The 666 Horrors of Nicholas Blackheart, Cries of the Cicada chapter 1 Free:

 

Chapter 1

Picking up from previous events, It is now 30 days into the countdown set by the Founder. Nicholas, Rose, and the others have expanded their organization. The task force now has its own building with a strict security system. With General Ross and Lt. Moore heading up the task-force, Nicholas has his hands full.  Due to the constant danger and the fact that Nicholas is inexperienced in using his powers, Drows was assigned to him as a bodyguard and is now living with him at his house. Drows Now accompanies Nicholas everywhere, much to Rose’s distaste; but, the group thought it was necessary nonetheless.

Now at a crime-scene, Nicholas, Rose, and Drows find themselves bewildered by the sight of a young girl exsanguinated and torn. Nicholas stood looking at the photo in the locket he found on the body.

“I am sorry for what has befallen your loved one,” thought Nicholas as he viewed the photo in the Locket.

Yet another message was written in blood on the stone wall near the body of the victim. It read “The sky smelled of death as the sound of Cicadas buzzed.”

“Nicholas, I recognize that quote,” said Drows.

“I do too. It’s from ‘Cries of The Cicada’ isn’t it?” Rose pondered in response.

“Yes, and it means the horror we have witnessed thus far, will pale in comparison to what is coming,” said Nicholas as he glared at the message on the wall.

“Do you think we should expand our search team? We need to find these bastards before more people get hurt or worse,” said Drows as she looked at Nicholas.

Nicholas then said, “we need to recruit more Evo-Humans to our side. The more help we have, the better chance we have at finding and stopping these murderers.”

“I think Aria will be able to help scout new recruits, but we still have to worry about getting the final approval from the General” said Rose as she took a few pics of the scene with her smartphone.

Meanwhile in the background of the scene, a man wearing nondescript clothing and a smiley-face mask was watching the scene. He had a large strange-looking bug crawling on his right shoulder, and in his right hand he was holding a tablet; which was recording the scene. “This is too much fun. I can’t wait to begin the next set of tests,” thought the mystery-man as he saved the video of the scene to his tablet and walked away just as Nicholas looked his way.

Nicholas was uncertain of the man’s purpose and was suspicious of him, but he was stirred from his train of thought by Rose.  

“Hey, Nick, are you listening?’ asked Rose as she snapped Nicholas out of his trance of deep thought.

“Sorry!” said Nicholas as he continued to look in the mystery-man’s direction.

“What, has caught your attention all of the sudden?” asked Rose as she stood over near the body as the medical examination team placed it in a body-bag.

“I am not sure, but I think I might have seen someone who does not belong,” replied Nicholas as he turned around.

“Do you think they're a suspect?” asked Drows.

“I am not sure,” replied Nicholas.

The mystery-man continued down the street, followed by Nicholas and Drows. They soon reached a dead-end alley and once they turned the corner of the alley, they saw the man fly away on a transparent creature followed by a swarm of strange unknown bugs. 

“You have got to be kidding me,” thought Nicholas aloud as he watched the man fly away.

“What kind of bugs are those?”

“None I have seen before,” replied Nicholas. “We need to report this to the General,” said Nicholas as Rose caught up to them.

“Did you manage to catch up to him?” asked Rose.

“No, but we think he is an Evo-Human. Whether he is a friend or foe, we can’t say,” replied Nicholas as Rose looked at the strange bug that was left behind.

The bug was the size of a football and had the wings of a moth, the legs and fangs of a spider, and the tail and stinger of a scorpion. Though it was once full of life, it now laid dead on the ground after having spent the rest of its lifespan.

“What is that, some kind of toy?” asked Rose.

“That is not a toy, don’t touch it. We just saw a swarm of these things follow that sneaky bastard into the sky,” said Nicholas.

“We need to have the area locked down if that is the case. Have the military come in and collect this thing will you,” ordered Rose to two officers who approached behind her.

