Disclaimer: I still don't own them. But I would accept them as a gift!
Author's Note: This chapter was easiest to write, since I've had it finished for awhile, and needed to make only a few changes to it. And it's shorter than I like. For those wondering, "Shadow Moon" is merely a prequel to the "Falls the Shadow" series, which is going to be quite dark and creepy. Maybe this one's not quite so dark because it's earlier in the timeline! Or so I tell myself. The next two will be post-movie, one-chapter fics called "Shadow Lord" and "Shadow Hunter." When "Lord" goes up, you'll see just what I wanted to do with this fic. And since I really don't want to start another big epic multi-chapter fic right now, the "Falls the Shadow" series may be told in the form of several stories, with maybe one or two as long as "Moon." Dunno. Tell me what you think.
SHADOW MOON
A 'Falls the Shadow' fic
Part Five
Confronting the Horror
Only the fact that Elliot was busy with his own transformation saved Gray's life. But even that didn't last; the older werewolf completed his change faster. Gray's body was still settling when a dark grey blur leapt from the shadows, eyes glowing and teeth bared. The creature that had been Gray forced his still-awkward body into a roll, howling in pain as his body protested. Only his animal instincts saved him from a savage blow that would have torn out his throat.
He didn't move quick enough to keep the other from grabbing his tail. There was a sound of snapping bone and tearing flesh, and the beast that had been Gray howled his agony. The pain made the beast inside retreat, and suddenly, Gray found himself in partial control of his mind.
He was too much in shock to do anything about it at first. The sight of the creature that had been Major Elliot grinning toothily at him, holding a limp grey-and-scarlet mess that had been his tail, froze him in place.
Then, the bestial instincts screamed at him to run, run, run! For here was a predator that could make him the prey! Gray recovered his balance, forced himself to ignore the pain, and ran. There were only two ways out, the human part of him knew. The door, which was locked, and the window behind Major Elliot.
Gray dodged under Elliot's reaching claws and surged towards the window, gathering himself for a leap and hurling himself towards it.
For one terrifying moment, Gray feared the glass wouldn't break. But it wasn't made to withstand the force of two hundred pounds of muscle leaping into it; the window shattered, and Gray fell in a rain of glass shards and broken blinds to the ground three stories below, landing with a neat roll that didn't hurt him near as much as the pain from the bloody stump where his tail had been.
He ran. He ran with death swift on his heels, weaving and dodging through the late-night traffic, avoiding pedestrians. His bestial half had no interest in hunting; not with the hunter behind him, somewhere. Gray only saw the people as obstacles; swerving around them slowed his flight, and their scents masked the other's. His pursuer could be anywhere; he had to get out of the populated area.
He focused on the barrier ahead of him. He needed to be free! He needed to get somewhere where he could make a stand, because he sensed this night would only end with death.
* * *
General Hein knew he was too late even before he reached his office. If only the summit had ended sooner. If only he'd been able to catch an earlier flight. Dammit, Major, why are you doing this now? He should have known. The level-headed major could usually be trusted to be left in charge in Hein's absences, but as the moon waxed full, his wild side became more evident. It would be just like him to take care of the problem Captain Edwards posed in his own way.
When he'd heard about the captain's unexpected summons to the office, he knew. He only hoped he'd arrive in time to stop Elliot before he did something they'd all regret.
The door was locked. Hein quickly slipped his pass card through the slot, and the door slid open. Hein stepped inside, then stopped. Shit. The scent of blood hit his nostrils, and he licked his lips unconsciously as he surveyed the damage. His window was broken, and the blinds had broken and the pieces scattered.
Hein's lips curled in a snarl. This was going to be harder than he'd thought. They'd gone into the city itself… Now how was he going to find them? Then Hein smiled slightly as he stood in the frame of the broken window, a sound drifting to his ears. Of course. I'll just follow the sound of the screams. With that, he sprang out of the window, coat flaring behind him.
* * *
He'd felt the barrier's energies only a slight tingle, instead of the massive jolt most living beings who came into contact with it received. He'd been able to safely leap through one of the gaps between the energy conduits, and was now outside of New York, running along the stretch of Manhattan Island that had been abandoned.
Not once did he consider the Phantoms. They were nothing compared to the one that stalked him, one he hadn't seen but knew was there. He'd glimpsed only the dark flame of the other's spirit before it flickered and vanished. He was being toyed with, a deadly game of cat and mouse. He had to find somewhere open, where he couldn't be ambushed. But where in the shattered city ruins was there a clearing?
Gray hesitated, trying to recall what he knew about this part of the city. It was hard; his thoughts were muddled, primitive, and it never even occurred to him to wonder why he could even think at all when during his previous transformation he'd been driven only by a killing instinct.
He lifted his muzzle, straining to catch his foe's scent. Had he lost the other? Gray doubted it. But all he scented was death. Dust and bone, rusting metal and decaying cloth. Death. Nowhere was there the scent of the hunter.
