Chapter Four : Evolution
Virginie was right about the humans. By nightfall, they have gathered and marched towards their border again. When will they give up? Shane thought. Then he thought, when will his people give up? He could see the weariness in their eyes. Obviously, even though they had not participated in the battle, they were witnesses to the powers of the humans. Now they fear.
It was too late. Shane urged his council to restore some fighting spirits back into his people. They nodded and quickly dispatched to give speeches and encouragement to the wounded.
"Where're those damn witches?" Shane demanded.
Only Anna answered to his calling. "The elders said they have important things to do. I heard they made sail to Forest Isle this morning."
"How dare they leave without even announcing their plans to me!" Shane was angered. The elders are getting out of hand. Wise as they were, he was still their king. They had to answer to him.
"I am sure they are finding ways to push back the humans, my lord. Please trust in their efforts." Anna replied softly. She looked slightly fearful of her lord.
Shane softened. Anna sorely reminded him of Rindy. Her quiet and gentle nature was most affecting.
"I will not tolerate their behaving this way again. I hope you will tell them how I feel." Shane said.
Anna nodded quickly and bowed. "Yes, my lord. Now, If I may just take my leave."
He didn't replied. Instead, he was thinking of what he was to do with the humans. The dragoons are definitely brave and going on strong, but he cannot let them do the dirty work. He had to make his people realize they had to stand up and defend their home.
"Wish you weren't king now, aye?" Virginie snickered. She was playing with a sharp dagger. It had the imprint of a snake. It looks vastly evil to Shane.
"Are you going to the frontline this time?" He asked.
She nodded thoughtfully. "Why not? They could use a helping hand." She gestured to the dragoons, who were know faithfully putting on their armors and spears.
Shane nodded. "I am grateful to you."
She chuckled. "Why the formality, Shane? Are you still worrying over those stupid humans?"
He didn't answer her.Instead, he asked her another question. "Why did you tell me you saw my brother with Iker?"
She looked slightly amused. "Because I did."
"Iker never saw him. I asked him."
"Maybe he was lying."
Shane frowned. He didn't like her games. " Dragoons do not lie. They are almost pure creatures."
"Nothing is pure in this world, Shane."
He paused. "Were you lying to me, Virginie?"
"What if I am?" She asked, her eyes flashed. It was a defiant look. One that Shane could not understand.
"Why would you lie to me about my brother?"
She shook her head slowly, deliberately. "I wanted to see him. I thought I did.but then again, maybe I didn't."
"You had a vision of him?"
She nodded slowly, quite unsure of herself. "I do not know. Maybe. I thought I saw him at the bay. I thought I saw Iker talking to him."
"Why didn't you approach them?"
"I did!" She protested. "But they.they."
"Disappeared?" Shane finished.
Virginie watched him closely. "Yes. they did."
Shane nodded, as if he understood it. But he didn't. Not really. He would push the matter to the back of his mind. There is a battle to be fought and he intend to fight to the very end.
The council had done some good job spreading cheer among the army. Some of the night people actually showed up during the assembly. Shane was touched. This was the way it should be. They should not be fearing humans. Let them fear the night people instead!
When the command was given, the night people, along with the dragoons marched stealthily to the frontline. From a distant, they could see smokes rising from the horizon. It could only mean that the humans were marching towards them as well.
"Everyone! Let this be the last battle! Let us strike out hard and kick their sorry hide!" Shane shouted. To this, some of the night people actually chuckled and cheered. Shane nodded at his council. They were ready. He was ready. There would be blood shed tonight. He would make sure it was the humans'.
Their waiting did not take long. About ten minutes later, the humans have appeared. They seemed to have multiplied in number. No matter, Shane thought. He believe in his strength. In his people's strength.
The humans were carrying guns. Guns that Shane knew, does not shoot out bullets. Because they had found out that bullets did little harm to the night people. They had brought along more acid guns. Some of them were even carrying large wooden stakes.
There might have been ten second of quiet silence, before Shane raises his right hand, and the human general raised his left fist, and then the war ensued. The battle had started.
Shane killed ten humans in a matter of ten seconds. He was fast, he was in the air and he didn't want to stop killing them until they were all dead, all mutilated at his hands. He didn't quite understand where this raw rage in him come from but he was enjoying every single second of it.
He left his victims, gutless and ugly.
Virginie came next. She was agile and avoided all the nasty acid guns. She decapitated 5 humans and grinned satisfactorily at Shane who could only smile back.
