by E. C. Fisher
“This is the mark of a Hunter,” Alex said as he admired it.
“This is the first time I’ve seen the mark look like this. It must be from the combination of both Gods,” Mordekai said.
“Which Gods are those?” Vali asked.
“Assadarsya, the God of Nature. The symbols for the wind, leaf, and water must represent her. The God of Light and Sun, Assadar, the symbol in the center must represent him,” Alex explained as he showed her
“So, that’s it to the ritual, nothing else has to happen now—right?” Vali asked Mordekai.
“That’s right. He’s now a full-fledged Hunter,” Mordekai answered.
“Good! We should get out of here and go find Vlad.” Alex got up and took a few steps before he collapsed to his knees. Vali caught him before he face planted on the ground.
“What’s wrong, Alex?” Vali asked. No response. She turned him over to find him passed out.
“The ritual must have exhausted him. Let’s get him into a room and wait for him to rest up,” Mordekai suggested.
“That would be best.”
Mordekai floated toward Vali and teleported them to a bedroom in the mansion.
“Set him down on the bed. I’ll watch over him. How about you get some rest yourself, Miss Vali?” Mordekai offered.
“Thanks. I’ll do that. Let me know when he wakes up?”
“I will,” Mordekai assured her. He teleported her to another room. “Now, let’s pray the boy can withstand the transformation.”
A few days later, Alex regained consciousness. He was in a small bedroom. He glanced around to get his bearings. The room was sparse for décor. He laid atop a full-sized bed pushed against the stone wall. A nightstand stood beside it; a candle provided minimal light. He saw a small desk and dresser on the opposite wall. And sitting on top of the dresser, he found Mordekai.
“Mordekai, you awake? What happened to me?” Alex asked as he sat up.
“I never sleep. You passed out. Vali and I brought you here.”
“What do you mean, ‘you never sleep’?”
“I no longer require the need to sleep. I can’t even understand the meaning of that word anymore.”
“It must suck to be awake all the time.”
“Yes. Especially when I have to hear you moan in your sleep.”
“I don’t moan in my sleep.”
“Oh yes, you do, boy.” Mordekai chuckled.
“Whatever. Where’s Vali?” Alex asked to avert the focus off him.
“I transported her to another room to rest.”
“How long have I been asleep?”
“You’ve both been sleeping for two days. It’s evening now on the third day.”
“Two days!” Alex sprang from the bed. He put his hand on the nightstand when he got up, and applied his weight. The nightstand cracked under the pressure.
“Your body has gone through a remarkable transformation. Increased strength for one thing.”
“How did this happen?” Alex stared at his hands. They were uninjured. The nightstand had a splinter down the middle.
“The ritual provides you with new powers, but it also amplifies your body. If you had gone through the proper training, this change wouldn’t have been noticeable, but since you didn’t this is the result.”
“I can’t control it.” Alex flexed his hand a few times as he tried to grasp the sensation of strength that surged through his body.
“It’ll take time for your body to adjust. The last two days have already shown a lot of changes. Just take a look at yourself.” Mordekai materialized a mirror next to the dresser.
Alex approached the mirror and gaped at himself. He didn’t recognize the person staring back. He quickly realized two things. First, someone had stripped him down to his boxers. Second, his entire body was more defined. He posed and flexed. His overall size hadn’t altered, but the definition of his physique was more pronounced.
“I gained twenty pounds in muscle, at least.”
“This is only the tip of what has happened to you,” Mordekai said.
Alex turned his back to the mirror so he could get a look. As he peered over his shoulder at his reflection, the door to his room opened and Vali stepped in.
“Alex, you’re awake—” She looked his half-naked body up and down before she fainted. Alex rushed to her side and found himself holding her before he even knew what had happened. He carried her to the bed and laid her down.
“It seems your natural reflexes have also increased,” Mordekai added.
“How did I move that fast? I covered that bit of distance in an instant.”
