Chaos Ascension: Origins

Cry of the Banshee

Winter

Once a year the season freezes and strips back the growth and colour of the land covering it in icy white layers of snow. It’s a sign of when something had died it will remain that way for three months, yet for it to represent the end of marriage it does cruel justification to one particular couple. Like many the love and romance had fallen through, like most reasons fallen out of love, betrayal to one the main reason soon ended on how one of them came back home

No longer a human being

This wasn’t the fault of the man it was someone else the victim had be falsely lured into doing a top secret trail test, in front of army delegates and a secret bureau that lurked in the shadows. Waiting for the horrid moment to play out, it was the most controversial travesty that would have led the public to question why?

Being a tight lipped issue the man was taken away to be operated upon which was foreseen by others, as one man pieces together the other with the pressure to succeed sitting on his shoulders. Keep the injured disfigured man alive, soon worked out for the best. Though once awake he had no memory of what had just happened.

A bristle lie and whispers passed through his ears, he soon is discharged from the army his services no longer need and tow the surgeon resigned too. He knew the truth and he had to keep quiet and rehabilitate the man back to health.

As a cyborg in a human world…

Chapter 1

Clean Break

“It’s over Kesrick, take your things and go” those were the words that scorn a hurtful man, a man who had his life laid out, up until he the moment he were robbed of humanity. Kesrick Hinslay had a good life plan but he never encountered his career and services as an army Lt, devoted to protecting the remainder of humanity from the ever fight with itself. Humans can be vial creatures, more and more everyday it’s everywhere. Death plagues them like disease, that’s suppose to balance out the over populated country. Kesrick had seen a lot of horror, grim sights in his times away from the woman he is now loosing. Jane Randle was her name and he thought she was the one, she stuck around for him and waited yet when he came back she had moved on.

Kesrick Hinslay was thirty years old, now he was frozen into that age for eternity. His looks had never changed besides being devoted health nut, weights and running he did regularly and to the point he could no longer push himself. His hair a messy array of chocolate brown to match the smoldering eyes which any women would swoon over. Though now Kesrick had felt like he lost a large part of him, only to have to adjust to being part machine. This caused the marriage to topple over, Jane had moved on why Kesrick was away assuming he had died in battle. She could no longer wait for him to come home and sweep her off her feet tell her that everything is going to be perfect.

No, it was never like that as Kesrick had been present with divorce papers and the horrible stab in the back as he discovers her friends had paired her up with his best mate

Malcolm Dupree, French suave lady killer who had been plotting to take Jane away from him while he was absent. It didn’t take long for Kesrick to make the desperate call to the man who gave him life, Wallace Breen. Now Kesrick was feeling the pressure and urge to leave the life he once had.

“It’s not my fault” Kesrick said sternly as he gathered the rest of his belongings that weren’t thrown out into the yard. His ex wife was one very emotion over the top woman who craved for love obviously he failed to give her. His career army lifestyle was the monster that swallowed his chances of having a family. The cumbersome man collected his suitcase and duffle bags, most of them he hardly unpacked from his time away, as he went out the door into the shallow snow fall. Winter set upon them as the spring never came to give Anchorage a decent amount of sun.

Kesrick threw what was left of his life, which he could take with him to start over again in a new place far from here. “You happy now, I come home in one piece and you ended it. You never welcomed me back, it was like I was some alien to you” Kesrick yelled at the woman who stood in the front door way. Jane bit back a string of angry profanities, and consider she being too coldhearted and greedy in her choices. She had weight them out if she couldn’t get what she wanted she better off moving on. Kesrick probably assumed her girlfriends and their husbands and boyfriends all pry them apart. The fact that she now had replaced him with a man he used to know so well.

“Well, I’m leaving you I’m not coming back here… I can’t stand it to see you with him” Kesrick pointed to the man in the shadows of the house, as he climbed into his four wheel drive cranking the engine into a heavy roar. Soon he sped away without looking back he never wanted to, some how a part of him knows he maybe is doomed to never have what every human being has. Love was a emotion that likes alluding him, like he could never pin it down it always moves the second he has the point to root it into the ground. Like the snow that starts off shallow and watery, his romantic life was like that quick to disappear. His four wheel drive flew along the icy roads, the tyres crushing up the snow and sending it back into a crushed heap behind him.

The sound of the engine thrumming and the winds that lash across the road the silence ended when his cellar phone rang. The one he leaves in the car he smirked as he noticed who it was, Wallace the very man he could ever thank or blame for letting him live to face his broken destiny. Kesrick pressed the answer button and the old mans voice eloped him with comfort.

“Kesrick, I have the carrier jet waiting at the air port. I’m glad I could have helped you get back on your feet again” the old man coughed a bit which made Kesrick anxious. Wallace Breen was a man who had talent in the field of nano technology, advance area that the army is still considering in order to keep their men alive and fighting. Though after Wallace saw what happened to Kesrick he is deciding that he make it less and less for front his in career. Though even Wallace was getting old he still does work for the army services, also runs a military store in Gorham NH.

It is only recently that he decided to give one of his loyal friends a place to stay. Wallace had heard about the ordeal and tries to focus less on it. Kesrick was still tender from the aching holes that left inside him to heal.

“Wallace, so good to hear your voice I’m grateful that your allowing me to come and stay in your home town” he said withholding the mix of sadness that lingered in his throat. What good was of a man to cry, crying never makes a man stronger in anyone eyes.

“I’m just got thrown out so perfect timing I guess, I shouldn’t be too far…. Away….” Kesrick voiced drifted off in horror before he slammed on the brakes. His car skidded along and almost sideswiping an innocent woman who seemed to be lying partial buried in the snow.

Wallace heard the sudden clunk as the car halted abruptly as Kesrick stared out the window at the figure. His heart almost jumping he had to go out and find out whether the person was alive.

“Kesrick what happened?” Wallace cried over the phone as Kesrick opened his door and stared out into the drift, a hand was reaching out towards him, blue cold and yet still moving he leapt out of his vehicle and raced over to where the woman lay. The woman looked up at him, her eyes seemed empty with life she looked petrified at him.

Her lips couldn’t barely voice out words as Kesrick did what every human should do, save her from the cold.

He bent down and tries to gather the woman up in his arms; he noted she was weigh down in a long sodden maroon dress with fine lacing trimmings which were ruined. Her shoes were barely visible under the large Victorian gown. One of which couldn’t existed in this millennium, it was far too old as he struggled to get a good hold on her, bridal carrying the woman into his awaiting jeep. Ironic what are the odds of finding a damsel in distress that need of saving he thought? He placed the woman into the passenger seat to hear Wallace was panicking calling Kesrick’s name over the phone.

“Kesrick you there?” he wailed in his old mans voice sounded like a turtle trying to scream, Kesrick laid the woman in the passenger seat he soon responded.

“Wallace I’m here, I might be bringing someone else along” he added as he rushed around to the back of the jeep and dug around for a thick blanket. Darting back the woman was moving a little still out of it she wasn’t alerted enough to move as Kesrick begun wrapping it around her Wallace perked up suddenly.

“Don’t tell me she came crawling back on her belly” he barked as Kesrick replied

“No this is someone else, someone I just found half buried in the snow. There still breathing yet very cold and disorientated” Kesrick watched the woman’s eyes she was breathing heavily as she struggled to talk.

“Kesrick if there is something wrong, take them to a hospital will delay the departure today” Wallace huffed as Kesrick still rubbed the woman’s face with his gloved hands; he soon stopped and closed the door raced around and climbed back into the drivers seat. “Wallace I’m still coming to the air port I’m not staying here” he looked frantically at the woman who was slumped in the seat her eyes looking at Kesrick

“Hold on, please I know its cold lucky it was just the start of winter” he whispered as the woman just nodded slowly.

“Kesrick don’t be so stupid, you’re not a doctor” Wallace spoke with concern for the woman’s fragile state as Kesrick started up the engine again

“She is breathing; I have her rugged up for now maybe you can give her something when I get there” he was determined to leave. Kesrick glanced over at the woman her black curly locks of hair weigh down on her face, pale yet beautiful like porcelain down she was like a doll that was discarded by a careless child.

