The Mythos Unveiled (Demona series) (3 page)

“I
suppose vampires, werewolves, and witches?” Demona said.

“Yes,
but there are also a wide variety of others we might be confronting. Fairies,
demons, ghosts, dragons… the list goes on. There are also several different
races of some of these species,” Balen said.

“Can…can
I ask? What species is Bergfalk? I couldn’t tell.”

“Dragon.”

“Wow!”

Dragons
were rarely heard of. They were defiantly an old and rare species. It was no
wonder Bergfalk was so beautiful and elegant; dragons were known to possess an
ancient gracefulness.

“I
just got a call from Darius. He wants Lobo brought in,” Agrippa said.

“Again?”
Balen said. As Balen and Demona entered the office Agrippa handed the report to
them. “Are you ready, Brennan?”

“I
guess,” Demona said. “What’s our assignment?”

“Here’s
the file, take a look for yourself,” Balen said.

Demona
reached for the folder and opened it on the counter before her. She gasped at
the images on top of the file.
Him!

There
were two pictures on the first page. One of the pictures was a mug shot of a
tanned man with black hair and pale blue eyes. The second was a snapshot of a
wolf. Its eyes gleamed and its lips pulled back in a snarling grin.

That is one angry
wolf. He’s the one they’re always sending memos out about when he’s causing
trouble.

Name:
Lobo Blake

Age:
27

Species:
Dire Werewolf

Description:
In Lobo’s human form he is rugged,
muscular, and stands at five foot tall. Lobo has black hair and blue eyes. He
has poor hygiene and long nails. In Lobo’s wolf form he is a dire wolf. Lobo is
smaller than average, but vicious. He has a strong sense of smell and quick
reflexes. Lobo is a bone crusher. Avoid his teeth at all costs.

Other Notes:
Lobo is also dangerous in human form.
Be cautious when approaching. His transformation is quick. Lobo is one of the
dirtiest fighters out there. Be prepared for anything. He has no regard for
TGHC and he is extremely difficult to capture.

She
skimmed over the list of crimes. He was wanted for domestic violence,
aggravated assault, aggravated battery, and murder. Apparently Lobo was wanted
this time for being a rogue werewolf. He was also wanted for being in danger of
exposure. Lobo was to be brought in by any means necessary.

“Geez,
this guy is crazy!” Demona said.

“Lobo
is very dangerous. I had difficultly catching him previously. That was before
the murder charges and treachery charges were brought up. He won’t go without a
fight. Be prepared for anything. When we get there try to be as quiet as
possible. Stay behind me and do not do anything heroic, because if you do you
will not make it to the end of the day,” Balen said.

“So,
how do we find him?”

“We’ll
have to track him down. We’ll need to find out if anyone has seen him lately.”

“Who
do we ask?”

“Logan,
an imp. We’ll need to find him in Terra Hollow, probably at Club Chamber,”
Balen said.

Terra
Hollow was an underground city located in several cavern chambers. It was the
hub of activity for supernatural creatures of all kinds. There were three main
caverns in the market district called Bazaar Hall, the residential section, and
Club Chamber. Club Chamber was an underground club, where all things nasty
found entertainment, dancing, and crime. It was reputed to be the most
dangerous place in the city. Demona had never been brave enough to go to Terra
Hollow on her own.

A
majority of their kind resided in Terra Hollow, especially those that looked
less human. It was difficult for them to continuously disguise themselves in the
world above, so they felt more at home in the cavernous city. Most vampires,
witches, and werewolves lived among humans where they were still able to blend
into their world. They were more comfortable with that way of life, since they
had been human at one point.

Demona
knew that the majority of TGHC’s employees frequented Club Chamber. She
supposed the reason was that it was the only place where their kind could truly
be themselves, without risking exposure. Still, Demona found the idea of going
there appalling.

Chapter 3

Trouble with
Werewolves

Balen
and Demona descended a long windy stairway, with steps cut from clay and rock.
A drop of excess rainwater fell from the roots above and landed on Demona’s
face as she walked below. The walls on either side were a mixture of clay and
roots. Demona’s stomach clenched the further they descended the stairs and she
followed Balen around one final bend.

They
entered into an enormous cavern where stalactites and stalagmites protruded
from both the ceiling and floor. Along the sides of the entrance were several
stands. It looked as if most were run by witches from a variety of covens and
practices. At each of the stands they sold various ingredients that pertained
to their own craft. At one stand candles of various colors were displayed.
Demona also saw herbs, fortune telling cards, and pendants. At another stand
were shrunken heads, skulls, and wooden masks.

Demona
noticed the air in Terra Hollow was damp and musty. There were tunnel entrances
to different chambers branching off in various directions leading to different
parts of the city and the residential area. Demona heard the bumping of music
from an entrance where people were standing in line. The air coming out of the
chamber billowed with smoke and fog.

