Alterverse

by Keith B Darrell

  “Why not take the children with us?” Phineas asked.

  Matilda rolled her eyes. “They’ve been perfectly safe here up until now, whereas there’s a strong probability our cabin may be attacked once they realize we were the ones who freed Samantha. More importantly, how would you propose we fit all these children and six adults inside our small cabin?”

  Phineas nodded. “It would be a tight squeeze. All right, let’s go.”

  “One moment,” Ezra said. “We wish to say goodbye to Jonas.” The warlock brothers embraced their little boy before rejoining the Twitches and Amadi. Then, Phineas transported them all back to their cabin. Matilda watched her husband and daughters vanish and turned her attention to the children before her.

  “You don’t look like Aunt Beast,” Jonas said.

  “Who?”

  “She’s a nice lady who brings us food and blankets. She’ll be by soon.”

  The old woman nodded. “You may call me Auntie Matilda.” She shivered. “It’s cold in here. Let’s do something about that.”

  “Oh no!” a little girl said fearfully. “Emma said not to use our magic or they’d find us.”

  “Emma’s right, but I’m a lot more adept at magic than she, or any of you. No one will notice my magic.” She cast a spell. “Don’t touch the walls; they’re hot. They’ll emanate enough heat to warm the cave without generating any light.” She looked around the cave. “Now, what other improvements can we make?”

  Angelique and Julian Ward did not need temples for their followers to trek to so they might be worshipped. Instead, the two most telegenic Dark Gods drew their strength and power from their followers through television broadcasts and social media. Unlike her sister Nemesis, Angelique lacked a temple erected to which she could retreat; however, she and Julian did each have their own chamber in which they could replenish their celestial energy and enjoy complete solitude. Differing from their siblings’ temples, these chambers – which all of the Dark Gods possessed – were not located in a physical space. Time, space, and distance were human concepts inapplicable to the Dark Gods whose chambers, like themselves, existed simultaneously in multiple dimensions. Humans could not find their way to a dark deity’s chamber unless invited. Mordred Pendragon, as high priest of the priesthood of vampires known as Nosferatu Lords, was the only mortal permitted to access the chambers, although he seldom had reason to enter any one other than Angelique’s. When she heard the knock at her chamber door, Angelique Ward thought it was her warlock lover paying another concupiscent visit. She opened her door, surprised to see Julian Ward.

  “Why sister, you look positively disappointed to see me.”

  “Not at all. Come in.” Angelique shut the door behind him. The chamber was bathed in an emerald glow and a green slime coated the walls.

  Julian observed the slime dripping to the floor. “I didn’t mean to disturb your replenishing. I could come back later…”

  “No, that’s all right. I was done anyway. I planned to speak with you shortly. You were right about signs of unrest among the mortals. It’s not limited to Japan. This so-called dream of liberation is spreading across the globe. I don’t know how the insurgents are in contact with each other; we monitor all the communications devices including telephones and the Internet. It’s as if each morning brings with it a growing desire for freedom among them.”

  “It might be the witches’ doing. Nyx told me a cadre of Shadow People she sent to spy on a group of witches and warlocks failed to return.”

  Angelique grew concerned. “It’s not like Mother to lose control of her Shadow People. But I may have a lead on our problem. I’ve been keeping tabs on Bast.”

  “The Egyptian cat goddess?” Julian asked. “She was caught unaware when the Age of Magic began and trapped in one of several pocket universes that were formed during our recreation of reality. She and Anubis and the rest of their pantheon are effectively in stasis, like flies in amber.”

  “True, but felines can be quite clever. I discovered she transferred her consciousness into one of her votaries, a young woman named Katrina. Apparently, Bast had relocated to Las Vegas in the previous reality to oversee and protect her two charges, twin offspring of a werewolf and a vampire.”

  Julian frowned. “Why would a cat goddess have any interest in them?”