“Look I won’t argue anymore, I’ll see you soon then” Wallace soon signed off as Kesrick hung up the phone. The woman wondered who the man was talking to, she doesn’t realize where she was; what let alone she was far from the time she once knew. Kesrick wanted to question this mysterious woman, yet she was in no condition to have a conversation at all, which made the long drive painful and boring to him. Soon enough they reached their destination the large anchorage airport, on the far side on the run way there sat the large US ARMY cargo plane in which will be taking Kesrick and his car to there new home.

He was grateful that Wallace was still doing things through the army, and they knew how Kesrick’s’ loyalty shouldn’t be ignored; he served them well as much as Wallace did. The fact he still can find loop holes to get things, like the giant cargo plane that waited patiently on the tar mat. Though he had an unease feeling that Wallace could be too daring with this acquirement, the woman was more and more scared as she stared out the window. A small collection of men in kaki colour outfits with head gear, gloves and heavy jackets over their uniforms had made her abrupt into frantic fear.

“I hope Wallace hasn’t done anything illegal he can be cunning fox when it comes to pulling legitimate requests. I wonder what he told the army when he borrowing this”

Kesrick laugh softly as the woman suddenly started to wrench about in her seat.

“Arghhh….where…..wha…” the woman stuttered she was getting a little restless as Kesrick stopped the car and watched her “ Nothing to worry about calm down” he tries to keep her still as she thrusts about with vigor, the cold hadn’t lasted too long though she was still wet. She glared at Kesrick lost in his eyes, eyes that seemed to be familiar to her yet she could never place the face to the name. Kesrick kept her in his arms as she soon slowed down the sudden tap on the door window as Kesrick looked over to see Wallace there.

“Kesrick...” he rattled as Kesrick opened the door and got out Wallace noted the bundled up woman with raven black hair and beautiful eyes. Kesrick opened the door as he went around to the passenger side and helped the woman out.

“Wow Kesrick this woman is pretty, she must have someone….” Kesrick gathered the woman up and soon place her down; she kept her hands on Kesrick for balance

“I don’t know Wallace I just feel like she isn’t meant to be here” he looked into her eyes and then at Wallace.

“She looks terrified, no need to be dear we will take good care of you” Wallace said with a smile the woman just buried herself against Kesrick’s chest as, Kesrick felt her clawing for warmth. Wallace looked at Kesrick and raised an eyebrow

“I don’t know her, she looks lost….” he drifted off as Wallace raised his hand

“I think we better off finding the police see if they can locate where she came from” as Kesrick just seemed more concern not letting her go. Kesrick soon kept a hold of her and lead her towards the plane, she became more and more scared “ No I don’t want too” she cried in a husky voice her throat must been dry and raw from the cold, Kesrick kept a firm grip on her the other man looked at him.

“Kesrick we can’t take her along, you know. We can’t have civilians on this flight you realize I had to lie to get this authorization” as Kesrick looked at him gritting his teeth, he didn’t like dishonestly. Wallace was one who breathe new life into him one he seemed not to mess up again. The old man ferried the crew along ordering them to take the car into the holding. Kesrick handed the keys over to one of them as Kesrick headed towards the stairs that lead into the plane. The woman gazed over his shoulder as he rubbed her back gently Wallace wasn’t pleased with this new arrangement anymore now.

“What is this… it’s a giant monster… I don’t want to be eaten” the woman wailed as Kesrick shook his head and kept her in his comforting grip. The interior was vast with only some passenger seats and up the front the cockpit where the pilots sat waiting.

“Its not a monster….its a aero plane…it takes people all over the world. We fly through the skies like birds” Kesrick spoke as he sat the woman down and re rugged her up in the blanket. The woman couldn’t contemplate the sudden up rise of curiosity or confusion of what the man just said. Fly that’s not possible she thought though she looked at him again her eyes seemed so unaware of what is around her as Kesrick settled down next to her. He fished out her hand and held it between his own. The warmth she soon felt yet her fear was still lingering.

“Now you can talk, can you tell me about yourself” he said in a calm warm voice, Kesrick brown eyes were sincere and still familiar to the woman. Wallace soon lumbered up and noted the connection between the pair, one of which he assumed was love. “Kesrick, I know your contempt on keeping this woman on board still you don’t know if she is crazy” he said as Kesrick turned to face the old man. Comrades they were but now that he is showing his sides of concern for the stranger, he did understand his side too even part of him feel this woman was meant to find him.

“Wallace I understand your point, you and I have all made mistake. We can see past them to see there is a positive side to each flaw we can learn from” Kesrick said as Wallace soon huffed and marched up to the front of the plane. He was starting to wonder if it was worth going to all this trouble, he thought was planning to make a trip that required to the deliver of army jeeps to base though it left the military personal wondering why or whether they requested an air delivery.

Whatever Wallace had done he was doing this for Kesrick’s sake. Kesrick was one successful nano restructure he ever done, a cyborg perfectly incased in a human body. Not many could tell he was artificial life until now. It was plain simple that once a man isn’t no longer a man, he loose all hopes in fitting in to overcome the gaps that he now has. Even Wallace who was planning to retire after the army, he does this once last request within merely using his powers to give to another who deserves it. Though he was paid handsome, though also hush to not speak a word of what happened. The army had underhanded one there own loyal soldiers.

Once everything was in check they got the clear to take off, the plane roared into life scaring the woman whom Kesrick kept comfort with “Its roaring” she yelped as she clamped her hands over her ears. Kesrick just kept rubbing her shoulder and watched Wallace and the pilot crew prepare to run down the run way. Soon the sound of the wheels rolled along the tar mat and soon they started to rise up into the clouded skies. As the communication was kept mostly to the front end of the plane most of the trip was in silence.

Kesrick soon broke the silence; he noted the woman was becoming little more calm and comfortable than before. Her hair was still damp, as were her clothes more concerning to Kesrick is she going to be healthily or is she suffering from hypothermia, Wallace soon trudge back down to the pair tried to brighten up the boring trip

“Would the couple like some drinks and a in flight movie” he gawked with a smirked Kesrick wasn’t in the mood for jokes as that did bring up a reply

“Wallace I need a canteen of warm fluids for her” he pointed out as Wallace sighed and dug around “Your lucky to brought something along” he came back over with the canteen as Kesrick took it gratefully.

Kesrick opened it up and gave it to the woman who looked at it before drinking it, she soon felt the welcoming unfamiliar taste yet taken the canteen and polished the contents off before handing it back empty to Kesrick. Kesrick animatedly tipped it upside down and realize and handed it back to Wallace who seemed disappointed.

“Damn I’m going to be very cranky now. I hope your satisfied young lady” he put the canteen away.

“Thank you” she replied as Wallace heard the sound of her voice like chiming bells.

“Right…..” Wallace said sarcastically as he drifts back up to the front of the plane. Kesrick watched him he soon heard the woman speak some more.

“Sorry, I don’t know how or where…. I have been foolish. I know I was meant to find you” she spoke softly as Kesrick was taken back by the last part. After what he lost this seemed too strange to comprehend the void in his heart couldn’t heal that quickly regardless of this woman next to him. He ran a hand through his brown mess of a hair

“I guess your really confused. I thought judging by your entire you looked like you got lost from a dress up party” he sighed as she shook her head.

“I don’t remember anything I was told several times to find you that is all I know” she said as Wallace looked over his shoulder at the pair talking. She looked away from Kesrick around the large cabin they sat in, and then saw Wallace looking in their direction he soon turned away. “Do you know who you are?” Kesrick soon had her attention again she looked blank; her eyes looked empty like she couldn’t remember anything at all.

“No, I don’t remember a lot of what happened before I ended up in the snow drift” she rested her head against Kesrick’s shoulder.

“So you don’t remember your own name….I guess if you’re going to be in my care, I’ll be privilege to help you” he said as he wrapped an arm around her.