The military team responsible for gathering research material arrived shortly after that to collect the specimen. They left soon after sealing the bug in a storage container, followed swiftly by Nicholas, Rose, and Drows. The group made their way to the task-force headquarters. Inside the building was filled with office space, security cameras, computer setups, and armories. New team members and resources were granted to the team by the government. As Nicholas entered the building for the first time to meet the support staff he was greeted with applause.

“I fail to see the need for applause,” said Nicholas as he went through the metal detector and entered the tip-line room filled with support staff.

“It is necessary, you saved many lives when the riots broke out in the city,” said Rose as she followed behind Nicholas while retrieving her service weapon and badge from security.

“I agree, you have done much for this city,” said Drows as she smiled while smacking Nicholas’s ass.

“Hey!” exclaimed Nicholas in embarrassment.

“Sorry, I could not resist,” said Drows.

“Sexual harassment in any context is still sexual harassment,” said Rose as she glared at Drows with disgust.

“Someone is jealous,” said Drows with a mischievous smile.

 “Keep talking, see where it gets you,” said Rose as she thought “Damn that bitch, I wanted to do that for the longest time.”

“Alright you two, let’s be civil,” said Nicholas as they got in the elevator.

The three went to the top floor where the main task-force meeting room was located. In the bull-pen on the same level, Aria and Anon were reviewing possible targets that might be next on Terabyte’s list. “I think they may hit here next,” said Anon as he reviewed the website of the National Treasury.

“It would not surprise me,” said Aria.

Aria had one other bodyguard with her. It was Devil and she was practicing her control over her power, which was to summon and control a demon-like creature. The creature had the wings of a bat, the face of a Gargoyle, the horns of a bull, the tail of a dragon, and the body of a large warrior. It could change its size at her command making it ideal for both combat and recon. She could make it as large as a tower, or as small as an action figure. As she used the power her Necklace glowed a bright blue glow. “This blows,” thought Devil aloud as she deactivated her token.

“Stop complaining my dear, it is unbecoming of one of the strongest token users in our organization,” said Aria in response.

“Even though you say that, I wish something would happen already. This waiting and investigating is getting old,” said Devil with a frustrated look on her face as she used her token’s power to make the trash in a nearby trashcan disintegrate.

“I know what you need. How about I ask our king to grace you with a sparing match. He needs to practice using his powers anyway,” said Aria as she looked over at Nicholas who was just coming over to where they stood.

“That sounds fun,” said Nicholas as he looked at Devil with interest.

“You are back early,” said Aria.

“Is the General back yet,” asked Nicholas.

“Yes, he also found that bug to be of great interest,” said Aria as she walked with the group to the meeting room where they reviewed their findings and briefed each other on case work.

The group entered the room. Inside, there was a large computer monitor mounted on the wall that was displaying the camera feed of the lab where the mystery bug was being examined. In the middle of the room there stood a large round table with 20 chairs around it. General Ross was sitting in one of the chairs along with Lt. Moore, Agent Pierce, and Agent Malstrom. As Nicholas sat down, Drows stood behind him. Aria took her seat next to Nicholas, and Rose took the chair to the left of Nicholas. Devil stood behind Aria. Anon took a seat and set up his laptop and tablet. He used his tablet as a second monitor for his PC, and he also brought out a wireless mouse.

“Glad you all made it back without any problems,” said General Ross as he rubbed his chin while looking at the large monitor displaying the dissection being performed on the unknown creature. “That is a big sucker,” said General Ross, impressed by the size of the large bug.

“You should have seen the one we saw a suspect riding,” said Nicholas as he pulled out his two in one PC and mouse.

“Suspect?” asked General Ross.

“Well we can’t say whether he is friend or foe, we do know he is an Evo-human and his abilities seem to revolve around the exploitation, manipulation, and control of both arachnids and insects,” said Nicholas as he showed the video he took with a hidden camera placed on his jacket.

 “I did not know you were recording,” said Rose.

