Chapter Sixteen: Contact
Concentrate Gar, concentrate. . .he thought. Time passed as he spoke to himself within his own mind waiting for an answer to appear. He bit his lower lip and squeezed his eyes shut. Moments passed as his patience began to become weary. To relax the tension building within him, Garfield let out an exasperating sigh.
"As I have told you these past months, you need to concentrate." a familiar voice said only a few feet away from him.
He opened his eyes a peered over to the voice. Raven sat in the lotus position in a tranquil state. Trying to disregard his impatience was a harsh task and a difficult challenge for the half-demon. It began to influence her concentration as well.
"I know Rae," he whined "but why do I have to sit here doing nothing. It's soooo boring"
"As I have told you time and time again these past few months, you need to tame the inner beast by putting yourself at ease." she opened one of her eyes. "And don't call me Rae. It's Raven."
Frustrated, he let out exasperating sigh and laid down on the concrete rooftop. Garfield stared as the clouds flew over him. It was quite peaceful. After letting moments pass in silence, he spoke.
"Okay fine then." Garfield said, "but I don't feel like mediating any more. It doesn't do anything for me. I feel that I'm in more control of myself when I work out. You know what I mean?"
"No." she quickly said. "The battle lies between you and beast within. Not because of your physical strength, but your mental stability."
Garfield sat up giving her a questionable look. Although her eyes were closed, she could sense his expression. "Well that's a bunch of bull. It may work for your abilities, but if you haven't noticed, my situation is different."
"So, you believe you are in more control of yourself when your physical state is challenged?" she asked.
"Umm yeah. That's what I've been saying." he replied with a cocky tone.
"Okay then. Who have you been sparring with?"
"Trent and Cleaver."
A small smile appeared across her face. "They are good opponents, but not fit for your situation and condition. No offense to them. You have strong abilities that are more powerful than they could ever be." She explained.
"So you're saying I'm so strong no one can take me on?" Garfield said with an egotistical grin on his face.
"I didn't say that though." She said. "Let me clarify, you just need a stronger opponent."
"And I suppose you know someone who is?" Garfield leaned forward. She simply nodded. "And who would this opponent be?"
"This woman with two thumbs." she said in her signature monotone voice.
"Ha! So you do have jokes. I believe I've begun to rub off on you." Garfield said with a smile.
"No, I've always had moments, and mine are better than yours." she opened one eye.
"Okay then, you name the time and the place." Garfield challenged.
"How about now?' she said and instantly Raven appeared next to him.
"Wait, what?" Garfield asked before he was rolled onto his stomach with Raven's heels digging into his spine. Knowing she was being serious, he went into attack mode. Garfield grabbed her heel and rolled over to his side. He kept a tight grip on her boot and attempted to swipe her down under her knee. However, once he made contact with the inside of her knee, she withdrew her body and sprang a few feet away from him. Quickly, Garfield got to his feet and stared at his opponent.
Feeling his instincts take over, Garfield charged towards the woman. She kept her composure as he approached closer to the woman. He jerked his arm towards her shoulder, but in a graceful movement, she avoided contact with his fist. Before he could register what happened, Garfield was brought to the ground being pinned down by the half-demon. Her hands held his wrists down against the rooftop concrete and her knees were pressed against his thighs straddling the man. Garfield was amazed at how fast she pinned him to the ground. Raven smiled and raised her eyebrow.
"I win." she whispered. Although he was defeated in the battle, Garfield felt a strange sense flow throughout his body. He knew this feeling and it was the same sensation he felt months ago. This time, however, it felt stronger. Her amethyst eyes stared deep within his green eyes. Garfield lightly blushed since their faces were so close. Suddenly, the door opened to the roof. Instantly, Raven and Garfield looked at the new presence.
Cleaver appeared from the doorway and stopped in his tracks to the sight before him. "I'm sorry to disturb you." He almost said in a stutter.
Raven slowly lifted herself from pinning Garfield to the ground and kept her composure. "You didn't disturb us. I'm just teaching a lesson to Garfield here. He needed a sparring partner." Garfield could only grin sheepishly as he tried to get up on his feet.
"Whatever you want to call it. Anyway, I've got some news that will be of interest to you" Cleaver addressed holding a piece of paper in his hands.
Raven's calm expression soon changed taking interest. "Interesting you say?"
"Yes Miss Raven." Cleaver said. "But I wish to share this news with you privately please. You can share this news with the others once I am finished explaining." Cleaver quickly glanced over to Garfield.
"Okay. Let's discuss this in my office." she said and turned her attention to Garfield. "Nice sparring today, but you are too tense and you need more practice. Now, go to the common room and everyone else will join you momentarily."