It was hard to tell whether they reached their destination with no windows to gaze out of. Soon the plane descended and hit solid snowy ground with a thud stirring the pair awake the roaring of the engines soon died down and soon silence.

“Where here, did you wish me to drive you to the place” Wallace asked Kesrick who was stretching his limbs. He helped the woman out of the chair still rugged up as Kesrick led her out of the plane onto the grassy snow field where the crew were busily being discrete.

“What about the plane? Wouldn’t the air traffic be concern about this” Kesrick asked Wallace as he had the car out of the hold and driven onto the icy covered ground a couple feet away from where they stood.

“It wont be much of a problem to me anymore, nor to you I’m retiring and I wanted to help you out” as he climbed into the drivers seat. Kesrick should be grateful yet he can’t help that dishonest act was to be preformed for his sake.

Hoping to shed the last of his military background of life less bloodshed and violence now with mysterious woman to debilitate in his care, he could only hope for things to get better from now on. Once they were all inside the car Wallace begun the drive away from the air field. With a lot of the forest eloped the roads side and the slight snow fall had coated to the bare trees and the ground, the woman kept quiet in the back seat and watched the scenery pass her by.

“You might like here, Gorham is a lovely place I think so” Wallace put the radio on which Kesrick thin out his lips to the sound of music. Country music wasn’t something he liked a lot of, it only got worse when Wallace attempted to sing along to it. The woman just glared around at the sudden noise, Kesrick noted her surprised look and her hands clamped over her ears “Don’t worry its just music, coming from the radio” he pointed to the front of the car where the radio sat. Wide eyed she still couldn’t comprehend this world. The drive continued to weave its way through the forest cover road ways and soon there was a break in the trees where the town began to stand out upon the land. Wooden houses in various soft blues, whites, yellow anything subtle to make the rather green surrounds look less encroaching.

The streets dotted with street lights and few cars drove about, the sun was hovering in the west “Home, will be nearly there soon. I have to tell you a couple of things” Wallace noted as Kesrick turning about to face the woman “You might as well tell me now the drive was rather boring” he said as he looked back at the woman who seemed to be sleepy. “You probably need to get that girl some clothes and hot shower, your very lucky to bounce back like that” Wallace chuckled as Kesrick took a swipe at the old man.

“I just found her; I don’t know her name and she doesn’t know anything. I do need to get her into something a little less obsolete” he noted the maroon Victorian dress under the blanket.

“Well my daughter is out of town, she left some clothes at the flat. I’m sure you can use them on her until she becomes a little more animated about herself” Wallace added as they soon reached the township. Kesrick knew Wallace’s daughter Nicola, ambitious talented university student who studying the same fields that her father has. Becoming a doctor and nano specialist she did attend Kesrick’s wedding several years back. She was very attractive though younger and had a crush on him.

“I’m glad, I didn’t want to be stuck up in hell with the witch” Kesrick muttered as Wallace soon drove into a side way next to the place he lived in. The flat was on top over the store that sat below; it wasn’t large though Kesrick wondered where Wallace was going to be staying.

“Well here we are, I’ll help you get everything upstairs” he climbed out of the car and closed the door. Kesrick gently stir the woman awake as she soon opened her eyes she seemed a little dazed “We have stopped come on we are getting out here” Kesrick said helping her out of the car onto the ground. The cold breeze wiping her hair about her face as Kesrick tried to taming the locks so she could see. “So this where we are staying?” she looked around the alley way and then out towards the street. Wallace already handling the luggage that Kesrick packed “How much junk you were planning to haul with you” he shook his head as he went through a side door.

The woman seemed to drift out of the alley way onto the sidewalk and gazed about the place Kesrick walked up behind her and kept a grip on her hand.

“I don’t want you wondering off now your not familiar with this place” he held her close as Wallace came back out again for another load “You going to help out here?” he quirked as Kesrick went back and started grabbing his stuff leaving the woman alone. The woman’s eyes wondered the street she spotted a flower shop and then bunches of roses sitting outside in buckets; she began to walk across the street unaware of the black car speeding towards her.

The occupants in the car were taken by surprise, especially the driver whose eyes saw the woman and almost lost focus “Stop the car” one of the passengers cried as it all happened so fast, Kesrick came back out to hear the screeching noise then he froze on the spot. Everything had froze for a mere seconds as one of the passengers leapt out grabbed the woman and pulled her back over to the side walk before anything could resume once more. The woman looked dazed at the man who saved her, his crimson eyes, locks of purple hair that lash around his face with the breeze; they both seemed to be in a slight crouch as time returned everything was flowing freely. Once unfreeze Kesrick stood there and seen that everything had changed, he turned and headed over to where the pair stood the woman lost in the eyes of the man, whose glove hand cradle her face. Kesrick noted the look it was like something like love at a first sight; it looked like they knew each other.

The car had halted in the middle of the street yet soon started up and driven to the curb and parked, it was black Porsche crossed with a hearse it wasn’t something Kesrick has seen before.

He pulled his attention away from the car back to the couple; he couldn’t bear seeing the woman being comforted by this stranger who didn’t look friendly in his eyes. The appearance and clothing seemed to make him look sinister to him, as he went over and carefully pry the two apart. “I’m glad you’re ok, you shouldn’t wonder into the street” Kesrick told the woman who just shoved Kesrick gently away. The look in her eyes she seemed a little annoyed as the other man try to take her hand into his though Kesrick pulled her away in a hurry. “Look thank you for saving her, but whoever is driving that car should slow down” as the woman tried to pry herself away from Kesrick.

“Let her go, please I don’t understand why you pulling her away from me. I know her” he spoke his voice was deep velvety it flowed through Kesrick’s ears lulling its senses from angry to calmness. “Let me go, I need….to talk to him” the woman fought as Kesrick realized he never took the opportunity to tell her his name. Soon enough Wallace came to see the gathering on the sidewalk. Delvin tried to restrain his temper he didn’t know the man who was holding the woman he hasn’t seen in a long time. The rest of the occupants in the car stirred a little they all looked out the window. The tinted glass kept their identities hidden.

Wallace eyed the familiar car then the man who was standing outside the car soon recognizes him. “That woman, she is mine…..” Delvin spoke as he tries to latch his grip onto her free hand before Wallace stepped in and grabbed him

“I didn’t think you going after companions that easily. Besides isn’t it bit early for you to be outside” Wallace noted as Delvin brooded then before giving them a polite smile, his brilliant white teeth against his pale subtle pink lips stood out against his pale face.

Kesrick kept a tight lip as the woman still tried to pry herself away

“Kesrick take her inside, and get some warmer clothes on her” Delvin watched intensely as Kesrick hauled the woman into the store, before he returned his attention to the old man. “Its not that late, we had to come out to the town for supplies” he pointed out to the setting sun the sky was slowly darkening little by little as the old man shook his head. “Just keep yourself in check, I bet you don’t want everyone else to know about you” Wallace gruffer as he coughed a bit, covering his mouth as the cough become a little violent as Delvin went over to him.

Wallace turned his head and soon he was staring at the torso and looked up to see the face of the young woman with dark brown eyes and dark short cropped hair. Pale as her companion, much more friendly than him he soon straighten up

“Ah you’re here too, typical why don’t you lot come inside. You can meet the new residents who will be running the store” he wipe his mouth with a handkerchief and then headed towards the store door opening it as the young woman and the man entered obliging his politeness.

Wallace Breen was too familiar with them, though they moved into the town a while back they come here for reasons that most people will not believe. He was going to warn Kesrick of them and not to get too involved with their strange lifestyle. Too late now he thought as he went around the counter and sat down on a stool. The young woman DD he knew her more, she the one who came here often whenever they drove into the town, she looked more normal compare to the man she travels with. Always having a happy dispersion to cover the true blackness of her life.

The man was amazingly handsome though he looked icy cold in the features, most people will fear being close to him. He gave the ominous of danger and fear some how this man could have someone else to love in his life. “So where are these new people, were they the ones we just saw on the sidewalk” DD chirps as Wallace turned to see Kesrick walk in and pause “Kesrick, I like you to meet DD Constance and Delvin Veinstine” Wallace pointed out who he was referring to as the pair looked at him.

