Dark Inheritance

Warning: Mature themes discussed

The midday sun shown on the teenager as he meditated in the garden. It had been a few days since JC had ransacked the hidden warehouse lab. Everything had gone well – not counting having to fight off an angry mercenary soldier as he tried to leave. He remembered the man's words: Ask the stuffed shirts yourself. The guy was obviously being sarcastic, but it still bothered him. He needed to know where to look next. He couldn't concentrate, so he got up and headed into the house. Setting up the large punching bag, he practiced a few reps, trying work out his frustration. It didn't help either. A little worn, he headed to the kitchen and made himself some food. Diana walked in while he was eating.

"Hey. I thought you would be in the garden."

"I tried. Nothing helps."

Diana sat across from him. "Say, where did you learn to cook anyways?"

"My parents often worked late at the lab. Judith and I had to get our own food. I cooked most of the time."

"Did she ever cook?"

"Once. She didn't realize that the smoke alarm wasn't a timer."

They both laughed. Diana was happy to see JC smiling. He rarely did so lately. He's been through so much she thought. I hope he stays strong.

JC finished and cleaned up his dishes. "I'll be in my room. See you." He sat on his bed and resumed his meditation – or at least tried. He thought about what had happened. Already his family had hit a hospital filled with patients, and he'd found a hidden lab they'd been using. That lab wasn't built recently he thought. Judith was right; they've been at this for a while. He needed to strike closer, do something that would upset their system. Shaking his head, he went over to his PC (Alice had supplied him with almost everything he left behind from his old life) and went to his e-mail. For a while he'd thought about contacting his old friends from school. What was the point though? What would he tell them? It was best to let that go for now. Then he remembered: There was an e-mail line he and Judith used to talk privately because no one else knew about it. He opened the old address though he didn't expect to find anything – and was surprised to find a set of e-mails, from Judith. This has to be a trap or a virus he thought. After a moment he relented and opened them. They were from Judith's account, but they didn't look like they were made by her. They were addressed to and from different people in the family. Judith must've got access to their files! He read the messages, looking for anything useful. One was from their Uncle William.

"I've decided to move the item out of the main

building. Have it delivered to my residence and

stored in the facility as soon as possible. The

place isn't being used as planned so there

should be no security risk."

JC smirked. So dear Uncle William has something he wants to keep secret at his own home. The soldier had said he should talk to the "stuffed shirts". This seemed like the perfect opportunity. He made plans to head out shortly.

…

It was late in the afternoon when JC approached the house. He'd told the others he was going for a walk as he left the house. Once he was away, he'd traveled to his Uncle's house and geared up as he approached. The place looked just as it had on that day, like nothing had happened. I guess it wasn't important in the grand scheme of things he thought. There were no cars parked outside, no sign of anyone around the place. He tried the front door. Locked. He circled to the back looking for another entrance. In the distance he saw the stretch of woods he'd woken up in that fateful day. He shuddered at the memory. I need to face this. I can't stand against them if I let them scare me. On an upper floor he noticed a window was slightly open with the curtain closed. Better than nothing. Gathering his wind about him, he raced towards the house, and let the blast carry him up the wall so he could grab the window sill. Pushing the widow open more, he slipped inside.

It felt almost surreal for JC as he walked through the house. He remembered years ago when his family visited how amazing the house had seemed. Now those memories overlapped with his desperate escape from his uncle's men. There was no trace of such an attempt as he walked through the halls. Even the room where he'd been shot looked completely normal. That bothered him more than anything else. Everything just got put back the way it was. I'm the only part that hasn't gone back. Granted, it had been months and of course things would have been fixed up. It still got under his skin. He entered his uncle's office/den on the second floor. Bookshelves lined some the walls, filled with his private collection. An ornate desk with a desktop computer sat on one side of the room, facing the opposite wall. Scenic portraits were displayed on the walls as well. A spinning world globe and a small lighthouse model sat off to one side.

JC checked out his uncle's PC. It was locked with a password. He thought about using his phone to hack it like he'd done with the others but decided against it. It was doubtful that Uncle William kept any secrets on his personal PC were anyone could just stumble upon them. On the desk was an almost empty glass. JC sniffed it. Brandy, he thought. William liked his occasional sip of the good stuff. The side of the glass had a rather distinct print, most likely his uncle's. I'm getting nowhere with this. I need to find this facility. He walked over to the bookcases and scanned the titles. Most were recognizable. Books on poetry and various plays, Greek drama being the obvious ones. Some titles were more…exotic. Mythology books, guides to reading horoscopes, even books on witchcraft were displayed. Considering what his family believed in JC wasn't surprised. One book, however, was completely unfamiliar. It was a dark grey in color and bound in a hard material, almost like a light stone. He took it out and opened it to a random page. The writing was unreadable: A type of runic script he'd never seen before. As he stared at the pages, the symbols began to move. JC watched in surprise as they rearranged themselves on the page, forming more recognizable words. Seconds later the script was completely legible English. Pushing his surprise aside he read what he could.

