Fledgling (The Vampire Manifesto, Book Two)

by Rashaad Bell

  “No hospitals.” Abigail propped herself up a bit. “I’ll be fine, just…give me a minute.”

  Aiden disagreed. “You should let a doctor…”

  “Baby please…” She rubbed her temples for a second. “I just need something to drink.”

  Dakota looked around the bar. “They’ve got Champaign and water.”

  Abigail motioned with her fingers. “Give me the bubbly.”

  I looked at Girard. “That ever happen before?”

  “The change?” She shook her head. “No, that was the first time.”

  “How did it feel?” I asked.

  “Honestly?” She paused. “Exhilarating.”

  Abigail was drinking directly from the Champaign bottle. “What happened?” She asked.

  “I don’t know.” I confessed. “You were talking to Colonel Hawking then you just started having a seizer.”

  “The Colonel said something about a feedback loop.” Girard added.

  “Feedback loop?” Abigail stopped drinking for a second. “What did he mean by a feedback loop?”

  “World Mind.” I called out.

  Awaiting incoming query…

  “Hawking generated some kind feedback loop that affected Abigail. Can you analyze what happened?”

  “I hate when she does that.” Abigail said.

  “Shh… he can hear you.” I whispered.

  Initiating biological assessment on orangutan designated Abigail…

  “Hey, don’t call us that.” I ordered.

  “What did it say?” Aiden asked.

  “Nothing.” I replied. “Forget about it.”

  Several neurological markers in designate Abigail have elevated DNA segments when compared to other…homo sapiens. Certain frequencies can absorb certain types of energy then redirect it back to the source. Only specific areas of the cerebellum can cause the symptoms that designate Abigail experienced and these segments of the cerebral cortex that were affected by the frequency are documented to produce low grade to Omega level extrasensory perception in homo sapiens….

  “What did it say?” Aiden asked.

  I wasn’t sure if I should tell them.

  “Madison?” Abigail asked.

  Well here goes. “Are you a Post Human?”

  “What?” Asked Girard.

  “The feedback loop redirects extrasensory energy back at the source.” I said. “It causes people to have seizers.”

  Abigail glanced up at Aiden.

  “You should tell her.” He said. The two of them just looked at each other for a moment.

  “We prefer the term Hyper-Sensitive.” Abigail stated. “I can read minds and I can talk to people without having to use words.”

  Girard laughed. “This town is just insane.”

  “How long have you known.” I asked.

  Abigail shrugged. “Since I was ten maybe?”

  “You knew about this?” I asked Aiden.

  “Yeah.” He said. “She told me.”

  “It makes so much sense now.” I admitted. “The way I used to watch you too just stare at each all the time.”

  “This doesn’t...” She seemed unsure. “…freak you out or anything?”

  “I’m a Vampire with a piece of God technology stuck to my arm that talks to me inside my head and refers to humans as orangutans.” I explained. “So whatever you got going on over there, that’s like apple pie.”

  “Does it really refer to us orangutans?” Girard asked.

  “All Celestials do.” I said.

  “He knew, Madison.” Abigail drank some more Champaign. “Before he shut me down, he was trying to hide information about your parent’s death. Something that he definitely did not want you to know about.”

  “He’s going to be coming for me soon.” I admitted. “Anybody around me is going to be collateral damage to a person like him. Maybe it’s better if I just left. At least…”

  “I’m going wherever you go.” Dakota declared.

  “You’ve saved my life too many times for me to bail out on you now.” Girard professed. “Especially since I now have the ability to really be able to fight back.”

  “I’m a mind reader, Madison.” Abigail was a little tipsy. “Where ever you go I can find you.”

  “I think I speak for everybody when I say that we’re not going anywhere.” Aiden declared. “Besides, who the fuck wants to live forever?”

