by Brandon Hale
“What do you mean?”
“Cassius thinks Topia is a lie,” Scott said, “but it’s not. Thanks to people like Isaac, Topia has evolved into something real. When Cassius finally tries to turn this world into a vampire paradise, the Topians will stop him. People like Isaac will stop him.”
“That’s what we’re doing here, isn’t it,” Lily said. “We’re here to teach the Topians how to stand against Cassius.”
“In a way,” Scott said, “yeah.” After a few moments of silence, he added, “Do you think you’ll ever forgive me?”
“For what?” Lily asked.
“Dragging you away from Grung.”
“Intellectually,” Lily said, “yeah. I know you did what you thought you had to do. He was shot in the heart. He wasn’t going to make it. You were honoring his last wish by dragging me to safety. But emotionally, I don’t know. I think there’s always gonna be some anger there.”
“I understand,” Scott said. “I think I’ll always have some anger toward myself. At least the vampire who killed him is dead.”
“Yeah,” Lily said. “Isaac really proved himself.”
“Speaking of Isaac,” Scott said, “we need to continue our conversation about what happened on that roof. He breathed, Lily. And his heart was beating. It was only for a few beats, but I heard it. For a few seconds, Isaac was alive.”
“I think we both know what caused it to happen,” Lily said. “I did it.”
“I’m sure of it,” Scott said. “When your hand was wrapped around his, you began to heal him. Your touch kills vampires, but I think you might be able to heal half-vampires.”
“You think I can make Topians human again,” Lily said.
“Maybe,” Scott said. “At the very least, it’s worth exploring.”
“This is big, Scott,” Lily said. “If I can heal Topians, the implications are… well, they’re big. We could actually bring humanity back.”
Scott shook his head. “If you had an army of good creatures, maybe. By yourself, you could heal them every day, all day for the rest of your life and it still wouldn’t make a dent in their population. You held Isaac for several seconds and you made his heart beat a few times. We have no idea how long it would take you to turn him human again. And for all we know, it might kill you.”
“Still,” Lily said, “like you said, it’s worth exploring. When we get back home, we need to put some major resources into finding more good creatures. Maybe I’m not the only one.”
“Agreed,” Scott said.
“I keep thinking about Carl,” Lily said. “Maybe I can make him human again.”
“I’m not sure he wants to be human,” Scott said. “He seems to be enjoying his new job as a Topian Protector.”
“Yeah,” Lily said, “but he’d have a choice.”
“I’m glad to hear you say that,” Scott said. “No matter what happens with this, we have to remember that word. Choice.”
“What do you mean?”
“No matter how much we want to bring humanity back,” Scott explained, “we can’t force it on Topians. If we turn them against their will, it’ll kind of mean we’re the vampires.”
“I hate moral dilemmas,” Lily said with a sigh.
“We’ll explore it more when we get home,” Scott said. “For now, I think we should stay focused on building a healthy relationship with Topia.”
“I agree,” Lily said. “So what’s next, Mr. President?”
“Tomorrow night, we’ll be there to greet the first visitors from New America,” Scott said. “We’ll take the big tour with them.”
“I love you, Scott,” Lily said.
Scott laughed. “That was abrupt.”
“I just want to make sure you know,” Lily said. “I love you.”
“I love you, too,” Scott said.
***
While on his way to Lily’s new office, Isaac passed Jesse and Cassius in the hallway.
“Hold up,” Cassius said to Jesse. “I want to talk to this young Topian for a moment.”
“I have nothing to say to you, vampire,” Isaac said.
“I think you’ll like what I have to say,” Cassius said.
“Come on, Cassie,” Jesse said. “The man doesn’t want to talk to you.”
Ignoring Jesse, Cassius said, “You’re wasting your talents as a Protector. You’re a natural leader. You should consider running for president.”
Isaac laughed. “You greatly overestimate my popularity.”
“I have connections,” Cassius said. “Political connections. If you run, you’ll win. I’ll make sure of it.”
Isaac looked at Jesse. “Get him out of here.”
“You heard the man,” Jesse said as he shoved Cassius toward the front door.
“Just think it over,” Cassius said. “I’ll be in touch.”
Isaac continued to walk toward Lily’s office. He needed to give her an update on the Consulate’s security, but as soon as that was done, he planned to go home. The last two weeks had been exhausting. He was looking forward to getting some real rest.
President, he thought with a laugh. That guy’s delusional.
It was a ridiculous notion. Isaac was a Protector. He was a cop. He was perfectly happy letting others handle the politics of Topia.
Although, he thought as he knocked on Lily’s office door, it would be a good way to prevent another Oliver from taking over.
Chapter 30
Kessler
Elizabeth stood in the middle of the woods. She held a short silver sword. Several dead bodies were scattered on the ground around her.
She looked into the darkness behind the surrounding trees. “I know you’re out there. Come on out so we can talk.”
A giant gray wolf leapt from the shadows and landed in front of her. A moment later, it was a man.
“Good to see you again, Kessler,” Elizabeth said with a smile.
Even in human form, Kessler was an intimidating creature. He had shaggy gray hair and a long gray beard. His build was large and powerful. His eyes were wild and dangerous.
