17 KiB
Chapter 7
When the night of the full moon finally came, the entire house was on edge. Abraham could feel the tension. Even Sarah, who was always so chipper and happy seemed slightly out of focus and a little lost in her own thoughts. She spent most of her time in the yard weaving her webs around the borders of the yard over and over again. Solomon stayed cooped up in the kitchen, staring out the window. Tamil sat quietly in the living room, not talking. His humor was dry and his spirit wasn’t in the humor. Calypso was even more clumsy than normal. Her gaze was somewhere off into space and she was easily distracted. However, of everyone in the house, it was Asher and Michelle who were acting the most odd. Asher would spend the day cleaning a pistol while occasionally slipping off into a short nap, which he would quickly wake up from and curse himself for falling asleep. When someone tried to speak to him, he was slow to respond, if he responded at all. Michelle stayed cooped up in her room. Unlike the other night, Abraham didn’t hear her sobbing or crying…but he could feel a great deal of stress and emotions coming from the other side of that door.
“Abraham?” Solomon muttered. Abraham jerked up from his thoughts and looked up at Solomon, who was standing over him. “Sorry, Solomon, I was just thinking.” “I understand that; I really do. But it’s time.” Abraham turned to look outside…the sun was setting. Abraham felt his heart speed up. “When will she…change?” Abraham asked. “I’d say in another 30 minutes.” Solomon said. “I wanted to remind you that you are to stay inside and not go near Michelle or Asher tonight.” Abraham nodded. Suddenly, he detected movement. In from the back porch door walked a very distressed and sad Sarah. “Sarah, is it done?” “Yes.” She whispered. “The web will keep her from escaping the yard.” “Thank you, Sarah.” Solomon said. Abraham was about to open his mouth when he heard footsteps coming down the stairs. Everyone turned to look as they saw a very depressing sight. From down the stairs walked Michelle…she was wearing nothing but a torn up old shirt and shorts. She was barefoot and she looked very scared. Wrapped around her neck was a large and heavy collar. Behind her was Asher…who was clad in his coat and red shirt. Strapped to his side was a pistol and a knife, causing a chill to run down Abrahams spine. He watched the two of them walk out of the door before speaking. “Why does he have a gun and knife?! Is he going to hurt her?” Abraham asked. “A werewolf can only be killed by silver, but they can be hurt by normal weapons. He uses those weapons to keep her under control…but this happens every month…she’ll be fine. “She doesn’t look fine to me.” Abraham muttered. “Would you be fine if you knew that it a matter of minutes you were going to go through an unimaginable transformation?” Solomon growled. Abraham fell silent and walked to the window. He watched as Michelle stood in the center of the yard. She turned and gazed up at the setting sun…and watched as the glow of the moon began to grow brighter and brighter. He could see a tear roll down her cheek. Asher walked behind her and pulled something out from beneath the long grass. It was a large heavy chain…which he latched around Michelle’s large metal collar. He had tethered her to the ground. “Werewolves act on a destructive impulse…they must destroy and devour everything in their path. Asher will be her primary target…but to ensure that she doesn’t come after anyone in the house, we chain her to the yard so that she can’t get to the house.” Solomon explained. As he said this, the sun finally set. Sarah covered her face and quickly scurried to her room. “Abaraham…I suggest going to your room now. This isn’t something that you should see.” Abraham walked into his room…as the light of the full moon shown through his window. He looked outside to see it in all of its beauty…and then he looked and saw Michelle. She was looking up at Asher with the most terrified and sad eyes he had ever seen on any living creature. Asher walked forward and removed the shirt from her body and tossed it aside...and then he stepped back. The light fell on Michelle…and it happened.
“AAAAAAAHHHH!” Michelle suddenly arched her back as if electrocuted. She screamed in agony and there was a tremendous popping and sucking sound as her bones were realigning and readjusting. Asher just watched her, unfazed by what was happening. He didn’t try to go near her or offer her any aid…but rather just watched her with sad and helpless eyes. There was nothing he could do for her. Michelles body began to grow larger and her hair began to grow out. There were more ripping and snarling sounds coming from her as her body continued its grotesque transformation. Unable to watch anymore, Abraham pulled himself away from the window and closed his eyes tight…but that didn’t stop the sounds coming from outside. “Aaaaah! Arrrgghh!” Michelle screamed as if in dire pain. The sounds of cracking and tearing of skin and bone could be heard as her body continued to alter itself into that of a monster. There was the sound of a loud rip as her shorts were torn into pieces and the sound of a loud cracking and disgusting sound of bones and muscles aligning. The screams that Michelle was making began to sound less and less human as they changed from cries into howls and growls. Finally…after almost 5 minutes…the sounds seemed to die down. Abraham dared himself to look out the window…and what he saw both mystified and horrified him.