Gray took a tentative step down one street strewn with long-abandoned vehicles. Bone crunched under his heavy paw, and Gray froze, ears flicking to catch any sound. Cautiously, he proceeded down the dismal grey streets, ignoring the urge to run. He couldn't run anymore, or he'd burn himself out. He'd wasted too much energy anyway; he didn't know if he'd have the strength to face the other. And he could feel the blood drip down his hind legs from the stump that had been his tail. The flow hadn't stopped; he was going to be feeling weak from blood loss soon.
He heard another crack of bone, and Gray swiveled his head towards the sound, ready to lunge toward the source. But the attack that followed came from the opposite side.
Claws raked his face when Gray didn't duck fast enough, and his breath came out in a yip of pain. He lashed out at Elliot, only to find that his opponent was no longer there. The older werewolf had stepped sideways, jaws agape in laughter. He moved under Gray's arm, striking at the exposed chest before whirling out of the way.
Gray bellowed in rage as he pulled out of Elliot's reach. He hadn't expected the other to move so fast! He had barely gathered himself for a spring when the major darted forward again, hammering blows with his teeth along Gray's spine. The thick fur did little to shield him from the attack.
He dropped and rolled, lashing out with his hind feet and scoring a blow on his opponent's abdomen. Elliot snarled before thrusting his head forward with blinding speed, catching one of Gray's hind paws. Scissoring his jaws, he sheared off one of Gray's toes. Gray shot to his feet, dropping to all fours to put less weight on his injured foot. Elliot was already on top of him, his weight pushing Gray to the ground, his jaws sinking through Gray's thick, coarse fur at the nape of his neck, seeking to sever the spinal cord.
This was it… Gray's bestial nature was acknowledging defeat. He wanted to fight back, but he was losing his will. Elliot had him securely pinned to the ground, and Gray could feel it when the teeth finally penetrated his flesh.
Then Elliot was suddenly knocked sideways. The werewolf hadn't braced himself for the blow and fell to the ground, quickly rolling to regain his feet. The major snarled and whirled to face his new attacker.
"I don't think so, Matthew," a familiar voice said reprovingly. Gray staggered to his feet and stared in disbelief at his rescuer. "You don't want to hurt me." General Hein stepped between the two werewolves, his eyes on Elliot. Gray was too hurt to even consider attacking the man… and there was something about his scent that his nature shied away from…
Elliot bared blood-stained fangs and lunged forward, catching Hein's left arm in a tight grip. Leather tore, and Gray could see the teeth tear flesh…
Hein didn't even wince. With his other hand, he grabbed Elliot's upper jaw and yanked his head away. Elliot gave a shrill cry.
Gray lay where he'd fallen, feeling the wounds slowly heal themselves. But he was too busy watching what was happening to notice.
"You won't hurt me," Hein said icily, glaring at Elliot. "And you won't touch him, either."
To Gray's surprise, Elliot lowered himself to his belly, tail between his legs and ears flat to his skull. But despite his submissive posture, Gray could see the rage burning in his eyes.
"I'll see you in my office tomorrow," the general snapped, and Elliot snarled. "Now, get out of here. I don't want to see you again tonight, and I don't want you to touch him!"
The other flicked his tail angrily and straightened. He spared one glance towards Gray, but made no move towards him. With one final glare at Hein, he whirled around and vanished from the shadows.
"And you," Hein said, his voice suddenly mild. "What am I going to do with you?"
Gray got clumsily to his feet. Hein stepped forward, and Gray found himself shying away. He didn't understand it, but there was something about the man that… frightened him.
There was a soft hooting sound, and both Gray and Hein jerked their heads towards the direction of the noise. Phantoms! "Perhaps we should continue this in my office tomorrow morning?" Hein suggested. "Meanwhile, I suggest you work off your aggressiveness out here, since you can't be trusted to control yourself yet. And don't worry," Hein continued, his gaze on the Phantoms that were visible to Gray's altered vision, "they can't hurt you. There's something about your spirit that hurts them. You're quite safe."
Hein turned away, walking fearlessly towards the barrier glowing a mile or so away from him. Gray wondered why the man was so bold, being out here unprotected when the Phantoms were coming, but then he saw something that left him staring slack-jawed after his commanding officer.
Hein had no spirit.
* * *
Gray just wanted to go to bed, but Hein's order was still fresh in his memory, and he went first to the man's office. He'd had an odd night… He'd remembered it, this time. The stars, the freedom, the joy… He'd never experienced anything like it. I'd better not get too used to this. There must be a cure, and I'll find it.
Hein was waiting for him in the office. The man looked none the worse for his experience in the city. Major Elliot stood off to the side, and Gray was careful to put distance between them. He'd never have thought the man would be such an aggressive fighter. Elliot only gave him a sullen glare, then stared straight ahead. Hein beckoned Gray towards the seat in front of his desk.
