Sanctuary: Fallen Shade

By, Melissa Rachel

Chapter One:

The roar of life whipped by, swallowed by darkness. Remains of a world gone mad fell along curled up newspapers tossed to the side, pages left to hover between oblivion. Whispers of hope touched the lips of those standing still, but their eyes held to the concrete walls before them. Bright lights flashed, promise of escape, and metal screeched. Sparks bit into the night as doors whooshed open, and the last stop was here. But he still ran to save his life.

The night was cool but bitter. A harsh wind strolled through narrow alleyways. Bright lights chased the darkness back into its corners, and pedestrians followed the flashing walk sign between a river of cars. Voices lifted high, anticipation of a good night, and crowds lined up for the hot spots along the streets. And shadows slipped past them, ignored, and the hunt for the one that got away continued. But the city life rolled on.

"You okay?" Kate Freelander glanced at her friend.

"I'm fine." Will Zimmerman returned her look. "It's just been awhile since I was out."

"Yeah, I know. That's why I asked you out tonight."

"You really didn't give me much choice, Kate." He laughed softly. "I just needed some time after what happened with…"

"Kalli. Yeah, I know, but it's been a month, Will."

"I know." They stopped walking. "Look, I appreciate everything you have done for me since then." He slowly reached for her hand. "But I nearly died, and I just needed some time to deal with that."

"But spending that time alone is not good." She took his hand. "Trust me. I would know." He smiled. "Now, come on. I promised you a fun night, remember? There's this great club right down the street." She pulled him along.

"I'm not much for dancing."

"Not tonight." She turned his way. "We'll tear up the floor."

A man ran right into Kate, sending her falling backward. His eyes gleamed of fear. An oily, black substance coated his hands. Panic seared across his face, and he wasted no time moving fast away from them. But Will still called out to him, but his words to stop fell on deaf ears.

"What the hell?" Will helped Kate to her feet. "Look where you are going, you jerk!"

"He looked like he was scared to death." Will turned down the street. "Maybe we should see if he is alright."

"I'm sure he's fine, Will." Kate noticed something on her pants. "Okay. That is disgusting." She picked at the black substance on her leg.

"That stuff was on his hands." He moved away from her. "Something's not right here."

"Will, I promised you a fun night tonight." She saw the look on his face. "But if he is in trouble, we are the ones that should help him, but first…" She removed her gun from its holstered position against the back of her shirt.

"You carry that around with you all the time?"

"Hey, you never know when you run into situations like this." She clicked the safety off. "Let's go."

The man saw another subway entrance rising into view. He pushed himself harder to run, but pain raced faster through his legs. He stumbled forward, trying to catch his breath, and something cold touched the back of his neck. He slowly turned, confronting the shadowed figure barely inches away, and dark, oily claws struck his shoulders. A scream barely escaped from his lips as he was pushed down onto the cold, broken ground, and he struggled to push his attacker off of him.

Something warm escaped through his lips. A soft, white cloud rose into the air between him and his attacker. To his horror, it disappeared into the shadowed figure, making his blood run cold, and his attacker released him. His head turned to the side, and his eyes found two on quick approach. But it was too late as his last breath disappeared into the night.

Bullets fired through the shadowed figure. A hooded face turned toward Will and Kate, and dark eyes narrowed in contempt. Claws curled at the side, but the attacker didn't take a fighting stance. Instead, it ran straight for the brick alleyway wall, exploding into a black cloud of dust, and its victim remained behind. Its job was done.

"What the hell was that? The grimm reaper?" She watched Will take the man's pulse, slowly shaking his head. "We need to let Magnus know about this." Will stepped away from him. "You okay?"

"I'm not ready to deal with this." He looked at Kate. "I can't take any more death." He moved away.

"Will." Kate moved to his side. "You can talk to me."

"Not now, Kate." He touched her shoulder. "You were right. We have to let Magnus know." He glanced at the body one last time. "I don't think we saw the last of that thing, and it got a good look at us." He turned away, and Kate slowly followed him down the street.

Chapter Two:

"Welcome to the CTDF, Computer Technology Development Fair. Have your tickets out when you step up to the table and sign your name. Failure to show your ticket will lead you straight to this EXIT door." A woman in an expensive business suit gestured toward the door next to her. "I know we have hundreds of individuals lined up for several blocks, so I suggest we get started." She gestured to those sitting behind the table. "First in line, step up, show your ticket, and sign your name. Then, you will be the first to go inside and discover the latest, state-of-the-art technology not yet released to the public."

Henry Foss removed his ticket from his wallet. He glanced at those lined up around him. Anticipation tingled his spine, but he remained composed. And he slowly edged up to the front of the line, but when it was his turn, he too eagerly jumped at the vacant spot now at the table, startling the young woman, who waited for him.