“The strength you possess now will naturally increase your speed as well. If I had to measure your abilities—I would say you’re equal to the speed of a werewolf, but that still puts you behind the speed of a vampire.”
“I have an increase in reflexes, agility, and strength. Wasn’t there another ability?” Alex had the name on the tip of his tongue.
“The Quick Eye. In my opinion, it rivals the other powers. Even the super-human strength and speed of the Maximillian family line. The Quick Eye allows you to perceive rapid movement, even in darkness. Think of it as time slowing down. The Van Helsing family line has a unique trait, an abnormal natural reflex. This coupled with Quick Eye, makes you an even match against a vampire. Because of the mixing of bloodlines, I can’t fathom the depths of your power, but you won’t be at a disadvantage in a fight,” Mordekai explained.
“Do I have regenerative capabilities or anything?” Alex asked as his curiosity got the best of him.
“You think this is some comic book fantasy world! No, you’re still a normal, run-of-the-mill human and you can die just like one. Don’t go thinking you’re invincible!” Mordekai shouted.
“Understood. I thought it would be cool.”
Vali stirred and sat up on the bed. “What happened?” She groaned as she massaged her temple.
“You passed out when you entered the room. Do you remember anything?” Alex asked as he knelt beside the bed.
“A little—I remember walking in and seeing you—” Vali glanced back at him, “Why are you still naked? Put some clothes on.” She averted her eyes and turned away.
“For the record, I have boxers on,” Alex said. He went to the dresser and found his clothes inside one of the drawers.
“What’s the difference?” Vali asked. Alex caught her taking peeks at him from between her fingers.
Vali calmed down after he was fully dressed.
Okay, now that we’ve confirmed you’re both virgins, we can continue, Mordekai quipped.
“You didn’t have to bring that up!”
“Bring what up?” Vali asked as she furrowed her brow.
“Oh, nothing. It’s not important.” Alex awkwardly laughed. Thankfully, she wasn’t inside my head. “We’ve wasted enough time. We’ve completed what we came here to do. We should head back and try to find Vlad. He might be waiting for us already.”
“I’m ready.”
“You know the drill, both of you hold onto me and I’ll transport us.”
Chapter Eight
The group appeared in the forest outside the house as the glow of the red-orange sunset faded to night. The evening breeze swept through the trees as Vali shivered. Alex removed his blazer and handed it to her.
“Thanks.” She grabbed it and threw it over her shoulders and bundled it around her arms.
“We’re half a mile from the house; just straight ahead,” Mordekai said.
“The sun has barely set. Let’s wait an hour before we begin the search for Vlad,” Alex suggested as he walked toward the house.
“Do you think he safely made it away from the Sentinels?” Vali asked.
“I’m sure he’s fine. He’s Dracula. We’ll find him sitting in the house drinking tea or something. Does he drink tea?” Alex asked to change the subject.
“He appears to be the type of person you might find drinking tea.” Vali giggled. Alex
smiled as it has been a while since he heard her laugh. “But no, he doesn’t.”
“Does he drink blood from a teacup?” Alex mused.
“He likes it unfiltered; straight from the source,” Vali answered, her face expressionless. Alex couldn’t tell if she was joking or not. “But it would be a sight to see; my father sipping blood from a teacup.” She couldn’t hold her poker face any longer. Alex’s expression of astonishment had her gasping for breath from laughing so hard. “The look on your face.”
“Oh, good. You were joking.” Alex let out a sigh of relief. Her laugh was infectious, and he joined in.
They continued to laugh for a few minutes. “That’s better,” Alex said as he calmed down, “You’ve been pretty sad lately. I’m glad you can still laugh. I prefer to see a smile on your face.”
She quickly hid inside his blazer as her face flushed. “That’s not fair,” Alex heard her mutter before he continued to walk.
As the darkness thickened, Alex found himself able to see as clearly as if the sun was still up.
“Whoa, this is awesome. I can see so clearly even in the dark.” Alex gazed around as every detail of the forest was vibrant.