"I apologize for my subordinate's behavior last night," Hein said calmly. "He was ordered not to touch you, but he's difficult to reason with under a full moon."
"You knew he was a werewolf," Gray stated. He couldn't bring himself to use formalities.
"Yes. And I knew you'd been bitten, so I've been watching you. I've even covered for you. I was the one who dragged you back to your room after your attack on the corporal in the hangar. Luckily, the drug I gave you was strong enough to keep you unconscious the rest of the night."
Gray couldn't bring himself to be grateful. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"If I'd told you that you were a werewolf, would you believe me?" Hein challenged. "I didn't think so. I did drop hints for you, however, in the hopes that you'd figure it out."
The knife. He'd known that Gray would react to it. "So now I know," Gray said coldly. "Is there a cure?"
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Elliot shake his head, and Hein sighed. "Not that anyone's ever found. All the movies are a lie. Oh, I'm sure a silver bullet would cure you, but not in the way you probably want. And, before you say anything, killing the one that made you won't do it. The major's already tried that."
Gray met the major's eyes with surprise. Even after last night, it was difficult to see the man as a monster. Elliot's eyes narrowed, and for a brief instant Gray caught a glimpse of the darkness beneath the surface. He shivered and turned back to Hein.
"I can hide you. I've kept Elliot's curse secret for years; almost since his attacker left him alive one Christmas Eve with bite marks on his intestines." Gray winced. Hein continued, "I can keep you safe, and others safe from you. And you will find it easier to control after awhile, once you integrate a werewolf's killing instinct into your own personality. You'll change, but keep your own mind." Hein's eyes narrowed, and he glared at Elliot. "With occasional slip-ups. Had you come to me before being sent on Dr. Sid's errand, I'd have prevented you from going after Elliot and none of this would have happened."
It was those slip-ups that frightened Gray. What if he attacked another of his men? What if he killed one of them? Or worse?
"You can go, Major," Hein said, and Elliot left silently. Odd, Gray thought, how he'd never noticed the man had such a predatory walk.
"You'll hide my secret." Gray gave Hein a hard stare. "For what price? What do you expect from me?"
Hein smiled. "A few choice missions, of course. I won't often have need of your talents, but you'll be quite useful. Haven't you noticed, even when the moon isn't full, that your senses, your reflexes, are better than they were? I'll make it worth your while."
"You don't give me much choice, do you?" Gray hissed.
"No," Hein said. Again he smiled, an expression that didn't reach his eyes. "Does anyone know about this? Besides Corporal Fleming, I mean?" Gray shook his head. "Good; that can be taken care of."
Gray's eyes widened. "What are you going to do – "
"Don't worry. I have no intention of hurting your tech. Now, that should be everything," Hein said, with an air of dismissal.
No. Gray wasn't going until he got answers. And there were things about last night he'd thought had been hallucinations brought on by pain, things Hein was avoiding. "No, it isn't." Hein gave him an irritated look. "You were bitten last night."
Hein's eyes narrowed. "Why do you say that?"
"I saw it."
Hein's lips thinned. "You needn't worry; it won't affect me."
Gray's suspicions about the general came back to him in a rush. "It was you, wasn't it? You were the werewolf that bit me." But even as he said it, he caught the flaw in his logic. He would have been transformed last night… But there had been something about him that had been unearthly… inhuman… Perhaps one could change when one willed it after a time? How else would the general have been able to track them so fast?
Hein snorted. "I can assure you, I'm no werewolf."
"You've got a scar on your neck… but so does Elliot…" Damn, either one of them could have been the one nailed by Neil's knife!
Self-consciously, Hein rubbed his neck, where Gray had seen the line of scarred flesh. "This is the mark of something else entirely," Hein said harshly. His eyes glittered dangerously, but Gray wasn't going to back down until he had answers. "It's not your business."
"You had no spirit." Gray's remark met dead silence.
Hein cupped his chin and said nothing for a moment. "You have a spirit, even when you're transformed," he said finally. "So obviously, I can't be one of you."
"Then…what?" Frustration made Gray raise his voice. "What else would have such a different spirit."
Hein was quiet. Then he murmured, his voice nearly inaudible, "A vampire."
Gray gave a sharp bark of laughter. So the general wasn't going to take him seriously? Angrily, Gray got to his feet. "Don't mock me."
Hein actually laughed. "You'll believe that you can change into a wolf, but not in the undead? Oh, Captain… You have no idea what kind of world you've just entered." He smiled, baring his teeth at Gray.
Gray took a step backward. "No…" This… this was just too much! He couldn't take it; he whirled around and ran from the office, the image of Hein's long canines still very much in his mind. Werewolves… Vampires…
You have no idea what kind of world you've just entered… Gray didn't want to know. And he prayed that he'd never find out. But he knew it was too late. He'd been drawn into a world cloaked in shadows, and he knew he'd never escape.
The End