  Chapter 9

  Resolution…

  When I woke up the next morning, I realized for the first time that it’s been a month and I hadn’t had one of those insane dreams. Dakota was in my arms and for a while, I just refused to move, hoping to revel in the moment. I could hear Frankie and Girard downstairs. They had been up talking all night, about life, movies, the music from their childhood that they still listened to. It was nice seeing them happy, even if it was just for a moment. Both of them had gone through so much in such a short time that a little reprieve from the madness was good for them.

  For some reason I decided on going to school. I know that wasn’t the most safest thing to do, but I figured the last thing Colonel Hawking wanted was a bunch of dead kids on the news from one of his military operations so I figured I’d be somewhat safe there. Besides, I needed a little normalcy in my life as well. A distraction from my thoughts. I leaned up in the bed and Dakota stirred.

  “Go back to sleep, baby.” I kissed her on the tip of her nose.

  “You go back to sleep.” She countered.

  “I can’t.” I whispered. “I’m gonna go to school today.”

  “Ha.” She pulled the covers over her head. “You have fun with that.”

  I crawled out of bed. “I’ll see you in a few hours.”

  “Bring back some ice cream.” Her voice was muffled, but I heard her.

  I stopped by Aiden’s room, knocked twice then stuck my head in. “You two up?”

  “Well if we weren’t before we are now.” Aiden moaned.

  “I was thinking about going to school today.” I announced.

  Abigail popped up from underneath the covers, her hair a mass of confusion and disarray. “Omg, that sounds like an amazing idea!”

  Aiden put a pillow over his head. “I call bullshit.”

  “No worries Madison, well both be ready.” Abigail gave me two thumbs up and then started bouncing on Aiden’s back. “You hear that baby; we’re gonna go learn some algebra today!”

  “I hate you Madison.” Aiden replied.

  I headed downstairs, I could smell a fresh pot of coffee going and I wanted some. Girard was on the couch, Frankie right next to her as they chit chatted away. If I didn’t know any better I could swear he was flirting with her. Isn’t she like half his age?

  “Morning Madison.” Frankie called out.

  I poured myself a cup of coffee. “Hey Frankie, Girard.”

  “Hello Maddy.” Girard was playing with her hair, staring at Frankie.

  “Don’t call me that.” I said. “I think I’m going to school today.”

  “I heard.” She replied.

  Frankie turned around on the couch. “Hey, Madison, look, I know that you and Aiden both turn eighteen in a couple a month’s so technically your considered an adult, but I was thinking if it was okay with you, maybe I could hang around here for a little bit longer? I mean, I know…”

  “It’s cool, Frankie, you can stay as long as you want.” I grabbed a bag of blood out the freezer then headed back upstairs. “Just buy a gun or something because life here in Palm Coast is a motherfucker.”

  It didn’t take me long to shower. I decided on the pink Chuck Taylors this time instead of the Timberlands. A pair of faded jeans and a pink, old school Jem and the Rockers shirt and a black pair of elbow gloves. By the time I got downstairs, Aiden and Abigail were ready and Girard had already left for work. I grabbed the keys off our newly replaced counter top and tossed them to Aiden.

  “You’re driving.” I said.

  Aiden caught the keys and grinned. So
metimes it’s the little things that make life worth living. The look on his face just now was worth it. He took the long way to school of course, but it was okay. We still managed to get there early. The place seemed different to me now, smaller. Things that used to stress and worry me when I came here before meant nothing to me now. They were like little league problems and I’ve graduated to the majors.

  Abigail and I had first period together, but Aiden was a couple of classes down. Abigail was walking Aiden to his class, while I had to stop at my locker. At first, I couldn’t remember my locker combination; it took me three times to get it right. It was weird, I could remember some of the most complex things now that I’m a Vampire, but I had trouble trying to recall even the most mundane things from my human life before I was turned.

  I grabbed my book bag and opened it. Inside was that package I received when I first went to the office. Just one more thing I had forgotten about. I opened it up and inside was a USB drive. Without thinking, I shoved the USB into my pocket and closed my locker door.