The ugly mess they left on the ground was disgustingly sweet to Shane. He killed another ten and then returned to the side of his council.
"How are you doing?" He asked.
"Very good." Galadriel reported back. "I done in 30."
"What about Frances and Lilia?"
Galadriel shrugged. "Haven't seen them. Must be somewhere in the crowd."
Shane nodded. Just then, his more than perfect eyesight scanned out Frances, who, together with his werewolves comrades were attacking a bunch of human soldiers. Shane, at that moment, thought it careless of Frances to advance so fast and so furious towards the men carrying the acid guns. He would have cried out to Frances, ordered him to back off. But his voice left him. The next few seconds, saw Frances slipped a step and the human aimed the acid gun on Frances' head. Shane, instinctively leaped towards the group, who had Frances cornered. When he reached there, he dispatched and disassembled three men.
"Don't come any closer. I'll kill him." The human, whose face was covered by the helmet he was wearing, said angrily. But Shane sensed the tremble in his voice.
Frances remained still. But there was recklessness in his eyes. Maybe even courage. Shane knew Frances intend to kill the very bastard if it means his head being blown off.
"Frances, remain still." Shane ordered coldly. He eyed his opponent. The human was of a slender built. He could probably be just a boy. Shane could take him out easily if Frances remained still and obedient.
Just then, the human seemed to have lost his senses, he dropped down his acid gun and took of his helmet hastily.
"Shane? Its you? Don't' you remember me?" The baby blue eyes greeted him enthusiastically. Human? Shane could not remember.
"Its me! Nicky! Don't you remember?"
Shane remembered all too well. His human friend two years back. When he was still in the human world, still happy then.
But the fact that Nicky had dispose his weapons, made him a fool. Frances saw the chance. He leaped back, twisted Nicky's arms immediately and broke them.
Shane saw his friend's paled. Then he broke down onto the floor and began to groan, deep pain.
Shane quickly pushed Frances aside. "Do not hurt him!"
Frances stared at his lord in utmost disbelief. "What? He's a human!"
"I know! I intend to keep him alive and unspoiled." Shane's eyes darkened. "For questioning purposes."
Frances nodded, but he did not seemed convinced. But he was not about to question his lord, not at this time. He quickly rushed off to aid his comrades.
Shane turned back to his human friend. "Are you well?"
"I think he broke my.." He didn't finish his sentence.
"You'll be alright. I'll see to it."
Nicky nodded, though his lips trembled with the pain. "I always knew you were different, Shane. I just didn't think."
Shane nodded. He felt so emotional. So painful. He was a demon, yet he was caring for a human, who is now hurting his people and his home. He felt so conflicted, his head hurts. But Nicky remained his friend and Shane will not abandon him. He carried him instantly into his arms, and made to the Inner Circle. At least at the Inner Circle, only the mist will greet them. They would be far from the humans and the night people.
Shane mended Nicky's wounds. His friend looked so mortally shocked that Shane had to smile.
"My arms. they're fine now.."
Shane nodded. "Yes they are. Now tell me, why are you with the army?"
His blond friend shrugged. "We received a calling from the military. Every young, able men were to enlist into the army. Said we were dealing with the terrorists at first, but later, we found out they were probably mutated beings that escaped from the northern labs."
"Mutated beings I'll wager." Shane spat. "We're not."
Nicky nodded. "I know you're not. The northern labs had always been fooling around with clones and some weird experiments. They probably thought it'll be easier if they just let us believe we're dealing with some unfeeling freaks."
"Does the whole human world know about us now?"
Nicky shook his head. "I don't think so. When we got into the army. They made us sign contracts, swearing that this secret will be kept safe forever."
Shane nodded. At least only the military knows the truth. But still, it was a lot of people.
"Shane, why are you here? I mean, I know you're one of them. But why are you fighting the humans? Surely you don't detest us, like some of them did."
"I don't." Shane said hastily. He didn't want to confess the strange sort of excitement he'd derived from killing the humans. "I don't hate the humans. Its just that the humans discovered this place when they captured one of the werewolves.so they attacked. We were simply defending this place."
"So are we." Nicky said quietly. "Your people have been terrorizing the humans for a very long time now."
To this, Shane had no answer. Yes, he'd been unable to control the number of night people that had sneaked into the human world, toying with them, feeding on them or simply scaring them for good fun. Till now, he was still unsure how many of the night people remained in the human world.
"Nicky, can you promise me one thing?" He asked quietly.
Nicky nodded. "If I can help in any ways, without, of course jeopardizing my rights as a human, I will help."
