Chapter 5: Uncharted Territory

Three years ago…

With the long road ahead, our wooden carriages jitter and creak as we approach the Avian country of Cyclones Eye. It’s become apparent that while Father's expertise has led us to a string of successes during our last few encounters with the beastmen, it is creating a pattern that has allowed them to ambush us in kind. It’s been a close call, with most of the retaliation happening during dusk, but it’s just that, a close call. It's why we’re heading toward the nearby caves in Cyclone's Eye to hunker down.

Cyclones Eye is known for its lush mountainous regions and clear blue skies, with trees that rival even the heights of those found in the elven territory of Elise. Or at least that’s what father told us. And sure, his skills have proven to be both a blessing and curse; we’ve avoided getting badly burned so far.

“Sir, how much longer?” yells one of the warriors pulling one of our many wagons along the dirt road.

“We’re close to the border.” Father mentions while heading the front of the group with a book in hand.

“But sir, you’ve been saying that for hours now…”

From inside my carriage, I overhear the other warrior’s complaining, and it’s true. I’ve been staring at what seems like the same scenery from this window for a while now. An endless row of trees with an occasional clearing that turns into another dirt path ever so often. If I didn’t know any better, I would begin to doubt that we were even moving.

With a sigh, I close the red curtains and slouch over on my cushioned seat. The steady creaking of the wheels outside along with the dimly lit lanterns in the corner causes me to feel a bit drowsy. It’s always like this for me during transport, but it’s not like I can complain. With how long we’ve been traveling, the sun should be coming up soon. And since Mother and Father told me to remain inside, they wouldn’t mind if I slept early. They wouldn’t…mind at…all…

“...”

“Dammit Astaroth!”

Startled by the sudden yell, I jump up and pull the curtain aside.

“It’s still night time…” I mutter, before there’s a knock on the door.

“Sintobi, are you awake!?” Theresa shouts while knocking.

As I rush to unlock the carriage door, I hear more yelling.

“Marco stand down!” Mother yells.

After opening the door, Theresa grabs my arm and pulls me out the carriage onto the flattened dirt road.

“This is bad.” she warns while still pulling my arm, but I pull back.

“Wait, what’s going on? I thought we were almost there.” I ask her, as the arguing continues from beside the front of my carriage.

“Stand down?! He’s leading us on a wild goose chase into Avian territory, with nary a goose in sight!” shouts Theresa’s dad, Marco, as he steps towards Father.

“I said, stand down!” Mother shouts while stepping between both of them. “We just need to set up camp-”

“Becca, you know we can’t do that…” mentions Jess, as she rubs Marco's shoulder. “Dear, please calm down.”

“How can you be so calm?” Marco asks, his face twisted in fear. “There isn’t a single hill or mountain in sight, despite us traveling for hours! If we don’t make it before sunrise, we’re-”

“Dead, I know…” she says, as her hold on Eena’s hand starts to tremble. And with Theresa wrapped around my arm, I notice she’s shaking too.

Everyone else murmurs to each other in fear of stepping out of line themselves, yet the reality is clear. Everyone is scared, but no one wants to air out their concerns. If all of us were to get upset, things would quickly fall apart. But whispering is just short panicking.

Mikel rushes up to the two of us.

“You guys okay?” he asks, staring at Theresa on my arm.

“Y-yeah, we’re fine!” She says while averting her gaze, as she releases my arm to grab hold of my hand. Though with our hands interlocked, I can still tell how afraid she is.

“Uh, yeah I’m fine too…” I respond, not wanting to acknowledge her discomfort. I don’t want to seem tactless.

Everyone goes quiet as a gust of wind rushes past, rustling the surrounding trees along our path. Even the lanterns affixed to the sides of our wagons and carriages shudder, heightening the feeling of unease. And as it lets up, the ambient sounds of the forest return. It’s only a matter of time before morning comes to shine its light upon all of us.

Father snaps his book shut, drawing everyone's attention.

“It seems I overestimated how close we were to the border…” He explains to everyone before turning to Marco. “However, rest assured, that gust of wind means we’re close.”

Everyone starts murmuring again, but it sounds more hopeful this time.

“How much further is it?” Jess asks, still clenching Eena’s hand.

“Believe me when I say this, but we’re close… We have to hurry though, the sun will be rising in a couple of hours.” Father explains, with a glance toward Mother.

She gives him a nod and turns to the rest of us. “Alright everyone, grab anything you can carry! We’re leaving behind anything that can’t be carried on our backs!”

With a resounding ‘yes’, everyone scrambles to unload the wagons. The clicks of the numerous latches and locks along with the creaking hinges of each crate, creates a chaotic atmosphere. Theresa gives Mikel and I an earnest look, before joining her parent's side to help.