“Thanks to all the extra tech support from Anon, I was able to get this video while we were out. Anon has equipped all of our gear with small cameras and GPS tracking pins, compliments of Aria’s organization,” said Nicholas.

“I really wish you would have run this by me first,” said General Ross.

“For obvious reasons, we could not wait for you to get approval from the higher-ups, and I prefer to have a little extra protection; especially with the current political climate,” said Nicholas in response as he pulled up a news report regarding the Election Finals for the Presidency.

“I can’t blame you there, but we need to know when you intend to make moves like this. Next time, could you give us a little warning before you do a tech overhaul like this?” requested Agent Pierce as Agent Malstrom laughed a bit.

“Let’s not be too hard on him. Keep in mind we now have more info than we did before. We also have video proof of a threat for the courts to review,” said Agent Malstrom.

“Things need to be done by the book. Remember, he is an Evo-Human. The government is going to put everything he does under a microscope, and if they deem him a liability they may decide to discontinue our arrangement; and that would not be good for him or his friends sitting with him,” said Agent Pierce in an agitated tone.

“Why, Agent Pierce, I didn’t know you cared,” said Nicholas with an amused smile.

“Hey, I am being serious here. If they decide you are a problem, they might detain and possibly experiment on you,” said Agent Pierce in response. Suddenly, Agent Pierce began to float in the air while choking.

“I suggest we continue the briefing, but before we do, let me make myself perfectly clear; my organization may side with you at the moment, but we exist for the same reason our enemy exists; for the rise of our leader, Nicholas. If you present a threat to us, we will make the stunts my sister’s group pulled look like a bed of roses; and make no mistake, our numbers are legion,” said Aria as she released her telekinetic grip on Agent Pierce.

Agent Pierce hit the ground and began to cough as she gasped for air. “I meant no threat to you and your group. If anything, I want to see what will happen if Nicholas fulfills the prophecy you spoke of; but the fact remains we are in the public eye,” replied Agent Pierce.

“Even gods have followers; I intend to act in Nicholas’s best interest,” said Drows. “Aria, let’s play by their rules for now,” said Drows.

Nicholas sighed. “We still need to address one issue. The virus release date will be hectic for everyone. With the new administration coming soon; if the President does not win the election, we may have a new boss and less freedom to execute our operations,” said Nicholas as he leaned back in his chair. “Those bugs have me concerned too,” he stated as the monitor showed the bug moving once more.

Then, as if on que, the large bug-like creature shed its exoskeleton and killed the researchers that were in the room with it by draining their blood. The general gave the order to have the room sealed off, as the group watched in horror. Nicholas did not look away, nor did he express any emotion at the sight of the researcher’s deaths.

“This is a huge mess,” said the General.

“Fools learn from their own mistakes, wise men learn from the mistakes of others. Let’s learn from them as well,” said Nicholas as he looked at the creature that had now grown in size. Nicholas stood up. “I’ll go deal with our bug problem,” said Nicholas as he exited the room.

Drows, Rose, and Aria followed him. Devil also tagged along but was lagging behind. They entered the lab after a short transfer between buildings, and Nicholas entered the area where soldiers were sealing the lab entrance way.

A soldier stopped Nicholas and his group from advancing until Nicholas flashed his consultant's bag with security clearance. “Sorry sir, I did not realize we would be getting a visit from you today,” said the soldier.

“There is no need for further loss of life, I will take care of the bug, just keep your men out of my way,” said Nicholas as he entered the sealed lab followed by Drows. Devil’s Token also entered, scarring the soldiers along the way. “I think sending two Exceptions is over-kill, don’t you?” asked one soldier to a commanding officer.  

“That kid is still not used to his powers, the others are there as backup. Plus, it would be bad if we don’t learn anything from that thing. They might be able to salvage the situation,” said the commanding officer.

