Crystal darke, p.23
Crystal Darke, page 23
“Alright, only if you’re sure. Going to be strange without you around.”
“You’ll be busy training wih your elite team.”
“Only because of you. Maybe you can come back as a teacher.”
“No thanks. Dealing with kids at this age is bad enough. I’m going to tell the president that it’s over. He’ll have to find another everfae to help.”
“How do you think he’ll take it?”
“He’ll just have to except it. This is my life.”
D laughed and gave me a tight hug. “It was nice knowing you. Hopefully see you around.”
“I plan on it. You’re the closest friend I’ve ever had. That will never go away. You’re stuck with me.”
“Sounds good to me. I’ll explain everything to Flo.”
“No, don’t do that.” Looking over to where she sat. Smiling as she even looked pretty with that sad look in her eyes. “It’ll be easier for her. I’m gone either way.”
“Don’t you want to say goodbye to her?”
“I do. I never even got to kiss her. To see what it was like.”
“It’s not too late.”
“No, no. It’ll be easier on me as well. Could you talk to my brother though. I want to see him before I leave.”
“Of course. He seems in good spirits at lunch so his morning test must have gone well.”
“That’s good. I’ll be back down in a moment.”
“I want another hug before you leave.”
“Count on it.” Talking about my decision made it seem even more like a good idea. Like I was finally taking my first step in the direction I was supposed to go. Heading up in the elevator to the top floor. Moving into that huge office, the president wasn’t behind his desk.
Checking up in his little library but there was no one here at all. Finding myself looking at his books. The one he had shown me on my first day. Pulling a couple off. Some of them filled with even more titans. Others were history books. Reference books about cities and towns.
A map was hanging up on the wall showing all the continents. Marks left here and there. A book at the edge of the shelf in front of me caught my eye. The cover seeming to shine unlike the others. Like the dust couldn’t touch it.
I tucked my finger into the top and pulled. It angled down until there was a click. My eyes going wide as the whole book shelf opened up like a door. Finding one of those portals I had seen in the goblin’s wagon.
The cylinder hole to the right had a key stuck in it. The shine from the portal working in front of me. This must be where the president had gone. God knows where it would lead me. But my suspicions of the president forced me forward.
Pushing my body through and coming out the other side. The portal spitting me out into a little room. The wall lined with more portal doors. Names above each one like reserved parking spaces.
I moved out into a hallway. The place looking like a government facility. Walls all white, blacked out windows. The names of scientists on plaques by keypaded doors. Moving along, hoping I didn’t get spotted since a young girl did not belong in a place like this.
A door opening up so I ducked into a little alcove in the wall. People walking by talking about subjects and experiments. Hearing the door shutting so I quickly moved. Pushing my body between the gap. Finding myself in a room with a large window.
Showing another room on the other side. Looking inside and seeing a young lad asleep on a bed. Cameras showed the room from all angles. A monitor tracking his vital signs. A bunch of papers were scattered across the desk.
Picking up a few I read the information. My mind racing as I took it in. Holding my hand over my mouth. Unable to believe what they were doing to this boy. He was half-everfae just like me. Using his blood to try and control titans. To see if they can replicate our natural ability to adopt them.
He didn’t look in good health. Seeing the track marks of syringes in his arms. Turning around for the door, unable to look at him any longer. Pausing as I noticed a white lab coat hanging on a hook.
Putting it on and leaving. Walking further down the hallway. Wondering if each door I walked past had the same set up behind it. Coming around the corner to some normal windows. Looking down at a big room. A large, round, black table sat in the middle. The symbol of the skull and the two spears etched in white. Letters around the edge spelt out, DEATH. Validating my worry about this group.
Sitting around it were men and woman. Nicely dressed in black. Spotting the president and William’s father sitting next to each other. Carrying on walking as the hallway curved above the room. Coming to a little booth with seats inside. Taking one, pulling the collar of the lab coat up, trying to hide my face from the others in here.
But they were too busy listening to the meeting through the small speaker underneath the window. Feeling my heart pounding as I listened. “It was your idea to release that subject, Mr West.”
“Yes it was, I have this girl at the school. She’s had very little guidance from me and has been able to retrieve a bunch of titans. She managed to survive being kidnapped by goblins. Managing to kill a two headed snake whilst gaining a new titan at the same time.”
Wondering how he knew all that. I had never told him the finer details. Especially not about the titan. “That may be. But this thing has created so much havoc. The amount of damage it has caused.”
A blonde haired woman joining in. “Not to mention if the government found out about our part in all this. The damage would be the least of our troubles.” Many of the people didn’t seem happy with the president.
He leant forwards. “Gentlemen and ladies. If we don’t remind them that titans are out of control monsters. Who will? More and more groups are popping up in aid of them. Claiming that with proper treatment they can become part of our lives.”
“We know all about those groups. They never gain traction.”
“Because of us. If we stop then people will start to listen to them. Fear is the weapon of choice right now. Keep the public in fear of these things. This will keep them under our control and we can keep pushing forwards with our plans.”
