Chapter 8: Month Six
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Chapter Author's Notes:
This chapter covers Dec 2013. It summarizes the end of the trio's field training.
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DEMON'S HORN: BIALYA, ALEGAB – LEAGUE SAFE HOUSE: 9 DEC 2013
ALDIRE (LAUREL)
Laurel skimmed through the terabytes of data she and al Mai mined from Queen Bee. The volume of data was insanely large. Most of it they were copying to portable hard drives to transport. Perhaps the most disturbing part was the content of most of that data.
Queen Bee surpassed most evil sources Laurel, and even al Mai, were aware of. She was a brilliant strategist. She contrived her marriage to the King of Bialya with the intent to assassinate him to take his throne. All in a country where women were treated as little more than playthings. Her husband executed his family and loyalists at her prompting. Then he had died (read, she had him killed)… leaving her the throne legally.
Queen Bee had a talent for media manipulation. She turned the country of Bialya from a no-name poor, backwater country into the resort destination of the West. She schooled her people to indulge the odd western customs. She got the western media to spin her story in a positive light. All while committing atrocities and brain washing. Because the one constant in Queen Bee's plans was her desire for complete control. [20]
Laurel credited her escape from the palace to her desire to remain unnoticed by Queen Bee. After reviewing her data, she realized the best way to avoid Queen Bee's sharp eyes, was to capitulate to her completely. The queen expected capitulation. Obedience. Even Laurel's feigned fear at the queen's reaction to Tyrell's statements was expected. Laurel shuddered to think what Queen Bee would do if she suspected Laurel was a spy.
Regardless, al Mai agreed. Taking down Queen Bee would be more than they could handle. Even a normal hunt team would have difficulties dismantling Queen Bee's regime, but the queen's control was not complete.
Laurel stumbled across an order Queen Bee had made to the Triad. She wanted Votura by the caseload. Laurel's experience with that substance in Hong Kong was minimal. She read up on the drug and was horrified. The Triad used Votura as a slave drug. They manufactured it in large doses to supply their brothels.
Yet, Laurel didn't think that Queen Bee wanted to run a brothel in Bialya. She dug deeper into the data.
"You seem to be doing more than skimming the data, al Aldire," Mai's voice broke into her reading trance.
"Sorry," Laurel immediately apologized. "I was trying to discover why Queen Bee ordered Votura?" she said.
"The mystery may have to be solved by others," Mai said softly as she stretched.
"I know," Laurel replied. "I just… I think I figured out why," she said with excitement. "This invoice shows Queen Bee received her shipment of Votura two weeks ago. The same day she received her shipment, Jack O'Lantern was seen arguing with her in a semi-public place. The next day, he was behaving as a contrite and loyal servant of the queen." She turned to Mai. "She is using the drug to enslave the heroes who work for her. Her control thing."
"Then you have one week to prove it," Mai replied with a smile. "It will take me that long to copy the data to individual hard drives. Find proof of her evil and free the Jack O'Lantern."
"It will be done," Laurel replied with a grin. She dove into the data. She had a new focus. Jack O'Lantern. Find him. Free him.
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DEMON'S HORN: BIALYA, ALEGAB - HOME OF JACK O'LANTERN: 12 DEC 2013
ALDIRE (LAUREL)
Laurel stared at her notes morosely. He was dead. The reason for his change of attitude toward Queen Bee was his assassination. The man who used to be Jack O'Lantern was known as Liam McHugh. Laurel found proof Liam came to Bialya on vacation. He stayed as his superhero self at Queen Bee's request.
For a time, their relationship was friendly. Liam provided the queen with an extra layer of security when he operated as Jack O'Lantern. Then their friendship soured. Ironically, around the time that Queen Bee received a large supply of Votura.
Laurel reviewed hours of video surveillance. She found where one Abdul Abdullah Abdul, a firm supporter of Queen Bee, entered the quarters of Liam McHugh. He left a short time later with a box. Liam was found dead the next day.
That was when Laurel contacted the Qas at the Temple. She needed help determining what powers Jack O'Lantern had and how he received them. Qasisa Katm returned with a short list of skills and abilities. All of which were granted to the user by the use of a Black Lantern. She would have to disable Abdul when he didn't have the lantern in his possession.
Laurel huffed in frustration. "How do I stop a man who can teleport?" she asked herself. "Let alone shoot fire and throw illusions?"
"That depends," Mai said as she looked up from her computer. "When is this man unable to do those things?" she asked Laurel, acting as a sounding board.
"He can only do them when he has the Lantern," Laurel moaned in frustration. "He always seems to be in possession of it."
"Then all you have to do is determine when he does not have possession of it," Mai replied matter of fact. "He is human. He needs to eat. To sleep. To bathe. Can he do those things with the Lantern?" she asked.
"No," Laurel replied as her thoughts started to race. "His quarters. If I can infiltrate his quarters, I can catch him unaware. I can take the Black Lantern from him."
