Dead Hearts (Book 2): Forsaken Hearts

by Susanne L. Lambdin

  The zombies stood shoulder to shoulder, crammed together in a tight mass, and were completely surrounding the Blazer. At the side of their getaway vehicle stood a freakishly tall zombie in a torn, red bathrobe, sniffing the air like a hound. The ghoul spotted Dragon. A loud, guttural moan came from the tall zombie, as if it were the signal to attack, and a wave of zombies charged the fence. The front line of zombies received a high jolt of electricity. The fence hummed and sparked, growling like a live animal as the bodies jerked in a grotesque dance and their rotted flesh grilled.

  “Buccaneers, on my mark,” shouted Black Beard. He pulled the pin and lobbed it into the middle of the zombies. The grenade exploded seconds later, sending gory body parts flying through the air and leaving a chunk-sized hole in the crowd.

  The Buccaneers and Panthers ignited their flame throwers, and waves of fire raked the front lines of the zombies. The fire spread rapidly, and the zombies standing around the Blazer lit up like torches. The tall zombie took a full blast of fire to the face and turned, shrieking, and headed into the crowd.

  With the zombies in retreat, Dragon motioned at Whisper. The pair repelled down the side of the towers, landed on the ground and ran for the Blazer. Dragon opened the driver door and slid in behind the wheel, starting up the engine. Whisper opened the back door and dove inside. Kirin, Monkey, and Cricket got in next, while Lotus claimed the passenger seat.

  “Move it,” shouted Lotus, slamming the door shut.

  Dragon headed down the road. The zombies staggered forward, trying to block their path. Another blast of flames hit the crowd, scorching the roof and hood, but clearing the road ahead. The snow plough attached to the front of the vehicle pushed bodies out of the way. Soon, they drove out onto a clear road and sped off into the dark.

  * * *

  Blaze, Smack, and Dodger lifted up their heads from the back seat of the Hummer. All three were totally bummed out. Making certain the coast was clear, Blaze opened the back hatch and climbed out. Her two friends followed.

  “This sucks,” said Blaze, truly pissed off. “What do we do now? They left without us.”

  “Let’s grab a golf cart and go back to the RV,” said Smack. “I didn’t really want to go in the first place. Creeping around in the city after dark is not my idea of a good time. That’s how you wind up like Freeborn.”

  Dodger put his arm around Smack. “That’s my brave, little girl.”

  “I’m not a little girl,” said Smack, in an angry tone.

  Hearing the pair squabble was part of daily life. Blaze slung her crossbow over her shoulder and stomped over to a golf cart. She drove them back to camp, parked outside the mess hall, and left them quarreling at a vending machine to return to the RV.

  Across the road, Blaze noticed a tall figure smoking a cigarette, watching her from the shadows. Grumbling under her breath, she walked past the Blue Devils’ RV. It was parked under a grove of ash trees with a nice array of lawn chairs placed under a tarp. Colored lights in the shape of little blue horned devils lined the top.

  Blaze made out an old man wearing a black trench coat. She didn’t know the guy and turned to look for her buddies, slightly creeped out. Her friends hadn’t followed. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end as she noticed the stranger had vanished. She lowered the crossbow as a precaution as someone tapped on her shoulder.

  “Looking for me?”

  Wheeling around, Blaze triggered an arrow. The dark stranger caught the arrow and snapped it in half. Gasping, Blaze ran toward the Blue Devil’s trailer, but the figure intercepted her. Face to face with Blaze, the tall, blonde vampire exposed his fangs and hissed. Shadowguard, thought Blaze. She threw the crossbow at the vamp and ran, yelling for Smack and Dodger. The vampire materialized ahead of her again, and she turned through a gap between the campers. Once again, the vampire cut her off. She dove for cover and felt a sharp pain in her throat. She swatted at the string, knocking a tranquilizer dart from her neck.

  She attempted to cry out, but she was only able to gurgle. The drug acted fast, paralyzing her in seconds.

  Blaze remained conscious, face down in the dirt, unable to move. A firm hand turned her over. She gawked at the stars overhead as a pale face came into view. Eyes like burning amber pierced her vision as his cold breath rested on her cheek. Her mind begged to scream and fight as the stranger tossed her over his shoulder.

  “My name is Aldarik,” he said. A German accent tinged his sinister voice. “I wanted to introduce myself before I present you to the Kaiser. He’s looking for a few new fighters to compete in the Death Games.”