When Nicholas entered the lab, the creature flew right at him and stopped in mid-air. Nicholas was looking directly at the bug and noticed something odd. It had grown a little right before his eyes. It then split in two, and each half of the bug created another copy of the horrific creatures. Nicholas caged the creature in anti-matter, and condensed the cage, crushing the creature into a more manageable state. Then, he placed the creature in a containment cube used for studying bio-hazards.

As the situation calmed down, the scientists made a disturbing discovery. The creature had not died even after all it had been through and was regenerating. “You have got to be kidding me?!” exclaimed the scientist as he read the results and looked at the creature. “We may not have a choice but to take drastic measures,” said Nicholas as he looked at the creature with distaste.

“Is there any way we could convince Drows to remain here while we examine the creature further?” asked the scientist.

“Why should I do that?” asked Drows.

“You have enough power to completely obliterate this creature. We want to study it further but we have no other option if it gets out again,” said the scientist with a panicked expression.

“In that case,” Drows thought aloud as she turned the creatures in the containment cube to a pile of ash.

“Do you have any idea what you have just done?” asked the scientist in outrage.

“We can’t let any of those things live. From what I have seen, I have surmised that they are responsible for the exsanguinated corpses we have been finding. Not to mention they have the ability to multiply at an exponential rate. They should be destroyed upon discovery,” said Nicholas, agreeing with Drows’s actions.

“I agree, that thing could have been the death of everyone here. We were foolish to take chances like we did,” said the Chief commanding officer in charge of the lab's security.

“I know, but there could be major breakthroughs awaiting if we manage to gain an understanding of that creature’s biology. We should capture another one and study it thoroughly,” protested the scientist.

“You may have power over what research is conducted in this lab, but matters of safety have been left in my hands. If you question my judgment, take it up with General Ross,” said the Chief Security officer.

The scientist sneered and left the room in anger. He retired to his office and reviewed his research notes for anything he may have missed. In a fit of frustration, he threw his tablet at the wall.

“Why must they be so blessed?” thought the scientist as he looked at a video of Nicholas fighting using his powers. “Power like that is wasted on one such as that wanna-be emo creep. And his followers are all so smug,” thought the scientist in rage as he began to calm down and sit in his chair. He then looked at his laptop and noticed he was receiving a video call.

He answered.

Joe Biden appeared on the screen. “I am glad you are able to take my call,’ said Joe as he greeted the scientist.

“This is a surprise. What does the front-runner for the opposing party of my boss want with a little old me?’ asked the scientist with a look of interest.

“Don’t sell yourself short, Jonney Bennet. You have served as one of the best researchers in the military. Your work with the Evo-Humans has been an inspiration,” said Biden with a fox-like smile.

“All I did was pick up where Eizenberg left off,” said Professor Jonney Bennet who was now revealed as the scientist who helped shed light on Evo-Humans and Chief Scientist at the military’s lab.

“True, but you have the intellect to understand Eizenberg’s research in a way most can’t. If I am going to lead this country I will need men like you on my side,” said Biden as he made his motives known.

“I see, and what do I get if I betray the president’s trust?” asked the professor.

“What would you like?” asked Biden.

“Let’s see. I would like to be the chief of this facility, answering only to the presidency, full authority and discretion in the way the lab is run, and most importantly the ability to conduct research in the manner that suits me best,” replied Professor Bennet.

“I think we can work with that,” said Biden.

“Great! What do you need from me?” asked Professor Bennet.

“I still lack any insight into the situation with the Evo-Humans due to the lack of clearance. In-fact, most in congress are being kept in the dark. I want to know more about our new allies, especially the one known as Nicholas Blackheart,” said Biden as he probed Professor Bennet for information.

“I can’t say much about his abilities because we still don’t understand a lot, but I can say without a doubt there is no weapon in America’s arsenal that can kill him or his avenging angel,” replied the professor with an annoyed look on his face.

“Avenging Angel?” Biden queried.

“Yeah, she is a living breathing star, and she can control fire. Not only that, but both of them have uncharted regenerative capabilities. I am also told that is the case with all classified as Exceptions,” elaborated Professor Bennet.