"See," Mai said with a fond grin. "You have found where he is vulnerable. Now you can eliminate him from Queen Bee's arsenal."
"I can," Laurel replied. "Thanks for the help. I was too spun up in my own mind to find the easy solution."
Al Mai smiled. "You would have found it eventually," she said. "I am here to help you stay focused."
"Thanks anyway," Laurel replied before she turned back to her computer and started to scan for video of Abdul and Jack O'Lantern in the last week.
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DEMON'S HORN: BIALYA, ALEGAB - HOME OF JACK O'LANTERN: 14 DEC 2013
ALDIRE (LAUREL)
Laurel's infiltration of the palace went much easier than she expected. Especially since she killed Dr. Nassif only a week ago. She verified Abdul was currently following Queen Bee around as one of her loyalists in her entourage. She slipped into Abdul's quarters in the palace.
The Black Lantern isn't here. Damn. He must have it on him. I'll have to wait here. Laurel scanned the spartan room and then checked out the bathroom. Nothing looked like a good place to hide in wait. She knew he would have the Lantern with him. Would he put it down after entering his quarters?
She finally settled on the most predictable of hiding places. Under the bed. It had the advantage of not being easily disturbed and being mostly unnoticed if Abdul was comfortable in his quarters.
The time passed slowly. Abdul finally made his appearance. He came in the room and immediately locked the door behind him. He gave out a tired sigh. Laurel heard knocking around in the room. After an hour, Abdul retreated to the bathroom. She peeked out of her hiding spot. The Black Lantern sat on the table across the room. She smiled and silently crept out and seized the Lantern. She tucked it behind her and far from the bathroom door. Then she prepared a poisoned dart.
When Abdul opened the bathroom door, he froze at the sight of Laurel in her League gear. She darted him before he could do more than widen his eyes. The poison worked quickly and he sunk to the ground. His eyes closed in death without uttering a word.
Laurel waited for a few moments before checking him. Death was confirmed. She picked up the Black Lantern and then thought of the League Safe House. The archive data was certain this was how the Black Lantern utilized its powers. A mental connection.
Laurel felt the world shift. She was suddenly standing in the League Safe House. Al Mai was startled by her appearance and had grabbed a knife next to her work station.
"Aldire?" Mai asked cautiously.
Laurel pulled her hood off. "Yeah," she replied as she set the Black Lantern down. "That was… very weird."
"What was?" Mai asked.
"Teleportation," Laurel said as she shook her head. "Convenient, but weird."
"I take it your hunt was successful," Mai said as she examined the Black Lantern.
"It was," Laurel replied. "Abdul Abdallah Abdul is dead. Death is confirmed. I have secured the Black Lantern from further abuses."
"Good," Mai replied. "You are just in time to help me finish copying Queen Bee's data. Three more days and we can return to the Temple."
"Then let's get this done," Laurel replied as she sat down in front of her laptop.
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DEMON'S SPINE: MATĀ'UTU , FAIOA ISLAND - VILLAGE: 16 DEC 2013
YAD ALQADAR (THOMAS)
Thomas stood calmly as he stared out at the island in the distance. Faioa Island was the home to the local Māori tribe. He could make out the buildings of the village in the distance. Lazy smoke curled up from the village. White and pleasant. It showed none of the horror that must be happening in the village.
"Qayid," Qutil spoke softly next to him. He was one of the two Eadi who joined this hunt with his mentor. "A fisherman confirmed the men we are seeking made their way to the island five days ago."
"Five days," Thomas repeated. "Has anyone left the island in that time?" he asked.
"The fisherman said no one came from the island," Qutil replied. "No tribal fishing boats were seen in that time either."
Thomas closed his eyes in pain. "Then we must act... Before they slaughter the whole tribe," he replied. He turned to Qutil. "You and Khadie will take a small craft to the Eastern side of the island. Make landfall on the far side in the forest. Al Fayr and I will do the same from the Western side. Eliminate all you can. This cult has been smart. They will be keeping watch on this side of the island."
"It will be done, Qayid," Qutil bowed as he departed for Khadie.
"You do well, Yad Alqadar," Fayr said from his side.
"Thank you, Mentor," Thomas replied. "Come. We must make our own approach."
Al Fayr nodded and followed him into the early morning dawn to where the row boats were stored. They were not ocean-going vessels. They would not sustain their passengers out on the ocean, but they allowed the League to remain undetected by the cult.
Al Fayr allowed Thomas to lead all the hunts this month. It was his last month of field training. It was the best time for him to put all he had learned to practice. Fayr was only observing his performance of his duties. It was up to Thomas to prove his leadership.
This hunt was sanctioned when the first Māori tribe was found massacred. The locals noted the signs of ritual slaughter, but because of the separation of countries in Oceania, the authorities assumed the slaughter was a tribal warfare issue. The Demon's Spine discovered the slaughter immediately, but the perpetrators fled small nation.