Their desperation emanates an aroma so strong that I have to shake my head just to keep myself from feeling lightheaded. It only started recently, but my senses have started attributing the emotions of those around me to specific scents, and this time it’s a burning smell. It’s as if I’m inhaling the smoke from a forest fire.

“Are you alright?” asks Mother, as her and Father walk up to me.

“My head is killing me…” I moan, as the smell fills my lungs. Even if I were to pinch my nose, the dizziness wouldn’t subside. It’s as if my entire body has a sense of smell.

“It must be his overly keen sense of smell. And here we thought it was yet another boon…” Father says while rubbing his chin. “You can stand inside while we finish packing, it shouldn’t-”

“No!” I yell while trying to shake this feeling, as my nose starts bleeding. “I want to help everyone!”

“Well, if you say so…” Father says with a smirk before turning to Mikel. “Do keep an eye on him.”

“Yes of course!” Mikel says with a salute, as they join the others.

With everyone rushing to pack supplies, I climb back inside for my facemask. As I’m putting it on, the mandrake inside wakes up, inserts its roots up my nose, and starts feeding on my leaking blood. There’s a tingling sensation that lights up my senses for a few seconds; that subsides with a single breath.

While seeing everyone scrambling to gather supplies is unnerving, it’s also reassuring. None of us want to face the coming daylight, which is why we’re working so hard to avoid it. But even still, there’s an odd one out.

As we're helping Theresa and her parents, it’s easy to see why he stands out. Because unlike Theresa and I, Mikel doesn’t have a family. The adults say his mother ran off one night, but since no one knew much about her, no one is sure why. She was an outsider they’d taken in, which makes Mikel one as well. An anomaly.

A flurry of wind grazes past us as we continue along this river running through this mountainous valley. The frigid breeze dancing atop the water leaves a chill running my spine, causing my breath to form clouds. Gazing up at the mountains looming overhead, I understand why the avians settled here.

Tufts of sparse greenery flourish from the river bank, encroaching halfway up the base of mountains, leaving a bare, craggy surface near the peak. It’s almost like the mountains are resisting the spread of nature itself. But with only our lanterns to guide us, it’s hard to see what’s higher up.

Our eyes may be attuned to the night, but the extent of our vision is only above average. So while everything may seem daunting, this is just a small part of Cyclones Eye’s territory.

After another few minutes, we find a cave leading inside one of the mountains. With many of us rejoicing, a strong scent comes over me again, which doesn't make sense. If everyone is happy celebrating around me, then why am I smelling choco-

“Cock-a-doodle-doo!”

“Cock-a-doodle-doo!!”

“Cock-a-doodle-doo!!!”

The cawing gets louder and louder, like sirens rushing towards the scene. At the same time, multiple huge figures drop from the sky with long spears pointing downwards, piercing those of us standing below.

“Ambush!” Father screams out, as he jumps into the air and knocks aside one of the figures.

Everyone else springs into action with a battle cry in hopes of avenging those who were crushed and impaled. As they scatter, I’m doused in the scent of melting chocolate, so I hop away, leaving the assailant to thrust his spear into the ground.

Now getting a good look at the feathered figure, I understand how they got the jump on us. The sturdy, hulking mass standing before me is a rooster man with long orangish feathers covering his body that are darker on its wings and tail. As he wrestles out the spear it dug into the ground, his muscular arms flex and twitch until it gives way.

He turns to me. His beady black eyes fixed on me like a looming statue.

“Intruder! Intruder!” he caws while hitting the base of his spear against the ground.

“Sorry, but I’ve been waiting to get some sleep.” I say while it continues repeating the same thing. I take off my mask and bite down on my fingernails, crushing them into pieces and leaving the blood to gush out from each finger on my right hand.

“Cock-a-doodle-doo!” he caws with his beak wide open, as he spreads his dark wings into a lunge.

With a wave of my hand, streams of blood seep out from underneath my mangled cuticles forming crimson strands.

“Blood Puppetry: Blood Serpents!” I shout, commanding them to intercept the hulking bird.

Mother and Father said to only use this when I’m in trouble, and I’m pretty sure these circumstances suffice. Although, It does sucks that I haven’t had much practice using this, since I’m not allowed to use it during my training with Mikel, even if it’s for the sake of showing off. But it’s a good thing that manipulating my blood comes as second nature as breathing.

As the rooster man swipes his spear at the streams of blood wisping through the air, each of them maneuvers around his strikes to pierce his body. He lets out another cry while swiping away at my serpents, but I have him right where I want him. Like sewing needles, each serpent thread in and out of his body, causing indiscriminate wounds across his entire body. Yet, it still pushes forward.

