Chapter SIX
“Thakx,” Gauld called, pointing at his screen. “Each time Zodak’s name is spoken into her auditory interface, this spike enters her energy fields.”
He hurried over, looking. “That’s a dark energy.”
Alerik made his way over. “How can you tell?”
Thakx pointed to Zodak’s screen next to hers. “All of this...” He traced the black edges. “Is not his bio-signature. And it matches what’s in her.”
“But how do we know it’s dark?” Vex asked, also studying.
Vael leaned and inspected their findings then opened a screen of readouts. “Look at these signatures from past readings. They match the malevolent energies we’ve dealt with in Zodak before. Generic, yes, but black as night.”
“So, he’s somehow opening whatever contains the evil in her without siphoning because...?” Gauld regarded Thakx and Alerik.
“Because she likes him,” Vael said like it should be obvious.
“And if she has no memory of what was done to her, it’s also possible she doesn’t even know she’s holding it inside her.”
“Or that it’s escaping into him,” Lore said.
“He must be siphoning passively,” Gauld realized.
Thakx returned to his station. “We’re about to find that out.”
“I’m afraid this is the tip of the iceberg,” Alerik thought as he settled into his chair. “He’ll need to figure out how to open her entirely if he’s going to siphon all of it.”
“And very carefully, if she’s not aware she holds it,” Lore muttered.
“We have no idea how this darkness may react too,” Vex said. “If it will become hostile at some point in this transfer.”
“We need to talk to Zodak and learn things before devising a plan,” Alerik said. “Every detail that took place from the moment he touched her to now should be considered in calculations.”
“Let’s bring him back.” Thakx quickly administered the chemical reversal then hopped up. “Text me when he wakens, I want to be here.”
“You got it,” Vael said. “Where you headed?”
“The Marsh Kings will be here in two hours. I’m making arrangements to be needed elsewhere.”
“Include me,” Vex shot out as he hurried.
“And me,” Lore added as Thakx found the nearest empty office needing someplace private to take notes.
ZODAK’S NEURONS BURNED his skin as he listened to his brother’s inform him of Zeen’s gift and the prognosis. At the end of it, a blazing crucible sat in the center of his mind. On the one side, his sweet Zeen stood, an angelic force imprisoned by immeasurable darkness, longing to give him her ineffable light. And on the other side, he stood. And by some unfathomable miracle, the Freak, the Monster, the Forbidden Door between the realms was not a curse, but a key. A chance to free her from a web of evil and pain. With every one of her needs he met, with every craving he answered, every smile he brought, that darkness which dared touch her would become his.
A week, a month, a year, an eternity. However long it took, he would quietly demolish the strongholds and break the chains in her spirit. And if it meant suffering to do it, then all the better. Perhaps this was his opportunity to pay down some of the siphoning sins that imprisoned his own soul.
He relayed his plan to his brothers and got their consent. Seeing their reluctance, he assured, “You will still place the nano-bots inside me in case this darkness attempts more malevolence than I’m capable of neutralizing. I want all risks eliminated as you do.” Their relief entered him like a balm, and he remembered the scars he’d encountered. “How were her physical scans?”
Their guarded expressions immediately lit his rage. “Not good, brother,” Alerik offered quietly.
Zodak had to push his power in reverse when it attempted to suck the details from his hesitant brain. “Tell me everything. I must know.”
“Let me remind you that you haven’t neutralized what you last siphoned from her yet,” Vex said. “I think we should get the nanobots in before we go a step further.”
Zodak’s lips moved over the edges of his teeth as his saliva became burning acid. “Do it quickly.”
BISHOP FOUND BETH’S hand under the table as they all sat in the Kings’ Sanctum. There were quite a few empty chairs on their side still. Seer mentioned something had happened to Zodak and the girl they’d picked up. He'd gone to see him when they arrived and judging by the perturbed look on his face, it wasn’t good. Related to any of the coinage chaos?
“Déjà vu,” Beth leaned and whispered.
He nodded, ready to know all that could be known and then get busy with countermeasures. All the Marsh Kings—as their Creole brothers called them—were.
