Exterminators Infected (The Exterminators Book 1)

by DeSantis, James

  Nick sat on the bedside. Kelly slid into her pajamas as he set an alarm clock. They went to school together so they began stay over each other’s houses. They were planning on moving in with each other so their parents understood. To a point. They made sure to be very quiet at night. Not making too much sound. The rules of living with parents.

  He put the covers over himself and watched as she put cream on her legs. “I put in an application to work at a local game store,” he said reading a text from his phone.

  She looked up at him. “That's great, hun. I hope they call back.”

  “Yeah, I figured it be a good place to start my work life. I mean a serious one and not one working under my pops.”

  “You worked for your dad?”

  “Yeah,” he began. He put his cell phone down. “I worked on my days off from school. Dad gave me a decent cut and I'd help with the construction of building whatever project they had. It was pretty fun. Least when I was hanging with the guys. My dad made me do double the work for half the pay. He wasn't the easiest to work with.”

  She placed the bottle of cream on the counter and slipped into bed next to him. “It's just tough love. You know he cared.”

  “I know. It was a good workout regardless.” Nick flexed his muscle. Without a shirt on it was easy to see how much the training helped. His entire body was curved, true definition of a full body work out. His arms were bigger than any kid his age should have been. His chest and abs outlined almost too perfect. He felt amazing.

  “You know there are some perks to letting you work out so much after school.”

  “Yeah, I knew you wanted me for this body,” he said, laughing and winking at her.

  She outlined his body with her hand. He watched as she followed his entire chest up to his face. She placed her hand on his cheeks. “I love the person you are though more than any workout can give. I want you.”

  This was the reason he loved being with her. She wanted him and nothing more. She never asked for anything he couldn't provide. So he kept close to her. Making sure she was always happy.

  “I love you so much.”

  “I know,” she said cheerfully.

  “Hey!”

  “I love you too, babe.” Her smile was so big it made him smile again.

  “Is it weird, when I think of my future and I can only see it with you there?” he asked thoughtfully. He wasn't sure how to approach a situation such as this. Always wondering how she would react. Yet, he felt safe enough around her now to ask plainly.

  “I think the same. Every move I make in my mind, you're there.” She leaned over to him, placing her head on his chest. “I think of where I'll live, where I'll work, what college I'll go too. It makes me worry about the future. Then I think of you. It all seems okay then. Like there's nothing we can't do together.” She used one finger to outline the tip of his chest down to his stomach.

  “I don't ever want to be without you.” He held her head. He began brushing his fingers through her hair. He could feel how soft it was. “Will you stay with me no matter how bad things get?”

  “What's going to get bad?”

  “I'm just saying in the future. No matter the struggle, we'll fight through it. Figure out a solution to all our problems. Not just give up so easy.” His voice sounded strain. The horrible outcomes have been floating around his mind but he tried his best to push them away.

  “I'll never give up on you...” she let the words linger in the air. They sat there in silence for a few minutes longer. “Never.”

  Jin came into Carl's office. It was late, way past midnight. As far as Carl knew Jin didn't have any missions on-going. He wondered why the young man needed to speak to him so late. He told him to sit and began drinking another cup of coffee. Coffee was the first thing he replaced his drinking with. It wasn't the best substitute but it was a substitute none the less.

  “Is everything okay, Jin?”

  “Yeah, just doing a follow-up.” Jin sat down. He looked tired. Worn out from all the things going on in his life as of late. He couldn't cover it up very well.

  “You look exhausted. Are you sure you're doing okay? I told you not to overexert yourself.” Carl placed his mug down and walked around the desk. He placed his hand on Jin. “Speak to me. What's wrong?”

  Jin didn't want to go over his personal issues. He knew Carl cared, though. So he let a little of it slip in the conversation. “Emily, it's been rough.”

  “Is everyone having girl problems as of late?” Carl laughed. “First Nick, then Marshall, and now you? I'm so glad I'm not dating at the moment.”

  “It's just that we don't see each other much. I've been so busy with training, missions, helping the kids...” he began but Carl stopped him.

  “I told you to leave the kids to me. I started the one-on-one training. I'll help them out from now on. Please, do not overburden yourself with even more than you already have on your plate.”

  “I know, but I feel some sort of obligation,” Jin said sitting back in his seat. “These kids...they feel like my friends now. I can't just walk away. I want to see them get better.”

  “You can, but worry about your personal problems first. Emily is a great person. Don't let her slip away from you.” He waited as Jin thought about the issue at hand. He agreed with Carl, even if he wouldn't admit it straight out.

  “I know. It's just...I don't know, just problems.” Jin waved his hand. “Let's get back to the subject at hand. I've been trying to keep tabs on Peter.”

  This intrigued Carl. He was worried about his student. “Anything? Is it family problems? Bullies at school?”

  “I haven't seen him in any fights at school. Nor did I see him come in with any new scars and bruises on his face. Either it was a one-time thing or he's the best cover up kid I've ever seen.”

  “So nothing then?”

  “Something is odd, though.”