“Intruder!” he caws, thrusting his spear towards my eye.

Shifting my head to the side, I kick away his spear before grabbing his dark feathers and digging my claws into his wings. As he caws out in pain, the strong aroma of honey confirms his fear. But as he shakes his wing in an attempt to knock me off, he hits me with a swift kick to the stomach, leaving me to tumble into the river.

As I get up, I wince at the burning sensation above my hip. When looking down, I notice my blood pooling in the water around me. The rooster caws once more, only this time it's laughter. Taking a closer look, I realize my mistake. There’s a sharp spur on the back of his leg.

“Intruder! Die! Intruder! Die!” he caws out while stomping and shaking the red giblets on his head.

His speech seems limited to just a few words, but he knows what he’s doing. To pull off a successful ambush like that takes the element of surprise. It’s not everyday we encounter a group that uses the same tactics as us, but did it have to be tonight?

There’s no doubt in my mind that we’ll win, but the clock is ticking. And with everyone still fending off these feathered freaks, it’s only a matter of time before the sun rises.

“Die! Intruder!” He caws, before spreading his wings into a leap.

He thinks the reason I’m still sitting here in this river is because I’m injured, but what he doesn't know…

“Will hurt you!” I shout with a thrust of my hand, causing my blood to spring up from the water, forming spikes and spears around me like the peaks and valleys of the mountains around us.

His face twists into fear, knowing that he can't avoid all of them, though he still tries. He flaps his wings in an attempt to change course midair, but with one last caw, he’s impaled.

“That would have been a lot easier if I was used to it…” I say to myself, standing up in the river.

With a deep breath, I dissolve my blood spikes into the water, leaving it to flow down the river along with my opponent. Seeing as how he is floating down the river with numerous holes running through him, it’s safe to say he’s dead.

With another deep breath, I start healing the gaping wound on my side. This would usually take forever to heal, but with all this adrenaline pumping through me, my healing factor seems to have increased.

“How does my body even work-” I mutter, as I notice something on the river's surface.

My shadow…No!

Looking up behind me, I see the sun creeping up from a mountain in the distance.

“The sun! The sun is rising! It’s ris-” I try screaming out to the others, but it hits me. A searing pain hits the back of my neck as I’m running towards them.

“Sintobi!” Mother shouts while gouging out the throats of two rooster warriors with both hands. “Hold on honey, I’m com- Ow!!”

She yelps out while shielding her eyes from the encroaching sunrise, only for it to start withering her palms as well.

“Dammit! Everyone, forget the supplies, get inside the cave!” Father shouts.

Everyone drops whatever supplies or weapons they have and start running inside the cave. The searing pain spreads to my back and quickly fills my chest. So this is what it’s like to wither away… Not even the clothes on my back can shield me from it, but I have to persevere no matter what. I will make it-

“Cock-a-cock-a-cock-a-doodle-dooooooooooooooooooooooo!”

“Cock-a-cock-a-cock-a-doodle-dooooooooooooooooooooooo!!”

“Cock-a-cock-a-cock-a-doodle-dooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!”

“They're even louder than before, what are they…dammit, no!” I shout, realizing their sights are still set on us.

With each of them taking a giant leap into the air, the remaining rooster warriors tackle some of us that were rushing towards the cave. They're using their hulking mass to pin us down as the rising sun saps away our strength, making it impossible for us to fight back. The chaos brought on by our fear of the sun is being used against us.

“This isn’t fair… you’re fighting dirty!” I yell out, causing a searing pain in my throat.

As they scream out in pain under their weight, the roosters peck at their faces, gouging out their eyes and throats as if they were feed thrown into the coop. Yet their only solace from the pain is the withering of their bodies under the morning sun, and knowing that makes my blood boil.

Shadows form beneath my feet, but I don’t need to look up to know I’m next. To a vampire, dying under the sun is akin to nature taking its course, and makes my blood boil even more…

“To the point I want to explode!” I scream out, using all of my remaining strength to push my legs forward. But that feeling keeps building. And building. And building, until…

“My body is…” I mutter, as my legs give out and my hearts stop beating.

“...”

“...Sintobi…Sintobi…Sintobi!”

Opening my eyes, I see a lone stalagmite above me, as a droplet of water drips onto my face. Looking to the side, I find Theresa and Eena sitting on the ground next to me.

“What happened-” I try asking while sitting up, as I’m caught in their sudden embrace.

“Thank goodness you’re okay!” Theresa shouts on the verge of tears, as Eena buries her teary face against my chest. Yet hearing their voices bounce off the craggy stone walls deepens my confusion.

The last thing I remember was tripping and falling, but now I’m in the cave.

“Did…How did I get here?” I ask with hesitation, bracing myself for the possibility that one of the warriors sacrificed themselves for me.

