A Shade of Vampire 65: A Plague of Deceit

by Bella Forrest

  “Oh. He was attempting to manufacture evolution, basically,” I concluded.

  “Exactly. He borrowed genetic material from different species, mixed and matched, snipped and replaced until he came up with Ta’Zan’s blueprint,” Bogdana explained. “His only trouble, besides the Draenir not being entirely on board with his ambition, was getting someone to carry the creature to term. He lost about six specimens until he managed to get Ta’Zan delivered.”

  “He couldn’t find a surrogate mother to sustain the toll that Ta’Zan would take on her body, as a genetically engineered creature,” Rose said. “Do you know who that was? Did she survive?”

  Bogdana shook her head. “Ta’Zan’s biological system was much more complex and required more energy and nutrients than a Draenir female could normally provide. Many died in the first months of pregnancy, leaving Mudak scrambling to find another viable womb. Whoever she was, she died the day Ta’Zan was born.”

  A minute passed in uncomfortable silence, as the new information sank in. We knew a lot more than a few hours ago, for sure. We understood that Ta’Zan was simply the realization of an ambitious Draenir’s wild dream of creating a superior species, able to withstand anything that the cosmos chucked at them. We also understood that Ta’Zan was never fully accepted by the Draenir—on the contrary, most of them loathed and feared him. Some even wanted him destroyed or exiled.

  But Ta’Zan grew stronger and smarter, well above most of the Draenir. Mudak supported him throughout his development, granting him access to all the knowledge and resources that Ta’Zan later stole and used to create his own life forms—the Faulties.

  Ta’Zan’s behavior and objectives were cruel and vicious. Soon after he stepped into adulthood, he began kidnapping Draenir and performing terrible experiments on them. He crossed Draenir with animal genes and created truly grotesque hybrids. Many suffered before he put them out of their misery, just for the sake of science, improving his craft and finding the right binding enzyme.

  Mudak was eventually arrested and held responsible for Ta’Zan’s actions. Ta’Zan, the rotten apple of his eye, vanished with a dangerous cache of tools and resources, while Mudak withered away in prison. Guilt ate him up on the inside, until he killed himself.

  Ta’Zan then used his maker’s death as an excuse to destroy the Draenir altogether—that’s how I saw it, at least. There was no line of reasoning that would’ve led Ta’Zan to release such a virus, purely out of spite. No. He claimed to be of superior intelligence, and spite, rage… those emotions didn’t match his otherwise calm psyche—based on what Raphael had told us about him.

  From then on, it was just death and destruction, until Ta’Zan and his Faulties, who knew little to nothing about the Draenir, the very creatures from which they were derived, retreated into their stasis pods.

  “I only have one question, though,” I said. “Why did Ta’Zan and his Faulties put themselves to sleep, then? Was it really because the plague was way out of line? Because they needed to isolate themselves and let it… I don’t know, die out, like Amane said?”

  Ridan sighed. “What other reason could there be? Do you think she lied about that, too?”

  “I don’t think so,” Rakkhan replied. “It was crazy out there, during the plague. It was impossible to control. The people were mindless and desperate. I managed to gather a few of my own who hadn’t been infected yet, then ran off to Merinos. I knew it was too brutal for sick Draenir to follow us there.”

  Bogdana nodded. “I’m inclined to agree. I think that Ta’Zan didn’t comprehend the magnitude of his plague when he released it. He probably didn’t expect the Draenir, a calm and composed people otherwise, to react violently after they were infected.”

  “Listen, about Amane,” Rose interjected. “I know she withheld an extremely important piece of information from us, but come on, let’s cut her some slack. She’s helped until now. She put herself at risk to help us move around, to evade the Perfects, and to figure out a way to stop Ta’Zan. I also know she feels terrible for having kept that secret for so long. It was written all over her face. I didn’t even need Lenny to confirm it. Though she did.”

  “What are you saying?” Rakkhan asked, his white brows furrowed.

  “We need Amane, and we need the others we’re currently keeping out of the camp. We have powerful allies in them. We can’t kick them out,” Rose replied.