  Hope ran cold as Blaze lost consciousness.

  * * * * *

  Chapter Nine

  Thor and Star stood facing the waterfall, which was lit with colorful lights that changed colors every few seconds. Star had tried to call China Six but couldn’t reach them; Thor was glad she had a chance to stay with him longer. He kept his arms wrapped around her body, resting his chin on the top of her head, enjoying the gentle fragrance of her hair.

  The Vikings, on his orders, reported to the infirmary. They were to stay with Raven until she reported for guard duty. The War Gods went to Midnight Falls to check on Uther and his team, the Elite, while the Blue Devils returned to their RV for some rest. Thor thought himself brilliant. He now had Star all to himself at the most romantic spot in camp. Star raised her face for another kiss. Thor spotted someone standing on the staircase. He assumed it was a member of the War Gods.

  “Some idiot is spying on us,” Thor said, amused.

  “If people want to stare, let them. I’ve never been happier.”

  Laughing, Thor met her lips for a kiss. A moment later he looked up again, but the figure was no longer there.

  “Let’s go back inside,” Star said. “It’s cold out.”

  “I’m on guard duty,” said Thor. “Loki is bringing me a heavier coat. I’ll let you wear it, okay?

  Two voices in the dark called out. Thor spotted Dodger and Smack running toward HQ. He pulled away from Star, hurrying to meet the Tigers as they came up the stairs. Smack was carrying Blaze’s crossbow, and both looked distraught.

  “What’s wrong?” asked Thor.

  “Didn’t you hear us?” Dodger shouted. “They took Blaze!”

  Thor put his hand on Smack’s shoulder to calm her trembling. “What’s Dodger babbling about? Who took Blaze? What the hell is going on?”

  “Blaze was kidnapped,” said Smack. “Some guy in a trench coat showed up and snatched her.” She held up Blaze’s crossbow. “We found this behind the Blue Devils’ RV.”

  Dodger quickly wiped a hand across his damp cheeks. “It was a Shadowguard,” he huffed. “Had to be. She was gone so fast. The Blue Devils heard the commotion. We looked but didn’t find her. What are we going to do?”

  “Get Cadence. She’s at the barricade,” said Thor.

  Dodger took off running.

  Thor turned to look for Star, but he didn’t see her. “Where is Star? She was just here.”

  “Maybe the Shadowguard took her,” said Smack, gazing over at the staircase. “I didn’t hear any shooting. Where are the patrols?”

  Thor hurried back to where he’d been standing with Star. He found Star’s silver necklace lying on the ground, clasp broken. He picked it up, shouting her name. Everyone within earshot came running. Logan arrived with the Bulldogs. Xena, armed with a sword, and Phoenix, carrying a long bow, pushed through the crowd. The Valkyries and Bandits joined the growing assembly. Last to arrive were the Vikings. Loki, a skinny, greasy-haired kid, handed Thor a spare M16.

  “All right. What’s this about?” asked Logan, sounding concerned. “Did zombies get through the upper barricade? It wasn’t vampires. Not this soon.”

  Thor had a lump in his throat. “Star has been taken, and so has Blaze. Smack and I both saw a Shadowguard before they were abducted. We need to follow after them; we might be able to catch up with them.”

  “Vampires move fast,”
said Xena, gazing at the cliffs. “They’ll be long gone by the time we get up to the ridge.”

  “The A-Team, War Gods, and the Elite are at Midnight Falls,” said Phoenix. “Maybe one of them saw something.”

  “Then let’s ask,” said Smack.

  “Hold on, kiddo,” said Logan, trying to calm everyone down. “You’re sure you saw Shadowguard? They wear black trench coats. It makes it very easy to recognize them.”

  “I’m sure it was a Shadowguard.”

  “I’m taking the Vikings and going after them,” Thor said, pocketing Star’s necklace. “Smack, wait here for Dodger and Cadence. There may be more Shadowguard in camp so you others need to spread the word. Everyone needs to wake up and get armed; we're under attack.”

  “We’ll go wake anyone who is not on duty,” said Xena. She hurried off with Phoenix.

  Thor felt someone tap his arm. He turned to find Smack offering him Blaze’s crossbow. He slung it over his shoulder and blocked Smack when she started for the stairs.

