Continual thanks to Sierra Sutherwinds
Chapter Twenty-One: The Ultimate Sacrifice
Carter came back inside the barn just in time to see that Loup was in a very bad position to defend himself against two vampires. The young sergeant's eyes momentarily burned their brightest when he threw himself between his friend and his attackers. With his intervention, the wolf had enough time to regroup and dispose of both vampires. Carter's reward was a lick on the cheek.
Meanwhile, Golden and Eagle managed to get all the vampires who dared to come near them. They worked in synchrony, without any problem whatsoever. The heat of the battle distracted them from the shooting in the other room. No one turned their heads to see Metzger coming out with a wide, twisted smile.
Nacht stepped back from his fight with Hogan. He was getting too bruised and exhausted to endure one more round without regrouping and taking a breather. Hogan didn't mind to see him retreating after the last blow, though he did desire to finish the Engel off at that very moment. Both continued fighting, but this time with different foes.
The battle was getting old. Although there had been several casualties, all from Metzger's side, most of the contenders were still on their feet. They were still giving Hogan and his men a good run for their money. Hogan knew that would happen. The opposite forces were equally strong. They needed something to tip the balance on their favor, only that he still did not know what that could be. If I had the time, I could think of another plan he thought to himself, even though he knew that both his time and his mind were heavily consumed with fighting the vampires off one-by-one.
Metzger came out to see his men in a brawl with a couple of vampires and three wolves. He rolled his eyes. Even though they outnumbered the bastards, they still seemed to be losing the battle nonetheless. "Do I have to do everything myself?" Standing back, he quickly allowed his wings to emerge from his spine, and he then jumped in front of Hogan. "Getting tired? Why don't we spice up this fight a little?"
Hogan punched another vampire on the stomach and sent him down on his knees. He turned to Metzger and wrinkled his nose in disgust. "No offense, Metzger, but you're not my type."
Metzger laughed. He had everything under control. One final step and the victory will be ours! He reached into his pocket for the syringe. However, he was momentarily stopped from injecting it, due to the fact that he had to fend off Hogan's fast reflexes. He looked at Nacht coming from the opposite end of the barn and he nodded.
Back inside the office, Newkirk was slowly coming to. The first thing he noticed was the pounding headache in his brain, as though a cannon had gone off. Fighting the pain, which was quickly dissipating, the first thing that he noticed was that the bullet was on the floor. Bringing his hand up to his head, he was relieved that it didn't show any signs of blood. Immediately, he remembered Metzger and the elixir. He rushed outside. If that vampire 'as done anything to my Colonel…! he quickly thought to himself. He only hoped that he was in time to stop Metzger from injecting the horrific substance, and losing his commanding officer.
Back in the main barn, Metzger and Hogan stood face to face, each still giving and fending off the other's punches. Unbeknownst to Hogan, Nacht had crept up behind him and was ready to grab him from behind. Suddenly, a beautiful wolf jumped back into the barn through the rear door. It grabbed Nacht by the back of his neck and tossed him to one side. The vampire did not have the chance to get back on his feet. The wolf kept coming over him, biting his neck until the head was severed from his body. Finally, the wolf dug its fangs into his chest, causing the Engel to become nothing more than a pile of dust.
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Metzger could not react at first, and both he and Hogan stopped fighting long enough to stare at what the wolf had just done to Nacht. The entire attack was completely unexpected. Hogan was no less surprised than Metzger was. He knew this wolf, and she would hear a piece of his mind when the whole thing was over. In the meantime, he called her to his side and stroked the top of her head. Marie, thank you for saving my life he thought to her. She replied by waving her tail vigorously. But you better get out of here, both for your and our children's safety he thought to her sternly. However, Hogan knew that Tiger was a stubborn woman, and she refused to comply at first.
"Sorry, Metzger, but you don't have a chance with us," Hogan said with a shrug, turning back to face his opponent.
"You're wrong! You pretentious little man!" He raised his hand with the syringe, ready to drive it straight into Hogan's chest with every ounce of strength that he possessed.
Hogan felt the vampire jumping over him but Metzger never touched him. He had been ready to fend off the attack, but the next thing he knew was that Newkirk had come flying and grabbed Metzger's hand. Both vampires rolled over engaged in combat. Hogan took out his pistol, and he aimed and fired. Metzger growled and turned to look at him. Newkirk was lying on the floor with the needle in his chest.
"What did you do? What was in that syringe?" Hogan yelled, half-glancing between Metzger with anger and his corporal with worry.
