by Ben Hale
One minute later they climbed onto a makeshift platform that hung suspended between the remains of the broken sphere. Fastened like large stone wheels, the two halves resembled giant concave tires. The vehicle rocked when they boarded. As the horde of Twisted closed the gap, Derek and Brody spun the wheels and they accelerated away. Derek bounced in his seat inside the right wheel, and each motion sent shards of pain up his arm. He cast a smoothing charm on the exterior of the stone.
The bouncing stopped, and he breathed a sigh of relief. The horde of Twisted finally slowed after several blocks, allowing them to retreat. Soon their roller was joined by other units. Trucks, Humvees, and civilian cars became a convoy. Tanks and other military equipment brought up the rear, the sound of their tracks rumbling loud against the empty streets of New York City.
Weary and wounded, Derek focused on keeping their roller moving. The roadway was littered with trash and debris, remains of the millions who had occupied the city just a week ago. Instead of lights and sound, the city echoed back the sounds of their passage.
Several miles outside the city they came to a halt to regroup. As he stepped down from the roller a mage healer appeared, and healed their wounds. Harried and rushed, the woman moved on before they could express their gratitude.
Spotting Freezer standing at the summit of the hill, Derek strode to join him and looked back at New York City. The Dark had already claimed a third of the city. Towering skyscrapers faded from sight as the sentient cloud swallowed them whole.
"You did good, kid," Freezer said.
"Not good enough," Derek replied.
Freezer motioned to the sun, which had begun to set. "It's almost dusk now. We lasted longer than Alice thought. Sometimes victory comes from defiance."
A spark of fire in the sky drew their gaze, and as it approached Derek recognized it as a missile. Speeding through the clouds, it was evident where it was headed.
"Don't look at it," Freezer said.
Derek closed his eyes, but the blast of light penetrated his eyelids, forcing him to raise his hand. The titanic sound and heat washed over them for several seconds, until finally it began to fade. He opened his eyes to see a giant mushroom cloud rising over what had once been a sprawling metropolis.
Towering structures had shattered. Streets had been ripped up and shredded, while any remaining cars had crumpled into piles of twisted metal. The devastation of New York City caused Derek's entire frame to cringe, but he knew it to be necessary. The fires and radiation would slow the Twisted enough to allow the armed forces to retreat.
"Let's go," Freezer said. "We have one more fight before this is over."
Derek nodded and followed him to a waiting truck. The SEALs and the other mages had already climbed onboard, and Derek joined them. As the truck lurched into motion he looked at the faces of his friends. They had been through battle on Auroraq before, but nothing had prepared them for this.
Shock and numb disbelief reflected back at him, and he wondered if his expression was the same. No words were exchanged until a bend in the road closed off the view. Even then the glow from the nuclear fires rivaled the sun setting ahead of them. The miles slid by and his mind turned to Tess. For the first time he wondered if he would survive to see her again.
Chapter 23: From the Deep
"Sixty seconds to evac!" Wolf bellowed.
Spurred by his words, the soldiers hustled to retreat from the front line. Men and women frantically loaded trucks and cars with gear, trying to join the convoy before the entire front line collapsed. Between the losses and the men retreating, the Twisted had broken through the line in countless locations.
Wolf threw a glance at the setting sun, praying that they could get out in time. Inch by inch the Dark had claimed most of the beach. Other units to the north and south and been driven back for several hundred feet, only holding due to the last of the reserves. Any second now the entire line would break like a dam, allowing the tide of Twisted to slaughter any left behind.
Linda gathered the remaining rockets for the launcher and flew them to the truck. Then she darted back for the weapons. Wolf held down the trigger on the M60 as the units on either side of him evacuated. All around the SEALs were keeping the Twisted at bay, giving the others time to depart.
"They're not going fast enough!" Linda's voice barely reached Wolf over the thunder of gunfire and shrieking Twisted.
"I'm so tired of being the last ones out," Wilson growled. "When do we get the front seats?"
"Not what we signed up for," Harmon yelled back.
"I don't think the contract included this!" Wilson yelled.
