Post by Dantelion on May 7, 2016 20:15:59 GMT -5
Chapter 11
I opened the door into the bar tapping the dirt off my shoes. I had gone back and dug up that body Valurn want to eat. It had been a difficult process with him nagging about being careful so I don't hurt his food. How I could hurt something already dead I'll never know.
Lares waved me over as he passed out drinks. The bar was in full swing too at least thirty people were here. This was we call a good night here in our little sewer bar. It's not like many people knew about this place and we never allowed people we didn't know or recruit.
“What's up Lares,” I said sitting at the bar watching as several people hooped and hollered in time to the song.
“Well we got a hit. My fried Lares from Jamaica said he heard from his friend Lares in Elmont that his friend Lares in Rosedale saw the featureless demon you are looking for,” Lares said quickly giving me a headache.
“So one of the house deities from Rosedale saw the demon,” I replied hoping he didn't have to repeat himself.
“Yep,” he responded.
“I'll need the address and whether or not the the person that is living there is dead already or not,” I said not wanting to chase a dead lead. “When did this happen?”
“Last Thursday Lares said he saw it sneaking around the house after its tenant got in. She had brought home a boyfriend too that is probably why he didn't make a move.
“You know I use to be jealous of the other Lares that protected above ground homes but not now. I mean at least down here if I meet a vicious monster its unlikely to kill me cause of you all,” Lares said smiling at the last part.
“She still alive and where,” I said ignoring Lares ramble.
“Alright here you are I couldn't possibly remember it all so had my friend Lares write it down,” Lares said smiling as he handed me a folded napkin. I said thank you holding back the roll of my eyes as I got up.
Heading downstairs I unfolded the napkin as I went. 24703 Memphis Ave it read making me think. There were not many named streets in that area so it shouldn't be hard to find. Folding it back up I stuffed it in my coat pocket and hung the coat up. I took out my phone and turned it on. I had turned it off for the meeting which had gone better than I expected.
Andrew was still mad at me but agreed about going to the gym. He mainly sat and listened at our monster talk. Half the time he looked ready to face palm as we thought up something he deemed nonexistent.
I had met Andrew after being in Manhattan for five years. He was working a case and so was I. It was a woopsie moment as I chased a large Thorn Bearer into his police line. A Thorn Bearer is a type of plant like demon and as the name suggest it has thorns about two feet long on its hands and smaller ones on its body.
The police claimed the kill by shooting it to death and afterword’s they turned to me and I bolted. It was Andrew that gave chase but ended up losing me. After that we met a few times bumping into one other and sometimes literally while working on cases.
It was Andrew who got the work of the Archangels noticed by the department and accepted as an underground force. Of course the mayor had to sign off on it but that wasn't hard after we showed him an imp and told him we protect him from lot worse.
Zeb remained on the down low for the longest time. He met Andrew six years after me for the first time. Even though they acted gruff towards one another there was a respect there and they became friends.
It has been seventeen years since Zeb and me came here. Such a long time and yet seemed so short because we were always busy. Busy protecting people who don't even know we exist.
I sat down as I thought how we could use a comic book series. I was always a fan of the Dark Horse and Marvel I read some DC but after a while it got old especially the Spider-Man spin offs. You know it is a thought I mused to myself as I turned on the TV.
I doubted the tenant would like a late night visit so it would have to wait till morning. Unfortunately I was wide awake and wanted something to do. I flipped through the channels briefly then snarled to myself and turned it off. Getting up I decided to do what I was wanting to do all week. Take a long bath.
Stripping I washed myself in the shower then filled and hopped into a warm bath. I let the steam sink in as I leaned back. It didn't take long for it to completely relax me and left me feeling tired. I knew as soon as I got out my body and mind would clash about sleep and I huffed at myself.
Standing up I got out and dried myself off. Heading to my dresser I pulled out whatever was on top and got dressed. I didn't have any where I wanted to go but I left the bar anyway. Heading to the surface I simply walked around ignoring the looks I got from prostitutes wanting to earn money.
In a way I wanted to be alone with my thoughts but at the same time my brain was fried. With the way the investigation is going it left everyone with more than enough thoughts. Like was Alvû really the bad guy, who was the second demon, why these people etc. I stopped and leaned on a bridge rail as I realized that I had started towards Rosedale without thinking. Antsy was not a good thing to be but if the extremely dark sky was any clue there may be rain tonight.