  “Well, let me hear it. So far, all I'm hearing is we’re back at square one. Nothing has changed.” He sat back in his chair looking at the ceiling. He never wanted to see his unit suffer. Yet, if he didn't know the problems, how could he fix them?

  “Peter has problems relating to regular humans.”

  “I read the reports. Sociopath tendencies. I know all about them.”

  “And yet, he's been showing emotions as of late.”

  “I've noticed that, too. I figured it's the difference of human interaction. He'd never been with a group of people as much as now. He's experiencing emotions based off the fact of being outside his norm. It's only natural emotions would spark up,” Carl finished. He grabbed his baseball and threw it into the air.

  “I understand that, sir. Saying that, he keeps his anger in check. We don't know when he's angry or upset. When he's happy or faking it. It's odd we can't pick that up yet, and we've known him for like half a year.” Jin was trying desperately to plead his case. Everything he said, though, was already on Carl's mind and answered too.

  “I can sense when he shows true emotions. When he is Peter and not just following other peoples' ways of interaction. Maybe not all the time but I can sense a good portion of it.” Carl flung the ball as high as the ceiling went. As it fell he looked towards Jin. “He'll come around to us, don't worry.” He caught the ball without looking.

  That's when a huge thud hit the door. Jin jumped out of his chair and turned towards the door. Carl dropped the ball and went towards the door placing his hand on it. “You have your Rods on you?”

  “Got my gloves already on.” Jin put his hands in front of him.

  Carl nodded and held his hand on his hip near his Rod. It had been weeks now since he’d had to use his weapon for fighting. He felt his heart thumping hard in his chest. He hadn't been in danger in so long he almost forgot the feeling. The feeling of being alive again.

  He slid his hand in a downward motion, the door swung open. Carl was ready to strike but froze in his steps.

  Blood dripped down from Peter's forehead. His face was b
adly banged up and looked to beaten to a pulp. He held on for dear life on the hallway wall. He looked up at both Jin and Carl, who were in complete and utter shock.

  “I have a secret...” he gasped through his bloody teeth. He stepped forward, tripping, and falling straight to the ground.

  Carl moved quickly and snatched him midair before he could fall on his face. He held him in his arms and turned him over quickly. He could see his student was badly beaten, nearly to the point of death. He could see his nose was badly bashed in, where most of the blood on his face was coming from. There was also a bad gash on his forehead from a boot of some sort. The teeth were filled with blood. A solid punch to the mouth would do that.

  Peter looked up at his mentor, seeing only a bright light shining on him. He wasn't sure how he made it here. He heard his father slam the door in his house as he awoke. He felt far worse than he could have ever imagined. He'd never been beaten this bad in a fight, let alone by his own abusive, drunken father. He heard the police sirens and moved quickly. He knew if they found him they would ask him a hundred questions on what happen. He couldn't let that happen. He wanted no one to know about his personal life. Especially his Exterminator co-fighters.

  So he stumbled his way out of his apartment. He saw his sister watching, scared, as he made his way out. He had to get to the Station. He had to make sure they kept their attention on something important. A diversion.

  Jin took off his shirt and bent down. He tried wiping away some of the blood on his face. Peter tried to focus. He needed to tell them before it was too late.

  “Get some healers. We have to get him patched up quickly before there is any permanent damage. Go!” Carl ordered. Jin got up, about to leave the room.

  “Wait-” Peter used whatever little strength he had left to yell. Jin turned around looking at the injured boy. Carl waited as well, scared and nervous for his recruit. “-there's danger...”

  “Who did this to you?” Carl demanded.

  “Fred...” Peter said before gulping. Carl looked at Jin. Jin stared back in shock. They didn't expect to hear that.

  “Fred did this?” Jin asked, confused.

  “No,” Peter closed his eyes and bit his lip. He had to tell them. “Fred is becoming something. He's becoming an Unknown. I saw it...stop him.” Peter let the shining light take over. He closed his eyes. He could feel them watching him as he drifted off. He just hoped the warning was enough to have their attention turn towards it. Not towards his personal problems at home. His last emotion before drifting off was guilt. He betrayed his friend's trust. He had never betrayed someone before. He never had a friend before to betray. He wasn't too sure he'd have a friend after that. He slipped away into total darkness.

  Chapter 25 – Run

  Nick walked with Kelly to school. It was Friday, the day before the weekend. He was so excited to have the next two days off. He wanted to train tomorrow and then take Sunday off to go into the city with Kelly. He had the perfect plan on Sunday to take her out to dinner. She didn't have a clue. Which made it that much more exciting.

  “It's such a beautiful day out,” she commented, looking at the trees. She put her hand in the air and let the cold breeze surround her. It was getting warmer but sweaters were still needed. The weather felt amazing today. The sun was shining brightly on them. Not a cloud in sight. The wind was a bit chilly but not consistent. It was the perfect day to take a long walk.

  He watched her. He loved just looking at her, happy. He kept thinking about when they moved in together next year. He tried calculating how much money he'd need for an apartment. The prices were outrageous here. Even for a good job. He was thinking of moving. Then he wondered how that would interfere with his Exterminator job. He had a lot to discuss with Carl. For now though, he watched her smile and felt everything was just right.

