by Ben Cass
A roar split the air, sending goosebumps up and down Jen’s arms. She knew what it must be, and her heart soared. She turned her head to see a dark shape hurtling over the flames as easily as a track star would jump over a small rock. Stars temporarily winked out of existence, blotted by the massive shape, which landed right behind Jerry, barely feet away. Something the size of a tree trunk swung, and the three gunmen were sent flying back into the flames, screaming in agony as they burned to death.
Theonus!
And if that big, beautiful Wiler was here, so was Doyle!
Chapter Twenty-Seven
The Wiler sat down, his wide body providing plenty of shelter from the armed men. The fur along his back stood on end, and a deep rumbling emanated from somewhere within his body. Jerry knew what was coming, and quickly grabbed hold of Maddie, while Jen gathered the twins in her arms, right as all three girls screamed at the top of their lungs.
They weren’t alone, either. Everybody trapped inside the park was screaming in some way; some in terror, others in confused amazement. Jerry heard one tiny voice yell out, “Puppy! Lookit, Mommy! Scary puppy!” Theonus swiveled his head to look at Jerry, and one of the Wiler’s eyebrows rose up questioningly.
Jerry shrugged. “Sorry, big fella. You are pretty scary, you know.” Theonus rolled his eyes and turned his attention away. Jerry assumed he was staring at the other men with guns, but as all he could see without moving was a giant, furry butt, he really had no idea.
Maddie’s nails dug into Jerry’s arm; he was pretty sure she’d drawn blood already.
“Hey...relax. It’s okay. He’s about the friendliest dog you’ll ever meet, unless you threaten people he loves,” Jerry said soothingly. “Right, Theonus?”
The Wiler’s tail lifted off the ground and gently thumped against Jerry’s legs. Maddie’s eyes were huge and wide, and Jerry wasn’t sure if she was breathing. He glanced at the twins, who had pretty much the exact same expressions on their faces.
“The hell?” Olivia breathed out, breaking the teens’ silence, pointing shakily at Theonus. “What...what is that?”
“He’s with Doyle,” Jen answered calmly. “It takes a little while to get used to him. Trust me, I know.”
Doyle’s voice suddenly echoed throughout the park, as crystal-clear as the other, mysterious man’s had. “You threatened innocent lives. Threatened children. You have tried repeatedly to kill a woman who has never done anything wrong in her life. It ends here.”
“How is he doing that?” Abby asked, looking around. “It’s like he’s here.”
Jerry turned his head, looking at the wall of fire to his right. He smiled and pointed. “He is. Look.”
They watched as Doyle walked right through the roaring flames, completely untouched by the fire. Jerry had seen his brother-in-law do some amazing things over the years, but he’d rarely seen anything so visually breathtaking in his whole life.
Doyle pointed to his left, and the wall of fire began opening, retracting itself, freeing the park from its grasp. The beams from the trucks’ lights pierced through the darkness, illuminating the park. Firefighters stood just outside where the wall had been, looking surprised. Doyle held a hand up, palm out, staring them down until they backed away. Fire clung to his other hand, which undoubtedly was far more convincing than his stare. The flames leaped and danced on his hand, wrapping around his wrist, gently stroking his forearm like a baby would stroke its mother’s face.
Doyle resumed walking, casually strolling around the ring of flames, walking right through the middle of the burning path, his clothing and skin unaffected by the fire. As he moved, it clung to him, a blazing inferno towering high over his head, extending out several feet from his body. Within seconds, the park was no longer surrounded by fire. It was all concentrated around Doyle, a roaring blaze stretching at least twenty feet above his head.
Gunshots tore through the air, causing cries of panic from the other end of the park, where the huddled masses were still caged-in by armed men. Theonus growled, but didn’t move from his spot. Jerry wondered if anybody had been shot, or if those had just been warnings.
“Those people aren’t getting out safely,” Jerry said, still holding Maddie close to him. He could feel her shaking, and sympathized with her. The first time he’d seen Doyle’s powers up close had been a life-altering epiphany. Seeing him break through the wall and dismantle the gang was mind-boggling, but watching him stare down an EF3 tornado and alter its course to prevent it from destroying a bunch of ramshackle buildings full of homeless people...well, Jerry still had trouble believing what he’d seen that day.