The atmosphere in the store was quiet; Kesrick just nodded his head trying to stop staring at the beautiful couple. There were a lot of questions brewing in Kesrick’s mind. The fact he just left Alaska to a quiet life in Gorham. Only to experience something he couldn’t fathom, it was then the store door opened up and two men came through. Two Wallace hasn’t seen before as they all clustered together as a group. One of them whisper into Delvin’s ear as he nodded then they just begin absently browsing the stores offerings in weaponry.

“Kesrick Hinslay it’s lovely to meet you, Wallace has told us about you” DD voice was similar to the woman he collected from the snow light and silvery. The woman who was watching from the door way, her eyes lay upon Delvin’s as his lips voiced a word, a word she soon recognized, and she could hear it clearly in her mind. Her lips trembled she was feeling a sudden rush of emotions and flashes of memories enough to make her realize her name. She soon came out of hiding of course wearing some new clothes that Delvin wasn’t use to seeing her in. Pair of jeans, white shirt and a jacket her black locks seemly knotted, the curls disarray as she came out into the store area though Kesrick kept her back.

She peered around Kesrick’s large body like a timid mouse peering through a hole in the wall. DD noted the look upon Delvin’s face and she couldn’t help felt sudden wash of jealously, this couldn’t be happening not after all the time she been with him. Loyal companion now seems to have competition for his affection. Wallace noted the scene in front of him as the woman soon came out pass Kesrick and stood beside him.

“I want know what is going on, you know my name thank you for telling me it” Kesrick looked oddly at the Delvin. The two men hovering around the back wall glance over their shoulders and back at the merchandise.

“Your welcome, you don’t need to be scared. There probably an amazing fate playing here. Rose Everlane I thought I’ll never lay eyes on you ever again” Delvin had walked forward and gathered the woman into an embrace she relaxed and buried herself in the sea of black clothing that Delvin worn. DD sneered she looked unhappy yet couldn’t help wonder why Delvin’s dead lover wound up in the future something wasn’t right at all.

Chapter 2

Recollections

Kesrick was stunned, he watched the woman who hadn’t had a clue of who she was embracing a man who knew her like the back of his own hand. Wallace sighed he watched the two men in the back of the room discussing guns and riffles then he saw how slightly hurt DD seemed by the situation. Her perfect face was mane by shock and jealously, she sneer the couple as they bonded before Kesrick intervened.

“Ok you two that’s enough, I like to know her name so I can address her myself too you know” he hinted to Delvin “Her name is Rose Everlane, she isn’t for you to have” Delvin said protectively as Kesrick just bit back a profanity. This man seemed too smug about himself and now he has his long lost lover in his arms he is more of an ass.

Then again Kesrick just met them, whatever unfolded in front of his eyes he wanted to let go the long list of questions to them.

“Since the introductions are finished, what can I do for you today” Wallace said as he shifted to the cash register waiting the bounty of cash Delvin has a habit of forking over. Compare to the customers he has, most of them hunters of animals Delvin didn’t hunt animals and didn’t speak much of what he uses the guns for. There were lingering rumors that they were like a patrol a team that hunt things that Wallace will never be able to believe.

The two men in the back Wallace hardly seen before yet they seemed to be with DD and Delvin. The seemed to be the opposites of each other, black and white they stood out against each other, they seemed to fit together with the invisible line of define between them. “The usual, but we thinking of trading in for some upgrades” DD pulled her hand guns out of her hip holster which was hidden by her black coat and placed them on the counter. Delvin soon produce his and compiled he let Rose go and she was soon back with Kesrick again.

Wallace noted the guns “These defiantly look well worn need much of repair I don’t understand how they could get in such a bad condition” Wallace said as Kesrick went around behind the counter and looked them over. Wallace handed him one and he soon went to work distinguishing the problems he looked at the pair strangely.

“I’m surprised you haven’t taken care of these” he soon motioned to the case with hand guns in DD and Delvin looked over and noted Kesrick’s quick selling skills. Wallace sat back and let Kesrick do something he does so well.

“Well if you want something a little more, durable then I suggest these two CZ- USA and CZ P-07” Kesrick continued explaining the details which Delvin and DD seemed to already now about in bits. Kesrick rocked back on his heels as he listened to them talk about the guns they were telling them to buy. Wallace kept eye on the other two men though Rose remained complacent in the doorway to the store, she soon flitters away into the stair well that led up to the apartment above the store. She didn’t seem to like the guns it reminded her too much of her loss her past she can’t remember too well, though she found the man she once loved.

Soon enough the cash register made noises as Delvin made a purchase, happy giving Wallace the money, Kesrick noted the large bundle of notes he pocketed away. DD grabbing the guns and holstering them with ease before any else could see them.

“So Kesrick seems to be well reimbursed with this, of course he is a weapons expert spent time in the army from what I heard” Delvin gave a smirk towards him. The two other men soon filed back outside DD watched them pile back into the car silently closing the door. Her eyes returned to the people in front of her. The sun was defiantly set as Delvin knows once darkness sets upon the town it was alright for them to wander around less noticeable.

Once darkness is there the worst things occur, the things that people fear and don’t wish to know or believe. “You sound very up to date with everything Mr. Veinstine” Kesrick moved around the counter and stood closer to the purple hair man

“I guess Wallace is leaving you in charge, I don’t feel threatened by you Mr. Hinslay if you wish this arrangement to be formal” Delvin smirked he liked this man though he was still trying to work out what was different about him compare to Wallace.

“You know I think you need a gun permit, do you have one so this couldn’t be an illegal purchase” Kesrick muttered as Delvin laughed a little.

“The government isn’t what it use to be, the future is falling apart and we all be facing the end either due to our own faults. Or to something else” Delvin soon turned and headed out the door DD followed in tow with the cold draft of the night air. Kesrick growled as he stalked towards the closed door and watched the black car drive away into the night. He then realized that he didn’t seem to collect Rose from his care, soon Delvin realize he forgot something DD hoped he wouldn’t bring her along. In the back seat the other two members of their team sat.

“So you found Rose, what are the odds of that happening” Vincent looked at over at Chaste. Vincent was a beautiful slender man with long luxurious white hair and red eyes; he sometimes could be mistaken for being an albino due to those distinguish features. Chaste on the other hand was Korean, much more muscular toned tan flesh and unusual bright blue eyes. His black short hair sat above his shoulders while strange tribal markings in the corner of each eye.

Chaste didn’t meet Vincent’s crimson gaze “I do wonder if it was a good idea to change our guns. What if they study them more closely realize what we use them for” DD said in a concern voice as Delvin kept driving. As their car purred along the icy roads Delvin couldn’t help but linger about his reconnection to Rose then realize he left her behind. Damn it he thought as he was tempted to turn around the car, DD placed her hand on his shoulder “Look she safe where she is, you can always see her tomorrow” she said a Delvin flinched her off he still maintained his speed.

“I thought you would turn around and collected her like that” Vincent clicked his elegant long fingers which made Delvin frown

“I thought I would, I can’t help but feel something is not right with her. I mean after centuries of knowing she was gone taken away from my arms. She comes back with little memory of herself or anything” Delvin thought heavily upon her reactions and her feelings towards him. DD just looked out the window with a small smile to herself; Chaste was still gazing away from Vincent before he muttered something under his breath “I did nothing Vincent, as Delvin has every right to left her there” he said which made DD twitch a little in fear.

“If you did nothing, which we would have or at least I would have known” Vincent said he lean back in the seat he stretch an arm over the back and linger on Chaste’s’ shoulder. Chaste looked at the white hair angelic figure. Quickly removed the hand from his shoulder and placed it firmly down into the leather seat with his hand clasped over it giving a stern look at, Vincent response his hand twitching as it was tightly trapped under the other. “You don’t need to restrain me, let go I won’t touch you” the angel growled as Chaste let go of the hand and placed his back in his lap.