Shane sighed deeply. "I want you to leave the squad. Go back to your world. This place is too dangerous."
He saw his friend's eyes darkened. "I can't, Shane. I have to help them."
"I know this is how you feel. But I cannot.I will not let anything happen to you." Shane said firmly.
"Then can you do the same thing? Can you then abandon your people and go to your world? I am, too, afraid that something may happen to you."
"But this is my world. And I am protecting it. Else, I will have no home to return to."
"It's the same for me." Nicky said quietly. "I have to try to bring peace to my home as well. And its not going to happen if I just ran and hide."
Shane lowered his eyes. "I am master and lord here. I can try to warn or teach my people never to terrorize humans again."
"But can you really?" Nicky protested. "Do you really command such power over your people? Will they ever obey you? And how much can they be trusted on their words?"
Shane did not reply. Yes, Nicky was right. He did not command such power over his people. If only Raul was here. If only the fear he can bring to his people, could somehow ordained them to stay away from the humans.
"But its too late now isn't it?" Nicky continued thoughtfully. "We have found you, have discovered your race. I do not think humans, or us, are so enlightened to be able to live alongside people like your kind." He softened. "Of course I can. But I doubt the rest of the men can accept that."
"So its war then." Shane said softly.
Nicky nodded sadly. "Yes. War until either race is wiped out. Its ridiculous really."
"I still want you to leave the squad."
Nicky smiled. "I think. knowing that you care, is enough. I always thought where the heck you have gone to two years ago. At least, now my questions are answered.and I think.. that's enough for me."
"Nicky."
"Don't start, Shane. You know I can't abandon my people, just like you can't abandon yours. I'll be extra careful. Promise me you'll be extra careful too."
"You do not understand.my people. they are strong.we have."
'No! Don't tell me your battle strategies or what secret weapons you have." Nicky grinned good-naturedly. "I'll be in a fix figuring whether to tell my boss or not."
Shane could only smile. Oh, he do misses his dear friend. He didn't want anything bad to happen to him.
Just then, there was a loud siren that was unfamiliar to Shane. Only Nicky perked up.
He grinned. "That's the signal to retreat. Looks like your men gain the upper hand this time. But not longer."
"Nicky."
He hugged Shane quickly, almost hastily. "Do not worry about me. I'll take good care of myself. I won't get killed by the likes of your kind."
Shane smiled. He was glad humor had not deserted his old friend. Not even in this gloom state.
"Go back to your people." Shane said softly. "I'll return to mine. Pray you be well."
Nicky nodded." I will watch your back. And you watch mine."
With that, he gave a careless wave and ran back to the human camp. Shane watched him go. Oh, how ironic this matter is. Yes, how very ironic.
Shane did not return to the borders immediately. Instead, he did a detour and ended up in the capital. He walked back to the palace. He did not know why he had came this way. Obviously the mist was still around, still poisoning the air he is breathing. But unknowingly, he slumped himself on the throne. In his viewpoint, he could see the bit assembly hall where his people would greet him every morning, before dispatched to go about their day to day errands. Beside him, his council would have set there, updating him on the latest agenda and plans. The trolls would fetch him water and biscuits while he speak to his people. Sighing, he closes his eyes momentarily. He thought of Nicky. He hoped and prayed he would be well.
Light footsteps approaches him. He didn't bother to open his eyes. He felt so tired. He didn't want to look at her. He didn't want her to disappear again.
"You are weary, Shane." Her voice was soft yet clear.
"Yes I am. I had had a long day."
"You need rest."
"I need you." He whispered. The girl did not reply. Instead, Shane open his eyes. She was still there. Her long dark hair flowing about her face. She was beautiful, almost like a dream.
"But you already have me." She replied softly, her eyes as serious as ever.
"You come and go." He said softly. "You confuses me, Rindy."
"Then I am sorry. I do not mean to be confusing."
"Will you stay longer?"
"I will stay forever, if you want me to be."
Shane nodded, grateful. He eyed the angel standing before him. "Where is he?"
"Who?"
"You know of whom I speak."
Rindy paused. She seemed to be thinking. "There is so much conflict in you. I really do not know who you are referring to."
"My brother."
She nodded, as if understanding. "Yes. He is well. He will be well soon."
"But where is he?"
She paused again. "He is near."
"You said that the last time."
"So why are you asking me again?"
Shane did not know what to say. Rindy was walking him in circles. He did know what she was implying at. Heck, he didn't even know if she was real or just an illusion.
"Did you save Iker the other day?" He asked.