  “I need you to wait for Dodger. When he gets back, bring backup.” Thor turned to a ready group of patrols, all waiting for direction. He gave orders to gather and distribute weapons. “Valkyries, stay here and stand guard. The rest of you patrol the street.”

  “What about you?” asked Aurora, the leader of the Valkyries.

  Thor looked at Midnight Falls. “I’m going hunting.”

  “I’m going with you,” said Logan. “Vampires move fast. They won’t be at Midnight Falls. I doubt the patrols saw them go by, but I can track them.”

  Thor nodded and pointed over at Aurora. “Take over here. Make sure everyone stays diligent. Anyone got a walkie-talkie I can use?”

  “I do.” Logan held one up. “Let’s go, big guy.”

  Thor raced up the stairs. He made it half way before Heimdall, Raven, Loki, Odin, and Baldor rushed past him. Logan grabbed Thor’s arm from behind, pointing down. Cadence stood beside Smack and Dodger, supported by the Valkyries and War Gods.

  “Bring them back, sergeant,” Cadence shouted, waving.

  Thor waved back and headed up the stairs behind Logan. The Vikings waited at the top, catching their breaths. Thor assumed the forward position as he addressed his group.

  “It’s going to be dark on the path. Stay in tight formation. Be sure you know what you’re shooting at. Star and Blaze may have escaped and hid in the trees. Play it cool.” Thor lowered his rifle at the sound of bodies crashing through the woods.

  The War Gods came running up to the Vikings. Lieutenant Kahn, their leader, walked beside a soldier with a cut across his cheek.

  “Don’t go down that path,” said Kahn, shaken.

  “Where are the A-Team and Elite?” asked Thor.

  “Up ahead somewhere. Uther spotted people on the path and took both teams with him. It got dark so fast. When we heard all the gun fire, we came back. Are you and the Vikings going after them? Want us to join you?”

  “No, I’ve got this. The commander is at the bottom,” said Thor. “Send one man back to report to Cadence. Hold formation at the stairs, Kahn. You’re to hold Midnight Falls, so stay put.”

  Smack and Dodger caught up with the group, carrying rifles and flashlights. Logan shook his head as the War God raced toward the falls.

  “Great,” said Logan, disgusted. “We could have used the War Gods, but instead we get two kids. I feel better already. I’m sure they’ll come in handy if we find what you’re all so eager to encounter.”

  “No one asked you to come, scavenger,” said Raven, letting out a hiss. “Go back if you’re afraid. We don’t need you. Rose might, though, so scurry off.”

  “Let’s move out,” said Thor, ignoring Logan. “Keep a look out for Uther. If anyone can kill a vamp, it’s the Elite.”

  * * *

  Standing beside Freeborn’s cage, Rose studied the girl. The Bulldogs and Cadence had gone up to the barricade to help Highbrow, but had not returned. She knew other teams were outside, but worried at the uproar over at the waterfall. Raven had joined her team, and Rose expected Logan to return with an excuse to stay in the lab with her. The door opened behind her. She smiled and turned, but no one was there.

  “Okay,” she said. “Logan? Is that you? It’s not funny.”

  A sound from the opposite side of the room made Rose turn. She spotted a scalpel on the floor that hadn’t been there before and caught a whiff of cheap aftershave before spotting two Shadowguard sneaking up on her. Reaching behind her back, she unlocked the cage. The vampires rushed her. A strong hand latched onto her throat. Rose saw a pale face and fangs before she was thrown across the room, hitting the far side of the wall with a loud crash. A vampire stepped in front of her, holding a sharp knife.

  “Dr. Rose, I presume,” said the vampire. “I have orders to bring you in or kill you. Which would you prefer?”

  “Freeborn! Help!” shouted Rose.

  With a vicious snarl, Freeborn stormed out of the cage and charged the nearest Shadowguard. The vampire didn’t see Freeborn, and she sank her teeth into his throat. Rose took the opportunity to run, looking for a weapon as Freeborn pulled the vampire into the cage. She rounded her work table, but the second Shadowguard blocked her path. Rose reached into her coat pocket and felt a syringe. She dodged the vampire’s swings and reached forward to stab him in the neck. The Shadowguard stumbled, gasping, and fell dead.

  “Holy hell,” said Rose, her eyes growing wide.