  Connor was leaned up against the locker next to me.

  I glared at him “I told you that if I ever saw you again I would kill you.”

  “I need to talk to you.” He said.

  I walked off, heading to my class. There nothing he could say that I wanted to hear. Connor trailed after me, refusing to leave me alone.

  “It’s important Madison.” He appeared in front of me. “You’re in trouble.”

  “I told you to stay away.” I said.

  “I’m here to help you.” He explained.

  I was at my classroom door and I turned to face him. “I don’t want your help Connor.”

  He just smiled and shook his head. “You say that now…”

  “Listen to me.” I interrupted. “I don’t want your help. I don’t want anything from you. Ever.”

  “Madison…”

  “Just leave me alone.” I headed into class and Connor followed after me. I took a seat next to Abigail. The bell rang and students were rushing in as the teacher closed the door. Connor walked to the seat behind me.

  He grabbed the kid sitting there on the shoulder and pulled him out of the chair. “Go sit somewhere else, tubby.”

  “Uh…okay.” The boy exclaimed as Connor sat down.

  Abigail looked up. “What’s he doing here?” She mouthed silently, pointing towards Connor.

  I shrugged my shoulders.

  The teacher was walking back to his desk when he saw him. “Looks like we have a new student here today.”

  “Um…yeah. Hi, my name is Conner…” He waved to the class. “…and I’m a Pisces.”

  “Do you have your paperwork from the office?” Asked the teacher.

  “I’m not going to be here that long.” Connor said. “I’m just here to watch.”

  The teacher seemed puzzled. “Watch what?”

  All the power in the class shut off.

  “That.” Connor stated.

  None of the computers in the class were working and even though it was bright outside, the classroom still got considerably darker. The teacher went to try the office intercom, but that wasn’t working as well. Abigail gave me a worried look.

  I turned around in my seat. “Connor what’s going on?”

  “Remember when I said you needed my help?” He asked. “That you were in danger?”

  Celestial energy matrix detected…

  “I meant today Madison.” Connor leaned back in his chair. “They’re coming for you now.”

  The door opened and a man entered, his physical manifestation causing everyone to scramble towards the rear of the class. I’ve only seen two Celestials before. Once in a dream and once on the shores of She’ol when I died. I’ve never seen a Celestial in real life. It was huge, almost ten feet in height, yet built bigger than football player. Its skin was extremely transparent, more so than Thanatos or Oneiroi. Even its hair lacked pigment, being the same color as the rest of its physique. Inside of its body was an obsidian lighting storm, which you could see much more clearly than the Celestials I met previously. Everything it wore was black; its shirt was only buttoned midway, so you could see the fusion at the core of its chest clearly.

  “Hello Madison.” It stopped at front of the class. “And Prometheus as well, what a surprise. It’s like a two for one.”

  I got up from my seat. “The Translucent Man.”

  “I never really liked that name.” It smiled. “But it has served its purposes.”

  “I believe you have something that belongs to me.” The Translucent Man raised his hand and as he did, the volcanic rock that surrounded my forearm began to strip away, streaming in the air towards him encasing his wrist and hand

  Attempt at biomolecular degradation has been detected. Initiating counter measures…

  There was a small detonation, the stream of black oil and volcanic rock imploding at the midway point between the Translucent Man and myself. I looked down at my forearm and found that everything that had been stripped away was reconstituting itself back while the Translucent Man watched as the pieces of black oil and volcanic rock that had wrapped about his forearm turned white and began to flake away.

  Counter measures effective…

  “This doesn’t belong to you…” The Blade formed inside my hand. “…anymore Osiris.”

  That’s who he was. The reason people called him the Translucent Man is because his skin was translucent, just like all the Celestials skin were. Nevertheless, I knew who he truly was now.

  I knew his name.

  “Osiris.” He repeated. “Then I guess the time for games have come to an end, haven’t they?”