“Are they threats?” asked Biden.

“Sir, anyone with that kind of power is a threat. Fortunately for us, these two and their followers have allied with the United States, for now at least,” replied Professor Bennet with a calm expression.

“Is there any way I can get in touch with Mr. Blackheart?” asked Biden.

“He seems to be a very private person. He calls us from disposable cells which he changes after every job he performs for us. He is due to change his phone again tomorrow. Not only that, but I hear his personal number is a prepaid phone as well,” replied the professor.

“Is his personal cell a smartphone?” asked Biden.

“Yes, but he turns it off when he works with us. You may be able to set up a meeting if you go through the same contacts we go through. I’ll forward their contact info to you,” said the professor as he sent Biden the information using the chat function on his laptop.

“Thank you for this. You won’t regret your decision to side with me,” said Biden before leaving the video call.

At Joe Biden’s Mansion, Biden was talking with his son, Hunter, about his plans for the future. “We need to somehow get on Mr. Blackheart’s good side. We need him on our side if we are to get anywhere,” said Biden as sweat poured down his face.

“You look like you have been in a war, Dad. You need to relax. Besides, it might actually be more beneficial to somehow make a deal with the enemy,” countered Hunter as he plotted in his mind a possible good outcome for him and his family.

“Have you lost your mind?” exclaimed Biden questioning his son’s frame of mind.

“No, I am perfectly sane. Check the campaign fund,” said Hunter with an amused smile.

Joe Biden looked at the campaign account and noticed it had increased by a total of $2,000,000 and wondered where this money had come from. “How in the hell?” said Biden with a look of concern.

“That is just a fee that we charge to speak with you, minus my finder’s fee of course,” said Hunter with a proud expression.

“And what do they want to talk about?” asked Biden with a morbid expression.

“That is just it, in a way, if their plan works, you may end up on Blackheart’s good side. You see, they want to create their own sovereign nation, and install him as their king,” said Hunter with a bit of a laugh.

“Even if we could somehow make what they want happen, if we are found out we will be found guilty of treason,” said Biden with a heavy heart as he sat down.

“With what they have planned, the two countries that arise from the ashes may become strong enough to take on the rest of the world. Imagine, half of the world under American rule,” pitched Hunter to his father with unrivaled confidence.

“What happens to the other half?” asked Biden with a blank expression.

“We have to offer them something if we want their help creating world peace,” replied Hunter as he took a sip from a glass of scotch he just poured.

“And you really think we can pull this off?” asked Biden with a look of concern.

“I know we can, but only with their assistance,” replied Hunter as he finished his scotch.

Joe Biden considered his son’s proposal, and his arrogance made him think that his son may be on to something. He thought that he might actually become the greatest American President in history if he did what Hunter suggested. This led to his final decision. “Son, let me know when the meeting is and I will clear my schedule,” Biden ordered with renewed confidence.

“Glad to have you on-board, Pops,” said Hunter as he grabbed his jacket and exited the room.

Later that evening at the Blackheart residence, Nicholas was downstairs in his office reviewing the final chapters of his textbook. After he finished reading, he started the final editions to his next novel which was due in the morning.

Sya knocked and entered his office along with Drows and Saphire who were having a great time joking around upstairs before coming down to his office.

“To what do I owe this pleasure?” asked Nicholas with a morbid curiosity.

“Well me and the girls were talking and one thing led to another and soon we got on the topic of, well, you,” said Sya with a blushing smile.

“Oh come-on, pussy, just ask him,” said Drows.

“We want to know if you are a virgin,” said Saphire as Nicholas drank some soda.

Nicholas, in shock of this inquiry, spit out his drink and asked “What does that have to do with anything?” as he coughed slightly.

“Well, we were all chatting upstairs and we began to discuss our crushes, and that led us to another topic about if experience mattered to us. Then you came up in discussion after Drows said she was into you, with Saphire concurring with her opinion,” explained Sya.

