Lost Wolf
Chapter 8
Alex watched as Swamp Thing, trapped in a dungeon with Alice Cable and Arcane's former henchman turned Un-Man Bruno, reached towards the light with his remaining arm, straining against his shackles, his hand was bathed in light and his lost arm began to regrow-
He paused the video and sighed, the movie was almost over! Marko and Paul were off planning mischief somewhere else in the house, he finally has quiet time for the first time this sleepless night, (he really needed to do something about his insomnia), and now someone comes to call?
Don't be so dramatic, Noodle Boy. David spoke into his mind, You've seen that movie so many times I'm surprised the tape still works.
That's because I take care of my tapes.
He heard two motorcycles coming down the lonely street to Max's (former) house. One was David's bike, he didn't recognize the other, so it had to be Michael on a new bike.
They pulled into the driveway and Paul and Marko rushed down to greet them. After a few hearty pats on the back and a few dirty jokes they got down to business.
"I can't believe you told a cop to talk to Dwayne!"
"But he's the only one who understands this stuff. Besides, it's best we cooperate and get them off our backs than string them along."
David grinned, "I saw his mind. That cop thinks Marko's a Demon. He's terrified."
Marko snickered softly and began chewing his thumbnail, "Me? I was a perfect Angel!"
"Hell's Angel, maybe." Dwyane murmured, as if he had any room to talk.
David chuckled, "I also noticed that several people on the Boardwalk think you killed that Doctor..."
"I did kill him. He was a monster and a pervert and he deserved to die." Marko puffed out his chest.
"That's the general consensus on the Boardwalk. A few people were thinking you deserve a medal."
"I said the same thing!" Marko grinned so widely it looked like his face would split in half.
David rolled his eyes, "You always say that."
"Only on special occasions."
The Master Vampire laughed, "Like that guy last year, what was his name? Hargraves?"
As soon as he said it, he cursed himself for a fool. Marko didn't need to remember him.
"Hargrove. Caught him beating his kid. Saying the kinds of things my old man used to say..."
Everyone, even Michael, turned at that. Marko's father... Nothing good came when that Monster came up. Even dead for over 60 years, ashes scattered to the wind, that bastard refused to leave his son in peace. He tormented all of them, when Marko relived his pain and fear, lost in the past...
More than any other kind of prey, Marko hated men that abused their kids, especially the ones like Him. He prized those kills, he'd taken crazy risks, he'd followed them back to motels, even their houses. But it was best when he could take his time, slowly draw it out, have the ones who thought their sons too weak, too pretty, too small to be a 'man' whimpering beneath his boots. Nothing was ever enough for them. For Him. But they'd always break and cry and beg faster than any woman when he got his claws on them. Cowards, every last one of them. But that one... There wasn't a word strong enough, profane enough to describe a man who'd beg a Vampire to kill his kids instead, or worse... He'd spent a long, long time with Neil Hargrove.
That had been a good kill.
"What?" Marko looked at his concerned friends, his Pack. It was touching, no matter what a little sh** he was they still cared about him. His old man had been wrong. People cared for Marko, loved him, even. Marko had shown Him how strong he'd become, how much of a 'man', by His twisted definition. He could almost hear His screams like distant music... "Guys, I'm okay. I can fight Him, and I can win."
"So, anyway, I deserve a medal for that one, too. I'm performing all of these good deeds for the community, free of charge-" His eyes widened, "I don't believe it!"
"What?"
"That Hargrove bastard, he was moving to a town called Hawkins!"
"So?" Michael wasn't impressed.
"The guy, the Doctor I killed, he was from Hawkins!"
"Remind me never to go there."
"That kid, Billy, he would have made a great Vampire. If you hadn't gone soft on us and let him go." That was a lie, they'd all decided to let him go, even watched over him in the hospital until he was well enough to leave, to keep Max from slipping him any of his blood. It was probably the first time since Alex that Marko had shown actual empathy for another person, and, truth be told, they all liked him. If Michael found out that Billy have been given an actual choice, though, he'd go ape-sh***.
"He was like, 16 or something. Besides, he's too much like me. There can only be one Marko!" He grinned proudly and whispered under his breath, "Who wants to live forever with memories like ours?"
"You're a real-life superhero, Marko!" Paul shouted.
"Don't get a big head, Snickers. Your tiny body wouldn't be able to hold it up."
Marko playfully hit David, "Mullet Head. So, who do you have running errands without me to push around?" Marko asked.
The glare Michael gave him was enough of an answer.
"Alex, I need you to come with me to my mother's house. If I bring anyone else, someone will probably stake them." Michael looked over the young Werewolf, "And she did invite you."