Most notable were the Māori words. At the scene of the slaughter, written in the blood of the victims were the words; Te haere noa i te mate. Roughly translated, it meant Freedom in Death. The Spine classified this as a death cult. One targeting the Māori. Thomas dubbed them the Oti Ärai death cult.
Thomas led this hunt across Oceania. This was the fourth Māori village they discovered. Three of the Māori tribes were slaughtered across three different nations. This was the closest they came to the cult. So far, no survivors were found. Just witnesses to the passing of the cult members.
The small craft moved silently towards the shore of the island. The forest was allowed to grow on this side of the island. To provide a wind break from the ocean breeze and storms. It provided the perfect cover for their landing.
Once on the island, Thomas carefully prepared his weapons. He armed himself with his darts. He nodded to al Fayr as she completed her own preparations. They crept into the jungle forest and moved silently towards the village.
The village was a large collection of huts around a large central fire pit. As they crept closer, Thomas took note of bodies laid out on the village side of the plaza. Around the fire pit, a dozen stakes were driven into the ground. All ten cult members were centered on the stakes.
"I count ten," Thomas told Fayr.
"I also count ten," Fayr replied.
"I don't see Qutil or Khadie yet," Thomas replied. Then he froze. "Shit." Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the movement. It was under one of the village huts that lined the plaza. It was partially masked with a rough grass skirt around the stilts of the dwelling.
"What do you see?" Fayr asked.
"Do you see that hut? The one with the birds painted on the posts?" Thomas asked her.
"Yes," Fayr replied in confusion.
"I saw movement under that dwelling," Thomas replied.
"More cult members?" Fayr asked. She seemed uncertain of her assessment.
"I don't know," Thomas replied. "Why would cult members hide under a hut?... Stay here and keep an eye on the cult members in the plaza. I am going to clear out that crawlspace."
"Very well," Fayr replied. "I will stay back far enough to use comms if they move in your direction."
"I have my ears in," Thomas replied with a quick tap on the ear bud used for their comms.
Thomas moved back into the forest. He worked his way around the jungle until he could approach the target hut silently. He crept on the opposite side of the hut from the plaza. He gently peeled back some of the grass covering to discover the source of the movement.
Six children huddled in silence on the far side of the hut. They ranged in age from a lanky teenager to a toddler. How the hell did the cult miss these kids? He gently allowed the grass to silently return to place. He moved to the corner as far from the plaza as possible. He silently cut the bindings of the grass skirt of the dwelling. Then he crept through the crawlspace towards the children.
Children= Thomas alerted the children they were no longer alone in the crawlspace. =I need you to come with me. You must depart his place. Death awaits you if you are discovered.=
Who are you?= the teenaged boy said as he glared at the shadowy figure Thomas presented.
The gods of retribution have sent me to remove those responsible for this madness= Thomas replied. He had studied Māori culture along with his language classes.
They...= the boy replied. =They say that Aituā sent them.= Tears streaked down his face. =I don't want to see the god of death.=
Thomas drew on his knowledge of the Māori culture. =Aituā didn't send them. He is the god of death and life. Happiness and misfortune= he replied. =You are not happy. They do not support life. They are agents of Whiro. Darkness and evil.=
The boy nodded slowly in agreement. He looked over the other children. =That is truth. They are sending our people to Whiro. To make Whiro stronger= the boy said sagely to the other children.
Then we must deprive Whiro of more victims= Thomas told them. =Come. I will lead you away from the followers of Whiro.=
The boy nodded in agreement and motioned the other children to follow Thomas. When Thomas reached the opening, he silently looked out to determine if the area was still clear. Then he crept out and waited for all six children to join him. The boy kept hold of the toddler as he stood, carrying her. Silently, Thomas led them out of the village and into the jungle. He found a place deep in the forest where a large tree root created a small shelter.
Thomas stood as silent guard when he hit his comm. "al Fayr," he called softly.
"Here," Fayr replied through the comm.
"I found survivors," Thomas told her. "Six children. They were hiding. We are away from the cult now."
"Good," Fayr replied. "Qutil and Khadie are in position. There are still only ten."
"Then you three should be able to take them," Thomas replied. "I will guard the children."
"It will be done," Qutil replied.
"It will be done," Khadie added.
"Executing attack now," Fayr told him before the comms went silent.
"You are Pākehā," the boy accused Thomas.
"Pākehā?" Thomas asked. "I am not familiar with that word in Māori."
"You are white. You speak the white language," the boy said in a distrustful tone.
"I am. I do," Thomas replied gently. "That does not mean I don't want to help you or the other children."
"My cousins," the boy replied. His distrust radiated from his small form.
"Your cousins," Thomas agreed.
"Why do you want to help us?" the boy accused. "Whites don't help us, Pākehā."
"Not all whites are bad," Thomas replied. "Just like not all Māori are good."
"How do I know you are a good white man?" the boy asked sullenly.