"Sorry." He sheepishly grinned. "Here's my ticket." The woman reached for the ticket but then froze. "Something wrong?" She glanced at him, fear filling her eyes. "I'm sorry about before."

"No. It's not that." She pulled the ticket from his hand. "It's my mistake." She pushed a sign-in sheet toward him. "Sign in, please." She averted her eyes, busying herself with placing the ticket with the others. "Thank you." She handed him a brochure with a list of vendors waiting inside. "Have a good time." She looked behind him. "Next."

"I'm sorry." Henry remained where he was. "If I upset you, I…"

"I told you." She now looked at him. "It wasn't you." She looked past him. "Next."

Henry stepped away, and another eager attendant jumped into his spot. He glanced at those around him, but nobody seemed to have noticed their brief exchange. He sensed something, but he wasn't sure of what it was. But he knew that she was afraid of him, but how would she know what he was? But he slowly walked away, disappearing inside, but he could have sworn that she looked at him one last time.

The sight that met his eyes made he feel like a kid in a candy store. He quickly forgot about the young woman and made his way from booth to booth. He promised not to waste the entire day at the convention, but the hours slipped right past him. And he wasn't too eager to leave, but something caught his attention. Something dark hovered nearby, but its focus was not on him.

An older gentleman bumped into Henry. He seemed nervous, but he shook it off. He quickly apologized for nearly knocking him down, and then he quickened his pace toward the bathrooms downstairs. And anybody else would have gone on without a second thought, but Henry saw his panic. And he knew something was wrong.

The men's room was empty. After checking every single stall twice, the older gentleman relaxed. Maybe he was tired. He was up all night preparing for his presentation, and he turned toward the sink. Maybe cold water splashed across his face would bring him back to his senses, but as he leaned down toward the rushing water, the mirror before him rippled. And as his eyes rose to meet a shadowed face, a scream of horror met Henry's ears.

Henry rushed into the bathroom, and the sight froze him in mid-step. A shadowed figure was sucking the life from the man, and he was unarmed. As he tried to think of what to do, the shadowed figure now turned toward him and grabbed him by the throat, lifting him off the ground. Its dark eyes searched his, and fear coursed down his spine. And he was tossed aside into a nearby stall, and as he turned toward his attacker, it raced back into the mirror, exploding into black dust.

"What the hell was that?" He rubbed his throat.

He struggled to his feet. His body shook, cold from its touch. He stumbled toward the man, but he knew he was gone. He pulled out his cell and dialed 911, but what would he tell them? What would he tell Magnus about the thing that could have taken his own life, but why didn't it kill him?

Chapter Three:

Sunlight rained into a large hotel suite. Warmth touched the gentle colored walls, but it failed to silence the intensity building up within. A sweet bird's song promised a sense of peace, but none would be waiting for those residing inside. And a monitor on the center wall presented a familiar, friendly face, but could she should light upon their new adversary?

Helen Magnus stared through the screen at Will and Kate. Concern etched across her face, and turmoil spun through her mind. Her eyes darted across the room to the suite door, where Henry now came into view, and relief settled across her. He was safe, but why was he spared? And could the fragments of information that she gathered provide answers to the questions held before them?

"I guess I should I have come to New York," she said. "Henry, you okay?" He nodded. "What did you tell the police?"

"Nothing. They thought he just dropped dead." He scratched the back of his head. "I never saw anything like that, Magnus."

"Nor have I, but I did come across some interesting pieces of information."

"Such as?" Will didn't mean to have an edge to his voice, but everyone now looked his way. "That thing could have taken all of us out, but it didn't. Why?"

"Alexander Gnomes, the man you found in the alley was on trial two years ago for rape, but because of the lack of evidence, he was found not guilty."

"So, this thing waited two years to kill him?" Kate looked from Magnus to Will. "Why wait so long?"

"I don't know," Magnus replied. "The man killed earlier today, James Travis was suspected as being a child pedophile, but there has been no evidence to support those suspicions."

"So, what you are saying is that we have a Boondock Saint version of the Grimm Reaper running around?" Will glanced at Henry. "What? Tell me I'm wrong."

"You may be right, Henry. Unfortunately, we have no leads to follow." Magnus sighed. "We may have to wait for this creature to attack again."

"Maybe not." Henry rubbed his chin. "There was a young woman that I met at the convention that was definitely off radar."

"What makes you say that," Will asked.

"Because of the way she looked at me." He crossed his arms over his chest. "She knew what I was."

"That's impossible." Kate shook her head. "There's no way that she could have known."

"No, Kate." Henry looked at her. "She knew."