My mind rotated around it raining and storming all the others died on stormy nights which meant one thing tonight might be that woman’s last night. Setting a brisk pace I dialed for Zeb getting the voicemail I snarled into the phone and told him where I was heading and that there might be trouble. I dialed Andrew next.
“Andrew,” I said as he picked up the phone.
“What now,” he growled at me.
“Does the weather call for rain tonight,” I responded ignoring his tone as I continued down the highway.
“Some small showers in East Hampton area,” he responded confusion lacing his voice.
“Well I'm near Bushwick now and the clouds are thick here. I'm not sure yet but our killer maybe just ready to strike again. I'm heading over to a reported sighting keep your phone on I'll contact you once I know for sure,” I said not waiting for his reply as I broke into a run.
My phone rang against my pocket as I took to running through lawns and jumping fences. More than a few dogs started at my sudden passage but didn't bark until I was almost out of their lawn. I headed down Route 27 my legs burning but once you run long enough it is hard to stop. It wasn't far now as I crossed under 678. Rain started pouring on me and my shoes made wet slaps against the ground.
I paced myself as I headed down Francis Lewis Boulevard looking up at the signs as I passed. 147 was the only other major street so the moment I hit it I started pacing myself down the street. I had to keep brushing hair out of my face as it plastered itself to my skin. The first street on the right was surprisingly Memphis Ave and started up it looking closely at the numbers. Realizing I was far from the house I sped up my pace and kept to the right where the uneven numbers were.
I reached the house its white siding eerie against the darkness. The tree out front swayed against the wind its cut branches barely touching the lines. Cutting through the grass I rushed up the steps and rang the doorbell.
No one answered and I tried the door finding it locked. I headed around back taking note of the car sitting in the back yard. I tried the back door that swung open easily. Taking the knife from my back pocket I opened the door and made my way around trying my best to avoid making noise.
I rounded the corner and looked up the stairs to see the faint shadow of something or someone lying on the floor. Taking the steps slowly I crouched as low as I could. Looking around the corner I saw nothing but the smell of blood was strong. Moving forward I checked all the rooms before turning on the light and looking at the woman's corpse.
It was only half eaten meaning me ringing the doorbell probably spooked it. I looked around the foot prints more than obvious in her blood. Definitely not humanoid in nature as it looked like it had four paws. Hellhounds were not this aggressive so this went well beyond that. Elongated finger like tips; maybe a lizard type monster.
I took out my phone and dialed Andrew. I shook my head as I looked around. I didn't let my guard down a moment as I looked the way the footsteps went.
“Damn it Dusk where are you,” Andrew snapped as he picked up the phone.
“24703 Memphis Ave in Queens. I was late to the party it seems,” I replied as though he just didn't yell at me through the phone.
“Stay right there we are on our way,” he responded as I went around the body and looked down the stairs. “You know I should shoot you for this,” Andrew ranted as I realized the foot prints stopped suddenly at the top of the stairs.
“Andrew,” I said calmly trying to listen for some sign of the beast.
“Don't Andrew me,” He snarled.
“Andrew shut up a moment,” I hissed at him making him quiet.
Looking to the ceiling and walls I made sure it wasn't near me before turning on the stair light. I looked to the foot of the stairs and still no foot prints. So it didn't jump the stairs I mused turning around to see if I missed something near the body.
It took only a moment as something hit me hard sending us both down the stairs. The phone was lost half way down as I used both my hands to keep the snapping jaws from my face. At first I thought there was no teeth until I got a good look in the mouth. At the very back sat a wide tentacle like appendage with barbs for shredding. It couldn't go past the lips hinting at its bad table manners.
Shoving my one arm beneath its jaw I shoved it upward slamming my other hand into my arm for extra push. Punching it in the side of the head I left it open for the double kick I gave it next forcing the beast off me. Getting a small breather I took note of the chameleon like appearance as its eyes swiveled around.
I should have seen it even if it changed colors. It would have had a shadow but there was none like it didn't actually exist. Gripping my hands tighter I realized the phone wasn't the only thing I lost. Cursing I tackled the large lizard my nails becoming more like claws. I managed to blind it in one eye before it darted away. I followed it outside and watched it disappear. Another curse escaped my lips as I looked out into the rain.