  “Well, I can’t keep my people on the sidelines anymore,” Rakkhan conceded. “I’ll send the young and vulnerable ones away. The Draenir who are able to move and fight will stay with us. I’ll give you access to all our resources, too. If we’re going to war against Mudak’s abomination, we need every tool and weapon we can get our hands on.”

  That was an incredible step forward. I could almost see the relief washing over Draven, Serena, and their crew. All the work and effort they’d put into this relationship had finally paid off. The Draenir were willing to help.

  “We’ll check your Faulty and Perfect friends for the virus, first,” Rakkhan added. “We have some testers left downstairs in the stronghold. If they’re not carrying the disease, even dormant, they can stay with us. Otherwise, I’m afraid they’ll have to go. I’m not losing another Draenir for as long as I live.”

  “You’re at war right now. I doubt that’s a realistic statement, but I do appreciate your ambition to protect your people,” Nevis muttered. “I would do the same.”

  That being said, our work was only just beginning. My grandparents, our GASP founders, and our closest friends were Ta’Zan’s prisoners. We had an entire universe to save and a mad scientist to stop.

  In that moment, Hunter took my hand in his, as if quietly reassuring me that we were going to get through this. In the midst of it all, I found comfort in knowing that Hunter was right next to me, his blue eyes filled with hope and… love.

  That was the perfect incentive for me, despite the storm brewing deep in my soul. My connection to the Word had been beyond complicated and extremely volatile, but I always found balance and peace whenever I looked into Hunter’s eyes.

  He could very well be what I needed to break through.

  Elonora

  Rakkhan gave us a pen-like device with a slot for blood samples to be read. I, like Draven and Serena’s crew before us, found myself amazed by the Draenir’s simple way of life, compared to their technologically rich past. The plague had wreaked havoc and nearly wiped them out, though. I couldn’t exactly blame them for not wanting to have anything to do with the very person who had helped create the plague.

  Rose and the others helped Rakkhan mobilize the people in his tribe. The elders and the children were going to move to another island and find refuge inside its underground stronghold—they had plenty of resources to start a new life there, at least temporarily. The young males and females who were able to stay with us helped them pack their satchels and prepare for the long road ahead.

  I took Ridan and Dmitri with me to test Amane’s group for the plague.

  “You puncture the skin with the sharp pin,” Rakkhan said, pointing at the needle of the pen-like device. “The light at the end will turn red if positive for the virus. It will stay blue otherwise. And dip the tip in this liquid before you test another Faulty,” he added, handing me a small jar filled with a clear liquid. “It’s a powerful disinfectant. It kills pretty much every type of microorganism. That way, if either of them is carrying any kind of bacteria, it won’t be passed on through the needle.”

  I gave him a thankful nod, then walked out of the hut, accompanied by Ridan and Dmitri. We walked past the many tents and campfires that the Draenir had built along the main path, comfortably shielded by the rich tree crowns stretching over our heads. The skies boomed in the distance, but given the weather conditions, it was rather difficult to distinguish between the thunderclaps and the sonic booms of Perfects approaching.

  According to my True Sight, there weren’t any hostiles nearby. Whether they’d gotten particularly good
at hiding or they’d actually lost us, I wasn’t going to find out anytime soon. For the time being, I was thankful for this moment of peace. I was thrilled to see the Draenir still alive and kicking, too. It just went to show that Ta’Zan wasn’t the almighty and all-powerful creature he’d claimed to be. Life always found a way, well beyond a scientist’s means and plans.

  We went through the makeshift wooden archway that signaled the camp’s main entrance, then turned left and headed straight for Amane, Raphael, Douma, Kallisto, Leah, and Samael, who’d settled under a giant, sequoia-like tree. A curtain of heavy rain was quick to reach us, large droplets sneaking past the many layers of branches and leaves. We were partially soaked by the time we reached Amane’s group. They had better cover on the other side.

  “Okay, so, Rakkhan is willing to let anyone who tests negative for the plague join us,” I said, giving Amane a stern look. “Those who do have the plague, however, can’t tag along. It’ll be the end of our journey together, I’m afraid.”