"Sure." he complied and watched as Raven and Cleaver departed from the roof. As he stood there, he began to replay what happened moments ago in his mind. He could still feel her body pressing against him on the concrete rooftop. Garfield could still she the luster in her amethyst eyes as she peered into them. He couldn't help but ponder his thoughts on her lips. They were glossy and appeared smooth to the touch. They were so tempting to touch, but he knew she had her boundaries. But he couldn't help wonder why she set up boundaries around when moments ago she was practically straddling him. Once he felt that they descended further away from the roof, Garfield bid an empty farewell and exited the rooftop.
About a half an hour passed as Garfield became impatient waiting on the couch. All the Messors from the squad were assembling in the room as well. Only Raven, Cleaver, and Dante were absent. He continued to wonder what the news was that was so interesting to Raven. However, soon his question would be answered.
As if on cue, Raven entered the room with Dante and Cleaver trailing behind her. Surprisingly, she wore satisfied grin that crossed her lips. Everyone in the room sense this unwary behavior from the half-demon. They became unsettled by the news that she was to report.
"Everyone," she addressed, "I have just recently heard some news that was uncovered by our own Cleaver and Dante that I wish to share with you."
The Messors in the room immediately paid close attention as to what she was going to say: Garfield in particular.
"It has been uncovered that a member of the Scath has once appeared in this dimension. Another Messor squad uncovered this information, but they knew my close connection to this case and handed their information to us. They have informed us that a demon, Seth, has some information vital to goal. We will ambush them tonight." She explained.
The squad nodded in approval and understanding. "Count me in." a squad member said and everyone else followed in the same phrase. Garfield only sat in silence feeling an odd sensation in his stomach.
"But, I must warn everyone," Raven's expression soon changed "this will be a dangerous mission. We estimate there to be about thirty or more demons in the building. Many of them armed and dangerous. I do not want what happened month ago to occur once again. Everyone must wear a bulletproof vest to avoid injury. I will also use some of my abilities to shield your bodies as well."
There was an immediate objection to her commands. "But Miss Raven that would drain your energy for the battle. I must decline your offer of protection." Cleaver objected behind the woman. The other Messors agreed to his objection.
"I do not care if it does. I do not want my team to be hurt over a single bullet. I cannot do this on my own and I am going to need all of your help. I want no further objections. We meet back here at nine." she turned towards Cleaver. "I expect that after this meeting, you escort everyone to the armory to retrieve their bulletproof vests." Raven returned her gaze to the audience in front of her. "Now, I will brief on our plan of assault once everyone has assembled. As to this meeting, you are dismissed." Immediately, Raven exited the room without a word from her squad. The room was silent as everyone followed after Cleaver to the armory.
The old warehouse was located on the furthest side of town. It was an unusual location the squad had ever visited since their main assignments were downtown. Strangely, the warehouse was close to the forest that was on the edge of the city. The warehouse look decrepit and abandoned, but that was not the case.
The Messor squad had arrived at their destination. They separated into several teams covering the entire building. Each Messor wore a bulletproof vest and light-weight armor. Before their departure, Raven shielded their armor. Although it took much out of her, she was still enthusiastic about the ambush.
The teams split up into their own designated directions. Silently, Raven pointed for them to move to their assigned positions and teams. Teams covered the roof and each side of the building. Cleaver and Garfield were assigned with Raven as they proceeded towards the front of the warehouse. Raven stood in front with Cleaver behind her and Garfield closely trailing behind them. The woman held her gun parallel to the ground and positioned it in front of her. Without a noise, she motioned towards the door and the men nodded in approval.
With a burst, Raven's foot made contact with the haggard door sending it into the darkness of the warehouse. Instantly, Raven peered into the darkness holding her gun. Cleaver held his to her left and Garfield to the right. Silence.
Keeping their guard up, they continued to hold their guns into the darkness. The warehouse had an ominous silence and the darkness engulfed their vision. The moonlight from the outside was the only a source of light for the team. Raven could sense her team members waiting for her signal outside, but she felt no presence in the warehouse. The temperature was cold and Garfield could see his breath. His heart began to race from the unknown darkness. He lowered his gun and sniffed the air. This was unlike his normal behavior, but the beast seemed to have some influence on him. Suddenly, he smelt a familiar odor.
"Hey, Rae? Cleaver?" he whispered feeling his heart race.
Still holding her gun to the darkness, Raven whispered. "What is it Logan?"
"There's something in here." he replied.
Suddenly, Raven and Cleaver abruptly stopped. However, Garfield bumped into Cleaver's solid body. A distinct shot was heard from Raven's gun and Garfield nearly jumped out of his skin. A loud growl was heard from the darkness and a pair of red eyes emerged. Unknown to the men, a slight grin appeared over Raven's face.
