“This is war, Asher. Casualties are guaranteed.”
Day 3
“Wolf by wolf. Shadow by shadow. His smile is sweet with decay. His heart is alive with dread. The blood flowing through those wolves belongs to him.”
-Mona Leigh Morris
Mickey walked on the opposite side of the road as Greg. The self-proclaimed scientist and self-appointed leader of Salt Lake City needed to stay away from the regular dude with no survival skills but an important thing called compassion. His swelling had gone down a ton over night, mainly because of the ice packs from the pharmacy, but still, Greg was ugly. Mickey could not pretend to see him any other way. Not after last night.
The worst thing was, Greg didn’t even try to apologize about it. He acted like he did nothing wrong. Mickey wanted nothing to do with Greg, not because he had killed one of the wolves in the night. No, it was because of how he did it. Greg cut open the wolf and played a game of operation on the monster. Mickey was stuck in the 10x10 pharmacy room with Dr. Evil while he ‘examined the specimen’. If Mickey would have known what he was signing up for, he would have stayed back at the hotel and traded places with Harry.
Greg believed luck was on their side after one of the last wolves in Salt Lake City walked into the pharmacy and straight into the trap. It was like it did it on purpose. It wasn’t even caught off guard by the rope and didn’t react as it was turned upside down in the snare. Even then, Mickey should have known something was up; Greg jumped for joy like a gameshow contestant: Dr. Greg Crazyperson, come on dowwwwwn.
It was worse knowing the wolf was a child and not a fully grown adult. Even a teenager would have been better, their wolf was no older than eight. Mickey wasn’t on some high horse about it; he didn’t pretend to be perfect nor was he denying the awful things he had done in the last few days. Andy’s death was too fresh in his memory to act holier than thou, but dang, a kid? The puppy was going to grow into a wolf, but couldn’t they let him go? What harm could a little kid do?
Greg said there was a hidden benefit to obtaining someone small, “Now we won’t need to utilize as much sedative as planned. Half the size, half the dose.” Which, as Mickey walked down Main Street kicking through the thick dust on the ground, Greg’s words sounded even worse. There was so much black blood all over the walls and floors. The air carried the musty smell. Stale and moldy. Dirty, singed hair.
“Hey, Mick,” Greg said. He tried earlier to spark conversation and manipulate his way back into Mickey’s good graces. Things were too far gone for that, and Mickey knew the silent treatment could prove his point. The thing is; last night Greg lost a friend.
Mickey kicked a loose part of the sidewalk onto the street. A small rock jutted out from under the off-white dust and skipped into the middle of the road.
“Hey, Mickey. I’m sorry you felt it was a bad idea, but again, we need to examine our enemy, okay?” Greg said.
He already used this excuse four other times. Learning your enemy didn’t have to result in taking your enemies organs out, did it? Mickey only learned about black blood and black organs. The colors didn’t change anything. They were monsters, and they were scary. The little boy didn’t cry, even though he was mostly awake when it happened. So yeah, they learned sedatives don’t work that well on them.
Mickey was dwelling on it, which made him a hypocrite, kind of. No one had the chance to dwell on him killing Andy in a drunk driving accident. Mickey couldn’t dwell on the fact that Andy was dead. It hurt, it was sad, but Mickey needed to process it and let it go. Of course, that would have been easier if he didn’t also run a guy over just a few minutes before letting Andy die.
Mickey wasn’t running from the guilt like Greg though. He wasn’t pretending he did nothing wrong. He wasn’t justifying his actions like a scum ball. Greg would manipulate others into thinking he did their group a great service because Greg believed it. He wouldn’t try to keep last night a secret, unlike Mickey with the drunk driving; he was going to get the group together and justify himself by laying out all the important things he claimed he found. Hopefully Edie, Lynn, and Jenna, maybe even Harry, would take offense too.