Finally, Nidev stood. “Apologies for our absentees. King Zodak required medical intervention and as our brothers, the details of what has transpired will not be hidden from you. As you know, his siphoning powers require certain protocols to neutralize. The female he has in his care seems to have gifts that bypass those usual measures, causing him to become unstable. He’s been contained and is under surveillance as they assess his condition and develop new means to restore his defenses.”
“Poor Zodak,” Beth barely said. “I wonder what kind of gift she has to cause that?”
“Maybe none.”
She considered that as he listened to Nidev announce that they too had news to share. “As our guests, we’ll allow you to decide who shares first.”
Bishop eyed Bart and gave him a nod. His brother shot up and shoved his dark locks aside with a hand as he opened his notebook. “So, uh...” He slap-turned the worn pages then lifted the tablet. “Guess I’ll start with the oh shit and work my way to the holy shit.”
Bishop watched the Kings as his brother unloaded on them, only mildly amazed to find their stoic faces intact even after the holy shit news.
“Anything else?” Nidev asked.
8-Bit tossed up a finger. “I fed Big G and Al the data and they’re running algorithms that search and find anomalies and patterns of interest.” He raised his watch. “They’ll be done in...seventy-two minutes.”
The door behind them opened and all turned as the Kings’ absentees walked in. All but one took a seat while the last stopped next to Nidev and said something that brought a three second gaze lock between them.
“Uh-oh,” Beth barely said.
Indeed.
Nidev said something to the informant who nodded and took a seat.
“Before moving on, I’d like to thank 8-Bit for assisting us with the data tracking as well as ask if he’d be interested in helping us crack the program Rukem has created during his sleepwalking episodes.” He took a couple seconds to eye all of them. “With this latest news I’ve just received, I think it’s critical to understand what that’s about. We were under the assumption that Vex would see the next coin but instead, our brother Thakx has. Given that Zodak’s powers have been compromised, we must assume his predictions possibly were as well. The good part is, Thakx’s gift is relevant to our situation. His abilities lie in the spectrum of seeing. If the coins play some role in unlocking a King’s power, we can hope his gift will aid us in unlocking Rukem’s Dreamscape that we may attempt to decipher more of what’s happening.”
“I’ll be happy to help however I can,” 8-Bit said.
“King Rukem,” Nidev acknowledged when he raised his hand.
“As you know, I was among the Kings who didn’t believe linking with a female was necessary for power, but I am quite sure the coins play no part in unlocking a King’s gifts.”
“Here we go,” the King on his right muttered.
“I’m not suggesting anything,” Rukem said, angling his gaze toward him. “But do be prepared to be wrong, brother.”
“What does this coin look like?” Seer asked.
“Like Rukem’s,” King Thakx said. “Only with the word Lust on it.”
“Ohhh, interesting,” Beth whispered, like they were playing a fun game of Clue.
Maggie’s hand shot up and wagged in the air.
“Yes, Maggie,” Nidev called.
“Can I touch him?”
“Please,” Nidev said after getting a single nod from Thakx.
Maggie hopped up and Spook grabbed her arm and she lowered back to her seat, giving him her ear. They exchanged words, then a kiss before Spook said, “I would prefer the King come to her.”
Beth sucked in a breath and stifled a squeal. “How adorable,” she barely peeped as Bishop eyed the King who rose and did as requested.
Maggie stood when he reached her. “Your dominant hand again,” she said, taking the King’s right hand into both of hers.
A minute later a woman entered with paper and something to draw with, bringing it to Nidev. The paper and pen passed from King to King till it reached Spook who set it before Maggie’s chair.
Beth leaned in closer to him. “What do you think she’s seeing?”
Her words barely registered as her breast pushed into his arm. He pulled her hand into his lap and formed a loose fist with it then slid his middle finger in and out of the hole.
She jerked to get free and he held her tight, biting back a grin as he leaned to her ear. “Tarzan need Jane.”
She managed to hide her snicker behind his shoulder as she pried at his fingers around her wrist. He kissed her cheek when she resorted to stabbing her nails into his skin, her innocent smile glowing.