"I don't know," Thomas replied truthfully. "When I run into a similar problem, I judge a person on their actions. Can you judge me on my actions?" he asked the boy.
"I will," the boy replied sullenly. "I don't... They..." The boy stopped talking as words left him. "They killed my parents," the boy finally stammered out. "I... I don't want to be taken by the whites."
"Those men," Thomas replied softly as he sat next to the boy and the little girl. "Those men were evil. They did an evil thing. Their actions were evil, but I cannot make you un-see their evil. I can only make sure those men don't do anything to you and your cousins."
The boy turned to take in his young cousins. His eyes widened. "Oh no," the boy said in realization. "They will take us all. They will separate us. We can't be separated."
"Those men won't do anything to you," Thomas reassured him. "I won't let them."
"Not them," the boy replied in anguished. "The whites on the mainland. Our parents are dead. You will have to take us to the mainland."
Thomas's radio earpiece cracked to life. "It is done," Fayr replied. "The ten are dead. Death is confirmed. Unfortunately, there were no survivors among the victims." Silence fell for a short time. "We will clear the rest of the village. I will let you know when it is safe to return."
"Understood," Thomas replied. He turned back to the boy. "My friend has ensured those men were sent to Whiro instead of you."
"You are not Māori," the boy replied with skepticism. "You don't know Whiro or Aituā, Pākehā."
"You're correct," Thomas replied in agreement. "I serve a greater power. The Source of all good and evil. The Source of all life. Whiro and Aituā serve the Source."
"I..." the boy started. "But they are gods..."
"They still serve the Source," Thomas replied. "All gods are an aspect of the Source."
"All gods?" the boy asked. "But some of the gods represent opposite things," he said with a frown.
"You have a front and a back. A left and a right. Those are opposite things, but they are both aspects of you," Thomas tried to explain. "It is the same with the Source. Life and Death. Good and Evil. Right and Wrong."
"Above the gods?" the boy tried to clarify.
"Yes," Thomas replied. "Our minds are limited. That is why we need to name the different aspects of the Source."
"Oh," the boy replied in understanding. After a period of silence, he spoke up again. "How... How do I keep us all together?" he asked. "My cousins and I."
"I'm not sure," Thomas replied. "Let me think on it. I will do my best to keep you and your cousins together."
"You promise?" the boy asked with wide and anxious eyes.
"I promise to try," Thomas replied. "I can't promise to be successful."
"I... Okay," the boy replied. "I'm Moana," the boy introduced himself.
"Greetings, Moana. I am Yad Alqadar, but you may call me Fate, if that is easier," Thomas replied with his own greeting.
"Fate?" Moana asked with a frown. "Why would you want to be called Fate?" he clarified.
"My name means Hand of Fate," Thomas replied.
"Why is that your name?" Moana asked with curiosity.
"I was asked to choose a name. One that started me on this path. I chose the Hand of Fate. My path began when I allowed Fate to decide my direction," Thomas replied.
"I don't understand," the boy replied with a confused frown.
"Don't worry about it," Thomas replied. "Alqadar is fine."
"Okay," Moana replied. "I can use that."
"The village is clear," Fayr's voice cracked over the comm.
"Understood," Thomas replied. "I will return with the children." He turned to Moana. "My friends have ensured all the evil men are gone. The village is safe once more." He hesitated once more. "They did not find anyone else alive."
"No," Moana whined. "I... I can't do it alone... I need... They're all gone."
Thomas gently placed his hands on the shoulders of the boy. "You can do this. You kept your cousins safe. Is there anywhere you have kin outside of this village?" he asked.
"No," Moana cried. "My parents, aunts, uncles, cousins... All were here."
"Then you will come with me," Thomas replied. He knew intimately what the loss of a parent did to children without support. He would make sure these children had the support they needed... Had their families with them… Just like he did. "My family will give all of you a place, but you must convince our leader."
"But he's white," Moana protested.
"He's not," Thomas replied. "Ours is not a family of blood, but of kinship. Make your appeal. I am sure he will listen to you. I will not turn you over to the white authorities on the mainland. You will stay with your cousins."
"I... Alright," Moana accepted his word. He ushered his cousins back towards the village.
Once back in the village, al Fayr reported what they had found about the cult and how they were eliminated. This was still his hunt. He was still in charge. He directed the children into a large boat. Qutil and Khadie departed to return the smaller craft to their origins. Fayr accompanied Thomas and the children to a remote part of the mainland. From there, they met with Qutil and Khadie and returned to the Church with the children in tow.
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DEMON'S VENOM: PERU, LIMA - THE FORT: 19 DEC 2013
SAH-HIM (OLIVER)
After Uruguay, Oliver spent most of his time at the Fort in healing and meditation. He spent his weeks getting more mobile and regaining his fighting form. Al Namla went frequently on hunts without Oliver while he was healing.