Immediately, the lights of the decrepit warehouse lit up the building. Standing before the small team was a massive amount of demons snarling and growling. It took only moments for Garfield vision to adjust to the blinding light, but his eyesight settled. He could see a single bullet had punctured one of the walls missing a demon. Promptly, the rest of the squad entered the warehouse pointing their guns to the demons.
"Which one of you is referred to as Seth?" Raven announced her voice echoing throughout the building. The demons replied by snarling, glaring at the half-demon. They could instantly smell her scent of her kind. The scent of the female half-demon disguised many of the demons. Disregarding their intimidation techniques, Raven kept her ground and watched as a male demon stepped revealing himself. The demon had a lean body, short dark hair, little facial hair, and a menacing smirk on his face. His crimson eyes glared at the half-demon that stood before him.
"That is I." the man addressed and the demons halted their growls.
"Wonderful," she raised her gun, "I assume you already know my name and my background, but let's cut to the chase. We have come to arrest you Seth. Only you. However, if any other demon interferes with our capture, they will surely meet their demise. I've got special permission from the Messor board. So I ask, come quietly and we won't have to destroy anyone."
"Like I would take advice from a half-breed. I am insulted that you speak to me as an equal. Even your stench is repulsive" Seth spat and a roar of laughter was heard from the hoard of demons." Anyway, we have been expecting you Miss Raven. You surely know that the information given was a trap."
Still holding her gun, Raven answered. "Yes. In fact I did."
"Well then you must certainly know that I come from direct orders from the big gun upstairs, or should I rephrase down below." the demon smirked.
"So, the old man is still after me, huh?" she scuffed, "And he sent you to retrieve me I suppose? You demons should come to realize that all of you are insignificant pawn for Trigon's gain. Nothing more. "
The demon sneered and gave her a grotesque expression. "Why don't you make this easy half-breed? You've been on the run for years and we've been trailing you. So, make this easy and come quietly?"
Raven raised her gun higher and made a clicking sound from her gun. "He just won't get the memo, won't he? Foolish old man."
"You shouldn't speak ill about the great that way, you half-breed. How dare you?"
"How dare you?" she retorted. "You gave your life for a hopeless cause. Once he's done with you, he'll throw you away as if you were a mere bag of garbage."
"Insolence! You will pay for that remark!" the demon spat raising his voice.
"Then I suppose we take action" She mumbled and the woman shot at the demon. To her dismay, the demon dodged her fire and scurried away from her.
Instantly, the hoard of demons began their attack on the Messors. Cleaver withdrew his weapon of choice and sliced it through multiple demons. Other Messors used knives and swords in battle. Garfield, however, had his gun and began his rampage. He came close to physical contact from the demons, but a black barrier ricocheted the demons from the man. Garfield could sense Raven was near him. She continued her assault on the demons in front of her as she followed the demon known as Seth. He casually walked around the demons and the Messors. Quickly, Garfield slashed through demon after demon following after the woman. He couldn't help to feel obligated to protect the woman. The man could feel his blood begin to boil and could feel the sensation of the beast. Although he had gained control over the past few months, he could sense the beast eager to emerge.
Raven continued her assault, but she was caught off guard when a demon sprung behind her. Before the demon made its attack, Garfield shot the demon in the back of the head. Raven instantly jumped and saw how close she was to being assaulted.
"Thanks." She panted. Raven looked around the building and could see that Seth was exiting through a window. Not this time she thought to herself and growled under her breath. She turned her attention to Garfield who was holding off multiple demons. Thinking instantly, she shot the demons to the ground and grabbed the man by his forearm. "Follow me, Seth is going to get away."
Garfield simply nodded and pushed his way through the demons after half-demon. Soon, they reached the window and watched as the demon fled. "Dammit," she barked and jumped from the building. The ground was a story down but she regained her stance when she landed. Without thinking, Garfield did the same. Raven ran towards the demon as he entered the door to a black truck. The trunk immediately squealed its tires and drove off. Quickly, Raven grabbed her keys and pressed a button. Simultaneously, a black Porsche Carrera instantly drove itself to her location. She rapidly entered the car and motioned for Garfield to get it. Without hesitation, the man entered the car and Raven screeched her tires. The Porsche instantly trailed behind the fleeing truck.
They continued their chase of the truck, but it appeared to be going nowhere. Deeper and deeper they entered the forest and soon they would lose their unpaved road. To Garfield's surprise, Raven's driving wasn't erotic although they were in chase. However, she had an everlasting glare of frustration. It was becoming apparent that Raven was obstructed by the chase. She rolled down the passenger window, instantly sending a chill onto Garfield.