She nodded. "He is a good man. An honorable Dragoon. I just cannot let him go."
"So you're real."
She looked bemused. "Now, whatever do you mean by that?"
"Can you come closer to me?" Shane asked.
She smiled. A sad smile. "I am ever close to you, Shane."
"I want to touch you."
She nodded and walked towards him. He held his breath. He did not know why. He was afraid.
Then she took his hand. They felt cold. And, gently, guiding his hands, she moved them to his heart.
"I am ever in your heart." She said softly.
Shane nodded. His vision blurred. He didn't know why. He could not see Rindy anymore. Not clearly anymore. Why had his vision blurred suddenly? It was not making sense.
Then he realize there were tears in his eyes. Tears that were blinding his vision. Hastily, he rubbed his eyes. He could see again. Much more clearly this time.
Yet, he could not see her anymore.
His council asked him where he's been. They were worried for him, for Shane looked more weary and tired than ever. They coaxed him to rest, to sleep. And leave the problem of the humans with them. But the humans were his problems. Nicky was his problem. How could he sleep knowing that any minute now, his friend may be killed by his own people? They did not understand him. No one did. Yet they claimed they did, claimed they care. All they did was make it sounds easy. But it wasn't easy, Shane knew. None of it was easy. He was suffering and no one knew. Or maybe they simply didn't want to know, didn't want to care.
"You're breaking apart." The cold voice said in his tent. He spunned around, shocked to find another person in his space.
"Get out." He eyed her coldly.
Virginie shrugged. "I was waiting for you. Where have you been?"
"None of your bloody business."
"Touchy." She muttered. "Frances was saying you captured yourself a human. For questioning purposes. Where is he?"
"I killed him."
"You did?" She did not sound at all convinced.
"Yes. Now would you please leave? You're disturbing my sleep."
"You let him go, didn't you?"
"Shut up. Go away."
"I know it. I've been to the human world. I believe he's your human friend."
"Just go away." He closed his eyes. Try to shut her out. Try to ignore her.
"You can't just run away, Shane. You're playing a very dangerous game here. If people knew about this, they're sure to revolt against you. They'll think you're the one that brought the humans down upon them!"
"I'll kill you if you spread nasty rumors about me!" He glared at her. His eyes turning quite dilated, quite ready to rip her apart.
"Kill me here and mess up your tents at the same time?" She chuckled. "No, you won't do that. You're not stupid, Shane."
"Do not use your manipulative tricks on me, it doesn't work. I will have you before the humans. Or better yet, I'll feed you to the dragons. Iker did tell me they fancy meat from time to time."
Still, Virginie didn't flinched. She knew she had the upperhand in this game.
"Shane, Frances suspect something.he..well, he was saying things. to the council of course, no one else."
Now, Shane was alert. "What did he say? And how do you know about this?"
"I have my ways, Shane. But you can be sure to trust me as your secret spy. I hear them speaking. He told them of the way you seem to defend the human lad. He was most displeased. Said that lad happen to take apart some of his men. He wants revenge. He wants the boy, Shane." Virginie smiled slowly. "You know Frances. He's violent but intensively loyal to his men. He won't stop until he killed your friend. He's that perverted."
Shane paused. "What will you have me do?"
Virginie shrugged. "Its your will to decide. I never did like Frances. I wont mind if you done him in."
"I won't do that."
"Then maybe warn your friend or something. I don't know." She sighed. "You got yourself into this mess."
Shane paused. "Don't you have.anything to say to all this?"
"Oh, you mean about your secret affair with the humans? About how you have betrayed the night people?" She chuckled. "No. I have no say in it. I do not care really."
"You do not care which side won?"
She shrugged. "Night World is not my home. Nor is the human world. I'll just reside in whichever world that is left after the battle."
"But if the humans won, they'll never accept you."
"They won't have to." Virginie shrugged. "Humans, excuse my language, are stupid. It is so easy to escape them. To blend into them."
Shane nodded. He had no doubt that Virginie would have been able to survive very well in the Night World, or in the Human world.
"Besides," she continued. "I have bigger worries to think about."
"About Raul." He said.
She nodded gravely. "Till now, I've been doubting. Maybe the aurora spell didn't work. Maybe the earthquake that follows is really nothing that is related to him. Maybe he's still trapped somewhere. Or else, I'm sure he would have appear to me. And flaunt himself, alongside with Rindy."
Shane had to smile. "Yes. That appears exactly what he would did."
Virginie nodded sadly. "Yes. Yes, you're absolutely right."
