Persephone is still here for the next trial.” Demona shrugged. “You are not qualified.”
“You’ll just get rid of her next.” Claudia’s skin ripped and long hair began to sprout all over her body.
“There is no mistake, Claudia. I made the decision myself. Control yourself!” Kerrick said, “I see now that I was correct by not selecting you. You have no self control.”
“If she stays, so do I!” Claudia replied.
“You will leave at once!” Kerrick said.
Claudia looked down and pouted. She was about to say something else, but looked up and saw the stern look on Kerrick’s face. She turned and stormed out of the gym, stomping the whole way. Demona had to stifle a giggle. Claudia was making a racket on her way out, but stomping her feet was useless on the mats.
One down and one to go.
“Now, that that's over. We are going to ask you a series of questions. Please answer to the best of your ability. I will give each of you a separate question and your answers will determine if you will be trained as an agent or return to your typical work. I will start with Baya Ragno,” Kerrick said. He went to stand in front of her. “If you were placed in a situation in which you were in a public place and you are about to be hit by a car, what would you do to prevent your death?”
“I would jump up on the car before it could hit me,” Ragno replied.
“That is a good answer, but you are not what we are looking for. In jumping up on a car you risk exposure. Humans are not as flexible as you are. You may return to work,” Kerrick said. “Doyle, if you were insulted based on your stature, by a human, how would you react?”
“I would tell them they are discriminating based on appearances,” Doyle said.
“Good. This is a proper reaction, a human might respond in this way,” Kerrick said. “You may stay.”
“Black, if approached by persistent girl scouts selling cookies, how would you respond?” Kerrick asked.
“I would ask them to leave, first. If they kept on, I would buy a box of cookies so that they would leave me alone,” Persephone said.
“Good. That is an appropriate response. Those pesky girl scouts can be difficult to get rid of. Someo
ne such as you might be tempted to curse them instead of giving in,” Kerrick said. “Yap. Can you take human form?”
“Eh… No.” The image of a little green man with big ears and a long crooked nose blinked in and out of existence.
“I am sorry, Yap. You do not qualify. Your skills may be useful to us in the future. However, it would be difficult for an agent to have a partner that must remain invisible in the human world. It would draw suspicion if they were seen talking to themselves,” Kerrick said.
The little boggart disappeared. Moments later the gym door seemed to open and close on its own.
Demona looked back at the group. The realization hit her. Ugh… not her! She was supposed to go too! Demona grimaced with the thought of having to work with Persephone. Persephone seemed as if she knew what Demona was thinking, because she seemed to snicker as the thought had crossed Demona’s mind.
“Doyle and Black. You can return to work. You will meet us in the agent office in the morning. I will inform Mr. Grier of the changes in your duties, so that your positions can be filled,” Kerrick said.
Persephone continued to smirk at Demona. All Demona could do is glared at her in return. This is not going to be fun.
Persephone and Doyle turned to leave the gym. Demona and Kerrick lingered behind to talk.
“What’s wrong?” Kerrick asked.
“Persephone,” Demona said.
“What about her?”
“She and Claudia had cubicles on either side of mine, when I worked in the office. They gave me nothing but problems. I just don’t want to relive that.”
“You’re forgetting who is in charge here. You are at a higher position than Persephone now. And I think Claudia has pretty much humiliated herself. I know one of the witches in the group of candidates, she loves to gossip. I can guarantee that what happened is being spread throughout TGHC, maybe even in Terra Hollow,” Kerrick said. He went over to Demona sensing her apprehension and wrapped his arms around her shoulders.
Demona leaned into him and rested her head against his collarbone. “I guess I better call Felix.”
With the mention of Felix’s name, Kerrick stiffened. “I don’t like this.”
“Me either. I wanted to forget about that letter, and him. You were the one to brought it up remember?”
“Darius has other plans for you. He knows what he is doing.”
“I know. I just don’t like this idea in so many ways. I feel like I am betraying you.”
“Just do me a favor. When you are with him, don’t forget who you are and where you belong,” Kerrick said.
Demona thought about his words for a moment. Who am I? I don’t even know if I know the answer to that question.
****
Demona had walked into her apartment after a long and emotionally exhausting day. She went to sit on her balcony and stared out over the rooftops as the sun began to disappear behind the buildings. She watched the car beams driving around. After a few moments she picked up her phone and dialed Felix’s number. I better get this over with.
“Hello?” Felix said.
“Hey, Felix… It’s Demona. I read your letter… I think I’m ready to meet.”
“Really?”
“Yeah.” Demona rubbed her neck.
“Great! When is a good time for you?”
“Whenever.”
“Well, I’m free tomorrow if you are?”
“Sure, I guess that’s fine. You can come here, if you like, sometime in the evening.”
“Okay, I’ll see you then,” Felix said.
Demona spent most of the next day distracted and concerned for her appearance. Felix had only seen her for moments at the church; this time he would have a chance to really take a look at her. Once again she found herself searching through her closet for something to wear. Huh, I never did this with Kerrick. Demona threw on a pair of cream colored lace shorts and a navy tank top. She brushed her teeth and combed her hair.