Heading back inside I took the stairs two at a time till I found my phone and sat down looking at my knife that lay against a wall at the bottom of the stairs. Hanging the phone up so that buzzing noise would stop I redialed Andrew.
“Dusk,” the question was obvious in his voice.
“Present and breathing,” I sighed out at him.
“We are just now pulling up,” he stated even as I heard the sirens.
“Back door is open,” I said getting up and hanging up. I stretched slightly feeling the ache from that fall.
“Dammit Zeb when I need you your never here,” I grumbled heading down the stairs greeting them as they entered. I pointed up the stairs as they went by.
“Dusk...well what was it,” Andrew said stopping at me.
“What no are you alright,” I said my mood as dark as the sky.
He didn't respond knowing I was being sarcastic.
“A giant Chameleon,” was all I said watching his face turn to confusion.
“It got away,” he asked frowning.
“Unfortunately yes. This beast has no shadow so it may be a conjuration or summoned beast,” I said which meant Alvû was still a definite possibility.
“You say that as though conjuring and summoning is two different things,” Andrew responded his face saying his thoughts were going the same way.
“Summoning brings something forth but a person cannot control it. Deals may be struck but they hold no real power over what they bring forth. Conjuring gives a person complete control,” I explained watching him rub his chin.
“And it can be either,” he said looking at the officers who were listening in.
“Yes for now. I'll narrow it down more,” I said looking at the blood on my hand. “A spell here and a spell there I'll know by tomorrow,” I stated going into the kitchen. Grabbing a wash rag I wiped the blood off and stuffed it in my pocket so that the rain wouldn't wash it away.
“We need to question you of course,” Andrew said following me frowning as he watched me take the rag.
“I called you after talking to one of my contacts and raced here out of worry. The weather was bad meaning something was about to happen and it did. She was dead when I got here and half eaten. The beast hid on a wall and attacked me. I fought it off and then you lot showed... there isn't anything more to tell. If you want a sketch don't get a skeptical artist,” I said my eyes showing the un-amusement I'm sure he shared.
“I hate it just as much,” he replied his eyes hardening at me.
“Fine,” I said sighing. “Start asking away.”
I opened the door into the bar tapping the dirt off my shoes. I had gone back and dug up that body Valurn want to eat. It had been a difficult process with him nagging about being careful so I don't hurt his food. How I could hurt something already dead I'll never know.
Lares waved me over as he passed out drinks. The bar was in full swing too at least thirty people were here. This was we call a good night here in our little sewer bar. It's not like many people knew about this place and we never allowed people we didn't know or recruit.
“What's up Lares,” I said sitting at the bar watching as several people hooped and hollered in time to the song.
“Well we got a hit. My fried Lares from Jamaica said he heard from his friend Lares in Elmont that his friend Lares in Rosedale saw the featureless demon you are looking for,” Lares said quickly giving me a headache.
“So one of the house deities from Rosedale saw the demon,” I replied hoping he didn't have to repeat himself.
“Yep,” he responded.
“I'll need the address and whether or not the the person that is living there is dead already or not,” I said not wanting to chase a dead lead. “When did this happen?”
“Last Thursday Lares said he saw it sneaking around the house after its tenant got in. She had brought home a boyfriend too that is probably why he didn't make a move.
“You know I use to be jealous of the other Lares that protected above ground homes but not now. I mean at least down here if I meet a vicious monster its unlikely to kill me cause of you all,” Lares said smiling at the last part.
“She still alive and where,” I said ignoring Lares ramble.
“Alright here you are I couldn't possibly remember it all so had my friend Lares write it down,” Lares said smiling as he handed me a folded napkin. I said thank you holding back the roll of my eyes as I got up.
Heading downstairs I unfolded the napkin as I went. 24703 Memphis Ave it read making me think. There were not many named streets in that area so it shouldn't be hard to find. Folding it back up I stuffed it in my coat pocket and hung the coat up. I took out my phone and turned it on. I had turned it off for the meeting which had gone better than I expected.
Andrew was still mad at me but agreed about going to the gym. He mainly sat and listened at our monster talk. Half the time he looked ready to face palm as we thought up something he deemed nonexistent.