This changed the week before the Solstice. It was high summer in the Southern Hemisphere. All the Wahy from the Demon's Venom and the Demon's Spine gathered to make the trek to Tiahuanaco.
"al Namla," Oliver called. "Why is everyone here?" he asked.
"This is the last part of your training in the Ruya," Namla replied. "This is why we are called the Wahy. Twice a year, the Ruya are called to the Great Nexus. It grants all the Ruya a vision. We must make note of that vision and either stop it or help it happen."
"What kind of a vision do we receive?" Oliver asked with some hesitation. He didn't want to see horror and death.
"It depends on you," Namla told him. "The Nexus grants a different vision to each Wahy. Some are simple and easy visions. A child grown up and moved out. Others are horror, like al Muzlin with the power of Ra's al Ghul. The Nexus only grants you what it feels you are capable of conveying to others."
"Okay," Oliver said. "What do we need to prepare?" he asked.
"For our gift?" Namla said. "Nothing." Then he chuckled. "The Wahy have experience in these visions. We bring maps and notebooks to write down what we see while it is fresh in our minds."
"I hope we don't have too much climbing," Oliver told him. "My leg is better, but it still doesn't like stairs."
"Then you will like the rest at the top of the temple at Tiahuanaco," Namla told him. "Come. We at least have good weather on the ride there."
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DEMON'S VENOM: PERU, TIAHUANACO - RUINS: 21 DEC 2013
SAH-HIM (OLIVER)
SOLSTICE
The Wahy arrived and camped the day before the Solstice. Several hours before dawn, the Wahy rose and began the trek in the dark through the ruins of the city. They climbed to the tallest temple at Tiahuanaco. Oliver felt his injury burn from the long climb, but it was offset by the warm welcome he felt from the Great Nexus.
The Great Nexus at Tiahuanaco was much stronger than the one at Lima. Much more powerful. Oliver struggled to keep his Inner Eye closed. The Great Nexus was more than sentient, it could almost speak. His gift was more trained than the last time he visited Tiahuanaco.
Once they arrived at the top of the temple, the Wahy all took seated positions a few feet from each other. Namla sat next to Oliver.
"Now, al Sah-him," Namla began, "You will sit here in the lotus position with your Inner Eye open and our outer eyes closed. Just let Tiahuanaco give you the vision. Write down what you see. The vision will be triggered at dawn. At the Solstice. Any questions?" he asked.
"I can't think of any?" Oliver replied. "I'm sure I'll have a bunch afterward."
"Good," Namla replied. "Just remember to breathe."
"Breathe. Breathe," Oliver said to himself. He let himself get comfortable in the lotus position. He placed his hands properly. "Breathe." He closed his eyes and opened his Inner Eye.
Oliver was instantly lost in the power of the Great Nexus at Tiahuanaco. It swirled around him. Then he was suddenly struck with feeling. It was overwhelming.
-Worry- The feeling vibrated through Oliver.
An old Mayan temple was surrounded by dense jungle deep in the forests of Peru. It appeared to be late summer or early fall in the jungles. Fruit was full and ripe on the vine.
-He comes- The words echoed him Oliver's mind with clarity.
-Who is he?- Oliver asked.
-Felix Faust- Tiahuanaco replied in his mind. Oliver could feel the disgust Tiahuanaco had for this person. This person made Tiahuanaco angry with their actions.
The vision of the temple changed. It morphed into a strange man (Felix Faust) creeping into a hidden room in the Mayan temple in Peru. There was a giant skeleton in the room.
-Who is the skeleton?- Oliver asked. The skeleton seemed important. The vision was focusing on the skeleton.
-Mardru- Tiahuanaco told him with approval. The Nexus was more neutral about Mardru. The threat of Mardru was gone.
The vision focused on the skeleton. It was holding a box. A golden box. Faust took the box. He tried to open the box. He tried magic. He tried force. He tried smashing it against the stones, but nothing he did worked.
-What does the box hold?- Oliver asked the voice.
-A map- Tiahuanaco said. -He does not have the key- The Nexus stated.
In the vision, out of frustration, Faust threw the box and shattered the skeleton. The skeleton gave Faust one last message. A message that Merlin had the key to the box. The key was a faery skeleton made into a key. It sent an image of that key to Faust. The magician cackled with glee.
-The box was hidden for a reason. Evil comes.- Tiahuanaco relayed one last time.
The vision faded from Oliver's mind. He slowly came back to himself. He blinked away the remains of the vision. He quickly riffled through his backpack for a map of Peru. He quickly marked the location of the temple on the map. Then he wrote down everything he saw in his vision. Everything the Great Nexus had told him.
The others were doing similar actions all around the room with different maps. A few were still receiving visions. When he was done, Oliver folded up the map of Peru and kept his notes so he could make his detailed report to al Hamsa.
Al Namla finished his notes. He looked over at Oliver. He could see the questions in his eyes.
"You have questions now," Namla said with certainty.
