The awakening hc-1

by Stuart Meczes

  “I’m here. What’s up Delagio?”

  I turned to see her appear next to me, wearing one of my t-shirts. Delagio’s eyes widened as he saw her. Gabriella sighed and leaned against the door. “Yes it’s exactly what it looks like. It’s five in the morning, what’s going on?”

  He nodded his head approvingly, giving me a not too subtle wink. Then his face was all business. “I’m here for Alex.”

  “How come?” I asked.

  “Support from the other bases is comin’ soon. Faru wants to mind merge with you again. See if he can identify any more SOS that were at that meeting. You know, make sure everyone fightin’ with us is on our side.”

  “Give me a couple of minutes?”

  “I’ll be right out here.” He let out a long sigh. “Looks like this is really happenin’.” With that he pushed off the door frame and settled against the opposite wall — marble spinning between his fingers.

  “Promise me you’ll stay here and wait for me to get back,” I said once the door was closed.

  “I promise.”

  The sheets were still warm as I slipped back into bed. Gabriella was lying on her side, breathing softly. She smelled of soap. I pulled her body close to mine and wrapped my arms around her.

  “Everything go okay?” she said sleepily.

  I sighed. “As well as it could have I suppose. Faru found seven more he recognised.”

  “ Seven?” “Apparently some were from Outposts.” Gabriella closed her eyes and sighed. “At least he knows now.” “But there are so many of them. The SOS is everywhere we look. How can we fight against something like that?”

  Gabriella lifted onto her elbows. “Don’t underestimate the strength of the Alliance Alex. You’re right, the SOS is powerful. But collectively we’re far more powerful than they are. For every Rogue there are dozens of Guardians who would happily die if it meant protecting Earth. That’s why the SOS is forced to rely on insidious tricks and secrets to gain the upper hand. This attack could have devastated the Warren if we were unprepared. But thanks to you we’re not. Trust me, Faru won’t waste the advantage we’ve gained. Especially not with your idea. I promise you, we will survive this.” I pulled an impressed face. “Nice speech.” “Thanks, it came out better in rehearsal.” We both burst out laughing. As I watched her face light up, I prayed that it wouldn’t be the last time we laughed together. I held her gaze. “I hope you’re right. I couldn’t bare it if something happened to you.” She kissed the tip of my nose. “It won’t. I’m not going anywhere and neither are you.” “So then, if we do somehow manage to make it through this mess in one piece, do you have any plans for the twelfth of December?” Gabriella smiled up at me. “That depends, what did you have in mind?” “Well, there’s this school ball that I thought we could go to.”

  “Finally!” she said with mock exasperation. “I genuinely thought I was going to end up asking you.”

  I raised my eyebrows. “You want to go to the ball?”

  “Course I do. I’ve lived on Alliance bases since I was a child. I’ve attended dozens of joining ceremonies, hallows-eve celebrations with the Coven and countless feasts, but I’ve never been to a proper ball, like a normal teenager. I was really excited. I bought a dress and everything.”

  “You bought a dress?”

  “A hell of a dress.”

  I took her hand and cleared my throat. “Miss Gabriella De Luca, would you do me the honour of being my date to the Christmas Ball?”

  “I would love to Mr Eden,” she smiled.

  “Well then it’s decided. We both have to survive so that I get to see you in that dress.” I paused to kiss her. “And then out of it,” I added with a wink.

  Gabriella pretended to be offended and elbowed me playfully. But then she pressed herself closer against me and we lost ourselves in each other.

  The distant blare of the speaker siren woke me the second time. I stretched out for Gabriella, but was disappointed to find her side cold and empty. I squinted at the clock. It half six in the evening. Well I've definitely caught up on lost sleep.

  Wiping away the traces of sleep, I sat up and looked around. A note had been left by the side of the bed, along with two guns and a pouch of ammo. I recognised the handwriting straight away.

  You looked so peaceful sleeping; I didn’t want to wake you. Had to go and discuss tactics with Faru. When you wake up, get dressed for battle and come to the Feasting Hall.

  Love you

  Ella xx

  P.S. Swords can’t shoot, so I thought these might come in handy.