Darkness was settling in as the forest was darker, the snow almost glowed upon the ground as they weaved off the road into a side track. They drove all the way to a large Victorian mansion that sat in middle of a clearing surrounded by several skeleton like pine trees. Icicles cling to branches like diamonds watery clear as the black car soon stopped the engine cut and there was silence. As the doors open simultaneously they all climbed out of the vehicle and headed towards the verandah that stretched most of the house front, wooden floor boards that could have well been rotten away still withstood the countless years of neglect.

It was the home they always wanted, a place of confinement and peace from the outside world. Whatever little time they had from solving monster attacks they come back here to pretend to be more human like. Like humans they always have their quarrels this was building up to become one of those. Soon as they got through the door, took off their jackets the bickering begun.

“I don’t know why we didn’t act a little more alert to the sudden reunion” DD said as Delvin stalked passed and went over to the fire place. Delvin knew DD was very much attached to him ever since the time he found her, he stoked the fire and then sat down in his chair. DD stood arms folded as he lit a cigarette and begin to smoke, taking in a deep breath of tar and blowing it careless in DD’s direction

“Why should we be alert, I didn’t sense anything wrong. She is Rose I haven’t seen her….” DD huffed and wanted to take a swipe at him.

“Delvin its serious here, we have a monster problem lurking we came here cause of that and even Chaste and Vincent know that too” she noted to the pair who sat far apart on the couch. Delvin inhaled another lot of smoke and blew it out again into the musty living room, a room crowded with bookcases, shreds of papers scattered about and pictures and paintings trying to cover the yellow brown walls. The house was old yet it suited them, they had no desire for fancy technology and glossy interiors, their personalities nestled against the old ancient homestead like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.

“Far as we are concern after the string of attacks we already dealt with. I thought we would be safe here for now. I’m guessing we should have looked deeper in this surprise visitor” Delvin said as he stroked his chin, the idea of having Rose back did seem strange she wasn’t the same. He knew that centuries of being apart he struggled with her absence grasping on the last of what he remembered. DD unfolded her arms and sat down on the table in the middle of the living room.

“Vincent, was the reason why you came into the store with Chaste was to hopefully analyze?” Delvin asked Vincent raised an eyebrow.

The angelic man pondered and realize he did feel something strangely off about the woman who Delvin believes deeply as his long lost lover. “And you Chaste…DD?” he quoted as they both seemed too remained silent in thought.

“You’re the one who hugged her; did she give off any vibes?” DD quirked as she decided to stand up and join the two men on the couch, she nestled between them in the space vacant. “I guess my emotions were blinded with something haven’t felt in long time” he leant back a bit more in the chair. DD was starting to get a little frustrated with him.

“What about this Kesrick guy? Why do you think he has Rose?” she pondered as flickered through her thoughts. Delvin soon got up and stretched he kept smoking his cigarette “Judging by his thoughts, I did get a good deep look into. Apparently he collected Rose today, out by the road side” he went over to Vincent who soon touched his hand it was then images soon flittered into his mind.

The mind which can map out locations and pin points and soon Vincent was filled in

“Anchorage, Alaska somewhere near the road heading out of the town towards an air port” he spoke as Delvin pulled his hand away.

“He said was in the army, Wallace said he left like he did after he made a remarkable gesture. Which makes me wonder why Kesrick seems to be so close to Wallace Breen” Delvin breathe out more smoke. It was then the flooding of questions plague their minds as they tried to turn over each. With care the sudden jolt through DD sent the men alert a vision had came on and Vincent and Chaste were in tune. “We have a monster, Banshee Irish mythical creature. Planning to strike someone close to… Wallace Breen” that was enough to make them all get up and moving.

“I need location Vincent? Time Chaste we need to get there and check this out” Delvin ordered as Chaste knew he had to work fast at getting them all there.

“Don’t need to worry we will get there, besides no guarantees we might just miss the creature” Delvin didn’t like that attitude as Chaste produce his staff, staff marked with numerals on a arch shape blade, it started to glow as they grouped up and they soon vanished in flash of light.

The local pub was crowded with the usual alcoholics, Wallace had taken Kesrick and Rose out for a bit of a drink. It was a chance for Wallace can see some of his Irish relatives who had come to stay. Kesrick was polishing off a beer watching Wallace and his family talk, “This man here, I made him he is best work” Wallace cheered at Kesrick who just smiled “You sure did, you wouldn’t believe what Wallace can do with bio technology” as he wonder where Rose had disappeared too. Wallace’s cousin Brian O’Connor and his lovely wife Ella and his father Tom were all immersed in telling Kesrick about the Ireland.

Kesrick seemed to drift away out of the conversation, he wondered where Rose went too he soon excused himself “ Sorry I think I better go find Rose” he said politely to the drinking group he soon spotted her coming out of the ladies room, he was glad she starting to become acquainted with the new surroundings. He spent most of the time filling her in best he could and she looked in his direction. “Rose come back to the table” Kesrick tried to sway her towards the table.

“Kesrick, I think I like to go get some air” she said as some drunken lard tried hitting on her, he guided out of the ruckus of people into the night air.

“I’m grateful for your care but can I just be alone please” Rose said as Kesrick was a little concern, the look in her eyes seemed strange, her hair swirled around her face as Kesrick seemed reluctant to leave her.

“I’m worried about leaving you alone something could happen to you” he said as couple of drunken people staggered out and wondered away.

“Well go for a walk if you want” Kesrick grabbed her hand as she pulled away and then ran off, “Hey!” Kesrick cried as he raced after her he tried to keep up with her. Astounded by her speed she darted off the street way and raced into the encroaching forest, Kesrick huffed as he halted dead in his tracks. It was far too dark to see anything “Rose” he cried as he wasn’t too keen on running to the dark dim lit landscape. Kesrick gave up and headed back towards the pub where he run into Wallace who seemed drunk he was staggering with his cousin “Wallace, Rose has disappeared” he said as the pair were wobbling about.

“Oh really……” Wallace was very incapacitated to string words together Kesrick frowned as he soon noted Ella’s hysterics as she came out of the pub in a flutter her husbands father comforting her “Oh where did our son go, he said he would have come to the pub I haven’t received a phone call from him” she said as Tom comforted her that sent a chill into Kesrick “What you mean, your son” he asked as she cried into the older mans chest “Our son Michael, he was meant to come here to meet us. I haven’t got a call from him at all” she said between burst of tears.

That was enough to make Kesrick want to find the police

“We better send out a search party and go find him” Kesrick said yet he noted the drunken larded friends. “Oh please help us” Ella said as Kesrick brought out his phone and started dialing 911.

He waited he got the typical voice option which made him wonder if anyone was going to answer it. “I thought this was a small town why aren’t the police answering the phone” he soon gave up. “I need a torch” he darted into the pub and asked the bartender for a torch lucky he had one, he explained why he needed it and then he raced back out into the darkness.

“Wait do you want us to come along?” Ella cried as she was still being comforted her husband soon realized the situation and tried to follow Kesrick told them to stay put.

The night was dark and cold was settling in the snow was still shallow, as it crunched under Kesrick’s boots he darted into the forest. He had no idea what their son looked like he begun calling out his name. It was then he started to hear moaning noises it was unsettling to his ears fear filled him he kept going. Far into the forest Michael was lost he had a torch and was trying to decided which way to walk. He was disorientated and he tried to determined which way to go, it wasn’t until he was soon in the presence of a woman figure. “Who are you?” he said little dazed by the woman’s beauty her eyes seemed to glimmer though she seemed clothed like a normal human being.

“You seem lost, I can help you just come closer” she said in an alluring tone the young man was reluctant to go closer to the woman who offered her gloved hand. It was a grave mistake as the woman smiled then Michael was terrified, then the onslaught of wailing shattered his hearing both hands firmly grasped. The woman was quick her piercing wailing was making him wither in pain, the sound carried through out the forest even Kesrick clasped his ears the sound was deafening to him. “What is that noise” he cringe it soon died down the echo still bouncing around him as he soon followed the direction it came from.

