D'mok Revival 4: New Eden

by Michael Zummo

  Finally, some respect! “Yeah. They snapped like twigs.”

  “I saw. So you like fighting?”

  “What do you think?”

  Rakus nodded. “Want more of it?”

  “Keep talkin’.”

  “We have ourselves a little arena. I handpick some of our more capable inmates. You knock them silly, and you get a little cash on the side. Become a champ, and maybe we’ll talk about reducing your sentence.”

  His body already cried out for another fight. “Yeah? When we start?”

  “These won’t be your average inmates.”

  “Try to make it a challenge.”

  Rakus nodded, pleased. “Expect an escort later tonight.”

  * * * * * *

  “First walkabout without the guys,” Mencari said.

  “They seemed pretty anxious to get out of here. Though I can’t blame them,” said Narrik.

  Mencari squinted, trying to make out details in the darkness ahead. Paranoia plagued him. Anything could be lying in wait for them. Was it just his imagination, or were the lights somehow dimmer than they were the last time through? The sooner they got out of the back tunnels, the better.

  “At least things have been quiet since the riot,” Narrik said.

  “Maybe, but I wouldn’t count on it staying like that.”

  Longtime’s voice echoed from the darkness. “And you’d be wise to stay on guard.”

  Here we go, Mencari thought. “Oh?” he called back. “So what’s next?”

  “The sacrificial lamb, same as always.”

  “One of us?” Mencari said, guarded.

  “Not you. You’ll see soon enough.”

  The sound of scampering, followed by a manic giggle. In moments, the clang of a metal gate echoed.

  “I was never a fan of riddles,” Narrik said.

  “I don’t mind fun ones,” Mencari said. “But ‘sacrificial lamb’ sounds anything but.”

  The two continued down the corridor on edge. The same pained screams heard before echoed once more.

  “More of Dane’s work,” Narrik said, looking with apprehension to the vents along the walls.

  “There something on your mind?” Mencari said.

  Narrik hesitated then said, “How long have you known Arra?”

  Arra? It took a moment for him to recognize Nikko’s cover name. Was that really what Narrik was thinking about now? What about Longtime, or any number of other convicts who wanted to kill them? “A while now. Since we took her and Cogeni from their world.”

  “You think she and Cogeni are really done?”

  The question grated on him like nails on a chalkboard. This was the last thing he should be dwelling on. “I think that’s something you should talk to her about.”

  “I don’t know if I’m comfortable talking to her about that yet.”

  “Well … maybe you should think about why you feel like that first.”

  “But really, do you think they’re done?”

  Mencari hesitated. “You’re going to keep asking me aren’t you?”

  “Maybe.”

  “I think I noticed the rift between them when we came back from that final battle against the Nukari. I’ll never forget Nikko’s face when we told her of Seigie’s death. I don’t think she’s been the same since. But to answer your question, yes, I think it’s done.”

  He could see a euphoric hope gleam in Narrik’s eyes. He was an instant from giving him a lecture about appropriateness when a gruff voice boomed, “Give us your weapons!”

  Three large forms emerged from the shadows, ready to charge. They were built like bulls. The horns and nose rings nearly completed the look. How did they get into these tunnels? Did Longtime leave something open?

  “You hear me?” the burly one said.

  The outgoing guards mentioned there were no monitors in the tunnels. Which meant he and Narrik didn’t need guns to protect themselves. They could use their abilities to defend themselves. In fact, those inmates just might regret messing with them at all. “Fine,” he said, looking over to Narrik. From the look of understanding in his eyes, he hoped Narrik realized the same fact.

  He tossed his weapon into the darkness. Narrik did the same.

  The largest of the three cracked his knuckles and marched forward saying, “I said turn them over, not throw them away.”

  “I’d recommend you just go back to your cell,” Mencari warned.

  “Oh did you hear that fellas?” he said, amused.

  Mencari clenched his fists.

  The inmate taunted, “Oh, you going to punch me, little man?”

  “Last chance,” he offered, though half-heartedly.