  I picked up my handbook. Opening it at the back, I placed the note next to Dad’s photograph. Then I opened the wardrobe and unzipped the suit bag. I pushed the book into the inside pocket.

  It took me a long time to get ready. Almost as if my subconscious knew it could be for the last time.

  I slowly wrapped the belt around my waist. The click of the buckle seemed to echo around the empty room. Sliding the two guns and bag off the side, I fastened them to my waist. I plucked the cross sheath from the bottom of the suit bag and slipped it over my jacket. The only thing I left behind were the gloves — I found it easier to handle the swords without them. Last of all, I headed into my apartment and over to the mantelpiece in the lounge. The blood red box stood over the cold fireplace. As I took it down, I noticed that my hands were trembling. Setting the box on the coffee table, I opened it and stared at The Crimson Twins. My fingers hovered over them, unable to move the last few inches.

  I’d been riding on cloud nine. The grim reality of the situation had finally hit. A sinking sensation filled my stomach. The Soldiers of Sorrow are coming here tonight. There’s going to be a huge battle. People are going to die. Maybe even me — or Gabriella.

  I clenched my fists together and then shook them out, trying to calm down. Holding my breath, I grabbed the first blade, rotated it and slid it down into the sheath. It made a shuunk sound. I repeated it with the other. Then I exhaled in a long whoosh. I was armed. Ready for battle. That was the easy bit. I dialled Mikey’s number first. The phone rang several times before I heard the familiar smoky tone of Scarlett’s voice. “Alex. Is everything okay?” “It’s fine. How are things there?” “Not too bad. Pretty boring. Mikey’s climbing the walls.” “You haven’t told him anything have you?” “No.” “Thanks. Listen can…can I talk to him?” Scarlett paused. “I understand. Hold on, I’ll get him.”

  The phone went silent for a while. Then there was a rustle and the sound of a sleepy Mikey saying hello. I felt a stab of emotion in my stomach. “Hi Mikey.” “Alex, this place is old and smells like arse. When can I come back?” “Not for a couple of days bro. I just got to take care of a few things first.” He gave a long exaggerated sigh. “Okay, but be quick about it.” “I’ll try.”

  I could feel tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. I waited for a moment, before speaking again. “Mikey, I got to go. But listen, I know we’ve had our differences in the past, but I think you and I have really grown closer over the last few weeks and well… I love you. I just wanted to let you know.” The tone of his voice changed. “Alex, is everything okay? What’s happening there?” “I’m fine” I croaked, my throat tightening. “I’ve got to go.” “Okay,” he said in a way that meant he wasn’t at all convinced. “I love you too bro.” “Bye Mikey.”

  I ended the call and wiped the tears which had formed in my eyes away. I accessed my contacts list and dialled Mum’s mobile. I held my breath as I waited for it to connect. It cut straight to answer phone. I listened to Mum’s chirpy voice asking me to leave a message. I held my breath as I waited for the tone, not quite sure what I wanted to say.

  Beep.

  “Hi Mum, hi John, it’s Alex. Just wanted to say I hope you are both okay. John I hope you got over…well whatever it was you had. Anyway…I–I’ve missed you. Mikey and I both have. We can’t wait to see you both again…” My voice cracked and I had to swallow a few times before I could continue. “So anywa
y give my love to Edgar and Connie and have a safe trip home. See you when you get back.”

  “I hope,” I added under my breath as I hung up.

  Lastly, I felt around inside my jacket pocket for the guide. I took out the picture. My father looked back at me, the subtle smile eternally present. I placed it against my forehead and closed my eyes. Wherever you are Dad, please watch over us. Help us get through tonight. I kissed the picture and placing it back in the guide, returned both to my jacket pocket. I ran my hands over my face and took a few deep breathes to calm myself.

  Then sucked it up and headed into the fray.

  The Warren was buzzing with life. There were Guardians everywhere I looked. Vampires stood in groups, draining blood from thick bags. Their eyes flashed and turned bright silver. Skinshifters had reverted back to their hound forms. They padded about on their thick paws as agents ran around after them, stuffing their shed skin into sacks. One used its muzzle to nudge past me and I couldn’t help but shudder, reminded of Bargheist.