  Kallisto’s shoulders dropped. “We didn’t even know,” she moaned. “We thought the plague was… natural, I guess. I mean, not made by Ta’Zan. He lied to us. She lied to us,” she added, pointing an angry finger at Amane, who rolled her eyes in return.

  “Ugh, give it a rest already,” Amane said. “I don’t know what else I can say, other than I’m sorry. Which I am. I am deeply sorry. If I’d known the whole truth, I never would’ve completed the viral matrix. I don’t think Amal would’ve, either, despite her adoration of Ta’Zan. As for Rakkhan’s condition, I find it fair. I wouldn’t want to infect anyone if I test positive.”

  “Have you ever tested yourself after the virus was released?” Ridan asked, his gaze fixed on Amane. Her expression softened, her features twisting into a pained grimace as she shook her head.

  “No. I assumed I had it, but I never confirmed it. Neither did Amal. We knew it was airborne, and that it wouldn’t kill us,” she replied.

  “And you were simply okay with that?” Ridan asked.

  “What else could we do? We were obedient and indoctrinated. Hell, if Ta’Zan wanted us to hurt ourselves, we probably would’ve,” Amane murmured.

  “Okay, okay, enough already,” Raphael groaned, then reached a hand out. “Just prick me with the thing and clear me. I did not come all the way to this place to be told to scram.”

  I stifled a chuckle, then placed the tip of the pin on his forearm, right where a vein pumped boldly beneath his light brown skin. I pressed the side button, and the pin pierced through, drawing a small quantity of blood on the other end. I pulled the pen back, then, a few seconds later, the light went on blue.

  “You’re clear,” I said to Raphael.

  “Whoop-tee-doo,” he retorted.

  “The chances of Perfects carrying the virus are minimal,” Amane replied. “By the time they were made, the plague was gone. It would’ve popped up on your scanners, if not.”

  That was a fair point. We had scanned the whole of Strava prior to building the founders’ resort on Noagh. We’d checked the air and water quality. Even if the virus was designed against the Draenir, we would’ve still seen it pop up in scans and tests. There was absolutely no sign of any viruses or bacteria that could threaten our lives. Nevertheless, I had to be safe and 100% sure, for Rakkhan’s sake and to gain his confidence.

  I dipped the tip in the disinfectant solution, then tested Douma next. As expected, she, too, was negative. Dmitri breathed a sigh of relief, unable to take his eyes off her. The poor half-wolf was lovestruck, obviously, and I still wasn’t sure it was a good idea, given our circumstances. Then again, if this was his only shot at falling for someone, if nothing awaited other than death and misery and defeat, who was I to deprive him of this chance to pursue happiness?

  Leah and Samael were tested, too, and they came out negative.

  “That’s a good sign, right?” Kallisto asked, unable to hide her hope that she’d clear the test as well. I totally got where she came from. She’d had nothing to do with the plague, in the first place.

  “Not sure,” Amane sighed. “Some of us might’ve caught it, still.”

  Kallisto grumbled something inaudible, then put her hand out for me to draw blood. Once the pen’s light turned blue, she grinned and exhaled deeply, her aura glowing with relief.

  “Glad to know I won’t be responsible for any Draenir’s death,” she muttered. “Unlike other Faulties present.”

  Kallisto’s animosity toward Amane wasn’t primal or mean-spirited, in any way. It struck me more as the result of disappointment. Poking and prodding Amane seemed to be Kallisto’s way of dealing with it. Despite their often-acid back-and-forth’s, the two Faulties shared a rather peculiar friendship, one that had taken years to build. Their allegiances had torn them apart, but the flicker of affection remained. I could see it in Kallisto’s eyes whenever she stole a glance at Amane.

  It was Amane’s turn to be tested. She didn’t move as I pressed the tip of the sterilized needle against a vein on her wrist.

  “Ready?” I asked, keeping my voice low. She nodded once.

  Blood was drawn. The following seconds seemed to take forever to pass, and when the light turned blue, and a smile stretched Amane’s lips, I was actually relieved. But no one was as thrilled about the result as Ridan, who, despite his grumbling and scowling aimed at Amane, was practically over the moon. The dragon had his pride, and he’d put his trust in Amane. She’d saved his life, and he’d developed some sort of bond with her.