Theresa pulls away her embrace and rubs her eyes. “You mean you don't remember?”

“Remember what?” I ask, noticing her troubled expression while I rub Eena’s head.

“You tripped and fell while running towards us, but before you hit the ground, you started crawling on all fours.” She explains with a glimmer in her eyes. “All of us were afraid you weren’t gonna make it, but that look in your eyes-”

“Theresa!” Mikels shouts before walking inside this chamber of the cave; his bare feet squelching against the moist stone with each step.

“One of the warriors decided to help you after breaking free from the rooster, but he still ended up losing his life…” Mikel explains while kneeling down at eye level.

“No way…” I mutter before slamming my fist against the ground. I know Mother and Father believe I’m special, but no one should have to throw their life away to save me. It’s my fault that I couldn’t make it to the cave.

Still laying on my chest, Eena sniffles. “I’m happy you're okay…”

“All of us are…” Mikel says with a smile. “Your parents are planning a ceremony for those that lost their lives this morning. If you have the strength, you can help with the preparation. You can pay your respects that way.”

“Of course!”

As I stand up, Eena scurries off to Theresa’s side. After grabbing my facemask, I notice them giving me a strange look.

“Uh, is something wrong?” I ask, glancing at the lantern hanging on the wall behind me.

“The withering…” Theresa says while pointing at my back.“It’s gone.”

The streets of Domesticatia…

In Domesticatia, there’s a story at every corner of its gothic city streets. Not one with continuity, but small excerpts acted out by those who live here. From the beggars who bargain with passersby to those who are charitable enough to give them a bite to eat, neither have it any better. This war has brought everyone much strife, yet some still insist there are others who have it better.

During this walk with Ava, Mikel, and Donavan, I’ve come across many stories. It’s not like I’ve been searching for them; some just so happened to catch my eye. There was the mother bear that rushed past us with her cub in her arms. Tears were streaming down her face as she kept trotting down the city block, so if I had to guess, I’d say the child is now dead.

Not too long after, I overheard a fox-man shouting. His hand trembled as he held a bloodstained saber towards an old rabbit-lady. She was hunched over who I presume was her husband’s lifeless body as he lay there in a pool of blood. She was screaming for him to wake up, but it was too late. Yet even still, he demanded that she hand over her belongings, with tears streaming down his face.

There was also a group of teens ransacking an already torn-down storefront. Being seventeen myself, I understand their desperation, but I cannot accept their actions. It’s the younger generation’s responsibility to change the future. To use their youth to mold their destiny. Yet, they choose to live in the present. Unbelievable.

I’d seen other stories along the way, and there were many I didn’t. Some were staged on the city streets, while others played out in the shadows. And while few had dialogue, many will never be heard. I will never know how their stories began or how they will end, but I don’t need to. I am well aware of the setting, and it's this war-ridden world we all reside in. But I will ensure at least one story has a good end.

Donavan squeezes my hand. “Mr.Temory…”

“Please, just call me Sintobi.”

He nods. “Uh, yes, Sintobi… Are we really going to find momma?”

“Yes of course, dear.” Ava says while pulling back the hood of her cloak, revealing her smile. “I’m sure she’s been worried sick about you.”

“Yeah…” he says, looking down at the ground.

“We’re almost at the spot, so don't worry.” Ava reassures him before taking her device out of her pocket. “Speaking of which, how are you two holding up?”

“We’re fine.” I insist with a smile, picking at the black fabric of my cloak. “It’s like I said, all we needed was this and some gloves then we’re good to go.”

“I know, but… Are you sure” Ava asks, making this the tenth time she’s asked us.

With her jade green eyes sullen by doubt, I also notice Mikel shooting me glances from the other side beside her. They’ve been giving me the same looks since I suggested we wear this, and despite it turning out well, they seem to have only gotten more wary since. Though Mikels concern makes sense.

He realized it the moment we set foot outside and he has yet to find an answer. I’ve seen him pull at the hood of his cloak while staring at the palm of his gloves, but no matter how much he tries, he won’t figure it out. And it’s because, no one can know yet…

“Please Ava, you’ve been far too kind to us already. Mikel and I are managing fine, aren't we?”

Ava takes a deep breath. “You're right, my apologies. I don't mean to pester you two, but it’s just a surprise seeing you two handle the daylight so well.”

“Did you forget already? We aren’t your average group of vampires. Right, Mikel?” I say while meeting his gaze.

“Uh, yes of course!” He agrees with a smile and nod, before looking straight ahead. Still looking confused.

“That being said, why are you wearing one also?” I ask, while rubbing my chin.

Ava giggles. “I just thought we would look better matching. Plus, I wouldn’t want anyone getting the wrong idea. It could make things difficult for Mayor Greene.”