"Yes," Oliver replied. "The vision was confusing."
"Did you see violence?" Namla asked.
"No," Oliver replied. "I only saw one man. Felix Faust."
"A sorcerer of great evil," Namla told him. "He is a man who is never up to any good. Did you see his aura?" he asked.
"No," Oliver replied. "That was not a part of the vision. He was in a temple… in Peru," he said.
"Then your vision is for the Demon's Venom," Namla told him. "They can lay the trap for Felix Faust and end his evil."
"There was more," Oliver told him. "I saw the skeleton of Mardru. Mardru left a vision of Merlin and how to open the box with the skeleton. A box that contained a map."
"Damn," Namla swore. "The rumors were true. Mardru and Merlin worked together to create a map to the Books of Magic."
"The what?" Oliver asked in confusion.
"It is an ancient story," Namla started. "The Books of Magic are a transportation device meant for a person of one lineage. The family kept them safe at Nanda Parbat, but because of the use of Magic in the title, magicians and sorcerers sought the books. The books have gained rumors about what they contain as the evil servants sought to upset the balance." [22]
"This Mardru was good?" Oliver asked. He had heard about Merlin. That mage was supposed to be a magician for good. Tiahuanaco didn't hate Mardru.
"No," Namla replied. "Mardru was an evil source who faded from existence hundreds of years ago. Merlin was balanced, but not good. He was half-demon. His demon blood allowed him to wield great magic without the physical cost to his body."
Oliver's eyes widened with this news. "Demon blood?" he whispered. "How… how did he become balanced?" he asked in awe.
"He was saved as a child by a young fey," Namla said. "She convinced him his father was a demon and intended to use him. She taught him how to fight his father and how to use his gift of magic."
"Wow!" Oliver said in awe. "None of that was in the old Earth legends."
"No," Namla chuckled. "But the Lady of the Lake… She was that fey. Older and wiser, but still his ally." Namla looked around and noticed that the rest of the Wahy were writing or resting. "Rest. We will return to Lima soon." [23]
~AU~AU~AU~AU~AU~AU~
DEMON'S VENOM: PERU, LIMA - THE FORT: 22 DEC 2013
SAH-HIM (OLIVER)
When the Wahy returned to Lima, al Hamsa greeted them all and directed them to the large meeting room. Al Hamsa stood at the front of the assembled group. "Welcome back, Wahy. Who has a report that is critical to the Demon's Head?" he asked them.
Two of the Wahy stood. "We do, Fasir," they replied.
"Then go. Take a laptop and type up your reports on the way," he told them. "I prepared the League plane just in case it was needed."
"It will be done," they replied and left the meeting with their backpacks.
"Of those that remain," Hamsa said while looking at the remaining Wahy. "Reports for the Demon's Spine should assemble in that corner. Reports for the Demon's Claw should report in that corner. Reports for the Demon's Horn should report in that corner. Reports for the Demon's Venom should assemble before me. Reports of little importance may go and type up your vision. I will review them later."
Oliver watched as the Wahy moved as if this was common. This is a common occurrence. It happens every Solstice. Twice a year. Most Reports seemed to go to the Demon's Spine or the Demon's Venom. Few of the reports were for the Claw or the Horn.
"Excellent," Hamsa said. "Go type up your reports and file them with the Qas. I will arrange travel for the Claw and the Horn. The Spine may return on their League plane. The Venom will return with their reports for me tomorrow in this room. May the Source guide you."
"It will be done," they replied before they dispersed to type up their reports.
~AU~AU~AU~AU~AU~AU~
DEMON'S VENOM: PERU, LIMA - THE FORT: 23 DEC 2013
SAH-HIM (OLIVER)
The next day, Oliver returned with al Namla and the other Wahy to report to al Hamsa the results of their vision. Oliver was the last to report his vision. He waited until all of the other Wahy completed their reports before he started his report. He benefited watching them give their reports. He knew what procedure to follow.
"Fasir," Oliver started formally. "My vision took me to the forests of Peru. It appeared to be late summer or early fall. The location was a Mayan temple deep in the undergrowth. The Great Nexus was worried. Felix Faust found the temple. He found the hidden room where the skeleton of Mardru was located." Oliver took a breath. "Faust attempted to open the Golden Box located with the skeleton of Mardru. He failed. However, Mardru's skeleton granted him one last message. The method to open the Golden Box was key made of the skeleton of a faery. It was last possessed by Merlin. The Golden Box and the Skeleton Key were a map to the location of the Books of Magic."
"You recognized Felix Faust and the skeleton of Mardu?" Hamsa asked skeptically. This was far more detail than the usual Solstice visions.
"I could not, Fasir," Oliver replied. "The Great Nexus told me their identities."
"The Great Nexus told you," Hamsa said with eyes wide. He looked over to al Namla who just nodded at the information. "I see," he replied in consideration. "Based on the information you have provided, I will immediately move to secure the remains of Mardru and the Golden Box. We will then set a trap for Felix Faust. His evil escaped for too long. I doubt he is the only sorcerer who will look for a map to the Books of Magic."