“You killed many of my people,” he said.
“They attacked first,” Elizabeth argued.
“You’re trespassing,” Kessler said. “It was their right to attack.”
“And it was my right to defend myself,” Elizabeth said. “You can attack me too if you’re eager to die.”
Kessler paced back and forth, his eyes locked to Elizabeth’s. “Why are you here, vampire?”
“I need your help,” Elizabeth said.
The werewolf laughed. “You’re as crazy as they say. We are content here. We are done with vampire politics. And there’s no way we’re letting you leave these woods alive.”
Several werewolves stepped from the shadows.
“There are more still hidden,” Kessler said. “Enough to tear you into a thousand pieces. You should not have come to our forest, vampire.”
“You’re sure nothing will change your mind?” Elizabeth asked.
“Kill her,” Kessler said. The surrounding wolves stepped closer.
“Not even Ryan Vellin’s grandson?” Elizabeth quickly added.
“Stop,” Kessler said. The werewolves took a step back. “You just gave yourself thirty seconds. Explain.”
“The president of New America,” Elizabeth said, “is Ryan Vellin’s grandson. He’s currently staying in Topia.”
“Where is this Topia?” Kessler asked.
“London,” Elizabeth said. “The half-vampires changed its name.”
“That’s an insult to a great city,” Kessler said.
“I agree,” Elizabeth said.
“And you’re sure this man is Vellin’s grandson?” Kessler asked.
“Absolutely certain,” Elizabeth said. “I’ve done my research. The president was raised by the son Ryan disowned. I’m also certain I can deliver him to you.”
“Ryan Vellin’s grandson,” Kessler whispered, his eyes wild. “Alive.”
“If you’re lying—”
“I’m not lying,” Elizabeth said. “When you see him, you’ll know. He has his grandfather’s eyes.”
Elizabeth waited patiently as Kessler considered her words. Finally, he looked at her and said, “What do you want from us?”
Elizabeth smiled.
Chapter 31
Walking Toward the Future
Lily, Scott, Isaac, and Carl stood at the edge of the landing platform. Several Topian Protectors stood behind them.
“The plane should be landing within fifteen minutes,” Isaac said. “The first official human visitors to Topia. This is a big day.”
“It definitely is,” Scott said. “This is the beginning of something good. I can feel it.”
“I shouldn’t be here,” Carl said. “It’s too much. She won’t be able to handle seeing me like this.”
“Relax,” Lily said. “She’ll be happy to see you. It’s not like you haven’t spoken already.”
“That was on a communicator,” Carl said. “Totally different.”
“You’re just nervous,” Scott said. “It’ll be fine, buddy.”
“And they definitely shouldn’t have brought Lily,” Carl said. They all knew he was referring to his youngest daughter. “She’s too young to be here.”
“There are other children on the plane,” Scott said. “From what Ellie told us, Lily handled the news like a pro. She even bragged to her friends that her dad is a good vampire.”
“Take it easy, Carl,” Lily said. “Humans and vampires have relationships all the time in the movies. It’s not like this is something new.”
“You’re not funny,” Carl said.
“Wendy understands what she’s getting into,” Scott said. “She understands her husband is a Topian now. She made her choice. You need to decide if it’s a choice you can handle.”
“Just don’t make a scene,” Lily said. “There are thirty other people on that plane. Don’t get all weepy and force me to laugh at you in front of them.”
Carl smiled. “I’ll do my best.”
Just as the plane came into view, Lily was distracted by movement between two buildings on the other side of the landing strip.
“Scott,” she said, “those buildings over there. I think I see someone standing in the shadows, but I’m not sure. What do you see?”
“Shit,” Scott said. “It’s Travis.”
“You’re sure?” Lily asked.
“Werewolf eyes,” Scott said. “I’m sure.”
“I’ll be right back,” Lily said as she strolled toward the alley.
“You are not going there by yourself!” Scott said.
“Yes, I am,” Lily said. “If we all go, he’ll run. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. He clearly wanted me to see him.”
“Lily, don’t be stupid,” Scott said.
“If he wanted to cause chaos, he would have,” Lily said. “He wants to talk. I’ll be back in five minutes.”
“It’s Travis!” Scott yelled.
“Stay put,” Lily said. “That’s an order.”
“Screw your orders,” Scott said. “I’m going with you.” He looked at Carl and Isaac. “Be ready to move if we need you.”
Isaac nodded. “We’re ready. Should I tell them to turn the plane around?”
“Not yet,” Lily said. “If there’s any sign of trouble, we’ll let you know. I’m convinced he just wants to talk.”
“Be careful,” Isaac said.
“Be ready,” Lily said.
***
Lily and Scott stepped into the alley.
“Travis,” Lily said, “get your ass out here. Now!”
About ten feet ahead of them, Travis floated to the ground. “Relax,” he said. “I’m not here to kill them.”
“Why are you here?” Scott said.
“And where the hell have you been for the past two weeks?” Lily said.
“I’ve been doing your legwork for you,” Travis said. “And I’m here to tell you I found a lead. I think there might be a good creature in central Africa. I’m heading that way tonight.”