"…it was then that the Nephilim, heirs to the Progenitors themselves, rose to power on the ashes of their fallen enemies. They were of both human and divine descent, and thus were seen as the bridge between the two races. In the chaos that followed their war many sought to bring order and stability to the remnants of civilization. The other inheritors looked to them as their leaders, for their power was second only to their divine parentage. Some say they founded several bloodlines…"

JC wanted to read more but knew he couldn't just stand there. He had to finish and get out. He closed the book and slipped it into his pack. He could read more later. William would notice but he didn't care. I need this more than he does. He also still needed to find this facility. He looked at the room décor and noticed something out of place. A portrait on the wall looked just like the lighthouse model, but the orientation didn't match. The model was off by 90 degrees. He touched the model and tried to turn it. It moved. He lined it up to match the picture and heard a click. An empty part of the wall slid open to reveal an elevator. JC rolled his eyes. Uncle William: Business tycoon and Bond Villain. The elevator had a thumbprint scanner. JC cursed under his breath. Then he remembered the glass on the desk. Running to the kitchen, he got a strip of plastic wrap and brought it to the office. He snapped a picture of the original print on his phone before pressing the plastic to it. Pressing the imprint on the scanner, he smiled when it chimed and the door slid open. Before heading down, he wiped the print from the glass. Let him wonder he thought.

The elevator was bigger than he'd expected, enough to fit several people at one time. It made sense: If it led to the facility, it needed to carry whatever personnel as quickly as possible. It traveled down, underneath the first floor of the house. For some reason that made him nervous. Finally the elevator stopped and the door opened. JC crept out and crouched, looking for cover. Surprisingly, he didn't need to. The lights were at a minimum and no people appeared to be nearby. A quick scan with his enhanced vision confirmed that. Why isn't this place staffed? He wondered. Cautiously he made his way through the facility. He saw several rooms housing equipment. Some were standard medical equipment: examination chairs, x-ray machines, scanners, diagnostic terminals. Some were more exotic, but he could swear he'd seen them before. He ran his gloved fingers over the surfaces and noticed there was no dust, as if someone had cleaned it fairly recently. Why maintain it if it's not in use? This was getting weirder by the minute. One room, however, was more obvious: A small, utilitarian room with a bed, unadorned and not in use. Someone was meant to stay there. He shivered at the thought. Finally, he came to a room with a terminal that had been left on. Using his phone to hack the access password, he brought up some files left on its network. What he read was disturbing and enlightening.

"Inheritors – aka Titans, genetic descendants of powerful beings called Progenitors. Left in charge of the planet after defeat of Progenitors enemies."

"Nephilim – Powerful first generation Inheritors. Believed to be founders of numerous bloodlines throughout the world."

That much JC already knew, except the "Titan" part. He read another file.

"T-Project – Scientific agenda to revitalize the human race and society using Inheritor genes.

Status: Current project proceeding as planned. Inheritors secured from local and international sources. Project Rebirth initiated."

"Project Rebirth"? JC didn't like the sound of that.

"Project Rebirth – Supplemental program to T-Project. Secure Nephilim – level inheritors to provide base for future applications of T-Project.

Update: Female inheritor secured with resistance. Securing of male subject failed due to insurrection. Further progress proceeding slowly."

The file dated months ago, on his birthday.

JC was in shock. His blood ran cold. He now knew what this place was, why it had looked so familiar. Judith. The place they had kept her. The setup was nearly the same: Single bedroom, medical equipment, the only difference was that this place was underground, beneath his relatives' home. If he hadn't escaped, this would have been his new 'home', his prison. Trapped underground, with no one to hear him. His shock gradually turned to anger. So this is what they had planned for me. Mom, dad, everyone – they thought it was okay to lock me up. And for what? Who do they think they are? He wanted to scream, to break something, to make some statement. Taking several breaths, he managed to calm down. He came here for something, an object stored here since he wasn't. He checked the files again, trying not to dwell on the main ones.

"Ancestral relic relocated from main building to auxiliary storage unit per Chairman Reinhardt's request.