“Well, not that it is any of your business, but I am. I have had a lot on my plate and letting people get close has never been my strong suit,” Nicholas answered blushing beat red.

The girls were in shock, and they began to stare at Nicholas’s Crotch, “You have got to be backed up if that is the case,” said Saphire with a perverted smile.

“Alright, that’s it, out now,” said Nicholas as he threw them out of his office and locked the door behind them.

The girls giggled outside the office as they walked upstairs. Nicholas, who was obviously tired from the day he had, smiled and appreciated the humor in what they called attention to. “I can’t believe it has been over two decades now and I still have yet to be laid,” he thought as he laughed aloud. “Oh well, maybe Drows would oblige if I asked while doing a ‘beckoning cat’ pose,” he thought as he sat back in his chair and looked at his desktop screen. An email notification popped up suddenly. This prompted Nicholas to open the message, though he did not recognize the email. When he opened the message he noticed it was a single zoom link. He hovered his mouse over the link to inspect it, and determined it was not malicious. This assumption was wrong, however; for soon after he clicked the link, the video call window revealed the Founder waiting on the other end of the call.

“At last, we have a chance to chat,” said the Founder with a slightly creepy smile.

“That voice sounds familiar,” said Nicholas as he tried to recall where he had heard her voice before.

“It should, we spoke over the phone briefly. I believe you were at the humans’ little defense task-force at the time,” said the Founder as she looked at Nicholas with a hint of admiration.

A grim look washed over Nicholas’s face, and his mood turned sour. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your call?” asked Nicholas as he pulled up a trace program granted to him by the military’s Cyber Department.

“Not so fast, we only just started the conversation. There are so many things I would like to ask you about,” replied the Founder in a cute tone.

“As if I would tell you anything,” said Nicholas in a calm rage.

“Oh, I wouldn’t be so sure of that. Want to hear something interesting? Thanks to the magnificent power of one of your followers, I now know exactly where your house is located,” said the Founder trying to hold back a light laugh.  

Nicholas soon grew fearful his family was being held hostage. A calm defeat fell over his face. “What do you want to ask?” asked Nicholas knowing that at the moment he had no way to refuse her and keep his family safe.

“You don’t have to look so down. I just want to learn a little about you and have an honest conversation with you about the state of what will be your world,” said the Founder as the computer she was using shared her screen with him, revealing all the suffering of the past week by her people and humanity as a whole.

The images stirred unpleasant memories in Nicholas’s mind. Nicholas recalled the first night he took a life, and how he felt with blood running down his hands and face.

“Hey, where did you go?” asked the Founder with a look of genuine concern.

“Let’s just say your video subjects are not the only ones who have experienced suffering,” replied Nicholas with a glare.

“I see, you just recalled a rather painful memory. Could it be the night you dealt out justice for the first time?” asked the Founder in response to his reply.

Nicholas’s expression grew angry, “Shut your mouth, you whore,” said Nicholas in a calm fit of rage.

“Oh yes, that is what I want to see. The raw power, the wrath, the rage, and the passion. You really have no idea how long I have wanted to experience it first hand,” said the Founder in a somewhat suggestive tone as she moaned a little.

“Really, why not meet me in person. I’ll give you a proper demonstration of power,” said Nicholas as a psychotic smile washed over his face. He soon revealed a side of himself he hides from everyone. Nicholas is kind by nature, which is why he is scared of letting this part of himself out in front of those he loves; for it is the side that houses his rage, blood-lust, and truly evil intent towards those who have crossed him.

“Ooh, I am quivering with anticipation, but I am afraid I can’t acquiesce at the moment. There is still much work that needs to be done before we can truly enjoy each other's company,” replied the Founder.

“Work?” Nicholas asked with concern.

“You know how screwed up this world is, and yet no matter what the powers that be do, nothing changes; not for them; not for us. And I suppose that is the way they want it,” explained the Founder as she screen-casted top-secret data that Terabyte stole from the government that incriminated those currently in high positions of power in Congress onto Nicholas screen. “Is this world truly fair and just?” asked the Founder as her eyes grew dim as she smiled.