Jen had her arms around the twins, hugging them tightly. They stared at Doyle, although Olivia’s eyes kept swinging back to Theonus, who was as still as a statue.
Jerry shook his head. “Too many guns. He’d better have a plan.”
Jen tilted her head, listening to something. “He does,” she said. “Theonus said he’s going to make himself the target.”
“Who’s Theonus?” Olivia asked.
Jen pointed at the Wiler. “He is,” she replied.
Jerry raised an eyebrow as the girls exchanged confused looks. “Not the best plan I’ve ever heard.”
“Agreed,” Jen replied.
Doyle spoke again, and Jerry stopped to listen. “Too scared to respond to me, Chiami? Yes, I know what you are, just as you know what I am.” Doyle was standing right next to the river, and he calmly raised an arm. A wave of water rose high over Doyle’s head, undulating in place.
The sight of a wall of liquid towering over a blazing fire, which was itself attached to a man, was enough to give Jerry goosebumps. The moonlight reflected off the wall of water, creating small sparkling areas, framing the yellow-orange flames around Doyle.
Jerry felt Maddie press closely into him, wrapping her arms around him, and he leaned down to briefly rest his head on hers.
“He’s here to save you,” Jerry said quietly. “Just remember that.”
Doyle moved his arm forward, and the wall of water swept over him, extinguishing the flames. Steam rose, hissing loudly, as the fire went out.
The steam dissipated, and Doyle still stood there. It was hard to be certain from that distance, but it sure looked like he was completely dry.
That was a little unnerving.
A man emerged from the shadows, walking slowly to stand in front of Doyle. Jerry could see him clearly in the bright spotlights. He was dressed all in red, and his head was covered in a mask that left only his eyes and ears uncovered, with small slits where his nostrils were and a slightly longer slit for his mouth. There was a large sigil on his back; it looked like a clenched fist holding a star. A pair of swords hung on either side of his waist, and there were several knives strapped to his thighs and ankles.
The two stood quietly, studying each other. The man in red broke the silence, his voice still carrying easily through the air. Jerry wondered how he managed that. “I remember you. You’re the one who escaped us. The lost Tayamu.” His voice held a hint of respect. “You killed fifteen of my brothers that day. That is...difficult...to do.”
Olivia tugged on Jen’s arm. “Lost Tayamu? What’s going on?”
Jen glanced down at her sister’s friend. “Um...long story really short, Doyle is sort of a magical ninja from an alternate Earth, and he and I were in love before I lost my memory and came here.” The teens stared at her, confusion and questions written all over their faces.
“Can we focus, please?” Jerry asked, pointing towards Doyle, who was still facing off with the man in red—a Chiami? Jerry had heard this name before, and if he remembered correctly, they were the anti-Tayamu. Similar skill set, a strange code of honor, and dark abilities to match Doyle’s nature-based ones.
“I’d say I remember you,” Doyle replied calmly, “but I don’t.”
The Chiami lifted his hand to his cheek and tapped his fingers against his skin. “Oh, you remember me. I gave you the scar on your face. You
fought well, but in the end, you only survived because the First rescued you from certain death.” He shook his head. “Running from a fight, Tayamu, brings dishonor to all.”
“Oh, shit,” Jerry breathed out. “This is about to get really personal.”
Fortunately, Doyle didn’t rise to the bait. He merely smirked at the Chiami. “You speak of dishonor, yet you hold hundreds of innocents hostage. What does the Chiami code of honor say about that?” Doyle laughed, a mirthless sound. “Honor. You wouldn’t know what the word meant if it bit you in the ass.”
The Chiami remained where he was, studying Doyle. At last, he nodded. “You are different now, Tayamu. More cynical. Less innocent. Perhaps even a touch less honorable yourself?”
Doyle raised an arm and pointed at the Chiami. “Let. The people. Go.” His words were slow, methodical, and cold.