Metzger grinned while touching the gunshot on the back of his shoulder. The impact had done nothing to hurt him, other than making his wings retract. He looked at Newkirk on the floor and shook his head. "You have gotten in my way for the last time, Benjamin."
Newkirk's wings were retracting too. Both vampires had gone back to their usual allure. Carter looked around. The rest of the vampires had stopped fighting as though they were all waiting for Metzger's instructions.
"This should end now, Metzger," Hogan said helping Newkirk to his feet. The Englishman was shaky but stable. "Are you okay?"
Newkirk turned to Metzger. "Give up, Metzger. It's over." At the same time, the corporal couldn't be more fearful for his life, as well as those of his friends around him. What will that elixir do to me? I won't allow myself to give into any previous evil, especially if it means 'urting my friends! he thought with steadfast resolution.
"Oh, come on," he laughed, looking around at all the vampires that Hogan and his men would still have to go up against. "Look around you. We're still more than you." His grin was getting wider and more twisted by the moment. "And after the elixir begins to work, we'll be invincible."
"Elixir?" Hogan did not like that at all. "What was in that needle?" He shouted to both Newkirk and Metzger.
"Unholy water brew," Newkirk whispered. "It's 'ard to tell what the effects are. It's different from vampire to vampire."
"I perfected it. It'll enhance your powers. It was meant for you, Hogan, but... Oh, well. Sometimes, the best things happen by accident, don't they? After all, while you may be closer to your dark side than your corporal, as the older vampire he is more powerful."
"Sod off, Metzger. If you think I'm gonna join your ruddy circus of freaks..." He tried to walk towards Metzger but ended up staggering. Carter was already there to help him.
"Don't worry, Benjamin. We'll take care of your friends while you get your strength back." Metzger signed to the others. "He's off limits. Kill the rest!"
Hogan pushed the gray wolf out of the barn again. "No more protests! We'll talk later." He turned back and a vampire punched him on the mouth. He rubbed his chin and spitted out some blood. "Is that all you got?" He chuckled before he kicked him on the chest.
Tiger was half way out when a vampire pulled her tail. She turned around showing her teeth. The vampire was ready to bite when a big wolf jumped over him. There wasn't much struggle as the wolf ripped both the vampire's throat and tore into his chest. Tiger could only see the wolf running back into the barn. It was not Golden or Loup; it was Eagle. At first, once she was safely out of the barn, she could only stare back dumbfounded. Back in her human form, she quickly began dressing again while thinking to herself All these years I have fought against that man, yet tonight he has saved my life. She almost had to chuckle to herself as she continued her line of thought. They always said Nimrod was a mysterious man, an agent above us all. I just didn't realize how mysterious he was until tonight.
Carter took other two vampires. One punch here and a blow there. He could see both vampires preparing to make the one-two with him. He ducked at the last minute and the blows connected on each of the poor guys. Carter would like to enjoy his small victory but there were other three vampires waiting to join the battle with him. This time, he decided to run the other way, knowing that he couldn't take them all on at once.
Loup jumped from one vampire to another biting as many throats and chests as possible. Golden watched him attentively in case his friend needed any help. His own share of vampires was getting fewer because no one dared to get too close to him. Catching Eagle's attention with his eye, he sent him to watch over Newkirk. Although it seemed that everybody else was observing Metzger's command of leaving him alone, Golden would not take chances. I don't know what that vampire did to him, but he appears weakened, and that isn't good. I hope it isn't anything fatal! the sergeant worriedly thought to himself.
Hogan was on the same page, as he sent Carter over too. "Let me know if anything happens to Newkirk," he said, though he was trying to hide the worry in his voice. Looking over at Golden, he could see that their level of apprehension was the same just by the look in the wolf's eyes.
Metzger paced among his troops watching them fighting. He shook his head every time they hit the floor. He was in no hurry to engage in combat. He knew that as soon as Newkirk's transformation was complete, everything would come to an end and he would be able to claim victory.
"Do you want to sit down?" Carter asked Newkirk, trying to hide the worry in his eyes at seeing his friend in his condition.
The Englishman shook his head and leaned against the wall. "If I do, I won't be able to get up again." He winced. Something inside began to hurt.
"Are you all right?" Carter stared at him with concern. "Newkirk? Your wings are showing again."
"What?" Newkirk straightened up. The pain got stronger by the minute. He felt warm, almost tingling and fuzzy inside. "Oh, no... Carter... I think I'm losing control," he whispered. If the corporal had any fear before, it was quickly growing with every passing minute.
"It's okay. We'll help you," Carter said while trying to reassure his friend that everything would be fine. He clapped him on the shoulder.