Analysis: Object constructed using materials and methods lost to time. Carbon dating indicates it is at least 10,000 years old. Relic remains in almost perfect condition despite age.

Status: Relic secured in storage. Access code 8512.

Notes: This thing is amazing! Thousands of years old and still in near-perfect condition. We did some tests before transport. It can rip through steel like rancid butter! I only wish we understood its construction better."

JC had read enough. He downloaded the files to the Belmonts so he could compare them later. The storage unit was located next to the medical supply room. Opening the door he saw what was so important: A sword, held upright in a display case. JC stood in awe. The weapon was definitely old, but looked clean and sharp as if it had just left the forge. Its 28 inch blade glinted in the light. He walked up and punched in the code. With a hiss, the acrylic case opened. He reached in and grasped the sword by its hilt – and was immediately overcome with a surge of energy traveling up his arm. He blacked out.

He stood among the circle, alongside his beloved, the woman in gold. Three others stood with them: A hooded figure in a dark cloak. A man in earthy robes. A fair-haired woman in ornate garments. He drew his weapon and raised it skyward…

JC regained his senses, unaware he'd actually lost them. He felt a little winded. The sword he'd taken was nowhere to be seen. Confused, he held out the hand that grasped it and tried to remember what had happened – and felt something push along his right arm. It intensified until an object appeared in his hand with a jolt: the sword. Somehow he'd called it forth. How? What kind of weapon is this?

"Oh my god…" he heard a voice say. He whirled and saw a young man looking at him in shock. Long blonde hair and blue eyes, dressed in a lab coat. Most likely one of the scientists meant to work here. JC, thinking quickly, pointed his sword at the man and glared at him as best he could.

"No, wait! I'm not your enemy!" The man put his hands up. He stared at JC and the weapon he held. "Look, you can't be here. You need to leave." He slowly moved aside and turned his back to JC. He pulled his hair away from the back of his neck. "You'll need to hit me hard to make a lump."

…

He entered the house as casually as possible. It was later than he anticipated, but he planned to act like nothing happened. All that fell apart when Alice confronted him in the main hall.

"Have a nice walk?" she asked sarcastically.

"Oh, yeah. Sorry it took so long."

"I guess creeping around areas that are off limits takes longer than normal."

JC sighed. "I'm sorry Alice. I was following a lead. From Judith."

Alice's eyes went wide. JC told her about the email and what he'd found at his uncle's place. He took out the book.

"I was able to read this with some effort. I've never even seen this language before. Do you recognize it?"

Alice looked it over. She couldn't believe what she saw. "This script…"

"Yeah, it's pretty bizarre."

"It's not bizarre. This is the divine language! It was supposedly spoken by the early descendants of the Progenitors."

JC was dumbfounded. "Really? Can you read it?"

"I have a spell that can translate most languages. It can't fully translate this. Supposedly only the original inheritors could understand it."

JC was in disbelief. "Then why can I understand it?"

Alice paused for a bit. "I don't know. I'll have to look into this."

JC's mind reeled. He'd wanted answers, but only found more questions.

"In the meantime, JC, you once again foolishly put yourself in danger. There will be a punishment."

JC sighed. He knew there would be consequences.

"First, you can't go on any missions for at least a week. You need to start acting like a normal teenager. Second, you're making dinner tonight. And not pizza with a cell phone and credit card."

…

Alan Howard rubbed the back of his head. JC had hit him hard like he'd told him to. Now he sat in a small conference room telling his story to the others. He hoped they would believe his story.

"Are you sure you never saw your attacker?" Marcus asked incredulously.

Dr. Howard nodded. "I'd just saw the sword was missing when someone hit me from behind. I never saw their face." It wasn't a lie.

"Do you have any idea how important that sword is?" William was calm but clearly not happy. "It's a Reinhardt family heirloom."

"I'm sorry, sir." Alan said. "But I was taken by surprise."

Marcus reassured his father. "The sword is important, but it was mostly a symbol anyways. What's more important is that your facility's been compromised. We shouldn't use it for anything else."

William sighed. "You're right, son. But the council won't like the news. And they will hear of it sooner or later."

"That will pale in comparison to our next step. The new building is about to become operational. That should make them happy."

"That's correct." Alan added. "Operations will proceed as normal."

William nodded in approval. "Inform the staff to make preparations."

…

Judith walked about the corridors of the facility. She hadn't found anything new JC would find useful. Besides, she had to be careful. If the others found out what she was doing it could be a disaster. Honestly, she was growing tired of paying the insider; she wanted out. It was no use. Everyone she'd expressed her concerns and objections to had just politely blown her off. At least the training they'd provided was useful: Her powers were growing. Maybe if I get strong enough I can turn things around she thought hopefully. As she turned a corner she bumped into her mom.