"Why do you want to go back?"
"I'm not going to kill my family, Alex. I just want to let them know I'm alright."
"I'll have to take someone else's bike, I'm in hiding, after all." No one else in Santa Carla had a deep red 1940 Indian Chief motorcycle. Even without the sidecar, it was unmistakable.
"Take Paul's." David offered, as Master he wasn't about to lend his own.
"What?" Paul looked around, "Why my bike?"
"Because Marko is supposed to be in hiding as well. It wouldn't look very good if his bike was seen around town right now, would it?"
Paul couldn't argue with the logic in that.
"Should I change?" Alex was wearing a Pink Floyd t-shirt and faded blue jeans.
"You might want to wear your jacket, otherwise, you're fine."
Alex walked over to the remote and sadly pressed Rewind. Leaving a tape on Pause too long could damage it. Maybe he could watch it tomorrow.
XXXX
The term awkward didn't quite fit the situation in the Emerson home.
And the problem wasn't the Werewolf looking nervously around the house, it was the family's oldest son.
"Michael!" Lucy hugged her eldest, and was shocked at how cold his skin felt. He hugged her back, but it was almost mechanical, more muscle memory than emotion.
"Mom. Sam. Grampa." He looked at each, but there was no warmth in his eyes.
Sam was pale. He knew, he knew that this was not his brother. It was a bloodsucking demon wearing his brother's skin.
"And Alex, I'm glad you could make it." Lucy hugged the skinny boy, and was relieved to feel warmth, life coming from his body. Alex himself seemed surprised, but hesitantly hugged her back.
"Thank you for inviting me."
"It's my pleasure." Lucy frowned, "Did they ever find that horrible man? The one who tried to..."
"No. They haven't."
"They won't, will they?" Grampa Emerson stated almost rhetorically.
"No. They won't." Alex replied honestly, "Marko said he..." He looked around at the gathered family, they didn't need to hear this, "He made sure. They won't find him."
"It's the little one's you gotta look out for. Big guy, people won't bother him, but a little guy, he has to fight every day, get stronger and meaner, to survive." Grampa Emerson popped the tab on a root beer and headed for the kitchen.
Lucy smiled, putting on her best face, "Michael, we're making your favorite, Spaghetti and Meatballs."
"That's not his favorite anymore." Sam whispered under his breath.
"Sam, are the plates set out?"
"Yes, mom."
"Okay, why don't you and Alex go take a seat. Alex looks like he could use a good home-cooked meal."
Sam waved Alex forward, staying as far as he could get from Michael.
"How... How are you? Are you feeling better?"
Michael shrugged, "Yes. I'm much more comfortable now, and the pain's gone."
"Is everyone treating you well?"
"Yeah. Marko and Paul are staying with Alex, and they're the ones usually causing mischief, playing pranks."
"And... David?" Lucy still didn't like David, she likely never would. But he was an important part of Michael's life now, she'd have to endure his presence.
"David and Dwayne are teaching me about my new... Life. You really don't want to know."
Lucy's face fell, her Michael, her baby, was gone. There was a little left, a precious spark, but beyond that...
She plastered on a smile, "Let's go eat."
XXXX
It didn't escape Michael's notice that Sam chose to sit beside Alex rather than near him. He understood, he and the old man. Michael Emerson was dead. His mother was in denial. She still thought he was her baby. That was dangerous, for her. If the hunger became to much... Fortunately, he'd already fed.
"So, do you sleep upside down too?"
"Sam!"
Sam looked slightly offended, it was a valid question.
"Yeah. My feet turn into claws. You'd think hanging upside down for hours would be uncomfortable, but I find it... Freeing."
"I hope you've made that old hotel more secure." Lucy spoke up, "I wouldn't want the Frog brothers, or anyone else, getting in. Hurting you." She turned to Alex, "Any of you."
Except David.
Sam looked like he was going to defend the Frog brothers, but decided against it. He remembered the look on Alex's face when he tried to defend him from David, when David had made it clear that they had almost killed Marko. He'd looked guiltily at the small Vampire and didn't say anything more.
"We've put in some new defenses, moved our sleeping area and... Other things." He wasn't about to tell his hunter Grandfather and wanna-be hunter brother the secrets of the old hotel. They were a risk.
No, they were Michael Emerson's Grandfather and little brother. Michael Emerson no longer existed. He was talking with Michael Emerson's mother. Humans. Mortals. Prey, if necessary.
"Uh, Sorry... I..." Alex wasn't used to such social settings, "Laddie and Star. Are they alright? They're not here. I mean..."