"Don't!" Newkirk drew back. "Something is 'appening!" He bent forward, clutched his stomach and screamed.
Hogan had been sparring with a young vampire for several minutes. Newkirk's cry for help helped him to focus his mind and energy, and he sent his contender down with a bloody nose. "Lucky strike, kid," Hogan said with a grin. He came back and broke the vampire's neck in just one movement, before taking out his pistol and shooting him in the heart. Then, he ran towards Newkirk.
"I don't know what's wrong with him." Carter tried to keep Newkirk on his feet.
"Everything's coming to an end, Gov'nor," Newkirk said in a gasp, between pained breaths. "Y-you must get out of here, now!"
Hogan grabbed him by the arm, this time unable to hide the concern in his eyes. "Sure, let's go."
"No!" Newkirk claimed his arm back and walked away from them. "Don't get closer! You must go away!"
"We won't leave you here! It doesn't matter if you feel a little evil. It's just a drug. We'll take care of you. We'll make sure that you won't hurt or kill anybody innocent." Carter walked towards him.
"Go away! You don't get it! Something is 'appening, and I won't be able to stop it!" Newkirk said, bending forward and clutching his stomach again. It took all of his strength to force himself to stand up straight again.
"You are the one who doesn't get it." Metzger came closer, relief and genuine, though twisted happiness shining in his green eyes. "Embrace your destiny, Benjamin, just as you should have had almost one hundred years ago."
"No!" Newkirk fell down on his knees. Hogan and Carter came to help him.
"Stop fighting," Metzger said. "It hurts more when you fight it."
"It's okay, Newkirk. We won't let you go." Hogan took his hand in his own, trying to comfort his corporal without letting his friend see the worry in his eyes.
"You don't understand, Colonel... I ain't getting evil... This is... is... different..."
"What's different? What's happening?" Carter asked.
"I'm losing control of me powers and me appearance, Andrew... I feel that they're coming out all at once..." He lifted his head and grabbed Carter by the collar of his shirt. "Me Scream of Death! Carter, I don't feel that I'll be able to suppress it for much longer... You must go away... very far away... Please!... I don't want to 'urt you!" He bent forward again.
"Colonel, what do we do?" Carter asked, looking between Newkirk, who was almost writhing in pain, and his commander.
Hogan was as scared as Carter, but he was the superior officer. It was his duty to protect all of the men under his orders. With a sad heart, he knew that the good of many always came above the good of one. Even when that one was Newkirk.
"Are you sure about this, Newkirk?" He grabbed his man's arm. The Englishman was in too much pain to look at him. All that Hogan could get was an agonizing nod. He turned to Carter. "Call the troops, we're making our way out of here."
"Go ahead," Metzger dismissed Hogan with a wave of his hand. "You can run away, we'll find you when my team is complete."
"Oh, you're about to be surprised," Newkirk said sitting on the floor to lean his back against the wall. Hogan was still with him. "You'll manage without me, Gov'nor."
Hogan saw Newkirk's skin becoming so white that it looked transparent. His eyes burned a blazing shade of purple and his features hardened. It was like the same transformation they had seen before but faster. It went on and did not seem to be near an end. Hogan looked at Newkirk's hand still in his. It was now a three-fingered claw, and Hogan noticed how bat-like it was in appearance. Like his wings, Hogan noticed that his skin was taking on a new, leathery appearance. "I don't think I would be ever able to replace you, Newkirk", he said, looking at his man and his friend in the face. He also noticed that instead of only his upper and lower canines being fangs, his entire upper teeth had turned into fangs as well. Hogan knew that he probably would be shocked seeing his friend as he truly appeared in his vampiric state, if it wasn't for the fact that so much sadness was overtaking his heart. He let go of his friend's hand and got up. He saw Metzger grinning and his anger grew. "I'll get you, Metzger. You won't get away with this."
"I'm counting on you, Colonel Hogan."
Carter was standing outside with the wolves. Although they could understand what was going on, there was little communication between any of them. Some thoughts of condolences came to his mind but he didn't want to answer to any of them. He just wanted to see Hogan and Newkirk coming out of that barn. I just need to make sure that Peter will be alright he thought to himself. Still, something inside of him could sense that things would never again be the same.
"We must get out." Tiger's voice surprised him. She was next to him.
Carter was picking up Klink's field pack, where he, Kinch and LeBeau had stored their clothes, just in time to see Hogan come running towards them.
"Let's go, there's no time to lose. We don't know how strong Newkirk has become. We need to put enough distance." He took Tiger in his arms and started to run. Carter hesitated. "C'mon, Carter!"