As Kesrick powered along he was soon caught off guard by the appearance of a familiar face he almost collide with him. “Delvin” Kesrick cried as DD, Chaste and Vincent were all running towards the dying sound until they paused. “What you doing out here?” Kesrick asked more likely how they got out here. That was the last thing on his mind as he and Delvin headed towards where the others stood, there lying on the ground was a body. Kesrick could only assume it was Michael as Delvin bent down DD was cursing quietly then she noticed the small kitten lurking in the shadow, Vincent and Chaste both spot it then she grabbed her gun.

“Delvin….” She hissed as they acted slowly the kitten seemed to dwell a little Kesrick didn’t move as the sudden flurry for gun bullets ran out towards the cat. Kesrick eyes widen as DD kept firing the kitten was morphing as it was soon burst into a large cloud of black smoke a reapers form soon withering in pain, Chaste froze it for mere seconds DD polished it off its empty eyes and hollow mouth gazing at them as he still clutched the soul he stole before he had help. “Delvin” DD cried as she gave him a concerning looks. Then ground started to shake around them especially around the body soon enough it erupted.

“Time to take some high ground, Vincent take the body quickly” Delvin begin darting up a tree as Kesrick felt the snow swirl into a large whirlpool, he was bring dragged towards the gapping hole that dropped into the underworld below. A hand flying out trying to grab whatever is on the surface. DD had leapt up a tree while Chaste soon hovered up off the ground before his notice Kesrick scrambling towards it. Vincent burst out his large black wings and swooped down and gathered the body before it was hauled away he flew into the dark canopy. “Help Kesrick” DD cried as she and Delvin kept shooting at the up rise of hands and limbs.

“Kesrick grab something and hold on” Delvin cried from up the tree trunk as he struggled to grab the trunk below “What about Rose?” Kesrick cried as then eyes were averted to the other side of the growing hole the young woman was scrambling. “Kesrick!” the snow under their feet was moving rapidly towards the gapping hole which Chaste soon had to close up. He activated his staff to reverse the time continuum which meant reversing the hole to close up, then he struck the sudden blast of red from his staff begun the closing up the horrid screeching of the dead below. Vincent kept well out of reach of the ground as Michael’s body lay dead in his arms Delvin inched down towards where Kesrick was struggling and gave him his hand.

“Get Rose!” Kesrick pointed out again as DD noticed the woman struggling to stay upright in the sinking snow she wasn’t keen on helping her. The sound and the movement soon embed, as the hole started to close up and soon enough with a loud collided and settling of the snow that was kicked up with the hole closed. The reaper had got away with what it wanted soon silence was all they could hear. Delvin climbed off the remainder of the tree trunk that Kesrick had latched onto him awkwardly. DD came down and soon helped Rose up, Chaste watched Vincent come back down and soon enough they were all back on solid ground again.

“Delvin, that sound was bound to be heard for miles away. A search party could be heading this way we best leave” Chaste said as Delvin was concern about the body he had to give it a quick check yet he decided there was little need to. DD kept a firm grip on Rose who was wriggling about “DD let her go now” Delvin erupted as Kesrick went over and gathered the woman from her. DD snarled as Kesrick took the woman away from her it was then Delvin stepped in Kesrick’s path way with stern look on his face. “Kesrick if any other human found out about us, we are doomed take Michael’s body tell that a wolf attack him and make sure they believe that” he said as Kesrick just nodded.

Vincent walked over to Kesrick; his wings had folded until they vanished behind his back “Here be careful." Vincent murmured. "It’s a shame to loose someone even if it’s someone you don’t know it’s still a great loss to bear.” As he gave Michael over into Kesrick’s waiting arms, Rose was still by his side though she looked at Delvin. It’s then the sound of footsteps crunching through the snow and several lights filtering through the darkness towards them Delvin called his team together into a group

“Remember what I told you” he prompted Kesrick as they soon vanished from their sight. “Michael” cried Ella’s voice through the night air, it was then Kesrick decided to place Michael down and lay him out.

“Ella over here” he cried as he pretended to not touch the body and left it strode awkwardly on the ground Rose had moved away as Ella and search party came into sight. Ella ran over and huddle near her sons lifeless body taking his pulse first before her father in law stepped in “He isn’t breathing there’s blood coming from his head” Ella was becoming more frantic as she was comforted by Kesrick, then Kesrick attention went to Rose. The raven hair woman who was covered in ice she had wrapped her arms around her looking cold as he took her into his arms.

“We better get him back to the town; did you want me to help Ella?” Kesrick asked the woman as one of the other men already gathered the body up “We will be fine” she replied as Rose remained buried against Kesrick’s chest “I’m sorry I ran off….” As the search party started to head back to the way they came Kesrick wasn’t convinced by Roses sudden actions. He had so many questions swirling around his head. He felt too tired to even try and start a questioning Rose as they headed back towards the township.

As the night sky clouded over the Victorian house, the sound of anger and disagreement of the malcontent team was a storm within. Their poorly executed mission was unsuccessful. Coats were hung haphazardly in the dank hall as the unsettled members stalked about the front room like ravenous lions.
“I told you we weren’t going to make it there on exact time” Chaste commented wryly as he dug around his coat pocket for a cigarette. Vincent frowned, his beautiful angelic face marred by lines of disgust.

“We gave in our co-ordinates, we didn’t expect Kesrick to show up let alone Rose…”
Vincent glanced in Delvin’s direction. He was bent over a desk, peering intently at the limitless piles of documents. His fists bawled, knuckles whitening, as he struggled to bite back the vile venom that was heaved into the back of his dry throat. A sudden thump sounded from Delvin’s corner, his eyes faced the rest of the team, glowing red in the dusty gloom of the disused house.
“How can we be such fools?” seethed Delvin, “I could blame each one of you for your mistakes but we were all surprised by The Reapers’ plan. DD, you noticed the situation first. How did he get away?” He growled at DD, not caring for a reply.

“Isn’t it obvious you become putty whenever you see her? After all this time it’s taken for you to get over the fact she’s gone” she cut off, lost for words.

“When she comes back it’s not her. She’s gone Delvin!” DD screamed at her leader, who returned the outburst with an icy glare. Words flew as the battle of wills rose to a crescendo. It quickly got out of hand and, to avoid violence, Delvin decided to lose the temper, leaving the room in tense silence. The argument died down, the team taken back by their leaders’ uncharacteristic retreat upstairs and onto the landing. The door slammed, indicating Delvin’s wished to be alone.

DD slumped into a chair as Vincent got up and decided to pace around in thought, DD could feel how Delvin’s emotions are being toy with she bit her lip and watched the swirls of smoke wither and dance about until they dispersed.

Chaste watched it absently, let alone watching Vincent strut about before he stopped by the mantle piece. His long fingers graze the wooden carvings that encase the dancing flames of warmth and light.

“You think, Delvin knows or the fact… let me ask you this” he said curiously facing the two sitting in front of him.

“If you loved someone, that someone had died. You grieve until you couldn’t anymore. The memory of them is what keeps you thinking that they were still alive” Chaste blue eyes left the smoke trail and focused upon the angel.

“What feeling would you feel the most, when you see them again….not sadness, your overwhelmed if Delvin felt that whenever he held her. Whenever he looked into her eyes that are all he wished he could see” the angels point was making sense to the listeners. It dawned on DD as she stood up “You right I feel horrible for allowing me to feel jealous. I’m going upstairs, I don’t think there be anymore problems tonight I pray not” she drifted out of the living room leaving the two men behind.

DD climbed the stairs, the creaking easily alerted Delvin ears. He remained faced away from the door way towards the curtained window. Dim moon light making blue strands of light across the floor and casting a blue hue against the darkness. Soon the door opened and as DD came in, Delvin wasn’t going to address her as he was too proud to admit his mistakes. He been constantly turning over every chance he tried to penetrate Roses mind. It was like the reapers either made a deliberate barrier between him and Rose. The silent movement of the bed spread as DD climbed over and draped her arms around the torn man.