  Connor was beside me in an instant.

  “Don’t!” Osiris called out. “Don’t put yourself between a bullet and a target.”

  “I don’t have any choice in the matter.” Connor replied.

  This caused Osiris to pause. “You know I have miscalculated you at every step Prometheus and I must admit, you play the part of formidable opposition exceedingly well. Yet instead of me just…approaching you, talking to you directly….”

  Osiris took a step forward. “You do comprehend there is nothing for you here, don’t you? You realize that she would never love you, not after what you have done, no, never after what you have done. She despises you for that. It disgusts her. All she can see is the monster you were. But me…”

  Osiris pointed to himself. “I recognize the potential for power in you. I don’t see you as what you are or what you were, like she does. I look at you and witness what you are striving to become. I am Osiris, Celestial of Death. Look upon me and equate what that signifies. What I can offer you.”

  He was trying to make some type of deal with Connor, as if he would ever make a…

  “What?” Connor asked. “What can you offer me?”

  “Well power for one.” The Celestial smiled. “Real power. What you have now, that is but a parlor trick. Sleight of hand sorcery at best. Come with me, Prometheus. Let me show you what real magic is.”

  “I…” Connor looked at me. “…I want more.”

  Osiris crossed his arms. “Of course you do. You wouldn’t be any use to me if you didn’t.”

  “Connor!” I yelled. “What are you doing?”

  “Surviving.” He answered.

  “I know what it is you want.” Claimed Osiris. “I offer the one thing that you crave most in this world.”

  “Don’t listen to him Connor.” I grabbed him. “It’s a trick. He’s trying to deceive you.”

  “I am the Celestial of Death.” Osiris roared. “I have no need for deception. I can give you what you desire Prometheus. I can give you her.”

  Osiris was pointing at me.

  “No.” I said.

  “Do you think that you are the only you?” Osiris asked. “I ride realities like the phoenix does the wind. I walk through the bleed of dimensions like the Pharaoh does the summer rain. Come with me Prometheus and I will find you that Madison
, that perfect Madison who will love you for all eternity. Take my hand and let us begin this journey together.”

  The Celestial held out his hand.

  Connor turned to me. “Do you love me?” He asked.

  “Connor….” It was as if he was staring into my soul itself.

  He wasn’t beside me any longer.

  I turned and he was standing next to Osiris and then reality seemed to overlap and then the both of them were gone.

  I looked at Abigail. “What just happened?”

  “I don’t know.” She replied.

  “World Mind.” I called out.

  Awaiting incoming query.

  “Scan for Celestial energy matrix.” I demanded.

  Initiating scan… processing… processing… scan complete. No Celestial energy matrix detected as far out as Jupiter.

  “No.” I whispered. “Where did they go?”

  World/Mind detects a faint bleed in reality. A quantum dimensional parallel shift has occurred.

  “Can you track it?” I asked.

  Insufficient soul consumption for tracking beyond current dimensional sphere.

  “Damn it.” I yelled.

  Abigail was to her feet. “What’s wrong?”

  The front door open and Aiden rushed in. “Madison!”

  “They’re not even in our dimension anymore.” I turned towards Aiden. “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah, I’m fine.” He came over to us. “But when the electricity went out…”

  “We need to get out of here.” Advised Abigail.

  “Couldn’t agree with you more.” I exited from the classroom, Aiden and Abigail in tow. It was dark, none of the lights were on, yet it didn’t affect my vision in the least. I was heading for the stairwell doors by the window when I heard movement behind me at the other end of the hallway.

  “Madison!” It was Principle Girard.

  I turned towards her when the stairwell door opened and there was a gunshot. The sound of it reverberated throughout the hallway. Abigail flew backwards, slamming into the lockers then slid to the ground.

  There was a bullet hole in the middle of her head.

  “No!” Aiden screamed. He ran over to her, but even from here, I could sense she was dead.