“Of course not, and I have been well aware of the practices of our politicians, that is why I give generously to puppets that I can use to make their lives difficult,” countered Nicholas showing some of his political cards.

“How do you know those dogs are not secretly biting the hand that feeds them?” asked the Founder as she showed some files that incriminated a very powerful pawn in Nicholas’s political pocket.

“You have got to be kidding me,” said Nicholas as he reviewed the bank records of the campaign fund of that political figure. “I had such high hopes for this snake too,” said Nicholas as he glared.

“Things can’t continue as they are. If things don’t change then we must change them with our own power,” said the Founder, suggesting that Nicholas join them as their new sovereign.

“So what if I join you and we make a country out of a pile of corpses?” asked Nicholas, questioning the Founder’s plan.

“I know that the world we intend to create will have real consequences for people’s crimes; tragedies like the one that befell your mother would never have happened,” replied the Founder trying to bring Nicholas over to her point of view.

“Leave my mother out of this you sow,” said Nicholas as his face grew sour once more and his shadow pierced the wall slightly, cracking it a little.

“I would, but it is not just her that suffered by the hands of people like those boys. Many think that this nation's greatest enemies are overseas plotting our downfall and to some extent they are right, however, the devils are already inside the castle walls,” explained the Founder as she continued her rant.

“Yeah, I know, I am looking at one right now,” said Nicholas with a crazed smile.

“Don’t talk like you are one of them because you are not, no matter how much you want to be. They need you now, but when they no longer need you they will turn their backs on you out of fear. Some may even target you,” said the Founder with a serious look on her face. “I will ask once more, will you lead us?” asked the Founder with a smile.

“I will take my chances,” replied Nicholas.

“Very well. Just know our door is always open should you change your mind. You will never fight alone,” said the Founder before disconnecting the video call.

Nicholas drank from a nearby glass, and once he finished the drink, he threw the glass at the wall shattering it to pieces. Then, suddenly, Drows entered looking concerned.

“Call Aria,” ordered Nicholas.

“Yes sir,” said Drows as she obeyed his command.

Drows passed Nicholas the phone. “We have a problem. I need you, Anon, and a few strong individuals to keep an eye on my residence. I will explain when you and Anon get here,” ordered Nicholas.

“Okay, I will make some arrangements,” said Aria in response before ending the call.

“My king?” said Drows, trying to calm Nicholas.

“They know where I live. They know where I am most vulnerable,” said Nicholas as he looked at a picture his father took of the current members of their family.

“They are making their move. We always knew things would get far worse before they get better,” said Drows, reminding Nicholas that the fight has only just begun.

“So what, do I just accept what happens?” asked Nicholas.

“I am not saying you should accept anything they do, but instead respond with actions of your own. You have plenty of pieces on the board; we are forever in your service; use us; use the humans; do what you must to protect what is important; that is how you will forge a path to a future we all desire,” said Drows with a warm smile.

“You know, sometimes you can be quite poetic,” said Nicholas.

“I can’t help it, I am an avid reader after all,” replied Drows.

The night grew dark, and the Founder’s minions had relocated to the catacombs which lie under East Rose City, and served as the new hideout for the Founder’s group. As the founder settled into her new room she looked at a book with many pictures and articles of Nicholas that she had collected over the years. She ran her hand across her favorite photo of him and said “Soon my love, soon we will have a world just for us and our people.”

The winds blew through the city and the darkness was illuminated by the moon in the night sky. Nicholas awaited his compatriots outside his home, and as he looked to the moon with conviction he thought aloud “You made a mistake involving my family, Founder.” Anon, Aria, and several people dressed in Native American traditional clothing appeared. They all stood and knelled before Nicholas. “We might as well get started,” said Nicholas as Anon stood next to him. Only the night knows where their intentions lie, and the lengths Nicholas is willing to go to fight the Founder and her forces.