“Is that so?” I ponder, noticing the loose fit of her black cloak. “Is work the only thing you ever think about?”

Ava laughs. “That’s funny coming from you… But yes, my duties always come first. I owe Mayor Greene a lot…”

Her smile disappears as she looks at her device, almost like she’s lost in thought. I wanna ask, but I feel like I shouldn’t pry. After all, we’re on an important mission. One she’s taking just as seriously as us even though she’s just our navigator. I wonder how someone so earnest ended up working under someone like him.

As we continue walking, I notice we’re running into fewer creatures the farther we go, yet Ava continues following her device. These buildings look more ruined and dilapidated, with countless broken windows and knocked out doorways that lead into hollowed out gothic structures made of gray brick. And while there aren’t many creatures here, the burning scent of desperation is still potent.

“So, uh, how far are we anyways?” Mikel asks while looking for something resembling civilization.

Ava walks up to the door of one of the buildings and looks at her device. “We’re here.”

“Really?” Mikel remarks, while looking at the broken sign above the door that reads ‘Templetons Stowaway’.

When Ava knocks, the four of us stand here as she keeps knocking. The building itself looks more well kept than the others around it, but with how hollow those knocks sound, it could be empty. Maybe it’s been abandoned?

“Huh, so this where the troublemakers scurry off too?” asks The Man, appearing out of thin air beside me. “Poor boy, to be born in such an environment…”

“Strange, you sound like you almost feel sorry for him? Has the spectator grown soft towards the playwright?” I mutter behind my cosmetic face mask.

“Hmm…you're scared aren't you?” He asks, causing my chest to tighten.

“Scared? Why would I be scared?” I ask him with a glance at Donavan as I whisper. “I’m more than capable of handling things if they get out of-”

“Are you sure about that? You only learned about The Underground yesterday. It’s unfamiliar territory, who knows what will-”

The door creaks out, stopping just short of the length of the chain lock inside.

“Yeah?” asks a grumpying sound, as he clears his throat and spits on the ground in front of us through the cracked open door.

Donavan squeezes my hand tighter and shoves his face against my leg. He tucks his bushy black striped tail between his legs as tiny body trembles in the presence of the disembodied voice inside. I reach down and rub his head, hoping it would comfort him as Ava approaches the door.

“We would like passage to The Underground!” Ava says, her voice sounding more stern than usual.

The voice groans. “Password.”

“Sir, we are on an important mission on behalf of the Houndrex-”

“Password!” he repeats, growing more impatient.

Ava sighs. “...I’ll show you something better.”

Ava removes one of her gloves and raises her palm towards the cracked doorway. The voice makes a hearty laugh before closing the door and, with a shuffle of the lock, opens the door. Behind the door is a large rat-man wearing a shirt and blue overalls. He scratches behind my round ears and clears his throat.

“Heh, sorry to keep you waiting, you just can’t be too sure these days, ya know?” He says with a smile, showing off his two front teeth. “Please, step inside and grab a seat!”

As we follow him inside, I notice the scent of booze permeating the air. I catch a few eyes stealing glances at us from the tables in the corner. Some just glare, while others lean over and whisper to each other, but like the capitol building, none confront us. But as we’re sitting at the bar counter, I realize their attention isn't drawn to us but Ava instead.

While lifting Donavan up to his seat, the rat-man scratches his brown fur and starts humming a tune. He lays out four glasses and pours each of us water, all while stealing glances at Ava.

“So, what brings you here?” He asks, while shoving the pitcher of water back under the counter. “It’s not everyday you see a government official around these parts.”

“How did you know she works for the government?” Mikel asks, causing more chatter from the other patrons.

“Well, I’m not one for politics, but I have seen her on a few broadcasts. Your name is Ava, right?” He asks, turning back to her.

“Yes, and I was told we’d be granted access to The Underground here…” Ava says before taking a sip of water. “Was I misled?”

The rat-man lets out a deep laugh. “My, aren’t you a prickly lass. But yes, you’ve come to the correct place. This is one of the few places you can enter The Underground. Though tell me, why here of all places?”

“It’s cuz they’re ‘ere to meet me.” says a voice from one of the tables in the corner, as he gets up.

He fidgets with his large belt buckle supporting his navy denim jeans, while further tucking in the white fabric of his long-sleeved shirt. The spurs on his boots jingle with each step against the wooden, as he smiles with a tip of his hat.

Ava stands up. “Are you-”

“Yinick? Yup, that’s me. I was told ya needed a bodyguard.” He says before taking off his hat, revealing his huge round ears poking out from underneath and short gray hair. Though what’s more of a surprise is his eyes.