  The bull-man charged, head down, horns leading the way. The tunnel illuminated as a golden glow radiated around Mencari. His energy focused, he dashed forward, gaining the first-strike advantage. Taking a page from Naijen’s playbook, he uppercut the brute and sent him flying back.

  An additional glow danced across the walls, and a vibration resonated around him. A sonic attack! The sound of a third-octave G rang in his ears as the wave went out. Ripples in the dirt floor revealed the speed and position of the wave as it careened toward their enemies. Trailing just behind was a large crack skittering across the wall. The remaining thugs were blown off their feet, flung backwards. Both embedded halfway into pipes along the far wall.

  “Pull it back,” Mencari yelled. “You’re going to breach the underground.”

  “I got a little carried away, sorry,” he said with a smile.

  Mencari checked the inmates. “Totally out. That hit hard.”

  “We’re going to need help to drag them back to the prisoner area. Safe to say, they’re not going to mess with us again.”

  “I can’t imagine they’d tell anyone how they got beat by two guards. Saying we lit up and hit them with stuff they couldn’t see won’t be good for their reputations either,” Mencari said with a grin.

  Mencari shone a light into a darkened corner, and moved to investigate as Narrik reported the incident.

  “Sure enough,” Mencari called back. “There’s a vent cover over here. Looks big enough for them to get through too.”

  He pointed his light into the large vent. Instinct made him jump back.

  “What’s wrong?” Narrik asked.

  A waif of a man with fair skin lay broken, stained with large patches of crimson. Deep lacerations revealed the cause of his demise. “We found our lamb.”

  * * * * * *

  “Ready to play?” Rakus said, leading Naijen up rocky steps discolored with sweat and blood.

  A burning anticipation coursed through him. He could bash the hell out of whatever challenged him and no one would stop him. It felt exhilarating. With a grin, he sniffed the air. What’s that heavenly scent? Fear, obviously from his yet-to-be-seen opponent.

  The riot woke the slumbering warrior inside him. He forgot how much he loved the thrill of a real fight, and how he longed for the raw Olympic battles back on his homeworld. His D’mok abilities were fun, but nothing matched the rush of bones breaking from his own hands, and the sweet music of the conquered crying out.

  The door opened. Numerous floodlights revealed an arena contained by a thick domed mesh. Large metal claws pointed inward from the sides and ceiling. Just beyond the dome, dim-lit bleachers surrounded the perimeter. From the number of moving shadows he assumed a large audience.

  “Who’s out there?” he asked.

  “Think of them as patrons that will help you earn your freedom. Put on a good show for them.”

  On the other side, a similar handler stood beside what he assumed was his competition.

  A groan escaped him. “A furball? He’s my opponent?” Rakus didn’t respond. The beastman looked taller than him. The claws off its big paws were big enough to rip a hunk of muscle off his body if they connected.

  Won’t even get close to me.

  Where were they hiding the overgrown dog? He didn’t remember seeing anyone like i
t before, not even during the riot. Maybe the furball was one of Kajlit’ga’s beast warriors? She was somewhere. Maybe had her operation right here? Could the man-dog be proof?

  Movement behind the man-dog drew his gaze. A second one? Naijen sneered. Two beast warriors? Maybe it would get interesting. Maybe he’d be able to use his abilities yet. Depended on what the man-dogs did.

  Something appeared to be moving behind the second one. That, or it had some type of deformity. A larger form stepped from behind the second. A third beast! His warrior heart pounded in delight. Now we’re talkin’!

  How would the man-dogs approach? He looked over the dome. Staggered platforms rose and sank from the floor. Blooms of metal shards pocked the more-open spans of the arena. Various blades hung like pendulums from the ceiling. And he noticed four dark wells lying dormant. No telling what might come out of there.

  His eyes wandered back to his prey. They probably think just like beasts. What could they possibly do? Strategy wasn’t going to be needed here.

  From the shadows, the din of excitement grew.

  “Ready for the pack?” Rakus said.

  Naijen scoffed. “Hope you don’t mind three less inmates.”

