Chapter 6
Proverbs: 2,6
For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
Mouse: He’s back! I wasn’t sure what would happen after he went into the black room. I tried to stop him! I jumped in the shower with him. I can't use human speech anymore. I can understand it just fine, but I'm just built differently. It all comes out as screeching and hissing. I even messed up his clothes. They were laying on the bed like always when he showers and I clawed and clawed and clawed them, then I just sat on them. I tore them to shreds and he just moved me aside, looked at the mess then dressed in something different. He didn’t even seem that upset about it. I'm just glad he made it back. The evil is gone too. The room is back to normal. I can't describe it, it's just a regular room, He goes in and there's this surge like the most peaceful, joyous and loving feeling just seems to come out in waves, and then poof he's gone. I can smell he’s no longer in the house. Then just as suddenly that feeling again and I just know he’s back. This time, When he left it was like the opposite. It was just anger and torment and this gut wrenching sorrow. Whatever it was, I hope it doesn’t come back.
Tobiass Journal:
I was shocked. I stared in amazement at the cross on the table and absently asked, “What did it do, When he put the cross on the wound?” I reverently picked up the box after looking at Simon and getting a nod of permission. The cross was basic, and didn’t look like anything special, but I could feel power humming through the box itself. “I know you have read through several of the after action reports in the archives. I'm sure you know some of this already but here it is, all laid out for you. First of all, the cross binds with the body and heals the wound. It will remain, almost fused to the sternum until retirement". Simon lifted up his shirt and pointed to a raised relief of a cross on his chest. “The bearer stops aging, and the initial wound isn't the only thing that heals. Any wounds will heal with incredible speed, and any ailments will be erased as well. For the loss of a limb, either reattach it somehow and it will mend, or it will grow back. Even decapitation can be healed. It’s completely miraculous. Speed, strength, and agility will all be drastically improved as well. There are other gifts as well… You will begin to know with certainty when evil is near, and in time some get a sense of direction. Then there are… Other blessings. They are considerably more of a random chance than anything else”. I set the box back on the table, the 30 chairs made sense now. My hands buzzed and tingled with a strange energy after holding the box for only a few moments and I looked at the cross suspiciously. “What do you mean by other blessings?” I asked cautiously. Simon slowly nodded, I could tell he was trying to be cautious here, but I couldn't figure out why. “Yes. Some members receive dreams, others almost a guiding hand. If a member ever gives you a random instruction or tells you to do something, do so, quickly and without hesitation. There have been members like Philip, he is the archivist for a reason. He can remember almost everything he's ever read or heard. His memory, and the way he puts pieces together, it’s almost frightening at times. Thomas for example, the way he can look at something and figure out how it works. He also has a way with the ruins and enchantments we have been passed down. The tattoos you mentioned to Philip, and having a hard time seeing some of the weapons at times. The tattoos act as a way for us to hide in plain sight. We can walk around almost anywhere and be seen as a local or seem to belong there to even the most stringent observer. Thomas projected the tattoos from his deeper understanding of the sigil and artifacts we have recovered over the years. There are more blessings I’m sure, but keep in mind that there have only been a few hundred members in history so you never know what gift or gifts you may receive. That cross will be yours once you reach your 25th year. We won't stop the aging process before that".
After everything had been explained, I noticed that everyone I came in contact with was much more open with me. I always had a feeling the other members avoided me when they were around and Philip and Thomas both took a greater interest in my training. It felt like we were a family now, more so than just people grudgingly taking care of me. I continued to help Thomas more and more, and even received the tattoos ahead of schedule. I was taken on a few minor operations when Philip, Thomas or Simon went out in the field. Not in combat, but I would help with observation and clean up. Back then, the church would get there eventually and help out to some extent, but it was mostly on us. It was informative, to be sure, being able to tell frequently what the fatal blow was, more so than just reading about it or hearing of it in class. The clean up itself was… Filthy work at times really. Although having a handful of specimens relatively left intact I was able to perform a few dissections and get a much better understanding of how to dispatch the evil creatures. I helped in the archives almost anytime I wasn't in training and could be found there reading more often than not. The years between age 19 and 24 all passed much the same. I would do as much as they would allow me to do to help in any way possible. I learned a lot about surveillance and had a great knowledge of what some of the evil felt like to be around. Certain creatures, such as powerful vampires and necromancers for example, really give off an unbelievably bad vibe, even at a distance. For someone not attuned, this may be a sudden shiver down the spine on a warm day or the raising of the hair on your arms or back of the neck.