The Chiami spoke again. “Let us finish what we started all those years ago. I am Bryeenth Lin-Vareen, second highest of the Chiami brotherhood, and I challenge you, lost Tayamu, under the code we both live by. Chiami veth Tayamu kugu.”
Theonus’s head snapped up, and he growled. Jen reached out to touch his leg. “What does that mean, Theonus?” she asked.
A moment later, Jen looked at Jerry, her expression terrified. “What did he say?” Jerry asked.
Maddie spoke up. “The dog can talk?” Jerry didn't answer her, but he did make sure to pat her hand reassuringly.
“The Chiami challenged Doyle to a fight to the death,” Jen said flatly.
JEN couldn't believe what Theonus had said. A fight to the death? Had they transported back to the 1700s? She shook her head in disbelief.
“Name your terms,” Doyle said, still echoing through the air. Jen’s jaw dropped; he was going to do it!
“It’s really very simple, Tayamu. You win, Jen Aston is free until my employer learns of my failure. I win, she dies by my hand tonight. I swear to make it swift and painless.”
“Enough of this bullshit,” Jerry swore, storming around Theonus, gun in hand. “Doyle! Why are you even listening to this asshole?” he yelled. Lin-Vareen turned to face him, holding a hand up behind him. The guns that had been raised by his men dropped back down.
Jerry stopped a few feet away, his gun locked on the man in red. “How’s it going, dickhead? How about I just shove this up your ass and give you a free enema instead? A little extra lead might be just what your diet needs.”
The Chiami laughed and bowed to Jerry. “I like this man,” he said to Doyle. “He is courageous, even in the face of certain death.”
Doyle walked over to Jerry and put his hand on the gun, pushing it down. “This has to end, Jerry. You know that.”
Jen took a deep breath and walked around Theonus herself, going to stand next to Jerry. “What about them?” she asked, gesturing to the people who were still huddled together, being restrained by the men with guns. “What happens to them if you win?”
Lin-Vareen made a dismissive gesture. “They may leave before the combat begins. I have no need to hurt them or use them as leverage.” He looked at Doyle. “I will give you a moment to decide.” He bowed and spun away, striding towards the river.
Jen took Doyle in her arms. “There’s got to be another way,” she whispered. “Right?”
“I don’t see one,” he said seriously, “but this is your decision, not mine.”
“Mine? Both of our lives are at stake, Ali!”
He shrugged. “Yours is the only one that matters. I made my peace with death long ago.”
“And you think this won’t end otherwise? They’ll just keep coming?”
Doyle nodded. “They will come regardless of what happens, until I put an end to everything, but this would give us enough time to escape to Kiamada, which would ensure the safety of everybody here. They will not attack if you are not here.”
She looked at Jerry, trying to gauge his thoughts, but he just shrugged helplessly. Jen closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and opened them again. “There is another way,” she said softly. “We give him what he wants.”
“Not even an option,” Doyle said calmly. “And if you so much as try, I will have Theonus pick you up and carry you away in his mouth. I assure you, it is not a pleasant experience.”
“Ali...I can’t lose you!”
He took her hands and bent down to touch his forehead against hers. “And I can’t lose you.”
Jen closed her eyes, taking deep breaths. She knew Doyle would never let her sacrifice herself. Finally, she nodded.
“Kick his ass, Ali,” she said quietly.
Doyle nodded and turned around. “Let the people go immediately, and I accept your challenge,” he said.
Lin-Vareen snapped his fingers, and the armed men moved away from the crowd. “They are free,” he said. “I give you my word they will remain unharmed.” He pointed at Jen. “She stays.” People started running, parents carrying their children out, pushing and shoving in an effort to escape.
Doyle nodded and turned to Jerry. “Take Theonus and get those people away from here in an orderly fashion. The Chiami will not break his word, but those other men are not Chiami, and I don’t trust them.” He held his hand out. “Thank you, Jerry. For everything.” He looked up at the Wiler. “Theonus...do not interfere.”
The Wiler nodded, saying nothing. Jerry shook Doyle’s hand firmly. “Send the bastard straight to Hell, Doyle.” Jerry turned to Jen and held out his arms, and Jen hugged him.
“In case this goes poorly...take care of Ellie for me?” she asked, her voice quavering.