Delvin placed his hands lightly on DD’s, pulling them around his chest; she didn’t resist, resting her head on his muscled shoulder, his purple locks providing a cushion for her cheek.

“Dee …I. I should’ve taken into consideration the fact that there is fault in my foresight.” She hugged him tighter as he spoke to the wall. “I…” She sighed into his neck, the scent of smoke, alcohol and dried blood evident even through his wooded fragrance. She clung to his sturdy frame, the trunk of an ancient tree, tall and strong, but his leaves trembled in the tempest of fierce emotions raging within a tormented mind.

“I know, Delvin. I understand.” The feeling was mutual. Delvin was a rock for DD, a sanctuary in the storm, and she hoped she could return the favour. Whenever she was lost, he would find her, always. Now it was her turn to find him, and offer a haven for him. “You haven’t let go of the memories and feelings for Rose”
“I don’t want to talk about it!” he cut her off.

“But that was a long time ago now.” she continued, calmly. “And all of sudden she appears again? It can’t possibly be her…Not the way you remember her. Not the way she once was.” Delvin shifted uncomfortably under her obstinate embrace.

“It’s almost certain she’s working for the underworld now. She wouldn’t even remember you! And…” she faltered.
“What?” It was more a statement rather than a question, the corner of his lips upturning into a smile.

“And…you have me now.” She said quickly, hiding her face in the waterfall of purple. Delvin swiveled his head to DD, softly brushing his cool lips against her cheek. They sat there together, as one, alone and undisturbed by the rest of the team pacing impatiently below. The dark would always give way to light. Dawn would soon break.

Chapter 3

Unearthing the truth

Kesrick struggled to sleep after last nights after the supernatural experience, though he couldn’t sleep with the constant groaning and sickness that Wallace seemed to make.

“I wish he didn’t drink so much, ugh I feel like I have a bit of hang over” Kesrick struggled to get up from the folded bed he looked over at Rose who was covered in a brown woolen blanket. All Kesrick could see was a sea of black curls which covered most of her face; and her hand dangling over the edge of the couch. “Morning” Wallace groaned as he stumbled out of the bedroom towards the kitchen Kesrick just murmured something trying to reply back. Wallace started up the coffee peculator a gift Kesrick gave him a while back, it was very old yet it still run smoothly making the brown liquid everybody craves for.

The scent was heavenly even masking the dank smell the flat seemed to have, Kesrick grabs his robe and climbed out of bed and walked over to the kitchen area and sat down. “Last night….I can barely remember anything though….did I hear that my cousins’ son was found dead?” Wallace grabbed some mugs as he turned to see Kesrick’s grim look, he knew that it wasn’t just a bad dream. “So it really happened, Damn it trust me to get too carried away and then” Wallace sat down and buried his head in his hands.

“You wanted to have a good time, it’s not your fault you were incapacitated” Kesrick huffed as the coffee bubbled and brewed away, the noise was what filled their ears seemed louder due to their aching heads. Rose stirred a little she seemed to remain on the couch not even rising up to see whether it was morning or not. Kesrick did wonder about her, He was still foggy in the head, once its gone he wants to start questioning about what he saw last night. All he knew was Michael was dead and Wallace’s relatives are grieving over it.

The old man soon rose up and went back to the kitchen bench and started pouring out the coffee. Wallace probably seen better days; Kesrick did wonder if the army questioned him “borrowing” a plane especially the air force. That would been a major offence though Wallace’s work got to him to work across the board some weren’t as major as Kesrick’s, in fact Kesrick think its sheer fate or coincidence he is still alive. Soon the clunk of the mug on the table got Kesrick out of his deep thoughts and as he took the warm drink and begin sipping.

“Wallace, last night there was a lot more to that situation” Kesrick murmured into his cup as soon as Rose seemed to rise up from her slumber. She probably never found that couch that comfortable, compare to the bed she probably use to sleep on.

Her clothes were all creased as she tugged at the white long sleeve shirt she worn under layers of other clothes that were discarded.

Stretching and moving fluently compare to the old sleep deprived men she soon sat down eyeing them. “Rose nice to see you’re awake, bet after seeing last nights ordeal you would have been a little rattled. I remember that you were very…..” he watched Rose eyes as she spotted the hot coffee in his hand.

She licked her lips she looked desperately wanting to have a drink.

“Oh how impolite I am” Wallace rose up and went back to the coffee machine as Rose gave Kesrick a smile. A smile Kesrick wonder how she could be so relaxed, it was like she wasn’t so blind to her surroundings she adapted so quickly.

“Well what we planning to do today?” she asked as the two men groaned slightly Wallace hobbled back and placed the cup down in front of her.

“It is hot so don’t burn your self” he said as a warning to her as she just kept grinning like a Cheshire cat.

They all sat in silence, Kesrick wanted Wallace to give them some space, it’s his house then Wallace soon remembered it was a work day. With the screech of the chair he took his cup “Don’t forget why you’re here, to run store. Besides I’ll be away for most of the day. If Delvin and DD roll in just give them what they want. Don’t start consorting with them” he went into his bedroom and closed the door.

This was the moment Kesrick could take advantage of to interrogate Roses strange behavior changes.

“Mmmm…. This is lovely much better than the beer I had last night” Rose was brimming brightly as Kesrick felt less happy and more worried. He put his mug down and then bit his lip before asking Rose a question. If he starts asking her stuff she will avoid him, he considers his delivery as she polished off the cup before he even finished his.

“I bet the forest is so much lovelier in the day, I think I kind of remember a bit about where I came from. We had forests surrounding our mansion” she got up and put the cup in the sink.

The woman wasn’t the same as the one he found just yesterday, what cause her to change was another thing he got to probe into. “So you’re remembering stuff now, interesting how much do you know?” he quirked he soon got up and stood next to her by the sink. Kesrick didn’t looks so great in the morning, he was craving a shower to wake him from his sleep hung over stupor, and his brown hair was disarray as he ran a hand through it trying to unknot it. The robe he wore wasn’t something complimenting the physic that lay underneath. Rose couldn’t help find it slightly waving distraction from the man she loved so much. The man she wanted to find again yet there was complications.

“So keep telling me about your self” Kesrick yawned as Rose slipped past him and waltz into the living area and sat down. “I want to go for a walk today, is there any like places we can go look at?” she chirped as Kesrick frowned he stride towards her and gave her a stern look “ We have to stay here and run the shop” he pointed at her cause he didn’t want her to disappear like last night. Rose just stared at Kesrick her brown eyes didn’t like Kesrick’s pointing as she pushed her fingers against his.

”I’ll be good as long as I get see Delvin” she purred as Wallace soon came back out of his room.

“Now you two take good care of the store, I’m going to go see how Ella is coping maybe they might be wanting help with funeral arrangements” he muttered, he was dressed in nice clean shirt, trousers and black laced up shoes. He threw on his dress jacket and headed out the door. Kesrick hasn’t seen Wallace so cleaned up before though he was still an aged man he couldn’t turn back the hands of time to make Wallace the slightly younger man he once knew. Nor could he do it to himself.

Rose seemly clung onto Kesrick shoving her face against the fabric on his robe, she was beautiful and Kesrick still couldn’t have her.

“I’m going to have a shower you stay here don’t move” he said as Rose let go and watched him wander away. It was then Rose’s attention turned to hear the small purring and scratching noise at the window. The cat was brushing against the fly screen as Rose raise an eyebrow tried to ignore it. Though the cat soon merged through the barrier and leapt from the kitchen bench onto the floor. Rose twitched as the cat was communicating with her through her mind.

“Kill him…..Kill him” the reapers words penetrated the hold on Roses mind as she soon got off the chair and headed towards the bathroom. The sound of the water and the steam that filled the small bathroom, Kesrick got undressed tossing his sleep gear onto a wooden chair. The warmth of the water the whooshing noise it made as it came out of the shower head and hitting the tile floor. The cyborg was soon lost in his senses, wanting to wake up he proceeded into the shower and begun to enjoy the tranquility.