"Cut the chatter," Wolf snapped. "Watch out for shriekers."
Jets, attack choppers, and predator drones roared above them, releasing millions of high-caliber rounds. With most of front line soldiers retreating, the aerial fleet was the only thing keeping the Twisted at bay. Swarms of bats hammered at them, leaving crumpled wrecks to fall with the bombs.
The bats may not have been as fast as the jets and predator drones, but they outnumbered the fleet by a thousand to one. The nearest swarm snapped out and devoured a helicopter. The chopper rolled over and plummeted into the ground, crushing a trio of human Twisted as they attempted to climb over an empty barricade.
"MOABs inbound!" Wolf shouted as he heard the order in his earpiece. "Get ready!"
The heavy bombs whistled as they fell, blossoming into fire when they struck the mangled beach. The remaining teams evacuated into the trucks and pulled out, firing as they went.
"Truck's ready!" Ensign Baker yelled.
Wolf gathered up the belt of ammunition and retreated, still firing. The Twisted poured over the barricade he'd just occupied, howling at the proximity to his team. The black, orange, and gray flesh of the distinct types blended together in an endless tide of angry bodies.
"Linda!" Wolf shouted in a rising tone. "We could use some help!"
"Go!" she shouted, and slammed her hands downward.
The invisible gravity wave slammed into the Twisted and launched them soaring over their companions. More took their place, but for once they were too late. Wolf and his remaining team leapt onto the small military transport while Linda stumbled to join them, her hand on her stomach. The moment Wolf pulled her in, Baker jammed his foot on the accelerator and the truck lurched forward.
Wolf dropped his smoking gun and picked up a rifle with a grenade launcher. Then he pulled the second trigger, sending a high impact grenade into those in pursuit. The explosion sent them flying, twisted and broken. He emptied the clip, blasting the crowd before it could get close. On either side of him the other SEALs fired their rifles, and gradually the truck pulled away from the pursuit. When it became clear they were free, Wolf released the trigger.
They were the last vehicle out, and so were granted an unimpeded view. Lit by the sun setting behind them, the Twisted swarmed over the barricade that the nations of Earth had bled and died for. Leashed once again to the cloud, billions of fiends dragged the Dark over the broken bunkers.
The sight faded from view as they sped away, but Wolf remained at the back opening. Not until they left the city behind did he allow himself to relax. As they pulled onto a road that cut through a thick forest, he finally took a seat.
"At least we lasted the day," Harmon said.
Wolf didn't respond. They were retreating to their final stand, and he knew it was weaker than what they had just defended. His eyes flicked to Linda, and he stepped to her side.
"Are you alright?"
Her white features were stretched taut across her face, and her breathing came in ragged gasps. He searched her form for injury, but found none.
"It's magesickness," she said. "I'm using too much magic at once.” She forced a weak smile. "A few hours of rest and I'll be fine."
"Don't throw up on the rockets," Wolf said. "It makes them hard to hold onto, and they're not something we like to drop."
She issued a small laugh, and her grip t
ightened on her stomach. His humor faded. "Anything I can do?" he asked.
She shook her head. "Time."
"How about some water?"
She nodded, and he moved to the rear of the truck to get a bottle. Just as he reached for it, a movement drew his gaze. He leaned out the back of the truck—and sucked in his breath.
"Brace for—"
His bellow of warning was cut short as an enormous Twisted lion slammed into the side of the truck. As if it were tackling an antelope, the beast struck the truck with its claws outstretched. The impact raised the wheels on one side, sending the SEALs and equipment tumbling to the other. For an eternal moment they teetered as Baker fought the steering wheel. Then the large vehicle groaned and tipped onto its side.
Metal screeched as the truck slid down the road, issuing sparks until it came to a stop. The lion leapt free, its claws digging into the soil as it spun to face the downed truck. It prowled to the side and issued a rumbling snarl.
"Where did it come from?" Harmon said, but his voice sounded distant and hazy.
"Must have broken through a barrier to the north," Wilson said.