  As I excused my way through the entrance hall, I bumped into Rachel coming from the other direction. Like me — and everyone else around — she was dressed in the full Alliance uniform. A staggering array of guns and knives hung from her Kapre belt. An odd looking metallic bow was attached to her back. “Morning Alex.” She nodded her head towards the main door. “Have you looked outside yet?” “I did earlier.” She shuddered. “I can’t even force myself to look at it.” I know. It looks so creepy. On the bright side, it’ll give the local weathermen something to talk about.” She smiled. “Was that a joke Mr Eden?” “I think it might have been.”

  A hulking Oni carrying a twin bladed axe clomped past us. His towering frame blocked out the light from the chandelier for a few seconds. He gave us a large needle pointed grin and passed through the open doors of the Feasting Hall.

  The siren blared above our heads for the second time. Slowly, the area started to clear of people, as they filtered into the adjoining room.

  “We better head in,” Rachel said.

  “What about Gabriella and everyone else?”

  “They’re already in there. Except for Sophia. Midnight made Faru agree to remove her from duty until this is all over. She’s locked in her room, sulking.”

  The news came as a small relief. If it had been my decision, she would have been right next to Mikey and Scarlett wherever they were. But out of the direct firing line was the next best thing.

  Together, Rachel and I joined the back of the crowd.

  The Feasting Hall had been emptied of the table and chairs. Every inch of space was now taken up by Alliance members, of all race and creed. The windows to the courtyard were open, so that the Bloodseekers could listen whilst standing outside with their feral brethren, who sat like tame dogs. Their scaled skin had been marked with white paint, to show their allegiance.

  The atmosphere was tense and thick. Everyone was facing forwards, watching and waiting for someone to speak. Both Faru and Etorre were standing on the stage where the band had played a matter of days ago. In a long row behind them — as silent and lifeless as forgotten marionettes — were all thirteen Golems. There was a lectern in front of them. It had a microphone attached but I suspected its use was just as much to keep Faru on two feet as anything else. He looked so frail that he appeared in danger of collapsing at any moment. As I stared, something Gabriella had said about the Golems jogged loose in my mind. Each one contains some of his life-force. It dawned on me. Why he appeared so weak compared to the other Sages and why there were normally only a few Golems at one time.

  The more there are, the weaker he gets. They must drain his soul.

  Both Sages stood very still, staring into the mass of bodies. Rachel and I managed to squeeze our way towards the front, where we joined Midnight, Delagio, Tyler and Gabriella. I wrapped my hand around hers.

  At last Faru spoke. His voice sounded cracked and frail. It fully required the microphone to allow it to reach the corners of the gigantic room.

  “Guardians, we stand united today against our sworn enemies. Many of you already know this and why. However, for those who have joined us from Castello and other bases, please allow me to explain. It has come to my attention that the Soldiers of Sorrow are planning a full scale attack on the Warren this evening.”

  A wave of whispers and murmurs swept around the room. Faru raised his hands and the room hushed.

  “Their plan is to force myself to unseal the Veil.” He drew in a long breath, “which I did to prevent The Sorrow from entering Earth.”

  There were cries of horror from around us. I tightened my grip on Gabriella’s hand as Faru continued. “Most of you will have either met, or no doubt heard of Alexander Eden. A new, unique Chosen, who we hope is the first of a new wave of Awakenings. It is Hades plan to have The Sorrow kill Alexander and anyone who stands in its way to set an example. We cannot and will not let that happen.”

  In contrast to Sage Asmund’s speech, which had created hysteria amongst his crowd, Faru commanded a respectful silence. There were nods of fervent agreement. I felt a sense of overwhelming gratitude that these people, who barely knew me, were willing to put their lives on the line for my protection.

  “You must place your upmost faith in those you fight alongside. Guardians I promise you, if we all work together, we will prevail.” Faru coughed loudly, spluttering into the microphone. Steadying himself, he resumed his speech.