Michelle was gone. Under the light of the full moon stood a creature that Abraham could only describe as a giant wolf. It stood on its hands and legs and its snout was long and lean. It’s ears were perked up as if listening to the sounds of the night. Its teeth glistened with saliva and its claws were sharp like knives. It was twice as large as Michelle had been and it was covered with fur and hair. From its rump was a long tail that swished back and forth. Asher simply stared at the creature. While there was still sadness in his eyes…there was also a hint of anger in his eyes too. The werewolf suddenly stood on its hind legs and stared up at the gorgeous full moon. It reared back its large head and let out a long and powerful howl. Abraham felt chills run through him at the cry.
“Abraham, are you watching this?” Abraham turned to see Tamil and Calypso at the door. They were both staring at him. “I’ve…never seen a werewolf before.” “Seen many time…” Tamil muttered. “Never get easier.” Abraham believed him. He couldn’t imagine having to see that horrifying change occur every full moon. “What happens now?” Abraham asked. “Michelle’s mind will lose itself to the beast…and then…” Calypso choked on the last words. “Watch, if you must.” Tamil growled, looking away. Abraham heard a growling sound and looked outside to see Michelle on her haunches, snarling furiously at Asher. “Doesn’t she recognize him?!” Abraham cried. Calypso shook her head and hugged herself as her body trembled. “A werewolf doesn’t recognize friends…it only sees two things. Enemies and food.” Abraham looked back out to see that Asher hadn’t budged and inch. Michelle snarled and began pulling against her chains...but the powerful bonds held her back, keeping her away from Asher. Asher sighed and walked a little closer.
"Michelle...are you still in there?" He asked. The wolf barked and yanked again at it's chain. "I'm here to help you...take everything out on me." "What's he talking about?" Abraham asked. "Werewolf fill with destructive anger." Tamil said darkly. "Asher let Michelle attack him...let out anger." Abraham nodded and turned to watch what happened next. Michelle let out a howl of anger and leaped forward, her jaws outstretched and her claws flailing. As she did, the chain began to strain an creak under the stress. Asher lunged at her and fired off a hard kick into her chest, sending her sprawling backwards. Michelle jumped back on her feet and roared again. Suddenly, Michelle stopped and began sniffing the air...her nose pointing towards the window that Abraham was looking out of. Asher's face went pale as he watched this. "You smell him don't you?" Asher whispered in terror. Michelle suddenly got a light in her eye...and she licked her chops. "You smell Abraham!"
Abraham tried to watch what happened next...but it happened so fast that he couldn't quite believe it. In a matter of seconds, Michelle whirled around and bit the chain holding her with her jaws, snapping the iron in half! She was free! Asher went on the attack and charged her. He fired off a combination of punches into her stomach, causing Michelle to fall back and howl. But Michelle was hardly fazed. She rushed Asher with claws extended. "ASHER!" Abraham cried. It was too late. Michelle leaped on him and tore him to pieces! Her claws tore away at his flesh and clothes as her fangs bit deep into his body, slashing and cutting away, sending blood and guts all over the floor. Abraham stumbled away from the window in horror as Michelle let out a blood curdling howl to the moon, her bloody teeth flashing red. "He...he's dead!" Abraham cried. Michelle turned away form the beaten and bloody vampire and began to sniff around the yard...searching for a new sent...Abrahams sent. "She killed him!" "No." Calypso said...there was a hint of awe in her voice. "It takes more than that to kill Asher. Look now." Abraham turned his head to look and, to his surprise, the blood and guts that had been ripped from Asher's body were flowing back into it...as if they had a mind of their own. Shadows and bats began to reform his broken flesh and bone...within moments, he was back on his feet again, as if he had never been harmed. The werewolf spun to see Asher back on his feet...and she looked genuinely shocked. Asher's face was obscured by shadows...but from that shadowy face, Abraham could see his eyes glowing a bloody red...and his fangs parted in a vicious and malicious grin.
"Not a bad try, Michelle...Sorry about this" He snarled. Suddenly from inside his coat he pulled the pistol and fired off two shots at Michelle's arm and stomach. Michelle let out a howl of pain and bent over in agony as the bullets tore through her stomach and ripped her arm. However, she had no time to recover. Asher has disappeared in a shadow and from that shadow sprang a large black wolf! It's eyes glowed red...like Ashers! "What the...Asher just...!" Abraham shouted in disbelief. "Asher is a true vampire." Solomon had walked in behind them...and he was watching the battle. "Many forms of media today try to water down the vampire into a virus or some form of superhuman genetic defect. The truth is that Bram Stoker's Dracula was closer to the truth than any of the others ever were. Vampires have incredible powers of regeneration, shapeshifting, hypnosis, and even combat." Abraham didn't take his eyes off of the fight he was watching. The black wolf that was Asher roared and attacked the werewolf. Michelle was far bigger than he was, but she couldn't stop Asher's jaws from closing around her throat and ripping away with intense malice. However, she used her powerful claws to fling Asher off of her and slam his body into a tree. With a loud yelp, Asher returned to his vampire form and sank to the ground, clutching his head dizzily. Michelle turned her eyes towards the house and howled furiously. Solomon suddenly realized what she was doing.