“It’s a benefit you’ve received. There will be a lot of changes for you to get used to,” Mordekai said.
“Vampires have the natural ability to see in the dark. Werewolves and gargoyles can as well,” Vali added.
“Humans are at a huge disadvantage. The Gods gave the Van Helsings and Maximillians the power to hold back the creatures of darkness from destroying humanity,” Alex said.
Hey stupid, one of those creatures of darkness is walking behind you, Mordekai whispered inside Alex’s head.
“I-I didn’t mean you, Vali.” Alex twirled around to check on her.
“It’s okay. I know what you meant.” Vali showed him a reassuring smile. Alex let out a sigh of relief before he turned back around and continued walking.
“We should be able to see the house—” Alex raised his hand intuitively and grasped the handle of his sword.
Your senses are a lot sharper now. I’ve only noticed them myself. Gargoyles, Mordekai whispered.
Alex grabbed Vali by the hand and hid behind a bush. Alex peered over it; he saw two gargoyles resting on the house; watching and waiting. They had blackish gray skin, bulky muscular bodies, and razor-sharp claws that sunk into the frame of the house. The large wings on their backs were bent back. Their faces were hideous and misshapen; like they were squashed by a piece of glass. The mouth had four large fangs sticking out; two on top and two on the bottom. They shared the features of a bat in the eyes, ears, and nose.
Mordekai, how do the Sentinels track their target?
“Though they appear to have the features of a bat, they aren’t blind. Their hearing and sight are unparalleled in comparison to other creatures of darkness. That’s the main reason Dr. Frankenstein uses them as his sentinels,” Mordekai explained.
I see. What are our chances to make it into the hidden room in the hallway?
The possibility is zero for both of you to make it. And night has barely fallen, which means we have twelve hours to wait until they turn to stone. I doubt we can stay here for that long.
Can you teleport us without them noticing?
No. We are too close. If I tried, they would notice.
Any ideas—
The sound of a broken twig stopped Alex mid-sentence. In an instant, he saw the gargoyles' gaze lock onto them. He glanced over to see the expression of horror in Vali’s eyes. She had shifted her weight which broke the branch under her foot. In the half millisecond that followed, Alex leaped out from the bush with his sword drawn to attract the gargoyles toward him. They soared into the air to gain altitude.
“Vali, when I tell you to—I want you to run for the house. I’ll cover you and buy some time.” Alex never let his sights off the gargoyles. There was no response, but he felt her presence and presumed she understood.
One of the gargoyles swooped down toward him at a swiftness Alex wasn’t prepared, but Quick Eye allowed him to dodge the slash of the gargoyle’s claw. He didn’t notice the second gargoyle’s attack, but his instincts alerted him, and he ducked as the claw grazed his hair. The pincer attack was well maneuvered.
This is troublesome. Mordekai, any guidance to help me out of this situation?
Keep dodging and look for an opening.
Thanks. What do you think I’ve been doing?
I don’t have combat experience. I’m no good to you here, boy. Figure it out. His voice was agitated because of his uselessness.
Alex readied himself as the gargoyles made another sweep. He concentrated on using Quick Eye. Time slowed as the first one approached. The same attack pattern. He could perceive and analyze its movement. Alex sidestepped the attack and sensed the presence of the second one behind him. As the creature swept its arm down at him, Alex twirled in a flash, slicing its arm cleanly off.
“Great job, Alex. You got one.” Vali stepped out from behind the bush.
“Vali, no!” Alex shouted, but it was too late. The remaining gargoyle locked in on her and turned to pursue her. “Run, Vali.” He rushed to intercept the gargoyle.
Alex stood in its path. The creature didn’t waver as it barreled toward him. He swung his sword, but the second gargoyle interfered as it swooped in, taking the strike to the abdomen. The sword penetrated deep, but not enough to cut through. The first gargoyle flew past as it ignored him and continued after Vali. Alex tried to chase after it, but the second gargoyle grasped his blade and wouldn’t let go. He hesitated a moment but decided to forgo his sword and dashed after the other gargoyle. But he was too late, the Gargoyle had already reached Vali and snatched her in his arms, lifting off into the air.