He set her free and moved his hand over her womb in a reverent caress. She aimed her gaze at him, covering his hand with hers. Five seconds inside her stare reminded him of everything he had to protect. The softening of her eyes and smile meant she’d just read his mind and found it all sweet.
“I’m done,” Maggie said with a big breath.
He looked and realized she’d been drawing and now hurried around the table and handed the paper to King Thakx with an apology, then returned to her seat.
All eyes watched him as he stared, head angling left then right while Bishop burned to know what had the power to put such a look of disgust on his face. The King finally shook his head. “I’m getting nothing.”
He slid the paper to the King next to him, getting more shock adding to the suspense. The same expressions followed as the drawing made its way around the table with Maggie’s apology coming every other minute. When it got to Beth, he leaned and discovered the just cause for all these reactions.
“Oh God,” Beth said as they both stared at the images packed onto the page. Every manner of people of all ages engaged in the most depraved sexual acts, some with strange animals.
They passed it on, and he looked at Beth. “Sexual sins?” she wondered.
The children in the drawing and the horror etched on their faces made him think, “More like sick fucking abominations.”
When it arrived back at King Thakx, he moved the paper away from him.
“Did the image speak anything relevant to anybody?” Nidev asked.
Bishop looked around, finding nothing but disturbed, clueless expressions.
“Can I ask what’s happening with your Dreamscape?” 8-Bit asked.
One of the Kings unloaded a shit ton of computer language that went over heads while 8-Bit nodded and asked, “Would you be willing to allow me to look at it and see what I can see?”
“Absolutely,” the King said as several others eagerly agreed, no doubt ready to get that disgusting image out of their minds.
“Dinner has been prepared for our Marsh Kings,” Nidev announced. “It will be served in the dining hall in one hour. After, we will meet for a final closing on matters. Any remaining questions can be answered then. Feel free to explore the grounds while here. What’s ours is yours.”
Murmurs flowed as everybody stood. Bishop signaled to Seer, wanting to hear what he was thinking about everything. He took Beth’s hand and headed over to his brother. “Can I steal you for a minute?”
Seer raised opened an arm and Bishop leaned in, receiving his one-sided hug. “Steal me for as long as you want.”
“Me and Cherie will go find the wood path we spotted on the way in,” Beth said.
Bishop tensed at the idea of her being outside without him. “Don’t go far. And make sure others are with you. Unless we’re home, I want you to always stay in crowds. Yes?”
“Yes,” she said with a smile, leaning to kiss his cheek. He intercepted with his lips, petting her face. “We’ll just go see the pool,” she whispered.
Thank fuck she knew him like a book. He kissed her again. “Thank you, baby. You have your phone?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll call you when I’m done.”
“I have my tracker too,” she reminded, holding up her bracelet with a smile.
“Me too,” Cherie said in Seer’s embrace.
As they left, Bishop stared at his brother, amazed with his transformation in the land dragon leathers, jeans and boots. But that boyish grin he wore was what loosened all the dread in his guts.
“Marriage and leather looks good on you,” Bishop said when he finally turned to him.
His smile went full-blown. “Yeah?” He leaned close. “I feel sexy as fuck.”
The crass term snatched a big laugh from Bishop. He grabbed Seer’s shoulder and found himself in his bear hug. The clash of his light against the darkness inside brought his breath out in a shaky rush. “It’s all good, brother,” he muttered in his ear.
Bishop managed to let him go, nodding as he looked around for a more private area.
“Women went that way,” Seer said, already heading in that direction. “We can stalk and talk.”
Bishop laughed again, following him. “Is there any way I can get you to move closer to me? I forgot how good you are at keeping my shit in check.”
“Brother, I would move in your bedroom if you asked me to.” He angled a grin at him. “But don’t ever ask.” He pointed and Bishop looked, seeing their wives. “Fall back a little. We don’t want them to see their favorite psychos. Or do we?”
“I think we do,” Bishop said, chuckling. “They love it.”
“So, what’s on your mind like that?” Seer asked.