  “Bast is more than a cat goddess. She’s also a goddess of fire and pregnant women. Bast appears to have taken an interest in these children from the moment of their conception, protecting their mother during her pregnancy. They are unusual offspring. When we altered reality, Bast didn’t have time to save the children but she was able to project her consciousness into Katrina…”

  “And when reality was re-created, Bast found a way to exist in the altered reality,” Julian concluded. “Clever indeed.”

  “Once I discovered what she had done, I thought it best to keep an eye on her to learn what she was up to. Instead, I found out the two children have become involved in the Resistance we’re seeking. I believe they could lead us to the leader of this Resistance, and once we’ve identified him or her we can kill its leader and end any threat of rebellion by the humans.”

  “No!” Julian exclaimed. “That’s exactly what we must not do. You know what humans are like; kill the Resistance leader and you make him or her a martyr. The Resistance will increase a thousandfold and they’ll have a powerful and enduring new symbol upon which to rally behind. A living enemy may always be defeated, but not a ghost.”

  “Then, how should we proceed? Co-op their leaders? Or merely imprison them, as we did Samantha Twitch?”

  “That’s what I came to see you about. Sir William thought it best to bypass Mordred and contact me directly, given your warlock’s emotional involvement with Samantha Twitch. The witch has escaped.”

  Angelique’s eyes widened. “How? Mordred assured me it was not possible.”

  “She was broken out of the cell. Presumably some sort of commando raid.”

  “Do you suspect the Resistance? Or perhaps other witches?”

  “Sir William’s information is sketchy. But one of his vampires reported possible involvement by a Nosferatu Lord.”

  Angelique gasped. “One of our own trusted priests may have been co-opted?”

  “The salient point is the three witches that comprise the goddess Hecate must be destroyed before they can merge. We can deal easily enough with traitorous vampires; a goddess on the level of Hecate might rival our own abilities. Find out everything you can from Mordred about Samantha Twitch and where she might seek sanctuary. He may be more forthcoming if he doesn’t know she has escaped.”

  “What if we can’t locate her before the sisters merge into the goddess Hecate?”

  “The power of any given god or goddess is in direct correlation to the number of their followers and the strength of those worshippers’ belief. Hecate is the goddess of all witches and warlocks, themselves far more powerful creatures than mere mortals, which only adds to Hecate’s power. So if we’re too late to prevent Hecate’s formation then we shall have to initiate a final solution: we will weaken the goddess by killing every last one of her followers.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Pandora and Sharon exchanged glances. “I suppose we could try,” Pandora said. “I’m not making any promises, though. As I said, we’re not detectives…”

  “But you do track people down,” Artemus said.

  “And we can always use the money,” Sharon said. “Take us to the scene of the crime and we’ll look around for clues. But remember, we’re charging you for our time, not our success.”

  “That’s all I ask,” Artemus said. “I have no idea who killed Natasa or why. Find me a clue that leads to her killer and I’ll do the rest.”

  “What did the police say?” Pandora asked.

  Artemus scowled. “Breathers. As if they would care about a dead sucker. Oh, they said all the right words and filled out all the proper forms and told me they’d be in touch if they learned
anything. I know better than to expect a phone call.”

  Pandora looked at Sharon. “Your father might be able to turn up something through his connections on the force.”

  Sharon grimaced. “We can do this without my father.”

  “If your father can be of assistance—” Artemus began.

  Sharon appreciated the boy vampire’s eagerness yet she still bristled at the suggestion. “Let’s investigate the murder scene first. We should go now before time sweeps away any remaining clues.”

  As the three vampires prepared to leave the Nightstalkers, Inc. office the door swung open and Emma Twitch stepped inside. “I need to speak with you.”

  “We’re with a client,” Pandora said. “Come back tomorrow.”

  “This can’t wait. It’s a matter of life or death.”

  Sharon snarled, baring her fangs. “Possibly yours. Leave, before I forget my promise to your sister not to harm you.”

  Emma gestured and intoned “Levitas!” Sharon Mordecai was lifted into the air and went flying across the room, slamming into the wall. Emma turned to Artemus. “I have no quarrel with you, vampire. Do not interfere and it shall remain that way.”