“Alex…Alex!” Vali screamed until her voice faded away in the distance.
Alex collapsed to his knees as he stared blankly at the spot she disappeared. His anger swelled up inside and boiled over. The noise of the remaining gargoyle wallowing in agonizing pain brought him back to his senses.
I could have reached her if not for that thing interfering. Alex silently stood up and strolled calmly over to the creature. A pool of its green blood illuminated the darkness. The creature lay on its back, his sword stuck in its abdomen. He reached for the handle and removed the blade. The creature shrieked, the noise pierced his eardrums, but he endured the pain. In one fluid motion, he swung his sword down to put an end to the noise
Alex, stop! Mordekai shouted in his head. His hand froze—the edge of the blade nicked the gargoyle’s throat. We can use it to find out where Dr. Frankenstein is hiding. We can save Vali if we move quickly.
His hand shook—his anger had not subsided. The blade pressed against the gargoyle’s throat inched closer—the cut deepened as green blood dripped from the wound. He took a deep breath and removed his sword from the creature’s throat. Alex whipped the blade to fling off the disgusting creature’s blood before he sheathed it. He stepped over the gargoyle and headed over to Mordekai.
“Then get started.” Alex clenched his teeth as he spoke.
“I’ll find out where it’s been. That should provide us a lead to Dr. Frankenstein’s location.” Mordekai hovered over to the fallen creature. He positioned himself over the temple of the gargoyle and shone a light at the creature’s head.
“You shouldn’t think about it too much, Alex. It was your first fight. You did surprisingly well against two gargoyles.” Alex could tell from his voice he was attempting to cheer him up.
“I couldn’t protect her,” he muttered. “I promised them. I only had to do one thing and I wasn’t able to.” Tears rolled down his cheeks.
“It’s not over yet, boy! Get your head back into the game. We still have a chance to save her.” Mordekai started to glow more intensely. The gargoyle groaned as the light increased until the noise became an ear-splitting scream. Alex had to shield his ears against the sound. It lasted a couple of minutes until the light fade
d and the creature’s shriek ceased.
“It’s dead,” Mordekai confirmed.
“Did you find out anything?” Alex shouted; his hearing had been affected by the high-pitched death cry.
“Dr. Frankenstein constructed an island in the middle of the Bermuda Triangle. From the remnants of the gargoyle’s memories, the island’s impenetrable. Sheer cliffs on all sides and the castle meets the edge of the cliffside, adding to the challenge of trying to scale it. He has five more gargoyles that continuously guard the perimeter, at least until sunrise. Trying to climb up or drop down from above would be suicide,” Mordekai explained.
“Regardless, I still need to go. If Dr. Frankenstein’s able to achieve his goal, then there will be nothing left in this world that can stop him. Humans and ‘supernaturals’ would become his playthings. There has to be a way to enter without him knowing or having to assault his compound.”
“Now you’re talking more like a Hunter. All right, we need to gather some weapons and I think a change of clothes is in order.”
Alex looked himself over and found his uniform in shreds and filthy. He was even missing a shoe. Now when did that happen? “Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. He gave himself a whiff and gagged, “Maybe a shower as well?”
“I can do something that might be just as good.” Mordekai started to glow and a light shined on top of Alex. As he bathed in the light, the scrapes and bruises on his body began to vanish.
After a moment the light faded. “There, you should smell way better now.”
His clothes and body had a nice fragrance emanating off them. He was reminded of a body wash he used once called Irish Spring. “That’s cool, do you think you can do that for me from now on?” Alex asked as he continued to inhale the smell from his skin.
“I’m not your personal shower. This was a one-time thing. This is why I hate dealing with children.” Mordekai floated past him and headed toward the house.
Alex followed after him and opened the passage beneath the house. They entered the secret hideout and approached the table—the lights flickered on and the monitor on the table powered on.