"It's alright, Alex," Lucy smiled, "They found Laddie's family, and they're good people. The... Situation he was running away from isn't a problem anymore. And Star went home, too. In a way, I almost wish they'd stayed."
"I'll miss them, I didn't even get the chance to say goodbye. Of course, I've been in hiding, with all of this crazy stuff going on." Alex laughed nervously and ran a hand through his neatly combed hair. He'd wanted to look a little better at least.
"Don't worry, they understood." Lucy replied, and added, "Michael, Star wanted you to know, she's sorry. About all of this. She didn't want it to be this way."
"It is what it is, and nothin' can change it." Grampa Emerson looked over at his grandson, at the creature that used to be his grandson, "It's not all on her. I knew. I knew about the Vampires. I knew about The Lost Boys. I should have... At least warned you to stay away from them. Once I saw the signs, the change... But, it is what it is." He let out a heavy sigh. "There's no apology, no excuse that will bring my grandson back." He looked up abruptly, and locked eyes with Michael, "But if any of your... Friends, or even you, get the idea to take away Lucy or Sam the way you took Michael, I'll call every hunter in the state and stake all of you."
Michael regarded the old man coldly, while everyone else was shocked into silence, "That's not going to happen."
"The changing, or the staking?" Sam asked softly. He wasn't sure he wanted to know the answer.
"Either. David doesn't want any of you. That was Max. But if you get any funny ideas, Grampa, you'll find out where that Doctor went first hand." Michael's voice was cold and sharp as a razor's edge, "None of us want to hurt you. In fact, the boys kind of like you, Sam. He doesn't want to turn you, unless you want it later on. But if any of you start something with us, be certain that we'll finish it."
No one spoke, too shocked by Michael's words. He would really kill them all if they became a threat? Sam was more concerned with the idea that the Vampires liked him. They'd liked Michael, too, and look where that got him.
"I know what your kind is capable of, Michael. I just hope it doesn't have to come to either of those ends." Grampa Emerson's voice was grave, "I want to propose a truce, you leave us alone, we leave you alone."
Lucy was crying, visibly shaken. Sam put a hand on her shoulder, and looked at Michael as if he could see the thing inside of him.
"He's just trying to protect his family. Your family." Alex voice was subdued, "I don't think any of them would actually try to hurt us unless -"
"I know what he meant, Alex. I was just explaining why attacking us would be a bad idea. They already tried to hurt us, too, or have you forgotten what they were going to do to Marko? As for hunters, I'd think you'd understand that threat better than anyone."
Alex's eyes narrowed, and he clenched his fists tightly. He was trembling a little, but it wasn't from fear. He took several deep breathes, trying to calm himself. This was not the place or the time for that. Finally, he spoke, "I don't have a blood family anymore, Michael. You have two. Both of them love you. Don't waste that opportunity."
Lucy was shocked, not by Alex's situation, she'd already known that, but by Michael's callousness.
"Michael?" A look of fear mixed with hope crossed her face, "Do you... Do you even remember us? Do you still... Love us?"
"I remember everything from before. And I feel... Something. I'm sorry, but I wouldn't call it love."
Tears began streaming down her face, and Sam's face, Grampa looked tired and Alex just looked resigned. He knew Vampires were cold to mortals, but he'd never seen one interacting with their mortal family.
"Is Michael... My Michael... Is he still in there?"
Michael decided it had to be done. He couldn't live two lives, no matter what he'd thought or what Alex believed. He'd thought seeing his family would stir something human inside of him. He was wrong. If he kept Michael Emerson, he'd end up like Marko. Tormented by memories. Not the trauma of abuse, but, perhaps worse, the memories of a happy family. He had to let go. This was a parting, and it would be bitter, "I don't know. I suppose so, since I don't have as strong an urge to eat you as I would other humans."
Lucy Emerson just stopped. She sat there, not making a reply, not crying or screaming with rage. Sam just stared wide eyed, and Grampa suddenly looked old and frail. Alex put a hand on Sam's shoulder, a tiny show of comfort. Not for the first time, he was grateful he wasn't a Vampire.
"So, you're just someone else. Something else, walking around in my big brother's body." Sam had wanted to deny it, he'd felt some hope when Michael agreed to come over and talk, but he knew from the beginning that it was over. He'd seen Marko break down over his former life, over the abuse, how he couldn't understand the boy he was before he became Marko. A dream, he said... Someone else's life.
"You knew that already Sam. You saw the others."
"I knew." His voice was quiet, "I just couldn't bring myself to admit it. The Michael Emerson we knew is dead. My big brother, the one that scared off my bullies and played pranks on me and was a dumb jock and an ass and who loved mom's homemade chocolate cookies and chased every girl he saw... Who loved mom, who loved me. Just like that poor kid who ended up as Marko. He's a memory. Just a memory to you."