They
approached the entrance to Club Chamber as Demona followed closely behind
Balen. They walked around a few stalagmites, until he reached the entrance of
the club. A cyclops stood with his arms crossed over his chest. He wore a
t-shirt with security written in bright yellow lettering. Demona had never seen
a cyclops before and tried to avert her eyes, however her gaze kept drifting
back to the single eye on his forehead.

“Golias,
I need to speak with Logan about some business,” Balen said.

“Don’t
cause any trouble. Go on through,” Golias said.

They
entered the tunnel that took them into the club. Strobe lights flashed and
colored spotlights danced around the room. The lights illuminated a sea of
dancing bodies. Machines spat out fog that spread over a dance floor in the
center of the room. The music was so loud that she could feel the bass thumping
through the air. It made Demona feel as if her heart were beating once again.

I wonder if this
is what a rave looks like?

Located
on either side of the dance floor was a bar lit up with fluorescent colored
lights. Seated on stools that lined the bar were different races and species of
creatures. Behind the dance floor was a section of tables where those who
needed a break could rest. Balen pushed his way through the dancers towards the
tables. He stopped at a booth where a tiny middle aged man sat.

The
little man’s head bobbed and his short legs swung back and forth. The little
man seemed to be having such a good time that he did not notice the pair standing
at his table. He reminded Demona of a child.

Balen
indicated for Demona to have a seat.

The
imp seemed momentarily startled by their presence, until he caught the beat of
the music again and bobbed his head along.

“I’m
looking for Lobo Blake!” Balen said

“Blake
is it? You misplaced him!” Logan asked.

“Yes,”
Balen said.

The
little imp’s eyes had glazed over and his body went limp. He seemed to withdraw
into his mind for a period of time.

“We’ll
have to wait a few minutes, until he’s done,” Balen said.

“What’s
he doing? How do you know he’ll tell us where Lobo is?” Demona asked.

“He’s
an imp. He’ll do anything if he thinks he’s helping you find something lost,
especially if there is music playing nearby.”

The
imp seemed to regain consciousness and returned his gaze to Balen. “Blake is at
a cabin in the mountains. It is remote, with many pine trees, and is at the end
of a long gravel driveway. Head north on route 81. Then, go towards the
Poconos. You will know when he is near,” Logan said.

“I
owe you one,” Balen said. He slapped the table. Then, Balen pushed the chair
out and rose to his feet.

“That’s
it?” Demona asked.

“It’s
enough,” Balen said.

They
rose from their seat and fought their way through the dancers. Demona noticed
that Bergfalk had entered the club. She wore a sleek black dress with a slit up
the side of her left leg. Her high pumps made her seem to tower over Demona
when she approached. She looked even more radiant than when they had seen her
earlier. Demona reached up and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Kerrick.
I suppose you were here to see Logan about a man?” Bergfalk asked. “Come, have
a dance with me before you leave.” She placed both of her hands on Balen’s
forearms as if attempting to keep him focused only on her.

“Another
time, Salina. I have work to do. Darius has us hunting down Lobo,” Balen said.

“That
dolt? When will he ever learn to stay out of trouble?” Bergfalk asked. She
shook her head.

“Never
would be my guess!” Balen said.

“Well,
take care and do not forget you owe me a dance,” Bergfalk said. She went around
Balen towards the dance floor.

Balen
turned and watched Bergfalk for a moment. He tried to make it seem as if he was
just slowly turning in Demona’s direction, but he was admiring Bergfalk’s
retreating figure.

****

Balen
pulled his car onto a gravel driveway and it led into a forest. He stopped the
car half way down the drive. He opened his door and stepped out. The towering
green pines groaned in the breeze. Balen went to the trunk of his car and
opened it. It was an arsenal of sorts, stocked with a variety of weapons.
First, he pulled out a silver stake.

“Silver
only acts as a poison to werewolves. It will not kill them, but it slows down
their reflexes. It can be used as protection against whatever you view as evil.
For example, someone might use it against us as protection, if they view us as
evil. It is all in the perception of those wielding the weapon.

“If
Lobo comes at you, skedaddle. Do not let him corner you. If you find yourself
in a bad situation thrust the stake at him. It will slow him down, but only if
you pierce the skin,” Balen said.

Balen
demonstrated how to use the stake. “This position is best for close contact and
average sized foes.” Balen stood with both feet planted firmly on the ground.
The stake was clasped in both of his hands positioned with the point facing
away from his torso. He moved the dagger forward in quick thrusting motions.

“This
is best for fast approaching, larger foes,” Balen said. He demonstrated again,
in the same position, but with his arms raised above his head. He brought the
stake down in a quick thrust, then handed the stake to Demona.

“This
is for protection more than for fighting. Today you’re to observe.” Balen
caressed a dagger. “This is my favorite weapon, above all other weapons. It is
easy to conceal, easy to handle, and great for speed. This one is also made of
silver.” Balen looked admiringly at the dagger and stuck it back into a sheath
attached to his belt.

They
began walking down the gravel drive as the sun loomed high above. When they
walked through trees the sunlight began to grow dimmer, as it was blocked by
the towering pines. In the near distance Balen spotted a dilapidated shack.
They stopped. Balen crouched down and signaled for Demona to do the same.