The knock came a few moments later, and it almost made her jump even though she had been waiting for it. Demona felt a lump rise in her throat. She was not certain if it was from anxiety or excitement. Demona imagined that if her heart was still beating it would be thumping right then. She went to answer the door.
Felix stood with that smile of his; the one that had always made her melt. She tried her hardest not to let it get to her, but he was working his magic already. Felix pulled his arm from behind his back with a bouquet mixed of white roses, green leaves, and baby’s breath. Memories of the time he had brought her the single white rose flooded her memory, it was the day he had gone. Those were the times when I had hope and happiness.
“Thank you,” Demona said.
“I figured I owed you. For all the ones I should have been sending you while I was away. I’m so sorry, Demona!” Felix said.
Demona thought she saw tears welling up in his eyes, but he blinked them away.
“I hate myself for the decision that I made. I never should have let you go.”
“Sit down,” Demona said. She wanted to avoid bringing up those emotions as much as possible. She directed him to the sofa.
“I’m glad you wanted to talk,” Felix said.
“Why didn’t you just tell me?” Demona asked.
“I was afraid of what you would say. If I had known you were a vampire, I would have risked telling you my secret.”
“I kind of know how you feel. I was so conflicted about telling you my secret as well. I can’t blame you for something I did myself,” Demona said. “And I have to admit, I thought it was better the way it ended, because I knew it would never work out. Because of what I am…”
“You are a great person, Demona. I can’t imagine you to be anything other than just who you are. After all of my GLC training and the things I’ve heard about your kind, I can’t imagine that you are anything like the others of your kind.”
“Well, I have always had a hard time fitting in.”
“Because you are different?”
“I guess.” Demona looked at her hands in her lap.
“You are,” Felix said. “You are not like anyone I have ever known. You are so insecure about yourself and lost. But I know you are smart, and beautiful, and good.”
Demona glanced at him and made the mistake of looking into his deep blue eyes. The compassion that he held for her. A sense of longing gripped at her soul. Those feelings had never gone away; they had only faded without his presence. Remember Kerrick.
“I forgot how beautiful you are.” Felix stared back into her eyes. “I missed you.”
“I missed you too.” Ugh! Did I just say that?
“What about Kerrick?”
“What about him?” Demona replied.
Felix adjusted himself to a more relaxed position. “How serious are things?”
I’m not sure. I don’t love him, I know that. “It’s still new.”
“Oh…” Felix’s eyes seemed to sparkle with hope. “So, tell me about the vampire thing? How does it all work? Is it like the myths?”
“Yes and No,” Demona said. “We turn by being bitten by another vampire, our master, but as you already know we can walk in sunlight.”
“How do you eat? I mean… I’ve seen you eat normal food. And when you guys saved me the blood did not seem to bother you.”
“Ha-ha…” Demona said, “If we feed twice a day we can fight our urges. If not, well it could end badly. The whole point of TGHC is to provide us with the food supply we need, in order to keep our kind from being exposed. We can eat normal food, but it doesn’t do anything for us.”
“Well, I have to admit TGHC is good for something. Otherwise, it would make our jobs a lot harder. From what the elders have told me it was hard to keep protecting the humans before TGHC. You know… from your kind,” Felix said.
“You don’t have to tell me. We still have issues with people going rogue. My first day as agent involved us tracking down a werewolf that had turned a whole family. Ugh. And th
e demons are nothing but trouble!” Demona said.
Felix’s brow creased. “So, your job must get pretty dangerous, huh?”
“Yeah, isn’t yours?”
“Well, since I am kind of new at it, I haven’t been in any dangerous situations. I suppose that’s why they trained me,” Felix said. “Hey, I have a great idea; you should come and visit the headquarters with me.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know. I mean, I guess it would be cool to, you know, hang out now and then. There are a lot of really cool people I think you should meet. You know, get to know the other side. I think you would like them.”
“Sure, I guess it wouldn’t hurt to hang out.” I feel like I’m betraying him with this stupid assignment.
“Did they train you before you became an agent?” Felix asked.
“I have only trained with sword and magic. What about you?”
“My training was meditation and self-defense. I don’t have magic, well at least not yet. I bet yours is awesome, you will have to show me sometime.”
Why couldn’t it be this simple with Kerrick, he makes everything a challenge.
“I never thought to ask. How old are you really?” Felix asked.
“Twenty,” Demona said. “I was turned when I was eighteen.”
“Really? We are pretty close in age. I expected you to be older; you know the whole vampire thing and all.”
Demona looked at him. “Sorry to disappoint you.”
“Oh. Do you know your master?”
“I don’t, no. My whole existence as a vampire has been abnormal.”
“Why?” Felix asked.
“When I was turned, my master left me alone. I also had amnesia, so I can’t remember my life before that.”
“Wow! That’s crazy.”
“I want to know more about GLC. What do they do?” Demona asked. Maybe I will get a straight answer from him.
“GLC… Well, we are basically protectors of the supernatural and human world. We fight against those who might harm beings that are innocent or neutral. We believe in Aleph; he’s a god of goodness and justice.”