Lily pointed at him. “You stay away from any good creatures!”
“Take it easy,” Travis said. “I’m not gonna kill him. I’m gonna bring him to you. You need more good creatures to turn these baby vampires back to humans, right?”
Lily looked at Scott then turned back to Travis. “How do you know about that?”
“I was on that roof,” Travis said. “I felt what happened to your friend. If we can find more like you, you might be able to take the world back.”
“Why are you helping us?” Lily asked. “Really, Travis. I know you’re not doing this out of the goodness of your heart.”
“I want the old world back,” Travis said. “I hate Topia. I can’t be Jerry Dandridge in Topia.”
“Jerry who?” Scott asked.
“He’s the vampire from Fright Night,” Travis said.
“Okay,” Lily said, “I’m totally confused.”
“Fright Night,” Travis said. “It was my favorite vampire movie from the eighties.”
“You’re helping us because of a movie,” Lily said. “Seriously?”
Travis’s eyes were wild with excitement. “In the movie, Jerry was a total badass. He was a hunter. He was a killer. He prowled the night, feeding on humans. Mostly hookers. And he was… well, he was just damn cool. I can’t be like that in this new world because the humans just give their blood away.”
“Wait,” Scott said. “Let me get this straight. You want to bring down Topia so you can pretend to be a guy from an eighties movie?”
“It’s a really good movie!” Travis said. “Being evil in Topia isn’t fun. It’s boring.”
“You’re lying,” Scott said. “There’s absolutely no damn way you’re doing all of this because of a movie.”
“It’s like you don’t know me at all,” Travis said.
“Travis,” Lily said, “stay away from the good creature.”
“Why?” Travis said. “I told you I’m just gonna bring him to you.”
“Because you’re crazy,” Lily said. “If that guy says the wrong thing, you’ll kill him.”
“Well,” Travis said, “let’s hope he doesn’t say the wrong thing.”
With a quick leap, Travis was gone.
“Should we chase him?” Scott said.
“Is there any point?” Lily asked.
“Not really, no,” Scott said. “Do you believe him?”
“About the good creature or about the movie?” Lily asked.
“Both,” Scott said.
“Sadly,” Lily said, “yes.”
“Me too,” Scott said.
Lily pointed toward the sky. “Sounds like the plane’s arriving.”
“Yeah,” Scott said. “You ready for this?”
“Not at all,” Lily said.
Scott laughed. “Me either.”
Together, they walked toward the landing strip.
They walked toward the future.
“How do you think this is going to turn out?” Scott asked.
Lily stretched up and kissed him on the cheek.
“I have absolutely no idea.”
***
From the bottom of the plane’s stairs, Ellie smiled as she watched her parents’ reunion. At first, it had been awkward, but Wendy quickly broke the awkwardness by grabbing Carl and pulling him in for a powerful hug.
After embracing his wife, Carl reached down and picked up his daughter.
“Family reunions rock.”
Ellie looked to her left to see Isaac standing beside her. “Yes, they do.”
“Go join them,” Isaac said.
“I will,” Ellie said. “I’m letting Dad savor the moment.”
Isaac chuckled. “We’re really navigating some uncharted waters here.”
“Yep.”
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“How do you feel about that?” Isaac asked.
“Hopeful,” Ellie said. After some thought, she added, “And a little scared.”
Isaac nodded. “Same here.”
Ellie looked around the landing strip. “Where’d Scott and Lily go?”
“They saw Travis in that alley,” Isaac said casually.
Ellie drew a stake from her hip. “What?”
“Relax,” Isaac said. “I just talked to them on the communicator. He’s gone now.”
“Then why aren’t they here?” Ellie asked.
Isaac shrugged. “Maybe they’re discussing whatever he told them.”
“Screw that,” Ellie said. “Which alley?”
Isaac pointed to an area between two buildings.
“I’ll be right back,” Ellie said as she marched toward the alley.
***
Ellie stepped into the alley. As her eyes adjusted to the darkness, she spotted her teammates.
Scott was standing with his back against one of the alley’s walls. Lily stood directly in front of him.
They were kissing.
“I knew it!” Ellie yelled.
To be continued in Day Soldiers: Book Five
Thank you for reading Day Soldiers: Evolution. For the most up-to-date information regarding all of Brandon Hale’s books, short stories, and novellas, be sure to check out www.BooksFromHale.com. From there, you can keep up with Brandon’s newest releases, read his blog, and follow him on Facebook and Twitter.
Table of Contents
Copyright © 2013 by Brandon Hale
This book is dedicated to the fans of the Day Soldiers series. You are the reason this book exists. T...
Chapter 1
Chapter 2The Propaganda Video
Chapter 3The Road Home
Chapter 4The Outpost
Chapter 5
Chapter 6Lily’s Mistake
Chapter 7
Chapter 8Half-Vampires
Chapter 9Departures
Chapter 10
Chapter 11The Colorado Vampire Nest
Chapter 12Lily Baxter Lives
Chapter 13
Chapter 14The Capital City
Chapter 15The Fugitive