"EVERYONE GET BACK!" Abraham felt Tamil and Calypso yank him away form the window just in time for the giant wolf to burst through the window. Glass and wood flew and Abraham found himself sprawled on the floor. He looked up to see the cold blue eyes of the werewolf leering down at him hungrily. Michelle's teeth were clamped in a furious snarl as a growl rumbled in her throat. "Michelle, calm down!" Calypso cried. She ran between the werewolf and Abraham, blocking its path. Next to her, Tamil came darting forward, both prepared to protect him. Michelle stared down at them for a moment, as if processing this new development. She then growled and prepared to pounce. Abraham trembled in fear...his time was up! He was going to die!
Suddenly there was an explosion of shrieks and howling. Abraham looked up to see a tornado of bats fly in through the broken window, flying in a typhoon of shrieking cries and flapping wings. Michelle barked and roared, swiping at the bats with her claws, but she couldn't rid herself of the vermin. "Asher," Solomon shouted to the twister of bats, "get her out of here and pacify her!" The bats suddenly began to join in formation and fly into one solid mass....until the mass of bats took on a very familiar form. Asher stood before them...but his body was different. Instead of flesh and blood, his body seemed to be made of twisting and moving shadows! His eyes glowed red with fury and his body, though human in shape, was nothing but a mass of darkness. What in the hell was this?! Michelle made a move to attack, but the shadow Asher moved first, slamming itself with all of its might into Michelle, tackling her and sending them both flying out of the room and back to the yard. The shadow engulfed Michelle and slammed her into the grass. With one hand on her throat and another on the pistol, The shadow Asher raised the gun and pointed it at Michelle's chest...and he pulled the trigger.
BANG
Michelle let out a howl of pain...and then sank to the ground, eyes closed. Abraham pulled himself to his feet with Tamil's help...but he still couldn't quite find his balance. He couldn't believe what had just happened...what all he had just seen! He stumbled to the broken window and looked out to see the shadow form of Asher standing over the unconscious werewolf. He had his gun drawn...and it looked like he was moving it to aim at her head. "Asher!" Abraham turned to see a figure running out to the two creatures. It was Calypso! "Asher, please stop! It's okay!" She kept running towards him...but suddenly, her feet caught beneath her and she stumbled to the ground clumsily. Asher's glowing red eyes turned to look at her, and Abraham saw that his eyes seemed to be dimming. The shadows were lifting. Calypso picked herself up and practically crawled to Asher, who was slowly returning to his normal appearance. The shadows dissipated and began to vanish from view. His eyes were no longer glowing and his body looked tired and beaten...but still unharmed over all. He leaned down and helped Calypso up, who wrapped her arms around his waist. "I-it's okay, kid." Asher whispered. "I'm alright." Calypso held on tight, as if letting go would bring back that shadow monster. Abraham watched the two for a moment, and then looked down at the werewolf. "Is she dead?" Abraham asked. "No," Solomon said, "Asher didn't shoot her with silver...she will feel like she was hit by a train...but she will be alright." Tamil walked Abraham to the bed and sat him down. He tried to ignore the mess and broken glass all over the floor. "What the hell was that?" Abraham asked. "Was that really Asher just now?" Solomon nodded. "I haven't seen him like that in a long time." Solomon said. "Not since the day that Katie went missing." "What was he?" "It's a blood rage." Solomon said. "When a human body goes under a great deal of stress or fear, their adrenaline increases and they temporarily become stronger and faster. It's a survival reflex. Vampires experience something similar. They're blood pumps faster and they're power increases, two fold. We call it a blood rage...and while in this state, Asher takes on the form of a living shadow. That is why he is tasked with protecting this family. " Abraham nodded his understanding, still trying to process all that had just happened. "But why did he feel so much stress and fear? Michelle couldn't hurt him." "Yes, but she could hurt you, or Tamil, or Calypso. My guess is that his fear of any one of you being hurt sent him into that rage, and he used it to stop her."
"You okay?" Tamil asked finally. The sun was starting to come up, and Abraham looked out to see what had happened. Calypso had let go of Asher, and Asher was holding Michelle's unconscious body which had returned to human form. Her body looked tired, beaten and bloody. Her shirt had been ripped away and her shorts were torn to ribbons...but she was breathing, and she would recover. Asher had tears in his eyes as he walked her back into the house. Sarah was outside, taking down the web gate that she had built. She wasn't looking at Michelle or Asher...she was trying to keep her focus on her work. "What happens now?" Abraham asked. "We go about our business." Solomon said. "We clean up this mess...and we prepare for the day. But I must ask that you not bother Michelle or Asher about what happened tonight. Perhaps...we could all use some sleep before we do anything else." Abraham and Tamil nodded their agreement and Abraham lay back on his bed. He was asleep before his head hit the pillow. His dreams were dark...with moving shadows...and a wolf howling a sad and lonely tune to the full moon.