Demona
was about to speak, but he signaled her to be quiet. She glanced back and forth
between Balen and the shack. He seemed to be waiting for something as he stared
forward for what felt like minutes.

“Lobo
is here,” Balen said. “There’s blood on the porch, he has probably fed. This
will slow down his transformation; it gives us a slight advantage. Be cautious.
If anything happens to me get to the car and get out of here.”

Balen
withdrew his dagger. He held it in front of him as he began to sneak his way
towards the shack, taking cover behind objects along way. He halted in front of
the porch steps and signaled for Demona to stay where she was.

Demona
shifted in her crouched position and the needles below her feet crunched louder
than expected.
Uh-oh!

Balen’s
eyes popped open and he quickly stood. Through the screen door burst a
grotesque half man, half beast. Lobo was clearly in-between transformation. He
let out a deep growl and for a moment their eyes were locked together. His
claws and teeth were starting to lengthen and sharpen to a point. Balen
signaled to Demona to retreat. Lobo’s eyes glanced towards Demona and seemed to
pass her over as a minor threat.

Balen’s
body rippled slightly, as he and Lobo began to step closer to one another.
Balen’s fangs had grown in length and his nails grew slightly longer. His skin
took on a gray metallic sheen.

I never thought
the kataphraktos would look like that!

Vampires
that were chosen to become agents were known to transform into a battle ready
body. They called it
kataphraktos.
Demona
had heard stories about the transformation and that the skin took on an almost
thin armor like texture.

It is beautiful
in a creepy kind of way.

Demona
glanced back at Lobo. By this time Lobo’s nails had grown to be about three
inches in length and his bared canine teeth revealed several more dangerous
weapons. Balen gripped the hilt of his dagger tighter. After a few moments,
Lobo made the first sweeping attack with his claws. Balen dodged the attack and
struck Lobo unexpectedly in the ribs. Lobo recovered quickly moving backwards,
so the blade could not penetrate too deeply. They both regained their composure
and began circling again.

Demona
stood wide eyed as she watched the two go back and forth
. Come on Balen
!

Lobo
swiped again aiming for Balen’s face. Balen dodged again and struck once more
at Lobo, this time missing him by inches. Lobo struck again, following it up
with a lunge. His teeth were bared and ready to sink into any body part that he
could bite into. Balen’s quick reflexes prevented Lobo from piercing the skin,
but his teeth shredded the sleeve of Balen’s jacket. Balen managed to pierce
Lobo’s hide with his dagger a few more times.

Lobo
had difficulty dodging Balen’s attacks and landing any hits of his own. Then,
Balen pulled something from his pocket.

Is that a
necklace?

Demona
tried to get a better look, but before she could a howl came from behind her.
Before she knew what was happening, something large and hairy raced past her,
knocked her to the ground, and headed in Balen’s direction.

“Balen,
look out! Another wolf!” Demona said.

Moments
later the wolf leapt on Balen’s back. He bolted to the side allowing the wolf a
hard impact with the ground. Lobo stood breathing deeply as the second wolf
spun around. Both inched towards Balen ready to strike at the same time. With
great speed the second wolf attacked and with Lobo’s aid they quickly overcame
Balen. Balen was pinned below the savage creatures.

Demona
had a hard time seeing what was happening, as dust drifted up around their
forms. She saw Balen trying to hold both of the wolves off. His dagger had
fallen away from him. Balen slashed at the wolves with his nails, but was
unable to penetrate their skin.

Demona
quickly raced to Balen’s aid. Before she knew what she had done she slammed the
stake into Lobo’s back. Lobo’s transformation was almost complete, masses of
hair sprouted from all over his body. When Lobo turned Demona saw the look of
anger spread across his hairy face and a snarl emanated from his foaming jowl.
Oh crap!

Lobo’s
gruesome smile and razor sharp teeth mocked her. It would take merely one
impact of his paw to snap her neck. Lobo and Demona’s eyes were locked. Both
knew what was about to happen. Lobo began to leap towards her.

Demona
began to back away, but she tripped and stumbled to the ground.

Suddenly,
a strong wind blew through the trees. Lobo raised his paw to strike as he drew
nearer. It seemed time had frozen as she tried to scramble backwards away from
him. Demona continued to stare death in the eye and she became aware of a
distant cracking sound.

The
ground seemed to shift below her and a dust cloud surrounded her making it hard
to see. A second later Lobo was gone. The dust began to settle and only feet
from her lay a fallen pine tree.
 
Lobo
was struggling underneath the tree and attempting to break the branches that
were holding him prisoner. He snarled, and dug his claws into the dirt in an
attempt to pull himself free.

Balen
approached her, after having subdued the second wolf with some type of charm.
He threw two charms around Lobo’s neck and turned to shake reality back into
Demona.

“You
alright?” Balen asked. He searched her for injuries, while he favored his own
left arm.