“Are you blind?” I ask, staring into this milky-white eyes.

Yinick laughs. “Well now, no ones ever just came out and asked it. But yes, I am.”

“You were expecting them, Yinick?” the barkeeper asks before shaking his head. “If I’d known, I would’ve just let them in.”

“This is your establishment, Templeton. I didn’t want to interfere with your procedure…” Yinick says while pulling out a stool at the counter. “Besides, I’m sure most of them aren’t used to havin the red carpet rolled out for ‘em.”

Ava clears her throat and puts out her hand.“Yinick Villgrey, it's a pleasure to meet you.”

“So formal, ya got me feelin like someone important.” Yinick laughs while shaking her hand.

“You’re an important asset to our mission after all.” Ava says with a glance at Mikel and I. “We’re looking for Sally Star, we heard she’s looking for her son.”

“Hmm… Templeton, straight whiskey!” Yinick yells with a snap, while straightening his posture. “I did ‘ere rumors about something like that, but not many ‘ave seen her lately… is that him?”

“Yeah…” I say while rubbing Donavan’s head.

Yinick nods. “Hey buddy, you miss ya momma? I bet she’s worried sick ‘bout you too!”

Donavan shoves his face against my arm as Yinick looks at him with his milky-white eyes.

Yinick chuckles. “A shy one aren’t ya? Your momma is a real tough ya know, I bet she’d be real disappointed to see ya cowering in fear.”

“Excuse me?” I say, glaring back at him.

“I’m just sayin, The Underground don’t take too kindly to yella bellies…”

“I’m sure he won’t have to worry about that when he gets back home.” Ava adds, sounding just as firm.

“True enough…” Yinick remarks with a shrug, before taking the glass of whiskey and downing it in an instant.

Ava sighs. “So, can you do it or not?”

“Sure thing, I normally don't take requests from paper pushers, but you're different.”

“How so?” I ask, noticing his grin.

“Ya mean you haven’t noticed? And ‘ere I thought I was the only blind one here.” Yinick laughs before pulling at the corner of his mouth. “See ‘ere, I got a full set of teeth, while Mr. Templeton’s only got a few like most rat folk. And even though I heard Ms.Ava here is a horsewoman, there was nary a bit of hair on her hand when I shaked it. The fact she even has hands at all means she isn’t an ordinary horsewoman.”

It was the first thing I’d noticed when I saw her so I suppose it makes sense. Like Ariani, Ava’s ability to conceal her distinctive features is a sign of her pedigree. It isn’t everyday you come across creatures like this, which is why it’s a surprise that I’ve met so many already. That being said, while it seems like Yinick comes from a decent pedigree himself, he doesn’t seem to want to conceal those huge round ears of his.

Ava sighs. “I appreciate the observation, but can we please stay on topic? All this talk about pedigree is so self-absorbed. What matters is that we’re here now.”

“Was that a slight towards you?” The Man remarks as he watches from behind.

“Not interested in small talk I see…” Yinick says while fingering the ring of his glass. “Mr.Templeton, would you…”

“Heading out already? And here I thought I’d be making a killing off you government types.” Templeton says with a smile, before reaching under his counter.

With a click, the display of bottled liquors and spirits behind him opens up, revealing a dimly lit passageway. A grimy gust of air rushes inside the bar, causing Donavan and the other patrons to cough and sneeze.

“Sorry bout that. No one’s used this passageway these last few months, so she’s a bit dusty.” Templeton apologizes while sweeping some of the dust back inside.

“You called it a ‘she’?” Mikel asks with a raise of his brow.

“Well, Sally does use this passageway the most.” Templeton explains with a shrug.

“That aside, you’re saying we have to walk in there?” I ask, staring into the dark path lined with lanterns. It looks more like a tomb than an entrance.

“It won’t bring us straight to her door, but it’ll be pretty damn close.” Yinick remarks with a grin while tipping his hat.

“He’s right. If it were that easy, Ariani wouldn’t have put you up to the task.” Ava says with a nod.

“This’ll be uncharted territory for you vampire boys, so make sure to keep your wits about ya!”

I turn to Yinick. “How did you know we were vampires?”

“You know I’m just blind, right? I still have a nose for these kinds of things.” Yinick scoffs while tipping his hat over his eyes. “... And the smell of blood is especially strong on you.”

Momma, where are you?

It’s been so long since I’ve seen her. I’ve only met more and more new faces. Many of them were bad, the kind of creatures Momma yells at all the time. They were all so big, so mean. Even when they smiled at me, their smiles looked mean too. Some grinned with sharp teeth, while others just smiled at me with the corners of their mouth, but I knew they weren’t nice creatures. And the reason they pretended is because they’re afraid of Momma.