"Mom! Uh, hi. What's up?" she asked innocently.

Sarah smiled. "Judith, honey, I have some great news! You're leaving."

Judith's heart soared for a moment. "Really? Am I going home?"

"You're new home, yes." Her mother replied, almost apologetically.

Judith's heart sank again. "Seriously, mom, why do I have to live in place like this? You could be training me while I went to a normal school. I wouldn't tell anyone."

Sarah nodded with a look of sadness. "I understand, sweetie. But there are other circumstances here. I can't explain everything now." She placed her hands on her daughter's cheeks. "Try to be patient. Everything will be cleared up eventually."

You just don't want me to know the truth Judith thought bitterly. She nodded solemnly. "Just promise you'll tell me soon."

"I will, dear." Sarah kissed her on the forehead.

"So any word on my brother?" Judith asked innocently. "How's he doing?"

Her mom looked surprised at the question. "We're still looking for him, but I'm sure he's okay. Once things settle you'll see him again."

You'll regret that if you try Judith thought smugly.

…

He swung his blade in a wide arc. The enemy warriors fell as one. The remaining ones raised their weapons. He obliterated them with a burst of lightning from his hands.

Nearby, the woman in gold engaged her own foes. With a wave of her hands and a spoken invocation, beams of light rained from the heavens, decimating them.

A hooded figure in a black cloak sent waves of chaotic power through her enemies. A barrage of fiery arrows finished off the survivors.

A man in earthy robes gestured, causing swarms of lethal creature to descend upon his foes. This few that reached him were torn asunder by his own claws.

The fair-haired woman held out her arms and raised her voice. Waves of power washed over the enemy soldiers, bringing them to their knees in despair. A second shout tore them apart.

The battle was going well. In the distance, a vast city spread across the horizon. Huge, inhuman figures rained fire and destruction upon it. The enemy's capital would soon fall.

JC woke with a start. It had happened again. The same people, with himself among them. What is going on? he thought. With a sigh he lay back down. He did not sleep well that night.

…

The next morning JC didn't head to breakfast right away. He went to the den and brought up the files he'd secured from his uncle's facility. It was time for some answers. Many of the files were research notes. One had a list that proved useful:

"Most Inheritors are not descended from a specific Progenitor. The bloodlines are so dispersed that they inherit aspects of the overall gene pool. Certain more powerful ones have been known to overlap at times. The known types are:

Crimson Lords: Leaders, diplomats, and social masters.

Hidden Suns: Intellects and scholars, with power over light and shadow.

Storm Crows: Warriors, prophets, and weather masters.

Wild Bloods: Masters of the animal kingdom and shapeshifting.

Void Phoenixes: Chaos wielders, masters of destruction and renewal.

It remains to be seen what level the Nephilim can take these abilities to."

JC sat back. The Storm Crow type…that must be me. The Hidden Sun sounds like Judith. Chelsea…she's a Void Phoenix. He thought back to his dream. That was me. I was there. He ran out and told Alice what he'd realized.

"I know it sounds far-fetched but it's the only thing that makes sense." he ended with.

Alice had listened in shock. "JC, if it is true, it means the situation is more dire than we thought. You need to watch your back."

"I can't just go back to hiding, Alice." he said. "If anything, I need to step up what I'm doing. Before they make any more progress."

"JC! Sis!" Diana ran into the room. "You need to see this!"

The group ran into the main room where the television was on. A news report was in progress.

"…Kayslee Simmons, renowned teenage pop star, has made a bold and unprecedented claim about her background. In addition to being a famous singer, performer and socialite, she claims she is descended from a 'heavenly being'. We go live to her entourage…"

The scene cut to a large group of people walking down one of the more affluent areas of the city. Several reporters were following them shouting questions. In the middle, happily regarding their presence, was an attractive young woman JC's age with neck-length blonde hair and bright blue eyes.

"Yes, I've known for some time. My family doesn't like to bring it up, secrets being what they are. But I've decided not to hide who I am."

"She can't be serious." Diana remarked.

"It might just be another publicity stunt." Alice said. "The entertainment industry loves feeding gossip to the press."

"No." JC said, staring at the screen. He looked closely at Kayslee. Her smile. Her hair. Everything about her. He'd seen all of it before. And not from her stage performances.

"Kayslee. My dream. She was there. All of us were. Together."

~To be continued