Even the Grand American started to fall apart; the sign fell to the ground since last night and the siding was speckled with white and grey. You could barely tell which building was which as you walked downtown, every place was covered by the same ugly substance. All except The Commodore, which should have never been the nicest place on the block, but now it was the only one that would probably make it to tomorrow morning.
The original plan was for everyone to meet at sunrise at the Grand American, but both Mickey and Greg knew better than to try to walk in there. They couldn’t even see the door as they approached it. Greg tried to take over with his leadership and said, “I say we check The Commodore first. It appears to be better suited for safety and hopefully they’re smart enough to leave a building that’s about to fall apart.
Before walking in, Mickey squinted in the distance at the large mound of dirt from the sky. Mickey’s hatchback looked like a sand dune. Both men entered the apartment holding onto their respective weapons prepared for the worst. The wolves might only come out at night, but still, it was better to be safe than sorry. They walked up the stairs to Harry’s old room, the only room in the building with the door still on its hinges. Finally they could hear soft murmurs of a conversation.
Greg didn’t bother to knock, instead he walked in like he owned the place. Mickey followed him in, hoping they didn’t scare anyone. Instead, a random black girl greeted them at the door. Behind her was Shelly, Jenna, and Harry. They looked terrible. Then finally, there was a black guy was in the kitchen making pancakes for everyone.
“Hello everyone.” Greg said, trying make his voice deep. Mickey was developing a habit of rolling his eyes every time Greg talked. Mainly, because every time Greg talked it was partially a lie. There was just enough truth to make it believable while having just enough lie to make it manipulative.
“Oh good, you’ve made it,” the little girl said. Mickey didn’t recognize her, but she seemed familiar. She reminded him of his mom, which was weird, since his mom was a forty-seven year old overweight, white woman. The girl continued, “I’m sure you’re hungry. Please grab a plate and come sit down. We have much to talk about.”
“And who are you?” Greg asked. Everyone else acted like it wasn’t really random to have two new people join their group. Mickey was okay with it, they seemed friendly enough. Although, judging from how everybody is listening to the little girl, maybe they could have chosen a better leader. Not that she would be any worse than Greg. At least she had a heart.
-
“It looks like everyone has their food. Please find somewhere to sit, and we can get started,” Mona announced. Tink heard the nerves in her voice as she looked at the new guys, “I’m Mona, I promised these guys I would take some time to answer questions as best I can. If y'all would have a seat. We can get started. Thanks.” The little bit of attitude was pleasant to hear. She might as well have escorted the boys to their chairs.
“Please be courteous to one another and wait until your turn to speak. We have plenty of time.” Mona said, scanning the room. She made a point to purposely make eye contact with everyone. Harry sat on the couch with his legs covered in a duvet while Mona sat on the recliner. Shelly moved the kitchen tables to form a circle with the living room set and let the new guys sit there. Shelly took the floor with Jenna. There wasn’t enough chairs, so Tink decided to stand in the kitchen and listen. No one spoke though. They all looked around and waited for someone else to ask the first question.
Finally, the skinny guy stood up and started talking.
“I believe we would all like to know, who are you?” he said. The rest of the group didn’t react with agreement.
Her smile was tolerant, but unimpressed. It was not her normal loving gaze. More like how you talk to the crackhead down the street who asked for bus fare. This gomer was goi
ng to make a fool of himself acting like this towards Mona Leigh. She wasn’t about to let some busted up white boy act like he was in control. It was fun to see her take her time responding, making eye contact with everyone else and bringing out the assurance in her eyes. “I’m Mona. I grew up in Chicago. Chicago, Illinois. My brother Tink and I arrived last night.”
“Why?” he asked.
“Well, Greg, I was called to come to Salt Lake in a dreamlike state because Jenna connected with me. I learned the television reports were all lies. I saw the darkness and its impact and knew this is where I needed to be. I saw Harry, Lynn, and Jenna, and I saw you too. And then I really wanted to be here. For some reason, one I don’t know and might never will. Something called me to be with you.”
“You were ‘called’ to come here? Why?”