"I'm glad to be of service, Fasir," Oliver replied with his closing statement. He hoped to be included in the hunt.
"You did well, al Sah-him," Namla told him as they rose to leave the meeting room.
"I wanted to join the hunt," Oliver told Namla.
Al Namla laughed. "You are so eager," he grinned at the young man. "You are still recovering from your injuries. AND… it is almost time to return to Nanda Parbat."
"I'm almost healed," Oliver griped, but he was looking forward to returning to Laurel and Thomas. He wouldn't want to delay that reunion.
Al Namla chuckled at his sullen response. "See the Qas. Train back up to strength. I will make sure my report goes with the Fasir. Do you know Dalia is to go with you?" he asked.
"I didn't know," Oliver replied. "She will do well with the training. Tayir and I have been talking to her with the Qas. I'm sure she will be back in six months."
"Yes," Namla said. "I dread any drug lord that dares to cross her path then."
"Her mentor will help her stick to just evil men," Oliver said. "I talked to her about how not all of Frank's men were evil. How some of them were just as coerced as she was. She seemed to get it."
"Good," Namla replied. "Otherwise, I may need to assist with those first hunts."
"You would be a good choice," Oliver replied. "She trusts you more than the other Wahy because you rescued her."
"Then I will do what I can to help her when she returns," Namla said with a soft smile.
~AU~AU~AU~AU~AU~AU~
DEMON'S VENOM: PERU, LIMA - THE FORT: 28 DEC 2013
SAH-HIM (OLIVER)
Oliver and Tayir Alfiniq were called before al Hamsa just after the Christmas celebrations in Lima. They both were pretty sure they knew what it was about. It was time to return to Nanda Parbat.
"Fasir," they said respectfully before the Fasir of the Demon's Venom.
"Apprentices," Hamsa greeted with a smile. "I have your training reports from both Master al Najwa and Master al Namla. You both completed your advanced field training. You will both return as Eadi. It is now time to return to Nanda Parbat for your final branch assignments by the Demon's Head."
"It feels much longer than six months," Tayir replied.
"Yeah," Oliver added. "It feels like it's been forever. I miss them."
"Them?" Tayir asked.
"al Aldire and Yad Alqadar," Oliver replied.
"Yes," Hamsa replied. "Qasisa Menna included a report on you as well Sah-him."
"She did?" Oliver asked in surprise.
"Yes," Hamsa said with a smile. "She wanted to make sure I told the Demon's Head she confirmed your bond to al Aldire and Yad Alqadar. When he makes final assignments, he will place all three of you in the same branch."
"She mentioned we would do better together," Oliver said sadly. "I tried to stay focused, but it has been hard."
"I have not noticed you lacking focus," Tayir said softly. "Even sparring, you seem to be driven."
"That was Qasisa Menna's advice. To help stay focused," Oliver said to his friend. "To only focus on what is right in front of me. This hunt. This sparring match. Not how I am missing parts of myself… I am working at one-third of myself… I know I can do more… if I don't have to focus on missing them."
"Your gift is quite strong," Hamsa told him. "Master al Namla remarked on its strength. Yet… you say this is you operating at one-third?... I would be very interested to see you operate at one hundred percent… with your gift."
"I just know I can do more," Oliver replied with a shrug.
"Then you will," Hamsa said. "We will get you back to them. They will work better with you as well. Together you are all stronger."
"Yes," Oliver replied. "We are stronger together."
"Pack your things," Hamsa told them. "We will fly out tomorrow morning. Dalia will accompany us. I hope she will join the League and receive the training that has benefited you, Tayir Alfiniq."
"I hope so as well," Tayir replied.
~AU~AU~AU~AU~AU~AU~
USA, WA, STARLING CITY - MERLYN GLOBAL GROUP: 31 DEC 2013
"Good morning, Dr. Markov," Malcolm greeted the scientists on the phone with good humor. He was excited to get an update on the device. Dr. Markov's concept was perfect for what he needed. It allowed the destruction of the Glades to become a natural disaster. The city wouldn't look twice at a natural disaster. He could wipe out the scum in the Glades without endangering himself. I won't let them get away with this, Rebecca. You will be avenged.
"Mr. Merlyn," Dr. Brian Markov greeted his business partner over the phone with some distraction. "You caught me by surprise. The lab is at minimal staffing today because of the impending New Year's celebrations."
"I'm surprised you let your people leave work today," Malcolm replied with a frown. He made his stand clear at Merlyn Global. No one could leave early. Tomorrow was a Federal Holiday. They would have time off soon enough.
"The break helps my lab technicians focus on work when they return," Brian said dismissively. "It allows me to focus on the theoretical aspects of our project."
"Speaking of our project," Malcolm inserted easily. "How is it coming? How soon can you have a viable prototype?" he asked eagerly.