I had met Andrew after being in Manhattan for five years. He was working a case and so was I. It was a woopsie moment as I chased a large Thorn Bearer into his police line. A Thorn Bearer is a type of plant like demon and as the name suggest it has thorns about two feet long on its hands and smaller ones on its body.
The police claimed the kill by shooting it to death and afterword’s they turned to me and I bolted. It was Andrew that gave chase but ended up losing me. After that we met a few times bumping into one other and sometimes literally while working on cases.
It was Andrew who got the work of the Archangels noticed by the department and accepted as an underground force. Of course the mayor had to sign off on it but that wasn't hard after we showed him an imp and told him we protect him from lot worse.
Zeb remained on the down low for the longest time. He met Andrew six years after me for the first time. Even though they acted gruff towards one another there was a respect there and they became friends.
It has been seventeen years since Zeb and me came here. Such a long time and yet seemed so short because we were always busy. Busy protecting people who don't even know we exist.
I sat down as I thought how we could use a comic book series. I was always a fan of the Dark Horse and Marvel I read some DC but after a while it got old especially the Spider-Man spin offs. You know it is a thought I mused to myself as I turned on the TV.
I doubted the tenant would like a late night visit so it would have to wait till morning. Unfortunately I was wide awake and wanted something to do. I flipped through the channels briefly then snarled to myself and turned it off. Getting up I decided to do what I was wanting to do all week. Take a long bath.
Stripping I washed myself in the shower then filled and hopped into a warm bath. I let the steam sink in as I leaned back. It didn't take long for it to completely relax me and left me feeling tired. I knew as soon as I got out my body and mind would clash about sleep and I huffed at myself.
Standing up I got out and dried myself off. Heading to my dresser I pulled out whatever was on top and got dressed. I didn't have any where I wanted to go but I left the bar anyway. Heading to the surface I simply walked around ignoring the looks I got from prostitutes wanting to earn money.
In a way I wanted to be alone with my thoughts but at the same time my brain was fried. With the way the investigation is going it left everyone with more than enough thoughts. Like was Alvû really the bad guy, who was the second demon, why these people etc. I stopped and leaned on a bridge rail as I realized that I had started towards Rosedale without thinking. Antsy was not a good thing to be but if the extremely dark sky was any clue there may be rain tonight.
My mind rotated around it raining and storming all the others died on stormy nights which meant one thing tonight might be that woman’s last night. Setting a brisk pace I dialed for Zeb getting the voicemail I snarled into the phone and told him where I was heading and that there might be trouble. I dialed Andrew next.
“Andrew,” I said as he picked up the phone.
“What now,” he growled at me.
“Does the weather call for rain tonight,” I responded ignoring his tone as I continued down the highway.
“Some small showers in East Hampton area,” he responded confusion lacing his voice.
“Well I'm near Bushwick now and the clouds are thick here. I'm not sure yet but our killer maybe just ready to strike again. I'm heading over to a reported sighting keep your phone on I'll contact you once I know for sure,” I said not waiting for his reply as I broke into a run.
My phone rang against my pocket as I took to running through lawns and jumping fences. More than a few dogs started at my sudden passage but didn't bark until I was almost out of their lawn. I headed down Route 27 my legs burning but once you run long enough it is hard to stop. It wasn't far now as I crossed under 678. Rain started pouring on me and my shoes made wet slaps against the ground.
I paced myself as I headed down Francis Lewis Boulevard looking up at the signs as I passed. 147 was the only other major street so the moment I hit it I started pacing myself down the street. I had to keep brushing hair out of my face as it plastered itself to my skin. The first street on the right was surprisingly Memphis Ave and started up it looking closely at the numbers. Realizing I was far from the house I sped up my pace and kept to the right where the uneven numbers were.
I reached the house its white siding eerie against the darkness. The tree out front swayed against the wind its cut branches barely touching the lines. Cutting through the grass I rushed up the steps and rang the doorbell.
No one answered and I tried the door finding it locked. I headed around back taking note of the car sitting in the back yard. I tried the back door that swung open easily. Taking the knife from my back pocket I opened the door and made my way around trying my best to avoid making noise.
I rounded the corner and looked up the stairs to see the faint shadow of something or someone lying on the floor. Taking the steps slowly I crouched as low as I could. Looking around the corner I saw nothing but the smell of blood was strong. Moving forward I checked all the rooms before turning on the light and looking at the woman's corpse.