Lakeland Fl
Tobias
After much assurance from the elders I returned home in the same way I traveled to The Order, thankfully without the hijacking this time. I woke up on my chair in my all black room, stood up and walked back across the hall to the master bedroom. Picking up my phone on the TV stand, it looks odd if cell GPS pings you in Florida then Rome then Florida again, I saw I didn't have any missed calls or text. I was determined to look into the Dark Pope and what he may be planning. Having a Shoggoth and a Doppelganger in his employ would certainly narrow things down a bit. I put Pandora thumbprint radio on the Bluetooth speakers throughout my home and sat on my bed trying to think of how to track him down. Mouse ran in and laid down in my lap. Curling up in a ball the moment he laid down. He's a sweetheart, and he was bouncing around my feet from the moment I came out of the transit room. I tried to clear my mind as I pet Mouse relaxing and trying to come up with a more solid plan. As Brackish from Kittie began to play I laid back on the bed and stared at the ceiling fan as it spun above me. I stared blankly through Kittie's brackish and Tool's 46 and 2, and when Left behind by Slipknot hit that beautiful beginning just before Joey gives the drums his all, a shiver went down my spine. By the time the song was over I knew what I had to do, although I really didn't want to. Part of why I'm in Lakeland is to keep an eye on the pit this town was built on, the other part is to keep an eye on Him. The sun was setting so I dressed in black Dickies work pants, my chucks, a thermal and hoodie before stowing the 2011 in its holster, packing up a small bag and locking up. Sure, walking around downtown Lakeland wearing a gun and extra mags on my hip would normally be a horrible idea… Thankfully that was what the obfuscation ruins are for. I pulled Gipsy out of the driveway and turned left on Longfellow towards East Main street. Around the lake and through a few lights and stop signs I parked at Barnett family park, next to the playground area. Getting out of Gipsy, my black Jeep wrangler, I walked down the steps of the outdoor theater and began to walk around Lake Mirror. Taking the long way around and putting the unpleasant off just a tad bit longer, I made my way around to what they call the loggia. It really is a beautiful area, Hollis gardens, is a lush botanical garden along one side of the lake. It's a smaller lake in downtown Lakeland, full of ducks and lily pads. I remember at one point there was a large one eyed alligator that made the lake home, the locals called him Blinky. Lake Mirror was surrounded by a paved walkway, benches and a waist high concrete railing ran along a good portion of the lake. There were steps leading down to the water in a few places. Opposite of the underground entrance I was heading to is an outdoor amphitheater. I walked around the lake twice before making my entrance. It was a gorgeous crisp night, clear skies and about 50 degrees. There was an elderly couple snuggled up on one of the benches by the train station that ran parallel to south lake Ave. They sat happily feeding the ducks, snuggled close to each other in the night chill. I smiled and wished them a good evening as I passed. Maybe one day when I retire I will have someone to love deeply and grow old with. I knew they wouldn't be able to see what I was doing at the gates from where they sat so I continued to the gated off entrance. At one time it was lakefront shops, now long closed, gated and chained up. This underground area actually extends a pretty good way underneath downtown Lakeland. Now it is home of the last of the Timucua Tribe, or at least his spirit. Deep in this underground network the great horned owl kept his residents, surely hiding on the occasion workers may come down here. This area was not his prison, the gate and chains were to keep out trespassers, homeless or drunks looking for a bit of privacy. He was free to come and go as he pleased and could easily fly through the bars. I was one of the only humans he would speak to. The Order knew of him. He was not an evil man in life, just a man who wanted better for his people and wanted to be able to watch over the lands forever. Forever being an incredibly long time, by definition, for someone to grow bitter, we keep an eye on him. I come down and visit with him every 5 years or so just to see how he is or if he wishes for release. He doesn't seem to mind and the last several visits I didn't even offer, he knows if he wishes to be released I can provide him with it, until then I show my respect and visit. Tonight was slightly different. I had questions and someone with his unique perspective and views may be able to help. After winding through several hallways I stopped at a threshold and removed from my pack a small pouch of cherry pipe tobacco and knocked on the door way.