The interior of the truck swam back into focus for Wolf, and he struggled to make sense of what he saw. Crates, weapons, and ammunition lay scattered across a purple barrier, while Harmon hung suspended on the inner side. Then the contents of the truck fell to the side when the barrier evaporated.
Wolf settled onto the knobby surface of the truck and winced, but he knew from experience that his injuries were minor. Then he realized what Linda had done and turned to find her at his side. Her face had a sheen of sweat to it, and she was grasping her stomach.
"I'll be fine," she said through clenched teeth. "But I may throw up on the rockets." She flashed a tight grin.
Wolf managed to get to his feet and grabbed his radio. "Baker, you alright?" After a moment came the muffled reply.
"Pretty banged up," Baker mumbled. "Don't think I can move."
"Where's the convoy?"
"Out of sight," Baker grunted, and his voice grew faint. "I was trying to catch up when it hit us. Sorry, Captain . . ."
"Baker?" Wolf growled. "Stay awake. That's an order!" There was no reply.
"Wolf?" Jameson called in rising tone. "That thing's coming at us."
Struggling to contain his anger at the loss, Wolf levered himself up and felt his chest for a weapon. Snagging a grenade, he yanked the pin out and tossed it out the back.
"Frag out!" he shouted, and ducked behind a crate.
There was a sharp crack as the grenade detonated, followed by a snarl of anger. Wilson poked his head up.
"He's mad now," he said.
"Can't get to the MAAWS," Harmon said, "so no rockets." He'd scrounged a rifle and a few magazines.
"We might have five minutes before the horde on the beach catches up to us." Wolf said. "We need to kill that thing and get moving. Linda, think you can right the truck?"
She nodded, but Wolf saw immediately she could not. She could barely stand, let alone lift a six ton truck. His jaw tightened. Without a vehicle their chances dropped to zero. Before he could consider another option a heavy weight crashed onto the side of the truck, sliding them several feet. As it came to a stop the lion clawed at the metal skin, tearing huge furrows through the steel.
"Open fire!" Wolf ordered, and raised his gun. Strobes of light lit the deepening darkness, and bullets tore through the shredded covering. Releasing a roar that rattled the truck, the lion dived away again.
"That's not going to hold," Harmon said as he reloaded, jerking his chin at the shredded barrier.
Wolf looked at his men and knew the truth. Without a transport and communication, they weren't getting out of here. Even if they had the firepower to take down the lion they would not be able to catch the convoy, and the horde would take them down.
He grunted and caught up a pair of magazines. "I'm going to draw it into the trees. Get Linda and Baker and make a run for it. He might still be alive."
"Negative, Captain," Harmon said. "Even if we were willing to leave you behind, we wouldn't make it."
Wolf's features hardened. "Then what do you suggest?"
"We take out the lion," Harmon said. "The least we can do is make sure it can't kill anyone else."
Wolf looked to the other SEALs and released an explosive breath. "Gather what gear you can," he finally said. "Let's take as many as we can with us. As soon as it attacks again, we go full offense. Don't let it get close to you."
The SEALs scrounged for ammo and gear, and a moment later the lion returned. Bursting into view at the rear of the truck, it snapped and growled as it sought to reach an enormous paw inside. Its Dark-augmented features filled the breach, and its jaws chewed on the metal gate.
Wolf dragged Linda out of the way as the others opened fire. Bullets impacted across the lion’s face, forcing it out and away. Wolf set Linda down and barked an order.
"Flares out!"
Several flares sparked to life, and the SEALs hurled them through the opening. Their red light illuminated the highway and caused the lion to issue a snarl of protest. Then Wolf caught a gun from Harmon and leapt out of the truck.
Landing on the torn roadway, he targeted the large form and pulled the trigger. In moments the others joined him, and they fanned out to flank it. Bellowing and swerving, the lion lunged at Harmon. His gun clattered to the ground followed soon after by his body.
Rage filled Wolf. He slammed a grenade into the M203 launcher attached to his rifle and pulled the secondary trigger. Fire exploded across the lion's oversized flank, digging shrapnel into its flesh. The creature turned on Wolf and surged at him. Wolf knew he was not fast enough to reach cover, so he stood his ground and kept firing.
