Chapter Fourteen:

Enemy

So, finally, after several weeks of the hell everyone knows as "high school", I seemed to almost fit in. I hate to admit it, but Lance was a big help with that. And, believe-it-or-not, Cole and I finally found out why the Militia were still so organized. Well, that's summed-up in four words:

Joseph Bertrand the fourth.

Because all major villains have their sons take over their family business. It really sucks to be me right now…

It was the weekend. Cole, Lucy and I were mapping out the territory that the Militia were keenest on taking from us. There was a heavy and solemn air around us, as we knew that this new Bertrand would try to stop us at any cost, since he was one of the few who knew who—or what—the original Bertrand really was; a giant Corrupted called the Behemoth. Named for its massive size, if you didn't know. Compensating for something, huh?

"He's most likely to try to take Bertrand's original base of operations," Cole said, pointing to the cathedral on the map. "All his dad's stuff is still there."

"And we didn't get rid of it, why?" I asked, frowning.

"We were too busy monitoring the Corrupted and our Vermaak 88 friends," Lucy answered. "Cole, I don't think he'll go for the cathedral. Look at this—." She pointed to Flood Town and part of the Swamp. "The Corrupted are almost wiped-out. They'll probably pick-off the last of them, and use this area as their base. They're strong enough to handle Vermaak 88 with minor casualties, so it shouldn't be a problem getting that area… If we don't make it there in time."

"The Ice People aren't gonna give up that area without a fight," I added. "If that's really their goal, then the Ice People should hold them off long enough for us to get there. We have allies with some of the Ice People, so they should help until we get there, and then get the rest of the Ice People outta there." Cole looked at me strangely. "I know the Ice People are our enemies too," I told him, "but our major concern right now is Bertrand! We can make a common enemy, and possibly try to help the Ice People in the process."

Lucy nodded. "I agree with Joan. We can try to help them!"

Cole's brow furrowed. "I… guess…" He studied the map a while longer. "Okay. Lucy, tell your contacts what's happening. Then get to the eastern entrance of Flood Town and keep in touch with me if you see them coming from over there. I'll go to the Southern entrance and do the same."

"And me?" I asked.

"Go to the cathedral. If it so happens that they go for their old base, call us and we'll meet you there as fast as we can." Cole pointed to the map. "This is the best view you'll get of the entire cathedral and its entrances. Yours is a stealth mission."

"What if they don't come to the cathedral?"

He rubbed his chin in thought. "Stay there just in case. We need to make sure that Flood Town won't just be a distraction."

I hesitantly nodded. "Okay. But if you guys get in trouble, call me."

Lucy nodded. "We will."

I was sitting on a building just beside the cathedral, watching the entrances with forced interest.

"He's doing this on purpose…" I muttered. "He doesn't want me fighting as much anymore…" I clenched my fist. "Ugh! I'm eighteen! For God sakes, I'm an adult! How come he's so overprotective? So what if he's technically my dad? He's just being so… so…! Ugh!"

I rubbed my eyes. Cole would do what he wanted, but me? No. For a second, I thought about going to Flood Town and helping Cole and Lucy, who were fighting the Militia already, no doubt.

But those thoughts quickly left as I saw a hooded figure slip out from the shadows and snuck into the cathedral. I leaped off of the building and landed gracefully, without a sound, in front of the cathedral. A little something I learned from Cole.

I slipped inside, quietly shutting the door behind me. The people hadn't reclaimed the cathedral yet, and so it was dark and desolate. I could hear the echo of footsteps not far from me, so I carefully made my way towards them. I heard the gasping of my target up ahead, almost like he'd been running.

I heard the footsteps suddenly stop, so I froze in my tracks. The figure lit a candle on top of the altar at the far end of the cathedral, and got on his knees.

"Forgive me, Lord, for my sins, and the sins of my father," he whispered hoarsely. "I beg your forgiveness, O Lord! Please, send me a sign that my family is forgiven for having a deviant within our family!"

I grinned. Great. This guy's an idiot!

"O Lord! Give me the strength to carry out the righteous task that has been set before me, by an Angel itself! Guide me, O Lord! I beg of you!"

I shook my head. This guy's gone crazy. Just like his dad. I was sure now that he was the new Bertrand.

"And please, Lord God, give your Angel my thanks!" Bertrand stood up. "Long live the Angel Kessler!" he cried. "Long live the Lord God!"

My eyes widened. Kessler? He must've gotten to this guy before Cole killed him…

I came up from behind him. "What d'you know about Kessler?"

He spun around, startled. His hood covered his face, and he wore all black. "I-It's you!" he gasped, and then he relaxed. "Good. This will make my job much easier. The Angel Kessler shall be avenged!"

"Angel? Oh, please. That guy was nothing more than scum." Bertrand took a step towards me, but I held up a hand. "Uh, uh, uh. Not so close, buddy. One more step and I fry you."

Bertrand laughed. "Try it, deviant."

"Okay." I activated my fire and ran at him, intending to slam my hand into his face and smash him into the altar.

No such luck.

Bertrand whipped out a small device, no larger than a dagger, and punched at my chest. I hardly expected it to hurt. But no, it felt like agony. My attack stopped short as I realized how far Bertrand's arm was inside of me. It hadn't come out the back, so what the hell was going on?

"You, Kayce, are the Vessel!" Bertrand sneered as I tried to cope with the pain. "And I am the Messiah!"

I felt like he grabbed hold of something in my body, and he ripped his arm, and it, out of my body. I closed my eyes and fell to the ground, somehow too weak to move. My eyes started to close, but not before I glimpsed what Bertrand had with him.

"I-Impossible…!" I tried to scream, but the only thing that came out of my mouth was a tiny whimper.

I stared into the pitless black eyes of myself, smirking. "Oh, it's very possible," she said, and I blacked out.