"You saw Marko lose it, but you don't know why. He's like that because he still hasn't left his old self behind. He still has that scared, weak kid who was abused by his father inside him. He buried him, but he can't get rid of him. Maybe it was the trauma, maybe he can't get past his pain, I don't know. I don't want to be like that. Michael Emerson wasn't abused, sure, his dad was a dick, but otherwise he had a loving family that he loved in return. I don't want to spend eternity thinking about what Michael Emerson left behind. I'd go crazy. The past is dead, and it doesn't matter anymore."
"Then who are you? What are you?" Lucy asked quietly, almost too quietly for the humans at the table to hear.
"I'm Michael. Just Michael. One of The Lost Boys. I'm a Vampire. A predator. You were right, Sam. All those emotions that would get in the way of killing my prey are gone. If it's any comfort, the good part of me, the Michael Emerson you knew, his soul probably went somewhere else... maybe Heaven. I don't know. I just know he's gone, and he's never coming back."
Michael stood and headed out the door without another word.
Everyone at the table was speechless. Even though most of them had anticipated this reaction, it was still a hard pill to swallow. Michael Emerson no longer existed. They might as well put up the headstone now. His soul had fled and something else had taken up residence.
XXXX
Alex had stayed a short while longer, trying to help comfort Lucy, but he knew it was a hopeless task. What could he say? Michael had been devastatingly honest, no platitudes would help fix a broken family.
After the Old Man had helped Lucy upstairs to bed, he'd said his goodbyes and headed out. Despite being 'in hiding' he knew that Doctor Anderson was dead and wasn't a threat to him anymore. It was all a show for the police. He headed towards a lonely stretch of coast he sought out when the pressure became too much to bear.
He left Paul's bike a short distance behind and headed into the darkness.
Once he was out of sight, he began to howl.
XXXX
That night, The Lonely Wolf of Santa Clara once again made himself known, and all who heard it felt that his' howls sounded far more mournful than they had ever been.
And for the first time in the eight years that The Lonely Wolf had howled his pain into the night, there was an answer to his cries.
And, perhaps, to his prayers.
XXXX
Notes-
Everyone suffers in this chapter.
In the words of Dominik Santorski, "You've got to suffer... Like you've never done before."
I wonder if anyone out there actually thought a movie called 'Suicide Room' might have a happy ending.
Michael is acting far differently than he acts when he's with the boys because he sees them as equals, fellow Vampires, above mere humans. He doesn't know Alex well enough to feel anything beyond indifference towards him, and spending time with his mortal family is just a waste of time. He's NOT Michael Emerson anymore, and any feelings he had for his mortal family have either dulled or died out completely. He doesn't want to kill them, but that's as far as his concern goes.
But there's a Light of Hope at the end of the tunnel, at least for one character. Let's hope that Light isn't an inferno.
Neil Hargrove was taken and slowly killed by Marko after he heard and saw him abusing his son, Billy, who thought Marko was his guardian Angel. Even after realizing that Marko was a Vampire, (Billy didn't care) they became friends, partly based on shared trauma, but Billy didn't want to become a Vampire and had to move back to LA. The characters are, of course, from the show Stranger Things.
I'm working on a one-shot where Marko rescues Billy.
Michael Emerson is gone. Marko is haunted by the ghost of who he once was. The Emersons have lost a child, even though that child still walks and talks and enjoys himself, at least, his body does. Alex is starved for companionship outside of murderous Vampires, and is horrified by the changes that have come over Michael. It's an angst fest!
Too add to the pain, here's some of my tragic backstory for Marko:
He was born in 1888, in New York City. His mother didn't survive.
His birth name is not Marko. He hates his birth name, and hated it even when he was alive. It was a tie to his father, one he gladly cut.
He comes from a wealthy family. He lived on a large estate pretty much secluded from the rest of the world.
His father hated and abused him, even raped him, saying that he was worthless, weak, an effeminate pretty boy, useful only as an object to be abused, a whore, etc... And blamed him for his mother's death. His father basically hated everyone, and the only other person living there was his bodyguard.
The boy who would be Marko ran away in his late teens, renamed himself Marko, and went on the run, heading West.
He nearly starved to death, but that's not what would have killed him. That's why he seems gluttonous, he's afraid he might not be able to eat again soon, even though he knows the Boardwalk is prime hunting grounds. That's explained in the last chapter.
He was actually very timid and polite as a human, always afraid of upsetting others. Now he's the complete opposite.
Max saved his life and turned him just because he was beautiful.