It was only half eaten meaning me ringing the doorbell probably spooked it. I looked around the foot prints more than obvious in her blood. Definitely not humanoid in nature as it looked like it had four paws. Hellhounds were not this aggressive so this went well beyond that. Elongated finger like tips; maybe a lizard type monster.
I took out my phone and dialed Andrew. I shook my head as I looked around. I didn't let my guard down a moment as I looked the way the footsteps went.
“Damn it Dusk where are you,” Andrew snapped as he picked up the phone.
“24703 Memphis Ave in Queens. I was late to the party it seems,” I replied as though he just didn't yell at me through the phone.
“Stay right there we are on our way,” he responded as I went around the body and looked down the stairs. “You know I should shoot you for this,” Andrew ranted as I realized the foot prints stopped suddenly at the top of the stairs.
“Andrew,” I said calmly trying to listen for some sign of the beast.
“Don't Andrew me,” He snarled.
“Andrew shut up a moment,” I hissed at him making him quiet.
Looking to the ceiling and walls I made sure it wasn't near me before turning on the stair light. I looked to the foot of the stairs and still no foot prints. So it didn't jump the stairs I mused turning around to see if I missed something near the body.
It took only a moment as something hit me hard sending us both down the stairs. The phone was lost half way down as I used both my hands to keep the snapping jaws from my face. At first I thought there was no teeth until I got a good look in the mouth. At the very back sat a wide tentacle like appendage with barbs for shredding. It couldn't go past the lips hinting at its bad table manners.
Shoving my one arm beneath its jaw I shoved it upward slamming my other hand into my arm for extra push. Punching it in the side of the head I left it open for the double kick I gave it next forcing the beast off me. Getting a small breather I took note of the chameleon like appearance as its eyes swiveled around.
I should have seen it even if it changed colors. It would have had a shadow but there was none like it didn't actually exist. Gripping my hands tighter I realized the phone wasn't the only thing I lost. Cursing I tackled the large lizard my nails becoming more like claws. I managed to blind it in one eye before it darted away. I followed it outside and watched it disappear. Another curse escaped my lips as I looked out into the rain.
Heading back inside I took the stairs two at a time till I found my phone and sat down looking at my knife that lay against a wall at the bottom of the stairs. Hanging the phone up so that buzzing noise would stop I redialed Andrew.
“Dusk,” the question was obvious in his voice.
“Present and breathing,” I sighed out at him.
“We are just now pulling up,” he stated even as I heard the sirens.
“Back door is open,” I said getting up and hanging up. I stretched slightly feeling the ache from that fall.
“Dammit Zeb when I need you your never here,” I grumbled heading down the stairs greeting them as they entered. I pointed up the stairs as they went by.
“Dusk...well what was it,” Andrew said stopping at me.
“What no are you alright,” I said my mood as dark as the sky.
He didn't respond knowing I was being sarcastic.
“A giant Chameleon,” was all I said watching his face turn to confusion.
“It got away,” he asked frowning.
“Unfortunately yes. This beast has no shadow so it may be a conjuration or summoned beast,” I said which meant Alvû was still a definite possibility.
“You say that as though conjuring and summoning is two different things,” Andrew responded his face saying his thoughts were going the same way.
“Summoning brings something forth but a person cannot control it. Deals may be struck but they hold no real power over what they bring forth. Conjuring gives a person complete control,” I explained watching him rub his chin.
“And it can be either,” he said looking at the officers who were listening in.
“Yes for now. I'll narrow it down more,” I said looking at the blood on my hand. “A spell here and a spell there I'll know by tomorrow,” I stated going into the kitchen. Grabbing a wash rag I wiped the blood off and stuffed it in my pocket so that the rain wouldn't wash it away.
“We need to question you of course,” Andrew said following me frowning as he watched me take the rag.
“I called you after talking to one of my contacts and raced here out of worry. The weather was bad meaning something was about to happen and it did. She was dead when I got here and half eaten. The beast hid on a wall and attacked me. I fought it off and then you lot showed... there isn't anything more to tell. If you want a sketch don't get a skeptical artist,” I said my eyes showing the un-amusement I'm sure he shared.
“I hate it just as much,” he replied his eyes hardening at me.
“Fine,” I said sighing. “Start asking away.”