  Minutes earlier, she’d given Freeborn the last dose of Cadence’s blood before placing the used syringe in her pocket. Not once since she’d been working with Cadence’s blood had she considered it being a lethal toxin to vampires. If the mere residual of her blood could kill a vampire, what would it do to a zombie? What had it done to the two teenagers in her care? Dragon had certainly been exposed to Cadence’s blood when he cut his finger on the broken glass picked up from the floor. As for Freeborn, she’d administered several does of Cadence’s blood into her veins.

  “What have I done?” Rose looked over at Freeborn, horrified.

  “Any more? He was delicious!” The girl dropped the remains of the vampire’s heart onto the floor. Blood covered her face and hands. “It’s hot in here. Mind if I go outside and get some fresh air, Doc?” She started to exit the cage and found Rose blocking the door.

  “You just ate a vampire. How do you think you should feel?”

  “Full,” said Freeborn. “But I want more.”

  “Freeborn, you’re...a zombie. Well, that’s not quite right. I’m not sure what you are. If you promise not to eat me, I’d like you to come over to the table and sit down.”

  Freeborn laughed. “I’m not going to eat a friend. You’re safe, Doc.”

  Guarded, Rose led Freeborn over to the surgery table. The girl hopped up, swinging her legs. Rose turned the overhead lights on. A morsel of vampire flesh hung from Freeborn’s chin. She noticed Rose staring and brushed her hand across her face, popping the last bite into her mouth. Rose chocked down a gag.

  “I want to run a few tests on you, Freeborn. Is that okay?”

  “Sure, Doc, but shouldn’t you tell Cadence about the dead vamps?”

  “It can wait.” Rose held a pin-light up to Freeborn’s pupils. She still wore her Latex gloves. “Your eyes are clear. No redness. No glaze.” She held a finger to Freeborn’s throat. “Heart rate is steady, but you temperature has elevated.” Lifting Freeborn’s injured hand she wiped the blood off with a tissue and checked the bite wound. “The flesh has regenerated. Cadence’s blood has apparently reversed the decomposition.”

  “So, I’m cured?” asked Freeborn, wiggling to leave the table.

  “Yes…no. Would you mind if I took a blood sample? I want to see if it’s similar to Cadence’s. You’ve ingested a vampire, though eating one shouldn’t have any effect, I still need to be sure.”

  The girl held up her arm. “Take what you want, Doc.”

  “Hold on.” Rose went over to a cabinet and remo
ved a hand mirror. Returning, she held the mirror to Freeborn’s face. “You might as well look,” she said. “It’s shocking, so be prepared.”

  Gazing into the mirror, Freeborn studied her reflection. In the last few minutes, Freeborn’s skin had returned to its normal shade. Her hair and nails had grown, and despite the fresh blood smeared across her mouth, she looked healthier than ever before. While she gazed in the mirror, Rose helped herself to several vials of her blood. Another alteration was the color of her blood. Human blood was red. Zombies produced a black ooze, but Freeborn’s blood was maroon.

  While Rose studied the blood samples under a microscope, Freeborn slid off the table and dragged the remains of the Shadowguard outside. Rapid approaching footsteps caused her to turn toward the door as Highbrow appeared, a rifle slung over his shoulder, anxious. The Bulldogs accompanied him.

  “You okay in here?” Highbrow narrowed his eyes. “Shadowguard have been sighted, and two people have been kidnapped.” He looked around the infirmary. “I guess you saw a little action too.”

  Rose stood. “You’ll find two dead Shadowguard outside. I killed one and Freeborn killed the other. Who was taken? Did you send a team after them?”

  “Freeborn?” Highbrow frowned.

  The Tiger guard walked back in, looking gruesome. Blood covered her clothing. Highbrow’s face flushed and several of the Bulldogs flinched, raising their weapons. She returned to her cage, righted the door, and sat on the cot.

  “Easy,” said Rose. “Put your guns down.”

  “Did she bite someone?” Highbrow asked, still looking at the splatter on Freeborn’s hands and face.

  “She killed one of the Shadowguard,” said Rose.

  “She’s a zombie,” whispered Highbrow. He took a step closer to Rose.

  “Not quite.”

  Highbrow shook his head, snapping out of his stupor, and turned to the Bulldogs. “Not a word to anyone, you understand? Get this place cleaned up. I need to have a conversation with the doctor.” He pulled Rose aside as the patrol team began mopping up the blood and picking up broken instruments. “How is this possible? You used Cadence’s blood, didn’t you?”