The wolves were already gone. There was no one left but him. Carter took one last look at the barn before also running away. Inwardly, he felt like a coward for leaving his friend in his condition. But, knowing him, he'd probably be more angry if I stayed behind. He's always watched out for us, making sure that we were safe at all times. He always volunteered for the dangerous missions, even when he felt cowardly himself, because he wanted to make sure that we would all come back in one piece. I'll never forget how much he cared for us Carter thought to himself, unwilling to wipe away the mist that was beginning to form in his eyes.
Newkirk struggled to get up and stayed up. He stared at Metzger studying him intently. "I'm not turning evil, Metzger. You're still the only monster in 'ere..."
"Look who's talking," he chuckled. "Now, not even your own mother, or your sister, would be able to recognize you."
The other vampires were coming closer, completely uncertain at what it was that they were seeing. The human form was barely recognizable under those big wings and dark veins. Claws with longer fingernails had replaced his hands and his eyes were completely purple, without even any whites showing. He wheezed and his ribs were becoming more prominent with every breath. What they would not see was that inside that impressive facade, there was still Newkirk, trying to hold his powers as long as he could manage.
The increasing pain told him that his time was getting shorter. Newkirk grinned. He looked at Metzger. "So... what's the proper goodbye? Oh, yes... See you in 'ell..."
Almost immediately, he felt his scream coming out. He was unable to suppress it any longer. At first, it started out low, like a moan, as though the wind was rustling through the autumn leaves. But with every passing second it was building in intensity, and it became louder and clearer than ever before. Metzger covered his ears. He had lived long enough to know how to protect himself. Some of his men followed his example. For a brief moment, they experienced relief. But then, the noise outside got inside of them.
Metzger felt the pressure in the center of his brain. He would have noticed that his arms and legs felt like they were shaking on the inside, but his thoughts vanished and his mind went blank. There was pain but he could not register it until it was too intense to scream. He saw his men bursting into flames, and then turning into dust, one by one. The youngest went first, and then the oldest soon followed. He almost thought that he would not go at all, being as old as he was... One second before he died, he realized that his battle was lost.
The explosion was more violent than any other Carter had prepared for their missions. It was especially painful for him, and it would stay in his head for a long time. They had found refuge in a distant cave but Hogan had ordered them to cover their ears just in case. It did hurt each man a little but there was no permanent damage.
However, there was some more intense pain that they were not able to fight. This was the realization that Newkirk was gone. They had won the battle; all of Die Schwarzen Engel were dead. The victory was theirs... But there was no joy on the price they had paid.
They sat around a small fire, all of them lost in their own thoughts. The silence was heavy as they tried to process what had just happened. Maybe Carter, Hogan, Kinch and LeBeau are suffering the most in all of this, Marie thought to herself. Even though he probably didn't want anybody else to notice, Tiger saw that Carter was leaning his head against Hogan's frame, and that he was allowing his tears to fall freely down his face. Likewise, Kinch was allowing LeBeau to also cry upon his shoulder. Tiger saw them but she could not find anything to say that could make them feel better. She turned to Klink and realized that he must be thinking the same way.
She could barely bring herself to look at him. They were natural enemies. At least, that was what she thought. She hated the fact that things were not as she had been told before. He got up and walked to the entrance of the cave, his hands clasped behind him. Tiger took a purposeful breath and followed him.
"You saved my life back there," she dared to say what she had been thinking all along. "Thank you."
"We fought as a team," Klink shrugged modestly.
"That's what they say. I'm still in shock, I have to tell you," she admitted to him.
Slowly, Klink turned to look her in the eye. "Look, I'm sorry I couldn't reveal my identity before. You know how it works. We don't even know our own names."
"I'm Marie," she said, tentatively reaching out to shake his hand.
"I know...," he replied, reciprocating her handshake.
She rolled her eyes and quickly drew her hand back to her side. "Really? We never worked together."
"Not directly. But I was your source of information in several occasions. I know almost everyone working in this area and beyond," he explained, as though it was a matter-of-fact piece of information.
She knew he was not bragging about that. Nimrod was not an informant. He was a secret agent, putting his life on the line to make underground work easier. Whether it was a small, independent outfit, like Hogan's, or a larger organization like her French Resistance, she knew that Nimrod had worked with them all and been an invaluable asset in the fight against Germany. Still, all she could see was Colonel Klink, Kommandant of Stalag 13. It would take her some time to really accept his double life and be grateful for what he had done all these years for her and her people.