"Shoot the truck's tires!" she yelled.
Feeling overwhelmed Garfield staggered with his gun and leaned out the window. He positioned his gun and shot several times. To his disappointment, he missed the tires.
"Hit the damn tire!" she yelled in frustration.
"Dammit! I can't hit it." He spat back.
Raven growled and opened her window. "Take the wheel!" she said and leaned out of the window. Before they collided with a near tree, Garfield grabbed the wheel and steadily kept it in control. The half-demon shot several times at the tires and successfully flattened one of the front and rear tires. A smile of satisfaction appeared on her face and the truck began to spin out of control. The demon abruptly threw himself out of the car and rolled onto the flat ground.
Under realization, the truck was headed towards the Porsche and Raven's smile faded. She moved her head inside the car. "Get out of the car now!" she commanded. Garfield let go of the wheel and opened the door. He did the infamous 'tuck and roll' out of the car and landed on the cold unpaved road. The woman landed a few feet away from him as she watched her car collide with the truck. The car instantly exploded from the collision. Garfield instinctively covered Raven with his body from protection.
After the sudden burst, Raven looked over to the remnants of the two cars. Staring at the flames engulf to and fro, Raven could only gawk at the disaster. Feeling they were no longer in danger, Garfield removed himself off of her. She continued to watch her car burn and Garfield watched the woman gazed at the flames. Abruptly, she jerked her vision towards where the demon fled his truck.
"Dammit, he's getting away." she growled. Precipitously, she stood up and faced the demon's direction. Garfield stood up along with her, but could feel a sharp pain in his leg. He looked down at his right leg to see that shards of glass penetrated his leg leaving it wounded and bleeding. The sudden rush of adrenaline must have heightened his pain tolerance. Stubborn and holding how much pride he had, he did not tell Raven.
She took a step, but quickly felt overcome with a rush of fatigue. Her legs gave out under her and she collapsed to the ground. "Raven!" Garfield yelled and staggered towards the woman. She turned on her back and stared at the man hovering over her.
"Shit." she cursed. "I guess I used too much of my strength tonight. Dammit." He could feel her frustration in her voice. "Go after the demon. I'll stay here and regain my strength."
"No way." he replied sternly.
"That's an order Logan!" she snapped.
"I can't leave you behind in your condition." he stated.
"I'll be fine. I just need to regain my strength. My first priority is your safety and my next is to get that demon. So go now!" she demanded.
"Sorry commander, but I can't follow your orders this time." He said with a calm voice. The woman scowled at him and glared into his eyes. Garfield sighed and pointed towards his injured leg. "Even if I were to follow your orders, I wouldn't make it far with my injured leg."
Raven looked over to his injured leg and cursed under her breath. She grabbed her communicator from her pocket and held it to her mouth. "Squad do you come in? Over." Static was only heard from the device. The woman continued to talk into the radio, but soon found it futile. She reached for her cell phone, and laid her head on the ground.
"Great," she said with frustration. "No service up here, even for our communicators. Fuck my life. Both of us are injured and can't even get help."
Moments passed in silence, until Garfield slowly stood up. Raven gave him a questionable look. He leaned towards her and picked her up as if she were light as a feather. Her body lay limp in his arms from fatigue.
"Logan, what the hell do you think you're doing?" she asked. Garfield lifted the woman over his shoulder and positioned the woman so she was on his back. He wrapped her legs around his abdomen for support and began to walk.
"What do you think I'm doing? We need to find some shelter. Since it appears all of our sources are limited, we must make do with what we have until the morning. Maybe then you will regain some of your strength or someone can help us." he limped walking towards the forest.
"And you expect to find shelter in this forest?" she asked in his ear.
"It seems that you don't know much about me as you thought." he lightly laughed. "I was a scout when I was younger and I learned basic survival out here. When I was a teenager I would often come to the forest and hike. If I remember correctly, there should be a cave not too far from here."
"And Yogi bear lives there I suppose." she replied.
"Oh funny, funny," he replied, "but no. Most likely maybe a pack of wolves."
"Like that give me some assurance." She said sarcastically. "But if you know what you're doing I'll go along with it." Feeling she was slipping, he heaved her body up and my mistake grabbed her inner thigh and posterior.
"Hey!" she exclaimed, "watch your hands Logan!"
"Yes ma'am" he reciprocated. Unknown to her, his face was completely flushed. He continued to walk where his instincts told him to go. To his comfort, Raven finally relaxed and laid her head on the back of his neck. He could feel her softly breathing on the nape of his neck as he started to become flushed even more.