Looking up at Miss Ava, she gives me a big smile. But her pretty green eyes seem happy, like they’re smiling also. And while Mikel and Sintobi do look scary, they did save me from that cheetah lady. Unlike everyone else I’ve met, they seem to want to help me find Momma.

I still remember how scared I was when those mean guys took me away. All I could shout was…

Momma! Where are you!?

I remember trying to wiggle away, but the big crocodile-man kept squeezing me under his arm. And when I kept shouting, he covered my mouth with his cold, scaly hands and dug his claws into my face. That’s when I heard Momma’s voice. She sounded really angry. But when I managed to wiggle my face out of his hand and scream out to her, I was struck in the back of my head.

When I woke up, I was in a big room filled with boxes. The only lights were the small light bulbs in the corners and the light coming from underneath the door. But when I tried to get up and scream, I realized that my mouth, along with my arms and legs, were tied.

Momma, where are you!?

It was all I could think about as I kept wiggling around to get myself loose, but after a few moments, the door opened. It was one of the guys that took me away from Momma. He grinned at me with those big sharp teeth before walking up to me and kicking me in the face.

“Look at you, so weak. And to think you’re her kid.” He laughed while scratching his huge mane.

With my face on the cold wooden floor, I couldn’t hold back.

“Oh come on, you're crying already!? At least try to act tough!” He cackled, as he grabbed hold of my tail.

The more I struggled, the harder he pulled, and the more I cried. It hurt so bad. I just wanted to know why they were doing that to me. I wanted to know what I’d done to deserve that, I wanted to know where Momma was…

After dragging me out of that room, he tossed me into the middle of another room. When I looked up, I was surrounded by more mean looking guys. I kept struggling to get out of those ties, but it was no use, until I heard the click of her heels.

Momma?

“Didn’t I say to be careful with him?” said the lady with blonde hair, as she glared at the lion-man with her arms crossed.

He stepped back. “Uh, what do you mean? He looks fine to me…”

“His face too, it’s welted.” She said while touching my cheek. “It’s warm.”

“You know how kids are, always roughhous-”

With a wave of her finger, the lion-man’s head fell to the ground along with the rest of him soon after.

“Honestly, why did I think you animals would follow instructions...” She said with a sigh, as everyone else ran over to his body. “What else did they do to you?”

Even though she’d just killed someone, her voice was so calm. She seemed so concerned.

When I got a better look at her, I noticed her long ears. She was an elf. I knew they existed, but to see one in The Underground.

“Please professor, we didn’t lay a finger on him!” one of them pleaded, his legs now shaking in fear like everyone else's. He was the crocodile-man that took me away from Momma.

“Killing the rest of you cowards would only liter this dump further…” she said while untying the rope around me and ripping the tape off my mouth. “I’m sorry honey, you don’t have to be around these idiots anymore.”

She lifted me up on my feet and gave me a pat on the head. My body stopped trembling when I saw her smile. Unlike the rest of them, I felt like I could trust her. I thought she was gonna take me home to Momma, so I took her hand.

“...”

But that was a big mistake.

…Momma?

“Test.”

The pain. It was coursing through my entire body, but I was forced to lay there. I couldn’t move or see. But I knew she was there. I heard her voice.

“Test…”

That second, another shock ran through my body, jolting me out of the haze brought on by the last. All I could do was scream, as she repeated her…

“Test…”

My limbs felt like they were on fire. It was also hard to catch my breath with that object stuffed up my nose, as it kept pushing air into me. It hurt so much.

“Test…”

It felt like someone was pounding my head, leaving behind a gouging pain that burned the back of my eyes.

…Momma…where are you momma? It hurts so much…

“Test…”

My teeth felt like they were cracking as I clenched them, since I knew there was more to come. And that lasted until I…

“Test…”

Passed out.

“Donavan, we’re here.”

“Huh?” I blurt out, looking up at Sintobi.

His mask makes it hard to tell what he’s thinking, but his eyes. Unlike Ava, who looks at me with a smile, Sintobi always seems to have this worried look in his eyes. It makes me start to feel worried too, though I know it shouldn’t. He is helping me.

“This is your house, right?” Ava asks, looking just as worried.

The scent of dirt and dust tickles my nose, as I realize where we’re at. Here in The Underground, all of the houses look the same. All the walls are made of dirt and stone down here, so many houses end up looking the same. But this house.

“We’re…here already?” I ask, tears running down my face.

“You mean ya didn’t notice? Didn’t I say to keep your wits about ya down here boy?” Yinick says with a click of his touch.

“It’s fine, what matters is that we got him here safe, right Donavan?” Mikel says with a huge grin while patting my head. I was so lost in thought that I didn’t even notice.