He was totally unaware of the sudden intruder looming to make his morning possibly the last one. The door opened as Rose crept in and stood couple of steps not far from the shower stall. The cat was purring around at her feet, waiting for his slave to distract his next victim. As Rose took in a deep draw of breath Kesrick ears perked up as he turned to see a figure on the other side of the shower door.

It was then the sudden high pitch scream deafening, Kesrick causing him to plug his ears as the room was soon filled with banshee lungs, blasting sound against the glass shower stall it soon cracked and shattered, the mirror shattered and then the window. Glass was flying everywhere as Kesrick coward in fear in the shower while glass fell around him. The Reaper soon lurched out of his cat like state. Kesrick watched wide eyed as the creature was going to take his soul, then sudden cry and sheer halt as bullets rained into the reaper as it veered away from Kesrick only to face the door where Delvin and DD were standing.

The banshee was withering as DD shot at her; Delvin took another shot just to make sure the Reaper was vanquished. It was then the cyborg watches it soon dissolve and flitter away into dust taking its monster with it. Delvin watched as Rose was suffering away “Why…I thought you loved me….” she cried as Delvin bit his lip his eyes showed no remorse as the monster soon disappeared.

“Another monster… taken care of at least this time, we made it before it got another life” Delvin eyes looked at Kesrick oddly as DD tried to hide her smirk.

Kesrick got up as he gawked at the pair slightly in shock and more embarrassed as he grabbed a towel “ Nice” Vincent chirped from behind the door, the white hair man grinning as DD just gaffed back a laugh Delvin maintain his straight face. Chaste was there too not so amused like Delvin “Aren’t you going to say thank you” Vincent slipped in between DD and Delvin as Kesrick tread carefully, there was glass everywhere as his audience noted that the human was still in one piece.

“Well I hope your happy Kesrick we were hoping to sleep in today” Chaste muttered as Vincent sniggered. “Thanks for coming to my aid; you got a lot of explaining to do especially...” Delvin halted Kesrick mid sentence and jester to the destruction around him. “A human would have died, or sustain serious lacerations or even stabbed. The glass didn’t even affect your skin” he proceeded to take one of his leather gloves off. The wet soaked man watch as the pale hand rest against his chest; he felt small stinging needles through his flesh that wasn’t hurting him much. Delvin eyes seemed to be concentrating as he soon pulled away out of his trance.

DD knew what Delvin’s ability does he can diagnose and identify anything he touches. Human or monster he can easily read and abstract the answers from the bountiful knowledge in his mind. “He is nothing like I have ever identified before” Delvin seemed to be defeated or even disappointed he couldn’t determine what Kesrick was. DD wanted to remind Delvin that Wallace did mention what Kesrick was. Delvin walked passed DD out into the bedroom where Chaste and Vincent waited patiently for their leaders’ orders.

“Well….” Chaste muttered as he looked at the purple hair man who placed his glove back on and turned to face Kesrick. Puzzled look upon his face he couldn’t comprehend what he just felt. “Your not something I ever felt before, your not human, you look and act like human being” his voice was low and stern as DD bypassed Kesrick to stand with the others. “Well didn’t Wallace tell you everything?” Kesrick started grabbing his pajamas then realize he still has an unwelcoming audience in the room not to mention the mess in the bathroom.

“Well I don’t what you guys do when your trying to get changed, I’m sure you don’t mind giving me some privacy” as Delvin waved his head gesturing the group to shuffle out of the bedroom door. Vincent getting a last glance as Chaste shoved him away closing the door behind them. Kesrick was biting his lip and panicking, he throws on some clothes, what was meant to be a normal day has ended up in chaos and it was only morning. Taking in a deep breath and almost jumped at the sudden sound of the telephone ringing. “Telephone….” Vincent chirped as Kesrick came out of the bedroom and stalked over and grabbed the receiver off Vincent.

“Hello?” he said as Vincent was pulled away by Chaste to stand near by DD and Delvin. The group remained silent as Kesrick turned to see them looking at him attentively before he turned away brooding.

“Do not consort with DD or Delvin”

Wallace’s words echoed in his head as he realizes he didn’t what he will do about the bathroom catastrophe. His ear drums were still suffering from the horrid banshee scream.

Delvin leant over to his team members they agreed it was a time to make an escape.

“Oh you’re coming back now Wallace, you’re not planning to stay with Ella…” he tried to hide the sudden worry rising up in his throat. Wallace responded with his answer as Kesrick tried to delay Wallace’s return. The moment he turned around to notice his visitors were making a break for it. “Don’t you dare leave?” He barked angrily as Delvin waved off Kesrick idle threat “Bye” he murmured as Chaste begun the time portal DD was starting to feel guilty, Delvin could tell she was wanting to feel sympathy for the man.

“No Wallace I wasn’t talking to you….its just you have a rodent problem. Yeah a mouse” Kesrick eyed the group “We can’t leave him like this” DD spoke up over the humming sound of Chaste’s time staff.

Delvin sighed; he didn’t want to do this to DD he grabbed her just as they soon teleported leaving Kesrick gasping in fear. “No” he yelled in anger as Wallace is still on the phone “Kesrick I’m coming back now you seem distraught over this mouse, what was that noise” the old man wondered as Kesrick wanted to smash something to get his anger out of him. “Nothing…. Please don’t hurry back ok everything is fine” as Wallace a noted to the tone of his friends voice, one thing for sure Wallace could tell that something was wrong “Kesrick I don’t know why your acting so strangely but I’m coming back anyways to check up” it was then the phone went dead.

With a sudden slam of the receiver back onto the phone almost breaking it in two, the cyborg started to search for dust pan and broom to begin the cleaning process. He shoved on his boots before he opened the bathroom door to face the destruction at hand. He wasn’t much of a cleaner himself; he was use to living in a sloppy environment though he had to learn to become much more thorough. In this case very thorough, as he started to sweep the shards of glass off the tile floor into the dustpan.

After an hour or so of sweeping Kesrick soon heard the sudden unwanted noise of the door opening “Kesrick I’m back, you’re not down stairs opening the store. Customers are wondering what’s going on….” The old man halted as Kesrick skirted out of the bathroom closing the door behind him. With an awkward expression on his face Wallace just gave him a look, his forehead creased up more as well as his eyes.

The cumbersome man stayed by the bath door

“Your back, I know I’m sorry but that rodent problem was very bad” he remained in front of the door making Wallace wonder even more so what he was covering up.

“A mouse…..did you kill it?” Wallace took a couple of steps towards the man and stared him in the eye. Slight sweat broke on Kesrick’s brow as he met the old mans gaze with equal force. “Yes. But I’ll just tell you know the bathroom no go zone” as Wallace raise an eyebrow at the younger man.

“So did you sort out the funeral plans?” Kesrick desperately trying to change the subject as Wallace moved away from him “Well it’s in the process, they weren’t citizens. Its tragic for this to happen to them” he took off his gloves and placed them down on the bed. Kesrick inched away from the door and proceed out of the bedroom

“Will you go downstairs and open up shop” as he gesture to Wallace who took his coat off. The suspicion was lingering in the air; Wallace preceded passed Kesrick giving him a look. Kesrick just smiled awkwardly as he watched go. After yesterdays strange events it all ended abruptly yet will Wallace notice the absences of Rose?

As the piles of broken glass was soon swept and dumped into a rubbish bin Kesrick gazed out the window which was letting a cold draft into the bathroom.

“To think my life couldn’t be even more messed up; seems like now is a good time to be a little prudent. Even being stuck here with the man who saved my life, until now at least…there are more people in this strange world that seem to care for the ones they meet. If it’s through something that no human could believe unless they see it with their own eyes” he said to himself as he realized he had to get rid of the overfill rubbish bin contents. At this part it reminded him to be invisible sly and uncanny to fool the enemy that lurks below the floor boards.

Though a secret can’t be hidden forever even no matter how you tried to cover it up soon enough the wraith of it will bare down upon ones shoulders and a price paid.