“To help save the world...”
“Save the world? Wow. Well…,” he said mocking her. “What grade are you in?”
Mona giggled at the question, “I am in seventh grade, should be taking a test right now actually. Third period algebra. Worst class ever, I swear. Sadly, the days of schools and establishment are about to end, wouldn’t you say?”
“I suppose it depends on how you look at it.”
“That’s a good way to think. I like that. Anyways, I was called to come here by Jenna and convinced my brother to drive me here from Chicago. I’m going to help lead you guys to safety.”
“Why should we listen to a twelve year old?”
“If there was a twelve year old here, it would be a good question. As for why you should listen to me, that’s your choice. I came here to help save you. If you don’t want to be saved, then I won’t beg. You’re free to leave, or go sit in the hallway. Otherwise, you can sit here and listen carefully to what I say. Because your life will depend on it.”
Greg scoffed at her and said, “So then, where is Edie? Where is Lynn? Asher?”
Tink remembered them being discussed this morning; they were killed by one of the wolves before Mona could get there. The question did not slow Mona down though.
“Edie and Lynn are dead. I’m sorry.”
“How?”
“The details of their deaths are unnecessary to discuss in this forum. We can talk about that one on one.”
“So you came to save the world, but failed to save them?”
“Greg. Enough!” Shelly shouted. “What’s your deal?”
“My deal is that she comes and instantly you guys hang on her every word. I swear. Harry, what happened to the tough guy routine? Since when were you a pathetic follower willing to obey and listen without an opinion? Jenna, have you even blinked yet? I swear you’re looking at this child as if she is a diamond from South Africa. Do you think she cares about you? She doesn’t. She wants you all to sit around while she manipulates you. For all we know, maybe she’s what the wolves are evolving into. Did anyone else think of that? Shelly, my deal is your father and Edie should not have died if Mona was truly here to save people, as she claims. While she says something so asinine, Mickey and I have returned with truly tangible facts to help benefit our survival. Yet, none of you so much as greeted us at the door. I took the time to fight back against the enemy, for all of you. Yet, you all seem to have forgotten who united us and gave us a plan. Don’t fall for her tricks and charisma. I know exactly what it takes to build a proper defense against their attacks as well as potentially take the offensive when their numbers are low. This child should have never come here. Two of our friends are dead while she claims to be a hero.”
“Their deaths are not on my hands, Greg. I’m sorry you feel that way.”
“What benefit are you bringing to the table, exactly?”
“You have the wrong impression of me. I said I came to help save the world. Not save you. Not save Edie. Not save Lynn. I did not come to save an individual. I’m not the Hero. I came to help save the world. My purpose could just as easily have been fulfilled already, and I might die tonight. Honestly, there is a chance I will be dead before sundown. The world needs saved from a threat a lot bigger than one person’s life. Lynn died, and I feel bad. But he sacrificed his life believing Jenna’s life was worth it. He gave Jenna a second chance because he knew her potential. Edie too. Edie’s impact on this group came before she even met most of y’all. She made you guys feel like a family and gave you something to smile about, but her life has ended. Am I sad she’s dead? No. I’m sad I didn’t get to know her. She and I would have been real good friends. I choose not to mourn for someone who died with honor.” Mona replied. Tink watched Greg look around the room in disappointment. He didn’t see what everyone else did when he looked at Mona. He saw a kid. He saw a threat. This Greg dude was sizing up Mona like she was in his way.
Mona continued, “Greg, if I may be honest, I’m disappointed in your tone towards me. I’m happy to have an open dialogue with you and to work through any of your doubts, but if you’re not going to take me seriously, then don’t bother. I’m not someone you are going to muscle out or lock me in a stairwell to die. If you think that I am a threat to your standing with the group, not only are you underestimating me, but you’re overestimating your standing with the group. However, I am sure you would like to share about your experience last night, would you mind telling us what you’ve found?”
Tink laughed at his sister’s response. She just owned that dude.