  “However, with that in mind, there is a matter which must be dealt with. Agent Noble, if you would.”

  We all turned to see the agent near the back open the double doors. Waiting just outside were more agents, standing beside a wheeled cage. This one was far larger than the one that had held Bargheist. There was a murmur of confusion from the crowd. Faru turned to the Golems and nodded. In unison, they stamped their crosiers into life. One by one they descended the steps and marched into the crowd. There were cries of indignation as they barged past people. One moved roughly between me and Gabriella, forcing our hands apart. They found their intended targets and went to attack.

  Chaos ensued.

  One of the identified SOS — an incubus named Zasri — was quick on the uptake. He pivoted on the spot, cracking the face of XI with a vicious backhand. The golem reeled backwards, sending a number of people flying. The Rogue barged through the crowd and sprinted for the window. At the same time, VII launched itself through the air. It sailed over the heads of the crowd and came crashing down- knee first into the escapee’s back. The force drove Zasri’s head into the window ledge. Part of the stone crumbled as his jaw smashed against it. He sagged to the floor like a spilled sack of rice. The Golem placed the blazing end of the staff against the incubus’s neck, electrocuting him until his eyes rolled up into his head. From around the room came frenzy of confused yells. Yesenia, a skeletal Bloodseeker raised her bony hands in the air as the crosier was thrust into her neck. “LONG LIVE HADES!” she screeched before sinking to her knees. The third — a muscular pixie, named Sahel managed to get to a blade in time. He brought it down between the eyes of III. The golem collapsed into a pile of rubble. As the others closed in on him, a set of wings burst through the slits in his uniform. He vaulted into the air and tried to swoop over our heads and escape through the open doors.

  I heard a whooshing sound and the pixie’s wings separated from his body. With a scream of agony, Sahel kamikazied out of the air and smashed into the front of the cage. I spun back to the stage, where Sage Etorre stood, one arm extended straight out in front of him. Inside his robe were a selection of curved blades. One was missing.

  The remaining two Rogues were brought down by the Golems. They jerked about like broken dolls as the electricity coursed through them. One by one they sank into the cold arms of the clay giants. They were dragged past confused members and deposited in the cage. I noticed that Dakin was not among them. He must not have come back.

  Agent Noble twisted the key in the lock and along with the others — us
ing considerable effort — heaved the cage away. The doors closed with a resounding slam. The remaining Golems returned to their positions behind Faru. There was a cacophony of noise as people shouted, demanding explanations.

  BANG!

  The Golems smashed the base of their staffs against the stage floor in unison. The sound hit my stomach like an invisible fist. Instantly, everyone fell silent and looked at Faru. The Sage had his hands up, palms out. The same apologetic demeanour he’d used on me before.

  “I am sorry you all had to witness that. Unfortunately, it transpires that these people were working against us. They were in fact, members of the SOS.”

  There were gasps of surprise and horror at the news. I heard a few people shout ‘no’. One Luminar Guardian hid her face as she began to cry.

  “I know this comes as a shock and no one is as saddened as I am to have learned this truth. These were people we believed to be our allies… our friends. These are dark times and some have chosen to follow the wrong path. We must however, put this behind us and continue.”

  The crowd began to settle and once again everyone was waiting for what Faru would say next.

  “There will be a break in usual units. We will play to our strengths. All Luminar are required on the rooftops. Your accuracy with ranged weapons will give us an advantage if they approach from the front — which is most likely as they are unaware that we are anticipating their impending attack. The Fae will be given aerial support by all those able to fly. I need Skinshifters in the woods around the base as well as Bloodseekers and your hives. Bloodlings will be stationed at the rear of the base and inside the Nexus. The elevators have been deactivated, but I have little doubt that the SOS will utilise the decommissioned routes to gain access. Regardless, your superior night vision will make you invaluable. The Golems, Sage Etorre and I will create a wall protecting the entrance to the Veil. Chosen, you will break yourselves into these aforementioned sections, fighting in your relevant squad groups. Guardians positioned in the Nexus will be under the overall command of Larik Godren. Those at the rear, Ivy Affron. Those at the front and roof, Gabriella De Luca.”