  Just like in Dmitri’s case, I was worried that it might come back to bite him in the rear, but, at the same time, I completely understood how they could fall for such creatures. After all, my heart was thumping like a maniac at the sight of a Dhaxanian prince, born and raised in a world much different from mine.

  “So that means we all get to tag along, right?” Kallisto asked, her eyes bright and filled with hope.

  I gave her a soft smile. “Yup. And, frankly, I wouldn’t have it any other way,” I said, then looked at Amane. “I understand why you didn’t tell us about the role you played in the plague. It doesn’t make it right, but I get it. And I’d rather have you with us than against us. I’m sure the others in our crew feel the same way, despite their scowls,” I added, briefly glancing at Ridan.

  Douma chuckled, then got up and settled by Dmitri’s side. “It would’ve been a shame not to be around you anymore,” she said to him. “You’re one of those familiar faces I’d hate to be separated from.”

  “That’s what I am to you? A familiar face?” Dmitri replied, raising a sarcastic eyebrow.

  “I think she meant it as a compliment,” I said, stifling a chuckle.

  “For what it’s worth, I wouldn’t be anywhere else right now.” Amane sighed, unable to take her eyes off Ridan. He wasn’t indifferent to her. On the contrary, his aura carried a heavy golden glow, once again reaffirming my earlier conclusions.

  “I know,” Ridan replied, keeping his voice low. “You can’t blame me or anyone else for being angry with you over this, though.”

  Amane shook her head. “No. Not at all. I’d be just as angry if I were you. For a long time, I thought there was a method to Ta’Zan’s madness. Until I saw how thrilled he was when news came in about the Draenir dying. No matter how toxic or evil a species can be, it’s still wrong to revel in its death, especially where its young are concerned. Ta’Zan used to smile whenever he saw footage of Draenir children and women dying, in particular. But I was still devoted to him, despite the doubt sneaking into my soul.”

  “So, when exactly did you break from him? Be honest,” Kallisto demanded, clearly trying her best to hate Amane less for this recent development.

  “After we woke up, and Ta’Zan found Derek and his people. The moment he saw them, he said that they had to be the key to improving his creation,” Amane replied. “Amal and I helped him, but my heart wasn’t really in it. But when the first batch came out of their artificial wombs, and I saw what Ta’Zan
was teaching them, I was repulsed. He doesn’t want a perfect society. He just wants to destroy everyone who isn’t made to the highest standards, like him and his Perfects. We’re… the link between species, I guess. Not as important as his Perfects.”

  “That’s exactly how he sees things,” Raphael confirmed. “He wants death and destruction. It’s like the whole universe has to pay because the Draenir were mean to him.”

  “Well, boo-friggin-hoo!” I snapped. “Some humans were mean to me, too, once, and you don’t see me wiping out the entire species over it. Sheesh.”

  “Maybe Mudak would’ve been a better influence on him, had he not been imprisoned by his people.” Bogdana’s voice cut through the rain and drew our attention.

  We turned our heads to find her standing about ten feet away, light on her feet and smiling. Her aura was a jumble of colors, quite difficult to read. Either she was conflicted about something, or she’d learned to confuse me, the only one who could spot deception in her words. I didn’t put the latter past her. After all, she was an old fae, with more experience in her little finger than our whole crew put together.

  “Bogdana. We didn’t hear you come over,” I murmured.

  “You couldn’t have. I’m quite adept at moving around undetected,” she replied, then shifted her focus to Amane and Raphael. “You two seem to know Ta’Zan best. Was he always so destructive?”

  I couldn’t help but wonder what Bogdana was trying to find out with such questions. According to her, she’d left before Ta’Zan was born. Maybe she was trying to develop a profile of Mudak’s creation.

  “Define ‘destructive,’” Raphael said with a grin. “Ta’Zan has a general disdain for life-forms that he considers to be inferior. He tends to write off their usefulness in the grand scheme of things.”

  “By life-forms, you mean others like us humanoids, as we call ourselves and similar species,” I said, trying to understand. “Fae, witches, werewolves, Druids. Whatever. Anything with two arms, two legs, one head, and cognitive abilities. Right?”