Above the door are the charms Momma put up for good luck, and that doormat in the front of the door. It has a picture of the beach on it. Momma says we’re gonna take a trip there one day.

“Momma!” I shout while pulling my hand away and rushing towards the door. “Momma, I’m home! Are you there!?”

I slam my hands against the door, but no answer.

“Hmm, maybe she isn’t home?” Mikel says to Ava.

Sintobi turns to Yinick. “You mentioned that no one has seen her for a while. Where was the place anyone saw her?”

Yinick tips his hat and thinks. “Last I saw her, she was running around all over the place looking for him. Though, that was a little over two months ago.”

“That’s what I was thinking…” Ava mentions while walking up to the door. “Huh, it’s…”

The second she turns the doorknob, it opens with a click.

“Weird, now why would she leave it open?” Yinick asks while scratching behind his big ears.

“Momma!” I shout while running inside.

When flicking on the living room light, I stop. The huge blocky tv that always breaks, the big blue couch in front of it, the dining table sitting beside the kitchen countertop, it all looks the same. I feel like I was gone forever but everything stayed the same. Even the stinky smell coming from the wooden walls and floorboards.

“Donavan, are you alright?” Sintobi asks while placing his hand on my shoulder. But when looking up at him, my tears blur his face.

Y-yeah…” I whimper with sniffles, still trying not to cry but the tears keep coming.

Yinick walks up to me and kneels. “You were homesick weren’t ya?”

I nod, but I look away from him. While everyone else's concern is comforting, there’s something different about him. I get this strange feeling when he looks my way. He says he’s blind, but it still feels like he’s looking at me.

“I’m sure he was…” Sintobi says to him. “But now since he’s home, he doesn't have to worry about that anymore. He’s got us keeping him safe.”

Yinick stands up with a nod. “I’m sure Sally will be grateful.”

“Speaking of which, we should probably look to see if she left anything behind.” Mikel mentions while walking to the dining table.

“You sure? She did leave the door open, maybe she’ll come back soon.” Ava asks while still eyeing the entire living room.

“Yeah, but it wouldn’t hurt to just look around.” Sintobi says with a shrug.

While Ava and Mikel check the many pieces of paper left on the dining table, I follow Yinick and Sintobi towards the left side of the hallway. I never noticed how ordinary this place looks compared to Momma’s other houses. Momma says we can’t stay in one place because of all the bad guys she deals with. Sometimes she would even come home with blood all over her after beating them up. I’m sure she’s out there doing that right now.

“Goodness, for an underground hideout, there sure is alot of space.” Sintobi says after opening yet another storage room door.

“Well, you can afford good real estate when you're bunkering with the gophers.” Yinick chuckles. “Ya know, I think we can cover more ground if we split.”

“Sure why not.” Sintobi says with a shrug, still rummaging through one of the storage crates.

Following Yinick towards the end of the left side of the hallway, I realize I can just check the other side. Me and Momma’s room is down that way anyways.

I overhear Ava and Mikel discussing the notes on the table as I pass by, with the floorboards creaking beneath my feet with each step. When I approach my bedroom door, I turn the knob and swing it open. And my body freezes.

“...M–m-momma?” I mumble, staring at her mangled up body. But before I can scream, something pinches my throat.

“Sorry kid, but seeing as how ya made it back ‘ere, that can only mean the professor didn’t think ya had potential.” Yinick says with a hushed tone of voice, catching a bloodstained playing card between his fingers.

Gasping for air, I fall to my knees. I grab my neck, only to feel a warmth running down my neck. It’s my blood.

“...A-a-a…” I stammer, while looking at Momma’s corpse sitting up against my bed.

Everything from her dark blonde hair to the gray fur on her face and the floor beneath her is covered in that black substance. And since a lot of it seems to have leaked out from the countless cuts on her body, it must be dried blood. I want to call out to her, but even if I could, I know it would be pointless. There’s nothing behind that blank stare toward the floor.

“Man, your momma was a real fighter too. I told her not to get in the professor’s way, but she wouldn’t listen. If only she’d just had the patience to see how much of a disappointment you would become.” Yinick continues with a kneel, as he watches me choke on my blood. “Ah well. I at least wanted ya to see her before I did you in, just in case ya don’t end up in the same place as her. I don’t want to be responsible for orphaning a child.”

Still gasping for air, I feel an overwhelming sadness in the pit of my stomach as I fall over onto my side.

I’m…dying…

My vision is getting blurry, but I can see him pulling out a deck of playing cards. One-by-one, each card flutters around the room, before circling above me like birds of prey.

Momma…help me…help me momma…

My hearing worsens, leaving me with the dwindling sound of my heartbeat. Until each card rains down upon me.

…

…oh, there you are momma!