Time seemed to slow to a crawl as the huge lion leapt. Wolf was oddly aware of the feel of the gun his hands, and the scent of fire and blood. Instead of anger or fear he felt regret, and his mind turned to Linda. In the background he heard her cry his name, but her voice was overpowered by a disturbing rustling sound . . .
Another creature burst into view, slamming into the lion's side and sending them both tumbling down the street. The newcomer rolled to its feet and circled the lion, and Wolf's eyes widened. Instinctively he retreated.
The dark creature resembled a great cat, but steel spines grew from its back, flanks, and arms. Its forepaws were almost hands, and they dug into the earth as it glided with a feral poise. Then it opened its jaws, and its steel teeth gleamed in the darkness.
Wolf had faced countless Dark-empowered creatures. Humans and primates had gained the strength to tear a man in two. The bats, rhinos, and tigers had been able to take down helicopters, trucks, and even tanks. None of them could match the sheer menace this new creature exuded.
Blood-curdling snarls erupted as the two creatures tangled. Lit by the flares, they fought with a speed and ferocity so intense that Wolf and the SEALs retreated further. Fur and blood spotted the highway, but it was the lion that was knocked down. Releasing a mighty roar, it rolled to its feet and lunged at the newcomer again.
The lion’s claws raked the creature, but its claws were no match for the steel spines and they came away bloody. Its wounded cry was cut off as the creature drove under its body, shredding the underside of the lion by its passage. The lion attempted to retreat, but the creature turned and backhanded the lion, tossing it aside like a sack of garbage.
The lion tumbled to a stop and struggled to rise, but the creature stalked forward, and released a snarl that froze Wolf's blood. Then the creature reached to its back and tore one of the spines free. Blood dripped from the point where it had grown from its flesh, but the creature didn't seem to notice.
Rising to stand on its hind legs like a bear, it caught the larger beast by the throat and lifted it into the air. With a savage thrust, it plunged the spine into the lion's body, cutting off its fading snarls. The lion's corpse dropped to the ground with a thud—and then the creature turned to Wolf.
Knowing it was futile, Wolf raised his gun, but a voice called out from the darkened trees to the side.
"Knisenik!"
The creature came to a halt and reluctantly sat on its haunches. Then other figures appeared from the trees. Darting into view, the lithe warriors closed on the SEALs. Wolf's eyes widened as he saw their gray bodies and pointed ears.
"Dark elves," Linda said, and he turned to find that she had limped to his side.
"And that?" Wolf asked, and motioned to the creature.
"A black reaver," Linda said.
They were interrupted by a dark elf in supple armor. "As promised, we have come to the surface to join the Dark War. Our forces are ensuring yours are able to escape. You should get moving."
In the distance the sounds of the Twisted army could be heard, but before Wolf could ask, another dark elf brought a lizard into view. It stood larger than a horse, and boasted reins and a saddle.
"This should support you, human," the dark elf said.
As Wolf struggled to overcome his astonishment, Linda asked, "Your name?"
"Urilian," he replied with a smirk, and a short bow.
"And who did you promise you would come?"
The Dark elf's black eyes glittered with amusement. "Who else? The oracle can be very persuasive. You should get moving. There are others which require assistance."
The dark elves evaporated into the night. Last to go, the black reaver looked back at Wolf. The intelligence Wolf saw there was unmistakable, so he inclined his head in gratitude. To his surprise the reaver reciprocated the gesture. Then it was gone.
Wilson appeared at his elbow. "What was that about?"
"How should I know?"
Linda issued a quiet laugh. "That means it respects you."
"Is that a good thing?" Wolf asked.
"It's less likely it will kill you," Linda replied.
As they collected their gear and departed, Wolf couldn't stop thinking about the reaver. At first he had seen it as a threat, but then it had taken down the lion. When the dark elves had appeared Wolf had assumed it was a trained beast. Then he'd noticed the black collar around its neck and realized what it was.