  Rakus smiled. “Have at it,” he said before retreating down the steps, closing the doorway behind him.

  The spotlight dimmed, and the crowd roared. The man-dogs began to howl. Had it been only once, it might have made it more interesting, but their incessant baying got old.

  “Quit your barking and bring it!” he roared.

  A buzzer sounded and the three lunged forward, sprinting on all fours. Two of the dark wells filled with a radiating green goo, the other set ablaze with molten metal. Keeping tabs on the man-dogs, one went left, one right, and the other directly at him. He stood his ground, studying their approach. Bounding over obstacles, the right one was fastest and would reach him first. The musculature in its arms meant its claws would hit hard. The one coming directly at him had a long snout and overgrown fangs. It was also shorter, but looked agile and well balanced. The one on the left looked scrawny. He recognized the rabid twinkle in its eyes. It had the same hunting bloodlust he felt. Despite being average compared to the others, he knew better than to discount the thirst for blood. He’d deal with that one once it got close enough. For the moment, he knew where to start.

  Roaring, he rushed toward the opponent on the right. He enjoyed the surprise in the man-dog’s eyes. Getting in close, he dodged a right paw, then grabbed its neck with a crushing grip. Moving with his momentum, he whipped its body around and threw it directly into the jaws of the second man-dog. The two toppled back, with one landing on a bloom of metal shards. Its howling cry echoed in the chamber.

  He turned in time to pound his fist squarely into the face of the third. A yelp accompanied the shattering of the beast’s muzzle. Instantly knocked unconscious, it spiraled off to the side.

  “Really? That’s it?” he jeered. Those were no Nukari Beast Warriors, just some wimpy dog-people. What a letdown.

  A clamor rose from the hidden spectators, stifled by a guttural cry. He turned in time to see the big-toothed beast leap, claws extended. He rolled to his back, then jammed his legs into the air. Intercepting the beast, he moved with the creature, vaulting it up and into one of the green-goo wells.

  After scampering to get a foothold, the dog-man made it to its feet. It took a step forward before howling in agony. Wisps of smoke wafted off its fur. In moments, clumps were falling off its body. It clawed its skin, as if trying to put out flames. The brown, exposed skin began to bubble, and then rupture. Its legs seemed to dissolve under it, sending the upper half of the body flailing into the goo. The acrid stench of wet fur mixed with a sulfurous odor. What a smell!

  Again the spectators roared. He turned to see the second of the man-dogs pulling itself off the bloom of metal. It staggered a few steps before entering a full run in the opposite direction. It leaped up to one of the suspended blades, riding it like a swing. As it swooped back, the beast dropped from it and ran at him. Stepping aside, Naijen let the blade pass harmlessly by him. Did the beast think he’d get hit by it—or its return swing back?

  Ah, there’s an idea. He ran directly at the approaching man-dog. As it readied its claws to strike he dropped down into a backslide, punching into its gut as he passed underneath. The already muted beast lurched forward, stunned. In the same moment, the swinging blade came back and impaled the creature.

  Naijen rolled up to his feet, then lifted the beast into the air. With an evil smirk he threw the beast as hard as he could. Its body momentarily arced, following the path of the hanging blade. As the blade pulled out the man-beast flailed into the outer wall, where the metal barbs skewered it through. The spectators roiled with delight.

  He felt a sudden sharp pain in his side, and a hot breath on his neck. The spot felt like it was set on fire, along with shooting pains that ran up and down his body. The intensity became unbearable. He heard a man’s scream, and realized it was his. He shook uncontrollably as his voice became a gurgle. A mocking snort accompanied a splatter of blood in his ear.

  His body gave way, as if his legs had disappeared. As he fell, he saw the last breaths from a shattered snout and bloodied face. The mutt got me! The world moved in slow motion yet he hit the ground hard. He tried to make his body move, but it wouldn’t respond. Pain, and a great heaviness, overcame him. How injured could he be? A gusher of red splattered his own face, and he realized for the first time how mortal he really was. He had never seen this much blood before, especially his own.