"Not for some time," Brian replied. "Seismic theory is not something I want to take into the field and test. There are too many potential problems. I want to run my theory through a rigorous series of computer simulations before I even begin to construct a prototype."
Malcolm blinked. "Say that again," he finally said. The man sounded like he didn't want this project to move forward. Like he wanted to see how it would work on a computer before we made any real progress.
"As you are aware, my theory is just that… a theory," Brian attempted to explain. "Unidac Industries is reluctant to support my theory past the initial presentation. They don't see the benefits our project could produce. It's only with your financial backing this project was not been shelved." Brian paused. "I need to work out how unknown factors could potentially influence my theorized device. If the ground is prone to sinkholes, fault lines, and the material of surface strata. All of these factors will influence how well or how poorly my theorized device will operate."
"I see," Malcolm replied with a bitter tase in his mouth. "Won't the construction of a prototype device assist you in finding these answers?" he asked plainly. The best way to test a theory was to just do it. Why is this scientist trying to hold him back? Why doesn't he want to succeed?
"It could," Brian replied. "But the consequences are not something I am willing to live with. Sink holes are one thing. Fault lines are another. The device potentially could amplify the vibration through the fault line. Triggering a catastrophic earth quakes miles long for a target area of one acre. I can't risk it."
But that is exactly what I want it to do, Markov. Malcolm sneered at the phone. This stupid man is afraid to cause problems for the lowlifes. A little late to gain a conscious now, doctor. Malcolm clenched his fist in anger. "How long?" he said. It had been a struggle to get his voice to return to a more normal tone.
"Several years at least," Brian replied with a tired sigh. "I will be running computer simulations in between my other projects at Unidac. I expect the next year will remain in simulations only. Depending on how the simulations progress, we could start on a protype in a year. But two years is more likely."
"Two years to achieve a prototype," Malcolm reeled. His revenge was delayed by years. "How long after the prototype can you have a viable device?" he snapped.
"If the protype is viable, I expect it to take another two years to work out the errors before we have a final product to use," Brian replied in an off-hand manner. "The device will need fine tuning to make it safe."
I don't want it to be safe. Malcolm snarled at the phone. He wanted to reach through the phone line and strangle the odd doctor. "Very well, Dr. Markov," Malcolm finally said. "Do what you can to move the project forward. Time is money. We need a viable product sooner. Not later."
"I understand, Mr. Merlyn," Brian replied through the phone. "Have a Happy New Year," he said as the phone line clicked.
Malcolm stared at the phone in anger and disgust. He couldn't believe this upstart scientist attempted to delay this project for something as stupid as safety. His rage rose and he stopped himself from seeking out Dr. Markov and ending his life in the most painful way possible. He started to play the fantasy of slaughtering Dr. Markov in his mind. All of them. Those pesky lab rats have to go too. They assisted the damn doctor with his delays.
Malcolm's mind turned back to the delays. Markov wants to make his device safe. I will have to undo his work. Remove his safety protocols. This will weaponize the device. His mind started to spin how best to approach this project. Regardless, I need to acquire Unidac. Dr. Markov doesn't need to be distracted by other projects. Should it be me? He ran through the ramifications. No. I will need someone I can control to acquire Unidac. That company can weaponize it. I can keep my hands clean. I'll need a scientist I can control too. Dr. Markov is proving resistant to my plans. Once the device is complete, I will need to eliminate Markov. Besides, the man is a loose end. One I have to cut loose.
~AU~AU~AU~AU~AU~AU~
END PART 3
CONTINUED IN PART 4
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Chapter Endnotes:
[20] Queen Bee: The DCU retconned the Queen Bee character dramatically. When they finally made her human, they established her in Bialya. This is the version of Queen Bee I used. I mixed in some of her previous personality traits. Additional information on Queen Bee in Part X.
[21] Jack O'Lantern: This is one of the more obscure heroes listed in the DCU. According to the DC Wiki, the Black Lantern used by Jack O'Lantern had three owners. The last owner is the one mentioned in my story. The bit about the second owner being killed by the third at the request of Queen Bee is a part of comic!canon. Additional information on Jack O'Lantern in Part X.
[22] The Books of Magic: This idea came from the DC comic series Justice League Dark (New 52) War for the Books of Magic miniseries (12, 13, annual 1). The scene I described was the opener for the evil magicians to find the books. Merlin's key was stored in the Black Room by Amanda Waller. Constantine had to basically steal it from Waller. It was an interesting story. My AU basically cut off the storyline at the start. Faust never finds the box. The end.
[23] Merlin: Merlin is a cultural icon. The DCU showed Merlin in one retcon as the half-demon wizard who opposed Morgan Le Fey in ancient England. Merlin eventually was sent to Hell. John Constantine encountered him during that storyline. I expanded on this origin with some head canon surrounding the myth. This is just my take with bits of DCU tossed in.
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