“Hello, It is Tobias and I wish to speak, if that is okay with you. I bring you gifts of fine tobacco”. I said into the empty room with much respect. There was no answer, which wasn’t uncommon. I walked into the room, set down my battery powered lamp and placed a good pinch of the tobacco onto a brass bowl, then lit a lump of charcoal and set it onto the coarse ground leaf. A rich warm aroma that coated the throat with notes of vanilla and cherry greeted my nostrils, warm and welcoming over the smell of the damp and stale air. Gently, I fanned the coal and watched the tobacco smolder. Eventually with a flourish, a gorgeous owl flew through the smoke, fluttered his wings and landed. Turning to face me was what looked like a normal Great horned owl, big golden eyes, brown and white feathers in a checker pattern and the signature crest on each side of the head. He stood just over 4 feet tall with the horn tufts of feathers. Wise and knowing eyes bored through mine and peered deeply into my being. “Greetings, how are you?” I asked the great owl. “Troubling winds ahead, I'm sure you see this”. Said the Great owl in a deep and booming voice. “Yes, unfortunately I do. I have questions if you would answer them. A man, calling himself the Dark Pope, has come forward and is bringing many creatures of the dark to his side. This includes both Windigo and a Shoggoth. Perhaps you have heard of him?” I hated being this forceful, but this was a desperate gamble. The Owl wasn't on anyone's side, and after watching what the world had become… He may welcome an ending.
“I will talk, you will listen,” said the owl. “A great many spirits cry out all over the earth, the suffering pours forth like a wildfire, I see a sky turned to black and not even the sun will bear witness to the pain that follows. The fields will burn or turn to dust, and any man left to harvest will be ill and hunted. A pain so great the very earth will tremble from east to west. All this I see, and all this will be, If you and your Order fail. I do not know when but this generation will die in it. I do not know where exactly, but it is within the land of the people".
With this the great owl flapped his massive wings and was gone, leaving me trembling with visions of the end. I picked up my lantern and tossed another pinch or two of tobacco in the coals before leaving. I shouted a formal “Thank you wise ancestor” into the darkness and was on my way. Staggered and mind racing I walked back to my Jeep. It's not like we haven’t dealt with some really nasty evil before. Cleaning up after some of Herbert West’s escapes after the great war. Hitler and his third Reich, his occult branch, ended up possessing the spear of destiny at one point! Not to mention the horrid ghouls and other scavenging beasts who were attracted to the death camps and war on such an industrial scale. Hell his necromancers alone and the flesh golems still give me nightmares. Then the Americans had to blow up half of Japan to finally stop the war. What The Owl was talking about would make an atomic blast seem like nothing at all. Not really knowing what to do I slowly drove home. On the way I called Simon and filled him in, maybe the archives would know of something capable of the kind of destruction spoken of.
When I got home Mouse was there to greet me. I've always had a cat, strays tend to find me and frankly, the life I live really gets lonely at times. Technology is nice, with the new automatic feeders and self cleaning litter boxes, this Mouse gets to stay indoors only. All the Mouses before him, yes they have all been named Mouse, were indoor/outdoor cats and had to catch dinner when I was away. This Mouse found me with a broken paw and a gash so bad the vet thought they would have to amputate. Some herbal compresses and salt soaks mended the wound, bone and all, and he has been my constant companion ever since. Exhausted and not even bothering to take off my gun belt I laid down on my couch, head on one end and feet propped up on the other end. Mouse hopped up and laid on my chest demanding attention. Soon enough he was making biscuits on my chest and was soundly asleep. The day was catching up with me and I must have nodded off because the next thing I knew, Someone was pounding on my door.