  “You’re interrupting my business with these ladies,” Artemus said. “Important, personal business.”

  “Chill out,” Pandora said. “Emma dear, would you please lower Sharon to her feet.” The strawberry blonde vampire turned to Artemus. “Give us a few minutes alone. Then, we’ll accompany you.”

  Artemus watched as Emma let Sharon down, and then he stepped out into the lobby. Sharon dusted herself off and said, “Samantha always told us you were the sweet sister.”

  Emma grimaced menacingly. “I am. That should tell you something. Don’t let my appearance fool you. I may be the youngest Twitch sister but I’m still far older than any of you vampires by at least a millennium or two.”

  Pandora scrunched her nose. “What’s your secret? Beauty cream?”

  “As the maiden in our triune, I benefit from eternal youth, unlike my eldest sister Drusilla who as the crone must resort to glamours to hide the ravages of old age.”

  Sharon inhaled a deep breath. “We don’t want to fight you. I promised Samantha we wouldn’t harm you even if we were ordered to. But if you came here looking for Samantha, I’ll tell you what I told Alaric: I haven’t seen or heard from her since she disappeared.”

  “I’m not looking for my sister; I’m looking for Alaric. When did you last see him?”

  Sharon shrugged. “Five, maybe six months ago. He wanted help tracking down his parents. He knew we had worked for them years ago and he thought we might be privy to scuttlebutt among the vampires about where Samantha or Lucifer were being held.”

  Pandora nodded. “She’s telling you the truth. We don’t know where either of them is, though. Nor does anyone with whom we associate. We couldn’t tell Alaric anything so he left empty-handed. Why is it so important for you to find him now after all this time?”

  “You probably already know the Dark Gods are hunting for me and Drusilla, as they continue to persecute our people. As if he wasn’t in enough danger already, I’ve learned Alaric is spearheading a resistance movement against the Dark Gods. Maybe the best defense is a good offense but my nephew has nowhere near the power required to challenge the gods. I’m not sure anyone does, but certainly not a teenage boy. I have to find him before he gets himself killed.”

  “The Resistance?” Sharon’s eyes lit up.

  Pandora shot her a sharp glance. “Don’t even think it,” she warned. “Alaric is off-limits, just like Ursula and Quinn.”

  “Don’t worry, I wasn’t thinking of reporting him.”

  Emma’s eyes darted between the two vampires. “What’s Alaric got to do with Ursula and Quinn?”

  “Pandora’s children have been bitten by the same Resistance bat,” Sharon said. “My guess is they’ve seen him or know where he is.”

  “Great. Where can I find them?”

  “Stay away from my kids.” Pandora snarled menacingly at the witch. “Besides, they won’t even talk to me about the Resistance; they’re certainly not going to talk to you about it.”

  “Then how do you know about it?”

  Sharon smirked. “We have a source who told us about it. Someone who’s followed them and knows where they meet. Someone who could tell you where to find Alaric.”

  “Who?”

  “I’ll tell you in exchange for a favor. Come with us to Artemus’ apartment and use your witchcraft to help us find out who killed his friend and I’ll give you the name of the person who can tell you where the Resistance meets.”

  “Or you could simply tell me now. What makes you think I won’t use that same witchcraft to torture the name from you?”

  Sharon smiled. “Because you’re the sweet sister.”

  Emma followed Sharon, Pandora, and Artemus into the boy vampire’s apartment. He lived alone but it was obvious Natasa had been a frequent visitor. The scent of recent death still lingered in the air. She noted the sea shells on the mantelpiece above the fireplace.

  “Those are from the Mediterranean beach where we frolicked as children nearly five centuries ago,” the boy vampire said mournfully. “She was a part of my life for a very long time.”

  Emma shrugged. “The first millennium or two seems the longest at the time but a few centuries is really not that long in the greater perspective.” She glanced at the doleful boy. “I’m sorry; I don’t mean to be insensitive.”

  “Why is she even here?” Artemus asked in an annoyed tone.