The answer to that tied his tongue. Amazing how his brother managed to unlock every door he held shut with both hands. “Two words sum it all up. Dark and terror.”
Seer confirmed his worst fears with, “You’re spot on. But we’re in good hands.”
“You say this collectively,” Bishop fished, praying he had some kind of spiritual assurance for him.
“I do. Because my prayers are all over you, Brother.” He reached out and squeezed his neck then slapped his back. “Always are. Always will be.”
“And I can’t thank you enough for that.”
“I know what you fear but you don’t need to,” he said.
Bishop wanted to believe that he did know. “You sound sure.”
“I am. Because I know my God and I know you. And I know how He feels about you. That’s never changed, no matter how stubborn you are.”
They walked in silence as words weighed heavy in Bishop’s gut. “I feel like...a fraud every time I think of...even praying.”
“It’ll get easier.”
“There’s just...no dirtier feeling. Knowing how filthy you are while in the presence of a perfect God. I can’t ever shake that.”
“Knowing how dirty you are is the beginning of being clean.”
Bishop’s legs turned to stone as he closed his eyes, unable to take another step. “You realize... this is the darkness and terror I fear most?”
“I do,” he assured quietly. “As you should. The fear of God is the start of your salvation. You’re a father now. A husband. You never felt worthy before but maybe you’ll finally see that you are. Through their eyes. Since you don’t believe a damn word I tell you.”
Bishop’s breath caught in his chest as he shook his head. “It’s not all gonna end now, is it, Brother? When I’ve just found my heaven after all these years of hell?”
“I can see pieces, but I can’t see all. This is a very sharp bend in the road that ends many things but it's not the end of all things.”
He forced himself to walk and breathe again. “I can sure fucking handle that.”
He suddenly wanted to hug his Brother again, tighter than ever. “I cannot...begin to express to you how unbelievably relieved I am that you’re here at a time like this.”
“Think Cherie asked the other day if that little cottage next to the soap house was available.” He cast a twinkling glance at him, and Bishop laughed and hoped at what he was saying.
“If it isn’t it will be. Or I’ll build you one.”
“Maybe an addition on the Basilique.”
“You got it. You’re joking, but I’m not. And once it’s built, you’re obligated, Preacher.”
“Well, somebody’s gotta lead those sermons you’re in dire need of hearing.”
Bishop stopped in his tracks eyeing him. “I’m serious.”
He nodded. “Same.”
“Cherie really wants to? And her boy?”
“Wherever I am, there Ma Cherie’s beautiful heart is also. Her son needs to be around family, and I don’t like my wife that far out alone.”
“Now you’re speaking my language,” Bishop said, back to walking.
“I heard Jek was talking with your ex.”
“Yeah. And it doesn’t bother me one bit. Other than the risk he’s taking.”
“But you see she’s changed,” Seer said, bringing Bishop’s nods.
“Oui. I think her lil’ vacation at the weigh station contributed to that. And I’m grateful. For her sake, for my daughter’s sake and now my brother’s.”
“That’s real good to hear, Brother.”
Bishop eyed him. “You said that with a great deal of relief.”
“Yes, I did. Because the devil had plans to use that against you. He may still. So, be on your guard.”
He couldn’t imagine how. “If you say so.”
“I do.”
“What about our Syphon friend, how’s he doing?” Bishop asked.
The question brought Seer to a standstill as he stared before him. “I’m concerned about what I’m seeing with him. Or the ambiguity of it.”
“Anything you can speak about?”
He barely shook his head, staring at the predicament in his mind. “Something...very strange is coming his way.”
“Strange how?”
He regarded Bishop, perturbed. “It’s like...I can’t even fathom it into thoughts, much less words.”
“He in some kind of danger?”
“He is. But I get nothing of substance regarding those details. He’s in God’s hands at this point,” he said, raising both of his up. “I’m not allowed to touch it.”
Interesting.
They ended at the door leading to the pool area and peeked in. “There they are,” Bishop said. “The breath in our lungs.”
Seer peered in, that adolescent grin back on his face. “And our light in the dark.”