  They reached the school. Kids crowded around the front screaming at each other to be heard. It was getting close to the end and everyone was on edge. They wanted to move on with their life. The seniors were now deciding what college to go to or what job to get. It was a rush of excitement and being scared that filled the entire front of the school.

  Nick grabbed Kelly's hand and they pushed their way through. He held her hand tight while shoving his way through the huge crowd. He politely tried to ask people to move. Most people didn't even hear him, to into their own conversations. So, he took it upon himself to move them by shoving them just slightly. He kept a low profile at school just because he wanted to get by in it. With his grades he didn't know if he'd be able to. He figured maybe taking a short break on training to catch up. He didn't want to repeat his senior year.

  They finally got through the front and into the school. “People are crazy,” Nick said walking forward. She trailed right behind him.

  “They're just excited about graduating. Aren't you?”

  “Yeah, if I graduate.”

  “I told you to come over and we'll finish up the homework you missed. Together.” She strained the word together. He seemed to want to fight her whenever it came to the school situation. She was a serious student, after all.

  “I know. I've just been busy.”

  “Yeah, I know, the gym.”

  “And fighting crazy monsters on the verge of invading our world and killing us all.” He laughed. “Yeah the gym but also other stuff. I also got my dad breathing down my neck about school. So, don't worry, I'll get on it.”

  “You better. Otherwise I'm going to find the first college guy who says my pens are nice and take him on a date,” she winked at him giggling.

  “No matter what-” he said turning around and looking at her very seriously. “-he could never judge a pen the way I can. I am the pen master.”

  She laughed and pushed him away. “You're so weird!” She laughed more.

  “Ah, but you're dating the weirdo. So, what's that make you?”

  “Oh, whatever!”

  “I'm just saying, baby. It takes a weirdo to love a weirdo.”

  “Yeah, I'm starting to see that.” She walked ahead of him smiling. He trailed behind her, smiling back.

  “Got a cute butt by the way.”

  “Stop looking at my butt.” She covered her bottom with both hands.

  “Butt's so big, I can see it even now.” She shrieked and slapped him on the shoulder.

  “Don't talk to me. Ever!” She walked away quickly.

  He ran behind her. “Hey, let me finish! I was gonna say I like big butts and I cannot lie!” he laughed. They ran all the way to class.

  Back in the darkness, Fred felt alone once again. He hadn't shown up for training in over a week. Claiming he had a stomach virus. It was better that way. He felt terrible, his body aching every single day. He hated how weak he had become. Especially after all the training he went through. He was feeling great. Yet now, ever since he broke down the wall, he felt terrible.

  The wall.

  He still wasn't sure what the wall was. He broke it down to save Marshall. Weeks later he still had no idea what it did. He remembers flashes of when he changed. Breaking down the wall let out another side of him. He felt like himself, yet, it felt as if something else was inside him. How can there be another person inside one body? He was Fred. There is only one Fred.

  Then what the hell saved Marshall?

  He felt alone. Scared. Weak. He tried to call Marshall but he was usually busy with Lucy. He wanted to go to Nick, his leader, but he was always busy with Kelly. He tried talking to Peter but was blown off the last time. He couldn't go back to him, especially since he ran away from him last time.

  So the black room was where he ended up.

  That's where he was now. This is where he spends his alone time. Every time he shuts his eyes he awakens in it. The room filled with nothing but black walls, black skies, black everything. It was a morbid feeling. Something he was disgusted by, even though at times, it felt like a home. The other home he resided in whenever he fell into a deep sleep.

  “Other
self I know you're here. I know you've warned me. I messed up. I broke the walls. Now I'm changing and I need help. Is there anything you can tell me?” he asked the nothingness. The voice usually returned after a short while so he sat. He sat wondering how little hope he had left. He was only seventeen. Almost eighteen. Yet, he was on the verge of losing himself. The scariest thought was he wouldn't see his twenties. He pushed those thoughts away as much as possible.

  He thought about his past. What mistakes he had made that got him to this point. Why did he go out that night? Why didn't he just ignore the rock? What made him so determined to find out if these monsters were real? He couldn't find a justifiable answer. Which made him feel even worse about himself.

  He hated the fact he felt alone. The dark room made it worse. Almost as if it was saying “this is now your future” and he had to deal with that. He had to deal with the pain that grew in his chest every time he opened his eyes again. He wondered when that pain would subside...forever.

  “Just rest...” The voice was soft. Fred could barely hear it as he stood back up.

  “I can't rest though. If I rest, I end up here.”

  “Things are only going to get worse.”

  “I know! Tell me how to fix that!” he screamed in frustration. He could feel fear biting on the back of his neck.

  “You cannot. Only accept fate. Run. Do not let them catch you!”

  “Catch me!?”

  “Do not let them have their way. You are you. Run! Run till you can't run anymore!” The voice gave a huge booming effect. Almost as if it was its final hurrah. The room soon went perfectly silent again. Fred was once again lost in the darkness only this time not waking up right away.