Jerry kissed her cheek. “Like a daughter,” he replied gently. He squeezed her shoulders and turned to Theonus. Jerry moved behind Theonus and smacked the Wiler’s haunches. “C’mon, big fella,” he called. “Get that furry butt moving. We’ve got a job to do. Go get them rounded up so they don’t hurt each other. Girls...it’s time to go. Let’s get you out of here.” Theonus stood up, towering over the food truck, and bounded towards the crowd, where yells and panic once again threatened to take over. Maddie, Abby, and Olivia exchanged glances before following after the Wiler.
Jerry winked at Jen and followed the girls away, talking quietly to them. Abby and Olivia each worked their way under an arm, and Maddie moved to walk just in front of them, staying close to Jerry and her friends.
Jen watched them all leave, watched as Theonus went around the horde of humanity and ended up in their way, freezing people with his glare. Jerry and the girls hurried over, Jerry calling out orders, trying to keep people calm. Jen caught a glimpse of Maddie’s face; the poor girl looked sick to her stomach. The twins must have also seen it, because they quickly moved to wrap her in a hug, walking together as a small group.
Doyle turned his attention back to Lin-Vareen. “She needs to be kept safe,” he said, indicating Jen. Lin-Vareen nodded.
“Agreed. You are able to construct it in an honorable way?”
Doyle nodded. “It will vanish either with my death or your surrender.”
Lin-Vareen bowed his head slightly. “Proceed,” was all he said.
Doyle turned to Jen, took her face in his hands, and kissed her deeply. “I’m going to lock you into a protective shell of air,” he said softly. “If I win, I’ll be able to free you instantly.”
“And if you lose, he will. I get it.”
Doyle stepped back. “Don’t be scared,” he said calmly. “This won’t hurt.” He moved his hands in a circular gesture, and Jen’s hair began whipping as a strong gust of wind suddenly blew around her. Dirt rose from the ground, forming a protective barrier around her, but still one she could see through. In a few seconds, everything stopped moving. She was encased in a semi-translucent shell, able to see out, if not clearly. Jen reached out and gently touched the small dome. It was smooth and hard. She suspected nothing would be able to get through it.
Lin-Vareen slid two swords out of their scabbards. Flipping them around in his hands, he held the hilts out to Doyle.
“As y
ou have no weapon, accept one of mine.” Doyle took a sword, hefting it in his hand, swinging it to get a feel for the weight. He closely examined the edge of the blade.
“Poisoned edge, I imagine. Juice from the raterfi berry?”
Lin-Vareen shook his head. “Jengshwi venom.”
Doyle nodded. “Causes paralysis of the muscles and organs, if I recall correctly. You can survive two hits, if you’re really lucky, but three is almost certainly fatal, yes?”
“Indeed. More potent than the raterfi berry, which is merely a temporary effect.”
Doyle shrugged. “We prefer not to kill if possible.”
Jen broke in, banging her protective shell angrily. “Are you two seriously comparing poisons as casually as comparing favorite flavors of milkshakes?”
“Chocolate with sprinkles,” volunteered Doyle, earning a shake of the head from Lin-Vareen.
“Are you ready?” Lin-Vareen asked.
Doyle nodded. “Let’s dance,” he said, raising his sword above his head. The Chiami raised his sword and set himself, but then lowered it. “Changed your mind?” Doyle asked, smirking.
“Hardly,” Lin-Vareen said. “I just decided to see if you survive the first part of the fight.”
Doyle’s brow furrowed. “First part?”
The Chiami pointed behind him. “I never said it was just you and I.” He suddenly dropped to the ground as a hail of bullets came flying from behind him, several of them tearing into Doyle’s body, driving him to the ground.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Doyle hit the ground hard, pain exploding through his body. He hadn’t expected the bullets. He’d prepared for a one-on-one fight. That was the Chiami way, after all.
Although, if he was being honest with himself, Lin-Vareen hadn’t actually specified that. Doyle cursed himself for stupidly assuming the terms of combat, for not paying attention. He should have been able to avoid the bullets, like he had with Jerry. Still, he might be able to use this to his advantage.