Another member coughing for attention. “We’ve also been discussing about that. We gave you time to create your school. To look for remnants of the everfae species. So far each one has died before bringing real results. This wasn’t what you officially said would happen.”
“They’ve been unfortunate deaths. But you all know that people will do anything to get their hands on an everfae. Just look what happened with our shop owner. People will kill for an everfae. To be able to control a titan brings big money to the equation.”
“Exactly. This is bringing attention to us.”
“It brings attention to me and I can handle that. This isn’t the time to retract your trust in this project. With your titan killers out there, how many monsters have they killed? Not titans, actual monsters.”
“Numbers are high.”
“Now, how many titans? I’m guessing its in single digits. They’ve been out there for years. I on the other hand, just one man. Have dispatched more than all your killers put together. This last everfae I found is even better than the rest. So far she has three titans. God knows how many when I return.”
“What is your point?”
The president speaking to the whole group. “My point is. My project is the one yielding results. Not Mister Wilson’s titan killers. When those other everfae died. Their titans went with them. It’s easier to kill a young kid than it is a monster. Plus these kids can seek out titans. Titans even come to them. If anything you should be pouring more money into my side of the business rather than yours.”
William’s father leant forwards next to the president. “I’m calling a vote for a shift in funds. In favour of Ethan West. All those in favour.”
Mister Wilson calling out, “You can’t do this.” But the man objecting was already losing. Hands going up around the table. Winning by four votes and giving him more funds. More money to create more schools. To help him find more everfae.
He was getting them killed just to get rid of their titans. My heart feeling like it was going to burst with worry. A loud bang coming as a gavel was hit against the table. The oldest of the members speaking louder than I expected. “Motion has been carried. Now onto your immediate business.”
“Yes, sir.”
“This thing we released. You’re calling it to your home, Mr Kilroy. Am I correct?”
Godfrey leant forwards. “Yes, you are.”
“You live on the outskirts of Collstar.”
“Yes I do.”
“Do you two think it is wise to bring such a terrible force that close to our capital city?”
“We have done our research on this thing. We are ready for it. Nothing will get past my land. We have defences in place.”
Ethan West adding, “The idea is to put someone of high profile in danger. To bring more sympathy to our cause. But Mister Kilroy nor his guests will be in any danger.”
“Guests?” The old man leant forwards, a shaking hand pointing a finger. “You will have guests?”
“Like I said, nothing will happen. We’re completely ready for it. The guests are students from the school Mister West runs. We’re throwing it to announce the elite scores for the teams.”
“Ah yes, your government funded scam.”
The president looked a little hurt at this comment. “It’s not a scam. We’ve helped government forces all around the planet with our elite teams. Integrated them into all departments of defence. We’ve helped thousands of people over the years.”
“That may be. Just don’t lose focus of our true plan. The titans are the problem here.”
“I haven’t.”
“Meeting adjourned.”
They all stood up and called out. “Destruction, Extermination and Annihilation of the Titan Horde.” The gavel being slammed on the table again. Making me jump into action. Heading out of the little room and back around the curve. Only voices were coming from that direction. Recognising them from the meeting room. Seeing the stairs that would lead them straight up into my path.
Spinning on my heel and heading the other way. Following the curve. Lowering my head so no one passing me would notice my young age. Coming up to some barriers, a fence blocking off the path. The facility beyond was ripped apart. Seeing the bright sky high above.
The walls were laying about like something had smashed its way out. That shadow thing that was on a path of chaos. Being led by some kind of calling. These people did this. All to make sure the public kept hating titans.
Feeling my sadness growing as I noticed black body bags sitting by the wall. Five of them. They had killed their own workers just to release this thing. I doubt the government even knew about this place.
Turning my back to the destroyed room and slowly making my way back around the curve. Not hearing any chatter so I pushed forwards. Making my way back to the room with all the portal doors. Walking up to the one I had used.
Pushing my hand forward, ready to slip back into the president’s office but my palm touched the wall. My forehead creasing as I looked ahead. Expecting to shift from one place to another but I was still here.
Taking a step back and studying the portal. Not seeing the glint of magic being used. Cursing under my breath. The president must have gone back already and turned it off from the other side. Recalling my memory. Not seeing a single door marked exit and there was no way for me to get through that fenced-off area.
So the only way out of here was through one of these portals. The sound of chatter coming closer had my decision making halved. Without a clue which one would lead me where, I just picked. Rushing for it and pushing through that magic. Coming out the other side. My hand pushing at something that shifted outwards.
As my head came through the portal I saw what I had touched. A shelving unit sat in front of the secret doorway. I looked around it and found the room void of life. Eyes shooting left and right. Taking in the desks, the machines and cabinets.
Seeing tubes of blood and other fluids. Computer screens running programs that I didn’t understand. Recognising machines only from medical programs on the tele. Moving out and sliding the shelves back in front of the portal.