Not really knowing where I was or what time it was, I quickly sat up. Earning a yowel and glare from Mouse. The clock on the cable box said it was 12:23 am. Going towards the door I glanced out the large window at a ninety degree from my door and was shocked to see Samantha, a girl from the duplex housing across the street. We had met a few months ago while walking around the lake by the college and watching the sunset. We got along pretty good but she knows I'm a workaholic, not exactly a lie, and wasn't really looking to commit to anything. Still she would come by now and then, when she was between dates or whatever. Call it “friends with benefits” although I hate that term. Knowing the threshold was warded I opened the door. “Oooh Thank God, you’re home!” Blurted Sam “I am but what's go..". Before I could finish the sentence she was stumbling inside and clearly panicking, she closed the door and locked it before going to the window and looking back on to Longfellow blvd. “Look, I'm not even sure what the Hell happened okay, I was sleeping then the floor opened up and some black blob came out of nowhere and there was all these eyes and tentacles everywhere! Then this man-thing popped out and tore Becca’s throat out! I just ran. I'm sorry but I didn’t know what else to do or where else to go..". she trailed off sobbing, wrapping her arms around me and placing her head on my chest.
“Sam!” I said loudly trying to get her attention, placing my hands on her shoulders and taking a step back “Look I can explain everything, for now, go shower and get cleaned up, you're covered in tar, and blood. You did the right thing, besides you know you are always welcome here. I'm so sorry about your roommate Becca, she seemed sweet but I need to go and make sure whatever that was doesn’t hurt anyone else. Make yourself at home and I'll be right back”. I said while closing the door before she could protest me leaving her, or the fact that I was running towards the danger. Besides I knew the Shoggoth was here for me, it must have tracked me somehow and attacked wherever it popped up.
Sprinting across the street I could see the damage already done to Sam and Becca’s duplex. The complex was just off campus and commonly rented to students. It was the end unit, furthest from the college soccer field. The door was completely ripped off the hinges and the threshold was battered and smashed out of the way, making an exit hole much wider than the original. Screams echoed from the neighboring unit and I could see that multiple doors and windows had been smashed in. Jumping over the short chain link fence I drew my 2011 as I landed and immediately ran to the smashed in door jamb closest to Sam's apartment. The door was laying on the floor inside the jamb, a noxious tar like substance coated it and what was left of the door jamb. I walked into an absolute mess. There was a smashed coffee table and bottles laying on the floor. The door opened onto a living room with a sofa on the right and a tv on a low tv stand to the left and running right down the middle into the kitchen was a trail of tar leading to the Shoggoth. The Shoggoth was almost into the kitchen where a girl was desperately trying to open the back window above the sink, the Shoggoth was taking up the threshold where the bar and stove ran, completely blocking her escape, and trying to squeeze through the gap to attack her. On the couch to my right was a man having his throat ripped out by a vampire, shit college kids not feeling like the place is “HOME” so the vamps could just follow the Shoggoth right in. I shot the Vamp as I took in the scene, knowing the bullets wouldn't have much effect. I shot him in both kneecaps then both elbows trying to immobilize the creature. Then grabbing a broken leg from the smashed coffee table in my left hand while holstering my pistol, I jumped on top of the vamp and drove the wood into his blackened heart with both hands. This wouldn't kill the vamp, but it would paralyze him so I could worry about the Shoggoth. This was a STRONG vamp and I could feel the power and rage pouring off of him even as it lay there paralyzed and twitching. I took off my necklace and placed it around the stake, the blessed cross sizzling the Vamps flesh. Trying to think quickly I tore what was left of the vampire's victims shirt off, being dead already, he wouldn't need it. Grabbing for the vodka bottle I saw on the floor when I walked in by the smashed coffee table, I quickly unscrewed the cap and packed a strip of cloth into the bottle's neck. Lighting the improvised Molotov I chucked it towards the Shoggoth in an arch while drawing and shooting the bottle as it hit him, bathing its blasphemous bulk of tar in flames. The Shoggoth screeched and quickly ran through the kitchen, past the terrified girl and through the back wall. Just before chasing it into the overflow parking lot I told the girl in the kitchen “stay put, I'll be right back” as I tossed an emergency puck into the corner. Being Lakeland and home base for me I knew the response would be pretty quick. I had never seen a Shoggoth move that quickly before, by the time I got out the hole it punched through the wall, it had already made it most of the way down the parking lot. Knowing it wasn't going to do much good but hoping the blessed silver, holy water quenched lead, and copper gas check with sigil of unbinding would do something to the massive creature, I started shooting as I chased after it. Trying to think of what would be a weak spot” on a 20 foot long 5 feet tall and 5 feet wide amorphic blob of tar and eyeballs, I started shooting for the eyeballs. One after another winked out as it ran towards the brush line as I chased after it. Unfortunately when I got to the part of the brush he made it through, I saw where he was headed. I had completely forgotten there was another lake back here. The Shoggoth had vanished into lake Holloway... There was no way to follow it and not knowing where it would come out of, or if it would just have its master teleport it back somewhere, I went back to the ruined duplex.