  “Emma might be able to use her witchcraft to find some clues,” Pandora said.

  “Then do it already.”

  Emma closed her eyes and meditated. She felt the energy and auras of all the people who had been in the apartment. Artemus was less sociable than the younger vampires and had not entertained many guests. Emma recognized Artemus’ aura and dismissed it. There were two others whose presence she could still feel. One was that of a female vampire; she assumed it must be Natasa’s. The other she couldn’t identify but she did recognize the nature of the aura itself, and a chill went through her spine. Emma immediately thought of her beloved Tad waiting for her back at the cave.

  She opened her eyes and blinked.

  “Well?” Artemus asked impatiently. “Have you learned anything from your magicks?”

  Emma nodded, fearful of what she had discovered. It can’t have been Tad, she thought. It mustn’t have been. “I don’t know who murdered your friend, but I sensed only three auras here recently: yours, Natasa’s, and that of… A changeling.”

  Artemus’ eyes widened. “I know only one changeling.”

  “What’s his name?” Emma asked, her body tensing, hoping he would not name Tad.

  “Not his. Her.” Artemus grimaced, as Emma relaxed. He turned to Pandora and Sharon. “You’ve done well. I’ve learned what I need to know.”

  “You’ll get our bill,” Sharon said. “And it won’t be cheap.”

  “That’s perfectly all right,” Artemus said. “The information you’ve provided me with tonight is priceless.” The boy vampire ruminated. “Although I still don’t know why she murdered Natasa. I shall have to ask her, as I’m throttling the life from her body.”

  Emma turned to Sharon. “Now it’s time to pay your debt. Give me the name.”

  “Katrina,” Sharon replied. “She’s a barista at Bubastis, the coffee shop in our building.”

  Emma nodded and left.

  Emma sat down at the coffee shop counter and perused the menu. She scrolled down the selection of gourmet coffees while she waited for the barista.

  “What’ll it be, hun?”

  Emma glanced up, immediately noticing the barista’s plush cat ear headband. “Nice ears.”

  Katrina smiled at her. “It suits the atmosphere.” She saw the puzzled expression on Emma’s face. “Bubastis – the coffee shop is named after the ancient Egyptian city that was home to the worshippers o
f the cat-goddess Bast. It was a hot spot, back in its day. Thousands would make the pilgrimage to sing and dance at the Festival of Bastet.” She sighed. “But that was in another time and place. Now it’s been forgotten, as if it never truly existed.”

  “I can’t say I’ve heard of it.”

  “No one can, anymore,” Katrina said wistfully.

  Emma glanced back at the menu. “I think I’ll try the witches’ brew.”

  “Excellent choice. It’s one of our most popular coffees.” Katrina whipped around and returned moments later with a piping hot cup.

  “I’d also like something not on the menu.”

  “What’s that?” Katrina asked.

  “Information,” Emma replied. “About the Resistance.”

  Katrina attempted to hide her surprise. “The what?”

  “The resistance movement Ursula and Quinn Fenris have become involved with. Pandora Pennyworth told me you could take me to their meeting place.”

  Katrina stared at the teenage witch with a distrusting gaze. “Why would Pandora say such a thing?”

  “Because it’s true. And because I need to find my nephew who has also become involved with the Resistance. His life – all of their lives – are in great danger.”

  Katrina grimaced. She was uncertain whether to trust Emma. She considered the girl might be a spy sent to trap her or trick her into revealing information about the Resistance, but the only ones she had told were Pandora and Sharon, and Katrina didn’t believe either would risk exposing Quinn and Ursula’s involvement in the Resistance. Yet the stranger’s words merely reinforced her own misgivings about the twins’ role in a subversive group and the possible consequences. “Even if I believed you, what do you think going there will accomplish? You won’t be able to talk them out of their idealism and zealotry. They’re ardent; true believers in the righteousness of their cause. Bringing about their apostasy would be harder than herding cats.”

  “If I can’t dissuade my nephew, then I’ll remain by his side to protect him.”