I walked up to the closest desk. A machine spinning tubes around rapidly. The computer bringing up lists. Finding a clipboard and reading through the notes quickly. The person who works in this lab must work with the group trying to eradicate titans. This scientist was using these facilities to carry out their work.
Something about splicing two types of DNA together. This particular subject had failed the initial process. Dying from the experiment but they were still analysing the blood. To see what went wrong.
Perhaps that’s why the shadow titan was so out of control. Why the kid couldn’t handle the power. They were experimenting on normal kids. Their bodies can’t handle what they’re doing to them. Which makes them even more dangerous.
That explained why they had the half-everfae locked up. They were decoding his and other’s DNA. Finding out how to put that ability into other species. Shuddering at the thought I dropped the papers back on the desk.
Turning for the door I saw those vials of blood. Taking a closer look and seeing that they’ve got brain matter and spinal fluid among other samples. Feeling my stomach churning at the thought of it. Little kids being torn apart for their cause.
I thought about unplugging the refrigerated cabinets. Only, they would just get more samples. Which meant more kids would suffer. My stomach doing back-flips as I left the room. Wanting to forget everything I had found.
My white lab coat helping me blend in with the other hospital staff. Ignoring patients moaning at me about something that hurt. Moving down the hallway, barging past people. Needing to leave this place.
Coming into the massive waiting room. It was so loud with all the voices, making me feel even worse. The need to throw up was growing quickly. Trying to think of anything else. The nicest things possible but it was no good. Rushing to a bin and hurling my guts down into the bag. Hearing it make that horrible noise. The smell of my stomach matching the horrible taste in my mouth.
A second fountain of insides came out. Breathing in, shutting my eyes so I didn’t have to look at the mess. Holding my head back and sucking in air. Happy that my stomach didn’t rebel again.
No longer feeling queasy. Hearing a soft voice coming from behind me. “Are you okay?”
Turning and seeing a little girl there. Looking up at me with huge blue eyes. Looking so sweet and innocent. Crouching down and giving her a soft smile. “Yeah. I’m alright. Thank you for asking.”
“Here.” Out came this little hand holding a tissue.
I took it and dabbed my mouth and chin. “Did I get it all?”
“Yep.” I offered it back but she pulled a funny face. Laughing at my mistake and chucking it into the bin. “Are you a doctor?”
I chuckled then remembered the white coat I wore. Looking down at the badge hanging from the pocket. Seeing the name was Doctor Cole and the picture was of a bald guy. Putting my hand over it. “Sure am. You visiting with your parents?”
“No. I don’t have any parents. I come from the Collstar orphanage. They have to do some tests.”
“Oh. Sorry to hear that. You seem in a good mood for it.”
“No point in being sad. It never accomplishes anything.”
Her optimism making me smile. “You have such a good spirit. Never ever lose that.”
“I won’t. I’ll keep it tight in my hands.” She clutched those little hands together like she physically held her spirit.
A voice in the background catching my attention. Hearing it again as it called for Doctor Cole. Looking up and seeing the man from the badge I wore. His bald head shining under the hospital lights.
Noticing that he wore a light blue shirt and trousers. No white coat since I was wearing it. The little girl noticed where I was looking. “Oh, that’s my doctor.”
“That’s your doctor?”
“Yeah. He was busy with some forms when I saw you needed a tissue.” We both saw the doctor suddenly looking around. Then he spotted the little girl. “I should get going.”
Wanting to grab the her, to take her away from that doctor. She could easily be a normal patient of his. Here for routine tests for the orphanage. Only, it was too good to be true. A girl with no family to worry about her. Young just like the others.
The doctor walked over and took her hand. Starting to lead her away. My mind shouting at myself to do something. Only what could I do. One way to stop him would be to kill him. I may have gotten more used to violence but I wasn’t about to do that.
Next would be to knock him out and take the girl away from him. Law enforcement would class that as kidnapping and I would be hunted down and arrested. I couldn’t help any one from jail. So despite my gut twisting as that happy girl was taken away. I needed to turn around and get out of there.
Passing through the automatic doors as tears trickled from my eyes. The change in the air a welcome breath. The city around me loud and noisy. Cars whizzing past on the streets. So many people it looked like a herd of animals walking by.
Moving further away from the building of healing and out into the city. Even I knew where I was just from what I could see. Recognising the radio building that broadcasted across the sector. The massive antenna on top with those satellite dishes aimed in different directions.
Then there was the monorail. Transport that would take you to all sections of the city in minutes. Hearing it shoot past with that whizz of electrics, too fast to follow.
I walked along the path, taking off the white coat and dumping it in a bin. Thinking of my plan. I had no idea how I was going to stop that monster. But I also had to stop the president and William’s father. That group they were a part of.
My head hurting as I tried to figure it all out. One master plan to bring everything to a close. So I went back to the beginning and started small. The party was tonight, at Godfrey Kilroy’s house. My friends would be there. That kid will attack the place when she arrives. So first things first. I needed to stop them from going. Them and my brother.