"Alright." Magnus sat back in her seat. "Go with your instincts, Henry, but go with caution. We have no idea what we are dealing with, and containing this creature may be an impossible task."

"Unfortunately, bullets don't work on it." Kate now held her gun in hand. "We'll have to find another way to terminate it."

"If it comes to that," Will said. "Let's follow Henry's lead first. Do you know who she is?"

"You're asking a computer genius. All I need to do is hack into the convention's registry and locate her."

"Then, let's not waste any more time." Magnus gazed at her friends. "Good luck." The screen went dark.

Chapter Four:

The coffee café buzzed with the lunch hour rush. Orders were yelled into the air, and register drawers slammed open and closed. Tables were crowded, and occupants dug their nose into books or gadgets as they sipped their drink. Eager customers waited on line, and a dozen feet moved back and forth from counter to door. And hands grasped their bought drink, and lips hungered to satisfy their burning thirst. And he edged closer, his focus on her, but did she realize that he was there, waiting?

"Vanilla latte," he said.

She nearly spilled the coffee in her hand. Her eyes rose up to meet his, and she was at a loss for words. Shaking her head, she finished her prior order and slid it down the counter toward its owner, and then she turned toward him, trying to remain calm. But he saw that same fear shining in her eyes.

"Vanilla latte," she repeated.

"Shade. Your name's Shade?" She glanced at her name badge. "Cool name. I'm Henry." She looked at him. "Nice to meet you."

"Likewise. I'll get your order ready." She began to make his drink.

"Say, what are you doing after work?" She glanced at him. "Maybe we could grab a bite to eat?"

"I don't think so." She turned toward the coffee blender behind her. "Your order's ready." She slid it down the counter. "Anything else, Henry?"

"No. Um… Thank you." He stepped away from her, but he knew that she was watching him. "I do have a quick question." She continued to look at him. "Did you see anything at the convention?"

"Like what?"

"I don't know. Anything out of the ordinary?"

"I saw you." She realized what she said. "It was nice meeting you, but let's not make a habit out of this." She turned toward the next customer. "Hi. Can I get your order?" Henry slowly moved down the line. "Mocha latte. Coming right up."

Grabbing his drink, he found Kate sipping her coffee at a nearby table. He took the empty seat opposite her. His eyes darted across those lined up until he found her, and she returned his look. Shaking his head, he softly mumbled under his breath.

"You were right about her." He glanced at Kate. "Definitely off radar."

"You heard what she said?" Kate nodded. "Is it possible that she is connected to that thing we met?"

"Anything is possible, Henry." Kate leaned back in her seat, turning toward her. "I would keep an eye on her."

"Where's Will?" He took a long sip of his drink.

"Staying in for now." She finished her order. "I'm worried about him."

"Look, this was supposed to be a fun weekend. We had no idea that this was going to happen."

"No, but we shouldn't be surprised either." Kate moved from her seat. "I'm going to check on Will. If you need me, you can reach me on the cell." She patted his shoulder. "Just be careful."

"I will." He watched her leave.

Shade didn't waste any time. She knew why he was there, and she quickly snuck out the back. She feigned being ill, and her boss bought it. And she promised to be back the next day, but she knew different. She had stayed too long, and she cursed herself for becoming lazy. And now they found her again.

As she hurried away, she could sense him behind her. A quick glance over her shoulder confirmed her suspicions. She quickened her pace, hoping no black vans would swoop off her feet, but then he disappeared from view. And she relaxed, hoping that he would leave her be, but then she bumped right smack into him, sending her stumbling backward.

"Leave me alone!"

"What are you running from?" Henry remained standing in front of her. "I'm not going to hurt you."

"Yeah. Like I heard that before." She glanced around the alleyway. "Do what you want. I won't fight you, but beware the consequences of your actions."

"I don't want to hurt you."

"Then, what do you want from me?" Tension cut through her voice. "Where are your friends?"

"I'm alone." He took a step closer, but he saw her fear, making him retreat a small distance away. "Trust me."

"Trust you? No thanks." She looked down at her feet. "I know what you are."

"I know." Her eyes met his. "Did you know what attacked that guy at the convention?"

"No." He didn't believe her. "Can I go now?" She moved past him, but he grabbed her by the arm. "What?"

"I think you're in trouble." He let go of her arm. "I can help."

"No. The last group of people that promised to help put me in a cage for a year, so I'm done trusting people especially those like you." She edged away. "Just stay away from me." She broke into a run.

Henry knew he could catch up to her. Instead, he watched her disappear around the corner. He wanted to help her, but he didn't want her to be afraid of him. He would try to reach out to her again, but something told him that she would be gone after this day. So, he slowly made his way over to where she lived, hoping for a better encounter, but what if that thing showed up? Was that what she was running from, and were the people that she mentioned the Kabbal? And what did they want from her? What were they doing to her?