  Could this really be it? Memories of Speru flooded his shrieking mind. Smiling. Speru always seemed to be smiling. The boy always made him happy too. Odd how someone without a single tattoo would become the only person he ever really connected with. Color seemed to bleed from the world around him, as his eyes became heavy. He was losing ground quickly. For the first time he felt another sensation: regret. As the darkness overtook him, his final thought was how he never told his boy goodbye.

  CHAPTER 18

  The Infirmary

  “So how’s Plan B coming?” Mencari said, sitting beside Kiyanna with his tray of brown goo with white lumps. He couldn’t tell if the look on her face was from the food or his question. Maybe both? Beside her, Nikko pushed the white lumps around her tray, biding time between bites.

  Kiyanna swallowed hard, her face contorted in revulsion. After a quick swig of water, she said, “I’m working on it. No one’s updated the guard post maps in a while. On your next walkabout, explore deeper. Bring back updates. We need to have a better understanding of the entire facility.”

  “Next walkabout is in an hour.”

  “Already?” Nikko asked.

  “They just take that long. Feels like we have two hours of downtime before we do it again.”

  Kiyanna stared at her food, hesitating to take another forkful. “Next time you go out, take Creeb with you.”

  “Who’s Creeb?”

  “The Rewni who works the common area.”

  “The what?”

  Kiyanna’s jaw clenched before she said, “Rewni—bulbous-eyed, blotchy green skin.”

  The frog-like race, now he remembered.

  “Look for the one with the goo oozing from his suit. The warden mentioned it took his key along with two others to operate the emergency lift. Creeb has one. Arra has the other. First we get those keys, then—”

  “I understand.” Mencari didn’t need her to finish explaining.

  “You coming over?” Nikko called over her shoulder.

  He looked to see who she was talking to. Dane stood like a statue, staring blankly at the food dispenser. Maybe she didn’t want to touch it? He could relate.

  “Um. Yeah. Sure …” Dane’s tone was hollow and soft-spoken. With lethargic steps, she started toward them.

  “Today’s been interesting,” Nikko said. “Anyone seen Naij—Gravis? He didn’t register in the common area.”

  “Probabl
y still sulking in his cell,” Kiyanna chided.

  Dane sat beside Kiyanna, her food tray empty.

  “Deciding to pass? Smart,” Kiyanna said. “My guts haven’t stopped reminding me how grateful they are for this delic—”

  The abrupt break in thought drew Mencari’s gaze.

  “Sandra?” Kiyanna said, looking at Dane. “Hey.”

  The woman looked dazed, her face almost ashen as opposed to her usual porcelain complexion.

  “I … had a … had a rough … day.…” She placed her head in her hand as if dizzy. Beads of sweat formed along her forehead.

  “She looks in shock,” he said. No sooner had he said that, she began to list to the side.

  “Woah, I got ya,” Kiyanna said, grabbed Dane and eased her head to the table.

  “Get her to the bed,” Mencari said, pushing aside his slop and getting up to help.

  He moved behind Dane and lifted her up, while Kiyanna lifted the midsection, and Nikko the feet. They laid her down on a lower bunk in the guards’ sleeping area.

  “Check her breathing, then raise her feet up so they’re higher than her chest,” Nikko said, dashing from the room. “I’m going to get a cold cloth.”

  Mencari leaned in, heard then felt air moving from her nose. “She’s breathing, should we remove her armor?”

  Kiyanna lifted Dane’s feet up. “I wouldn’t if I were you.”

  He touched her neck and timed her pulse. “It’s 140 beats per minute.”

  Nikko came back with a rag soaked with water. She sat beside Mencari and began to wipe Dane’s brow.

  He timed her pulse again. “110 beats, it’s slowing.”

  She looked so peaceful. Though he could still see the worry lines cracking her forehead. From how she appeared now, no one would guess how bitter she was. He swapped places with Nikko, allowing her wipe Dane’s brow easier. She began to squirm.

  “You can put her feet down now,” Nikko said.

  Her honey-colored eyes fluttered open. They looked about, confused, tired. In a gentle tone she said, “Where am I?”