Greg nodded and said, “I would be happy to, if you’re done rambling, of course.”
“For now.”
“Good. Well allow me first to say, ‘thank you’, to everyone who let Mickey and I go. Including Asher who left us at the perfect time. I actually think his leaving was a benefit. He might have some kind of repellent on. Regardless, I am deeply and sincerely apologetic for the shameful deaths of Lynn and Edie. Judging from Asher and Ben being alive, they have failed us. Likely, this comes as a surprise to no one. Their level of power made them more dangerous than the wolves. But I digress.
Last night during the massive herd movement a stray specimen came into the pharmacy and fell perfectly into the trap. We seized the opportunity to examine the conscious body while still protecting ourselves by keeping the wolf sedated. Regrettably, we were unable to find any types of physical defects to utilize in close combat. Their skin texture has become hard, almost calloused, despite their fluid movement. All vital organs appear to be in good shape, albeit they are no longer vital for survival. The subject did not need oxygen, as we came to find out, nor did it register any changes when the organs were removed. That is, until I was able to severe brain function.”
“Are you saying you cut its guts out while it was alive?” Jenna asked.
Mickey answered, “Yeah, that’s what happened.”
“Precisely. You see, we needed to identify a physical weakness. Unfortunately, they do not possess any. They are, at least after the first test, perfect. They are superior to humans in almost every way. Their skin is thicker than ours. Their muscles do not possess the same type of traits as ours, which I believe gives them the opportunity to not grow tired. The only way we can positively terminate life is shutting off the brain.” Greg said. He acted like this was a good thing.
“So then, where is the good news?” Tink asked.
“I’m sorry, Tank, is it?”
“Tink.”
“Like Pink?”
“Like THINK before running your mouth.”
“Okay, Tink. There are a few benefits. Namely, we understand they might not always travel in packs. This one individual was the first I’ve seen alone, which means they could be evolving, or maybe they have their own personalities. Either way, it is a benefit because we, as a team, can fight against any isolated wolf. It will not ‘save the world’, but it could help.
Also, no one came looking for him. The wolf was missing all night, yet no one came to check on him. He proves they are not as symbiotic as I originally theorized. There is no ESP or hidden language. So while they may fight well together, they are indi
viduals. This means if we are able to ever go on the offensive, reinforcements are not a guarantee. Unlikely, actually. Despite an entire population partaking in a massive migration, only one entered our building and no one else followed in search.”
“That’s because they’re all gone, numb nuts,” Harry said in a laugh. “They flew south for the winter while you played doctor. It sounds to me like you didn’t find anything other than some black guts and a power trip.”
“What happened to your leg?”
“Cut it off. Good thing I had two.”
“Moving on,” Mona interrupted. “What else have you found?”
Greg did not look away from Harry. Tink was surprised to see this scrawny boy acting with a puffed out chest like he was strong. He flat out ignored Mona, which, really, was better than him responding. Tink about done playing it cool from the kitchen.
Mona said, “Unless you have more to say, I would like to continue with the questions.”
“Why not? It’s not like any of you are listening. It’s not worth my time.”
Everyone took in a breath and allowed a few seconds to pass. Tink wasn’t stupid; Greg had a good point about these people falling head over heels with Mona despite her being a little girl from over a thousand miles away. Tink knew she was special, but how could they after only a short time? Why were they all, other than Greg, so convinced she was special? Most of these people had known her for like twelve hours. It sounded silly, but it was easy for them. Tink understood why.
Harry broke the silence, “I have a question if that’s alright.”
“Of course, go on.” Mona said.
“The way I see it, not everybody here is special or a superhero. Now that we know what it takes to kill those freaks, I would personally feel much better if I had a gun to shoot em in the head, but I haven’t seen one bullet. Where did all the ammo go? ”
“That’s because there are no bullets in Salt Lake City. The wolves took them.”
Dark Genesis (Shadow and Shine Book 1) Page 27