Chapter Five:

He wanted to help. She heard honesty in his words, but fear gripped her tighter. And she would be damned, if she allowed anyone to lock her away again, but what if he could help? What could he do for her? Her life was gone, and if he got too close, he would be killed. So, the only choice left was to run and to remain alone.

Shade wasted no time. The apartment door slammed closed behind her, and she made a beeline straight for the bedroom. A small suitcase was ripped out of its hiding place from under the bed, and drawers were thrown open. Its contents poured into the now open suitcase, and a gun slid out from underneath the pillow, the safety clicked off. And she was ready to bolt, but then came the knock on the door.

"Who is it?"

"It's Donnie. Come on, Shade. Open up." She stood against the door. "Please, open the door."

"What do you want, Donnie?" She opened the door. "I told you that it was over." He stepped inside. "I'm tired of talking. We're done."

Donnie was a short but built man. His eyes narrowed at the packed suitcase waiting in the bedroom. His hands itched at his sides, and he muttered something. But it sounded more like a growl, and his focus turned toward her. "Where do you think you are going?"

"I'm leaving. I'm taking the next bus out."

"To where?"

"Anywhere but here."

"Shade, I'm sorry." He moved toward her, but she backed away. "I didn't mean to. Please, don't go. Just hear me out."

"There's nothing to hear out, Donnie." She continued to grip the doorknob in her hand. "It's over, and I need you to leave."

"What? What did I do that was so wrong?"

"You hit me."

"I got angry, Shade." He ran his fingers through his hair. "You can be so difficult at times, you know."

"Why because I don't play by your rules, because I don't do exactly as you say. Well, I hate to break it to you, Donnie, but one strike. And we're done. Now, get out of here."

"Or what?" He edged closer. "You're weak, pathetic. You can't fight back, and I'm not leaving."

"I need you to go." Something dark flickered against the wall. "You have to go." He grabbed her by the arm, tightly. "Ow! You're hurting me!"

"I'll do worse, if you leave me."

Something hurled him backward, slamming him against the wall. Long, dark fingernails cut through his sides, and a scream echoed throughout the small space. And he was launched up toward the ceiling, and a sickening crunch followed, chased by a chilling silence. And the dark figure emerged from where it was, and its eyes fell on Shade.

Henry ran into the apartment. He found Shade lying on the floor, unconscious. His eyes turned toward Donnie, and a dead gaze met his. Something cold touched his neck, and dark claws reached for him. But instead of moving away, he leaned over Shade, protecting her with his body, and his face distorted, turning monstrous. And a soft growl escaped his lips.

Bullets flew past him, and Kate dove into the apartment. She slid across the floor, firing at will, but her bullets still had no affect. And the shadowed creature forgot about Henry and turned toward her, and it blocked the door, denying her exit. And she looked from the creature to Shade, and then her eyes shifted over to Henry. "Here." She threw her gun toward him.

"What are you doing?" He watched the creature back Kate into a corner. "The bullets have no affect." He grabbed the gun.

"Aim the gun at Shade." The creature spun around toward Henry. "Do it, Henry." His hand shook, but he held the gun over Shade. "Pull the trigger." The creature's head snapped back toward Kate. "Found your weakness, didn't I?"

"Thizzzzzzz not overrrrrrrr." The creature looked from her to Henry. "Szzzzzeeeee you agin." It ran into the wall, dispersing into black debris.

"Okay." Henry dropped the gun. "What the hell?"

"I don't know." Kate approached him.

"That thing was going to kill you." He looked down at Shade. "How did you know?"

"Why is she unconscious? Did he hit her?" She pointed at Donnie. "Did she faint?" Henry fell silent. "They're connected." She pulled a syringe out of her pocket. "We need to know how and why."

"What are you doing?"

"I am keeping her sedated." She stuck the needle in Shade's arm. "Will's outside in the van."

"You used me as bait?" He shook his head. "I thought we were past the point of mind games, Kate?"

"We are, but she was going to run."

"And how do you know that?"

"Because I would've." She pointed at the suitcase in the bedroom. "Come on. We have to get her to the Sanctuary."

"She doesn't want to be locked up again."

"Again?" She thought for a moment. "They had her?" He nodded. "We don't have a choice. You saw that thing, and we need to know everything about it. And she's the only one with answers." Henry picked Shade up in his arms. "I don't like the idea as much as you, but what choice do we have?"

"None." He looked down at Shade. "I want to help her."

"Then, let's help her." He followed her out the door. "Come on." They disappeared from sight.