Hogan slowly got up, making sure that his sergeant would be comfortable with that action. They had to get back to the camp before dawn, and before Schultz could come looking for them for the morning roll call. "Let's go."
"But, Colonel," Carter said, wiping the tears from his face. "Aren't we going back there?"
"What for?" Kinch said, as he also slowly got to his feet. "The place must be gone by now."
"I understand what Carter means." LeBeau got up. "We can go back just for a moment."
"Yeah, we never leave anyone behind, do we?" Carter stared at Hogan, waiting for the last word. "At the very least, he deserves…" However, he was unable to finish the sentence.
Hogan lowered his eyes and nodded. "He deserves a proper funeral—at least, as proper as one can receive in these parts." He turned to Tiger and squeezed her hand. "We'll talk later. But Marie?"
"Yes, mon amour?" she asked.
"No more heroics for tonight. I couldn't stand losing the babies, on top of…" He refused to allow himself to finish his thoughts, so instead he turned and looked at Klink. "Would you do me a favor and make sure she gets home safely? We'll meet you at the Stalag."
The Kommandant nodded. "Of course. We can't get back together, anyway," he replied, knowing that he could never afford to be caught with Hogan and his men outside of the wire. He offered his arm to Tiger and she sighed, before taking it.
"Call me," she said to Hogan.
Hogan led the way back to the barn. The smell of smoke was overwhelming, especially for Kinch and LeBeau with their enhanced senses. Hogan let them sniff around while he and Carter watched for patrols. All around them lay burnt pieces of the barn, with the occasional piles of dust with tattered clothing laying nearby. The fire had long since run out of fuel, and it looked as though a bomb had recently been dropped on the area.
"I don't want him to be gone," Carter said, refusing to allow himself to shed any more tears. He was hoping beyond hope that he wouldn't come across a pile of dust with a pencil sharpener nearby. "This war wouldn't be the same without any of us."
"I know, Carter. I feel bad too." Hogan shook his head. "It could have been me, and I wouldn't have been able to do what he did in the end."
"Newkirk told me stories about his powers and his true appearance, but he never mentioned how dangerous they could be, or how different he would appear. Maybe he thought that if I knew the entire truth, that I would be scared off. Can you imagine not being able to control them at all?"
"He did a very good job wiping off those bastards," Hogan said, looking around. "Our war here is over. At least, his death wasn't in vain. Those vampires were a menace to us all, especially the humans in the area."
"Thank you, Newkirk," Carter said in a whisper. "Thank you for keeping all of Germany safe from them."
Hogan clapped Carter's shoulder but before he could say any more words of consolation, LeBeau yelled at them. He was pointing to something that lay underneath what used to be a table. He was shouting over and over again, "Regardez! Regardez!"
Hogan and his men quickly came rushing over to see what all of the commotion was about. They let out simultaneous gasps as they noticed that LeBeau was pointing to a severely burnt Newkirk, who was still in his transformed state. His entire body was singed, and Hogan knew that he must have suffered from third-degree burns. This is the second time recently that I'm glad my corporal is already dead, or else he surely would be Hogan thought to himself. But is he?
Hogan and Carter quickly began lifting the table off of him, and placed it nearby. Both got down on their knees at the same time, still tentative since their corporal was completely unresponsive. Placing one hand on Newkirk's white wrist, Carter closed his eyes, hoping that he would feel a pulse.
He immediately broke out into a smile when he did, though he noticed how faint it was. Looking around the area, Carter's smile fell since he didn't see a single blood bag in sight.
Do you have any ideas, sir? That scream must have used up all of his strength, and he'll need blood in order to recover.
Just one Hogan replied. With all of his men watching him, Hogan quickly picked up Newkirk's pencil sharpener and cut open his wrist. As Hogan lifted his friend's head towards him, Carter squeezed Hogan's wrist, forcing the blood out of his body and into Newkirk's mouth.
The act continued until Hogan felt himself becoming dizzy, and he knew that he didn't have any more blood to give. It worked the last time, in Faust's cell. Peter, you can't give up on us! Please, be alright!
"I'm not…giving up…I just need…some…rest," Newkirk could barely get out, though his eyes were still closed. "Let's…go…'ome."
Feeling Newkirk's pulse again, Carter was relieved that it was quickly regulating itself and returning to normal. Carefully, Hogan and Carter lifted Newkirk up, with Hogan carrying his corporal's shoulders and Carter carrying the legs. Hogan couldn't help but let a broad, albeit still slightly worrisome smile, appear on his face. "I couldn't have said it better myself." With that, the men slowly began making their way back to their camp.