By the time I got back to the duplex, agents from the church just down the road were already there talking with the college student that had survived and had taken the body of the vampire's victim away to be beheaded. It may sound harsh but the curse is already there and, once bitten, he would rise and join the undead soon. It was just a matter of time, so the decapitation is really a mercy. The vampire I had Shot and staked was still on the couch. He must have been an older and, therefore more powerful creature because his wounds had already started to heal. Even with the stake retarding his healing, both kneecaps were intact and he was twitching his arms, elbows knitting closed, towards the stake in his chest. I smacked his hands aside and punched the steak in even deeper, driving the table leg into the couch he was laying on. “I want answers!'' I said as I sat down next to him. I reached down and grabbed my cross off the stake. It had been blessed by the pope before it was given to me at my coronation ceremony. “I know you can heal and walk off most things but I also know ways to hurt you.” I said before palming the cross onto his forehead and starting to pray. His skin began to sizzle and he bellowed and twitched in agony before I let up. “Tell me what the dark pope is up to and I will finish you off quickly. If not, I’ll go get a body bag from the van out there, put you in it and drag you across the street to my house. I can bury you in my backyard, line the hole with blessed silver so when you finally get out of the bag there will be a nice wall of pain all around. I'll come by from time to time and water the ground with holy water too... Just to be a Dick… I'll mark the spot and we can have this talk again in say... 10 years?
“You have already lost, human” The vamp hissed. “You don't have 10 years or even 10 months, The Dark Pope has amassed a great army! When he wakes up the caldera, the night will be eternal and the humans will all suffer as his great army destroys the weak and mortal”.
Since the Vamp sort of gave me the information I needed, I put my necklace back on and left him with the clean up crew before walking back home. I knew that for now, I was done with him. I would let him heal in captivity and deal with him more a bit later… I still had Sam to deal with and get her to sign the applicable NDA documents. Not to mention try to explain all this in a way that wouldn't give her nightmares for the rest of her life. I'm really not the best at this and, technically explanations and cover up isn't my job anymore. Although I felt like I owed her a more personal explanation, all things considered. When I got home, Sam was in her bathrobe sitting on the couch. Her curly brown shoulder length hair was still damp, and she was barefoot. She stood up when I walked in and ran over to hug me, resting her head on my chest. At 6 foot 2 I was about a foot taller than her. I like short women for some reason, can't help it. She was beautiful and terrified and I really didn't know where to begin. I just stood there and held her tight to my chest. “What the Hell is going on?” Sam asked me between sobs. “Becca?” She asked, searching my eyes for answers. All I could do was shake my head, I had seen the clean up crew removing a body bag from her apartment as well. “I'm sorry” I said, breaking the hug and guiding Samantha to the couch. When we sat down I started to explain, briefly and NOT going into my back story, the basics. Evil is real, I hunt it, I work for the holy roman church, YOU CAN NOT TALK ABOUT THIS, and on and on. Then I grudgingly had her sign a NDA, wondering if I would ever see her again. It turned out she was relieved to be with “someone who fights that stuff” and wanted to stay somewhere safe for the rest of the night...